West Seattle, Washington
21 Thursday
(King County Assessor photo, 6355 41st SW)
Just east of the ex-substation/future EV-charging station in Morgan Junction, a parcel’s recently been redeveloped into townhomes. Now the adjacent parcel to the north of that one has a similar plan. The comment period has just opened for the city’s Streamlined Design Review process regarding the project, which has an official address of 6355 41st SW – currently holding that 118-year-old house shown above – but has its longest side along Fauntleroy Way SW. It’s proposed for six 3-story townhouses with five offstreet vehicle-parking spaces, to be accessed from the alley on the parcel’s west side, plus eight bicycle-parking spaces. It’s in Early Design Guidance stage (here’s the draft design packet), so if you have comments, you have until October 19th to send them; the official notice explains how.
(September photo courtesy Katie Kauffman)
Last month we reported on that mural in Puget Ridge, “Lukia e Tenifa” by Toka Valu. The mural at 18th/Myrtle is one of four West Seattle installations that are part of the city’s “Art Interruptions” program; they’re now all detailed and explained here, in a newly published feature on the city’s ArtBeat website. Some are as simple as signs; all are meant to be temporary, the city says, even the mural.
Both local high-school football teams played at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex last night. Here are the results, from the Metro League scoreboard: In Friday night’s first game, West Seattle High School lost to Lakeside on homecoming night, 20-13. In the nightcap, Chief Sealth International High School defeated Cleveland, 51-14. Next week, Sealth plays Nathan Hale, 7 pm Thursday (October 13th) at Northeast Athletic Complex, while WSHS is at home (NCSWAC), 7 pm Friday (October 14th).
(Latest image from SDOT camera in the heart of The Junction)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, and other previews, here are events and notes for your Saturday:
AIR QUALITY ALERT: The National Weather Service has issued one for the region through Sunday night because of wildfire smoke.
ROAD WORK: This weekend’s West Seattle/South Park project list from SDOT:
As part of the Reconnect West Seattle Program, this weekend we will be implementing six Vision Zero projects, aimed to improve intersection visibility. Work is anticipated on Saturday and Sunday from 7 AM to 3 PM. We will be mostly working from the parking lane and will maintain traffic in all directions through these intersections. Please anticipate minor delays while traveling through the area. We will be painting and posting curb bulbs at the following locations:
2nd Ave SW and Olson Pl SW
35th Ave SW and SW Brandon St
8th Ave SW and SW Barton St
8th Ave S and S Rose St
8th Ave S and S Southern St
7th Ave S and S Donovan St
SATURDAY MORNING ULTIMATE: Now 8 am pickup ultimate games at West Seattle Stadium (4432 35th SW) on Saturday mornings!
VACCINATION CLINIC: 9 am-3 pm, flu shots at Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW), and COVID shots are also available 10 am-2 pm – appointments not required.
WEST SEATTLE YARD/GARAGE SALES: Find today’s listings (or post yours!) in this section of the WSB Community Forums.
SOUTH DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm brings your next chance to shop this twice-monthly market featuring produce and products primarily from BIPOC growers and makers. (9421 18th SW)
COMMUNITY CUP SHOWCASE: 10 am-noon artist reception for the Rat City Studios‘ annual show at Dubsea Coffee (9910 8th SW).
BLOCK DROP: Special 2-hour DIY cleanup opportunity at Delridge/Andover, 10 am-noon.
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.
EXPLORER WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL CELEBRATION: Alums and families are invited to this 11 am-1 pm event. (10015 28th SW)
WATCH THE MARINERS’ 2ND PLAYOFF GAME: After their victory over Toronto in their first playoff game since 2001, the Mariners could win the best-of-three series with a win today. Here’s our list of West Seattle places watching the game:
The Bridge (6301 California SW)
Arthur’s (2311 California SW)
Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SWO
The Benbow Room (4210 SW Admiral Way)
The Admiral Pub (2306 California SW)
The Beer Junction (4511 California SW)
The Westy (7908 35th SW)
Prost West Seattle (3407 California SW)
Circa (2605 California SW)
West Wings (2329 California SW)
Christo’s on Alki (2508 Alki SW)
Locöl (7902 35th SW – new TV!)
The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska)
Additions? Please comment below – thanks!
GREAT PUMPKIN SEARCH: The Fauntleroy Community Association‘s Great Pumpkin Search is set for 2-5 pm today – check in at the FCA table you’ll find in the heart of the Endolyne mini-business district (45th/Wildwood).
‘BIRD SIT’ AT ROXHILL PARK: 2-3:30 pm – drop by and talk with master birders, as explained in our calendar listing. (29th/Barton)
OKTOBERFEST X 2: Two places you can celebrate Oktoberfest today:
*At Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way), beer, food, and music, 2-6 pm.
*At Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), beer, food, music, games, 2-10 pm.
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.
POSTCARDS TO VOTERS POP-UP: Noon-1:30 pm, join in long-distance political activism at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
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)
HERON’S NEST BENEFIT: 4-9 pm at The Heron’s Nest, enjoy dinner, entertainment, a silent auction, and more, benefiting the restoration/repatriation project at the site (4818 Puget Way SW) – tickets available here.
WELCOME PARTY: 4-8 pm, Rainier Hair Studio (5619 California SW; WSB sponsor) invites you to a “welcome to the neighborhood” party.
SIGGIE THE VINTAGE MAN: Performing 6-8 pm at Princess & The Bear Winery (309 S. Cloverdale).
EVENING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Jennie Mayer & Co. perform at 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Free, all ages.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Live music with MID, Miss Prince, Laamb at The Skylark, doors at 7 pm, show at 8. All ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
‘SWIMMING WHILE DROWNING’: The current ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) play “Swimming While Drowning” continues the second week of its run, 7:30 pm curtain. Tickets are available online.
DRAG SHOW AT ADMIRAL PUB: Queen Andrew Scott and VJ Lacefront host a night of drag, drinks, and dancing, 9 pm. (2306 California SW)
Something to add, for today/tonight or beyond? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
10:46 PM: Thanks for the tips. Police are investigating gunfire tonight targeting a West Seattle fire station. It was reported just after 9 pm that somebody shot at Fire Station 37. Investigating officers reported initially finding damage from one shot to the garage window of the station at 35th/Holden. No injuries reported. We’re following up and will add anything more we find out. If you have any information, the SPD incident number is 22-269510.
ADDED 9:20 AM SATURDAY: We followed up with SFD. Spokesperson Kristin Tinsley tells WSB this morning that despite the initial police assessment, “the glass of one of the apparatus bay doors was damaged at Fire Station 37 but it’s undetermined what caused the damage.” We won’t have access to the police report for further followup until Monday.
ADDED 10:43 AM SATURDAY: We did manage to obtain some information from police, who say a “ball bearing” was found at the scene. They’re still not sure exactly what happened but didn’t find gunfire evidence.
Several people asked about an investigation that lasted for hours along southbound Highway 509 south of West Seattle, just north of Glendale Way South/5th Avenue South. (Thanks to Mel for the photo.) The King County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a death and looking for the public’s help:
Detectives are requesting the community’s help as they investigate what happened to a female found deceased this morning on the side of Highway 509.
We’re requesting information for anyone who was driving southbound on 509 between the 1st Ave. South Bridge and the 518 interchange between midnight and 7:30 am this morning (October 7th) and observed anything suspicious (vehicles stopped, people on the roadway, etc.) or have dashcam video.
If you know or saw anything, call our tip line 206-296-3311 or report anonymous tips at P3Tips.com – Case #C22033455
If you’ve been on the SDOT mailing list for weekly West Seattle Bridge updates – today’s newsletter is the last one, they’ve announced. Here’s the final update, three weeks post-reopening:
The West Seattle Bridge has been open to travelers for nearly 3 weeks, and people are transitioning back to their pre-closure travel patterns. Nearly 2/3 of pre-closure bridge travelers have returned to the high bridge over the past few weeks.
Traffic on the Spokane St Swing Bridge (low bridge), which is now open for everyone 24/7, has decreased by 30%, improving the flow of goods in and out of Seattle’s busy port. Traffic volumes on West Marginal Way SW, which were 250% higher than pre-closure volumes, have decreased dramatically. Elsewhere on the former detour routes – such as East Marginal Way S and 1st Ave S – the number of cars on the road has returned to what it was prior to March 2020.
Traffic on the low bridge, which sits just below the West Seattle Bridge, was down by more than 30% since reopening to all users.
People traveling to and from West Seattle are getting time back in their daily lives as traffic continues to adjust after the bridge reopening.
This decrease in traffic volumes across West Seattle means that people are getting to their destinations in less time. Peak travel times on most former detour routes have decreased significantly and people commuting to downtown from some neighborhoods in West Seattle have seen their travel times cut in half.
While more and more people get back on the bridge for their commutes, we will continue to monitor and inspect it in the months to come. Our first comprehensive inspection following the reopening confirmed that the repairs are doing their job and keeping the bridge strong and stable.
(Photo courtesy WSUP!)
If you’ve got a ukulele, this group is looking for you. Mike at WSUP! sent the announcement:
WSUP! (name includes exclamation mark) – West Seattle Ukulele Players – are people sharing the joy of ukulele and music welcoming all and serving the West Seattle Community. We are open to ukulele players at all skill levels to join together and make music. We meet on Thursdays from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. We supply the links to musical sources we will play from. Currently we are playing outside at assorted locales in West Seattle. To see where we will be playing next, go to our public page or can contact me directly – foxslair (at) seanet.com.
One week ago, we reported that the proposal for a bicycle lane on the Highland Park Way hill – shelved in 2020 – had resurfaced in SDOT‘s application for federal grant money to fund a variety of “Safe Streets for All” projects. We asked SDOT a few followup questions. First, what happens to the project if the grant money isn’t received? SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson replied, “If we do not receive the Safe Streets for All grant, there is not another funding source identified to build this project.” An even-bigger question: What design is envisioned for the lane – which side of the street would it be on, and would it require removal of a general-traffic lane (as was envisioned in the previously shelved plan)? Bergerson’s reply: “We have not begun the design of this bike route. If we receive funding, we would engage the community on potential designs such as the two options you mentioned. We may also consider other possible alternatives like widening the existing trail.” As noted in our story last week, other West Seattle proposals listed in the grant application are mostly smaller projects such as curb ramps.
Back in 2010, we talked with Carol Kelly (pictured at right with her daughters) about the 75th anniversary of Spud Fish and Chips on Alki. At that point, Carol had been working at Spud for half that time. Now she’s about to celebrate her own milestone there, and you’re invited to the party. On Tuesday afternoon (October 11), 2-4 pm, Alki Spud will celebrate Carol’s 50 years at the restaurant! Alki Spud’s ownership (whose other endeavor you might recognize, Ivar’s) shared these fun facts about her time there:
Under her management, Alki has served:
More than 5.3 million customers.
She has filleted, battered, and breaded more than 937,000 pounds of fish.
She has wrapped more than 4 million lineal feet of SPUD wrapping paper with the bubbling-cod cartoon around orders.
SPUD has soaked, cut, and fried more than 2.3 million pounds of SPUDs to accompany its orders
She has served more than 3.5 million cups of Coke.
Carol’s two daughters were both working with her at Alki Spud (2666 Alki SW) when we took the 2010 photo; Ashley has stayed with the company and is now general manager of Ivar’s Acres of Clams restaurant, while Victoria left Spud in 2020, by which time she’d become assistant manager. But everyone is “family” to Carol Kelly, the owners note, so she’d be thrilled to see you Tuesday afternoon. (There will be cake!)
(More early-fall flowers, seen in Gatewood)
Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
‘ONE DAY FOR WEST SEATTLE’: Today’s the day for the all-day fundraising marathon presented by the West Seattle Booster Club, as previewed here. Details are in this one-sheet; the donation link is here.
BLOCK DROP: DIY cleanup equipment is available at Ercolini Park (SW Alaska and 48th SW) until 6 pm – that’s also where you can drop off what you clean up, as part of closing the Block Drop loop!
SOUTHWEST ART SHOWCASE: See the community show at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), which is open until 6 pm today.
WATCHING THE MARINERS: Looking for someplace in West Seattle to watch today’s 1 pm playoff game with the M’s at Toronto? Thanks to everyone who responded when we asked that question. Here are the results. Any others? Still time to let us know so we can add:
The Bridge (6301 California SW)
Arthur’s (2311 California SW)
Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SWO
The Benbow Room (4210 SW Admiral Way)
The Admiral Pub (2306 California SW)
The Beer Junction (4511 California SW)
The Westy (7908 35th SW)
Prost West Seattle (3407 California SW)
Circa (2605 California SW)
West Wings (2329 California SW)
Christo’s on Alki (2508 Alki SW)
OKTOBERFEST AT OUNCES: First day of an all-weekend celebration, 3-10 pm – full details here. (3809 Delridge Way SW)
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: The West Seattle High School Wildcats host Lakeside at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 4:30 pm – homecoming game! – followed by the Chief Sealth International High School Seahawks playing Cleveland, also at NCSWAC, 7:30 pm. Admission is $4 students/senior citizens, $6 adults, cash only.
LIVE AT EASY STREET: 6 pm at Easy Street Records (California/Alaska), see Enumclaw performs live, free, all ages.
MUSIC AT C & P: 7-9 pm, Guitar Gil performs at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW), free, all ages.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Doors at 7, music at 8, with Fast Nasties, Wiley Foxes, Juliet Tango. $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
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 second week of its run, 7:30 pm curtain. Tickets are available online.
COMEDY: New monthly show at Great American Diner (4752 California SW), 8 pm, produced by Cozy Comedy (featured in this WSB story).
Have something to add to our Event Calendar? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends are remembering Shanna Warren-Platt and sharing this remembrance with the community:
Shanna Warren-Platt, 63, of Seattle, passed away September 28th, 2022.
She was born in Amoret, MO on April 17th, 1959 to parents Lucille (née Warren) Platt and James Platt. A friendly and studious child, Shanna was known for her love of exploring and animals. Shortly after graduating Miami High School, Shanna moved to Washington state, where she would go on to summit Mt. Rainier.
Shanna graduated from Antioch University Seattle with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and then later a Certificate in Human Resources from the University of Washington, Seattle Campus. Shanna had a career as Manager of Cash Services, Seattle Branch for the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Shanna was a natural leader, a good listener, and described by those who worked with her as a “force of nature.”
She had a passion for hiking, travel, cooking, her children, friends and pets. As a friend she was up for anything and loved to go on trips, especially around the state of Washington. Local travel could never be considered complete without her loyal dog companions. Her pets, aside from children, provided some of the greatest joy in her life. She once said she likes to be part of a pack.
She is survived by her children, Miles and Natasha Thornton, and her siblings, Elaine Eidson, Jim Platt, and Steven Platt. Most of all, Shanna leaves behind a legacy of generosity, honesty, and kindness. She was, truly, a gift to all who knew her.
To share condolences and memories, please visit: www.EmmickFunerals.com/obituary/Shanna-Warren-Platt
(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)
Southbound orcas were reported off Bainbridge Island, says Kersti Muul, so they may be in view from west-facing West Seattle shores. Let us know if you see them!
8:50 AM: Thanks to Mel for the tip. One lane is closed on southbound 509 in the Glendale area for what’s only described as “police activity.”
————–
Earlier:
6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, October 7th. Go, Mariners!
WEATHER
Here’s the forecast – a lot like Thursday, some clouds, some sun, high in the 70s.
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) or West Seattle Water Taxi service. Note that the Water Taxi will be on a Sunday schedule this Monday for the Indigenous Peoples Day holiday.
ROAD WORK – INCLUDING THIS WEEKEND
-There’s some work toward the east end of Sylvan Way, but not the big SPU project – that’s now expected to start next week.
-In South Park, a drainage project is closing S. Holden St. between W. Marginal Way S. and 5th Ave S. weekdays through October 14th.
-Weekend alerts from SDOT:
As part of the Reconnect West Seattle Program, this weekend we will be implementing six Vision Zero projects, aimed to improve intersection visibility. Work is anticipated on Saturday and Sunday from 7 AM to 3 PM. We will be mostly working from the parking lane and will maintain traffic in all directions through these intersections. Please anticipate minor delays while traveling through the area.
We will be painting and posting curb bulbs at the following locations:
8th Ave S and S Rose St
8th Ave S and S Southern St
7th Ave S and S Donovan St
2nd Ave SW and Olson Pl SW
35th Ave SW and SW Brandon St
8th Ave SW and SW Barton St
BRIDGES
High Bridge – here’s the camera that’s atop the span.
Low Bridge: Open to anyone who wants to use it.
1st Ave. S. Bridge: The view, 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 currently 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.
A block in Seaview could easily be renamed Pondview. This is why:
(WSB photos)
That’s the 3,200-gallon pond that occupies much of the front yard at Jeff and Melinda Pond‘s house.
Yes, Pond is their surname as well as their passion. The pond is a neighborhood attraction, created more than a decade ago. It’s home to these colorful koi.
The koi are not alone in the pond – it’s home to more than a dozen frogs, too (all of whom were in hiding during our recent visit). The pond held dozens of goldfish, too, but Jeff said almost a hundred goldfish were recently removed and rehomed. So the koi are currently rulers of the pond:
They are popular. Jeff and Melinda say it goes beyond passerby curiosity – day-care groups make regular visits, and enjoy story time by the pond – Little Free Libraries are just outside the fence to encourage story time for everyone:
Wildlife visit too. Bald eagles, great blue herons, a barred owl, and raccoons have all been seen. But so far nobody’s managed to pull off a major raid. The particulars of keeping koi are fascinating – we asked what happens in winter; Jeff says the fish – which can live for half a century – basically go into hibernation.
Do they have names? Mostly no, though their daughter has named a few, including “Mr. Fishy.” They have a smaller “sick tank” if any of the fish get ill and have to be separated from the others. But mostly, the pond is a peaceful refuge for Jeff, who works for Boeing and says his time at work can be “chaotic.”
The neighborhood is an extra-special place for Melinda, who grew up next door. Now they’re raising a family – and fish. And since the pond has attracted so much interest, they’ve set up this social-media page where you can get updates and ask questions. You’ll also be pointed to that page if you use the QR code that’s on a sign out front. You’re welcome to visit in person too – viewing from outside the fence – on 44th SW between Findlay and Juneau – just look for the flags!
Seattle Public Utilities says its delayed closure of the eastern end of Sylvan Way is now expected to start next week:
Starting as soon as October 10, SPU contractor crews will begin installing drainage improvements at Sylvan Way SW between SW Orchard St and Delridge Way SW as part of the Longfellow Natural Drainage System (NDS) project.
To perform this work safely and effectively, Sylvan Way SW between Home Depot’s eastern access and SW Orchard St will be temporarily closed to traffic.
This closure is expected to last approximately four weeks. The road will be closed to traffic 24-hour/day, with local access allowed to driveways east of the closure on Sylvan Way SW. Signage and flaggers will be on site to direct traffic.
The eastbound bus stop on Sylvan Way near the intersection of Sylvan Way and SW Orchard St will be closed for the duration of the road closure.
Here’s the construction notice with full details.
Just in from Public Health-Seattle & King County:
A rabid bat was found by the sidewalk adjacent to the Duwamish Head Condominiums (1140 Alki Ave SW [map]) on September 18 – 19, 2022, near Alki Beach Pier [Luna/Anchor Park] in West Seattle.
Anyone who might have had contact with this bat (even if not bitten) could be at risk and should seek medical evaluation immediately or call Public Health at 206-296-4774 to determine if rabies-preventative treatment is necessary.
Rabies is life-threatening but is treatable if caught early and treated before any symptoms develop.
The bat was first identified the evening of September 18. Seattle Animal Shelter was notified of the bat on September 19, 2022. A Seattle Animal Shelter officer picked up the bat, which was still living, on the same day. The bat was taken to PAWS Animal Shelter in Lynnwood, where it died on September 30. Public Health was notified of the bat on October 5. Public Health tested the bat for rabies and received a positive test on October 6.
To date, Public Health has identified at least four people who may have been exposed to the bat and all are being evaluated by Public Health. Public Health is also working to notify residents of the Duwamish Head Condominiums of the potential risk.
Who is at risk
Any person or animal that touched or had contact with the bat or its saliva could be at risk of getting rabies, which is almost always fatal once symptoms begin. Fortunately, rabies can be prevented if treatment is given before symptoms appear.
“Rabies is treatable if caught before symptoms appear, so identifying anyone who has had contact with the bat as soon as possible is important,” said Elysia Gonzales, Medical Epidemiologist at Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Contact includes touching a bat, being bitten, scratched, or any other bare skin contact with a bat or its saliva.”
Rabies and pets
If your pet might have been exposed to this bat, contact your veterinarian immediately. Dogs, cats, ferrets, and horses should be current on their rabies vaccine but will need to be revaccinated if they had contact with a bat.
More about rabies
Rabies is dangerous, but treatable if caught early before any symptoms develop:
If someone has had contact with a bat, treatment can prevent infection. This treatment should be given as soon as possible.
Rabies is a viral disease of the central nervous system that is almost always fatal once symptoms begin.
The virus is found in the saliva of an animal with rabies and is usually transmitted by a bite or scratch. Because rabies is a life threatening disease, medical advice must be sought promptly if a bat comes into contact with humans or animals.If you find a bat:
=If you find a bat inside your house, call Public Health at 206-296-4774 to discuss the situation and to determine whether the bat needs to be tested for rabies. Public Health tests bats for rabies at no charge under certain circumstances.
-Live bats should be captured and might need to be tested for rabies if:
-If the bat had direct contact with a person’s bare skin or with a pet OR
-If a person wakes up to a bat in the room in which they were sleeping
-Use a shovel or gloves to put a dead bat in a box for testing. Do not throw it away!
-Open windows and allow bats to leave your home if they have not come into contact with a person or pets. Close doors to other parts of your home and secure pets away from the location of the bat.
For more information about how to safely capture a bat in your home and how to safely avoid bats, visit: kingcounty.gov/bats
You can also learn more about bats here; that one-sheet says fewer than one in 20,000 bats has rabies.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes:
STOLEN PICKUP: Amanda reports this pickup truck has been stolen again:
2002 F-250. It was parked in front of the bowling alley between 1 and 2 pm on Thursday the 6th. Plate (corrected) C52723N.
We’re awaiting the report number. (UPDATE: It’s 22-268812.)
MEETING POSTPONED AGAIN: For the second time, Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner has announced the postponement of a planned community meeting with police:
I am deeply sorry to have to do this again, but we are very excited to announce that the next SW Precinct Crime Prevention Council Meeting will be held in-person at the SW Precinct!! For the first time since 2020, we are looking forward to welcoming our community back into our community room. The meeting was scheduled for next Thursday, but we will be postponing until the community room is available.
We’ll update when there’s a new date.
(Southwest Seattle Historical Society photo)
History fans are going to have to wait until November for their next look into our area’s past. Just got word that the Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s Log House Museum is closed to the public for the rest of October because the city-landmark building is getting a new roof.
Seattle City Light crews will be doing “contact voltage” testing in West Seattle over the next few weeks, SCL spokesperson Jenn Strang tells WSB. She explains, “This is an annual testing event for excess voltage and is conducted overnight. Contact voltage can occur on the surface of metal streetlight structures, street signs, or other fixtures that can become energized. There should be no disturbance to residents or businesses, but some people may notice the truck …” This is vital testing, as contact voltage can be deadly. You can find out more about this testing – and what to do if you suspect a contact-voltage problem – by going here.
SHOPLIFT-TURNED-ROBBERY: This happened just before 9:30 Tuesday night. Here’s how the police summary tells the story:
Officers and Westwood Village Emphasis Units responded to the Ross Dress for Less at Westwood Village for a report of an armed robbery. Loss Prevention Officers reported they had attempted to contact a suspected shoplifter who had gathered 300-400 dollars-worth of apparel. This suspect began to leave through the “employees only” area that led to an emergency exit. LPOs contacted him, at which time he pulled a handgun and pointed it at them, telling them to “back off,” which allowed him to run from the business, get into his vehicle and flee the area. An area check was negative.
Two recent case filings from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office:
BUS ASSAULTS: These charges are from an incident this past May, in which police responded to a report of someone using a cane to hit multiple people aboard a Metro bus near Westwood Village. 58-year-old Hazem Abdulhadi is charged with two counts of assault, one third-degree and one fourth-degree, for hitting a 17-year-old girl in the abdomen as she was boarding the bus and then hitting a 69-year-old Metro supervisor in the arm after he arrived to try to help before transit deputies got there. The charging documents say Abdulhadi’s attacks were recorded on security video and were unprovoked. He was arrested and spent 24 hours and in jail; charges were filed four and a half months later.
HIT-AND-RUN: This stems back to an incident in December 2020. Prosecutors say 37-year-old Carl D. Lee was driving a stolen SUV, and did not have a valid driver license, when he hit a 36-year-old man crossing the street at 32nd/Raymond early on a Sunday morning. The victim’s injuries included getting several teeth knocked out. Police found the damaged car one block away about a day and a half later. After impounding the vehicle, a search yielded a clue to who had been driving it – Lee’s documents from a recent Harborview Medical Center discharge. The documents charging Lee with one count of felony hit and run do not fully explain the lag in the case – the police detective’s report is dated January of this year; the charges were filed in late September. He is not currently in custody, according to the King County jail register.
One day, more than a dozen programs. That’s what Friday’s “One Day for West Seattle” fundraiser is all about. The West Seattle Booster Club is looking to collect community support in a one-day burst of donations, as explained in the announcement:
One Day for West Seattle is a 24-hour online campaign with the goal of uniting West Seattle families, friends, alumni, and community members to join in celebration of WSHS Athletics through philanthropic giving.
This year, the West Seattle Booster Club is rallying the Wildcat community with the goal of raising $5,000 for each sponsored program in 24 hours.
All funds donated to each program will stay within that specific program. Financial donations will be used for the purchase of: equipment, student travel, uniforms, warmups, tournaments, meet entry fees, team meals and hotels.
During the “One Day for West Seattle” event, donors can visit https://westseattleboosterclub.org/donate to designate their gifts to the specific teams or clubs they are passionate about supporting.
More details – and a list of beneficiary programs – is in this one-sheet.
(Bunny in Lincoln Park, photographed by Emily Carlston)
Time to look at what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
BLOCK DROP: Today you’ll find DIY cleanup equipment at California Place Park (California/Hill in North Admiral), now until 6 pm.
UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE: At 11 am, independent health-insurance broker Patrice Lewis presents information about Medicare at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).
SOUTHWEST ART SHOWCASE: See the community show at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), which is open noon-8 pm today.
LIGHT-RAIL STATION SITE TOUR: l-4 pm, the Seattle Design Commission‘s regular meeting will be a tour of station sites for the West Seattle light-rail extension – details here.
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.
CANDIDATES’ FORUM: The 7 pm online meeting of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council includes a forum with the two candidates for the open State House seat in the 34th District, which includes West Seattle – Emily Alvarado and Leah Griffin. Video/phone info is in our calendar listing.
‘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.
BATTLESTAR KALAKALA: First Thursday is funk night at The Skylark, 9 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
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!
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