West Seattle, Washington

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Spotlight Stories


  • Crash

    ALKI CRASH CHARGES: Finally filed

  • Light rail

    WS LIGHT RAIL: Routing OK’d, for now

  • Aurora

    ANOTHER AURORA: Second one this week

From the ‘in case you wondered too’ file: Blue Angels’ practice = other aircraft noise over West Seattle (photos added)
August 1, 2024 12:14 pm
|      43 COMMENTS
 |   Blue Angels | West Seattle news

12:14 PM: As mentioned in our daily event list, this is the biggest practice day for the Blue Angels before their Seafair shows the next few days. In West Seattle – particularly the south end – that means other aircraft noise too, as SEA takeoff patterns are temporarily changed while the Blue Angels are up. They’re scheduled to fly most of the time between now and around 3:15 pm; then for each of the next three days, one show starting around 3:45 pm. (Those times, courtesy of the Museum of Flight‘s Jet Blast Bash page, are subject to change.)

4:59 PM: Thanks to Mike Russell for the two photos added above!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Video shows burglars ransacking tattoo shop in less than two minutes
August 1, 2024 11:21 am
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

11:21 AM: That video is from the security camera at Tattoo Pizzazz (6021 California SW), recorded as burglars broke in and spent less than two minutes ransacking the shop before getting away with equipment around 4:30 am today. As the video shows, one burglar had a full-face mask, but the other’s face was partly visible in this frame:

If you have any information, the SPD incident number is 24-213452, and you can contact the shop’s owners at tattoopizzazz@gmail.com. They’re also crowdfunding to cover what their insurance won’t.

1:03 PM: Diane from Alki Arts across the street got this photo of the burglars’ truck:

She explains she was in the apartment over her gallery and “called the police as soon as the loud diesel-sounding truck woke me up.” She believes she heard it a bit earlier too, casing, but nothing to report to 911 until she realized the burglary was under way: “I called 911 and the police had a wonderful response within 10 minutes and then the fire department came and boarded up the broken window after. I was so impressed with both the police response and the fire department response. … I wish I could have done something to stop it since I was literally watching them do it but I didn’t know what to do” besides photograph and report it. (As shown in the video above, from the sound of breaking glass to their exit, less than two minutes elapsed.)

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Glass float hunt, Summer Scramble, Admiral Music in the Parks, book launch, comedy, more for your West Seattle Thursday
August 1, 2024 10:11 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Two “hunts” start our list of what’s happening for the rest of your Thursday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

GLASS FLOAT HUNT: The West Seattle Junction Association and WS Chamber of Commerce are presenting this again, and today’s the first day:

Get ready for a thrilling treasure hunt across West Seattle! Today, the search begins for stunning glass floats crafted by Avalon Glassworks. For two whole weeks, from August 1st to August 15th, these beautiful floats will be hidden all over our community, and it’s up to you to find them!

Grab your map, put on your thinking cap, and prepare for adventure! Floats will be hidden on multiple, staggered days, so keep your eyes peeled and revisit your favorite spots. A total of 100 dazzling floats, in gorgeous green and blue hues inspired by our local waters and scenery, are up for grabs!

For clues and updates, follow the West Seattle Junction Association and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce on Instagram. Each float will come with a sponsor tag and QR code — scan it to log your find, and see your name and float on our Instagram feeds! Don’t be fooled—if you find a float in one spot, there might be more nearby.

SUMMER SCRAMBLE: This four-day West Seattle scavenger hunt also starts today! Solve the clues, win a treasure chest – as explained here.

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

BLUE ANGELS PRACTICE: They’ll be up multiple times today, starting around 11 am – see the schedule on the Museum of Flight‘s website.

NAVIGATING MEDICARE: 11 am at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), a local expert offers a presentation to help you understand your options.

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

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

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, the 7-day-a-week wading pool is open today noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area.

DELRIDGE & HIAWATHA WADING POOLS: These two part-time wading pools are also open today, noon-5:30 pm. (4501 Delridge Way SW and 2700 California SW)

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

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

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

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Birrieria Pepe El Toro.

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

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

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

‘THE VOICE INSIDE‘: Free mental-health documentary screening presented by Transitional Resources, 6:30 pm at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), with Q&A – details and RSVP link in our calendar listing.

BOOK LAUNCH: As previewed here, West Seattle writer Steve Duda‘s first book “River Songs” is out, and his launch party is at 6:30 pm at Emerald Water Anglers (4502 42nd SW; WSB sponsor) – Q&A, food, drink, fun.

ADMIRAL MUSIC IN THE PARKS: Third and last of this year’s three free outdoor concerts presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, 6:30 pm, this time at Hamilton Viewpoint Park (1120 California SW), featuring The ABBAgraphs. Bring your own chair/blanket.

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.

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

COMEDY: 8 pm “Jokes at The Junction” at Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW) – get your ticket(s) here!

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

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Memorial service August 10 for John Kremenich, 1936-2024
August 1, 2024 9:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather August 10 to remember John Kremenich, and are sharing this remembrance with the community now:

John Kremenich, current resident of Puyallup and former longtime resident of West Seattle, was called home in the early morning hours of June 11th, 2024.

John was born to Petar and Mary Kremenich in the village of Kornić on the island of Krk, Croatia (former Yugoslavia) in 1936. John would have much rather stayed in his beloved village tending to his animals, growing olives & grapes in the family orchard, and farming with his loving grandfather, but America was the premier destination and land of opportunity at the time, and so began John’s journey and legacy. He begrudgingly emigrated to the United States in 1954, to join the rest of his family, residing in the Croatian Riverside Community in West Seattle, and began working for the railroad with his father, as well as catching the eye of his future bride.

Even though he was not yet a U.S. citizen, he was drafted and proudly served in the U.S. Army, stationed in the Korean demilitarized zone, after the Korean War. After his discharge he returned to West Seattle, working for the railroad and rekindling his romance with his sweetheart, Eleanor, laying down his roots and starting his own family, raising three children.

John was a hard-working, self-made man, proud of his Croatian heritage, but extremely grateful for the opportunities given him in America, learning English on his own and constantly striving to improve himself. He exemplified the American Dream, that if you worked hard, and believed in yourself, anything was possible, a belief that he often talked about and passed onto his family and friends. He possessed an uncanny mechanical aptitude which enabled him to troubleshoot and fix most anything, always willing to “pay it forward” and lend a hand with his expertise to those that needed it, and pass on his knowledge so that others could benefit. This perseverance and talent allowed him to move on from the railroad, eventually working for United Airlines as well as a host of major hotel complexes and chains, maintaining mechanical, HVAC, and refrigeration systems, which culminated in a career as Head Building Engineer for the Safeco Corporation, responsible for the daily mechanical operations of the university district Safeco Tower as well as oversight over all the major east/west coast Safeco facilities … quite the accomplishment for a young man arriving from eastern Europe decades earlier, unable to speak English, with nothing more than the shirt on his back.

John & his wife remained longtime West Seattle residents as empty-nesters, and after retirement, moved to Puyallup to enjoy their golden years where John could spend his free time doing the things that he loved…gardening and tending to his beloved roses and meticulous landscaping, making frequent trips to the family vacation cabin retreat, traveling for pleasure and to visit his out-of-state family, and enjoying visits from his family and friends. John was a quiet, soft-spoken man, devoted to the lives of his family members and friends, as well as those close to them, and although folks may not realize it, he did whatever he could behind the scenes without any fanfare, to ensure their success.

John is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years Eleanor Kremenich, son and daughter-in-law Allan & Diane Kremenich, granddaughter Shelby Kremenich, daughter Lisa Caffee, grandson Matthew Caffee, sister Frances Petervary, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death and welcomed home by his eldest daughter, Theresa Kremenich-Gallagher. Services will be held at All Saints Parish, 503 3rd St SW, Puyallup, on August 10th, 2024 at 11:00 am, with reception following. A private graveside service with family will occur at Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Seattle at a later date.

The bells of The Church of St. James in John’s native village of Kornić rang out in sorrow on June 17th, 2024 to honor the loss of one of their own, and to call him home. There are many words to describe the impression John had on the lives of his family and friends, but his nephew summed it up best: “He was always the best man in the room, the kindest, the most sincere and our world without him will be a bit smaller.”

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: First day of August
August 1, 2024 6:01 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts | WS miscellaneous

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, August 1. First day of Blue Angels team practices (see the schedule on the Museum of Flight‘s website) – no freeway closures for that any more. But lots of other things to tell you about:

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny, high in the low 80s, breezy. Today’s sunrise was at 5:47 am, while sunset will be at 8:42 pm.

ROAD WORK

*The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project continues. Tonight’s closure plan: Full eastbound closure, 7 pm-6 am. (EB bridge exit to NB 99 will remain open.)

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*As we’ve been reporting, 10 new speed cushions/humps are set for Alki/Harbor Avenues and 56th SW, which is where we took the photo above – note those are speed humps, without midbreaks.

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project is in progress. Fairmount Avenue is closed under the bridge for the duration of the project, likely into early 2025. But SDOT now says it will NOT have weekend closures of the entire bridge.

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

*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch.

*Highway 99 tunnel closure 10 pm Friday-6 am Saturday for maintenance.

TRANSIT NOTES, WITH METRO FLEX

Metro Flex – Second week for this on-demand service in Delridge (and South Park), starting a two-year pilot. Here’s how it works.

Metro buses – Regular schedules; check for advisories here. Note that the Spokane Street Viaduct work mentioned above has required some rerouting.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. The real-time map will show you where the boat is.

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

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (West Seattle Bridge cameras are back but some others remain out)

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

Low bridge: Here’s the main view:

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.

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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FOLLOWUP: The Kenney’s receivership won’t necessarily lead to sale, court-appointed receiver says
July 31, 2024 10:30 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   The Kenney | West Seattle news

Two nights ago, we reported on West Seattle’s oldest senior-living complex, The Kenney, being placed into receivership to try to stabilize its financial situation, with court documents showing $13+ million in debt, and vendors having gone unpaid. The court-appointed receiver is SAK West Seattle, an entity of the consulting firm that’s been managing The Kenney since last year, SAK Healthcare, which specializes in “turnaround” for troubled health-care facilities. We spoke with SAK’S CEO Suzanne Koenig, who is based in Illinois, by phone, to ask a few followup questions. She stressed repeatedly throughout our conversation that her goal is to restore the facility to “the old Kenney that it used to be … its former splendor.”

Though a sale is one possible outcome of receivership, and the court has given them the authority to sell it, Koenig said that’s not a foregone conclusion: “(Receivership) could lead to a sale, but it doesn’t have to.” First and foremost, she said, it’s “a tool” to use to “put all the debt on hold” and therefore enabling “things that need to be done” to get done. Areas of attention that Koenig mentioned would include “remodeling some rooms,” repairing elevators, and work on the HVAC system. She said The Kenney will also get “all-new programming,” including programming for memory-care residents, which she said hadn’t been provided previously. She vowed the facility would “improve at all levels.”

As we reported Monday, the court documents filed last week said 66 people are currently living at The Kenney, which is just north of Lincoln Park at 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW. Asked about that number and about The Kenney’s capacity, Koenig didn’t have numbers handy but said she would provide them. She also expressed hope that past residents who moved elsewhere would consider returning: “We want them all to come back.” That also goes for the community groups that had events at The Kenney pre-pandemic: “We want them to come back too.”

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen gray Prius
July 31, 2024 9:45 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen gray Prius
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Reported by PP:

Father-in-law’s Prius got stolen yesterday here in West Seattle. Next to Westwood Village (2500 SW Trenton). Stay on the lookout for a gray-colored car with the plate listing in the pic:

Car is a 2017 Prius V. Case # 24-212549.

Call 911 and refer to that case number if you find it.

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READER REPORT: West Seattle couple off to run on Olympic Marathon course in Paris
July 31, 2024 8:14 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS & Sports

It’s the next-best thing to being an Olympic Games runner – getting a chance to run the same course! A West Seattle couple will head to Paris soon to do exactly that. Shannon Chappon tells the story of what’s ahead for her and Huy Son:

I thought it would be fun to share that my husband and I will be running the Paris Marathon course in a few weeks in a never-before experience for non-elite runners.

The Paris Olympic Marathon course will be open for a select number of runners in between the elite men and women. The men run in the morning of August 10th and the Marathon Pour Tous will be later that day at 9 pm. The women run the following morning. There is also a 10K. More details about the Marathon Pour Tous can be found here.

For the past year or so Huy and I tracked our running and attempted to win an entry through the weekly challenges provided by the Marathon Pour Tous. None of those challenges gained us an entry, but we continued to run and rack up points which eventually earned us a chance in the lottery. I gained an entry in late January and so we decided to go to Paris. Huy planned to watch me on the course but a few weeks later he also gained an entry.

Never in my life would I have imagined that we would be able to experience something like this! I have been running since I was little and just love the feeling of going wherever my feet can take me. I would go down to Alki and push against the wind when I was in my early teens. I ran track at Kennedy Catholic and then ran for fun in college at the University of Washington. Huy started running later in life when a friend invited him to run Beat the Blerch. He discovered the joy of running and a few years later qualified for Boston. I watched him run Boston 2022 and decided that I would like to try and qualify as well. A year later I qualified and ran Boston 2023. We have been chipping away at the 6 Marathon Majors, having run Boston, New York, Chicago and Berlin. We still have Tokyo and London but we are in no rush. Running has provided us with such amazing opportunities to see the world and make new friends wherever we go. Some of our adventures are on my Instagram (@chappons).

I am a West Seattle native and Huy’s first apartment in Seattle was on Alki. We moved back to West Seattle a few years ago. My dad also grew up on Alki and attended West Seattle High School. I absolutely love West Seattle and we can both be found running Lincoln Park to Beach Drive and onward to Alki.

We wish them bonne chance!

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FOLLOWUP: Here’s which movies won the vote to be shown outdoors at Camp Long starting Friday
July 31, 2024 5:43 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Here’s which movies won the vote to be shown outdoors at Camp Long starting Friday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle Outdoor Movies | West Seattle parks

One month ago, we published Camp Long‘s request for your help choosing which movies to show on three dates in August. The first free-movie night is this Friday (August 2nd) and Camp Long’s Matt Kostle says these are the winners:

Matt says, “After voting, there was overwhelming support for the following movies: Barbie, Wakanda Forever and Elemental! Thanks to all who voted and please come join us for these movies throughout the next month!” Sunset this Friday will be at 8:41 pm; temperature should be in the 70s. Camp Long’s main entrance is at 5200 35th SW.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Monday morning’s Alki gunfire
July 31, 2024 4:22 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

One more belated crime report: Police have released a summary confirming gunfire on Alki early Monday morning. They say 911 calls came in at 3:43 am “to report gunshots near 60 Ave SW/Alki Ave SW.” SPD says officers found 14 shell casings and one “live round,” all 9mm. The summary notes, “A witness stated that prior to the shooting she heard a possible disturbance in the alley and a male voice say ‘hold on’ a couple of times. The witness stated that she then heard multiple gunshots. An unknown vehicle quickly drove from the scene.” No one was reported injured, either in the area or at local hospitals.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Man who died after June assault in West Seattle now classified as homicide victim
July 31, 2024 2:29 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Every weekday, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office releases a list of names and causes of death from recent investigations. On Tuesday afternoon, that list included a new ruling that a death in June is now considered a case of homicide, by “blunt-force head injury” suffered in the 4500 block of California SW [map]. That case wasn’t on our radar previously, so we immediately inquired with Seattle Police, and received this response today:

On June 13th at 2:01 a.m., patrol officers responded to a physical assault that occurred near the 4500 block of California Avenue Southwest. Officers arrived along with the Seattle Fire Department. The victim was conscious and bleeding and being treated by SFD and later transported to Harborview Medical Center. Officers were unable to question him about the incident due to his injured state. The suspect fled the area and was not located. No arrests have been made at this time. On June 16th, the victim, 53, was pronounced deceased. This is an open and active Homicide investigation.

The KCMEO identified the victim as William G. Tappe. We also went back into audio archives to see how the incident was initially dispatched on June 13; Seattle Fire sent a low-level, one-engine “aid response” described as “male assaulted, minor injuries”; the SPD dispatch was described as for a victim who was “punched and kicked” by someone who then “got on a bus and left.” No description was provided. If you have any information about this incident, the case number is 24-160382.

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THURSDAY: Final Admiral Music in the Parks concert
July 31, 2024 1:24 pm
|    Comments Off on THURSDAY: Final Admiral Music in the Parks concert
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Love ABBA? Don’t miss the third and final concert in the Admiral Music in the Parks series, tomorrow (Thursday) night, 6:30 pm at Hamilton Viewpoint Park (1120 California SW). The band in our 2019 clip above, The ABBAgraphs, will be performing hits from the Swedish supergroup. The Admiral Neighborhood Association is presenting the free concert series again this year, this time at three different locations since the original site (Hiawatha) isn’t available due to construction. Bring your own chair/blanket and picnic dinner (or order one for park delivery!) and feel free to dance. Here’s our coverage of this year’s first two AMP concerts – July 18 and July 25. (WSB is the series media sponsor.)

P.S. The ANA has more outdoor music for you on August 24th too, when they present the third annual Admiral Funktion block party – watch for the lineup soon.

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BIZNOTE: New tenant penciled in for ex-credit union space in West Seattle Junction
July 31, 2024 11:58 am
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

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11:58 AM: One month after Sound Credit Union closed at 4730 California SW in The Junction, there’s an early-stage permit filing for a new tenant: Gene Juarez Salons and Spas. The Seattle-founded chain – owned by an L.A.-headquartered investment firm since 2018 – has filed a site plan for the 2,700-square-foot space from which SCU cleared out at the end of June. Gene Juarez currently has 12 locations around the region. We have an inquiry out to the company to ask about the prospective West Seattle salon.

12:58 PM: Company CEO Katie Trent responded, “We do not have anything to share at this time.”

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WEST SEATTLE WEDNESDAY: 15 things you can do today/tonight
July 31, 2024 9:58 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEDNESDAY: 15 things you can do today/tonight
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Stewart L.)

Here’s our list of what’s happening today/tonight in West Seattle and vicinity, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

DONATE FOOD! The almost-daily summer food-donation drive continues at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill) – you can drop off nonperishable items until noon.

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

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

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

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, the 7-day-a-week wading pool is open noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area. (Though it’s cloudy this morning, the city plans to open the wading pools because warm, clearer weather is expected this afternoon.)

DELRIDGE WADING POOL: Also open today, next to Delridge Community Center, noon-5:30 pm. (4501 Delridge Way SW)

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

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

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

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)

MUSIC BINGO X 2: Play weekly 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.

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

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

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Take a turn in the spotlight! 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

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

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BOOKS: West Seattle writer Steve Duda launches ‘River Songs’ Thursday at Emerald Water Anglers
July 31, 2024 9:13 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle books | West Seattle news

Before we get to our list of what’s happening today/tonight, we’re looking ahead to Thursday, when West Seattle writer Steve Duda will launch his first book “River Songs” with an event at Emerald Water Anglers (4502 42nd SW; WSB sponsor). “River Songs,” subtitled “Moments of Wild Wonder in Fly Fishing,” is described in the launch announcement as “a collection of 14 essays that represent the wonders and losses experienced in a life outdoors.”

Distinguished writer and head of Fish Tales at Patagonia, Steve Duda asks what is it about this “ridiculous activity” that connects us to this planet, makes us human, and gives us hope? Avoiding fly fishing’s clichés of romantic elegies, Moby-Dick-like conquests, and play-by-plays of “victory” over a fish, Duda instead offers pieces that breathe lived experience, reveal vulnerabilities, and a broad perspective of what it means to have “a long run with a tight crew.” Interspersed through the essays, readers will discover 14 “river songs”—short pieces of prose and poetry that introduce moments of reflection, insight, humor, and tenderness.

The event Thursday (August 1) at EWA is at 6:30 pm. Duda says, “I’ll be giving a short reading, followed by a discussion with Dylan Tomine (author of “Headwaters” and “Closer to the Ground”) and then a Q&A. Cover artist and River Songs’ illustrator Matthew Delorme will also attend and will have prints of his work available. Food from Eva’s Wild will be served. Beer by Georgetown Brewing.” If you can’t make it to the event, check your favorite local independent bookstore for “River Songs,” or get it through publisher Mountaineers Books (which also is headquartered in West Seattle).

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Last day of July
July 31, 2024 6:03 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, July 31.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Becoming sunny, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:46 am, while sunset will be at 8:44 pm.

ROAD WORK

*The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project has begun. Tonight’s closure plan: Full eastbound closure, 7 pm-6 am. (EB bridge exit to NB 99 will remain open.)

*Installation of speed cushions/humps continues along Alki Avenue; after weekend work, we noticed crews doing more installation on Tuesday.

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project is in progress. Fairmount Avenue is closed under the bridge for the duration of the project, likely into early 2025. But SDOT now says it will NOT have weekend closures of the entire bridge.

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

*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch.

*Highway 99 tunnel closure 10 pm Friday-6 am Saturday for maintenance.

TRANSIT NOTES, WITH METRO FLEX

Metro Flex – Second week for this on-demand service in Delridge (and South Park), starting a two-year pilot. Here’s how it works.

Metro buses – Regular schedules; check for advisories here.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. The real-time map will show you where the boat is.

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

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (West Seattle Bridge cameras are back but some others remain out)

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

Low bridge: Here’s the main view:

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.

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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BIZNOTES: Costumes, coffee, containers, cuisine
July 30, 2024 10:30 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Four miscellaneous West Seattle business notes:

SPIRIT-ED AGAIN: Apparently the Westwood Village space where Bed Bath & Beyond closed two and a half years ago still doesn’t have a permanent tenant waiting in the wings. The temporary store Spirit Halloween is coming back for a third year, per signage we spotted, confirmed on the company website.

COFFEE CLOSURE: Reminder that the drive-thru Starbucks at Avalon/Fauntleroy is now closed for about a month of remodeling, as mentioned when the company announced the upcoming permanent closure of its Alki store. (That store’s last day is August 11; Avalon/Fauntleroy is expected to reopen sometime in September.)

SPEAKING OF REMODELING: That’s what’s happening at the Junction 7-11, according to the staff member we asked tonight after a few reader questions about the big containers in the store’s parking lot. The store remains open. No details of the remodeling, and there’s nothing in online permit files, so we’ll have to inquire further.

ELSEWHERE IN THE JUNCTION: The restaurant Raccolto, on the north edge of The Junction, has been closed since Thursday, dealing with “plumbing issues.” The note on the door expresses hope for “tomorrow,” though we don’t know how long that’s been up. (Thanks to Ian for the tip.)

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CRIME WATCH: About the multi-agency response at Roxbury Safeway (Wednesday update)
July 30, 2024 9:08 pm
|      35 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(Reader photo, via text)

Several readers asked about a big law-enforcement response at Roxbury Safeway early this evening. On Seattle Police radio, we heard SPD officers sent to back up King County Sheriff’s Office deputies who were “fighting with a suspect,” but the response was called off fairly quickly, as the suspect was reported to have been taken into custody. We just got information from KCSO on what led to this – spokesperson Det. Michael Ramirez says it was dispatched just after 5 pm as a “possible robbery in progress.” Arriving deputies wound up in “a brief struggle” with the suspect, he says, before they were able to make an arrest. Det. Ramirez adds that no injuries were reported and the suspect was taken to King County Jail to be booked for investigation of robbery.

ADDED WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Bail was set today at $10,000 for the suspect, who is 33. He does not appear to have a felony record, though the docket lists many misdemeanor cases in various jurisdictions.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: More new details of upcoming Spokane Street Viaduct closures
July 30, 2024 6:00 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT camera view, Monday night)

As reported here, the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project got started last night. Today we have new details from SDOT on the extent of closures planned in the next two weeks.

TONIGHT (JULY 30) – one or two eastbound lanes closed, 7 pm-6 am

WEDNESDAY NIGHT (JULY 31) – full eastbound closure, 7 pm-6 am

THURSDAY NIGHT (AUGUST 1) – full eastbound closure, 7 pm-6 am

FRIDAY NIGHT TO MONDAY MORNING (AUGUST 2-5) – full eastbound closure, 10 pm Friday to 5 am Monday

TUESDAY NIGHT (AUGUST 6) – one or two eastbound lanes closed, 7 pm-6 am

WEDNESDAY NIGHT (AUGUST 7) – full eastbound closure, 7 pm-6 am

THURSDAY NIGHT (AUGUST 8) – full eastbound closure, 7 pm-6 am

FRIDAY NIGHT TO MONDAY MORNING (AUGUST 9-12) – full eastbound closure, 10 pm Friday to 5 am Monday

During all of those closures, SDOT says, the eastbound ramp to northbound 99 will remain open; all eastbound-side ramps beyond that will be closed.

ALSO NOTE: The state will close the Highway 99 tunnel for maintenance 10 pm Friday (August 2) to 6 am Saturday (August 3).

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FOLLOWUP: Artist repairs vandalized West Seattle Junction ‘Old Mud Hole’ mural
July 30, 2024 3:33 pm
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

That’s the mural “Old Mud Hole” – now repaired, weeks after a tagger used red paint to vandalize it. When we reported on the damage last week, West Seattle Junction Association executive director Chris Mackay was still working to figure out how to restore it, since the WSJA’s graffiti team said they couldn’t do it without destroying the underlying mural. Then on Monday, a reader texted us a photo of someone at work on the mural:

And this morning, we found the tagging gone. It reminded us of what happened seven years ago, when another Junction mural was vandalized by tagging, and a mystery artist appeared to clean it up. Mackay tells us this is the same artist: “We talked last night and she got on it. Her name is Tess Morgan. She is a trained artist and has worked on other WS murals.” (Our archives show this one in 2012.)

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen silver Trailblazer
July 30, 2024 2:02 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Sent by Susan:

My 2006 silver Chevy Trailblazer was stolen last night in (the 4400 block of) SW Juneau St., West Seattle. License BWW8642, silver with back bumper sticker about dogs making our lives better. Police report 24-211543. Picture of one similar.

Call 911 if you find it.

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UPDATE: Seafair Parade of Ships 2024 passes West Seattle
July 30, 2024 12:32 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(Photo by Gary Jones – USS Sampson passing Alki)

12:32 PM: As noted in our daily event list, today’s the day for Seafair‘s downsized Parade of Ships, this year featuring one U.S. Navy destroyer and several U.S. Coast Guard boats. The official “parade” is along the downtown waterfront, but the participating ships sail eastward along Alki and the rest of West Seattle’s north-facing shoreline along the way, so we’re watching from Luna/Anchor Park, as the ships approach Alki Point for their eastward turn. In addition to the ship announced this morning by the U.S. Navy, USS Sampson (DDG 102), online tracking identifies the USCG participants as including Terrapin, Osprey, Sea Lion, buoy tender Henry Blake, and newly commissioned David Duren. (Seattle fireboat Leschi is heading out to greet them.)

(Photo by Javier Fosado – SFD fireboat Leschi with USS Sampson)

The Sampson and some of the USCG vessels will be open for tours on the downtown waterfront Wednesday-Sunday; see the schedule here.

12:54 PM: Now passing Duwamish Head, with the Sampson leading the way.

1:39 PM: The ships have moved on to downtown.

2:42 PM: Here are our pics with a closer look:

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FOLLOWUP: SDOT cancels plan for full closures of Admiral Way Bridge
July 30, 2024 11:33 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(Admiral Way Bridges from Fairmount Avenue, via Google Maps Street View)

The Admiral Way Bridge earthquake-strengthening project is now in its fourth week. Work is primarily continuing under the bridge, where Fairmount Avenue is closed to all traffic until early next year. But some work is planned on the deck, as we’ve reported. Now, though, there’s a big change in the plan. Thanks to MJ for the tip on this – SDOT confirms that it is no longer planning two weekend-long full closures of the bridge. Lane closures are still planned (no official schedule yet).

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