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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 34 notes for holiday weekend’s first day
August 31, 2024 6:07 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Bush cricket, photographed near Lincoln Park by Steve Bender)

Welcome to the holiday weekend! Here are notes for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

NO SSV CLOSURE: Reminder – the Spokane Street Viaduct (continuation of West Seattle Bridge between 99 and I-5) is fully open this weekend.

ART ON THE CORNER: 8 am-3 pm at 39th/Holden, artist Bonnie is having another one of her famous art sales, with proceeds benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank.

GARAGE/YARD SALES: See what’s listed today in the WSB Community Forums.

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.

BIG BLUE TRUCK: The Northwest Center‘s donation-dropoff truck has returned to West Seattle! You’ll find it outside WaFd Bank (4102 California SW). Our calendar listing has info on what items the truck (a WSB sponsor) will accept. 9 am-5 pm.

DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: West Seattle has TWO farmers’ markets every weekend! This is the first 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! (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, WITH THE OTTER PUP: Summer gardening season isn’t over yet – even though we’re getting a taste of fall weather. Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm. Plus: The Otter Pup is open by the center, with coffee, ice cream, and other treats!

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.

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.

KNIFE-SHARPENING POP-UP: Kneighborhood Knives returns to Hotwire Coffee (4410 California SW) for another one-day pop-up, 11 am-4 pm, $10/knife.

DIVAS BRUNCH: Prelude to Alki Beach Pride, drag brunch at Harry’s Beach House (2676 Alki SW), 11 am and 1 pm seatings. Go here to see if tickets are left (there were some as of very early this am).

POP-UP PLANT SALE: 11 am-7 pm – details in our calendar listing. (6350 18th SW)

FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK OPEN: Spraypark’s open, 11 am-8 pm, free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

ALKI BEACH PRIDE: On the beach and on the street, this is the 10th edition of West Seattle’s biggest Pride celebration, noon-9 pm. Key points:
-Alki Avenue SW closed between 57th SW and 61st SW
-Entertainment schedule on the ABP website
-Other highlights in our preview, including free HIIT class on the beach at noon, Drag King Story Time at 12:10 pm in Alki Bathhouse, volleyball starting at 1 pm

FREE FROZEN TREAT FOR YOUR PUP: You’re invited to treat your dog to something tasty and free! Noon-3 pm at All the Best Pet Care (4722 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor), bring your dog in to get a free frozen treat!

POSTCARDS 4 DEMOCRACY: Noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), bonus weekly session of long-distance advocacy, drop-ins welcome.

COLMAN POOL: Final weekend of the season begins. Open noon-7 pm on the Lincoln Park shore – find the session schedule online. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Final weekend of the season for this pool too – 12 pm-7 pm in the upper park, north of the main lot. Update: Closed for rest of the season because of plumbing problems.

SOUTHWEST POOL CLOSED: The city-run indoor pool will stay closed for repairs and maintenance until after Labor Day.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm. (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).

MAKE A BIRD BATH: 1 pm class at The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), $40. Our calendar listing explains how to sign up.

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.

MONTHLY SONG CIRCLE: Soul Sisters in Seattle welcome you to join them at 1 pm:

Come join a group of kind, fun women for a song circle led by Sandra Glauz. No singing experience needed, just come if you want to sing delightful, easy, heart-filled songs and chants. Sandra teaches all the songs and parts. Please reach out to Sandra with your name and cell phone number and she’ll text you the address and flyer. listwithsandra@yahoo.com

NEPENTHE’S WALK-IN MASSAGE CLINIC: 3-5 pm, show up at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) with a specific problem to be addressed by massage, and you’ll get a free (gratuities appreciated) trial of their work.

LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Sam Weber ft. Moonface, doors 7, show 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) – details in our calendar listing. All ages.

ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)

WEST END GIRLS AT THE SKYLARK: The monthly West Seattle drag extravaganza, featuring Fraya Love, Cookie Couture, and special guests Midori Monet, Londyn Bradshaw, Whispurr Water-Shadow, & BabyLoveCrash! Doors 7, show 8, all ages. Tickets online or at the door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Cide. (4547 California SW)

JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).

KARAOKE AT THE PIZZERIA: Saturday nights, you can sing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.

West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event belongs on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: North Admiral investigation; shots fired ‘in defense’ (updated early Sunday)
August 30, 2024 11:54 pm
|      32 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

11:54 PM: We only have a fraction of the story on this so far, but several people have asked, so we’re reporting what we’ve heard at this point: Police were called to North Admiral shortly after 11 pm for what the dispatcher initially said sounded like an attempted carjacking. Two areas about two blocks apart have been mentioned – the 1900 block of 44th SW and the 4300 block of SW Holgate. One juvenile suspect was being detained at the scene; someone else was reported to have gotten away in a black Honda, last seen headed west on Holgate. Somewhere in all this, there was gunfire. No one was treated at the scene, but police asked dispatchers to alert local hospitals in case anyone showed up with a gunshot wound. The juvenile suspect is in custody. That’s all we know so far.

2:06 AM: Going into the audio archives from early in this incident – the shots were reported fired by someone “in defense of” the victims, fired as the vehicle left the scene “with seven or eight suspects” inside. That person was still at the scene talking with police (after setting down his gun at their request).

ADDED 1:14 AM SUNDAY: Just received the police summary:

The incident occurred at (11:05 pm Friday) in the 4300 BLK of SW Holgate St. The owner of a vehicle came outside her house and saw four to five suspects inside her vehicle. The suspects were attempting to steal the vehicle. She notified her uncle and friend about the incident. The suspects exited the vehicle, but one of them left his cell phone inside the victim’s vehicle. The uncle grabbed the cell phone from inside the car and threw it on the ground. One of the suspects charged the uncle and he was afraid of being assaulted. The friend of the family fired a warning shot and two more shots at the suspects’ vehicle. The suspects fled the scene. The suspects left one juvenile behind who was arrested and booked at [the juvenile detention center] for attempted/auto theft. The firearm was recovered and submitted to evidence. … The male who shot at the suspects was investigated & released at the scene.

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COUNTDOWN: Less than 3 weeks until Taste of West Seattle – plus, chance to win a ticket Saturday
August 30, 2024 9:34 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

Got your ticket(s) for the Taste of West Seattle? The peninsula’s premier food fair – a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank – is now less than three weeks away, on Thursday, September 19th.

More than 30 food and beverage purveyors will be at The Hall at Fauntleroy that night for this event – with tastes and sips to delight you. Once you’re in, you’re in – it’s not a “one ticket, one taste” type of event (but it’s 21+). General admission is $75 and gets you in at 6 pm; VIP early admission, 5:30 pm, is $125. Along with selling tickets, WSFB has been giving away a few of these coveted tickets, including a drawing today at HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor), which has been showcasing WSFB all month:

(WSFB’s Whit and Robbin, HomeStreet’s Gus and Andrew)

We’re told you can also enter a drawing tomorrow at Alki Beach Pride (12-9 pm at the beach and in the street) – just look for the WSFB booth. But however you get your ticket, don’t procrastinate – The Taste usually sells out. Here’s where to find out more.

P.S. Attendees get to vote, too, choosing the best taste or sip in multiple categories. (WSB is media sponsor – see you there September 19th! The Hall is at 9131 California SW.)

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FOLLOWUP: City sets timeframe for clearing SW Trenton RV encampment
August 30, 2024 6:22 pm
|      38 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Westwood

(WSB photo,s this afternoon)

Last week, we reported on the city saying it was “closely monitoring” the growing RV encampment on SW Trenton by Westwood Village. While, as we noted, there have long been a few RVs there, the number has increased in recent weeks to at least five, plus other assorted vehicles, and sidewalk obstructions; nearby residents said the nature of the activity there has changed. In their response to us, a city spokesperson also said a “resolution date for this site is pending.” Now, there’s a timeframe – half a dozen of the people who have reported this encampment via Find It Fix It forwarded us this update they received from the city late today:

In response to your recent email or customer service request submitted with the City of Seattle’s Customer Service Bureau or Find It, Fix It app, the Unified Care Team (UCT) would like to provide you with an update on the scheduled resolution for the large unauthorized encampment located along SW Trenton St. UCT is scheduled to resolve this site in the next 3 weeks based on available shelter and resources.

The City’s contracted outreach partners have been engaging at the site to make offers of shelter and provide connections to services in hopes of avoiding the displacement of any high-needs individuals into other parts of the neighborhood or repopulation of this site.

On the day of scheduled removal, any tents remaining on the site will be removed, and individuals will be offered storage of personal property in addition to an offer of alternative shelter. The Unified Care Team will then conduct a thorough cleaning of the site and removal of all trash and debris.

Following removal, this site will remain on a frequent inspection route in an effort to quickly address any attempted repopulation of the site. Frequency of inspection and removal of obstructions will be reassessed over time based on the level of site activity observed. If you observe a new encampment at this site, please report it using the Customer Service Bureau’s Unauthorized Encampment service request form or submit a service request using the City’s Find It, Fix It mobile app. As always, dangerous or criminal behavior associated with this site should be reported to 9-1-1 for emergency situations or SPD’s non-emergency number (206) 625-5011 for other criminal activity or incidents.

Once again, we would like to thank you for your patience throughout this frustrating situation and for communicating with us as we advance our efforts to keep Seattle streets, sidewalks, and public spaces clean and accessible to all.

Hearing about this, we immediately tried to follow up with the Unified Care Team spokesperson in the mayor’s office, but they’re gone for the holiday weekend, so we won’t likely be able to get followup information before Tuesday. The city has cleared at least three other roadside RV encampments in West Seattle that haven’t been “repopulated,” but the removals were followed by modifications of the area where the RVs had been parked – a new bike lane along SW Andover, eco-blocks along West Marginal, no-overnight-parking signage along Harbor Avenue.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: ‘Prolific offender’ in jail after Monday foot pursuit
August 30, 2024 4:51 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(Reader photo, Monday)

Back on Monday, that large police response drew attention in the 4700 block of 46th SW. Emergency radio indicated that, after officers chased him on foot, a man was taken into custody on suspicion of violating an anti-harassment order. We’ve been researching the case since then – it’s going through Seattle Municipal Court, and that system has a lag for document availability. But now we’ve confirmed that the suspect, 31-year-old Casey Carlstedt, is charged, and the file includes the police report detailing what officers say happened that morning:

Officers responded to a reported order violation at the Safeway supermarket located at 4754 42 Av SW. A staff member called 911 because a known suspect (Carlstedt) was in the store, and she believed that an order was in place that prevented him from being there.

(He) is a known prolific offender in the William Sector area – specifically in the Admiral and Alaska Junction areas. Carlstedt is familiar to most patrol officers in the precinct as well as many business owners and staff. (He) is also on the (City Attorney’s Office) High Utilizer list.

As (an officer) arrived in the area, she saw A/Carlstedt near the intersection of 42 Av SW / SW Alaska St. (She) stopped her patrol car and told Carlstedt to “STOP.” Carlstedt fled on foot and led officers on a foot chase over several blocks and across multiple busy roadways. Carlstedt fled through residential yards to escape (the officer). He ignored repeated commands to “STOP” and was told more than once that he was under arrest. Carlstedt yelled that he was not violating an NCO while fleeing from police. … Carlstedt was eventually detained on the 4700 block of 46 Av SW.

Checking the system, officers say, they found an anti-harassment order prohibiting Carlstedt from being within one mile of a particular person’s home, and they say he “was seen well within 1 Mile of that address.” He was arrested and booked into jail. The City Attorney’s Office has since charged him with violation of a court order and obstructing a public officer (gross misdemeanors), and he has pleaded not guilty. A document from Wednesday indicates that Municipal Court Judge Willie Gregory set bail at $7,500, though on the jail docket, it’s listed as twice that, possibly because he is listed as having another order-violation case pending. (We’re looking into that.)

BACKSTORY: Our previous mentions of Carlstedt include a 2021 case in which he was accused of using “bear mace” on a man who confronted him during an alleged car-prowl attempt, a 2020 case that was a lot like the current one, and multiple 2017 cases.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: Play pingolf in Labor Day tournament raising money to help animals
August 30, 2024 2:44 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

There’s still room for more players to register for a fundraising pinball tournament in West Seattle on Monday (Labor Day, September 2). Organizer Michael sent the announcement:

Admiral Pub is hosting a pinball tournament charity event this Monday 9/2/2024. Doors at 11 am, starts at 12:30 pm. It’s a format called pingolf. Players each play 18 holes (different pinball machines) and try to reach the target score in 1-5 balls. Getting the target score in one ball will be a hole in one, etc.

The charity is Pasado’s Animal Rescue. Interested players can pre-register or get more info here – westsidepinball.com

There will also be raffles for gift cards to local restaurants around West Seattle/White Center, prizes, etc. All proceeds from the raffle go to the charity as well as a portion of the entry fee into the tournament.

Participation is capped at 72 players, according to the tournament website, but at last check there are still spots, so sign up fast if interested!

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WHALES: Humpbacks off West Seattle
August 30, 2024 12:46 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

12:46 PM: At least one humpback whale is passing Alki Point, per Kersti Muul, who says that it’s headed southbound, and there might be a second one too. Let us know if you see it/them!

12:54 PM: Texted update from Kersti – three humpbacks and they’re “close in” in the Brace Point area.

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UPDATE: Seattle Fire response in Admiral
August 30, 2024 12:08 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

12:08 PM: What was briefly a Seattle Fire “full response” in Admiral a short time ago was quickly downsized. Crews arriving at the scene in the 2700 block of 45th SW [vicinity map] cited a suspected electrical fire, and subsequent information from dispatch says it’s believed to be a solar-panel problem.

12:16 PM: Firefighters report the fire is out. One crew reports that a “bundle of leaves” appears to be what ignited.

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Last day for Azuma Sushi’s founders before ownership change
August 30, 2024 11:56 am
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

That’s a photo of Azuma Sushi proprietors Jennifer and Harry on their first day in business 24 1/2 years ago, on January 18, 2000. And here they are today:

This too is a momentous day – the couple’s final day before turning over their restaurant (4533 California SW) to a new owner, as they announced earlier this month. The new owner, Jenny, is a former Azuma employee, and as noted in Jennifer and Harry’s announcement, the restaurant will close for four weeks starting tomorrow and will bring back sit-down dining. Harry will be there after the September 28th reopening to help with the transition, but Jennifer told us she plans to travel to see family in China and Australia. You can stop in to say goodbye today – they’re open for lunch takeout until 2:30, then again for dinner takeout 4:30-9:30 pm.

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Outdoor movie, music, more for your pre-holiday-weekend West Seattle Friday
August 30, 2024 10:21 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(This morning along the Alki Trail – photo by James Bratsanos)

Heading into the holiday weekend, here’s what’s happening today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you can always preview what’s ahead for the coming days and weeks):

SSC GARDEN CENTER: As fall approaches, plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am until 3 pm. Plus, until 2:30 pm, while you’re there, you can visit The Otter Pup for coffee, ice cream, and other treats!

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open 11 am-8 pm. Free! (1100 SW Cloverdale)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Open noon-7 pm, upper park just north of the main parking lot. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

COLMAN POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, fourth-to-last day this year that you can swim in the outdoor heated-salt-water pool, noon-7 pm – session times are on the Colman Pool webpage.

SOUTHWEST POOL: Still closed for maintenance/repairs.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM: 1-6 pm, open in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).

VISCON CELLARS: The tasting room/wine bar is open for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm, Gibraltar Aquarian, Equal + Opposite, The Whopper Johns, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Singer-songwriter Jim Page at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm.

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: New-album show for Blind Pilot, 7 pm, all ages. (4559 California SW)

AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.

OUTDOOR MOVIE AT CAMP LONG: The final free movie of the season is tonight – Disney‘s “Elemental,” at dusk (7:30ish) in the meadow. (5200 35th SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Proh Mic! (4547 California SW)

JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).

What are we missing? If you have something else to add to our event lists and calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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CAN YOU HELP? Labor Day weekend mural painting at West Seattle school
August 30, 2024 9:00 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

(WSB file photo)

Urban Art Works is hoping for more helping hands to paint a mural at Lafayette Elementary this weekend. If you can spare a little time Sunday and/or Monday, read on:

Volunteers Needed ✨

Volunteers! Join us for painting at Lafayette Elementary School in West Seattle! We’re painting the exterior walls of two portable classrooms, the project is on a very tight turnaround as we’re aiming to start and complete the mural in two days! With your help, we can do it!

When: Labor Day Weekend — Sunday, September 1st & Monday, September 2nd
Time: Shifts are available in 1.5-hour slots from 10 AM to 4 PM
Where: Lafayette Elementary, 2645 California Ave SW

We’re aiming to complete this mural before school starts on the 4th. The first slot is open to all levels (adults), with intermediate and advanced slots in the middle of the day and afternoon. Our goal is to complete the mural on Sept 1st, with Sept 2nd being a back-up day for any necessary touch-ups; if we are able to finish on the 1st, the 2nd will be canceled, so make sure to sign up for the 1st if you want to make sure to get a chance to paint :)

Sign up for as many slots as you like, and let’s paint!

*Sign up here

*Parking Info: Find parking at the back of the school by turning into the alley next to Wiseman’s Appliance on California Ave.

Don’t forget your paint clothes, water, and sunscreen!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Friday info + holiday-weekend notes
August 30, 2024 6:03 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, August 30, and we’re heading into Labor Day weekend.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny, high in the upper 70s today, 80 predicted for Saturday and Sunday. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:26 am, while sunset will be at 7:52 pm.

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT AND OTHER ROAD WORK

*No work, no closures, until after Labor Day, for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project.

*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge is closed, with one lane each way on the south side; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge. (Also note the new 39th/Admiral crosswalk.)

*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 (explained at that link).

*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.

WEEKEND NOTES

*On Saturday (August 31), the Alki Beach Pride celebration will close Alki Ave. between 57th and 61st from 7 am to 10 pm.

*No major regional closures, but various big events might affect traffic flow – here’s the WSDOT weekend “paint map” showing them.

TRANSIT NOTES

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes. Later sailings, since it’s Friday. P.S. Labor Day, the West Seattle Water Taxi will run on a Sunday schedule.

Metro buses today – Regular schedules; check for advisories here. On Monday, buses will run on a Sunday schedule.

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

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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MUSIC: Fastbacks visit Easy Street Records to preview first album in 25 years
August 29, 2024 10:59 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

That’s our video from the Fastbacks‘ reunion at West Seattle Summer Fest 2011 – they start playing after an almost two-minute intro by Easy Street Records proprietor Matt Vaughan. Fast-forward 13 years to tonight, when Matt hosted the legendary Seattle rockers at his Junction store, where you can buy Fastbacks’ first new album in a quarter century.

The red vinyl in that photo is the album, “For WHAT Reason!” The band didn’t play at Easy Street tonight but, after an advance listening session, did sign the new album and sat down with one of their former drummers, the also-legendary Duff McKagan, for a roundtable discussion.

Here’s how Matt and Duff introduced the band members:

We couldn’t stay for the discussion but if you’re interested in background on how the new Fastbacks album came to be, check this out. If you missed the chance to hear it at Easy Street tonight, you can preview one of the cuts here and see the video for another one here.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen pink pickup truck
August 29, 2024 10:00 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Sent by Kathy:

My 1995 pink Chevy S-10 pickup truck with a matching pink canopy was stolen (today) between 12:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. on 8/29. It was parked on SW Myrtle St in West Seattle, right outside of The Kenney. WA plate #B18447T. I’ve filed a police report (# 24-244276) and the police checked to see if it had been impounded (it wasn’t).

The Kenney had video footage and around 3:40 a.m. it looks like a small, dark colored (possibly black), older pickup truck pulled into their delivery area. The truck has a vertical, light colored stripe on the back driver’s side quarter panel. Two men got out of the truck and stole some things from The Kenney. Possibly a tire and it looks like they had a bike in the back of their truck along with a large gas can. The employee reviewing the video at The Kenney believes that when they pulled out, my truck was behind them and they turned south heading down Fauntleroy. It appears that these are the men who stole my truck.

The black and white picture of their truck isn’t very clear, but you can see the stripe on the back. It’s smaller than my truck and does not appear to have an extended cab.

I’m sentimental about my truck. I purchased it brand new in 1995 and it only has 109k miles on it. Please be on the lookout. I’d like to have my truck back in one piece. Any info as to where my truck is would be greatly appreciated.

Call 911 if you find it.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: Here are highlights for Alki Beach Pride on Saturday!
August 29, 2024 7:55 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

This Saturday marks the 10th time that Alki residents Stacy and Jolie Bass-Walden have organized the Alki Beach Pride summer celebration. It’s grown over the years, and again this year, Alki Beach Pride will be an all-day street festival and beach party. Alki Avenue will be closed for the street-festival component, 7 am–10 pm, between 57th SW and 61st SW. Here’s what you’ll find if you’re going:

*The entertainment lineup is on the ABP website now – see it here. Organizers tell us, “Our entertainment headliners on the stage are Mariah Counts, LIVt, and RikoWithAK.”

*Other activities include volleyball 1-6 pm, a HIIT fitness class on the beach @ noon, and Drag King Story Time with Harley Sane, hosted by the Charlie’s Queer Books booth, in Alki Bathhouse at 12:10 pm

*More than 40 vendors

*Future Primitive (2536 Alki SW) is the “official beer garden”

*Food trucks

*Some other Alki businesses are supporting the festival too – one example, Harry’s Beach House (2676 Alki SW) is offering a Divas Brunch on Saturday, with seatings at 11 am and 1 pm (details and ticketing link are in our calendar listing); up in the Admiral District, Mission Cantina (2325 California SW) hosts an after-party

Official festival hours are noon-9 pm on Saturday (August 31).

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: High Point Library celebrates 20th anniversary
August 29, 2024 5:35 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

As noted in today’s highlight list, the High Point branch of the Seattle Public Library is having a party right now! This summer marks the 20th anniversary of the branch, which opened in June 2004, funded by the “Libraries for All” bond measure that built or remodeled more than two dozen branches citywide. Treats and book raffles are part of it:

Voters passed “Libraries for All” in 1998, and as explained in this HistoryLink.org essay, it was supplemented by other funding, from donors including the Seattle Public Library Foundation. That’s who’s sponsoring today’s party, which features other partners including DNDA (screening tote bags, below) and the West Seattle Food Bank.

Visit the branch before 7:30 pm tonight to join the celebration – also a good time to get reacquainted with the library, now that SPL’s recovery is almost complete from the tech attack that hit just before Memorial Day.

The branch is on the southeast corner of 35th/Raymond.

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BIZNOTES: Tony’s Market closing, Raccolto reopens, Bonjour Vietnam semi-opens
August 29, 2024 3:17 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Three biznotes this afternoon:

TONY’S MARKET CLOSING: Thanks to the readers who pointed out that sign at 35th/Barton on Wednesday. After a couple trips, we caught up today with Tony’s Market proprietor Raz Vorng. He and wife Sandy Saeteurn took over the produce stand last spring from longtime owner Joey Genzale. Raz says the produce business will close sometime in the next few weeks, no set date yet. But they hold the lease for the site for a few years so he’s exploring other possibilities. In the short run, he says, it’ll host at least two food trucks – a taco truck is there now and a “Cuban sandwich” truck is on the way.

RACCOLTO REOPENS: After a monthlong closure for plumbing repairs, the pasta-focused restaurant at 4147 California SW on the north edge of The Junction reopened earlier this week.

BONJOUR VIETNAM SEMI-REOPENS: Readers have been asking what’s going on with the restaurant opened by Jade Nguyen two years ago at 4509 California SW, where her parents operated Be’s Restaurant for ~35 years. Jade explains via email that the summer began with some equipment trouble, and she took the occasion to embark on some remodeling, then to “change the concept a bit.” Bonjour Vietnam is currently “open on Fridays and Saturdays for Karaoke 9-1:30 am. Our host from Yen Wor, Loretta Jones, is hosting. I am hoping to open fully with bistro bites and 21+, French fare,” but no set date yet. (Her speakeasy bar The Alley, behind BV, remains fully open.)

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Gatewood Elementary PTA and Seattle Bouldering Project team up so Gators can climb
August 29, 2024 2:04 pm
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 |   Gatewood | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Photos by Seattle Bouldering Project’s Caedmon Calbero)

Gatewood Elementary students (the Gators) have something new to look forward to when school starts next Wednesday – a climbing wall, thanks to the Gatewood PTA and Seattle Bouldering Project, whose facilities manager Willy Miller sent the report and photos:

Back in January, one of the parents at Gatewood Elementary School, Robin Rosenberg, reached out to us and asked if we could support their efforts in building a new climbing wall at their school. The PTA did not have enough funds to complete the project. So Seattle Bouldering Project was happy to help bridge the funding gap! After many months, and a lot of hoops to jump through, the wall was fully funded and built. It is ready for the new school year! Attached are some photos we took yesterday of the small ceremony we had to commemorate this new gym infrastructure. Thanks to the warm reception from Seattle Public Schools, the Gatewood Elementary PTA, The Gatewood Elementary staff, and all the students who came out to celebrate!

In the photo are Robin (former PTA president), Sara (current PTA President), Tony (PE Teacher), Kyna (School Principal), Lori (Seattle Public Schools), Nick (SBP staff), Rachel (SBP Manager), and myself (SBP Manager).

You can see another photo from the celebration, with a full view of the new wall, on the Gatewood Elementary Instagram page.

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FOLLOWUP: Fauntleroy YMCA hours expanding
August 29, 2024 12:18 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fauntleroy | Health | West Seattle news

The Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) continues its comeback. West Seattle/Fauntleroy branch executive Cleveland King just sent word that it’s expanding hours starting Friday, September 6 – until then, the Fauntleroy hours are 9 am-noon and 4 pm-7 pm Mondays-Thursdays, and the new Fauntleroy hours will be 8 am-noon and 4 pm-8 pm Mondays-Thursdays. (The Fauntleroy Y is co-housed with Fauntleroy Church at 9140 California SW.)

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Pencil Me in for Kids does it again (and again, and again …)
August 29, 2024 11:27 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

That’s Sue Lindblom, who – with the Rotary Club of West Seattle and her former business Illusions Hair Design – has been helping local students get ready for the new school year since 1996, via Pencil Me in for Kids. Today Sue’s delivering this year’s donated backpacks and school supplies to six local schools.

She and other volunteers gathered Wednesday afternoon at American Legion Post 160 in The Triangle to get everything ready for today’s deliveries to Arbor Heights, Highland Park, Roxhill, Sanislo, and West Seattle Elementary Schools and Louisa Boren STEM K-8. Classes at those and other Seattle Public Schools start next Wednesday.

You can support Pencil Me in for Kids by donating to the Rotary Service Foundation.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen blue Accord, with decorations you’d notice
August 29, 2024 10:39 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Sent by Colin:

My girlfriend’s light blue 1996 Honda Accord with bee and flower magnets was stolen from SW Portland St and Highland Park Way SW between the hours of 8 pm 8/27 and 7 am 8/28. WA plate is BSF 3634. She’s filed a police report, #24-242931. If the magnets have been removed, you can still see their shapes due to the sun bleaching of the paint.

Call 911 if you find it.

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From The Fastbacks to health and safety info to library history, 22 ways to spend the rest of your West Seattle Thursday!
August 29, 2024 10:12 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Great Blue Herons in today’s sunrise glow, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here’s what’s happening for the rest of your Thursday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: If you need late-summer-and-beyond plants, the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Annuals, perennials, sun, shade, natives, edibles, ground covers … wide variety!

SPRAYPARK: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open every day through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm, free. (Note – A commenter below says it’s not functioning as of 11:30 am. … Update: They say it’s now fixed!)

COLMAN POOL: Final 2024 week for 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 open noon-7 pm, daily through Labor Day

SOUTHWEST POOL CLOSED: Repairs and maintenance work continue.

WHAT’S NEW WITH WEIGHT-LOSS MEDICATION: Free lunch-and-learn webinar with Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care (WSB sponsor), online at 12:30 pm. Registration link and info here.

LEARN ABOUT CYBERSECURITY AND SCAM PREVENTION: 1 pm in person at Village Green West Seattle (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor), as previewed here – free.

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com for info on where they’re playing today.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room/wine bar open Thursdays-Saturdays 1 pm-6 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Food too – stop by to sip and nosh!

STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm yoga class at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight you’ll find Momo’s Kebab at HPCS.

HEAR NICK CAVE’S NEW ALBUM EARLY! 4 pm listening event at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) for Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds‘ new LP “Wild God.” Giveaways, happy hour!

WINE, CHEESE, PHOTOGRAPHY: Networking and head shots! 4 pm at Village Green West Seattle (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor) – check to see if slots are left.

LIBRARY CELEBRATION: Seattle Public Library branches are celebrating the 20th anniversary of “Libraries for All,” and the High Point branch (3411 SW Raymond) invites you to drop in during its party 4:30-7:30 pm. Free.

VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for a group walk in Lincoln Park – details in our calendar listing.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at Good Society (California/Lander) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: 6:30 pm, meet at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for a 3-mile run through the neighborhood. (Walking option, too!)

BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday it’s blues night.

THE FASTBACKS: The Seattle rock legends are releasing their first album in 25 years. They’re at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) at 7 pm for a listening party, signing event, and panel discussion. Free, all ages.

SUPPORT MEETUP FOR OUNCES: A meetup group invites you to make new friends while supporting Ounces Taproom and Beer Garden (3809 Delridge Way SW), 7-9 pm, as explained here.

TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).

Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE MUSIC: Be a ringer!
August 29, 2024 9:31 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The West Side Ringers invite you to make music with them, and asked us to publish this announcement:

The West Side Ringers are looking for people to ring English Handbells. No experience is necessary, as we are open to all skill levels. We meet on Wednesdays from 3:30-5 pm. Our group currently plays at retirement communities as a service to seniors! If interested, send an email to anjdroege@gmail.com.

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