HALLOWEEN SEASON: Admiral District trick-or-treating date changes to October 28

Businesses in The Admiral District have changed the previously announced date of this year’s trick-or-treating. Dan Jacobs of the Admiral Neighborhood Association sent word today that the new date is the Friday before Halloween, October 28th, still 3-6 pm. He says the decision was made to “provide the most business participation possible.” The event is centered at the Admiral Junction – California/Admiral – but other businesses often participate too.

HALLOWEEN SEASON: Gatewood decorations

The photos are from Yma:

Come out to Gatewood: 4116 SW Portland Street, off California- South of Morgan Junction.

Mid block we’ve got dragons & black cats & Mariners’ fans! Our neighbors have ghosts & pumpkins!

Decoration photos/suggestions welcome at westseattleblog@gmail.com. The ones we showcase will also be linked in the WSB West Seattle Halloween Guide, due out by weekend’s end.

HELPING: West Seattle Food Bank gets grant thanks to local man’s nomination

Another way many can do good is by getting involved in their employers’ nonprofit-assistance programs, if they exist. Sometimes it’s by getting a match on a donation you make, but there are other ways too. We recently heard from one West Seattleite who succeeded in getting his company to help the West Seattle Food Bank as part of a nationwide grant program:

My name is James Jurrius and I have been a resident of West Seattle for approximately 6 years. I work at Conagra Brands in Kent as an Continuous Improvement Manager. For 30 years, Conagra employees have nominated nonprofit organizations in their local communities to be considered for community grants. This year, as a Conagra Brands employee, I nominated the West Seattle Food Bank for Conagra Brands Foundation’s annual “Nourish our Community” grant program … it was announced that my nomination, the West Seattle Food Bank, was one of the nominations that were awarded a grant. The West Seattle Food Bank intends to use the grant for their grocery home-delivery service, which supports the residents of the greater West Seattle area.

According to a Conagra news release that James forwarded, the company awarded “one-year grants to 23 nonprofits across 12 states, totaling $350,000.” WSFB’s share is $10,000. This was the only grant out of the 23 that went to a nonprofit in our state.

HELPING: Rotary Viewpoint Park gets TLC from its namesakes

Rotary Viewpoint Park is cleaner this afternoon thanks to local Rotarians. Martha Sidlo sent the photos and report:

This morning, the Rotary Club of West Seattle spruced up Rotary Viewpoint Park at 35th and Alaska.

The project was coordinated by Gina Topp, the club’s Community Service Chairwoman. Rotarians planted new plants provided by the City of Seattle, weeded, and picked up debris and trash.

The park now looks spiffier than it has in a long time.

You can learn about the park’s history on the West Seattle Rotary’s website.

UPDATE: About the circling military jets

(Photo sent by John Skerratt)

12:47 PM: We’re exploring the theory that the two military jets that have been circling the area for about half an hour arrived early for a flyover at the Mariners playoff game, which doesn’t start until 1:07 pm. More info as we find it.

1 PM: Via Twitter, a military-aviation watcher says these are “2 EA-18G Growlers from VAQ-137 ‘Rooks’ out of NAS Whidbey Island.”

1:12 PM: Also via Twitter, here’s a visual representation of all that circling, and then the downtown flyby.

COUNTDOWN: West Seattle Ski Swap next weekend (not just skis)!

(WSB file photo)

Sooner or later, we’ll see rain (maybe even next Friday). And when we do, the mountains will (likely) get snow. So you might as well be ready for snow-sports season. We’re now one week away from this year’s West Seattle Ski Swap, a tradition dating back more than a decade. Next Saturday and Sunday (October 22-23), Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) will present the event at the West Seattle VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska, across the street from M2SO). It’s a chance to sell and/or buy gear. If you’re selling, the dropoff hours are 3-7 pm Friday (October 21) – first, register here, For browsing/buying, the Ski Swap hours will be 10 am-5 pm next Saturday and 10 am-4 pm next Sunday. And it’s more than skis – the Ski Swap brings an opportunity to buy/sell snowboards, boots, apparel, and other winter accessories.

UPDATE: Water break in North Delridge

9:19 AM: Thanks for the tip. Seattle Public Utilities confirms a water break is affecting almost 100 customers in the North Delridge area this morning. It’s reported to be near Delridge/Hudson, and crews have been sent.They’re currently estimating it will take until early afternoon to fix.

10:52 AM: Went through the area a little while ago. Lots of water on the street (see photo above). This is adjacent to a construction site; vehicles on scene were marked as SPU and as a development firm.

WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 20 things to know for today/tonight (UPDATED with cancellations)

(Friday’s sunrise, photographed by Doug Eglington)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, and other previews, here are events and notes for your Saturday (9:26 am update – we’re getting word of some cancellations and noting them below – texting us at 206-293-6302 is the fastest way to reach us – thanks):

AIR QUALITY ALERT: The alert is in effect through 11 am Monday, with smoke expected to return after a brief respite. Check the latest readings around the area via this map.

WATER TAXI REINSTATED: As announced Friday afternoon, King County Metro reinstated West Seattle Water Taxi service for this weekend – originally canceled for maintenance work – because of all the big sports events, including the Mariners playoff game today (and possibly another tomorrow).

strong>BLOCK DROP: 7 am-6 pm, today’s DIY cleanup opportunity is at Alki, with equipment at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki),

SATURDAY MORNING ULTIMATE: You’re welcome to show up for 8 am pickup ultimate games at West Seattle Stadium (4432 35th SW) on Saturday mornings!

VACCINATION CLINIC: 9 am-3 pm, flu shots at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle), and COVID shots are also available there 10 am-2 pm – appointments not required.

DUWAMISH ALIVE! 10 am-2 pm, the multi-site work party will give the Duwamish River and its watershed, plus all who depend on it, an assist. Even if you’re not volunteering, come to the opening ceremonies at həʔapus Village Park & Shoreline Habitat (4750 W. Marginal Way SW) at 10 am to hear about the state of the river and hopes for its future. Canceled because of poor air quality.

MORNING MUSIC AT C & P: 10:30 am-noon, Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

FREE WRITING GROUP: 2nd week back from hiatus! 10:30 am in-person gathering in West Seattle, free but registration required; details in our calendar listing.

POP-UP BOOK SALE: Friends of the Seattle Public Library are selling books 11 am-3 pm today at the High Point branch. (3411 SW Raymond)

GLASS-BLOWING DEMO/ART GLASS PUMPKIN PATCH: As part of “Refract – The Seattle Glass Experience,” you can see live glass-blowing noon-4 pm at Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way) and visit/browse their art-glass pumpkin patch.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM CLOSED: Reminder that the Southwest Seattle Historical Society museum on Alki is closed for the rest of the month because it’s getting a new roof.

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Open to visitors noon-3 pm, as noted here. (2234 SW Orchard)

WINE TIME: The Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) tasting room – selling wine by the glass or bottle – is open 1-6 pm. (5910 California SW)

MARINERS’ PLAYOFF GAME: No viewing-venue list today but just in case you needed a reminder, the M’s are hosting Houston at T-Mobile Park at 1:07 pm

HOMECOMING GAME: As previewed here, you’re invited to cheer for the Summit Atlas boys-varsity soccer team in their homecoming game vs. Sound Christian Academy, 4 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). Update – this has been canceled.

PAPA TONY’S PARTY: Help West Seattle’s own Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce celebrate their business expansion by attending a free party at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 5:30-9 pm.

LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Guitar Fingerpickin’ Masters <strong>Mary Flower and Eric Lugosch at Kenyon Hall, 7 pm, tickets available at the door. (7904 35th SW)

‘NIGHTFALL ORPHANAGE’: 7 pm-10 pm, second night for this Halloween haunt. (4544 51st Place SW)

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Live music with Being Lucius, Buckets of Rain, In Cameo at The Skylark, doors at 7 pm, show at 8. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

‘SWIMMING WHILE DROWNING’: The current ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) play “Swimming While Drowning” continues the third week of its run, 7:30 pm curtain. Tickets are available online.

GATEWOOD HALLOWEEN SHOW: 7:30 and 8 pm at 37th and Austin, as shown in our calendar listing.

COMEDY AT ADMIRAL PUB: Get ready to laugh starting at 9 pm, $10 at the door. (2306 California SW)

Something to add, for today/tonight or beyond? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

FOOTBALL: West Seattle High School vs. Ingraham

October 14, 2022 11:31 pm
|    Comments Off on FOOTBALL: West Seattle High School vs. Ingraham
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

West Seattle High School #1, sophomore Airric Lewis, scored the Wildcats’ lone touchdown in tonight’s 42-7 home loss to undefeated Ingraham. The Rams had a better ground game and used it to their advantage to control the clock; their defense gave West Seattle little time with the ball. Some notes from the sidelines, though – this was Breast Cancer Awareness Night, so the cheer squad had some pink gear:

Other pink signs of support included a flamingo in the WSHS student section.

The game’s soundtrack was courtesy of the band (which will lead the costume parade at the West Seattle Junction Harvest Fest in two weeks, October 30):

Next Friday (October 21st), the Wildcats are on the road, playing Nathan Hale, 7 pm at Northeast Athletic Complex.

**IF* the Metro Leage site is to be believed Ing is undefeated.

SUPERMARKET MEGA-MERGER: 5 of West Seattle’s 11 grocery stores would have same ownership

You’ve probably heard by now that one giant grocery company wants to buy another: If it goes through, an immediate result would be the same ownership for five of West Seattle’s 11 supermarkets, and in the longer run, the question would be whether any local closures might result. Kroger is proposing buying Albertsons. Kroger is parent company of QFC (among many other brands, including regionally prominent Fred Meyer), and Albertsons owns brands including Safeway (which it bought in the mid-2010s). West Seattle has two QFC stores and three Safeway stores, and among those, two – Junction QFC and Jefferson Square – are barely a block apart. To the south, Westwood Village QFC and Roxbury Safeway (a former Fred Meyer) are just a few blocks apart. Kroger’s news release announcing the proposed purchase/merger says they “expect to make store divestitures,” starting with spinning off up to 375 stores (not yet identified) into a separate company. That’s out of almost 5,000 stores held by the two companies now, plus almost 4,000 pharmacies and more than 2,000 gas stations. Kroger says the deal isn’t expected to close until early 2024. Early opposition to the merger includes UFCW locals who represent many local stores’ workers. They allege the merger would create a “monopoly … for many communities.” West Seattle has a relatively diversified supermarket scene, including independent West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), mini-chain stores PCC (WSB sponsor) and Metropolitan Market, and three stores that are part of national chains, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Target.

WEEKEND PREVIEW: Summit Atlas soccer homecoming game

October 14, 2022 5:53 pm
|    Comments Off on WEEKEND PREVIEW: Summit Atlas soccer homecoming game
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

We talk a lot about sports at Chief Sealth International and West Seattle High Schools, but we seldom hear about sports at the peninsula’s newest high school, Summit Atlas in Arbor Heights (which also serves middle-school grades). Its new athletic director Andres Lara wants to change that, so he’s inviting the community to the Summit Atlas boys’ varsity soccer homecoming game tomorrow (Saturday, October 15). They’re playing Sound Christian Academy at 4 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). It’s a fundraiser for the athletic program, too; entrance fees are $5 adults, $3 youth. The school is a member of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association but does not currently belong to any of the leagues, playing as an independent school.

SATURDAY UPDATE: Amid the smoky air, the game’s been canceled.

HALLOWEEN SEASON: ‘Nightfall Orphanage’ returns, new location

October 14, 2022 4:32 pm
|    Comments Off on HALLOWEEN SEASON: ‘Nightfall Orphanage’ returns, new location
 |   Halloween | West Seattle news

That’s the trailer for one of West Seattle’s spookiest Halloween shows, “Nightfall Orphanage.” It’s back this year, but at a new location, and its run soft-opens tonight. Here’s the announcement:

THE NIGHT IS DARK AND FULL OF WONDER

The Halloween season is at hand, and the veil between this world and the Radiant Twilight grows thin as the ethereal echos of Nightfall Orphanage materialize in its NEW WEST SEATTLE LOCATION.

Admission is free and Nightfall Orphanage will be accepting non-perishable food donations for West Seattle Food Bank and monetary contributions for Washington’s National Park Fund. As Nightfall Orphanage is a neighborhood home haunt for charity; we ask that you please be respectful of the community.

Please check the website before attending for information and to explore the lore of Nightfall Orphanage. Dates, times, and realities are subject to change.

All are welcome who would welcome others.
Please give generously to our charities.

Nightfall Orphanage may be too intense for some younger guests. Parental discretion is advised.

New Location:
4544 51st Place SW

THERE IS NO HAUNT PARKING ON 51st PLACE. Please park on a nearby side street.

October 14,15 (Soft Open*)
October 21,22,28,29,30
7 pm-10 pm

October 31st HALLOWEEN
7 pm-10:30 pm

*The table is set and dinner is served but some things might still be in the oven.

This will be in our calendar and the WSB West Seattle Halloween Guide (which will launch this weekend).

King County changes its mind – West Seattle Water Taxi will run this weekend after all

We asked King County Metro this morning if they might change their mind about this weekend’s planned Water Taxi service outage, given the additional big sporting event(s). First reply was that nothing had changed, but now this is just in:

We want to support fans heading to this weekend’s baseball, football and hockey games, so the West Seattle Water Taxi will operate its normal 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday schedules on Oct. 15-16!

The picturesque and congestion-free trip between West Seattle and downtown Seattle takes as little as 10 minutes.

Free route 773 and 775 water taxi shuttles in West Seattle will also operate, carrying riders to and from Seacrest Dock connecting with all Water Taxi arrivals and departures until 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Evening Metro bus service between downtown Seattle and West Seattle is available on RapidRide C Line, and routes 120 and 125.

Schedules and fare information are online at the Water Taxi webpage. Fares for youth age 18 and under are free.

With the Seattle Mariners playoff schedule in hand, Metro’s Marine Division worked the past several days to identify available captains and crew to provide the service this weekend. Previously planned maintenance and a temporary suspension of service will be rescheduled at a later date.

UPDATE: Vehicle-on-side crash on eastbound West Seattle Bridge

(SDOT image)

1 PM: Thanks for the tips. Avoid the eastbound West Seattle Bridge – near the 1st Avenue South exit, two lanes are blocked because of a vehicle-on-side crash. Updates to come.

1:24 PM: Still a backup, as shown by the high-rise-bridge camera. SFD has closed out its response, though, so apparently no serious injuries (we’ll be following up to check).

2:02 PM: All clear, says SDOT.

5:28 PM: SFD says they evaluated a 42-year-old man “who reported no injuries (and) declined further medical care.”

FOLLOWUP: SDOT says Alki Point ‘Healthy Street’ is permanent

While some pandemic-related government actions are about to sunset, some are becoming permanent. Among them, a network of closed-to-through-traffic “Healthy Streets,” per this map published this week by SDOT:

What the city had called “Stay Healthy Streets” or “Keep Moving Streets,” originally implemented to create more room for socially distanced riding/walking/rolling, are now simply “Healthy Streets.” Most notable on the map is the declaration that the Alki Point stretch is now permanent, a status it hadn’t had until now. It was created in May 2020 – first the city announced it would close the northernmost end of Beach Drive to through traffic, then almost immediately, it added the westernmost end of Alki Avenue. Over the ensuing months and years, there have been surveys and petition drives, but never until now a final decision on its status. The city has long hinted, however, that it would be permanent, and solicited feedback on a “permanent design.” That too has been (mostly) decided, according to SDOT’s update, which refers to the design survey it circulated a year ago:

The design we’re moving forward with for public engagement is Option 1 from the survey: Stay Healthy Street + Neighborhood Greenway.

This design will upgrade the street to a Neighborhood Greenway and include additional elements of a Healthy Street. As part of the larger Healthy Streets program, we’ve also updated the name of the project to “Alki Point Healthy Street.”

In coming days, we’ll share information about public engagement events in November 2022. We’ll be hosting in-person and virtual events, so that the community has more than one option for attending and giving feedback on the Alki Point Healthy Street design.

If you have a request for our public engagement events in November, please email us at AlkiKeepMovingStreet@seattle.gov.

This is not West Seattle’s only Stay Healthy Street, but it was the one that generated the most discussion/controversy. The plans for the others are in links you’ll find here.

REMINDER: Admiral District Trick or Treating returning this year, happening on Halloween

If you missed our previous mentions here or here – the businesses of The Admiral District want to be sure you know their trick-or-treating event is returning, and is happening on Halloween itself this year, so this formal announcement is just in from Brent Amacher:

Admiral District merchants of West Seattle are proud to announce the return of the annual “Trick-or-Treating” event for 2022. The Admiral District “Trick or Treating” event will occur on Halloween, giving families the opportunity to trick or treat in a safe environment on the holiday itself. This long-standing Admiral neighborhood tradition has grown in popularity each year, and continues to be a West Seattle family favorite.

Trick or treating in The Admiral District is 100% volunteer-supported by the businesses operating near the intersection of Admiral and California Ave SW. Each year, local businesses give back to the community by providing a safe place for families to enjoy the holiday. Find your favorite costume, grab the kids, and come out on Monday, October 31st, to join in on this popular West Seattle event!

If you are interested in finding out whether a specific business in your area will be participating, stop by in advance, or give them a call. This event is well attended and most Admiral area storefronts take part in the fun. On the day of the event, simply look for the sign (shown above) in business windows, and stroll through the Admiral District with family and friends.

Trick or Treating will happen between 3 pm and 6 pm on 10/31/22 in The Admiral District.

From Fall Festival to ferry-dock project @ Fauntleroy Community Association

Here’s our roundup of what was discussed at the October meeting of the Fauntleroy Community Association this past Tuesday night:

FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL: This is now a little over a week away, 2-5 pm Sunday, October 23rd, across the grounds of Fauntleroy Church/YMCA and Schoolhouse (which are across California SW from each other, in the 9100 block, and there’s always a crossing guard on festival day). Coordinator Reed Haggerty said that despite earlier-voiced concerns about rising costs for the donation/volunteer-supported event, they’ve been able to bring back a petting zoo (smaller-scale this time – bunnies!) and inflatable climbing wall after all.

PUMPKIN SEARCH: This three-hour event in the heart of Fauntleroy’s Endolyne business district last weekend was a success, reported coordinator Candace Blue, with a “steady stream of people” throughout the afternoon.

POLICE UPDATE: Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Martin Rivera spoke briefly at the start of the meeting and offered to answer questions, though there were few. The categories of crime most on the rise locally are auto theft and burglaries; violent crime is down. He said staffing is still a struggle – “we gain a body, lose two” – and is likely to be for a long time. Asked if the precinct lost anyone because of the COVID vaccine mandate, he replied, “two or three.” He was asked about traffic concerns and suggested talking to SDOT about traffic-control measures.

SPEAKING OF TRAFFIC SAFETY: The FCA already is talking to SDOT, as discussed later in the meeting. They’re trying to set up a meeting with new SDOT director Greg Spotts – not just having him be a guest at an upcoming meeting, but showing him firsthand what happens during peak ferry-traffic times.

SPEAKING OF FERRIES: The FCA’s point person on Washington State Ferries issues, Frank Immel, recapped the newest developments in the plan for rebuilding the Fauntleroy terminal/dock. As reported here, the proposed alternatives are down to two – rebuild without expanding the dock, or rebuild by lengthening it. Though the option that had drawn the most West Seattle community opposition, widening the dock, has been ruled out, the FCA is continuing to advocate against expanding it at all and has met with/talked to city, county, and state elected officials. They’re also continuing to circulate a petition and gathered signatures recently at both the Pumpkin Search and West Seattle Farmers’ Market, with plans to gather more at the Fall Festival.

NEXT MEETING: The Fauntleroy Community Association meets most second Tuesdays at 7 pm; watch fauntleroy.net for updates.

WEST SEATTLE FRIDAY: 10 notes

Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead:

BLOCK DROP: As the texted photo shows, DIY cleanup equipment is available at Myrtle Reservoir Park (35th/Myrtle) until 6 pm – that’s also where you can drop off what you pick up, as part of closing the Block Drop loop!

LAST DAY TO COMMENT: Should zoning exceptions be granted for the Alki Elementary rebuild? Today’s the deadline for comments, as explained in our story from last week.

SOUTHWEST ART SHOWCASE: See the community show at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), which is open until 6 pm today.

GLASS-BLOWING DEMO/ART GLASS PUMPKIN PATCH: As part of “Refract – The Seattle Glass Experience,” you can see live glass-blowing noon-4 pm at Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way) and check out their art-glass pumpkin patch.

CAKE! Lovely and Dapper Desserts will pop up with other food vendors at The Nook (2206 California SW) tonight, 5-10 pm.

SILENT DISCO: Dance to music only you can hear, 6-8 pm at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki), explained in our calendar listing.

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: One home game tonight – the West Seattle High School Wildcats host Ingraham at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 7 pm. Admission is $4 students/senior citizens, $6 adults, cash only. P.S. If you’re wondering who’s playing at West Seattle Stadium (4432 35th SW), that’ll be O’Dea vs. Ballard, 7 pm.

MUSIC AT C & P: 7-9 pm, the monthly Songwriters’ Showcase takes the stage at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW), free, all ages.

BINGO AT ADMIRAL PUB: West Seattle’s “sassiest bingo party” starts at 7 pm. (2306 California SW)

AT ARTSWEST: The ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) play “Swimming While Drowning” continues the third week of its run, 7:30 pm curtain. Tickets are available online.

Have something to add to our Event Calendar? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

LAST CALL: Join hundreds of volunteers Saturday for Duwamish Alive!

October 14, 2022 9:08 am
|    Comments Off on LAST CALL: Join hundreds of volunteers Saturday for Duwamish Alive!
 |   Environment | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

A one-day, multi-site boost for the Duwamish River and its watershed is just hours away. The fall Duwamish Alive! volunteer restoration events are tomorrow, and it all starts with an opening ceremony in West Seattle. Here’s the reminder from the Duwamish Alive! Coalition:

The popular community autumn event Duwamish Alive! is restoring local native habitat on Saturday, October 15th at urban parks and open spaces throughout the Green-Duwamish Watershed to support the environmental health of the river and wildlife. Starting at 10:00 am, volunteers at multiple Duwamish sites will participate in a day of major cleanup and habitat restoration in the ongoing effort to keep our river alive and healthy for our communities, salmon, and Puget Sound . The Green-Duwamish River is home to the critical Chinook salmon which the Southern Resident Orcas depend upon for food.

The community is invited to opening ceremonies at həʔapus Village Park & Shoreline Habitat, 4750 W. Marginal Way SW starting at 10:00 to learn more about the efforts to address pollution issues of the river, salmon recovery and community efforts. Speakers include Sean Dixon, Executive Director of Puget Soundkeeper Alliance; Matt Goehring, Salmon Recovery Manager for the Green-Duwamish Watershed; and Paulina López, Executive Director of the Duwamish River Community Coalition. Volunteers will be removing trash from the river on kayaks, planting native plants and removing invasive plants. Volunteer opportunities are still available – for more information, visit Duwamishalive.org

Duwamish Alive! is a collaborative stewardship effort of conservation groups, businesses, and government entities, recognizing that our collective efforts are needed to make lasting, positive improvements in the health and vitality of the Green-Duwamish Watershed. Twice a year these events organize hundreds of volunteers to work at multiple sites in the river’s watershed, connecting the efforts of communities from Seattle to Auburn.

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday info + weekend notes

6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, October 14th.

WEATHER

Here’s the forecast – sunny, high in the 60s, still no rain in sight. (Thursday’s high was 75, tying the record set in 1961.)

TRANSIT INFO

Metro buses are on their regular schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.

No changes in ferries (check here for alerts/updates) so far today.

The West Seattle Water Taxi starts its fall/winter schedule (still daily but no late Friday/Saturday runs) Monday (October 17th), so there’s NO service this weekend (October 15-16) for season-change maintenance. **AFTERNOON UPDATE** – Change of plan – the Water Taxi WILL run this weekend.

WEEKEND NOTES

-As just mentioned, no Water Taxi service.
Mariners playoff game at T-Mobile Park Saturday, 1:07 pm
-If they win Saturday, Mariners playoff game at T-Mobile Park Sunday, 12:07 pm
Seahawks host Cardinals at Lumen Field, 1:05 pm Sunday (2:30 pm if there’s a Mariners game)

SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS

High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end.

Low Bridge: Open to all.

1st Ave. S. Bridge: Still showing this for those finding it more convenient.

Highway 99: Whichever bridge you’re using to get to 99, here’s the northbound side at Lander.

All functional city traffic cams can be seen here (new URL), many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

If you see trouble on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation (updated)

October 13, 2022 11:55 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation (updated)
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

11:55 PM: Police are investigating gunfire that happened along Sylvan Way about an hour ago. Area resident Sam, one of those who heard and reported the shots, says they happened just before 11 pm, and that police found casings. No reports of injuries.

ADDED 10:39 AM FRIDAY: Here’s the SPD summary:

At 2255 hours, a SW Patrol Sergeant heard gunshots to the north of the SW Precinct. This information was broadcast, and officers responded to the area to conduct a search. Additional 911 callers narrowed down the possible location to the 6900 block of Sylvan Way SW. Officers arrived and found a scene in the middle of the road at this location. A search for evidence located evidence of a shooting in the street. The primary witness provided a minimal suspect description of an older 2-door black sedan that may have been involved that had sped away from the scene prior to police arrival. No property damage or victims were located during an area search.

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUPS: Charges filed in Don Armeni Boat Ramp robbery, Upper Morgan stolen-car crash

We have charging documents in two West Seattle cases:

DON ARMENI BOAT RAMP ROBBERY: The three men arrested after crashing their car at Delridge/Genesee following the Sunday night holdup are all now charged. 29-year-old Isai Hernandez is charged with first-degree robbery, attempting to elude pursuing police, and first-degree unlawful gun possession. The other two, 18-year-old Roberto A. Lizama Diaz and 20-year-old Angel M. Macias, are both charged with first-degree robbery. Hernandez has a criminal record dating back to 2009, with adult felony convictions for assault, drive-by shooting, and possession of stolen property. The other two have no records. The charging documents tell basically the same narrative as reported in our Tuesday followup, alleging that the three held up a man who was sitting in his parked pickup truck at the park, stealing his wallet, money, and phone. Hernandez is accused of being the one with the gun, who fired a shot as they fled, and the driver of the getaway car. The documents also contain photos, which is unusual – here’s the photo reported to have been taken by a bystander, showing the three running away:

The documents also include mugshots of all three:

From left are Hernandez, whose bail remains set at $265,000 (including $15,000 in other unrelated cases), Lizama Diaz, whose bail remains at $50,000, and Macias, whose bail remains at $175,000. They’re all scheduled to be arraigned, entering an initial plea to the charges, on October 26th.

UPPER MORGAN STOLEN-CAR CRASH: Also filed this week, charges in a case we covered when it happened in June. This too involved a crash following police attempts to pull a suspect over. 30-year-old Dancho J. Gardipe of North Shorewood was arrested after crashing a stolen Subaru Forester near 40th/Morgan a short time after police had started trying to pull him over in The Junction.

(WSB photo, June 17)

Before coming to a stop up on the sidewalk, as our photo shows, Gardipe also hit a pickup truck whose driver complained of shoulder pain. He hit a parked vehicle too. Our original story mentions a man being taken to the hospital; that was Gardipe, who the charging documents say suffered a collapsed lung and broken leg. He is charged with one count of attempting to elude police; his record includes a conviction for obstructing police and several pending charges in other cases including a 2021 charge of stolen-vehicle possession. He is not currently in custody.

Scenes from October’s West Seattle Art Walk

Back from a few stops along the October West Seattle Art Walk:

New Age Flamenco performed at Verity Credit Union (WSB sponsor) as one of the two groups in this month’s Art of Music lineup. Also at Verity, artist Marie Skoor was showing “The Private Collection of Sir Winston Mumford Johansson III“:

Despite the title, she is actually the artist; as explained on the Art Walk website, the drawings she showed “represent an imagined collection of a turn-of-the century explorer, adventurer, and amateur paleontologist: Sir Winston Mumford Johansson lll. The charcoal drawings have been done on heavily textured board, canvases, and panels to give an overall effect of the fossil subjects having been chiseled out of stone. The stark drawings are balanced with canvases painted in pastel hues. The charcoal drawings are a contrast from the artist’s usual use of a bright color palette using acrylic paints. The storytelling that accompanies the drawings are archival ‘item cards,’ meant to invoke an air of whimsy, returning us to the curio collections and oddities found in museums at the turn of the century.”

We also visited Rain City Clay in Arbor Heights for the opening of a juried show, Percolate,” featuring “works surrounding the theme of coffee and tea.” Jennifer Fujimoto is the show’s juror:

Also among the 24 artists participating in “Percolate,” Erin Shafkind:

If you couldn’t get to the studio, “Percolate” continues online for the next two weeks. Also remember that many of the Art Walk venues keep display up all month, so you can see local artists’ work even if you weren’t able to go out tonight. Art Walk is always on the second Thursday, so the next one is November 10th.