West Seattle, Washington
19 Tuesday
That’s the murky view of south Bainbridge Island from Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook a short time ago. The wildfire smoke is back and expected to hang around a while. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has announced an air-quality alert, but it doesn’t officially kick in for King County until 5 pm Friday, despite all the smoke out there right now and the readings shown on this map. The alert is expected to stay in place all weekend. (Here’s the latest on the big wildfire that’s causing this.)
Maybe you’ve met Tony Wilson at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, where he sells his Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce. Now he’s expanding his West Seattle business by selling spicy dry rubs, and he’s launching them with a free community party on Saturday (October 15th). It’s happening 5:30-9 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor): “The event features a Spoken Word set by JT the Poet, a live painting by @JennaCreates, and free Hors D’Oeuvres by Leah Powers. We are also raffling off some great gifts from some amazing vendors, with all the proceeds from the raffle going to benefit The Heron’s Nest.” To RSVP (which is free) and/or to buy a raffle ticket, go here.
P.S. If you don’t shop at the Farmers’ Market, here’s where else to find Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce.
A short-lived “full response” in the 2300 block of Alki Avenue SW earlier this afternoon closed even before it caught our attention. But we’ve received a few questions about the 1:35 pm callout, so in case yu were wondering too: SFD tells us, “This was a small fire in a single unit that the first arriving crew was able to quickly extinguish prior to the arrival of the full response.”
Two items in West Seattle Crime Watch:
TENT TAKEN: From Coleman:
My iKamper Rooftop Tent was stolen last night off my truck. I live at 32nd and Holdon. My neighbor saw two men attaching the tent to their white 2004 Chevy Impala with a bright green compression strap. No rack. The tent would stand out like a sore thumb on their car. Here is a picture of my truck.
My kids are super upset about it. Maybe someone will spot it. The police case number is 2022-2747719.
MISSING A LAWN MOWER? A Seattle Parks employee texted to say they’ve found one:
We have recovered a lawn mower from one of our parks and it looks rather new. I think someone in the community is missing it; please contact 206-684-7475 with the make and model.
Answer the question “what’s for dinner?” with Dream Dinners-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) and serve up a win for a local youth soccer team! Here’s how:
The Girls (04/05) Highline Select Soccer team (families live in West Seattle and Normandy Park and most have been playing together for over 7 years) are working to earn money to offset the travel expenses of a Tournament in Phoenix in February 2023. The ladies already have had a car wash, garage sa,le and are working concessions at Seahawks games to earn money, and now have teamed with Dream Dinners to generate additional financial assistance.
Help Our Soccer Team Reach Our Fundraising Goals! How a DREAM DINNERS Fundraiser Works:
· For $60, select three delicious medium family-size meal kits (each kit serves 3).
· They DONATE $10 per order back to the HSA Select G04/05 TEAM. They will DONATE an additional 5% (up to $20) when you place an additional order of at least 3 meals. A cap of $20 for the additional order donation.
· Select a pick-up date from the links below and place your order. Swing by the store to pick up your meals on your day.
· Enjoy your nutritious pre-prepped meals on hectic nights and conquer ‘What’s for dinner?’.
Please click a Link to Browse Current Menu and Place Your Order TODAY for November pickup- Spaces fill quickly!
· Wednesday, November 9th – AT 5:30 PM – dreamdinners.com/session/944247
· Thursday, November 10th – AT 11 AM- dreamdinners.com/session/944248
· Saturday, November 12th – AT 9 AM – dreamdinners.com/session/944249
· Monday, November 14th – AT 10 AM – dreamdinners.com/session/944250
Dream Dinners-West Seattle is on the east side of lower Jefferson Square, at 41st/Alaska.
If you tried Flip Your Trip during the West Seattle Bridge closure, you know how the transit-rewards program works. Metro is now expanding it countywide, as announced today. The announcement explains you “can earn points and then redeem them for discounts on future trips, and bike- and scooter-share services.” To participate, you start by downloading the Transit GO app.
It’s your monthly chance to get out and enjoy the work of dozens of local artists! That tops our list of what’s happening in West Seattle tonight:
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK, WITH MUSIC: 5 pm “until late,” art – and artist receptions – all over the peninsula! Info – including two locations for live music 6-7:45 pm – is in our preview.
Here’s what else is happening tonight:
POSTCARDS TO VOTERS: The long-distance exercise in participatory politics has a 5:30 pm pop-up tonight at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
WORDS, WRITERS, & SOUTHWEST STORIES: At 6 pm, Fern Naomi Renville will give an online presentation titled “American Democracy’s Indigenous Roots and Future.” Our calendar listing explains how to register and attend.
ULTIMATE AT WALT HUNDLEY: 6 pm, Thursday night summertime Ultimate pickup games have moved to Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle).
BOARD GAME NIGHT: Go play at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), starting at 6:30 pm.
OPEN MIC: Go show off your musical talent, 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
‘SWIMMING WHILE DROWNING;: Second week begins for the ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) play “Swimming While Drowning,” 7:30 pm curtain. Tickets are available online.
BENBOW’S COUNTRY NIGHT: Thursday “Nashville Nights“ continue at the Benbow Room (4210 SW Admiral Way), 9 pm. 21+.
Have something to add to our calendar? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The revised list of key dates for this school year was sent to Seattle Public Schools families this morning (thanks for the forwards!), and they include make-up days for the days missed during the Seattle Education Association strike. The announcement says, “The five make-up days are February 2, June 27, 28, 29, and 30.” The announcement also notes that high-school graduation ceremonies “will be rescheduled (by October 21) based on the updated 2022-23 school year calendar.” Three dates are set aside as snow make-up dates if needed: July 3, 5, and 6. After the 2015 strike, all but one of the make-up days were scheduled within the previously planned school year.
We often publish remembrances of people who have died – and sometimes, on request, animal companions too. Here’s one, sent by Dr. Jean Nokes-Ghivizzani from West Seattle’s Falconridge Farm:
REMEMBERING CIELO
THE EQUINE QUEEN OF FALCONRIDGE FARM
1989-2022
For 24 of her 33 years, Cielo has graced Falconridge Farm. She was a Canadian Warmblood mare, a granddaughter of Swaps, the renowned Kentucky Derby winner and Horse of the Year. He was the favorite mount of the famous jockey Willie Shoemaker and noted for his desire to please his rider at the most difficult times, a trait Cielo inherited.
Originally Cielo was a jumping horse in Canada with an enviable record, and her full brother, Spartacus, was on the Canadian National Team. When she came to Falconridge at age 9, she agreed to change careers and became a dressage horse, rising far beyond expectations, reaching International levels and allowing her rider to earn the US Dressage Federation Silver Medal.
Brave and kind and always seeking to please, Cielo made many friends. She seemed to understand English and would sometimes be asked to go comfort some person or horse, and would. She was videoed for a part in a movie to be made in Canada and was the favored mount of Luna, our three legged calico cat whose obituary was published here October 30, 2019.
Cielo did an advanced dressage presentation at her 32nd birthday party, well attended by her many fans. She then agreed to teach long-lining to some of her human friends. On that fateful sunny August 30th she began to stagger badly and her favorite and only veterinarian eased her out of our lives. In medieval fashion, she was covered with a tarp then flowers and herbs and branches. Her cremated remains rest beneath the apple tree behind the barn. Her unique ways to please her rider were so well known that messages have come from 4 countries and 5 states, celebrating her life. It’s nice to think of her in her afterlife with Luna nestled in the middle of her back.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, October 13th. Go, Mariners!
WEATHER
Here’s the forecast – sunny, breezy, high in the low 70s, no rain in sight.
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 is on its regular schedule – but remember that its fall/winter schedule (still daily but no late Friday/Saturday runs) starts Monday (October 17th), so there’s NO service this weekend (October 15-16) for season-change maintenance.
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.
Now that it’s Thursday, the Mariners‘ next playoff game is just hours away (12:37 pm our time at Houston). And we have two related notes:
NEW FERRY NAMES: Washington State Ferries says it’s temporarily renaming all the boats in its fleet for as long as the M’s are in the playoffs, as directed by this proclamation. The new names are mostly M’s players. The two currently on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run, for example, M/V Sealth and M/V Kittitas, are temporarily M/V Robbie Ray and M/V Mitch Haniger. See the full list here.
BOOKSTORE DEAL: Also for as long as the M’s remain in the playoffs, West Seattle independent bookstore Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW) is offering a deal – buy one hardcover book and get another of equal/lesser value for 30 percent off. In-store only; hardcovers only. And no, the books don’t have to be baseball-related!
We’re continuing to spotlight Halloween decorations as more pop up around West Seattle. Tonight’s photo is from Laurie in North Delridge, who says, “The house is on 26th just west of the Delridge Community Center ballfields. Dog is the scariest of them all.” Got a decorations pic or tip? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! (That’s also where to send Halloween-season events for our calendar – you can find those listings here.)
Josh from PCC Community Markets-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) sent the photo and reports: “One of our staff found this bike in our parking lot. We would love to return the bike to the original owner!” If it’s yours, contact the store.
After recent sweeps of other areas, 16th SW near South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) remains one of the larger RV-encampment areas in West Seattle. As of this morning, half a dozen RV/camper vehicles were parked alongside the campus, with two more just north of it, and the encampment included other vehicles such as several box trucks and a van.
The area was discussed during last month’s HPAC meeting. We’ve been trying to get an official city status report and finally received a response from homelessness-response communications manager Linda Robson, who told us, “Crews from SDOT are scheduled to inspect the (area) in the next few days to get an accurate assessment of the current conditions and determine the perimeter, and that inspection will be used to determine next steps.” She says no timeline estimate is possible because “the Unified Care Team calendar is very fluid and the teams are working hard every day to respond to as many sites as they can.” Bottom line, apparently no action is imminent in this area.
(Added: Photo by DJ Sonsteng – boats involved in the response)
4:12 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a water-rescue response by land and sea to Alki Point, where someone is reported “in distress” in the water – someone “unable to get back on their board,” about 400 yards out, south of the lighthouse.
4:16 PM: First arriving crew told dispatch they have “eyes on the kite-surfer, who appears to be on (their) board.”
4:19 PM: They’re canceling most of the response.
A commenter on our coverage of this morning’s garage/car fire in Sunrise Heights mentioned hearing gunfire around the same time. SPD’s report summaries confirm it. Just after 2:45 am, officers were dispatched to investigate a report of suspected gunfire near 24th/Holden. The report summary says, “Callers nearby reported bullet damage to their apartments. Officers arrived and found bullet damage to 3 apartments in the same building. Witnesses reported hearing 1 shot, a brief pause, and then 4 rapid additional shots.” No injuries were reported. No one saw the shooter(s) or any possible suspect vehicles. If you have any information, the SPD incident number for reference is 2022-273714.
Even if you wish the fall rains had started by now, you might as well get out and enjoy the dry weather while you can. Tomorrow night (Thursday, October 13th) brings a major opportunity for that, the monthly second-Thursday West Seattle Art Walk:
That’s the official list of participants – both art venues and food/drink-special venues – for the autumn quarter. Another highlight tomorrow night – the October edition of The Art of Music, with two live performances, one in The Junction and one in The Admiral District:
Both performances are set for 6 pm to 7:45 pm. To decide which art displays you want to see – some with receptions hosting their artist(s) – browse this month’s lineup post on the Art Walk website. You’ll see painting, photography, pottery, fiber art, and much more. General West Seattle Art Walk hours are “5 pm until late” but some shows happen/start earlier.
It’s Walk/Bike/Roll to School Day, and Arbor Heights Elementary participated enthusiastically. Some, even on roller skates, like Lilian:
Arbor Heights students were met on arrival by principal Christy Collins and the Junior Seahawk:
Wednesday is early-dismissal day for Seattle Public Schools, so all those riders, walkers, and rollers will be heading home soon.
Thanks to Mary at AHES for inviting us to come cover the event! Story tips are always appreciated, at westseattleblog@gmail.com or, if it’s breaking news/happening now, voice/text our hotline, 206-293-6302.
The photo at left is from four years ago, when we talked with Dr. Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap early in her first year as president of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), headquartered in West Seattle’s Puget Ridge neighborhood. Now she’s serving as interim chancellor of the entire Seattle Colleges system and searching for an interim SSC president. Here’s the SSC announcement with details:
The Seattle Colleges Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap as interim chancellor for the Seattle Colleges District (which includes South Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and North Seattle College), effective October 2022 and running through June 2023.
Prior to her appointment, Rimando-Chareunsap has served as South Seattle College (SSC) president since 2018 and worked at SSC for over 22 years.
Rimando-Chareunsap has initiated an immediate search for SSC’s interim president with opportunities for feedback and guidance from the college community. She will serve a dual role as interim chancellor and president at SSC until the interim president is named in December.
“The Seattle Colleges are a jewel of this community,” said Rimando-Chareunsap. “It is a privilege to work alongside my dedicated colleagues who are passionate about lifting all in our region and transforming disenfranchisement and exclusion into belonging and agency.”
“Seattle Colleges is fortunate to have such a qualified leader already part of our institution. Dr. Rimando-Chareunsap has done a fantastic job building community and leading with conviction,” said Seattle Colleges Board Chair Louise Chernin. “We are energized by her commitment to strengthen the Colleges and provide stability and leadership for our faculty, staff and students.”
Plans are under way to conduct a national search for a permanent chancellor. Rimando-Chareunsap will serve as interim chancellor through June 2023, or when a permanent chancellor is appointed.
Dr. Rimando-Chareunsap had been acting chancellor since July, prior to the appointment as interim chancellor.
Thanks to Jerry Simmons for the glimpse of fall colors at Lincoln Park. Here’s what’s ahead today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTHWEST ART SHOWCASE: See the community show at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), which is open noon-8 pm today.
SCAM AND FRAUD PREVENTION: Learn about it at 1 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon). Our calendar listing explains how to register.
TILDEN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 6-8 pm, prospective families are welcome to visit Tilden School (4105 California SW), housed in but not affiliated with First Lutheran Church of West Seattle – info’s in our calendar listing.
34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: Tonight’s online meeting of this area’s largest political group starts with a public-safety forum at 6:30 pm, all welcome. Attendance link and more details can be found in our calendar listing.
LIVE AT LOCOL: Locöl Barley & Vine (7902 35th SW) spotlights live music 6:30-8:30 pm Wednesdays, no cover, 21+, rotating artists.
LIVE AT OTTER ON THE ROCKS: Jazz trio tonight at 6:30 pm at Otter on the Rocks. (4210 SW Admiral Way).
POETRYBRIDGE: Poems and stories at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm.
MUSIC BINGO: Play weekly at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
TRIVIA x 4: At 7 pm, you can play trivia at the West Seattle Brewing Mothership (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW); Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm; trivia starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW); at 8:30 pm, trivia is back at Talarico’s (4718 California SW) with Phil T.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: 7:30 pm signups @ West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – no cover to watch. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Have an event – one-time or recurring – to add to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
If you’ve been to Endolyne Joe’s in Fauntleroy, you probably know Pam Ramos. Or maybe you know her from Zeeks Pizza before that. She’s not working right now, because she can’t – she’s recovering from what’s described as “a terrible accident involving a flight of basement stairs” one month ago. As a result of it, she suffered a spinal-cord injury that friends say left her with “almost complete loss of movement … She is expected to recover enough to live an independent life again but she is embarking on a challenging journey, the final outcome of which is still unknown.” One of her friends, Ile, asked if we would share the link to a crowdfunding campaign they have launched to help Pam “with accommodations like a wheelchair ramp, grab bars, and accessible bathroom modifications, just to name a few.” Here’s the link.
6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Wednesday, October 12th.
WEATHER
Here’s the forecast – sunny, breezy this afternoon, high in the 60s.
WALK, BIKE, ROLL TO SCHOOL DAY
Today you’ll likely see more students going to school on feet/wheels.
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 is on its regular schedule – but remember that its fall/winter schedule (still daily but no late Friday/Saturday runs) starts Monday (October 17th), and there’s NO service this weekend (October 15-16) to prepare for that.
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.
3:01 AM: Five SFD units are arriving at a reported garage fire at 34th/Holden- practically next door to Station 37. Firefighters tell dispatch it’s a vehicle on fire in the alley, adjacent to a garage and in danger of spreading.
3:12 AM: Firefighters report the fire is burning in “the void” between the ceiling and roof of the garage.
3:19 AM: Firefighters have declared the fire “tapped” (out). They’re summoning SFD’s investigator to figure out the cause. No injuries reported.
3:26 AM: Thanks to the reader who texted a photo, added above. They also note that this was on the alley off Holden between 32nd and 34th.
ADDED 2:20 PM: SFD would only tell us that the fire remains “under investigation.” We learn from SPD’s overnight summaries that the fire is considered suspicious – they were called after 4 am to check it out because the “Fire Marshal considered it suspicious as there was a (gunfire) call fewer than 10 blocks away. The resident heard the shots and then voices nearby. They then noticed the vehicle on fire.” (The gunfire was at 24th/Holden, and we’re writing about that separately.)
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