West Seattle, Washington
15 Saturday
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!
The winter-holiday season, hard as it is to envision after an 88-degree October day, is just a little more than one month away. Hope Lutheran School is taking orders for a holiday-greens fundraiser, and the deadline is Friday. Here’s the announcement:
Holiday wreaths, greens, and poinsettias – ON SALE NOW! These quality greens are supplied by Bacon’s Tree Farm and poinsettias supplied by Windmill Farms. Order through Friday, October 21st. Order online through our online order link:
form.jotform.com/222709416885162
All proceeds from this fundraiser benefit Hope Lutheran School’s 7th & 8th grade East Coast Trip. Get a head start on your holiday greens!
6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Monday, October 17th.
WEATHER
After record heat on Sunday, the forecast says sunshine will continue today but the high temperature will be in the 60s.
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) so far today.
The West Seattle Water Taxi starts its fall/winter schedule today (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.
(WSB photos)
As pleasant as it was to gather in warm, dry weather for today’s annual event to call coho home to Fauntleroy Creek, the prevailing hope was for rain to arrive soon. As creek steward Judy Pickens explained it, salmon arriving near the mouth of the creek, south of the Fauntleroy ferry dock, need that flow of fresh water to “sniff out” where to go.
But the weather could change later this week, so the ceremonial call to the salmon – 244 of which showed up last year – proceeded, with songs led by musician and educator Jamie Shilling:
About 30 people participated, many of them children to whom the creek will be entrusted after its longtime stewards are gone.
To encourage new volunteer involvement, Pickens and others who have long cared for the creek offered tributes to two volunteers who have moved on in the past year, Steev Ward and Peggy Cumming. Their achievements were detailed by Pickens and another longtime steward, Dennis Hinton – everything from Ward teaching students about salmon via dissection, to Cumming obtaining a grant to eradicate invasive vegetation. Those acknowledgments segued into suggestions of ways community members can help the creek now:
Attendees of all ages were invited to write down ideas of what they could do:
Then participants were invited to post their ideas on an easel-borne card. Some of what we saw: “Learn about salmon,” “Give respect to all the fish,” “Introduce someone to the creek,” and more-classic ways to volunteer. Starting tomorrow, in fact, some of that will be happening on the creek, as the annual watch for spawners begins, with volunteers taking shifts keeping an eye out for fish. The way was cleared by a group of volunteers who cleared a logjam at the creek’s mouth – which is on private property – earlier this week. If you are interested in getting involved with Fauntleroy Creek – one of the few salmon streams within the city – you can contact the Fauntleroy Watershed Council.
The five-week-old Bolt Creek Fire isn’t the only one that’s been sending smoke our way. Two other fires have come into view east of Seattle – the photo above was tweeted tonight by Kevin Freitas, who has that view from one of West Seattle’s higher elevations, near Providence Mount St. Vincent (Beacon Hill is in the foreground). Earlier today, Eastside Fire and Rescue noted that the Loch Katrine and Murphy Lake fires had come into view from this side of the Cascades. Right now, West Seattle has better air quality than North Seattle (as shown here), after a day in which the high-temperature at Sea-Tac Airport smashed the old record for this date – 88, previous record 72. The forecast still suggests rain is expected, finally, by Friday.
Thanks to Kimm for the photos. It’s not yet activated, but framework for the California/Findlay “half-signal” has been installed.
It’s been almost four months since SDOT told neighbors they would install the pedestrian-activated “half-signal” at the intersection. Neighbors had been pushing for more safety measures at the intersection even before the May hit-run crash that killed 30-year-old Nicholas Wolf just north of the intersection. In addition to installing the stoplight, SDOT said in June that it would be “implementing a painted curb bulb in the southeast and northwest quadrants to improve sightlines for pedestrians crossing at the intersection, and installing a median island on the south leg of California Ave SW, in close proximity to the intersection to reduce the open feel of California Avenue SW, prevent the use of the center turn lane as a through lane, and potentially reduce vehicle speeds.” The report on the deadly May crash said the 16-year-old driver who hit and killed Wolf told police he was going “50 to 55 mph” at the time. We’ll be following up with SDOT tomorrow to check on the timeline for finishing the intersection work and activating the signal.
Thanks for the ongoing bird photos! We have seven more to share on this football afternoon, starting above with the “real” Seahawk – an Osprey – photographed by Steve Bender. Next, a bird that never seems to look the same in any two photos, a Great Blue Heron, first by Michael Ostrogorsky:
Next in silhouette by Stewart L.
This Hawk visited Eric Taney in North Admiral:
Cindy Roberts saw this Barred Owl at Seola Pond:
A Pileated Woodpecker was on a Lincoln Park tree when Kathryn Smith saw it:
And in a double-check of the files, we found Samantha Burton‘s California Scrub-Jay photo from August:
Remember that it’s still fall migration time for some birds – so the Lights Out program has good suggestions to follow. Meantime, we appreciate bird (and other) photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch this afternoon:
STOLEN F-150: Karla sent the report and photo:
Sometime between midnight and 11 am our 1992 blue/white Ford F-150 was stolen off the street in front of our house on Delridge Way SW & SW Kenyon St. We’ve had the vehicle for less than a year. This truck was bought with wedding gift money after we had to postpone our ceremony over a year and a half due to the pandemic, so it’s pretty devastating to my husband and I. If people could be on the lookout for it we’d greatly appreciate it. If spotted please call 911 as well as Derek at 406-249-9073 (yes, it’s 406, not 206). Thank you!!
SPD incident # is 2022-278202.
STOLEN NISSAN XE: This report and photo are from Nathan:
Last night (Saturday, Oct 15th) between 7:48pm and 8:48pm my truck was stolen from the street right outside my house near 12th Ave SW and Kenyon. ’96 Nissan Regular Cab XE in light blue. Back tailgate has the word ‘Loretta’ in large letters. License plate is C28238Y.
If found please call 911. The SPD case number is 2022-278151.
VANDALIZED CHARGER CORD: Aley sent this report and photo:
Someone cut right through the chord of our level 2 electric car charger in our alley. The car was plugged in. Between Dawson and Brandon on 42nd.
No report # yet.
Thanks to the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle for the photo! In their booth on the west side of the Farmers’ Market, Key Club members from Chief Sealth International High School are again selling painted pumpkins as a fundraiser. The market is on until 2 pm; if you miss them this week, they will be back next week.
Family and friends will gather October 29 to celebrate the life of West Niver, who died suddenly last month. They’re sharing this remembrance with his community:
With great sadness we announce the passing of West L. Niver.
Born November 8, 1958 in Albany, New York, died September 6, 2022 in Seattle.
West was first and foremost a man who wanted to help others, and couldn’t stand to not be useful somehow. An avid outdoorsman, he hiked across hundreds of miles of the Northwest and took great joy in the peacefulness of the forest.
He graduated from the University of Oregon in 1982, where he met his wife Cynthia, to whom he was married for 39 years. They lived together in Seattle, where West was a Financial Analyst at Group Health Cooperative/Kaiser Permanente for 30 years, retiring in 2019. West was also a fixture of the local Scouting community, spending many years leading young people into the wilderness, and training others to do the same. Also active in the West Seattle Kiwanis Club, he helped organize numerous community events and held several official positions in the club, including President. West Niver dedicated much of his time to serving others and touched countless lives in many ways, from events with hundreds of participants raising money and awareness for various causes, to passing conversations with people he had just met. His humor was quirky, but witty. He had a lifetime love of animals, and always enjoyed a spookily decorated house for Halloween. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife Cynthia and their two sons, Benjamin and Samuel (Amanda) Niver, his sister Geri (Larry) Niver Petkus, and his brother Drew (Debi) Niver. West also leaves behind his beloved cat Luke and grandpets Russell and Bodie. Donations can be made on his behalf to the Chief Seattle Council of the Boy Scouts of America or to the West Seattle Kiwanis Club.
His Celebration of Life is planned (corrected date) October 29 at Camp Schoenwald, 16030 Sylvester Rd SW, Burien. Event space opens at 2:00 PM with service beginning at 2:45 PM.
(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)
(Side effect of our warm weather: Late-blooming flowers, like Waikikigirl’s hibiscus)
Here’s what to know today, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
AIR QUALITY ALERT: The regional alert for wildfire smoke continues.
CHURCHES WITH ONLINE SERVICES: We’re continuing to list these – see today’s list here.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market is open with 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.
DONATION DRIVE: Alki UCC is collecting food and clothing, 11 am-3 pm, 6115 SW Hinds – our calendar listing has specifics.
GLASS-BLOWING DEMO/ART GLASS PUMPKIN PATCH: As part of “Refract – The Seattle Glass Experience,” you can see live glass-blowing noon-4 pm again today at Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way) and visit their art-glass pumpkin patch.
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: The monthlong display of community-contributed art at Southwest Library continues (9010 35th SW), open noon-5 pm today.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM CLOSED: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society museum on Alki is closed for the rest of the month for roof work.
MEET WITH YOUR SCHOOL-BOARD REP: This area’s Seattle Public Schools board director Leslie Harris holds a drop-in community meeting 2-4:30 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
AT ARTSWEST: The ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) play “Swimming While Drowning” concludes the third week of its run, 3 pm curtain. Tickets are available online.
MUSIC AT C & P: The trio Citizens of Earth performs at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm.
DRUMMING TO CALL THE SALMON HOME: The annual tradition along Fauntleroy Creek is at 4 pm today – bring anything you want to drum with, or just bring yourself. All ages welcome. Location is explained in our calendar listing.
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 to list for our calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Businesses in The Admiral District have changed the previously announced date of this year’s trick-or-treating. Dan Jacobs of the Admiral Neighborhood Association sent word today that the new date is the Friday before Halloween, October 28th, still 3-6 pm. He says the decision was made to “provide the most business participation possible.” The event is centered at the Admiral Junction – California/Admiral – but other businesses often participate too.
The photos are from Yma:
Come out to Gatewood: 4116 SW Portland Street, off California- South of Morgan Junction.
Mid block we’ve got dragons & black cats & Mariners’ fans! Our neighbors have ghosts & pumpkins!
Decoration photos/suggestions welcome at westseattleblog@gmail.com. The ones we showcase will also be linked in the WSB West Seattle Halloween Guide, due out by weekend’s end.
Another way many can do good is by getting involved in their employers’ nonprofit-assistance programs, if they exist. Sometimes it’s by getting a match on a donation you make, but there are other ways too. We recently heard from one West Seattleite who succeeded in getting his company to help the West Seattle Food Bank as part of a nationwide grant program:
My name is James Jurrius and I have been a resident of West Seattle for approximately 6 years. I work at Conagra Brands in Kent as an Continuous Improvement Manager. For 30 years, Conagra employees have nominated nonprofit organizations in their local communities to be considered for community grants. This year, as a Conagra Brands employee, I nominated the West Seattle Food Bank for Conagra Brands Foundation’s annual “Nourish our Community” grant program … it was announced that my nomination, the West Seattle Food Bank, was one of the nominations that were awarded a grant. The West Seattle Food Bank intends to use the grant for their grocery home-delivery service, which supports the residents of the greater West Seattle area.
According to a Conagra news release that James forwarded, the company awarded “one-year grants to 23 nonprofits across 12 states, totaling $350,000.” WSFB’s share is $10,000. This was the only grant out of the 23 that went to a nonprofit in our state.
Rotary Viewpoint Park is cleaner this afternoon thanks to local Rotarians. Martha Sidlo sent the photos and report:
This morning, the Rotary Club of West Seattle spruced up Rotary Viewpoint Park at 35th and Alaska.
The project was coordinated by Gina Topp, the club’s Community Service Chairwoman. Rotarians planted new plants provided by the City of Seattle, weeded, and picked up debris and trash.
The park now looks spiffier than it has in a long time.
You can learn about the park’s history on the West Seattle Rotary’s website.
(Photo sent by John Skerratt)
12:47 PM: We’re exploring the theory that the two military jets that have been circling the area for about half an hour arrived early for a flyover at the Mariners playoff game, which doesn’t start until 1:07 pm. More info as we find it.
1 PM: Via Twitter, a military-aviation watcher says these are “2 EA-18G Growlers from VAQ-137 ‘Rooks’ out of NAS Whidbey Island.”
1:12 PM: Also via Twitter, here’s a visual representation of all that circling, and then the downtown flyby.
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