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Spotlight Stories


  • Closure

    SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT: This weekend’s closure

  • Light rail

    WS LIGHT RAIL: Sound Transit’s EIS date

  • School

    WELCOME BACK! One school’s spirited start

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen blue Accord, with decorations you’d notice
August 29, 2024 10:39 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Sent by Colin:

My girlfriend’s light blue 1996 Honda Accord with bee and flower magnets was stolen from SW Portland St and Highland Park Way SW between the hours of 8 pm 8/27 and 7 am 8/28. WA plate is BSF 3634. She’s filed a police report, #24-242931. If the magnets have been removed, you can still see their shapes due to the sun bleaching of the paint.

Call 911 if you find it.

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From The Fastbacks to health and safety info to library history, 22 ways to spend the rest of your West Seattle Thursday!
August 29, 2024 10:12 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Great Blue Herons in today’s sunrise glow, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here’s what’s happening for the rest of your Thursday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: If you need late-summer-and-beyond plants, the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Annuals, perennials, sun, shade, natives, edibles, ground covers … wide variety!

SPRAYPARK: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open every day through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm, free. (Note – A commenter below says it’s not functioning as of 11:30 am. … Update: They say it’s now fixed!)

COLMAN POOL: Final 2024 week for 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 open noon-7 pm, daily through Labor Day

SOUTHWEST POOL CLOSED: Repairs and maintenance work continue.

WHAT’S NEW WITH WEIGHT-LOSS MEDICATION: Free lunch-and-learn webinar with Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care (WSB sponsor), online at 12:30 pm. Registration link and info here.

LEARN ABOUT CYBERSECURITY AND SCAM PREVENTION: 1 pm in person at Village Green West Seattle (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor), as previewed here – free.

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com for info on where they’re playing today.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room/wine bar open Thursdays-Saturdays 1 pm-6 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Food too – stop by to sip and nosh!

STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm yoga class at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight you’ll find Momo’s Kebab at HPCS.

HEAR NICK CAVE’S NEW ALBUM EARLY! 4 pm listening event at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) for Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds‘ new LP “Wild God.” Giveaways, happy hour!

WINE, CHEESE, PHOTOGRAPHY: Networking and head shots! 4 pm at Village Green West Seattle (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor) – check to see if slots are left.

LIBRARY CELEBRATION: Seattle Public Library branches are celebrating the 20th anniversary of “Libraries for All,” and the High Point branch (3411 SW Raymond) invites you to drop in during its party 4:30-7:30 pm. Free.

VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for a group walk in Lincoln Park – details in our calendar listing.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at Good Society (California/Lander) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: 6:30 pm, meet at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for a 3-mile run through the neighborhood. (Walking option, too!)

BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday it’s blues night.

THE FASTBACKS: The Seattle rock legends are releasing their first album in 25 years. They’re at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) at 7 pm for a listening party, signing event, and panel discussion. Free, all ages.

SUPPORT MEETUP FOR OUNCES: A meetup group invites you to make new friends while supporting Ounces Taproom and Beer Garden (3809 Delridge Way SW), 7-9 pm, as explained here.

TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).

Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE MUSIC: Be a ringer!
August 29, 2024 9:31 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The West Side Ringers invite you to make music with them, and asked us to publish this announcement:

The West Side Ringers are looking for people to ring English Handbells. No experience is necessary, as we are open to all skill levels. We meet on Wednesdays from 3:30-5 pm. Our group currently plays at retirement communities as a service to seniors! If interested, send an email to anjdroege@gmail.com.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Thursday notes
August 29, 2024 6:00 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, August 29 – four days to Labor Day.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:24 am, while sunset will be at 7:54 pm.

(Wednesday sunrise, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT AND OTHER ROAD WORK

*No work, no closures, until after Labor Day, for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project.

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project has begun top-deck work. The north half of the bridge is closed, with one lane each way on the south side; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge. (Also note the new 39th/Admiral crosswalk.)

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

*The East Marginal Way S. project continues, with a temporary routing change for bicycle riders (explained at that link).

*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch. Watch for no-parking zones and steel plates (many on northbound side right now), plus flaggers.

WEEKEND CLOSURE NOTE

*On Saturday (August 31), the Alki Beach Pride celebration will close Alki Ave. between 57th and 61st from 7 am to 10 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.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

High Bridge – The Fauntleroy-end 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:

South Park Bridge – Looking east:

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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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: ‘More to this story’ after flipped-car crash
August 28, 2024 9:49 pm
|      48 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(Reader photo from Monday, sent by Marie)

Two days ago, that flipped-car crash on California south of Brandon injured the driver. He was taken to a hospital, the scene eventually cleared, and we thought that was the end of it. But a commenter revealed last night that there’s “more to this story” – that the car was stolen. Neighbors say it was taken early Sunday, from a neighborhood near Fairmount Ravine, with another apparently stolen car left in its place. So we followed up with police, who said that after medical treatment, the 31-year-old man had been booked into jail for investigation of stolen-vehicle possession, stolen-gun possession, and unlawful gun possession. We don’t know anything about the gun, but we found out that the suspect could not lawfully possess one because he’s a convicted felon. Documents from his most recent conviction, in 2019, cited an “extensive criminal history”; that case involved a West Seattle burglary, and he eventually was sentenced to six years in prison – with credit for eight months served before sentencing. He got out of prison last December; records show this was his first jail booking since then. “Was,” we say, because after two days, he was released about an hour and a half ago. Among the various authorities we contacted today was the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, which did not file charges by today’s deadline, so the law required his release. KCPAO spokesperson Casey McNerthney told us late today that they didn’t charge him because they couldn’t:

The information that was sent to us from police investigators was not legally sufficient to file charges, so the prosecutor handling the case wrote a detailed note to the investigating detective explaining what is needed for a legally sufficient case under state law. This is not a judgement on Seattle Police – we appreciate their continued work – it’s addressing what prosecutors can and cannot do under the law with the available evidence. It’s certainly possible that the additional elements are sent to us by the investigating Seattle Police detective for a charging decision.

In the meantime, the suspect is out of custody, for now. And the stolen, flipped car sits in an impound lot – its owner sent this photo:

They found some items that aren’t theirs inside and say they ;vehad trouble reaching police to deal with that. Meantime, personal items of theirs turned up inside the car – a blue Chevy Blazer – dumped nearby after theirs was taken.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Bicycle stolen outside store
August 28, 2024 8:38 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Sent tonight by Beth:

My daughter had her bike stolen outside PCC this evening. (She was there buying ingredients to make me a birthday cake for tomorrow ❤️.)

It’s a white Bianchi Boardwalk with a Topeka rack on the back (for panniers), with straight handlebars with black grips. It also had a bike helmet hanging on it.

The [temporary] police incident report is T00009476. We would truly appreciate people keeping an eye out for it.

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YOU’RE INVITED: Ukraine relief update at Kiwanis Club of West Seattle’s next gathering
August 28, 2024 7:02 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Kiwanis Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

Two and a half years into the war in Ukraine, where do relief efforts stand, and how can you help? The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s next dinner meeting will feature a local guest answering those questions – here’s the invitation:

Peter Gelpi, West Seattle’s own, will be returning to Ukraine soon. The Kiwanis Club will host Peter at their monthly meeting – next Wednesday, September 4 – open to the public. Peter will report on the feeding programs, orphanage, and evacuations. The meeting starts at 6 PM, so attendees are asked to be seated prior to 6. Attendees can order dinner off the menu. RSVP is requested prior to Tuesday, 9/3, to help the Great American Diner & Bar (4752 California SW) with seating and staffing. RSVP to sapirodenis@hotmail.com or 206-601-4136 (text or voice).

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SEATTLE SCHOOL CLOSURES? Superintendent says recommendations won’t be out until October
August 28, 2024 4:45 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

The Seattle Public Schools Board meeting for August (agenda) is happening right now (livestream here), and it began with an update from Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones on where he’s at with the long-expected plan for closures/consolidations. After reiterating the reasons he believes it’s necessary – including a nine-digit annual budget gap – Dr. Jones offered an updated timeline:

*The week of September 9, an online “hub” will open, a website with an “inventory of buildings” and information on how closures/consolidations might affect families

*After that, they’ll “continue to gather feedback” via meetings and other “engagement” opportunities

*At the September 18 board meeting, Dr. Jones will present an update on the process

*In October, the “preliminary recommendations” for elementary-school closures/consolidations will be presented

*After that, site-based (specific school) hearings will be held

According to the superintendent, the closure/consolidation plan would save $30 million a year. He reiterated, “Maintaining the status quo is simply not an option.”

P.S. After asking a followup question, the school-board director for West Seattle and most of South Park, Gina Topp, announced that her next community meeting will be at 6 pm Wednesday, September 25, at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library, so that’ll be an opportunity to discuss what’s emerged by then.

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UPDATE: West Seattle low bridge functioning again
August 28, 2024 3:56 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Screengrab from low-bridge camera at 3:56 pm)

3:56 PM: Thanks for the tips. SDOT has just acknowledged that the low bridge is having “technical issues.” Avoid it TFN.

4:14 PM: SDOT tells us there’s no estimate yet on how long it’ll take to fix this.

5:30 PM: Just checked the live camera, and the bridge is functioning again.

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ADMIRAL WAY BRIDGE PROJECT: New – but temporary – crosswalk
August 28, 2024 1:48 pm
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Thanks to Mark for the photo. He and another reader mentioned the surprise appearance of a new crosswalk at 39th/Admiral [map], east of the Admiral Way Bridge seismic-strengthening project, which moved into the top-deck half-closure phase this week. Project spokesperson Dr. Matthew Howard tells us it’s temporary: “It was low-key, a quick flip and safety measure. We added these Rapid Flashing Beacons and a temporary crosswalk to the intersection as we move into the phased closures of the bridge lanes. We wanted to maintain pedestrian access throughout these times so that people could get across safely. Community supported/wanted it, and the team was able to deliver.” But “temporary” means it’ll be removed when the project’s complete; Howard adds, “I’ve broached the topic of a permanent solution, though.”

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WEST SEATTLE ART: Desmond Hansen mural at O’Neill Plumbing
August 28, 2024 12:44 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Not far from his earliest signal-box work – portraits of Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain – artist Desmond Hansen has painted another mural on California Avenue SW in Morgan Junction. This one was for, and of, the O’Neill Plumbing (WSB sponsor) family. That’s Tim O’Neill in our photo, taken this morning. The mural is on the north side of the former Sub Shop building into which the O’Neill Plumbing HQ has expanded. O’Neill Plumbing is one of West Seattle’s longest-running businesses, founded in 1917.

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Ferry-dock and school-board meetings, and more for the rest of your West Seattle Wednesday
August 28, 2024 10:44 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Tuesday’s hint of sunset color, photographed by Bruce Gaumond)

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

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 OPEN: The city says wading pools will open today – find this one in upper north Lincoln Park, noon-7 pm.

SOUTHWEST POOL CLOSED: The repair/maintenance closure for West Seattle’s city-run indoor pool continues.

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

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING: No, the school-closures plan is NOT on the agenda. But the board still has a lot to talk about, 4:15 pm, viewable in person (district HQ is at 3rd/Lander in SODO) or via cable/streaming. Agenda items of note include a contract amendment for the new Alki Elementary and a study session for this year’s budget process.

PADDLE IN THE PARK: The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce teams up with Alki Kayak Tours (WSB sponsor) and Mountain to Sound Outfitters to head out on the water at Jack Block Park (2130 Harbor SW), 5 pm. Our calendar listing includes RSVP info so you can check if there are spots left.

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).

FERRY DOCK ADVISORY GROUP MEETING: You are welcome to watch/listen as the Community Advisory Group for the Washington State Ferries Fauntleroy dock-replacement project meets online, 6 pm. This time brings details and discussion on the long-awaited report about how Good To Go! could affect dock operations, as well as an update on planning for the Fauntleroy Way intersection at the dock. Our preview includes the link for registering to attend.

FREE GROUP RUN: 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.

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).

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: Third and final concert, this time at 7 pm in the church sanctuary: Zachary Fitzgerald and Stephen Anthony Rawson (classical). More info in our calendar listing. (6115 SW Hinds)

MUSIC BINGO X 2: Two options! Play 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.

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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SEEN OVER WEST SEATTLE: Aurora appearance
August 28, 2024 9:54 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

Thanks to the texter who sent that photo early this morning after a fleeting aurora appearance! This was the view from Alki looking north after midnight. (Not just here – the National Weather Service noted another regional sighting.) By the time we heard, we checked the online forecast and the chances of another sighting had receded. But if you want to be on the lookout for the next one, skywatching expert/educator Alice Enevoldsen has tips and links here.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Wednesday watch
August 28, 2024 6:03 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, August 28 – five days to Labor Day.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny, high in the upper 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:23 am, while sunset will be at 7:56 pm.

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT AND OTHER ROAD WORK

*No work, no closures, until after Labor Day, for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project.

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project has begun top-deck work. The north half of the bridge is closed, with one lane each way on the south side; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

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

*The East Marginal Way S. project continues, with a temporary routing change for bicycle riders (explained at that link).

*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch. Watch for no-parking zones and steel plates (many on northbound side right now), plus flaggers.

WEEKEND CLOSURE NOTE

*On Saturday (August 31), the Alki Beach Pride celebration will close Alki Ave. between 57th and 61st from 7 am to 10 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.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

High Bridge – The Fauntleroy-end 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:

South Park Bridge – Looking east:

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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UPDATE: Pedestrian hit by driver at Fauntleroy/Rose
August 27, 2024 10:52 pm
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

10:52 PM: SPD and SFD are closing Fauntleroy both ways at Rose while investigating a crash in which a man on foot was reported to have been hit by a driver on the southbound side, by Lincoln Park [map]. Avoid the area.

(Screenshot from closest SDOT traffic camera)

11:08 PM: Police say the street has reopened both ways. We haven’t heard an update on the man’s condition but will be following up with SFD.

Of note, SDOT announced earlier this year that it would restore a marked crosswalk at this intersection, something community groups had long been requesting; the previous one was removed in the mid-’00s.

9:58 AM WEDNESDAY: SFD tells us that the victim is 21 and was in stable condition when taken to Harborview Medical Center.

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Here are start dates for local schools that haven’t reopened yet
August 27, 2024 10:23 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB file photo)

Tomorrow (Wednesday, August 28) is the first day of classes at the next West Seattle school to start the 2024-2025 year, Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School. The new year already has begun at two area schools, Summit Atlas – the charter middle/high school in Arbor Heights (since August 14) – and Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien (since August 21). Here’s when other local schools start:

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Holy Rosary
Hope Lutheran
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Vashon Island School District

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Bridge Cooperative Elementary
Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor)
Highline Public Schools (grades 1-12)
Seattle Public Schools (grades 1-12)
Tilden School (WSB sponsor)
West Seattle Montessori
Westside School (WSB sponsor)

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
Seattle Public Schools (pre-K and kindergarten)

Whichever school(s) you’re affiliated with, we’d love to hear what’s new, now and as the year progresses – new principal? fundraisers? events open to the community? successes? – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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FOLLOWUP: Marathon swimmers’ successes in West Seattle waters (and beyond)
August 27, 2024 7:48 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS & Sports

Last week, we told you about three marathon swims announced by the Northwest Open Water Swimming Association for last week. We noted the first swim’s successful completion last Wednesday – Chelsea Lee completing what’s known as the Bert Thomas Swim, almost 19 miles from Old Town Dock in Tacoma to Point Williams by Colman Pool in West Seattle, in . She finished in just over 9 hours. Two days later, last Friday, NOWSA confirms, Wendy Van De Sompele of Vashon Island – aquatic director at Colman Pool – swan from Alki Point to West Point, six miles, in 2:45.

(Wendy, post-swim – photo by Scott Lautman)

With that, she became the first person to complete 5 out of the 6 swims in the Puget Sound Lighthouse Series.

Then on Sunday, NOWSA’s big week concluded with a round-trip all-woman relay from/to Alki Point, around Blake Island, completed in 6:28:

(Salish Sirens at relay’s end, photo by Stephanie Zimmerman)

They were dubbed the “Salish Sirens” – Melissa Kegler, a Triple Crown marathon swimmer (English Channel, Catalina Channel, around Manhattan Island) headed the relay team, whose members spanned all decades from 30-70: Becky Smith, Carol Horowitz, Guila Muir, Emily White, and Shea DeWald. They all regularly swim in the Sound off Alki. Boat support was provided by Seastr PNW, which NOWSA explained is “dedicated to inclusive access to waterborne activities for people who have been historically excluded from the maritime industry and water sports.” You can learn more about NOWSA here.

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ONLINE SAFETY: Village Green West Seattle hosting free cybersecurity presentation Thursday
August 27, 2024 5:30 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | Westwood

The recent cyberattacks on SEA and on the Seattle Public Library are reminders that online security is a concern for us all. This Thursday, you’re invited to learn about risks and protection, as well as fraud/scam protection, in a cybersecurity presentation by the Seattle Neighborhood Group, hosted at Village Green West Seattle (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor). It’s scheduled for 1-2:30 pm in Building 2 at the complex, and all are welcome – RSVP is requested but not required; corinne@villagegreenretirement.com.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Thunder, rain, hail roll through
August 27, 2024 3:25 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Photo sent by Eddie from The Junction)

Thanks for the photos and video! Thunder, rain, and hail rolled through West Seattle – and southward into White Center – this past hour.

(Video sent by Christopher from High Point)
No alerts, not much out there on radar, and it’s all supposed to clear up in time for several clear days starting tomorrow … but things have been a bit unpredictable lately.

(Photo sent by Jerry Simmons, who measured the hail at 1/4″)

(Video sent by Bobbie from White Center)

We always appreciate photos via westseattleblog@gmail.com, also breaking via text at 206-293-6302!

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From White Center Now: Another fried-chicken closure
August 27, 2024 2:02 pm
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | White Center

Thanks for the tip! The White Center KFC and A&W location at 10050 16th SW has suddenly shuttered, and that big banner explains why. This is WC’s second fried-chicken closure in less than three weeks, after Bok a Bok. We’ll be adding details on our partner site White Center Now as we get them. (West Seattle’s KFC closed six years ago; Habit Burger is at that site now.)

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UPDATE: Water break in North Admiral
August 27, 2024 1:39 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

1:39 PM: A Seattle Public Utilities crew is wrapping up repairs on what they told us was a “small” water break related to a home-construction site near 48th/Sunset in North Admiral. We heard about it from a texter who lost water service as a result. SPU’s water-outage map wasn’t working so we went to the scene to find out more; sometimes water breaks also result in “brown water” nearby so if you’re experiencing that in the area, this might be the problem (always report it to 206-386-1800 even if you think you know the cause).

3:33 PM: More information from SPU spokesperson Brad Wong:

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) received a call today around 8:40 a.m. about a broken water main at 1925 Sunset Ave. SW in Seattle. SPU crews arrived and learned that a 1.5-inch water service line was damaged. Crews decided to do an emergency service repair, which required shutting down an 8-inch water main at approximately 11:30 a.m. The repair affected 28 customers in the area. As of 2 p.m., SPU crews had completed the repair. Water service is expected to resume this afternoon.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Wildwood Market burglarized (Wednesday update)
August 27, 2024 1:10 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL TUESDAY REPORT: Wildwood Market in Fauntleroy was hit by a burglary early this morning – and in the process, its gas meter was damaged. That led to an SFD callout just before 7 am. Firefighters shut the gas off fairly quickly. Store staff told us the burglars stole items including the safe. We’re still working to get other details from police and store ownership, but Wildwood was open for business as usual when we went by at mid-morning.

UPDATE, 1:10 PM WEDNESDAY: We obtained the police narrative today, and it explains how the gas meter got damaged:

(The business owner) stated that she received a message from a delivery driver to the business that the window was broken on the front of the business at 0615 hrs.

(She) stated that since she had arrived at the business she could smell the odor of natural gas. I had SFD respond to the scene. Engine 37 arrived and determined that the gas meter on the outside of the building was leaking natural gas because it had been damaged.

(We) checked the interior of the building and it was clear of any suspects. (The owner) went through the building with me and stated that the suspects took some change from the cash register and the safe and a filing cabinet from the office. Neither of those items contained any money.

We also found the back door open. It is likely that the suspect(s) went out the backdoor and threw the filing cabinet and the safe over the deck railing and it landed on the gas meter, causing the leak.

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The airport next door: Boeing Field invites you to open house about its future
August 27, 2024 10:55 am
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 |   Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news

(From kingcounty.gov)

Boeing Field – aka King County International Airport, “one of the busiest non-hub airports in the nation” – is just over the ridge from West Seattle, with much of its operations within earshot if not always within view. So you might be interested in this announcement:

King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA) invites community members to attend an open house on Sept. 4 to learn about the Part 150 Study purpose and process. The Part 150 Study is a voluntary Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) process that identifies the level of aircraft noise in an airport vicinity and identifies potential measures to reduce the effects of noise on surrounding neighborhoods.

The open house will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 4 at the KCIA Flight Service Station, 6526 Ellis Ave. S. in Seattle. Free parking is available in the building’s parking lot and on nearby streets. A King County Metro bus stop at Ellis Avenue South and South Warsaw Street, across from the KCIA Flight Service Station, serves the 124 and 60 lines.

Community members can stop by any time between 6 and 7:30 p.m. to meet and talk with the project team and share their feedback. No registration is necessary, and there will be no formal presentation. Language interpretation will be available in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Khmer, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. For those unable to make this event, the study team will host additional open houses and engagement opportunities throughout the study, which will continue through 2026.

KCIA is undertaking two important studies to plan for the future of the airport: the Vision 2045 Airport Plan and the Part 150 Study. King County owns and operates KCIA, a public-use airport. Both the county and the FAA have authority over different parts of the airport’s operations, management, and future development.

“Public input is critical to the successful outcome of Vision 2045 and the Part 150 Study,” said John Parrott, KCIA airport director. “We invite the community to join us Sept. 4 to learn more about the Part 150 Study and talk to us about airport noise. Both technical information and community input will inform the process as we move through this study and identify measures to reduce noise.”

The Part 150 Study will be completed according to FAA guidance and will inform aspects of the Vision 2045 Airport Plan. The Part 150 Study will include the following:

-Study existing and future flight corridors.
-Develop aircraft noise exposure maps for current and future flight conditions.
-Evaluate air traffic control procedures that could reduce noise exposure over residential areas.
-Consider land use controls that the cities of Seattle and Tukwila, and King County, could introduce to reduce future incompatible land uses (such as residences, schools, and churches) from being developed within high noise exposure areas.
-Evaluate ways to reduce noise impacts within high noise exposure areas.

To learn more or provide input online, visit the project website at KCIAPlanning.com.

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