West Seattle, Washington
01 Tuesday
Neighborhood-group meetings in West Seattleare usually scattered throughout the month but due to two reschedulings, this week has three:
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Monthly meeting, postponed one week because of the presidential debate last Tuesday. 6 pm Tuesday (September 17), conference room at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW). The agenda is in our calendar listing.
ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Every-other-month meeting, postponed one week to give participants more time to “settle in” with the back-to-school routine. 7 pm Tuesday, Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill). Agenda highlights:
We will have reps from the SW Precinct, Department of Neighborhoods and the Seattle Emergency Communications Hub. We will also be recapping an amazing Summer as well as previewing upcoming Fall and Holiday events.
And ANA will be collecting gently used winter coats for the West Seattle Food Bank Clothesline – bring one (or more) to the meeting if you can!
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Usual meeting night, third Thursday (September 19), 7 pm. This time it’ll be online, with a short general meeting followed by a work session for executive-board members. The general meeting will include updates from SPD and CARE. Full details and the attendance link are in our calendar listing.
(Costume parade in The Junction, WSB photo from October 2023)
After one year of separating the West Seattle Junction Association‘s fall celebration into two dates – the Fall Festival in late September, and trick-or-treating in late October – WSJA is bringing them back together this year. Everything will happen during one event as in previous years: The Harvest Festival, with the costume parade, trick-or-treating, chili cookoff, pie-eating contest, and other autumn activities, is set for six weeks from today – Sunday, October 27. The festival is set for 11 am-2 pm (the Farmers’ Market will start at 10 as always); an extra block of The Junction, California from Alaska to Edmunds, will be closed for festival activities as in years past. It’ll all start with the costume parade at 11 am (gather at 10:45 in Junction Plaza Park), led by the West Seattle High School Marching Band; the chili cookoff (proceeds benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank) also will start at 11 am. The Seattle Thrillers will perform in the Walk-All-Ways intersection at noon, and the pie-eating contest is set for 1 pm; trick-or-treating and other activities will happen throughout the festival. You can find details of all of the above and more on the Junction Association’s website.
(SDOT camera screenshot, 1:50 pm)
2 PM: As we previously reported here, the West Seattle low bridge (aka Spokane Street Swing Bridge) has been closed to surface traffic – bicyclists and pedestrians as well as drivers – since a crash last night damaged one of its cross-bridge barriers. We’ve been asking SDOT for an update, and just received this from spokesperson Maribel Cruz:
Our crews have been on site since last night, working diligently to secure the area. Currently, the barrier remains down, and both our mechanical and electrical teams are conducting a comprehensive assessment of the damage. Early findings indicate damage to both the barrier and the mechanical housing, making it unlikely that the bridge will reopen today. We’re actively coordinating next steps and will share updates as soon as more information becomes available.
The driver smashed his car into the barrier as the bridge was opening for marine traffic just after 7 pm last night. He and a passenger were both taken to Harborview Medical Center; he was also reported by police as under arrest for investigation of DUI. We’ll update this story when we get more info from SDOT.
5:16 PM: No update from SDOT yet, but we notice via the live low-bridge camera that the bridge has been brought back into the “closed” position.
6:44 PM: Thanks for the tips. SDOT hadn’t been updating on X/Twitter but they did, it turns out, post that the low bridge is now open to pedestrians and bicyclists. Still closed to drivers. … We also have obtained more information about the crash investigation from police and have added it to the original story, including why the driver might face a gun-related charge.
9:13 PM: SDOT now says the low bridge might not reopen to drivers for at least a “few days.” The work done so far is what enabled the bridge to open for bicyclists and pedestrians – and ships will be able to request openings – but according to SDOT, “technicians do not expect to be able to reopen the bridge within the next few days and are continuing to develop a more exact timeline.” The department’s update explains that Saturday night’s “collision severely damaged the mechanical gate, lock mechanism, gate control panel, and sensors that are essential for safe bridge operations.” Also: “People may notice pedestrian signals will say ‘don’t walk’ even when the pedestrian gates are open and the bridge is properly locked in place for land travel. This is due to damaged sensors in the vehicle gate. The engineers are working to correct the signal issue, but rest assured it is safe for bicycles and pedestrians to cross when the pedestrian gates are open and there are no flashing lights or warning bells.”
The photos and report are from Thomas:
found these items dumped at the salmon lookout above the ferry dock. Mostly junk, but there are some expensive women’s eyewear items in there as well.
If you recognize any of these items, let us know and we’ll connect you.
(Photo by Rosalie Miller – not a bee, a hornet fly!)
Welcome to Sunday! Here are notes for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, plus traffic alerts:
LOW BRIDGE CLOSED: Still shut down following last night’s crash.
NO SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT CLOSURE: No work this weekend, so the Spokane Street Viaduct (continuation of West Seattle Bridge between 99 and I-5) remains fully open.
ORCA HALF, DAY 2: A second run of this half-marathon will be happening in West Seattle today, starting from Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) in waves – first one at 7:30 am – heading to Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor Avenue SW). No road closures, but runners will use parking lanes in some areas.
BIG BLUE TRUCK: The Northwest Center‘s donation-dropoff truck (WSB sponsor) is outside WaFd Bank (4102 California SW). Our calendar listing has info on what items the truck will accept. 9 am-5 pm.
SWIM IN THE SOUND: At 9 am, jump into the weekly group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet for today’s run at 9 am at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: As usual, open 10 am-2 pm, late-summer produce, plus beverages, baked goods, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared food, nuts, candy, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon) P.S. Market managers still invite you to answer a survey.
BEACH GRIEF WALK: 10 am at Constellation Park (63rd/Beach), free – our calendar listing has details.
DONATION DRIVE AT ALKI UCC: 11 am-3 pm, here’s what they hope you can donate:
Front Courtyard
www.alkiucc.orgThis month’s priority: FOOD! FOOD! FOOD!
Our local food banks can’t meet the need on their own. The demand for basics is high: tortillas, rice, beans, cereal, bread, canned meats/tuna, peanut butter, fruit, etc. Fresh produce is even more important: if your garden is overflowing we will take your bounty! Nothing goes to waste!.
Outdoor gear and men’s work clothes are also needed. Your donations are distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network (WIN) Saturday lunch, hosted in White Center. Deepest gratitude to our community for your generous support of our neighbors in need.
(6115 SW Hinds)
SECOND-TIME SALE: 11:30 am-3 pm, day two of this curated indoor rummage sale at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). You never know what you’ll find:
More photos in our preview.
‘NO ON 2117’ DEMONSTRATION: West Seattle opponents of November ballot initiative I-2117 plan a demonstration in The Junction 12:30 pm-2 pm and invite anyone interested to participate. (California/Alaska)
(Photo courtesy AHSTC)
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER: First day of a full week with daily dog swimming at Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club – $5/session or $25 pass for the whole week! Open today 12:30 pm-5 pm. (11003 31st SW)
STADIUM ZONE: If you’re headed toward SODO, be aware the Mariners are home, playing Texas, 1:10 pm.
CHORAL CONCERT: The Evergreen Ensemble (WSB sponsor) sings its “Liturgy” concert at Holy Rosary (42nd/Genesee), 3 pm, as previewed here. You can get tickets at 30 percent off by buying here with the code LITURGY30.
‘GUARDS AT THE TAJ’: First matinee for the award-winning “dark comedy” at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 3 pm – info and tickets here.
DANCE AT THE BEACH: This season’s last scheduled night of salsa and bachata dancing at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki) starts with a lesson at 4:30 pm – more info here.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday night music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.
Are you organizing and/or publicizing something that should be listed on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Just email us the basics – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
The most spectacular sight in today’s Fiestas Patrias Parade through South Park was at the end – dozens of horses and their riders.
According to the parade lineup we obtained from Sea Mar Community Health Centers, which presents the parade as well as the Fiestas Patrias festival at Seattle Center downtown, two groups participated – Folkloric Horses and Octavio Rios Horses. Mariachi musicians walked with some of them:
We also saw an aspiring rider:
The annual parade is an exuberant celebration of Latin American culture and heritage, in the month that many of those nations celebrate their independence. Before more photos, here’s our video of the entire parade, recorded at the starting point, 14th Avenue S. and S. Henderson (note the first few minutes were stop-and-start, before the parade began to flow) – this year’s theme was “Unifying Our Communities“:
The colors of flags and traditional dresses brightened the gray morning. The many folkloric and cultural groups included Joyas Mestizas, Folklore Mexicano Tonantzin, Grupo Folklore Costarricense, Grupo Folklore Grupo Folklore Salvadoreño, Somos Mujeres Latinas, and Sea Mar’s many locations:
The Duwamish Valley Youth Corps walked in the parade with environmental exhortations:
Local schools participated, including Chief Sealth International HS:
Denny International MS and Concord International Elementary marched too, as well as the Kennedy Catholic HS band (see them all in our full-parade video). One school, Whittier Elementary, came all the way from Ballard, with their unicycle team:
Wheeled entries also included the Malportados Vespa scooter club:
And with four wheels, a big turnout of lowriders from multiple car clubs, including Eazy Duz It, Lord Riderz, Family Stylez, Northwest Finest, and Panaderia la Ideal (again, you can see them all in our video):
And so many more people, including Grand Marshal Karla Mora from the Consulate of Mexico:
Marching in masks were El Diablos de Seattle:
SPD sent a delegation too (in addition to the officers who were guarding the periphery of the parade):
The parade was largely rain-free, aside from a brief bit of mist about halfway through, and lasted about 45 minutes at the starting point. Meantime, Sea Mar’s Fiestas Patrias festival at Seattle Center continues Sunday (here’s the program), 11 am-6 pm.
7:14 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a “rescue extrication” response to the scene of a crash on the low bridge. Two people are reported hurt, and the bridge is blocked. Complicating matters, the bridge is currently in the “open” position, and the crash happened on the westbound side, which is the only direction from which emergency crews can access the scene.
7:18 PM: Dispatch has told responders that the driver, who’s being extricated, apparently “ran into the bridge as it was opening.” SDOT is sending a crew to check on whether that’s damaged the bridge. A passenger is already out of the car and is reported to be less seriously hurt.
7:28 PM: The low bridge “is probably going to be closed for quite some time,” police just told dispatch. Note that since the bridge is in the “open” position, it’s closed to bicyclists and pedestrians as well as to drivers.
7:35 PM: Police have also told dispatch they’ve arrested the driver for investigation of DUI; he’s reported to be in his 30s and will be taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries.
8:12 PM: With SFD’s departure, the traffic camera shows the crashed car (note its top is missing because firefighters cut it off to get the driver out):
A tow truck arrived just a moment after we took that screenshot.
9:14 PM: The crash scene is cleared but the bridge remains closed to traffic. A team that showed up a few minutes ago appears to be inspecting the arm that the driver is reported to have hit.
11:12 PM: Still closed to surface traffic, and no status update from SDOT yet.
1:53 AM: Seventh hour of the closure. (You can check on the bridge’s status here; we’ll update again i a few hours.)
6:35 AM: Still closed.
10:51 AM: Still closed, no update from SDOT, who we are trying to reach. Meantime, SFD says neither of the people taken to the hospital after the crash had life-threatening injuries – a 21-year-old woman (who we believe was the passenger) taken via AMR ambulance (which indicates less-serious injuries), a 25-year-old man (who we believe was the driver) taken via SFD medic.
12:38 PM: Still closed. We’ll publish a separate update when we get more info from SDOT, but for now, a spokesperson tells us that “our roadway structures crew and engineers are working as fast as possible to determine the extent of the damage and repair timeline.”
2:07 PM: New story here.
ADDED SUNDAY EVENING: SPD has provided additional information about the crash investigation. They say that the officer’s report summarizes:
The vehicle had been traveling westbound at a high rate of speed when it crossed into the opposite lane of travel, crashed through a gate, and finally coming to a stop when it struck another gate. The gates had been down with their lights active as the bridge had been opening [during the collision].
SPD’s response to our request for information adds, “While working, SFD located a loaded Glock 45 9mm pistol inside of the vehicle, belonging to the 25-year-old driver, and provided it to Seattle police; it was seized as evidence.” The driver is described as a Seattle resident and under investigation for DUI and “unlawful carry (of) pistol.” (The latter section of city code is explained here.)
Seattle Public Schools has yet to announce the dates and times of community meetings about its newly released proposals for school closures, but we’ve learned of one TENTATIVE date, courtesy of Gina Topp, the school board representative for West Seattle and most of South Park. She has changed the time of her previously announced community-conversation meeting on Wednesday, September 25, to an earlier start, 5 pm, because, she says, the district has tentatively scheduled a West Seattle meeting for 6:30 that same night. Topp adds, “I’ll be at both to listen, connect with the community, and take feedback. If anyone can’t make it, they can always email me directly at gina.topp@seattleschools.org with their thoughts or questions.” Her meeting at 5 pm September 25 will be in the West Seattle (Admiral) Library at 2306 42nd SW; no location yet for the possible district meeting, pending confirmation.
That’s one of several reader photos we’ve received of an unceremoniously strewn pile of stuff on the sidewalk and street in front of the Westside Flats apartment building at 3233 SW Avalon Way. The first reader to mention it said the pile showed up sometime last night. Police logs indicate it’s been reported, but it’s still there as of a short time ago. We advised one concerned reader that sidewalk/street obstructions can be reported to SDOT‘s 24/7 dispatch line at 206-386-1218; they called but got stuck on longterm hold. The city of course has mechanisms for reporting illegal dumping, but this seems more urgent than Find It Fix It. What led to it, we don’t (yet) know.
Some tickets are still available for the Taste of West Seattle, our area’s premier food fair, supporting the West Seattle Food Bank, this Thursday (September 19). More than two dozen food and beverage providers will be at The Hall at Fauntleroy that night for The Taste, with delicious food and drink for attendees. WSFB’s Robbin Peterson tells us this is the lineup:
A Butter Place
Cactus Restaurants – Alki Beach
Dolcetta Artisan Sweets
Elliott Bay Brewery & Pub
Falafel Salam
Fire Tacos & Cantina
Ghostfish Brewing Company
JØYUS
Margie’s Cafe (at the Center for Active Living)
Mioposto
Mission Cantina
Murder Hornet Hot Sauce
Nola’s Events
On Safari Foods
Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce
Phoenecia
RINGA
Seattle Sorbets
Sopranos Antico Pizza and Pasta
T2 Cellar
The Birdhouse
The Good Society Brewery & Public House
The Locol Kitchen & Bar
Thorntail Hard Agave
Highland Park Corner Store
Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering
Viscon Cellars
West Seattle Grounds
MVP Photo Booth
You get to vote on your favorites. Plus, Robbin adds, “We will have raffles available only for event attendees and one raffle prize is a trip for 2 to Tuscany! Fun games will include ‘Plinko’ for local gift card prizes and ‘Sorry!’ for wine prizes!” Ready to get your ticket(s)? General admission is $75 and gets you in at 6 pm; VIP early admission, 5:30 pm, is $125 (limited number, so if you’re interested, don’t wait). Go here!
WSB is media sponsor – see you there Thursday! The Hall is at 9131 California SW.
In case you haven’t seen this in District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s newest newsletter:
… We’re launching a short community survey to help guide our approach to a specific investment involving our wonderful Seattle parks: playfield grass-to-turf conversions.
We have heard strong community demand for more turf playfields in our city. One issue that I’ve seen firsthand is that many parks currently have grass playfields, which can make it more difficult from an accessibility standpoint for those participating in sports. This problem is obviously worsened when the fields are wet. Our youth are often the most impacted.
I am honored to represent a district that has the second highest population of under-18 youth across all City Council Districts. Many of these kids are engaged in youth sports; others are regular users of our terrific parks and recreational facilities. As a dad of three young kids who are active in various team sports, I spend significant time in our parks as well. Note: our Seattle Parks & Recreation Department (PARKS) manages over 400 parks enjoyed daily by park users!
Thus, we have a unique opportunity to gradually convert more of our grass playfields to turf. This effort is necessary to improve safety, help ensure year around accessibility and playability, address fairness and equity considerations (especially gender equity), and fulfill community demand for more turf fields. …
You can answer the survey here.
(August 18, 2021, reader photo by Rachel)
Three years after being moved off its site, the Stone Cottage remains in search of its permanent home. The “Save the Stone Cottage” organization asked us to share this open letter/update:
Do you own a possible Stone Cottage site? Let us know now
An update to the West Seattle community:
Time flies! We just passed the three-year mark since the one-of-a-kind 90-year-old Stone Cottage was moved on Aug. 18, 2021, from its original site across from Don Armeni Boat Ramp one mile south to temporary storage on Port of Seattle property.
In the past three years, our Save the Stone Cottage committee has examined a variety of options in great detail. To determine the best possible future for this unique building, adorned with 15,000 beach stones, we have studied options for it to be situated on public land or private property near the West Seattle shoreline.
We have narrowed possible final locations to a few select sites. Because some of them involve potential real-estate transactions, we will not disclose them at this point.
We are, however, optimistic. Moreover, we are grateful that we can envision a not-too-distant day when we can carry out the vision that we communicated to the public, the original cottage owners and the hundreds of volunteers and donors to this unique and heartfelt preservation project.
They entrusted us with an inspiring mission: to save and relocate the Stone Cottage within the West Seattle community so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come.
As we near a final decision, we ask that if there is any owner of property near West Seattle’s shoreline who would like for us to consider such a parcel in our deliberations, the time to let us know is now. At 24-by-36 feet, the Stone Cottage totals 864 square feet. Contact us by email at info@SavetheStoneCottage.org.
We also renew our thanks to our fiscal sponsor, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, as well as to Chainqui Development and many other partners and supporters, all of whom are saluted on our website.
Good things do not always come easily or quickly. This is a lesson we have learned in the trenches. But we look forward to the time when all of West Seattle can celebrate a new home for a restored Stone Cottage, which has long been a cherished symbol of the heritage of the Duwamish peninsula.
Onward!
The Save the Stone Cottage LLC
Deb Barker, John Bennett, Mike Shaughnessy, principals
info@SavetheStoneCottage.org
Redevelopment of the cottage’s previous site across from Don Armeni Boat Ramp was imminent at the time of the move, but stalled after being cleared.
Got late word of this – a compost giveaway at Westcrest Park, SW Henderson entrance, until 1 pm unless they run out sooner:
– 2 wheelbarrows of FREE compost per person
– Bring a shovel and container
– First come, first served
– Pedestrian friendly
-Limited vehicle access
(Photographed on Genesee Hill by Sarah Vanston)
The weekend has arrived! Here’s what to know for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, starting with traffic and transit reminders:
NO SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT CLOSURE: No work this weekend, so the Spokane Street Viaduct (continuation of West Seattle Bridge between 99 and I-5) is fully open.
METRO SERVICE CHANGE: Some changes for bus riders start today in Metro’s twice-yearly “service change” – the affected routes in West Seattle (see the full list here) are 60, 125, 131, and 132.
ORCA HALF: This half-marathon will be run in West Seattle both mornings this weekend, starting from Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) in waves – first one at 7:30 am – heading to Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor Avenue SW). No road closures, but runners will use parking lanes in some areas.
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.
BIG BLUE TRUCK: The Northwest Center‘s donation-dropoff truck is back in West Seattle, every weekend. You’ll find it outside WaFd Bank (4102 California SW). Our calendar listing has info on what items the truck (a WSB sponsor) will accept. 9 am-5 pm.
SECOND-TIME SALE: 9 am-4 pm, day one of this carefully curated indoor rummage sale at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). Not all secondhand – for example, look for these “scarf teddy bears” made by Tina, who’s 96!
More photos in our preview.
MORE SALES TODAY: See what’s listed in the WSB Community Forums!
HEAVILY MEDITATED: 9 am at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), free community meditation – RSVP here.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: West Seattle has TWO farmers’ markets every weekend! Start your market shopping with this one – your weekly Saturday opportunity to go get fresh food from growers and makers – 10 am-2 pm, the market’s fourth season offers produce, plants, condiments, prepared food, more, continuing weekly through late October! (9421 18th SW; WSB sponsor)
FIESTAS PATRIAS PARADE: More than 40 entries – folkloric dancers, mariachi musicians, car and scooter clubs, schools, neighborhood and cultural representatives, horseback riders – comprise this annual parade in South Park, 10 am, starting from S. Henderson just west of 14th Ave. S., heading north on 14th to S. Cloverdale, then west.
WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION WALKING TOUR: A housing-advocacy group is leading this tour as part of its campaign to advocate for changes in the city’s draft comprehensive plan. All welcome. Meet at 10 am at Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska).
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: You’re invited to join others taking a walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy), 10 am.
SSC GARDEN CENTER, WITH THE OTTER PUP: Summer gardening season isn’t over yet! Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm. Plus: The Otter Pup is open by the center, with coffee, ice cream, and other treats!
GRIEFSHARE SUPPORT GROUP: For those who’ve lost a spouse. 10:30 am at Grace Church (10323 28th SW)
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.
MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL: 11 am-4 pm at the Seattle Chinese Garden (north end of SSC campus, 6000 16th SW).
GARDEN FAIRY EVENT: Everyone needs a little magic in their lives! 11 am-3 pm at Delridge P-Patch (5078 25th SW).
BICYCLE RIDE TO LEARN ABOUT GREENWAYS: Join Stu Hennessey and West Seattle Bike Connections on a ride to learn about and understand the “greenways” in West Seattle. Meet at Stu’s shop (Alki Bike and Board in Admiral; 2606 California SW; WSB sponsor) by noon to join the ride.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is also open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
\NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: The tasting room/wine bar is open 1-6 pm with student-produced wines and “affordable eats” at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
PETTING ZOO AT OUNCES: 3-6 pm at the beer garden/taproom – “Our beer garden will be transformed into a petting zoo with goats, piglets, bunnies, and ducks for you and your littles to pet! Event is FREE and all ages!” (3809 Delridge Way SW)
PAPER BOAT BOOKSELLERS’ 5TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY: 4-6 pm, stop in for cake, sips, raffles, and discounts, while congratulating PB proprietors Desirae and Eric on the milestone! (6040 California SW)
MAKE LEAF MOBILES: Create at The Clay Cauldron, 4-5:30 pm. Registration info is in our calendar listing.
MOVED TO SUNDAY DANCE AT THE BEACH: This season’s last scheduled night of salsa and bachata dancing at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki) starts with a lesson at 4:30 pm – more info in our calendar listing.
‘YO GABBA GABBA LAND’ CHARACTERS: Meet Brobee and Muno from the Apple TV show, 5 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), free, all ages.
AT THE SKYLARK: “Psychedelic, aquarium-themed” show with Clairvoyant Sun, Stoneyard, Avec Anne, Tapwire. Doors 6, show 7, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Roo Forrest and Friends at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, no cover.
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
GUARDS AT THE TAJ: “Dark comedy” in its first weekend at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm – get tickets here.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, Soul Focus FM. (4547 California SW)
JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).
KARAOKE AT THE PIZZERIA: Saturday nights, you can sing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.
FIREWORKS? Many have asked if a repeat is expected of the Saturday-in-mid-September fireworks off Blake Island that startled many last year. As we’ve replied to the emails and texts, we’ve been looking around for hints – Coast Guard notices, Fire Department alerts, etc. – and haven’t found any. When evening arrives, we’ll be checking the MarineTraffic tracker too. But note that the last two years, the fireworks were on the third Saturday in September, which isn’t until next weekend, so we’ll keep the radar up.
West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event is welcome to be featured on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
Friday brought ample reasons for Chief Sealth International High School supporters to cheer, as the Seahawks’ second game of the season ended as their second win of the season, 29-7 over Franklin HS at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. Three CSIHS seniors contributed touchdowns in the first half – #0 Xavier Nguyen, #8 Seth Clark, and #14 Laith Nelson.
Next Friday, head coach Daron Camacho‘s Seahawks are the home team vs. West Seattle in the annual crosstown Huling Bowl clash.
The game’s at 6 pm Friday at NCSWAC (2801 SW Thistle).
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
The “Neon Night” theme in the stands at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex lent a little brightness to a Friday night that ended with West Seattle High School losing their second football game of the year, despite being ahead 13-0 over visiting Interlake HS at halftime.
The halftime lead followed touchdowns by #5, junior Miles Guidry, and #13, junior LJ Moody:
Interlake outscored WSHS 21-6 in the second half, and that resulted in the final score, Interlake 21, West Seattle 19.
Next week, head coach Anthony Stordahl and his Wildcats (0-2) face the crosstown competitors of Chief Sealth International HS (2-0) in the annual Huling Bowl, 6 pm Friday (September 20).
Morgan Junction’s pizza-and-more restaurant Peel & Press will close at the end of October, 10 years after it opened, proprietor Dan Austin announced late today. But the space at 6503 California won’t be empty for long, and Austin isn’t leaving the hospitality business. He will remain sole owner of the Flight Path bar in Boulevard Park and part owner of The Bridge in West Seattle and The Point in Burien. But closing Peel & Press, Austin says, will give him more time with his family – in his announcement, he notes, “I opened this place with a 5-month-old daughter and a wife already pregnant with another baby on the way … I have missed out on a lot of time with my wife and kids, and it is time to change that.” He adds, “I am proud of the restaurant’s ability to support the community. We have been a gathering spot for celebrations. We have been a spot for grieving. We have been a place that focused on a core principle. ‘We have no right to make money from a community that we don’t give back to.’ We focused on supporting the West Seattle Food Bank, local schools and many other local organizations. We rallied a group of other owners to help produce over 4,000 free meals for first responder and hospitality employees who were laid off at the start of the pandemic.”
As for what’s next in the Peel & Press space, Austin says, “I can’t tell you yet. I have worked to get an amazing owner in here and to bring something into West Seattle that I personally think we have needed more of for far too long. I will let them make the announcement, but I personally couldn’t be more excited!” He describes it as “a business that I think West Seattle will be really excited to add to its food scene.”
In an email conversation after his announcement, he told us a few more things. For one, he wants to be very clear that unlike some closures, this has nothing to do with lease matters – “I have an amazing landlord … a very fair lease with a great local building owner!” And he says some Peel & Press favorites will live on at his other establishments: “Some of my classic dishes will be run as specials at my other locations. Also, the West 5 Mac and Cheese will be available at The Bridge along with some of our specialty cocktails that people love,” starting shortly after Peel & Press’s last day on Sunday, October 27.
(WSB photos)
Looking for indoor activities for the weekend? Fauntleroy Church is ready for shoppers to show up starting tomorrow morning for its annual fundraising Second-Time Sale – carefully curated, donated items you might not be able to resist. Like this satin and velvet “crazy quilt”:
Or maybe a porcelain figurine:
Or a puzzle to keep busy on another rainy day:
If you need it, they just might have it. Furniture, books, sports equipment, kitchenware, jewelry, the list goes on. The Second-Time Sale is in the Fellowship Hall of the church (9140 California SW), 9 am-4 pm Saturday, 11:30 am-3 pm Sunday.
P.S. To make room for your finds, you can set aside stuff to take to the church NEXT Saturday (September 21) during the fall Recycle Roundup!
Thanks for the photo and tip! Just one week after its previous inbound trip to Bremerton, the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) headed out again this afternoon. MarineTraffic.com shows it currently sailing past the west shore of south Whidbey Island. The Nimitz is scheduled for decommissioning in 2026, and a related contract was recently announced.
Thanks for the tips. “No parking” signage for next Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday has gone up along SW Trenton between 25th and 29th, and the paperwork attached to some of them confirms those dates are set for cleaning up the encampment in that area.
As reported here previously, the city said it was planning to resolve the encampment in the second half of this month (which starts Monday); that timeframe was reconfirmed by City Councilmember Rob Saka and his district director Leyla Gheisar at Wednesday’s Southwest Precinct community meeting (WSB coverage here). SPD’s Parking Enforcement unit also has orange-tagged vehicles parked in the area:
The tags are warnings that the vehicles will be towed if not moved. Though the signage sets aside three days for the cleanup, past encampment operations we’ve reported on in other areas of West Seattle have tended to be completed on the first day.
Matt is hoping someone will see his stolen pickup:
Stolen from the 26th & Hudson area, just off Delridge Way. Stolen overnight, found it missing this morning & reported it to police.
The truck was parked directly in front of our house, with clear line of visibility from the main living room window, and we slept with the windows open. Neither we nor the neighbors heard a peep.
This truck has immense sentimental value to me, as it was previously my father’s, and I’d hoped to own it for many years to come.
2001 F-350 XLT (four-door, diesel, full bed, aftermarket dual hoodscoop hood), dark red. Plate D13678D. I only have 7 days before the insurance will write it off and I have no chance of getting it back. Hopefully someone sees it soon and I can get it back, fix it, and get back on the road.
Call 911 if you see it.
(File photos courtesy Cascadia Fresh Market)
Back in May, the West Seattle couple who own Cascadia Produce opened a small grocery store meant to be an oasis in the North Delridge “food desert” – Cascadia Fresh Market (5444 Delridge Way SW). They said they planned a pilot – test run – to see if the community would embrace this neighborhood spot to shop for affordable, nourishing food. Recently we asked co-proprietor Jill Moore what happened and what’s next. She provided this detailed, and hopeful, update, including big news:
Cascadia Fresh Market opened in May of this year with the goal of exploring our “fresh-food bodega” concept on the food-desert neighborhood of North Delridge through the end of August 2024. In that time, we hoped to show that people desired healthier food conveniently located to them and would change their habits to shop there. We also partnered with schools to engage local elementary school communities in introducing good, affordable food to kids and families, and pursued programs like SNAP/EBT, Fresh Bucks, and partnership with the West Seattle Food Bank to make sure all fresh food is utilized to its highest potential.
So How Did It Go?
It was a mixed bag. But most of the things that fell out of the bag were good. There were victories, failures, and a lot of rapid learning. We are more certain than ever that we want to nurture this market space in our community. However, we didn’t achieve consistent profitability during the initial pilot. The people that shop with us are enthusiastic about the mission, the value, and the atmosphere. There is a real value proposition for them – save money, shop conveniently, and support kids in their community all in one fell swoop. But the Fresh Market needs additional shoppers to achieve long-term viability. With margins on produce and grocery items low, many transactions are required to turn the profit necessary to support overhead. We know more time is required to build that shopper base – and that is the big announcement here today.
Cascadia Fresh Market OPEN and in Talks to Extend Pilot
Cascadia Fresh Market is seeking more time in the space to determine if our market experiment is a success. We are in discussion to extend our time in the 5444 Delridge Way SW space until at least June of 2025, so that we can properly establish and assess the business’ future. The new lease/dates have not been finalized yet, but this is our direction and the landlord seems open to this new timeline and mutually beneficial agreement.
Tenders EBT/SNAP and Fresh Bucks Now Accepted
We recently got both SNAP and Fresh Bucks implemented in the Fresh Market – we do hope that will lead new shoppers to the market and push us into sustainability. We are looking for ways to make this known more widely, as well as our daily hours (10 – 7 pm). Our goals during the extended pilot period will include keeping prices low, while bringing in key local foods including ready-made grab n go selections from local food entrepreneurs who also wish to reduce food waste and feed more people. Cascadia Fresh Market will partner our faces off with schools and business and institutions and care facilities – anywhere where people are, there should be access to good food. We are working new programs with West Seattle preschools and elementary schools that include experiential learning about nutrition and food access for vulnerable families. We hope to partner with local senior living facilities and medical institutions to bring fresh food access to communities with limited transportation as well.
The Fresh Market is open every day from 10 am – 7 pm on Delridge.
If any small business can do this, we can. Cascadia Produce is a wholesale food access company with a warehouse and a small fleet of trucks based in Auburn. We (Jeremy and Jill, owners) live 650 steps from the market front door. From our vantage point, there is no shortage of food and no logistical hurdles preventing us from bringing right-size quantities to North Delridge. Our business has all of the resources needed to keep a neighborhood market stocked with good food consistently. We care enough to fine tune and learn new skills (like marketing!). Cascadia Fresh Market has a solid shot at being a sustainable independent business come June.
The Ask: Start at Cascadia Fresh Market and shop out.
If you value convenient grocery shopping in an urban food desert and want to see independent markets flourish and proliferate, we have an ask for you: Will you start your shopping at the Fresh Market and then “shop out” to other retailers as necessary? Try it for a few weeks and see if it works for you/your family. In return for this routine change, we will make sure we always have a wide selection of staple and exciting things at affordable prices. The more people shop, the more variety we can bring in. Express your food preferences to the staff and we will seek the foods that are important to you. This market is in the process of tailoring itself to fit the contours of the community and you can help shape that.
Where even is the Fresh Market?
One of our barriers has been that our storefront is hard to notice from the street. We are on Delridge, but mid-block in the base of a building. Young trees in the parking strip and median are the perfect height to obscure signage and cause cars and busses to pass in a blur without noticing the cool new market in town. Find our sunny little market in the shade of the building at 5444 Delridge Way SW. Cascadia Fresh Market is just south of the Delridge Library, just north of Sree’s gas station, on the East (opposite) side of Delridge Way. There is nearly always open parking directly in front of the store. Other nearby landmarks: the Rapid Ride H line stop on the corner of Findlay and Delridge (same side of the street), Pho Aroma, or any of the small restaurants in the KBM commissary kitchen. All of these locations are within a stone’s throw of our storefront.
Full grocery, full tummy, full heart.
The Fresh Market doesn’t just have veg – we always have staples like eggs, milk, rice, beans, yogurt, etc. We also have spices and drinks (cold brew, kombucha, soda, flavored milks, the works) and all sorts of snacks (ice cream, cookies, chips, pizzas, and more).
The Fresh Market aims to weave together a better, stronger food culture in North Delridge – one that is
inclusive and easy and a place every person looks forward to visiting. There are wide aisles for those
with mobility challenges, and lo-fi games to occupy kids for a few moments of rare shopping peace.
Free Fridge Overflow-eth
Before there was a Free Fridge there was Carrot Man’s Carrot Stand on 25 th . Our family put out free produce during the pandemic and our neighbors didn’t let anything sit long! Everyone felt welcome and excited for free food, even if it needed a little rehab (aka, to be put in a glass of water for a few hours). This resource has simply moved to the refrigerator inside the Fresh Market. It’s not much farther away and everyone is welcome to utilize the fridge. It often sits super full for days. We would rather people take the items immediately so that they are in the best possible shape. The West Seattle Food Bank has sponsored our Free Fridge and together we want you to know – FREE FRESH FOOD IS AVAILABLE EVERY DAY at the Fresh Market. It’s usually fruit and vegetables, but other items make their way there as well. Come check it out. It’s okay to bring a pet on a leash into the Fresh Market.
Cascadia Fresh Market took over the space where Delridge Grocery Co-op ended its retail run last spring.
The business notes have been piling up behind this week’s huge stories and breaking news, but here goes with five!
GRAND OPENING: Charcuterie by Annalise is finally through the final stages of permits and remodeling at 6032 California SW and is getting ready to open (two months later than she originally hoped). Her new ribbon-cutting date is noon Sunday, September 22, and the shop will be open until 5 pm that day. Annalise Johnson says the event will include “cheese tastings, raffles/giveaways, demos, sweet treats, and charcuterie boxes for sale.” Find out more about her business in our previous story.
LADY JAYE TURNS 5: As mentioned briefly in today’s highlight list, Lady Jaye (4523 California SW) is celebrating its fifth anniversary. Co-proprietor Evan tells WSB, “We are so excited to have been a part of West Seattle for the last 5 years and we re-signed another 5-year contract. We are sticking around!” As part of the party, today starting at 4 pm they have a special menu item – for the first time, Smoked Texas-Style Wagyu Brisket. (Evan says they have seven briskets for the occasion – but when they’re sold out, they’re sold out!)
PAPER BOAT BOOKSELLERS TURNS 5: Also celebrating a milestone anniversary, Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW). Tomorrow (Saturday, September 14) is the party, 4-6 pm, and co-proprietor Desirae says in the announcement:
We hope you’ll join us even if it’s just to say hi and grab a slice of cake. We want to see your faces because we honestly can’t believe it’s been 5 years so we’ll need you to pinch us to assure it’s actually real! Communities like ours thrive when places bring them together and we’ve always believed that’s just what a bookstore can do. Through thick and thin, we’re here, because what would a bookstore be without the people who enter them.
Full celebration details are in our calendar listing, including 15 percent off purchases all weekend.
CHERRY EXPANDS TO 7 DAYS A WEEK: Cherry Consignment (4142 California SW), which celebrated its 15th anniversary a month ago, wants you to know that the shop is now open 7 days a week, noon-5 pm.
MYSTERY: Readers have emailed pointing out that “LEASED” sign in the window at the ex-Lodge space in Junction 47. As we’ve told them, there’s nothing on record yet, but we asked the commercial real-estate broker who leased it, Jason Miller, first VP at Kidder Matthews, what he could tell us: “I can confirm the space has been leased and the new Tenant plans to open in the first quarter of next year. Construction on the remodel will probably start later this year.” He describes the new tenant as “a great local restaurant with West Seattle roots” and expects them to go public “when the time is right.”
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