West Seattle, Washington
01 Tuesday
A reader looking at the Seattle Fire 911 Real-Time log entries from early this morning asked us about a callout to an address that cross-checked to West Seattle Bowl. We looked at the incident-specific page and it indicated that some units were dismissed before arriving and all the rest were dismissed within eight minutes of arrival, so it appeared to be a false alarm, but we asked SFD to be sure. Spokesperson David Cuerpo tells WSB, “The 911 caller saw tiki torches across the way and mistook it for a fire.” (West Seattle Bowl is co-housed with the “tiki bar” Three 9 Lounge.)
Just got word of another vaccination event in West Seattle this weekend. This one is offering the monkeypox vaccine to those who meet current eligibility criteria, and COVID boosters too. It’s happening at Arthur’s (2311 California SW) 7-10 pm Saturday (October 22). Arthur’s proprietor Rebecca Rice explains, “With the difficulty of finding a COVID booster, combined with the stress and fear in our community surrounding Monkeypox, representatives from King County Public health approached us to organize a safe and private space for vaccinating. This Saturday, we will open our doors to anyone seeking the Monkeypox vaccine. Along with this opportunity, Alki Beach Pride has partnered us with our local Safeway pharmacy to offer Covid boosters to those who choose to receive them. We are really hoping to see a great turnout and have worked diligently with the Admiral Pub, Alki Beach Pride, and King County Public Health to provide a space for individuals that is safe and welcoming.” No appointment needed – just show up. If you can’t get to this, watch here for other vaccination events.
(Tuesday morning fall colors in the fog at Lincoln Park, photographed by Tom Trulin)
As always, the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar has the full rundown on what’s ahead for today/tonight. We did want to remind you about three one-time events:
FRAUD-PREVENTION WORKSHOP: 1 pm at Daystar Retirement Village (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor). Free. Call 206-937-6122 to see if there’s still room.
MADISON MS FUNDRAISER: 5-9 pm dine-out fundraiser at Chipotle in The Junction (4730 California SW) – our calendar listing has the code to use to be sure the school gets its share of the proceeds from your order.
MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: MoCA’s quarterly meeting happens at 7 pm online. The agenda is in our calendar listing – which also includes how to view/call in to the meeting – and it includes one recent hot topic: The future of the landbanked Morgan Junction Park Addition site, and the unofficial skatepark that’s been created there.
For its fall fundraising, the Alki Elementary PTA is hosting a “pumpkin patch” one week from today, It’s happening 4-6 pm Wednesday, October 26th, as people who pre-order from its list of seasonal specialties – pumpkins and treats – pick up their order. You can get yours in through today, with items available from Pan de Muerto, Pumpkin Shortbread Cookies, and Salted Caramel Cupcakes to “Monster-Making Kits.” Go here to browse and order.
P.S. Alki PTA also has a “dine-out fundraiser” tomorrow at Ounces.
6 AM: Good morning. It’s Wednesday, October 19th.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny, mid-60s today, but first, possibly another round of morning fog; meantime, forecasters now expect rain to arrive by Friday afternoon.
ROAD WORK
-The plan to close the westbound West Seattle Bridge tonight for sign-related work is canceled, to 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: The alternate route.
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.
Two thefts in West Seattle Crime Watch:
BLACK ACURA: From J:
Black Acura. p=,1991. Stolen from Graham and SW 46th area on Saturday night 10-15. Plate: 217-ZRG
No police report # yet; we’ll add it when we get it. (10:21 AM UPDATE: The number is 2022-278442.)
CAMERA & BAG: Alec is visiting from out of town and reports this theft:
This morning at 7:00 am my car was broken into and my Canon camera was stolen\. Also a dark green hiking bag 55L with important documents inside. This occurred on SW Andover and 21st Avenue SW. Below is a photo of the bag.
Police report # 2022-922448.
If you think you’ve found either of Alec’s items, let us know and we’ll connect you.
10;29 PM: Seattle Fire has a “rescue response extrication” responding to a car-on-side crash in 7900 block of 32nd SW [vicinity map]. They’re trying to help a passenger get out of the car.
10:34 PM: They’ve gotten the person out of the car and are reducing the response.
10:43 PM: Thanks to Kyle for the photo. No word yet on injuries.
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: SFD confirms the 39-year-old woman they evaluated reported no injuries.
Congratulations to Coach Joel and the West Seattle High School boys’ golf team – they have big news:
After completing a successful regular season with a 6-4 record, the West Seattle High School Boys’ Golf Team finished in 4th place at the Boys’ Metro Championship.
Golf team members from left to right: Simon Vance, Devon Eisenhut, Milo Stover, Andy Hoff, Joe Sherick, Flynn Wendell.
Next up for the boys’ team is the District Championship on October 24th at Druids Glen Golf Course.
The Metro championships were held at West Seattle Golf Course; here’s the recap of how the Wildcats’ season has gone so far.
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!
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