West Seattle, Washington
22 Thursday
7:45 AM: Bill Schrier reports, “A giant oak tree has fallen across Southwest Holgate Street between 44th and 45th SW.” (Photo added from his tweet:)
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning. Welcome to Monday, June 26th, just one week and one day until the Fourth of July!
WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Mostly sunny, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:13 am; sunset will be at 9:11 pm.
(Sunday’s sunset, photographed by Marc Milrod)
STILL IN SCHOOL
Seattle Public Schools classes continue through this Friday (June 30).
TRANSIT
Metro – Regular schedule, with trip cancellations and temporary route suspensions possible.
Water Taxi – The West Seattle WT is on its regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Vashon Island is down to one slip at the north terminal today and tomorrow, 6 am-6 pm both days, as repairs are made – meantime, see Vessel Watch for boats’ locations.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.
High Bridge – the main camera:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
Low Bridge – east-end vicinity:
1st Ave. S. Bridge – alternate route across the river:
Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.
If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities). Thank you!
9:42 PM: Thanks for the tips. Police, reportedly including SWAT, are at an apartment building in the 3600 block of Beach Drive SW. It all started with a report that a resident armed with a gun had threatened a neighbor around 7 pm. No injuries reported so far.
10:02 PM: Meantime, a separate incident at Alki has police blocking off an area near 59th/Lander. We’re not certain exactly what this is about, though there was a dispatch for a “fight with weapons” about half an hour ago.
10:14 PM: The Alki situation is also getting some SWAT officers. It reportedly involves domestic violence, and as with the other situation, a suspect reported to have a gun.
10:33 PM: Neither situation is resolved yet. The one near 59th/Lander is actually at a residence on Marine (east of 59th). SWAT remains at both scenes. If you’re near either, you may hear PA messages meant to encourage surrender, and possibly the “flashbang” type noise devices SWAT often uses.
10:50 PM: Officers have just told dispatch that the Beach Drive suspect is in custody, so some of the units that have been there are headed to the Marine/Lander standoff.
11:48 PM: The Marine/Lander situation is still ongoing. Officers have told dispatch they’re communicating with the suspect.
12:05 AM: Officers have told dispatch their suspect is in custody. They have a warrant to search the residence, which is what they’ll be doing next.
10:39 AM: Both suspects were booked into jail, we’ve confirmed. The Beach Drive suspect is a 49-year-old man held for investigation of felony harassment; the Marine/Lander suspect is a 44-year-old man held for investigation of assault and unlawful imprisonment.
TUESDAY: SPD has recapped the Beach Drive incident on SPD Blotter.
Three months after the West Seattle Bridge crash that ended two young lives, the driver charged with killing the two 18-year-old victims has been booked into jail. The King County Jail roster shows 36-year-old Delfino Lopez-Morales was booked Saturday, as was expected to happen as soon as he was released from the hospital. He is scheduled to appear in King County Superior Court tomorrow for arraignment on the charges filed against him three weeks ago – two counts of vehicular homicide and one count of reckless driving. Lopez-Morales’s bail is set at $250,000. Prosecutors say he was driving 100 mph, under the influence of alcohol and cannabis, going the wrong way on the westbound West Seattle Bridge, when he smashed into the car in which Khalea Thoeuk and Riley Danard, Snohomish County residents, were heading to Alki Beach in the early-morning hours of March 22nd. Before being booked into jail, Lopez-Morales was at Harborview Medical Center for more than a month and then, according to court documents, moved to rehab at UW Medical Center.
Thanks for the photo. The driver of that vehicle crashed through a wall in the 5700 block of Admiral Way just before 5 pm, leading to what was initially a “rescue extrication” response, quickly downsized. No serious injuries reported.
Been seeing the seemingly endless headlines about AI – artificial intelligence – but not sure how you feel about it? Or, maybe you’re already using it, and excited about its possibilities. Or, perhaps you’re somewhere between worried and terrified of where it might take us. However you feel about AI, if you’re interested in a facilitated “civic conversation” about it, your West Seattle neighbor James Boutin is hosting one this Wednesday evening (June 28th), 5-7 pm, at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). When James sent us the announcement for the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, we asked why – what’s his stake in AI? He replied that first and foremost, “I’m a citizen who cares a great deal about democracy and believes the public is in desperate need of public spaces to talk openly about the speed at which AI technology is advancing (among many other issues important to our world).” He also is “an educator and facilitator who is hoping to get more practice under my belt in facilitating these types of conversations. I just completed a master’s program on facilitation and conflict studies at the Processwork Institute of Portland, OR, and I’m dedicated to practicing the skills I learned about holding open forums out in the world.” (His website is here.) James suggests a $15 donation “to help me cover the costs of preparation and spreading the word, but folks are also welcome to donate less or come for free.”
Thanks to readers’ contributions, here’s another West Seattle bird gallery – starting with a mystery bird that several people have asked us about in recent weeks. The photo above is from Heather, who said, “This guy has been hanging around the Fauntleroy Park area (near Cambridge entrance) for the past month. Anyone know the story of this lone pheasant friend?” Please comment below if you do! Meantime, less mysterious sightings include fledglings – Ann Anderson photographed a House Sparrow:
And this Steller’s Jay is from Robin Sinner:
Two from James Tilley – first, a Bald Eagle:
And a Common Loon:
Jon Anderson says these Band-Tailed Pigeons are fans of his feeder;
Finally, a hummingbird photographed by Brian Michel:
You can find info about these and other bird species seen in our region – with photos and even audio of their calls – by going here. P.S. We also feature bird photos periodically in our daily event lists, published every morning – thanks again to everyone who contributes!
(Photo sent by Bill Schrier)
That house in North Admiral is the northernmost of 10 stops on this year’s West Seattle Garden Tour, happening until 5 pm today. It’s an annual celebration of not just what’s in bloom, but the creativity with which some gardeners have used the available space on their property. We visited a stop in the south, a home in Arbor Heights:
(WSB photos from here down)
Homeowner Greg Olsen told us his daughter designed the garden around the house, which was built 12 years ago, and required some excavation so “not a plant was left on the site.” Now, beautiful collections of plants are everywhere, front, back, side:
Olsen said most of the open space originally was covered with sod – no budget left for landscaping – but over the past decade, with his daughter’s help, it’s been transformed.
He thinks they’re largely done – “until she has a new idea!” (Gardeners will identify with that sentiment – you’re never really “done.”)
Other stops on the tour this year are in the Alaska and Morgan Junction areas, Gatewood, Genesee Hill, the Arroyos, and Puget Ridge, where the Seattle Chinese Garden is featured. You can visit there today – or any other day – without a Garden Tour ticket book; it’s at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus at 6000 16th. WSGT organizers tell us they’re offering tour attendees tastings at the nearby Northwest Wine Academy, too.
One important aspect of the Garden Tour: Both through ticket-book sales and a silent auction of this year’s competition-winning artwork, it raises money to support other nonprofits. They’re still seeking applicants for next year’s grants – here’s how to apply.
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
It’s the first Sunday of summer. Here’s what’s on the list for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEST SEATTLE GARDEN TOUR – SOLD OUT: Just an FYI that today’s the annual West Seattle Garden Tour, 9 am-5 pm, but if you don’t have a ticket, it’s too late – they sold out far in advance.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm; the market offers summer produce as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, plant starts, more. Here’s today’s vendor list. (California SW between Oregon and Alaska)
SOUL SPA: Inner Alchemy is hosting Soul Spas on Sundays at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW) during Farmers’ Market hours, 10 am-2 pm: “a fun community experience of meeting our talented local healers, makers, and artists right alongside the Farmers’ Market. Mini-sessions, shopping, connecting, and Timmy cooking brunch!”
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK OPEN: 11 am-8 pm daily through Labor Day, shine or rain. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm daily through Labor Day, except for chilly/cloudy days. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
COLMAN POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park, this outdoor salt-water pool is open noon-7 pm daily through Labor Day. See the session schedule here.
PEACE POLE DEDICATION: 12:15 pm outside Our Lady of Guadalupe (35th/Myrtle), all welcome.
ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Second Sunday of the season for free tours of historic Alki Point Lighthouse (3201 Alki Avenue SW), 1-4 pm (last tour starts at 3:45 pm).
PASTRY POP-UP: Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) hosts Pastry Boy for a sweet pop-up, 2-5 pm.
CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: Monthly gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3 pm. See our calendar listing for info on this month’s topic!
FREE YOGA CLASS: 6 pm outside Hiawatha Community Center (2700 California SW), presented by Dragonfly. Donations accepted, as explained here; go here to register.
SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.
Have an event – one-time or recurring – to add to our calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Police dispatched after 911 callers reported hearing gunfire in the Lincoln Park vicinity Saturday night confirmed it. The reports came in around 11 pm. Officers told dispatch they had found at least one casing; a nearby resident reports that police found at least five (in the street on Fauntleroy Way, radio exchanges indicate). No injuries reported.
1:33 AM: Seattle Fire is sending a “full response” to 18th and Roxbury. Updates to come.
1:39 AM: Arriving units report flames from the first floor of a three-story building.
1:42 AM: SFD describes the building as an under-construction townhouse.
1:46 AM: The fire is reported to be under control, an “exterior fire.” Meantime, we don’t know if it’s the same site, but there was a fire at under-construction townhouses in that same area last July.
1:50 AM: They’ve told dispatch that traffic is closed westbound on Roxbury starting at 17th.
2:20 AM: The fire’s out and no injuries are reported. SPD and SFD are investigating whether it was a set fire.
(WSB photo)
10:24 AM: We just went over to the site (including the photographer who covered last year’s fire). This fire was in the northeast building on the site; last July’s fire (linked above) was in the southeast building.
11:27 AM: SFD spokesperson Hilton Almond tells WSB, “Fire investigators have determined the fire was intentionally set and has been referred to Seattle Police Arson and Bomb Squad.”
Fireworks season has begun, formally as well as informally. We’ve been hearing booms in the distance for a while, indicating a show somewhere, and indeed, it’s the Bremerton Bridge Blast.
Will skating officially be in the Morgan Junction Park expansion‘s future? Last Sunday during the Morgan Junction Community Festival, community volunteers talked about it with visitors – and hosted a Build-A-Board station. Josh Radick sent photos and tells WSB, “We were able to build and distribute 15 complete skateboards, 10 skateboard decks, and countless wheel and bearing combos to kids in the community!”
Also at the festival was Seattle Parks, talking to visitors about the site. Josh notes, “The voting on-site indicated that there is definitely an interest to have skateboarding included at Morgan Junction, along with a slew of other active space options for our community.”
Now it’s time for online opinion sampling – Parks promised to launch an online survey after the festival, and it went live at week’s end. The survey features elements from the original design from the site – and new ones like the possibility of accommodating skating – and asks you to pick three you’d like to see. Go here to answer the survey.
Meantime, the site – which previously held a mini-mart and dry cleaner – is due for soil cleanup starting later this year, and park development in 2025. As for the skating advocates, Radick tells WSB, “We hope to do more build-a-board events this summer.”
Seven hours in, the local amateur-radio operators gathered at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) for this year’s Field Day are just getting started. They’ll be there for a full 24 hours, until midday tomorrow. It’s part of a national event, so they’re talking with and listening to other “hams” around the country. They’re also talking about technology:
And they even have a swap meet set up for buying and selling equipment:
Ham radio is more than a hobby – it’s also a vital part of the plan for communications in case a catastrophe interrupts the regular methods, so this event is a test/practice too:
Many of the scheduled events for the day are over but you’re still welcome to stop by (all ages invited) to see what they’re doing and how things work – they’re in the north lot and field of the college (6000 16th SW).
That’s one of two new Peace Poles installed around the peninsula by the Rotary Club of West Seattle
4:10 PM: Just in from Kersti Muul, word of northbound orcas off West Seattle’s western shore – seen off Lincoln Park.
4:21 PM: Kersti says some are now in view off Constellation Park.
The only West Seattle park that’s home to a climbing rock is celebrating that and more today. Until 5 pm, you’re invited to Mountain Fest at Camp Long (5200 35th SW).
Not an experienced climber? No worries. They’ll show you how. If you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, there’s still lots to do. The Falconer is there – we got to see Junebug the falcon:
Kids’ craft activities are an option too:
Our preview includes the map of what’s happening where around the park.
Just got late word of this, along with a texted photo – until 3 pm, you’re invited to the Genesee Hill Elementary lot for a car show organized by two fifth-graders. “Some cool cars,” we’re told – at least 14. The lot is off Genesee near 51st.
It’s a street party in White Center today, with 16th SW closed to vehicles between Roxbury and SW 100th for the Taste of White Center, benefiting the White Center Food Bank. 32 restaurants and bars are offering $5 “tastes” – some savory, some sweet, like the three cream puffs from Puffy Pandy:
Here’s how it works – find one of the WCFB booths along 16th, and buy $5 tickets, redeemable at the participants of your choice.
You’ll get a map/list with the locations/names of the participating restaurants and bars and what they’re offering. Some non-downtown WC businesses have set up shop in booths on 16th so they can be part of it, like Dubsea Coffee (strawberry lemonade):
The food spans a variety of cuisines – Mexican, Vietnamese, Chinese, Laotian, Salvadorean, American, and vegetarian/vegan options – Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant‘s booth (fried rice, Singapore noodles, egg roll) among them:
Almost all the venues are offering their tastes until 4 pm. A few have later starts – Tomo, offering strawberry/basil kakigori for dessert, is listed as “1 pm until sold out.” Five venues are north of Roxbury in South Delridge: Nacho Mama, Young’s, Meat the Live Butcher, Can Bar, and Mac’s Triangle Pub. Wherever you get your food, tents are set up at multiple spots with tables and chairs.
If you have memorabilia – particularly signage – from a past business, Vanishing Seattle wants to hear from you. The temporary exhibit they’re planning isn’t in West Seattle, but it’s not far, and they’re hoping to draw items from all over the city. Here’s what we were asked to share with you:
Vanishing Seattle is seeking remnants of our city to display at Forest For The Trees, a satellite event to Seattle Art Fair. The “Vanishing Seattle” exhibition will offer a poignant reflection on the changing face of our city, a reminder of the impermanence of urban spaces and the profound impact of “progress.†We hope to bring together a collection of sign works, artifacts & memorabilia that have shaped the city’s visual and cultural landscape over the decades, as an ode to the artisans and spaces that brought life to the city streets, and as a celebration of the ephemeral beauty that continues to shape our collective memories. As we bear witness to the disappearance of these art forms and gathering places from our streets, we invite you to contribute to a visual dialogue that pays tribute to this legacy.
The exhibition will take place in an open 12,000 sq ft brick and timber space at historic RailSpur building in Pioneer Square from July 27 – 30, 2023 and First Thursday Art Walk August 3, 2023. Entry is free to the public.
The exhibition will take place on an upper floor of the building, so the sizing of the items will be restricted to the capacity of the elevator and stairwell (roughly 8ft X 4ft, but don’t hesitate to contact us if you have an awesome item that’s bigger).
Items will be credited as on loan from the owner unless you wish to remain anonymous.
Please contact us if you are interested in sharing signs and other local artifacts from your collection!
vanishingseattle@gmail.com
(Lincoln Park – photo by Coleman Smith)
Here’s what’s happening on the first day of our first summer weekend, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-2 pm, the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center will be open, selling a vast variety of student-grown plants. (6000 16th SW, north end of campus)
SOUTH DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: The farmers’ market on the grounds of Hope Academy (9421 18th SW) is happening weekly this year, 10 am-2 pm Saturday, prioritizing vendors of color and presented by African Community Housing & Development.
SOUND TRANSIT AT FARMERS’ MARKET: Got questions about West Seattle light rail? Sound Transit reps are scheduled to be there today.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.
HAM RADIO ‘FIELD DAY’: 11 am today starts 24 hours of demonstrations and drills for local amateur-radio operators in the north lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) – details are in our preview. Stop by any time and see what’s going on!
CAMP LONG MOUNTAIN FEST: 11 am-5 pm, climb, hike, play, learn at Camp Long (5200 35th SW), as previewed here.
TASTE OF WHITE CENTER: 11 am-4 pm, go explore WC food/drink spots, all to help the White Center Food Bank – here’s how it works:
With 34 restaurants participating, attendees purchase $5 tickets to try a variety of foods like banh mi sandwiches, Colombian empanadas, Indian fry bread tacos, strawberry basil kakigori, and much more. Iconic restaurants like Tomo, Puffy Pandy, Salvadorean Bakery, El CatrÃn and others are ready to serve up amazing bites!
Each ticket is an opportunity to taste a small plate, drink or dessert from participating restaurants. All ticket proceeds support the White Center Food Bank, while sponsorship dollars go to the restaurants to purchase ingredients and pay for event costs.
Tickets will be available for purchase at three locations in downtown White Center in the area of (16th Ave SW, between Roxbury and 100th St). A ‘menu’ will be given to each attendee at the time of ticket purchase, with a map and details on restaurants and items available. This is a first come, first served event, with limited quantities available at each establishment. There will also be a raffle for 2 roundtrip tickets on Alaska Airlines.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
SPRAYPARK OPEN: Highland Park Spraypark is open daily, 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale-
(added) SEATTLE FOLKLORICO FESTIVAL: Thanks to Kirk for the tip on this – we didn’t get an announcement. Folklorico music and dancing fills the field at Highland Park noon-5 pm. (Kirk’s photo shows the schedule.)
COLMAN POOL: First day of the season for the city-run outdoor pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), 12-7 pm, as previewed here.
LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Also the first day of the season, 12-7 pm, in the upper park near the north play area.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2234 SW Orchard)
MEET & GREET WITH PET RESCUE: Motley Zoo Animal Rescue is at Pet Supplies Plus (2600 SW Barton) noon-3 pm.
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)
COCKTAIL 101 CLASS: 1 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way) – get your ticket(s) here.
FAMILY DAY AT THE MUSEUM: Bring the whole family to the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) 1-3 pm – story time included!
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: 1-6 pm, with student-produced wines available. North end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. (6000 16th SW)
‘MATILDA JR.’: Louisa Boren STEM K-8 presents a one-hour version of the musical at 2 pm in the school gym (5950 Delridge Way SW), no admission charge but donations accepted for the school drama club (concession sales too).
BOUNCY HOUSE AT OUNCES: Bring the kids, 2-5 pm. (3809 Delridge Way SW)
DICK’S TRUCK @ DUBSEA FISH STICKS: 6:05 pm home game at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd) for the collegiate summer baseball team‘s game vs. the Gumberoos, with a special extra – the Dick’s Drive-In burgers and shakes truck will be on site 5 pm-8 pm.
SILENT DISCO: At Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki), 7-9:30 pm, dance like no one can hear you!
WEST END GIRLS, PRIDE EDITION: Doors at 7, show at 8, West Seattle’s drag extravaganza at The Skylark, hosted by Cookie Couture with special guests. Tickets available at the door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
If you have a show, sale, event, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? for our calendar … please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
First time we saw Ayron Jones was during the 2015 Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series, when he and his band The Way played an impressive set. The ensuing eight years have seen him rise to rock ‘n’ roll heights, with a #1 song and world touring, and tonight he was back in West Seattle – his former home neighborhood – for an album release party at Easy Street Records. It wasn’t billed as a concert – but Jones, his mighty guitar, and friends took to the stage:
You might recall Jones’ previous gig at Easy Street – playing “Star-Spangled Banner” atop the store van during the huge West Seattle Junction Black Lives Matter rally in June 2020. Looking ahead, he’s about to head out on tour again. His new album “Chronicles of the Kid” is of course available through Easy Street.
Another chance to support student performers is just hours away. The Louisa Boren STEM K-8 Drama Club is presenting Roald Dahl‘s “Matilda,” in the musical’s junior edition, one performance only, free!
It’s at 2 pm tomorrow (Saturday) in the school gym at 5950 Delridge Way SW. The announcement notes that Matilda “tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.” Doors open at 1:30 pm and though there’s no admission charge, they’ll be selling concessions to raise money for the Drama Club, and you can also donate via PayPal. Tomorrow’s show will run about an hour.
Thanks for the tip and photo! That’s the Zhen Hua 23 passing West Seattle, carrying four China-built port cranes southward. Usually there’s a big advance alert about this kind of thing, but so far all we’ve found is that the Zhen Hua 23 is on Monday’s schedule to dock at the Port of Tacoma’s WUT (Washington United Terminals) terminal. (Terminal 5 in West Seattle is due to get cranes for the second modernized berth, but that’s still some months away.)
ADDED: Here’s the WUT announcement from when these cranes were ordered.
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