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Spotlight Stories


  • The Kenney

    SEEKING STABILITY: The Kenney’s new status

  • Blue Angels

    BLUE ANGELS: Practicing today

  • Concert

    ADMIRAL MUSIC IN PARKS: Final concert tonight

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Summer-camp counselor assaulted
July 27, 2024 1:36 pm
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Reader report, received today from a staffer at Hazelwood Preschool, which rents space at Fauntleroy Church, next to Fauntleroy Park, and is operating a summer camp program too:

We have to use a small part of a Fauntleroy Park trail to get to our playground. Yesterday – Friday, July 26th, around 2 PM – two of our camp counselors were leading a group of 4-7 year olds up the trail and entered our playground. While the children were getting inside, a man walking his Husky off-leash was coming down the trail toward our group. His dog, though not aggressive, ran toward the children and jumped up on the gate as it was closing, which opened it more and he tried to come inside. One of our summer camp counselors immediately intervened, placing himself between the dog and the children, and called for the owner to get his dog on a leash. Unfortunately, the man became very upset and aggressive, yelled and grabbed our staff member, and pushed him violently against the slide, causing him to hit his head and fall to the ground. The man then quickly left the premises. While none of the children were physically harmed, many of them witnessed the incident and were understandably scared.

The man then walked to the parking lot of Fauntleroy Church, where our security cameras took this picture below.

Unfortunately, his car doesn’t have plates so the police have not yet been able to locate him.

We need help identifying this man. The man was wearing a blue shirt and shorts. White, possibly in his 40s. Tan with short hair. The police gave us an incident #, 24-207530, and if anyone has any information, they want them to call 911.

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Brown water in South Delridge
July 27, 2024 1:06 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

Thanks to Iris for the photo and report:

Sharing that our house has brown water running from all faucets in South Delridge. Curious if others have reported the same?

No emergencies on the Seattle Public Utilities water-trouble map, so it could be hydrant testing … nonetheless, discolored water should always be reported to SPU’s 24/7 hotline, 206-386-1800.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: 2024 ‘Da Grind’ racing for outrigger canoes – and other paddlers – off Alki
July 27, 2024 11:14 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Outrigger canoe racers are in the water off Alki today for the annual “Da Grind,” presented by the Seattle Outrigger Canoe Club. But they’re not the only paddlers participating – the event has a standup-paddleboard component too:

Short-course racers took off at 9 am.

Some long-course racers were scheduled to start at 10:30.

And the final group heads out at 1 pm. The event also includes booths on the beach:

It all wraps up with an award ceremony around 3:30 pm.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Parade on the way to the parade
July 27, 2024 10:47 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

Thanks to Eddie for the photos! In today’s highlight list, we mentioned the annual sighting of “no-parking” signs on Harbor Avenue because Seafair Torchlight Parade floats would be parking in a port lot. Eddie caught some of the floats crossing the low bridge this morning:

The parade starts at 3 pm near the Space Needle and heads southbound on 4th Avenue to Seneca.

Some of the parade entries travel hundreds of miles to participate.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 33 notes!
July 27, 2024 6:07 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Honey bee on flower, photographed near Lincoln Park by Steve Bender)

Welcome to the weekend! Here are our notes for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):

HARBOR AVENUE PARKING RESTRICTIONS: It’s an annual tradition – some of the Seafair Torchlight Parade floats use a port-owned lot before and/or after the parade, so Harbor becomes a no-parking zone to ensure they’ve got enough room to maneuver.

SPEAKING OF THE TORCHLIGHT PARADE: If you’re heading downtown, remember there’ll be street closures for the parade, which starts at 3 pm near the Space Needle and proceeds southbound on 4th Avenue to Seneca (here’s the map)

‘DA GRIND’ OUTRIGGER RACING: Dozens of outrigger canoes will be racing short and long courses from Alki through the day, with registration starting at 7 am, the first races at 9 am.

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run,

HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free community meditation, 9 am at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor SW).

WALKING IN SCHMITZ PRESERVE PARK: 10 am, join Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks for a unique look at this park. Registration is closed but organizers told us last night that they DO have room for walk-ups. Free. Meet at Admiral/Stevens trailhead.

DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market’s fourth season offers produce, plants, condiments, prepared food, more. (9421 18th SW)

STORYTIME AT SEOLA POND: Join a local teacher for stories in the greenspace off SW 106th [map], 10 am.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: You’re invited to join others taking a walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy), 10 am.

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Summer gardening season still has weeks to go – add something new! Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.

MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

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

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK OPEN: Spraypark season continues – open 11 am-8 pm, free, every day. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

COLMAN POOL: Open noon-7 pm on the Lincoln Park shore – find the session schedule online. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park, the season continues for the only 7-days-a-week wading pool in West Seattle, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

HIAWATHA WADING POOL OPEN: Also open today, noon-5:30 pm. (2700 California SW)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm. Last chance to see its award-winning Longfellow Creek exhibit! (61st/Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

HAND-BUILT COFFEE MUGS: Make your own at The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), 1-3 pm.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: The tasting room/wine bar is open 1-6 pm with student-produced wines and “affordable eats” at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

RAT CITY BAZAAR: 3-7 pm, shop an eclectic array of items at this monthly bazaar inside Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).

‘READY FREDDY’ PARTY: Just 45 minutes can get you a jump-start on the road to being prepared in case of disaster – information to help keep you and your family safe. Get it at Alice Kuder‘s free “Ready Freddy” prep party, 3 pm at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW) – registration link is in our calendar listing.

NEPENTHE’S WALK-IN MASSAGE CLINIC: 3-5 pm, show up at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) with a specific problem to be addressed by massage, and you’ll get a free (gratuities appreciated) trial of their work.

SOULFEST BLOCK PARTY: Music! Food! Art! One-of-a-kind chance to hang out and enjoy a summer evening with your West Seattle neighbors. Starts at 4 pm in the 6300 block of 46th SW; our calendar listing has the ticket link, prices, and event schedule.

SALSA & BACHATA ON ALKI: Ready to dance? Another session at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza starts with lessons at 4:30 pm – details and fees in our calendar listing.

BRAZILIAN JAZZ: Tarde em Itapoa live at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, no cover, all ages.

ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)

LIVE AT KENYON HALL: David Duvall Trio, doors at 7 pm, ticket link in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)

LIVE MUSIC AT WHISKY WEST: Tom Hutyler, 8-11 pm. (6451 California SW)

BEATS AT THE ROOM: Revelry Room continues with Saturday night DJs – 9 pm. Tonight, DJ Proh Mic. (4547 California SW, alley side)

WEST END GIRLS CANCELED: No drag extravaganza at The Skylark tonight, but hostess Cookie Couture promises the show will be back next month (August 31 – tickets here).

KARAOKE AT THE PIZZERIA: Saturday nights, you can sing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.

West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event belongs on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Desmond Hansen’s new signal-box portrait: Tribute to West Seattle-born composer Earl Robinson, thanks to an auction donation
July 26, 2024 10:46 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS culture/arts

(WSB photo)

That’s the newest signal-box portrait painted by West Seattle artist Desmond Hansen. It’s at California and Hanford [map]; a reader tipped us about it today. It’s a tribute to Earl Robinson (1910-1991), an accomplished composer who spent his early and late life in West Seattle. His life was chronicled by West Seattle filmmaker, storyteller, and educator B.J. Bullert in a televised documentary, “Earl Robinson: Ballad of an American,” after his death in 1991 in a car crash on Admiral Way.

Earl Robinson Ballad of an American from BJ Bullert on Vimeo.

You can also thank Bullert for the new portrait, as well as Hansen – it’s the result of her winning bid at this year’s Southwest Seattle Historical Society auction (as we noted in our report on that event). After her $1,200 bid scored the right to commission a box by Hansen (his donation for the auction), she said she was envisioning Earl Robinson. She was there today as Hansen worked on the box:

(Photo by Ken Workman)

The location is doubly relevant – Mr. Robinson attended West Seattle High School, around the corner, and, Bullert says, lived at 41st and Manning, blocks away, a few years before his death. Some of his better-known songs, she says, are “Joe Hill” – “Joan Baez sang ‘Joe Hill’ as did many on picket lines. Frank Sinatra sang ‘The House I Live In,’ and Paul Robeson sang ‘Ballad for Americans.’ Three Dog Night made ‘Black and White’ a hit. Lots more. One of his last songs was ‘Message from a New Address’ about death. It’s in the film.” In addition to watching her film, you can learn more about Earl Robinson from this HistoryLink essay.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen Specialized e-bike
July 26, 2024 9:04 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Received tonight from Mark:

My dark green Specialized electric Mountain Bike was stolen out of the PCC garage 7:40 pm Friday 26th. 2 men in a Hummer H2 SUT short-bed pickup.

Mark’s awaiting the police-report #; we’ll add it when available.

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Another West Seattle bridge project is about to start
July 26, 2024 7:12 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Safety | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

Back in February, we mentioned that work was ahead for the “salmon bone bridge” across Longfellow Creek in North Delridge. Now Seattle Public Utilities has announced that work is about to begin. As explained on the project page:

The Salmon Bone Bridge was designed by renowned Seattle-based artist Lorna Jordan and was installed in 1999 as part of the Longfellow Creek Habitat Improvement Project. The bridge was designed to invoke the skeletal structure of a fish and the deck was made from recycled cedar timbers arranged in a herringbone pattern. The Bridge is also known as the Adams Fish Bridge.

Since then, the timber deck has deteriorated and has become unsafe. As a result … SPU covered the deck with plywood and an anti-slip surface, which altered the bridge’s aesthetic. This project aims to honor the artist’s original vision while improving pedestrian safety by replacing the deck with materials designed for slip resistance and long service life.

After exploring several materials for deck replacement, SPU selected Cordeck Dots decking material. This weathering steel product is a long-lasting option that will mimic the visual appearance of the original deck.

SPU will replace the deck … The restored bridge will preserve the artist’s original design, but will be more durable and accessible, and safer, while requiring less maintenance.

The work will start in early August and will close the bridge for up to three months, according to this notice that SPU says will be circulated to neighbors starting next week.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Charges filed in West Seattle fire-engine theft
July 26, 2024 5:46 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

The man arrested for allegedly briefly stealing a fire engine in West Seattle early Wednesday is now charged. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged 22-year-old Emanuel D. Wentworth of South Park with motor-vehicle theft and second-degree driving with a suspended/revoked license. The narrative with the charging documents says he only drove the engine (South Park-based Engine 26) about 300 feet from where it had been parked during a medical call at Arrowhead Gardens; as he left the cab, firefighters and a bystander yelled at him to stop, but he kept walking. Police subsequently found him walking nearby, at 1st/Cloverdale. The charging documents say that after being advised of his rights, Wentworth explained that he took the fire engine because he wanted to “see how it feels.” A firefighter explained to police that Wentworth might have been able to drive it farther if they hadn’t set the parking brake.

As we reported in our previous story, the King County Jail docket shows that this is Wentworth’s ninth booking in nine months. Only two of those cases have been referred by police to prosecutors – both auto thefts – and KCPAO spokesperson Casey McNerthney tells WSB they charged Wentworth in both those cases, which are still making their way through the system. He adds, “In every other investigation, King County prosecutors have gone to court and asked for the defendant to be held, and been successful in those arguments. But none of those five felony investigations have been referred by police to King County prosecutors. … The cases may still be under police investigation. The diminished staffing of Seattle Police might also be a factor here. Either way, we know SPD officers and detectives have hard jobs and prosecutors will review any case if it’s sent to our office.” The cases in which he has not been charged included three burglaries, a robbery, and a stolen vehicle, one case in southeastern West Seattle and the others in South Park, downtown, and North Seattle. His most recent jail stay, for a failure-to-appear warrant, ended July 1st, when he was released to an alternative check-in program – with which he never checked in,, In the new case in which he has just been charged, bail is set at $50,000, and he remains in custody, pending arraignment in two weeks.

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UPDATE: Man found dead on Fauntleroy beach
July 26, 2024 3:01 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(WSB photo)

3:01 PM: Thanks for the tips. Police are investigating the discovery of a dead person on the beach in Fauntleroy, in a residential area south of the ferry dock. Our photo was taken looking south from the dock; the person’s body was on the beach just to the right of the driftwood at the photo’s right edge. This is the same area where a search was under way early Wednesday morning after a report of someone splashing and calling for help. Despite searches by sea and, later in the day, by air, no one was found at that time. We’re following up with police and will add anything more we find out.

3:49 PM: SPD spokesperson Officer Brian Pritchard says the call originally came in as an unclothed man dead on the beach, and that’s what police confirmed upon arrival. He says there’s no sign of foul play, though it’ll be up to the Medical Examiner to determine the cause of death.

(Photo sent by Leif)

They do believe this is the same person who was the subject of the Wednesday morning search, because of the clothing found on a small swimming dock (as mentioned in our previous story).

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Restoration dilemma after West Seattle Junction mural vandalized again
July 26, 2024 1:25 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Cropped photo – the red-paint tagging extends the full length and to the bottom edge)

If you’ve been to the West Seattle Junction parking lot behind the KeyBank block in the past few weeks, you might have noticed the extensive tagging vandalism on the mural along the south side of the lot, “The Old Mud Hole.” Thanks to Doug for the photos – including this one showing the plaque with the mural’s history:

This is at least the second time in five years that vandals have damaged this mural – here’s one of our 2019 reports – and this time, restoration poses a dilemma. Chris Mackay of the West Seattle Junction Association tells WSB, “Our graffiti team attempted to clean the mural but it’s not possible without destroying it.” So for starters, she’s trying to reach its artist, Mike Svob (who is in British Columbia). This mural is one of 11, mostly in The Junction, created and installed more than 30 years ago as part of a civic enhancement/beautification project. Some were restored through an endowment from the late Adah Rhodes Cruzen, widow of Earl Cruzen, who had spearheaded that original project. WSJA’s Mackay tells us there is some money available to restore this mural – depending on what the cost turns out to be.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: Outrigger-canoe racing Saturday at Alki
July 26, 2024 11:58 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB photo, July 2023)

The first of this summer’s two major human-powered-boat racing events at Alki is happening tomorrow! Dozens of outrigger-canoe paddlers from around the region are expected for the annual “Da Grind” races, hosted by the Seattle Outrigger Canoe Club. The event will last much of the day, starting with registration at 7 am and continuing until awards are presented around 3:30 pm. Paddlers will race on one of two courses – 4 miles (along Alki) or 12 miles (out to Blake Island and back); see the maps on the race page.

P.S. The other major human-powered boat racing event is Sound Rowers’ Great Cross-Sound Race, coming up August 24.

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Ways to enjoy your West Seattle Friday
July 26, 2024 10:20 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Savor the summer sun, now that July’s almost over! Thanks to TB for the sunrise photo. Here’s what’s happening, 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 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.

VISCON CELLARS: The tasting room/wine bar is open tonight for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

CLAY CREATIONS: Make handbuilt animals at The Clay Cauldron, 6:30 pm. (5214 Delridge Way SW)

DUBSEA FISH STICKS BASEBALL: Tickets available for tonight’s 6:35 pm game vs. Redmond Dudes at Steve Cox Memorial Park. (1321 SW 102nd, White Center)

WEEKEND WRITING RETREAT: Not too late to sign up for this West Seattle retreat, starting at 7 tonight and continuing all day Saturday and Sunday. Info and registration link in our calendar listing.

AT KENYON HALL: Capital Focus Jazz Band, featuring Chief Sealth Jazz, at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), doors at 7, show at 7:30. Info and tickets here.

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

AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm, CHEER Seattle presents: SPLITZ! A Drag/Talent Show Fundraising Extravaganza!, $20 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

SUMMER SUNSET SOUND BATH: 7:30 pm at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW), $38. Ticket link in our calendar listing.

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

YOU SKATE, THEY PLAY: “Make It Loud!” at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), roller skating to live bands, featuring The Disorderlies, Not Your Ex Lover, and more TBA. 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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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen green Jeep Wrangler
July 26, 2024 9:32 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

From Jennifer:

My husband’s 2000 Jeep Wrangler was stolen sometime last night from the 9200 block of 35th Ave SW. It’s dark green with a black hard top, and a worn spare tire on the back. Seems hard to believe it would be stolen since it’s a manual, but there must be some jerks who still know how to drive a stick. Police report being filed – will update when available, but if you see it please let me know. Plate # ABJ5683.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Friday + weekend info
July 26, 2024 6:00 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, July 26.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:40 am, while sunset will be at 8:50 pm.

TRANSIT NOTES, WITH METRO FLEX

Metro Flex – Fifth day for this on-demand service in Delridge (and South Park), starting a two-year pilot. Here’s how it works. Used it yet?

Metro buses – Regular schedules; check for advisories here.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.

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

ROAD WORK

*The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project is about to start, first with overnight lane closures, then with several all-weekend one-direction closures. Here’s the announcement.

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project is in progress. Fairmount Avenue is closed under the bridge for the duration of the project, likely into early 2025. Deck work is likely to start in August

*SDOT’s 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.

WEEKEND NOTE

No road-closing events in West Seattle this weekend, but if you’re going downtown, be aware that streets will be closed for Saturday afternoon’s Seafair Torchlight Parade, which starts at 3 pm.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (West Seattle Bridge 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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UPDATE: 2 to hospital, rescued from car ‘wrapped around tree’ on West Marginal Way SW
July 26, 2024 12:10 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

12:10 AM: Seattle Fire has sent a “rescue extrication” response for what arriving crews are describing as a “car wrapped around a tree” in the 3800 block of West Marginal [map]. At least two people are injured.

12:16 AM: Firefighters report they’ve gotten one person out of the vehicle, and have another to rescue next.

12:21 AM: They’ve gotten the second person out of the car.

12:26 AM: According to radio exchanges, the two injured people are a woman in her 20s and a man in his 30s; he’s believed to have been the driver, and is more seriously injured. Both will be taken to Harborview Medical Center.

12:39 AM: Police have told dispatch that the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad will be coming to the scene. That means the road closure is likely to last a few hours. (added) We don’t have any imagery from the scene but plate lookup indicates the car is a 2006 Civic.

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FOLLOWUP: Next step in campaigning for a ‘Walkable Admiral’
July 25, 2024 9:46 pm
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

We first told you six months ago about Stu Hennessey‘s quest for a more “walkable Admiral” (District). He is a business owner in Admiral, proprietor of Alki Bike and Board, and walks the talk, not only on human-powered transportation, but also on other sustainability issues. Making Admiral more walkable would require some city changes, and Hennessey has launched a yard-sign campaign to get community support for them:

The QR code on the sign takes you to this page, which spells out the three proposals he introduced back in January:

Admiral and California All-Walk intersection. The biggest safety concern for pedestrians crossing the streets is the right turn on red. Is it wise to have cars and pedestrians using the same crossing?

Mid-block raised crossings between Lander and Admiral near the Safeway entrance at Menchie’s yogurt and between Admiral and College St. Specifically crossing to the Admiral Theatre. These crossings would eliminate one parking space and have a bulb out to the lane edge with flashing crossing signs.

Permanent closure for SW Lander St. between California Ave and 44th SW. This is an often-ignored one-way and daytime-temporarily-closed street that could be used for an emergency gathering point for Lafayette School, auto-free pickup of students, and a potential event space such as a farmers’ market.

The page also suggests emailing three city contacts – SDOT (684-road@seattle.gov), Councilmember Rob Saka (rob.saka@seattle.gov), and Economic Development director Markham McIntyre (markham.mcintyre@seattle.gov)- to voice your support for a more walkable Admiral. Hennessey has a few spare yard signs for Admiral businesses, and flyers for posting in windows – stop by his shop (2606 California SW) to ask about those.

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VIDEO: Admiral Music in the Parks @ California Place Park
July 25, 2024 6:43 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS culture/arts

6:43 PM: We’re at California Place Park, between a Metro stop and Admiral Church, where Michael Pearsall is playing as the first half of a double bill for the second Admiral Music in the Parks concert, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association.

He’s a veteran musician, playing a self-accompanied set of originals. (He talked about his many years on the road with band Honor by August.) He’ll be followed by the Westside Pretenders. This free concert continues until about 8 pm – come join your neighbors at the park (and if you can, bring non-perishable food to donate).

7:36 PM: The Westside Pretenders have just started their set, opening with the classic “Midnight Rider.”

If you can’t come see this show, the AMP series has one more concert – next Thursday, August 1, 6:30 pm, with The ABBAgraphs, at Hamilton Viewpoint Park.

10:40 PM: Added photos and video.

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COMEBACK! Northwest Center’s Big Blue Truck finally returning to West Seattle for dropoff donations
July 25, 2024 3:33 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

A long-awaited post-pandemic comeback is finally about to happen: Northwest Center is resuming regular Big Blue Truck visits to West Seattle for donation dropoffs, Here’s the announcement:

Big Blue Truck, a division of Seattle nonprofit Northwest Center, is excited to announce the opening of a new donation site in West Seattle. Beginning Saturday, August 3, 2024, community members can donate gently used clothing, textiles, and small household goods at WaFd, 4102 California Ave SW.

The donation site will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

“We are thrilled to return to West Seattle! The Big Blue Truck was a popular donation site in the heart of West Seattle until Covid forced its closure in 2020. Now West Seattleites once again have a convenient weekend drop-off location just steps from the heart of Alaska Junction,” said Michael Scalzo, SVP of Operations at Big Blue Truck.

“We are passionate about collecting our community’s gently used clothing items to support children and adults with disabilities. We believe being back in West Seattle will have both a sustainable and mission-led impact on the community for generations to come. A big thank you to our partners WaFd, Value Village, and PrintItForward.net for being instrumental in our return to West Seattle!” said Tess Connor, Chief Growth & Operating Officer at Northwest Center.

Donations made to Big Blue Truck support Northwest Center’s education and employment programs for children and adults with disabilities. By donating, residents not only help children and adults with disabilities but also promote environmental sustainability through recycling and reusing goods.

Big Blue Truck welcomes donations of:

Gently used clothing
Shoes
Books
Textiles- including towels and sheets
Small household items

For more information about what to donate or the work Big Blue Truck supports, please visit our website at BigBlueTruck.org or email marketing@nwcenter.org Join us in making a difference in West Seattle – every donation counts!

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FERRY ALERT UPDATE: Southworth terminal back in service
July 25, 2024 2:54 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

2:54 PM: The two-boat Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth ferry route also is currently down to two terminals. WSF reports, “Southworth terminal operations are suspended due to a hydraulic leak on the transfer span. Both vessels will depart between Fauntleroy and Vashon every 30 minutes.” They’re both off-schedule, WSF says; we’d advise tracking their locations via the VesselWatch page, but it’s currently down too.

3:22 PM: Repairs are complete and the Southworth dock is back in service, WSF says.

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Two-day ‘political rally and music festival’ Cantanna Fest coming to Lincoln Park in August after last-minute venue change (Friday update)
July 25, 2024 12:24 pm
|      156 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL THURSDAY REPORT: Thanks for the tip! A major regional festival in its second year has just changed venues – and its new location is Lincoln Park. The event is The Cantanna Fest, with three music stages, food vendors, and a car show – plus cannabis-industry advocacy – scheduled for Saturday-Sunday, August 10-11. Reached via email, organizer Scott McKinley explained to WSB, “We had this event scheduled for Snohomish for the last year and just lost our venue and the switch to West Seattle is a last-minute one. This is a political rally/music festival centered around creating a 20-point bill of rights for Cannabis in the state and searching for a candidate to run for a Senate seat.” McKinley says he and co-founder Redman launched Cantanna Fest last year, when it was held in Renton, and says the highlights will include “Shawn Kemp is main-stage host, Donald Glaude as host of the EDM Forest, and Peter Dante is host of the Robert Lang Studios Stage celebrating 50 years of music.” The music lineups are on the festival website. Because this will be a “free-speech event in a city park,” admission will be free, but they’re selling “VIP access” tickets as an option. (And in case you’re wondering, given the cannabis-industry advocacy, the festival website has the caveat, “This IS NOT an open consumption event. It is open to the public and all ages are welcome to this community event.” They are planning adult-beverage areas for 21+, though.) We asked exactly where in the park the Cantanna Fest stages will be. While the locations and map aren’t finalized, they’re focusing on several areas of upper Lincoln Park accessible from the north lot. We’re still gathering other information, including hours.

FRIDAY 4:33 PM: We asked Parks about the process by which this was permitted at the relatively last minute. Spokesperson Christina Hirsch replied, “Seattle Parks and Recreation event scheduling permitted this on July 19. We have been in discussion with the event organizer about possibly relocating the event to a different location.”

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Garage burglar takes e-trike
July 25, 2024 11:34 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Another garage burglary resulting in an e-bike theft. This one was reported by Julie:

This was stolen out of my garage on Alki on Sunday night. RadTrike electric tricycle, gray. (Stock photo) It was brand new. They used bolt cutters to cut the lock off. They don’t have the key to turn on the battery. It’s a long shot but I’d love to get it back. 24-935601 police report.

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WEST SEATTLE WHALES: Humpback in the area this morning; orcas this afternoon
July 25, 2024 11:02 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

11:02 AM: Just texted by Kersti Muul: “There’s a humpback whale that’s been slowly making its way north this morning. It’s now getting close to the Fauntleroy Ferry Lanes. Close to shore.” Please let us know if you see it!

3:33 PM: Kersti also let us know about four orcas southbound in the Bainbridge ferry lanes about half an hour ago. An Orca Network commenter says they’re now off Blake Island and have flipped to head northbound.

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