West Seattle, Washington
16 Thursday
On what would have been Antoine D. Matthews Jr.‘s 33rd birthday, his family is celebrating his life with an event they’re calling “Long Live King Cee Day” in the gym at Southwest Teen Life Center until 5 pm. Mr. Matthews, killed almost a year ago, had strong local ties – he played basketball and football at Chief Sealth – and his family says he had an endlessly giving and inspirational spirit, embodied in some of what you’ll see at the event.
Among those on hand are his mom Regina and daughters Za’Niah and Zoey.
Youth of all ages are welcome for activities and music as well as giveaways, including back-to-school haircuts and backpacks, all afternoon. The SWTLC gym is on the building’s lower level, south side, at 2801 SW Thistle.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:
STOLEN BICYCLES, SCOOTER: From Greg:
I live at the top of 29th Ave SW as you go up the hill from Brandon (by the south side of the golf course). My house is past a “Road End” sign, so a person would not be in my driveway by accident. You cannot see my garage from the road. (In other words I feel that my house has been cased and watched)
Overnight on Sunday/Monday (August 29th) a person, or persons, came into my garage and stole a Motobecane HAL mountain bike, a Cannondale CAAD 9 road bike and a Segway Ninebot F40 scooter. All of this most have been done very quietly as my dogs usually go crazy if they hear noises.
Almost nobody around here has a Motobecane HAL Boost 27 Plus
VAN BREAK-IN: Terry reports that this happened last night at 64th and Admiral. Items taken included tools and a camp fridge.
Tomorrow’s the day and tickets are still available, so we are reminding you about the Sunday afternoon garden party at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) to raise money for the West Seattle Food Bank. WSFB’s work helps people stay housed as well as fed. The “We Love West Seattle” party is set for 3 pm to 6 pm Sunday. $45 gets you a sandwich from food truck Now Make Me A Sandwich plus a drink. Live music too! You can get your ticket(s) here while they last.
(Photo by Arlene Rubin)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, and other previews, here’s what’s happening on your Saturday:
TRAFFIC ALERTS: Here’s what SDOT has announced for today:
*Eastbound lanes of the Spokane Street Viaduct will be closed 8 am-4 pm today, as previewed here.
*By 7 am today, crews should be finishing overnight work on markings at 1st Ave S/East Marginal Way S and 2nd Ave SW/Highland Park Way SW.
GARAGE/YARD SALES: See (and post) listings in the WSB Community Forums.
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).
WADING POOL/SPRAYPARK: This is the last weekend for the wading pool in central upper Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), open noon-7 pm. Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) will be open 11 am-8 pm (continuing daily through September 18th).
COLMAN POOL: Last Saturday of the year that you will be able to swim at the outdoor pool on the Lincoln Park shore, noon-7 pm.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Noon-4 p, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society museum on Alki is open today (61st/Stevens).
‘LONG LIVE KING CEE’ DAY: 1-5 pm at Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle), a free event for youth – here’s the invitation from the organizers:
In honor of Antoine Matthews Jr, we will be hosting our 1st Annual King Cee Day Celebration on Saturday, September 3, 2022 in West Seattle at SouthWest Community Center from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
Antoine was a giver and always gave out of the goodness of his heart. We will continue his Legacy of Giving back by using his light to spread love and positivity throughout the city.
There will be amazing vendors, live performances, back-to-school haircuts, face painting, games, food, a raffle and a backpack giveaway. We look forward to seeing you all there.
The Clark-Matthews Family
WINE TIME: The Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) tasting room – selling wine by the glass or bottle – is open 1-6 pm. (5910 California SW)
CHILDREN’S MOONLIGHT FESTIVAL: The Vietnamese Cultural Center hosts the Children’s Moonlight Festival with food, activities, a lion dance, and a lantern parade, 3-6 pm (2236 SW Orchard). Free.
(added) LIVE AT EASY STREET: Sulk, live in-store, 7 pm. All ages, free. (California/Alaska)
MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: Dormchair Therapist headlines tonight’s lineup, doors at 7 pm, show at 8. All ages. $10 tickets at the door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Something to add, for today/tonight or beyond? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
West Seattle High School senior quarterback Axel Johnson, #9, got the first and only Wildcat touchdown in Friday night’s game against Renton – and that’s all they needed for a win. The TD came toward the end of the first half, and 7-0 is where Head Coach Jeff Scott‘s Wildcats stood going into the second half.
(#4, senior Roman Centioli, with Coach Scott)
A few minutes into the second half, Renton got a touchdown of its own – but failed its attempt at a two-point conversion. And WSHS held them from further scoring, so 7-6 was the final score for the West Seattle victory.
Next weekend, WSHS plays Franklin at 2 pm Saturday (September 10th) at Memorial Stadium downtown.
2 AM: Another crash of note – this time on West Marginal Way. Southbound lanes are blocked at Puget Way while police investigate. This originally was dispatched as another “rescue extrication” situation but that was quickly canceled. However, police described the scene to dispatch as “high-speed” because of the damage done to the vehicle. We haven’t heard yet about injuries but will follow up with SFD.
4 AM: Some traffic was being allowed through, last we heard.
In the past few minutes we’ve had multiple inquiries about a plane circling the Pigeon Point area. It’s since moved on, but a little research revealed it’s a plane we’ve seen/heard in similar circumstances before.
That’s a Flightradar24 screengrab showing the loops and circles the plane, identified as a Cessna belonging to the Washington State Patrol, has flown tonight. Both times we wrote about similar flights last year – including this one – there were specific investigative reasons, but we won’t likely be able to follow up until after the holiday weekend,
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
#2, senior Demiko Bousely, scored Chief Sealth International High School‘s first touchdown of the year in this afternoon’s season-opening game vs. Franklin Pierce. That came midway through the second quarter, after FP had gone out to a 14-0 lead.
Playing at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, Head Coach Daron Camacho‘s Seahawks tied the game in the third quarter, 14-14.
(#4, junior Isaac Martinez)
But then FP broke out with 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter and that left CSIHS with a 28-14 loss. … In other notes, the cheer squad invited everyone to come dressed as superheroes or supervillains:
Next Friday (September 9th), Chief Sealth hosts Lakeside, 7 pm at NCSWAC.
10:20 PM: As reported here Wednesday, the Seattle Education Association says its members are voting online all weekend on whether to authorize a strike. Their contract expired two days ago. Tonight, Seattle Public Schools says it has sent families a letter warning that a delay in the start of classes – currently set for Wednesday (September 7th) – is “possible.” With a copy of that letter, the district sent this statement to media:
Seattle Education Association has turned down Seattle Public Schools’ request for legal mediation in an effort to reach a contract agreement before the start of school next Wednesday. The offer, extended earlier today, was met with immediate decline by SEA.
SPS was prepared to begin bargaining in June, and we honored SEA’s request for a two-week blackout period from June 27-July 11. SPS shared our first proposal with SEA at the end of June with the majority of SPS proposals shared with SEA by August 9. We received SEA’s first proposal on August 2.
While this news is disappointing, SPS believes mediation is necessary. We remain committed to the needs of our students and to a meaningful negotiations process. SPS gave SEA reasonable notice of our meeting schedule through the holiday weekend and into next week. Our bargaining team is ready to make substantive progress and has identified three days of availability – Sunday, Labor Day, and Tuesday. Mediation also remains on the table.
We’re seeking comment from the SEA. Their voting is scheduled to end Tuesday morning, with results to be announced later that day – and depending on what happens in the meantime, either classes or a strike starting Wednesday.
EARLY SATURDAY: We haven’t heard yet from the SEA but a commenter points out that the union said via social media that SPS didn’t show up for what it says was a scheduled bargaining session Friday.
ADDED NOON SATURDAY: SEA responded to our inquiry with a statement addressing the bargaining schedule but not mentioning the mediation question: “SEA is committed to working around the clock to settle a contract that meets students’ and educators’ needs. It’s infuriating that SPS didn’t show up to bargaining last night and isn’t willing to bargain today. We need to work together to support our schools.”
After years of community requests that the city do something to deter speeding on Alki Avenue SW, SDOT is finally going to try speed humps, as hinted back in May. Christopher tipped us this morning about the sighting of outlines for the future installations; we photographed this set on Alki just east of 63rd SW, and driving Alki/Harbor to look for others, spotted another set of outlines on Alki just west of 57th SW. We then asked SDOT about the plan; here’s the reply from spokesperson Madison Linkenmeyer:
Two speed humps are being installed on Alki Ave SW later this month where there is high pedestrian crossing activity. The locations are between 63rd Ave SW and 62nd Ave SW and another one between 58th Ave SW and 57th Ave SW. We’re also installing on Alki Ave SW some in-lane crosswalk warning signs that say “State Law Stop for Pedestrians within Crosswalk.”
These speed humps and signs came through the Vision Zero program in coordination with the Seattle Police Department and Seattle Fire Department.
Official community notification of the impending installation is scheduled for next week.
6:32 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a “rescue extrication” response to the 7900 block of 16th SW. Avoid the area. First engine on scene says it’s a “car on its top.” Updates to come.
6:36 PM: The callout is being downsized because nobody’s trapped after all – one person was in the vehicle and got out OK, firefighters told dispatch. Power lines might be involved, so they’re contacting City Light.
6:49 PM: Photos added. Responders are talking to the driver. No indication yet if they’ll have to go to the hospital, nor of how this happened. (Added) One more component of the scene – a leaning utility pole:
7:02 PM: Police just told dispatch they’re moving the closure boundary to 16th/Holden “because of a high-voltage line that came down.”
7:22 PM: Note that Metro Routes 125 and 128 are routed off 16th SW in the area. See here for alternate routing.
8:39 PM: SFD says the driver, in his mid-40s, was taken to a hospital in stable condition by AMR ambulance. … Also, both affected bus routes have resumed regular routing, indicating the street has reopened.
(Texted photo)
5:51 PM: Thanks for all the tips. The big column of black smoke visible a short time ago is from a vehicle fire on Northbound Highway 99 in the 14th Avenue South vicinity in South Park. (Update) All NB lanes of 99 are closed at the scene. Adding a WSDOT camera image:
6:04 PM: WSDOT says (and the camera verifies) that they’ve opened one northbound lane.
6:16 PM: Both lanes are now open again. No injuries reported but we’re doublechecking with SFD.
(WSB photo, August 7, 2016)
Six years have passed since that juvenile humpback whale stranded and died by the Fauntleroy ferry dock. It’s something we’ll never forget seeing – and hearing, as the 39-foot-long whale took her last breaths while people tried to save her. Later this month, the whale will be teaching posthumous lessons as part of a “walkshop” in nearby Lincoln Park. We received the announcement today from the Henry Art Museum, which invites you to the September 24th event “Care for the Stranded“ as part of its “Learning Endings” series:
On August 7, 2016, a juvenile humpback whale died on the beach just south of Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal in West Seattle. This animal was one of hundreds of marine mammals that strand every year on the northwest coast of the Pacific. These ocean-dwelling animals are mostly hidden from humans during their lifetimes, but in a stranding death, they reveal themselves to us, and call on us to care. This care can take many forms — from traditional ceremony, to scientific necropsy, to community vigil. Join Learning Endings collaborators for a forest and shoreline walk of storytelling, conversation, participation, and performance as we collectively consider what the death of the Fauntleroy humpback can teach us about the lives of these animals, those who care for them, and the entangled futures of humans and oceans.
Care for the Stranded is part of Learning Endings, a multi-part project by artists and researchers Patty Chang, Astrida Neimanis, and Aleksija Neimanis. Through a series of events, gatherings, research, and discussions, Learning Endings brings together local communities, scientists, artists, and humanities researchers to consider ecologies of care in a time of endings, with a focus on stranded marine mammals. For this Shoreline Walkshop, the Learning Endings collaborators will be joined by regional knowledge keepers Ken Workman, member of the Duwamish Tribal Council, and research biologist Jessie Huggins, as well as Canadian-based audio artist Anne Bourne.
Participants will meet at 9:30 am Saturday, September 24th, by the north parking lot of Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), and will be together for about three hours. There is no fee, but you need to register here (look for the “tickets” link). The Fauntleroy humpback was one of three whale strandings we covered on local shores last decade, along with a gray whale in The Arroyos in April 2010 and a fin whale at Seahurst Park in April 2013.
3:59 PM: Just in case you’ve forgotten, it’s holiday-weekend-getaway time, and that’s why the shared TV-news helicopter is circling Fauntleroy right now – taking a look at ferry traffic. It’s nothing unusual, per the most-recent update from Washington State Ferries – the #2 boat is running about half an hour behind schedule.
4:15 PM: It’s moved on, for now.
Last month, we reported on a Seattle Parks briefing at a City Council committee meeting, proposing increased spending to keep the parks’ “comfort stations” (freestanding restroom buildings) up and running, Arson and other vandalism were listed as costing at least half a million in repairs each year. Today a local park is the latest one affected – Parks says the EC Hughes Playground (2805 SW Holden) comfort station was damaged by fire and will be closed until work can be completed next year. A portable restroom has been placed at the park in the meantime. We don’t know when the fire happened – there’s no SFD call logged there this week – so we have a followup question out to Parks.
(WSB photos)
City crews, with the assistance of tow trucks, are clearing the 26th/Juneau RV encampment right now. Thanks to area resident Ryan for the tip; he’s been leading neighborhood communication imploring the city to take action. He reported that a Seattle Public Utilities rep told him at the site earlier this week that 26th/Juneau was about to be addressed and that 29th/Brandon is scheduled for action after Labor Day. Our city contact wouldn’t confirm dates – saying they’re always subject to change – but noted that “in recent days … public notices were posted in this area stating that the City’s 72-hour parking limit will be enforced, and that unauthorized encampments will be removed in the coming weeks.” Multiple city departments are on site for this, including SDOT/Parking Enforcement, which told us they expects one more RV to be removed within a few hours. Police are there too.
This follows a city assessment team’s visit to the area two weeks ago, as reported here.
(WSB photo from last week’s media tour of bridge)
16 days until the scheduled reopening of the West Seattle Bridge on September 18th, two and a half years after its sudden shutdown. As previously noted, no giant party – but the reconnection will be celebrated and commemorated in other ways. This one has a role for you, if you’re interested: The “West Seattle Best Seattle” community coalition would like to invite you to be part of a video shoot. Here’s the announcement:
It’s a casting call! We’d like to invite any and all West Seattleites to be the stars of a video we’re putting together to spread the excitement about the reopening. It’s purely for entertainment, but we hope to create something fun and interesting that people inside and outside West Seattle will watch and engage with. The basic idea is to celebrate the reopening, attract people back to West Seattle, and help support neighborhoods/businesses that have suffered through 900+ days of the bridge closure.
We’re working with local filmmaker Ryan Cory to shoot a short video on Wednesday, September 14th. We’ll be shooting clips at four locations through the day, with a culminating group shot on the west end of the West Seattle Bridge (which we’ve cleared with SDOT). We’re asking people to come as they are (no clothing with profanity allowed), and we can’t provide transportation or guarantee parking. The optimal number of people in the first three locations would be 100 (though we’d happily take more), with a special focus on having at least 200 (or more!) for the final bridge shot (big drone camera finish). We’ll do our best to include everyone who shows up. We’re working with the visual concept of, “Wow, I just got a message that the bridge is going to reopen, and I’m so excited, I’m going to meet up with others and celebrate,” and so having people bring their phones would be great.
Here’s the schedule for September 14th, and showing up a bit early is encouraged, because we’re on a tight timeline:
11:45 am Alki Beach by the Statue of Liberty
12:45 pm Admiral Theater
1:45 pm Alaska Junction by Easy Street
2:45 pm at the bridge’s west entranceThe video would be used across all social media platforms and websites affiliated with West Seattle, and will be sent to as many media outlets as possible. We’re working on releasing short clips before/during the reopening, with a longer version, about two minutes long, available by September 30th. Participants must be able to follow directions onsite and be quiet and respectful when the director is speaking through the megaphone. There may be some hurry-up-and-wait type of moments, so we’re asking for some patience, too. There will be no payment, in-kind gifts, or actor credits given.
The link for you to register for one or all of the locations is here. Questions about the project can be directed to wsbestseattle@gmail.com.
(Port cranes in this morning’s fog, photographed by Kevin Freitas @kevinfreitas)
Here’s what’s happening today/tonight:
RETURN OF THE BLOCK DROP: DIY cleanup equipment is available at Alki Elementary (59th/Stevens) until 6 pm – that’s also where you can drop off what you clean up, as part of closing the Block Drop loop!
ART HOP & SHOP REGISTRATION: Quick reminder that today is the deadline for artists to register for this first-ever West Seattle event.
MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS SALE: As previewed last night, this is day 1 of the big clearance sale at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska, WSB sponsor), open 11 am-6 pm.
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Today/tonight brings the first games of the season for the Chief Sealth International High School Seahawks and the West Seattle High School Wildcats, both at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – CSIHS plays Franklin Pierce at 4 pm, WSHS plays Renton at 7 pm.
WADING POOL OPEN: With a sunny, warm afternoon expected, the city plans to open its still-in-operation wading pools today, including Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW). Plus Highland Park Spraypark at 1100 SW Cloverdale is open 11 am-8 pm, too.
COLMAN POOL: The outdoor pool at Lincoln Park is open to the public today, noon-7 pm.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Blue Mercy performs at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm.
MUSIC AT KENYON HALL: Rebecca Kilgore & the Ray Skjelbred Trio live at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 pm, tickets available at the door last we heard.
SPELLING BEE AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, as announced last month, it’s the debut of Spelldown After Dark – an adult spelling bee. Check to see if there’s room for participants/spectators! (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Have something to add to our Event Calendar? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, September 2nd, as we head toward Labor Day weekend.
WEATHER
WEEKEND ALERTS
*As previewed here, the Spokane Street Viaduct’s eastbound lanes will close 8 am-4 pm Saturday.
*SDOT plans to mark two intersections 9 pm tonight to 7 am Saturday:
-1st Ave S/East Marginal Way S and 2nd Ave SW/Highland Park Way SW. Traffic lanes will be closed as needed and will be restored after the intersection markings have been painted.
FERRIES, BUSES, WATER TAXI
Ferries: WSF continues the 2-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates. Labor Day will be on a Sunday schedule.
Metro buses are on their regular weekday schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts. Labor Day will be on a Sunday schedule.
The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule. Labor Day will be on a Sunday schedule.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
894th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. 16 days until the day SDOT expects to reopen it – September 18th.
Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use until the high bridge reopens; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings.
1st Avenue South Bridge:
South Park Bridge:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are tweeted by @wsdot_traffic.
All city traffic cams can be seen here, many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
Summer’s not over yet, but fall’s in view, and the change of seasons will bring the annual change in focus at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor). First – they’re announcing a big week-plus sale that starts tomorrow, so you can get gear for enjoying the remaining summer and early fall:
Mountain to Sound Outfitters is having an Overstock Clearance on Kayaks and Stand-Up Paddleboards and accessories starting 9/2 (Friday) through 9/11 (two Sundays later). This ensures people who are out of town for the holiday weekend still get a shot at gearing up. We also have used gear from Alki Kayak Tours available.
We are receiving ski and snowboard gear so we really need to clear out the space before it goes into storage for the winter season and we shift our focus on having one of the best ski and snowboard shops in the NW!
Fall is a great time to paddle and some of the clearest days are coming. As the wildlife migrates south, we see more sightings of salmon, sea lions, migratory birds, and even larger marine mammals in the upcoming shorter days.
You can shop Mountain to Sound Outfitters regular hours through the holiday weekend and beyond – 11 am-6 pm Friday, 11 am-5 pm Saturday and Sunday, 11 am-6 pm, Mondays/Wednesdays/Thursdays, closed Tuesdays.
As reported here in July, the city is getting a grant to repave the older lanes of the Spokane Street Viaduct – the continuation of the West Seattle Bridge between the Highway 99 overpass and I-5. The next step in planning that work will result in a closer of the eastbound SSV this Saturday. Here’s the announcement from SDOT:
Plan for a closure of all the eastbound lanes on the Spokane St Viaduct from SR 99 to I-5 between 8 AM and 4 PM on Saturday, Sept. 3.
We’re closing all the eastbound lanes so crews can complete a survey of the bridge surface. The survey will help us develop an accurate surface map of the Spokane St Viaduct bridge deck and inform future paving of the bridge.
Detours will be in place, directing traffic to streets in the SODO neighborhood. Both eastbound and westbound lower Spokane St will be open during the closure. The westbound lanes of the Spokane St Viaduct will remain open during this work on the eastbound lanes.
The paving project is expected to happen sometime in the “next few years,” SDOT told us in July.
(Reader-contributed image, Monday morning)
As noted briefly here earlier, the man accused of a window-sashing rampage at Morgan Junction Starbucks early Monday is now charged. But 48-year-old Gerald R. Hochstadt isn’t in jail right now, because he had to be released last night, after the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office didn’t get the information they needed in time to rush-file charges. That information in turn has to come from SPD, which was able to obtain it today. Hochstadt is charged with one count of first-degree malicious mischief, a felony. The KCPAO and SPD had been trying to get a damage estimate from Starbucks; today’s charging documents indicate that estimate was in excess of $10,000 for the four double-pane windows – double the minimum amount to qualify for the charge that was filed. Along with using metal furniture to break the windows, Hochstadt allegedly removed plants from pots outside the store and used them to hit the door, locked by Starbucks staffers after they had managed to get him outside. A $15,000 arrest warrant was issued when the charge was filed; that’s the amount of bail requested by the KCPAO, and it’s what Hochstadt will be held on if/when arrested. We’d mentioned in earlier coverage that he had a criminal trespass conviction for which he spent more than three months in jail earlier this year; the charging documents also list a second such conviction plus one for third-degree malicious mischief.
(SDOT image via Twitter)
5:17 PM: Thanks for the tip. Here’s why there’s a bus backup trying to head from Spokane Street up to northbound Highway 99: There’s a stuck bus at the head of it all.
5:34 PM: A texter says ramp traffic is moving again.
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