Still some big summer events to come, especially at Alki, and this one’s happening tomorrow:

AAU Strength Sports Director Andrew “Bull” Stewart will present the 2024 AAU 28th annual Bull Stewart Alki Beach Classic, taking place at the Alki Beach Bathhouse (2701 Alki Ave SW) on Saturday, August 10th.

(Photos courtesy Bull Stewart Alki Beach Classic)

Framed by the Olympic Mountains and Elliott Bay, this raw, drug-tested powerlifting and feats of strength event is the longest running of its kind in Seattle. Lifters from all ages and walks of life will be competing in the squat, bench and deadlift categories, along with new team category “Double Deadlift” (deadlift by two people) and Feats of Strength (tire throw, farmers walk, to name a few).

Event begins at 9 am, and is free to the public! There will be some limited seating, vendor booths, and a lot of energy brought by the friends and families of these world-class lifters!

Local director Andrew “Bull” Stewart has been promoting strength sport events in Washington for over 30 years (including the wildly popular “Bull Stewart Alki Beach Classic” held seasonally in August). Bull Stewart is a 15 year National/World drug-free powerlifting champion, Hall of Famer, coach of the #1 AAU powerlifting “Bull Power Team” 6 years in a row, the current Rainier Beach HS basketball strength coach, and the owner of Columbia City Fitness Center in Seattle (member of CCBA). His events are known to draw people of all walks of life together, generating a family friendly, positive environment where every member of our community is welcomed, regardless of race, creed, or religion.

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Starbucks moves up Alki’s final day to today

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

10:54 AM: Thanks for the tips. When Starbucks announced last month that it would permanently close its Alki shop, the final day was announced as this Sunday, August 11. But now there’s a note on the door (as shown in our photo above) saying the doors will close for the last time at 6 pm tonight (Friday, August 9). We have an inquiry out to the company asking about the change. When Starbucks announced the shutdown of the 2742 Alki Avenue SW store after 25 years, the company said only that the decision was the result of a process in which they “evaluate our store portfolio annually to determine where we can best meet our community and customers’ needs.”

11:39 AM: Starbucks spokesperson Sam Jefferies says the “change” is because he initially told us (and other media organizations, according to our online check of others’ stories) the wrong date – he now says it was always planned as today.

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The list for your West Seattle Friday

August 9, 2024 10:24 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Hydrangea blossom, photographed by Janelle Otterholt)

Here’s our Friday highlight list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, until 3 pm.

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

WADING POOLS: Open today – Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm; Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) and Hiawatha (2700 California SW), noon-5:30 pm.

COLMAN POOL: You can swim today in the outdoor heated-salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm – session times are on the Colman Pool webpage.

VISCON CELLARS: In addition to participation in West Seattle Wine Weekend, it’s a regular night for the tasting room/wine bar to be open for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

KENYON HALL CABARET: Monthly drag show, 7 pm at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), all ages, ticket link in our calendar listing.

GAME NIGHT, WITH WINE: 7-9 pm monthly event at Spruce Hill Winery (2960 4th Ave S. in SODO; WSB sponsor), play games, enjoy discounts on bottles of wine! Our calendar listing has info you’ll need to reserve your table.

AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.

AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, Drewby’s Going-Away Show with King Sheim and Sabrina Saed, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

CAMP LONG OUTDOOR MOVIE: The second of three Fridays this month with outdoor movies at Camp Long (5200 35th SW) starts tonight at dusk (8:30ish) with “Wakanda Forever” – free, BYO chair/blanket.

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Hershe! (4547 California SW)

JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).

YOU SKATE, THEY PLAY: “Make It Loud!” at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), roller skating to live bands, featuring The Warlochs, Oliver Elf Army, Eternal Wave. 9 pm. $18 cover, $5 skate.

What are we missing? If you have something else to add to our event lists and calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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UPDATE: SWAT units in Morgan Junction

August 9, 2024 6:34 am

| 18 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Thanks for the tips about SWAT units in Morgan Junction. Police have SW Morgan blocked right now between 40th and 42nd. All they’ll tell us is that it’s a warrant situation.

8:30 AM: The street has reopened.

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TRAFFIC, ROAD WORK, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Friday notes + weekend preview, including eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct closure

August 9, 2024 6:00 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, August 9.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Until 9 tonight, we’re still under a Heat Advisory. Meantime, the forecast is for sun, mid-80s, with smoky haze. Today’s sunrise was at 5:58 am, while sunset will be at 8:30 pm.

TRANSIT NOTES

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes. That includes later runs for the West Seattle route.

Metro buses today – Regular schedules; check for advisories here.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, and the unscheduled third boat may be available. Check that link before you sail.

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT CLOSURE SCHEDULE FOR TONIGHT + WEEKEND

*The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project continues. Here’s the current closure schedule – for tonight and this weekend, it starts with two eastbound left lanes closing 7-10 pm tonight, then the entire eastbound SSV plus one westbound left lane will close from 10 pm tonight until 5 am Monday. The added westbound lane closure means that the northbound I-5 exit to the westbound West Seattle Bridge will be closed for the weekend too. (Note that the closure ended early last weekend, so we’ll be watching in case that happens again this time, and we’ll publish an update if it does.)

ALSO THIS WEEKEND

On Saturday, Seacrest is the start and finish for Peace Peloton‘s Summit to Sound bike ride. Riders leave in shuttles in the morning to go to the start of 80- and 50-mile routes, which end with a celebration at Seacrest.

OTHER ROAD WORK NOTES

*Here’s the latest on the East Marginal Way S. project, particularly of note for people who travel by bike between downtown and West Seattle:

WHAT: Updated detour route for people biking on East Marginal Way S

WHEN: Starting as soon as August 12 and lasting for several weeks

WHERE: People biking will be routed onto the street of E Marginal Way S in temporary protected bike lanes from S Spokane St to north of the Terminal 30 parking lot at approximately S Stacy St. At the T30 parking lot / S Stacy St, people will be routed back into the existing bike lanes and sidewalk on the west side of the street. Please note that the T30 parking lot is south of the main T30 entrance.

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project is in progress. Fairmount Avenue is closed under the bridge for the duration of the project, at least into early 2025. Lane closures have begun on the top deck too.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch. Watch for no-parking zones and steel plates, plus flaggers.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (Some important cameras are back but some others remain out)

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

Low bridge: Here’s the main view:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gas-station mini-mart robbery (updated)

August 9, 2024 3:21 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

3:21 AM: Right now, police are investigating a robbery reported just after 3 am at the Fauntleroy/Alaska Shell station mini-mart. The only description so far is five Black male teenagers, two dressed in all black, two in gray shirts and black pants, one in a red shirt and black pants, all in masks. They’re believed to have left in a vehicle, heading eastbound on Alaska, but there’s no description of it yet. Police say the clerk didn’t see a weapon but believes they were armed. Dispatch has told officers that this may be linked to a robbery in North Seattle earlier tonight.

12:54 PM: A bit of additional info from SPD – they say the robbers “walked in and pushed the clerk up against the wall demanding money (then) took cash and tobacco products.” SPD also notes that “fingerprints were lifted from the scene.” (added) SPD incident #, if you have any information, is 24-222163.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Smoky-sky sunset

August 8, 2024 9:45 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Photo by James Bratsanos)

Thanks for the photos! The forecast warned smoky haze would move in this afternoon, and it tinted the sunset in a big way.

(Photo by Lana from Gatewood)

Earlier this week, the state Smoke Information site suggested two fires in our state and two in Canada might contribute to the haze, which is expected to linger through tomorrow, and then get “scoured out” over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service. So far the air quality isn’t horrible but it’s definitely worse than usual, so take care if you’re vulnerable.

(Photo by David Hutchinson)

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Scenes from August 2024’s West Seattle Art Walk

August 8, 2024 6:40 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

6:40 PM: Second Thursdays bring the West Seattle Art Walk, and it’s happening right now! We stopped first at West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor), featuring two artists tonight – Mike Henderson (profiled here recently) and Charlie Harries. They collaborated on work including what you see in our top photo.

Charlie is celebrating his birthday (there’s cake!) and Mike showed us his newly published children’s book “Rocks: What Are They Doing?”.

He’ll be leading a puppet-making workshop at WSR on upcoming Thursdays (starting August 15), 4-7 pm, culminating in a puppet show at the August 24th Admiral Funktion street party! Mike and Charlie are at WSR until 8 tonight. More to come – check out tonight’s featured artists and venues here!

6:59 PM: That’s some of the work of artist Matthew D Hoover, at West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW) tonight; he says his work often depicts places he’s been, from Eastern Washington to Tuscany and beyond.

He works in oil and acrylic, primarily. WSG is also one of the three Art of Music venues:

Joshua Dennis is scheduled to play until 7:45, same end time for Larry Murante at Beveridge Place Pub in Morgan Junction and Fae Wiedenhoeft at John L. Scott in The Junction.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Center for Active Living’s community open house and mural preview

August 8, 2024 5:56 pm

| 15 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

That’s a peek at part of the mural that will soon wrap around the Center for Active Living – debuting tonight at the center’s Community Open House. You can talk to artist Brady Black, who has examples of his other work too:

The mural will wrap around the front and side of the center, facing California and Oregon, and will include images of members. Meantime, inside the center at 4217 SW Oregon, you can also find out about its programs (more than 40 offered every week) and its “well-kept secret” restaurant, Margie’s Café (which you can visit even if you’re not one of the center’s 1,300+ members):

Amy Lee Derenthal is the center’s executive director:

The open house is on until 8, and then the center remains open until 10 pm for an ’80s dance party – free admission, live DJ, beverages (beer, wine, nonalcoholic) available for purchase.

P.S. Whether you stop by tonight or not – as we mentioned a few days ago, the center is welcoming new volunteers!

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City gets state funding to study how to increase tree canopy over part of south West Seattle

August 8, 2024 3:41 pm

| 77 COMMENTS

| Environment | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

If you’re in the area of West Seattle shown on the map below, the city will be studying ways to increase the tree canopy in your neighborhood:

This is one of four census tracts around the city – the only one in West Seattle – covered by a state grant discussed briefly at this past Tuesday’s meeting of the Transportation Committee, chaired by District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka:

Councilmembers have to approve acceptance of grants, so that’s why SDOT had to explain this $302,000 grant to them. During the short briefing, SDOT explained that the census tracts covered by the grant average only 25 percent tree-canopy cover, and the money will be used to look for opportunities to increase that. The department provided this link to the state’s announcement of the grants earlier this year; as noted during the meeting, whatever the studies find would potentially be used to pursue other funding to actually plant trees.

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FOLLOWUP: Another milestone in Seattle Public Library’s restoration of services

August 8, 2024 1:48 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news

Two and a half months after what was described as a “ransomware attack” dramatically disrupted the Seattle Public Library‘s operations, another milestone in restoration: As of today, the online catalog is accessible again, says SPL:

Online catalog available, including placing new holds. You can now log in to the Library’s online catalog, see your checkouts and holds, and place new holds on all items. (Please note that new holds may take longer than usual to fill initially, as we may receive a large number of requests.) … When you log into your account, please update your holds list and cancel those you’re no longer interested in, which will help us and help you! If you see anything missing or have questions, feel free to contact us at www.spl.org/Ask

SPL continues to list the status of its services here; what’s not available yet – including computers and pickup lockers – should be available by the end of this month.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Crash-and-grab burglars steal mini-mart ATM

August 8, 2024 11:55 am

| 17 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Thanks for the tips on this. Crash-and-grab burglars in a pickup truck hit the Lincoln Park 76’s minimart just before 4 am today. A 911 caller reported a white Ford pickup with a double cab “ramming into the front of the store,” according to archived dispatch audio; a short time later another caller reported seeing that pickup driving away “with an ATM strapped to (it).” When we went down for a look a short time ago, store staff confirmed their ATM was taken, as did police, who tell WSB: “The vehicle backed up into the business and rammed it about three times, destroying the front doors and burglar bars. Three suspects wrapped a chain around an ATM inside the business and pulled it out. The suspects loaded the ATM on the truck, and they grabbed other items inside the store.” SPD also noted, “The estimated damage and loss to the business is over $20,000” and say detectives obtained fingerprint and video evidence. If you have any information, the incident # is 24-221091.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: Buy and/or sell human-powered watercraft @ West Seattle Boat Swap

August 8, 2024 11:44 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Still lots of time to get out on the water this summer – and you have a chance on Saturday to buy/sell gear at the annual West Seattle Boat Swap! Here are the details:

(Registration link here)

This August 10th community event is a great opportunity to buy and sell human-powered watercraft (Kayaks, SUPs, Canoes) and paddle accessories! We will have used paddle boards and kayaks from Mountain to Sound Outfitters and Alki Kayak Tours’ demo and rental fleets available at discounted rates in addition to consignment boats and gear.

To Shop:
11 am-4 pm on Saturday
– Cashiers & sales staff are available to help!

To Sell:
MUST REGISTER ONLINE to sell gear at the Swap!
– Day Of Drop Off on Saturday, 8/10, 9 am-11 am
– Pick Up unsold Items on Saturday, 4 pm-5 pm

QUESTIONS? Email gearswap@m2soutfitters.com

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West Seattle Art Walk with music, Center for Active Living open house, Mode’s under-21 open mic, much more for your West Seattle Thursday

August 8, 2024 9:58 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

We start today’s highlight list with tonight’s biggest event:

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Second Thursday brings the West Seattle Art Walk! From North Admiral to Morgan Junction, dozens of businesses welcome you to stop and see art and/or enjoy food/drink specials. Here’s the list:

You can preview specific venues and participating artists here; most receptions run 5 pm-8 pm. Also tonight:

THE ART OF MUSIC: Three musicians comprise tonight’s Art of Music lineup, at three venues, all free mini-concerts scheduled for 6-7:45 pm – here’s a preview of Larry Murante, who will be at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW):

The Art of Music presents Larry Murante from JaroslawMedia on Vimeo.

Fae Wiedenhoeft will be at John L. Scott in The Junction (4555 California SW):

Joshua Dennis will be at West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW):

Now, here’s what else is happening for the rest of your Thursday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

GLASS FLOAT HUNT: The second week begins for the hunt presented by the West Seattle Junction Association and WS Chamber of Commerce -go here to see how to join the search if you’re not in the hunt already!

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: If you need late-summer-and-beyond plants, the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Annuals, perennials, sun, shade, natives, edibles, ground covers … wide variety!

SPRAYPARK: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open every day through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm, free.

COLMAN POOL: You can swim today in this outdoor heated-salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm – session times are on the Colman Pool webpage.

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, the 7-day-a-week wading pool is open today noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area.

DELRIDGE & HIAWATHA WADING POOLS: These two part-time wading pools are also open today, noon-5:30 pm. (4501 Delridge Way SW and 2700 California SW)

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

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room/wine bar open Thursdays-Saturdays 1 pm-6 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Food too – stop by to sip and nosh!

STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm yoga class at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight you’ll find Project Pizza at HPCS.

UNDER-21 OPEN MIC: Monthly event presented by Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) next door at The Skylark – signups 5 pm, music at 6. This month’s optional theme – hits of the ’80s and ’90s. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE: 5 pm-8 pm, visit the Center for Active Living, take a tour, see the final design for its new outside mural, more. (4217 SW Oregon)

VISCON CELLARS: Along with Art Walk participation, the West Seattle winery’s tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for a group walk in Lincoln Park – details in our calendar listing.

‘THE FIRST WORLD FLIGHT’: The speaker series Words, Writers, Southwest Stories focuses on aviation history tonight – 6 pm online presentation; details and registration link are in our calendar listing.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at Good Society (California/Lander) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: 6:30 pm, meet at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for a 3-mile run through the neighborhood. (Walking option, too!)

BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday it’s blues night.

COFFEEHOUSE OPEN MIC: All genres welcome at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm.

TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).

’80S DANCE PARTY: Free dance party with DJ spinning’80s hits – come in retro clothing if you want – beverages available for purchase. 8 pm at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).

Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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BACK-TO-SCHOOL: Signup time for West Seattle High School fall sports

August 8, 2024 9:00 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Though Seattle Public Schools classes are still four weeks away, tryouts and practices for fall high-school sports are as close as two weeks away. West Seattle High School asked us to share the info packet for athletes and families looking ahead to fall sports – girls’ Swim & Dive, Volleyball, Soccer, Cross Country, Golf; boys’ Football, Cross Country, Golf. The packet has info on start dates, coach contacts, and what to do before the season, starting with registration; here’s the packet, and here’s the registration link. Also note that the WSHS calendar has “Fall Sports Family Night” set for 7 pm September 3.

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TRAFFIC, ROAD WORK, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Thursday info, including Spokane St. Viaduct lane closures

August 8, 2024 6:03 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, August 8.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Starting at noon, we’ll be under a Heat Advisory. Aside from that, the forecast is for sun, mid-80s, with haze/smoke in the afternoon/evening. Today’s sunrise was at 5:56 am, while sunset will be at 8:32 pm.

(Sunday at sunset, from Lincoln Park – photo by Tom Trulin)

TRANSIT NOTES

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.

Metro buses today – Regular schedules; check for advisories here.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, and the unscheduled third boat may be available. Check that link before you sail.

EASTBOUND SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT’S NEWEST CLOSURE SCHEDULE

*The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project continues. Here’s the newest closure schedule, including eastbound left lanes closing tonight 7 pm-6 am (remember that the entire eastbound direction closes again this weekend).

OTHER ROAD WORK NOTES

*Here’s the latest on the East Marginal Way S. project, particularly of note for people who travel by bike between downtown and West Seattle:

WHAT: Updated detour route for people biking on East Marginal Way S

WHEN: Starting as soon as August 12 and lasting for several weeks

WHERE: People biking will be routed onto the street of E Marginal Way S in temporary protected bike lanes from S Spokane St to north of the Terminal 30 parking lot at approximately S Stacy St. At the T30 parking lot / S Stacy St, people will be routed back into the existing bike lanes and sidewalk on the west side of the street. Please note that the T30 parking lot is south of the main T30 entrance.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch. Watch for no-parking zones and steel plates, plus flaggers.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (Some important cameras are back but some others remain out)

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

Low bridge: Here’s the main view:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: The prowler who identified himself

August 7, 2024 10:40 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two readers sent us this security video of a prowler seen early Tuesday in the 2300 block of Harbor Avenue SW:

One of the readers, Morgan, explained that in addition to the prowling, “He was confronted sleeping in an abandoned lots next to 2325 Harbor Ave and told to leave; during this time he provided his name as Eric Mason. He was walking north on Harbor Ave toward Alki. During his prowl he checked the doors of my truck and cased the entire property.” Both readers noted this WSB story from earlier this year, with the Tuesday video matching a charging-document photo in that story, in which we reported that Mason had just been charged in a Junction business burglary. A check of jail records shows he was released from jail on May 29, after 16 days; Judge Suzanne Parisien granted him release on personal recognizance. Meantime, records show he is still awaiting a competency evaluation, and is due back in court in two weeks for a check-in on whether that’s happened yet; documents from the previous two hearings don’t explain why the evaluation was delayed. That will factor into the cases in which he is still awaiting trial, including the Junction charges we first mentioned in May. Meantime, the SPD incident # from the Tuesday prowling is 24-219111.

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BIZNOTE: Pizzeria 22 founder announces restaurant’s new owner

August 7, 2024 7:58 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

After 13 years, Cary Kemp has sold Pizzeria 22. Here’s the announcement he sent us about the change for the Admiral District restaurant (4213 SW College):

It is with great excitement and a heavy heart that I announce the sale of my beloved restaurant Pizzeria 22.

I’m grateful and so happy to inform you all that I am selling Pizzeria 22 to our former Front of House and Bar Manager of 5 years Brandi Pierce. Brandi has remained on our books over the years and is very excited to take over the reins at Pizzeria 22 as the new owner. Please don’t fret, as Pizzeria 22 will continue on with the same name, menu, and most importantly, our amazing staff.

I want to thank the residents of Seattle, West Seattle, and North Admiral for supporting me and my family for the last 13 years. I have seen a generation of children grow up eating our pizza, some of whom have come to work their first job at Pizzeria 22. I have so many regular customers that have become family to me over the years. Both of my daughters have worked at Pizzeria 22 and my oldest daughter Plum will continue on working with Brandi in this new exciting era of Neapolitan Pizza.

Since our opening on June 30th, 2011, Pizzeria 22 remains the only VPN Certified pizzeria in West Seattle. We still import the Caputo “00” flour and world-famous San Marzano Tomatoes from Napoli and our wood-fired oven was also built and shipped to us from Naples as well. I can guarantee you that Brandi is dedicated to continuing these age-old traditions and will continue sourcing the best Italian ingredients.

Lastly, I would like to personally thank Chef Daniel, our head pizziolo at Pizzeria 22. Daniel has worked our oven and been our leader in the kitchen since the day we opened over 13 years ago. His dedication and commitment to making the best pizza in Seattle has been unparalleled in our business. Daniel is excited to continue executing the menu at 22, as well as developing our Monthly Special Menu which we started last year.

I hope you all will continue to support Brandi and Pizzeria 22 and again, thank you for continued support over the years. I won’t miss the stress, but I will surely miss seeing you at Pizzeria 22.

(Image: 2011 WSB photo of Cary from just before Pizzeria 22 opened)

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ELECTION 2024: Primary results, day 2

August 7, 2024 5:15 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Here’s our update of second-day numbers in the local/state/federal races we mentioned last night (plus one, by reader request), now that King County’s daily count (and many other counties) is in:

SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL POSITION 8 (citywide, full results here) – top two advance

Alexis Mercedes Rinck 52,762 47.00%
Tanya Woo 46,293 41.24%
Saunatina Sanchez 4,842 4.31%
Tariq Yusuf 4,442 3.96%
Saul Patu 3,532 3.15%

34TH DISTRICT STATE HOUSE POSITION 1 – both advance

Emily Alvarado (D)* 21,769 85.23%
Kimberly M. Cloud (R) 3,703 14.5%

34TH DISTRICT STATE HOUSE POSITION 2 – both advance

Joe Fitzgibbon (D)* 21,593 84.1%
Jolie Lansdowne (R) 4,045 15.76%

FROM STATE/FEDERAL RESULTS

GOVERNOR – top two advance

Bob Ferguson (D) 511,653 45.46%
Dave Reichert (R) 316,661 28.14%
Semi Bird (R) 106,338 9.45%
Mark Mullet (D) 66,254 5.89%

ATTORNEY GENERAL – top two advance

Pete Serrano (R) 463,891 41.88%
Nick Brown (D) 397,387 35.87%
Manka Dhingra (D) 245,655 22.18%

(Nick Brown is a West Seattle resident.)

STATE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC LANDS – top two advance

Jaime Herrera Beutler (R) 245,924 22.55%
Sue Kuehl Pederson (R) 221,787 20.33%
Dave Upthegrove (D) 218,819 20.06%
Patrick DePoe (D) 145,986 13.38%

U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 7 – top two advance

Pramila Jayapal (D)* 99,387 78.51%
Dan Alexander (R) 11,043 8.72%
Liz Hallock (D) 9,868 7.79%
Cliff Moon (R) 6,026 4.76%

By request …

STATE SUPREME COURT, POSITION 2 – top two advance

Sal Mungia 426,675 42.2%
Dave Larson 374,072 37%
Todd A. Bloom 169,613 16.78%
David R Shelvey 36,295 3.59%

Next King County vote count is planned tomorrow afternoon.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: ‘Heat Advisory’ alert for next two days

August 7, 2024 3:55 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Monday sunrise photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

The weather pendulum swings again. On Tuesday our high temperature was nine degrees below normal for that date; now the National Weather Service says abnormally hot weather is on the way. It’s issued a “Heat Advisory” alert for noon Thursday through 9 pm Friday, with these details:

Hot conditions with temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s expected. This will pose a moderate to isolated major risk of heat-related illness. … Heat will significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses for those who are sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling or adequate hydration. … Areas of elevated smoke and haze are expected to move over western Washington Thursday and Friday. This could result in slightly lower temperatures than forecast.

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FOLLOWUP: Long-closed wading pool reopens, for a short season

August 7, 2024 2:59 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

The wading pool at EC Hughes Playground (2805 SW Holden) was closed when wading-pool season started six weeks ago, because of what Seattle Parks described as a pipe problem. Now it’s finally open again, but not for long; the pool is open 12-7 pm Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, and August 18th – one week from this Sunday – is the scheduled end of its season. Most other wading pools close in mid-August too; the only West Seattle wading pool open through Labor Day will be 7-days-a-week Lincoln Park.

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Parking problems on the other half of Alki Point Healthy Street

August 7, 2024 1:00 pm

| 69 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

The extensive discussion about the Alki Point Healthy Street in the past few years has focused almost entirely on its south stretch – Beach Drive from Alki Point to 63rd SW. Some of the “permanent” features installed on its north stretch – Alki Avenue from 63rd SW to the point – have led to a problem that multiple nearby residents have emailed us about.

The photo above, from Greg, was taken near the west end of the beach park. It shows a “no parking” sign at left – and cars parked past it, despite the “wheel stops” meant to reinforce the message. He explained that “people continue to park illegally, blocking the turnaround past 64th Place. 64th Place (which has many families with children) has now become an unsafe arterial. Even without cars parked illegally on Alki, most cannot make the tight radius turn and must back up. The most dangerous issue are those who don’t understand the traffic flow past the circle and they DRIVE in the bike lane.” Greg says he had reported it to the city without response before contacting us. So we took it to SDOT, whose spokesperson Ethan Bergerson tells us:

We are considering some adjustments to help address these concerns:

-There is currently a gap between the concrete wheel stops by the bike rack which is large enough for a vehicle to drive through or park. We could add another wheel stop to fill this gap and clarify this confusion.

-We are also considering moving the “Street Closed Ahead” sign to be more visible from a distance to drivers as they approach this cul-de-sac.

For a better view of the “cul-de-sac,” here’s a photo from Jennifer:

We’ll keep watch to see what happens.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Three businesses robbed in less than an hour

August 7, 2024 11:02 am

| 23 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Police are investigating three strong-arm robberies (no weapons) at West Seattle businesses reported within the span of less than an hour this morning, likely involving the same two robbers. The first one was reported around 7:15 am at the Chevron station at 35th/Holden. Two robbers walked in, pushed the clerk out of the way, went to the register and got away with $700 in cash. According to dispatch audio, the robbers were described as male, Black, in their late teens or early 20s, one 5’11” and stocky, the other a couple inches shorter and medium build, masked and wearing dark clothing. They left on foot eastbound on Holden; a K-9 team helped search but they weren’t found. Then just after 7:30, robbers matching the description went into the South Delridge 7-11, “forced their way to the cash register in a similar way,” and left with $500 in cash. Then while police were still investigating that robbery, a third was reported at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), same descriptions, same method, but that time they netted much less cash. If you have any information, the 35th/Holden robbery is 24-220072, the Delridge robbery is 24-220091, and the Highland Park Way is 24-220103; police say you can call the SPD tipline at 206-233-5000 or phone an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.

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