TERMINAL 5: Updates from District 1 Community Network , Northwest Seaport Alliance meetings

Ten months after the Northwest Seaport Alliance – the cargo-focused partnership of the Seattle and Tacoma ports – opened the first modernized berth at Terminal 5 in West Seattle [map], work continues on the second. And the first is not yet fully operational – as we reported last Monday, the shore-power system hasn’t been used yet. That was one of the T-5 topics discussed at two meetings this past week – on Tuesday, the NWSA managing members (Seattle/Tacoma port commissioners), and on Wednesday, the District 1 Community Network (a coalition of advocates from organizations in West Seattle and South Park). Here are the highlights of what we saw and heard:

Terminal 5’s north berth had 52 vessel calls through August. More than 30 percent of those ships’ cargo was moved through the terminal on rail (one of the dock’s major attributes), 40 percent of the containers that move through the terminal are empties, being shipped back overseas. That still leaves a lot of cargo being handled with trucks, and a focus right now is to find close-by parking so the trucks don’t wind up overnighting in neighborhoods – they’re working to create about 100 spaces on Harbor Island, along 11th and 13th SW. They’re also working on creating parking at T-25 (map), which could hold more than 300 truck spots.

Back to rail – many residents near T-5 have eagerly awaited the Quiet Zone, crossing modifications that should result in less train-horn-blowing. Though it’s part of the T-5 project, SDOT is leading the construction, and expecting to put the project out to bid before year’s end. Here’s the overview of what it’ll involve:

Because of questions at a past briefing, the NWSA reps also brought this graphic showing the Quiet Zone in the context of the 5-way intersection by the major entrance to T-5:

But at both meetings, the shore-power issue sparked the most discussion. The attempt to connect a ship was apparently made on October 8th. The problem that got in the way was described as two computer systems talking to each other (or not, in this case). Wasn’t it tested earlier? staff was asked at the NWSA meeting. The reply was that training had been done, but “each ship is a little different” and they just didn’t know how it would play out until they actually tried to plug a ship into the system. So now they’re troubleshooting. An ILWU Local 19 rep at that meeting, there to comment on another agenda issue, pointed out that their workers had been connecting cruise ships at Pier 91 in Magnolia to shore power “for years.”

Full details of the NWSA briefing on T-5 are in this memo and this slide deck.

RETURNING: Greater West Seattle Middle School Information Night on Monday

Tomorrow (Monday, November 7th), for the first time since 2019, area middle schools will have reps in one place at one time so prospective families can find out more about them. Here’s how organizers explain the Greater West Seattle Middle School Information Night:

We invite families to join us at Our Lady of Guadalupe (gym) at 6 pm for a short presentation from several school counselors and time to visit school representatives at their tables to ask questions and acquire information. This event is free and designed to represent public, private/parochial, independent, and charter-school options. Please help us plan accordingly by registering for this event here or scan the QR code on this flyer. Questions? Contact Sally Heit at Hope Lutheran School at sheit@hopeseattle.org or Ted Holmes at Westside School at tedh@westsideschool.org

Schools Attending:

Denny International Middle School
Explorer West Middle School
Harbor School (Vashon)
Holy Family Bilingual School
Holy Rosary School
Hope Lutheran School
McMurray Middle School (Vashon)
Our Lady of Guadalupe
St. Bernadette (Burien)
Summit Atlas
Westside School

OLG is at 35th/Myrtle.

MONDAY UPDATE: Two more schools have been added – Madison Middle School and Rainier Prep.

SPORTS: West Seattle High School advances to district volleyball playoffs

One more sports note: After the Metro League high-school volleyball tournament wrapped up Saturday with games at the Denny/Sealth campus, West Seattle High School had won enough of its matches to finish in eighth place and advance to the district playoffs. Those will happen at Lakeside School Thursday through Saturday (November 10-12); WSHS opens with a must-win match against Mercer Island at 5:30 pm Thursday. (Here’s how to get tickets.)

CONGRATULATIONS! 3 West Seattle boys part of state-champion Seattle Prep cross country team

Three student athletes from West Seattle have a share of a state championship. Thanks to Nate Trius for the report:

(Seattle Prep photo: Middle three are from West Seattle: Miles Trius [994], Jack Henzke [968], Carter Joy [972])

Yesterday in Pasco, Seattle Preparatory School took 1st place in the Washington State XC country meet 3A division . Led by Coach Andrew Walker – former Prep XC runner and Gonzaga runner – who has been cultivating this driven team for the last 4 years. 3 of the 7 runners hail from our own WS community. Carter Joy (senior) and Jack Henzke (junior) attended Holy Rosary, while Miles Trius (senior) attended Our Lady of Guadalupe. All three competed in their earlier years against each other in the CYO athletic programs. When they met again at Seattle Prep, they ran as teammates. Seattle Prep has not brought this 1st-place state win in 22 years. Big day for these boys, their school, and broader Seattle community. This state has some of the top runners in the country and it is an honor to be the winners this year!

Nate included this link to an online video interview with the champs.

WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: New views, and a post-Halloween alert

Today we have enough contributed bird photos for one of our periodic game-day galleries (Seahawks vs. Cardinals – it’s all about birds today). Above is Kersti Muul‘s photo of four Bushtits – tiny yet fierce-looking birds. Below, James Tilley caught Sanderlings in flight at Constellation Park:

Also from James, a Savannah Sparrow at Alki:

Vincent Marx photographed this White-crowned Sparrow along Harbor Avenue:

A Sharp-shinned Hawk caught Hans A.‘s eye in Delridge:

And John Skerratt noticed this Anna’s Hummingbird taking a break:

Though Halloween is over, we can’t resist another of Jerry Simmons‘s seasonal images – here, Steller’s Jay meets skeleton:

And he sent another one that is both a reminder and also an advance alert for next year:

If you haven’t yet taken down your Halloween decorations – particularly if they include fake webbing – the sooner the better. And you might consider not using that material next year. It’s a hazard to birds and other wildlife.

P.S. Before we go, thanks again to everyone who shares photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com (if it’s breaking news, you can text 206-293-6302).

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen orange Rad cargo bike (update: found)

The photo and report are from Mark in Alki:

My orange RAD Cargo E-Bike got stolen overnight November 6, 2022. The individual who stole my Ebike left a gray blanket there. They cut through my U-Bolt Cable Lock to steal my bike which was attached to our condo’s railing.

SPD Incident #22-298702.

MONDAY UPDATE: Just got a call. Police found it “by the RVs near Salty’s.”

YOU CAN HELP: Buy a wreath, help a school and farm

November 6, 2022 10:39 am
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Buy a wreath, help a school and farm
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Want your holiday decorations to do good as well as look good? This announcement offers a way to do that:

The Bridge School Holiday Wreath Fundraiser: Embrace Community and Shop Local!

Place orders by November 10th

Items will be available for pickup at The Bridge School on November 17th

The holidays will be here before you know it. Buy beautiful, long-lasting wreaths & holiday decor while supporting a local, independent elementary school and a local, family-owned farm this holiday season!

Check out our Wreath Catalog and order here: fundraiser.support/WreathSale

The Bridge School is a cooperative elementary school at 10300 28th SW.

P.S. Holiday fundraisers are one of the many things we feature in our forthcoming West Seattle Holiday Guide – now’s the time to send info – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Morning bridge alert, and 13 other notes for your West Seattle Sunday

November 6, 2022 6:30 am
|    Comments Off on Morning bridge alert, and 13 other notes for your West Seattle Sunday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Newest framegrab from West Seattle Bridge high-rise cam)

We start with a reminder that you might encounter “rolling slowdowns” on the West Seattle Bridge, and temporary stops on its onramps, 7 am-noon today, because of a crew filming a commercial, as first reported here Thursday. We’ll be checking it out later for an update. Meantime, here’s what else is happening today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

CHURCHES WITH ONLINE SERVICES: We’re continuing to list these – see today’s list here.

ALKI BEACH COMMUNITY CLEANUP: 10 am-2 pm, join in the monthly cleanup. Meet at 2452 Alki SW. Equipment provided if you don’t have your own.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market offers fall produce as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages, more. Here’s today’s vendor list. California SW between Oregon and Alaska.

FAUNTLEROY FINE ART & HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW FINALE: Final day of the show/sale at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 11 am-2 pm. Lineup is in our calendar listing.

MONKEYPOX VACCINATIONS: Noon-4 pm at Lumber Yard Bar (9620 16th SW, White Center).

PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 2-4 pm, you’re invited to visit A Child Becomes Preschool (WSB sponsor), which serves children 2 1/2-5 – tour the classrooms, meet the staff. (4320 SW Hill)

BALLARD SEDENTARY SOUSA BAND: 2:30 pm at Kenyon Hall (7504 35th SW), the longtime favorites – “Seattle’s only non-marching marching band” – are back.

MUSICIANS FOR THE WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK: 3-5 pm, live music to help the West Seattle Food Bank at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

ONE-WOMAN SHOW: Tia NachĂ©‘s one-woman show “That Talk You Do continues today, 3 pm, at Acts on Stage in White Center. (10806 12th SW)

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).

SHELTER OPENS: At 5 pm, the emergency cold-weather shelter/warm-up center in the West Seattle Veteran Center (3618 SW Alaska) opens for the first time this season. Our preview story includes information on requested donations.

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 to add to our calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation in High Point

10:15 PM: Police are investigating gunfire in High Point. Nobody is reported to have been hurt, so far, but they’re searching for someone. One texter says they’re in the 29th/Morgan vicinity; we’d had other reports from where the gunfire was heard. It is reported to have happened around 9:50 pm. No word of any witness description so far.

10:21 PM: Officers have told dispatch that a home in the 2800 block of SW Morgan “was hit.”

FOLLOWUP: Repairs to start for ruptured water main alongside Longfellow Creek

(August 15 photo by WSB’s Patrick Sand)

Almost three months after that explosive water-main break alongside Longfellow Creek, a contractor for Seattle Public Utilities is about to start repair work. You’ll recall the rupture spurting water near 24th/Kenyon in mid-August and flooding at least half a dozen nearby apartments. SPU spokesperson Sabrina Register explains that “after the water main broke on August 15, SPU immediately set up a temporary system to provide water service to the three customers who had service lines connected to the portion of the pipe that broke. We also began working on a plan to make the complicated repair in the middle of Longfellow Creek with minimal disruption to the environment or people.” Now they’re ready to start work, as soon as Monday. They expect work to last about six weeks, “including mobilization and demobilization,” along SW Kenyon between 27th SW and Delridge Way SW. That means there’ll be some impacts during work hours – 7 am to 7 pm weekdays – to travel lanes on 27th, and they’ll have a flagger. Sidewalks might be affected too. Here’s the official construction notice. As for the line-break investigation, we’re still awaiting an answer to our followup question on what was found to be the cause.

ELECTION 2022: Last weekend to vote!

Tuesday (November 8) is the deadline for voting in the general election – 8 pm if you’re using a King County Elections drop box, sooner if you are using USPS mail and want to be certain your ballot is postmarked in time – but if you’re counting on some weekend downtime to vote, this is it. Through last night, county stats show, 31.1% of West Seattle/South Park voters’ ballots had been received. If you haven’t even opened yours yet, here’s a reprise (from a month ago) of our original reminder about what you’ll be deciding:

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 city 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 (here are our interviews with the two candidates for our open State House seat), 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? You can still do that in person Monday or Tuesday.

THURSDAY: ‘Words, Writers, & Southwest Stories’ presents Ross Reynolds

November 5, 2022 4:59 pm
|    Comments Off on THURSDAY: ‘Words, Writers, & Southwest Stories’ presents Ross Reynolds
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

The Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s next “Words, Writers, & Southwest Stories” presentation is Thursday, online. If you register, you’ll get to see and hear longtime Seattle broadcaster Ross Reynolds talk about “How Audio Technology Changed the World.” Here’s the announcement:

“Words, Writers, & Southwest Stories,” a speaker series of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, is pleased to announce that it is hosting veteran broadcaster Ross Reynolds for a live Zoom presentation on Thursday, November 10th at 6 PM.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Although we live in a visual world, audio still has the power to create intimacy and spark the imagination like no other medium can. Veteran broadcaster Ross Reynolds explores the impact that audio transmission has had on society and storytelling, beginning with the first century of radio up to the modern age of audiobooks, internet streaming, podcasts, and smart speakers. How has audio transmission changed society, and what makes it such a still powerful form of communication?

Attendees will be encouraged to share stories of their formative audio experiences.

Ross Reynolds (he/him) is an interviewer, moderator, and convener. He recently served as KUOW’s executive producer for community engagement, before which he was a program host for 16 years. His awards include the 2011 Public Radio News Directors First Place in the call-in category for Living in a White City. In 2015, he was named to the University of Washington Communication Alumni Hall of Fame. Reynolds lives in Seattle.

Registered participants will be emailed a link to the presentation on the date of the event.

THANKSGIVING & BEYOND: Have something for this year’s WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide?

November 5, 2022 3:01 pm
|    Comments Off on THANKSGIVING & BEYOND: Have something for this year’s WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide?
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Less than three weeks until Thanksgiving, so we’re working on this year’s WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide. If you haven’t already sent information on your holiday-season event, bazaar/pop-up shop, donation drive, fundraiser, performance, hours, holiday food specials, etc. … now’s the time to get that info to us so we can share it with tens of thousands of your neighbors. Whatever you want the community to know, westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best way to reach us so we can get it into the guide (and if time/date-specific, into our year-round calendar too) – thank you!

First-ever Alien Open Mic landing Friday in West Seattle

As featured regularly on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, the peninsula has several regular open-mic events. This, however, is a first: An extraterrestrial-themed Alien Open Mic this Friday. West Seattleite Krystal Kelley is organizing and hosting the event with the Seattle UFO Network (SUFON) at Freshy’s (2735 California SW). She explains, “Collectively, SUFON coordinators encourage any artform as long as it does not harm anyone or any property. Ideas are poetry, music, comedy and storytelling — costumes are also encouraged. Come to share your sightings, your encounters, your knowledge from past and future lives, your dreams, your soul missions, your off-planet experiences — anything alien. All are welcome in peace: Humans, hybrids, ET’s.” It’s set to start at 5:55 pm on Friday (November 11) and run until about 8 pm. You can sign up early via this form. Otherwise, just show up. And if you want to check it out without going in person, the Alien Open Mic will be streamed on the host’s YouTube channel.

VACCINATION: Monkeypox clinic in White Center on Sunday

November 5, 2022 12:15 pm
|    Comments Off on VACCINATION: Monkeypox clinic in White Center on Sunday
 |   Health | West Seattle news | White Center

If you’re eligible for vaccination against monkeypox, another community clinic has been announced – noon-4 pm Sunday at the (otherwise not yet open) Lumber Yard Bar in White Center. Public Health – Seattle and King County at first circulated the wrong sign-up link but the correct one is available now (even though the landing page says COVID, not monkeypox) – start here. They also say they’ll be able to handle some walk-ins. The Lumber Yard is at 9630 16th SW.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white Ford van

November 5, 2022 10:57 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white Ford van
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Via text: That white Ford E250 van was stolen overnight near 46th/Alaska. It was discovered missing at 8:30 this morning, though a neighbor told the van’s owner they saw someone in it around 8 pm. California plates 47492G3; the van has a welded-on roof rack with a ladder in the back. Awaiting the police-report number. (Added: 2022-297733.)

WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 19 notes

November 5, 2022 6:34 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 19 notes
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Happy Saturday! Here are the highlights for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TILDEN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-noon, this independent K-5 school (a WSB sponsor) invites prospective families to come visit, tour the campus, and talk with the teachers and specialists. (4105 California SW – our calendar listing explains access)

FAUNTLEROY FINE ART & HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW: Day 2 of the show/sale at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 10 am-4 pm. Lineup is in our calendar listing.

TOUR ROXHILL BOG: 10 am, guided tour of the unique and endangered bog at Roxhill Park (29th/Barton).

MORNING MUSIC AT C & P: 10:30 am-noon, Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in-person gathering in West Seattle, free but registration required; details in our calendar listing.

EXPLORER WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 11 am, this independent middle school (a WSB sponsor) invites prospective families – either those planning to apply soon or those doing early research – to visit and meet faculty, students, and current families. (10015 28th SW)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Open to visitors noon-3 pm, as noted here. (2234 SW Orchard)

MAKERS ART MARKET: Noon-5 pm, more than 20 local artists/crafters/vendors are at the Alki Bathhouse (60th/Alki) for you to browse and/or buy.

PLAYOFFS: Chief Sealth International High School is still in the Metro League volleyball playoffs, with a match at 12:30 pm at Denny International Middle School (2701 SW Kenyon), and another one there later in the afternoon (time TBA depending on whether the Seahawks win or lose that first game).

WINE TIME: The tasting room at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) – selling wine by the glass or bottle – is open 1-6 pm. (5910 California SW)

PEACE POLE DEDICATION: You’re invited to the next Peace Pole dedication in West Seattle, 2 pm today. Gather at the Fauntleroy Creek Overlook (upper Fauntleroy Way and SW Director) – details here.

(added) ART OPENING: 2-6 pm at Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery (9414 Delridge Way SW), reception for award-winning political cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz as his show opens (running through November 27th), with Las Cafeteras performing 4:30-5:30 pm.

GRAND OPENING: As previewed here, the new West Seattle Junction jewelry shop And Arlen celebrates its grand opening 4 pm-8 pm (4130 California SW).

(added) POP-UP SHOP: 6-9 pm on the ground floor of the Senior Center of West Seattle (at the California/Oregon corner):

Join us for an Evening POP-UP SHOP featuring four local West Seattle artists TONIGHT – Drinks, a Raffle benefiting the Senior Center, Discounts plus 10% of all sales to the Senior Center!

LOCAL ARTISTS:
Elliot Young Jewelry
Kelly Rae Cunningham Art
Carbon Neutral Jewelry
Sea & Pine Handbags & Accessories

ONE-WOMAN SHOW: Tia NachĂ©‘s one-woman show “That Talk You Do continues tonight, 7 pm, at Acts on Stage in White Center. (10806 12th SW)

POOR MAN’S GAMBIT: Saturday night music at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7 pm.

THEATER: Second night for <strong>Blue Hour‘s ‘boom’ at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: King Zaae, Milo Venus, Cherry Ferrari, starting at 8 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TIME CHANGE: At 2 am tonight (Sunday morning), Daylight Saving Time ends, and we “fall back” an hour to 1 am.

Something to add? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Emergency shelter opening Sunday, and how you can help

(West Seattle Veteran Center photo)

8:42 PM: As mentioned earlier, the fall’s first round of very cold weather is on the way. So West Seattle’s only emergency shelter – at American Legion Post 160/West Seattle Veteran Center – is getting ready to open. From its manager Keith Hughes:

The time has come – the first Cold Weather Emergency for winter 2022 has been declared by City of Seattle and King County Regional Homelessness Authority to run Sunday evening through next Friday night.

The West Seattle Warm-Up Center and Shelter, operating in the West Seattle Veteran Center at 3618 SW Alaska St, will officially open at 5 PM on Sunday.

I know that the cost of everything has gone up since I requested help for last winter, but I believe that the good people of West Seattle will step up and help support this All-Volunteer shelter operation.

Here’s the list of what the shelter needs:

Food Pantry
Ground Coffee
#4 cone coffee filters
Instant Hot Cocoa Mix (for hot water)
Bottled water
Soft drinks in cans (store brands and things on sale)
Instant Oatmeal packets
Granola type low sugar cereal
Pancake mix, bisquick mix,
Pancake syrup, butter, jam
Canned soup, chili, beef stew
Packaged food like top ramen, cup-o-noodles, mac and cheese
Rice-a-roni, noodle-roni boxes
Dry spaghetti, egg noodles, macaroni
Spaghetti sauce in jars
Food store gift cards so we can get fresh things like milk, eggs, butter, meat

Other Needs
Socks, gloves, stocking caps, t-shirts and underware (men’s large and X-large)
Travel size individual soaps, shampoo; tooth brushes & toothpaste (ask your dentist for donations) bar soap for shower, laundry detergent pods
Toilet paper and paper towels, disinfectant wipes
Single-bed-size blankets

We have a question out about optimal drop-off hours. Also last year there was discussion of donors ordering items online and having them shipped directly to the center/shelter.

1:26 AM: The reply: “Best times for dropoff are in the morning before 11 am and in the evening from 5 pm to 9 pm. Those interested may call 206-932-9696 for more information on extended hours.”

CONTINUING THIS WEEKEND: Fauntleroy Fine Art and Holiday Gift Show

November 4, 2022 7:11 pm
|    Comments Off on CONTINUING THIS WEEKEND: Fauntleroy Fine Art and Holiday Gift Show
 |   Fauntleroy | Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Meryl Sidikman is one of the first artists you’ll see when you walk into the Fauntleroy Fine Art and Holiday Gift Show, continuing until 8 pm tonight and both days this weekend. She’s a White Center artist with a studio in Highland Park, and her booth includes brightly hued paintings including the frog and bats shown in our photo. Right around the corner in the event venue at Fauntleroy Church, you’ll see Rance Holiman:

His paintings include landscapes and portraits. We also talked with Rhonda Porter – a longtime local mortgage consultant who is also an artist; this is her first show:

Work of hers that caught our eye include Elvis (as seen in the photo) and colorful chickens. The full lineup of participating artists is in our calendar listing; you’ll also find artists showing and selling work in many other media, including textiles, jewelry, and metal. The show continues 10 am-4 pm Saturday and 11 am-2 pm Sunday; the church is at 9140 California SW.

WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Power problems

6:40 PM: We haven’t heard yet from anyone who’s completely lost power, but many report flickers around the peninsula – from here in Upper Fauntleroy (multiple times over the span of a few minutes) to Puget Ridge. We’re monitoring …

7 PM: By now it seems safe to say that the flickering did NOT indicate a larger outage somewhere; the Seattle City Light map shows only a pocket of five customers along Myers Way in the unincorporated area.

UPDATE: Gas-leak response in The Triangle

6:10 PM: Eastbound SW Alaska is blocked just west of 35th SW by an SFD response for a gas leak – avoid the area.

6:33 PM: Thanks to Angelo for the photo and report that the leak is in an old clinic building on Alaska; Angelo called it in to 911.

7:05 PM: SFD has closed out the call.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Theft temporarily closes coffee stand, and 3 more reader reports

In West Seattle Crime Watch:

TEMPORARILY CLOSED BY THEFT: West Bay Coffee and Smoothies (2255 Harbor Avenue SW) has been hit again, and this time they’re temporarily closed as a result. Proprietor Jennifer reports:

At 6 pm on Wednesday night we lost power. Thinking it must be a power outage in the neighborhood, but looking around, it was just us.

Waiting till Seattle City Light opened (7:30 am), they couldn’t find any problems either, and said check your breaker.
By 1 pm, I was still not able to be open for business, I got a call from Seattle City Light saying something wasn’t quite right and we’re sending a technician out. And this is what we found: The whole power meter completely stolen off the building and all the wiring leading to the shop had been ripped out and gone! All the cut wire was exposed and in the rain.

Jennifer says the building owner “isn’t willing to help us once again” – you might recall the saga of the broken water pipes last winter – and her 15-year small business is on a month-to-month, “so I’m on my own once again to figure out if I want to stay. … I understand the property is for sale but it has been for years, and in the meantime we’re still here and thriving more than ever! Sales are up the last 3 years thanks to this amazing community. Plus I have the best team! I’m so appreciative for them being so supportive during these challenging times. So we closed for a bit until we figure out what’s next to do. Currently waiting for our Seattle City Light rep to give us the next step.” And if you have any information about the meter/wiring theft, the SPD incident # is 2022-923739.

CAR HARDTOP THEFT ATTEMPT: Via email:

On October 29 (between 2 to 3 PM), I parked my car in the parking lot at West Seattle Home Depot (7345 Delridge Wy SW). I was in the store for approximately 15 minutes. After I exited the store and approached my car, a witness told me that three men had broken the passenger-side window and attempted with a heavy manual object (likely used to steal catalytic converters) to remove my Miata convertible hardtop. Because no VIN or other identifiers exist on removable hardtops that require simple unlatching and removal once a car is broken into, I have special locks in place that they were not able to remove and take the hardtop (my car has been broken into 5 times in 13 yr living in West Seattle).

The tool they used cut metal as the latches are sawed in half. However, in addition to the broken window, they did extensive damage to the interior of the car by trying to remove the hardtop, including breaking all latches and damaging the structures that attach the hardtop. Brazen given it was attempted in a public store parking lot.

WOULD-BE PACKAGE/MAIL THIEF? If anyone along SW Yancy east of Avalon Way is missing packages/mail, Calista reports this sighting before noon on Thursday: A man following a USPS letter carrier who was making his rounds, going up to homes right after the letter carrier had been there. After watching the man for a while, she says she alerted the carrier – she didn’t have a phone with her to call 911 – so she’s hopeful he called police. The carrier drove off and Calista did too, but she says she saw an approaching Amazon truck in her rear-view mirror.

(added) ANYBODY MISSING A TRUCK CANOPY? David says this was dumped in his alley:

I would like to report a truck canopy that was left in our alley sometime in the past 24 hours. It’s located between SW Cloverdale on the north and SW Trenton on the south between 32nd AVE SW and 34th AVE SW (there is no 33rd in this area – that is the alley). if anyone could make use of it please feel free to stop by and pick it up.

WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Wind and waves today, maybe a bit of snow next week

That’s what we saw at the north end of Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook on Beach Drive a short time ago. The National Weather Service has a Wind Advisory in effect until 11 pm tonight, with wind out of the south, 25 to 35 mph and gusting to 45 mph, expected. This is all supposed to calm down somewhat by tomorrow. Today’s temperatures are in the upper 50s, but you’ll want to start thinking cold-weather preparation for next week – the extended forecast suggests a chance of rain/snow mix Monday night through Thursday, with sub-freezing nighttime lows.

ADDED FRIDAY NIGHT: More wave vs. seawall video – this time via Twitter: