West Seattle, Washington

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Spotlight Stories


  • Closure

    SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT: This weekend’s closure

  • Light rail

    WS LIGHT RAIL: Sound Transit’s EIS date

  • School

    WELCOME BACK! One school’s spirited start

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Thursday notes
September 5, 2024 6:01 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, September 5, and almost everyone’s now back in school

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The National Weather Service‘s Heat Advisory alert for our area takes effect at 8 am today. Today’s forecast calls for sun and a mid-80s high. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:34 am, while sunset will be at 7:40 pm.

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE

*Here’s the plan for this week’s work on the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project. Again tonight – the two left eastbound lanes will be closed 7 pm to 6 am.

*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

*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. You’ll find no-parking zones and steel plates, plus flaggers.

TRANSIT NOTES

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.

Metro buses today – Regular schedules.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Note that the “unscheduled third boat” will not be available today because it’s temporarily moving to another run.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

High Bridge – The Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually 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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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: South Delridge gunfire investigation
September 5, 2024 12:21 am
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Police responding to reports of suspected gunfire in South Delridge have found confirmation. Officers just told dispatch they’ve found casings at 17th/Barton. No reports of injuries so far. No witnesses, either (and thus, no descriptions).

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Repeat mail thief back in jail; 2 weekend incidents
September 4, 2024 9:41 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:

REPEAT MAIL THIEF BACK IN JAIL: We’ve reported before on 40-year-old Jason A. Turner, mostly in connection with Delridge-area mail theft, most recently in 2021. Tonight he is in jail again after a series of incidents in Westwood, at the end of which police say he was found in possession of “a large (amount) of mail.” He is not yet charged but we are identifying him because he is still in Department of Corrections “community custody” as the result of a sentence in previous mail-theft convictions.

The Westwood incidents started with a woman calling to report that a man had broken into her fenced yard and knocked on her window while he stood outside her house, exposing and touching his genitals. Before police caught up with him, he was reported to have engaged in the same behavior a few blocks away, in two Westwood Village stores, Spirit Halloween and Marshall’s. Officers found Turner in the center parking lot. In addition to the mail found on him, they also found “a photocopy of a passport and a Social Security card.” That was basis to book him for investigation of identity theft, as well as – for the first incident – investigation of burglary with sexual motivation. King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office spokesperson Casey McNerthney says they asked for $100,000 bail and the judge set the amount at $50,000. Meantime, a DOC spokesperson tells us that Turner has been serving “a 12-month term in Community Custody on five counts of Possession of Stolen Mail. His supervisory period is scheduled to end on 2/28/2025.” (Since he’s in the state system, that’s why we have access to a mugshot.) Court records indicated that followed a three-month jail sentence. We’ll find out tomorrow if he’s charged in this new case and what happens next. Conditions of his community custody – Washington’s version of probation – include “not to possess others’ mail or financial information.”

Also in Crime Watch tonight – two robberies disclosed in summaries from the holiday weekend, released by SPD today:

MONDAY MARIJUANA ROBBERY: Police say this happened at a marijuana business in the 6900 block of West Marginal Way SW at 5:30 pm. Three people held up an employee at gunpoint and threatened to kill him if he didn’t let them inside, the summary says, adding that the employee’s wife – “who works inside, allowed the suspects in to save her husband’s life.” They left with “bins of marijuana, approximate value of $15,000,” in a vehicle, no description of it or them in the summary.

FRIDAY HOME-INVASION ATTEMPT: This summary says that just after 4 am in the 5400 block of 17th SW, would-be home invaders tried to pry open and kick down a door; they were gone before police arrived. Officers say “it was discovered that an unreported home invasion occurred here the week prior. … During that incident, victim found suspects inside home with younger sibling, holding them at gunpoint. They demanded jewelry known to be owned by the victim. They left with the victim’s purse and containing a large amount of cash.” No description info in this summary either.

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Two ways to preview this year’s West Seattle Art Tour!
September 4, 2024 7:47 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The West Seattle Art Tour is just two and a half weeks away – and organizers have announced two ways you can preview it!

The West Seattle Art Tour, September 21, 2024, 10 am – 5 pm, is at 14 artist-hosted locations across West Seattle. This free, self-guided tour features a full spectrum of art, a chance to meet and talk with 55 participating artists, and the opportunity to purchase exceptional works of art, all while exploring West Seattle’s beautiful neighborhoods.

Get a sneak preview of 2024 West Seattle Art Tour during September 12th West Seattle Art Walk! A sampler of art from 2024 West Seattle Art Tour locations will be on display during September 12th West Seattle Art Walk, 5:00-8:00 pm at NOR Design and Construction, 5953 California Ave, Suite #100.

What you can do right now: Maps and Artist Gallery are Up! Visitors can plan their tour with the just-released online map, print off a paper copy of the map, and peruse a virtual gallery of all 55 artists on the Tour website.

West Seattle Art Tour is organized by an all-volunteer committee of more than 20 artists and art lovers with support from West Seattle Art Walk. Individuals interested in supporting the West Seattle Art Tour can reach out to WSArtHop@gmail.com.

This is the third year for the Art Tour (previously known as Art Hop & Shop).

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Heat alert for Thursday and Friday
September 4, 2024 6:20 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Alki photo sent by Jolie Bass-Walden)

Today’s most dramatic weather feature was the morning fog. Tomorrow and Friday, different story, says the National Weather Service – it’ll be afternoon heat. The Heat Advisory alert for those two days, first issued Tuesday, still warns of potentially record highs, 80s to 90s (normal for this time of year is mid-70s). So don’t store your fan(s) just yet! The alert officially takes effect 8 am Thursday and will continue until 11 pm Friday.

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ELECTION 2024: Public Lands Commissioner recount finalized
September 4, 2024 4:54 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

checkbox.jpgFinal results are in for the one loose end from the August primary – the by-hand recount required for state Commissioner of Public Lands race, because the original count had the second- and third-place candidates only 51 votes apart. Final recount results, certified today, didn’t change the top two – the November 5 election will be between Republican Jaime Herrera Beutler, a former U.S. House Rep. from southwestern Washington, and Democrat Dave Upthegrove, a King County Councilmember from Des Moines. The recount changed the margin between Upthegrove and Republican Sue Kuehl Pederson by only two votes, so they finished 49 votes apart. The Commissioner of Public Lands position is open because two-term incumbent Hilary Franz decided to run for Congress in District 6; she finished that primary in third place. General-election ballots will start arriving in mailboxes around October 18, a little over six weeks away.

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UPDATE: Crash at Fauntleroy/Alaska
September 4, 2024 3:35 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

3:35 PM: Thanks for the tips. SFD and SPD are on the scene of what was dispatched as a three-vehicle collision at Fauntleroy/Alaska, said to be blocking most of the intersection (partly shown in traffic-cam screenshot above), so avoid that area for a while.

4:20 PM: Metro alerts indicate traffic is flowing again. We’re checking with SFD on whether anyone was hurt.

5:29 PM: SFD tells us one person was checked out, a woman in her early 60s, and that she did not need further treatment.

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FOLLOWUP: City narrows timeframe for clearing SW Trenton encampment
September 4, 2024 3:07 pm
|      42 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Westwood

(Tuesday afternoon)

As reported here last Friday afternoon, just before the holiday weekend, the city sent an update about the SW Trenton RV encampment, saying it would be cleared “within three weeks.” It was too late for us to reach a city rep for clarification until after Labor Day weekend, but we’ve since heard back from spokesperson Callie Craighead. She says, “The Unified Care Team has a scheduled resolution date for this site in the second half of September, pending shelter bed availability. Notices will be posted 72 hours prior to the scheduled date.” In late August, the city had said only that it was “closely monitoring” the site.

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BACK TO SCHOOL: High-school football season starts tomorrow with WSHS home game. Supporters have a request
September 4, 2024 1:39 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB file photo)

The start of the new school year means the start of the season for fall sports. Tomorrow (Thursday, September 5) brings the first local football game – West Seattle High School hosts Bainbridge HS at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 7 pm. Supporters hope you’ll show up to cheer for the Wildcats. They also have this request:

West Seattle High School football’s singular direct give fundraiser to the community concludes this Friday, September 6. We have a record number of players this year and minimal funds supporting the team through SPS Athletics. All tax-deductible funds raised go toward equipment, uniforms, coaches’ stipends, nutrition, team meals, banquets, and awards. This year we have set up a friendly captain’s squad competition.

Fundraiser: wshs.schoolauction.net/2024footballfundraiser/give/list

More information including a link to our game schedule, team, and generous sponsors can be found on our website: westseattlefootball.com

Thank you in advance!

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VIDEO: A first and a last at West Seattle Elementary, as students start the school year with ‘Be There’ celebration
September 4, 2024 12:01 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

The first day of school began with a joyful tradition at West Seattle Elementary – the annual “Be There Rally,” with staff – that’s Akim Finch, above, who also DJ’d – and community members lining a red carpet to greet the students with high-fives, cheers, and applause.

Among the greeters was principal Pam McCowan-Conyers, for whom this “Be There” was bittersweet, as the hug from assistant principal Richie Garcia acknowledged:

She’s retiring after this year, so this was her final “Be There” – she spoke briefly, recalling what she has learned in 15 years at WSES, as well as sharing expectations and plans for the year ahead:

But meantime, there were many high-fives to be given – among those joining the principal and her staff this morning were West Seattle’s School Board Director Gina Topp (as mentioned in McCowan-Conyers’ remarks):

According to district documents, West Seattle Elementary had an enrollment of about 350 students last year and was forecast for about the same this year.

The addition/renovations completed last year gave it a capacity of 500, which will doubtlessly be a consideration when Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones announces his consolidation proposals next month.

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Learn about volunteering, Ukraine relief, airport studies, more on our West Seattle Wednesday event list
September 4, 2024 10:03 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Foggy morning on the bay – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

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

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

SOUTHWEST POOL OPEN: In case you missed our update on Tuesday, the pool has reopened after its two-week repair/maintenance closure. You can see its schedule here. (2801 SW Thistle)

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

LEARN ABOUT VOLUNTEERING FOR SWSHS: 4-6 pm, open house at the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) for people interested in volunteering with the Southwest Seattle Historical Society.

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).

LEARN ABOUT UKRAINE RELIEF: The guest speaker at tonight’s Kiwanis Club of West Seattle meeting will be returning to Ukraine soon to help with relief efforts. Hear tonight at 6 what it’s really like there. Dinner meeting at Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW), non-members welcome too.

BOEING FIELD NOISE STUDY OPEN HOUSE: Not in West Seattle but relevant – 6-7:30 pm, learn about future plans and studies related to the airport just over the ridge – details in our calendar listing. (KCIA Flight Service Station, 6526 Ellis Ave. S.)

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.

ALSO AT WSR – GOT FIT INFO NIGHT: 6:30 pm at the store, come learn about the free training program Got Fit West Seattle – “free intermediate half marathon group training program for runners … for those who have run a half marathon before.” Got Fit starts this Saturday, so be there tonight to find out more.

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: One night, 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.

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

Planning an open house, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, show, meeting, presentation, 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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Remembering Maria Pertik, R.N., Ph.D.
September 4, 2024 9:18 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Maria Pertik and sharing this remembrance with her community:

Maria “Dr Mo” Pertik R.N./Ph.D. had many talents, but she was a dangerous cook. She specialized in kitchen explosions and fires.

She died joyfully on 9/3/2024 with her daughter and husband by her side. Maria stayed true to her belief in herself and ability to accomplish many dreams. She travelled the world, ran two marathons, volunteered at the free clinic and national parks, wrote two books, and cared for her mother with dementia. She worked as a nature guide for children in the Seattle parks and was a medical volunteer in the Amazon Basin.

On an airplane flight, she was the only passenger to jump up to help when a man lost consciousness, and ended up saving his life. She opened her home to strangers who needed help, and recently became a loving grandmother to baby Laila.

She faced death head on, embraced the impermanence of life, and spread her light wherever she went. She made the world a better place.

(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, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Back-to-school Wednesday
September 4, 2024 6:00 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, September 4, and almost everyone who’s not already back at school returns today, including Seattle Public Schools first- through twelfth-graders.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory alert for our area for Thursday and Friday. But first, today’s forecast is nothing unusual – sunny, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:32 am, while sunset will be at 7:42 pm.

(Tuesday’s sunset – photo sent by Nico)

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT AND OTHER ROAD WORK

*Here’s the plan for this week’s work on the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project. Tonight – the two left eastbound lanes will be closed 7 pm to 6 am.

*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. (One last mention – there’s a 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. You’ll find no-parking zones and steel plates, plus flaggers.

TRANSIT NOTES

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.

Metro buses today – Regular schedules.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Note that the “unscheduled third boat” will not be available for part of this week because it’s temporarily moving to another run.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

High Bridge – The Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually 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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BACK TO SCHOOL: Local notes on the eve of Seattle Public Schools’ 2024-2025 year
September 3, 2024 9:25 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

For thousands of local students and their families, the new school year starts tomorrow – the first day of classes at Seattle Public Schools and the independent schools that haven’t already launched 2024-2025. Here are some local SPS-related notes:

SAFETY AND MENTAL HEALTH: The district has promised an intensified focus on this, and the city has committed some funding for new or expanded programs. Advance announcements mention “focused intervention” for safety and security at high and middle schools including Chief Sealth and Denny – that means a variety of programs explained in the announcement, as well as – at Sealth and other “focus” high schools – police presence before/after school and during lunch “as staffing allows.” For mental health, city dollars will expand resources at school-based health centers, including seven West Seattle campuses (listed here).

NEW PRINCIPALS: Three West Seattle SPS schools start the year with new principals — Fairmount Park Elementary, where Sara Davis is now principal; Arbor Heights Elementary, where Nooria Miskell is interim principal; and Louisa Boren STEM K-8, where Kimberly Noble is now interim principal.

INTERIM SITE: Alki Elementary is holding classes at the former Schmitz Park Elementary for the second of what’s expected to be three years. Construction of the new, larger Alki has begun after the second zoning-exception appeal was rejected, as covered here in detail. Meantime, the school board voted last week to approve a 20 percent increase in the “maximum price” of the construction contract – previously $53 million, now $63 million. District documents say the added cost will be covered by the levy that is funding the project, along with federal dollars.

WSES ‘BE THERE’ RALLY: West Seattle Elementary in High Point will start the new year with this tradition on Wednesday morning, community members lining a red carpet to cheer for the students as they arrive, as they’ve been doing since 2016. They’re gathering starting at 7:15 am, at the entrance that was dedicated along with the school’s added classrooms on the first day of school last year.

What else is new? Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, staffer, parent, student, neighbor, we hope to hear from you throughout the year – 206-293-6302 (text/voice) if it’s urgent, westseattleblog@gmail.com when it’s not – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: North Admiral car-theft-attempt followup; car prowled
September 3, 2024 7:14 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes so far today:

CAR-THEFT ATTEMPT FOLLOWUP: Late Friday night, we reported on a North Admiral incident in which a man fired his gun three times “in defense” after a reported car-theft attempt. No injuries or damage reported. One person was detained – a juvenile who was initially suspected of being one of the theft-attempt suspects. He was booked into the county juvenile detention center early Saturday. Juvenile cases move quickly, even over holiday weekends, so today we asked the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office what had happened in this one so far. KCPAO spokesperson Casey McNerthney tells WSB, “The case has not been sent to us by police, and the respondent was released from detention because there was not probable cause for the arrest of this specific respondent. The investigation with police may still be ongoing, and prosecutors will review a case immediately if police send one to us.”

Also in Crime Watch, one reader report:

CAR PROWLED: From Kelly in Gatewood:

We got our car rifled through (Sunday) night in Gatewood near 39th and Southern. My fault – I think I left the car unlocked. I hardly ever do that. They opened everything and left it all out on the seats and went through the trunk. I’m not sure that they took anything. I don’t have anything valuable in there but I also can’t really remember.

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BIZNOTE: Get out on the water! Alki Kayak Tours’ fall hours
September 3, 2024 5:46 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Prime time for getting out on the water is nowhere near over. Alki Kayak Tours (WSB sponsor) has launched fall hours, and wants you to know about your options for tours, rentals, and classes:

September is here, but there’s still plenty of paddling to enjoy! Late summer/early fall is one of the best times to explore the Pacific Northwest waters with vibrant fall colors and increased wildlife sightings. Starting today, Alki Kayak Tours’ fall hours will be in effect (weather permitting):

Sea Kayak Tours (7 days a week by reservation)
•Alki Lighthouse Tour: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
•Elliott Bay Tour: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
•Sunset Tour: Departs 2 hours before sunset

Hourly rentals by reservation, Friday through Monday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Check our calendar for available classes and lessons.

Happy fall and happy paddling with Alki Kayak Tours!

AKT is headquartered at Seacrest (1660 Harbor SW).

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SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT: Here’s this week’s closure plan
September 3, 2024 3:17 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Just in from SDOT, this week’s plan for Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing-project lane closures, barring a change in the forecast:

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY NIGHTS, 7 PM-6 AM, AND FRIDAY NIGHT, 7 PM-10 PM (Sept. 3, 4, 5, 6):

EB Left Lanes Closure
1st Ave S Off-Ramp Open
4th Ave S Off-Ramp Open

REST OF THE WEEKEND, 10 PM FRIDAY-5 AM MONDAY (Sept. 6-9):

EB Full Closure
EB Off-Ramp to NB SR-99 OPEN.
1st Ave Off-Ramp Open
4th Ave Off-Ramp Closed

WB Inside Left Lane Closure
NB I-5 Off-Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct Closed
Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Work under way at Westwood space listed as future Panda Express
September 3, 2024 2:54 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | Westwood

For those who have asked “whatever happened to the plan for Panda Express at Westwood Village?”, our photo has two signs that work is finally under way at the former Pet Pros space, just north of QFC. (Plus, a reader walking by over the weekend reported seeing a handwritten sign on the inside of the door bearing the Panda Express name.)

We first reported last October that the space had been labeled as Panda Express on Westwood Village’s directory map, the only way the center’s semi-new owners have “announced” new tenants in recent years. The map spot labeled Panda Express has remained through multiple updates of the map since then, as well as a listing on the center’s leasing flyer (note page 4), but no signage or permit applications have appeared, nor have there been signs of work – until now. The chain has 72 locations in this state already, including Burien just to the south; to date they haven’t responded to inquiries, but we’re trying again.

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FOLLOWUP: Southwest Pool reopens
September 3, 2024 1:12 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | Westwood

Also back in service as of today – Southwest Pool (file photo at right). We reported last month on the plan for two weeks of repair/maintenance work, scheduled to end in time for today’s sessions, and indeed it did – we just went to the pool to check, and the noon lap swim was under way. However, for those who have asked, the long-out-of-service hot tub was not part of this work, and it’s still not fixed, nor does pool staff have a timeframe for when it will be. Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle) is the only city-owned indoor pool in West Seattle; you can see its schedule online.

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FOLLOWUP: Seattle Public Library services now all ‘back online’
September 3, 2024 12:28 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news

The end of summer means a new start of sorts for the Seattle Public Library – SPL says it’s now restored the last of its services affected by the tech crisis resulting from a “ransomware attack.” That means you can again use the library’s public computers and SPL Lockers, plus its “Suggest a Title” is back. SPL said via X/Twitter that this “means that all of our services are back online and ready for you to use. Thank you for your patience, support and kind words this summer as we worked to restore our services.” The trouble began just before Memorial Day, and SPL services have been coming back online incrementally ever since.

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The list for September’s first West Seattle Tuesday
September 3, 2024 10:30 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(At Alki – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here’s the list for the rest of today/tonight, a bit later than usual because of breaking news (but you can always preview the hours, days, weeks ahead via our Event Calendar):

POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Long-distance advocacy – drop in 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all welcome.

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

CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Future utility rates are part of what’s on the agenda as the City Council returns to its regular meeting schedule, 2 pm in council chambers at City Hall downtown. The agenda document explains how to comment, either remotely or in person. Watch live via Seattle Channel.

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.

WEST SEATTLE TAE KWON DO: First September class, 6 pm at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW).

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

FREE TRACK RUN: Seasons change, weekly run continues – all runners welcome! Meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.”

TOASTMASTERS 832: Join them online at 6:30 p.m. to work on your public speaking, communication, and leadership skills! RSVP: wstoastmasters832@gmail.com. Find out more at westseattletm832.org.

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 trivia options 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? If it’s open to community members, tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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UPDATE: House fire in 1700 block SW Cloverdale, started in kitchen (updated Wednesday)
September 3, 2024 9:02 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

9:02 AM: Seattle Fire is headed to a house in the 1700 block of SW Cloverdale [vicinity map], for a report of smoke coming from the eaves. Dispatch reports the two people who were at home report they’re safely out of the house. Updates to come.

9:06 AM: Firefighters tell dispatch they are seeing smoke from the roof and front door.

9:09 AM: They’re reporting they have “water on the fire.”

9:18 AM: They’ve made enough progress that they’re going to start dismissing some of the crews.

9:21 PM: Added photos from our crew, who reports the smoke has dissipated. SFD says it’s ventilating. They’ll be investigating the fire’s cause.

9:30 PM: Our crew has confirmed no one was hurt and that the SFD investigator is on the way. (We’ll add whatever they determine, when that info is available.)

ADDED WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON: SFD spokesperson Kaila Lafferty tells WSB, “Investigators ruled the fire as an accidental food on stove fire that spread to cabinets.”

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CAN YOU HELP? Blood drives this week in West Seattle, and a contest
September 3, 2024 9:00 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Bloodworks Northwest is back in West Seattle this week and tells WSB they have room for more donors to sign up. They’re running a new prize drawing, too – here’s the announcement:

Donate blood in September and October and enter to win 2 tickets to see Billie Eilish in concert (in Portland), along with a $500 gift card for travel expenses! Double entries through Sept 7! The lucky winner will be contacted Nov 3-15, and will have 24 hours to accept their prize!

This week, Bloodworks is at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) located at 4001 44th Ave SW in West Seattle. The drives will be held in the gym from 9 am to 4 pm. Please use this link to sign up! If you can’t make it this week, follow the link to see other West Seattle donation opportunities!

Appointments are required. If you need help booking your appointment, please contact the Bloodworks Northwest DONOR CARE TEAM at 800-398-7888 or e-mail schedule@bloodworksnw.org

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