COUNTDOWN: Two weeks until neighborhood Night Out block parties

July 23, 2024 6:30 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: Two weeks until neighborhood Night Out block parties
 |   Neighborhoods | Safety | West Seattle news

Some of the problems mentioned in our previous story are beyond individual residents’ ability to fix – but there’s one simple-yet-mighty action anyone can take: Neighborhood solidarity and collaboration. That’s what the annual Night Out block parties are about, and we’re reminding you tonight that this year’s Night Out is now two weeks away: Tuesday, August 6. You can have a “block party” in many places – schools, apartment buildings’ community rooms, condo courtyards – but if you want to sign up to close your (non-arterial) street to vehicle traffic that night, SPD has a registration link here. Registration will offer you the opportunity to have yours on the citywide Night Out map. Deadline to register for street-closure permission is this Sunday, July 28.

P.S. We’ll be out taking photos on Night Out as usual – if we’d be welcome to stop by your block party for a photo, let us know where and when, westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

‘I want my money back!’ City Council committee hears about jail-booking crunch and other ‘significant obstacles’ in public-safety ‘ecosystem’; mayor tries to fix one

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Moments before Mayor Harrell announced at noontime today that the city is working on getting 20 spaces at the regional SCORE misdemeanor jail, the City Council’s Public Safety Committee had heard about – among other things – the inability to book many misdemeanor suspects into the King County Jail. This, despite an 18-year contract with the county costing $22 million this year alone, which led to Council President Sara Nelson exclaiming, “I want my money back!”

That was toward the end of an information-packed committee meeting with an agenda also including Interim Police Chief Sue Rahr‘s report on her first two months on the job, plus the confirmation of Amy Smith as permanent Chief of CARE (the department that includes the city’s 911 center as well as a team of crisis responders). Here’s the video:

The meeting lasted two and a half hours, starting with public comment and Chief Smith’s confirmation (which committee members voted 4-0 to recommend to the full Council, which might vote as soon as next Tuesday), until an hour and 20 minutes in. That’s when Chief Rahr began her update (see the slide deck here).

Rahr said she’s been focused on four areas – staffing, technology, accountability, and the department’s “criminal justice partners.” The first, she said, is still “a crisis” – hiring remains “behind where we’d hoped to be”:

She presented an overview of a recent overnight shift citywide to show how those numbers translate operationally (note that the Southwest Precinct, West Seattle and South Park, had six officers that shift, four below what it should have):

Read More

ROAD-WORK ALERT: Dates set for Spokane Street Viaduct repaving closures

We’ve been reporting for two years on the SDOT plan for resurfacing work on the Spokane Street Viaduct – the West Seattle Bridge section east of the Highway 99 overpass – and today, they’ve announced the dates for the closures that’ll be needed to get the work done – both lane closures and full closures of one side of the roadway. SDOT says work will start “as soon as” next Monday (July 29):

This work will require multiple weekend closures of all eastbound travel lanes and one weekend closure of the westbound travel lanes. There will also be overnight closures of one or two lanes at a time on weeknights this summer and fall.

These closures are necessary to repair damaged pavement which is prone to potholes and “alligator skin” cracking. Crews will repave the bridge deck and apply a synthetic polymer sealant to the road surface to help ensure it remains in good condition over time. Crews will also make drainage improvements and bridge deck repairs on the westbound lanes.

Weekend Directional Closures (schedule subject to change):

10 PM Friday, August 2 to 5 AM Monday, August 5: All eastbound lanes and one westbound lane closed.
10 PM Friday, August 9 to 5 AM Monday, August 12: All eastbound lanes and one westbound lane closed.
10 PM Friday, August 16 to 5 AM Monday, August 19: All eastbound lanes and one westbound lane closed.
10 PM Friday, August 23 to 5 AM Monday, August 26: All eastbound lanes and one westbound lane closed.
10 PM Friday, August 30 to 5 AM Tuesday, September 2: All westbound lanes closed.

Weeknight Overnight Lane Reductions:

Crews will close one or two lanes at a time on weeknights between 10 PM and 5 AM starting as soon as July 29, 2024. These weeknight lane closures will continue through the summer and fall of 2024.

SDOT notes that the project “is funded by a $5 million federal grant from the Federal Highway Administration Bridge Improvement Program, which is funded in part by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and then passed to WSDOT’s Local Bridge Program.” (We first reported on that grant two years ago.) That’s not the entirety of the funding, though, as we reported in June that Combined Construction won the project with a bid of $7.5 million.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Business burglary; paintings stolen

In West Seattle Crime Watch:

BUSINESS BURGLARY: Pecos Pit (35th/Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor) was broken into overnight. We went over to find out more after hearing about the burglary. They say someone got in through a window and broke into the safe.

Some cash was taken, and as a result, Pecos Pit is going cashless TFN. But they are open for business otherwise.

ART THEFT: Thanks to Kelly for the report on this: At least two artists report having artwork stolen from their booths at last weekend’s Alki Art Fair during the hours when the three-day festival was closed. One is Ula Nero, who is asking people to look for these two paintings:

In all the years I’ve done art shows all over Washington this has never happened to me or any other artists. Tents were cut and graffiti left as the reminder how awful people could be.

We’re checking on that case number (update: it’s 24-935480); meantime, 24-935511 is the case number for Richard Jahn, who says four of his paintings were stolen, including these two:

I also had 4 original paintings stolen from the Alki Art (Fair). I am devastated about it. Please pass on to everyone to be on the lookout for these paintings. Please call Seattle Police if you have any clues.

YOU CAN HELP: Food drive at this week’s Admiral Music in the Parks concert

July 23, 2024 11:29 am
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Food drive at this week’s Admiral Music in the Parks concert
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, last Thursday)

Thursday brings the second concert in the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s three-show summer series, Admiral Music in the Parks. It’s free to attend – but if you can, this week, ANA asks you to bring a non-perishable food donation to support the all-summer-long Admiral Church-led food drive; you’ll find the donation bin at the ANA’s booth at the show. Last week, as shown above (and covered here), the first concert was at Belvedere Park, but this week it’ll be at California Place Park, at California/Hill, adjacent to the Admiral Church campus. This week is another double bill – Michael Pearsall and the Westside Pretenders. Bring a chair/blanket/picnic dinner (or order one!), 6:30 pm Thursday (July 25).

Transit Town Hall, Play Along in the Park, more for your West Seattle Tuesday

July 23, 2024 9:29 am
|    Comments Off on Transit Town Hall, Play Along in the Park, more for your West Seattle Tuesday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Lunaria – ‘money plant’ – seed pods, photographed by Jerry Simmons)

Here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight, as listed on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (send us your event any time – westseattleblog@gmail.com):

FREE SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Our calendar listing has information on where and when kids 1-18 can get free food.

CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: Committee meeting starting at 9:30 am features an agenda including a 60-day update from interim Seattle Police Chief Sue Rahr, whether to confirm Amy Smith as CARE Chief, and a look at the criminal-justice ecosystem with those chiefs plus City Attorney Ann Davison. Watch via Seattle Channel.

POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Advocacy from afar, 10:30 am-noon every Tuesday at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

SOUTH PARK SPROUTS GARDEN CLUB: Calling families with kids 6-12 – come help beautify the SP Library branch and learn about nature while you’re at it! Noon-1 pm; more in our calendar listing. (8604 8th Ave. S.)

COLMAN POOL: Continued daily operations 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 wading pool is open today, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area.

LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -2.7 feet at 1 pm; from 11 am to 2:30 pm, find Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists at Constellation and Lincoln Parks.

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

CITY COUNCIL: 2 pm weekly meeting, with public comment in person or online – the agenda explains how. Watch via Seattle Channel.

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration continues on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.

PLAY ALONG IN THE PARK WITH WSCO: 6 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), the third night this summer you can bring your musical instrument to play along with the West Seattle Community Orchestras – or just listen in! Off the north parking lot. Our calendar listing includes a link for players to preregister.

STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN: 6 pm Tuesdays all summer, bring the little one(s) to Delridge P-Patch (5078 25th SW) for storytime plus a garden activity.

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

FREE TRACK RUN: All runners welcome! Gather at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.

MAKE POTTERY: 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).

TRANSIT TOWN HALL: Moderated community forum for Q&A and info about West Seattle’s light rail plan, 7 pm at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon) – details and the form for advance questions are in our calendar listing.

BINGO AT THE SKYLARK: Play – free! – weekly Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRIVIA X 4: Four places to play Tuesday nights – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) has Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

Event coming up? Are community members invited? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – please email the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Remembering Lynn A. Jackson, 1951-2024

Family and friends are remembering Lynn Jackson, and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Lynn A. Jackson passed away on July 7th, 2024.

Lynn was born on May 5th, 1951 in Iowa City, IA, to Rod and Mary Taber, after which they moved to Gross Pointe, MI, where she would spend her formative years growing up and making life-long relationships.

After meeting, falling in love with, and marrying Dan Jackson and having two children, she would eventually relocate to the Pacific Northwest in Seattle, where she worked as a nurse and built a wonderful life for her family that included a network of loving friends who would remain dearest to her for the rest of her life.

Lynn was preceded in death by her husband Dan Jackson, and is survived by her children Brendan & Mairi (Duane), her grandchildren Dea, Aria, Aidan, & Lyric, Dan’s children Ian (Paula) & Jenna (and grandchildren Robbie & Savanna), her little brother and forever-sister-in-law Scott & Barb, her big sister Mary K (Dave), all of the beautiful Taber/Berry nieces & nephews, and countless more family members and friends from all walks of life.

A memorial service honoring Lynn is planned this month in West Seattle.

*Yaya is now in a better place, forever being followed by her moonshadow*

(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)

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Tuesday info

July 23, 2024 6:00 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Tuesday info
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, July 23.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunshine is expected to return today, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:36 am, while sunset will be at 8:54 pm.

TRANSIT NOTES, WITH METRO FLEX

Metro Flex – Second day for this on-demand service in Delridge, starting a two-year pilot. Here’s how it works.

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 back. Check that link before you sail.

ROAD WORK

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project is in progress; here are more specifics. Fairmount Avenue is closed under the bridge for the duration of the project, likely into early 2025.

*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.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (Minus the ones that are still down – SDOT says the recent East Marginal fire is to blame for most)

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.

South Park Bridge:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

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!

UPDATE: Power outage in Lowman Beach area blamed on fallen tree branch

7:49 PM: Thanks for the tip. Power’s out for 248 residences in the Lowman Beach area and a bit beyond. One tipster says they “heard a boom” before the outage started around 7:35 pm.

9:28 PM: We’re getting reports of restoration. … The SCL map shows everyone is back on. We’ll follow up tomorrow regarding the cause.

ADDED TUESDAY: SCL spokesperson Jenn Strang tells WSB, “The cause of the outage was a branch that had fallen across a wire span near Lincoln Park Way SW and 47 Avenue SW.”

FOLLOWUP: Man who shot domestic-violence suspect at Lincoln Park released from custody

We’ve obtained more information from Seattle Police as they continue investigating the Sunday shooting in Lincoln Park.

(WSB photo, Sunday)

As we first reported Sunday morning, the shooting sent a 27-year-old man to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the hip. Police initially told us he was shot by someone trying to break up a domestic-violence assault, and today they’ve provided more details:

They say the assault, involving a man and pregnant woman who are in a relationship, began in a car in the Lincoln Park north lot. The woman escaped from the car and ran into the park asking for help. The 30-year-old man who helped her “shielded and protected the woman as the suspect advanced on them,” according to SPD spokesperson Officer Eric Muñoz, who continued, “The man shot the suspect once in the hip while protecting himself and the DV victim.” Police recovered the gun and one fired shell casing. They say the assault suspect was not armed. He remains in the hospital for medical treatment but is under arrest for second-degree assault and unlawful imprisonment. The man who shot him “was initially placed under arrest while officers investigated,” Officer Muñoz said, adding: “After being transported to SPD Headquarters and interviewed by detectives, he was released from police custody.” As we noted in our Sunday report, that man is an SPD lieutenant’s son; SPD says the lieutenant was not involved in the incident. The woman who was assaulted was taken to a hospital in stable condition but police have no current information on her condition. SPD says this case has been assigned to detectives with the Domestic Violence Unit.

FOLLOWUP: Here’s where SDOT plans 10 new speed cushions/humps in Alki area

Since the Alki-area public-safety meeting convened by District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka last month (WSB coverage here), we’ve been asking SDOT about where specifically they’re planning speed cushions and other traffic calming, as promised at the meeting. They told us last week they were still working on it. Then Councilmember Saka said at this afternoon’s City Council briefing meeting that he would have an announcement later in the day – and it’s just in, with this SDOT map:

Here’s the SDOT elaboration that Saka included:

We now have a final design, and work scheduled, for the concrete speed cushion installations on Harbor, Alki and 56th Ave SW.  The map shows the speed hump locations and it is at 90% design. Taking a design from 90-100% is essentially completed in the field.

The work orders are all [in] and field layout is tentatively scheduled … with the actual construction beginning July 29. “Field layout” means people will see temporary markings outlining the locations of the speed cushions, while construction itself shouldn’t take more than 2-3 days.

NOTE: To avoid confusion, speed cushions, humps, and bumps are often used interchangeably. However, speed cushions are done with cut-outs on non-arterial streets which are generally more narrow so to allow for fire truck access. The speed ‘humps’ are more shallow than speed ‘bumps’ to allow for fire truck access but steep enough to slow vehicles down on the arterial streets.

The speed cushion implementation is essentially a Phase 1 of potential improvements. SDOT will also be looking at narrowing the roadway outside the Duwamish Head area, where the lane width is already relatively narrow, and this work will be done likely in September.

The angle parking at Duwamish Head, however, will stay the same for now, though nearby residents have asked for it either to be blocked off or converted to parallel parking. Saka’s announcement continues:

As a longer-term option, SDOT may look at some outreach on alternative options for reconfiguring the Duwamish Head parking.  My understanding is that SDOT have significant concerns with reconfiguring the Duwamish Head parking as it would actually create significant more space in the right of way for aggressive driving/passing of vehicles.  At the very least, SDOT believes that a parking reconfiguration would require some significant outreach as the impacts could also exacerbate parking concerns in the broader neighborhood.

Here’s the official construction notice circulating to people in the area.

SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Tall ship Lady Washington, northbound

Thanks to Mark Daughhetee for the photo of tall ship Lady Washington off Alki today! Two months ago, another reader caught it headed southbound for a stay in Tacoma; today it’s in transit from Port Orchard to Everett. The 35-year-old replica of an 18th-century sailing ship is homeported in Aberdeen but sails around the region (and beyond) offering day/evening sailing trips and tours (see its schedule here).

TUESDAY: Transit Town Hall spotlighting West Seattle light-rail plan. Got questions?

(Sound Transit project map)

Two weeks ago, two local organizations – the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and 34th District Democrats – announced a Transit Town Hall for questions and answers about the Sound Transit light-rail project, as decision time draws near. Tomorrow’s the night – Tuesday (July 23), 7 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). You can send a question in advance by using this form. That same form includes a short survey you’re invited to answer even if you don’t have a question. Meantime, next major step in the project is the release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement – no date yet but expected within the next few months.

FOLLOWUP: Big changes for part of 16th SW in White Center are progressing. See plans Wednesday

We first reported two years ago on King County Road Services‘ plan to narrow 16th Avenue SW between SW 100th and SW 107th to improve safety on a stretch notorious for pedestrian deaths and injuries. The project is of interest to West Seattleites too, particularly with 107th connecting westward to Arbor Heights. Planning on the project has continued, and the county now plans on construction next year (one year later than originally announced). County spokesperson Brent Champaco summarizes where it’s at now:

To reduce speeds and calm traffic, which makes the area safer for pedestrians, the project narrows the road from four lanes to two and includes a two-way center turning lane. It adds many pedestrian safety features like bumped out sloped curbs at corners and traffic crossing lights with flashing beacons.

The project does not remove the total number of parking spots in the project corridor. Currently there are 43 existing on-street parking spots between SW 100th and SW 107th streets. The design option with bike lanes on both sides adds a total of three spaces to bring the total number of on-street parking spaces to 46. It also moves parking spots around, depending on the block, to accommodate travel lanes and bike lanes.

The design option with no bike lanes brings the total number of parking spots to 67, again, up from 43. It also moves parking spots around, depending on the block, to accommodate travel lanes.

We did community surveys and outreach in 2022 and got to a 30-50% design. It was during the peak of COVID so in-person outreach was difficult. We are holding another meeting, at the community’s request, on July 24 to share updated information about the two options.

If you are interested in seeing the latest plans and asking questions, that meeting is happening this Wednesday (July 24), 6:30 pm, at the White Center Food Bank headquarters, which is in the future project zone – 10016 16th SW. The meeting will also be accessible online; the link is on this page. The project cost is just under $2 million, funded by a federal grant.

P.S. The latest online survey for the project is open, too – find it here.

Knife-sharpening pop-up, low-low tide, more for your West Seattle Monday

July 22, 2024 10:03 am
|    Comments Off on Knife-sharpening pop-up, low-low tide, more for your West Seattle Monday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Pea tendril, photographed by Rosalie Miller)

Here’s our highlight list for today, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREE SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Available different times and locations – here’s the local list.

KNIFE-SHARPENING POP-UP: Dull knife causing kitchen trouble? Right now, until 4 pm today, go to C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) and turn it over to Nolan Reis, who sharpens the traditional whetstone way – details in our calendar listing.

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

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, since it’s expected to be above 70 degrees this afternoon with sunbreaks, the 7-day-a-week wading pool will be open, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area.

BABY STORY TIME: Bring little ones up to 2 years old to Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), noon-12:30 pm, for story time!

(Photo from recent low-low tide, by Brandy DeWeese)

LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -3.1 feet at 12:16 pm; 10:30 am-2 pm, find Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists at Constellation and Lincoln Parks.

CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: 2 pm at City Hall, the weekly meeting in which councilmembers talk about their plans for the week ahead. Here’s the agenda. Watch live via Seattle Channel.

GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday brings “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.

D&D: Weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too.

MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three places to play on Mondays – 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander); 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: All welcome at free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

MEDITATION IN ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community hosts meditation at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 7-8:30 pm.

MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Start your week listening to live music from The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.

KARAOKE: 9 pm start for Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).

If you have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar, please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Celebration of Life on Saturday for Gloria J. Gaupp, 1931-2024

Family and friends will gather Saturday to celebrate the life of Gloria Gaupp. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with her community:

Gloria Jean Gaupp, age 94, of Seattle, died peacefully at Aegis Living on July 5.

Gloria was born in Seattle in 1931 to Nellie and Charles Gaupp. Gloria lived her entire life in West Seattle and attended West Seattle High School and Western Washington University.

While at Western Washington University, she was the Homecoming Queen and a member of the Viking Cheerleading Squad. After graduating, Gloria embraced her passion for teaching and shaping the lives of young people by teaching for over 60 years. She leaves behind thousands of former students, friends, colleagues at her church, and in her West Seattle neighborhood where she lived for 86 years.

All are welcome at the service celebrating Gloria’s remarkable life on Saturday, July 27, at 11:00 am at Galilee Baptist Church, 11517 SE 208th St, Kent.

(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)

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Monday begins; Metro Flex’s Delridge debut day

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, July 22.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The forecast: Mostly cloudy, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:35 am, while sunset will be at 8:55 pm.

TRANSIT NOTES, WITH METRO FLEX DEBUT

Metro FlexThis on-demand service debuts in Delridge today, starting a two-year pilot. Our recent story explains how it works.

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 back. Crew shortages hit again over the weekend, so check that link before you sail

ROAD WORK

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project is in progress; here are more specifics. Fairmount Avenue is closed under the bridge for the duration of the project, likely into early 2025.

*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.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (Minus the ones that are still down – SDOT says the recent East Marginal fire is to blame for most)

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.

South Park Bridge:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

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!

Wondering about the smoke-red sunset?

Our phone photo doesn’t do it full justice but that was an unmistakably smoke-red sunset just moments ago. We noticed the haze about an hour earlier, as the early evening sunlight was tinted that telltale yellow. Current air-quality readings are not suggesting trouble but there are definitely wildfires both to the north in B.C. and over in Eastern Washington. (added 9:08 pm) The National Weather Service‘s just-posted forecast-discussion update describes it as “some light upper level haze from area fires” and says “stronger westerly winds aloft” will push it away tomorrow.

WEST SEATTLE GRAND PARADE 2024: Report #4 – ten more sights to show you

Before the weekend’s out, we have 10 more photos from Saturday’s 90th edition of the West Seattle Grand Parade:

#1: If you watched near California/Alaska, the announcers you heard were Christa and Brian Callanan. Parade organizers presented them with an award for their volunteer service:

#2: We mentioned some first-time participants in our previews. Another sort-of first – this was Rob Saka‘s first Grand Parade as District 1 City Councilmember:

#3: Among this year’s participants were seven WSB sponsors – here’s how they rolled in the parade, from hydro to hearse:

Above, it’s just not a parade without a hydro, and STS Construction Services‘ parade entry included one. Below, Emmick Family Funeral Services had the only hearse in the parade, a classic Cadillac:

We showed you Potter Construction‘s parade preps on Friday night – here’s how the parade sponsor/participants went down the route:

Westside School had a contingent in the parade – showing what you might say was a pride of wolves:

Village Green Retirement Living-West Seattle was one of more than a few parade entries with vans or mini-buses:

Another was The Mount, which added human-powered wheels too:

We showed you some of the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA‘s marchers in our awards gallery; they had this van too!

Finally, one more pre-parade view – at the center of this photo is parade coordinator Michelle Edwards, whose volunteer work organized those 80-plus entries into the 90th West Seattle Grand Parade. This was the moment as she assessed whether it was time to give the Honor Guard the green light to start down the parade route (which is monitored all along the way, Admiral to The Junction, by volunteers including more than a dozen amateur-radio operators):

Watch thewestseattleparade.com for information on how to participate and/or be a sponsor next year!

EARLIER PARADE COVERAGE: Our video and photos of all 42 award-winning entries is here; how the parade began, including the Duwamish blessing and the honorees who rode at the start, is here. For our previews, and coverage of previous years’ parades, scroll through this WSB archive.

WEEK AHEAD: Closing reception for Log House Museum’s award-winning Longfellow Creek exhibit

(Photo by Tom Reese)

As we look at the week ahead, here’s an event to which you’re invited: The closing reception for an award-winning exhibit at the Log House Museum, 6-8 pm this Thursday (July 25). Here’s the announcement:

Join the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, photographer Tom Reese, the Duwamish Alive Coalition, and Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association on Thursday, July 25 to celebrate the success of t?awi Creek of Hope. The exhibit will be closing at the end of the month. 

The award-winning exhibit tells the story of West Seattle’s ancient Longfellow Creek from when salmon first chose to make it their home, through intense urbanization in the late 19th and 20th centuries, through today when the creek and its people are beginning to tell a new story – one of renewed hope.

It features photographs of the creek from award-winning photographer and author Tom Reese and is a collaboration between the historical society, the Duwamish Alive Coalition, and the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association.

“The exhibit has provided a unique opportunity to talk about the natural environment in highly urbanized and industrialized areas. The photos by Tom Reese stunningly describe both the power of this creek to support wildlife and persevere, but also how human impact – both negative and positive – can effect change,” says Elizabeth Rudrud, programs and outreach director. Rudrud also acknowledges the leadership of Sharon Leishman, Executive Director at Duwamish Alive Coalition, and Caroline Borsenik, Environmental Programs Director at DNDA, in creating new connections between the historical society and environmental leaders and educators across the region.

This partnership also resulted in extensive community-wide programs including guided hikes led by DNDA Environmental Education Staff and a sold-out panel discussion hosted at the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center that featured researchers from the University of Washington Center for Urban Waters and City of Seattle Public Utilities, authors Kelly Brenner, The Naturalist at Home, and Tom Reese, Once and Future River: Reclaiming the Duwamish, and several community partners.

Last month the exhibit won an Award of Excellence in Exhibits from the Washington Museum Association. To register for the free event, go here!

The Log House Museum is at 3003 61st SW.

WEST SEATTLE COYOTES: Latest sightings

Two reports from 19th SW this morning top the latest in our periodic roundups of coyote-sighting reports we’ve received:

That photo was texted along with the note, “SW Brandon and 19th SW – hid for a few minutes then ran west toward 21st.” Also this morning, Barb emailed us this report from about a mile south of there:

I’ve seen stories regarding coyote sightings in WS, but don’t recall seeing any mention in this area. Good sized and healthy looking! It went into a yard at the bottom of SW Austin.

We also received two emailed reports of sightings last Sunday in Seaview. This one’s from Lisa:

Just before 9 PM we watched a coyote walk down the alley between 48th/49th ave SW at Juneau St. It went in to a neighbor’s yard and up on front porch. Eventually left the yard and scurried south back down the alley.

And this one from Robin:

Crow mob chased coyote south down 50th Ave SW. Started at Hudson at 6:30 am … this coyote looked healthy. Hopefully catching a lot of rodents.

Our standard disclaimer: We don’t publish coyote reports for alarm, but rather for awareness. Experts say the best way to keep them at a healthy distance is to not supply food, and that means everything from leaving bowls of pet food outside to leaving small domestic animals unattended. As our coverage has shown over the years, they have been seen in most neighborhoods, so you can’t assume yours is coyote-free just because, for example, you’re not near a greenbelt. To learn more about coexisting with coyotes, including what to do if you encounter one, here’s info from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.

UPDATE: Shooting at Lincoln Park, under investigation as self-defense

10:39 AM: Police and SFD are arriving at Lincoln Park for a “scenes of violence” response. A 27-year-old man is reported to be injured, with a gunshot wound to the hip. Updates to come.

10:53 AM: Our crew has arrived to find out more and reports the police activity is concentrated toward the south end of the main parking lot. They’re focusing on a car parked there.

11 AM: The victim is on the way to Harborview. Police have a person in handcuffs and we’re trying to verify if anyone else is being sought.

11:08 AM: Police tell us at the scene this may be a case of self-defense. Preliminary information indicates that a bystander happened onto a man assaulting a woman, told him to stop, and then was assaulted, and that’s when the bystander, who was armed, fired a shot. The bystander is the person they’re questioning; they’re not looking for anyone else. The assault suspect is the man who was shot – according to a radio transmission, he will be arrested for investigation of domestic-violence assault.

12:50 PM: We just went back to the park; the investigation scene has completely cleared. Meantime, we’re following up on the status of multiple parties to this, including the female assault victim.

1:11 PM: SFD tells us the man who was shot was in critical condition when transported to Harborview. The woman he was reported to have been assaulting is in her mid-30s and reported in stable condition when taken to a hospital by AMR ambulance.

3:01 PM: SPD spokesperson Officer Eric Muñoz says the man who is reported to have shot the assault suspect was still being questioned at last report and “was cooperating with officers.” He also discloses that the man is the son of a Seattle Police lieutenant but says the lieutenant was not involved in the incident.

Opera in the park, Alki Art Fair, ice cream, music, more for your West Seattle Sunday

(Saturday’s sunset, photographed by Curry Gibson)

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 Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for the Sunday run.

(WSB photo: Christopher Allen, displaying and selling his work at this year’s Alki Art Fair)

ALKI ART FAIR, DAY 3: Artists, musicians, and food purveyors await you in booths along the Alki promenade during the Alki Art Fair‘s final day. Artists are there 10 am-6 pm; music is scheduled 11 am-5 pm. (60th-63rd & Alki)

OPERA IN THE PARK: Seattle Opera visits Highland Park Playground (1100 SW Cloverdale) with a special program for youth – 10 am storytime, 11 am performance of a short youth-geared opera, free. Details in our calendar listing.

GRIEF WALK: Join Listening to Grief for this free walk in Schmitz Preserve Park (meet at Hinds entrance), 10 am.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Back to its normal block. after the temporary Summer Fest move. 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.

SMALL BIZ POP-UP: While you’re in The Junction, detour into Jet City Labs (4547 California SW) for a 10 am-2 pm event with small-biz vendors.

LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -3.1 feet at 11:31 am; 9:30 am-1:30 pm, find Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists at Constellation and Lincoln Parks.

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.

NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY AT SHUG’S MINI: 1-9 pm, go have ice cream at Shug’s Mini (California/Charlestown) to celebrate Ice Cream Day – and Sizzle the Clown will be there making balloon animals 2-4 pm.

<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.

CLEANUP & ICE CREAM WITH WEST SEATTLE TIMEBANK: Meet up with the Timebank 2-4 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW).

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK #1: GreenStage presents “Twelfth Night,” 3 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), free.

BLACK VIIOLET AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 5 pm EP release show and signing, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK #2: GreenStage presents “Henry VI, parts 2 and 3,” 7 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), free.

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!