That photo is from a reader near Fauntleroy and Edmunds, reporting tap water that looks and smells bad, first noticed around 3:45 pm:

(It is) yellow-colored water with a strong bleach smell from the cold water line. It is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. The chemical smell is so strong that it actually smells like bleach, not a faint chlorine smell at all.

If you’re having water trouble, always report it to SPU at 206-386-1800; our tipster has called and is waiting to hear back.

YOU CAN HELP: If you can give an hour and a half a month, 30 local teens are looking for you!

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

A little time can make a big difference, if you can be a volunteer mentor for a new program at West Seattle High School. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound is looking for 30 adult volunteers to mentor 9th through 12th graders once a month in a program called “MentorU.”

One in three kids in America are growing up without a sustained, positive adult mentor in their lives and over 500 youth are on Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound’s waitlist for a mentor. The gap between mentorship and youth who need it most continues to widen due to adult volunteers’ perceived barriers of the time and expertise needed to become a mentor. Understanding the critical need, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound seeks to engage and galvanize community members to help bridge the gap between people and possibility. Contrary to what potential volunteers might assume, no special qualifications are needed to be a great mentor.

The MentorU program engages local adult volunteers and 9th through 12th graders in 1:1 mentoring relationships with 90-minute meetings just once each month during the academic year. Mentors meet with their mentee to provide insights into the professional world and support mentees’ social-emotional development. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound provides a facilitator who guides mentors & mentees through a curriculum that prepares mentees for post-secondary education, employment, enlistment, and entrepreneurship. The program uses a cohort-based approach, working with incoming 9th graders, with the goal of ongoing student participation from 9th through 12th grade.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound is looking for adults who live or work in or near West Seattle who are interested in mentoring these young people. To be great mentors, adults don’t need to have a specific title, a degree, or any special qualifications other than being compassionate, patient, and accepting. Even the littlest moments can grow into big ones – sometimes all teens need is a little encouragement, a little advice, and a little inspiration.

Mentoring has a long track record of proven positive outcomes, in particular, 100% of young people matched with mentors through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound graduate high school. A staggering 79% of youth with a mentor experienced improvement in or reported no worsening of depressive symptoms – a goal which MentorU’s social-emotional programming directly supports.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound is looking for 30 volunteers of all gender identities, ethnicities, nationalities, and backgrounds who are willing to spend just an hour and a half per month to help teens in MentorU achieve their BIGGEST, brightest futures. Are YOU ready to #BEBIG? Learn more and get started at inspirebig.org/mentoru

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Electric water taxis? Metro gets grant to sail in that direction

| Environment | King County Water Taxi | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo: Diesel-powered Water Taxi M/V Sally Fox, as seen Tuesday at Seacrest)

You’ve likely heard about Washington State Ferries‘ plan to build electric vessels. Our area’s foot-ferry fleet, Metro Transit‘s King County Water Taxi, is moving that way too. In a recent newsletter, District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka mentioned that the Puget Sound Regional Council‘s Executive Board – on which he serves – had approved funding for “electrification improvements” to the Water Taxi. (The money originates with federal highway and transit funds, Saka added.) So we asked Metro’s Al Sanders for details. He tells WSB:

As part of Metro’s transition to becoming a zero-emission fleet, the Marine Division is researching the technology available that will allow the Water Taxis to go from using diesel-powered vessels to sailing with ships that use hybrid and/or battery-electric power.

The $1.7 million grant awarded by the Puget Sound Regional Council will be used on the design and engineering of new electric vessels and associated charging infrastructure needed to support the fleet. The grant would be used to initiate the design of two new 150-passenger battery electric vessels, along with the design of shoreside vessel charging and other electrical infrastructure at Pier 50.

When in service, the vessels will reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with water taxi service in support of the King County Strategic Climate Action Plan.

Sanders says the design work hasn’t started, so there’s no timeline for this yet. The two current Water Taxis, M/V Doc Maynard and M/V Sally Fox, were both launched in 2015, at a total cost of $11.8 million, also mostly from federal funding.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: The e-bike thieves who wore safety vests

August 21, 2024 11:52 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

The report and photos are from Liz, near 41st and Raymond:

At 3:15 yesterday (8/20) afternoon two thieves came by in a blue and white truck and stole our e-bike. There was a motorcycle chain on the bike that they cut through, and while they worked, they wore a bright vest to appear like a utility worker.

The offenders wore a mask and their license plate is not clear enough to read. The bike is a RadRunner by Rad Power Bikes, dark green with a produce basket mounted on the back.

No police report # yet.

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UPDATE: Three open-water marathon swims planned this week – first one is a success!

August 21, 2024 10:50 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

The Northwest Open Water Swimming Association has three swimmers planning marathon swims in the area this week, starting with one happening right now:

HAPPENING NOW: Above is a screenshot of the tracker showing where Chelsea Lee was moments ago – at 10:45 am – in her attempt to complete what’s known as the Bert Thomas Swim, almost 19 miles from Old Town Dock in Tacoma to Point Williams by Colman Pool in West Seattle. NOWSA’s Amanda Winans explains, “Chelsea trains at Alki Beach and has also completed the Amy Hiland Swim in 2022, from Bremerton to the Alki Lighthouse.” Amanda is the official observer on the support boat for this swim and is one of two other swimmers who’ve done this swim since its namesake in 1956; the other is Andrew Malinak, who is also aboard the support boat as pilot. Chelsea started in the 6 am hour this morning and if successful will reach Point Williams in mid-afternoon. (Update: As of 2:20 pm, they are projecting 3 pm-ish. Second update: Tracker indicates she finished in just over 9 hours! Third update: Amanda sent the photo and reports, “Chelsea finished in about 9 hours, 3 min, at 3:07 pm at Colman Pool. She got to finish it off in style and go down the Colman Pool slide! Photo is by Stephanie Zimmerman.)

Amanda also tells us about two other marathon swims planned this week:

FRIDAY: Wendy Van De Sompele of Vashon Island – who you might know as aquatic director at Colman Pool – plans to swim from Alki Point to West Point, six miles. If successful, Amanda says, Wendy will be the first person to complete 5 out of the 6 swims in the Puget Sound Lighthouse Series. She plans to start her swim from Alki Point at 10 am Friday (August 23).

SUNDAY: This is a round trip, also from Alki Point, Amanda explains:

An all-female relay, supported by a female pilot and a female observer (local marathon swimmer Stephanie Zimmerman) will swim an unprecedented route for NOWSA from Alki Point Lighthouse, around Blake Island, and back to the lighthouse. Melissa Kegler, a Triple Crown marathon swimmer (English Channel, Catalina Channel, around Manhattan Island) spearheads the relay, which includes women covering all decades from 30-70: Becky Smith, Carol Horowitz, Guila Muir, Emily White, and Shea DeWald. They are all “Notorious Alki Swimmers” who you will find swimming regularly from the Alki Bathhouse, and Carol, Emily, and Shea are West Seattle residents. Boat support will be provided by Seastr PNW, an organization dedicated to inclusive access to waterborne activities for people who have been historically excluded from the maritime industry and water sports. They will be starting from the Alki Lighthouse at 8 am, and returning back sometime in the afternoon.

Both of those swims will use the same online tracker as today – find it here.

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Magic show, painting workshop, ‘Get Fit’ info night, more for your West Seattle Wednesday

August 21, 2024 9:58 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Late-summer rose – photo sent by Susan Whiting Kemp)

Here’s our list of what’s happening today/tonight in West Seattle, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you can always preview the hours, days, and weeks ahead!):

TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am Wednesdays at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

SPRAYPARK: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open every day, 11 am-8 pm, free.

COLMAN POOL: Swim in the outdoor heated-salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm – session times are on the Colman Pool webpage.

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL CLOSED: The city says wading pools will NOT open today because cool, cloudy weather is expected to continue into afternoon.

SOUTHWEST POOL CLOSED: The repair/maintenance closure for West Seattle’s city-run indoor pool continues.

MAGIC SHOW AT THE LIBRARY: 3 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), Maritess Zurbano will amaze you with sleight-of-hand! Free.

TODDLER STORY TIME AT THE LIBRARY: 3 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).

PAINT AT THE PUB: 4 pm watercolor-painting workshop with Emily Lee at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) – beginners welcome, all supplies provided, $20. Registration link is in our calendar listing.

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix it, don’t toss it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).

FREE ART CLASS: Watercolor mixed-media class, at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 6-8 pm.

FREE GROUP RUN: All runners, all levels, are welcome to join the weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) group run – meet at the shop by 6:15 pm.

‘GET FIT’ INFO NIGHT: Also at West Seattle Runner, 6:30 pm, info night for the Get Fit free group-training program to get ready for a marathon!

TRIVIA x 4: Four places where you play tonight: At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) offers trivia … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)

YOGA IN THE PARK: Two West Seattle teachers lead this outdoor-yoga event at Myrtle Reservoir Park (35th/Myrtle), 6:30 pm – follow the link for ticket info.

MUSIC BINGO X 2: Two options! Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm … At Three 9 Lounge (39th/Oregon), you can play MINGO music bingo at 7:30 pm Wednesdays, hosted by Mingo Maniac.

OUTDOOR YOGA AND MORE: Outdoor Kundalini Yoga, Breath Work, Meditation and Gong Bath, 7 pm at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW), ticket info in our calendar listing.

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: The spotlight is yours! 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Planning a show, presentation, meeting, open house, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, etc., that’s open to the community? Please send us info so we can get it onto West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Memorial service planned August 30 for Marilyn T. ‘Terry’ Sackett, 1946-2024

August 21, 2024 9:00 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather August 30 to remember Terry Sackett, and are sharing this remembrance with her community now:

Marilyn Theresa Sackett, lovingly known as Terry, was born on July 31, 1946 in Glendale, California, and passed away on August 11, 2024. Moved to West Seattle at 5 with her family. Terry grew up on Marshall Avenue, attending Holy Rosary Elementary, graduating in 1960, and Holy Names Academy, graduating in 1964 before earning her Bachelor of Arts in Advertising from the University of Washington in 1971.

In 1969, Terry had the opportunity to travel to Europe and Japan to visit family and friends, a journey that ignited her lifelong love for exploration. On July 1, 1972, she married David Sackett. They shared a love of reading and music. The following year, she embarked on a remarkable 36-year career at Boeing as a Technical Drafter for the AWACS program, a trailblazer in her field as one of the few women to hold such a position at the time. In 1976, Terry and David purchased a home just a block from her childhood residence. A few months later, their daughter Danielle was born.

Terry was a devoted mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her daughter, especially after her divorce in 1987. Choosing to remain single, she dedicated her life to raising Danielle. In 1990, Terry welcomed John into her life, who would later become her son-in-law. She guided him through college, teaching him to read and how to study, ensuring he would be a strong partner for her daughter.

The 1990s were marked by Terry’s love for travel with her family, particularly to Long Beach, Washington, her favorite destination. She cherished her stays at The Breakers, where she enjoyed flying kites, strolling along the boardwalk with her family, and indulging in a passion for fishing. Though she dreamed of moving there, life kept her in Seattle, where she continued to visit and create lasting memories.

In 1994, Terry became a grandmother to Christopher L. Otey, her pride and joy. She attended his baseball games, took him to school, and spent countless hours nurturing his growth. She also cherished her two other grandchildren, Miranda J. Otey, born in 2003, with whom she shared a special bond as fellow middle children, spending mornings watching Looney Tunes and completing puzzles together. Abigail J. Otey, born in 2012, the youngest of the family, held a special place in Terry’s heart. She helped Abigail with her schoolwork, attended her ballet performances, and enjoyed late-night conversations that stretched into the early morning.

After retiring from Boeing in 2009, Terry spent her days enjoying her favorite game shows, relaxing, and doting on her grandchildren. She often traveled by train to Portland with her grandson Chris to visit family. Terry had a deep love for dogs, with her favorite being a beloved companion named Dogberry. She was passionate about education and family, values she instilled in all who knew her.

Terry was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Margaret Dearey. She is survived by her older brother James (Jim) Dearey, her younger brother William (Bill) Dearey, Daughter Danielle Otey, her grandchildren, and her beloved family members.

Terry’s legacy of love, dedication, and strength will be cherished by all who knew her. Her memory will forever be treasured by her family and friends. Services will be held at Holy Rosary Parish in West Seattle on August 30, 2024, at 11 am.

To share your condolences and memories of Terry, visit EmmickFunerals.com/obituary/Marilyn-Sackett

(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)

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Wednesday info

August 21, 2024 6:01 am

| 13 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, August 21.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Showers possible, thunderstorms possible this evening, high near 70. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:14 am, while sunset will be at 8:09 pm.

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT CLOSURES, AND OTHER ROAD WORK

The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project continues. Here’s the tentative plan for the rest of the week – overnight tonight, eastbound left lanes are expected to close 7 pm-6 am, which means the eastbound exits to 1st and 4th would stay open.

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project is in progress. Fairmount Avenue is closed under the bridge. Next week, the north half of the bridge will close, and the south half will carry traffic both ways temporarily. (That’s what the “Traffic Revision August 26” portable signs are about.)

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

*The East Marginal Way S. project continues, with a temporary routing change for bicycle riders.

*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch. Watch for no-parking zones and steel plates (many on northbound side right now), plus flaggers.

TRANSIT NOTES

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.

Metro buses today – Regular schedules; check for advisories here.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, and the unscheduled third boat may be available. Check that link before you sail.

STREET CLOSURE SATURDAY

The Admiral Funktion festival on Saturday (August 24) will close California between Admiral and College from morning through evening (festival hours are 11 am to 8 pm).

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

High Bridge – The Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low bridge: Here’s the main view:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge – Looking east:

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.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.

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!

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ELECTION 2024: Final primary results … almost

August 20, 2024 11:59 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

The August 6 primary election’s results were finalized and certified by counties around the state today. The top two candidates in each race will be on the November 5 ballot. Just one race remains unsettled …State Lands Commissioner is headed for a recount, because the second-place finisher is only 51 votes ahead of the third-place candidate.

State Commissioner of Public Lands
Jaime Herrera Beutler (R) – 419,297 – 22.03%
Dave Upthegrove (D) – 396,300 – 20.82%
Sue Kuehl Pederson (R) – 396,249 – 20.82%
Patrick DePoe (D) – 267,924 – 14.08%
Allen Lebovitz (D) – 194,114 – 10.2%
Kevin Van De Wege (D) – 143,170 – 7.52%
Jeralee Anderson (D) – 84,351 – 4.43%
Write-in – 1,668 – 0.09%

A by-hand recount is required; The Seattle Times reports that the Secretary of State will set a deadline this Thursday for counties to have theirs complete. Meantime, you can find all the state results here.

For King County, here’s the full final list of results, including that one Seattle City Council race, citywide Position 8. Whoever wins serves just a year before the election next year for a full four-year term.

Seattle City Council Position 8 (43% turnout)
Alexis Mercedes Rinck – 99,394 – 50.18%
Tanya Woo – 76,008 – 38.38%
Saunatina Sanchez – 8,621 – 4.35%
Tariq Yusuf – 7,521 – 3.80%
Saul Patu – 5,958 – 3.01%
Write-in – 554 – 0.28%

Here’s how the primary race for our area’s U.S. House seat turned out:

U.S. House District 7 (44% turnout)
Pramila Jayapal* (D) – 174,019 – 79.86%
Dan Alexander (R) – 16,902 – 7.76%
Liz Hallock (D) – 16,494 – 7.57%
Cliff Moon (R) – 10,070 – 4.62%
Write-in – 409 – 0.19%

Though our area’s two State House seats had only two candidates each, they had to be on the primary ballot too:

34th District State House Position 1 (43% turnout)
Emily Alvarado* (D) – 37,901 – 86.46%
Kimberly M. Cloud (R) – 5,848 – 13.34%
Write-in – 86 – 0.20%

34th District State House Position 2 (43% turnout)
Joe Fitzgibbon* (D) – 37,571 – 85.36%
Jolie Lansdowne (R) – 6,398 – 14.54%
Write-in – 47 – 0.11%

November 5 is the deadline for general-election voting; you’ll get your ballot about three weeks in advance. Not registered yet? You can do that online – go here.

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‘Fundshifting’ success and opportunities ahead for West Seattle Public School Equity Fund: ‘We have strengthened all our schools’

August 20, 2024 8:30 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Photos by DIWAS Photography

For most public elementary schools, having a strong parent-teacher association is a crucial goal. However, the available PTA funding often varies widely between schools. One grassroots West Seattle group has been working hard to change that.

The West Seattle Public School Equity Fund (WSPSEF) celebrated its third year earlier this summer with a community event (pictured above and below) at West Seattle Elementary, and the group has also released its new 2024 Impact Report online, declaring, “We have strengthened all our schools and increased opportunities for all our students …”

The WSPSEF group was founded in 2021 by Andrea Dimond, Kristen Corning Bedford and Shannon Woodard with a focus on “fundshifting” – working to equitably distribute community contributions to narrow the gap so that well-funded school PTAs don’t keep getting richer while less-funded schools struggle. (see our WSB coverage of the group’s progress as of the summer of 2022)

For the upcoming 2024-25 school year, Kristen Corning Bedford said that WSPSEF expects to be able to distribute about $51,000 in PTA funds to Sanislo, Roxhill, Highland Park, Concord, and West Seattle. PTA funding was approved by schools during their June meetings, and is expected to be delivered early in the school year (by October at the latest).

In its first year (2022-23) the group distributed $20,917, and in 2023-24 WSPSEF distributed $49,566. To put this in a per-student perspective, each recipient school received $36 for each student for the most recent school year.

According to the WSPSEF website, the group’s goal is “To create an equitable resource of PTA funding for our West Seattle public gradeschools (including K-8).”

The West Seattle Public School Equity Fund operates simply: a portion of the PTA budgets from well-resourced public elementary (and K-8) West Seattle schools is contributed to a shared fund, which is managed by parent and/or staff advisers from each of the participating schools. The funds are then distributed annually to historically under-resourced public elementary (and K-8) West Seattle schools.

The group was launched after its founders discovered that when examining the area’s “redlining” map from the 1930s (see it here), the highest percentage of students from low-income families (which are now Title I schools), are in the “redlined” areas. The group hopes to disrupt these historical inequities by bringing West Seattle’s neighborhoods and school communities together.

The group’s current fiscal sponsor is the Alliance for Education, and all financial contributions and distributions are managed by their staff and board (see their Fiscal Services page for details). In the group’s first year, their founding fiscal sponsor was the Delridge Neighborhood Development Association (DNDA).

Corning Bedford said that one of the most impactful changes she’s witnessed is the creation of new partnerships and friendships between PTAs, which leads to more sharing of knowledge and resources.

“This increases the internal capacity to meet individual student needs day to day, while creating bold leadership to advocate for an equitable education for all of our kids,” she added. “We know that the public school landscape and our neighborhoods and the needs of our students are always changing, but our goal remains to sustain the momentum of this community allyship.”

According to Corning Bedford, some additional key points about the program are:

Fundshifting has increased PTA dollars at some recipient schools by up to 70% per student. At those schools, this additional funding has provided the PTA with flexibility to do things like put on no-cost family gathering events and subsidize teacher supplies, things that they haven’t been able to do in the past.

At contributing schools, it’s changing the conversation about budgeting and fundraising, increasing awareness about the discrepancies between schools and holding challenging conversations about why those discrepancies exist.

In our first year, we had 4 contributing schools and a pooled fund of $20k to split between 5 recipient schools. In our 3rd year, we have 8 contributing schools and a pooled fund of $50k between those same 5 schools. That’s 100% participation from all WS public grade schools (including K8) with at least one representative from each school on the Advisory committee.

94% of the funds are passed through to schools (the 6% fee goes to our fiscal sponsor, Alliance for Education, who manages the money). We have no paid staff, just a team of 24 dedicated parents and community members donating 400+ hrs/year to create this community, and put on fun events celebrating that community.

Want to get involved? If you’re part of a West Seattle elementary or K-8 school community, connect with the PTA at your school about their partnership with WSPSEF, or visit the group’s website to learn more.

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FOLLOWUP: Seattle Public Library gets money for Admiral air-conditioning

August 20, 2024 6:47 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news

(Photo from spl.org)

Back in June, we mentioned that Seattle Public Library was seeking federal funding for air conditioning at five branches that didn’t have it yet, including West Seattle (Admiral). Today, the city announced it’s getting that funding – a $5.5 million FEMA grant. The installation isn’t just for comfort, the city says, but also to allow these libraries to join these others as cooling and clean-air centers in times of extreme heat, wildfire smoke, and other crisis conditions. The five installations will be done one at a time over the next two years; two of the other branches, University and Columbia, are up first.

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FOLLOWUP: See where SW Kenyon and Trenton’s new traffic-calming additions will be

August 20, 2024 5:17 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

Back on Friday, we reported on SDOT‘s announcement of impending traffic-calming additions to West Seattle streets as part of the Safe Routes to School program. Some readers wanted more specifics, especially on locations, so here’s what we’ve found out:

DENNY’S NEW CROSSWALK: SDOT’s announcement mentioned a community-designed decorative crosswalk by the entrance of Denny International Middle School. With a traffic circle right at the entrance, readers wondered, where will the new crosswalk go? The image above answers that question – across SW Kenyon on the west side of the intersection; the east side already has a conventionally painted crosswalk.

TRENTON’S NEW SPEED CUSHIONS: We asked SDOT how many speed cushions are planned for SW Trenton. We’re told they plan four sets, between 25th and 29th.

We asked one more question … is there a date for construction to start? SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson says, “We’re still working to schedule construction sometime later this year.”

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FOLLOWUP: While grocery-store megamerger makes its way through courts, three local stores’ prospective new owner is preparing for potential takeover

August 20, 2024 3:19 pm

| 15 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

A notable sight in one of the public-records sets we check daily for potential news, the list of King County liquor-license applications, which is often the first place a new business, or existing business’s new owner, will surface. Starting last week we noticed a raft of applications for specific stores around the county, mostly QFCs and Safeways, to transfer their licenses to entities with 1918 Winter Street in their names. That’s an entity of C&S Wholesale Grocers, the third party to whom more than 400 stores are to be sold if the Kroger-Albertsons merger goes through. The proposed license transfers have been appearing in the daily reports in batches; today is the first time we’ve seen any of the local stores that are part of the potential deal, per the list we reported last month: Westwood Village QFC and Admiral Safeway are now on the license-transfer list (the third local store proposed for sale to C&S is the Junction QFC). The license filings don’t mean anything operationally for now, but notable nonetheless. We double-checked with C&S to be sure they weren’t closing the deal in advance of the merger, and spokesperson Lauren La Bruno replied, “The transaction is not final and C&S’s agreement is subject to Kroger and Albertsons resolving the pending cases in court.” The newest court case is a counter-offensive by Kroger, seeking to stop the Federal Trade Commission‘s review of the merger.

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ADMIRAL BRIDGE PROJECT: Top-deck closures start next week

August 20, 2024 1:19 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT photo)

Thanks to the person who called to tip us to the portable signboards on Admiral Way displaying only “TRAFFIC REVISION STARTS AUGUST 26.” A check with SDOT confirmed our suspicion that it’s a reference to the Admiral Way Bridge earthquake-strengthening project. The project already has closed Fairmount Avenue beneath the bridge, and now the major top-deck closures are about to start. Here’s what happens first, SDOT tells us:

Starting the week of August 26, 2024, we will be entering Stage 1, where the north bridge will be closed and then the South Bridge will be the primary way to travel in both directions.

The “north bridge” means the (corrected) westbound side, and the pedestrian walkway will be closed on that side as well as the vehicle lanes, but again, SDOT will use the other side of the bridge for two-way traffic, so detours won’t be necessary. (As reported previously, SDOT has dropped plans for full closures of both directions of the bridge.) The other two “stages” will involve either a closure of the south bridge or closures of one lane on each side; timing for those closures is not set yet, nor is duration of this first one.

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READER REPORT: Sailboat aground at Lincoln Park

August 20, 2024 12:24 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Sent by Tom Trulin, who often has eyes on Lincoln Park:

Sailboat is aground in kelp bed today as the tide is going out. It’s north end of Lincoln Park. It is anchored but the heavy winds made it move toward shore. Maybe the owner will see it today in the blog and move it at high tide.

Low tide was just half an hour ago; next high tide is just before 7 pm.

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West Seattleite becomes CEO of Seattle Public Library Foundation

August 20, 2024 11:49 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

The Seattle Public Library Foundation – a nonprofit that supports SPL – has just announced its new CEO, and sent us the announcement while pointing out that he’s a West Seattle resident:

The Board of Directors of The Seattle Public Library Foundation is thrilled to announce that following an extensive national search, Brian Lawrence has been selected as the Foundation’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Lawrence previously served as Deputy Executive Director for the Foundation, The Seattle Public Library’s nonprofit fundraising partner. He stood out in a field of outstanding candidates due to his overall vision for advancing the library’s mission, his stellar reputation in Seattle and beyond, and the track record he has established at the Foundation.

“Brian has been an integral part of the Foundation’s success, and he is highly respected in our organization, at the library, and by donors and many others in our community,” said Board President Sarah Stanley. “His energy and enthusiasm for stepping into this role, and his vision for expanding equity and access, are clear. We’re excited about how he will move the Foundation forward.”

Since 2017, Lawrence has spearheaded the Foundation’s fundraising campaigns, overseen key investments to grow library programs and collections, and strengthened partnerships with library staff and community organizations. He has established himself as a thoughtful voice on the role of libraries in our society, recently demonstrated by his key leadership role in the national Books Unbanned initiative.

“We couldn’t ask for a better partner at the head of the Foundation than Brian,” said Tom Fay, Chief Librarian & Executive Director of The Seattle Public Library. “He has shown great commitment to our library, our staff, and our patrons. Many of our services have been enhanced through the work of Brian and his team, and he’s been a great thought partner as we’ve developed our strategic framework this year. He is well-positioned to support our objectives and has deep connections to our supporter network.”

Brian grew up in Michigan and worked in the auto racing industry before moving to Seattle. He obtained a Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership from Seattle University and has worked for organizations including the Pacific Science Center, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and The Mockingbird Society. Brian lives in West Seattle, serves on the Seattle University Alumni Council, and enjoys reading (of course!) and recreating in the North Cascades.

After longtime CEO Jonna Ward announced her departure earlier this year, the Board engaged with a global search firm to select a leader who could steer the organization into the future. The Board expresses its gratitude to each of the candidates who applied and to the donors, advocates, and community leaders who provided thoughtful input during the search process.

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WEST SEATTLE TUESDAY: Here’s what’s on our list!

August 20, 2024 9:49 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(The Super Blue Moon made an appearance last night after all. Photo by Stewart L.)

Here’s what’s on our highlight list for the rest of today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (which you can browse any time for an earlier look at what’s up):

LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -2.1 feet at 11:56 am.

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open daily through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

COLMAN POOL: Also open through Labor Day, the outdoor heated-salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm – session times are on the Colman Pool webpage.

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, the wading pool is expected to be open today, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area, with sunbreaks and 70-degree weather due this afternoon. (This per our check of the city hotline – 206-684-7796 – at 9:07 am.)

SOUTHWEST POOL CLOSED: Repair/maintenance closure continues until after Labor Day.

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

NO CITY COUNCIL MEETING: The council’s late-summer break has begun.

FREE DROP-IN CLIMBING: Weather permitting, you’re invited to try out Schurman Rock at Camp Long (5200 35th SW) – two free sessions, 5 pm and 6:30 pm, with signups starting half an hour before the session begins.

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.

STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN: 6 pm, weather permitting, bring the little one(s) to Delridge P-Patch (5078 25th SW) for storytime plus a garden activity.

SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm tonight, play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).

FREE TRACK RUN: All runners welcome! Meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.

UPLIFTING THE FIGHT AGAINST FOOD INSECURITY: 6:30 pm at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill):

Join us for an hour of song and story about recent efforts of local churches to address food insecurity in our community. We’ll sing classic hymns with a modern twist, like Amazing Grace and this Little Light of Mine, accompanied by inspirational acoustic guitarist Cam Schneider. If you can, bring non-perishable food or cash to donate to White Center Food Bank.

TOASTMASTERS 832: Join the online meeting at 6:30 pm “to work on your public speaking, communication, and leadership skills!” Our calendar listing has RSVP info so you can get the link

MAKE POTTERY: 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).

BINGO AT THE SKYLARK: Play – free! – weekly Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRIVIA X 4: Four places to play Tuesday nights – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) has Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

Planning an event? Are community members invited? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – please email the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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COUNTDOWN: Here’s who you’ll see at Admiral Funktion in four days

August 20, 2024 9:00 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Four days until one of summer’s last festivals takes over California SW between Admiral and College for this year’s Admiral Funktion! 11 am-8 pm Saturday, the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s street party brings out music, food, and fun, including booths and tables from these organizations:

The Little Merle
PCC Markets
SW Historical Society
Seattle Yarn
Seattle Dive Tours
West Seattle Bowl
Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce
SPD SW Precinct
Admiral Neighborhood Association
Admiral Church UCC
Seattle Emergency Communications Hub
Mossy Trail Collections
MonkeyPod
Inner Alchemy
West Seattle Food Bank
Kingtide Ink
Honey Girl Books
Hoste
FoRest Wellness Collective
Bend N Move / Life in the Body
Sam Day Illustrator
Alair
Admiral Theater
Lafayette Elementary PTA
Hawthorne Massage and Self Care

We’ll be there too, as one of the community co-sponsors. P.S. If you missed the music-lineup announcement, check it out here!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Tuesday info

August 20, 2024 6:00 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, August 20.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

We might get some turbulent weather again today: Showers likely, thunderstorms possible, high around 70. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:12 am, while sunset will be at 8:11 pm.

(Monday sunrise, photographed by Stewart L.)

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT CLOSURES

The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project continues, but no work is planned tonight, so no closures. Here’s the tentative plan for the rest of the week.

TRANSIT NOTES

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.

Metro buses today – Regular schedules; check for advisories here.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, and the unscheduled third boat may be available. Check that link before you sail.

ONGOING ROAD WORK NOTES

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project is in progress. Fairmount Avenue is closed under the bridge for the duration of the project, at least into early 2025. Lane closures have begun on the top deck too.

*The East Marginal Way S. project continues, with a temporary routing change for bicycle riders.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch. Watch for no-parking zones and steel plates (many on northbound side right now), plus flaggers.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

High Bridge – The Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low bridge: Here’s the main view:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge – Looking east:

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.

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Talk with local police at upcoming West Seattle event (updated)

August 19, 2024 10:41 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Got questions for/about local police/crime/safety? Two events are ahead in West Seattle.

Wednesday Update: Canceled. HOPS WITH THE COPS: This was just announced today – a drop-in event Wednesday, September 4, at Elliott Bay Brewing in The Junction, though SPD‘s flyer clarifies that the officers will not be imbibing:

~~As noted, the Seattle Police Foundation – a non-governmental nonprofit that supports the department – is picking up the tab for the bites. Elliott Bay is an all-ages venue.~~

SOUTHWEST PRECINCT CRIME PREVENTION MEETING: As previously announced, the SW Precinct Crime Prevention Council – which has no fixed membership, just whoever shows up – meets on Wednesday, September 11, 6:30 pm at the precinct (2300 SW Webster). In addition to crime updates from the precinct command staff, District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka is scheduled to speak. These meetings are a prime time to bring questions about anything from specific incidents to trends.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Skylark burglary; mail-theft, gunfire arrests

August 19, 2024 8:28 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Three more Crime Watch reports:

SKYLARK BURGLARY: The music venue/restaurant/bar at the north end of Delridge was broken into again on Sunday, proprietor Matt Larson tells WSB:

We were hit…again. Suspect pulled into the parking lot at 6:37 AM Sunday morning. He checked out the front then went to the back, where he used a crowbar to open the back door.

He entered and removed both cash tills and their enclosures, then exited and left within a few minutes. There was $700 worth of equipment and cash stolen as well as damage to the cables and the door, which might have to be replaced (we just had to replace the front door a few months back when they broke in and got into our ATM – good times).

The truck is rather unique and has been seen around West Seattle so hopefully somebody is familiar with it, or at least can be aware of it. If anybody sees some dumped tills – let us know!

The temporary police-report # is T00008584.

Meantime, SPD posted two 2-week-old case summaries on SPD Blotter late today – neither was previously on our radar so here they are, for the record:

MAIL-THEFT ARREST: SPD says this began with 911 calls just before 1 am on August 7 reporting a ski-masked man breaking into mailboxes in the 7900 block of 35th SW – eventually, they say, with seven victims. They found a 28-year-old man nearby, saying he “was in possession of multiple pieces of evidence, including stolen mail, suspected stolen bank cards, a metal pry bar, and he was concealing a loaded firearm. The man had an expired Concealed Pistol License and was prohibited from carrying the firearm in that manner. The Beretta APX 9mm semi-automatic handgun was seized as evidence.” He was booked into jail. We won’t be able to check on his status until tomorrow, as we don’t know his name and this was released too late in the day for us to check with prosecutors.

BURGLARY-ATTEMPT ARREST: This too happened early the morning of August 7, according to the SPD Blotter post. Around 2 am, police were checked out reports of possible gunfire in the 9400 block of Delridge Way SW. They found the shooting scene was a block south, in unincorporated King County. They found a shell casing and a blood trail. Then they got a report of an attempted burglary at a house in the 8800 block of 16th SW and arrested a 32-year-old man nearby. He was carrying a 9mm handgun that police say was linked to the shooting scene in unincorporated King County (and also linked to a homicide victim in Federal Way). He too was booked into jail, and we hope to find out his status, and that of the case against him, tomorrow.

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SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT: Here’s the closure plan for this week and next weekend

August 19, 2024 4:27 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project – on the West Seattle Bridge extension between Highway 99 and I-5 – continues, and SDOT has provided this week’s closure schedule, starting tonight, and including another full-weekend closure:

Monday Night – 08/19/24
WB Full Lane Closures – 11:00 pm to 5:00 am

WB S Spokane St Viaduct – Closed from I-5 Interchange to SR 99.
S Columbian Way Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open.
NB I5 Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open.
SB I5 Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to S Columbian Way will remain open.
1st Ave S Off-Ramp – Closed.
1st Ave S On-Ramp – Closed.
Port of Seattle Terminals 5-18/Harbor Island/11th Ave SW Off-Ramp – Closed.
EB S Spokane Street Viaduct – All Lanes Open

Tuesday Night – 08/20/24
No Closures

Wednesday Night – 7 pm-6 am 08/21/24, Thursday Night – 7 pm-6 am 08/22/24, & Friday Night -7:00 pm-10:00 pm
EB Left Lanes Closure

1st Ave S Off Ramp Open
4th Ave S Off Ramp Open

Weekend – EB Full Closure – 10:00 pm Friday to 5:00 am Monday

1st Ave Off Ramp Open
4th Ave Off Ramp Closed
EB to NB SR-99 Ramp Open

Weekend – WB Single Left Lane Closure – 10:00 pm Friday to 5:00 am Monday

NB I5 Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed
Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open

We asked project spokesperson Dr. Matthew Howard about a progress report; so far, he says, the work’s gone well, but last weekend’s weather may have set the schedule back a bit; he expects to find out more at a meeting Tuesday.

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BIZNOTE: Hegge Chevron family’s ‘enormous thank you’ after 55 years of operating service station

August 19, 2024 3:01 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| Sunrise Heights | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Last month, we briefly reported on changes at Hegge Chevron as the service station at 35th/Holden was being sold. Now the deal’s about to close – signage was removed today – and the family that’s operated it for 55 years wants to thank the community. Here’s their message, sent by Linda Gunderson, daughter of station founder Ted Hegge:

I would like to share with the West Seattle community that the Hegge family has sold Hegge Chevron, located at 35th Ave SW and Holden St. We would like to thank all of you in the community for your loyal patronage over the years.

(Ted and Sharon Hegge)

Some of you may remember our dad, Ted Hegge, who started the business with our mom by his side in 1969. Our dad loved working in the community, serving all his customers and making some very good friends along the way. Sadly, Ted passed away in 1989 after a battle with cancer. Our mom decided to keep the station running after his death, with the help of our brother Mark, who took over the day-to-day task of running the business.

(Mark Hegge)

As did our dad, Mark also had a real connection with his customers and employees. Very painfully, Mark passed away unexpectedly in 2010. Our mom had a huge desire to continue to provide service to the community and keep the station running.

With our mom’s passing in April 2023, the family made the decision to sell the business. Our family would like to extend an enormous thank you to all the employees and customers who have been a part of Hegge Chevron. We could not have done it without your loyalty and commitment. The new owners will continue to employ the current workers. So you will still see the familiar faces of Karen, Alan, Sue, and Chris. Once again, a heartfelt thank you to all of you who have taken part in the history of Hegge Chevron.

The new owners plan to rebrand as Space Age, a family-owned regional chain. Permit files indicate they’ll turn the former repair area into convenience-store space.

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