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Spotlight Stories

UPDATE: Seattle Education Association says members voted to authorize strike if agreement’s not reached
September 6, 2022 12:07 pm
|      38 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

12:07 PM: The Seattle Education Association has just announced that its members have voted to authorize a strike if no agreement is reached by tomorrow. The union says 75 percent of its 6,000 members voted, and that 95 percent of them voted to authorize a strike, But contract talks are still under way right now, they stress, so a strike is not yet a sure thing. Updates to come as their briefing continues.

12:10 PM: A member of the bargaining team joined the briefing for a moment to say, “We’re prepared to stay all night if that’s what it takes.” Union leaders did not take questions and ended the briefing after less than 10 minutes, noting again that they’re planning a rally at district HQ at 4:30 pm. The SEA contract expired August 31st. Tomorrow is the first scheduled day of classes for most Seattle Public Schools students.

1:26 PM: So far no word from either side so far on any kind of cutoff time for a decision on what happens tomorrow. We will of course update as soon as we hear anything.

4:42 PM: The district has announced no school tomorrow, though talks are continuing. We’re updating separately here.

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VIDEO: Council committee recommends confirming Greg Spotts as SDOT director
September 6, 2022 11:09 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

After less than an hour of Q&A this morning, SDOT director nominee Greg Spotts won unanimous support from the City Council’s Transportation and Public Utilities Committee. His nomination now goes to the full council for a final vote, likely one week from today (September 13th). The council asked most of its questions in writing (as reported here over the weekend, here’s the document with the answers), but there were a few during the meeting,

West Seattle/South Park Councilmember Lisa Herbold had two questions, including one she attributed to a constituent – how he would do the job without an engineering background. Spotts replied that he would rely on the professionals in that area and others, and that he sees his role as “shaping” their work, comparing that role to an orchestra conductor. He talked about his background overseeing a portfolio of $10 billion in megaprojects in the Los Angeles mayor’s office, and added that more recently, he had overseen the StreetsLA engineering division for eight nonths, during a transition time. But, he added, he’s not planning to micromanage “individual details of individual projects.” Herbold also asked if Spotts had yet familiarized himself with Seattle’s sidewalk problems, both neighborhoods without them and the many areas where they’re in poor condition. He said he’d been reading reports/audits on the situation and that he’s heartened that the city has mapped its sidewalk conditions, as the first step toward fixing a problem is understanding its extent. In his opening remarks, Spotts noted that he has already received more than 40 invitations for “listening tours.” He also said that if Seattle Public Schools start as scheduled tomorrow, he’s planning to join Mayor Harrell in walking students to school in West Seattle. (We’re awaiting details on where that would be happening.) Tomorrow is also his first day as interim SDOT director, pending final confirmation. ADDED: Here’s video of the meeting:

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YOU CAN HELP: Senior Center of West Seattle brings back benefit breakfast
September 6, 2022 10:36 am
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Senior Center of West Seattle brings back benefit breakfast
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

The Senior Center of West Seattle is bringing back its in-person benefit breakfast. The event is September 20th but this Friday is the deadline for RSVPs – so if you’re not already signed up, here’s the announcement:

The community is invited to attend the Senior Center of West Seattle‘s annual Fundraising Breakfast on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at the Alki Masonic Hall.

The event is the Senior Center’s largest annual fundraiser and will feature live music, stories and highlights from the Senior Center’s programs, and an opportunity to give. All funds raised support the fun, engaging programs and critical services the Senior Center provides West Seattle residents as they age.

Attend:

Advance RSVP is required. RSVP by Friday, Sept. 9: fundraise.givesmart.com/form/NGMyzA?vid=twoy5

Tuesday, Sept. 20; Doors open 7:30 am. Program 8-9 am.
Alki Masonic Hall is located at 4736 40th Ave SW.

Donate:

Can’t make it to the in-person event but want to support the community’s seniors? The Senior Center is accepting online donations before the event to help reach its goal to raise $75,000 through September.

Your gift supports:

$2,500 = Funds 800 hot, nutritious lunches open to the community
$1,000 = Supports 33 home visits to vulnerable seniors by our social workers
$500 = Covers one month of digital equity classes and services to all seniors who need technology help
$250 = Funds fitness classes for one month to help seniors stay active
$100 = Sponsors two memberships for seniors who can’t afford to pay

More event info:

Thank you to our sponsors. See our business supporters on our event website. sc-ws.org/2022-annual-breakfast

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17 things to know for the rest of your West Seattle Tuesday
September 6, 2022 9:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Seal, photographed at Constellation Park earlier this week by Marc Milrod)

Busy Tuesday – here’s what you should know about, mostly (but not entirely) from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BLOCK DROP DIY CLEANUP: 9 am-6 pm today, West Seattle High School‘s north-side entrance (3000 California SW) will be the pickup/dropoff spot for equipment and bags for your DIY cleanup.

SDOT DIRECTOR NOMINEE:9:30 am, the City Council’s Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will question SDOT director nominee Greg Spotts and potentially vote on his nomination. The agenda has information on viewing and commenting.

POSTCARDS TO VOTERS: 10:30 am politics-at-a-distance volunteers’ weekly gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

SPRAYPARK STILL OPEN: Wading pools are now all closed but Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) remains open 11 am-8 pm daily through September 18th.

SCHOOL STRIKE VOTE ANNOUNCEMENT: At noon, the Seattle Education Association plans to announce its strike-vote results in a media briefing.

ALKI ARTS POP-UP IN THE JUNCTION: First day for this pop-up art shop – with murals – on the southeast corner of California/Oregon, noon-5 pm, as previewed here.

COVID VACCINATION POP-UP: 2-7 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), vaccinations (Moderna) will be available.

CITY COUNCIL RECONVENES: 2 pm, the first council meeting post-end-of-summer break is happening online and in-person – here’s the agenda, with inforation on how to comment.

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.

STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN: Bring your little one(s) for a story followed by a garden activity, at the Delridge P-Patch, 6 pm (5078 25th SW).

TAE KWON DO: 6 pm, first West Seattle Tae Kwon Do class of September, at High Point Community Center. (6920 34th SW)

SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, go play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).

FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Meeples Games (3727 California SW) welcomes families 6-8 pm to this weekly hosted game-playing night.

WEST SEATTLE TOASTMASTERS: You’re invited to their online meeting tonight – learn to become a confident communicator! – starting at 6:30 pm.

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!

(Last Friday’s Alki sunset, photographed by David Hutchinson)

ALKI BEACH PARK CHANGES: Tonight is the first night the closing time goes back to 11:30 pm; also, no beach fires starting tonight.

You can always see more on our calendar – and if you have something to add for the future, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Post-holiday Tuesday
September 6, 2022 6:03 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, September 6th.

WEATHER

Sunny, breezy, mid-70s predicted .

BACK TO SCHOOL

First day of classes for Holy Rosary Catholic School and Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School

FERRIES, BUSES, WATER TAXI

Ferries: WSF continues the 2-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.

Metro buses are on their regular weekday schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

898th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. 12 days until SDOT expects to reopen it – on September 18th.

Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use until the high bridge reopens; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings.

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are tweeted by @wsdot_traffic.

All currently functional city traffic cams can be seen here, many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page

Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

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CORONAVIRUS: First September look at local numbers
September 5, 2022 11:47 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

At the very end of this long holiday weekend, here’s our weekly roundup of local COVID numbers via the Public Health – Seattle/King County dashboard:

*14 percent fewer cases reported countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 349 new daily cases countywide (down from 403 a week ago)

*31 percent fewer hospitalizations countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 10 new hospitalizations daily (down from 13 a week ago)

*27 percent fewer deaths countywide in the past two weeks than the two previous weeks (the dashboard doesn’t offer a one-week increment)
*Currently averaging 3 deaths daily (same as last week’s two-week average)

For West Seattle, we have two-week comparisons (the combined totals from two “health reporting areas,” labeled West Seattle and Delridge, together comprising the entire peninsula):
*280 cases between 8/15 and 8/29, down from 371 between 7/31 and 8/14
*3 hospitalizations between 8/15 and 8/29, down from 13 between 7/31 and 8/14
*4 deaths between 8/15 and 8/29, down from 6 between 7/31 and 8/14

VACCINATION: Checking vaccination rates:
*82.5 percent of all King County residents have completed the initial series (up .1% from a week ago)
*86.8 percent of all King County residents ages 5 and up have completed the initial series (unchanged from a week ago)
*52.5 percent of all King County residents have had the initial series plus a booster (up .2% from a week ago)

*In West Seattle, we’re now showing the vaccination rates for all ages, by ZIP code (reminder, 98106 and 98146 are not wholly within WS), compared to a week earlier:
98106 – 83.4% completed initial series (unchanged), 52.6% have had a booster (unchanged)
98116 – 90,1% completed initial series (up .1%), 65.4% have had a booster (up .1%)
98126 – 79.6% completed initial series (up .1%), 54.6% have had a booster (up .1%)
98136 – 90.2% completed initial series (up .1%), 67.9% have had a booster (up .1%)
98146 – 78.9% completed initial series (up .1%), 47.7% have had a booster (up .2%)

GETTING VACCINATED: We’ve been mentioning upcoming pop-ups at local libraries – at Delridge (5423 Delridge Way SW), the list includes a Moderna vaccine pop-up 2-7 pm tomorrow (Tuesday, September 6th).

TESTING: If you want to get tested and don’t have – or want to get – a home kit, here’s info on West Seattle’s two public testing sites: The city-supported site at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle, 9 am-5:30 pm Monday-Saturday this week) and the Curative kiosk at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1220 Harbor SW, 9 am-3 pm Monday-Friday this week). … To report self-test results, this page explains how (click “What should I do if my test is positive?”).

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STRIKE OR DEAL? Here’s where the Seattle school talks stand tonight
September 5, 2022 9:14 pm
|      45 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

The scheduled start of Seattle Public Schools classes for all but kindergarteners is just ~36 hours away. But the district and its educators’ union haven’t reached a contract agreement yet. Here are tonight’s notes:

MEDIATION: Though the district said Friday that the union had rejected its suggestion for mediation, the Seattle Education Association‘s media update tonight said, ” The SEA Bargaining Team met with SPS on Sunday and met with a mediator today to continue work toward an agreement.”

STRIKE VOTE: The union’s media update also noted that members’ strike-authorization voting ends at 9 am tomorrow. They will announce the results during an online media briefing at noon. They’re then planning on a rally at district headquarters at 4:30 pm.

DISTRICT: No new update since Sunday’s statement that they wanted the union to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to continue talks while starting school as scheduled. A line atop the district website promises, “If the first day of school is delayed, we will update families and staff as soon as possible.”

SPECIAL-EDUCATION ISSUES: This was called to our attention today by a reader who thought the wider community should know, The Seattle Council and Special Education PTSA issued a joint statement Sunday saying they wanted the public to see the recommendations of the Special Education Task Force – what they consider a “road map” both sides should be following to an agreement. You can read them here.

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FOLLOWUP: Vandalized Easy Street Records mural wall restored
September 5, 2022 5:54 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photos)

A vandal’s damage to the mural wall on the south side of Easy Street Records didn’t stand for long. The wall, including its portrait of Chris Cornell, was restored this afternoon by its artist, Son Duong, with whom we caught up as he was close to finishing:

He and his daughter worked all afternoon to restore the art. (Thanks to the texter who tipped us that the restoration work was under way.) In an odd side note, he mentioned that this mural and the Desmond Hansen signal box at 35th/Alaska weren’t the only Chris Cornell portraits that had been vandalized – one by Silver Platters in SODO had been defaced too.

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VIDEO: Legends, myths, art, and science in ‘The Giant Pacific Octopus,’ featuring West Seattle divers
September 5, 2022 5:06 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Looking for something to watch on this holiday? “The Giant Pacific Octopus” is not your everyday documentary – it looks at its namesake animal in some unusual ways, including legends and art. It’s centered in Puget Sound, and a West Seattle business is proud of its participation. From Seattle Dive Tours‘ Scott Flaherty:

Seattle Dive Tours, based in Admiral District and Seacrest, is featured in “The Giant Pacific Octopus” documentary.

The team of Seattle Dive Tours was happy to participate in this locally produced documentary about GPOs, art, history and conservation.
Maddi Frye (Seattle Dive Tours Manager and Marine Biologist) and Dr. Kelly Bushnell (Seattle Dive Tours Instructor and Ocean Historian) are both interviewed in the film.

The documentary is currently available for streaming on Tubi. We’ve also heard it may be coming to Amazon Prime Video in the future.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 2 more stolen cars to watch for
September 5, 2022 3:09 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Thanks to everyone who has helped find stolen cars, sometimes abandoned close to where they were taken. Here are two more reader reports:

WHITE SUBARU IMPREZA: The report is from Lindsay on behalf of a neighbor:

“A white Subaru was stolen last night on 47th and Alaska. The car was used in a construction robbery and was last seen around the Alki area. if you see this car, please call the police. 1999 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, WA BZR4836.

RED HONDA CR-V: This report is from Grant on behalf of his sister:

Red 2007 Honda CR-V
Stolen on 36th Ave SW between Hudson and Dawson between 4:24 and 5:24 am
License#: BQL5587
Case number: 22-236545

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Talk with future Seattle Police officers ‘Before the Badge’
September 5, 2022 1:14 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Seattle Police are convening community conversations with recruits as a new part of their training, and one of the events is planned in our area. Here’s the announcement:

Calling all who live and/or work in Seattle – Sign up to participate in the new “Before the Badge” Community-Police Dialogues!

The dialogues are part of the new “Before the Badge” 45-day training program that all new Seattle Police Department recruits complete prior to entering the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy. The purpose of the dialogues is to give community members an opportunity to engage with new Seattle Police recruits to help them learn about Seattle community concerns at the precinct/neighborhood level as part of the Seattle Police Department’s Micro-Community Policing Plans.

Two Southwest Precinct-specific events are planned: 5:30-7:30 pm September 26th and November 14th. They’re hosted in partnership with Seattle University, so that’s whose website you’re going to if you’re interested in signing up.

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SCHOOLS: See inside newly complete Madison Middle School addition
September 5, 2022 11:39 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photos)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Whenever Seattle Public Schools classes start, the eight-classroom addition at Madison Middle School is ready to go.

We had long been requesting a chance to look inside before it goes into use at the start of the new school year, and got that chance last week:

Read More

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WEST SEATTLE LABOR DAY 2022: Notes for today
September 5, 2022 6:21 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(Sunday night rainbow glimpse, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Good morning! Holiday notes:

TRANSIT/TRAFFIC

–Metro is on a Sunday schedule
–West Seattle Water Taxi is also on a Sunday schedule
–Sound Transit buses and light rail are on Sunday schedules too
-If you’re going to an area of the city with pay-station street parking, note that there’s no charge today
-Check traffic cams here
-13 days until the scheduled reopening of the West Seattle Bridge.

HAPPENING TODAY/TONIGHT

Mountain to Sound Outfitters Sale – The clearance sale at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) is continuing today, 11 am-6 pm.

Last day of the season for most city aquatic facilities – After today, city-run wading pools and outdoor pools are all closed until next year – so it’s your last day for the Lincoln Park wading pool and Colman Pool, both open noon-7 pm. Also open today is Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm, daily through September 18th.

Last night of the season for 10 pm closure and beach fires at Alki

Community stand-up paddlebarding – Alki Kayak Tours’ weekly 6 pm SUP event is scheduled from Seacrest (1660 Harbor SW) at 6 pm.

NOT HAPPENING TODAY

Banking (holiday)
U.S. Postal Service (holiday)
Libraries (closed)

WEATHER

Mostly sunny by afternoon, with a 70-ish high.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Business-burglary attempt; charges filed in park assault, stolen-vehicle cases
September 4, 2022 11:15 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

One more West Seattle Crime Watch reader report tonight, followed by charges filed in two cases:

BUSINESS-BURGLARY ATTEMPT: From Peel & Press proprietor Dan Austin:

Someone pried the lock off my back door last night at Peel & Press. They were unable to gain entry to the building. Yet another expense that won’t be covered by insurance…

After that initial report, he sent this security-video image of a suspect and vehicle in the lot behind his restaurant:

Peel & Press has been hit by burglars before.

ASSAULT CHARGE FILED: We’ve heard a lot about trouble in Junction Plaza Park. One recent incident has resulted in a felony charge. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged 53-year-old Chet M. Bilderback with second-degree assault for allegedly hitting another man in the head with a board in the park last Sunday. When they arrived at the park, they talked with Bilderback and found the bloody board but couldn’t find the victim, so the suspect wasn’t arrested. They finally heard from the victim the next day, after he had sought medical attention. That gave them probable cause to arrest Bilderback, who they found near Junction Plaza Park one day later (Tuesday); he’s been in jail since then, in lieu of $7,500 bail. Court documents say he does not have any prior felony convictions.

CAR THEFT CHARGE FILED: The KCPAO has charged 46-year-old Malcom C. Marx with possession of a stolen vehicle after police found him in a stolen Chevy Silverado. Charging documents say they were familiar with Marx’s criminal history, including auto-theft-related convictions, and spotted this vehicle, missing its front plate, in his South Park driveway on August 25th. After subsequently seeing him driving it in Highland Park, they caught up with him on West Marginal Way. They verified the vehicle was stolen and noted it was “running without anything in the ignition.” They also found shaved keys, black checks, and a stolen e-bike in the car. They arrested Marx and took him to jail. The next day, over prosecutors’ objections, a judge released him on personal recognizance. Four days later – last Tuesday – the KCPAO filed this charge. Marx is still out of custody.

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STRIKE? Here’s who’s saying what tonight in Seattle school standoff
September 4, 2022 8:27 pm
|      91 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Will Wednesday bring the start of classes or the start of a strike in Seattle Public Schools? As of tonight that’s not settled yet. Here’s who’s saying what:

DISTRICT: Suggested that the union sign a Memorandum of Understanding saying school will start on time, talks will continue, and whatever pay raise is decided will be retroactive to September 1st.

EDUCATORS: The Seattle Education Association called the MOU offer “upsetting” and “infuriating” in a message to its membership, explaining, “The MOU makes this just about money. Yes, respectful pay is on the table, but it’s also about the thousands of students whose needs went unmet last year and the thousands of educators who are burning out because of our unsustainable workloads.”

POSITIONS: Here’s the SEA one-sheet with what they say they’re seeking and being offered; here’s the SPS positions.

WHAT’S NEXT: SEA members continue their strike authorization vote online through Tuesday morning. Tomorrow, they’re planning a gathering for picket-sign-making and other potential “strike prep” at Judkins Park in the Central District, and Tuesday afternoon, by which time they will have announced vote results, they’re planning a 4:30 pm rally at district HQ in SODO.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Music murals vandalized; yard prowler
September 4, 2022 6:35 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two notes in West Seattle Crime Watch:

MUSIC MURALS VANDALIZED; Thanks for the tips. We’re not showing the vandalism, but at least three music murals in West Seattle have been vandalized – the Chris Cornell and Mother Love Bone murals on the south side of Easy Street Records in The Junction, and the Chris Cornell signal-box mural near 35th/Alaska. That’s sadly far from the first Hansen signal box to be defaced. He painted the Chris Cornell box four and a half years ago. The Easy Street mural was painted by Son Duong.

HIGHLAND PARK PROWLER: April reports a prowler Saturday afternoon in their yard on 14th SW between Thistle and Elmgrove, She says he “entered our side yard via a latched gate, closed it behind him, and proceeded into our backyard … carrying a small tool bag. When we confronted him, he said he was trying to get away from the cars on the road and asked to cross the yard and exit through the alley. We allowed him to do that, and told him to never enter our property again.” She sent this thumbnail-size photo.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: C & P Coffee’s Food Bank-benefiting garden party
September 4, 2022 6:05 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: C & P Coffee’s Food Bank-benefiting garden party
 |   How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

A beautiful afternoon in the garden at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), all for a good cause – benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank. Hosts Pete and Cameron Moores open their coffeehouse for countless community events and organized this one to help the WSFB’s mission to keep people fed and housed.

If you missed today’s party, you have another special chance to help the food bank next week – as previewed here, local service clubs will collect nonperishable food Saturday (September 10th) at local grocery stores.

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WEST SEATTLE ART: HPIC’s final pre-bridge-reopening A-boards
September 4, 2022 3:17 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

SW Holden, between 16th SW and Highland Park Way SW, just might be the West Seattle street most burdened by bridge-detour traffic these past 2 1/2 years. But a group of artists affiliated with the Highland Park Improvement Club (1116 SW Holden) chose to try to lighten the spirits of pass-through drivers and riders rather than resenting them, by installing roadside A-board art. Now – exactly two weeks before the bridge’s scheduled September 18th reopening – they’ve done it one more time. Here’s the announcement and photos:

we did a low key install this morning of our final set of A-frame reader signs before the High Bridge detour ends.

We have been consciously staying away from any bridge mentions during the hard times of the detour, but now we want to have a celebratory note on bridges and connections restored.

Highland Park poet Judith Camann penned our “Burma Shave” style message:

Life is a bridge
a Connection
Without taking sides.

The “B-sides” are drawings of some fantastical bridges, hiding the HPIC initials.

We have had a great time expressing for our neighbors hosting the detour traffic, and writing and painting together – and look forward to seeing you all down the road.

Kay Kirkpatrick
Monica Cavagnaro
Kelly Lyles
Judith Camann

If you missed the previous displays, here are some of the stories from our archives:
March 2022
April 2021
October 2020
August 2020

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YOU CAN HELP: Chief Sealth IHS cheerleaders’ fundraising car wash
September 4, 2022 12:32 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Chief Sealth IHS cheerleaders’ fundraising car wash
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Just got belated word that Chief Sealth International High School‘s cheerleaders are having another fundraising car wash right now. Until 3 pm, you can take your vehicle to Les Schwab-West Seattle (Fauntleroy/Alaska) and get it washed, by donation. They’re accepting cash, Venmo, or donations online via SchoolPay – here’s the team link; here’s the link to support an individual cheerleader, if you know one – to buy new uniforms and other equipment.

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Future of Click! Design That Fits to be settled soon
September 4, 2022 11:15 am
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Click! Design That Fits)

Today, Click! Design That Fits in The Junction is closed in memory of co-founder Frances Smersh, who passed away one year ago today.

Frances’s husband and Click! co-founder John Smersh says the future of the shop (4540 California SW; WSB sponsor) is about to be decided, one way or another.

As reported here four months ago, Click! has been up for sale. John has a prospective buyer, but there’s a third party to the deal: “While we’d like to remain optimistic that our potential new owner and our landlord will reach an agreement on a lease, at this time the landlord is asking for a rent increase that would be unsustainable for our business model, and as such our deal may fall through. We are reviewing all possible options but are faced with our own lease expiration and as such have been liquidating remaining inventory at 20-40% off.”

So one way or another, Click! will be closing “within the next several days,” he says – whether temporarily or permanently, that depends. If the former, “new ownership could take over as soon as October 1, after a short break for transition.” If the latter: “If we don’t reopen under new ownership, we will remain closed, grateful for the 18 years of love the West Seattle community has graced us with. We are honored to have been trusted with curating a collection of gifts and home accessories for our friends and neighbors.”

John says the current plan, subject to change, is for Click! to be open – with the liquidation sale continuing – 11 am-6 pm Wednesday (September 7th) and 11 am-8 pm Thursday (September 8th, open late for the West Seattle Art Walk).

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: Labor Day weekend, day 2
September 4, 2022 6:30 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Lincoln Park, photographed by Sally Mosher)

Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s what’s happening (and not) today:

TRAFFIC ALERTS: No announced street work today; please let us know if you spot anything happening!

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

BEACH CLEANUP: Join Jessica at Alki, new day – first Sundays, 10 am to 2 pm. Meet outside 2452 Alki Avenue SW to fan out. Equipment provided if you don’t have your own,

FOOD DRIVE: Donate non-perishable food at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill) today, 10 am-12:30 pm.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market is open with late-summer 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.

THUNDER ROAD GUITARS EXPANDS TO SUNDAYS: As noted earlier this week, Thunder Road Guitars (6400 California SW; WSB sponsor) is now open Sundays, too – 11 am-5 pm.

MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS CLEARANCE SALE: 11 am-5 pm today, shop for deals on gear to enjoy the rest of the season before M2SO (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) shifts focus for the mountain season!

WADING POOL/SPRAYPARK: With a warm, at-least-partly-sunny afternoon expected, the wading pools will likely be open – after 9 am, you can verify at 206-684-7796. In West Seattle, the only wading pool still in operation is in central upper Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm. Regardless of the weather, Highland Park Spraypark will be open 11 am-8 pm (1100 SW Cloverdale).

COLMAN POOL: Second-to-last day this year for the outdoor pool on the Lincoln Park shore (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), open noon-7 pm.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society museum< is open on Alki, and you can visit noon-4 pm, (61st/Stevens)

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Last chance this year to join the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers for lighthouse tours, first site entry 1 pm, last entry 3:45 pm; more info here.

C & P COFFEE GARDEN PARTY FOR WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK: 3-6 pm, as previewed here. (Updated) Tickets available at the door. (5612 California 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).

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!

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UPDATE: Aurora alert from Alice
September 4, 2022 1:59 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

1:59 AM: If you’re seeing this in real time – expert skywatcher Alice Enevoldsen says the aurora’s out there, if you look north, and particularly if you have a long-exposure camera.

P.S. Alice’s webpage with resources for aurora info, viewing advice, etc., is here.

ADDED SUNDAY AFTERNOON: Alice tweeted these images:

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SDOT DIRECTOR NOMINEE: ‘One of my first areas of focus will be bridges’
September 3, 2022 9:46 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

When the City Council reconvenes the day after Labor Day, their first meeting could see the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee voting on the mayor’s nominee for SDOT director, Greg Spotts. He appeared briefly before the committee last month with introductory remarks (see that here, 12 minutes in) but this time will answer questions before the committee votes on whether to advance his nomination to the full council. He’s already provided written answers to questions from councilmembers, collected in this document. We thought you might be interested in what he had to say abut bridges – here’s that excerpt:

BRIDGES: Seattle is a city connected by bridges and the city has suffered from the closure of the West Seattle Bridge during the past two years. How will you apply in Seattle your experience upgrading or building bridges in LA?

a. Before voters consider a renewal of the multi-year property tax levy called “Move Seattle” in 2024, how do you plan to expedite repairs to many of Seattle’s bridges, especially those ranking ‘poor’ by the audit conducted in 2020 and those originally promised for seismic upgrades from the 2015 levy?

(SPOTTS REPLY) As I said in my remarks to the Transportation and Seattle Public Utilities Committee, one of my first areas of focus will be on bridges. I want to make sure that we are using best practices in asset management to maintain, repair, retrofit, and, when necessary, replace our bridge assets. I appreciated the opportunity to tour the University Bridge with Councilmember Pedersen on the day I was announced as Mayor Harrell’s nominee. I’ve already begun familiarizing myself with the work being done to improve Seattle’s bridges and I’ve been researching best practices across west coast cities.

I think it is essential that we accelerate SDOT’s work on bridge repair, seismic reinforcement and maintenance of structural and mechanical systems. We need to build confidence among the residents of Seattle that SDOT is embarked on a strategic and sequenced plan that takes care of our bridge assets in a proactive manner, ensuring the safety of the traveling public and the resiliency of our transportation network for people and goods. I have seen the beginnings of that good work and am committed to analyze, systematize, and accelerate these efforts, including the completion of the bridge audit recommendations. I plan to communicate frequently to you and the public on this topic. On a case-by-case basis, I am willing to involve outside subject matter experts if I determine that such input is needed to further strengthen our people, systems and technology across the full spectrum of bridge activities.

Regarding outside funding, I will be working with SDOT staff to strategically and aggressively pursue grant opportunities for bridges. I will also be ensuring that we are fully expending available budget for bridge maintenance, supporting the acceleration of work on grant funds recently received, and assessing the Move Seattle Levy bridge commitments to finish strong on the Levy.

Spotts’ appearance before the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will be Tuesday at 9:30 am. If you’re interested in commenting, either during the meeting or in advance in writing, the agenda explains how.

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