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Spotlight Stories


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    ALKI CRASH CHARGES: Finally filed

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    WS LIGHT RAIL: Routing OK’d, for now

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    ANOTHER AURORA: Second one this week

WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 16 options!
July 28, 2024 6:12 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Thanks to H&A for sending the aerial view from west Admiral)

Here’s what’s happening on our summer Sunday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar!

ADMIRAL CHURCH FOOD DRIVE: Continues today – drop off nonperishable-food donations at the church (4320 SW Hill) 9 am-noon.

PLUNGE INTO THE SOUND: At 9 am, you’re welcome to join a group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).

WESTIES RUN CLUB: 9 am, meet at Dough Joy Donuts (4310 SW Oregon) for the Sunday run.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, midsummer produce, plus beverages, baked goods, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared food, nuts, candy, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)

SUNDAYS IN THE ALLEY: Pop-up shopping experience – music and food too – behind Carmilia’s, in the alley behind the (corrected) east side of the 4500 block of California SW, 10 am-3 pm. More info in our calendar listing.

MAKERS’ ART MARKET AT ALKI: Noon to 5 pm, “meet your favorite local makers, artists, and food vendors” at the market next to Alki Bathhouse (60th/Alki).

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

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, the season continues for the 7-days-a-week city wading pool, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area.

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS : Reminder that the historic Alki Point Lighthouse is open to the public today for free tours, 1 pm-3:45 pm, Alki Avenue SW & Point Place SW. (But not NEXT Sunday, though, as volunteers will be busy with Seafair.)

(added) POP-UP MARKET: Cascadia Wicks tells us they’re among the vendors at a pop-up market at Future Primitive in White Center (9832 14th SW), 1-5 pm.

CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: Monthly gathering, 3 pm at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) – see our calendar listing for info on this month’s discussion.

I DRAW SLOW: Acoustic music, live at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), doors open 3 pm – tickets and info here.

FAREWELL TO HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB BUILDING: As previewed here, the time has come to say farewell to the fire-ravaged historic building, with demolition about to start, so you’re invited to HPIC‘s 5 pm celebration at the site (1116 SW Holden).

FREE OUTDOOR COMMUNITY YOGA: Presented by Dragonfly, 5 pm at Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (water side of 4500 block of Beach Drive SW), nonprofit fundraiser if you can donate, details in our calendar listing.

GONG BATH & NATURE MEDITATION: 7:30 pm at Lowman Beach Park (7017 Beach Drive SW) – ticket link’s in our calendar listing.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Enjoy Sunday night music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8-10 pm.

Organizing and/or publicizing something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basics – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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VIDEO: Celebration wraps up Metro Flex’s first week of on-demand transit for Delridge and South Park
July 27, 2024 11:27 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | South Park | Transportation | West Seattle news

Today’s El Mercadito pop-up shop and farmers’ market in South Park had special guests:

Mayor Bruce Harrell, City Councilmember Rob Saka, Metro general manager Michelle Allison, SDOT senior deputy director Francisca Stefan joined South Park community advocates, including members of the Duwamish Valley Youth Corps, in celebrating this week’s launch of Metro Flex on-demand transit serving Delridge and South Park. While Metro is a county service, as we reported when the launch was announced two weeks ago, the Seattle Transit Measure is paying for the new service. That’s why both city and county reps spoke at Duwamish Waterway Park today – here’s what everyone had to say:

Harrell and Saka stressed that this is a boon for “underinvested” communities like Delridge and South Park.

Stefan said this is filling gaps in the transit network, and being able to get where you need to go “can be life-transforming.”

Allison said it’s about equity and flexibility as well as convenience, and reflects community voices.

One of those voices is that of South Park’s Ruby Montes De Oca, who said that additions like this are helping as “South Park is starting to shine with new hope”:

Metro Flex’s South Park/Delridge launch is the start of a two-year pilot. We asked Metro how the first week had gone; spokesperson Jeff Switzer said those numbers aren’t in yet but we might be able to get an update next week. They realize the word hasn’t gotten out widely yet and plan a new promotional campaign to ensure more hear about it. You can book a ride, in the service area, by calling 206-258-7739, using this website, or using this app. Here’s a peek inside one of the vans:

One of the places especially excited about Metro Flex is the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse and Cultural Center in West Seattle – their location at 4705 W. Marginal Way SW isn’t on a bus route but Metro Flex can take you there! The service is available seven days a week, 6 am to 11 pm.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Another smoky sunset, but rain’s on the horizon
July 27, 2024 9:35 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Another smoky sunset, but rain’s on the horizon
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Thanks to James Bratsanos for the photo of tonight’s smoke-pink sunset. The haze won’t hang around too long, though, according to the National Weather Service, which says that “wildfire smoke aloft continues to wrap around a weak upper trough axis east of the Cascades. That system will continue to shift eastward overnight and increasing low level onshore flow will pull the marine layer inland further than what we saw this morning. … Another upper trough with a more westward trajectory will arrive Sunday night into Monday, providing some uncharacteristically wet (and beneficial) weather for what is climatologically the driest period of the year.” Here’s fire/smoke info for our state (Oregon and BC are plagued with fires too).

ADDED: One more photo, from Tom Trulin:

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UPDATE: Shooting investigation in Highland Park/Riverview, with two gunfire locations (updated Monday night)
July 27, 2024 7:51 pm
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

7:51 PM: Police are responding to a report of a shooting in Highland Park/Riverview. One person is reported to have arrived at the 16th/Holden fire station with a gunshot wound, though the shooting apparently happened elsewhere, possibly near 16th/Holly.

The person or persons who fired at the victim are believed to be in a black Jeep.

7:54 PM: The description of the shooter(s’) vehicle has changed again – possibly a dark green Kia Soul. … The possible shooting location is also now being described as 13th/Myrtle, “where the victim was parked” when shot.

7:59 PM: Officers tell dispatch they’ve found casings on 13th just north of Myrtle, near Riverview Playfield. … The vehicle description has changed for the third time – officers are saying that neighborhood security video shows a copper-colored Kia Sportage.

8:27 PM: Police are wrapping up their investigation at 13th/Myrtle (where our photo above is from) but have also just reported casings at 16th/Myrtle, so now they are closing 16th to investigate there. Meantime, we’re trying to clarify the status of the victim who showed up at the fire station.

10:29 PM: SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells us, “Crews treated a 39-year-old male for minor injuries. He declined transportation to a hospital.”

ADDED MONDAY AFTERNOON: SPD clarifies that the man’s injury turned out to be from broken glass, not a bullet. No other updates on the case.

ADDED MONDAY NIGHT: A detailed SPD summary provided since we talked with them this afternoon attributes the wound to “shrapnel” and includes a variety of additional details:

At 1944 hrs, SW Patrol responded to a report of a shooting that had occurred near 16 Ave SW/SW Holly St. While en route, responding Officers located a secondary victim vehicle at 16 Ave SW/ SW Holden St. This victim had been shot at while in a vehicle and suffered a non-life-threatening injury to his hip from shrapnel. SFD evaluated and cleared at the scene. This victim stated that the scene for this shooting was at 13 Ave SW/SW Myrtle St. The original victim vehicle was located at 16 Ave SW/SW Holly St. This first victim vehicle had been driving northbound on 16 Ave SW when suspects in a vehicle overtook them in the bike lane firing as they passed. The vehicle was struck by multiple rounds, but the occupants were unharmed. One of the suspects at some point dropped a firearm at 16 Ave SW/SW Myrtle St. The firearm was damaged and spilled numerous unspent rounds in the intersection. The firearm was retrieved by the suspect, and they fled northbound on 16 Ave SW. Officers processed scenes at 16/Myrtle (40 9mm unfired rounds, 1 9mm FCC, 1 .45 FCC), 16/Holly (Victim Vehicle), 16/Holden (Victim Vehicle) and 13/Myrtle (11 9mm FCC, 2 .45 FCC).

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FOLLOWUP: Cantanna Fest no longer planned for Lincoln Park – moving to Myrtle Edwards (update: now planned for Puyallup)
July 27, 2024 6:05 pm
|      71 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Two days ago, we reported on a music-and-advocacy festival called The Cantanna Fest changing its venue to Lincoln Park with just over two weeks to go, after losing its planned site in Snohomish. The City of Seattle process for approving and planning major events usually involves a much longer lead time, and news of the festival coming to Lincoln Park on short notice sparked many questions. Then yesterday, as added to our original story, Seattle Parks spokesperson Christina Hirsch told us the department was “in discussion with the event organizer about possibly relocating the event to a different location.” That location will be Myrtle Edwards Park on the downtown waterfront, according to organizers’ announcement on Instagram (thanks to commenters for the tip), where they wrote: “… This has been a Rollercoaster. Thank you Seattle Parks and Rec for helping us and apologies to those in West Seattle freaking out about Lincoln Park. Although it would have been an amazing show we do not want to upset the community and we have listened. …” The organizers added in a comment there, “To be fair when getting a permit we are supposed to send mailers out to all the residents and the Parks and Rec helped us rush the permit but that step was not possible.” Myrtle Edwards Park was the longtime home of Hempfest, though the organizers’ comments also stress, “We are not Hempfest and we DO hope they return.” Cantanna Fest’s political component is to campaign for a Cannabis Industry Bill of Rights.

UPDATED AUGUST 7: We now have word this is instead happening at McMillin Farm in Puyallup – same dates.

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COUNTDOWN: One more day to register your block party for Night Out 2024
July 27, 2024 3:46 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: One more day to register your block party for Night Out 2024
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Having a Night Out neighborhood-safety/solidarity block party on August 6 but not registered for street-closing permission yet? Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite wants to be sure you know that tomorrow (Sunday, July 28) is the deadline to register: You can have a Night Out party in many places – schools, apartment buildings’ community rooms, courtyards – but you need to register for permission to close your (non-arterial) street to vehicle traffic that night. SPD has a registration link here. They’ll also offer the option for your Night Out party to be shown on the citywide map (not mandatory). One more note – we’ll be out taking party photos on Night Out as usual – if you’d be OK with us stopping by your party for a photo, let us know where and when, westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you, and thanks to those who’ve already emailed!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Summer-camp counselor assaulted
July 27, 2024 1:36 pm
|      37 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Reader report, received today from a staffer at Hazelwood Preschool, which rents space at Fauntleroy Church, next to Fauntleroy Park, and is operating a summer camp program too:

We have to use a small part of a Fauntleroy Park trail to get to our playground. Yesterday – Friday, July 26th, around 2 PM – two of our camp counselors were leading a group of 4-7 year olds up the trail and entered our playground. While the children were getting inside, a man walking his Husky off-leash was coming down the trail toward our group. His dog, though not aggressive, ran toward the children and jumped up on the gate as it was closing, which opened it more and he tried to come inside. One of our summer camp counselors immediately intervened, placing himself between the dog and the children, and called for the owner to get his dog on a leash. Unfortunately, the man became very upset and aggressive, yelled and grabbed our staff member, and pushed him violently against the slide, causing him to hit his head and fall to the ground. The man then quickly left the premises. While none of the children were physically harmed, many of them witnessed the incident and were understandably scared.

The man then walked to the parking lot of Fauntleroy Church, where our security cameras took this picture below.

Unfortunately, his car doesn’t have plates so the police have not yet been able to locate him.

We need help identifying this man. The man was wearing a blue shirt and shorts. White, possibly in his 40s. Tan with short hair. The police gave us an incident #, 24-207530, and if anyone has any information, they want them to call 911.

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Brown water in South Delridge
July 27, 2024 1:06 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

Thanks to Iris for the photo and report:

Sharing that our house has brown water running from all faucets in South Delridge. Curious if others have reported the same?

No emergencies on the Seattle Public Utilities water-trouble map, so it could be hydrant testing … nonetheless, discolored water should always be reported to SPU’s 24/7 hotline, 206-386-1800.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: 2024 ‘Da Grind’ racing for outrigger canoes – and other paddlers – off Alki
July 27, 2024 11:14 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: 2024 ‘Da Grind’ racing for outrigger canoes – and other paddlers – off Alki
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Outrigger canoe racers are in the water off Alki today for the annual “Da Grind,” presented by the Seattle Outrigger Canoe Club. But they’re not the only paddlers participating – the event has a standup-paddleboard component too:

Short-course racers took off at 9 am.

Some long-course racers were scheduled to start at 10:30.

And the final group heads out at 1 pm. The event also includes booths on the beach:

It all wraps up with an award ceremony around 3:30 pm.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Parade on the way to the parade
July 27, 2024 10:47 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

Thanks to Eddie for the photos! In today’s highlight list, we mentioned the annual sighting of “no-parking” signs on Harbor Avenue because Seafair Torchlight Parade floats would be parking in a port lot. Eddie caught some of the floats crossing the low bridge this morning:

The parade starts at 3 pm near the Space Needle and heads southbound on 4th Avenue to Seneca.

Some of the parade entries travel hundreds of miles to participate.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 33 notes!
July 27, 2024 6:07 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 33 notes!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Honey bee on flower, photographed near Lincoln Park by Steve Bender)

Welcome to the weekend! Here are our notes for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):

HARBOR AVENUE PARKING RESTRICTIONS: It’s an annual tradition – some of the Seafair Torchlight Parade floats use a port-owned lot before and/or after the parade, so Harbor becomes a no-parking zone to ensure they’ve got enough room to maneuver.

SPEAKING OF THE TORCHLIGHT PARADE: If you’re heading downtown, remember there’ll be street closures for the parade, which starts at 3 pm near the Space Needle and proceeds southbound on 4th Avenue to Seneca (here’s the map)

‘DA GRIND’ OUTRIGGER RACING: Dozens of outrigger canoes will be racing short and long courses from Alki through the day, with registration starting at 7 am, the first races at 9 am.

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

HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free community meditation, 9 am at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor SW).

WALKING IN SCHMITZ PRESERVE PARK: 10 am, join Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks for a unique look at this park. Registration is closed but organizers told us last night that they DO have room for walk-ups. Free. Meet at Admiral/Stevens trailhead.

DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market’s fourth season offers produce, plants, condiments, prepared food, more. (9421 18th SW)

STORYTIME AT SEOLA POND: Join a local teacher for stories in the greenspace off SW 106th [map], 10 am.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: You’re invited to join others taking a walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy), 10 am.

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Summer gardening season still has weeks to go – add something new! Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.

MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

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

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK OPEN: Spraypark season continues – open 11 am-8 pm, free, every day. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

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

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park, the season continues for the only 7-days-a-week wading pool in West Seattle, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

HIAWATHA WADING POOL OPEN: Also open today, noon-5:30 pm. (2700 California SW)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm. Last chance to see its award-winning Longfellow Creek exhibit! (61st/Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

HAND-BUILT COFFEE MUGS: Make your own at The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), 1-3 pm.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: The tasting room/wine bar is open 1-6 pm with student-produced wines and “affordable eats” at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

RAT CITY BAZAAR: 3-7 pm, shop an eclectic array of items at this monthly bazaar inside Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).

‘READY FREDDY’ PARTY: Just 45 minutes can get you a jump-start on the road to being prepared in case of disaster – information to help keep you and your family safe. Get it at Alice Kuder‘s free “Ready Freddy” prep party, 3 pm at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW) – registration link is in our calendar listing.

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

SOULFEST BLOCK PARTY: Music! Food! Art! One-of-a-kind chance to hang out and enjoy a summer evening with your West Seattle neighbors. Starts at 4 pm in the 6300 block of 46th SW; our calendar listing has the ticket link, prices, and event schedule.

SALSA & BACHATA ON ALKI: Ready to dance? Another session at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza starts with lessons at 4:30 pm – details and fees in our calendar listing.

BRAZILIAN JAZZ: Tarde em Itapoa live at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, no cover, all ages.

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

LIVE AT KENYON HALL: David Duvall Trio, doors at 7 pm, ticket link in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)

LIVE MUSIC AT WHISKY WEST: Tom Hutyler, 8-11 pm. (6451 California SW)

BEATS AT THE ROOM: Revelry Room continues with Saturday night DJs – 9 pm. Tonight, DJ Proh Mic. (4547 California SW, alley side)

WEST END GIRLS CANCELED: No drag extravaganza at The Skylark tonight, but hostess Cookie Couture promises the show will be back next month (August 31 – tickets here).

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

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

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Desmond Hansen’s new signal-box portrait: Tribute to West Seattle-born composer Earl Robinson, thanks to an auction donation
July 26, 2024 10:46 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS culture/arts

(WSB photo)

That’s the newest signal-box portrait painted by West Seattle artist Desmond Hansen. It’s at California and Hanford [map]; a reader tipped us about it today. It’s a tribute to Earl Robinson (1910-1991), an accomplished composer who spent his early and late life in West Seattle. His life was chronicled by West Seattle filmmaker, storyteller, and educator B.J. Bullert in a televised documentary, “Earl Robinson: Ballad of an American,” after his death in 1991 in a car crash on Admiral Way.

Earl Robinson Ballad of an American from BJ Bullert on Vimeo.

You can also thank Bullert for the new portrait, as well as Hansen – it’s the result of her winning bid at this year’s Southwest Seattle Historical Society auction (as we noted in our report on that event). After her $1,200 bid scored the right to commission a box by Hansen (his donation for the auction), she said she was envisioning Earl Robinson. She was there today as Hansen worked on the box:

(Photo by Ken Workman)

The location is doubly relevant – Mr. Robinson attended West Seattle High School, around the corner, and, Bullert says, lived at 41st and Manning, blocks away, a few years before his death. Some of his better-known songs, she says, are “Joe Hill” – “Joan Baez sang ‘Joe Hill’ as did many on picket lines. Frank Sinatra sang ‘The House I Live In,’ and Paul Robeson sang ‘Ballad for Americans.’ Three Dog Night made ‘Black and White’ a hit. Lots more. One of his last songs was ‘Message from a New Address’ about death. It’s in the film.” In addition to watching her film, you can learn more about Earl Robinson from this HistoryLink essay.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen Specialized e-bike
July 26, 2024 9:04 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Received tonight from Mark:

My dark green Specialized electric Mountain Bike was stolen out of the PCC garage 7:40 pm Friday 26th. 2 men in a Hummer H2 SUT short-bed pickup.

Mark’s awaiting the police-report #; we’ll add it when available.

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Another West Seattle bridge project is about to start
July 26, 2024 7:12 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Safety | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

Back in February, we mentioned that work was ahead for the “salmon bone bridge” across Longfellow Creek in North Delridge. Now Seattle Public Utilities has announced that work is about to begin. As explained on the project page:

The Salmon Bone Bridge was designed by renowned Seattle-based artist Lorna Jordan and was installed in 1999 as part of the Longfellow Creek Habitat Improvement Project. The bridge was designed to invoke the skeletal structure of a fish and the deck was made from recycled cedar timbers arranged in a herringbone pattern. The Bridge is also known as the Adams Fish Bridge.

Since then, the timber deck has deteriorated and has become unsafe. As a result … SPU covered the deck with plywood and an anti-slip surface, which altered the bridge’s aesthetic. This project aims to honor the artist’s original vision while improving pedestrian safety by replacing the deck with materials designed for slip resistance and long service life.

After exploring several materials for deck replacement, SPU selected Cordeck Dots decking material. This weathering steel product is a long-lasting option that will mimic the visual appearance of the original deck.

SPU will replace the deck … The restored bridge will preserve the artist’s original design, but will be more durable and accessible, and safer, while requiring less maintenance.

The work will start in early August and will close the bridge for up to three months, according to this notice that SPU says will be circulated to neighbors starting next week.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Charges filed in West Seattle fire-engine theft
July 26, 2024 5:46 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

The man arrested for allegedly briefly stealing a fire engine in West Seattle early Wednesday is now charged. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged 22-year-old Emanuel D. Wentworth of South Park with motor-vehicle theft and second-degree driving with a suspended/revoked license. The narrative with the charging documents says he only drove the engine (South Park-based Engine 26) about 300 feet from where it had been parked during a medical call at Arrowhead Gardens; as he left the cab, firefighters and a bystander yelled at him to stop, but he kept walking. Police subsequently found him walking nearby, at 1st/Cloverdale. The charging documents say that after being advised of his rights, Wentworth explained that he took the fire engine because he wanted to “see how it feels.” A firefighter explained to police that Wentworth might have been able to drive it farther if they hadn’t set the parking brake.

As we reported in our previous story, the King County Jail docket shows that this is Wentworth’s ninth booking in nine months. Only two of those cases have been referred by police to prosecutors – both auto thefts – and KCPAO spokesperson Casey McNerthney tells WSB they charged Wentworth in both those cases, which are still making their way through the system. He adds, “In every other investigation, King County prosecutors have gone to court and asked for the defendant to be held, and been successful in those arguments. But none of those five felony investigations have been referred by police to King County prosecutors. … The cases may still be under police investigation. The diminished staffing of Seattle Police might also be a factor here. Either way, we know SPD officers and detectives have hard jobs and prosecutors will review any case if it’s sent to our office.” The cases in which he has not been charged included three burglaries, a robbery, and a stolen vehicle, one case in southeastern West Seattle and the others in South Park, downtown, and North Seattle. His most recent jail stay, for a failure-to-appear warrant, ended July 1st, when he was released to an alternative check-in program – with which he never checked in,, In the new case in which he has just been charged, bail is set at $50,000, and he remains in custody, pending arraignment in two weeks.

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UPDATE: Man found dead on Fauntleroy beach
July 26, 2024 3:01 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(WSB photo)

3:01 PM: Thanks for the tips. Police are investigating the discovery of a dead person on the beach in Fauntleroy, in a residential area south of the ferry dock. Our photo was taken looking south from the dock; the person’s body was on the beach just to the right of the driftwood at the photo’s right edge. This is the same area where a search was under way early Wednesday morning after a report of someone splashing and calling for help. Despite searches by sea and, later in the day, by air, no one was found at that time. We’re following up with police and will add anything more we find out.

3:49 PM: SPD spokesperson Officer Brian Pritchard says the call originally came in as an unclothed man dead on the beach, and that’s what police confirmed upon arrival. He says there’s no sign of foul play, though it’ll be up to the Medical Examiner to determine the cause of death.

(Photo sent by Leif)

They do believe this is the same person who was the subject of the Wednesday morning search, because of the clothing found on a small swimming dock (as mentioned in our previous story).

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Restoration dilemma after West Seattle Junction mural vandalized again
July 26, 2024 1:25 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Cropped photo – the red-paint tagging extends the full length and to the bottom edge)

If you’ve been to the West Seattle Junction parking lot behind the KeyBank block in the past few weeks, you might have noticed the extensive tagging vandalism on the mural along the south side of the lot, “The Old Mud Hole.” Thanks to Doug for the photos – including this one showing the plaque with the mural’s history:

This is at least the second time in five years that vandals have damaged this mural – here’s one of our 2019 reports – and this time, restoration poses a dilemma. Chris Mackay of the West Seattle Junction Association tells WSB, “Our graffiti team attempted to clean the mural but it’s not possible without destroying it.” So for starters, she’s trying to reach its artist, Mike Svob (who is in British Columbia). This mural is one of 11, mostly in The Junction, created and installed more than 30 years ago as part of a civic enhancement/beautification project. Some were restored through an endowment from the late Adah Rhodes Cruzen, widow of Earl Cruzen, who had spearheaded that original project. WSJA’s Mackay tells us there is some money available to restore this mural – depending on what the cost turns out to be.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: Outrigger-canoe racing Saturday at Alki
July 26, 2024 11:58 am
|    Comments Off on WEEKEND PREVIEW: Outrigger-canoe racing Saturday at Alki
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB photo, July 2023)

The first of this summer’s two major human-powered-boat racing events at Alki is happening tomorrow! Dozens of outrigger-canoe paddlers from around the region are expected for the annual “Da Grind” races, hosted by the Seattle Outrigger Canoe Club. The event will last much of the day, starting with registration at 7 am and continuing until awards are presented around 3:30 pm. Paddlers will race on one of two courses – 4 miles (along Alki) or 12 miles (out to Blake Island and back); see the maps on the race page.

P.S. The other major human-powered boat racing event is Sound Rowers’ Great Cross-Sound Race, coming up August 24.

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Ways to enjoy your West Seattle Friday
July 26, 2024 10:20 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Savor the summer sun, now that July’s almost over! Thanks to TB for the sunrise photo. Here’s what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

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

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

WADING POOLS: Open today – Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm; Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) and Hiawatha (2700 California SW), noon-5:30 pm.

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.

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

CLAY CREATIONS: Make handbuilt animals at The Clay Cauldron, 6:30 pm. (5214 Delridge Way SW)

DUBSEA FISH STICKS BASEBALL: Tickets available for tonight’s 6:35 pm game vs. Redmond Dudes at Steve Cox Memorial Park. (1321 SW 102nd, White Center)

WEEKEND WRITING RETREAT: Not too late to sign up for this West Seattle retreat, starting at 7 tonight and continuing all day Saturday and Sunday. Info and registration link in our calendar listing.

AT KENYON HALL: Capital Focus Jazz Band, featuring Chief Sealth Jazz, at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), doors at 7, show at 7:30. Info and tickets here.

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

AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm, CHEER Seattle presents: SPLITZ! A Drag/Talent Show Fundraising Extravaganza!, $20 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

SUMMER SUNSET SOUND BATH: 7:30 pm at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW), $38. Ticket link in our calendar listing.

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

YOU SKATE, THEY PLAY: “Make It Loud!” at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), roller skating to live bands, featuring The Disorderlies, Not Your Ex Lover, and more TBA. 9 pm. $18 cover, $5 skate.

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

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen green Jeep Wrangler
July 26, 2024 9:32 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

From Jennifer:

My husband’s 2000 Jeep Wrangler was stolen sometime last night from the 9200 block of 35th Ave SW. It’s dark green with a black hard top, and a worn spare tire on the back. Seems hard to believe it would be stolen since it’s a manual, but there must be some jerks who still know how to drive a stick. Police report being filed – will update when available, but if you see it please let me know. Plate # ABJ5683.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Friday + weekend info
July 26, 2024 6:00 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Friday + weekend info
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, July 26.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:40 am, while sunset will be at 8:50 pm.

TRANSIT NOTES, WITH METRO FLEX

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

Metro buses – Regular schedules; check for advisories here.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see 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.

ROAD WORK

*The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project is about to start, first with overnight lane closures, then with several all-weekend one-direction closures. Here’s the announcement.

*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. Deck work is likely to start in August

*SDOT’s 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.

WEEKEND NOTE

No road-closing events in West Seattle this weekend, but if you’re going downtown, be aware that streets will be closed for Saturday afternoon’s Seafair Torchlight Parade, which starts at 3 pm.

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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UPDATE: 2 to hospital, rescued from car ‘wrapped around tree’ on West Marginal Way SW
July 26, 2024 12:10 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

12:10 AM: Seattle Fire has sent a “rescue extrication” response for what arriving crews are describing as a “car wrapped around a tree” in the 3800 block of West Marginal [map]. At least two people are injured.

12:16 AM: Firefighters report they’ve gotten one person out of the vehicle, and have another to rescue next.

12:21 AM: They’ve gotten the second person out of the car.

12:26 AM: According to radio exchanges, the two injured people are a woman in her 20s and a man in his 30s; he’s believed to have been the driver, and is more seriously injured. Both will be taken to Harborview Medical Center.

12:39 AM: Police have told dispatch that the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad will be coming to the scene. That means the road closure is likely to last a few hours. (added) We don’t have any imagery from the scene but plate lookup indicates the car is a 2006 Civic.

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FOLLOWUP: Next step in campaigning for a ‘Walkable Admiral’
July 25, 2024 9:46 pm
|      38 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

We first told you six months ago about Stu Hennessey‘s quest for a more “walkable Admiral” (District). He is a business owner in Admiral, proprietor of Alki Bike and Board, and walks the talk, not only on human-powered transportation, but also on other sustainability issues. Making Admiral more walkable would require some city changes, and Hennessey has launched a yard-sign campaign to get community support for them:

The QR code on the sign takes you to this page, which spells out the three proposals he introduced back in January:

Admiral and California All-Walk intersection. The biggest safety concern for pedestrians crossing the streets is the right turn on red. Is it wise to have cars and pedestrians using the same crossing?

Mid-block raised crossings between Lander and Admiral near the Safeway entrance at Menchie’s yogurt and between Admiral and College St. Specifically crossing to the Admiral Theatre. These crossings would eliminate one parking space and have a bulb out to the lane edge with flashing crossing signs.

Permanent closure for SW Lander St. between California Ave and 44th SW. This is an often-ignored one-way and daytime-temporarily-closed street that could be used for an emergency gathering point for Lafayette School, auto-free pickup of students, and a potential event space such as a farmers’ market.

The page also suggests emailing three city contacts – SDOT (684-road@seattle.gov), Councilmember Rob Saka (rob.saka@seattle.gov), and Economic Development director Markham McIntyre (markham.mcintyre@seattle.gov)- to voice your support for a more walkable Admiral. Hennessey has a few spare yard signs for Admiral businesses, and flyers for posting in windows – stop by his shop (2606 California SW) to ask about those.

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