West Seattle, Washington
03 Sunday
Tomorrow, the City Council‘s budget chair, Councilmember Dan Strauss, officially presents his “balancing package” – changes to the mayor’s budget – but the document went public tonight. We just finished reading through the 60-page document, and here are some West Seattle sightings:
DUWAMISH HEAD PARALLEL PARKING – Residents near Duwamish Head have long been agitating to get the angle parking at the viewpoint changed to parallel. And a proposal by District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka that made it into the “balancing package” would do it. Cost: $175,000. As we’ve reported before, SDOT has been somewhat resistant to the idea.
DELRIDGE/HOLLY ACCESS – Long before he ran for council, Saka raised concerns about the hardened median near the Refugee and Immigrant Families Center preschool near Delridge and Holly (as first reported by South Seattle Emerald). The “balancing package includes $2 million for “transit and roadway improvements on Delridge” in that area.
TURF FOR FAIRMOUNT PARK: Another Saka proposal, $1.5 million to convert the “baseball infield at Fairmount Park” to turf. (You might recall he ran a survey last month about turf-conversion sentiment earlier this year.)
Two other Saka proposals in the “balancing package” caught our eye:
RV STORAGE PROGRAM: Saka proposal to help RV residents transitioning to housing, Cost – $1.5 million.
FOOD DESERTS: Saka proposal requesting a report on city strategies to “attract food retailers to food deserts.”
So what’s next? Formal presentation tomorrow at 9:30 am, including overview info to contextualize the entire budget (preview that here). Then another round of comments and reviews, including the second and final major public hearing on the budget at 5 pm November 12. Here are other ways to comment.
Two election notes tonight, with one week to go until Election Day:
BALLOT-RETURN UPDATE: Have you sent your ballot in yet? Twelve percent more of Seattle’s voters have since we last mentioned it – 35.4 percent of ballots have been received. We’re even beating that here in the 34th Legislative District (which also includes Vashon and Maury Islands and White Center) – 36.5 percent of ballots are in, 56 percent of those by dropbox, 43 percent by USPS mail. Here again is the list of dropbox locations, with four in West Seattle.
HAVING AN ELECTION-NIGHT WATCH PARTY? With one week until voting ends and counting begins, it’s time to ask the big question: Who’s having a public watch party? Are community members welcome? What time? Several readers have asked, and we want to know for coverage-planning purposes, too. You can reply in a comment below, and/or email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
If you’re making your plan for Thursday night, add Henry‘s house! His mom Heather tells us why:
My 11-year-old son Henry is obsessed with Halloween, and has built an elaborate haunted house in our back yard.
You’re invited to our Haunted House! We will have a Spooky Porch with candy for littles, and Henry has really gone all out this year (with the help of his dad) to build a very scary Haunted House in the back yard, with very kind input from Chris, who hosts Meeds Manor, around the corner – come to both! We are on the corner of 47th & Hanford. For kids 10 or older – no snakes or spiders, but plenty of other scary stuff – and it will take 5 minutes (or less) to go through it. We welcome donations to the West Seattle Food Bank, and it’s free to enter. On Halloween, 6-9 PM!
We still have decoration pics to show tonight, too – stand by!
One of our newer WSB sponsors, The Downtown School, is having its next fall open house this Saturday. New sponsors get to tell you about themselves – here’s what The Downtown School wants you to know:
“I had never considered private school before and I feel like I hit the lottery for having found this school for my kids.” – Current parent
Founded in 2018 by Lakeside School, The Downtown School is an independent high school located near Seattle Center — one that is unlike any other in Seattle. With a maximum enrollment of 160 and a tuition half that of most local independent schools, The Downtown School offers students an applied education that empowers them to thrive at the intersection of academic rigor and learning with purpose. With the city as our campus, every day is an opportunity for students to explore their independence, to learn, and to lead. Whether visiting the U.S. District Court for their history class, building miniature theater sets for their English class, or directing one of our many student-led clubs, students at The Downtown School are innovative problem solvers, courageous and empathetic leaders, and curious thinkers.
This is not a one-size-fits-all education.
The central focus of The Downtown School is the academic experience. Our students are scholars. They think critically, ask questions, innovate, and iterate. Our curriculum promotes inquiry because we believe that grappling with complex problems teaches students to navigate life’s ambiguities and challenges from multiple perspectives. During the day, students take three 75-minute classes with two 45-minute community periods for advisory, clubs, assembly, and lunch. With an ending time of 2:15 p.m., The Downtown School allows our students the flexibility after school to pursue club, select, and public-school sports; music; sailing; dance; service work; volunteering; and robotics. Many of our students perform at the national level in these extracurricular pursuits.
Graduates from The Downtown School have pursued a range of paths after high school. Our graduates have been accepted into over 180 colleges and universities around the world, and alumni leave The Downtown School with a sense of agency, the courage to ask big questions, and the independence to explore the world freely and with confidence.
The Downtown School is at 160 John St., Seattle, 98109, reachable by phone at 206-717-2849, or by email at admissions@downtownschoolseattle.org. Saturday’s open house is 9 am-11 am.
Photo courtesy of Peter & Patra Mueller
Chalk up another hard-earned 2A Metro League sports championship for Chief Sealth IHS this year, as the girls’ soccer squad topped Franklin 2-1 last night at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, to claim the league title.
The team is coached by Michael Rillo, who is in his 6th year at Sealth, and is pictured above along with the team’s seven seniors, who were honored for Senior Night.
Sealth moved to 9-3-4 for the season, and hosts Sultan next Monday, November 4, at 5 pm at SWAC.
Though the rain hasn’t brought the salmon into Fauntleroy Creek yet, they’ve been seen in Longfellow Creek. The photo above is from John McIntyre, who reports, “Salmon have returned to Longfellow Creek. You can see them at the bridge by West Seattle Fitness if you look south below the large fallen tree trunk that crosses the creek.” That’s the Yancy Street creek overlook, Bonus photo from Longfellow Creek, Manuel Valdes spotted this Great Blue Heron – possibly mulling meal plans:
Two items in West Seattle Crime Watch:
GRINNING MAIL THIEVES: Reader report via email:
(They) broke mailboxes today at 12:49 AM, 35th & Webster; we just had mail stolen two weeks ago, different vandal.
No report # yet.
PARK ATTACK: SPD reports an arrest in an attack in Lincoln Park early Sunday. A suspect was booked for investigation of robbery. The victim said she was walking in the park at about 12:29 am Sunday when someone “walked up and struck her in the head,” then grabbed her blanket, pillow, and mat, and fled. Police found both the suspect and the victim’s stolen items. The suspect was booked into jail.
Fall showers bring thoughts of spring flowers – and vegetable plants. Last year, the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle provided about 200 packs of seeds at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, to both schools and individual gardeners. Another round is planned next year, but first, the club is requesting your feedback:
Kiwanis will again offer free vegetable and flower seeds in 2025. Teachers and parents can help Kiwanis select the type and number of seeds to order by completing the survey here.
Kiwanis offers the Seed Project to boost family fun and joy, and to provide an educational experience with a hands-on activity! As the seeds grow into plants they can be transplanted to your garden.
Please add your contact information (particularly your email address), so that we can let you know when seeds will be available at the Farmers’ Market in the Spring of 2025. If you have any questions, please contact us via email:
Denis Sapiro, President, Kiwanis Club West Seattle
sapirokiwanis@gmail.comPlease complete the Google form before December 10, 2024
(Aspen tree’s ‘wise eye,’ photographed by Rosalie Miller)
Highlights for today/tonight, mostly from our Event Calendar, where you can get a preview days, weeks, even months ahead
FOOD/CLOTHING DRIVE: Second day of the dropoff drive at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW) to benefit students and families served by the Care Center, until 4 pm.
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) is open noon-8 pm today – drop in any time to see what’s on display for this year’s Southwest Artist Showcase.
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Long-distance advocacy via handwritten postcards sent to voters in other states, with just one week to go until Election Day – drop in 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all welcome.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Lunch meeting at noon at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW), Program: “Nancy Ward of the World Justice Project, focused on “action to advance the rule of law.”
CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)
HIGH-SCHOOL SOCCER: One home post-season girls-soccer match – West Seattle vs. Seattle Academy at Delridge Playfield (4501 Delridge Way SW), 3:30 pm.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $10 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
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.
SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm tonight, play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).
FREE TRACK RUN: All runners welcome! Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.
MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: The West Seattle group is reading “Goodbye Hello” by Adam Berry this month; you can buy it at Pegasus Books in The Junction. The meeting is 7 pm tonight at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), upper bar area.
HOPE LUTHERAN KINDERGARTEN INFO NIGHT: 6:30 pm at Hope Lutheran School (42nd/Oregon).
‘TALES FROM THE HEARTH’: 6:30 pm online with Toastmasters 832 sharing “spooky tales, heartwarming stories, and festive fun as we celebrate the magic of fall together!” Our calendar listing explains how to RSVP for the link.
OPEN CHOIR REHEARSAL: As previewed here, the Boeing Employees Choir (which is actually open to all) is having an open rehearsal at 6:30 pm at American Legion Post 160 (3618 SW Alaska).
MAKE POTTERY: Weekly 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! Tuesday nights bring Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 4: Four trivia options for Tuesday – 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? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Chief Sealth IHS teacher Andy Tuller is a faculty adviser to the school’s new bike club, which is looking for donations:
(Photo courtesy Andy Tuller)
Bike Club’s purpose is to promote a love for cycling, foster a sense of community, and encourage healthy, active lifestyles among students. Our club provides a welcoming environment for all bike enthusiasts, from beginners to experienced riders, to connect, share knowledge, and embark on exciting cycling adventures. We are seeking donations from the West Seattle community of used bikes. We will be working in conjunction with a local bike non-profit to teach students to repair bikes. Students who participate in the club and who demonstrate proficiency in safe urban-riding skills can earn a bike to keep. If there are any West Seattle residents who have a bike that they no longer need, we request that they donate it to the club, and we will ensure that it finds a new home with a deserving student. West Seattlites can reach me at artuller@seattleschools.org and I can arrange a time to come pick up their donation. Thank you!
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, October 29th, five days to go until Daylight Saving Time ends (early next Sunday, we “fall back” one hour, into Standard Time).
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
More showers expected, high in the mid-50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:49 am, while sunset will be at 5:55 pm.
(Monday sunset, photographed by Jeff Helman)
ROAD WORK
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the open side. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
TRANSIT
Washington State Ferries today – Regular 2-boat service on the Triangle Route this morning; check here for last-minute changes.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
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.
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!
More Halloween decorations to showcase: A “parade of pumpkins” is how Janelle Otterholt describes this annual display at (corrected) 52nd/Dakota on Genesee Hill – dozens and dozens of jack o’lanterns.
She declares this “a viewing destination during the day or at night (when the pumpkins are lit).” And of course, what a sight it will be on Halloween this Thursday! Thanks to everyone who has sent photos and video – see what we’ve already shown by scrolling through this coverage archive.
ADDED TUESDAY: Theresa Arbow-O’Connor sent this nighttime view:
Police and fire are at the scene of a crash at Orchard and Dumar. A texter tells us a pedestrian signal is knocked over and a car is on the sidewalk. Police say a suspected DUI driver is involved. No word of injuries.
(WSB photo, March 2022: HDC’s Brad Padden, STS’s Craig Haveson, Atelier Drome’s Michelle Linden)
Two and a half years after what, we noted, was the first apartment-groundbreaking ceremony in West Seattle since 2014, Harbor Flats – immediately north of the bridge, at 3417 Harbor SW – is leasing, The joint venture by Housing Diversity Corporation and STS Construction Services (WSB sponsor) has its Temporary Certificate of Occupancy from the city. The development team says that’s “a significant milestone.”
(Photo courtesy Housing Diversity Corporation)
Harbor Flats has 115 units, and 15 are already leased. The unit-type mix is 91 one-bedrooms, 24 two-bedrooms. They’re meant to be “affordable to renters earning 64% – 105% of area median income,” according to the project team. The building has 56 offstreet parking spaces, including two for disabled people; as construction got under way, the team described a “puzzle parking” system. They say street improvements are the only construction components yet to be completed. You can take a look inside here.
P.S. The same team behind Harbor Flats is currently building Keystone at 9201 Delridge Way SW.
Story and photos by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
If you’ve been to C&P Coffee (WSB sponsor) on a recent Tuesday or Saturday and found people hunched over piles of postcards, or perhaps tried to buy postcard stamps at the post office only to find them out, you’ve likely encountered Postcards 4 Democracy.
Writing postcards encouraging voters to participate in elections has existed for decades and became a regular event in West Seattle when, in 2017, organizers Kathryn Rawle and Naomi Rue began gathering local volunteers together at coffee shops with postcards, stamps, addresses, and messages to voters.
Kathy was a postcard writer in her previous home states of Massachusetts and Hawaii, and when she moved to West Seattle, she began writing again. As postcarding gained momentum nationwide, she knew she’d need more writers. She joined with Naomi to host writing parties to get others involved. These spun off into other writing parties, and the idea for regular, weekly public meetings for others to drop in on, emerged. Coffee shops provided the perfect gathering spaces, and C&P Coffee has been hosting Postcards 4 Democracy for nearly six years. C&P Owner Pete Moores says he wants to support people who care about the political process. “It’s good for the community, it’s good for business, and it’s good for the country.”
Even when the pandemic shut down the public gathering spaces, people continued to write from home or over Zoom. It was a way to connect with community, and engage in politics on a personal level, particularly for local and down-ballot races.
This engagement is made possible by numerous online resources that provide volunteers with local or national campaign information, addresses of lapsed voters, and vetted messaging to add to their own stamped postcards. Aside from the requirements for clear handwriting and sticking to the script, volunteers are allowed to get crafty and artistic with their cards, so long as the message is still clear.
Does it work? According to Kathy Rawle, studies have been conducted showing that lapsed voters who received postcards reminding them to re-enroll, did so at a higher rate than those who didn’t. It’s also demonstrated by the increasing numbers of candidates reaching out to postcarding organizations, asking for volunteers to write for them.
The community is responding. Before the pandemic, groups of 20-25 people were showing up to writing events. In recent weeks, groups of 50-60 people have been turning out to write at the regular postcard meetings. Ask writers why they participate, and you get a common answer, “It feels so good to be doing something.” Kim Lamont has been a Postcards 4 Democracy writer since its beginning. She says, “The people are supportive and encouraging and I like doing what I can. I appreciate the other writers and I love the conversation.”
Organizer Naomi Rue adds, “I like getting people involved with what happens in our future. We can inform, educate and create community while writing postcards.”
The final postcarding event for the November 5th election will take place tomorrow (Tuesday, October 29th) at C&P Coffee (5612 California SW) from 10:30 am-12:00 pm. Jonathan Rawle (husband of organizer Kathy) notes they will focus on campaigns with shorter mailing windows to ensure the postcards arrive on time.
Kathy Rawle says, “There is a recognition of how powerful yet fragile democracy is and we need to be a part of it. Come write postcards and when people are elected, contact them, let them know what’s important to you. Come to a group like ours, talk. Engage, engage, engage.”
A party celebrating the hard work of all the participants will be at C&P on Election Day, November 5th, from 10:30 am-12:00 pm.
For more information about Postcards 4 Democracy and other resources, check out their website at www.Postcards4Democracy.org.
(WSB file photo – West Seattle’s newest ballot box, at Morgan Junction Park)
In light of the ballot-dropbox arson attack in Southwest Washington, a commenter asked how dropboxes are protected here. We took that question to Halei Watkins, spokesperson for King County Elections:
The news out of Southwest Washington about the fire at their drop box has been so sad. It’s heartbreaking to see those ballots burnt and the box damaged.
I am glad to report we have not seen similar attempts on our drop boxes here in King County. So far, it’s been smooth sailing out at drop boxes in our neck of the woods.
Every official ballot drop box here in King County is emptied at least once a day, including on weekends. Now that we’re so close to Election Day, our pick-ups become more frequent so we’ll have eyes on the boxes even more frequently. Our ballot collection teams go out in teams of two and fully inspect each box. Those folks can take photos and enter notes and are trained to report anything suspicious to both supervisors and law enforcement.
Our drop boxes are equipped with fire stops to help put out anything that could cause burning. They’re constructed of quarter-inch thick steel and bolted into concrete, have no pry points, multiple locking mechanisms, and are equipped with tamper evident seals. On Election Day, we’ll have both staff and security out at drop boxes across the county to answer questions for voters and be on hand in case a need arises.
We work closely with law enforcement, from our local police departments to the FBI, and our local law enforcement partners are on high alert for anything suspicious when it comes to voting, whether that’s potential intimidation or some other concerning action at a drop box or Vote Center.
If a voter ever feels intimidated at a drop box, or ever encounters something that looks suspicious or out of place, they should call 911. We train our staff, at the advice of law enforcement, to call 911 immediately if there is something suspicious or potentially dangerous in any way. Staff and voter safety are our top priority.
Dropboxes will be open until exactly 8 pm on Election Night, Tuesday, November 5; West Seattle has four – here’s where to find them.
The new tenant for the former Alki Starbucks space has uncloaked. Jonathan Stebbins says he’s opening Alki Coffee Co. there – and a Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream scoop shop, too. He’s hoping to open in April – in time for the next beach season – and doing lots of remodeling right now. The new proprietor (a West Seattle resident) says, “My hope is to create a welcoming space that serves the neighborhood and honors the sense of community that makes West Seattle so special.” Roughly 2/3 coffee, 1/3 ice cream is how the space will be split, he tells WSB. Starbucks closed in the space back in August, after a quarter-century. Also of note – West Seattle had a Ben and Jerry’s in The Junction more than 20 years ago, under different ownership; Stebbins is a franchisee on the Eastside, where he has a Zeeks Pizza location too. More details on the Alki Coffee plan when we get them!
P.S. We asked the all-important question for an independent coffee shop – who’s your roaster? Answer: “We are partnering with Local Goods Orcas Roast. We will be working with Rob Kirby over there to create a couple blends specific to Alki Coffee Co.”
With eight days left to vote in the general election – until Tuesday night, November 5 – King County Elections says it’s received 23.4 percent of Seattle voters’ ballots – so more than 70 percent haven’t voted yet. You can check the latest ballot-return count any time here. You can drop your ballot in the mail – be sure it’s in enough time to be postmarked no later than November 5 – or a King County Elections dropbox (of which West Seattle now has four – South Seattle College, High Point Library, The Junction, and Morgan Junction Park) by 8 pm on Election Day. No postage needed, whichever method you choose. (If you’re not yet registered to vote, but eligible, here’s how – today is the deadline for online registration.)
Graphic courtesy of Metro: Newly revised proposed bus-stop changes for 16th Ave SW between Holden/Henderson
By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
In response to pushback from area residents, King County Metro is proposing a newly modified set of scaled-back changes to bus stops and service associated with the 125/128 routes on 16th Ave SW between SW Holden Street and SW Henderson Street (see image above).
These changes, shared with us at WSB and discussed at last Wednesday night’s monthly meeting of the HPAC community coalition (serving Highland Park, Riverview and South Delridge), represent a partial rollback of the more-abruptly announced changes that caused a stir when they were announced back in February.
Metro is now looking for community feedback on these changes, in the form of an online survey that is being broadly promoted and will be open until November 22nd.
Some bus-riders have likely already noticed the new “Proposed Stop Changes” signs (including a QR code that links to the same online survey) that Metro began posting last week at various stops on 16th Ave SW:
Based on the initial feedback from HPAC attendees in last Wednesday’s meeting, the reception to Metro’s proposal seems likely to land much better this time around. “In general, this is all good news!” said one attendee. Here’s what the process now looks like, with potential implementation happening in the new year:
A complete rundown of the bus changes and the rationale from Metro is down below, but first, some other HPAC items from the meeting, which was facilitated by co-chair Kay Kirkpatrick.
After opening remarks, HPAC acknowledged last week’s passing of WSB co-founder Patrick Sand, calling it “sad news” and commending Sand for always improving morale of those around him, and “just getting stuff done.”
Next up, SPD Officer German Barreto from the Southwest Precinct provided a crime-stats update. He said that for Highland Park, aggravated assaults are trending down (but up for the past 28 days compared to 2023), and vehicle theft is down. For Delridge, burglaries have gone up (33% for the past 28 days compared to 2023). In terms of specific events, he mentioned a shooting and attempted robbery in Highland Park on September 30th (shots fired, nobody hurt), and in South Delridge a shots fired incident (no victims or property damage) on September 5th.
SW Precinct Operations Lt. Nathan Shopay was also in attendance, and he addressed the fact that neighbors told him that although crime is down in the past year, they “hear a lot of shootings in the distance.” Shopay said that there have indeed been some events “behind the greenspace” and down the hill, mostly just shots, but as one attendee pointed out there have been some significant events such as the shooting at Shree’s.
Barreto and Shopay both reiterated the importance of neighbors calling in whenever they hear gunshots (or if they experience any potentially criminal event). They said that for data collection purposes, and staffing, SPD uses that data to help make decisions and often to link together suspects and crimes at a later date. “Make the call to 911, it’s never an inconvenience.” One attendee said that they’ve typically received good response from 911 calls. Another asked about a recent robbery they had heard about, and Shopay said that SPD has “caught about half of the guys responsible for 60-70 robberies in the area,” (SPD info here) which was a big win. Another attendee thanked officers for their assistance with some specific issues in their neighborhood (such as a troublesome property near 20th and Henderson), and asked about why there would have been several people on her block that were suddenly ticketed for expired plates all at once — Shopay said that it was likely because the vehicles were flagged as part of parking regulations related to recent RV parking enforcement.
Next up was an update from Sean Blackwell from the city’s CARE Department (Community Assisted Response and Engagement), who confirmed that his team plans to expand the number of Community Crisis Responders (CCRs) from 11 currently to 28 eventually. This will include, in the first quarter of 2025, an expansion into the South Precinct and into West Seattle’s own Southwest Precinct. He said the role of CCRs is to support and complement police and fire responders, and to focus on connecting people to necessary services while dealing with crisis situations. He mentioned a YouTube video that talked about some of the team’s successes. Blackwell echoed what SPD staff said about 911 calls — always call, if you see/hear something — and said that he finds the community meetings very valuable and plans to attend more in the future.
One attendee said that they once attended a workshop about “how to make a good 911 call” by providing the right information, and asked if SPD/CARE staff could perhaps do something like that for HPAC in the future. Blackwell said that’s definitely an option, although he said that 911 dispatchers are well-trained to ask the right questions, and to get the right information. He said that one of the main complaints he hears from residents is “OK, I call 911 and ask for someone to come, but how come it took so long?” He said that SPD has staffing challenges, and steps are being taken to fix that but it will take some time. Incoming calls are prioritized: if it involves threat to life or bodily harm or is an emergency, then it’s a “priority 1” call and it gets triaged and dispatched first. If multiple calls come in with high priority, then it can lead to delays, but regardless it’s important for residents to call 911 and engage with the right people.
At that point in the meeting, the Metro bus stop discussion took center stage for the rest of the meeting. Kirkpatrick thanked Metro staff for following up and coming back to talk to the group. There were three Metro staff members in attendance: Robbie Frankel, Drew Robinson and Jessica Vu. Frankel drove the discussion and presentation, and said “we want to apologize for causing confusion in the past; we are here with a revised proposal” and look forward to hearing the public’s feedback via the online survey between now and November 22nd.
Here is the full list of changes and rationale from Metro, sent to us and also shared with HPAC last Wednesday night:
Bus stop changes proposed to create better King County Metro bus service
To improve bus service for riders in Highland Park, King County Metro is asking for public feedback on a handful of bus stop changes along 16th Avenue Southwest between Southwest Holden and Henderson streets in West Seattle.
In early 2024, Metro gathered feedback on an initial proposal to change stops along 16th Avenue Southwest for routes 125 and 128. A summary of feedback from riders highlighted that:
- For safety and comfort reasons, many riders prefer to cross the street at intersections with flashing pedestrian lights (Southwest Kenyon Street, Southwest Thistle Street, and Southwest Trenton Street) and avoid crossing at busy streets (Southwest Holden Street and Southwest Henderson Street.)
- Stops at Southwest Thistle Street are important for community access.
- Many students use the northbound stop at Southwest Trenton Street.
As a result, Metro is proposing closing only four existing closely-spaced bus stops, relocating one bus stop and installing one new bus stop. As part of these changes, Metro proposes sidewalk, shelter and ADA improvements to be built in partnership and funded by the City of Seattle Transportation Measure. This area also has seen recent service improvements with the launch of Metro Flex and added service on routes 60 and 125.
In the section of 16th Avenue Southwest between Southwest Holden Street and Southwest Henderson Street, consecutive stops are roughly 600 feet apart, compared to Metro’s target of having stops no closer than 1,300 feet. This area is a good candidate for bus stop improvements, and consolidating some stops ensures that city investments are made in stops Metro is committed to keeping. Reducing the number of stops also means each stop will be able to be made ADA-accessible.
Metro’s online survey of riders runs Oct. 24 through Nov. 22. Analysis of public feedback will take place later this year. Stops will be improved by the City of Seattle on a rolling basis beginning in 2025 and Metro will keep stops locations open until construction improvements at the remaining stops are completed.
Rider alerts with online survey links in English, Spanish, Simplified and Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese are scheduled to be installed along the corridor beginning Oct. 24.
Proposed stop closures
- 16th Avenue Southwest and Southwest Elmgrove Street, northbound (stop #21390) and southbound (stop #22210)
- 16th Avenue Southwest and Southwest Cloverdale Street, northbound (stop #21370) and southbound (stop #22230)
Proposed relocated stop
- Southbound stop (stop #22244) at 16th Avenue Southwest and Southwest Henderson Street relocated to serve as a westbound stop at Southwest Henderson Street and 17th Avenue Southwest
Proposed new stops
- New southbound stop added at 16th Ave SW and SW Trenton St
Planned stop improvements
- Sidewalk improvements including adding bus bulbs, repairing damaged sidewalks, and rebuilding/adding bus landing pads at multiple stops
- Installing a new shelter with seating for the northbound bus stop at S Thistle St (stop #21380)
- Installing a new bench for the northbound bus stop at SW Trenton St (stop #21360)
- Improving ADA accessibility
No changes
- 16th Ave SW and SW Holden St, Southbound stop (stop #22190)
- 16th Ave SW and SW Kenyon St, Southbound stop (stop #22200)
- 16th Ave SW and SW Thistle St, Southbound stop (stop #22220)
- 16th Ave SW and SW Henderson St, Northbound stop (stop #21350)
Several meeting attendees thanked Metro for the changes, and asked for some follow-up clarifications (described in the map at the top of this article). One attendee thanked the team for keeping the Thistle stop, and for Sunday service (making it easier to do weekend grocery runs).
Others asked whether work needed to be done for certain bus stops, to make them more usable and safer — one near Kenyon, for example, has a sidewalk that’s very uneven due to tree root damage. The Metro team said that, yes, that’s something that they look at, but in many cases like that the tree is actually on private property, which makes it more difficult to manage.
Another attendee said that “I really appreciate the 125 route; it’s the fastest ride downtown on most days” and is glad that it’s been prioritized. Another attendee agreed, and added that the 125 is going to be essential to connect to the new light rail line. Frankel confirmed that, yes, the 125 route “rose to the top of all of our metrics” as the Metro team was looking at how to prioritize and optimize route changes. “We’re thrilled to offer improvements to it.”
An attendee also called out the Metro Flex service for routes 60 and 125 as a great example of a new offering that really makes a difference for residents.
HPAC meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month (with some “months off”) from 7pm-8:30pm, currently via Zoom. The group can be contacted via email at: hpacchair@gmail.com
10:18 AM: Last week, police circulated those images of a man they say was “involved” in the shooting death of 53-year-old Oton Garcia Ruiz at the Shree’s Truck Stop gas station in southeast West Seattle two weeks ago. Today, they say the 26-year-old suspect is in custody after turning himself in at SPD headquarters downtown. Police allege the deadly shooting was random – that the shots were fired in the gas station “with disregard” for whomever might have been in the bullets’ path. We’re working to find information about the suspect’s background and status.
1:42 PM: The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says bail was set for the suspect over the weekend, $2 million. Probable-cause documents say the suspect is a warehouse worker in Boulevard Park and co-workers who recognized the images circulated by police called in tips. He is reported to have called in sick from work in the days after the shooting, which police say was preceded by a fight with some other people the suspect had been talking to at the gas station, unrelated to the victim. The shots are reported to have been fired from a car after it left the station, and captured on a truck’s dashcam. The KCPAO says the suspect has no previous felony record in King County. He is not reported to have given any explanation when he turned himself in but he did have injuries, possibly from the fight that preceded the shooting, Deadline to rush-file charges is this Wednesday.
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s our highlight list for the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
COMMUNITY CUP SHOWCASE: Multiple artists’ cup creations are on display all month at Dubsea Coffee (9910 8th SW), open until 2 pm.
FOOD/CLOTHING DRIVE BEGINS: First day of the dropoff drive at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW) to benefit students and families served by the Care Center, until 4 pm.
DINE-IN BENEFIT: Mission Cantina (2325 California SW) is donating part of the proceeds to the Sanislo Elementary PTA if you dine/drink at the restaurant 4 pm-midnight tonight.
SPORTS: One girls-soccer home match today – Chief Sealth IHS hosts Franklin, 5:15 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday brings “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, including first-time players.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm evening group with Listening to Grief, preregistration required. (4034 California SW)
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three places to play tonight – 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander); 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: You’re invited to free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
MEDITATION IN ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community also hosts Monday night meditation at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 7-8:30 pm.
MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: The Alley in back of Bonjour Vietnam is open – tonight, live music from The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
SING! 9 pm start for Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
If you have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar, please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends plan to gather November 9 in memory of Barbara Kaiser. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with her community now:
Barbara Pehrson Kaiser
Barbara was born September 19, 1926 in Alamo, North Dakota. She was the fourth and youngest child of John Pehrson and Elva Deal Pehrson. At the age of nine, she moved with her family to Wheeler, Montana, a temporary town in the shadow of the construction of the Fort Peck Dam. She attended High School in Chinook and Glasgow, Montana.
After High School she moved to Wenatchee, Washington to attend Wenatchee Junior College, where she earned an AA Degree. Barbara married LaVerne August Kaiser of Wenatchee on August 26, 1946.
West Seattle became the young couple’s “home town” in 1948. In a few years they purchased property and built a home. They were blessed with two daughters: Pamela in 1952 and Marcia in 1955. Vern died November 13, 1998. Barbara continued to enjoy her home and garden.
Barbara had many years of employment as a bookkeeper in the Seattle area, including the credit department at Sears (1st Avenue Store), Maynard Hospital, and Seaboard Lumber Company.
She was a member of Seaview United Methodist Church, serving on and chairing many committees. In the United Methodist Women she held local, District, and Conference offices; she was a Charter member and Past Matron of Crown Chapter Order of Eastern Star; a member of the League of Women Voters and the Puget Sound Fuchsia Society.
Barbara died in West Seattle on October 8, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband Vern, parents John and Elva Pehrson, brothers Woodrow and Franklin Pehrson, and sister Marjorie Turner.
She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Pamela Kaiser and Barry Maynard of West Seattle and Marcia and Mark Shuford of Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, granddaughter Kristin (Conrad) Haustveit and great-grandson Peyton of Fall City, Washington.
A memorial service will be held November 9, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church in West Seattle.
Memorial gifts may be given to the Legacy Endowment Fund of the United Women in Faith (formerly the United Methodist Women).
(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)
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, October 28th, the start of the last week before Daylight Saving Time ends (early next Sunday, we “fall back” an hour, into Standard Time).
LOW-BRIDGE OPEN AGAIN
It reopened mid-afternoon Sunday, so traffic is flowing again in the driving lanes and on the riding/rolling/walking/running path.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
More showers expected, high in the mid-50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:48 am, while sunset will be at 5:57 pm.
(Sunrise photo from last week by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
ROAD WORK
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the open side. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
TRANSIT
Washington State Ferries today – Regular 2-boat service on the Triangle Route this morning; check here for last-minute changes.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
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.
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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