West Seattle, Washington

20 Saturday

45℉

Spotlight Stories


  • Closure

    LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE: Starts today

  • New

    NEW BUSINESSES: Coffee and wine moving in

  • Sale day

    WS GARAGE SALE DAY 5/11: Register by Thursday 4/25!

What’s the beach plan for this summer? Alki Community Council convenes city reps to discuss what they’ll do
April 19, 2024 10:35 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(WSB photo: SPD mobile precinct at Alki Beach Friday afternoon)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

At Thursday night’s Alki Community Council meeting, focused on city agencies’ plans for safety and cleanliness at the beach this summer, one attendee observed that past “pilots” for early closing times followed shootings.

“Maybe we can do this in advance of a shooting this year,” she said, with hope.

Maybe – but the closing-time decision has not yet been finalized, according to Katie Howard, one of the parks officials in attendance. Howard said the department is “still working out the details” and hopes they’ll have something to announce “within the next couple weeks … nothing is off the table right now.”

The meeting explored what’s planned for Alki Beach Park this spring/summer from several agencies’ perspective. One repeatedly mentioned theme: The city’s projected budget gap, and how that might affect staffing and services this summer; Howard said that will factor into the closing-time decision.

One new element: Seattle Park Rangers, with two representatives at the meeting.

Last year, the city had two rangers, and they were restricted to working at downtown parks. This year, they’ll have about 30 – though half of them are still at the academy until next month, at which time they’ll “go right into field training.”

Read More

Share This

BIZNOTE: West Seattle Arcade taking over a second Alki space to open Gary’s Place
April 19, 2024 6:43 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(December photo courtesy Outer Space Seattle)

That’s part of the space at 2820 Alki Avenue SW that held Outer Space Seattle until just under four months ago. Now we know who’s moving in – here’s the announcement we received today from the proprietors of West Seattle Arcade:

West Seattle Arcade is expanding into a second space one block up the beach. We will be opening our sister location, Gary’s Place, (named for Matt Cichy’s dad, who owned and operated arcades around Seattle in the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s). Gary’s Place will afford us the opportunity to offer even more to our customers. We will be serving beer and snacks, along with an offering of some more classic arcade machines, more rhythm games, and a slightly more-grown-up atmosphere. As an extension of the West Seattle Arcade, Gary’s Place will be all ages, and accept the same Play Cards that we currently use.

We are working hard to get Gary’s Place up and running as soon as possible, but a lot of the timing will depend on how smoothly the permitting process goes.

This news comes nine months after Elyssa and Matt Cichy opened West Seattle Arcade at 2758 Alki Avenue SW.

Share This

Police investigate another SUV abandoned on West Seattle beach
April 19, 2024 5:54 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Thanks to Craig for the photo. Police responded to West Seattle’s southwesternmost shore this afternoon – between Seola Beach and The Arroyos – to try to sort out how that Jeep Compass ended up in the water. First they had to be sure nobody was in the water. Dispatch checked the logs, and consulted the King County Sheriff’s Office, since this is close to the city-limit line, and found out a few things.

KCSO had a report of a hit-run around midnight involving a vehicle matching this description, near 30th/106th. And someone in the area reported giving the vehicle’s driver a ride to a bus stop around 1 am. What explanation they gave, we don’t know. Police who were back at the scene around 4 pm said they couldn’t access the vehicle because of the tide, which is going back out now.

P.S. Last reported case of SUV-on-the-beach was four weeks ago at Lincoln Park.

Share This

FOLLOWUP: Here’s what Seattle Animal Shelter says about West Seattle’s wandering guineafowl
April 19, 2024 3:18 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | West Seattle news

(Texted photo, birds in Trader Joe’s parking lot this week)

Since our most-recent mention of West Seattle’s wandering guinea fowl, we’ve received photos and messages every day about sightings. We have not heard from their owner. While the birds – which resemble, but are not, turkeys – seemed to be staying in a residential neighborhood northeast of The Junction when we first heard about them 6+ months ago, most recently they’ve been seen in and near the Junction business district and arterials, with multiple reports of drivers dodging them. Seems unsafe, so today we asked the Seattle Animal Shelter if the situation was on their radar. Here’s the reply we received, via spokesperson Melissa Mixon:

The shelter has received reports of these two guinea fowl and has tried to capture them — even going so far as to buy special feed and grain that we provided to a willing resident who was working with us to try and contain them. The birds have proved to be quite elusive, however.

We encourage residents to contact the shelter if they see them, particularly if they witness a public safety or animal welfare concern (such as wandering onto a road.) One note on guinea fowl: while we certainly can’t comment on the character of these two birds, guinea fowl are larger birds and in general can be territorial and defensive. So residents should exercise caution just as they would around any larger bird.

(Texted photo, birds near West Seattle Bowl this morning)

The animal shelter’s hotline is 206-386-PETS.

Share This

UPDATE: Crash on westbound bridge by 99
April 19, 2024 2:23 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

2:23 PM: Thanks for the tip. If you’re headed back this way from points north/east, be aware there’s a crash response blocking part of the westbound bridge just east of the Highway 99 overpass. Responders on scene are awaiting an SDOT crew to clean up debris and fluids. No major injuries reported so far.

2:29 PM: A dispatcher just told on-scene crews that the SDOT crew is delayed, “stuck in traffic” on I-5, waiting to get onto the bridge.

2:45 PM: SDOT has arrived, SFD has departed, westbound lanes are still partly blocked per police but traffic is getting by.

3:09 PM: Scene has cleared, all lanes reopened.

Share This

TRANSPORTATION LEVY: 1 more week for feedback. Plus, bike ride to rally on Saturday
April 19, 2024 2:22 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

If you have something to say about the draft of the Seattle Transportation Levy renewal/expansion, you have one more week for feedback – here’s the official channel for that; you also can share your District 1 priorities with City Councilmember Rob Saka, who chairs the Transportation Committee, which will be reviewing it. Meantime, a rally is planned tomorrow for those who want to advocate for more climate focus in the levy as well as in the Transportation Plan, and you can get there via a bicycle ride from West Seattle to the rally location at Jimi Hendrix Park – here’s the route map shared with us today – meet up at 12:45 pm Saturday at the SW Chelan bicycle crossing:

The route includes a detour across the 1st Avenue South Bridge, since the up-to-nine-days closure of the West Seattle low bridge starts early tomorrow morning. The full ride announcement is in our calendar listing

Share This

FOLLOWUP: Final three days you can shop at Delridge Grocery Co-op, starting this afternoon
April 19, 2024 1:12 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

As announced two weeks ago, the volunteer-run Delridge Grocery Co-op is ending its storefront retail operations – but first, three more days during which you can shop at the 5444 Delridge Way SW store and get discounts – here’s the DGC reminder:

This is the last weekend the Delridge Grocery Co-op will be offering store hours as we wind down our operations. We’ll be open during our regular weekend hours — Friday 3-7, Saturday 9-3, and Sunday 11-3 — and will be offering great deals on our remaining inventory. April 21 will be our last day of store hours.

Everything in the store is discounted by 15% for EVERYONE, along with additional savings on select items — including 50% off all home, kitchen, and personal care items plus gifts and greeting cards.

Our volunteers will be working hard this weekend to start getting the store in shape for the upcoming Cascadia Produce pop-up (scheduled to start May 8), so we will have more to share with you in the next week.

Some information about the “pop-up” – which will actually be a 7-day-a-week shop – is in our April 5 report.

Share This

Park plan, festival updates, much more @ Morgan Community Association’s quarterly meeting
April 19, 2024 12:10 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Toplines from this past Wednesday night’s quarterly meeting of the Morgan Community Association, held in person at West Side Unitarian Universalist Congregation‘s community room and online via Zoom:

MORGAN JUNCTION PARK ADDITION SITE CLEANUP: Seattle Parks’ Kelly Goold brought the newest information. He said the cleanup of the ex-dry-cleaning site north of the current park is now expected to start in July and last about six weeks. He said the schedule is set for the period with the least likelihood of rain, and the lowest level of the water table, which means the least likelihood of any resulting underground contamination. The work will include concrete removal and soil removal down to about 18 feet. Once the removal is complete, the site will be graded and hydroseeded to prevent erosion. Beyond that, before site development can commence – likely in the first quarter of next year – they’re working with SDOT on transferring the street-end property between the expansion site and the current park. Once park construction starts, it’s expected to last eight months.

ALL-WHEELS AREA; As reported again here earlier this week, community advocacy for an all-wheels area in the project has led to a plan to create it on 1,500 square feet of the south end of the current park. Matt Johnston from the Morgan Junction All-Wheels Association recapped what’s ahead in the immediate future – a community meeting 10 am-noon Saturday, April 27, at the site. Grindline Skateparks is on board to design the all-wheels area but drawings are not expected at this first meeting – they’re hoping to have something to show about a month later, at which time there’ll be a second meeting. They also hope to be able to show Morgan Junction Community Festival attendees what exactly 1,500 sf looks like.

SPEAKING OF THE FESTIVAL: As we first reported in January, this year’s Morgan Junction Community Festival is planned for Saturday, June 15, 10 am-2 pm. MoCA is working on getting the festival back to its pre-pandemic scope, so in addition to more entertainment, this year will see the return of community booths in the parking lot behind Zeeks Pizza. Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Nate Shopay noted they’re expecting the Mounted Patrol to be able to visit, too.

SPEAKING OF POLICE: Lt. Shopay was at the meeting with an update on crime trends. Morgan Junction-area crime is generally down from last year, he said, but car prowls have been on the rise. He also noted that SPD has broken up a few “theft rings” recently, and that most of the people arrested were juveniles.

COUNCILMEMBER ROB SAKA’S OFFICE: Policy adviser Heather Marx was at the meeting. She said they’re laser focused on two big current initiatives – the Transportation Plan and draft Transportation Levy. The former was passed by the Transportation Committee, which Saka chairs, this past week and is expected to go to the full council on Tuesday (April 23). There’s one more week for feedback on the draft levy; Marx says they’ve been getting a strong response to Saka’s D-1 survey about it, which you can answer here. Asked how this levy differs fro the one that’s expiring, Marx noted it has more of an emphasis on proactive maintenance and paving, for example. Asked about specific projects for Morgan Junction, Marx said it’s too early to say. MoCA president Deb Barker said they’d be interested in pedestrian safety and traffic calming. Does it have money for more transit service? That’s a different voter-approved city funding source (the Seattle Transit Measure), Marx replied.

SPEAKING OF PLANS: The One Seattle (Comprehensive) Plan updates (here’s our most-recent coverage) were discussed too. This could bring new boundaries for the Morgan Junction area (what’s now an “urban village”). Barker said a West Seattle meeting about the comprehensive plan is coming up at 5 pm April 29 at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill).

PREPAREDNESS: Gatewood Elementary is working on collaboration with neighbors to be ready in case of catastrophe; contact the school if you live nearby and would like to join in the planning.

NEW BUSINESS: Tattoo Pizzazz was there for an introduction. Co-proprietor Shannon said they’re having a May 3 open house, 4-7 pm, with a drawing for a free tattoo.

DIAPER DRIVE: Reminder that the WestSide Baby diaper drive continues at Morgan Junction Starbucks (California/Fauntleroy) through the end of the month.

WHAT’S NEXT: Set your calendar for the June 15 festival and for the next quarterly MoCA meeting, 7 pm July 17.

Share This

The list for your West Seattle Friday
April 19, 2024 10:30 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Recent photo of tulips in Gatewood by Kelly Kauffman, who’s wondering about the name of this variety)

Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WATER TAXI EXTENDED HOURS: First night of the Water Taxi’s spring/summer hours, which add Friday and Saturday later-evening service each week.

STAY & PLAY INDOOR GYM: Free drop-in play, 10-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.

LIBRARY CLOSURE: The Seattle Public Library‘s just-announced closure days continue; the West Seattle (Admiral) branch will not be open, but it’s regular hours today for our area’s other libraries.

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: 5-10 pm, Class of 226 students will hang out with your kids – potty-trained through 13 – at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW), as a fundraiser – details in our calendar listing.

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

AT KENYON HALL: Monthly open mic – singer/songwriter incubator – free, all ages! 6 pm signups, 6:30 pm music. (7904 35th SW)

COMEDY AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 7-9 pm, Midnight Mystery Theater performs at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Strange Music Artist Jehry Robinson, hosted by Tonk Seven, special guest Jay Fiddy. Doors at 7 pm, all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

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

THIRD WEEKEND FOR ‘ENGLISH’: The current play continues at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. Ticket link is in our calendar listing.

DJ NIGHT AT REVELRY ROOM: Music 9 pm-1 am on Fridays! (4547 California SW)

MAKE IT LOUD! Skate to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), 9 pm-midnight, this week featuring Megadose, Nug, Sneaker Wave. $18 cover + $5 skate rental

LATE-NIGHT SINGING: 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).

Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Share This

WEEKEND PREVIEW: Learn about sheet mulching while helping the West Seattle Bee Garden
April 19, 2024 9:31 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Gardening | How to help | West Seattle news

As you can see if you check our West Seattle Event Calendar, you have multiple opportunities around the area to make a difference with a few hours of your time tomorrow during volunteer work parties in honor of Earth Day. One is at the West Seattle Bee Garden, where you can learn a skill – sheet mulching – that might be usable in your own garden if you have one. In case you haven’t seen it in the calendar, here’s a reminder from Lisa at the Bee Garden:

Help us turn a zigzaggy idea into reality – tomorrow! We’ve got our overgrown patch prepared and ready for cardboard, wood chips, compost and cover crop to transform the space into a child and pollinator wonderland! Our expert friends at Master Composter Sustainability Stewards will help guide our process and answer your questions on creating new garden spaces.

Our future plans for the Children’s Garden include: lots of flowers, celebrating diversity by highlighting culturally relevant plants, yummy things to nibble, fun textures to touch, arches to walk through and even seed saving to give back to the community. All we need are people to make it happen.

When: Saturday, 4/20, 10 am-2 pm (we may finish early)

We will have some tools in short supply, if you are able to attend and can bring a wheelbarrow and/or shovel and/or pitchfork, that is helpful but not required. Bring a water bottle and lunch, dress for the weather – close toe shoes please. Light snacks provided.

We have other jobs as well: endless amounts of horsetail to pluck, walkways to weed and rake smooth, watering. There’s something for everyone :)

Many thanks for supporting our community garden!

The Bee Garden is at the north end of High Point Commons Park, Graham/Lanham. It will be at the heart of the annual West Seattle Bee Festival on May 18!

Share This

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday notes; one day until low-bridge closure
April 19, 2024 6:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, April 19.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny, high in the upper 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:11 am, sunset at 8:05 pm.

(Thursday sunset, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE COUNTDOWN

The West Seattle low bridge will be closed to surface (street and path) use starting at 6 am Saturday (April 20), open by 5 am Monday, April 29.

TRANSIT NOTES

Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is. Reminder, Friday/Saturday later-evening sailings start tonight.

Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Check WSF alerts for last-minute changes. Use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

1st Ave. S. Bridge:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:

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!

Share This

West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2024 update, with one week of registration remaining
April 18, 2024 10:53 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

If you’re going to join in the region’s largest community garage-sale day this year – but you’re not registered yet – hurry! The deadline is one week away, 11:30 pm next Thursday (April 25)! West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day just might be the biggest yet – 300+ sales are signed up already, and that’s 25 percent more than at this point last year. Sale day is Saturday, May 11 (always the second Saturday in May), 9 am-3 pm (some start earlier, some end later, some even add extra days – be sure info like that is in your listing when you register). We haven’t been through all the listings yet but we already have a pile of notes about what people are selling and how they’re describing their sales (one seller simply declares, “It’s lit”) – fun stuff, practical stuff, old stuff, new stuff, handmade stuff, designer stuff, big stuff, little stuff, we could go on … that’s why we make the map and guide available a week in advance, so you can check out the listings and see who’s selling something you might want. (Or even if you’re not planning on major shopping, see who’s having a sale near you and walk over to say hi.) If you’re selling but not yet registered – here’s the form!

Share This

FOLLOWUP: What remains to be done at newly renovated Don Armeni Boat Ramp
April 18, 2024 9:27 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Thanks to Doug Eglington for the photos. Crews were back at Don Armeni Boat Ramp this week for more of the finishing touches on the dock-replacement project. The new docks are open for public use but Seattle Parks spokesperson Karen O’Connor tells us a few things remain to be done – installation of bollards to keep people from trying to drive onto the docks – “a nearby resident had informed the project manager of this was an issue” – and installation of “additional cleats (for vessel tie-up).” The project replaced deteriorating, weather-beaten docks and pilings. It was partly funded by grants and has been in the works for seven years; we first reported on the plan in early 2017.

Share This

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Teenage carjacking suspects arraigned
April 18, 2024 6:33 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

One day after the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed felony charges against the two teenage boys arrested in a Burien ravine after Friday’s armed carjacking in a West Seattle alley, both were arraigned this afternoon. The 15- and 17-year-old suspects both pleaded not guilty, and Judge Veronica Galvan agreed with prosecutors that both should remain in juvenile detention. The next hearing for the younger suspect is a week from today; the older suspect’s next hearing is May 7th. Both are charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree unlawful gun possession, and second-degree taking a motor vehicle without permission (related to the Audi carjacked in West Seattle); the 15-year-old is also charged with possession of a stolen vehicle (related to the Hyundai in which they arrived at the carjacking location).

Share This

READER REPORT: Admiral alert about ‘incidence of stalking’
April 18, 2024 4:55 pm
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Out of the WSB inbox this afternoon:

In the interest of keeping our neighborhood a safe place, I am writing to let you know of an incidence of stalking that happened to me this week in our neighborhood:

This Tuesday morning around 9:40 am I was walking east up Admiral and walked by a car that was parked in the “dead zone” between 49th Ave SW and Garlough Ave SW. When I was almost to 48th on SW Lander, he drove the wrong way up Lander, pulled over in his car and started talking to me. He let his feelings be known that he liked me and wanted to see me twice, which I answered with “NO” and “NO, I’m married.” and then he drove away. I was very distraught but dismissed it as a weird one-time occurrence. Wednesday I took my daughter to school and stayed for a school activity. Driving home, I saw his car again in the same place and time on Admiral; this was at about 9:15 am. Today, as I was running with my friend, west down Admiral he took a right turn in front of us from 51st onto Admiral and pulled over between 51st and Garlough at around 9:10 am.

After seeing him again this morning I called and made a police report. SPD gave me a case number (24-105089), told me to call 911 if he tries to make contact again, and asked that I put my neighborhood on high alert. I did not get a picture and do not remember any more than this: He presented as a white male with dark hair in his mid 30-40s. He was driving what I remember as a newer-looking black or very dark blue small sedan or hatchback with fully tinted windows. When I first walked by his car, the windows were cracked and I could smell cigarette smoke.

Share This

Two ways to support Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s present and future work ‘Navigating Our Past’
April 18, 2024 3:33 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

You might know the Southwest Seattle Historical Society best for its headquarters at the historic Log House Museum on Alki – but that’s just part of its work, as you can learn while supporting SWSHS via its gala and/or online auction in the weeks ahead. Here’s what to know:

2024 is shaping up to be a big year for the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. It is also a year that coincides with significant anniversaries including its founding (1984), the building of the Fir Lodge/Alki Homestead (1904), and the ten-year anniversary of the installation of the Belvedere/Admiral Viewpoint replica Totem Pole at the Log House Museum at Alki Beach (2014).

As the historical society commemorates these anniversaries, and begins work on new strategic goals, it is branding the annual Spring Gala and Online Auction on May 3 as Navigating Our Past, Anew. The organization will announce new initiatives, including updating signage for the Totem Pole to provide more complete historical context (Totem Poles are not representative of Coast Salish art traditions and the one at the museum is in fact a replica of an earlier pole and was carved by non-indigenous artists).

The Historical Society will also be announcing a new project to develop an interactive, permanent exhibit on the history of the Duwamish Peninsula at the Log House Museum, made possible from a grant from the newly established Maritime Washington National Heritage Area. The exhibit timeline coincides with the organization’s three-year strategic plan adopted earlier this year.

Guest speakers for the event represent community partners that are integral to both projects and include Alex Gradwohl, Program Director, Maritime Washington National Heritage Area and Kristina Pearson, Director, Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center.

The event includes food, a cash bar, and an exciting live auction featuring priceless experiences, including a chance to custom paint a traffic signal box with Desmond Hansen Art, a private tour of the West Duwamish Greenbelt with Chief Sealth descendant Ken Workman, and more.

In addition to the May 3 Gala, the organization is hosting an online auction from April 29 through May 2. The auction includes unique West Seattle experiences, local services, art, and gift certificates to local businesses. This year, the historical society is also auctioning numerous unique vacation rentals including a three-night stay at a luxury ranch outside Yellowstone National Park in Paradise Valley, Montana.

Tickets for the event are $95 and can be purchased online at loghousemuseum.org, which is also where you can register for the online auction, free.

The gala is happening at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor).

P.S. You can also learn more about the SWSHS and its work right now in the spotlight display at HomeStreet Bank in The Junction (41st/Alaska; WSB sponsor) – visit before next Tuesday afternoon and you can register for a drawing for two tickets to the gala!

Share This

Tugboat blamed for oil spill on the Duwamish River
April 18, 2024 1:34 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

The state Department of Ecology confirms it’s investigated a fuel spill first reported online Wednesday by local wildlife biologist/advocate Kersti Muul. She received photos including the ones she gave us permission to republish here – showing the sheen on the water off Harbor Island and the West Seattle Bridge.

Here’s how Ecology spokesperson Ty Keltner responded to our inquiry:

There was a spill a couple days ago in the Duwamish. Ecology got multiple reports of sheen near the southeast end of Harbor Island. The source of the spill is believed to be the tug Westrac II. The tug reported a spill of 40-50 gallons of hydraulic oil to due to an engine drive unit issue. Ecology Spill Responders went out to determine if anything could be recovered and to ensure the vessel is no longer spilling. We sent out a responder again yesterday to see some of the leftover sheen, but it’s very weathered and there isn’t much we can do for recovering what is left.

Kersti notes, “We should continue to keep eyes out for wildlife and pockets of concentrated oil.” The state hotline for reporting a spill is 800-OILS-911.

Share This

SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Gray whale, northbound (photo added)
April 18, 2024 1:20 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

1:20 PM: Whale sighting just in from Kersti Muul – a baleen whale, northbound, close to shore, headed toward Brace Point. (That description means it could be a gray or humpback, among others.) Let us know if you see it!

6:12 PM: Kersti noted earlier in a comment that this is a gray whale. Added above, a photo from David Hutchinson, who says he “was fortunate to see the gray whale passing Constellation Park just after 3 PM today.”

Share This

FOLLOWUP: SDOT says construction starts soon on permanent ‘High Point Healthy Street’
April 18, 2024 12:01 pm
|      43 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | Transportation | West Seattle news

When the city launched what were originally called “Stay Healthy Streets” four years ago, the first one announced in West Seattle was in High Point/Sunrise Heights. SDOT announced today that construction of its permanent features is about to begin:

First, SDOT’s reminder: “As announced earlier this year, 34th Ave SW will become a permanent Healthy Street and the other streets will return to neighborhood greenway (status).” So, for 34th (the stretch shown above in purple), the emailed update says:

We are excited to share an update for the High Point Healthy Street! We will start construction of the permanent installments for the High Point Healthy Street as soon as late April!

We will install permanent signage with a concrete block base and newly painted curb space around it at each intersection along the Healthy Street. At intersections where neighbors requested planters, we will install the permanent signage with a planter sign base.

SDOT crews will likely be on site soon to start preparing for work. You may see crews marking the pavement along the Healthy Street.

The project’s official page is here.

OTHER HEALTHY STREETS: SDOT says it’s still determining whether the Delridge/Highland Park Healthy Street will become permanent. And we’re checking on whether the construction schedule has been clarified for Alki Point since the reiteration four weeks ago that the design features announced last December will be built.

Share This

LAST CALL: One more day to get your ticket to ‘Prom Through the Ages’ for The Bridge School
April 18, 2024 11:29 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

As school fun(draising) season continue, tomorrow’s your last chance to get a ticket to Prom Through the Ages, an April 27 celebration benefiting cooperative elementary The Bridge School! Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:

Step back in time and dance through the decades with us at The Bridge School Auction: Prom Through the Ages!

Grab your tickets now for an unforgettable evening of nostalgia, fun, and philanthropy. (Ticket sales close this Friday, April 19th at 12 pm)

Your ticket includes:

-Admission to the event
-A delectable dinner from Centro Neighborhood Kitchen, featuring a taco bar buffet with options for meat lovers, vegetarians, and vegans
-A complimentary alcoholic or specialty beverage courtesy of your drink ticket
-Dress to impress and compete in our prom costume contest (optional)
-Gain exclusive bidding privileges in our electrifying live auction
-Additional drinks will be available for purchase, ensuring the party never stops! Secure your spot now and join us in supporting our school while reliving the magic of prom night. See you on the dance floor!

Ticket sales close this Friday, April 19th at 12 pm

What: Prom Through The Ages: Live Auction Event to support The Bridge School
When: Saturday, April 27th 6-9 PM
Where: Explorer West Gymnasium
10300 28th Ave SW

Share This

FYI: Law-enforcement air/sea training today
April 18, 2024 10:20 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Helicopter | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

An alert from the King County Sheriff’s Office:

Heads up! Today until 3 PM we are conducting joint training with the King County Water Taxi in Elliott Bay. If you see Guardian One & an increased police presence, there is no cause for alarm.

Guardian One is the KCSO helicopter, which is also used by other law-enforcement agencies including Seattle Police.

Share This

Alki Community Council and more for your West Seattle Thursday
April 18, 2024 9:54 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Rainbow photographed Tuesday morning by Erin O)

Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

EXPANDED FAUNTLEROY YMCA HOURS: Third week for the Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) expanded hours – 9 am to noon and 4 pm to 7 pm, Mondays through Thursdays – now with classes (see the schedule here).

FREE PLAYSPACE: Drop-in space open at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd/Juneau) until noon.

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Now open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

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 now open Thursdays-Saturdays 1 pm-6 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm class at Senior Center of West Seattle (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 it’s Bai Tong on Wheels.

SOFTBALL: One high-school home game today – Chief Sealth IHS hosts Lincoln, 4 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle)

FREE CLASS: CommunityFlow at Dragonfly (3270 California SW), 4-5 pm – sign up here.

FREE ECO-ARTS CLASS: 5-7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – you’re invited to drop in!

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.

BASQUE WINE AND VERMOUTH TASTING: 5-7 pm at Sebastiano’s (3278 California SW).

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 you can listen to the blues.

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Parks and Police reps are among the guests to talk about plans for spring/summer at the park, 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) – attend in person or online; info’s in our preview.

THURSDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: Burger Planet (9614 14th SW) in White Center now has Thursday night trivia at 7 pm – prizes!

THIRD WEEK FOR ‘ENGLISH’: The current play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) takes the stage at 7:30 pm. See our calendar listing for info, including the ticket link.

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

Share This

Learn about suicide prevention at Sunday workshop in West Seattle
April 18, 2024 9:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

Would you recognize when someone is thinking about self-harm – and know how to help them? You can learn this Sunday at Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is inviting community members – including middle- and high-school students – to this workshop:

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is hosting a Suicide Prevention Workshop this Sunday, April 21st, from 9 am-12 pm.

This workshop is facilitated by O’Dea High School students and helps participants recognize a person with thoughts of suicide and connects them with resources to help them choose to live. Participants don’t need any formal preparation to attend the training — anyone who wants to make a difference can learn the SAFETALK steps. There will be scheduled breaks and opportunities to practice the skills built in the workshop, including practice on how to talk about this subject with others.

Mental health, depression, and especially suicide are prevalent in our community. The more informed we are, the more we can keep our community safe. Click on this link to sign up or use the QR Code in this flyer.

OLG is at 35th/Myrtle.

Share This