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    BRIDGE HALF-CLOSURE: Ahead for Admiral

  • Farewell

    FAREWELL: Family sells biz after 55 years

BIZNOTES: Three Junction updates
August 14, 2024 3:51 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Three updates to share:

SHIPSHIP: If you haven’t been to Jefferson Square lately, you might not know that what used to be The UPS Store is still in operation, with a different name. Here’s what they want you to know:

We are thrilled to announce that The UPS Store has transitioned to an independent shipping store under the new name ShipShip! While our name has changed, our commitment remains the same. We’re still locally owned and operated, with the same friendly staff you know and trust.

As part of their transition celebration, they’re offering BOGO on mailbox services – 3-, 6-, and 12-month plans.

HOMESTREET BANK: You have two more weeks to get into the West Seattle branch (41st/Alaska; WSB sponsor) to see their latest local-organization showcase, for West Seattle Food Bank. Earlier this summer, they showcased Menashe and Sons Jewelers for two months, and Jack Menashe returned (below, with HomeStreet’s Sharon Lingbloom and Andrew Tento) to draw a winner for a gift certificate:

Enter the new HomeStreet drawing when you visit and see what WSFB is offering for a donated prize!

EX-SWINERY OWNERS: Kim promised updates after The Swinery closed, and sent this:

Hello, dear friends and customers. We miss you all so much. I want to give you an update. We are now happily settled in, and working at Elliott Bay Brewery on California Ave. We’ve always loved their food, and their staff are so much fun. We are learning a lot of new things and having an amazing time. Please stop by for a bite, delicious beer and a hug.

(Got a biznote? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks!)

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: The most romantic place to be in West Seattle this Saturday
August 14, 2024 1:53 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle books | West Seattle news

Romance-novel lovers have a place to meet their match(es) this Saturday in West Seattle. We just heard about the Emerald City Romance authors and readers event, noon-5 pm Saturday (August 17) in Brockey Center at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) – promising “author meet-and-greets, book signings, flash tattoo art, and more.” More than 50 authors will be there:

There are two tiers of tickets – $10 general admission, $30 VIP admission to get in early (11 am), both available here. Thanks to one of the participating authors, West Seattle resident Annie Marcus (who’ll be there with her first book “Small Town Romance“), for sending word about the event!

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Can you spare a little time to help kids with homework at local libraries?
August 14, 2024 11:59 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | How to help | South Park | West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news

For 30 years, the Seattle Public Library has welcomed volunteers to help local students with their homework during drop-in after-school hours. This year, they’re recruiting volunteers for free Homework Help tutoring at the High Point and South Park branches. Citywide, last school year, SPL says 1,100 students used Homework Help more than 4,400 times, aided by more than 180 volunteers. SPL says 60 percent of the students reported better grades as a result of the help they received. You can be part of kids’ success this year! Here’s what SPL wants prospective volunteers to know:

The Library requests a volunteer commitment for the school year, specifically from Sept. 16, 2024 through June 12, 2025. Volunteer shifts are available Monday through Thursday between 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and each shift is approximately two hours.

Volunteers must be 18 or older. Having competence in another language, especially Amharic, Tigrinya, Somali, Oromo and Spanish, is also helpful. The majority of students served by the program are youth of color, with 90% of students reporting their parents speaking a language other than English at home.

Volunteer tutors receive an orientation and additional materials about working with youth and concepts such as social-emotional learning and growth mindset.

During Homework Help sessions, volunteers help students with homework, play learning games, read to students, or work with them on academic worksheets. Volunteers work with students individually and in small groups. High-school students can get help with not just academic subjects but with other priorities such as college essays.

Because Homework Help is a drop-in program, students can show up any day to receive help, and they do not need to have a Library card to attend. Snacks are provided at every Homework Help session, courtesy of The Seattle Public Library Foundation and the Hunger Intervention Program.

Can you help? Or, have a question? You can email SPL’s Volunteer Services Coordinator at volunteer@spl.org (and find more info here). They’re hoping to hear from new volunteers ASAP as the new school year approaches, but they do also accept volunteer applications throughout the year.

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20 notes for your West Seattle Wednesday
August 14, 2024 10:08 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Jerry Simmons)

Here’s our list of what’s happening today/tonight in West Seattle, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you can always preview the hours, days, and weeks ahead!):

DONATE FOOD! The almost-daily summer food-donation drive continues for one more week at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill) – you can drop off nonperishable items until noon.

TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am Wednesdays at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

SPRAYPARK: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open every day, 11 am-8 pm, free.

COLMAN POOL: Swim in the outdoor heated-salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm – session times are on the Colman Pool webpage.

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, the 7-day-a-week wading pool is open noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area.

DELRIDGE WADING POOL: Also open today, next to Delridge Community Center, noon-5:30 pm. (4501 Delridge Way SW)

TODDLER STORY TIME AT THE LIBRARY: 3 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).

SUMMER OF LEARNING CELEBRATION: Kids who participated in the Summer of Learning program are invited, with their families, to a celebration 3-4:30 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW).

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix it, don’t toss it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).

FREE ART CLASS: Watercolor mixed-media class, at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 6-8 pm.

FREE GROUP RUNS: All runners, all levels, are welcome to join the weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) group run – meet at the shop by 6:15 pm.

FULL FIT INFO NIGHT: Also at West Seattle Runner, 6:30 pm, info night for the Full Fit free group-training program to get ready for a full marathon

TRIVIA x 4: Four places where you play tonight: At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) offers trivia … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: 6:30 pm pre-meeting program spotlights Get Out The Vote work with Postcards to Voters; 7:30 pm meeting includes half-hour Town Hall with County Executive Dow Constantine and Deputy County Executive Shannon Braddock, plus endorsement votes. In-person meeting at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds).

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)

YOGA IN THE PARK: Two West Seattle teachers lead this outdoor-yoga event at Myrtle Reservoir Park (35th/Myrtle), 6:30 pm – follow the link for ticket info.

ALKI UCC CONCERT SERIES: Tonight at 7 pm, <strong>Eric Likkel Trio (jazz) in the side courtyard. Free but $20 donation suggested for the musicians. (6115 SW Hinds)

MUSIC BINGO X 2: Two options! Play weekly at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm … At Three 9 Lounge (39th/Oregon), you can play MINGO music bingo at 7:30 pm Wednesdays, hosted by Mingo Maniac.

OUTDOOR YOGA AND MORE: Outdoor Kundalini Yoga, Breath Work, Meditation and Gong Bath, 7 pm at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW), ticket info in our calendar listing.

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: The spotlight is yours! 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Planning a show, presentation, meeting, open house, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, etc., that’s open to the community? Please send us info so we can get it onto West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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SIGN UP, SING OUT! Endolyne Children’s Choir fall registration
August 14, 2024 9:04 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(West Seattle Grand Parade 2024 photo courtesy Endolyne Children’s Choir)

Maybe you saw them in the West Seattle Grand Parade, or in The Junction before last December’s tree lighting? The Endolyne Children’s Choir serenades much of West Seattle each year, and young singers interested in being part of it are invited to register for the choir’s fall season. Registration for singers in grades K-12 opens at 10 this morning; here’s what the choir promises:

Our fall session will offer singers a rich experience of the sights and sounds of the season. Students will embark upon an autumnal musical adventure, with songs delving into the traditions and harvests of the fall. The journey continues with singers showcasing the beauty of the holiday season in our spectacular “Winter Fantasy” performance. Along the way, choristers will explore different modalities and diverse musical styles, while making friends, having fun, and honing ensemble skills

You’ll find the registration link on the choir’s main webpage.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Wednesday watch
August 14, 2024 6:02 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, August 14.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

Today Summit Atlas, the charter middle/high school at 35th/Roxbury, becomes the first West Seattle school to start 2024-2025 classes.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s forecast: Cloudy, then clearing, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:04 am, while sunset will be at 8:22 pm.

TRANSIT NOTES

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.

Metro buses today – Regular schedules; check for advisories here.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, and the unscheduled third boat may be available. Check that link before you sail.

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT CLOSURES

See the schedule here for this week’s planned closures for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project, and remember it’s always subject to last-minute change.

Scheduled tonight: 7 pm-6 am, eastbound left lanes closed, exits to 99, 1st, 4th open.

OTHER ROAD WORK NOTES

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project is in progress. Fairmount Avenue is closed under the bridge for the duration of the project, at least into early 2025. Lane closures have begun on the top deck too.

*The East Marginal Way S. project continues, with a temporary routing change for bicycle riders starting this week:

People biking will be routed onto the street of E Marginal Way S in temporary protected bike lanes from S Spokane St to north of the Terminal 30 parking lot at approximately S Stacy St. At the T30 parking lot / S Stacy St, people will be routed back into the existing bike lanes and sidewalk on the west side of the street. Please note that the T30 parking lot is south of the main T30 entrance.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch. Watch for no-parking zones and steel plates, plus flaggers.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low bridge: Here’s the main view:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

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SURVEY: Did you go to West Seattle Summer Fest this year? How can the festival improve?
August 13, 2024 9:36 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, July)

If you went to Summer Fest – whether for three minutes, three hours, or all three days – the West Seattle Junction Association has a few questions for you. Answer their survey and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a Junction gift card. Most are yes/no questions but two are open-ended, so you can provide festival feedback to help them make it better. Here’s the survey link!

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: ‘Recreational aircraft’ in flight off Alki
August 13, 2024 7:02 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

(First two photos by Steven Director)

Thanks for the photos! This turned some heads in the Alki area this afternoon, particularly once it was airborne:

Information in the top photo points to two websites, neither Seattle-based – the Airtime Aircraft site (Florida) says this is a “Light Sport Amphibious Trike,” calling it “The Perfect Recreational Aircraft.”

(Photo by Javier Fosado)

This one is registered in Florida, too, to Amphibian Air, whose social media page mentions a road trip – with a photo taken here today – but no details (we’re sending a message to ask).

ADDED: Dave responded to our message with this comment below, saying he’s in the area offering “introductory flights.”

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ELECTION 2024: Where five races’ results stand, one week later
August 13, 2024 6:12 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

checkbox.jpgOne week after voting ended in our state’s primary, the vote-counting is mostly done, though the election results won’t be certified for another week. We’re checking back on a few races of note:

CITY COUNCIL CITYWIDE POSITION 8: Whoever wins in November gets to serve the final year of this unexpired term – and then next fall there’s a vote for a full four-year term. Challenger Alexis Mercedes Rinck will be on the November ballot along with appointed incumbent Councilmember Tanya Woo; none of the other three candidates got out of single digits. Current count for the top two, with 43 percent citywide turnout:

Alexis Mercedes Rinck – 98,902 – 50.17%
Tanya Woo – 75,684 – 38.39%

STATE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC LANDS: There’s been some suspense about whether the November contest would be between two Republicans, but King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove of Des Moines, a Democrat, has been holding onto second place for a few days now. Current count for the top three:

Jaime Herrera Beutler (R) – 408,179 – 21.9%
Dave Upthegrove (D) – 390,973 – 20.98%
Sue Kuehl Pederson (R) – 385,510 – 20.68%

STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL: West Seattleite Nick Brown, a Democrat and former U.S. Attorney, is headed for the general against Republican Pete Serrano, mayor of Pasco. Current count for the top two:

Pete Serrano (R) – 792,016 – 41.82%
Nick Brown (D) – 672,076 – 35.48%

34TH DISTRICT STATE HOUSE: Though each race has only two candidates, they were on the primary ballot (and will be on the November ballot too) because that’s the law for partisan races, so here’s a look at the current count for both seats:

Position 1
Emily Alvarado (D)* – 37,746 -86.45%
Kimberly M. Cloud (R) – 5,820 – 13.33%

Position 2
Joe Fitzgibbon (D)* – 37,418 – 85.36%
Jolie Lansdowne (R) – 6,366 – 14.52%

If you’re interested in seeing how the results have evolved over the week, here’s what these races looked like after the first count last Tuesday.

P.S. Updated state results are here; updated King County results are here.

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BIZNOTE: Emerald Water Anglers lands new location
August 13, 2024 3:51 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Photo via Instagram)

A decade after opening his fly-fishing-and-more-for-outdoors shop at 42nd/Oregon, Dave McCoy has landed a new, more-visible location for Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor). But he’s staying in The Junction – Emerald Water Anglers’ new home will be the former Bin 41 space at 4707 California SW. He’s doing extensive work on the space right now (photo above), planning to be open there in late September. Though the EWA store dates back to 2014, Dave’s business, with guide services as well as full-service fly-fishing outfitting, started long before that, in 1999. EWA also offers classes and hosts events including book launches and film screening, along with selling fishing gear and outdoor apparel. So look for all that in the new space this fall; meantime, you can still visit EWA’s original location at 4502 42nd SW (which is now officially up for lease).

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, en route to new homeport
August 13, 2024 2:37 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks to the anonymous reader who sent that photo of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) as it passed West Seattle, headed for Bremerton, this past hour. It’ll be homeported there while getting work done at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard; for almost a decade, it’s been homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. The carrier was last seen here in 2013, when it was headed for San Diego.

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DEVELOPMENT: Townhouse project proposed across from Cormorant Cove Park
August 13, 2024 1:28 pm
|      31 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

The development files have been fairly quiet lately, aside from townhouse projects, which aren’t always noteworthy, but this is an exception, as it’s one of the larger such projects we’ve seen in a while, and on a high-visibility site: Two years after the sale of three 80-year-old duplexes across from Cormorant Cove Park, there’s an early-stage redevelopment plan. Nine 3-bedroom townhouses, with nine offstreet parking spaces, are proposed to replace the boxy duplexes on the corner of Beach Drive SW and SW Orleans (which hold the official addresses 3702-3708 Beach and 6011 Orleans). Seven units would face Beach, two would face Orleans. These are the last un-redeveloped parcels on the inland side of the 3700 block of Beach Drive. A Seattle investment entity affiliated with architecture firm MG2 – whose name is on the site plan – bought the site for $3 million in 2022.

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PREVIEW: County leaders’ mini Town Hall @ 34th District Democrats on Wednesday
August 13, 2024 11:54 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

August is usually a time of few community meetings, but there are exceptions, and tomorrow night brings one of them. The 34th District Democrats‘ monthly meeting is happening in-person at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds), 7:30 pm Wednesday following a 6:30 pm pre-meeting presentation. During the regular meeting, County Executive Dow Constantine and Deputy County Executive Shannon Braddock – both West Seattleites – are scheduled for a half-hour mini Town Hall. Also on the agenda – though the group has already made most of its endorsement votes for the year, its endorsed presidential candidate is no longer running, so they’ll be voting on whether to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris‘s candidacy. A few other issues are up for endorsement votes too. Only members can vote, but the meeting is open to all to attend, non-members included.

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Climbing, running, swimming, more for your West Seattle Tuesday
August 13, 2024 9:54 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Steve Bender, who believes that’s a California Little Blue Butterfly)

Here’s our highlight list for the rest of today/tonight, as shown on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (send us your event any time – westseattleblog@gmail.com):

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open daily through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

COLMAN POOL: Also just under (corrected) three weeks left to visit the outdoor heated-salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm – session times are on the Colman Pool webpage.

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, the wading pool is expected to be open today, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area, with sunbreaks and 70-degree weather due this afternoon.

E.C. HUGHES WADING POOL: Also open noon-7 pm. (2805 SW Holden)

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

CITY COUNCIL: 2 pm weekly meeting, with public comment in person or online – the agenda explains how. Mid-year budget issues are the key items today. Watch via Seattle Channel.

FREE DROP-IN CLIMBING: Another chance to try out Schurman Rock at Camp Long (5200 35th SW) – two free sessions, 5 pm and 6:30 pm, with signups starting half an hour before the session begins.

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration continues on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.

STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN: 6 pm Tuesdays all summer, bring the little one(s) to Delridge P-Patch (5078 25th SW) for storytime plus a garden activity.

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

FREE TRACK RUN: All runners welcome! Meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.

MAKE POTTERY: 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).

BINGO AT THE SKYLARK: Play – free! – weekly Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRIVIA X 4: Four places to play Tuesday nights – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) has Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

Planning an event? Are community members invited? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – please email the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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FOLLOWUP: Summer Scramble winners find treasure in West Seattle
August 13, 2024 9:04 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Winning teams: The Admiral Pie Rats; Lucy & Annie’s Big Adventure; Bean House; and, We’re FINE!)

The annual Summer Scramble treasure hunt is over, after a fun four days for searchers and participating businesses. Organizer Alice Kuder shares this wrap-up announcement:

Eighty-one teams participated in the second annual Summer Scramble Treasure Hunt, which ran from Aug. 1st-4th here in West Seattle. Scramblers searched for twenty-five locations, following clues provided by the hunt orchestrator, Alice Kuder. Hunters who sent in selfies showing themselves in front of the correct locations qualified for prize treasure chests filled with booty donated by generous local businesses.

Eleven teams solved all twenty-five clues, and 510 selfies were submitted in all. A drawing determined the four teams that won treasure chests. They are: The Admiral Pie Rats; Lucy & Annie’s Big Adventure; Bean House; and, We’re FINE!

As with the annual Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt, Summer Scramble is designed to provide fun for everyone and to promote lesser-known local businesses spread across West Seattle neighborhoods. Both annual events are orchestrated by Alice Kuder, Preparedness Coach with Just in Case, and REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, as her gift to the community.

Please show your appreciation to the following businesses that helped make this event happen. West Seattle is the best Seattle!

Shug’s Soda Fountain, Dumplings of Fury, Alki Aloha Style Salon, Mis Fit Strength Studio, Rush Hour, Alki Beach Academy, Meat the Live Butcher, Banh Mi XO, Nacho Mama’s Fry Bread Café, Center Sign Shop, Swedish Automotive, Good Day Donuts, West Seattle Bowl, West of Chicago Pizza, West Seattle Wonder Dogs, Ounces Taproom, Admiral Theater, Kenyon Hall, The Kenney, Seattle Sorbets, The Birdhouse, and Avalon Glassworks.

Reema Rafii, REALTOR® with eXp Realty, and Randy Winn also provided valuable assistance with this year’s Scramble.

Watch for word of Winter Wander when the holiday season approaches!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Tuesday info
August 13, 2024 6:01 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, August 13.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s forecast: Cloudy, high around 70. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:03 am, while sunset will be at 8:23 pm.

TRANSIT NOTES

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.

Metro buses today – Regular schedules; check for advisories here.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, and the unscheduled third boat may be available. Check that link before you sail.

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT CLOSURES

See the schedule here for this week’s planned closures for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project, and remember it’s always subject to last-minute change (last night, in fact, the two left EB lanes weren’t closed after all).

OTHER ROAD WORK NOTES

*The East Marginal Way S. project continues, with a temporary routing change for bicycle riders starting this week:

People biking will be routed onto the street of E Marginal Way S in temporary protected bike lanes from S Spokane St to north of the Terminal 30 parking lot at approximately S Stacy St. At the T30 parking lot / S Stacy St, people will be routed back into the existing bike lanes and sidewalk on the west side of the street. Please note that the T30 parking lot is south of the main T30 entrance.

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project is in progress. Fairmount Avenue is closed under the bridge for the duration of the project, at least into early 2025. Lane closures have begun on the top deck too.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch. Watch for no-parking zones and steel plates, plus flaggers.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

Low bridge: Here’s the main view:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation
August 12, 2024 11:44 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Police checking out reports of possible gunfire have found confirmation of it. They have found “bullet damage to a street sign” and a “bullet fragment” at 29th and Kenyon. 911 got at least three calls – and we got a text – hearing what was described as “rapid gunshots … followed by a single shot,” just before 11:30 pm. No report of injuries.

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VIDEO: This year’s West Seattle Farmers’ Market Zucchini 500
August 12, 2024 9:34 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

A busier-than-usual Sunday news stream swept away our chance to show you this until now, but it’s too cute to just skip. Every August, the Neighborhood Farmers’ Markets offer kids the chance to use free zucchinis and accessories to build and race “vegetable vehicles,” and yesterday was West Seattle kids’ turn. Above is our video of two young racers giving it a try. Volunteers, including members of the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle, helped kids pick out the components:

Then, the task of creating that “vegetable vehicle”:

And the final touches before moving on to the track:

The Zucchini 500 is on its way next to the farmers’ markets in Lake City, Columbia City, and Magnolia.

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BIZNOTE: Azuma Sushi’s proprietors to retire, but restaurant will stay open
August 12, 2024 6:10 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(WSB file photo)

Eight years ago, we reported on Azuma Sushi in The Junction closing on Sundays after 16 years of being open every single day. Now, owners Harry and Jennifer are going to get a more extensive break – they’re retiring, after running their restaurant for almost a quarter-century! But Azuma Sushi will stay open, and will even bring back sit-down dining. Here’s the announcement sent to us:

Azuma Sushi Transitioning to New Ownership

In some ways, it seems like only yesterday that we first opened our doors. But January 18, 2000 is more than twenty four and a half years ago now! Starting from that very first day, West Seattle has welcomed us with open arms, and we are so grateful to our customers, old and new, for helping us build a successful business, and really, achieve the American dream. You have been with us through so many ups and downs through the years, and we couldn’t have done it without your support. That is especially true of the recent pandemic, which tested all of us so much. It has been such a joy to get to know you, see your kids grow up, and become friends with you. Our family, including our kids (who you may remember helping out from time to time), has so many fond memories of the times we all shared together.

That is why it is bittersweet to announce that we are retiring, and that Azuma Sushi will be transitioning to new ownership. August 30th will be our last day. After that, Azuma will be closed for about a month, until the reopening date of September 28th. Don’t worry, we are keeping things in the Azuma family and will be around in the fall (with reduced hours!) to help with the transition to new ownership. We are excited to see where Jenny (a former waitress that many of you probably remember) will take things and know that you will be excited to once again be able to dine in at Azuma. We hope that you will embrace the new Azuma and that it can continue to be a part of the West Seattle community for many years to come.

Thank you, again, from the bottom of our hearts. It has been a pleasure to serve you, and we will miss seeing you all.

– Harry and Jennifer

Azuma Sushi is at 4533 California SW.

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SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT: See this week’s closure schedule as resurfacing project continues
August 12, 2024 3:46 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT traffic-cam view of work zone, looking west toward West Seattle Bridge, on Sunday)

As noted in our morning traffic roundup, we asked SDOT for this week’s schedule of which lanes will be closed and when, as the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project continues. Here’s what they’ve provided – with the caveat that it’s always possible there’ll be a last-minute change:

7 PM, Aug 12 (Mon Night, tonight) to 6 AM, Aug 13
Eastbound Left Lanes closed
Eastbound ramp to SR 99 open – 1st Ave & 4th Ave ramps open

7 PM, Aug 13 (Tue Night) to 6 AM, Aug 14
Eastbound Left Lanes closed
Eastbound ramp to SR 99 open – 1st Ave & 4th Ave ramps open

7 PM, Aug 14 (Wed Night) to 6 AM, Aug 15
Eastbound Left Lanes closed
Eastbound ramp to SR 99 open – 1st Ave & 4th Ave ramps open

7 PM, Aug 15 (Thur Night) to 6 AM, Aug 16
Eastbound Left Lanes closed
Eastbound ramp to SR 99 open – 1st Ave & 4th Ave ramps open

7 PM-10 PM, Fri Aug 16
Eastbound Two Left Lanes closed
Eastbound ramp to SR 99 open – 1st Ave & 4th Ave ramps open

10 PM, Aug 16 (Fri Night) to 5 AM, Aug 19 (next Monday_
All Eastbound Lanes closed
Westbound Single Left Lane closed
1st Ave ramp open – 4th Ave ramp open
Eastbound ramp to SR 99 open
Northbound 1-5 off ramp to westbound Spokane Viaduct closed; ramp to Lower Spokane Street remains open

This week’s schedule is also now on the project website.

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MISSING: Silver Alert in West Seattle (update: missing man found)
August 12, 2024 1:53 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

1:53 PM: Just issued a few minutes ago:

(poster removed after confirmation that missing man was found)

10:20 PM: Per emergency radio, the missing man has been found in a ditch behind his house and SFD has been sent to help get him out. We don’t know his condition but will check with SFD later.

ADDED TUESDAY: SFD tells us the 77-year-old man was in stable condition when their medics checked him out and did not need to be taken to a hospital.

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VIDEO: Fire at church buildings in 5000 block Delridge Way
August 12, 2024 12:42 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

12:42 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a “full response” to the 5000 block of Delridge Way SW. Avoid the area. Updates to come.

(Added: Photo sent by TI)

12:46 PM: Dispatch says caller reported flames and smoke from a Full Gospel Pentecostal Church building at 5071 Delridge [map]. First units arriving confirm it’s a “working fire” and that they’re seeing “heavy fire” from one side.

(Added: WSB photo)

12:50 PM: Firefighters now say the fire is in a “detached building” on the church property and is under control. Delridge, meantime, will be blocked both ways between Edmunds and Brandon, per police.

(Added: WSB photo)

12:58 PM: Though they declared it “under control,” the fire is nowhere near out yet. They’re calling for more units. Our crew heading to the scene says smoke is still visible from a distance. Here’s a photo Samuel sent from High Point:

See comments below for other photos of the smoke. No report of injuries so far.

1:10 PM: Added photos now that our crew is there. They report the “detached building” is to the west of (behind) the church’s main Delridge-fronting building, and separated by just a few feet.

(Added: WSB photo)

(Added: WSB video)

1:25 PM: SFD has called the fire “tapped” (mostly out). Our crew has spoken to someone from the church, who tells us the building where the fire started is used as a clothing bank and kitchen, plus meeting spaces for some groups to which the church rents space. We’re waiting now to hear from SFD spokespeople on scene.

1:40 PM: We’ve talked with SFD and will add that video when back at HQ. They said the fire did extend a bit into the main church building. Meanwhile, the response is starting to downsize.

2:15 PM: Here’s the briefing video – mostly what is already reported above, except that three buildings in all were damaged:

That’s SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo. The fire’s cause hasn’t yet been determined; investigators are working on that.

TUESDAY UPDATE: We checked back today. According to spokesperson Cuerpo, “Investigators determined the fire was accidental. Originating in a kitchen, then extending to a dining area.”

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Bag theft; burglary attempt
August 12, 2024 11:56 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reports:

BAG THEFT: This happened in the past hour, reported by text:

Just had a tote bag snagged, 26th and Genesee, beige canvas Sounders bag. Had our laptop and other restaurant papers in it. I know the laptop is probably gone but if anyone sends in a found on the side of the road we love the rest of the paperwork back. It was in the parking strip grass while loading the car.

No police report number yet. If you find the bag, let us know and we’ll connect you with the victim.

BURGLARY ATTEMPT: This happened early Sunday:

That’s one of three people who tried to break into a house in the 6500 block of Beach Drive SW, according to Autumn. She says the break-in happened just after 12:30 am. They parked nearby, “came up the driveway, scoped the house. The woman then knocked on the door and was captured by the Ring camera. After no one answered the door she and the men broke the glass door on the lower-level entrance. The house alarm sounded loudly and they all three ran down the driveway to the car and drove away.” This video shows them running back to the vehicle:

Here’s a closer look at the car:

If you have any information, the incident number is 24-224442.

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