(Added: Quick clip of lightning as it approached, recorded by Tom Trulin)
8:40 PM: You’ve probably heard the thunder even if you haven’t seen the lightning. A band of thunderstorms has arrived in our area and the National Weather Service has issued a flood alert for most of the region, in effect until 10:45 tonight, because of heavy rain accompanying the thunderstorms. The flooding isn’t expected to be major but beware of street ponding, for example. Let us know (206-293-6302 text) about any problems like downed trees or outages – in the meantime, keep everything charged!

9:51 PM: Some really close strikes in the past few minutes, so it’s a good time to stay inside.

(Added: Elissa Roche’s video captures the sound of the rain, plus some lightning)
10:28 PM: The rain has lightened and the lightning/thunder have moved on (mostly).

11:41 PM: Thanks to everyone who’s shared visuals of the lightning. The photo above is from Nicolay Thomassen, who was looking west from just north of Lincoln Park. So far no major problems anywhere in our area, and the weather is definitely a lot calmer now – though the NWS has extended the Flood Advisory alert to 2:45 am.

12:30 AM: Thanks to the texter who points out the first notable power outage in the area – 67 customers near 20th/Thistle.

Share This

VIDEO: County reps’ Town Hall and more @ 34th District Democrats’ August meeting

August 17, 2024 8:34 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

In a month with few community meetings, our area’s biggest political organization met to celebrate results of the last election, look ahead to the next one, and hear from current officeholders.

The 34th District Democrats‘ endorsed candidates fared well in the August primary, including Alexis Mercedes Rinck, the City Council citywide Position 8 challenger with a 12-point lead over appointed incumbent Tanya Woo (both will advance to November).

The only nailbiter noted at Wednesday’s meeting was the race for state Commissioner of Public Lands, with Republican former U.S. House Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler already locking in one general-ballot spot, while Democratic King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove hangs onto a less-than-a-tenth-of-a-point lead over Republican Sue Kuehl Pederson for the second general-election spot.

State House Position 2 Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon told the group that race is vital because Upthegrove would use a “science-based perspective to manage our public lands.” All in all, Fitzgibbon – who is House Majority Leader – declared himself “thrilled” by the primary results, even though, he noted wryly, his Position 1 counterpart Rep. Emily Alvarado got more votes than he did (barely – 329) in their respective re-election races. He said Democrats expect to add to their majorities in the State House and State Senate. And he noted his own household had added “a new Democrat” when he and his wife welcomed a baby in June.

Also briefly taking the microphone, our area’s Seattle Public Schools Board Director Gina Topp. With the new school year now three weeks away, she said the district is “working hard on safety” and she hopes for an update from the SPS administration at the board’s next meeting August 28. She also is hoping that’s when superintendent Dr. Brent Jones will present his long-anticipated plan for potential school closures/consolidations (it’s not on the agenda so far, though). “Difficult choices” are ahead, she warned.

Shortly thereafter, the meeting moved on to the agenda centerpiece, a Town Hall with King County Executive Dow Constantine and Deputy County Executive Shannon Braddock, both West Seattle residents (“our administration is tilted toward West Seattleites,” he joked).

Share This

COUNTDOWN: 1 week until Admiral Funktion street party

August 17, 2024 6:52 pm

| Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: 1 week until Admiral Funktion street party

| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

One of the summer’s festival finales is also just a week away. The Admiral Neighborhood Association wraps up a busy summer – previously presenting the West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade and three Admiral Music in the Parks concerts – with the Admiral Junktion street party. It’s happening 11 am-8 pm next Saturday (August 24) on California Avenue SW between SW Admiral Way and SW College Street. There’s of course a live music lineup – as announced August 1st:

12 pm School of Rock

1 pm Plum

2 pm Princess Pulpit

3 pm The Potholes

4 pm The Loveless Building

5 pm DAD Band

6 pm NovaChrome

7 pm Secondhand Flannel

WSB is a festival co-sponsor. We hope to have a few more previews with other details in the days ahead. See you there!

Share This

WEEKEND SCENE: Lucha Libre and more at SOPASUPA (South Park Summer Party)

August 17, 2024 4:26 pm

| Comments Off on WEEKEND SCENE: Lucha Libre and more at SOPASUPA (South Park Summer Party)

| Fun stuff to do | South Park | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

If you’re a fan of Lucha Libre (the showy masked wrestling style that originated in Mexico) but you missed the 2 pm bouts at SOPASUPA, good news – luchadores from Lucha Libre Volcánica will be back in the ring at 6 pm. This is part of the South Park Summer Party festival, happening in multiple spots at and around the 14th/Cloverdale intersection in the heart of South Park.

In the first bout, Sniper (wearing the black and white shirt) was victorious….

In the second bout, Red Dog (in pink and black) was the last luchadore standing.

The ring – as well as the main music stage – is behind the building on the southwest corner (right behind The Scene coffee shop). You can even buy your own luchadore mask:

Behind the building on the northwest corner of 14th/Cloverdale, you’ll find the Kid Zone, with bouncy toys:

And a coloring table:

Across 14th at the northeast corner, art and food vendors:

And a few blocks west on Cloverdale, next to the Highway 99 overpass, South Park’s skatepark is hosting festivities too. The festival’s on until 9 pm; the stage schedule is in our calendar listing.

Share This

COUNTDOWN: 1 week until Great Cross-Sound Race from Alki

August 17, 2024 3:44 pm

| Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: 1 week until Great Cross-Sound Race from Alki

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB photo, 2021 Great Cross-Sound Race)

If you’re a rower or paddler and you haven’t tried the Great Cross-Sound Race yet – this might be your year! One week from today, the annual 7-mile race heads out from Alki to just off south Bainbridge Island and back, 9 am Saturday, August 24. Sound Rowers and Paddlers organize the race and registration is open – there are categories for single, double, and triple (or more) watercraft. You can register here. (You can also watch from the Alki seawall west of the Bathhouse and cheer the racers, at a distance!) This is the first one in two years; last year’s race was canceled due to air quality from wildfire smoke.

Share This

Another West Seattle beach driftwood fire

August 17, 2024 12:24 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

Thanks to the texters who sent photos and reports of another beach driftwood fire, this time early this morning on the north beach at Lincoln Park;

The first photo was from someone who said SFD had been called; the second, from someone who wrote, “Another log burning in Lincoln Park, just south of Lowman. We put sand on it, though it’s still smoking slightly. Someone is clearly setting these and just wondering if SFD is looking into it before it causes too much damage.” We’re not seeing any police call logged for today’s fire; we asked SFD about their response, just before 6 am, but they tell us only that their firefighters “extinguished a tree stump that was smoldering.” Previously we’ve reported on fires at Lowman Beach and at Weather Watch Park.

Share This

ABANDONED E-BIKE: Finder seeking owner

August 17, 2024 10:21 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Found bicycles | West Seattle news

Received from Kevin:

An e-bike appeared at 6 am along the side of my house (near 35th and Morgan), I’m assuming it was stolen, and I have a video of it being left there.

Light-blue VanMoof S3. Would like to get this back to its owner if they can provide a correct description and serial number (I will be calling VanMoof’s store when they open this morning, not sure if they can track down the owner, though).

If you’re missing an e-bike that matches the description, email us and we’ll connect you.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 37 notes!

August 17, 2024 6:07 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Friday sunrise – photo by Stewart L.)

Here’s what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):

NO SSV CLOSURE: First, a major traffic note – the Spokane Street Viaduct (continuation of West Seattle Bridge between 99 and I-5) is fully open this weekend; no work because of the rainy forecast.

GARAGE/YARD SALES: See what’s listed today in the WSB Community Forums.

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

ALSO AT WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: 8 am also brings the kickoff of the Full Fit marathon-training program.

BIG BLUE TRUCK: Third weekend of the Northwest Center‘s donation-dropoff truck‘s return to West Seattle! You’ll find it outside WaFd Bank (4102 California SW). Our calendar listing has info on what items the truck will accept. 9 am-5 pm.

FUND RUN 5K, WITH TRAFFIC ALERT: 9 am, the Salvation Army (9050 16th SW) presents this fundraising 5K, with a 1K option. SW Barton will be closed from 8th SW to 16th SW as part of the course.

HEAVILY MEDITATED: New location for free community meditation, 9 am at Schmitz Preserve Park (5551 SW Admiral Way).

TAKE A HIKE! 9:30 am, the free monthly guided hike in the West Duwamish Greenbelt begins – south end of Pathfinder K-8 lot (1901 SW Genesee); more info in our calendar listing.

DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: Go get fresh food from growers and makers – 10 am-2 pm, the market’s fourth season offers produce, plants, condiments, prepared food, more! (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, WITH THE OTTER PUP: Summer gardening season isn’t over yet – and fall’s in view – add something new! Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm. Plus: The Otter Pup is open by the center, with coffee, ice cream, and other treats!

ARTISTS’ SECONDS SALE: 10 am-2 pm at 3512 SW Charlestown, West Seattle artists’ seconds sale with Yardia and Honeyberry Studios. More info in our calendar listing.

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.

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.

EMERALD CITY ROMANCE AUTHOR & READER EVENT: As previewed here, dozens of romance authors are gathered in one place for an event fans will love – VIP ticketholders get in at 11, general-admission ticketholders at noon, Brockey Center at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), event continues until 5 pm. Ticket link and more info in our calendar listing.

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

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK OPEN: Spraypark season continues – open 11 am-8 pm, free, every day. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

FREE COOL TREAT FOR YOUR PUP: Treat your dog to something tasty and free! Noon-3 pm at All the Best Pet Care (4722 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor), bring in your dog for a free frozen treat!

POSTCARDS 4 DEMOCRACY: Noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), bonus weekly session of long-distance advocacy, drop-ins welcome.

SOPASUPA: The South Park Summer Party is happening at and around the heart of South Park, 14th Avenue S./S. Cloverdale, noon-9 pm, with live music, beer garden, food trucks, kids’ activities, Lucha Libre wrestling, more. The schedule’s in our calendar listing.

COLMAN POOL: Open noon-7 pm on the Lincoln Park shore – find the session schedule online. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park, the season continues through Labor Day for the only 7-days-a-week wading pool in West Seattle, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

HIAWATHA WADING POOL’S LAST DAY: Last day of the season today, noon-5:30 pm. (2700 California SW)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)

WEARABLE ART POP-UP: Tucker Willow is at Alki Arts (6030 California SW), noon-5 pm today.

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is 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: 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.

NEPENTHE’S WALK-IN MASSAGE CLINIC: 3-5 pm, show up at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) with a specific problem to be addressed by massage, and you’ll get a free (gratuities appreciated) trial of their work.

FONTAINES D.C. LISTENING PARTY: 5 pm at at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), be the first to hear Fontaines D.C.‘s new album “Romance.” Free, all ages, bar open for 21+.

GRIEF-RELEASE DANCE PARTY: Help A Sacred Passing recover from a repair bill by joining this fundraising dance party, 6 pm in South Park. Ticket info in our calendar listing. (836 S. Kenyon)

LIVE MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Guitar Gil at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, no cover, all ages.

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

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Coral Moons with Hit It! at The Skylark tonight, 7 pm doors, 8 pm music, $15 at door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

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

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

KARAOKE AT THE PIZZERIA: Saturday nights, you can sing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.

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

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 4 thieves steal sky-blue Sonata (update: found)

August 16, 2024 11:02 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Sent by Hillary:

A locked 2011 sky-blue Hyundai Sonata, license plate AF8321, was stolen at 7:47 PM tonight in the 6900 block of 37th Ave SW. Four young men were involved, all wore masks, but from what was visible, they appeared Caucasian, age 16-20.

While one, dressed in all black with a hoodie and mask rushed toward the car to gain entry, the other three rolled up in a Kia (2019, white – has been reported stolen) and intimidate the onlooking neighbors. The Hyundai was quickly entered, hotwired, and the entire group fled.

Please send any info to SPD under case number 24-230571.

SUNDAY UPDATE: Commenter Brian notes below that this car was found outside West Seattle, used in a crash-and-grab business burglary.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation (updated)

August 16, 2024 9:39 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Crime | West Seattle news

9:39 PM: Police are investigating gunfire in High Point and trying to determine whether anyone is injured – an SFD ‘scenes of violence’ response has been sent to the 6300 block of 30th SW just in case. One person who says their car has bullet damage is reported to be waiting at the Southwest Precinct to speak with police. All this comes after multiple 911 calls reporting what sounded like gunfire, and police are working to sort it out. Updates to come.

9:43 PM: Still no victim found, but police report finding at least one shell casing “on the sidewalk.”

10:14 PM: Officers have reiterated that they found the evidence of gunfire in the 6300 block of 30th SW.

ADDED THURSDAY: Police have posted a summary of this incident including more specifics:

At 2128 hours, SW Patrol responded to numerous calls of shots heard in the High Point neighborhood. Initial calls indicated that a victim may have been on the ground not moving. Witnesses reported an unknown make vehicle fleeing the scene westbound in the alley and a separate subject running southbound on 29 Ave SW. An uninvolved victim drove to the Southwest Precinct and reported their vehicle had been struck by gunfire at 29 Ave SW and High Point Dr SW. There were no injuries to this caller. Officers located a single scene in the 6300 block 30 Ave SW where a total of 11 FCC’s were on the sidewalk. Two FN 5.7×28 and nine .40 FCC’s were recovered from this location.

Share This

More speed cushions and other Safe Routes to School plans for West Seattle

August 16, 2024 6:37 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

More speed cushions are in the works for West Seattle, and this time they’re not at the beach. SDOT sent us a list of projects they plan to build by year’s end as part of the Safe Routes to School program, aimed at making it “easier for students to walk and bike to school.” The descriptions are from SDOT:

SW TRENTON TRAFFIC CALMING

To support Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School students, we’ll install traffic calming on SW Trenton St between 25th and 29th. It will include “speed cushions” and “paint and post” bulbs to improve the visibility of the crossing at Trenton/26th – next to Westwood Village.

Last year, SDOT installed an all-way stop at 25th/Trenton, followed by speed cushions in the CSIHS vicinity on SW Thistle.

DECORATIVE CROSSWALK AND ALL-WAY STOP AT DENNY IMS

Denny students held a design contest for a decorative Community Crosswalk in front of their school on Kenyon.

The crosswalk marks the central entrance to the school and will be installed with an all-way stop.

PERMANENT ‘SCHOOL STREET’ ON GENESEE HILL

We’re making the Genesee Hill Elementary School Street permanent. Both entrances to the School Street will feature more durable signage, painted curb bulbs, and art. Genesee Hill students designed the pavement art that crews will install on SW Dakota St to support a safe and welcoming school environment.

23RD SW WALKWAY

Connecting between Louisa Boren STEM K-8 and the newly redeveloped Delridge Wetland Park, we’re installing a walkway with a planter strip and trees on the west side of 23rd Ave SW.

SDOT’s website lists a few other Safe Routes to School plans for West Seattle but notes they’re “paused pending funding.”

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Multigenerational shoplifting at Junction businesses; Admiral mini-mart burglary

August 16, 2024 5:11 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

MULTIGENERATIONAL SHOPLIFTING: The report is from Jennifer at My Three Little Birds:

Hoping this might help other small businesses. I borrowed these photos from Doll Parts Collective. This large group of 3 families came into our store (THREE LITTLE BIRDS) as well as Doll Parts down the road. The kids trashed the store causing complete chaos while the women distracted the staff with questions and requests.

In the meantime the 7 or so kids left one by one stealing many items from our store. Definitely an organized crime. They had clearly done this before. Sharing everywhere. I know the police won’t do much, but maybe getting the photos out will prevent this from affecting another small business. We are so stunned, violated and disheartened today. … They stole a really expensive stroller system, toys, and clothing. They work quickly and seemed to know in advance what they were taking. At Doll Parts they also went through the employee’s purse and wallet. The police officer helping today says they tell small businesses to never allow large groups in the store all at once because of this.

We’ll add the police-report # when we get it.

MINI-MART BREAK-IN: We requested this report from police the day it happened, Tuesday, and just got it today. They responded to the 41st/Admiral mini-mart around 2:16 am after a report that a store manager or owner checked their camera following a call from their alarm company and saw “front door smashed and cigarettes all over.” They subsequently confirmed that someone had broken in by smashing the front glass with a large rock; the burglar(s) took “several items of merchandise.” Video of the burglary was provided to police later but the report summary provided to us did not include a description.

Share This

FOLLOWUP: How to help Delridge church recover from fire

August 16, 2024 4:22 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Delridge | How to help | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Monday)

Back on Monday, we reported on a fire that damaged three buildings at Full Gospel Pentecostal Federated Church in North Delridge. The next day, as we noted in an update at the end of the original report, SFD announced the fire was accidental. Readers have asked how to help the church recover; today, District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s newest newsletter has suggestions. He writes:

… Church leadership are looking at the availability for an alternative site for their Sunday service and they will be issuing community notifications soon. The leadership shared: “Our greatest joy would be to see the community of supporters in person and their best donation is the time taken in human fellowship.”

Monetary donations can be sent electronically to the Church’s Cash App log-in: #FullGospel5071, or Zelle, log in fgpfcf@gmail.com. Checks may be mailed to: Full Gospel Pentecostal Federated Church, c/o P.O. Box 232 Renton, WA 98057.

{Note: Other types of donations are welcomed, but the capacity to store them is currently very limited at this time.}

No one was injured by the fire. We spoke at the scene with someone from the church who told us it hit doubly hard because they were already grieving, having just hosted a memorial service two days earlier for a longtime member.

Share This

Independent Living at Providence Mount St. Vincent: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor

August 16, 2024 2:59 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

Today we’re welcoming Independent Living at Providence Mount St. Vincent as a new WSB sponsor. New members of the sponsor team get the chance to tell you what they do – so here’s a message from The Mount, written by longtime volunteer Terry Tazioli:

West Seattle’s Providence Mount St. Vincent is opening another chapter in its ongoing mission to care for our community’s seniors. Introducing Independent Living, a new experience at The Mount, as it’s affectionately known, and you’re welcome to pay a visit and see what it’s all about.

The Mount is celebrating its 100th year, its perch high on a hill with incredible views all around, a hard-to-miss landmark. Already offering care and companionship from apartments with assisted living to skilled nursing care, transitional care and skilled nursing, The Mount now offers Independent Living, an opportunity for you or a loved one to make your own new home. You manage your own life, your comings and goings, and you’ll still have opportunity to take part in The Mount’s programs.

If you’re never been to The Mount, you’re in for a treat. The place is a beehive. Lots of staff, more volunteers than you can count, activity after activity, when you’re interested – and kids! Lots of them. Besides being honored for its senior care, The Mount is home to a unique day-care program, among its features a wonderful opportunity for children and elders to meet. Think a building filled with grandparents!

The Mount offers an environment where you’ll be welcomed. It’s not uncommon to hear people say “you can just feel the goodness of this place.” More than likely you’ll meet some former West Seattle neighbors among the residents, the staff and the volunteers. Time for lots of shared moments, and stories.

What’s more, as you need more care down the road, it’s all there – from assisted living to skilled nursing and transitional care. No need to move from The Mount.

Pay us a visit. To see what’s happening inside that huge home on the hill (4831 35th SW) – and to check out the new Independent Living program, email Christina.L’Heureux@providence.org or call 206-938-6248 and schedule a tour. We’ll be happy to show you around.

We thank Independent living at The Mount for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here. You can email patrick@wsbsales.com for info on joining the team!

Share This

BIZNOTE: Mystery Made on the move too

August 16, 2024 1:20 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Another West Seattle Junction shop is moving to a new, bigger location nearby. A texter sent the photo on Thursday from Mystery Made‘s front door at 4310 SW Oregon. We checked in with Mystery Made proprietor Cory Côté, who tells us via email that the new spot “around the corner” is the space recently vacated by Swan Dive:

Big News! We are moving down the block to the old Swan Dive spot, 4537 California Ave SW location (the original Easy Street) – can’t wait to show it off – and bring some buzz back to The Junction!

The space is definitely larger than the current space so we’ll be able to bring in more premium goods and continue to put our Northwest spin on retail as we roll into fall and the holidays.

Shooting to re-open up retail Sept 1st in the new location/home! Fingers crossed! But you can still order online in the meantime at www.mysterymade.com

Looking forward to doing a grand reopening party!

It’s been four years since Mystery Made moved from Admiral to The Junction (into a former Christian Science Reading Room).

Share This

WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: 3 coyote sightings

August 16, 2024 12:29 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Three coyote sightings, two of them just this morning:

LOWER GATEWOOD: The photo and report are from Brian Quinn:

On my morning walk with my dog, and this guy just came sprinting down the middle of the street – Woodside Pl and Othello.

UPPER FAUNTLEROY: Quick glimpse on security video, sent by Robert:

The sighting was around 8 this morning. (Not far from our own one-and-only coyote sighting – 16 years ago.)

SUNRISE HEIGHTS: Merica reported two coyotes seen near 30th/Elmgrove last Saturday night (August 10).

We’ve been reporting coyote sightings for 17 years to encourage awareness, not alarm – we and they can stay a healthy distance from each other, experts say, especially if you avoid providing food (from unattended pets to unsecured garbage) – they have plenty of small wildlife (including rodents) and vegetation to eat otherwise. Read more about coexisting with coyotes here.

Share This

SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT: No closure this weekend

August 16, 2024 10:55 am

| 12 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Traffic-camera image of work last Sunday afternoon, looking west)

Update from SDOT: Since rain is in the forecast this weekend, the contractor for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project will not be able to work. That means no closures tonight through Monday morning – the bridge between 99 and I-5 will be fully open both ways. Meantime, we’re awaiting next week’s closure schedule, and will add that when available.

Share This

Flutes in the Forest, coffeehouse comedy, backpack giveaway, outdoor Shakespeare, more for your West Seattle Friday

August 16, 2024 9:00 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Hosta blooms, photographed by Arlene Rubin)

Here’s our Friday highlight list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am until 3 pm. Plus, until 2:30 pm, while you’re there, you can visit The Otter Pup for coffee, ice cream, and other treats!

LOCAL HAMS TALK WITH ISS ASTRONAUT: As previewed here, West Seattle Amateur Radio Club members are at the Pacific Science Center downtown this morning for a special event culminating in radio contact with ISS astronaut Dr. Jeanette J. Epps. Science Center visitors are welcome to attend, starting at 10:15 (the radio window is after 11 am). A livestream is planned too – links are in our preview.

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open 11 am-8 pm. Free! (1100 SW Cloverdale)

WADING POOLS: Open today – Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm; Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW – last day of the season for this pool) and Hiawatha (second-to-last day, 2700 California SW), noon-5:30 pm.

COLMAN POOL: You can swim today in the outdoor heated-salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm – session times are on the Colman Pool webpage.

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

BACKPACKS FOR KIDS: Backpacks, school supplies, barbecue, all free at Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle), 3-6 pm, presented by 1World1Sky and partners.

Flutes in the Forest from JaroslawMedia on Vimeo.

FLUTES IN THE FOREST: That video clip is a preview of what you’ll see and hear for free at 3 pm in
Schmitz Preserve Park (5551 SW Admiral Way) during this flute duo’s only park performance this season! Details in our calendar listing.

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

AT KENYON HALL: Monthly singer/songwriter incubator open mic at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), doors open at 6 for sign-ups, music starts at 6:30 pm, more info in our calendar listing.

COMEDY AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Midnight Mystery Theater at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm.

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: GreenStage presents “Henry VI parts 2 & 3” at Camp Long (5200 35th SW), 7 pm, free.

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

SUMMER SUNSET SOUND BATH: 7:30 pm at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW), $38 – tickets and info here.

AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, Bent Not Broken & Five Shots Gone, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Lady Coco! (4547 California SW)

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

YOU SKATE, THEY PLAY: Rat City Recon presents “Make It Loud!” at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), roller skating to live bands, featuring Colony Drop, I AM The Intimidator, Distest. 9 pm. $18 cover, $5 skate.

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

Share This

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Friday info + weekend alerts

August 16, 2024 6:01 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, August 16.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s forecast: Mostly sunny, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:07 am, while sunset will be at 8:18 pm.

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT CLOSURES

Another all-weekend closure is scheduled for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project – first, two left eastbound lanes close 7-10 pm, then all eastbound lanes and one westbound lane are scheduled to close from 10 pm tonight until 5 am Monday.

ANOTHER WEEKEND CLOSURE

Saturday morning, as previewed here, SW Barton is scheduled to close between 16th SW and 8th SW for the Salvation Army Fund Run 5K.

TRANSIT NOTES

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes. Friday night means later-evening runs too.

Metro buses today – Regular schedules; check for advisories here.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, and the unscheduled third boat may be available. Check that link before you sail.

ONGOING ROAD WORK NOTES

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project is in progress. Fairmount Avenue is closed under the bridge for the duration of the project, at least into early 2025. Lane closures have begun on the top deck too.

*The East Marginal Way S. project continues, with a temporary routing change for bicycle riders starting this week:

People biking will be routed onto the street of E Marginal Way S in temporary protected bike lanes from S Spokane St to north of the Terminal 30 parking lot at approximately S Stacy St. At the T30 parking lot / S Stacy St, people will be routed back into the existing bike lanes and sidewalk on the west side of the street. Please note that the T30 parking lot is south of the main T30 entrance.

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

*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch. Watch for no-parking zones and steel plates (many on northbound side right now), plus flaggers.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

High Bridge – The Fauntleroy-end camera is working again:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view 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 – This camera is working again too:

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!

Share This

VOTE: West Seattle/South Park proposals up for a share of CommUNITY Fund

August 15, 2024 9:32 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Thanks to Sharon Leishman with the Duwamish Alive! Coalition for calling our attention to your chance to vote right now on how the city should spend $5 million set aside for community-proposed projects. It’s called the CommUNITY fund. Projects are proposed in regions of the city, and you can cast one ballot per region, with up to three projects on your ballot, signifying that’s where you’d like to see the money go. Projects from West Seattle and South Park are in the West Region, with five up for a share of funding in this regional vote:

*Lights at Delridge Skatepark

*Duwamish art and signage at Herring’s House Park

*Covered shelter at Roxhill Park

*Accessible playground surfacing at Southwest Teen Life Center

*Outdoor exercise equipment in South Park

The West Region page also includes three citywide proposals. You can vote in the other regions too, regardless of where you live – voting for all four regions starts here. Read more about the CommUNITY Fund voting here; voting continues through the end of this month. Then Parks staff will assess the results and make announcements this fall.

Share This

PHOTOS: First-ever Rat City Art and Food Walk

August 15, 2024 5:46 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | White Center | WS culture/arts

(Mia Tran painting outside Crawfish House)

5:46 PM: Thanks to Meghan for the tip on this new monthly event launching tonight in White Center and South Delridge! The first-ever Rat City Art and Food Walk – organized by the White Center Business Alliance – is happening right now, continuing until 9 pm and, at some venues, beyond. Here’s the list of participants as published by organizers:

1. 2 Fingers Social – Live Painting, DJ, Tattoos!
2. Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery – Vecinos Art Show
3. Nacho Mama – $5 Mini Native Tacos
4. Misfits Strength Studio – Circus Art
5. Boombox – Karaoke 9 pm-close
6. Lumberyard – Live Art, GameNite 8pm, Happy Hour 4-7 pm
7. Mynt – Gift with Mural Selfie and Social Media Post
8. Alebrijes Oaxacan Kitchen – Kids/Youth Painting & Food Specials
9. Big Mario’s Pizza and Alpine Diner – Live Music & Food Specials
10. Southgate Roller Rink Bar – Karaoke w/ Baby Metten
11. Tim’s Tavern – Live Music W/ Dusty 45s & Tropical Itch Art By Henry Ward
12. Sap Sap Lao Deli – Meatball Skewer Special & Tofu & Gluten Free Sauce Special
13. Que Chevere – Latin Music & Food Specials
14. Crawfish House – Live Painting by Mia
15. Puffy Pandy – DJ, Live Painting, Interactive Panda Mural, Artist Marketplace, $5 Ice Cream Puffys
16. Lariat Bar – Live Art by Nolan Harris & Market by John X Garaizar & Sing in the Ring Karaoke with Christopher Mychael
17. Blu Grouse – Gears N Beers

More photos to come.

6:46 PM: We visited what are essentially the north and south ends of tonight’s zone. Next to the artist in our top photo, MG Creations is at work outside Puffy Pandy:

Across 16th at wrestling-themed Lariat Bar, wrestling-themed art is being created by Nolanium:

At the north end, 2 Fingers Social was jumping – multiple artists, including Rosie Pringle with Super Nature:

Outside, a shave-ice pop-up with White Center’s own Patrick’s Café and Bakery:

You can wander until 9 pm – and make plans for the second Rat City Art and Food Walk on September 19.

Share This

READER REPORTS: Purse, bags dumped in yard. Plus: Bag found in street. Recognize any of them?

August 15, 2024 3:24 pm

| Comments Off on READER REPORTS: Purse, bags dumped in yard. Plus: Bag found in street. Recognize any of them?

| West Seattle news

ORIGINAL 3:24 PM REPORT: The photo was sent by Pierre, who’s wondering if someone might be missing these:

I just realized some bags were discarded in my backyard. I haven’t looked inside and it could be trash, but it could also be stolen.

The items were found in the Sunrise Heights area.

4:41 PM: We just got this reader report of a similar type from another reader, so we’re adding it here:

I found this bag lying in the middle of 16th Ave SW in Highland Park last week. It contains several items but no identification. If someone is able to describe the items, I’m happy to return it to them.

If any of the above might be yours, email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll connect you.

Share This

FOLLOWUP: Local hams get ready to reach for the stars, and you’re invited to watch and/or listen

August 15, 2024 1:30 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(WSB photo, June)

That’s Chloe Bolduc, who we told you about in our coverage of local amateur-radio operators’ – aka hams – Field Day at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge back in June. She was working on a project to communicate with the International Space Station. Tomorrow’s the big day – and you’re invited, though it’s happening off-peninsula, at the Pacific Science Center downtown (200 2nd Ave. N.) The West Seattle Amateur Radio Club will be there setting up equipment in advance of the doors to the event venue opening at 10:15 am (the Science Center opens at 10). Before the contact window, event participants will be giving short presentations on emergency communications and on the ISS; then a video introduction is planned for astronaut Dr. Jeanette J. Epps, who’s been aboard the ISS as a flight engineer since March and is an amateur-operator herself. The contact is scheduled for 11:15-11:25 am, with a Q&A panel to follow. If you can’t make it to the Pacific Science Center (which charges an admission fee), the event also will be livestreamed – here and here – and amateur-radio operators can listen in, during the 10-minute contact window, at 145.800MHz.