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Spotlight Stories

WEEKEND PREVIEW: The Byrd Ensemble in concert in West Seattle
February 10, 2023 7:10 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

With that video, you can preview the title performance planned for a concert by The Byrd Ensemble tomorrow night (Saturday, February 11th) at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle. The chamber vocal ensemble will perform composer John Sheppard‘s “Media vita” – “In the Midst of Life” – with the program also including music by Arvo Pärt, Eric Whitacre’s setting of “When David Heard,” John Tavener’s “Song for Athene,” and more. The Byrd Ensemble is sponsoring WSB today and tomorrow to ensure more know about the concert and to offer a 30% discount – buy tickets online and use the code WSBLOG30. The concert begins at 7:30 pm Saturday; the venue is at 4139 42nd SW. (Not familiar with The Byrd Ensemble? Learn about the ensemble here.)

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ELECTION 2023: Fred Felleman announces Seattle Port Commission reelection campaign
February 10, 2023 5:18 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Port of Seattle | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

This year’s primary and general elections will include two Seattle Port Commission seats. The first campaign announcement is from Fred Felleman, the longest-serving commissioner, who’s seeking a third 4-year term in Position 5. He was first elected in 2015 with 58 percent of the vote, then reelected in 2019 with 72 percent. He says he’s hoping “for the opportunity to continue advancing the Port’s triple bottom line focused on commerce, community, and climate.” His background is in marine conservation, and he notes that in the past few years, “the Port continues to make unprecedented investments in infrastructure such as Terminal 5 and the new international arrivals facility, in addition to tens of millions for community programs while advancing its climate goals 10 years early.” You can read his full announcement here. Felleman, a Ballard resident, is the first to send a campaign announcement for this seat, which is elected in a countywide vote; it’s early in the season, with the formal Filing Week not until mid-May, and the primary on August 1st.

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Another submarine sighting
February 10, 2023 4:18 pm
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

That distant texted pic is the only photo we have, but multiple readers report another submarine sighting off West Seattle earlier this afternoon. This time, the submarine was inbound, headed for Bremerton. One reader said, “Looks like a Los Angeles class, not the Ohio class that departed yesterday.”

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LOW BRIDGE: Maritime advisory ahead, and cylinder updates
February 10, 2023 2:43 pm
|    Comments Off on LOW BRIDGE: Maritime advisory ahead, and cylinder updates
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(SDOT photo)

A two-part advisory/update from SDOT regarding the low bridge:

Between 1 AM Saturday, February 11 and 5 AM Wednesday, February 15, maritime vessels will have limited access under the Spokane St Swing Bridge to navigate the Duwamish Waterway. We do not expect impacts to people driving, walking, or biking.

During this time, only one span (side) of the bridge will swing open and close for maritime vessels on the Duwamish Waterway.

-East bridge span single openings: 1 AM Saturday, Feb. 11 through 1 AM Tuesday, February 14
-West bridge span single openings: 1 AM Tuesday, Feb. 14 through 5 AM Wednesday, Feb. 15

We’ve been communicating with the U.S. Coast Guard and mariners about this work, which will limit when some larger vessels can pass through.

This change is necessary for us to remove the bridge’s hydraulic pumps for routine maintenance. These pumps push hydraulic fluid to the bridge’s cylinders, allowing the cylinders to swing the bridge open and close for maritime vessels.

How the bridge is performing since turn cylinder repairs in January

After completing repairs and reopening the Spokane St Swing Bridge on January 13, the bridge is operating as expected and the turn cylinder we removed is being analyzed to determine the next steps for refurbishment.

We have more work planned for 2023, including rehabilitating the east-side lift cylinder and upgrading the bridge’s control and communications system.

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Student-created Climate Clock tells a different kind of time in Madison Middle School library
February 10, 2023 12:39 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photos. From left, Madison librarian Stacia Bell, Climate Clock creators Aidan Busby and Lola Thaler, teacher Robin Russell)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Talk about follow-through.

While in 8th grade at Madison Middle School last year, two students collaborated on a project so ambitious, they continued work on it even after the school year ended and they moved on to high school.

Now the result has a prominent place in the Madison library, where it presents a simple but powerful message to everyone who visits.

That’s the Climate Clock designed and built by Lola Thaler and Aidan Busby. They returned to Madison to install it a few weeks back, and now it presents a continuous two-part message. “It’s not a doomsday clock,” they are quick to tell you. You could in fact describe it as an anti-doomsday clock – the countdown shows the time remaining for emissions-elimination action to limit the planet to 1.5 degrees (C) of warming. So you can look at it as “cup half full” – there’s still time. The second number, chosen from other possibilities, shows the percentage of global energy use that’s renewable – another cause for hope, as that number rises (though slowly so far).

Not only did Lola and Aidan plan, design, and build the climate clock – he did the programming – they got funding for it; Lola applied for – and received – a $200 grant from the Madison PTSA.

This was a “Social Change” project originated while they were in teacher Robin Russell‘s class. Lola happened onto the concept of a climate clock while doing research. They could have ordered one. But the teacher suggested, “Maybe you could make your own.”

Aidan says he heard about the project and jumped in – “I thought it would be interesting to build.” He was the tech expert for the project, both hardware and coding.

Then they talked with Madison librarian Stacia Bell about setting it up in the library. She says this is the first time she can recall a student project seeking and obtaining PTSA funding. She’s proud to host it: “It’s become a topic of conversation.”

For teacher Ms. Russell, she remains impressed at how much time Lola and Aidan put into it – and how they saw it through. Finding the time was a challenge, the students admit – Aidan’s family was out of town for the summer, and Lola recalls it required “short bursts of work.” Aidan put dozens of hours into the coding, “including debugging.”

As for the clock’s message, it’s serious business to both. “I think we need to make serious changes,” Aidan observes, especially “better energy choices … solar, nuclear.” Lola sees the big picture – personal changes can only go so far, and beyond them, “it’s frustrating that it’s just a few big corporations doing most of the damage.”

Last year she also gave a Climate Clock presentation in the citywide Environmental Slam, held online in May.

The ultimate message is to challenge the status quo. “If we are to go on with business as usual, the goal won’t be met in time,” says Lola. So raising awareness is imperative. “The most important thing is educating others,” Ms. Bell agrees.

And that’s the lesson of students’ Social Change projects, Ms. Russell says: “That each person CAN make a difference.”

If you want inspiration to make a difference yourself, more information is available at climateclock.world (which also features additional metrics of ongoing world action).

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Morgan Junction gas-station transition
February 10, 2023 11:50 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Two weeks after we first told you about the big change ahead for Morgan Junction’s only gas station, it’s happening – Shell‘s out, Mobil‘s in. The station and its mini-mart have been closed all this time, and we haven’t found anyone yet who can tell us the planned reopening date, but for everyone who’s been asking, here’s a sign that the transition is proceeding. This will be the only Mobil-branded station in West Seattle.

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Spaghetti, diamonds, cabaret, comedy, theater, more for your West Seattle Friday
February 10, 2023 11:11 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Great Blue Heron, photographed by Jerry Simmons)

Here’s what’s happening for the rest of your Friday!

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

BOOK CLUB FOR ADVENTUROUS READERS: 1:30-2:30 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

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).

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

DIAMOND STUD PARTY: 4-7 pm. RSVP to Lauren’s Jewelry Store (local independent small business and WSB sponsor) in Westwood Village to attend! For other shopping at the store beyond diamond studs of all sizes, Lauren notes, “Popular items: New diamond flexi tennis bracelets of all carat weights. Great gift options $300 and under.”

AFTER-SCHOOL MAGIC LEAGUE: Weekly 4-6 pm event for 12+, $5 per player – learn about and play “Magic: the Gathering” at Meeples Games (3727 California SW)

SPAGHETTI DINNER: Join the West Seattle High School Key Club for spaghetti and fun tonight, 6-8 pm – info (including ticket details) here. Enter through the school’s north entrance. (3000 California SW)

DRAG SHOW AT KENYON HALL: 7 pm all-ages show – the first Kenyon Hall Cabaret (7904 35th SW). Before the show at 6 pm, 21+ people are invited to a cocktail party to meet the queens next door at Locol (7902 35th SW).

LIVE AT C & P: Songwriters’ Showcase at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) 7-9 pm. No cover!

AUTHOR READING: As noted here, West Seattle writer Ari B. Cofer has published a new book, “Unfold.” Tonight Ari reads at Elliott Bay Book Company on Capitol Hill, 7 pm. (1521 10th Ave.)

LAUGH UNTIL YOU DIE: Play Mafia with comedians at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), 7 pm. Costumeds encouraged! Tickets still available when we checked just before publishing today’s list.

AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm, 21+ show, with Man Plus, Dopatonin, i-90 Fiasco. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

‘AN ENDLESS SHIFT’: Third week at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) continues tonight, 7:30 pm. Get your ticket(s) here.

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

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SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION PLAN: 4 ways to have your say
February 10, 2023 10:02 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(From presentation on Seattle Transportation Plan presented to Pedestrian Advisory Board earlier this week)

Reminder today from SDOT – its second phase of community input to shape the Seattle Transportation Plan has a week and a half left:

The STP is our commitment to building a transportation system that provides everyone with access to safe, efficient, and affordable options to reach places and opportunities. We need your help to create this plan.

Second phase of engagement continues through February 21

No matter how much time you have, how you participate, or how much you share, your input is valued. We want to hear from you! Share your feedback using the below options by Tuesday, February 21.

Have 10-20 minutes? COMMENT ON FIRST DRAFT TRANSPORTATION MAPS
Have 5 minutes? REVIEW OUR VISION, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES
Have 1 minute? SELECT THE FUTURE YOU WANT TO SEE
Have 10 minutes? TELL US WHAT ACTIONS YOU LIKE

Between February 21 and the beginning of Phase 3, you can always email us at STP@Seattle.gov or call us at 206-257-2114.

Among other things, the plan will be used to shape the proposed successor to the current city transportation levy.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday!
February 10, 2023 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday!
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, February 10th.

WEATHER

Mostly cloudy, showers, breezy, high around 50. (Thursday’s high was 57, seven degrees above normal for the date.)

TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS

–Metro is on its regular schedule, but still canceling some trips, as its fleet is not back to full strength yet, so keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts.

-Regular schedule for the West Seattle Water Taxi.

–Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on a two-boat schedule, and M/V Issaquah is back in service, so capacity is restored; check here for alerts/updates and use Vessel Watch to see where boats are at.

SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Oregon), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Henderson.

High Bridge – the camera at the top:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge – looking east to west:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – the south route across the river:

Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; take a quick look at West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if needed) – 206-293-6302.

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BASKETBALL: West Seattle HS teams both play Seattle Prep as postseason continues
February 9, 2023 11:56 pm
|    Comments Off on BASKETBALL: West Seattle HS teams both play Seattle Prep as postseason continues
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Both West Seattle High School basketball teams played postseason games against Seattle Prep tonight – on opposite sides of the city. The girls played Prep at Ballard, and won 66-40, for a third-place finish in the Metro League tournament. They move on to the district championships with a 3:30 pm game next Tuesday at Bellevue College, vs. either Bishop Blanchet or Juanita.

(Added: WSB photo – #2, Max Holliman, 14 points)

The boys played closer to home tonight, facing Prep in the Chief Sealth IHS gym. This was a close game – the Wildcats lost 68-66, finishing sixth in the Metro tournament. They too move on to the district championships, with a must-win 7 pm game Saturday in their home gym vs. Mercer Island.

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LIGHT RAIL: West Seattle ‘further studies’ items get briefest of briefings
February 9, 2023 10:35 pm
|      31 COMMENTS
 |   Sound Transit | Transportation | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Toward the end of a four-hour meeting today, the West Seattle portion of Sound Transit‘s light-rail “further studies” briefing lasted just a few minutes. That was not entirely surprising, since the rest of the briefing for the ST Board’s System Expansion Committee included sections for which big decisions have yet to be made.”Gotta fish or cut bait pretty soon here” is how ST board member Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell put it regarding those decisions. ‘

But the briefing did illuminate a few things for the West Seattle segment. For one, ST staff put forward a possible “end-to-end scenario” that incorporated two of the three “studied” possibilities for West Seattle – moving the entrance to the Junction station and shifting the Delridge alignment – but did not include the potential removal of the Avalon station. That doesn’t mean this is what staff is necessarily formally proposing or supporting, but it’s worth noting that it’s what they showed as an example.

Before getting to that slide, ST’s Cathal Ridge showed slides going back through the three West Seattle “further studies” proposals (explained in this memo). The most detailed was the possible Delridge “refinement,” which Ridge said had been evolving as design work proceeded:

Here’s the “updated concept” addressing some of the Delridge station concerns:

Another major concern that had come up earlier in the process was the potential effects on Transitional Resources, a nonprofit serving people living with behavioral-health challenges, with services and facilities including supportive housing. As this slide showed, the current alignment goes right through the heart of its operations:

The “refinement” shown today wouldn’t entirely spare Transitional Resources, but would reduce the major effect to one smaller property, Ridge said:

Uphill from there, he had little elaboration about the possibility of dropping the Avalon station, beyond what this slide shows:

Earlier in the meeting, leading off the public-comment section, City Councilmember Lisa Herbold urged board members to think about how elimination of the Avalon station might affect low-income High Point residents needing to get to light rail. Meantime, back to the last “further studies” area, here are the slides shown for the possible relocation of the Junction station entrance:

This option, it was clarified in response to a question, would only move the entrance, not the station itself.

So what’s next? For the West Seattle items, that’s up in the air. No vote is required (until the vote later this year that finalizes “the project to be built,” after the Final Environmental Impact Statement comes out). The board does have to vote on a “preferred alternative” for the rest of the West Seattle/Ballard extensions, beyond SODO, and is expected to do that next month. One thing we do know is that they’re still taking community feedback on all the “further studies” items (see the full 134-page slide deck here) and will get a summary at the full board’s February 23rd meeting, so if you feel strongly about one or more of these possible changes, now’s the time to say something. Here’s a survey, open for one more week (until February 17th), also reachable from the “further studies” section of the West Seattle/Ballard Link Extensions website.

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CORONAVIRUS: West Seattle High School cases lead to masking recommendation
February 9, 2023 8:15 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Thanks for the forward. West Seattle High School principal Brian Vance has sent families this note:

There have been multiple positive COVID-19 cases identified in the past week here at WSHS. In response, the district is implementing a COVID testing event and recommended masking protocol at WSHS.

Out of an abundance of caution, we are recommending that all students at West Seattle High School wear a well-fitting and high-quality mask for the next 10 calendar days starting Friday, 2/10/23 to help prevent further transmission of COVID-19. This will include Friday and next week. Masking is recommended but voluntary.

Our goal is to keep as many students learning in-person as possible while maintaining a safe environment. To help do that, we ask that you please monitor your child for COVID symptoms and keep them home if they are sick.

Covid Testing Event at WSHS – 2/10/23
In addition to the recommended masking, the district is initiating an in-school COVID-19 testing event on campus on Friday, 2/10/23. SPS staff will only test students who have consent for the current school year. If you would like to have your student tested, please consent to testing on the CIC Health website. Families will receive test results via text message or email.

Seattle Public Schools continues to update its COVID dashboard – you can see it here.

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Scenes from almost-Valentine’s Day edition of West Seattle Art Walk
February 9, 2023 6:01 pm
|    Comments Off on Scenes from almost-Valentine’s Day edition of West Seattle Art Walk
 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

6:01 PM: Love is in the air, and art is almost everywhere, tonight – the February West Seattle Art Walk is on!

AT WEST SEATTLE REALTY: Our first stop, the expansive new offices of West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor), where you’ll find an art installation – including paintings and fashion – by LA Wiltbank. Music by Harrison B, too!

We’ll be making a few more stops. Preview all the venues – including Art Walk night food/drink specials – and find out how to play HeART Bingo tonight by going here!

(added 6:34 pm) AT WINDERMERE: Another real-estate office with an artist reception is Windermere West Seattle (4526 California SW), where Pat Sanford is showing his paintings:

The artist is an award-winning TV designer/artist/animator and longtime West Seattleite. His work has included portraits of Mariners stars – you might recognize Julio “J-Rod” Rodriguez in the one with which he posed for our photo above.

AT JET CITY LABS: Jet City‘s regular Art Walk pop-up has moved to their new event space at 4547 California SW – tonight the artists include first-time Art Walk participant Lora Radford:

Lora’s creations include hand-cast concrete bowls and candle orbs, plus refill candle kits. Jet City’s event, like the others we’ve featured, is scheduled to continue until 8 pm tonight – still time to go find artsy Valentine gifts!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Early-morning street robbery
February 9, 2023 4:36 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

One incident of note so far from today’s police summaries: A street robbery early this morning. Police say a woman was returning home from work just before 4:30 am near 29th/Bataan. While walking from her car to her home, she was approached by someone who “poked her” with a pistol. The robber then, according to police, “demanded jewelry, and stole the victim’s purse, which contained cash, a cell phone, and other items.” Police say the robber then walked/ran away “and possibly entered a vehicle.” Officers tried to get search assistance from K9 and/or the Guardian One helicopter, but neither were available. The summary did not include descriptive information for the robber but we followed up with SPD and they say the full report describes him only as Black, male, about 5’6″-5’9″, with a medium build and dark clothing.

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Mayor’s next choice for Department of Neighborhoods director: Jenifer Chao
February 9, 2023 3:36 pm
|    Comments Off on Mayor’s next choice for Department of Neighborhoods director: Jenifer Chao
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Six months after appointing Greg Wong as Department of Neighborhoods director, Mayor Harrell moved him to deputy mayor. Six months after that, the mayor has just announced a new DoN nominee. From today’s announcement:

Today, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced that he will appoint Jenifer Chao to serve as the next Director of the Department of Neighborhoods (DON). Chao, a community engagement leader, currently serves as the Deputy Director of Strategy and Administration in the City of Seattle’s Finance and Administrative Services.

Working with the City of Seattle since 2009, Chao has built a reputation as a community collaborator and strong voice for equity and opportunity for youth and historically underserved communities. Chao previously served on the Department of Neighborhoods’ Outreach and Engagement team, where she focused on developing strong and trusted relationships in the Chinatown-International District (CID) through work on the CID Community Vision Workgroup and Sound Transit 3 planning. Chao also served as the Interim Director of the Office of Civil Rights’ Race and Social Justice Initiative and worked in the Human Services Department where she supported the Seattle Youth Employment Program.

Outside of her service at the City, Chao served five years at the Seattle non-profit Neighborhood House, where she supported people looking to achieve their long-term education and employment goals.

Read the full announcement – with quotes from Chao, Wong, and Harrell – here. As with other department-head positions, this one will require City Council confirmation.

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DEVELOPMENT: 6504 24th SW meeting; long-idle 5249 California SW comments
February 9, 2023 1:39 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle projects are part of today’s twice-weekly Public Notices Summary from the city Department of Construction and Inspections:

PUBLIC MEETING FOR 6504 24TH SW: A public meeting is being held for comments about an 11-unit proposal at this site in Delridge [map] – five 2-story single-family houses, three attached accessory dwelling units, and three detached ADUs, with 11 offstreet-parking spaces. The meeting will be online at 5 pm on March 2nd. The official notice includes information on how to participate/comment. We first briefly mentioned the site back in 2014, when neighbors were voicing concerns about another site on the street, in the context of flooding concerns from nearby Longfellow Creek.

(WSB photo from last year, with tagging obscured)

COMMENT TIME FOR LONG-IDLE 5249 CALIFORNIA SW: More than a year after we reported on a new plan for the long-stalled site at 5249 California SW [map], the land-use application is being reviewed, and that’s opened a comment period. The site is proposed for what the city website describes as “a 3-story, 6-unit townhouse building, and a 3-story, 3-unit live-work building (with p)arking for 4 vehicles.” Comments are being accepted through February 22nd; the official notice explains how to submit yours.

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READER REPORT: Parking lot scam alert
February 9, 2023 11:40 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

A reader hopes telling her story will keep others from falling for the same scam. She says this happened to her in the lot at Metropolitan Market in Admiral this past Saturday:

There is a guy riding around in a brand-new white Ford pickup truck approaching women at supermarket parking lots. He says he’s a mobile dent and ding repair business but I have tracked another victim and the m.o. is the same. He “repairs” your car and then covers the “repair” with something that you cannot remove for 24 to 48 hours so you pay him before you realize you are scammed. He’s super-convincing and I don’t want anyone else falling for it.

He actually made the dent worse by sinking something like tap screws in and then pulling it but he pulled the paint and primer off! Yes, I could not see that until I got home and realized what the scam was. He represented that he was a mobile business. I should have known better but there is (another victim) who was also scammed at the Whole Foods in Bellevue. Her repair had tape on it.

We asked her for a description of the man: “He’s probably close to 6 feet tall, brown hair, brown eyes, ponytail. Olive complexion. Late 50s, early 60s.” In researching the scam, she found this story about similar cases from 2013 and believes – because of cross-referencing two kinds of information she got from the man – this could involve one of those people. She has filed a report with SPD so if you have any information – or have also been victimized – you can refer to incident # 23-037964.

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Submarine, outbound
February 9, 2023 11:03 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks to the readers who sent photos of that submarine as it passed West Seattle, northbound, just after 9 am today. MarineTraffic.com identifies it only as “submarine,” currently off Edmonds, still northbound.

ADDED SATURDAY: Two photos sent by readers:

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West Seattle Art Walk, light-rail briefing, ‘Lost Roadhouses,’ open mics, much more for your Thursday
February 9, 2023 9:49 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Sunrise photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s what’s ahead for the rest of today/tonight:

MIDDLE SCHOOL TOUR @ LOUISA BOREN STEM K-8: Prospective middle-school parents are invited to visit at 10:30 am today. (5950 Delridge Way SW)

LIGHT-RAIL BRIEFING: 1-5 pm, the Sound Transit System Expansion Committee meets – at Union Station (401 S. Jackson) and online – with the agenda centered on a briefing about the West Seattle/Ballard light-rail project’s “further studies” items, including three in West Seattle, as previewed here. (And here’s how to comment.)

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome, weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayers@gmail.com to see where you’ll find them playing today.

THURSDAY FOOD-TRUCK POP-UP: 4-8 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), the Born-n-Braised food truck will be visiting.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Also at HP Corner Store, meet up at 6:30 pm Thursdays for a ~3-mile run.

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Explore tonight’s venues pre-Valentine’s Day by playing (He)Art Bingo and enjoying artist receptions and food/drink specials, 5 pm “until late.” Find the venue list and other info in our preview; the full lineup is on the Art Walk website.

UNDER-21 OPEN MIC: 5 pm signups, 6 pm music at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), as Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) presents the monthly under-21 open mic – more info here!

BASKETBALL: The Metro League tournament continues tonight with a boys’ game, West Seattle HS vs, Seattle Prep at Chief Sealth IHS, 5:30 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)

CHIEF SEALTH IHS OPEN HOUSE: 6-8 pm, prospective students and families are invited to tour Chief Sealth International High School and meet the staff. Food provided, too. (2600 SW Thistle)

WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: 6 pm online, learn about the “Lost Roadhouses of Seattle” with author Pete Blecha. Our calendar listing includes the registration link.

BETTER RUNNING PERFORMANCE … with infrared saunas! Learn about it during a presentation at West Seattle Runner (2749 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6:30 pm.

COFFEEHOUSE OPEN MIC: Musicians of all genres, including singers, are welcome at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm.

‘AN ENDLESS SHIFT’: The one-woman play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) continues tonight, 7:30 pm. Get your ticket(s) here.

If you have something to add to our calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Dine! Bid! Support students’ tech adventures! Skunk Works Robotics invites you to dinner
February 9, 2023 9:00 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

(File photo)

Skunk Works Robotics is a scrappy regional program, founded in 2006, that draws 8th through 10th graders from West Seattle to Burien and beyond. This spring, they’ll compete in the international FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics events. The program’s mission is “to inspire students to excel as robotics and engineering professionals, and to help them prepare for college and the future.” They’re looking for your support and offering a fun way to provide it: On Saturday, February 25th, head south to The Cove at Normandy Park (1500 SW Shorebrook Drive) for a spaghetti dinner and auction to support the team. They’re selling $25/person tickets through February 12th, and here’s what you’ll get:

The evening will include a silent and live auction with awesome items such as a signed Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card, two roundtrip tickets on Alaska Airlines anywhere Alaska flies, a two-night stay at Lakedale Resort on San Juan Island, a signed Julio Rodriguez Mariners jersey, cooking classes, a salon haircut & blowout, restaurant gift certificates – including some local favorites such as Circa, Srivilai Thai, Salty’s on Alki, and so much more! The night will also include a fun Dessert Dash, a tasty Wine Pull, specialty cocktails, beer and wine, a first-time reveal of our 2023 robot, and beyond.

Skunk Works is a 501(c)(3), so your contribution is tax-deductible. And it’ll help this program continue recovering from not only pandemic-era challenges but also a burglary last year that left them without thousands of dollars in equipment. But they’re building back, and you can help – get dinner/auction tickets here.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday morning
February 9, 2023 6:01 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, February 9th.

WEATHER

Mostly cloudy, high in the mid-to-upper 50s.

TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS

–Metro is on its regular schedule, but still canceling some trips, as its fleet is not yet back to full strength, so keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts.

-Regular schedule for the West Seattle Water Taxi.

–Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on a two-boat schedule, but with reduced capacity since the 90-car Sealth replaced Issaquah on Wednesday – check here for alerts/updates and use Vessel Watch to verify which boats are running.

TRUCK TRAFFIC

The backups were discussed Tuesday when Seattle and Tacoma port commissioners met as managing members of the Northwest Seaport Alliance, which oversees cargo shipping for both ports,

SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Oregon), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Henderson.

High Bridge – the camera at the top:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge – looking east to west:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – the south route across the river:

Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; take a quick look at West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if needed) – 206-293-6302.

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RETURNING: West Seattle 5K
February 8, 2023 9:31 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photo, 2019)

Many big West Seattle events returned last year for the first time since before the pandemic – but not all. One that skipped last year WILL be back this year – the West Seattle 5K. This event raising money for WSHS students via the PTSA is set for Sunday, May 21st, the first WS5K since 2019. It’s a run/walk along Alki, with the start/finish line right in the hart of the beach business district. Organizers tell us they’ll be relaunching the West Seattle 5K website next week, so watch for registration details soon.

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BASKETBALL: West Seattle High School girls’ second postseason game
February 8, 2023 7:54 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

7:54 PM: Score’s in from the second postseason game of the year for the West Seattle High School girls’ basketball team. Playing at Garfield, the Wildcats lost to the top-seeded Bulldogs, 51-37. But they have another Metro League tournament game ahead – tomorrow night at 7 pm at Ballard High School, West Seattle will play the loser of a game under way right now between Seattle Prep and Lakeside.

11:17 PM: Their opponent tomorrow will be Seattle Prep.

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