West Seattle, Washington
21 Thursday
Time for our nightly update on who’s officially filed for the three major local offices that’ll be on the ballot this fall without incumbents. This was the third day of King County Elections’ Filing Week, which ends at 4 pm Friday. From the running list, here’s the update:
SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 1
After two more filings today, all six of the people who previously announced plans to run have filed.
Preston Anderson (Wednesday)
Stephen Brown (Monday)
Maren Costa (Tuesday)
Jean Iannelli Craciun (Monday)
Rob Saka (Monday)
Phil Tavel (Wednesday)
SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, DISTRICT 6
Three people are running, after another filing today.
Rosie McCarter (Monday)
Gina Topp (Tuesday)
Maryanne Wood (Wednesday)
KING COUNTY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 8
No new filings today.
Sofia Aragon (Tuesday)
GoodSpaceGuy (Tuesday)
Teresa Mosqueda (Monday)
Since each of these races has three or more candidates, they’ll all be on the August 1st ballot. Filing for these offices or others up for election this fall can be done online until that 4 pm Friday (May 19th) deadline.
8:17 PM: Police are converging on Delridge and Juneau [map] after gunfire was reported, possibly from vehicles. Officers have told dispatch they’re finding casings from two different guns, apparently rifle and handgun. No reports so far of anyone being hit/hurt. Avoid the area.
8:26 PM: An officer has told dispatch that a “black sedan” that was involved was last seen “southbound near 21st/Myrtle.”
(WSB photos)
8:37 PM: This is on Juneau east of Delridge, between the residences on the north side of the street and Boren STEM K-8 on the south side. Adding photos.
Police are going to reopen the street shortly. They tell us no damage, and the vehicle was further described as a “black newer-model Chrysler 300.”
10:33 PM: Though the city doesn’t record traffic cameras, some private entities do, and one of them caught a bit of this incident on the Delridge/Juneau camera, tweeting it here.
11:55 PM: Police checking out another report of gunfire have found “numerous shell casings” in the 5600 block of 26th SW. They suspect it’s related to the earlier gunfire, as they are reporting two types of casings. They’re also finding vehicles with bullet damage. … Officers have told dispatch that multiple vehicles were struck in the driveway of what they’re referring to as a “problem house” in that block, theorizing it might have been the target.
12:01 PM: Officers have also confirmed a nearby house was hit. So far no reports of injuries. … Looking at nearby homes’ security video, they observed a “black sedan” in this incident too.
(WSB file photo from past Bee Festival)
Another look ahead to one of this weekend’s big events – the West Seattle Bee Festival returns to High Point on Saturday (May 20th)! As previewed here in April, it’s happening in and around High Point Commons Park/Amphitheater and the Bee Garden [map], with components including:
Buzz Run – 9:30 am: A casual run/walk for youth, starting at the Bee Garden.
Community Cleanup – 10:30 am-noon: Part of One Seattle Day of Service; stop by the volunteer tent to pick up a picker and trash bag to help.
Bee Festival – Noon-3 pm: Activities, games, performances, and chances to learn about bees (with participants including the Puget Sound Beekeepers Association). Highlights include Ella Bella Bee at the Amphitheater at noon, beehive demonstration at the Bee Garden at 1 pm, and Soul Line Dancing at 2 pm. More than a dozen community organizations will be there to meet you, too.
This is all family-friendly and free!
Another spring sports update – this time from the West Seattle High School golf program, which has two updates:
On Monday, May 15th, the West Seattle Girls Golf Team competed at the District Tournament at the Riverbend Golf Course in Kent. Harmony Pham, Hailey Vaughey, Tallulah Williams, Sadie Stover, and Abbie Cunliffe represented West Seattle High School. We placed 8th overall, only 17 strokes from qualifying the entire team to State.
We did have two West Seattle golfers qualify as individuals for the State Tournament. Senior Harmony Pham (above) shot a score of 83 at Girls Districts and top 5 finish in the individual category. Junior Simon Vance (below) shot a 78 at Boys Districts, which was previously held back in October.
The State Tournament will be held on May 23rd and 24th in Olympia.
Congratulations to all the girls and boys who competed in the District Championship Tournament, and to Harmony and Simon for making it to the High School Golf State Tournament!
ALSO: If you are interested in playing golf for the West Seattle High Golf Team for the (corrected) 2023-2024 season, please contact Coach Joel at wshsgolfteam@outlook.com.
Our season runs from September to the end of October. We have both varsity and junior varsity teams. Tryouts are in August.
3:15 PM: The quality of the light outside is a bit reminiscent of late summer. That’s in part because of wildfire smoke that has drifted this way from Alberta. The National Weather Service tweeted a satellite image of the “high-level” smoke this morning, as well as photos of a redder-than-usual rising sun. Air-quality maps don’t show much trouble down here at ground level, though (here’s Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, here’s PurpleAir). The NWS’s latest forecast discussion notes, “Smoke should remain aloft with no major impacts expected at the surface but, could lead to a picturesque sunrise/sunset. For tonight, generally benign conditions are expected. … There’s a possibility we’ll continue to see more smoke/haze into Thursday but winds are showing signs of shifting.” As for the fires themselves, the CBC says almost 100 fires are burning in Alberta.
9:36 PM: It was definitely a summer-smoke type of sunset, as shown in David Hutchinson‘s photo, added above.
Three notes today, following last Saturday’s deadly shooting in Alki:
SHOOTING VICTIM: As added to our original report late yesterday, the victim is now identified as 25-year-old Davonté Sanchez. We don’t have information so far on where he lived but there are numerous online references to his time at Kentwood High School, where he was a basketball standout before graduation in 2016. His former coach remembers Mr. Sanchez: “Heart of Gold and an amazing personality. One of the best people I’ve gotten to know and Coach. Graduated 7 years ago and still gets talked about every season. Truly a special person.” A crowdfunding page has been launched for memorial expenses, with the organizer writing, “He touched so many people’s lives; he was truly one of a kind.” (Photo via GoFundMe.com, used with permission)
INVESTIGATION: Still no word of an arrest or any other updates.
COMMUNITY MEETING: Southwest Precinct police are regular guests at the Alki Community Council‘s monthly meeting, and if you’d like to talk about this or other Alki-area issues, the next meeting is tomorrow night (Thursday, May 18th), 7 pm; you can attend at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) or online.
Our weekend previews are starting early this week, because of multiple big events! First, just four days are left until the first West Seattle 5K since 2019. Sunday morning’s race is presented by the West Seattle High School PTSA as a fundraiser. As such, it’s volunteer-powered, and that’s the first update we have:
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Road guards for street closures, water-table helpers, set-up and tear-down supporters are all needed. If you might be able to help, please email organizers ASAP at westseattle5k@westseattle5k.com.
REGISTRATION, PACKET PICKUP, RACE-DAY SCHEDULE: Here’s the latest:
Packet Pickup – this Saturday, May 20, 12-5 pm
You may pick up your bib, shirt and timing chip on Saturday at West Seattle Runner, 2743 California Avenue SWLast-Minute Registration – Packet pick-up and registration are also available on the day of the event, starting at 8:30 AM near the Alki Bathhouse. Cash or check accepted but using the registration website with your credit card is preferred – you can do that now here.
Race Day Schedule:
8:30-9:15 am: Day-of-event registration
9:10 am: Pre-race warm-up
9:30 am: 5K Run/Walk starts
8:30 to 11:30 am: Visit our sponsor booths and enjoy student music
STREET CLOSURES: A reminder that Alki/Harbor Avenues along the race route – 61st/Alki to Anchor/Luna Park and back – will be closed to vehicle traffic as early as 8 am on Sunday, and will reopen once the course clears (historically, by 11 am).
Two vehicle thefts in West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:
STOLEN BUS: From Brendon:
This 2007 Ford E350 short bus was stolen from the Diamond Parking lot behind Coastline Burgers this past weekend. Hoping maybe someone sees it…
CA plate 8LND966
Police report 23-133197
It was taken sometime between 1 am Sunday and Monday morning.
(2:26 pm update: Found, thanks to commenter tip!)
STOLEN MOTORCYCLE: From Dylan:
My 2010 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 was stolen last night between 12 am-5 am. I’ve already contacted the police and had a report filed around 5:15 am. (Sadly this is the 5th attempt and 2nd successful theft)
License Plate: 6B8243
SPD Incident # 23-134718
Reporting Officer: Patrick Michaud
^^ Contact Info: 206-733-9800If anyone happens to see it, please contact either Officer Michaud, or me at 206-755-3328.
Thanks to John for this report:
I live on SW Orchard St and 39th. Lots of brown water coming out of my faucets. I’ve reported it to SPU, who received numerous other reports. The usual suspect, Seattle Fire Dept. doing testing, had not reported anything.
Reminder that if discolored water happens at your home or business, 206-386-1800 is the Seattle Public Utilities number to call.
(Tuesday’s sunset, photographed by Jan Pendergrass)
Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
LIBRARY LEVY SPENDING REPORT: That’s part of what’s planned for the City Council’s Public Assets & Homelessness Committee, meeting at 2 pm today – the agenda explains how to watch/participate.
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).
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).
JAZZ NIGHT: 6:30 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).
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!
(WSB photo from 2022 parade)
Independence Day is just seven weeks away, and organizers want to be sure you know the West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade is on! Here’s their announcement:
Mark your calendars and start planning your bike, strollers, scooter, and wagon decorations! The West Seattle 4th of July Kids Parade is happening again this year!
The parade is made up of families in decorated bikes, strollers, scooters, wagons, and more! The parade starts at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4 in the North Admiral neighborhood at Sunset Ave. SW and 44th Ave. SW. and winds through the area to end at Hamilton Viewpoint Park for games and food trucks! Local businesses will be on hand with craft booths and activities for kids of all ages. The annual potato sack races will take place in the park and this year we have new potato sacks! Families are welcome to bring their own snacks and picnics and hang out. This year the food trucks will be back! So far Mini the Dough Nut and Lil’ J’s Super Dawgs said they’ll be there!
If businesses are interested in sponsoring a craft or activity table, please reach out to Megan Erb at meganerb@hotmail.com.
If you haven’t been in the parade before .. no RSVP necessary to participate; just show up. (Here’s our coverage from last year, including video of the entire parade.)
6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Wednesday, May 17th.
WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast: Sunny, high around 80. Sunrise was at 5:30 am; sunset will be at 8:43 pm.
LOOKING AHEAD
-Friday is Bike Everywhere Day; West Seattle Bike Connections will have treats and info for riders at the west end of the low bridge, 6-9 am.
-Sunday is the first West Seattle 5K since 2019, which means morning road closures in the Alki area (we’re working to get specifics).
TRANSIT
Metro – Regular schedule, but trip cancellations are still happening.
Water Taxi – Continuing the spring/summer schedule, including later runs Friday and Saturday nights.
Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule but with the chance of sailing cancellations 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 – another 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!
(WSB photo. #8, Carmen Cruz; #12, yelling, Mackenzie Curry Uzwack; catcher Caitlin Gordon; #26, Alice Herron)
So close! West Seattle High School‘s softball season ended tonight, but not before a thrilling comeback attempt. At Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, the Wildcats lost to Lake Washington 9-7 in the district tournament. At one point they were down 6-1 – and then they battled back to take the lead, 7-6, with a three-run homer by Kaila Ignacio a big factor in that. But the Kangaroos weren’t done yet, and scored three runs in the seventh to take the win. West Seattle finishes the season with a 13-7 record.
Three weeks ago, the State Legislature adjourned without finalizing a new drug-possession law. Today, in a brief special session, both houses approved a revised version of the same bill that failed in April, SB 5536. Here’s the final version, quickly signed by Gov. Inslee. His website explains it:
Washington state’s new drug possession statute prioritizes treatment, establishes a gross misdemeanor penalty for drug possession and public use of drugs, and offers some local control to municipalities. …
A hallmark of the new bill is the degree of flexibility afforded to courts, prosecutors, municipalities, and community service providers.
The original bill that failed in the final hour of the regular session pre-empted local control. A difference in the latest version, one critical to its bipartisan support, was the continued ability for municipalities to approve or prohibit local “harm reduction” providers. Harm reduction services include needle exchanges, safe injection sites, and other programs designed to prevent disease or overdose. The ultimate bill signed by the governor lets local governments maintain some influence over these activities.
Prosecutors and courts were also granted some discretion in the final bill. Rather than have the Legislature set a rigid course for the new pretrial diversion program, courts and prosecutors may consider other alternatives to traditional prosecution. A defendant with behavioral health issues who is also addicted to drugs may benefit most from inpatient behavioral health treatment. A veteran fighting chemical dependency may be diverted to a veteran’s court program. Conversely, a defendant that has serially rejected treatment may be sent to jail. This flexibility may help courts find the right course for each defendant.
The three West Seattle-residing legislators who represent our area and the rest of the 34th District voted the same way they did in the regular-session vote – Sen. Joe Nguyen voted yes, as did Reo, Joe Fitzgibbon (who is also House Majority Leader), while Rep. Emily Alvarado voted no. The final House roll call was 83-13; in the Senate, 43-6.
As we’ve been reporting, candidates interested in this fall’s local elections have to formally file by 4 pm Friday. King County Elections is publishing a running list, so we’re noting the local highlights each evening:
SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, DISTRICT 6
Rosie McCarter (Monday)
Gina Topp (Tuesday)
Topp is the newest to join the race for the seat Leslie Harris is leaving. She is legal counsel for the King County Executive’s Office and a former chair of the 34th District Democrats, currently the organization’s parliamentarian.
KING COUNTY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 8
Sofia Aragon (Tuesday)
GoodSpaceGuy (Tuesday)
Teresa Mosqueda (Monday)
We’ve already reported on the candidacies of Burien Mayor Aragon and Seattle City Councilmember Mosqueda. Also filing today was perennial candidate GoodSpaceGuy.
SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 1
Stephen Brown (Monday)
Maren Costa (Tuesday)
Jean Iannelli Craciun (Monday)
Rob Saka (Monday)
Costa, who filed today, is, as are the three who filed Monday, one of the six who had already announced plans to run.
Again, if you’re interested in running for one of these (or other offices up for election this fall), here’s how; filing deadline is 4 pm Friday (May 19th).
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Award-acceptance speeches are generally about gratitude – with words of thanks to the award-givers as well as those who helped the recipients get to where they are now.
What was said at today’s Westside Awards celebration went beyond that, with inspiration, reminiscences, and community history.
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce presents the Westside Awards each year in four categories – Business of the Year, Emerging Business of the Year, Westsider of the Year, and Not-for-Profit of the Year. This year’s recipients were announced in April and honored during a breakfast event this morning in the Brockey Center at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge.
If you weren’t there, you can see and hear the winners’ speeches in our videos:
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Easy Street Records
Easy Street proprietor Matt Vaughan was introduced by fellow Junction entrepreneur Jack Miller of Husky Deli, who declared “the reason West Seattle is cool is because of Easy Street” and observed that the music shop/café “is like a sacred place for a lot of people.” That includes the musicians whose work ESR deals in – of the artists, Miller mused, Easy Street “is a place where they want their music to be sold at.” Here’s Vaughan’s full speech:
Vaughan talked about his staff, his customers, his community, and his family – wife Kisha, kids Archie and Daisy (pictured with him above). “When it comes down to it, this is a family business, and they’re the reason I do it.” He estimated that he’s employed “more than 2,000 people over the years.” And he shared an LP’s worth of personal history, starting with growing up as a “rec-center kid .. between rec centers and record stores, I found my safe place.” He told the tale of going from record-store employee to record-store owner as a college sophomore, first taking over a space a few doors up California SW, then moving to the corner after a few years. How did he nab such a prime spot? Back then, “every other storefront in The Junction was vacant,” he explained. And after 35 years and many trials and tribulations – he recalled back-to-back burglaries in 1990, for example, and a six-figure embezzlement – the shop is alive and thriving, as is he. Words he said he lives by include “A kick in the ass is still a step forward.”
EMERGING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce
Tony Wilson rose from an even rougher childhood, which he said he chose to share with the audience so they could “see in human form what it is like to defy the odds.” Here’s his full speech:
Emerging from a difficult upbringing, and battling depression and anxiety resulting from childhood trauma, he started on a life of community service, starting with Hurricane Katrina relief. He also “worked in the music world and performed spoken word” – and then during an intensive home-cooking phase of the pandemic days in 2021, he invented “The Sauce.” After moving to Seattle, he turned “The Sauce” into a company – he’s selling it at farmers’ markets and stores, and has big plans to go regional and then nationwide. Wilson said he “had to learn about my power … the power you feel inside,” and strongly believes in ethics, morals, and community involvement. “We succeed by building together and not tearing each other down.”
WESTSIDER OF THE YEAR
Claiborne Bell
Bell owns Seattle Sorbets and the commissary-kitchen business at which it’s based, Distinguished Foods Kitchen Rental, in The Triangle. It’s home to 13 food-and-beverage businesses now, and, said Chamber executive director Whitney Moore in introducing him, he’s “putting entrepreneurship on the radar for so many young people.” Here’s Bell’s full speech:
Bell declared the Westsider of the Year honor to be “a team award,” saying his team started with his grandparents’ expectations of hard work and achievement, followed by his parents’ expectations of excellence, and onward. “Even when things were extremely bad, I never questioned that I was on the right team.”
NOT-FOR-PROFIT OF THE YEAR
Providence Mount St. Vincent
Emcee Brian Callanan introduced The Mount’s administrator Charlene Boyd by noting the center’s century-long history, including child care at its much-lauded Intergenerational Preschool. Here’s his introduction and Boyd’s speech:
Boyd observed that “We’re fortunate to live in a place where neighbors are helping neighbors” and recalled how that has played out so often for The Mount – when calls for help were answered with everything from masks during the pandemic to air conditioners during a historic heat wave. Dating back to its founding by the Sisters of Providence, The Mount has built “relationships that span generations,” Boyd said.
The event concluded with a reminder of other upcoming Chamber-presented events – as listed on the organization’s website – starting with the Battle for West Seattle softball game Sunday, which is a fundraiser for the West Seattle and White Center Food Banks.
P.S. You can see the lists of past Westside Award-winners – chosen each year from community nominations – by going here.
Less than two months ago, the mayor proposed a billion-dollar renewal/expansion of the city Housing Levy. Some wondered what the money from the current one is being spent on. Here’s an example. The city has announced $147 million in grants for projects totaling 1,150 housing units, from sources including the current levy, as well as the “JumpStart” payroll tax and developers fees from the HALA-born Mandatory Housing Affordability program. The projects receiving grants are shown in this slide deck. None are in West Seattle. The nearest are two in South Park – a 78-unit complex that Sea Mar will build and 30 townhomes that Habitat for Humanity is planning.
(Texted photos)
12:43 PM: Cleanup is under way today in north Morgan Junction, where a duplex was damaged when part of an under-construction building next door at 5952 California SW fell down onto it last night. Nobody was hurt, and the duplex owner told us the damage wasn’t major, but questions remain about why it happened – the initial report was that the wind blew the pieces down, though last night’s short-lived wind didn’t seem particularly strong.
We checked city files for the project at 5952 California SW; they show its “plywood sheathing” had undergone a construction inspection by a private firm just last week. And now last night’s incident has led to a complaint filed today with the city Department of Construction and Inspections, asking for urgent investigation and action; we’re checking on that with SDCI, and also attempting to contact the project’s owner. It’s been seven years since an apartment building was first proposed for the site; the property was sold last year.
ADDED TUESDAY EVENING: We asked SDCI spokesperson Bryan Stevens about the newly filed complaint. Stevens replied, “Inspectors are aware and looking into it” but didn’t expect an update until tomorrow. The online file also indicates that evaluation of the complaint is “in progress.”
11:50 AM: Just got word from Kersti Muul that a group of transient killer whales is heading northbound, approaching the Fauntleroy ferry lane at last report, but trending toward the west side of the channel, so you definitely need binoculars. Let us know if you see them!
12:56 PM: Kersti says in comments that another group is headed this way from Burien.
Just two months until West Seattle’s biggest party of the year, Summer Fest, July 14-16. The West Seattle Junction Association presents Summer Fest and has just announced the main-stage music lineup:
Friday
3:00 – The Potholes
4:00 – Waves Crashing
5:00 – Once For Kicks
6:00 – Randy Campbell
7:00 – Dusty 45’s
8:00 – Shaina Shepherd
9:00 – PolyrhythmicsSaturday
12:00 – Mode Music Showcase
1:00 – School of Rock
2:00 – Warren Dunes
3:00 – Mikey Moo
4:00 – Memphis Radio Kings
5:00 – Final Body
6:00 – Acid Tongue
7:00 – Jarv Dee
8:00 – Sandrider
9:00 – The Cave Singers
DJ Yo Adrien
As shown above, music is just on Friday and Saturday again this year. Festival hours will be 1-8 pm Friday (music later), 10 am-8 pm Saturday (music later), and 10 am-5 pm Sunday (including the Farmers’ Market). More Summer Fest previews in the weeks ahead!
(Lincoln Park – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
It’s cooldown Tuesday! Here’s what’s ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
POSTCARDS TO VOTERS: Long-distance political advocacy and networking continues 10:30 am at C & P Coffee Company – just drop in to join in. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
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.
SOFTBALL PLAYOFFS: West Seattle HS plays Lake Washington in the opening round of the district tournament, 5:30 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, you can play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).
IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING SKILLS: That’s part of what you can do with West Seattle Toastmasters 832, meeting online at 6:30 tonight.
OPEN MIC: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).
TRIVIA X 3: Three West Seattle places where you can play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 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 10th to celebrate the life of Betty Spadoni. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:
Elizabeth “Betty” Spadoni
December 3rd, 1955-January 31st, 2023On Monday, January 31st, we lost Betty to the battle she has had with her health in recent years. In true Betty form, she fought fiercely and never lost the spark we love so much.
Betty’s personality was one of a kind. Her quick wit and “always something to say” humor was what she was known for by friends and family. Born into the infamous Spadoni family to Dorothy and Henry in 1955, she was one of ten siblings that were raised in West Seattle. She joins her family including five of her brothers and sisters in paradise and leaves behind her children Jason Holmes, Sarah Holmes, and Mariah Lillie, as well as grandchildren Bella, Sicily, Jason Jr., Hudson, and Marquis. This is in addition to her four living siblings, Don (Judy), Marianne (Dan), Irene (Doug), and Steve (Debbie) as well as many nieces, nephews, and loved ones.
Always gaining energy from interacting with others, Betty spent her career working around people. This included being a lunch lady at Our Lady of Guadalupe school and working at her family-owned and operated restaurant Whizburger/ Huckleberry Square in Burien.
A celebration of life for Betty will be held at St. Bernadette Hall at 11 am on June 10th at St. Bernadette Parish School, 1028 SW 128th, Burien.
(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 16th.
WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Hot weather’s over for now – on to simply “warm.” Today’s forecast: Sunny, upper 70s. Sunrise was at 5:31 am; sunset will be at 8:41 pm.
TRANSIT
Metro – Regular schedule, but trip cancellations are still happening.
Water Taxi – Continuing the spring/summer schedule, including later runs Friday and Saturday nights.
Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule but with the chance of sailing cancellations 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 – another 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!
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