West Seattle, Washington
30 Tuesday
Election Day, November 8th, is exactly five weeks away. But you’ll be able to start voting a lot sooner – King County Elections plans to send out ballots on October 19th, and you can vote as soon as you get yours. Here’s KCE’s one-stop info page for the election, including a link you can use to preview the ballot you’ll get. Here’s the sample ballot we downloaded, which is what you’ll receive if you’re in the city and the 34th State Legislative District.
The most complicated issue is Seattle Proposition 1A-1B – alternatives for changing the way you vote in Seattle city primaries. Initiative-born 1A would enable voters to check off as many candidates “as they approve of” in races for Mayor, City Attorney, and City Council. The two top vote-getters for each office would advance to the general election. 1B is an elected-official-proposed alternative that would allow voters in those same primary races to rank candidates by their preference, with a multi-round vote-counting process ensuing. You’ll have two votes on this two-part proposition – should either become law, and regardless of whether you said yes or no, which one would you rather see become law? The ballot also includes a King County charter amendment that would change elections, moving County Executive, County Councilmembers, County Assessor, and Elections Director to even-numbered years. Plus there’s a King County levy proposal, the Conservation Futures Levy. Besides those issues, the ballot includes U.S. House, U.S. Senate, State Legislature, Secretary of State, King County Prosecutor, and 17 judicial positions, only two of which are contested. Two state advisory measures are on the ballot too. Not registered to vote but eligible? Go here.
Today we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor, Rainier Hair Studio. New WSB sponsors get an opportunity to tell you about themselves; here’s what Rainier Hair Studio wants you to know:
Rainier Hair Studio has finally opened its doors after stepping into the former Illusions space at 5619 California SW. Rainier is a non-gender studio that focuses on inclusion and community. Megan. the owner, grew up in West Seattle and her son currently attends West Seattle High School. She has been in the industry for 20+ years, doing everything from festivals to weddings to skin fades, and excels with the little ones.
Her passion in the new studio is to provide a space of growth and support for her staff, along with giving back to the community and creating a space where everyone is guaranteed a quality hair service in a welcoming environment. That includes providing a safe space for clients, be it getting your hair cut in a private room or just our caring nature – stylists who listen, specialize, and care. Megan says, “The thing that I learned with COVID (restrictions) is how much I connected with my clients and their families and now I plan to honor that in the new space. so that anyone who walks in the doors feels comfortable, from the 2-year-old’s first cut to grandma’s 100th cut and everyone in between. I always say a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet and carry that vibe into my client experience.” Rainier Hair Studio also will give back to the community, affiliating with The Beyond Project, which focuses on connecting stylists to the volunteer opportunities that speak to their heart, starting with an event working with the foster community.
Rainier Hair Studio has three extremely talented artists joining the shop: Katherine, previously at Cutz, who specializes in curls and dimensional blondes; Crystal, previously at Rudy’s, who specializes in short cuts; and Marjory from Babalouise, who is a vivid color master. Come check out the space for yourself and meet the new crew , Saturday, October 8th, from 4 pm-8 pm – they will be doing a “welcome to the neighborhood” party and look forward to seeing you. You can also book at rainierhairstudio.com if you’re ready today.
We thank Rainier Hair Studio for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
(Rendering by Mahlum, from the info packet for proposed zoning ‘departures’)
The Alki Elementary rebuild is proposed with nine elements that would be zoning exceptions – formally known as “departures” – and the city is seeking community comment by October 14th on whether they should be approved. If you haven’t already commented but would like to, here’s the overview from the city, including how to comment:
The public is invited to share feedback regarding the development plans for Alki Elementary School located at 3010 59th Ave SW. The Seattle School District is requesting modifications (also known as “departures”) from City zoning regulations per Seattle Municipal Code, SMC 23.51B, and the Public School Departures Process, SMC 23.79.
1) Greater-than-allowed building height
2) Reduced vehicular parking quantity
3) Bus loading and unloading
4) New curb cut to service area without vehicular parking
5) Increased curb-cut width
6) Increased curb-cut flare
7) Reduced bicycle parking (long-term) quantity
8) Amended bicycle parking performance standards
9) Signage/changing-image signThe school district has a detailed presentation of the modifications which you can view here.
Upon receiving your feedback, the comments will be shared with the Director of the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. After review, the Director will provide their recommendations regarding the proposed departures to the Director of the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections for the final decision. Please submit your written comments by Friday, October 14 to:
Nelson Pesigan
E-mail: Nelson.Pesigan@seattle.gov
Mailing Address:
Seattle Department of Neighborhoods
PO Box 94649
Seattle, WA 98124-4649For additional information, visit our website or contact Nelson Pesigan at 206-684-0209.
Alki Elementary is scheduled to move to temporary space at the former Schmitz Park Elementary for two years starting next fall while the new school is built.
(Steller’s Jay, photographed by Jeremy Barton)
Here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
BLOCK DROP DIY CLEANUP: Go here to see today’s location for supplies facilitating your DIY cleanup, now through 6 pm.
COVID VACCINES: Pop-up clinic today at South Park Senior Center (8201 10th Ave. S.):
South Park Senior Center will be hosting a Vaccination Clinic in partnership with King County and Discovery Health MD from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Moderna, Pfizer, and the new Novavax vaccines will be available. Everyone, including infants, will qualify to receive a free vaccine.
To register go to: prepmod.doh.wa.gov//appointment/en/reg/2698241109
If you need assistance registering, please contact South Park Senior Center at 206-767-2544. Walk-ins will be welcome.
POSTCARDS TO VOTERS: A local way to take national action – participating in the 10:30 am weekly gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST SEAPORT ALLIANCE: The port commissioners of Seattle and Tacoma meet today as NWSA managing members, 11 am at Sea-Tac Airport‘s conference center and online – here’s the agenda; to watch online, go here.
CHESS CLUB: Play chess at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), 1:30 pm. Beginners welcome!
CITY COUNCIL: 2 pm, the weekly full-council meeting is happening online and in-person – here’s the agenda, with information on how to comment.
SPORTS: The West Seattle High School girls’ soccer team has a home game against Nathan Hale, 4 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle).
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Longstanding weekly 4:30-6 pm sign-waving demonstration at 16th/Holden. Signs available if you don’t have your own. (Organizer Scott says they’re continuing in this spot for even though it’s not high-traffic any more.)
REHEARSALS: The West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ fall rehearsals start at 5:30 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW).
SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, go play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).
FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Meeples Games (3727 California SW) welcomes families 6-8 pm to this weekly hosted game-playing night.
WEST SEATTLE TOASTMASTERS: Learn and practice the art of public speaking with a friendly group who welcomes you to join. 6:30 pm online – info here.
WEST SEATTLE BIKE CONNECTIONS: 6:30 pm online meeting – details in our calendar listing.
OPEN MIC: Go show your talents at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way), 7 pm.
TRIVIA X 3: Three of the venues where you can play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7:30 and 8:30 pm at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska).
BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: Play bingo with Cookie Couture at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm. Free, all ages!
You can always see more, and preview future dates, on our calendar – and if you have something to add, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, October 4th.
WEATHER
Here’s the forecast – still no rain expected, 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. As of last Saturday, WSF has joined other services in free rides for youth.
ROAD WORK
In South Park, a drainage project is closing S. Holden St. between W. Marginal Way S. and 5th Ave S. weekdays through October 14th.
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, 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.
Once again tonight, we have lower air quality because of smoke from the three-week-old Bolt Creek Fire, which continues to color the sky at sunset. The photo above is from Gene Pavola, with a state ferry; the one below is from David Hutchinson, with a Water Taxi:
Most stations on both the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and PurpleAir maps are showing “moderate” air quality right now.
We continue spotlighting Halloween decorations. These two look like they grew old (and then some) waiting for the Mariners to finally make it back to the playoffs. The photo is from Katy, who saw these two in Gatewood. Katy says, “I love the combination of Halloween and excitement for the Mariners!” If you have, or have seen, some decorations you’d like to see spotlighted here, send photos and/or location to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
A new month means a new round of community meetings, and the newest announcement we’ve received is from West Seattle Bike Connections. They’re meeting online tomorrow night (Tuesday, October 4) and welcoming anyone interested in attending. WSBC’s Kate Wells says they plan to “discuss how to advocate for safer streets during the city’s budget process, learn how to get involved in the Seattle Transportation Plan, and more.” Info for how to attend/participate is in our calendar listing.
Last Thursday we reported on an assault case involving an incident outside a building near 35th/Holden. The suspect remains in jail, and today the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged her with two felonies. 44-year-old Ruth G. Gebreyosus is charged with second-degree assault and third-degree malicious mischief. The charging documents tell the same story as the initial police report we obtained last week – that Gebreyosus attacked and threatened the victim for recording her vandalizing the victim’s mother’s car. Her mother and Gebreyosus both live in the building outside which it happened. Prosecutors say Gebreyosus, who was armed with a knife, cut the victim’s hand and bit her arm, and threatened to kill both the victim and her mother. The defendant has no criminal record, according to the charging documents. Her bail remains set at $5,000 and her arraignment is scheduled for October 17th.
Two reader reports today about abandoned bicycles:
The one above was reported by Kay, who found it “on the service road from south parking lot at Lincoln Park toward pool.” Below, a photo from an anonymous reader, who says, “During a walk on the weekend I found a dumped bike near Fauntleroy Church. Not sure if anyone is missing a Specialized Vita bicycle but thought I would post it here. ”
If either is yours email us and we’ll connect you to the finder.
(WSB file photo)
If you’re concerned about Southern Resident Killer Whales – still languishing with historically low population numbers – here’s a simple way to help. The one-day volunteer event Duwamish Alive! is back at full strength this fall with the theme “Saving Our Salmon Saves Our Orcas.” Just clear your calendar for 10 am-2 pm Saturday, October 15th – even if you can’t volunteer. The announcement from the Duwamish Alive! Coalition explains:
With the latest news about our Southern Resident Orcas, saving our river’s salmon – especially chinook, which the orcas need – is critical to their survival. Join us for a day of restoring the health of our watershed and salmon habitat at sites from Seattle to Auburn. The Green-Duwamish Watershed will be alive with hundreds of volunteers working throughout it to improve the health of its habitat and water for salmon, orcas, wildlife, and communities . This collaborative effort brings together many organizations and municipalities to highlight the complexity of our watershed and its importance to our region in restoring its health and the salmon that depend upon it. We will be working in the upland forests, along and in the river, its tributaries, and wetlands from Seattle to Auburn.
Because our watershed is important to the survival of our Southern Resident Orcas, we are also partnering with Conservation Districts’ Orca Recovery Day event throughout the region. We will be hosting not only volunteering opportunities, but at many of our sites we will have community engagement/educational activities for the broader community to enjoy. This is a family-friendly event, with all ages welcome. Tools and instruction are provided. Contact: info@duwamishalive.org
For site information and registration: duwamishalive.org
As you’ll see on that page, six of the restoration sites are in West Seattle; you can join an on-the-water event on the Duwamish River, too.
(Early-fall flowers, seen in Gatewood)
Here’s what’s happening today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
BLOCK DROP: Taking a break this week.
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) is open 10 am-6 pm today, and you can see the Southwest Artist Showcase display during those hours.
CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: The weekly preview of what’s ahead, 2 pm – here’s the agenda; attend in person at City Hall (600 4th) or watch via Seattle Channel.
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Chief Sealth International High School‘s girls-soccer team has a match against Highline, 3:30 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
CRAFTING AND CREATIVITY NIGHT: 6-10 pm at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), explained in our calendar listing.
MEDITATION: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation event at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
PLAY TRIVIA! Three scheduled options tonight for trivia players – 7 pm at Best of Hands (35th/Webster), 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Have something for our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Monday, October 3rd.
WEATHER
Here’s the forecast – sunny, high in the mid-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. As of this past Saturday, WSF has joined other services in free rides for youth.
ROAD WORK
In South Park, a drainage project is closing S. Holden St. between W. Marginal Way S. and 5th Ave S. weekdays through October 14th.
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, 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.
11:55 PM: A Seattle Fire “full response” is arriving in the 7300 block of Bainbridge Place SW, and they’re reporting flames from the roof. Updates to come.
(Added: WSB photos)
12 AM: This is in a townhouse complex just north of Lincoln Park [vicinity map]. The fire is on the roof and being described by firefighters as “small,” and under control. … They’re reducing the response.
No injuries reported.
12:38 PM: We followed up with SFD; spokesperson Kristin Tinsley tells WSB, “The fire started in light vegetation area on the roof, but the specific cause was ‘undetermined’.”
Thanks for all the tips. Police caught a lot of attention this past hour with bullhorn warnings and sirens in North Delridge. According to archived police audio, it all started with a domestic-violence call in the 4800 block of 25th SW, someone reporting that their partner was threatening them with a weapon. The suspect apparently left the scene on foot and police have been searching for her; we don’t know yet whether they have made an arrest.
The Bolt Creek Fire to the east is still sending smoke this way, and that has worsened air quality, as shown on both the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and PurpleAir maps. But it’s also intensified the sunset color, as shown in James Bratsanos‘ photo from tonight (above). Meantime. Eddie caught the moon with a bit of a tinge last night:
The fire is currently about a third contained, according to this update.
(WSB photo: Marc Moreno and Travis Sherer of Cozy Comedy)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
In these often-grim times, it’s hard to argue with the idea that we need more laughter in our lives.
West Seattleites Travis Sherer and Marc Moreno are doing their best to bring it to you. Not just through their own careers as performing comics, but by producing shows in a variety of venues – West Seattle and beyond – through their company Cozy Comedy.
Here on the peninsula, they’ve been presenting a monthly comedy night at Otter on the Rocks in The Admiral District. And starting this week, they’re adding one at Great American Diner in The Junction. More on that later. First, here’s what they, and Cozy Comedy, are about.
Sherer explains that the name originated with the venues where they produce shows – not just bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, but also condo and apartment buildings’ communal spaces.
Once again this year, it took a village – actually, a block of Upper Morgan neighbors – to help Trevor load up a giant pumpkin so it could be taken to a weigh-off. He sent photos, first as they were headed out this morning, including one showing just how big the pumpkin is:
He says the seed for this mega-pumpkin was planted indoors in mid-April. Last year, Trevor grew a quarter-ton pumpkin. This year’s came in at 403 pounds:
That won tenth place at the regional event in Kent, where Trevor’s was the only Seattle-grown pumpkin!
This reader report is from Jill, on behalf of her neighbor Helga, who in turn wanted to let the community know about a neighbor who’s gone above and beyond the call of neighborliness this past summer:
(This) neighbor, Kristen Thom-McMaster, has spent over 100 hours this summer weeding the raingarden areas at our Cottage Grove Park on 26th Ave. Helga took some before and after pictures to show how big of a difference this neighbor quietly made in our neighborhood.
Also I want to acknowledge it was a HOT summer and Kristen was out there in long, protective clothing just yanking out briars with all kinds of yucky surprises underneath (dog poo, specifically, as it near the dog walking area) – so this was a truly difficult task that no one asked her to do which improved our shared space and we neighbors appreciate it deeply.
It’s football season again and that means, when we have enough photos to share – a gallery of West Seattle birds on the Seahawks‘ gameday! Thanks so much to everyone who has shared photos. Today, we have eight to spotlight. Above, Michelle Laughlin caught a Crow and Hawk “dancing” at Alki Point (which is the location of most of these photos). Michael Ostrogorsky photographed a Black Turnstone:
From Robin Sinner, two photos – a Killdeer:
And a Great Blue Heron:
Gene Pavola spotted this GBH keeping watch:
Shellie got a visit from a Barred Owl:
Gary Jones photographed a Pileated Woodpecker:
And even the common Mallard duck can put on a show, as did this one for Jerry Simmons:
We should also note – today marks the start of Bird Safe Week!
If you have a bird photo to share – or other pic(s) – westseattleblog@gmail.com; if you have breaking news, with or without photo, you can text 206-293-6302 any time – thank you!
11:12 AM: Transient killer whales are back in central Puget Sound. Kersti Muul says there are reports of southbound orcas off Bainbridge and some further north. Let us know if you see any!
12:57 PM: Update from Kersti – some of the whales are mid-channel between Bainbridge and Seattle, still southbound.
Karen‘s dark green 2004 Subaru Forester wagon was stolen near Admiral Safeway between 6 am and 2:30 pm Saturday. Plate #ACW9799. If you see it, SPD incident # for reference is 22-263153.
(Seal off Lincoln Park, photographed by Emily Carlston)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
TRAFFIC ALERTS: The “Revive I-5” closure of the southbound I-5 exit to the West Seattle Bridge is scheduled to continue until early Monday. (UPDATE: They finished early and reopened that and other ramps around 10:30 am.) Elsewhere, here’s the SDOT work plan for today:
-From 7 AM to 4 PM, we’re paving a section of Sylvan Way SW between SW Orchard St and SW Sylvan Heights Dr. Traffic will be maintained in both directions – however, please anticipate minor delays.
-(After) replacing concrete panels at the intersection of 34th Ave SW and SW Barton St. (on Saturday), we’ll have traffic control in place, so people do not drive on the new panels while the concrete cures. Please navigate the area with caution.
CHURCHES WITH ONLINE SERVICES: We’re continuing to list these – see today’s list here.
POP-UP VACCINATION CLINICS: Two today, both with flu and COVID shots:
–Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle), 9 am-3 pm flu, 10 am-2 pm COVID, walk-ins welcome
–Explorer West Middle School (10015 28th SW; WSB sponsor), noon-3 pm
BENEFIT PLANT SALE: Give a Lung Force team a boost by shopping this sale, 9 am-3 pm at 3703 SW 107th.
POTTERY SALE: 10 am-3 pm. (4111 47th SW)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market is open with early-fall produce as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, prepared food, and more. Here’s today’s vendor list. California SW between Oregon and Alaska.
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Today is opening day for the monthlong display of community-contributed art at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), open noon-5 pm today.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: You can visit the Southwest Seattle Historical Society museum on Alki today, noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church‘s annual outdoor community event in the West Seattle HS parking lot (3000 California SW) next door – bring your pet, or a memento of your pet, to be blessed, as explained in our calendar listing.
PLANT SWAP: Last one of the year at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), 2-4 pm.
MUSICIANS FOR THE WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK: An afternoon of original music at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm, and a food drive – bring nonperishable items and/or money to donate to the West Seattle Food Bank.
NEW PLAY AT ARTSWEST: The new ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) play “Swimming While Drowning” concludes the first week of its run, 3 pm curtain. Tickets are available online.
NEED FOOD? White Center Community Dinner Church serves a free meal (take-away available) at 5 pm Sundays at the Salvation Army Center in South Delridge (9050 16th SW).
SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.
SUNDAY NIGHT KARAOKE: 9 pm to 1:30 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
Have an event for our calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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