West Seattle, Washington
13 Saturday
Though the Admiral area saw snow overnight, car prowlers didn’t seem to care. We have two reader reports from that area:
MULTIPLE CARS PROWLED: A texter reports, “There was a string of car prowls on 41st Ave SW, just south of the high school early this am. Several locks were hollowed out.”
SUNGLASSES STOLEN: From Rachael – “My husband;s car was rifled through last night. We live on Ferry Avenue a few doors down from the fire station in North Admiral. He apparently left it unlocked and the only thing they stole was his prescription sunglasses.”
(MONDAY SCHOOL INFO: Changes are ALL LISTED HERE)
5 AM: The few hours of snowfall we got overnight was heaviest in Alki/Admiral (as shown here); further south, some (like here in Upper Fauntleroy) got just a dusting. So effects vary widely. Here are our infolinks:
SCHOOL CHANGES: Listed here, including Seattle Public Schools‘ 2-hour delay
METRO CHANGES: None in our area right now, but here’s the systemwide list
SDOT WINTER WEATHER MAP: See treated/plowed streets here
SDOT TRAVELERS’ MAP: The map we regularly feature
OUR TRAFFIC CAMS PAGE: Cameras particularly relevant to WS and vicinity
FORECAST INFO: National Weather Service topline – advisory until 8 am
Got info? Text/call 206-293-6302. More updates throughout the morning.
7:07 AM: The forecast warned more showers are possible – and we’re seeing one right now.
7:51 AM: That’s over. Thanks to everyone sharing commute stories in comments – though much of our area is mostly unaffected, there are spillover effects from snowfall elsewhere. And though the current advisory is about to expire, the temperatures have dropped and are expected to stay cold all week.
11:50 AM: The Winter Weather Advisory alert has been extended until 10 tonight, with intermittent snow showers expected to continue.
4:04 AM: Decision’s in from Seattle Public Schools: 2-hour delay and snow routes, plus no morning half-day preschool. We’ll add word of any other school changes here.
4:24 AM: Also 2 hours delayed: Fauntleroy Children’s Center.
5:09 AM: South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) will start at 10 am (anything scheduled to start sooner is canceled).
ADDED: Holy Rosary, 2 hours late, no AM preschool, no AM BASE
Our Lady of Guadalupe, 2 hours late, no zero-period Spanish or AM EDC
Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor), 10 am start
Holy Family, 2-hour delay; school starts @ 10, BASS @ 9
Seattle Lutheran High School, 10:45 am start
Hope Lutheran, 2-hour delay, no AM extended care or morning-only preschool
Cometa Playschool, classes start 9 am
Community School of West Seattle, 11 am start, no half-day preschool
Summit Atlas – 2-hour delay
Westside School (WSB sponsor) – REGULAR SCHEDULE
Outside WS – Seattle University is starting at 10:30 am
University of Washington (Seattle) is starting at 9:30 am
Other changes? Call/text us – 206-293-6302
(Photo by James Bratsanos)
10:07 PM: As of the top of the hour, no snow sightings in West Seattle – mostly overcast, upper 30s. But as the photos show, the clouds that have dropped snow on points north of the city were visible from here before nightfall:
(Photo by Trileigh Tucker)
Both the National Weather Service (see this tweet) and weather analyst Cliff Mass (see his update) say the convergence zone is “sliding south.” The Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 6 am, and we’ll be on watch through the night.
10:41 PM: Thanks for the comments, tweets, and texts – snow sightings in north West Seattle.
11:07 PM: More reports – it’s continuing to spread southward.
11:38 PM: Car tops are now frosted up here over Lincoln Park.
12:35 AM: Still very light, and no accumulation beyond the car dusting.
4 AM: Some areas got notable snow – like Alki (Robert Spears‘ photo, above, taken just before 1 am, and this one from Pelicans south of Alki Point) –
… and others did not, like here in Upper Fauntleroy, where the car-top dusting is where it stopped. We’ll be launching morning coverage soon; for starters, Seattle Public Schools has announced a 2-hour delay (school changes are here).
(WSB photo, December 2019)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
A briefing about the proposal to move the Harbor Avenue “Stone House” to Alki Beach filled the gallery at the Board of Park Commissioners‘ January meeting.
No vote was taken – the board is advisory only – but commissioners heard from a Parks staffer as well as, during the meeting’s public comment period, supporters – and one opponent – of the idea.
Backstory: The 80+-year-old house at 1123 Harbor SW is best known for its exterior of beach rocks, scavenged by the family that built it. Preservationists have tried for many years to secure its future but its owners finally sold the site – and adjacent buildings – to developers who plan a condo project. As reported here last year, its new owners have agreed to donate the building if it can be moved off their site. Preservation supporters say they could move it to an interim site while details are worked out with Parks for a permanent site, potentially adjacent to the Alki Bathhouse.
That was noted by Max Jacobs from Parks’ Property and Acquisitions as he opened the briefing at Thursday night’s meeting.
He mentioned that the interim-site plan means they’re not in a do-or-die situation. He also stressed that the Southwest Seattle Historical Society would pay to move it and to pay for whatever upgrades the building needs.
No snow yet, but it’s been breezy, with “king tides,” and late today, we got two separate reports of debris washed up at Constellation Park south of Alki Point. The photo above is from Chaucer, who says, “An expensive-looking floating platform bigger than a queen size mattress has washed ashore at Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint.” The photo below is also from Constellation Park, sent by Chemine, who reports: “There is a large chunk of styrofoam attached to concrete that is washed up on the beach. … It is eroding and distributing pieces of styrofoam all over the beach.”
This comes wtth high “king tides” – nearly 13 feet tomorrow just after 7 am. Here’s what you can do about major beach debris. For Seattle Parks beaches, you can notify Parks for starters – the 24-hour maintenance-request line is 206-684-7250. As mentioned in our coverage of a beach cleanup last year, you also can report beach debris via the MyCaast app.
3:23 PM: The National Weather Service has just downgraded the alert level to a Winter Weather Advisory, in effect from now until 6 am Monday, for the purple areas on the map above (which is from the NWS’s regional home page). As you’ve probably noticed, it’s sunny and in the 40s right now (though Snohomish County, for example, is seeing snow). The advisory says that’s expected to change: “Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of up to two inches.” Here’s the updated forecast.
4:53 PM: Metro has sent a news release with reminders that distlll to this:
What’s different this year, what’s new?
Easier-to-find snow bus route information at MetroWinter.com
New printed snow brochures in English and Spanish
More bus routes added to the Emergency Snow Network, totaling about 65 core bus routes, DART routes and chained shuttles
7:02 PM: “Just in case” news releases keep coming in. Seattle Public Schools says if anything happens requiring changes, they’ll make a decision by 3:45 am.
Two Highway 99 notes:
NEXT TUNNEL CLOSURE: Looking ahead beyond whatever the weather brings this week, the next Highway 99 tunnel maintenance closure is set for 10 pm next Friday to 8 am next Saturday (January 17-18) – northbound only this time.
ONE YEAR AGO TODAY: January 12, 2019, was the first day without the Alaskan Way Viaduct. As we noted very early that day, the last vehicles were cleared just after midnight.
(WSDOT photo, January 12, 2019)
“Realign 99” ensued; the tunnel opened late the night of February 3rd, a day and a hal after a gala dedication ceremony – and with a snow day looming.
The West Seattle VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska) is the new home of martial-arts classes taught by Au Lac Vovinam, previously held at Neighborhood House. On Saturday, the organization held an open house to celebrate. That included a lion dance just before we arrived.
Here’s how they explain what they teach:
“Vovinam is a Vietnamese martial art founded in 1938 to provide practitioners with an efficient method of self-defense. Founding Master Nguyễn Lộc believed that martial arts would contribute to freeing Vietnam from colonial French rule by building strong minds, bodies, and spirits. Vovinam is practiced with and without weapons, and includes a wide range of techniques, making it a very well-rounded martial art. Ultimately, practitioners are taught the importance of using the skills they have developed to build a stronger community. Today, (80+) years since its founding, Vovinam has many training centers in almost all continents in the world (except Antarctica) with millions of disciples.”
The open house included demonstrations:
Classes are open to anyone at least 7 years old and will be taught on Saturday and Sundays, $50/month with a $50 uniform required. To find out more and/or to register, call 206-432-5873 or email aulacvvn@gmail.com.
(Yellow-rumped Warbler, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
Before we get to The Big Game … before we get to the probable snow … here are your Sunday highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: See what’s fresh in midwinter, 10 am-2 pm in the street in the heart of The Junction. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)
KINDIEPENDENT CONCERT: This time around in the family-music series, it’s Harmonica Pocket, 10:30 am at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, $10 adults, $5 kids over 6 months. Free parking behind the schoolhouse. (9131 California SW)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Take advantage of a quiet winter afternoon to go learn about West Seattle’s history, in a building that’s historic itself. Noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)
CHORANDO NA CHUVA: Live music 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor). No cover. All ages. (5612 California SW)
LADIES’ MUSICAL CLUB: 3 pm concert at West Seattle (Admiral) Library – program highlights are here. Free! (2306 42nd SW)
KENJI LEE TRIO: Musician/composer and his trio live at the Pacific Room on Alki, 6-9 pm. No cover. (2808 Alki SW)
Calendar listings – from which we pull these daily highlights – are free! Email event info as early as you can.
West Seattle philanthropist Adah Rhodes Cruzen celebrated her 95th birthday with an ice-cream social at Aegis Living of West Seattle this afternoon. Clay Eals sent the photo, as well as this video of Adah being serenaded by The Ukes:
She’s made headlines multiple times in the past year and a half – first with a gift toward restoring the historic West Seattle murals that her late husband Earl Cruzen made happen, then with gifts to the Senior Center and to the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, followed by one to the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Last summer, she rode in the West Seattle Grand Parade as the recipient of the Orville Rummel Trophy for Outstanding Service to the Community.
9:11 PM: Thanks to the texter who sent photos from a briefly sizable Seattle Fire response at 58th and Alki. Turns out tonight’s the night of the annual unofficial Christmas tree bonfire:
Though the SFD response was quickly downsized, radio communication indicates the remaining SFD personnel on the scene are now asking for SPD help with “crowd control.”
9:52 PM: The SFD log shows the call now closed. Meantime, David Hutchinson sent this photo:’
Three reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:
STOLEN SUBARU: Texted report – “Unfortunately our black 2016 Subaru Forester was stolen last night from our driveway in North Admiral. OH license plate GWA1001 … sizable dent in the driver’s-side door.” Call 911 if you see it.
ANOTHER AUDI THEFT ATTEMPT: This happened last month, but Adrian just heard about the rash of crimes targeting Audis and so shares this report of what happened near 35th/Cambridge:
Someone attempted to steal my 2003 Audi A4 from in front of my house in the early morning of December 19th. They nearly totaled the car by destroying the door lock and ignition cylinder. The car is still at the dealership today getting fixed. They also stole a green Northface rain jacket and a Pelican brand case from the car.
ILLEGAL DUMPING AT CHURCH: From the Rev. Kate Wesch at St.John the Baptist Episcopal Church:
Local church and neighbors are concerned at the recent rise in incidents of illegal dumping of large items such as furniture in the area surrounding West Seattle High School and St John the Baptist Episcopal Church. In each situation, the church, which operates entirely upon the donations of parishioners, incurs the costs in time and money, to dispose of these items. It has become both a frustration and a burden for the small staff and volunteers. Church members urge neighbors to keep an eye out and if you see something, say something.
The items in the photo, she says, are a couch and chair. She adds, “And we still have a large tv stand left three weeks ago while we were having a Sunday morning service!”
No photo but thanks to Aaron for the tip – almost four weeks after its most-recent return from a training voyage, the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) headed back outbound after dark tonight. MarineTraffic.com shows it currently passing Whidbey Island.
That’s the newest alert map from the National Weather Service, which now has our area under a Winter Storm Watch starting at 4 pm Sunday. The summary: “Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of a trace to 2 inches possible with locally up to 4 inches.” Weather analyst Cliff Mass goes into more detail in his newest update, saying it looks like the south part of the city (that’s us) looks to be in line for more than the northern part of the city. He adds that an array of outlooks he’s analyzed show, “Virtually no chance of snow in Seattle before 3 PM, but considerable uncertainty for amounts after that.” Let us know when you spot the first flakes (206-293-6302 is our 24/7 hotline, text or voice.)
(First 3 photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
Those Seattle Lutheran High School students are headed west today – almost 6,000 miles west, to Fiji. Their trip is part of this month’s J-Term at SLHS, West Seattle’s only independent high school. After the holidays each year, students spend the rest of January with a nontraditional focus, described as “an in-depth experience through holistic education by adding variety to the normal curriculum and offering new and unique learning opportunities.” (See the course catalog here in PDF.) That group will spend two weeks in Fiji studying its culture and ecology and learning to dive. Another group will be focused on design – here’s a room redesigned by students during J-Term last year:
Yet another group is studying painting:
The amateur-radio class was studying for the licensing test, so no broadcasting was happening when we visited. Teacher Stacy Robertson provided a few more photos – here’s one from “Culture, Music, and Cooking: Colombia, Spain, and Mexico”:
These students are working on “upcycling”:
And here’s a group designing an escape room:
They’ll be visiting The Escape Artist in The Junction on a field trip. Not far, since SLHS is at 4100 SW Genesee, just north of The Junction.
Small independent local businesses serve their community in ways beyond simply offering goods and services, and here’s one: Diana Palmer sent the photo taken earlier this week at Menashe and Sons Jewelers (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, explaining that the Girl Scouts are Lafayette Elementary students, “led by 5th graders Payton Palmer and Gwen Tomlinson, earning their ‘jewelry badge’ Being handed out by store owner Jack Menashe.” She says he answered their questions, and “sent them home with a goodie bag including their very own real garnet,” explaining that it’s January’s birthstone. (P.S. We were curious so we looked it up – here’s a chart of Girl Scout badges/awards.)
11:12 AM: Thanks to James for the photo – off West Seattle, those sailboats are part of the first race of the year, the Three Tree Point Yacht Club‘s Duwamish Head Race. They started in Des Moines, then were heading to Duwamish Head, Blakely Rock, and back to Des Moines.
ADDED 1:12 PM: Thanks to Jim Borrow for sending the next two photos:
This race is part of the Southern Sound Series.
(Transient orca T124A2, seen from Harbor Ave last Tuesday, photographed by Eilene Hutchinson)
Options for your Saturday, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
BE PILATES OPEN HOUSE: Everyone’s welcome to check out Be Pilates‘ new home, 8 am-1 pm. (4435 35th SW)
PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 9 am-11 am, visit Admiral Cooperative Preschool, housed at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), to learn about the program. (3940 41st SW)
INTRODUCTION TO ZEN: Free event, 10-11:30 am at Fauntleroy Church, full details here. (9140 California SW)
MARTIAL-ARTS GRAND OPENING: Au Lac Vovinam will be offering classes at the West Seattle VFW Hall, and at noon today, you’re invited to visit for the grand-opening event, including demonstrations and food, (3601 SW Alaska)
‘STRONGER THAN MEDICINE’ SCREENING: 7 pm at Kenyon Hall, “a story of leadership and community showing up for the common good.” Free. but guarantee your seat here. (7904 35th SW)
DANNY & CARLA COLEMAN: 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor): “Their collaborative musical style has been termed “ethereal Americana”—fusing elements of folk, jazz, rock, blues, and classical music.” No cover. All ages. (5612 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE BANDS: It’s an all-WS slate at The Skylark at 7 pm – Final Body, Secret Caves, Slayanne, Mercury. $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
JOHN STEPHAN BAND: 9 pm at Poggie Tavern, blues/rock. No cover. 21+. (4717 California SW)
Got news? Our 24-hour hotline is 206-293-6302, text or voice!
1:56 AM: Lots of reports of flickers (or slightly longer), in various West Seattle areas. So far we haven’t heard o anyone whose power went out and stayed out, and there’s nothing on the map, but apparently there was a related transformer problem in the 26th/Juneau area.
ADDED 12:32 PM: Thanks to K for the security-camera views of the flashes some noted at the time:
Those cameras are in the Westwood/east Highland Park area.
This month’s 34th District Democrats meeting featured a panel discussion spotlighting hate crimes in our state. The discussion was introduced by the 34th DDs’ state committeeman Chris Porter, who explained that the escalating problem of hate crimes has long bothered him. We might be “in denial about how at-our-front-doors this is,” Porter explained. Last year, he said, SPD data showed a record number of hate crimes reported in the city. He added that he “was horrified” to find that the state where he’s lived for 15 years is #4 in the nation for hate crimes. (Video note: His introduction, slowed by a bit of technical trouble, goes to 17:30, and then the panel discussion begins.) Participants, screen left to right, were Ximena Velázquez-Arenas from the state Attorney General’s Office and Monisha Harrell from Equal Rights Washington. They covered many facets of the problem, including trends and why these crimes too often go unreported. Here’s how to report hate crimes in Seattle.
The 34th District Democrats meet 2nd Wednesdays most months, 6:30 pm socializing and 7 pm meeting, at The Hall at Fauntleroy. Watch 34dems.org for information between meetings.
Family and friends will gather Wednesday to remember Phyllis Jean Emmick. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with the community:
PHYLLIS JEAN (ROUSH) EMMICK, 1930-2020
Beloved Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunt, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, Phyllis Jean (Roush) Emmick passed away after a stroke on January 1st, 2020.
Phyllis was born in Atwater, Minnesota on Wednesday, March 26th, 1930 to Floyd Laverne Roush & Edith Clara (O’Hair) Roush. During WWII, the family sold the farm in Minnesota and moved to Prosser, WA. After a few years in Prosser, the Roushes moved to Burien, WA.
Phyllis met a young sailor, Franklin Robert “Bud” Emmick, through her Uncle Chet, who also served with Frank on the USS Pennsylvania. In 1947, Frank & Phyllis were married at her parents’ home in Burien. In 1948, their first son, Gary Lynn Emmick, was born. In 1953, their second son, Craig Alan Emmick, was born. Phyllis was proud of her job as a Unit Secretary at Providence Hospital in Seattle (5-South). During their retirement, they traveled extensively to Roush Family Reunions, USS ‘Pennsy’ Reunions while visiting many states, friends & family.
Phyllis was proud to live independently until the end. In 2010, her beloved Frank passed away. Frank was buried at Tahoma National Cemetery. Phyllis will be interred with him.
Phyllis is survived by her son Craig (Gayle), grandchildren Robert, Brian, Terry, Floyd, Matthew, & Michael (Desirée). Also survived by great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; brothers Wayne (Ellie) and Jim (Doris). Preceded in death by her parents Floyd & Edith, brother Dwight Roush, and son Gary Emmick. Phyllis loved her many family & friends in New York and Minnesota and her many caregivers.
Remembrances suggested to a charity of your choice.
Viewing will be Wednesday, Jan. 15th 2020 from 10 am to 12 pm at Cady Chapel (8418 S. 222nd St., Kent). Graveside Service immediately following at 1:15 pm at Tahoma National Cemetery – Kent
Share your condolences & memories of Phyllis with our Family & Friends by visiting her memorial page at EmmickFunerals.com/notices/Phyllis-Emmick
Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
6:40 PM: Thanks for the tips. We just went over to confirm that West Seattle’s Whole Foods Market (WSB sponsor) is closed because of a power outage. The rest of The Whittaker and its businesses appear to still have power, however, and this outage is not on the City Light map, so we’re trying to find out what happened.
7:28 PM: Just called the store to check on the outage’s status and they told us the power was just restored and they’re reopening. Closing time will be 9 pm as usual.
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