WEST SEATTLE FRIDAY: 16 notes

Here’s the lineup for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

GARDEN CENTER OPEN: Need more plants for your garden, containers, etc.? You can shop at the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center, open with a wide variety of student-grown plants, until 2 pm. (North end of campus, 6000 16th SW)

FUNDRAISING SALE: Until 4 pm, and again 10 am-4 pm tomorrow:

Vintage and collectible LINENS, hundreds of pieces of beautiful JEWELRY, large quantity of PUZZLES, and miscellaneous items. Proceeds benefit Providence Mt St Vincent. 5637 42nd Ave SW

MEET YOUR COUNTY COUNCILMEMBER: Q&A with County Councilmember Joe McDermott, 11 am at Brookdale Senior Living (4611 35th SW)

SPRAYPARK OPEN: 11 am-8 pm, Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open daily.

SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Here’s the list of local sites where free food is available for kids on weekdays this summer, 11:30 am-1 pm lunch, 2-3 pm snacks.

DELRIDGE AND HIAWATHA WADING POOLS OPEN: Noon-5:30 pm. (4501 Delridge Way SW and 2700 California SW)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

COLMAN POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm on the shore at Lincoln Park; session schedule here.

SCRABBLE CLUB: You’re invited to play 12:30-1:30 pm at Margie’s Café inside the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: 1-6 pm on the north side of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), student-produced wine by the glass or bottle.

VISCON CELLARS: Tonight, visit Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW).

KIDS’ NIGHT OUT: Outer Space Seattle (2820 Alki SW) offers a three-hour drop-off, ticketed event for kids 3 to 12 – more in our calendar listing.

BRAD AT EASY STREET: Live in-store performance celebrating Brad’s album release, 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) – here’s how to get in.

COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: Anthony Lee Phillips performs at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm.

SUMMER SUNSET SOUND BATH: 7 pm at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW), $35.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: The Victory Lap: Carl Christensen & The Lake Flora Band, Zphrisms, Drew Martin, doors 8 pm, music 9 pm at The Skylark – $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW).

Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

West Seattle photographer shows you how to safely capture the International Space Station as it crosses the sun

The image was sent by Kevin Freitas, who’s offering you the chance to capture something similar, safely. Here’s his announcement:

Join local amateur photographer, sky watcher, and meteor hunter Kevin Freitas to learn how to capture a solar transit of the International Space Station. We’ll talk through how to set up your photo or video gear and apps to use to find transits and measure precise time. Then, just before 3:30, we’ll try to capture a transit!

The most important item you need is a solar filter to put atop your camera lens to filter out most of the Sun’s burning light. Don’t have a filter? Make your own with these filter sheets and some black tape. CAUTION: Never stare at or photograph the Sun without a proper solar filter!

When: Monday, July 31, 2:30-3:30 pm
Where: (update) New location – Magnolia Boulevard Viewpoint (map) – see comment discussion
RSVP: kevinfreitas.net@gmail.com or text 253-229-5093

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday info + weekend notes

9:27 AM: Signal malfunctioning at 35th/Alaska, police have told dispatch.

Earlier:

6:01 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, July 28th.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny, high in upper 70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:42 am; sunset will be at 8:49 pm.

(Thursday post-sunset, photographed by Doug Eglington)

WEEKEND NOTES

-If you’re going downtown Saturday, the Seafair Torchlight Parade has moved to the daytime, starting at 3 pm, heading from Seattle Center southward across downtown via 4th Avenue.

-Alki and Don Armeni will likely see increased support-vehicle/truck-trailer traffic because of canoe events Saturday and Sunday – Da Grind” outrigger race Saturday, Paddle to Muckleshoot arrivals Sunday.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro – regular schedule – check here for advisories.

Water Taxi – regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – 2-boat service. Check Vessel Watch to see where the boats are.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge – east-end vicinity:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – alternate route across the river:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities). Thank you!

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stabbing in Sunrise Heights – or not

1:20 AM: Seattle Fire is sending a “scenes of violence” response to the 7700 block of 34th SW, where a man is reported to have stab wounds. We haven’t heard much about circumstances. Police are already on scene.

1:22 AM: They’re downsizing the response and canceling the medic unit, indicating the injuries aren’t major.

4:18 PM: We followed up today with SPD to ask for details on what happened. The reply: “Officers responded to a ‘stabbing’ but when officers arrived the injury was minor, and it could not be confirmed to be a stabbing. Neither party wanted to be a victim. Officers documented the disturbance and cleared the scene. Based on the investigation, no arrests were made.” (“Wanting to be a victim” is roughly another way of saying “wanting to press charges.”)

VIDEO: Ranger & The Re-arrangers play out this year’s Summer Concerts @ Hiawatha

July 27, 2023 11:04 pm
|    Comments Off on VIDEO: Ranger & The Re-arrangers play out this year’s Summer Concerts @ Hiawatha
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photos and video)

They danced, they talked, they picnicked. Concertgoers from babies to seniors filled the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center tonight for the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s third and final concert of the summer. This was a return for Ranger and The Re-arrangers, who characterize their music as “gypsy jazz.” Listen in:

Whatever you call it, this was perfect music for a mellow summer night.

The concert series, coordinated by Stephanie Jordan (with community co-sponsors including WSB), might be over, but the ANA has one more big summer-fun event ahead – the second annual Admiral Junction Funktion street party, set for 11 am-9 pm Saturday, August 26th, on California SW north of Admiral Way.

3 SEAFAIR NOTES: Miss HomeStreet hydro’s West Seattle return; Parade of Ships, Blue Angels next week

The major Seafair events are about to begin – and we have West Seattle notes on 3 of them:

MISS HOMESTREET IN WEST SEATTLE: On its way to the Tri-Cities races this weekend and the Seafair races next weekend, the Miss HomeStreet hydroplane was parked outside HomeStreet Bank-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) tonight. Above are Sharon, Bob, and Joyce from HomeStreet, and Bryan from the Miss HomeStreet crew. The hydro also was in last Saturday’s West Seattle Grand Parade.

SPEAKING OF PARADES … The Seafair Fleet Week Parade of Ships sails past West Seattle’s Elliott Bay shoreline on its way downtown, and that’s happening next Tuesday (August 1st). The ships are due downtown around 1 pm, which means they should be passing West Seattle around noon. The lineup hasn’t been announced yet but it will include a U.S. Navy destroyer as well as U.S. Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy ships; the participant ships then will be open for tours later in the week.

(August 2019 photo by Monica Zaborac)

BLUE ANGELS: The U.S. Navy’s demonstration team is back for the Seafair airshow this year, and they’re scheduled to arrive at Boeing Field around 1:30 pm Wednesday (August 2nd). We’re checking on whether one of the non-performing jets is scheduled to be here earlier in the week as is usually the case. The full Seafair airshow lineup and schedule for next Friday-Sunday (August 4-6) is here; the Blue Angels usually go up for practice flights on Thursday too.

Lose your paddleboard on the bridge?

Local emergency responders picked up a standup paddleboard that somehow wound up in the middle of (updated) the West Seattle Bridge today and they’re hoping to reunite it with its owner. If you’re missing one, email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll connect you with the finders. (P.S. For smaller lost/found/non-pet items, remember, we have a section of the WSB Community Forums where you can post.)

New leader, new start for West Seattle’s independent K-5 Tilden School

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

When West Seattle’s Tilden School starts classes in just under six weeks, it’ll be the first full year for new head of school Dr. Jorge Olaf Nelson.

His arrival at the independent K-5 school (a WSB sponsor) on the north edge of the West Seattle Junction is an occasion for Tilden to “reintroduce our community to our school,” as Kristie Berg of Tilden’s board explains, noting that Tilden still has some openings for this fall. Nelson is the first permanent head of school for Tilden since founder Whitney Tjerandsen retired two years ago. “We have been searching for the right successor to Whitney – we think Jorge is a great fit and has her same energy and spirit.”

We sat down with both of them to talk about Tilden’s “reintroduction,” which also includes a new mascot named after the founder – an owl called Wise Whitney.

Berg is most excited about the school’s new leader. Dr. Nelson describes himself as a “third-generation educator” whose educational career began in 1985 (coincidentally, the year Tilden was founded). He has been a teacher and administrator at schools not only on both coasts of the U.S. but also in Asia, Europe, the South Pacific, and Latin America. He speaks Spanish, which Tilden is adding to the curriculum.

This is a return to western Washington for Nelson, who has studied (his first degree was from Evergreen State College) and worked (Shelton High School) in the region, in addition to his many other stops around the nation and world. “I found in Tilden what I was looking for,” he says. “I have seen different systems around the world and when I came to Tilden, I saw a system I believe is relevant, kind, progressive … focused on individual children more than testing or grades – that’s what parents want; Tilden is about the child, Tilden has the answer.”

What happened during the pandemic brought children’s social and emotional needs back into the spotlight, and Nelson says Tilden’s philosophy centers that. “They followed Whitney’s dream of what’s right for kids … Every child has a voice. I’ve seen this at very few schools. (Students) are excited to be here. They’re happy, they work hard, they’re respectful.” He adds, “Tilden has not followed a path of programmatic corporate education.”

And yet, “it’s academically rigorous,” adds Berg, who has two Tilden graduates in the family, one of which is college-age now and is heading to Vassar.

The graduates are actually sad to go, Nelson noticed at the end of the school year (he had arrived a few weeks earlier): “The fifth graders actually needed boxes of Kleenex, I’ve never seen that level of angst, that they’re leaving a school.” Small class sizes mean they get to know their schoolmates well. Berg recalls, “My kids had a class of 16 kids, and they knew everyone’s birthday.”

At that point, we recalled a Tilden tradition – the school is held open on “snow days” for anyone who can get there safely. Nelson arrived too late in the year to see an example of that, but he was impressed by another Tilden tradition – the writing program in which all students write a story a week, 40 over the course of the school year, on the same topic. The work is posted in the hallways. Nelson says the legend is that founder Whitney would tell the students they couldn’t throw the resulting compilations away until they were 44.

But they’re not just carrying on the hallmarks of the past. They’re shaping the future with plans for improvements. For example, Nelson says, “The board has asked me to bring oboard a learning-support consultant. Some students have neurodiversity issues; we will be looking at multiple levels of support – academic enhancements, positive behavior reinforcement, social/emotional, so every kid is getting what they need – even if they’re having a bad day.” Outside the school, they’re planning a mural for the alley wall behind the building they share with the First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (with whom they otherwise are unaffiliated – Tilden is a secular independent school).

And they’re reaching out further than before to tell Tilden’s story and listen to what community members are looking for in a school. One recent example – Tilden joined other local schools in taking turns managing the Kids’ Zone at West Seattle Summer Fest; Nelson stopped by our nearby festival table in the Info Booth and said he was having a great time talking with kids and their families.

(July 16 WSB photo)

As with some other schools, Tilden incorporates adult volunteers as part of its learning community. “It really is a relevant school,” beams Nelson.

If you’re interested in applying for next school year, you can go here to find out about arranging a tour as your first step toward finding out more.

“We’re here to serve!” Nelson concludes.

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Here’s when Five Guys plans to open in Westwood

(WSB photo, last month)

Last month – one year after we first told you that the burger chain Five Guys was taking over the ex-Payless spot on the south side of Westwood Village – the company told us it hoped to open “end of July.” With just days left in the month, we checked back today – and a company spokesperson tells us they do have a “projected opening date” for the Westwood location: This Saturday, July 29th. Hours will be 11 am-10 pm, seven days a week.

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Alki alley shooting case ends with plea bargain, 2 1/2 years later

(November 2020 photo by WSB’s Patrick Sand)

The longest-running criminal case we’ve been watching is ending with a plea bargain after more than 2 1/2 years. Three days after a man was shot while driving in an Alki alley, a nearby resident, 38-year-old Garrett Heinemann, was charged with first-degree assault and first-degree burglary. Heinemann was arrested shortly after the shooting and has been in jail ever since. This happened in the middle of the day, 12:35 pm on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, November 29, 2020. The case was a head-scratcher; the victim told police that while he had recently moved to the area, he had never met Heinemann, who was reported to have stepped out into the alley in front of the victim’s car, told him to put his hands up, and opened fire. The victim was hit in both arms, neck, and one shoulder, according to court documents. The defendant had no criminal history and had legally owned the pistol for eight years, with a concealed-weapon permit; he had discarded it into the water at Alki shortly after the shooting, before police caught up with him. We’ve read court documents off and on for the entire 2 1/2 years that this case has taken to resolution and have never seen any mention of Heinemann offering an explanation for why he shot the victim.

Court documents say Heinemann pleaded guilty Wednesday to the two original charges – the burglary count is for barging into another neighbor’s residence after the shooting and trying to pistol-whip him. In the agreement, prosecutors are dismissing the “firearms enhancement” that would have added years to the sentence. They are recommending a 9 1/2-year sentence, toward the low end of the “standard” range; the final decision will be up to King County Superior Court Judge David Whedbee on September 1st.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Vandalism at Alki

That photo of a mostly-stripped beach bench was sent by Stephanie, who told us after an Alki walk this morning: “One of the Honey Buckets is tipped over this morning. Another regular morning walker told me he saw older kids push it over then take off in a car, laughing. Two benches are also ripped up. This is around 59th and Alki.” The other “ripped up” bench was not stripped of most of its wood, but instead left with one board on the ground and two rearranged as sides of a triangle. We checked in with Seattle Parks to ask about repair plans; spokesperson Rachel Schulkin tells WSB, “We will make those repairs in the next couple weeks (hopefully less).”

Concert, candidates, Cup, and Chamber: What’s up for the rest of your West Seattle Thursday

(Benign Great Golden Digger Wasp enjoying cilantro flower nectar in photographer Rosalie Miller’s garden)

Here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight!

SPRAYPARK OPEN: Daily operations continue at Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.

SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Here’s the list of local sites where free food is available for kids on weekdays this summer, 11:30 am-1 pm lunch, 2-3 pm snacks.

HIAWATHA WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-5:30 pm. (2700 California SW)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

COLMAN POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park, noon-7 pm – here’s the schedule of sessions.

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

SOUND TRANSIT BOARD: Today’s 1:30-5 pm meeting is scheduled to include one item of potential interest to future light-rail communities – “a report on early property acquisitions.” The meeting agenda includes information on attending downtown in person or watching online, as well as how to comment.

THURSDAY FOOD-TRUCK POP-UP: 4-8 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), Zaytoona will be visiting.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Also at HP Corner Store, meet up at 6:30 pm for a 3-mile run!

WEST SEATTLE CHAMBER AFTER-HOURS: 5:30-7:30 pm at HomeStreet Bank (4022 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor), as previewed here – featuring the Miss HomeStreet hydroplane.

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP WATCH PARTY: 5:30 pm, doors open at Outer Space Seattle (2820 Alki SW) for a family-friendly Women’s World Cup watch party. Adults and babies up to 1 year old are free; admission fee for older kids (unlimited use of play facilities).

COUNCIL CANDIDATES: This just might be the last forum for City Council District 1 candidates before voting ends Tuesday – 6:45 pm during the West Seattle Democratic Women‘s meeting at the golf course (4470 35th SW).

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at The Good Society (California/Lander) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run – more in our calendar listing.

SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA: Last show in the revived series of free concerts presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association: Tonight at 6:30 pm on the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center (Walnut south of Lander),enjoy the “gypsy jazz” of Ranger and The Re-arrangers. Bring your own chair/blanket/picnic!

THURSDAY NIGHT CORNHOLE: Go play at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm.

There’s even more in our calendar!

BIZNOTE: Driftwood on Alki reopening on Friday

Multiple readers reported a startlingly empty space at the restaurant/bar Driftwood (2722 Alki Avenue SW) and wondered what happened. No, Driftwood – which opened seven months ago – did NOT shut down. It did have to close temporarily earlier this week, co-proprietor Jackie Mallahan confirms: “We had to have our floors redone and take care of a small water leak.” They had hoped to reopen in time for dinner tonight but Jackie tells us this morning that they won’t be able to open until tomorrow (Friday): “Unfortunately the floors have not cured enough and we are not able to move the kitchen equipment back in.” They’re notifying tonight’s reservation-holders this morning.

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday begins

6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, July 27th.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny, high in upper 70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:41 am; sunset will be at 8:50 pm.

(Wednesday’s sunset, photographed by Hana Alishio)

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro – regular schedule – check here for advisories.

Water Taxi – regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – 2-boat service. Check Vessel Watch to see where the boats are.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge – east-end vicinity:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – alternate route across the river:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities). Thank you!

VIDEO: Another chance to see most of the Seattle City Council District 1 candidates side-by-side

As promised, we recorded this afternoon’s City Council District 1 candidate forum at the Senior Center of West Seattle, organized by a member. Though the organizer had hoped for all eight candidates, the turnout was six plus a representative – here’s how they were seated at the table, left to right: Maren Costa, Stephen Brown, Jean Iannelli Craciun, Rob Saka, Preston Anderson, Jules Williams from Phil Tavel‘s campaign (the candidate was at a memorial), and Lucy Barefoot. Moderator was Paula Barnes from the League of Women Voters; questions were asked by attendees. For those without the time and/or interest in watching video, we’ll add text summaries of their replies in about an hour. P.S. There’s another forum tomorrow night at the West Seattle Democratic Women‘s meeting – info in our calendar listing.

ADDED 11:11 PM: The summaries are below, after our photo of moderator Paula and organizer Erica:

What you see below are our summaries/paraphrasings of what the candidates said, not direct quotes aside from any word, phrase, or sentence inside quotation marks.

First, self-introductions in which they were asked to list the big issues they want to work on:

Read More

FOLLOWUP: Terminal 5 railroad ‘quiet zone’ construction finally about to start, SDOT says

More than a year and a half after Terminal 5 started accepting cargo shipments at its first modernized berth, a long-delayed related project is finally starting construction. SDOT sent a notice today announcing that work is expected to start next week for the railroad “Quiet Zone” that once was intended to be in place before the berth opened. (This new announcement is four months after SDOT had last said construction was imminent.) Here’s SDOT’s summary of the “Quiet Zone”:

The project, located along W Marginal Way SW from Chelan Ave SW to SW Dakota St, aims to reduce train horn usage in this area by building a new traffic signal; closing some railroad crossings; and upgrading safety equipment at other railroad crossings. The project will also provide safe and accessible ways for people biking/walking to access destinations near Terminal 5 and will include building a bike/pedestrian mixed use trail along West Marginal Way SW where there is currently no sidewalk.

According to the notice, most work will be done on weekdays, and there will be some “temporary lane closures” on West Marginal, as well as some temporary parking restrictions. SDOT told us back in March that construction would last about a year, and the contractor is Merlino Construction.

FOLLOWUP: Rebuilt and expanded, former Lam Bow apartment complex opens with new name

Two months ago, we reported that the (now former) Lam Bow Apartments at 6955 Delridge Way SW, rebuilt and expanded after a fire in 2016, were almost complete. This afternoon, the Seattle Housing Authority announced that some people have moved in, and a ribbon-cutting is planned next week. Plus, the complex has a new name: Salish Landing. SHA spokesperson Kerry Coughlin tells WSB that 52 of the units are leased and the remaining 30 are in the process of being leased. That’s 31 more units than the site held before one of the original two Lam Bow buildings was heavily damaged in a three-alarm fire. Though that September 2016 fire only affected one building, SHA decided in 2019 to demolish the remaining building and redevelop the entire site. It’s a five-story apartment building with 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments for income-qualified residents; SHA says pre-fire Lam Bow residents were offered the chance to move back into the new building. Its amenities include a large courtyard and playground, community room, and small library. SHA says Salish Landing apartments include sustainability features including renewable-energy panels and stormwater-detention vaults. It also has an 80-space offstreet-parking lot as well as bicycle storage. The ribboncutting next Tuesday afternoon will include Mayor Bruce Harrell.

READER REPORT: WDFW enforcement on the West Seattle shore

Thanks to Mark for the photo of a state Department of Fish and Wildlife officer in action. He wrote, “Nice to see the checking for fishing licenses and catches at Lincoln Park!” You might have seen them elsewhere in West Seattle – at Don Armeni Boat Ramp on busy fishing days, for example. Here’s how WDFW explains its enforcement activities.

READER REPORT: Coyote comeback continues

Thanks to Kevin Freitas for sending the video and photo. He reports, “Yesterday morning while on a run, my partner recorded this brief video showing the area coyote out and about. This was shot at 36th/Graham about 7 am. Control that bunny population, friend!”

This is the fourth coyote report we’ve received in a month, after a year without any (which of course doesn’t mean they haven’t been around). As we always note, we don’t publish these as a warning, but rather an educational FYI. As Kevin’s comment suggests, they eat a lot of small wildlife, but small domestic animals left alone are susceptible too, so take that into consideration. Advice on how to coexist with coyotes by keeping them at a distance is part of this state-produced Living With Wildlife guide.

The list for the rest of your West Seattle Wednesday

(Harbor Seal off Lowman Beach, photographed by Jamie Kinney – jamiekinneyphotos.com)

Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are your midweek highlights:

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

SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Here’s the list of local sites where free food is available for kids on weekdays this summer, 11:30 am-1 pm lunch, 2-3 pm snacks.

DELRIDGE WADING POOL: Noon-5:30 pm. (4501 Delridge Way SW)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

COLMAN POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, this outdoor salt-water pool is open noon-7 pm daily through Labor Day. See the session schedule here.

CANDIDATES’ FORUM: Six days left to vote, and here’s one more chance to see all eight City Council District 1 candidates – 2 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Don’t replace it – repair it! Weekly event, 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP WATCH PARTY: 5:30 pm, doors open at Outer Space Seattle (2820 Alki SW) for a family-friendly Women’s World Cup Watch Party. Adults and babies up to 1 year old are free; admission for older kids (unlimited use of play facilities).

TRIVIA x 6: Here’s where to play tonight. At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) now offers trivia … at 7 pm, you can play trivia at the West Seattle Brewing Mothership (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW); Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 8 pm; there’s 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska); trivia starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW); at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)

LIVE PIANO MUSIC: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks – all requests! (4210 SW Admiral Way).

MUSIC BINGO: Play weekly at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: 7:30 pm signups @ West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – no cover to watch. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

KARAOKE AT BENBOW ROOM: 9 pm-2 am – info in our calendar listing. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

Planning a presentation, meeting, performance, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, or …? If it’s open to the community, send us info for West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

THURSDAY: Summer Concerts at Hiawatha comeback-season finale

July 26, 2023 9:22 am
|    Comments Off on THURSDAY: Summer Concerts at Hiawatha comeback-season finale
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

That’s our video from 2019, when Ranger and The Re-Arrangers performed during the last pre-pandemic Summer Concerts at Hiawatha. This year, the Admiral Neighborhood Association brought the series back, and this band will be on stage Thursday night (July 27th) for the last of this year’s free shows. WSB has been a community co-sponsor of the series since its start more than a decade ago, so we’re reminding you today to get your chair, blanket, and picnic ready to take to the east lawn of Hiawatha (along Walnut south of Lander). Showtime tomorrow night is 6:30 pm.

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Wednesday info

8:11 AM: Texter says eastbound bridge traffic is backing up because of a stalled vehicle on ramp to I-5.

Earlier:

6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Wednesday, July 26th.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Cloudy, then sunny, high in low 70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:39 am; sunset will be at 8:52 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro – regular schedule – check here for advisories.

Water Taxi – regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – 2-boat service. Check Vessel Watch to see where the boats are.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge – east-end vicinity:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – alternate route across the river:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander.

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ALKI ELEMENTARY REBUILD: Day-long appeal hearing airs challenges to zoning exceptions

(Renderings by Mahlum Architects)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Double the students, double the staff, no on-site parking.

That component of the Alki Elementary School rebuild is at the heart of an appeal fight that was argued Tuesday before a city hearing examiner.

The appellants, city and district reps, and other witnesses all completed their testimony in one day, though up to three were set aside for the hearing. As we reported Monday, one appeal was withdrawn after a settlement with Seattle Public Schools, and Tuesday it was revealed that took the new school’s height off the list of issues being challenged. The project’s architect said they had managed to lower the height of a rooftop equipment “penthouse” by three feet.

After Tuesday’s seven-hour hearing, assistant hearing examiner Kathleen Drummond said she would issue a written ruling within 20 days. Before we get into what was presented to her Tuesday, here’s the backstory:

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