West Seattle, Washington
20 Monday
Thanks for the tips. We went over to the 16th/Graham RV-encampment area a short time ago after reports of a large police response. There, the officers described it as a “person in crisis” situation. It was originally dispatched as a report of “threats.” No other details so far.
P.S. A neighbor with whom we spoke sent us this photo of signage indicating the “remediation” this week will be followed by a sweep on Thursday:
If getting vaccinated is part of your plans in preparing for winter, here’s a reminder about clinics coming up this weekend, all for both children and adults:
FLU SHOTS: Everyone is welcome, not just students/staff/families, at the next Seattle Public Schools-presented clinic this Sunday at Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW), 9 am-3 pm Sunday (October 23). The appointment link is here.
COVID SHOTS: One opportunity on Saturday, 10 am-2 pm at the South Delridge Farmers’ Market (9421 18th SW; WSB sponsor), details here including how to book an appointment (recommended but not required) … Two opportunities on Sunday – one is also at Madison Middle School, partly concurrent with the flu-shot clinic, 10 am-2 pm; info and registration link here, although we’re told they’ve been taking walk-ins at these clinics too. … Also on Sunday, the Community School of West Seattle (9450 22nd SW) is hosting a COVID-vaccination clinic for ages 6 months and up, 1 pm-6 pm. Registration links are in our calendar listing.
Two (re)development notes:
(WSB photo, 4515 44th SW)
4515 44TH SW: It’s been two and a half years since we first reported on a proposal for the former CDE Software site in The Junction at 4515 44th SW. Now the plan for more than 40 microapartments with no offstreet motor-vehicle parking has received land-use approval. That opens an appeal period; if you want to file one, you can do so through October 31st, as explained in this notice.
1790 ALKI SW: City files show an early-stage proposal for a “4-story apartment building” – no number of units mentioned – on parcels at 1790 and 1794 Alki [map], both holding houses that a commenter described as “vacant” three years ago. No visuals on file yet but the architect Kun Lim‘s website shows schematics/concepts for the project.
TUESDAY AFTERNOON: Thanks to David Hutchinson for the photo of a barely visible ferry passing Duwamish Head this morning. The fog has mostly made way for sunshine but it’s also lifted the veil on more wildfire smoke. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has issued another air-quality alert, in effect until 5 pm Thursday; the National Weather Service is still predicting rain to clear things up starting Friday afternoon. Meantime, be careful if you have to go outside; here are the latest air-quality readings, and here’s advice from AlertSeattle.
WEDNESDAY UPDATE: As Vid notes in comments, the alert has been extended until midnight Thursday night.
2:11 PM: Thanks to Priya for the tip. Police confirm early-morning gunfire on Alki. The call came in just before 5:30 am. They found gunfire evidence “along the street” in the 2600 block of Alki Avenue SW. The person who reported it said they were out walking, and saw a drive firing “four to six shots in the air” while pulling out of a parking space and heading west. No injuries reported and no property damage found; the summary does not include a description of the vehicle (we’re asking). If you have any information, the incident # is 22-279903.
4:20 PM: Police say the vehicle was described as a blue Nissan but the witness did not have a description of the driver.
(WSB file photo)
For the first time since pre-pandemic, the Fauntleroy Fall Festival is returning this Sunday (October 23) as a full festival! 2-5 pm on Sunday, the grounds of Fauntleroy Church/YMCA and The Hall at Fauntleroy/Schoolhouse will host myriad free all-ages activities. They include longtime festival favorites like pumpkin painting and birdhouse building. The climbing wall will be back. And new this year – a bunny “petting zoo.” The activities are free (supported by voluntary donations, at the festival and throughout the year), and the festival is an all-volunteer operation – which brings us to the “Can you help?” part. They still have some volunteer spots open – and if you can spare as little as one hour on Sunday, that could be a big help. See the volunteer tasks and times, and sign up if you are interested, by going here!
P.S. If you haven’t been before, the festival sites are across the street from each other in the 9100 block of California. There’s always a crossing guard for festivalgoers – in fact, that’s a volunteer position too!
From Ryan:
I ran across an abandoned Fender Mustang guitar in WS on my way home from work. I suspect it is stolen.
I will happily deliver it to the owner if it is stolen and they can identify it. The finish is quite unique so you’ll need to either describe it or provide photos or a serial number.
If the guitar might be yours, you can message Ryan through this CL post or email us and we’ll connect you.
(More fall flowers! Photographed by Gary Pro)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and previews:
BLOCK DROP: Find DIY cleaning supplies – and drop off what your cleanup collects – at Walt Hundley Playfield 34th/Myrtle), until 6 pm.
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) is open until 6 pm today, and you can see the Southwest Artist Showcase display during those hours.
POSTCARDS TO VOTERS: A local way to take national action as Election Day approaches – participating in the 10:30 am drop-in weekly gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
CHESS CLUB: Play chess at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), 1:30 pm. Beginners welcome!
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.
SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, go play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).
HOPE LUTHERAN SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN INFO NIGHT: 6:30 pm, meet the teachers, tour the classroom, ask questions about kindergarten at Hope Lutheran School (42nd/Oregon) – our calendar listing has the registration link.
TOASTMASTERS: Online meeting at 6:30 pm – all welcome – info’s in our calendar listing.
OPEN MIC: Your moment in the spotlight awaits you, 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).
STAR WARS MINIATURES NIGHT: Meeples Games (3727 California SW) hosts this weekly 7 pm event.
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 events, via our event calendar – if you have something to add, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
9:32 AM: Visibility is a challenge on this foggy morning but just so you know, Kersti Muul reports that the transient orcas seen in the area on Monday are back this morning, this time heading into Elliott Bay.
9:51 AM: Kersti says they’re visible from the Pepperdock Restaurant area on Alki (2600 block Alki Avenue SW).
11:08 AM: Thanks to commenter Sam for the photo!
Family and friends will gather October 29 to remember longtime West Seattle bakery owner Carl Blake. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing:
F. Carlton Blake – April 11, 1925-October 6, 2022
F. Carlton Blake slipped away peacefully to be present with the Lord in the early evening of October 6, 2022 at Ashley Gardens in Mount Vernon, at the early age of 97. His family is filled with blessings having been able to spend many happy days touring the Skagit Valley during his year-and-a-half stay.
Born in Seattle, Carl was the son of Fredrick and Lila Grace Bowen-Blake. Carl proudly served in the US Navy aboard the WWII Naval ship HMS Europa in 1945. After returning home from his service, he enjoyed a long, full, and interesting life.
In 1950 he purchased Blake’s Bakery in West Seattle from his father, who migrated from Beaconsfield, England. Blake’s Bakery originated in 1927 by his father Fredrick Blake in South Park, then moved to West Seattle in 1946. Carl operated the business for decades, becoming a well respected businessman in the community. Many family members and wonderful dedicated employees worked with Carl throughout the life of the bakery where his masterful skills produced many delectable treats. He enjoyed a long membership with the West Seattle Rotary Club.
After retirement in 1997, his years were spent on beautiful Camano Island. He and his wife Susan of 36 years built their lovely home together, combining their families together to make memories. Together, they enjoyed dear friends, the westerly views of the Olympic Mountains, passing watercraft, eagles, military flyovers, BBQ’s, and of course his beloved dog Izzy. There was time for traveling, participating in the annual Camano Chapel pilgrimage to Mexico, the Camano Rotary Club, reading, trimming his prized raspberries, tinkering in his shop, scenic drives, ice cream, a spoonful of honey in his coffee, napping on the deck, sunny days, and especially time with family.
We will miss you beyond measure, Dad…..”To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord”
Carl is survived by his wife of 36 years; his children Daniel Blake, Robin Knight, Paul Blake, Sheryl Dierks, Nip Tucker, Sandra Tucker, and Mary Coller; his grandchildren JJ Knight, Zack Blake, Cori Lange, Gabe Blake, Jeffery Blake, Carlynn Rickels, Jennifer Blake-Rivera, Ezra Blake, Gus Dierks, Hailee Dierks, John Coller, Jason Coller, Trevor Caldwell, Levi Caldwell, Tait Tucker, Trew Tucker, and Trey Nyman; his great-grandchildren Jacob Lange, Colby Lange, Jaxon Knight, Hunter Toft, Conner Toft, Blake Rickels, Cooper Rickels, Mercedes Coller, and Jackson Coller.
Carl was preceded in death by his mother Lila Grace Bowen-Blake, father Fredrick Blake, aon Carlton Walter Blake, grandson Cole Carlton Dierks, great-grandson Oscar Daniel Blake-Rivera, siblings Rhea Mead, David Blake, and Betty Shooner.
Memorial Service: 1 pm October 29th, Camano Chapel, 867 West Camano, Camano Island.
In Lieu of Flowers – donation to: Camano Chapel Youth Program.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, October 18th.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny, mid-60s today, and forecasters still expect rain to arrive by Friday night.
ROAD WORK
–Overnight work on the West Seattle Bridge tonight (lane closure) and tomorrow night (full westbound closure). PM UPDATE: SDOT says this has been canceled and will be rescheduled.
-The SPU project closing the east end of Sylvan Way appears to have begun.
TRANSIT INFO
Metro buses are on their regular schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.
Still a 2-boat schedule for WSF’s Triangle Route (check here for alerts/updates).
The West Seattle Water Taxi is now on its fall/winter schedule (still daily, all dayparts, but no late Friday/Saturday runs).
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end.
Low Bridge: Open to all.
1st Ave. S. Bridge: Still showing this for those finding it more convenient.
Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.
All 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.
11:57 PM MONDAY: That’s Jason, whose cousin Emily hopes you can help his family find him. Emily says Jason has been missing since October 5:
He was last seen taking the 165 metro bus from Kent, on his way to White Center. He often visited parks and churches in the West Seattle area in the night hours to walk but always returned home or texted us back. … He was last known to be at Fauntleroy Church on 9/27, but we are hoping that maybe he has visited familiar places in the meantime since he was missing.
Since October 5, texts to his phone are not received. The police has been notified and a missing persons report has been filed. It is very concerning that he cannot receive messages. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers and look out for him. Thank you so much.
If you see Jason, you can contact police and refer to case # 22-113580.
ADDED 9:19 AM TUESDAY: Description info from Jason’s family:
Height – around 5’10
Age – 19
Could be wearing a black hoodie, blue jeans, or black sweats.
King County Elections will send your general-election ballot later this week. Though you’ve probably heard a lot about local and national Congressional races, as we noted here, your ballot will have a lot more to decide – including King County Proposition 1, which raises money for land conservation/acquisition by restoring an existing levy to the original rate that’s been reduced by various state actions. Five months after announcing it at White Center Heights Park, County Executive Dow Constantine returned there this morning with this area’s County Councilmember Joe McDermott (like Constantine, a West Seattleite) and other supporters from around the county to ask for a “yes” vote. Here’s our video:
In order, the speakers were:
-King County Councilmember Joe McDermott
–Paul Winterstein from the Issaquah Alps Trails Club
-Executive Constantine, who stressed that the quest to preserve green space is “racing to keep up with population growth, racing to keep up with environmental changes”
-Sammamish Mayor & Former DNR wildland firefighter Kali Clark, whose observations about the relevance of land preservation to wildfire prevention were timely for obvious reasons
-King County Open Space Equity Cabinet member Sarneshea Evans, who observed that too many KC residents don’t live close to green space
-Zazueta Family Farm owner/farmer Guillermo Zazueta, who told the story of starting his organic permaculture farm earlier this year (Constantine had explained that the measure would preserve farmland as well as other types of green space)
-King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, who declared that Prop 1 is “incredibly affordable (and) incredibly meaningful”
As noted when the ballot measure was announced in May, it would add about $2 per month to the taxes of a median-priced King County home. Supporters say tens of thousands of acres of land have been identified for potential acquisition/preservation; we asked what percentage are in urban areas – here’s the written response from the campaign:
Of the 45,000 acres targeted for acquisition as part of the Land Conservation Initiative, 10% are for urban open space and regional trails.
Since 2016, 30% of LCI acquisition dollars (all sources) have been spent on urban greenspaces and regional trails.
Since 2020, 25% of Conservation Futures funding has been awarded to match waiver projects in opportunity areas (those projects meeting specific criteria for need)
Read a summary and/or the full text of Prop 1, as well as statements for/against, by going here. Once you get your ballot, you’ll have until November 8th to vote and turn it in.
(Latest image from ‘live’ SDOT camera atop the bridge)
Just received from SDOT:
Westbound lanes on West Seattle Bridge closed Wednesday overnight for overhead signage adjustment
Overnight on Wednesday, October 19 to early morning Thursday, October 20 we will be closing all westbound lanes on the West Seattle Bridge to allow crews to complete overhead sign adjustment work. Once work is complete, all westbound travel lanes on the bridge will be restored. A signed detour route, directing travelers across the Spokane St Swing Bridge (low bridge) will be in place during the closure.
We will also be conducting single lane closures on the westbound lanes overnight tonight (and Tuesday night). These closures are also being conducted as part of the signage adjustment work.
No exact hours for any of the above yet – we might not get those until tomorrow, but we’ll update when we do, and we’ll include reminders (as we do with all announced road work/closures) in our first-thing-in-the-morning traffic roundups.
P.S. Tonight marks exactly one month since the bridge reopened.
ADDED TUESDAY AFTERNOON: SDOT says this has been canceled and will be rescheduled, possibly for next week.
Two weeks until Halloween! Our decoration spotlights continue with the “spooky swamp” set up by Meagan and Matt. She explains:
My husband and I are excited to roll out our spooky swamp this Halloween at the intersection of 19th Ave SW and SW Austin St. Watch your step in the fog, we spotted a few gators and snakes in the area!
We are also participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project, an awareness campaign for kids with food allergies. We will have non-food treats available in a separate bowl from candy so the kiddos with allergies get to enjoy themselves as much as anyone else!
There is more information available as well as a map of participating households (here). I hope more people will join and parents/guardians of kids with allergies find this helpful in their trick-or-treat planning.
Anybody else participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project is welcome to send their location for our forthcoming Halloween Guide. We’re still loving the decoration pics, too – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
In our photo at right is West Seattle podiatrist Dr. Michael Vickers, who’s about to retire and hand over his patients to Dr. Ryan Schwanke (left). Here’s the announcement from West Seattle Foot & Ankle Clinic:
fter caring for the West Seattle community for over 33 years, Dr. Michael Vickers of West Seattle Foot & Ankle Clinic is retiring on October 28. Dr. Ryan Schwanke, a West Seattle resident and an experienced podiatrist and podiatric surgeon, will begin seeing patients at the clinic on October 31.
Here is the letter Dr. Vickers sent to his patients:
It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement as of October 28, 2022. Caring for you, my patients, has been the most rewarding part of my 33 years with West Seattle Foot & Ankle Clinic. I have come to know many of my patients and their families as friends, and I am honored that many of you have asked me to care for two, and even three, generations. I have truly cherished my time as part of the West Seattle community.
I am excited to announce that Dr. Ryan Schwanke will be joining the practice full time this fall and will be assuming care of my patients. Dr. Schwanke is an experienced podiatrist and podiatric surgeon. He has been practicing in the Seattle area since completing his training at one of the top residencies in the country, the Swedish Foot and Ankle Surgery Residency Program at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle. During his residency, both Dr. LaBella and I worked closely with Dr. Schwanke as he assisted with our outpatient surgeries and trained in a clinical setting with us here at West Seattle Foot & Ankle Clinic. I am confident you will welcome Dr. Schwanke and be very pleased with his care.
It has been an extremely rewarding experience to help West Seattle Foot & Ankle Clinic grow into one of the most respected foot and ankle clinics in the Pacific Northwest. It is a testament to our excellent team that providers from across the Puget Sound frequently refer their patients to us for foot and ankle care. West Seattle Foot & Ankle Clinic has been serving our community for 43 years and I know that Dr. LaBella, Dr. Schwanke, and our dedicated staff will continue that tradition.
Sincerely,
Michael B. Vickers, DPM
The clinic is in The Junction at 4520 42nd SW.
From weekend summaries plus the WSB inbox:
KNIFEPOINT ROBBERY: Just after 5 pm Sunday, a woman was held up at knifepoint outside the 35th/Avalon 7-11. The SPD summary says:
Two suspects had apparently been trying to get the victim’s attention, but she left. When she returned to her car, there was an orange cone on her car. The two suspects approached her again and this time one of them pulled a knife on her. She was able to get into her car but as she was driving away the suspect opened her car door, reached in, and stole a bag before the victim drove away.
PARTY ASSAULT: An officer was injured while trying to break up what the SPD summary describes as a “large house party” in Seaview just before 10 pm Friday. The summary says, “On arrival, officers encountered roughly 100 juvenile partiers; some began anti-police chants.” Police say one threw “at least two fist-sized rocks at officers, striking (one) officer in the shin.” One teen was arrested and booked into juvenile custody.
GUNFIRE INCIDENT #1: Around 12:37 am Sunday, a report of suspected gunfire led officers to the 4700 block of Delridge Way SW, where they are reported to have found “evidence of a shooting.” 911 callers sai they had seen a silver sedan leaving the area. No injuries reported.
GUNFIRE INCIDENT #2: On Friday morning, a Seattle Parks employee reported a bullet hole in a metal box at Roxhill Park. Police responded and found not only the hole but also a spent bullet in the box, They couldn’t determine when it happened.
DUMPED-LIKELY-STOLEN PACKAGE: If your name is Sean and you live in a condo/apartment toward the north end of California SW, Kitty found an empty package addressed to you. It apparently had contained pet medications, “I only mention this in case the person is expecting this and wondering what happened …”
(Photo sent by Rick D.)
Lots of questions about why the R/V Thomas G. Thompson has been off west-facing West Seattle all day. It’s a 274-foot research vessel belonging to the Office of Naval Research and operated by the University of Washington; we’ve reported on it a few times before, including this note in 2010. We contacted the UW Oceanography department to ask about today’s mission; according to the reply from Su Tipple, it’s “on a 12-hour day cruise to video-document the most active methane seeps in the vent field off Alki Point, as well as taking methane and other water measurements.” We’ve reported on the methane research before, after another UW research vessel, R/V Rachel Carson, was seen in local waters, studying the bubbles as part of research that could eventually assist in earthquake prediction (detailed here in 2020; published in a study earlier this year, also summarized here). The plumes of methane bubbles are most prolific off Alki Point – rising more than 650 feet to the surface – and Kingston, according to researchers, but the methane’s source remains a mystery.
If you’re in view of Puget Sound west of West Seattle, you might see orcas soon. Kersti Muul says transient killer whales (from the T-18s) are heading this way, reported off Blakely Rock [map], southbound. Let us know if you see them!
The twice-postponed community meeting with Southwest Precinct police has a new date: 7 pm Thursday, November 17th. As noted previously, this will be an in-person meeting at the precinct (2300 SW Webster). It’s a relaunch of the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council, which met monthly for many years until the pandemic (here’s our archived coverage). While awaiting that meeting, as also noted previously, precinct leadership often attends local community-council meetings, so watch for our announcements of those.
Parking-enforcement officers were out a short time ago at the 16th SW RV encampment, where many of the vehicles are now marked with the distinctive orange warning tags.
We had gone to check the area because a commenter on our most-recent update said City Councilmember Lisa Herbold‘s office had told them remediation was scheduled for today, though the city’s homelessness-response spokesperson had told us only that a team was “inspecting” the area last week. No-parking signs in the area are up for today through next Monday, with “remediation” noted on the attached explanatory sheets.
This stretch of 16th SW, with South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) to the east and houses to the west, is one of the areas where the number of vehicles has increased since other RV-encampment areas in West Seattle were cleared.
TUESDAY NIGHT UPDATE: As we noted in a comment below, the notices that precede sweeps are posted in the area (see photo in this story), warning that personal belongings need to be gone by Thursday morning.
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society has words of gratitude as well as questions for you:
The Southwest Historical Society would like to send a big THANK YOU to the many supporters for funding the new roof on the Log House Museum! Members of the board of trustees, facilities committee members, advisory board members, former Executive Directors and volunteers gathered for a big group-hug photo to celebrate the new roof and the next 30-plus years of protection for the 114-year-old Log House!
As the Society looks ahead to the next 30 years, the community is invited to share their ideas for the Future of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. Click here to take the survey.
P.S. Though the roof work is complete, the Log House Museum will remain closed to the public through the end of this month.
(‘Sailing’ sea lion, photographed by Stewart L.)
Here’s what’s happening today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
BLOCK DROP: Find DIY cleaning supplies – and drop off what your cleanup collects – at Hamilton Viewpoint (1120 California SW), until 6 pm.
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.
BUSINESS SEMINAR: Got a small business? Learn about waste reduction and environmental sustainability in a free online seminar this morning, 10 am – details in our calendar listing.
CRAFTING AND CREATIVITY NIGHT: 6-10 pm at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), explained in our calendar listing.
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: In volleyball, West Seattle High School hosts Chief Sealth International High School, 7 pm. (3000 California SW)
COMEDY NIGHT: 7 pm, it’s the monthly “Routine Killers” comedy show at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way). Tickets still available here as of this writing.
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 a West Seattle/White Center event to list on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
| 58 COMMENTS