West Seattle, Washington
28 Thursday
Last night, around the time we were out covering the Myers Way death investigation, a police search was happening in North Admiral. It eventually involved a K-9 team, and an arrest. We asked SPD today what it was about, and here’s the response: “This was a freshly stolen vehicle in the 2300 block of 44th Ave SW around 7:15 pm. The vehicle was later found dumped in an alley. Witness info, coupled with security footage, helped an officer identify both suspects. One suspect was taken into custody in the area of California Ave SW & SW College St, while the other suspect was not located.”
(WSB photo, 2009)
Our photo above is from July 4th, 2009, when Marination brought its already-famous food truck to West Seattle. Co-proprietors Roz (in the photo) and Kamala opened Marination ma kai at Seacrest three years later, and that’s become a West Seattle staple. But now Marination’s original truck is back in West Seattle, in a new role along with a sibling. Here’s the explanation from South Seattle College (WSB sponsor):
Marination, a Hawaiian-Korean culinary team that started with a food truck in 2009 and has now expanded to multiple brick-and-mortar locations in the Seattle area, donated two food trucks to South Seattle College earlier this month, including “Big Blue,” the truck where it all started (read an ode to Big Blue on Marination’s Instagram page).
Automotive Technology students will gain experience working on the trucks to get them in prime working order and then our Culinary Arts students will get to create food truck menus and feed our campus community with both sweet and savory concepts, simulating the entrepreneurial experience many of them may wish to take in their future careers.
(SSC photo)
The college will rebrand the trucks with new names and paint jobs, involving the campus community to come up with fun concepts. The trucks are expected to be fully functioning next academic year, and Culinary Arts students have already promised their first stop will be feeding Automotive Technology students as thanks for their mechanical expertise.
“Marination’s donation of food trucks to our college is an amazing gift and we are so grateful for their generosity,” said SSC’s Dean of Hospitality and Service Occupations Brian Scheehser. “Marination is a shining example of how to succeed in Seattle’s culinary industry, and we are proud to have part of their company history become part of our college culture and curriculum.”
South Seattle College’s Professional & Technical Career Training Programs have benefited greatly from donations over our 50-plus years in operation, from jet engines to support Aviation Maintenance Technology student learning to shelves that improved our Landscape Horticulture greenhouses. Anyone interested in donating equipment to support our programs (thank you!) can contact the Seattle Colleges Foundation.
(WSB/WCN photo, 2021)
This year’s first major Pride celebrations start tomorrow. White Center Pride is raising the flag at 6:30 pm Thursday in the mini-park outside Mac’s Triangle Pub (Delridge/Roxbury/16th). Immediately afterward, three local schools are co-presenting a youth-led mini-parade walking through the heart of the WC business district – here’s the announcement:
Community School of West Seattle, White Center Pride, Explorer West Middle School, and The Bridge School are coming together to put on a Youth Pride Mini-Parade following the 6:30 PM White Center Pride Flag Raising at Triangle Park on June 1, 2023. All are welcome to join the celebration!
See the mini-parade route here. White Center Pride’s other events include a street festival on Saturday (June 3rd), 11 am-11 pm, with part of 16th SW closed to vehicle traffic; see the schedule here. And there’s a pre-funk tonight at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW) – drag cabaret and Pride skate; details here.
(City of Seattle map showing District 1’s new boundaries)
We’re now just six days away from our first forum in the City Council District 1 race, next Tuesday (June 6), 6:45 pm (after a 6 pm neighborhood-info fair). Seven of the eight candidates have confirmed they’ll be there – in first-name alphabetical order:
Jean Iannelli Craciun
Maren Costa
Mia Jacobson
Phil Tavel
Preston Anderson
Rob Saka
Stephen Brown
You’re welcome to come see the candidates answer questions in person; the forum will be at Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Walmesley Center (northeast corner of 35th and Myrtle) – we’re video-recording it too so you can watch later if you can’t be there. Potential questions are welcome in advance; the District 1 Community Network, which is collaborating with WSB to present the forum, is asking its member organizations for question suggestions, and we’re asking you. Thanks to everyone who’s sent them so far; if you have one, please send it to our general email address, westseattleblog@gmail.com, and please indicate in the subject line that it’s a candidate-forum question. Primary election voting starts in just six weeks – ballots are scheduled to be mailed July 12th.
(Photo by Danny M.)
Here are 9 options for today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
TODDLER READING TIME: Bring your little one to Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW) for Toddler Reading Time, 10:30 am.
FOOD FUNDRAISER: Chef Gino of TheHomeSkillit.com says he’ll be set up by Gas Depot (Delridge/Henderson) 11 am-7 pm with today’s proceeds going “to feeding the homeless and elderly people in Pioneer Square.”
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Don’t replace it – fix it! Weekly event, 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
WORLD MUSIC: The first of two free live-music events in The Junction this week, Sounds from Around the World Festál: Prelude happens 6-10 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon) – Yogi and The Yoginis perform at 6 pm, The Pazific Band at 8 pm. Details about them here.
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)
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 an event – presentation, meeting, performance, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, or … – that could be featured on West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar? Tell us about it! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
From Andy:
Our 2002 Green GMC Safari with a Thule box on top was stolen on 5/30 at approximately 8:30 pm from the corner of 14th Ave SW and SW Holly St. License plate BUE1614. My phone number is 828-575-3747. Police report # 23-149896.
ADDED THURSDAY NIGHT: Update from Andy: “Van was seen and confirmed last night at the Westwood Court Apartments behind Staples. Thule box was removed and bike rack was removed. Van may have been spray painted. Please look out for a freshly spray painted GMC Safari with a small lift. Contact Andy at 828 -575 -3747.”
FRIDAY UPDATE: Andy says the van’s been found, in Burien.
6:02 AM: Good morning. It’s Wednesday, May 31st.
WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Another day expected to start cloudy, then clear, high in the mid-60s. Sunrise was at 5:16 am; sunset will be at 8:58 pm.
TRANSIT
Metro – Regular schedule, but trip cancellations are still possible.
Water Taxi – Continuing the spring/summer schedule, including late-evening runs Friday and Saturday nights.
Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule; sailing cancellations remain possible on short notice, so check here for alerts/updates and 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: Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if 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!
9:10 PM: Police have converged on the unsanctioned encampment on the east side of Myers Way, across from the Arrowhead Gardens senior-living complex. They say they’re investigating a death – a man was found dead, “circumstances inknown.” We are at the scene trying to find out more.
9:17 PM: Homicide detectives have arrived.
9:46 PM: SPD spokesperson Det. Judinna Gulpan told us at the scene that this was originally called in as some kind of gunfire incident; the man who was found dead had some “signs of trauma,” but that’s all they’re saying right now. It happened somewhere deep within the extensive encampment, which was the subject of a meeting with police, other city reps, and concerned Arrowhead Gardens residents (WSB coverage here) just three weeks ago.
(WSB photo, Saturday night)
We’ve been seeking followup information today on Saturday night’s three shootings in our area. Law enforcement isn’t releasing any new information in any of the cases. But we’ve learned that the condition of another of the three Roxy’s Casino shooting victims has improved. Harborview Medical Center told us yesterday that the female victim had improved to serious condition, while the two men remained in critical condition; when we checked again this afternoon, HMC said one of the men also has improved to serious condition, leaving one man still critical. The victims have not been publicly identified; WSB commenters say the woman and one man are casino employees. King County Sheriff’s Office detectives continue to investigate the shooting, which was reported just before 11 pm Saturday. The only public comment from Roxy’s/Roxbury Lanes, via social media: “We’re remaining closed until Thursday, June 1st. We’re still processing and coping with the tragic event. There are no words except we want to thank the community for commenting, calling and showing support.”
The West Seattle Art Walk has long been a volunteer-run monthly event under the wing of the West Seattle Junction Association. In recent years, though, it’s grown beyond The Junction – and it’s time for the organization to reflect that. So a plan has emerged to find leadership for the Art Walk who can in turn transform it into its own nonprofit org. The WSJA is getting the ball rolling by looking for someone to start as a 5-hour-a-week volunteer and grow the gig from there. Here’s the context, from WSJA:
The year-round West Seattle Art Walk provides a framework for businesses to work directly with artists to plan and host exhibits, giving the community a chance to engage with businesses and artists.
The WSAW is currently volunteer-powered, under the wing of the non-profit West Seattle Junction Association. We have four volunteer team leads (marketing, website, social, content); two neighborhood coordinators; a flexible corps of event photographers, and an Arts Council that meets once per quarter. It will be the job of the (Future) Executive Director to oversee this amazing, self-sufficient group of volunteers.
WSAW has grown past its humble roots in the Alaska Junction with only nine merchants. Today it’s a vibrant monthly event in all three Junctions, with 30–35 businesses hosting art shows, and 15–20 bars and restaurants offering specials every Art Walk night. WSAW strengthens the economic health of our businesses and brings our community together to celebrate the arts.
Our goal is to transition WSAW into its own non-profit organization so that it can continue to grow peninsula-wide. The (Future) Executive Director will guide the formation of this non-profit, as well as ensure its ongoing financial health by seeking governmental and arts funding and/or leading community fundraising for operating expenses. Initial assistance for this transition will be offered by the West Seattle Junction Association. It is our intention that the (Future) Executive Director will become the Executive Director of the new non-profit, and will draw a part-time salary.
See the full job listing, including qualifications and how to apply, here.
P.S. History trivia – the first West Seattle Art Walk was in 2006!
JUNE 16 UPDATE: The position’s been filled.
(WSB photo, 2019)
Our photo above is from 2019, the last year West Seattle High School alumni gathered for the traditional all-school reunion. It was on pandemic hiatus 2020-2022, and this year it’s back. Grads from all years are welcome. Organizers say it’ll include the usual features such as class breakouts and a classic-car show. It’s set for 4-7 pm Saturday (June 3); you can RSVP here, but reservations aren’t necessary, and there’s no admission fee. Whether or not you go, there’s also an after-party at Whisky West (6451 California SW), 7 pm to midnight, featuring live music by alumni members of The Nitemates.
(WSB file photo)
West Seattle’s landmark Log House Museum – home to the Southwest Seattle Historical Society – has a closure ahead. It’ll be closed to the public June 1-June 10 for interior renovations. SWSHS’s Elizabeth Rudrud explains, “These renovations will allow the museum to host more programs (with greater capacity), highlight the building’s original layout as a Carriage House for the Fir Lodge (Alki Homestead) while still interpreting the structure as a private residence, open the space for an upcoming interactive exhibit, and create new opportunities for private-event rentals, which will provide the museum with unrestricted income to support its mission.”
During the closure – and beyond – you can see three traveling exhibits at local libraries. Here are the three exhibits SWSHS is calling “Community Explorers“:
The exhibits are viewable during the branches’ regular hours; you can find those on the Seattle Public Library website.
With one production remaining in the 2022-2023 season, ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) has announced a new managing director. Inji Kamel, succeeding Laura Lee, who departed last year. From the announcement:
Kamel most recently worked at Seattle Rep, where she led the Public Works program since 2018. During that time, she produced musical adaptations of classics including the beloved AS YOU LIKE IT, virtual TWELFTH NIGHT, a film of THE WINTER’S TALE and a concert-style reading of EMERALD CITY, a new musical adaptation of The Wizard of Oz.
She has worked with La Jolla Playhouse, The Old Globe, San Diego Rep, Mo’olelo, Moxie, Seattle Opera, and ACT, among others. She is most changed by her time working with and learning from Cornerstone Theater Company, where she realized her life-long dream of making theater with and for everyone.
She was a recipient of a TCG Continuing Education Grant in 2016 allowing her to examine the successes and challenges of building and sustaining Theaters of Color in Seattle, Minneapolis/Saint Paul, and Portland, OR.
The announcement of Kamel’s arrival follows last week’s announcement of ArtsWest’s 2023-2024 season, and also notes:
The company recently completed a robust capital and capacity campaign that allowed for wide ranging operational and facilities improvements that will continue through the 2023-24 season. As a part of these efforts, ArtsWest now fully owns their theater, gallery, and rehearsal space. The organization is feeling strong and looking forward to the final show of the current season, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, opening June 28th, and the upcoming 2023-2024 season. Subscriptions are available at artswest.org/subscriptions and single tickets are available in July.
(WSB photo – seen in Gatewood)
Here are 10 options for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
POSTCARDS TO VOTERS: Weekly meetup for long-distance political advocacy and local networking, 10:30 am at C & P Coffee Company – drop in to join in. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open daily, 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon): “Are you looking for a new activity to keep your brain sharp and clear? The Senior Center Chess Club welcomes both novice and experienced players. Join us at 1:30 p.m. for lessons, short tutorials, and chess for all levels of expertise.” (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)
CITY COUNCIL: 2 pm this afternoon, it’s the full council’s weekly meeting, online or at City Hall (600 4th Ave.). See the agenda here; the meeting is viewable via Seattle Channel.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t have your own.
SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, you can play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).
OPEN MIC: 6:30 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral), hosted by Midnight Marauders.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR “JP”: 7-9 pm at Endolyne Joe’s (9261 45th SW), a community Celebration of Life is planned for Jon-Paul “JP” Sletten, all welcome.
MORE TRIVIA: Three places where you can play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW); also, 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska).
BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: Play bingo with Cookie Couture at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm. Free, all ages!
You can look into the future any time via our event calendar – if you have something to include on it, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather June 11th to celebrate the life of Lacey Watson. Here’s what they are sharing with her community now:
Lacey Jayne Watson, 41, of West Seattle, passed away on Friday, April 21, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. Lacey is predeceased by her grandparents, Millicent and Wallace Reid. She is survived by her parents, David and Donna Watson; her fiancé, Justin Pace; grandparents, Harry and Connie Watson; and her sisters, Brooke Gower and Melissa Watson (Brian Nowka).
She is also survived by her uncles, Drew Watson (Becky), Daniel Watson (Mary), Darren Watson (Jackie), Dustin Watson (Jolanta), Wallace Reid (Jayne), and Michael Michalski (Denise); her many cousins; her beloved nephews and nieces, Matthew, Braydon, Emily, Ashley, and Mahayla; as well as countless friends.
Lacey’s cancer started at age 25. During 10 years in remission, she gave life it all and accomplished so much in a short time.
She continued her education, receiving a Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Business and International Management from City University of Seattle.
Lacey became a Broker and President of Customs Brokers and International Freight Forwarders. She truly loved her work in making the “world move.” Lacey did volunteer work in the schools of Seattle and became active in politics.
Lacey was a role model for all; her smile and wonderful sense of humor will never be forgotten. She is dearly missed.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Sunday, June 11th. Please find celebration details, and share remembrances at forevermissed.com/lacey-jayne-watson.
(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)
6:01 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, May 30th, back to work and school post-holiday.
WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Starting cloudy, then clearing, high in the mid-60s. Sunrise was at 5:17 am; sunset will be at 8:57 pm.
REMINDER
*If you travel near the West Seattle side of the 1st Avenue South Bridge, this work may be continuing today.
TRANSIT
Metro – Regular schedule, but trip cancellations are still possible.
Water Taxi – Continuing the spring/summer schedule, including late-evening runs Friday and Saturday nights.
Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule; sailing cancellations remain possible on short notice, so check here for alerts/updates and 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: Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if 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!
If you’ve been here more than a few years, you might remember WestSide Baby‘s summertime “Stuff the Bus” diaper drives. The White Center-headquartered nonprofit is moving beyond the bus and inviting you to get involved “From the Bottom Up” in June and July:
From the Bottom Up is our community’s largest diaper drive and your opportunity to help ensure babies have the diapers they need to be healthy and happy.
Having enough clean diapers is foundational to a baby’s ability to grow and thrive. From the first precious newborn diaper all the way through the potty-training years, WestSide Baby supplies families with the basics their children need. Caregivers experience tremendous relief, both financially and emotionally, knowing they are able to meet their babies’ needs.
Host a diaper drive, donate dollars for diapers, or simply send a box of diapers to WestSide Baby today!
Go here to find out how to help in any or all of those ways – and to see WS Baby’s current “most needed” list. You’re also welcome to attend the all-ages kickoff event Thursday (June 1st), 5-7 pm at Future Primitive Brewing in White Center (9832 14th SW – same folks who are soon expanding to Alki).
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6:58 PM: We’ve received multiple reports of a wave of graffiti vandalism overnight on the north end of The Junction, on both residential and business buildings.. This report and the photos are from Corey; our policy is to generally not show tagging in full, so we’ve cropped the photos to show just part of the damage. Corey writes:
Some punk went on an absolute graffiti rampage and tagged nearly every building north of the Junction. He got our building too.
Fortunately, the graffiti was on the glass, opposed to the brick like some of our neighbors. I cleaned the graffiti off the glass immediately since I cannot stand to look at this. I wonder if there is something we could collectively do as West Seattle residents to keep an eye out for this activity and call 911 if we see it.
Yes, police DO respond to vandalism-in-progress calls, depending on what else they’re dealing with. Even if you don’t catch it in progress, report it – and after it’s been photographed, remove it as soon as you can, as that’s considered an effective way to dissuade the vandal(s).
9:23 PM: This video shows some of the vandalism – one person etching glass on a building at California/Genesee while another spray-paints:
Another preview of what’s up as June approaches: In case you haven’t already seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, the second annual Delridge Disc-O ultimate tournament for middle- and high-school players is happening next Sunday:
Delridge Disc-O
Ultimate Mixed Hat Tournament
Sunday, June 4th | Delridge Playfield SouthMiddle School – 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
High School – 2 pm – 5 pmThe second Delridge Disc-O Hat Tournament has been announced! Join us for this one-day Mixed Hat Tournament. We will have separate Middle School and High School divisions. All levels of ultimate players are welcome, from West Seattle as well as anyone willing to drive to our “island.” This is a great opportunity to meet other players and pick up some skills as you see them on the field.
A Hat Tournament is where players will be “randomly” placed on teams, and the team plays several games against the other teams at the tournament. Teams will be constructed so that there will be roughly even skills and gender ratios.
Please email questions to wshsfrisbee@gmail,com, or check out our website westsideultimate.org for any FAQs.
When you register at DiscNW, you can choose the fee ($0, $10, $20) that fits best with your current financial situation. All proceeds will benefit DiscNW’s Youth Development Fund.
Middle School Players will be 11-15 years old and High School Players will be 14-19 years old on June 4th. The registration asks for experience and what types of teams players may have played with, and this will help with balancing the teams.
On the day of the tournament, players should bring a white jersey/shirt, a dark jersey/shirt, non-metal cleats or other shoes to play on turf, and a water bottle, a great attitude, and optionally a snack. We will be providing some water to refill water bottles and some fruit.
Four reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
VESPA STOLEN AFTER COLLISION: On Friday night, we mentioned a South Delridge collision that left a Vespa rider injured. Today, the rider emailed to report that their Vespa was stolen after the collision:
On Friday, 5/26 around 9 pm I was riding my 1981 Vespa P200e home on SW Delridge. I lost control when the car in front of me made a sudden stop and when I stopped, my scooter fishtailed and I fell off. I hit my head and was unconscious. Should have been wearing my full face.
Fire and emergency were called. I was taken to the hospital and provided care at Harborview.
SPD rolled my collector vehicle Vespa to the sidewalk on SW Trenton and SW Delridge and left it there with no intent of telling me where it was or notifying an emergency contact, or impoundment. I was even informed by the reporting Officer that the Sergeant said to leave it.
It was stolen from the sidewalk while I was unconscious.
I want my scooter back. It means more to me than anything else in the world.
Monday update: The scooter owner found it – repainted and resold – spotting it being driven around.
PRIDE FLAG STOLEN FROM SCHOOL: From Whitney at the Community School of West Seattle (22nd/Roxbury):
Community School of West Seattle’s Pride Flag was removed/stolen (Saturday) night and the flag pole was damaged.
PLANTS STOLEN FROM GARDEN: A North Admiral resident reports:
I had quite a theft of plants in my yard & was wondering if anyone else had this. Some had been there for prob 60 years & others for around 15 years. Just about wiped out one part of south side garden of all herbs and flowers, took ferns on other side of house plus stones.
DUMPED/POSSIBLY STOLEN: Reported by Katherine:
I found a debit card and some keys with an AirTag in the bushes by my house. Looks like they may have been stolen and dumped. The keys have an AirTag with initials. The debit card first name is Z—— and a photo of the keys is below.
I’m happy to reconnect them with the owner/owners, if they can provide a last name or the initials on the air tag.
Email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll connect you.
Thanks to James Tilley for the photo! He reports, “Infrequent visitor to our area – I saw a brown pelican flying along Alki on my morning walk.” They’re only brown when immature, so this is a younger pelican. In our region they’re more commonly seen along the open-ocean coast, but we do get visits here inland. They’re no longer listed as endangered by the state or federal governments, according to this state Department of Fish and Wildlife status report from last year, which also notes: “Brown Pelicans are protected from ‘take’ by federal law under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and are a ‘protected wildlife’ species by state law.” They’re big birds – wingspan up to 6 1/2 feet.
(Bald Eagle, photographed last month by Jon Anderson)
Here’s info you might find useful on this Memorial Day Monday:
TRANSIT
Metro: Sunday schedule
West Seattle Water Taxi: Sunday schedule
Washington State Ferries: Changes noted here include Sunday service on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route
Sound Transit: Sunday schedule
Other services: See a list here
TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Our page highlighting local cameras is here
SDOT’s map with cameras and alerts from around the city is here
CLOSURES/CHANGES
Seattle Public Library facilities
Schools
Government offices
Banks
No charge for street parking in Seattle neighborhoods with city pay stations
OPEN
Highland Park Spraypark (11 am-8 pm, 1100 SW Cloverdale)
NOT HAPPENING
*No Memorial Day service this year at Forest Lawn
Anything else we should know/let others know about? Texting’s the best way to reach us today – 206-293-6302 – thank you!
HPAC – the community coalition for Highland Park, South Delridge, and Riverview – met in-person this month for the first time in a while. New venue, too – Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery in South Delridge. The centerpiece of Thursday night’s agenda was the South Delridge Action Plan, which kicked off back in January with a survey to which about 300 people responded. The city’s point person for the plan is David Goldberg, who shepherded the North Delridge Action Plan almost a decade ago, and he was at the HPAC meeting to talk about this plan, listen to suggestions, and answer questions, following up on his appearance in March.
The goal of the SDAP is to “create a shared community-city [government] vision and an action plan that builds community assets an capacity and aligns city investments to achieve this vision.”
Goldberg said the city was working on the foundation of the plan by gathering data on how people are connected to their neighborhood – where they gather, where they shop, other places they visit. When that information is all gathered, it’ll be presented, and the city will ask about how people get around. That’ll include transit – including Metro‘s RapidRide H Line and Route 128.
Goldberg said the overarching goal is to connect government with the people in the neighborhoods to create a narrative of what a given neighborhood is all about. Part of that is building relationships between city agencies and the people in studied areas – in this case, South Delridge.
That relationship-building needs to happen sooner rather than later, suggested HPAC co-chair Kay Kirkpatrick. She noted as an example that the new Highland Park Improvement Club has multiple city hurdles to clear before it can be built, even though it’s a building intended to strengthen the neighborhood. In general, attendees said they want more in-depth relationships with the departments/agencies that are supposed to be planning action for the community’s future.
NEXT STEPS: Goldberg’s department – the Office of Planning and Community Development – is working with the Department of Neighborhoods and Seattle Public Utilities to “draft a shared Racial Equity statement for community review over the summer,” intended to “establish a shared framework for equity across the [South Delridge Action Plan] work.” OPCD also is convening seven local nonprofit community organizations to have a say in Station Area Planning and Equitable Transit Oriented Development for the future North Delridge light-rail station to which buses from South Delridge will connect. Watch for reps at community events this summer, such as the Low Rider Block Party (which will be presented for a third year by Nepantla).
HPAC’S NEXT MEETING: Usually the fourth Wednesday, 7 pm, but some months (like this one) may vary, so check hpacws.org for updates.
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