West Seattle, Washington
20 Sunday
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:58 AM: Good morning. No incidents in/from West Seattle right now.
ROAD-WORK ALERTS: The Spokane St. project east of the low bridge continues – here’s the newest information … As noted here last night, SDOT crews are scheduled to be working on Beach Drive SW south of 61st SW the next three days.
VIADUCT CLOSURE NEXT WEEKEND: Reminder that the Alaskan Way Viaduct’s twice-yearly inspection/maintenance closure is set for next weekend, Saturday-Sunday, October 8-9, 6 am-6 pm both days (and if it ends early, as often happens, we’ll let you know ASAP here).
FERRY NOTE: One vessel on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run is being downsized, with the Tillikum being brought in to replace the Kitsap.
7:42 AM: We mentioned in our weekend preview of the Viaduct closure that WSDOT expected tunneling might pass the halfway mark this weekend. Just announced – it did (full announcement here). The current estimate for the tunnel to open is early 2019.
8:27 AM: While down on Beach Drive checking on the whale-sighting report, we passed the SDOT crews. Clearly a big tear-up-and-replace paving project. A separate ongoing utility project just north of 61st, on the south end of Constellation Park, continues too, so please be careful in the area (please don’t be like the driver who, when we slowed for the road crew, revved up, sped up to pass us, only to realize in half a block that s/he was in danger of mowing down workers in two work zones).
Go have fun without leaving your dog at home OR in the car! Just announced:
Furry Faces Foundation Announces our first ever Mutts ‘n Martinis… a yappy hour.
Get your cocktail attitude on and bring your dog! Local guest bartenders each feature their signature drink; delish noshes; dog bakery truck; dog games; two rescue groups; a dog ruff-le; silent auction; and more. You don’t have to bring a dog to attend…you just need to love dogs like we do.
Date: October 15th
Time: 4 pm – 7 pm
Location: Stay! Doggie Daycare & Boarding, 10027 14th Ave SWGuest Bartenders from
-Smarty Pants Garage
-Whisky West
-OutWestTwo Local Rescue Groups
-Animal Aid & Rescue Foundation
-Emerald City Pet RescueSpecial Guests
-Cascade Heights Veterinary Center
-The Seattle Barkery – a food truck for dogs
Limited number of tickets, so buy yours ASAP. Dog tickets are $5 – buy here. Human tickets are $20 – buy here. If you’d rather buy in person, go to Pet Elements (6511 California SW), Wash Dog (6400 California SW), or Stay! (10027 14th SW).
P.S. Furry Faces says this is an indoor/outdoor event; ID required for humans “even if you are 95 years young”; and “dogs must be spay or neutered, dog-friendly, and up to date on vaccines, in order to partake.”
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
Not all graduations happen in summer. Last night in West Seattle, 112 graduates were cheered and applauded at a banquet and ceremony marking their success in a paid-training program that launches them into good-paying jobs in a field where there’s much demand. You’d think there would be a waiting list for a program like that, right? Not so – it’s looking for more applicants! More on that after we get back to more about the event.
The Puget Sound Electrical Apprenticeship Training Center graduation is what brought grads, family, friends, and educators to Brockey Center at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor).
The center provides the training required for certification as Construction Electricians, Low Voltage/Sound and Communication Electricians, or Residential Electricians. According to the announcement we received, “programs provide opportunities to ‘earn while you learn,’ through paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction that leads to high-paying careers in skilled trades.”
Like any graduation, this one honored exceptional achievements – academic excellence, perfect attendance, apprentice of the year. Two grads spoke, Karla Hemmelgarn and Aaron Martin, with praise for the program and exuberance about their future:
Special gifts awaited the grads – useful for their careers ahead:
While the program welcomes all qualified applicants (see the minimum requirements here), there are specific programs for veteran and female applicants, too. This year’s graduates, who ranged in age from 20s to 40s, included five women and 18 veterans. Find out more about the training options here; find out how to apply here.
ORIGINAL SUNDAY REPORT, 8:10 PM: No details or advance alert (any neighbors get one?) about this, but we’re writing about it as a precaution, given what happened with the no-notice pavement repairs on 35th SW last week: While out this evening, we noticed “no parking” signs along a stretch of Beach Drive SW just south of 61st SW [map]. This is the bumpy area that SDOT confirmed in January would be repaved “this summer.” The signs we saw tonight were placed on behalf of SDOT’s paving division, and are dated for 7 am tomorrow (October 3rd) through 5 pm Wednesday (October 5th). We’ll seek the details tomorrow morning.
ADDED MONDAY: After our inquiry to the SDOT communication team this morning, they published this, confirming it’s the long-awaited paving project.
More bicycles in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight (and SPD’s still looking for the owner of this one), but first…
CAR BREAK-IN IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Mike D, on 40th SW near SW 106th, reports:
I heard a car alarm going off this morning around 6 a.m. Turns out it was the neighbor’s car. But my car was the one that was opened and rummaged through. No forced entry; not sure how they got into the car – my car locks automatically when I walk away. I’m guessing they went up and down 40th checking cars. The neighbor said he saw an unfamiliar minivan.
Taken: A laptop and loose change.
WESTWOOD BIKE THEFT: “This bike wasn’t really worth much but, the thief entered my yard and took it unbeknownst to me or my tenant. Disturbing to say the least,” began Michelle, reporting the theft. We e-mailed back to ask about a photo; no, but: “Red mountain bike, nothing special, more concerned that people are getting bold enough to remove a lock, open a gate, and trespass while it was clear we were home!”
STOLEN? BIKE SPOTTED IN JACK BLOCK PARK: F sent this photo and report:
Walking in Jack Block with our puppy (Saturday) and saw an apparently abandoned bike leaned up against the power pole near the kids’ play area.
It may’ve been in the weather a bit, but looked serviceable (tires full, etc.)
We are getting ever-more reports of abandoned and likely stolen bikes, so if you are missing one, keep an eye on our crime-coverage archive.
If you haven’t answered the city’s survey about potential routes for the next West Seattle greenway – this is your last chance. (The greenway concept is explained here.) The survey contains questions about transportation topics above and beyond the greenway route, too. Answer the survey here. The project website also has an interactive map of route options with options for “liking” one or more and/or leaving comments. Whichever route is chosen, the greenway is targeted for a 2019 debut. (Our area has two greenways now, both in east West Seattle, shown in green on the map above.)
Want to see change in your neighborhood? One easy way is to jump in with the people who are already working on it – but can’t do it alone – your all-volunteer community council. Next West Seattle group to meet is the Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council, 6:15 pm tomorrow (Monday, October 3rd), at Southwest Library (35th/Henderson). Agenda items include following up on July’s Find It, Fix It Walk (WSB coverage here) and information about the new Westside Neighbors Network. See the full agenda preview in our calendar listing – and if the issue that interests you isn’t featured, show up and speak up!
Wednesday is your last chance for discounted early-bird tickets to the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Champagne Gala Brunch – which will feature an auction item donated by a star with West Seattle roots:
Dyan Cannon was Diane Friesen in her West Seattle days. Meantime, the discount deadline on Wednesday (October 5th) will be exactly one month before the November 5th “Loving Our Landmarks” gala (for which WSB is a media sponsor). Her donation will be part of a live-auction item the SWSHS is calling the “Hollywood Star Tour of West Seattle.” Be there November 5th at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor)! Get your ticket here before the price goes up.
(Photo courtesy 100 Women Who Care)
Show you care! You’re invited to join 100 Women Who Care as they gather Wednesday to choose their next local beneficiary – or, there are other ways to help. Here’s the invitation and explanation:
This past June, the 100 Women Who Care giving circle chose West Seattle Food Bank for their donation of $3,800 to support the Backpack Program.
They are a group of women who lead busy lives but want to do some good in the community. They meet 3 times a year and agree to help one local charity in a really BIG way…….
100 people x $100 = $10,000 impact to a charity chosen by the group.
Come join 100 Women Who Care to choose the next charity to receive their donation. The charities up for vote are: The Tears Foundation, Major Taylor Project, Ladybug House.
If you join prior to the event – Make a Commitment – you get to nominate your favorite charities for selection at our October 5th (Wednesday) event. See their website for more information. Invite your friends and join us for the evening.
P.S. If you are unable to attend, there is online voting. If you have any questions, please e-mail 100womenseattle@gmail.com
WSDOT‘s big alert announcement is expected tomorrow, but in the meantime, we brought you early warning September 22nd that next weekend (Saturday-Sunday, October 8-9) will bring the next twice-yearly inspection/maintenance closure of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, and we’re reminding you again today. This is scheduled once again as a shutdown 6 am-6 pm each day, but recent closures have tended to end early.
Also note, next Saturday’s closure will include a stretch north of the Battery Street Tunnel, between Denny Way and Valley Street, 6 am-3 pm, with Valley remaining open for detours.
P.S. We also expect to hear tomorrow if the Highway 99 tunneling machine has passed the halfway point along its 9,270-foot route – WSDOT updates this page on Mondays and Thursdays, and as of three days ago, it was less than 100 feet from that milestone.
(2 of about half a dozen harbor porpoises seen off Alki Point Friday – photographed by Gary Jones)
Happy Sunday! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
MAKING THE MOSSES AND WILDFLOWERS GROW: With naturalist Stewart Wechsler, 10 am-1 pm at Lincoln Park – details on his website, including preregistration information. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm – the market continues its weekly sessions in the street year-round. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: 1-2:30 pm, St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church offers the traditional blessings for your pet(s) in the West Seattle High School parking lot just north of the church. (3000 California SW)
SPIDERS OF THE DUWAMISH: 1-3 pm, learn about them at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse; naturalist Jeff Rahlmann gives a talk and then leads a walk in nearby Herring House Park.
Details in our calendar listing. Free. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
SOUTHWEST LIBRARY ARTISTS’ RECEPTION: 2 pm, meet your neighbors showing work in this year’s Community Artist Showcase at Southwest Library. Free coffee and dessert. (35th SW/SW Henderson)
TOTE BAG GIVEAWAY: While you’re at Southwest Library, starting at 2 pm, the Friends of The Seattle Public Library is giving away tote bags in honor of its 75th anniversary, while they last. (35th SW/SW Henderson)
SEATTLE WRITES – CONFLICT: Author Karen Finneyfrock will help writers work with conflict, “the machine of fiction,” in a free 2 pm workshop at the Delridge Library, as part of Seattle Writes. (5423 Delridge Way SW)
SCRATCHDOG STRINGBAND: 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), “Americana/rockgrass” trio from Portland performs. (5612 California SW)
In tonight’s West Seattle Crime Watch roundup:
PELLET-GUN SHOOTING IN LINCOLN PARK: The victim e-mailed us tonight with this report:
As I was jogging in Lincoln Park on Friday, September 30th, around 5:15 pm, I was heading downhill on the the trail directly above Colman Pool. I felt a sharp stinging pain in my chest, and realized I had just been shot with something! I saw two Caucasian boys, in their early teens, hiding in the brush above the trail. As I went towards them, they tried to hide themselves with their shirts and ran off! When I got home, I found the pellet in my shirt and the pellet had broken the skin. Just wanted to get the word out! Be aware!
CAR STOLEN IN GATEWOOD: From Melissa: “We had our white 2000 Honda CR-V, WA plate ASK3577, stolen from the front of our home. It did have a club attached to the wheel; officer said thieves come with their own wheel and swap it out. If anyone sees the vehicle, please call the police.”
PLEA BARGAIN FOR REPEAT OFFENDER: In July, we reported on Taylor Church, a 26-year-old repeat property-crime offender arrested for prowling in Highland Park/South Delridge and then charged with burglary. Checking online records, we found that Church had reached a plea bargain and was sentenced on Friday afternoon. She pleaded guilty to residential burglary for a July break-in in the 9000 block of 17th SW. And she pleaded guilty to a drug violation from a May incident in which court documents say she was found in a community-center bathroom in Tukwila trying to inject heroin. Superior Court Judge William Downing sentenced her to time served – almost three months – plus the residential version of the Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative, which she is expected to begin on Monday – three to six months of residential treatment. It will be followed by two years of “community custody” (probation).
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
That’s Seattle Lutheran High School #88, senior Josh Meyer, celebrating with his teammates after the pass that won their game against Rainier Christian in overtime this afternoon at West Seattle Stadium, 64-56. With a flawless first half, Rainier Christian looked in danger of running away with the game, but failed to keep the momentum going, and Seattle Lutheran scored the comeback win.
The Saints tied the game with 35 seconds to go in the fourth as senior Isaiah Dowding-Albrecht (above) ran the ball in for the touchdown (one of two he scored today) and senior Roberto Duenaz (below) made the two-point conversion. Read More
Just this morning, we were asked via e-mail if The Admiral District would have its customary merchant trick-or-treating this year. The answer: Yes!
We checked in with Parris Sadow at Atomic Boys and she just happened to have the flyer (which is the official “we’re participating” sign for Admiral businesses) ready to send out. As you can see, trick-or-treating is set for 3-6 pm on the Friday before Halloween, October 28th. So we’ve just added it to the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar. There, it joins the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival (co-sponsored by WSB), which includes trick-or-treating, already announced for 10 am-2 pm Sunday, October 30th.
If you also have a public Halloween/harvest/autumn/etc. event to announce, please send us info ASAP so it can be in our calendar and on our special seasonal page – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!
1:23 PM: Be careful out there – several problems so far today on area roads, and right now the biggest one is on the Olson Place hill [map], where police are on the scene of a multiple-vehicle crash and it’s affecting traffic to/from Highway 509 and up the hill toward Myers Way. We’ll be heading over for an update.
1:59 PM UPDATE: If you get off 509 at Myers/Cloverdale, once you get up the hill you’ll be diverted southbound onto Myers. You won’t be able to get down from Roxbury to 509. SPD is directing traffic. Just added a texted photo – thank you!
3 PM: Olson Place has just reopened. The white powder currently on the road surface was applied by SDOT.
P.S. We don’t have any details about the crash itself but no medic unit was ever dispatched, which usually means no serious injuries.
(Photo courtesy Don Bereiter)
By the south entrance at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), you can do two good deeds in the span of a few feet. Above, David Knittel, Jeralee Knittel, and Alice Kuder are three of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate (WSB sponsor) reps who are collecting food and money for the West Seattle Food Bank until 2:30 pm. Below, Michele and Sophia are at the grill for Thriftway’s final benefit barbecue of the year, until about 3:45 pm – $5 gets you a fresh-grilled bratwurst, with all proceeds going to Team Seattle, raising money for Children’s Hospital.
(WSB photo)
Michele tells us the Team Seattle race car will be at Thriftway soon – watch for info on that.
A package thief hit Tiah near 39th and Manning on Friday. USPS says it delivered her package, containing “a high waisted black Victorian bustle skirt from ebay (Retroscope is the brand), at 10:58 am. When I arrived home, no package was to be found. Junk mail was still present in the mail box, so I’m not sure if they took any bills or any other sensitive mail. … (The skirt, worth $110) was for Halloween and as a teacher, I don’t have the funds to get another.”
After her first note, she sent this update: “1990 gray Honda Civic, older model. Larger, overweight man, black hair comb-over. A couple on 36th Ave saw the man rifle through the box, take out the skirt, and throw the packaging and box away in the trash bin of 3715 36th Ave SW.”
Morning rainbow! Thanks to James Bratsanos (above) and Lynn Hall (below) for the views.
(Lynn suggests it’s a tribute to the Huskies and Mariners, who both won last night – M’s play again at home tonight, 6:10 pm, still in wild-card contention.) Now on to what’s up for your Saturday:
PARKING-LOT SALE: Second and final day for Shorewood Christian School‘s parking-lot sale, 8:30 am-4 pm. (10300 28th SW)
(added) MILES FOR MIDWIVES: Didn’t have an announcement about this but we just saw the signs! This year’s Miles for Midwives fun(draising) run/walk starts at 10 am on the south end of Lincoln Park. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
YOU CAN HELP! DONATE FOOD: 10:30 am-2:30 pm, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate (WSB sponsor) will be at West Seattle Thriftway (also a WSB sponsor) to collect donations for the West Seattle Food Bank, both nonperishable food items and $. (4201 SW Morgan)
BENEFIT BARBECUE: While you’re at Thriftway donating food, buy a fresh-grilled brat for $5 from the store’s last benefit barbecue of the year. Charities are Team Seattle and Seattle Children’s Hospital. 11ish am-3ish pm. (4201 SW Morgan)
OPEN HOUSE #1: Children’s Academy of Seattle is having a 10 am-noon open house for its Spanish-immersion program, ages 2 months to 5 years. (9635 17th SW)
WHITE CENTER ‘BIKE PLAYGROUND’ OPENS: 11 am-1 pm, it’s the grand opening of the first “bike playground” of its kind, in White Center’s Dick Thurnau Memorial Park. (11050 10th SW)
COOKBOOK SIGNING: Noon-2 pm at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) in Admiral, meet cookbook author Kim O’Donnel and talk with her about “The Meat Lover’s Meatless Celebrations.” (41st/42nd/Admiral)
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: 1 pm at West Seattle Stadium, the Seattle Lutheran High School Saints are scheduled to play Rainier Christian. (4432 35th SW)
OPEN HOUSE #2: 1-4 pm, White Crane Wellness welcomes you to an open house to find out about its alternative-health-care services, now that it’s under new ownership. (3435 California SW)
CAMP COLMAN BEAN FEED IN WEST SEATTLE: 5:30 pm dinner and more, celebrating and supporting the Y’s Camp Colman, at West 5 in The Junction. Details in our calendar listing; pre-registration is closed but tickets will be available at the door. (4525 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE MEANINGFUL MOVIES … presents Michael Moore‘s “Where to Invade Next” – details in our calendar listing. Doors open 6:30 pm, movie at 7, “no charge, but donations gratefully received.) At Neighborhood House’s High Point Center. (6400 Sylvan Way)
DANCE MS: West Seattle Big Band headlines this benefit dance, raising money to fight multiple sclerosis. 7 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle; suggested $15 donation includes hors d’oeuvres and soft drinks. (SW Oregon/California SW)
‘THE LADIES WITH A SONG’: At Kenyon Hall tonight, 7:30 pm, Laurie Clothier in “The Ladies With a Song,” described as “a salute to the female entertainers of the 1940s and 1950s, starring Kenyon Hall favorite Laurie Clothier in a new one-woman show celebrating sixteen legendary performers, including Rosemary Clooney, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Ethel Merman, and Ginger Rogers. She’ll be accompanied at the Steinway by David Duvall.” (7904 35th SW)
‘GHOSTS’: ArtsWest‘s first production of the 2016-2017 season, curtain time 7:30 pm; info in our calendar listing. (4711 California SW)
PARLIAMENT’S FIRST ANNIVERSARY PARTY: 9 pm, help the Parliament Tavern celebrate its first anniversary! Live music with Gnarlene and The Frisky Pigs, The Black Chevys, Dynamite Nugget. 21+, no cover.
44TH STREET BLUES BAND: 9 pm at Poggie Tavern in The Junction – read more about them in our calendar listing. 21+, no cover. (4717 California SW)
3 BANDS AT SKYLARK: 9 pm, The Feral Folk, Tigers of Youth, and Finger Guns. 21+, $7 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
AND THERE’S MORE ... on our complete calendar. (West Seattle/White Center event to list? See the info atop the calendar to find out how to send yours in.)
7:20 AM: Thanks to the Atlas Place residents who texted to share the news of a water break in the south Beach Drive SW area. They woke up to no water, contacted Seattle Public Utilities, and were told about the break. We’ll be checking with SPU to find out about the extent of it and how long it might take to fix.
9:18 AM: Went to check it out firsthand – the water is coming up in the street in the 6700 block of Beach Drive, not far north of Lincoln Park, and an SPU crew (as shown in our photo above) is on scene.
9:26 AM: Just talked to an SPU spokesperson who says that traffic will be blocked for the repairs, which will likely take “three or four hours.” The break is in an 8-inch water main, likely just a failure of old infrastructure, and they believe it’s affecting water service to 25-30 customers (households, since this is a residential area). We’ll check back later in the day so we can update when the crew’s finished.
2:43 PM: An area resident says the water’s back and the crew is wrapping up:
That’s the pipe problem behind the break, the resident was told.
A touchdown by Chief Sealth International High School‘s #8 Dontae McMillan (above) kept the Seahawks from another shutout in last night’s game against Ballard at Southwest Athletic Complex. It happened less than a minute into the second quarter, and brought the score to 22-6, but after that, it was all Ballard, and the final score was Beavers 53, Seahawks 6. Other scenes from the stadium – the Sealth cheer squad performed with the kids who had attended last weekend’s Mini Cheer Camp:
The Sealth band arrived at the game in style, marching down the field:
Next week, CSIHS has a Thursday night game, 7 pm vs. Cleveland at Southeast Athletic Complex in Rainier Beach.
1:06 AM: Just reminding you that the overnight closure of the west end of the West Seattle Bridge is under way, so jersey barriers damaged in recent crashes can be replaced. Detours are listed in the original announcement. SDOT says this could last until 9 am.
6:38 AM: We’re seeing eastbound traffic via the 35th/Fauntleroy webcam, so the closure is over in that direction. The westbound side is still closed (work crews are visible on the “bridge deck” camera).
6:56 AM: And the westbound side has just reopened – we’re seeing regular traffic via the webcam.
West Seattle High School is now 4-1 this football season, after another victory tonight. On the road, the Wildcats beat Cleveland, 57-29. Next week, it’s homecoming, 7 pm Friday, October 7th, vs. Liberty at SW Athletic Complex.
5:10 PM: That’s just one of multiple piles of donated items at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, which has been collecting donations for the Lam-Bow Apartments fire victims, many of whom have been sheltered by the Red Cross at nearby Delridge Community Center. Youngstown is so swamped, in fact, that director David Bestock sends the request: NO MORE FOR NOW, PLEASE – “I think at least until displaced folks find a place to live, we’ve got more than they can handle.”
He just told us as we were about to publish this that Youngstown DOES have enough helping hands for now, but: “Folks who want to help volunteer can contact the WS Helpline volunteer desk at operations@wshelpline.org for ongoing support over the next couple weeks.”
Meantime, we haven’t heard yet from the Seattle Housing Authority (which owns the Lam-Bow) about other ways to help, but keep in mind, for those families, there’ll be long-term needs, so we’ll continue to follow up, next week and beyond.
ADDED 7:43 PM: Some good news from SHA’s Kerry Coughlin: “Our staff have met individually with families to assess their needs and have identified all vacancy options in our portfolio. We believe we will have everyone rehoused in suitable SHA housing by next week.”
As for donating $, she says they haven’t yet figured out an online option yet BUT if you would like to send a check – there is now a Fire Relief Fund, and the details are here.
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