HELP FOR MAUI: West Seattle community paddle Saturday

Alki Kayak Tours is raising money for Maui fire survivors with a community paddling event tomorrow (Saturday, September 9th) – just received:

From 6:30 – 7:30 pm, we are inviting the whole community to paddle out together to watch the sunset either bringing their own gear or renting from us; all rental proceeds and donations will go to benefit People’s Fund of Maui. We are meeting at the channel marker off Duwamish head aka Anchor Park and would love to get as many people out there as possible.

If you need to rent, Alki Kayak Tours is at Seacrest (1660 Harbor SW).

FOLLOWUP: Hiawatha Playfield reopening after turf replacement

12:56 PM: Thanks to Scott for the tip! He noticed that part of the fence was down and Hiawatha Playfield‘s new turf looked complete, so we went over for a look and then asked Seattle Parks about its status. Spokesperson Karen O’Connor replied that the turf-replacement project “is substantially complete,” adding: “The field is available for use and the remainder of the construction fencing will be removed by end of today. FieldTurf USA, Inc, the contractor for the project, will be working on finalizing a few items including delivering new soccer goals and completing the batting cage frame and tunnel.” FieldTurf won the contract with a $1.2 million bid.

3:33 PM: Update from Parks spokesperson O’Connor: “I just learned the construction fencing at Hiawatha will stay in place for another week or so; their subcontractor had some trouble with truck availability. There are openings in place around the field.”

BIZNOTE: QFC stores might get a new owner – and/or a new name

(WSB photo, West Seattle Junction QFC)

As the Kroger/Albertsons grocery mega-merger plan continues moving forward, reports today say Kroger is planning to sell hundreds of stores to alleviate some concerns related to the merger. The buyer would be C&S Wholesale Grocers, a wholesale supplier that also operates some grocery stores in other states. The deal would include the QFC brand name, under which two West Seattle stores operate (The Junction and Westwood Village). According to Kroger’s announcement, any QFC stores not sold in the deal “will be re-bannered into one of the retained Kroger or Albertsons Cos. banners following the close of the transaction.” (Albertsons’ best-known “banner” around here is Safeway.) Also according to the announcement, Washington would be the state with the most stores affected – “104 Albertsons Cos. and Kroger stores” would be sold. (We haven’t yet found the list of specific stores.) The $1.9 billion deal would take effect after the Kroger/Albertsons merger closes – currently expected early next year – the corporation says. Its potential effects have been of concern here for reasons including the current proximity of Kroger and Albertsons stores – the Junction QFC store and Jefferson Square Safeway store are less than a block apart; the Westwood QFC store is just a few blocks from Roxbury Safeway. QFC, owned by Kroger since the late ’90s, has 50+ stores in Washington.

Summer’s last outdoor movie, music, football, more for your West Seattle Friday

September 8, 2023 11:11 am
|    Comments Off on Summer’s last outdoor movie, music, football, more for your West Seattle Friday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Jerry Simmons)

Here’s what’s happening as the weekend approaches, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar!

FREE FITNESS CLASS: Noon at StarCycle (4532 42nd SW).

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: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

FOOTBALL: High-school season continues, with one local team playing a home game – West Seattle HS vs. Franklin at 4:30 pm at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). In a road game, Chief Sealth IHS plays Lakeside at Memorial Stadium downtown at 5 pm.

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

‘MATT & BEN’: Second night for the new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. Check for tickets here.

MOVIE AT MAARTEN PARK: Last outdoor movie of the summer in West Seattle! All welcome at Maarten Park (42nd/Juneau) for “Paddington,” 7:30 pm.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: The Potholes, Service with a Smile, doors 7 pm, music 8 pm at The Skylark, $10 cover, all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW).

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

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen gold Suburban (update: found)

Sent by Sarah:

Our 1999 GMC Suburban, gold/champagne, was stolen from in front of our West Seattle home between 12:00 am and 2:30 am 9/8/2023.

We’ll add the plate and report numbers when we get them.

ADDED: Plate # 038SBU – Incident # 23-259803.

SATURDAY UPDATE: Sarah reports the vehicle was found – in a driveway in Wallingford.

Celebration of Life planned October 8 for Ken Schiele, 1969-2023

In July, the family of Ken Schiele shared this remembrance. Now they have set the date for the gathering to remember him:

Celebration of Life for Ken Schiele:

Ken’s family is hosting a Celebration of Life on Sunday, October 8th from 2-5 pm at Stoup Brewing Company on Capitol Hill.

If you’d like to attend, please RSVP by September 24th to: knlranch@gmail.com

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

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday info + weekend alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, September 8th.

WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Becoming sunny, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:37 am; sunset will be at 7:35 pm.

ROAD WORK THIS WEEKEND

-Late tonight through early Sunday, the ramp from the eastbound West Seattle Bridge to southbound I-5 will be closed – here’s the WSDOT alert:

The southbound I-5 on-ramps from the Spokane Street Viaduct, South Spokane Street and Sixth Avenue South will close for construction from 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, through 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. A signed detour will use northbound I-5 to westbound Edgar Martinez Drive to southbound First Avenue South to eastbound South Holgate Street to northbound South Fourth Street to the southbound I-5 on-ramp.

-Also on the bridge, SDOT crews will be installing the bridge-lane-enforcement camera and associated signage on Saturday.

-10 pm tonight to 6 am Saturday, the Highway 99 tunnel will be closed both ways.

As announced, this weekend and next will bring pavement work on eastbound SW Alaska between 44th and California.

-A reader texted this notice for paving starting Saturday on SW Genesee between 26th and 30th. We’re checking with SDOT for clarity on whether the street will be closed to through traffic.

TRANSIT TODAY

Washington State Ferries – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route. Check alerts for changes, and use Vessel Watch to see where your ferry is.

Metro – Regular schedule. Some of the paving work mentioned above may affect bus routes; watch the Metro advisories.

Water Taxi – Regular schedule.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also 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 cam:

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/X 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!

FERRY ALERT UPDATE: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth solves crew challenge

September 7, 2023 10:23 pm
|    Comments Off on FERRY ALERT UPDATE: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth solves crew challenge
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

Just in from Washington State Ferries: “For Friday, September 8, due to a shortage of crew, the route will be operating on one-boat service for start of the service day on the #1 sailing schedule.” Schedule links are on the alert page, which is where to check in the morning to see if the one-boat plan really happened or not – lately some of these announcements are followed by “never mind” after WSF manages to find the crew member(s) needed.

6 AM: And indeed, WSF solved the problem and is back to 2 boats.

BIZNOTE: Buy or sell at West Seattle Boat Swap on Saturday

September 7, 2023 9:41 pm
|    Comments Off on BIZNOTE: Buy or sell at West Seattle Boat Swap on Saturday
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

You can buy, sell, or trade paddlesports gear this Saturday at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) during the West Seattle Boat Swap. Extra reason to go to the shop: As announced last week, the M2SO store in The Triangle (and online) is getting out of the paddlesports business, so they are offering hot clearance deals as they get ready to focus on winter sports. If you have gear to sell on Saturday, register online first – deadline is 6 pm Friday – and then drop the item(s) off 9-11 am Saturday; if you want to buy, Boat Swap hours on Saturday are 11 am-4 pm. (P.S. You can also set your calendar now for M2SO’s West Seattle Ski Swap, October 14-15.)

LIFE-SAVING GIFT: Blood-donation opportunities in West Seattle on Friday, and beyond

If you can donate blood, Bloodworks Northwest would love to see you at their West Seattle pop-up tomorrow – or another upcoming event. This month, they’re offering an extra incentive: They’re giving away a trip for 2 to Las Vegas to see Katy Perry. Whether it’s for the Friday pop-up (10 am-4 pm at the West Seattle YMCA [WSB sponsor]) or elsewhere, you must make an appointment to donate – start here. If you have any trouble with booking online, email schedule@bloodworksnw.org or call 800-398-7888.

FOLLOWUP: West Seattle Bridge bus-lane enforcement camera to be installed this weekend

ORIGINAL THURSDAY REPORT: Three and a half weeks after SDOT announced it would install a bus-lane-enforcement camera on the West Seattle Bridge, installation is scheduled for this weekend. SDOT just sent word that crews will be working on the bridge Saturday (September 9th) “between about 7 am and 5 pm to allow for installation of the camera as well as warning signs and Seattle City Light inspection.” After that, there will be a 30-day grace period before SDOT activates the camera. This is part of a “pilot program” in which the city also has transit-lane and “block the box” cameras downtown. The first violation will get you a warning letter; the second, a $75 fine.

P.S. The installation is the second project that’s likely to affect eastbound traffic on the high bridge Saturday – the ramp to southbound I-5 will be closed from late Friday to early Sunday.

ADDED FRIDAY AFTERNOON: Much discussion below centers on whether you’ll be ticketed simply for crossing the lane. We asked SDOT to clarify. Here’s what spokesperson Mariam Ali sent:

Here is a clip from the design plans that shows the detection zone in yellow-green:

Anyone mistakenly in the exit-only lane will have ample space to change lanes to the thru lanes before the exit gore.

REMINDER: Beach fire season is over

With the weekend in view, a reminder – Alki Beach’s fire rings have been picked up and taken away because beach-fire season ended on Labor Day. (Thanks to Guy for the nudge to remind you.)

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Junction EV-charging station hit by vandalism/theft again

That’s the stub where a cord should be connected to the base of one of the city-owned EV-charging stations on 39th SW in The Junction. We went over after tips this morning and saw the cords missing on both of the chargers. We subsequently asked Seattle City Light spokesperson Jenn Strang about the plan for repair; she indicated the situation was news to them, but said somebody would be dispatched to investigate. The chargers were installed three years ago, and we’ve covered multiple vandalism/theft incidents before.

READER REPORTS: Found bicycle, bag. Are either yours?

Two from the “possibly dumped/stolen” files:

FOUND BICYCLE: Reported by Bill:

The bicycle in the attached photo has been parked near the corner of 48th Ave SW and Hanford St SW for several days.

FOUND BAG: Reported by multiple readers including Terry, who sent the photo and report:

Found this AM in North Admiral: ladies’ green bag on parking strip (SE corner of SW Massachusetts Street & 46th Ave SW) with some of its contents a short distance away along 46th Ave SW.

Terry reports the items have since been consolidated into the bag so it’s all in one spot.

YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle Food Bank donation drive at HomeStreet Bank

September 7, 2023 11:59 am
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle Food Bank donation drive at HomeStreet Bank
 |   How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

As mentioned here last week, this month’s spotlight at HomeStreet Bank-West Seattle (4022 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) is shining on the West Seattle Food Bank – and it’s accompanied by a donation drive! You can bring food and/or clothing (for the WSFB Clothesline) to the branch (look for the display shown above) during regular hours, 9 am-5 pm Mondays-Thursdays, 9 am-6 pm Fridays. While you’re there, register for this month’s prize drawing – on September 15th, they’ll draw the winner for one ticket to the Taste of West Seattle.

Silent Book Club, ‘Matt & Ben,’ soccer, more for your West Seattle Thursday

September 7, 2023 10:03 am
|    Comments Off on Silent Book Club, ‘Matt & Ben,’ soccer, more for your West Seattle Thursday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Sunrise photo by Doug Eglington)

Here’s the list for your almost-fall Thursday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FILL THE BOOT: Firefighters are fundraising for the fight against muscular dystrophy; in West Seattle, you’ll find them until 2 pm at California/Alaska.

LEARN ABOUT MEDICARE: 11 am at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), health-insurance broker Patrice Lewis helps you figure it out.

DROP-IN ASSISTANCE: Neighborhood House has resources to help with a variety of things – noon-1:30 pm today, drop in to talk about rent. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

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

SOCCER: Two high-school girls’ soccer home games today, both at 4 pm – Chief Sealth IHS hosts Ballard at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle); West Seattle HS hosts Holy Names at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle).

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

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

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

SILENT BOOK CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: This month’s gathering is spread across NINE local venues! Starting at 7 pm, bring your book and get ready to read. Find the venues – and more info about the SBCWS – in our calendar listing.

(added) PIANO BAR: At the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon):

7-10 pm – Join Larry Knapp and other musical guests for an evening of live music at the Senior Center. Wine, beer, specialty cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. Entry fee: $10. Tickets available at the door or at sc-ws.org/piano-bar.

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

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: In case you wonder who’s playing at West Seattle Stadium – tonight it’s Rainier Beach vs. Seattle Prep at 7 pm.

‘MATT & BEN’: Official opening night for the new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. Check for tickets here.

Look ahead any time with our calendar!

Signups open for West Seattle writer’s free youth program ‘Write YOUR Story’

Back-to-school time is also afterschool-activity time. Here’s an opportunity: West Seattle writer Julia Douthwaite Viglione is organizing another free “Write YOUR Story” series. She asked us to share this announcement:

Write YOUR Story now enrolling for Fall 2023!

Free writing workshop for people ages 8—12, on Tuesday evenings 6:30 pm —7:30 pm, in the Concord Elementary School cafeteria space! Concord International Elementary, 723 S. Concord St. (South Park).

A semester-long program of twelve (12) meetings from Tuesday September 26, 2023, to Tuesday December 12, 2023, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. By enrollment, limit: 12.

We will read two beautifully illustrated classics of world literature, vote on our favorite plot, then rewrite it and illustrate our story together. Every child receives a copy of our book at the end, in color and spiral bound!

Fall 2023 TRICKSTERS! Books we will read:

Gerald McDermott, Papagayo the Mischief Maker, about a parrot of the Amazon rain forest who helps the other jungle creatures learn to make noise without fear.

Charles Perrault, Puss in Boots, the story as it was originally told in the 1670s, in France, of a trickster cat and his lucky owner.

Write YOUR Story is a free program offered by West Seattle writers who love to share their passion for good stories and the creative process. Established in 2012 in South Bend, IN, “We read, we write, and we have a lot of fun.” jdouthwa.wixsite.com/writeyourstory1

To enroll, contact Ms. Julia, at juliawsea@gmail.com

Hope to see you this fall! — Julia Douthwaite Viglione, PhD, Shepherd Siegel, PhD, and the Write Your Story team

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday info

September 7, 2023 6:01 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday info
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, September 7th.

WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Partly sunny, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:35 am; sunset will be at 7:37 pm.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Remember that all schools have reopened.

ROAD WORK AHEAD

-If you missed the announcement Wednesday, this weekend and next will bring pavement work on eastbound SW Alaska between 44th and California.

(added) Friday night through Sunday morning, the ramp from the eastbound West Seattle Bridge to southbound I-5 will be closed – here’s the WSDOT alert:

The southbound I-5 on-ramps from the Spokane Street Viaduct, South Spokane Street and Sixth Avenue South will close for construction from 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, through 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. A signed detour will use northbound I-5 to westbound Edgar Martinez Drive to southbound First Avenue South to eastbound South Holgate Street to northbound South Fourth Street to the southbound I-5 on-ramp. Please allow extra time for travel.

TRANSIT TODAY

Washington State Ferries – The Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run is on the 2-boat schedule. Check Vessel Watch to see where your ferry is.

Metro – Regular schedule; one last reminder that the September “service change” happened last weekend – in West Seattle, Route 55 was suspended, and Routes 50 and 22 have changes.

Water Taxi – Regular schedule.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also 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 cam:

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/X 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!

BIZNOTE: Bartell Drugs’ White Center employees tell customers store is closing

Three years after the national chain Rite Aid acquired Seattle-founded regional chain Bartell Drugs, it’s closing some Bartell stores. And employees of the White Center Bartell store (9600 15th SW) are telling customers theirs will soon be among them. We’ve heard from multiple readers who say they’ve been told in recent days that the store will close at the end of the month, and a visit to the store reveals many items on sale at deep discounts. We have inquired with both Rite Aid and Bartell corporate spokespeople via email and phone, but have yet to receive a reply or acknowledgment either confirming or denying. As we reported on partner site White Center Now, the White Center store’s building changed ownership a year and a half ago, purchased for $5.1 million by an LLC associated with a California electrical contractor (we have an inquiry out to the owner as well). King County permit records show nothing on file for the sizable site. When the 4th Avenue Bartell store in downtown Seattle closed in July, The Seattle Times reported that was the fifth Bartell closure in less than a year; since then, one more has been announced. All this is unfolding against a backdrop of financial challenges for parent company Rite Aid.

FYI: Helicopter sightings expected Sunday before Seahawks flyover

Early heads-up, you may notice military helicopters over West Seattle this Sunday (September 10th) because of a flyover planned for the Seahawks‘ season-opener. We’re told helicopters from Joint Base Lewis-McChord will be in the area mid-morning and early afternoon; the game starts after 1 pm.

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Opening date for new Highland Park restaurant

Thanks for the tip! That’s the sign now on the door at 1513 SW Holden in Highland Pari, former home of Wanna Teriyaki and Burger, future home of Chef Korea Miso. We published an update a month ago, after talking with one of the proprietors; she explained they’ll be serving “K-food” and that they were just awaiting final permits. Now they’ve announced they’ll open September 15th – a week from Friday.

READER REPORT: Tree down on street bridge over Longfellow Creek

Thanks to Manuel for the photos and report: “A tree fell from the Longfellow Creek area and is blocking the small Nevada Street bridge in Delridge. SDOT is on the scene.” (Here’s a map.)

This was about an hour ago, so it might be clear now, but still noteworthy; readers also reported a tree down earlier this week by Dragonfly Pavilion, but that one did not appear to be blocking anything.

ROAD-WORK ALERT: Repaving planned on SW Alaska in The Junction

September 6, 2023 2:30 pm
|    Comments Off on ROAD-WORK ALERT: Repaving planned on SW Alaska in The Junction
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Eastbound SW Alaska will be closed for one block in The Junction, between 44th and California, the next two weekends. SDOT is planning to replace several damaged concrete panels. The work is planned 8 am-6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, September 9th-10th and 16th-17th; the work zone will be open on the weekdays inbetween, and the westbound lanes will remain open at all times, as will the sidewalks. Bus rerouting will be forthcoming from Metro.