West Seattle, Washington
20 Sunday
With four days until Hanukkah, one week until Winter Solstice, 11 days until Christmas, and 18 days until New Year’s, we’re still adding to our all-season-long WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide (and updating it nightly to remove events that have passed so you’re not scrolling through outdated info). It’s where you’ll find events and info including holiday markets/bazaars, Santa photo ops, concerts, plays, other performances, tree lots, donation drives, and more. We’re also building lists of holiday services and “what’ll be open on the holiday,” so all of that information is appreciated. Best way to send something for the guide is westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, December 14th.
WEATHER
Partly sunny forecast today, high in the low 40s.
TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS
–Metro is still down buses for repairs – they tell us three of the 126 have been repaired as of Tuesday afternoon (more info in a separate story later) – so keep a close watch on channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.
-So is WSF’s Triangle Route – check here for alerts/updates.
CLOSURE ALERT
10 pm Friday night to 5 am Saturday morning, the Highway 99 tunnel is scheduled to close.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
New Delridge cameras: As reported Saturday, three have been added, four more are on the way. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon and Delridge/Orchard.
High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).
Low Bridge: Or nearby, depending on where SDOT points the camera.
1st Ave. S. Bridge: The south route.
Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most 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 a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
(WSB photo: TCIS detective and their vehicles at the scene, which is next to a white pickup truck just off screen left)
8:48 PM: Detectives from the Seattle Police Traffic Collision Investigation Squad are in the south lot at South Seattle College, investigating a fatal incident. Detective Valerie Carson tells us, “A deceased adult female was found pinned between a vehicle and the curb. Based on surveillance footage, it appears to be an accident. Not clear exactly how it happened but not deemed suspicious at this time. TCIS responded and will lead investigation.”
9:45 PM: The original call on this was a medical dispatch shortly after 5 pm. Listening back to archived SFD audio, the first SFD crews arriving on scene found the victim, described as a woman around 60, and tried to but ultimately were unable to revive her. The scene was toward the southwest end of the south lot. We’ll be checking with SSC tomorrow to see whether the victim was a staff member or student at the college, or was there for another reason.
ADDED WEDNESDAY MORNING: We asked SSC spokesperson Ty Swenson what the college could tell us – here’s the reply we received:
The South Seattle College community is grieving the unexpected loss of a longtime Student Services employee who passed away on Dec. 13, 2022. The college is focused on supporting employees and students in this difficult time, and we are in communication with the State of Washington Employee Assistance Program to schedule on-site and virtual counseling availability.
The college may have limited student services in the coming days as we allow space for the grieving process, and we thank our students and larger community for their understanding.
He says the employee’s family has not given their approval to identify her beyond the campus community, so we will be waiting either to hear from them or from the Medical Examiner before publishing her name.
4:10 PM: The Medical Examiner has identified the victim as 66-year-old Dolores Taylor and verified that her death was accidental. According to the SSC website, Ms. Taylor was assistant director of financial aid.
Planning on getting a Christmas tree soon? Time is running out for two West Seattle tree lots. First, from the nonprofit-benefiting lot at Holy Rosary School:
The Holy Rosary School tree lot is in the final week of sales. A fresh load of trees arrived Monday night, with another due on Wednesday. If you haven’t found a tree yet, hurry and stop in before they are gone. The lot is scheduled to close for the season after Saturday, December 17th, barring inventory. Wreaths, garland and poinsettias (in partnership with Hope Lutheran) are also available for sale. Proceeds to benefit Holy Rosary School, Hope Lutheran (poinsettias only), West Seattle Food Bank, and Hickman House. Open weekdays at 4 pm and weekends at 9 am, closing 8 pm nightly.
The lot is on the north side of the school, off 42nd north of SW Genesee.
Second, just received from Trees By The Sea (2530 Alki SW): “Very few trees left; we anticipate being done by Thursday the 15th. Regular hours until then: noon to 7 pm. If you’ve been waiting, now is the time to visit. For all of you who’ve already been by we thank you for your amazing reviews, overwhelming joy and general support. We’ll see you all again in 2023!”
P.S. You can find the full list of West Seattle tree-sellers in our Holiday Guide.
Meet the newest champs from West Seattle! The report and photo were sent by Scott Rosenstock:
This past Saturday at Starfire in Tukwila, the 2022 South Sound United League (SSUL) Boys U11 team from West Seattle won the State Recreational Cup Championship! They defeated the Chinqually Booters Thunder from Olympia (who happened to be the State Champs last year). A hard-fought battle between both teams in the cold rain ended regulation and overtime with the score 0-0, so they went to penalty kicks to decide the champion. West Seattle came away victorious, outscoring the Thunder 3-1 in penalties.
The team was also the SSUL Boys U11 Regular Season Champions with a record of 8-1-1.
Congratulations to the whole team! Amazing season, amazing coaches, amazing kids!
Coaches:
Turner Angell
Dan CarewPlayers:
Miles Angell
Sam Angell
Henry Appleton
Devlin Broom
Griffin Brown-Kinsch
Charlie Carew
Chase Cummings
Beckett Hudson
Porter Ingraham
Noah Jeannot
Henry Rice
Isaac Rosenstock
Last week, we told you about our area’s newest Parent Teacher Organization, Friends of West Seattle Elementary. Today, they’re announcing the launch of their first-ever fundraising campaign, and explaining why they’re turning to the peninsula-wide community for help:
The newly established Parent Teacher Organization at West Seattle Elementary (WSE), Friends of West Seattle Elementary (FOWSE), is excited to announce the launch of its inaugural fundraiser! The group of parents, staff and teachers aim to raise $50,000 by March 1st, 2023, to support WSE students in their academic success.
WSE is a community school in the truest sense. Over 80% of our students live in low-income housing within a half-mile of the school and over 83% qualify to receive free or reduced cost lunch. Many of our families are former refugees and have experienced generational trauma and hardships that have created barriers to equitable access to services, including education, yet academic success is highly valued. Access to educational enrichments have proven to be difficult to attain for families of poverty due to parents working atypical hours, language barriers and the lack of understanding of the American educational systems.
To reach our lofty goal in under three months, we are turning to community members and business owners for support. Donations are tax-deductible and will be used to:
(1) Fund additional teachers for future school years – to keep class sizes small when district budget cuts occur. For example, this school year, WSE has some classrooms with over 26 students due to fewer teachers being allocated by the district as a result of district-wide enrollment declines.
(2) Host engagement activities – to enable the PTO to create shared, meaningful experiences, like pizza parties, spirit days, and staff appreciation events for students, staff and their families that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.
(3) Provide classroom supplies and cover field trip costs – to support, encourage and equip teachers on the front-lines delivering an invaluable education to underserved populations.
Please consider making a one-time or recurring donation to support West Seattle Elementary students and staff. Any contribution helps ensure students, regardless of race, background, socioeconomic status, receive the best education possible.
You can make a donation online via this link.
Contact friendsofwse@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.
(WSB photo: Some of the 7 RVs and assorted vehicles seen on Harbor Ave. Monday)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Would an RPZ be a better tool to discourage RV encampments on Harbor Avenue?
Creation of a new Restricted Parking Zone is one of the steps that residents of Harbor and Alki Avenues tried last night to get a panel of city officials to commit to taking. More than 60 people gathered in the sanctuary of Admiral Church for a promised progress report on concerns that local advocates had taken to the city in recent months. Chief among them: The return of RVs a few months after the August sweep.
But that’s just part of the 19-item wish list that they’ve been pursuing, titled “Top Priorities to Tackle Crime, RVs and Encampments, and Dangerous Streets” – see it here. Part of the purpose of last night’s meeting was to get updates. Here’s who was on the city panel:
(WSB photos)
Tomorrow (Wednesday) night brings your next chance to see the Fauntleroy UCC Festival of Trees – a dozen creatively decorated trees with unique takes on the season. Among them, a “Star Wars” tree (with a sign inviting you to guess whose quotes are on its branches):
For those whose space taste runs back even further in time, there’s also a “Star Trek” tree:
There’s a Peru-themed tree highlighting the church’s work with immigrants:
And the church’s pastor, Rev. Leah Atkinson Bilinski, exhibited a sense of humor with this tree:
That one has the title “Idol-a-Tree,” a pun paying homage to the ’80s music icon. Other themes include birds and Legos (the full list is here). The Fellowship Hall at the church (9140 California SW) will be open again tomorrow night (and the following Wednesday night) 7-8 pm for viewing. If you can, bring a nonperishable-food donation – people are voting for their favorite tree by placing cans and boxes around them.
(Millipede, photographed at Schmitz Park by Rosalie Miller)
Here’s your Tuesday list, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar:
CITY COUNCIL X 2: The Public Safety and Human Services Committee meeting that started at 9:30 am will include consideration of confirming Adrian Diaz as Seattle Police Chief (agenda here); the full-council meeting at 2 pm includes Design Review program changes (agenda here). Both are viewable via Seattle Channel.
FREE COFFEE: 10 am-1 pm, you’re invited to Daystar Retirement Village (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor) for Coffee & Connections – free espresso drink, warm-clothing donation drive, and Daystar tours if you’re interested!
CHESS CLUB: Play chess at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), 1:30 pm. Beginners welcome!
HOLIDAY PHOTO POP-UP: Join Gail Ann Photography for holiday photos at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), 3-7 pm. Fee, part of which is a nonprofit donation. Full details and the appointment link are in our calendar listing.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Longstanding weekly sign-waving demonstration at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t have your own.
HOPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Evening bazaar at West Seattle Brewing Company (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW), 6-9 pm, rescheduled from original November date because of weather.
(canceled, next meeting Jan. 10) CAMP SECOND CHANCE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Got a question or concern about West Seattle’s only tiny-house encampment? This is a public online meeting, 6 pm – here’s how to attend via video or phone.
SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, you can play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).
WSHS WINTER CONCERT: 7 pm in the West Seattle High School Theater (3000 California SW), Jazz Ensembles & Choir, free.
OPEN MIC: Your turn to shine! 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).
TRIVIA X 3: Three places 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 for us to list, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
If you or someone you know could use a free class to improve English-language skills, Neighborhood House‘s Katie Lewis wants you to know it’s time to register for the one they’re offering starting in January:
Ready to Work is a free ESL class with a focus on job skills. Students must live in Seattle and be 18+. Computers are provided. Sign-ups close on December 20th, as we will be offering English assessments on December 20th and 21st at the Neighborhood House office. Students may complete this interest form or contact me to sign up. katiel@nhwa.org
Here’s the informational flyer, which Lewis notes is also available in languages including Spanish, Tigrinya, Somali, Oromo, Amharic, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Russian – find those links here.
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, December 13th.
WEATHER
After that surprise rain Monday morning, things did dry out as expected. Mostly cloudy forecast today, high near 40.
TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS
–Metro is still down buses for repairs – we’ve asked how many have been fixed so far, no answer yet – so keep a close watch on channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions. 9:15 AM: 56, 57, 121 are suspended again.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.
-So is WSF’s Triangle Route – check here for alerts/updates.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
New Delridge cameras: As reported Saturday, three have been added, four more are on the way. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon and Delridge/Orchard.
High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).
Low Bridge: Or nearby, depending on where SDOT points the camera.
1st Ave. S. Bridge: The south route.
Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most 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 a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
A reader asked about this, and then we noticed it ourselves: Almost three months after the West Seattle Bridge reopened, the travel-time display on SDOT‘s overhead message boards still shows times for getting to the 1st Avenue South Bridge. Last week we asked SDOT why. Spokesperson Mariam Ali looked into it and sent this reply tonight:
We recently moved the Travelers Web Map to a more modern server. During this process the routes shown on our dynamic message signs were frozen so as to not further complicate the move. This work is complete. We are presently evaluating all dynamic message signs to see where routes should be modified or added. We expect to roll out new routes on the West Seattle Dynamic Message Signs and other locations the end of Q1 2023, if not sooner.
You can see what’s showing on the message boards around the city by going to the aforementioned Travelers Map and clicking “map controls” on the left side of the screen, then choosing “Travel Times”; the dropdown for Southwest will show you the Fauntleroy and 35th boards’ message for the 1st Avenue South Bridge.
More scholarship news from the Rotary Club of West Seattle – its members have chosen four recipietns for the 2022/23 Earl Cruzen Endowed Scholarship for Automotive Technology. Here’s the announcement:
Awards were presented Tuesday to four South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Automotive Technology students.
The annual award is funded by a generous endowment created by Adah Cruzen in memory of Earl and Virginia Cruzen. Mr. Cruzen was the longtime owner of Cruzen Distributing Inc., an auto parts distribution store. West Seattle is the beneficiary of Mr Cruzen’s words: “It’s not what you are getting out of life, but what you are giving to the life in your communityâ€. He remains alive in our 11 Murals of West Seattle and “Walking on Logs†sculpture.
The awards are comprised of a complete entry-level tool set, including a 298-piece SAE/Metric Mechanics Tool Set, Screwdriver Set, Torx and Hex Bit Socket Sets, Adjustable Wrench Set, Vise Grip Set, Channellock Set, and Mobile Tool Cabinet. Thanks also to White Center OReilly’s Auto Parts for their contribution of tools.
During their academic program, recipients have exclusive access to their tool set. After graduation with their Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Arts Degree, the tools are theirs.
In the photo above, Rotarians John Enger and Tom Nychay flank the recipients, from left to right: Dylan Moinette, JoAnna Edwards, Lizbeth Meda Jimenez, and Cassandra Gillilan. Instructors Todd Jones and Doug Clapper stand behind.
All four of the award winners share a common goal of making their community a better place. Earl Cruzen can be proud.
If you or someone you know is in the SSC Automotive Technology program, look for next year’s program this fall.
Now that drier weather is here, you might be considering a trip out to look at Christmas lights. We’re continuing to showcase at least one West Seattle display every night. Tonight’s photo is from Valerie:
Merry Christmas!
Come look at the Puffins bringing presents to the Penguin Party at 3431 48th Ave SW.
Thanks to everyone who’s sent photos and/or tips – westseattleblog@gmail.com is how to reach us. You can scroll through this WSB archive to see what we’ve already shown so far this season (previous years, too).
(L pod in Puget Sound – photo by M, Sears, permit 21348)
Maybe you’ve been lucky enough to see Southern Resident Killer Whales during one of their recent appearances off West Seattle. It’s a thrilling sight – but also troubling to know they remain endangered, with their population still near a historic low. What are researchers finding? What can you do to help? If you can spare a little time this Thursday night, you can find out at The Whale Trail‘s next gathering, here in West Seattle. Here’s the invitation:
A record chum run has brought J, K, and L pods back to central Puget Sound even more than usual this year. Join The Whale Trail for its annual winter gathering, where researchers Mark and Maya Sears will present photos and findings from recent encounters with these beloved and iconic pods.
TWT Director Donna Sandstrom will share exciting updates on key initiatives to protect the orcas, and how you can help. Celebrate the season, and the whales, with old friends and new. Hope to see you there!
What: Whale Trail Winter Gathering featuring presentation by Mark and Maya Sears
When: Thursday 12/15, 7 PM. Doors open 6:30.
Where: C&P Coffee Company, 5612 California Ave SW
Cost: $5 suggested donation. Kids under 12 get in for free.Space is limited! Get tickets soon.
2:11 PM: Thanks for the tip. City crews are cleaning up what is or was an encampment area in the greenbelt along the inland side of Harbor Avenue SW, south/east of Fairmount Avenue. This isn’t the RV encampment area – currently seven RVs and a few trucks are scattered along the other side of Harbor. One city rep explained that this is/was a small encampment with a large amount of debris. According to the King County Assessor‘s map, it’s Parks Department land. We have an inquiry out to the city’s homelessness-response spokesperson to try to find out more.
4:05 PM: Haven’t heard back from the city yet but did get this from a reader:
In addition to Harbor, they were cleaning out the woods up Fairmount today too. This area had a stretch of bike jumps that groups had been building and using over the last year. After the summer, the jump track area morphed into encampments and trash dumps in this stretch of woods and trails down to Harbor Ave near Salty’s.
(WSB file photo)
We’ve received a new round of questions about the status of Hiawatha Community Center, where the pandemic closure segued into a closure for what was supposed to be an imminent upgrade project – which still hasn’t started. For many months, Seattle Parks‘ reply to “why hasn’t the work started yet?” has been “we’re waiting for a federal grant” but that approval was believed to be imminent. That was the answer when we asked back in June, and it’s what the Admiral Neighborhood Association was told in September. (One big reason it matters to ANA – they’re still trying to bring back their summer-concert series, which has historically been held at Hiawatha.) So we asked Parks again – and “waiting for the grant” is still the answer. The grant has been described as half a million dollars, about a quarter of the project’s funding, Previously, Parks had said they couldn’t start work because that might affect their eligibility for the grant but now, Parks spokesperson Karen O’Connor tells WSB, “We are moving forward with the project and hope that FEMA grant approval comes before bidding. We are making building code updates to the design and anticipate the project will go out to bid in early spring 2023 with construction starting in May 2023.” The previously announced expected duration of the project is nine months, so even if work does start next spring, that means Hiawatha wouldn’t reopen any sooner than early 2024. The upgrades it’s supposed to get have been listed as “electrical repairs, water and sewer pipe replacements, furnace and water heater repairs, roof replacement, and more.â€
(Sunday’s sunset, photographed by Marc Milrod)
Here’s what’s up for the rest of your Monday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:
DONATION DRIVES: Less than one week until Hanukkah and less than two weeks until Christmas – some holiday donation drives have already wrapped up, but others continue, and today is another great day to give! The list in our Holiday Guide includes unwrapped toys at John L. Scott Real Estate – Westwood (2600 SW Barton; WSB sponsor) – details here; warm clothing at Dave Newman State Farm Agency (3435 California SW; WSB sponsor), more info here; and a food drive at Canna West Culture Shop (5435 California SW), open 10 am-6 pm, with a bin across the street at Canna West Seattle (WSB sponsor) after-hours.
DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: Today at MOD Pizza-Westwood Village (2800 SW Barton), for Louisa Boren STEM K-8:
Head to MOD Pizza at Westwood Village on Monday, December 12, and 20% of your purchase will go to STEM.
TIME: All day 10:30 am – 11:00 pm
HOW: There are 2 ways to make sure your purchase benefits the school: Order in the restaurant and mention “STEM K-8 fundraiser” at checkout. OR Order online at modpizza.com or with the MOD app and apply this digital code: MODF9354
CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: 2 pm, councilmembers preview the week ahead (here’s the agenda). You can watch online or on cable via Seattle Channel.
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! Two scheduled options tonight for trivia players – 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 or Holiday Guide? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather Saturday to celebrate the life of James C. Haury. Here’s the remembrance being shared with his community:
James Clinton Haury
AUGUST 17, 1941, TO OCTOBER 11, 2022Lifetime West Seattle resident and Marine Mechanic Jim Haury died after a short illness. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Born in 1941 to Clint and Margie Haury, of Haury’s Boathouse on Alki, Harbor Ave in Seattle.
Jim is survived by his wife Alice of 59 years and sons, Paul and wife Alizah Olivas, and Todd and wife Tasuray Haury, their two grandchildren, Nicholas Haury and wife Porsche, and Mikki Haury and partner David Lovett, and their two great-grandchildren, Vanessa Haury-Lovett and Ryoma Haury, and three granddogs, his sister Jeanne (Haury) James and brother Bill Haury, and his many nieces and nephews.
Throughout his Illness he kept his optimism, wonderful sense of humor, a most welcoming smile, and twinkle in his eyes.
Jim was a marine mechanic by trade for over 65 years with a large client list of happy boaters. Jim owned his own repair shop in White Center for more than 50 years. Todd joined him in 1984 and always worked alongside him and will continue the business in the same Haury care. Paul did the tech work and kept his computers up and running. Even though Jim was semi-retired, he continued to work until his illness worsened. Jim loved bird hunting, fishing, and boating, and hiking with guns and a camera, exploring the Pacific NW with family and friends.
Please come to celebrate Jim’s life with us. December 17, at West Beach Condominiums,
10203 47th Ave SW.
Building B, Meeting Room
12:00 to 4:00 pmPlease bring pictures and stories.
“Go, get lost in the woods. We’ll find you.â€
(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 Monday, December 12th.
WEATHER
Dry weather is expected all week! Cloudy forecast today, high in the low to mid-40s.
TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS
–Metro is still down buses for repairs, so keep a close watch on channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions. 9:15 AM: 56, 57, 121 are suspended again.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule this morning.
-So is WSF’s Triangle Route – check here for alerts/updates.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
New Delridge cameras: As reported Saturday. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon and Delridge/Orchard.
High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).
Low Bridge: Or nearby, depending on where SDOT points the camera.
1st Ave. S. Bridge: The south route.
Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most 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 a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STOLEN GOLD TOYOTA: Maybe you’ll find Sarah‘s car:
Our car was stolen today at 3:45 pm from in front of our carport located in the alley between 40th Ave SW and 41st Ave SW off SW Bradford,
2007 gold Toyota RAV-4
WA license plate BLN5548Please report to police or contact me if you see it. Thank you. 206-486-2718
SPD incident # is 2022-331103.
CAR BREAK-IN INTERRUPTED: Richard reports that a neighbor stopped what was either going to be a break-in or a car-theft attempt:
My 2011 Hyundai Elantra had an attempted break-in tonight at about 8:30 pm. My driver rear window was busted out in an attempt to either steal the car or rummage around for anything valuable inside. One of my neighbors was outside and saw the suspects against the car and thought it was suspicious. As he walked up to get closer, a getaway car (Honda Civic or similar) drove up to pick them up and they all drove off together. I live in the Fauntleroy neighborhood near Wildwood Market. Was fortunate to have neighbors on alert that were able to spook the burglars away before they were able to do anything more than break my window.
ADDED MONDAY: The SPD incident # is 2022-926217.
10:25 PM: SFD and SPD are at a crash reported at 49th SW and Admiral Way, and they’re calling for Seattle City Light because of a “fractured pole.” We don’t have further information on traffic effects but pole problems can compound things, so we’re noting it.
11:24 PM: Police just told dispatch that traffic is reopening all ways, and that SCL will be back tomorrow to complete pole repair.
(WSB photos)
Two days before today’s Artemis 1 splashdown, the moon mission spent an hour at the center of the universe for dozens of students at Denny International Middle School.
Boys from all grades in the Kingmakers program filled tables in the Denny library on Friday afternoon to work with two guest presenters – Amazon employees visiting as part of Hour of Code, an annual series of events around the world marking Computer Science Education Week. We were invited to observe.
Jacq Bolliges and Pedrito Maynard-Zhang – center and right in our photo above with Denny’s Kingmakers coordinator Keenen Allen – were there on behalf of Amazon’s Future Engineer program. But if the name “Hour of Code” has you guessing they sat down with the students for a coding tutorial – that’s not what happened at all. Instead, they spent the hour leading an interactive presentation about the Artemis program and space-exploration technology, with videos and quiz questions. A competitive aspect to the quiz questions had the students cheering and chanting with as much enthusiasm as they’d exuded while discussing the just-concluded Argentina-Netherlands World Cup match before the class got going.
Allen teaches four Kingmakers classes a day and told us this was the first time this year that students from all four classes gathered in one place. Guest presenters have been especially important because the pandemic precluded field trips. Part of the inspiration offered by the guests was their own backgrounds; while Bolliges wasn’t from an engineering background, Maynard-Zhang told the students about starting out teaching himself BASIC on old computers, and pursuing education all the way up to a Ph.D. at Stanford. He taught for four years before going to work for Microsoft and then Amazon.
Before the space-program presentation, the visitors invited questions. First one: “Why is Amazon laying off people?” Bolliges, who had been a recruiter, blamed that on “the economy” but added, “We hope to be back to hiring soon!” The tech industry overall, they noted, has half a million current openings. Students had similarly no-holds answers once the space presentation began and they were first asked about the challenges astronauts face when going into space: “Death!” was the first answer, followed by “being away from their families.”
Things got more technical from there, with information about topics from rocket propellant to telemetry. Every quiz question resulted in cheers. A highlight was when the students ended up chanting “DEEP SPACE NETWORK!” after learning about that communication system (“There are no cell towers in space,” they were informed).
The time flew by, and since it was the last period of the day – of the week, in fact – there was no chance of holdover. Laptops were closed, the guests were applauded, stickers were offered, and the Hour of Code was over. Toward the start, the students had been given one exhortation: “Have fun and think big!”
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