West Seattle, Washington

19 Sunday

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Spotlight Stories

About the smoke column behind Home Depot
March 19, 2023 1:57 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

Thanks to the texter who sent that photo. The smoke was from a fire, quickly extinguished by SFD Engine 11 minutes ago, in the greenbelt behind Home Depot. Firefighters described what was on fire as a “makeshift structure” and the call is logged as “encampment fire.” No word of any injuries. Most of the greenbelt along Sylvan Way northwest of the store is city-owned land.

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DATE SET: Celebration of life April 1 for Gregor Terjung
March 19, 2023 1:41 pm
|    Comments Off on DATE SET: Celebration of life April 1 for Gregor Terjung
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

When the family of longtime West Seattle Junction gift-shop owner Gregor Terjung announced his death in January, the date wasn’t yet set for his celebration of life. Now it is, and they want the community to know that the memorial is planned for Saturday, April 1st, 11 am at West Seattle Christian Church (4400 42nd SW). Online tributes are also still welcome at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Gregor-Terjung. Mr. Terjung owned and operated Terjung’s Studio of Gifts for half a century until closing the shop and retiring at age 89.

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MONDAY: Spring equinox sunset watch with Alice at Solstice Park
March 19, 2023 11:14 am
|    Comments Off on MONDAY: Spring equinox sunset watch with Alice at Solstice Park
 |   Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

(December 2022 photo by Jason A.G. Enevoldsen)

Snow was on the ground when educator/expert skywatcher Alice Enevoldsen led her change-of-seasons sunset watch for winter three months ago at West Seattle’s Solstice Park. Now the days are warmer and longer and it’s time to welcome spring. The equinox moment is at 2:24 pm tomorrow (Monday, March 20th) and a few hours later, Alice welcomes you to the park (uphill from the tennis courts at 7400 Fauntleroy Way SW) to learn about what “equinox” really means, and to see how the sunset lines up with the precisely placed rocks at the park. She’ll be there 6:30 pm-7:30 pm; whether it’s in view or not, the sun will set behind the Olympics around 7 pm (usually 10 minutes or so before the “official” sunset time). All ages welcome; serious rain cancels.

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 17 notes!
March 19, 2023 6:30 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 17 notes!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Blossoming tree near Don Armeni Boat Ramp, via Chi K Photography)

Here’s what to know about as we go into the second half of winter’s last weekend, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TRAFFIC ALERT: Road work just east of the low bridge is expected to continue today, 7 am-3 pm.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: Last day for in-person cookie sales. You can look up all the “cookie booths” – locations, dates, times – by going here.

BENEFIT BOOKFAIR: Today’s also the last day you can help Alki Co-op Preschool raise money by shopping with Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW) – details are in our calendar listing.

ONLINE RELIGIOUS SERVICES: We’re continuing to update these – see today’s lineup here.

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS: First of three days with photo sessions at My Three Little Birds (4736 California SW) in The Junction. Our calendar listing has info and the signup link.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market offers almost-spring produce as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, more. Here’s today’s vendor list. (California SW between Oregon and Alaska)

WINTER CLEARANCE SALE: Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) is offering end-of-season deals at its Winter Clearance Sale – details here. Open today 10 am-5 pm.

OPEN HOUSE: New bar Revelry Room – in the speakeasy space behind the storefront at 4547 California SW – is having an open house today, 10 am-2 pm.

DONATION DRIVE: Before winter ends, here’s one more chance to donate warm clothing and/or food and/or hygiene items at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 11 am-3 pm.

FREE COVID VACCINATIONS: Available for children and adults, no appointment needed, noon-4 pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Walmesley Center (35th/Myrtle).

SEATTLE BADGERS BENEFIT: 2-8 pm, Lady Jaye (4523 California SW) is donating part of today’s proceeds to the Seattle Badgers softball team – details in our calendar listing.

MUSIC AT C & P: 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), music with Jean Mann, Alicia Healey, Deb Seymour. No cover.

MAGICAL STRINGS AT KENYON HALL: Doors at 3 pm, show at 3:30 pm, Celtic music and dance – more info and ticket link in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)

YOGA, MEDITATION, GONG BATH: Presented by Inner Alchemy, 7 pm at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35.

SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.

LATIN SUNDAYS: DJ at The Benbow Room (4210 SW Admiral Way), starting at 9 pm.

SUNDAY NIGHT KARAOKE: 9 pm to 1:30 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

Have an event to add to our calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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BIZNOTES: Bar open house; winter clearance sale; hot tea
March 18, 2023 10:22 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Three notes tonight:

BAR PREVIEW: Derek Moon, the proprietor of Jet City Labs who took over The Junction’s ex-Lika Love space, is also opening a bar in its former rear “speakeasy” space. For a sneak peek, you’re invited to an open house during tomorrow’s Farmers Market. Drop by Revelry Room, behind 4547 California SW, 10 am-2 pm Sunday.

WINTER CLEARANCE SALE: Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) invites you to come in for deals:

Mountain to Sound Outfitters is having our annual winter clearance sale now until March 26th! We have some of the best hand-picked winter experts staffed and ready to answer any questions you may have. From just beginning to advanced setups, we have what you need!

Here are some of the highlights of our Winter Clearance:

-Up to 40% off of selected hard and soft goods
-25% off everything else winter in store
-Buy one storage full tune, get one half off (comes with free scrape in the fall)

Come see us and support your local West Seattle ski shop!

Hours at M2SO tomorrow are 10 am-5 pm.

HOT TEA: We mentioned Thursday that the Happy Lemon tea shop at Westwood Village had soft-opened. Since then, several readers have mentioned lines out the door. Andrew sent this photo tonight:

So if you’re planning on going any time soon, be forewarned you might spend some time waiting!

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HELPING: Westside, Explorer West students team with Seola Pond steward for restoration work with native plant
March 18, 2023 7:49 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Seola Pond [map] has new native plants courtesy of steward Scott Dolfay and students from Explorer West Middle School and Westside School (WSB sponsors). Scott says the annual restoration event happened last Saturday, and this time a King County grant program provided $3,500 to help make it happen.

Scott says he started this work in 2017 and it’s become an annual event, “always with neighbor volunteers and students & teachers from at least one of the 3 schools near the pond; Explorer West, Westside, and The Bridge School.” Scott says the weather was perfect – they did the planting a bit later this year so it wasn’t quite as cold.

Before students got to work, he walked them around the pond “explaining about native vs. invasive plants, the pond’s fauna, and the history of the effort.”

After the students left, he had other visitors: “As I was cleaning up, Mr. Darrell Wallis walked up. He has been mowing the grass with his riding mower on the west and south sides of the pond for years. He announced it was his 86th birthday that day. When I started in 2017 he was skeptical but has been won over seeing the results. Later, two separate elderly bird watchers showed up, happy to see to new work now on the south side.” Scott added, “I could have used at least twice the number of plants but it’s a good start. We planted several trees including one good sized Bosnian pine, I know, not native, but a great tree. As other grants come up I’ll apply so in time the area will be filled in.”

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Car break-in and theft
March 18, 2023 5:17 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

The report and video are from John – the thief comes into view 20 seconds in:

Apartment in 7100 block of California Ave SW, Morgan Junction. Video shows thieves cased all the cars and returned later in car for break in to steal a pair of red colore3d audiophile stereo speakers. A police report has been attempted.

John says this happened aroun 4 am.

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WEST SEATTLE ART: New mural to be created with gift from Dan Wiseman
March 18, 2023 3:26 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

West Seattle’s collection of murals will grow thanks to a gift from the late Admiral District business owner Dan Wiseman. Here’s the announcement from the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce:

Past West Seattle Chamber president Daniel Wiseman passed away on February 17, 2023 and the West Seattle Chamber is declaring April 2nd, 2023 (what would have been Dan’s 70th Birthday) “Dan Wiseman Day” to recognize his contribution to our community.

For the past several years the West Seattle community has come together during Summer Fest to paint a mural of sea life. Local artist Stacey Sterling directs the community project, and the murals hang in Mural Alley in the Junction. Dan Wiseman left funds to pay for a mural. The West Seattle Junction Association and West Seattle Chamber are honored to put that money toward this year’s sea life painting. We will hang the art in Mural Alley and place a plaque next to it in Dan’s honor, remembering his support of the arts and of the West Seattle community.

We are so grateful for Dan’s years of service as a Board Member of the West Seattle Chamber, his volunteerism in the community and being a vibrant business owner (Wiseman’s Appliance) in West Seattle. He will be missed dearly.

Mural Alley is the breezeway on the west side of the 4700 block of California SW.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Recycle/reuse event wraps up
March 18, 2023 12:39 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

We’re just back from the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) north lot, where organizers and volunteers have just wrapped up three hours of free recycle/reuse dropoffs and shredding. Our photos show some of what they received.

As we noted when visiting at the start, there was a big line in the early going, but volunteers say that by 11 am, it was “no waiting” mode.

Also, they say there was plenty of truck capacity this year, so none of the dropoff stations had to close early

Partners in making this happen were the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, West Seattle Junction Association, Seattle Public Utilities, and Waste Management, Friendly Earth, Northwest Center, Seadrunar, and Styro Recycle. They’ll be tallying up the numbers in the days ahead and we’ll publish a followup when that’s available.

P.S. If you missed this, the Fauntleroy Church Recycle Roundup, also a free dropoff event, is happening on Saturday, April 22nd, 9 am-3 pm. And if you’re looking for other options regarding some items that don’t just go in your regular solid-waste carts or dumpsters, see this page on the SPU website.

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PHOTOS: Resident orcas in view from West Seattle
March 18, 2023 10:43 am
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

10:43 AM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip – orcas are in the area again and this time it’s Southern Residents – J-Pod. She says they’re southbound in view from Constellation Park right now, “spread out,” some toward Blake, at least one trailing through the Bainbridge/Seattle ferry lane. The whales in the area this past week have been transients so the residents’ visit is “a surprise,” she says. Let us know if you see them!

1:36 PM: Thanks for the updates in comments! Both Kersti via comments and Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail via phone report the orcas have turned and are headed NB; Donna says as of a few minutes ago they were in view from Constellation Park (Beach Drive between Alki Avenue and 63rd SW).

3:06 PM: Thanks to David Hutchinson for sending the photos above and below, from the northbound swing, when they were in view from Constellation Park.

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Recycle/reuse/shred event and 24 more things to know for your West Seattle Saturday
March 18, 2023 6:30 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Leucistic crow at Lincoln Park, photographed by Cynthia Barrientos)

Last Saturday of winter – and we could see a high past 60. Here are events and notes for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

RAPIDRIDE H LINE, DAY ONE: As of this morning, Metro Route 120 is officially RapidRide H Line, between Burien and downtown.

ROAD-WORK ALERT: 7 am-3 pm, SDOT is working just east of the low bridge:

For the next two weekends, March 18-19 and March 25-26, we’ll be working on the S Spokane St on-ramp to the Spokane St Swing Bridge. To help address freight traffic back-ups and improve traffic flow near the terminals, we’re reconfiguring the westbound travel lanes to create a longer area for merging and changing lanes.

Work hours are 7 AM to 3 PM. During the work, people driving from East Marginal Way S will not be able to merge onto the Spokane St Swing Bridge. The driving detour is using SR 99 or the overpass on the Spokane St Viaduct

SCOUTING FOR FOOD FYI: As previewed here, you might get a door hanger about this door-to-door food drive; if you can donate, set out your bag early next Saturday (March 25).

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SALES: Final weekend of in-person sales! Find nearby “cookie booths” by using this lookup.

SATURDAY MORNING ULTIMATE: 8 am at West Seattle Stadium (4432 35th SW), just show up to throw with the West Seattle Ultimate Frisbee Family.

RECYCLE/REUSE/SHRED EVENT: 9 am-noon or until the trucks fill up, bring your recyclables/reusables and/or shredding (see the list here of what to, and not to, bring) to this free event in the north lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) – approach from the northbound side of 16th.

COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF WEST SEATTLE OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-noon, come visit! (9450 22nd SW)

SEATTLE CHINESE GARDEN: 10 am-5 pm, the garden’s centerpiece courtyard is open, while the rest of the garden’s grounds are accessible dawn to dusk. More info here. (5640 16th SW)

GRIEFSHARE RECOVERY GROUP: Continuing at 10:30 am today, “Grace Church will host a 13-week GriefShare recovery support group for those who have lost a loved one by death. There is a one-time charge of $20 for the GriefShare journal.” Meeting in the church basement. (10323 28th SW)

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

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.

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

CHEER WSHS BASEBALL AT T-MOBILE PARK: 11 am, admission is free to see the West Seattle High School baseball team play Lake Washington at T-Mobile Park. (1250 1st Avenue S.)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2234 SW Orchard)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the home of West Seattle’s history noon-4 pm Saturdays. (3003 61st SW)

COCKTAIL 101 CLASS: 1 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).

VISCON CELLARS: 1-6 pm, visit the tasting room at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) – selling wine by the glass or bottle. Learn about their wines here! (5910 California SW)

‘SHE KILLS MONSTERS’ MATINEE & EVENING SHOWS: 2 pm and 7:30 pm, two chances to see the Chief Sealth International High School Drama Club present the school’s first full-length play in some time – see our preview for info including the ticket link. (2600 SW Thistle)

VOLUNTEER FAIR: Bonus reason to visit the Log House Museum (3003 61st SW) – 2-4 pm volunteer fair – come find out about helping out!

THE CHURCH AT EASY STREET: Live acoustic performance and signing, 6 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW).

MUSIC AT C & P: 7 pm, Roo Forrest and Friends at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Doors 7 pm, music 8 pm, with Crow Kid, Love Visa, Sabrina Pirzada, Triple Bogie at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), $10, 21+.

NORTHWEST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: The orchestra presents “Music for the Soul,” 8 pm at Holy Rosary (42nd/Genesee) – see the program and ticket info in our preview.

MUSIC AT POGGIE TAVERN: 9 pm-midnight, The Lumberjax play acoustic ’80s music. (4717 California SW)

OUT AT THE BOX: 9:30 pm, drag and more at Box Bar (5401 California SW).

If you have a show, event, meeting, seminar, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? for our calendar … please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Alki man arrested in child-pornography investigation; verdict in Target standoff trial; arson case followup
March 17, 2023 11:59 pm
|      39 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three notes in West Seattle Crime Watch:

CHILD-PORNOGRAPHY INVESTIGATION: Thursday morning, a reader texted us about what appeared to be a multi-agency warrant raid at a house in Upper Alki. No information was available about it until this SPD post today, and tonight we’ve found out more via court documents. In the initial post, police said, “Detectives with Seattle Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit took (the 37-year-old suspect) into custody Thursday morning following a lengthy investigation related to Child Sexual Abuse Material.” They say he confessed “to uploading CSAM material and communicating with others about chatting online with minors” and was booked into the King County Jail. He is not yet charged but had a hearing this afternoon, at which his bail was set at $50,000; he has since posted bond and been released, according to the jail register. Probable-cause documents say the investigation started last May, when an Internet Service Provider reported “that a user had uploaded one or more files containing depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct to their account.” Detectives subsequently identified the suspect via internet and phone records. According to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, conditions of the suspect’s release include “no contact with minors without exception, and to not access the Internet without monitoring software.”

TARGET STANDOFF VERDICT: Last week we reported that the trial had begun for 32-year-old Timothy A. Clemans, charged with attempted first-degree kidnapping for trying to take hostages at knifepoint in the Westwood Village Target store last year. An hours-long standoff ensued. The trial, in which Clemans was representing himself, was expected to last up to two weeks, but our check of online court files tonight reveals it lasted just one week. According to court documents, Clemans was found guilty as charged, with the added finding that he was armed with a deadly weapon. He is scheduled for sentencing before King County Superior Court Judge Marshall Ferguson on April 7th.

ARSON ARRAIGNMENT POSTPONED AGAIN: The man charged with arson in the two-alarm 17th/Barton apartment fire, 35-year-old Ermiyas N. Woldearegay, has yet to be arraigned, though four weeks have passed since charges were filed. Court documents show his first date was postponed because he was “medically unavailable”; the second and third dates, he refused to come to court. The most recent document indicated Woldearegay’s defense lawyer was hoping to meet with him to see if the issue of competency “needs to be raised.” However, the document also said Woldearegay had been refusing jail visits.

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ST. PATRICK’S DAY: 2 more West Seattle scenes
March 17, 2023 9:13 pm
|    Comments Off on ST. PATRICK’S DAY: 2 more West Seattle scenes
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Before this “wearing of the green” day ends … two more scenes from West Seattle St. Patrick’s Day celebrations:

IRISH DANCE AT THE SENIOR CENTER: As featured in our daily event list today, students from the West Seattle-based Comerford School of Irish Dance performed this afternoon at the Senior Center of West Seattle.

PIANO TUNES @ THE KENNEY: Weekly piano music at The Kenney (WSB sponsor) had a St. Patrick’s Day theme, according to this reader report:

John Van Lierop, Jr., from West Seattle, played Irish songs on the piano for the Memory Care residents (including his 101-year-old Father) at The Kenney today. John plays old-time piano music of the ’30s, ’40s, every Friday. He notices that the faces of the residents light up when he begins to play familiar songs and some even sing. The two favorites today were “My Wild Irish Rose” and “When Irish Eyes are Smiling.” John has been operating a piano studio for over 50 years on Gatewood Hill and has been the organist at Tibbetts United Methodist Church in West Seattle for 42 years!

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SATURDAY: Scouting for Food door-to-door food drive, part 1
March 17, 2023 7:59 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

The next two Saturdays, Scouts will be out all around West Seattle placing door hangers for the annual Scouting for Food door-to-door drive. Here’s the explanation:

Since 1985, Scouts have worked together with community food banks to collect food for the hungry during the annual Scouting for Food drive. Over that time, one million cans of food have been collected for local community food banks. The BSA teaches the value of community service in all of its programs and the importance of helping others. Doing a Good Turn Daily is a cornerstone of the Scouting program.

Scouts from West Seattle will walk our neighborhoods delivering door hangers on Saturday, March 18. The following Saturday, March 25, Scouts will return to collect non-perishable food item donations and deliver them to the West Seattle Food Bank. Emphasis is on food most needed for nutrition, such as peanut butter, baby formula, packaged meals, and canned goods, especially tuna, soups, stews, meats, fruits and vegetables.

Please help support the hungry in our community. Watch for a door hanger on your door and get your donations out early on March 25, so you can join our Scouts in “Doing a Good Turn Daily.”

If you don’t get a door hanger, you can still help the WSFB any time – here’s how.

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WHALES: Orcas passing West Seattle again
March 17, 2023 5:49 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

This time they’re northbound, passing Blake Island, visible from this side, according to Kersti Muul. Let us know if you see them!

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H LINE: Celebrating West Seattle’s second RapidRide line on eve of its launch
March 17, 2023 5:29 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photos/video)

That’s Metro driver Ermias Mulugeta, a 14-year veteran transit operator who had a starring role in today’s ribboncutting-and-speeches event celebrating tomorrow’s launch of the RapidRide H Line. He drove the newly rebranded red-and-yellow bus into the lot at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center, with dignitaries aboard including King County Executive Dow Constantine and Metro’s new general manager Michelle Allison:

Before the ribboncutting, 26 minutes of speeches – here’s our unedited video:

Allison emceed, with opening and closing remarks. Constantine declared that RapidRide is “the evolution of Metro Transit.” (Long-running evolution – West Seattle’s first RR line, C, launched 10+ years ago.) Route 120, which becomes the H Line tomorrow, carried 1.7 million people last year, he said, and he observed that the new line’s route between Burien and downtown will help people “enjoy more of what this part of King County has to offer.”

It’ll also help with everyday tasks, added the next speaker, White Center Food Bank executive director Carmen Smith.

WCFB’s new location will be close to an RR stop, and that means people carrying food won’t have to hike uphill with heavy loads any more. Other speakers included King County Councilmember Joe McDermott – who is leaving office this year but has helped shepherd the H Line into reality – and Burien Mayor Sofia Aragon (who happens to be running to be McDermott’s successor), who said her city is proud of how this is factoring into many improvements along its main thoroughfare, Ambaum Boulevard. From Seattle city government, executive general manager Adiam Emery reoresented Mayor Bruce Harrell‘s team:

She noted that Seattle had invested (corrected) $90 million in the H Line, as well as projects such as the Delridge repaving/reconfiguration. And District 1 City Councilmember Lisa Herbold noted that the “multijurisdictional project” is an enhancement to what’s already King County’s sixth-busiest bus route. After Allison wrapped up with a few more stats – 51 new stations, 40 new crosswalks, five miles of new bus lanes – it was ribboncutting time:

As reported here Wednesday, the H Line officially begins running with a 5:26 am northbound departure from Burien on Saturday morning. The first coach, we’re told, will be the same one that rolled up at the start of this morning’s event – 6209. The launch comes four years later than the originally announced 2019.

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UPDATE: Two people hurt, dog killed in West Seattle RV fire
March 17, 2023 4:01 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(Added: WSB photos)

4:01 PM: Seattle Fire is on the scene of an RV fire in the 7900 block of 20th SW [vicinity map]. It was initially described as “small” but now firefighters are reporting two people are hurt, and medic units are being summoned for both of them.

4:10 PM: The fire is reported out, SFD’s investigator is on the way, and the two victims are being taken to the hospital.

4:49 PM: Firefighters at the scene tell us the victims are a man and woman, both conscious when transported. A dog that was also in the RV died. The RV is in a driveway.

The fire cause is under investigation but we’re told the fire did not spread beyond the vehicle.

5:44 PM: SFD says both people were in critical condition when transported.

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UPDATE: Truck loses load on West Seattle Bridge
March 17, 2023 3:39 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

3:39 PM: If you have to head eastbound any time soon via the West Seattle Bridge, you might consider waiting, or taking another route. Right at the 99 overpass, it’s down to one lane because of what police have described as debris from a truck losing its load.

4:42 PM: Police have just told dispatch that one lane is still closed, as is the 1st Avenue South exit from the eastbound bridge.

5:40 PM: SDOT says this has cleared.

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WEST SEATTLE HISTORY: Rock garden meets Stone Cottage
March 17, 2023 2:50 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photo)

A new arrival today at the spot where the Stone Cottage is being stored, awaiting a permanent home. It’s the Bicentennial Tower from the Walker Rock Garden, saved when the garden was partly demolished for redevelopment in 2021. Since then, the tower has been unceremoniously lying on its side atop a planting strip across the street, east and uphill from Fairmount Park. That house is now in the process of being sold, so it had to be moved.

(This photo and next courtesy Mike Shaughnessy)

Today local preservationists led by Mike Shaughnessy, also part of Save the Stone Cottage, loaded it onto a truck and moved it to the lot where the Stone Cottage has been since it too had to be moved because of redevelopment (which has since stalled, but that’s another story). Here’s a photo of how the tower looked when it stood in the Walker Rock Garden:

The hope is that the tower – whose backstory you can read in this story by Eric Scigliano (who was there for this morning’s move) – can be restored and then placed in a new home yet to be determined – somewhere in West Seattle.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Street stripe refreshed for another St. Patrick’s Day
March 17, 2023 12:42 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

It wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day without a look at the mysterious green stripe that leprechaun(s) refresh every year along 41st SW north of SW Admiral Way. This year, the photos are courtesy of a reader who got an aerial view via drone.

Who does this? That remains a mystery – and some have suggested over the years that it’s not a bad thing to have a few mysteries remain.

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ROAD WORK ALERT: Lane reconfiguration near West Seattle low bridge
March 17, 2023 11:32 am
|    Comments Off on ROAD WORK ALERT: Lane reconfiguration near West Seattle low bridge
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Weekend road-work alert from SDOT:

For the next two weekends, March 18-19 and March 25-26, we’ll be working on the S Spokane St on-ramp to the Spokane St Swing Bridge. To help address freight traffic back-ups and improve traffic flow near the terminals, we’re reconfiguring the westbound travel lanes to create a longer area for merging and changing lanes.

Work hours are 7 AM to 3 PM. During the work, people driving from East Marginal Way S will not be able to merge onto the Spokane St Swing Bridge. The driving detour is using SR 99 or the overpass on the Spokane St Viaduct. Plan ahead and expect delays due to reduced lanes and construction activity, noise, equipment and materials in the work area. We do not anticipate impacts to people walking and biking.

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, headed to homeport
March 17, 2023 10:20 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(Photo sent by Duncan)

10:20 AM: Thanks for the tips and photos! The aircraft carrier headed northbound right now is USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), confirmed via MarineTraffic.com. It arrived in Bremerton in 2021 for major overhaul work.

1 PM: You can read more about the Theodore Roosevelt’s departure – headed back to its San Diego homeport – via the Kitsap Sun.

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17 options for your West Seattle Friday!
March 17, 2023 9:59 am
|    Comments Off on 17 options for your West Seattle Friday!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by James Bratsanos)

Here are West Seattle highlights for the rest of your Friday:

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: In-person cookie sales continue through Sunday – use this lookup to find times and locations of “booths” near you!

BEVERAGE FUNDRAISER: Genesee Hill Elementary PTA benefits from beverage purchases at Hotwire Coffee today (open until 5 pm) – tell them that’s why you’re there! (4410 California SW)

SCRABBLE CLUB: Come play 12:30-1:30 pm at Margie’s Café in the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

HOT SAUCE TASTING: Come to HomeStreet Bank (4022 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) 1-3 pm for tastings with Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce, plus a raffle!

IRISH DANCE PERFORMANCE: Youth dancers from the Comerford School of Irish Dance perform at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), 1-1:30 pm. Free, all welcome, RSVP to the center.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room on the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus is open 1-6 pm Fridays (and Saturdays).

CAKE POP-UP: Lovely and Dapper Desserts and others are at The Nook (2206 California SW), 5-10 pm.

FREE INDOOR PLAYSPACE: Toddler Gym weekday afternoons at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW), ages 2-6, 3:30-5 pm.

HIGHLAND PARK PUB: For St. Patrick’s Day, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way) is transforming into Highland Park Pub, 6-9 pm.

STEM COMMUNITY WEEK: The finale of Louisa Boren STEM K-8‘s Community Week is an art showcase and raffle tonight, 6-8 pm, all welcome! (5950 Delridge Way SW)

FISH DINNER: You’re invited to dine at Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Walmesley Center (35th/Myrtle), 6-8 pm.

KENYON HALL OPEN MIC: Second edition of the monthly songwriter-incubator open mic, performers and spectators welcome, signups at 6, music at 6:30 pm. (7904 35th SW)

(added) BASEBALL: Home opener for West Seattle High School, 7 pm vs. Capital, Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

LAUGH UNTIL YOU DIE: Comedy Mafia tonight at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), 7 pm – here’s the ticket link.

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Vocal duo Zojo at 7 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

BENEFIT SHOW AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm, with Tim Turner Band, benefiting Sanislo Elementary. All ages until 10 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

‘SHE KILLS MONSTERS’: The Chief Sealth International High School Drama Club presentation has a public performance at 7:30 pm – ticket info in our calendar listing. (2600 SW Thistle)

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

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