West Seattle, Washington

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Spotlight Stories

Got questions about the new Columbia Street Transit Pathway?
February 18, 2020 3:14 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

With the new downtown routing for most West Seattle buses launching Saturday, city/county/state officials are planning a media event tomorrow. So if you have lingering questions in advance of buses switching to the Columbia Street Transit Pathway, let us know and we’ll do ou best to get answers. (westseattleblog@gmail.com if you don’t want to post in the comment section – thanks!)

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DEVELOPMENT: Early Design Outreach meeting set for Avalon project
February 18, 2020 12:28 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(Photos via King County Assessor’s Office)

Three months ago, we reported on an early-stage proposal to replace those houses at 3010 and 3014 SW Avalon Way wth an 8-story, 87-unit apartment building. Now the plan has a date set for an Early Community Outreach for Design Review meeting: 11 am Saturday, February 29th, at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW). If you can’t be there, AvalonWayProject@earlydroutreach.com is the email address for comments/questions.

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What’s up for the rest of today/tonight, featuring #TurkeyTuesday
February 18, 2020 10:45 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to Jonathan for sharing the photo of The West Seattle Turkey so we could proclaim this another #TurkeyTuesday; several readers worried aloud about lack of turkey sightings, so here’s your reasssurance that, going into Month 11, The Turkey’s still here. Meantime, highlights for the rest of today/tonight:

STATE OF THE CITY LIVESTREAM: Mayor Jenny Durkan‘s third State of the City address is coming up at 11:30 am; you can watch it live here.

KENNEDY CATHOLIC HS RALLY: For those following the controversy over two gay teachers’ sudden departure from Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien, which has a significant number of West Seattleite students, a 1 pm rally is planned outside the school. (140 S. 140th)

GIRL SCOUT INFO NIGHT: 6 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library. “Come and learn more about different ways to volunteer, what girls do at Girl Scouts, schedules, cost and how to sign up the girl in your life!” More info here. (2306 42nd SW)

WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: 7 pm at Southwest Precinct, your chance to hear from and talk with local police, plus a special guest from the SPD Victim Support Team. (2300 SW Webster)

UNPLUGGED – A MUSICAL GATHERING! 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor). All types of acoustic instrumentalists/musicians welcome. (5612 California SW)

BASKETBALL: 8:30 pm, the West Seattle High School boys have a district playoff game against Garfield HS, at Ingraham HS in North Seattle. (1819 N. 135th(

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Post-holiday Tuesday watch
February 18, 2020 6:57 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Post-holiday Tuesday watch
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)

6:57 AM: Good morning! Remember, Seattle Public Schools are out all week.

Looking ahead:

NEW TRANSIT PATHWAY OPENS SATURDAY: New pathway into downtown for most West Seattle bus routes starting Saturday – here’s the original announcement.

1ST AVENUE S. BRIDGE CLOSURES: Friday and Saturday nights, the northbound 1st Avenue S. Bridge is scheduled to be closed, 9 pm-8 am Friday into Saturday and Saturday into Sunday.

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BIZNOTE: Youngstown Coffee Company to close Delridge shop
February 18, 2020 5:08 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | WS beverages

Youngstown Coffee Company proprietor Zoe Kritzer says she’s closing her original shop, the one at 5214 Delridge Way SW, at month’s end. Here’s how she’s announcing it to customers this morning:

It is with a heavy heart and an overwhelming amount of gratitude for your support that I must share this deeply saddening news.

Youngstown Coffee Company on Delridge will officially close on Saturday, February 29th. It has been the greatest privilege to have met so many extraordinary humans and dogs over the last 14 months. I can’t thank you enough for welcoming us into the neighborhood with open arms and daily transformative and inspiring conversations.

If you or anyone you know is interested in making this magical shop yours and continuing the dream of a shop built on community, coffee, and connection, please email: wonderwallseattle@gmail.com

Five months after opening the Delridge shop, Zoe expanded to 6032 California SW in Morgan Junction. That shop, and its “kitchen” next door, will remain open.

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Rescuing Roxhill Bog: Why it matters, and what’s happening now
February 17, 2020 10:30 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, April 2019)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Call it Roxhill Bog, Roxhill Fen, Roxhill Wetland. Whatever you call it, it needs to be rescued, and the time is now.

Community advocates have sounded that alarm for many years. Now, it appears the wetland’s plight has the traction for something serous to finally get done.

That was the message at the “stakeholders’ meeting” that filled a room at Southwest Teen Life Center in Westwood last Tuesday night. The sign-in sheets showed a long list of organizations concerned with the health of the local environment.

“The bog is dry.” Opening the meeting, that’s how Rory Denovan – a West Seattleite who has long been involved wth the effort to help the bog – summarized the primary problem.

If that leads you to wonder “so what?” Denovan had answers for that right off the top. Three reasons why Roxhill is important:

Read More

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See what’s up at West Seattle’s city-run community centers (and more) this spring/summer
February 17, 2020 7:36 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

West Seattle has four community centers, one teen center, and one indoor pool run by Seattle Parks, but you only have to browse one brochure to see the events, classes, and public sessions for spring/summer. Just before the holiday weekend, Parks announced the new brochure’s available – see it here (PDF). If you are interested in events/classes that require registration, here are the dates to know: Noon on March 3 is when spring registration starts; noon May 5 is whn summer signups begin.

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BOWLING FOR FOOD! West Seattle second-grader’s challenge for you
February 17, 2020 5:43 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

From the West Seattle Food Bank, your invitation to this fun(draising) event:

Come out and support the West Seattle Food Bank

Friday, February 28th
At WEST SEATTLE BOWL
(6 to 8 pm)

Nathan Bowls for Food!

(Is your team better than a second-grader?)

Nathan Tavel is a second-grader at Arbor Heights Elementary School, and a pretty good bowler. He will bowl for one hour from 6 to 7 and one hour from 7 to 8. Your team can choose to bowl during one or both of those times. We will add up Nathan’s total pin count for each hour and each team will have their pin total for the hour compared to Nathan’s. If you beat him you get 3 free games, shoe rental and a pitcher of beer or soda. However, if Nathan beats your team, your team must donate a minimum of $100 to the West Seattle Food Bank.

– $20 per person gets you shoe rental and 1 hour of bowling.

– Teams of 2 to 8 people are welcome.

– There will be food and drink specials and a few raffle prizes as well.

– 6 to 8 PM on Friday, February 28th at West Seattle Bowl.

Come and bowl with us for a good cause!

To RSVP – Just email ptavel@gmail.com and let us know how many you have coming and how many lanes you need. Pay on the night of the event. Call 206-949-8680 with any questions.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Suspect in custody after Westwood search; from the ‘dumped/possibly stolen’ file – ski-gear sighting
February 17, 2020 2:25 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | High Point | West Seattle news | Westwood

Two West Seattle Crime Watch items:

WESTWOOD SEARCH: As we write this, police are searching for an auto-theft suspect near 26th/Barton. The stolen car was apparently found at Westwood Village; the suspect took off running toward the east side of Roxhill Park. The description we’ve heard via radio is a white man in his 20s/30s, blue ball cap, blue jacket, tan pants. (2:34 PM UPDATE) They have a suspect in custody. You might still see some searching – per radio exchange, they’re looking for items the suspect might have discarded.

Also:

STOLEN SKI GEAR? Lose your ski gear in a car prowl or burglary? Tessa might have found it: “Looks like someone lost their ski gear among other things on 35th and Findlay. Put the boot, goggles, helmet and poles at the 21 bus stop.”

P.S. When lost/found items seem more like simple “lost/found,” you can post in the Lost/Found (Non-Pets) section of the WSB Community Forums.

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COUNTDOWN: Five days until Polar Plunge all-day Alki festival benefiting Special Olympics
February 17, 2020 12:10 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: Five days until Polar Plunge all-day Alki festival benefiting Special Olympics
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

(Photo from February 2019 Polar Plunge, courtesy Andrew Malinak)

Saturday (February 22) is the big day: The Seattle Polar Plunge at Alki, with an all-day beer and food-truck festival, benefiting Special Olympics of Washington. The Plunge is at 1 pm; the beer tent and food trucks open at 11 am. Not registered yet? You can sign up to plunge alone or as part of a team – all the info, and the registration link, can be found here. Beer and food are separate, but you can get advance tickets for the beer festival by going here.

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BIZNOTE: Keller Williams moving out of The Junction
February 17, 2020 11:21 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Via that sign in the window at 4452 California SW, Keller Williams West Seattle has announced it’s moving. After getting a tip, we went over to inquire. They say they’ve been looking for a larger space for a while, and the new digs at 5446 California SW fit the bill.

According to this city webpage, KW’s old spot has been a real-estate office since it was built in 1965.

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What is, and isn’t, happening on this holiday West Seattle Monday
February 17, 2020 9:04 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Bald Eagle, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

A few more holiday notes, in addition to highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WHICH SEATTLE PARKS FACILITIES ARE OPEN? Holiday open/closed list is here.

LIBRARIES CLOSED: Both Seattle and King County.

FREE IMPROV MEETUP: 7 pm at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse – details and registration info here. (9131 California SW)

ZEN MEDITATION: 7 pm at Fauntleroy UCC, hosted by Puget Sound Zen. All welcome, whether or not you’ve meditated before – details in our calendar listing. (9140 California SW)

3 TRIVIA/QUIZ NIGHTS: Three Monday night options:
*Best of Hands Barrelhouse (7500 35th SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm, $2/person, 21+
*The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 7:30 pm, free, all ages
*Parliament Tavern (4210 SW Admiral Way), 8 pm, $2/person, 21+

PREVIEW THE REST OF THE WEEK: Browse our complete Event Calendar!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Presidents Day Monday watch
February 17, 2020 6:30 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Presidents Day Monday watch
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)

6:30 AM: Good morning. tt’s Presidents Day, and that means schools and most government facilities are closed. Transit/transportation notes:

METRO: Reduced-weekday service
WATER TAXI: No service
SOUND TRANSIT: Service levels listed here
STREET PARKING: In the neighborhoods with pay stations, no charge today

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TUESDAY: Q&A with police @ West Seattle Crime Prevention Council
February 16, 2020 11:29 pm
|    Comments Off on TUESDAY: Q&A with police @ West Seattle Crime Prevention Council
 |   Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council | West Seattle news

After the holiday, the first community meeting of the week will be your monthly chance for Q&A with local police at the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting, 7 pm Tuesday (February 18) at the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster). After Q&A with, and updates from, police, you’ll hear from this mnnth’s spotlight guest, from the SPD Victim Support Team (which is currently recruiting new volunteers).

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About the police response in Morgan Junction
February 16, 2020 7:19 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

In case you wondered about the police response north of California/Fauntleroy this past hour: Police at first responded to what was called in as a man assaulting a woman. Then the report changed to a possible attempted robbery. Police found a victim at California/Graham, and the suspect on the east side of the street. A sergeant we spoke with told us that the suspect was reported to have confronted two women on the street, claiming he had been a victim of theft. Police determined that what he was claiming was false, and he was taken into custody. They say the women he accosted are OK.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Harbor Avenue crash
February 16, 2020 6:10 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

A multiple-vehicle crash is reported to be blocking Harbor Avenue SW in the 1900 block, near Salty’s. No serious injuries reported but south/eastbound traffic on Harbor will be diverted up California Way until it’s cleared.

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UPDATE: Two Kennedy Catholic HS teachers’ departures stir controversy as supporters say they were forced out for being gay
February 16, 2020 4:31 pm
|      76 COMMENTS
 |   Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news

SUNDAY AFTERNOON: Several West Seattle parents who send children to Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien have called our attention to a controversy that’s been embroiling that school’s community this weekend. Kennedy announced the sudden “voluntary” resignation of two teachers, both of whom, supporters say, are gay. Parents have organized a crowdfunding page for the teachers; Paul Danforth, an English teacher (who is also a Kennedy graduate, according to the school website), and Michelle Beattie, who taught health and coached soccer. The GoFundMe page set up to help them includes this introduction:

Two beloved and extraordinary teachers at Kennedy Catholic High School “voluntarily resigned” on February 13, 2020 because of their sexual orientation and desire to live authentically (and legally) married to their partners.

In addition to the sadness felt by their community of supporters, Paul and Michelle are both now without jobs or incomes. In the middle of a school year it will be difficult for either of them to find employment immediately.

The school’s email announcement on Friday, forwarded to us by one of the parents who received it, says only:

Please see the following statement provided to us to share with our community.

“Two teachers, Paul Danforth and Michelle Beattie, have voluntarily resigned their positions at Kennedy Catholic High School. They are highly capable, gifted, and qualified teachers, who have served our community with dedication and humility. Their loss will be felt deeply by their students and the entire community. We are thankful to Paul and Michelle for their years of service.”

The statement ended by referring questions/comments to the Archdiocese of Seattle. Its downtown HQ is where some concerned Kennedy parents are planning a protest at 9 am Tuesday, according to posts on a Facebook group set up to show support for the teachers. Other posts mention plans for a student walkout and community show of support that day (school is out tomorrow for Presidents Day).

The teachers themselves have not yet commented publicly so far as we have seen; a post in the aforementioned Facebook group said they were at the school earlier today to collect their belongings.

Similar controversies have erupted elsewhere in the country. The news publication National Catholic Reporter published this overview of the issue last year. It included a citation of this stat: Two-thirds of U.S. Catholics now support same-sex marriage.

ADDED MONDAY NIGHT: Tuesday’s protests are planned for 9 am at the Archdiocese offices and 1 pm at the school, which sent parents another email today acknowledging those plans (as well as a student walkout) and warned that community members and parents won’t be allowed inside the school, but will be allowed to gather at 1 pm “in front of the building.” We’ll be among those there to cover it.

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BIZNOTE: Opening day for Cold Crash Brewing’s tasting room
February 16, 2020 3:11 pm
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS beverages

(WSB photos)

Robyn Campbell and Erin Treankler are welcoming their first guests this afternoon at Cold Crash Brewing Co. Their commercial home-based brewery is off the alley (look for the small sign) at 4507 48th SW, west of The Junction.

There, as noted in our previous report, they brew gluten-free beer:

The menu includes six beers, and other beverages, plus some simple snacks – here’s a photo.

The seating area is covered and heated:

Regular hours for Cold Crash’s tasting room will be noon-5 pm Saturdays and Sundays.

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WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Think this means trouble? It doesn’t
February 16, 2020 1:33 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Thanks to Larry Shaw for the photos and report:

I happened upon a bunch of people checking out a sea lion exhibiting “sailing” behavior this morning off Alki Ave SW between Alki Beach and Luna Park. Several people thought the animal might be injured, but “sailing” is a normal behavior sea lions engage in. They float and raise their flippers out of the water to regulate their body temperature.


We have featured this before – in 2013, a “sailing” sea lion was even mistaken for a dead whale! – and Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network has raised awareness. But with so many new arrivals (and tourists), it’s always worth a reminder!

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West Seattle weekend scene: Tasty truckload
February 16, 2020 11:21 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

Thanks to Karl at Potter Construction (WSB sponsor) for the photo! That is a truckload of Girl Scout Cookies. Karl helped out as troops – including his granddaughter’s West Seattle troop 45305 – picked up their orders at the Alaska Marine Lines loading dock on Saturday. Cookie sales start in 12 days, according to the Girl Scouts of Western Washington website – February 28 through March 15th. As usual, you can find cookie-sale locations via the online lookup. (Wondering about the cookie varieties? Go here.)

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10 for your West Seattle Sunday!
February 16, 2020 6:07 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Bewick’s Wren, photographed by Anne de Vore

Welcome to pre-holiday Sunday. Calendar highlights for today/tonight:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm in the street in the heart of The Junction, produce, meat, cheese, beverages, baked goods, and more! (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

ALKI OYSTER FEST: Noon-5 pm at three Alki Beach venues – oysters, beverages, and live music; see the locations and lineups here. For tickets, go here.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: While you’re at Alki, visit the home of West Seattle’s history! Open noon-4 pm today. (61st SW/SW Stevens)

COLD CRASH’S OPENING DAY: Fourth opening of the week! The gluten-free commercial home-bassed brewery Cold Crash Brewing Co. opens its tasting room noon-5 pm today, as previewed here. (4507 48th SW)

FALL IN LOVE WITH 25 SEATTLE BIRDS: As previewed here, you are invited to Youngstown Cultural Arts Center 1-3 pm today to learn more about local birds. Free! (4408 Delridge Way SW)

JAMTIME: 1-4 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), live music! No cover. All ages. (5612 California SW)

LADIES ROCK CAMP WINTER ASSEMBLY: 4 pm at The Skylark, all ages – $10 adult admission, $5 youth. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

BLUEGRASS JAM: 7 pm at Whisky West. 21+. (6451 California SW)

SILENT MOVIE WITH LIVE MUSIC: 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall – program details and reservation info are in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)

JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley, 8 pm. 21+. (4509 California SW)

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire confirmed
February 16, 2020 12:18 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

12:18 AM: Police checking out 911 calls about suspected gunfire have confirmed it. Officers radioed in that they have found at least one shell casing at Delridge/Trenton. So far, no reports of any injuries.

12:22 AM: Officers have also told dispatch that they’re blocking Delridge for now while they look for more evidence.

12:37 AM: Delridge has reopened.

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BASKETBALL: West Seattle HS boys’ third postseason game ends in victory
February 15, 2020 8:24 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

8:24 PM: The West Seattle High School boys weren’t going to let the season end with a string of defeats – so an intense home game tonight just ended with a big win over Interlake, 58-37. Next up: The Wildcats play Garfield, 8:30 pm Tuesday @ Ingraham. Full details and photos to come.

ADDED 10:55 PM: WSHS #3, senior Sage Nelson, led scoring with 18 points – one of four Wildcats with double-digit totals.

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