UPDATE: Power outage for 4,700 West Seattle customers after driver hits pole and building on Admiral Way

2:09 AM: Power flickered here in Upper Fauntleroy and that was first indication that others have lost power somewhere – apparently because of a driver hitting a pole on SW Admiral Way at Waite. Updates to come.

2:12 AM: Almost 4,700 customers are out. The driver is also reported to have hit the Aegis Living building.

2:23 AM: Above is a reader photo from the scene. Emergency responders are arriving at the scene. Haven’t yet heard whether the driver or anyone else is hurt. … Other areas report hearing “booms” just after the crash – The Junction and Delridge is who we’ve heard from/about – possibly some sort of chain reaction. … Note that you’re going to hear extra sirens in the early stage of any major outage, because fire alarms are often set off. (Daytime outages also tend to bring responses for people getting stuck in elevators but that’s not an issue right now.)

2:35 AM: Added above, also from our reader at the scene, the vehicle in which the driver hit the pole and building. Firefighters have told dispatch that he’s been evaluated and “does not want to go to the hospital.”

2:44 AM: Another reader photo added above – this one looking west/downhill at where the pole is blocking Admiral. It’ll be blocked for a while. There’s also a significant fuel spill from the crash, dispatch has been told; SDOT has to be summoned for that.

3:01 AM: From yet another reader (thanks to everyone texting photos – 206-293-6302 is our 24/7 hotline), a closer view of how the crash ended. … The driver is under investigation for DUI.

3:10 AM: About two-thirds of the outage zone has been restored – down now to 1,600+ still out:

4:40 AM: A few more customers have been restored, but the total out is still 1,600+.

8:41 AM: Everyone’s back on as of a little over an hour ago.

10:35 AM: Thanks for the texted photo and report that City Light brought in the replacement pole:

12:30 PM: As of about half an hour ago, Admiral Way was still closed and crews were still working at the scene.

2:37 PM: 12+ hours after the crash, the reader who’s been keeping us up to date just sent this new photo as SCL crews work to connect the lines:

4:30 PM: As noted separately, Admiral Way has reopened.

ADDED MONDAY: SPD says a 23-year-old man was arrested for suspicion of DUI but was not booked into jail.

VIDEO: Beach battle during low-low tide on West Seattle shore

As noted here two days ago, another stretch of low-low tides has begun. Misti was out during today’s low-low tide and shares the amazing video you can see above – describing it as “My mic drop achievement, catching a nudibranch fight on a video. Think mama was protecting her eggs, which are the cluster of white spots you see.” Misti saw these near the Fauntleroy ferry dock, and shared other low-tide wildlife images on Twitter, which has had some turmoil today, so apologies if you can’t see it – here’s another eye-catching image, identified by Misti as a sea pen:

Tomorrow’s low-low tide is -3.2 feet at 10:38 am; Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists will be out too (see when and where here).

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation at Avalon/Genesee

(Photos sent by Jayson)

9:10 PM: Thanks for the tips and photos. Police are investigating gunfire at an apartment complex at Avalon/Genesee. 911 callers first reported hearing possible gunfire around 7:20 pm. Then they got reports of an apartment window ‘blown out” by someone firing from outside (above), and bullet damage to a car (below).

So far, we’re not hearing of any injuries, though there was an apparently unrelated assault call on SW Yancy nearby less than half an hour earlier. No word of a suspect description. Police did find casings on SW Genesee, in addition to the damage noted above.

9:50 PM: Police just got a call from someone reporting bullet damage to another apartment at the same complex and will be returning to the area.

READER REPORT: Abandoned kid-size bicycle

Sent by Ray:

This kids’ bike has been outside my house all day, and we don’t have any kids in our building … near Fairmount Park.

Know whose bike this is? Email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll connect you.

WHALES: Two new Southern Resident orca babies!

Last week we noted reports of a new arrival in L-Pod, one of the three groups that comprise the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale population. Now there’s word of two, from the Center for Whale Research – here’s their announcement:

The Center for Whale Research (CWR) can confirm two new calves in the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population: L126 (mother L119) and L127 (mother L94). CWR researchers encountered the two calves during a survey of a group of whales containing members of J pod and the L12 subgroup in the Strait of Georgia on June 30, 2023.

L126 is L119’s first calf, while L127 is L94’s third. We estimate that both calves are at least two months old, and neither shows any immediate signs of illness or abnormality.

Both calves were very active and social while we observed them. The sex of the calves is still unknown, but CWR staff will attempt to get additional images of both calves in the coming days.

These are the first calves born in L pod since 2021 and the first calves born in the L12 subgroup since 2018. The first year is challenging for young whales, but we hope that both calves and their mothers can survive and thrive well into the future.

You can see photos on the CWR website (we’ll add one here if and when we get permission).

WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: Don’t just watch them – survey them!

(Photos courtesy Puget Sound Bird Observatory)

Want to turn bird-watching into science? Here’s an opportunity we were asked to share with you:

The Puget Sound Seabird Survey is looking for birders in West Seattle and throughout Puget Sound to join this established Community Science program.

(Common Loon)

Volunteers are asked to conduct 7 surveys with a small team of fellow surveyors at specific locations. All surveys are synchronized to take place once per month on the first Saturday, October – April. You will be provided training in the survey technique, and ideally will have good seabird identification skills. However, there are roles on the survey teams for birders of all levels. Now in its 15th season, you’ll be contributing to valuable science that monitors
wintering seabirds across Puget Sound and informs important management decisions.

Previously, the project was part of Birds Connect Seattle’s (formerly Seattle Audubon) science program but transitioned to its new home at Puget Sound Bird Observatory in 2022. More information can be found on our website and if interested in taking part, please reach out to Program Manager Toby Ross
t_ross@pugetsoundbirds.org

BIZNOTE: West Seattle Thriftway seeks Community All-Star nominations, plus – Taylor Swift ticket giveaway

Two notes from West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor) – first, a call for Community All-Star nominations:

West Seattle Thriftway is seeking nominations for the West Seattle All-Star Giveaway, which aims to honor local individuals making a difference in children and youth sports and after-school activities. Nominate someone deserving today for a chance to win two tickets to the MLB 2023 All-Star Game on July 11th at T-Mobile Park.

From July 1st to July 8th, visit the guest services desk at West Seattle Thriftway to submit your nomination. Tell us about an All-Star in your community who exemplifies dedication, leadership, and a positive influence in children’s lives through sports or after-school programs.

On July 9th, the winner of the Community MVP program will be contacted with the exciting news. They will receive two tickets to attend the MLB 2023 All-Star Game, a unique opportunity to witness the pinnacle of athletic excellence and sportsmanship.

Next – the Taylor Swift concert-ticket giveaway:

Win Taylor Swift Concert Tickets at West Seattle Thriftway’s “15 Days of Summer” Promotion!

Join West Seattle Thriftway’s exciting “15 Days of Summer” promotion for a chance to win two tickets to Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” Concert on July 23rd. From July 1 to July 15, hunt for hidden Taylor Swift song titles on promotional signs throughout the store. Guess the correct number of titles to secure your spot at the hottest concert of the year, complete with club-level seats and a parking pass!

COUNTDOWN: 1 month until Night Out 2023

We have several upcoming big events to remind you about today – starting with the one night each year that neighbors get together to focus on crime prevention, community-building, and fun: Night Out. We are now exactly one month away from this year’s Night Out – Tuesday, August 1st. If you want to close your non-arterial street for a neighborhood block party, register via SPD’s Night Out page – find it here. West Seattle alone usually has hundreds; this year there’s a map, which will list yours only if you agree to be listed – go here to see the parties already mapped.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen silver Forte

WSB readers continue to spot stolen cars – maybe you’ll see this one. Erika‘s car was stolen on Friday:

I had my silver Kia Forte stolen between 4:15-5:30 pm on 6/30 right out of my driveway on 18th Ave SW.
License plate BZE3169. Incident report 23-183450. No witness saw the theft. This is the second time I had one of our Kias stolen in the afternoon in front of our house. If anyone sees it, please either text to 206-437-7521 or report to police.

WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: Welcome to July!

(Thanks to everyone who sent photos of Friday’s sunset – this one is from Gene Pavola)

Staying close to home for the extended holiday weekend? Lots of ideas for your staycation – here are highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TAE KWON DO: First July session for the West Seattle Tae Kwon Do Club is 9:30 am today at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW), all levels welcome.

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-2 pm, the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center will be open, with a sizable selection of student-grown plants. (6000 16th SW, north end of campus)

SOUTH DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: The farmers’ market on the grounds of Hope Academy (9421 18th SW) is happening weekly, 10 am-2 pm Saturday, prioritizing vendors of color and presented by African Community Housing & Development.

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. Learn about Marco’s music here.

MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS SALE: Through Sunday, take 15 percent off your purchase of one in-stock item at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor)

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

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

COLMAN POOL: The season continues for the city-run outdoor pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), 12-7 pm, as previewed here.

2 WADING POOLS OPEN: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), 12-7 pm, in the upper park near the north play area; Hiawatha (2700 California SW), 12-5:30 pm, in the park northeast of the community center.

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2234 SW Orchard)

VISCON CELLARS: 1-6 pm, visit the tasting room at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) – selling wine by the glass or bottle. Learn about their wines here! (5910 California SW)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) 12-4 pm.

REMEMBERING LETICIA: All are welcome at this afternoon’s community Celebration of Life for Leticia Martinez, 1-4 pm at Alki Masonic Center (4736 40th SW).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: 1-6 pm, with student-produced wines available. North end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. (6000 16th SW)

LIVE AT C & P COFFEE: David Guilbault and Friends perform 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Thee Deception performs in-store, live, free, all ages, at 7 pm. (4559 California SW)

HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH: The musical continues at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor). Our calendar listing includes the ticket link.

If you have a show, sale, event, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? for our calendar … please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

SCHOOL’S OUT: Genesee Hill Elementary’s final art project of the year

Whether they’re coming back next year or moving up, Genesee Hill Elementary School students finished their school year with a gift for next year and beyond. The mural you see above, painted by students led by Urban ArtWorks, has replaced this drab wall:

The costs were covered by Genesee Hill PTA fundraising; Urban ArtWorks was chosen from four local artists who bid on the project. The planning process began in March, in art workshops with all 530+ GHES students. Their ideas were consolidated into a design in April. Teaching artist Lis Rafailedes, below with GHES principal Liz Dunn, was there working with the young artists when we visited on Monday:

The students painted the mural over multiple days this month, concluding with kindergarteners:

You can see the mural from SW Genesee, on the south side of the campus.

A similar project resulted in a mural at Lafayette Elementary four years ago.

SATURDAY: All welcome to celebrate the life of Leticia Martinez

Family and friends want to remind all those who knew and loved Leticia Martinez that the community celebration of her life is tomorrow (Saturday, July 1st) in West Seattle. Everyone is welcome at Alki Masonic Center (4736 40th SW) between 1 pm and 4 pm. Leticia, who was 58 years old, has been gone now for three months. The original announcement of her memorial was in her obituary, published here June 5th. As noted then, crowdfunding via the GoFundMe page “Justice for Leticia continues, to help support Leticia’s son, legal costs, and memorial expenses.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Two West Seattle 7-11 robberies, minutes apart

Two West Seattle 7-11 stores were robbed early this morning, five miles and 21 minutes apart, likely by the same people. 911 first got a call around 4:29 am from a witness who said that from outside the Harbor Avenue 7-11 (2429 Harbor SW), he believed he saw the clerk being robbed. Police got there and confirmed that’s what happened. The incident summary says the three robbers held up the clerk at gunpoint and got away with cash, cigarettes, and beer. They were described as Black, male, wearing black and red masks, black hoodies, and one in sweatpants bearing a Chicago Bulls logo; the clerk said they left in a white car. Then at 4:50 am a 911 call came in reporting a robbery at gunpoint at the Highland Park 7-11 (1600 SW Holden), and police say the description was pretty much the same – with an added detail on the car: Nissan 4-door. Cash and cigarettes were taken in this holdup. If you have any information, the SPD incident numbers are 23-182672 for the Harbor Avenue robbery, 23-182682 for the one at 16th/Holden.

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL: Denny IMS says farewell to two longtime staff members

Thanks to Angelica Mendoza-De Lorenzo at Denny International Middle School for the report and photo:

As the 2022-2023 school year comes to an end, we say goodbye to two amazing staff members at Denny. Mr. Bolma has been a Counselor at Denny Middle School for 20 years and 40 years as an educator. His dedication to our students and service to our school has not gone without recognition , always willing to support and guide students in need.

Ms. Clausen is saying goodbye to the Denny Community after 33 yrs of working with us. She began the Proyecto Saber program at Denny and later moved on to be the leader in our Dual Language Program. Her passion and dedication to her school community is inspiring! Her many transformational programs at Denny are Ms. Clausen’s legacy and we are committed to continue: Summer Enrichment programs, La Posada in December, and Positive Discipline workshops for parents. Ms. Clausen has a special place in her heart for the Latino community and culture, having helped and guide immigrant students through the education system for many years.

We had a staff celebration on Wednesday followed by a surprise mariachi performance by Mariachi Real Seattle today as we wish the very best to both retirees.

UPDATE: 16th SW/Cloverdale crash response

3:39 PM: Seattle Police say 16th SW is blocked both ways near Cloverdale because of a crash response. A motorcycle and car are reported to be involved. No further details yet; avoid the area.

4:49 PM: SFD has closed out the response. We’re checking on the rider’s condition and whether anyone else was treated.

5:24 PM: SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells WSB that the 48-year-old woman riding the motorcycle was in stable condition when taken to Harborview.

FOLLOWUP: It’s safe to go back in the water at Lincoln Park

June 30, 2023 2:00 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: It’s safe to go back in the water at Lincoln Park
 |   Environment | Health | West Seattle news

After the icon showing a swimming advisory for Lincoln Park beach vanished from the state’s beach-status map, it wasn’t clear whether the advisory was still in effect. So we asked Public Health today and they confirmed the advisory was lifted Thursday – just in time for the long holiday weekend.

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL: Alki Elementary’s farewell photo

With the Seattle Public Schools year ending this afternoon, it’s a particularly memorable last day of school at Alki Elementary – their century-old building is set for demolition and replacement. Julie sent the photo, explaining that it was taken by drone last Friday, with students and staff in their Alki-A-Thon shirts for the PTA-fundraiser walkathon held that day, using the opportunity to get one last look at the old building. (The exact demolition date is pending, as the project’s permits are awaiting the outcome of appeals filed against the zoning exceptions – “departures” – the district needs to build a taller school with an illuminated sign and no on-site vehicle parking; a late July hearing is scheduled.) Alki classes will be held for the next two years at the former Schmitz Park Elementary, which has hosted West Seattle Elementary for these past two years while that school’s building was being expanded.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen blue Dodge Ram pickup truck (update: found)

Sent by Mike:

Our truck was stolen last night from the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center parking lot [4408 Delridge Way SW] sometime between 10 pm last night and 8 am this morning. Plate C70273K. If anyone sees this truck, please let us know at thezombiemullins@ gmail.com or text to 513-313-0630.

ADDED: Further descriptive info from Mike, who says the truck belongs to his teenage son, who’s been working to restore it: “It’s a dark blue full size 2nd generation Dodge Ram 2500, with a rusty hood that also has a big dent in the front of the hood and a half-broken grill; it has an American flag sticker and a big Bass Pro Shops sticker on it.”

FRIDAY NIGHT UPDATE: Thanks to a reader tip, Mike and son got the truck back. It had been abandoned by the West Seattle Corporate Center in North Delridge.

WEST SEATTLE FRIDAY: The list for the rest of the day

(Today’s sunrise – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Quieter Friday than usual, with holiday-weekend getaways beginning, but if you’re not leaving town, here’s the list!

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)

MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS SALE: Through Sunday, take 15 percent off your purchase of one in-store item at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor)

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

FREE LUNCH: The Junction Church (4157 California SW) invites you to a free sit-down lunch, 11:30 am-12:30 pm.

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: Also at Lincoln Park, the outdoor salt-water pool is open noon-7 pm daily through Labor Day. See the 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, stop by Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW).

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Mia Day, Mirabai Kukathas, Brenna Bruce, live at The Skylark , doors at 7, music at 8, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW).

HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH: The musical continues at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor). Our calendar listing includes the ticket link.

FIREWORKS SHOW DOWNTOWN: In case you hear fireworks in the distance – tonight there’s a show following the Mariners game.

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

READER REPORT: Utility pole falls, blocks Highland Park sidewalk

10:14 AM: Thanks to Dina Johnson for the report and photos:

At 6 am today a “clunk” sound alerted us to a snapped utility pole/street light, leaving a live wire across the sidewalk on SW Henderson street between 12th & 13th Aves.

Passersby called it in to the city.

The impact miraculously caused no damage to the property, but the pole remains across the sidewalk, wedged against a retaining wall.

The rotted utility pole had been marked by the city several years ago, but never replaced.

SCL says it’s “accelerated” its pole-replacement program recently, and through April had replaced more than 560 citywide.

11:13 AM: Dina says the wire has been removed; the metal part of the pole is now wrapped in “caution” tape.

UPDATE: Death investigation under 1st Avenue South Bridge

9:22 AM: If you noticed emergency-response activity beneath the 1st Avenue South Bridge this morning, it’s related to what Seattle Police say is now a “death investigation.” It started as a Seattle Fire water-rescue response before 7 am; SFD eventually tweeted that they were looking for a missing bridge operator, and then reported that the Coast Guard later found a body that matched the missing person’s description. We’ll be following up with agencies including WSDOT, which owns the bridge as it’s part of a state highway, and will add any more information that emerges.

9:56 AM: According to archived audio from the initial response, the operator was last seen arriving at work at 10 pm last night and discovered missing when the next person arrived at 5:30 and found the workspace empty but the person’s belongings all still there. They looked extensively around the area before calling in authorities an hour-plus later.

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Last-day-of-school, pre-holiday Friday

June 30, 2023 6:00 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Last-day-of-school, pre-holiday Friday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning. Welcome to Friday, June 30th – four days until the Fourth of July, last day of June, last day of school for Seattle Public Schools.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Clouds, then clearing, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:15 am; sunset will be at 9:11 pm.

(Thursday’s sunset – photo by Carol Ann Joyce)

TRANSIT

Metro – Regular schedule, with trip cancellations and temporary route suspensions possible.

Water Taxi – The West Seattle WT is on its regular schedule. (Here are changes ahead for the Fourth of July and All-Star Week.)

Washington State Ferries – 2-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. See Vessel Watch for boats’ locations.

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: From milling to moviemaking – ‘remarkable transformation’ showcased at Harbor Island Studios

Two years ago, King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the former Fisher Flour Mill on Harbor Island – county-owned for 20 years – was transforming into a video/film-production facility. Tonight, he jubilantly hailed its “remarkable transformation,” as Harbor Island Studios celebrated its grand opening, calling it a facility that was “willed into existence”:

Also speaking was King County’s creative-economy director Kate Becker:

The event was part grand opening, part trade fair, part film festival. Part of its 117,000 square feet held tables from partners and vendors serving the video/film industry, showing off everything from camera-boom-equipped vehicles ..

to props …

to drones.

Hundreds of people mingled and wandered through the building’s separate spaces …

One included easels with scenes from a series that had shot there (and elsewhere in West Seattle), “Three Busy Debras,” which ran through 2022:

The point of the spaces is to give creative crews plenty of room to realize their productions’ vision. Harbor Island Studios got a test run on that over a weekend in April, when three teams shot three short films as part of the Seattle 48-Hour Film Project. Those films, and a documentary about making them, were screened for tonight’s attendees.

If Harbor Island Studios fulfills its promise – and if the state beefs up incentives for film production – Vancouver, B.C., could stop “passing as Seattle,” as Constantine put it.

But first, as Becker mentioned, there’s more interior work ahead at Harbor Island Studios, to maximize its 117,000 square feet of space.

ADDED FRIDAY AFTERNOON: In case you’re interested, here’s the official news release the county posted today.