West Seattle, Washington
14 Thursday
With ballot-mailing season just days away, we checked for the first time in a while to see if either of West Seattle’s drive-up/ride-up post-office mailboxes had been returned. The photo above is from the Westwood post office (2721 SW Trenton), where this box’s predecessor had been removed for repairs last month. Note that the new box is the bigger old-style drive-up/ride-up type. We also checked at the West Seattle Junction post office (4412 California SW), which has been without an outdoor mailbox since the last one was stolen almost a year ago. Still no replacement, though a USPS spokesperson told us last month that they do intend to install a new one but were still waiting for it (we’ll check back with her next week after the holiday).
In a doubleheader last night at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, both high-school varsity football teams scored victories by keeping their opponents scoreless. West Seattle High School (3-3) opened the night against Lakeside, winning 13-0; Chief Sealth International High School (5-1) closed the night with a 50-0 win over Cleveland. Next Friday (October 18), WSHS plays Ingraham at NCSWAC at 4:30 pm, while CSIHS is on the road, 7:45 pm at Nathan Hale.
(Caterpillar on a fall flower – photo by Rosalie Miller)
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.
(added) COMMUNITY CIDER PRESSING: Celebrate the season with a fresh fall beverage!
Join us for a hot cup of cider at the Arbor Heights School Garden (South Side of the School Building on 105th) between 9 am and 1 pm. We rented an electric press through City Fruit, so the cider making is quick and efficient. Bring apples if you would like to press your own cider to take home. Don’t forget to bring empty jugs.
WATCH THE HUSKIES: The Bridge (California/Graham) is opening early if you want to watch the 9 am UW-Iowa game.
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 Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW).
WEST SEATTLE SKI SWAP, DAY 1: Biggest Ski Swap ever, we’re told, with double the consigned items – so go shop and get ready for snow season with some great deals! 10 am-5 pm at West Seattle’s VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska), presented by Mountain to Sound Outfitters.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: West Seattle has TWO farmers’ markets every weekend right now! 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.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Gardening season isn’t over yet! (Is it ever?) Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.
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)
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).
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).
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.
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: 2 pm in the St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church parking lot, bring your pet – on leash or in carrier – for this annual tradition. Free. (3050 California SW)
PAUL GERARD, LIVE: 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)
DAVE NACHMANOFF & FRIENDS, LIVE: Performing at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7 pm doors, 7:30 pm show, tickets here.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, Soul Focus FM. (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!
1:27 AM: Happening right now – police and fire are responding to what’s reported to be a flipped-vehicle crash toward the north end of California SW, involving a driver suspected in a hit-run by Seacrest. Officers report they have one person in custody at the California crash scene. The flipped vehicle (we don’t actually know so far if it’s on its roof or side, as authorities tend to use “rollover” to describe both circumstances) is reported to be a Chevrolet Colorado truck.
1:44 AM: The truck has since been described as off the road, flipped, minus one or two wheels. Meantime, one person at the hit-run scene is reported to be injured.
10:57 PM: 911 got a call about racing on Harbor Avenue and Guardian One happened to overhear the dispatch, so volunteered to help with the response.
11:01 PM: After several circles, the helicopter has left our area, headed south.
11:10 PM: Now Guardian One is doing wide loops over South Delridge, White Center, and Arbor Heights. SPD radio is quiet; we’re checking KCSO.
11:18 PM: They’re doing a ground search too in the 22nd SW and SW 97th vicinity, but for what/who, we don’t yet know – except that it apparently involves looking for a car.
11:25 PM: They looked at a possibility but it apparently was an unoccupied vehicle that was not what they were looking for, so the helicopter has moved on. We’ll go back into KCSO dispatch archives a bit to see if the recording clarifies what this was about.
11:48 PM: Archived audio indicates that Guardian One picked up a Lojack signal from a stolen car in that area, a 2006 Jeep Wrangler, stolen within Seattle city limits but pinging to somewhere in the aforementioned area, and they asked if ground crews were available to help look for it. (added) Continuing to listen, they did find the car, abandoned. So that’s when the helicopter left and deputies on the ground took over.
(File photo)
Three months ago, we told you that Luna Park Café proprietor John Bennett had, after 35 years, decided to find a new owner for his restaurant. Now the search is over. We discovered this via a routine check of liquor-license applications – one way to learn about new establishments or new owners for existing ones – and followed up with Bennett, who confirmed the sale:
I did sell Luna Park Cafe after over 35 years of ownership. I started building out the restaurant in 1988 in what was Pat and Ron’s tavern. I opened the day after St Patrick’s Day 1989. I carefully vetted all the people who made offers. I feel I picked the right person to take over for the next 35 years. I physically worked at the restaurant for 4 months before I sold it. It was great to talk to all the longtime customers and work with an amazing staff. It was bittersweet to sell, but I need to move on toward retirement.
The new owner is Heong Soon Park, already an accomplished restaurateur – his restaurants include Bacco Café at Pike Place Market, Chan Seattle in the Paramount Hotel, and Cheese Room Seattle on Capitol Hill (which took over the longtime Ristorante Machiavelli space). Via email, we asked the new owner if any changes are ahead for Luna Park Café. He replied, “Luna Park will stay the same, I will be working on improving food and some service, but only to make it better, I promised John to keep for another 30 years to keep his legacy and I want to keep my promise.” For now the hours will remain 8 am-3 pm daily, but Park adds, “We are planning to open for the evening next year. I have a lot of things to digest before I go further.” But he stresses he’s in it for the long haul: “I am improving Luna Park to make it better and can last another 30 years. Who know who will be taking over after 30 years; hopefully my kids. But give me some time, I will promise you to make it better in every way and be the #1 West Seattle go-to spot!!” (Never been to Luna Park Café? 2918 SW Avalon Way.)
Once again this year, Dirk at 37th/Graham is putting on a Halloween lights-and-music (tune to 87.9 FM when nearby) extravaganza, and that’s what we’re featuring tonight as our Halloween-decoration spotlights continue.
Twice as many lights as last year, Dirk says, and the music is inspired by Hans Zimmer‘s recent live performance, including movie music from James Bond (in the clip above), Dune, Wonder Woman, Interstellar, Pirates of the Caribbean, and likely more. This show may not be running every evening until next Friday, so if you happen by and it’s not on, put it on your list for next weekend and beyond. Not particularly spooky music, but hey, how many times in one season do you want to hear “Thriller”? Dirk, by the way, is very interested in feedback, especially on the music, so when you see the full show, come back here to comment! (All our Halloween-related coverage, including decorations, is archived and scrollable here. And if you have decoration pics and/or video to share, westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!)
The night after the Northern Lights, another spectacular show in the West Seattle sky – a showy sunset. Thanks to everyone who’s sent photos! The one above is from Brooke Gosztola; below, from Tom Trulin, by the Fauntleroy ferry dock:
This one is from John Denault in Highland Park:
You might have noticed the rainbow in the east before sunset – Jerry Simmons caught this image:
We might have a few more to add – check back!
At least three West Seattle cases are among almost 80 robberies and other violent crimes that police are linking to four teenagers they arrested Thursday in Federal Way. From this afternoon’s announcement, made by Seattle Police, who say other agencies were involved:
On September 5th, many King County police agencies began investigating a rash of violent robberies, carjackings, burglaries, and shootings. This crime spree has totaled 78 known cases throughout King County alone. This group is responsible for at least 22 Seattle cases, most of which are armed robberies.
The targets of the majority of these robberies were gas stations as well as late-night fast-food restaurants. The group would often consist of 2-3 males wearing face masks and hooded clothing. The suspects would show up in a stolen vehicle which was either taken in a vehicle theft or a carjacking. They would enter the store, prop the door open, and point guns directly at the employees demanding they open the cash register. In many cases they would destroy computers they believed were tied to surveillance footage.
With probable cause generated by the Seattle Police Robbery Unit, we conducted surveillance with assistance from the Gun Violence Reduction Unit (GVRU) on a location where these suspects were known to frequent in Federal Way. While on this surveillance operation, detectives armed with knowledge of a recent Bellevue carjacking that had just occurred roughly 30-40 minutes prior, observed the suspects pulling into the parking lot of this apartment complex. Seattle Police SWAT operators were mobilized as were King County’s Guardian One helicopter and K9 units. The suspects then exited the apartment unit and got back into the stolen Mercedes and drove away.
With helicopter surveillance, a tire-deflation device, SWAT officers, and a foot pursuit, they finally arrested the suspects; the SPD Blotter post gets into those details. SPD’s post also includes this map showing some of the locations, including three in West Seattle:
We don’t have a list cross-referencing the locations/numbers to incidents, and no charges are yet filed referring to specific incidents (that’s expected next week). But during a briefing at HQ this afternoon (we weren’t able to go downtown but watched via regional-media stream – update: SPD has now made the video available here), a detective specifically mentioned the September 30th incident at the 16th/Holden 7-11, in which a would-be robber tried to shoot his way into the (locked) store, so that’s one of the cases.
WHAT’S HAPPENED SINCE THE ARRESTS: The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says the lone adult, an 18-year-old, had an appearance this afternoon. He was initially arrested for investigation of unlawful gun possession. Prosecutors asked for $200,000 bail; a judge set it at $100,000. Police say the gun was stolen, and that he is ineligible to possess any gun because he’s a convicted felon. (Juvenile court records show he pleaded guilty in two robbery cases.)
Of the juveniles, here’s what KCPAO spokesperson Casey McNerthney said has happened so far:
A 16-year-old arrested was in court Friday afternoon for a 1:30 p.m. hearing the Clark Child and Family Justice Center. He was arrested for investigation of robbery and investigation of unlawful possession of a firearm for two different offense dates. Prosecutors asked for him to be held in custody. (In juvenile court in King County, a bail amount is not argued – it’s either in our out of custody, which is decided by the Court). The Court found probable cause for Robbery in the First Degree and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. He remains in custody. King County prosecutors anticipate receiving a case from police investigators for a charging decision by Tuesday, Oct. 15. In juvenile cases statewide, first appearance document are not available in juvenile cases the same way they are in adult cases, in line with state law. Police narratives are available after charges are filed and charging decisions have been made by prosecutors – and that comes after law enforcement investigators make a full case referral (which is anticipated for these specific allegations on Oct. 15).
A 15-year-old was arrested on a warrant for a previous case that he is on supervision for. In August 2024, the teen was sentenced through traditional prosecution for Taking a Motor Vehicle Without Permission in the Second Degree and Robbery in the Second Degree and was granted a suspended disposition alternative by the Court, as authorized by law. When the 15-year-old did not follow his court-ordered terms, King County prosecutors made a motion for a bench warrant on August 22, 2024. The 15-year-old was arrested Thursday on that warrant. King County prosecutors asked for the Court to hold him in custody, and the Court held him in custody after hearing from both sides. (Again, there is not a bail amount set in juvenile court – it’s either in or out of custody.) A new case or new first appearance document for the 15-year-old has not been referred to King County prosecutors at this point.
Another 16-year-old was identified by police in this investigation, but it does not appear he was formally booked. Information for a first appearance hearing for that 16-year-old has not been sent to King County prosecutors. (Arrest and booking decisions are separate from prosecutors.) If prosecutors receive a case referral, it will be reviewed for a charging decision and police can send cases anytime within the statute of limitations.
3:45 PM: Thanks for the tip. Vehicles are not being allowed to cross the West Seattle low bridge right now. SDOT says the bridge is having “technical issues.” According to one texter, the bike/foot path is open, though. Updates to come.
4:22 PM: Live camera just showed the gates raising from the vehicle lanes and traffic moving again.
Three incidents in West Seattle Crime Watch:
CRASH-AND-GRAB ATTEMPT: That security video shows would-be burglars trying to crash their way into Seamart at 16th/Holden early this morning. The owner called police around 7:15 am after arriving and discovering the door glass shattered. We went over to follow up; he provided us with the security video and said that, as it shows, the would-be burglars backed into the front of the store twice, but then drove away without getting into the store. If you have any information, the incident # is 24-288674.
Two reader reports:
GARAGE PROWLER: This happened in a garage at 35th and Graham:
At 1:42 AM on Wednesday the 8th, a femme-looking stranger trespassed into our building’s garage from Graham Street, wearing a dark baseball cap with a circular logo on the front, pulled low to cover their face, and also wore glasses on their face. They entered our garbage room and closed the door behind them, peeked out a few times, and when they left the room after about 15 minutes their cap and glasses were gone.
They had changed out of their pants into either shorts or a skirt, and was wearing a different t-shirt. They then tested a locked door nearby before exiting the garage and walking north along the alley between 35th and 36th.
This incident # is 24-287961.
DECORATIONS STOLEN: “Frustrated in Fauntleroy” emailed to report, “We had our ‘Nightmare Before Halloween’ decorations stolen from in front of our house (Tuesday) night.” Online temporary report # T00013437.
(WSB photo, THEM at Easy Street Records in July)
Hot headliners will rock your world at Friendsgiving, benefiting arts education for all, via Mode Music and Performing Arts – nonprofit offshoot of Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor). Tickets are available now, while they last, and this announcement has full details:
Mode Music and Performing Arts (MMPA) is excited to announce its annual Friendsgiving Fundraiser Dinner and Auction, set to take place on Friday, November 8, 2024, at Emerald City Trapeze Arts. The event will run from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM and promises a memorable evening filled with live performances, delicious food, and unique auction items — all to support a great cause.
The Friendsgiving event aims to raise funds for MMPA’s vital programs, which provide access to arts education for children across Seattle who might not otherwise have the opportunity. These programs include after-school arts enrichment, in-school arts programs, pay-what-you-can group classes and camps, and private-lesson scholarships for music instruction, ensuring that every child has the chance to explore their creativity through the arts.
Event highlights include:
-Special performances by THEM and Brittany Davis, and Mode students and staff
-Live and silent auctions
-Dinner provided by Blue Ribbon Catering with drinks included
-Emcéed by KEXP DJ Troy NelsonMMPA is grateful for the generous support of Perfect Day Games, whose sponsorship has helped make this event possible.
“We are proud to continue our mission of creating accessible and equitable arts education for all children,” said Erin Rubin, Founder of MMPA. “Friendsgiving is a celebration of community and creativity and we’re so excited to get together with supporters for a fun evening that directly benefits Seattle’s youth.”
Tickets are available now and can be purchased online at auctria.events/Friendsgiving2024 . Those who can’t attend can also support the fundraiser with a donation through the event website. Sponsorships and donations to the auction can still be made through the contact below or through the event website.
MMPA is based in North Delridge; the event venue (Emerald City) is at 2702 6th Ave. S. in nearby SODO.
The twice-yearly “Observation Blitz” campaigns at Nucor‘s West Seattle steel plant has benefits beyond worker safety. It also raises money for West Seattle-founded, White Center-based WestSide Baby to support its work helping babies, kids, and their families. Here’s how the “blitz” is explained: “Nucor challenges their teammates to complete as many safety observations as possible and donates $5, for every observation completed.” Nucor team members stopped by WS Baby on Thursday for a ceremonial check presentation from this year’s campaign, making a donation of $15,800. WS Baby spokesperson Morgan McGinn tells WSB, “Nucor has supported WestSide Baby for going on 11 years now … Our team is so grateful for their commitment to community and giving back.” (You can help WS Baby too – this page will point you to six possibilities.)
(Photo by Jerry Simmons)
Before we get any further into Friday, check out 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):
PET FOOD DONATION DRIVE: Reminder that this continues at All The Best Pet Care (4722 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor), as announced last week – open until 7:30 pm tonight.
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 until 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, open until 3 pm.
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).
MEETUP/LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: 3:30 pm, meet-and-greet and EP listening party with Meg Smith, purchase required for the meet-and-greet, at Easy Street Records (4559 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).
FOOTBALL: Two games tonight at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – West Seattle HS (2-3) vs. Lakeside at 4:30 pm, Chief Sealth IHS (4-1) vs. Cleveland at 7:30 pm.
BENEFIT SHOW FOR/AT THE SKYLARK: Doors 7 pm, music 8 pm, Rain City Rewind, Pirate Radio, The Justin DePaola Band playing to raise money for The Skylark‘s light-rail-required move, $10 suggested donation, 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
KENYON HALL CABARET: 7 pm drag show, limited tickets at the door. (7904 35th SW)
SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE: 7-9 pm, monthly showcase 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.
THE SLAGS: Local faves live at West Seattle Brewing (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW), 8 pm, no cover.
MAKE IT LOUD: Tonight’s bands at Southgate Roller Rink are Danava, Whythre, Melancholia. 9 pm doors, $18 cover, $5 skates, 21+. (9646 17th SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Chocolate Chuck 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!
(WSB photo, 2023 West Seattle Ski Swap)
If you have skis, snowboards, and/or other gear to sell at this weekend’s West Seattle Ski Swap, but you’re not registered yet, hurry and get it done – 6 pm tonight is the deadline for signups. Here’s where to go to do that; the window for dropping off your item(s) is 3-7 pm today. The dropoff, and Ski Swap, location is the VFW Hall at 3601 SW Alaska (across the street from Ski Swap sponsor Mountain to Sound Outfitters); sale hours are 10-5 tomorrow and 10-4 Sunday (October 12-13).
6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, October 11th.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunny weekend, but first, clouds are forecast for today, high in the low 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:23 am, while sunset will be at 6:27 pm.
(Wednesday sunset at Lincoln Park, photo by Rob Christian)
NO SCHOOL
Most students are out of school today because of a staff in-service day.
ROAD WORK
*The Highway 99 tunnel will close for maintenance and inspections 10 pm tonight to 6 am Sunday – as its first “six-year inspection” is completed (explained here).
*That’s just one of several major closures around the region this weekend – the others are further from West Seattle, but you might still need to know, so here’s the full list.
*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 later this month, exact date TBA. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
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. Summer season is ending – tonight’s the last night with later sailings, until spring.
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!
2:56 AM: What you see in the lower left of that cropped zoomed-in shot from a traffic camera is a flipped car involved in a two-car collision on the westbound side of SW Roxbury at 30th SW. Police are telling dispatch that nobody’s at the scene, and at least one of the cars, a Kia Soul, is stolen. The other car, a Hyundai Elantra, has not been reported as stolen, but they’ll be checking with its owner.
3:51 AM: Tow crews and police have just cleared the scene. Meantime, thanks to the reader who sent that pic of the crash scene before police got there (and after everyone fled) – from it, we see the Soul was the flipped vehicle.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Though the motion approved by a Sound Transit Board committee today recommends the West Seattle light-rail “project to be built,” committee members needed to be amply reassured that their vote was not a commitment that it will be built.
They got that reassurance from Terri Mestas, ST’s deputy CEO of megaproject delivery. She told System Expansion Committee members the board would have other milestone votes before a commitment to construction, while stressing that moving the project further along the design path was the only way to resolve some of the concerns.
Committee chair King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci of Bellevue observed that there are “some big questions besides cost.” But it’s the potential $7 billion price tag, which emerged with the Final Environmental Impact Statement last month, that hung in the air throughout the discussion.
7:05 PM: As it gets dark, the factors remain promising for aurora visibility again! West Seattle skywatcher/educator Alice Enevoldsen has updated her aurora-viewing tips. West Seattle photographer Kevin Freitas sent a community invitation:
Join me tonight ~8:45pm down on Alki (64th & Alki) for some aurora viewing. This area has a great view to the north that’s relatively dark from city light pollution. Regardless, looking at photos from the east coast and elsewhere, this could be a good one and visible from wherever you are. I’ll be the guy in the bright yellow stocking cap. Bundle up because it could be cold down there!
We’ll update as the evening progresses.
7:54 PM: First photo in, via text, from a Junction-area rooftop:
Geomagnetic activity is currently well into “storm level” per this page.
8:59 PM: Alki seems to be the viewing spot of choice. Carol Ann Joyce sent this photo, one of several we’ve received from people at the beach (thank you!):
9:58 PM: Two more photos from Alki – first, from the VanCooten family:
And from Kevin Freitas, who, as mentioned above, went to the beach to lead a viewing/photo session:
10:14 PM: Also from Alki, Rosalie Miller just sent this:
6:10 PM: Our first stop on tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk – Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), where Jessie Summa Russo is the guest artist. She’s highlighting work made with oil and cold wax on collage. And in addition to Viscon wines – you’ll find a table full of snacks (while they last):
From North Admiral to Morgan Junction, you have many choices for tonight’s Art Walk – see the map here, and venues’ featured artists here! Plus the Art of Music‘s three mini-concerts, until 7:45.
6:37 PM: Our second stop was one of the Art of Music hosts, Alki Arts (6030 California SW):
Terra Nova Duo is serenading Art Walk-ers there, while gallery proprietor Diane Venti hosts a multi-artist show – more on that, and photos, shortly!
6:53 PM: Diane explained that she chose “Rising Above” as the theme of the show – and the participating artists rose to the challenge.
Joanne Shellan (above) explains that she took inspiration from literally rising above – a flight in a private plane piloted by a friend. The work of Steffanie Lorig (below) is symbolic – “each animal represents strength, hope, and resilience.”
Also participating in the Alki Arts show – with a reception until 8 tonight – are Lisa Lamoureux and Steve Jensen.
We’ve been mentioning that SDOT says “a bit” of work remains to be done for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project (the SSV is the extension of the West Seattle Bridge between Highway 99 and I-5). SDOT told us late today that some of that work will be done overnight tonight, so one lane closure is planned, the inside left westbound lane, 8 pm to 6 am.
(Added: WSB photo, from South Delridge)
Just in case you missed Wednesday’s hubbub about three U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters from Joint Base Lewis McChord circling in our area, the base finally officially confirmed they were training for a flyover at tonight’s Seahawks game. The game’s about half an hour away and the helicopters are back; we just saw them flying eastward over White Center.
(Added: Photo by Jerry Simmons)
(WSB file photo)
Five months ago, we reported on Cupcake Royale‘s statement that they would eventually close its West Seattle cafés (and its others). No timeline, at the time. Now there is one – next Monday is CR’s last WS day. Here’s the announcement we received from proprietor Jody Hall:
Thank you and farewell West Seattle!
We are closing our West Seattle location. Our last day is Monday, October 14.
Come visit us!A love note from Jody – founder & ceo:
Thank you. We’ve called this corner in the Alaska Junction home for 19 years. Thanks for being a part of our journey and story. Thank you for including us into your family and celebrations. It’s been an absolute honor and pleasure to have been a part of the West Seattle community. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
West Seattle was our third location in as many years after opening one of the nation’s first cupcake shops in 2003. You may recall that we announced earlier this year that we planned to close our locations once we found new tenants to take over our leases. We did this because we knew we wouldn’t survive if we continued business as usual.
Don’t fret! Cupcake Royale will still be making the city’s best cupcakes! While we’re closing our cafes (Madrona is still open – our last of the original cafes), we are NOT CLOSING Cupcake Royale. In fact, we’re expanding. We’re opening a new location on Capitol Hill (1102 E Pike Street & 11th) – across from the old Cupcake Royale locations. It’s 300sf vs 3,000sf. Our bakery in South Park (a hop-skip from West Seattle!) is also open to the public for pre-order pick ups. In fact, we’re excited to narrow our focus and team on just cupcakes – made every day, from scratch with real ingredients–from the oven to your belly.
SO COME VISIT US IN WEST SEATTLE – OUR LAST DAY IS MONDAY OCT 14!
Jody will be at the cafe over the weekend to say thanks – open 10a to 5p thru Monday. Come by and grab a box to enjoy and share with pals. We’ll have a yard sale of some classic merch and other treasures too. We’d love to see you and thank you for the love.
We invite you to continue to support our business!
Order online at CupcakeRoyale.com.
Pre-order the day before for best pricing!
Delivery available in Seattle & Bellevue.
Visit our Cafe in Capitol Hill: 1102 E Pike St
Visit our Bakery in South Park: 1605 S 93rd St
Keep it Royale West Seattle!
Thank you!
Jody
We’re following up on what’s ahead for the space.
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