West Seattle, Washington
14 Thursday
Thanks for the texted photo! In tonight’s Halloween spotlight – “temporary annual neighborhood name change is in effect.” (If you don’t recognize the neighborhood, the RIP gives a hint.) We’re continuing to welcome Halloween-sight photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Tomorrow (Sunday, October 20) night, the Byrd Ensemble returns to West Seattle with a new vocal concert, spotlighting the music of “The Tudors.” The Byrd Ensemble is sponsoring WSB this weekend to make sure you know about a ticket deal – 30 percent off if you order online with the code WSBLOG30. The concert is at 7:30 pm Sunday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (42nd and Genesee) – here’s what you’ll see and hear:
An exploration of Renaissance music from Tudor England, this program features Latin motets by the finest composers of the era: John Taverner, Robert White, William Cornysh, John Sheppard, and William Byrd. The program also includes a new work by American composer Nico Muhly, Fallings (2023), commissioned by the Byrd Ensemble in celebration of their 20th Anniversary.
The Byrd Ensemble, directed by Markdavin Obenza, is an internationally acclaimed, Seattle-based professional ensemble performing with at least 10 singers.
A reader called this morning with news that Jones Barbeque at 4417 Fauntleroy Way SW appeared to have been broken into. The restaurant confirms it via social media. They’re open but not accepting cash – just credit/debit.
By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Earlier this month, we reported that baker Chely Smithgall was very close to opening her Fine Baking Co. storefront at 6971 California SW in south Morgan Junction, after a long process going back more than a year, waiting for approval of permits and getting everything ready.
We stopped by on Friday to check on the progress, and were welcomed by Smithgall saying that yes, they’re open! She said they had a “soft opening” last Saturday the 12th and sold out of stock, and have had a busy week of happy customers stopping by.
For now, they are continuing their “soft open hours” of 11 am-3 pm on Thu/Fri/Sat (including today), and 11 am-5 pm Tue, or until they sell out each day (the shop is closed Mon/Wed/Sun).
Smithgall said she is tentatively planning a “grand opening” event next Saturday Oct 26th, “weather permitting” because she wants to do a ribbon-cutting outside the shop.
Smithgall is already a well-known baker in the area, known for cupcakes, cake pops, custom cakes and printed cookies as a “home baker with a cottage food permit.” She said that currently she is the only baker at the shop, but will need to hire more staff to keep up.
Visitors to the shop will likely first notice the entryway sign with a subtle suggestion:
Smithgall said she is grateful for people stopping in, and said their recurring comments have been “we’re so glad you’re finally open; we’ve been drooling every time we go by!”
We weren’t at Chief Sealth International High School‘s Friday night football game because they played on the road, but did want to report that the Seahawks beat Nathan Hale, 34-20, at Northeast Athletic Complex. Head coach Daron Camacho‘s team is now 6-1, second in the Metro League.
WSHS junior Breck Estep (#4) celebrates with senior Myles Mutchler (#80) after a big play.
Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
West Seattle High School celebrated Senior Night and kicked off homecoming weekend on Friday at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, as the hometown Wildcats football team battled a tough Ingraham team, losing 28-13.
WSHS seniors participating in football, cheer and band (and their families) were honored at the game:
With a good crowd in attendance:
After trading turnovers in the 1st quarter, the visiting Rams scored on a short run with 1:37 remaining in the quarter to take a 7-0 lead over the Wildcats.
WSHS answered with 7:50 remaining in the 2nd quarter, scoring on a reception by senior and captain Myles Mutchler on a pass from sophomore quarterback Desmond Parkinson:
WSHS head coach Anthony Stordahl (middle) and assistant coach Andrew McDonough
WSHS cheer squad
Seen Megan‘s car?
2004 silver Subaru Outback Limited was stolen from the Highland Park neighborhood, early Friday morning 10/18/24. WA license BJB7995. Last seen (after it was stolen) near Henderson/Barton between 17th/18th Ave SW, also spotted in Westwood Village. Rims appeared to have been spray-painted black. SPD report # 2024-295705.
Call 911 if you find it.
TUESDAY UPDATE: Megan found it – see her comment below.
(Photo by James Bratsanos)
The weekend begins! Here are the highlights for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.
SALTY HALF/10K: No day-of-race signup, so if you’re not registered, you’re out of luck, but we’re noting that runners will be starting at 8:30 am from Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor SW) and heading toward Lincoln Park. No road closures planned.
HEAVILY MEDITATED: 9 am at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), free community meditation – RSVP here.
VACCINATION CLINIC: School clinic, but community’s welcome too – flu and COVID shots available, 9 am-3 pm at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle).
HIKE THE WEST DUWAMISH GREENBELT: Second-to-last monthly hike this year! Meet at 9:30 am at south end of Pathfinder K-8 parking lot (1901 SW Genesee).
HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 9:30 am-11:30 am, whether you’re interested in preschool or K-8. (42nd SW & SW Genesee)
DUWAMISH ALIVE! Twice-yearly mega-work party, 10 am-2 pm at various locations in the Duwamish River watershed and on the river itself. Some spots still need volunteer help – go here to see where you can pitch in.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: West Seattle has TWO farmers’ markets every weekend right now – but this is your second-to-last chance of the year to shop at this one! Start your market shopping with this one – your weekly Saturday opportunity to go get fresh food from growers and makers – 10 am-2 pm, the market’s fourth season offers produce, plants, condiments, prepared food, more, continuing weekly through late October! (9421 18th SW; WSB sponsor)
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: You’re invited to join others taking a walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy), 10 am.
WHITE CENTER HOLIDAY BAZAAR: 10 am-4 pm at WC Eagles (10452 15th SW).
COMMUNITY CUP SHOWCASE: Rat City Studios and Rain City Clay‘s annual show at Dubsea Coffee continues – shop’s open for viewing, and beverages!, until 2 pm. (9910 8th SW)
WEST SEATTLE BEE GARDEN: Volunteer work party, 10 am-noon. (3201 SW Graham)
NANTES PARK: Volunteer work party, 10 am-1 pm. (5062 SW Admiral Way)
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Gardening season is year-round! Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – “This is a free, weekly, in-person active writing group grounded in the Amherst Writers and Artists method. It is a safe, critique-free space. Writers of all levels welcome, 16 and up.” Our calendar listing has location and RSVP info.
MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
DUWAMISH VALLEY COMMUNITY COALITION JOB FAIR: 11 am-2 pm at Concord International School (723 S. Concord) in South Park:
Are you looking for job or internship opportunities? Duwamish River Community Coalition and partners are working to connect youth and adults in South Park and Georgetown with hiring employers in the Duwamish Valley. This event includes resources for resumes, work clothing, driver’s licenses and IDs, interview skills, and more. This event is free and open to the public, including people in all stages of career and education.
POSTCARDS 4 DEMOCRACY: Another bonus Saturday session of long-distance get-out-the-vote advocacy, noon-2 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
FEATHER IN THE WIND ART SHOW: 12-6 pm, second day for this pop-up art show with five artists in the upstairs annex at Alki Arts (6030 California SW)
ART-GLASS PUMPKIN PATCH … and glass-blowing demos! Noon-4 pm at Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way).
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the new West Duwamish Greenbelt exhibit! (61st/Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is also open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
\NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: 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.
‘NIGHTFALL’: This haunted experience, benefiting charity, continues tonight at a West Seattle private residence, 5:30-9:30. See our calendar listing for details.
WEST SEATTLE MEANINGFUL MOVIES: They’re back! 6:30 pm at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation (7141 California SW), “Stories of Us,” with filmmaker Melinda Raebyne present for the screening and discussion.
WESTSIDE INTERFAITH NETWORK CHILI COOKOFF: First-ever chili-cookoff fundraiser for WIN, 6:30 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW), ticket info in our calendar listing.
ROO FORREST & FRIENDS: Performing 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Lookout Mountain Lookout feat. Hayward Sun, performing at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7 pm doors, 7:30 pm show, tickets here.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Deejay Gerze and Wannacut Farms present Glasses Malone Unplugged, doors at 7, music at 8, 21+, $35/door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Topspin. (4547 California SW)
JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Saturday singing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.
West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event is welcome to a spot on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Multiple calls to 911 – plus a texter – reported suspected gunfire in North Delridge, and police have confirmed it – “multiple casings” found at 29th/Brandon, officers just told dispatch. No word of injuries or damage so far. They’re blocking Brandon while they investigate.
(Photos courtesy Christopher Boffoli unless otherwise credited. At right, WSB’s Patrick Sand in 2016)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
My heart is broken to have to share with you the news that WSB co-founder Patrick Sand has died.
Patrick died suddenly at our home/HQ in Upper Fauntleroy on Thursday morning (October 17). He called for help and I found him on the floor. SFD medics tried 10 rounds of CPR but were unable to revive him.
So many in West Seattle know Patrick as the salt-and-pepper-haired photographer who’s always there when something’s going on – breaking news, festivals, art walks, school sports, so much more. Photography and breaking-news rapid response were his major responsibilities for WSB, as well as our advertising business.
Patrick was my husband as well as my co-publisher and business partner. We had 40 years together, starting with our first date in Grand Junction, Colorado, in fall 1984. He had grown up there and was running a radio station; I went there for my first news-producing job, working at a TV station in the same building. My TV career later brought us from San Diego to Seattle in 1991; we looked around the city for places to live and chose – mostly because of its water proximity – West Seattle, where we welcomed our son five years later. Another milestone of sorts for us in the mid-’90s, Patrick took an early interest in the internet in 1994, and we bought a PowerMac and got connected via an early ISP called Delphi.
A decade-plus later, Patrick and I founded WSB as a news site in 2007. I had started it in late 2005 as a “blog about West Seattle” with random ramblings; in December 2006, after the big windstorm left tens of thousands of West Seattleites without power (us included), readers who had found us by then started asking us for more information about the status of restoration, and other problems. So we started trying to find out. During the next year, we started covering more and more local news, and in fall 2007, after some readers suggested we should try selling advertising, we decided to try to make a go of it as a business, so I quit my TV news job.
At the time, he was stay-home dad for our son Torin, which he always said was his favorite job ever, along with WSB. Stay-home fatherhood was relatively uncommon in the late ’90s-early ’00s, so it was his first round as a trailblazer, which we then were considered for launching WSB in the hyperlocal-news wave of the late ’00s.
WSB won a national Online Journalism Award and regional awards from organizations like SPJ and CityClub, but the most meaningful awards were local, like the Orville Rummel Trophy for Community Service that we carried in the 2010 West Seattle Grand Parade.
We rode in a little electric-powered cart that Patrick had to drive nerve-wrackingly from the downtown dealership where we found it (we declined the traditional ride in a convertible). Also so meaningful – the honor we received from the Fauntleroy Watershed Council last year.
(WSB photo by Patrick Sand, October 2023)
WSB will go on. Patrick was too proud of, and dedicated to, our work to want to see it end just because his time on this plane of existence was up. His joviality and fortitude are irreplaceable, among so many other attributes I can’t even give voice to right now, so bear with us as we figure out how to move forward. Please honor his work and role in the community by continuing your partnership with us in community-collaborative news coverage.
(Photo courtesy Lora Radford)
Patrick Sand, 67, son of the late Henry B. Sand and Mildred E. Sand, is survived by me (wife Tracy Record), son Torin Record-Sand, rescue cat Sullivan.
To quote Jackson Browne‘s beautiful memorial song “For a Dancer” – “Somewhere between the time you arrive and the time you go, may lie a reason you were alive, but you’ll never know.” I’m pretty sure Patrick did know … and that all those of us whose lives he enhanced knew too.
(2023 SDOT photo)
SDOT will close the low bridge to all surface traffic for up to three days starting next Friday morning, to re-install a cylinder. Here’s the announcement:
The Spokane St Swing Bridge (commonly known as the “low bridge”) will be closed from 7 a.m. Friday, October 25 to 10 p.m. Sunday, October 27. Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will be re-installing a hydraulic turn cylinder which was removed in April 2024 for repairs. More details and photos are available on this SDOT Blog post.
The bridge will be closed to people driving, biking, and walking. The West Seattle High-Rise Bridge will remain open while the low bridge is closed and is the primary option for people getting to and from West Seattle by car or bus.
This is one of several aging cylinders which SDOT is repairing over time to prevent issues like the 3-week bridge closure in January 2023. There are several types of cylinders which work together to lift and rotate the bridge.
Additional phases of this bridge rehabilitation project are expected to continue through 2025. Additional short-term closures will be needed as part of our ongoing preventative maintenance work on this bridge.
Replacing the cylinders is part of a longer series of projects to repair, maintain, and upgrade the low bridge …
Read about those projects here.
The report was sent by Robert:
My Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 Black E-Bike was stolen last night from out in front of 4100 SW Alaska St. The bike rack is located on 41st Ave near the corner of Alaska – right by Swedish Family Medicine. The person who stole it cut my ABUS lock.
The initial police report # is T00014213.
Rose De Dan has shared interesting wildlife views from her “Wild Reiki Spa” garden camera in Belvidere before – this time, a coyote stopping for a drink. Rose says, “I am at least able to let my neighbors know, and it sounds like they are all keeping their cats on house arrest at night. I know I am! My cat Tamerlan showed up as a starving adult stray tomcat (now neutered) and it has been quite the process getting him to accept staying in since he had never been in a house before. Now he sleeps with me, but as the daylight wanes it is getting harder to keep moving his curfew up…” We share coyote videos and photos (scroll through the archive here) for awareness and education, not alarm; here’s one of many info-sheets with advice on co-existing with them.
(Thursday night’s moonrise – photo by Mark B. Bauschke Photography)
Here’s our reminder list of what’s happening in West Seattle and vicinity for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (go there any time to look into the future):
LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY MOVE-A-THON: This year’s move-a-thon, the Rainbow Ramble, is happening today, and the PTA invites community support to reach the fundraising goal.
PET FOOD DONATION DRIVE: Reminder that you can still donate at All The Best Pet Care (4722 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor), as announced earlier this month – open until 7:30 pm tonight.
INDOOR PLAY: Need an indoor place for your little one to play? 10 am-11:30 am, you’re welcome to “Stay ‘n’ Play” at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Visit the Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) to see the art in this year’s Southwest Artist Showcase. The library is open today 10 am-6 pm.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Fall is here, and season-appropriate plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.
ART-GLASS PUMPKIN PATCH … and glass-blowing demos! Noon-4 pm at Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way).
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the home of West Seattle’s history, noon-4 pm. (61st SW & SW Stevens)
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM: 1-6 pm, open in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).
FOOTBALL: One game tonight at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – West Seattle HS (2-3) vs. Ingraham at 4:30 pm.
FEATHER IN THE WIND ART SHOW: 5-7 pm, opening night for this pop-up art show with five artists in the upstairs annex at Alki Arts (6030 California SW)
VISCON CELLARS: Season’s just right for this cozy tasting room/wine bar, open for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
FOOD POP-UP: Lovely & Dapper Desserts, McCormick Jam Co., and Timmy’s smash burgers, 5-9 pm at The Nook (2206 California SW).
‘NIGHTFALL’: This haunted experience, benefiting charity, opens tonight at a West Seattle private residence, 5:30-9:30. See our calendar listing for details.
WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK DINNER/AUCTION: 6 pm, “Bring It Home,” at Sea Mar Community Center (9635 Des Moines Memorial Dr S) – details in our calendar listing.
AT KENYON HALL: 6 pm signups, 6:30 pm music, for the monthly “incubator night.” (7904 35th SW)
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Doors 7 pm, music 8 pm, West Seattle favorites Not Dead Yet, with Snowday and The Flat Rocks, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 7-9 pm, steel guitarist Fraser Havens at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.
FULL MOON SOUND BATH: 7:30 pm with Inner Alchemy, $40. (3618 SW Alaska)
MAKE IT LOUD: Tonight’s music at Southgate Roller Rink is: Annie J EP Release Party with Kate Dinsmore and Julian Forest. 9 pm doors, $18 cover, $5 skates, 21+. (9646 17th SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Mike Illvester tonight! (4547 California SW)
JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).
Are we missing anything? If you have something else to add to our event lists and calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends are remembering Astha Tada, and sharing this remembrance with the community:
Astha Asae Tada, age 81, passed away peacefully in Des Moines, Washington, on September 18, 2024. She was born on April 5, 1943, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Astha attended Roosevelt High School in Honolulu and went on to earn both her bachelor’s degree and Master’s of Library Science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
In 1967, Astha moved to Seattle, where she dedicated her career to fostering a love of reading and learning in children as a librarian in the Highline School District. After retiring in 2003, she found a new passion in volunteering, contributing her time and talents to various organizations. Her work with the White Center Library Guild and the Beta Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International helped raise scholarship funds and support local libraries.
Her dedication and service were recognized with several awards, including the 2012 Highline Schools Foundation Outstanding Volunteer and the 2016 King County Library System Friend of the Year.
Astha was a loving mother and a cherished friend, known for her kind heart and unwavering commitment to her community. She is survived by her sons, Terence and Kyle, and her brother, Kent. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tosh, who passed away in 2001.
A memorial service will be held on April 5, 2025, 12 PM at the Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home.
(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)
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, October 18th.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Cloudy, rain likely, high in the mid-50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:33 am, while sunset will be at 6:14 pm.
ROAD WORK
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides around October 28th. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*The south Beach Drive gas-pipeline project continues; we noted work this week in the 6000-6300 blocks, with traffic flagged through flaggers helping alternate directions through a one-lane stretch.
*SDOT says the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project is complete – no more lane closures.
TRANSIT
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat.” Check for alerts here.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Remember that the fall/winter schedule is in effect now, meaning no late Friday/Saturday runs until spring.
WEEKEND NOTE
The Salty Half and 10K runs leave from Don Armeni Boat Ramp at 8:30 am Saturday. No street closures, though – participants will run on the paths.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Lots of info as usual at the quarterly Morgan Community Association meeting, facilitated last night in Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation‘s downstairs meeting room by MoCA president Deb Barker.
POLICE: “Making a lot of progress in hiring,” said precinct operations Lt. Nate Shopay. As the chief herself said in a recent interview, she’s probably staying on a while longer. He said the new commander Capt. Krista Bair is “an exciting person to work for” and they’ve been switching up their strategy. We asked if there’s anything at all they can say about the most recent homicide, at Shree’s Truck Stop on SW Detroit last Sunday; in short, no (Lt. Shopay then told us today on followup that detectives are pursuing several leads). Barker asked if any traffic control is planned for ballot boxes around the deadline on Election Night; Lt. Shopay said he hadn’t heard of anything but could certainly consider a request. Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite noted the annual Seattle Public Safety Survey is open for the next six weeks, and reminded everyone that it informs community-policing plans for the neighborhoods. She also showed the crime-data dashboard you can access any time on the SPD website; for Morgan, for example, August had far fewer crimes reported than a year earlier, and September stats should be available soon.
PARK-ADDITION SITE CLEANUP: The toxic soil left over from the gas station and dry cleaner on the Morgan Junction Park Addition site has been dug up and hauled away by a licensed hazardous-waste transporter. Barker said the contractor told her the soils were more contaminated than expected, so they had to excavate a bigger area, 850 square feet more. She was told the expansion was determined by results of testing as they worked. Soil testing was done on site. Now Parks has Department of Ecology clearance. The hole is still awaiting being filled because a permit is needed for filling SDOT right-of-way in the extra excavation area, Barker said. Once they’re ready to start filling, it won’t take long – maybe two weeks or so.
ALL-WHEELS AREA DESIGN: Josh Radick from Morgan Junction All-Wheels Area said it’s been a very fruitful summer with grant-funded design work as well as volunteer work. MJAWA’s Matthew Johnston said they made it through first level of Parks’ internal ProView review; next level is Pro View Tech, scheduled for October 29 – “if we clear that gate, Grindline will start drafting construction documents, that should take 4 to 6 weeks, we hand those over and MJAWA moves on to an advisory role.” You can see the approved website on their website – that’s the one going to ProView Tech. Johnston said Parks asked them to engage in more fundraising – MJAWA’s contention is that all the grant-funded and volunteer-powered contribution they’ve made are plenty. “We’re not adding a lot to the project – we paid for the design.” They got feedback in support of “a plaza design with a little bit of everything” – 6′ x 3′ wide, 12″ ledge, quarter pipe with a hip, seated ledge for spectating or skating – front piece on California with Morgan Junction lettering – existing elements are all going to be reused – Johnston says part of it is inspired by Duwamish River running under the West Seattle Bridge. Radick says the Morgan all-wheels area is going to be a learning space, as compared to the skateparks at Delridge and Roxhill, “much smaller, much less intimidating, something anybody can learn on.” Parks is still projecting construction for next year.
NEW BIZ: Annalise Johnson from Charcuterie by Annalise was introduced. As reported here, the lifelong West Seattleite recently opened a storefront after operating her business – creating “beautiful and delicious charcuterie spreads for any occasion” – as a mobile business. She’s hoping to launch her lunch sandwiches by December.
(WSB photos, 2015 crash at 49th/Graham)
49th/GRAHAM: Zelma Zieman has long been working on safety at this uncontrolled intersection – after getting hit and going sideways in 2015, with SFD having to extricate her and her son. She tried working with SDOT on safety improvements, “didn’t work out.” Then this May, a neighbor also got hit and injured. “The neighborhood is very concerned about this intersection.” Her She said her neighbor’s crash got no police response so is not on the record, but: “This is the only uncontrolled four-way for a number of blocks around it.” They managed to get an SDOT visit but they haven’t heard much since. “We don’t know what the answer is, but we know we need to do something to make it safer.” She’s been trying to research how many of Seattle’s intersections are uncontrolled – and has found thousands. “We know we’re the tip of an iceberg.” She challenged everyone to drive through that intersection and see for themselves = ‘take your time.’ She also challenged everybody to talk to friends and relatives about ‘uncontrolled intersections.’ Longer term, she thinks there needs to be more education about uncontrolled intersections, which folks from other areas might not fully understand.
SDOT: Talking about other intersections, SDOT’s Ching Chan was a guest via video connection. First, an update on Fauntleroy/Rose – the crossing improvements are “moving forward” and they’re working with consultants on the “design concept … evaluating the different treatment options” – they’re hoping to have a concept soon, with construction sometime nect year. Might be a rapid flashing beacon, might be a signal. Is lighting being considered? Chan said she’d find out and get back to the group. Meantime, she reiterated that, as noted earlier this year, Fauntleroy/California is not a good candidate for a walk-all-ways treatment – it might lead to unacceptable wait times for all users, among other problems. Attendees continued offering reasons why safety improvements are needed, including bus-related backups from the RapidRide stops on California NB north of the intersection and westbound Fauntleroy west of the intersection.
HIGHLAND PARK WAY: MoCA joined in the multi-group
letter offering alternatives to the proposed elimination of a downhill lane on Highland Park Way SW, expressing concern that it is important to keep at full width in case it’s needed again as a relief valve for getting traffic off the peninsula. They’re meeting at 4 pm Oct, 29 to walk from the top to the bottom. “This is such a key corridor for West Seattle, so MoCA decided that articulating some concerns” was called for. West Seattle Bike Connections and the Highland Park Action Committee are involved too.
ZONING MAPS: As reported here earlier in the day, the city has come out with new proposals for zoning.
CITY COUNCIL RACE: Neither candidate for the citywide Position 8 seat was available – appointed incumbent Tanya Woo had to be at the council budget hearing (which ran past 10 pm); challenger Alexis Mercedes Rinck was ailing. So their campaign managers spoke in their stead.
NEXT MEETING: Watch MoCA’s website for word of the next meeting, third Wednesday in January.
Lindsey reports this is on her planting strip at 31st/104th in Arbor Heights:
She says the trailer has a watercraft and unsecured paddles plus “various things wrapped in tarps that I’m too afraid to unwrap.” It’s been there since last week. She’s reported it but also hoping posting it might reach the owner(s).
FRIDAY UPDATE: Lindsay commented below that the owner has been found.
As we continue showcasing Halloween decorations around West Seattle – two weeks until the spookiest night of the year! – here’s one texted from Gatewood, centering on a window display, near 37th/Ida. Got something to show your West Seattle neighbors? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! (See what we’ve already shown by scrolling through this archive.)
The wraparound mural at the Center for Active Living is close to complete. Muralist Brady Black has been working on it for a little over a week now; the photo above was sent by Nico on Tuesday. We checked with center executive director Amy Lee Derenthal today; she confirmed it’s “almost done,” with the on-and-off rain delaying the work a bit.
By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The team working on the Alki playground renovation project as part of the larger rebuild of Alki Elementary School is continuing to gather community feedback, and held a public meeting on Wednesday afternoon at the Alki Beach Bathhouse to get input from neighbors and to provide updates about the design process.
Back in early October, the team launched an online Alki Park Improvements – Play Equipment Survey, which will remain open for one more week (likely closing on Thursday Oct. 24th). The public is encouraged to take this survey and submit feedback regarding three possible options (from three different equipment vendors) for the “play equipment area” of the park (see top-left in the image above). The project area is on the north side of the school and the south side of Alki Playfield.
Here is a link to a PDF with high-resolution images of the three design options. Those same visuals were printed and on display in the public meeting on Wednesday, with questions being answered by team members including Matt Olszewski (first photo below) and Will Shrader (second photo below), both from Osborn Consulting, an engineering and consulting company that’s working on the project:
Liz Browning from Osborn was also in attendance, along with team members including project manager Brian Fabella from Seattle Public Schools and Rhys Harrington from Seattle Parks. The event drew a steady crowd throughout the afternoon:
Team members said that this meeting and the new survey represents the second round of feedback gathering, following up on “round one” which was a prior survey and public event on Alki earlier this summer. This latest round of feedback is a chance for the community to provide input on the play area and the preferred play equipment options, to help guide the final project designs for the playground renovation.
The new Alki Elementary is expected to be completed and open when classes start in fall of 2026, with the playground construction starting in spring 2026 and also finishing before school starts.
Just out of the WSB inbox:
I’m a STEM Educator at West Seattle Elementary, and my students are working to answer the question, “How can we create the best city?” They will be learning from city planners and architects and interviewing community members to learn about the needs of our neighborhood and the basics of city planning. Afterward, they will use this knowledge to design and build a model of their city using Legos.
We need many Lego bricks to bring these ideas to life! We are requesting donations of any new or used Lego pieces to support this project. Any support will give students the materials they need to deepen their understanding of sustained inquiry, teamwork, and creative problem-solving.
Lego donations can be dropped off at West Seattle Elementary (6760 34th SW) between 9 AM and 2 PM. Alternatively, individuals can contact me directly at cheyanne.chadwick@stempaths.org to arrange a pick-up.
12:18 PM: Thanks for the tips. The West Seattle low bridge has been having trouble off and on for the past hour. It’s closed again right now, so avoid it TFN.
12:50 PM: Live camera shows it’s working again.
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