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  • Whales

    WHALE-WATCHING: Southern Residents at dusk

  • Fire

    FIRE FOLLOWUP: Camp Long lodge ‘assessment’

  • President

    NEW SSC PRESIDENT: Her first months

UPDATE: Crash at 42nd/Alaska
September 7, 2024 5:09 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

5:09 PM: Thanks for the tips and photos. That 2-car crash at 42nd/Alaska is blocking eastbound Alaska right now – avoid the area for a while. No indication of major injuries so far – the SFD response is just one engine, no medic unit.

5:57 PM: Live camera shows it’s still blocked but at least one tow truck is on scene.

6:37 PM: The scene has cleared. We’re following up with SFD re: injuries.

ADDED SUNDAY AFTERNOON: SFD tells us its crews treated a 34-year-old woman and 14-year-old girl, neither of whom needed to be taken to a hospital.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Clouds and smoke
September 7, 2024 3:19 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Today’s sunrise – photo by Stewart L.)

This afternoon’s weather can best be described as murky. Not just wildfire smoke, but also some cloud cover has moved in. The smoke is mostly from Oregon, according to the Washington Smoke Information website, an the National Weather Service says the clouds are moving up from the south too. We’ve been watching air-quality readings and they’ve been worsening in the past few hours, so take that into consideration if you have outdoor activity planned. Similar conditions are expected through tomorrow.

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Want to sing in a choir? Two in West Seattle are looking for new singers!
September 7, 2024 2:18 pm
|    Comments Off on Want to sing in a choir? Two in West Seattle are looking for new singers!
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Two announcements we’ve received recently:

ALKI UCC OPEN CHOIR REHEARSAL: Tomorrow (Sunday, September 8) at 11:30 am, you’re invited to sing with the Alki UCC Choir in an open-to-all rehearsal starting the fall season with Music Director Stephen Anthony Rawson. The church’s announcement says, “All are welcome, regardless of experience, age, faith or non-faith. Join us to sing new and well-loved songs in a variety of musical styles, including traditional hymns, spirituals and gospel. Come once … keep coming back … there are no auditions or commitments.” Questions? music@alkiucc.org – the church is at 6115 SW Hinds.

WEST SIDE PRESBYTERIAN RECRUITMENT: This announcement isn’t date-specific, so if you’re interested, you can reach out as soon as you’re ready to find out more:

The choir of West Side Presbyterian Church in West Seattle is welcoming singers to join us who love to sing in our community. The choir sings in the beautiful sanctuary space at WSPC and is also joined by an orchestra ensemble for festival services. For more information about how to join our welcoming and vibrant group of people, please reach out to Music Director Anthony Spain at anthonys@wspc.org

WSPC is at 3601 California SW.

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CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle writer E.J. Koh chosen as finalist for another Washington State Book Award
September 7, 2024 12:21 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle books | West Seattle news

When the 2024 Washington State Book Awards finalists were announced this week, we saw a West Seattle writer on the list: E.J. Koh. Three years ago, we told you about honors for her memoir “The Magical Language of Others,” including a Washington State Book Award. Now, Koh has published her first novel, “The Liberators,” and it’s a finalist. “The Liberators” is already an award winner, receiving the New York Public Library‘s 2024 Young Lions Fiction Award. From the publisher’s summary of “The Liberators”:

Daejeon, South Korea. 1980. At twenty-four, Insuk falls in love with her college classmate, Sungho, and with her father’s blessing, they marry. But then, as the military dictatorship, martial law, and nationwide protests bring the country precariously to the edge, Insuk’s father disappears.

In the wake of his disappearance, Insuk flees to California with Sungho, their son Henry, and Sungho’s overbearing mother. Adrift in a new country, Insuk grieves the loss of her past and divided homeland, only to find herself drawn into an illicit affair that sets into motion dramatic events that will echo for generations to come.

Spanning two continents and four generations, E. J. Koh’s debut novel exquisitely captures two Korean families forever changed by fateful decisions made in love and war.

Along with her award-winning novel and memoir, Koh has published a poetry collection, “A Lesser Love

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WHALES: Orcas in our area
September 7, 2024 9:49 am
|    Comments Off on WHALES: Orcas in our area
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

Orcas are southbound in the Sound, reports Kersti Muul via text, passing Blake Island at last report.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 30 things to know
September 7, 2024 6:07 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(White butterfly on rudbeckia in photographer Steve Bender’s garden)

Welcome to the weekend! Here are notes for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, starting with a traffic alert:

SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT EASTBOUND CLOSURE: Reminder – the eastbound side of the Spokane Street Viaduct (continuation of West Seattle Bridge between 99 and I-5) is closed this weekend as the resurfacing project continues; the inside westbound lane is closed too, which means the northbound I-5 exit to the westbound West Seattle Bridge is closed.

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

ALSO AT WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: The kickoff for “Got Fit,” a “free intermediate half marathon group training program for runners,” is also at WSR at 8 am – more info in our calendar listing.

STEVE HULSMAN MEMORIAL RIDE: As previewed here, riders are gathering in the main Lincoln Park lot (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) for remembrances before the ride begins around 10 am – full details here.

FREE FIT4BABY CLASS WITH A VIEW: As previewed here, 9 am on the rooftop at Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle (1309 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor), for any stage of pregnancy – if you see this early Saturday, not too late to sign up and go!

BIG BLUE TRUCK: The Northwest Center‘s donation-dropoff truck is back in West Seattle, every weekend. You’ll find it outside WaFd Bank (4102 California SW). Our calendar listing has info on what items the truck (a WSB sponsor) will accept. 9 am-5 pm.

HEAVILY MEDITATED: 9 am at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), free community meditation – RSVP here.

DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: West Seattle has TWO farmers’ markets every weekend! This is the first one – your weekly Saturday opportunity to go get fresh food from growers and makers – 10 am-2 pm, the market’s fourth season offers produce, plants, condiments, prepared food, more, continuing weekly through late October! (9421 18th SW; WSB sponsor)

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, WITH THE OTTER PUP: Summer gardening season isn’t over yet! Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm. Plus: The Otter Pup is open by the center, with coffee, ice cream, and other treats!

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.

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.

DISCO BRUNCH: 11 am-2 pm, a spotlight on Sylvester (video above) and other disco artists at Easy Street Café (4559 California SW) to take you back to the ’70s, as explained in our calendar listing.

POP-UP PLANT SALE: For a second week, 11 am-7 pm – details in our calendar listing. (6350 18th SW)

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

POSTCARDS 4 DEMOCRACY: Noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), bonus weekly session of long-distance advocacy, drop-ins welcome.

MAKE PUMPKINS & APPLES: Create at The Clay Cauldron, noon-3 pm. Registration info is in our calendar listing.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is also 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).

MAKE A BIRD BATH: 1 pm class at The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), $40. Our calendar listing explains how to sign up.

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.

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth International High School opens its season with a 2 pm game vs. Bellingham at Memorial Stadium downtown. (401 5th Ave. N.)

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.

DANCE AT THE BEACH: Salsa and bachata dancing at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki) starts with a lesson at 4:30 pm – more info in our calendar listing.

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

AT THE SKYLARK:Live music with Glitt, Faunix, The Wax Lips. Doors 7, show 8, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Loa and DJ Shonuph. (4547 California SW)

JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).

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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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Alki gunfire investigation – ‘two groups … shooting at each other’
September 7, 2024 12:08 am
|      63 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

12:08 AM: Police are on Alki investigating multiple reports from people calling 911 to say they heard gunfire just before midnight. One caller reported casings at 54th/Alki, and police are confirming “quite a few,” with a scene stretching “at least two or three blocks.” There’s also a report of bullet damage in a residence in the 2300 block of Alki. Some callers reported vehicles involved, but the descriptions diverge. So far no reports of injuries.

12:17 AM: Officers told dispatch they’re closing Alki Avenue at the scene while they mark and then gather casings. Dispatch has also just told them a second residence has apparent bullet damage, in the 2300 block of Hobart. … Meantime, police are detaining a possibly involved vehicle on Harbor Avenue.

12:37 AM: Officers are also reporting at least two parked vehicles with bullet damage.

1:12 AM: They’re now “breaking down the scene.” They’ve had word out to area hospitals but no one’s shown up with gunshot wounds. As for the detained vehicle, we haven’t heard how that turned out, but we’ll be following up. If you have any video or other evidence that might help police, here’s the incident number to refer to when you call 911: 24-253760.

ADDED SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Here’s the summary SPD provided on request:

On Friday at 11:53 p.m., 911 Dispatch (CARE) received multiple reports of gunfire and two groups of suspects shooting at each other at 54th Place Southwest and Alki Avenue Southwest. Witness stated two groups were involved in an altercation and started shooting at each other. One group of suspects left on foot, and they got inside a white SUV and fled the scene. A Black SUV was stopped, and the occupants were briefly detained but no PC [probable cause] was established, and they were released. Two apartments and two vehicles were damaged during the gunfire. A large number of shell casing was recovered from the scene. The local hospitals checked clear for recent gunshot victims. No suspects were identified.

The “black SUV” is the vehicle to which we referred in the 12:17 am note above, found in the 1900 block of Harbor.

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: USS Nimitz, headed back to Bremerton
September 6, 2024 9:24 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks for the tips (and thanks to Don Brubeck for the photo). Right around sunset, the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) was in view off West Seattle, headed back to Bremerton. We don’t have a record of when it headed out – no sighting reports. But as noted when we mentioned its previous inbound sailing a month ago, the Navy has initiated the process to decommission it in 2026.

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UPDATE: Car-on-side crash on SW Holden
September 6, 2024 7:39 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

7:39 PM: SPD and SFD are arriving at the scene of a car-on-side crash in 900 block of SW Holden. Responders say everyone is out of the vehicle but the street is blocked, so avoid the area.

7:49 PM: Reader photo added.

8:22 PM: Live SDOT camera shows Holden is still blocked, crashed car still on side. We’ll be checking with SFD regarding injuries; the response was downsized quickly, and no medic unit remained assigned, which suggests no major injuries.

8:52 PM: The live camera now shows the scene has cleared.

ADDED SATURDAY: SFD confirms no one was injured.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: New charges filed against Jason Turner after Westwood arrest
September 6, 2024 7:12 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

We reported earlier this week on the arrest of 40-year-old Jason Turner, who we previously mentioned after repeat mail-theft arrests three years ago. Until next February, he is in “community custody” – probation – as part of the sentence for five counts of mail theft related to those 2021 cases. Then this past Monday, he was arrested for investigation of burglary and indecent exposure for allegedly exposing himself in a Westwood-area home’s yard and at two Westwood Village stores. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed one county of second-degree burglary, with sexual motivation, for the yard incident, and two counts of indecent exposure for the store incidents. The latter crime is a misdemeanor unless children 14 and under are among the victims, and the charging document alleges that they were, in at least one store. The charging documents say that in addition to the “possession of stolen mail” convictions from last year, Turner has a record including petty theft, trespassing, vandalism, and obstruction, with some of those convictions listed as having happened in California. He remains in jail, bail set at $50,000.

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UPDATE: Power outage in Highland Park
September 6, 2024 5:02 pm
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: Power outage in Highland Park
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

5:02 PM: More than two dozen homes in Highland Park lost power almost an hour ago. A 911 caller reported hearing a “boom” in the 15th/Holden area about the time it happened. Seattle City Light says crews are working on it.

6:28 PM: Resolved since last time we checked!

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: Sound Transit sets date for Final EIS, with three information sessions
September 6, 2024 1:28 pm
|      51 COMMENTS
 |   Sound Transit | West Seattle news

Earlier this week, we noted in this light-rail-related story that a Sound Transit meeting was penciled into the Alki Masonic Lodge calendar for October 1, observing that was perhaps a hint at the timeline for the long-awaited Final Environmental Impact Statement release. Now it’s official – the Final EIS will be out on September 20, and ST has three information sessions planned, including October 1 at the Masonic Center. Here’s the full announcement from ST:

We are excited to share that the West Seattle Link Extension (WSLE) Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be published on Sept. 20, 2024! We appreciate the years of engagement with the community that have gotten us to this point.

The Final EIS includes updates based on continued design and comments received on the West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions (WSBLE) Draft EIS and responds to substantive public, agency, and Tribal comments (project-wide comments and comments specific to WSLE) submitted during the WSBLE Draft EIS comment period. The Final EIS will be available online on Sept. 20.

In the weeks following publication of the Final EIS, the Sound Transit Board will consider action to select the project to be built, based on years of technical analysis and community feedback, bringing us one step closer to providing fast, reliable new light rail connections to residential and job centers in the SODO, Delridge, and West Seattle neighborhoods. We will share more about Board meetings in future email updates. In the meantime, we will be hosting drop-in events to share information about the project and answer your questions. You can visit the drop-in sessions at any time to review materials and talk with staff.

When: Wednesday, Sept. 25, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW, West Seattle
Spanish, Vietnamese, and Somali interpretation will be provided.

When: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Alki Masonic Center, 4736 40th Ave SW, West Seattle
Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation will be provided.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Gallery B612, 1915 First Ave. S, SODO

The first ST Board meeting after the release will be 1:30 pm September 26 (board members regularly meet on fourth Thursdays); the agenda will be published here. The Draft EIS was published in January 2022.

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Woman killed during West Bank protest attended school in West Seattle
September 6, 2024 1:13 pm
|      65 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

1:13 PM: Thanks for the tips. One of today’s biggest international stories is the death of 26-year-old American citizen Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, reported to have been shot by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank, during what the Associated Press describes as “a weekly demonstration against settlement expansion.” The UK-based Daily Mail was first to note that Ms. Eygi listed herself on social media as having attended West Seattle High School. A texter tells us they remember her from the Class of 2016’s junior year and sent the yearbook photo shown at right. We have an inquiry out to Seattle Public Schools. We’ll add whatever more we find out.

3:06 PM: Multiple readers also have mentioned that Ms. Eygi attended other local schools including Alki Elementary and Madison MS. Her family is not speaking publicly, according to this statement from the organization with which she was volunteering, the International Solidarity Movement. The Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA) says in a news release that Ms. Eygi graduated this year from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in Middle Eastern languages and cultures.

ADDED: A statement attributed to Ms. Eygi’s family has been posted on social media by a close friend. In it, they ask the U.S. government for an independent investigation into their daughter’s killing.

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West Seattle’s newest speed cushions, including two sets on California Avenue SW
September 6, 2024 12:07 pm
|      41 COMMENTS
 |   Gatewood | Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

12:07 PM: Thanks for the tips. SDOT crews are installing West Seattle’s newest speed cushions today – including what are, we believe, the first ones ever built on California Avenue SW (not counting the raised crosswalks in The Junction). Above is the newly installed set on California just south of Myrtle, and below is the outline for a set just north of Myrtle:

SDOT also is installing speed cushions/humps on Myrtle west of California. This is all part of Safe Routes to School traffic calming around Gatewood Elementary – we hadn’t received a specific construction notice but found this mention nested in the “current projects” list on the SRTS website:

Speed humps and all-way stops on SW Myrtle St, SW Frontenac, and California Ave SW near Gatewood Elementary (expected in 2024 or 2025)

The all-way stops on Myrtle were already in. We’re checking with SDOT for more specifics.

12:51 PM: SDOT spokesperson Mariam Ali tells WSB that these weren’t expected to be installed until early next year but the crew managed to accelerate. She sent a map of all the new speed cushions in this round:

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Music, art, ice cream, wine, more for your West Seattle Friday
September 6, 2024 10:21 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

(Alki’s famous ‘flower houses,’ photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

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

SSC GARDEN CENTER: As fall approaches, plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, now until 3 pm. Plus, until 2:30 pm, while you’re there, you can visit The Otter Pup for coffee, ice cream, and other treats!

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM: 1-6 pm, open in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).

SANISLO ELEMENTARY BACK TO SCHOOL BASH: 5 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), with The Tim Turner Band onstage at 6 pm.

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

ICE CREAM POP-UP AT OUNCES: Perfect timing for a cool treat! 5:30-8:30 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), Lil’ Dipper pops up with hand-dipped cones.

POTTERS’ NIGHT AT THE CLAY CAULDRON: 6:30-9 pm, guided projects or bring your own, $40; our calendar listing explains how to RSVP. (5214 Delridge Way SW)

AT KENYON HALL: Doors at 7 pm for Mary Flower with Doc Stein and Spud Siegel. Check here for tickets/reservations. (7904 35th SW)

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Songwriters’ Showcase at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm.

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Amelia Day stops at ESR on her West Coast tour, 7 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)

MEET THE ARTIST: Reception for Marci Carlson at Spruce Hill Winery (2960 4th Ave. S., SODO; WSB sponsor), 7 pm. Contact info@sprucehillwinery.com for a reservation!

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

MAKE IT LOUD: Tonight’s bands at Southgate Roller Rink are Mother Root, Contraband Countryband, Guilty Bystander. 9 pm doors, $18 cover, $5 skates, 21+. (9646 17th SW)

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

JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).

Anything 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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Funeral, reception Monday for Gladyne R. Douglas, 1934-2024
September 6, 2024 9:00 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather Monday to remember Gladyne Douglas, and are sharing this remembrance with her community:

Gladyne Rose Douglas passed away peacefully in West Seattle on August 16, 2024 at the age of 90. It was exactly eight months after the passing of her loving husband, Richard “Dick,” of 70 years.

Gladyne is survived by her five children: Debbie Valentine, Steve Douglas (Terry), Deanne “Coco” Douglas, Susie Szatkowski (John), David Douglas (Laura); eleven grandchildren: Curtis, Jr. (Sara) and Dennon Douglas-Majors; Chad, Rory (Laura Belle), Brady (Samantha), and Jake Douglas; Natalie Ceis (Nate); Jason and Matthew Szatkowski; Benjamin and William Douglas; and four great-grandchildren: Curtis Douglas-Majors III; Cormac, Augustin, and Jett Douglas. She was preceded in death by her sister Geri Thibodeau (Joe), along with her loving husband Dick.

Gladyne was born on January 25, 1934 in Seattle, to Guido and Annie Lucchesini. They moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming when she was about 2 years old, and her sister Geri was born there when she was 7. They relocated frequently within California, moving to Burlingame, where she stayed until she was 12. Then they relocated back to West Seattle, where her father took over the family business, The Delridge Tavern. Gladyne attended Holy Rosary High School, an all-girls school at that time. She went on to attend the University of Washington (UW) for 2 years, where she studied business and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. During her time there, she formed lifelong friendships with many of her sorority sisters.

At fourteen, as a cheerleader for Seattle Prep, she first laid eyes on Dick Douglas at a Seattle Prep football game and developed a serious crush on him, though she was too young to date. During Rush of her Freshman year at UW, Dick, a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, caught sight of her. It was during her sophomore year that they finally became acquainted. Their first date was in February, and by March, Dick had given her his fraternity pin. In October of that same year, Dick proposed to Gladyne.

During Dick’s leave from the Army, he and Gladyne were married on December 26, 1953, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle. Following the wedding, they traveled to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where Dick was stationed. They settled into the officers’ quarters, and Gladyne was absolutely thrilled to leave her parents’ house behind. However, after six months, Dick was deployed to Korea, and Gladyne returned to Seattle to live with her family. Dick returned when their first child was nearly one month old; they settled in West Seattle; and Dick began his career with Boeing.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Gladyne and Dick raised their growing family together. Gladyne excelled as a Master bridge player, a seamstress, and an upholsterer. She was an avid reader who also enjoyed playing board games and cards with friends and family. In 1971, she launched a successful career as a realtor with Sound Investments, a challenging feat in a male-dominated industry at that time. Known for her integrity and honesty, Gladyne earned a strong reputation in West Seattle, securing numerous sales awards and the trust of many clients. Despite her success, she chose to leave real estate in 1984 to accompany Dick to Saudi Arabia for a Boeing assignment.

Gladyne and Dick spent two years in Saudi Arabia until 1986, where they explored many exotic destinations across the Middle East. During this period, Gladyne traveled with a women’s group to India, with the highlight being a meeting with Mother Teresa. Upon returning from Saudi Arabia, she reentered the real estate field for two years before retiring for good. Dick retired in 1990, and they split their time between summers in Seattle and winters in Sun City West, Arizona, where Gladyne had many hobbies, a few being: volunteering within the community, participating in bridge tournaments, and playing tennis.

Gladyne had a deep appreciation for the arts, from museums and theatre to symphony performances. Each year, she and Dick looked forward to their annual trips to Ashland, Oregon for the Shakespeare Festival.

Gladyne had a true gift for making every holiday and special occasion memorable. Her wonderful cooking and eye for making everything look beautiful created an atmosphere of warmth and joy at every gathering. A woman of strong Catholic faith, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Whether she was hosting friends and family at her home or simply enjoying time with loved ones, her vibrant spirit and positive outlook touched everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed by all.

Her funeral will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 11 am at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle. There will be a reception immediately following the service at the Douglas residence.

To share your condolences and memories of Terry, visit www.emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Gladyne-Douglas

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

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Friday + weekend notes
September 6, 2024 6:03 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, September 6.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The National Weather Service‘s Heat Advisory alert for our area continues until 11 tonight. Thursday had a record high, 90 at SEA; today’s forecast calls for hazy sunshine, high in the 80s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:35 am, while sunset will be at 7:38 pm.

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT WEEKEND PARTIAL CLOSURE, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE

*This week’s work on the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project concludes with an all-weekend half-closure:

*First, the two inside eastbound lanes will be closed 7-10 pm tonight. Then, for the rest of the weekend, 10 pm Friday to as late as 5 am Monday:

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

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

Other projects:

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

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

*The East Marginal Way S. project continues, with a temporary routing change for bicycle riders (explained at that link).

SODO WEEKEND NOTE

Seahawks‘ season opener Sunday, hosting Denver at Lumen Field, 1:05 pm.

TRANSIT NOTES

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes. Later runs tonight since it’s Friday.

Metro buses today – Regular schedules.

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

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

High Bridge – The Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low bridge: Here’s the main view:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge – Looking east:

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

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FOOTBALL: West Seattle High School’s 2024 season begins
September 6, 2024 1:30 am
|    Comments Off on FOOTBALL: West Seattle High School’s 2024 season begins
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

The West Seattle High School football season started with the usual exuberance Thursday, as the team burst onto the field at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex flying both a Wildcat flag and American flag, ready to face their visitors from Bainbridge HS. The weather was perfect; supporters were in the stands:

And a sizable cheer team was there to lend their support.

The first quarter was more about defense than offense – a busy night for #13, junior LJ Moody, started with an early stop.

Midway through the quarter, the Spartans were first to score, with a field goal. Late in the quarter, the Wildcats got closer to the end zone than they’d made it previously, thanks in part to a big carry by #2, senior Sam Turner:

But time ran out and the 1st ended with the score still Bainbridge 3, WSHS 0. Head coach Anthony Stordahl‘s team got their one and only touchdown in the second quarter.

Credit that to #12, sophomore Desmond Parkinson:

#34, junior kicker Scott Bremen, got the extra point:

And that gave West Seattle the edge at halftime, 7-3. But they lost the lead with 5:56 left in the third quarter, when Bainbridge got a TD (though the Wildcats kept the Spartans from scoring the point after), followed by another less than half a minute later. Bainbridge added one more midway through the fourth quarter, and the Wildcats just couldn’t get a comeback going; final score was Bainbridge 23, West Seattle 7.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Wildcats host Interlake, 7:30 pm Friday, September 13, at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Intense sunset after a record-heat day
September 5, 2024 9:10 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Intense sunset after a record-heat day
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Photo sent by Eileen Wurst)

Thanks for the photos! Some smoky haze has crept back into the air, and that meant a red sunset, at the end of a day with record-for-this-date heat.

(Photo sent by Carol Ann Joyce)

The high at SEA was 90 degrees – two degrees above the previous high for this date. The National Weather Service‘s Heat Advisory alert remains in effect until 11 pm Friday, and the forecast says the haze is hanging around too.

(Photo sent by Curry Gibson)

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VIDEO: Fauntleroy ferry-dock advisory group gets long-awaited report on ticketing alternatives
September 5, 2024 6:27 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The state’s automated tolling system Good To Go! might be a payment option for the future Fauntleroy ferry dock replacement, but it’s not worth relying on entirely, or worth giving a dedicated tollbooth.

That’s a key result from Washington State Ferries‘ long-anticipated study of how Good To Go! and advance ticketing might factor into the dock rebuild. The presentation was made at last week’s online meeting of the Community Advisory Group for the project – here’s the draft report provided to committee members. Below, WSF video of the meeting, followed by our summary:

First, for context, here’s where the project planning stands: WSF is continuing to screen nine alternatives for size/configuration of the new dock, all with footprints bigger than the current dock. WSF is expecting to zero in on a preferred alternative by the end of this year. Construction is currently expected in the 2027-2029 biennium.

The advisory-group members had long been asking for information on how alternate payment methods, both Good To Go! and advance ticketing, would affect performance of the new dock, and shape its design and operation expectations. GTG is not currently used by WSF; advance ticketing, Wave 2 Go, is, and they estimate 50% to 60% of Triangle Route (Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth) riders use that.

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NO WATER? City promises new alerts will let you know immediately
September 5, 2024 4:14 pm
|    Comments Off on NO WATER? City promises new alerts will let you know immediately
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

Unlike power outages, water outages can happen without you finding out until an inconvenient moment – you’ve prepped for a shower or bath, or to cook, or to start the washer, or many other scenarios. Seattle Public Utilities has announced it’s launching text alerts for emergency water outages, promising to text you as soon as you lose service. The announcement says all customers have been opted in to these alerts, but if you don’t want them, SPU says you can opt out. Full details are here.

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UPDATE: Collisions at 42nd/Admiral, 35th/Avalon
September 5, 2024 3:01 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

3:01 PM: Two busy intersections have crash responses working right now:

(Added: Reader photo)

At 42nd and Admiral, a driver is reported to have hit a pedestrian. Low-level medical response so no major injuries, but we’ll follow up with SFD.

(Added: Traffic-camera image)

At 35th/Avalon, northbound 35th is blocked by a one-car collision. Responders told dispatch there were no injuries in this one.

3:41 PM: Both scenes have been cleared.

4:38 PM: SFD tells WSB that the pedestrian, a 73-year-old woman, was taken to a hospital by private ambulance, and confirms that the 35th/Avalon collision – reported as involving three vehicles – had no injuries.

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BABY ON THE WAY? Free, scenic workout Saturday with FIT4MOM on Lake Washington PT’s West Seattle waterfront rooftop
September 5, 2024 2:09 pm
|    Comments Off on BABY ON THE WAY? Free, scenic workout Saturday with FIT4MOM on Lake Washington PT’s West Seattle waterfront rooftop
 |   Health | West Seattle news

If you have a baby on the way, Saturday morning, the Elliott Bay-facing rooftop terrace at Lake Washington Physical Therapy West Seattle (WSB sponsor) is the place to be. This announcement explains why – and how to register:

If you are expecting or know someone who is, a FREE FIT4BABY prenatal preview class is planned this Saturday, September 7, at 9 am on the rooftop terrace of Lake Washington PT.

You can RSVP with this link and we will enroll you!

The 9 am class will be followed by a short presentation and Q&A on posture and pelvic-floor function pre- and postpartum given by April Johnson PT, DPT, PCES of LWPT, who is also a FIT4BABY alum!!

April is a physical therapist and a pregnancy and postpartum corrective-exercise specialist. Her goal is to help women decrease pain during pregnancy and safely return to activity postpartum. She has a deep understanding of the issues associated with pregnancy and strives to master the whole-body approach to women’s health. This process involves restoring posture, breathing mechanics, pelvic floor function (external), strength and much more! Some of the most common conditions treated are low back pain, sacroiliac joint pain, neck/shoulder pain, diastasis recti and incontinence.

For the class, please enter Lake Washington PT through the main entrance at 1309 Harbor Ave SW, Suite A. Street parking will be available. Make sure to check in at the front desk and someone will be there to direct you to the rooftop terrace. We can’t wait to see you then!

Forecast for Saturday morning so far – more sunshine!

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