The Seattle Public Library Foundation – a nonprofit that supports SPL – has just announced its new CEO, and sent us the announcement while pointing out that he’s a West Seattle resident:

The Board of Directors of The Seattle Public Library Foundation is thrilled to announce that following an extensive national search, Brian Lawrence has been selected as the Foundation’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Lawrence previously served as Deputy Executive Director for the Foundation, The Seattle Public Library’s nonprofit fundraising partner. He stood out in a field of outstanding candidates due to his overall vision for advancing the library’s mission, his stellar reputation in Seattle and beyond, and the track record he has established at the Foundation.

“Brian has been an integral part of the Foundation’s success, and he is highly respected in our organization, at the library, and by donors and many others in our community,” said Board President Sarah Stanley. “His energy and enthusiasm for stepping into this role, and his vision for expanding equity and access, are clear. We’re excited about how he will move the Foundation forward.”

Since 2017, Lawrence has spearheaded the Foundation’s fundraising campaigns, overseen key investments to grow library programs and collections, and strengthened partnerships with library staff and community organizations. He has established himself as a thoughtful voice on the role of libraries in our society, recently demonstrated by his key leadership role in the national Books Unbanned initiative.

“We couldn’t ask for a better partner at the head of the Foundation than Brian,” said Tom Fay, Chief Librarian & Executive Director of The Seattle Public Library. “He has shown great commitment to our library, our staff, and our patrons. Many of our services have been enhanced through the work of Brian and his team, and he’s been a great thought partner as we’ve developed our strategic framework this year. He is well-positioned to support our objectives and has deep connections to our supporter network.”

Brian grew up in Michigan and worked in the auto racing industry before moving to Seattle. He obtained a Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership from Seattle University and has worked for organizations including the Pacific Science Center, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and The Mockingbird Society. Brian lives in West Seattle, serves on the Seattle University Alumni Council, and enjoys reading (of course!) and recreating in the North Cascades.

After longtime CEO Jonna Ward announced her departure earlier this year, the Board engaged with a global search firm to select a leader who could steer the organization into the future. The Board expresses its gratitude to each of the candidates who applied and to the donors, advocates, and community leaders who provided thoughtful input during the search process.

WEST SEATTLE TUESDAY: Here’s what’s on our list!

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(The Super Blue Moon made an appearance last night after all. Photo by Stewart L.)

Here’s what’s on our highlight list for the rest of today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (which you can browse any time for an earlier look at what’s up):

LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -2.1 feet at 11:56 am.

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

COLMAN POOL: Also open through Labor Day, 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. (This per our check of the city hotline – 206-684-7796 – at 9:07 am.)

SOUTHWEST POOL CLOSED: Repair/maintenance closure continues until after Labor Day.

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

NO CITY COUNCIL MEETING: The council’s late-summer break has begun.

FREE DROP-IN CLIMBING: Weather permitting, you’re invited 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 on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.

STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN: 6 pm, weather permitting, 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.

UPLIFTING THE FIGHT AGAINST FOOD INSECURITY: 6:30 pm at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill):

Join us for an hour of song and story about recent efforts of local churches to address food insecurity in our community. We’ll sing classic hymns with a modern twist, like Amazing Grace and this Little Light of Mine, accompanied by inspirational acoustic guitarist Cam Schneider. If you can, bring non-perishable food or cash to donate to White Center Food Bank.

TOASTMASTERS 832: Join the online meeting at 6:30 pm “to work on your public speaking, communication, and leadership skills!” Our calendar listing has RSVP info so you can get the link

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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COUNTDOWN: Here’s who you’ll see at Admiral Funktion in four days

August 20, 2024 9:00 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Four days until one of summer’s last festivals takes over California SW between Admiral and College for this year’s Admiral Funktion! 11 am-8 pm Saturday, the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s street party brings out music, food, and fun, including booths and tables from these organizations:

The Little Merle
PCC Markets
SW Historical Society
Seattle Yarn
Seattle Dive Tours
West Seattle Bowl
Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce
SPD SW Precinct
Admiral Neighborhood Association
Admiral Church UCC
Seattle Emergency Communications Hub
Mossy Trail Collections
MonkeyPod
Inner Alchemy
West Seattle Food Bank
Kingtide Ink
Honey Girl Books
Hoste
FoRest Wellness Collective
Bend N Move / Life in the Body
Sam Day Illustrator
Alair
Admiral Theater
Lafayette Elementary PTA
Hawthorne Massage and Self Care

We’ll be there too, as one of the community co-sponsors. P.S. If you missed the music-lineup announcement, check it out here!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Tuesday info

August 20, 2024 6:00 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, August 20.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

We might get some turbulent weather again today: Showers likely, thunderstorms possible, high around 70. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:12 am, while sunset will be at 8:11 pm.

(Monday sunrise, photographed by Stewart L.)

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT CLOSURES

The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project continues, but no work is planned tonight, so no closures. Here’s the tentative plan for the rest of the week.

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.

ONGOING 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.

*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 (many on northbound side right now), plus flaggers.

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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Talk with local police at upcoming West Seattle event (updated)

August 19, 2024 10:41 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Got questions for/about local police/crime/safety? Two events are ahead in West Seattle.

Wednesday Update: Canceled. HOPS WITH THE COPS: This was just announced today – a drop-in event Wednesday, September 4, at Elliott Bay Brewing in The Junction, though SPD‘s flyer clarifies that the officers will not be imbibing:

~~As noted, the Seattle Police Foundation – a non-governmental nonprofit that supports the department – is picking up the tab for the bites. Elliott Bay is an all-ages venue.~~

SOUTHWEST PRECINCT CRIME PREVENTION MEETING: As previously announced, the SW Precinct Crime Prevention Council – which has no fixed membership, just whoever shows up – meets on Wednesday, September 11, 6:30 pm at the precinct (2300 SW Webster). In addition to crime updates from the precinct command staff, District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka is scheduled to speak. These meetings are a prime time to bring questions about anything from specific incidents to trends.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Skylark burglary; mail-theft, gunfire arrests

August 19, 2024 8:28 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Three more Crime Watch reports:

SKYLARK BURGLARY: The music venue/restaurant/bar at the north end of Delridge was broken into again on Sunday, proprietor Matt Larson tells WSB:

We were hit…again. Suspect pulled into the parking lot at 6:37 AM Sunday morning. He checked out the front then went to the back, where he used a crowbar to open the back door.

He entered and removed both cash tills and their enclosures, then exited and left within a few minutes. There was $700 worth of equipment and cash stolen as well as damage to the cables and the door, which might have to be replaced (we just had to replace the front door a few months back when they broke in and got into our ATM – good times).

The truck is rather unique and has been seen around West Seattle so hopefully somebody is familiar with it, or at least can be aware of it. If anybody sees some dumped tills – let us know!

The temporary police-report # is T00008584.

Meantime, SPD posted two 2-week-old case summaries on SPD Blotter late today – neither was previously on our radar so here they are, for the record:

MAIL-THEFT ARREST: SPD says this began with 911 calls just before 1 am on August 7 reporting a ski-masked man breaking into mailboxes in the 7900 block of 35th SW – eventually, they say, with seven victims. They found a 28-year-old man nearby, saying he “was in possession of multiple pieces of evidence, including stolen mail, suspected stolen bank cards, a metal pry bar, and he was concealing a loaded firearm. The man had an expired Concealed Pistol License and was prohibited from carrying the firearm in that manner. The Beretta APX 9mm semi-automatic handgun was seized as evidence.” He was booked into jail. We won’t be able to check on his status until tomorrow, as we don’t know his name and this was released too late in the day for us to check with prosecutors.

BURGLARY-ATTEMPT ARREST: This too happened early the morning of August 7, according to the SPD Blotter post. Around 2 am, police were checked out reports of possible gunfire in the 9400 block of Delridge Way SW. They found the shooting scene was a block south, in unincorporated King County. They found a shell casing and a blood trail. Then they got a report of an attempted burglary at a house in the 8800 block of 16th SW and arrested a 32-year-old man nearby. He was carrying a 9mm handgun that police say was linked to the shooting scene in unincorporated King County (and also linked to a homicide victim in Federal Way). He too was booked into jail, and we hope to find out his status, and that of the case against him, tomorrow.

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SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT: Here’s the closure plan for this week and next weekend

August 19, 2024 4:27 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project – on the West Seattle Bridge extension between Highway 99 and I-5 – continues, and SDOT has provided this week’s closure schedule, starting tonight, and including another full-weekend closure:

Monday Night – 08/19/24
WB Full Lane Closures – 11:00 pm to 5:00 am

WB S Spokane St Viaduct – Closed from I-5 Interchange to SR 99.
S Columbian Way Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open.
NB I5 Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open.
SB I5 Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to S Columbian Way will remain open.
1st Ave S Off-Ramp – Closed.
1st Ave S On-Ramp – Closed.
Port of Seattle Terminals 5-18/Harbor Island/11th Ave SW Off-Ramp – Closed.
EB S Spokane Street Viaduct – All Lanes Open

Tuesday Night – 08/20/24
No Closures

Wednesday Night – 7 pm-6 am 08/21/24, Thursday Night – 7 pm-6 am 08/22/24, & Friday Night -7:00 pm-10:00 pm
EB Left Lanes Closure

1st Ave S Off Ramp Open
4th Ave S Off Ramp Open

Weekend – EB Full Closure – 10:00 pm Friday to 5:00 am Monday

1st Ave Off Ramp Open
4th Ave Off Ramp Closed
EB to NB SR-99 Ramp Open

Weekend – WB Single Left Lane Closure – 10:00 pm Friday to 5:00 am Monday

NB I5 Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed
Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open

We asked project spokesperson Dr. Matthew Howard about a progress report; so far, he says, the work’s gone well, but last weekend’s weather may have set the schedule back a bit; he expects to find out more at a meeting Tuesday.

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BIZNOTE: Hegge Chevron family’s ‘enormous thank you’ after 55 years of operating service station

August 19, 2024 3:01 pm

| 14 COMMENTS

| Sunrise Heights | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Last month, we briefly reported on changes at Hegge Chevron as the service station at 35th/Holden was being sold. Now the deal’s about to close – signage was removed today – and the family that’s operated it for 55 years wants to thank the community. Here’s their message, sent by Linda Gunderson, daughter of station founder Ted Hegge:

I would like to share with the West Seattle community that the Hegge family has sold Hegge Chevron, located at 35th Ave SW and Holden St. We would like to thank all of you in the community for your loyal patronage over the years.

(Ted and Sharon Hegge)

Some of you may remember our dad, Ted Hegge, who started the business with our mom by his side in 1969. Our dad loved working in the community, serving all his customers and making some very good friends along the way. Sadly, Ted passed away in 1989 after a battle with cancer. Our mom decided to keep the station running after his death, with the help of our brother Mark, who took over the day-to-day task of running the business.

(Mark Hegge)

As did our dad, Mark also had a real connection with his customers and employees. Very painfully, Mark passed away unexpectedly in 2010. Our mom had a huge desire to continue to provide service to the community and keep the station running.

With our mom’s passing in April 2023, the family made the decision to sell the business. Our family would like to extend an enormous thank you to all the employees and customers who have been a part of Hegge Chevron. We could not have done it without your loyalty and commitment. The new owners will continue to employ the current workers. So you will still see the familiar faces of Karen, Alan, Sue, and Chris. Once again, a heartfelt thank you to all of you who have taken part in the history of Hegge Chevron.

The new owners plan to rebrand as Space Age, a family-owned regional chain. Permit files indicate they’ll turn the former repair area into convenience-store space.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen red Sonata

August 19, 2024 2:27 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Sent by Lexy:

My red 2011 Hyundai Sonata was stolen sometime between Saturday night and this morning in Highland Park. It has a large dent on the driver’s side door. California plates – 6NRR428 – case # 24-233302.

Call 911 if you find it.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Suspect arrested after fire station, hotel break-ins

August 19, 2024 12:47 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | Triangle | West Seattle news

A 36-year-old man is expected to be booked into King County Jail after treatment at Harborview Medical Center following two break-ins in The Triangle early this morning – at Fire Station 32 and at The Grove. According to the report summary and incident audio, police say he first came to their attention around 3 am, when someone reported a man near the fire station, yelling for help. He then was reported to have gone into The Grove a few blocks east, claiming he was being followed, and starting “to barricade the entrance of (the hotel).” What happened after that ~~isn’t explained~~ (update: he left before police arrived) but at 4:30 am police got a report that the same man had gotten inside the fire station. Dispatch audio indicates he first was in the apparatus bay (where the SFD vehicles park), “refusing to leave,” and then went into a tool room and locked himself inside. There, he was reported to be “setting off fire extinguishers.” After about 20 minutes, officers talked him into emerging, and they arrested him. He was transported to Harborview after he, according to the summary, “admitted to taking meth prior to the incident and was hallucinating.” The summary also says he got into FS32 “through an unlocked basement”; we’re waiting to hear back from SFD about the extent of the damage done. (Thanks to Aaron for the tip on this.)

ADDED: SFD spokesperson Kristin Hanson tells WSB, “We are currently conducting an inventory of items that need to be replaced or repaired due to damage in the tool room.”

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Seattle Strength & Performance: Welcome, new WSB sponsor!

August 19, 2024 11:47 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Seattle Strength & Performance, now open in West Seattle at 2942 SW Avalon Way. Businesses joining our sponsor team get the opportunity to tell you about what they offer – here’s what Seattle Strength & Performance would like you to know:

We believe in the benefits of strength training AND community. In the first six months of training with us, we’ve shown our members increase their strength on average by 114%! Plus, when they’re in the gym, they meet and develop strong relationships in their neighborhood and community.

Seattle Strength & Performance members often seek us out to begin strength training, and our personal-training programming is personalized to the individual and is done in a progressive way, meaning our members see and feel the results of training with us relatively quickly. We often get feedback that the activities they are doing in day-to-day life become easier, and they feel stronger and more capable as a result of their training.

We also hear that people are seeking a gym environment with expert coaches that keep them accountable to their routines and progress. All of our sessions are appointment-based and many members develop relationships with others in the gym, and coming to SSP becomes something they look forward to!

Ready to improve your strength? Sign up for a FREE workout class at SSP!

We thank Seattle Strength & Performance for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here. You can email patrick@wsbsales.com for info on joining the team!

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Comedy, meditation, more for the rest of your West Seattle Monday

August 19, 2024 9:58 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Busy bees at West Seattle Bee Garden, photographed by Steve Bender)

Here’s the list for your Monday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -2.4 feet at 11:12 am.

BABY STORY TIME: Bring little ones up to 2 years old to Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), noon-12:30 pm, for story time!

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

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Elsewhere at Lincoln Park, you’ll find this 7-days-a-week city wading pool, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area.

SOUTHWEST POOL CLOSED: West Seattle’s city-run indoor pool is closed for maintenance and repairs until after Labor Day.

NO CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: The council is on its two-week end-of-summer break.

GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday brings “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.

D&D: Weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too.

COMEDY! Two headliners tonight at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way) for the monthly show presented by Cozy Comedy, 7 pm – tickets still available as of this morning – get yours here.

MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three places to play tonight – 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander); 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: All welcome at free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

MEDITATION IN ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community hosts meditation at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 7-8:30 pm.

MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Though Bonjour Vietnam in front is closed for remodeling, The Alley in back is open – tonight you can listen to live music from The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.

SING TONIGHT! 9 pm start for Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).

If you have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar, please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Friends of Roxhill Elementary hope you’ll help with field trip, supply costs

August 19, 2024 9:09 am

| 1 COMMENT

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

“Thank you for being a friend!” The board of Friends of Roxhill Elementary offers those words of gratitude in advance for help with the first fundraiser of the year – here’s their message:

Kick off the new school year by giving to the Roxhill Field Trip and Classroom Fund!

Did you know schools and families cover the cost of field trips? This creates a disparity between field trip experiences across schools in our district.

With your generous donations, Friends of Roxhill provides each teacher at our school with money for field trips and to equip their classroom with much-needed supplies, like educational games, toys, and books. Last year, donations helped send Roxhill students to the Seattle Aquarium, the Woodland Park Zoo, and the Seattle Children’s Theater.

Last year, each teacher received ~$15 per student. We’d like to increase the amount to ~$20 per student this year!

100% of funds will go to teachers to benefit our RoxStars.

Roxhill Elementary is a small but mighty Title I school with about 250 students, located in the south end of West Seattle. Friends of Roxhill Elementary supports the education and enrichment of our multicultural public school in Seattle. Over 70% of our students are from BIPOC communities (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color). Our nonprofit focuses on building equity for students through fundraising, community building, and other important projects for our kids’ school success.

You can help by going here. School starts two weeks from Wednesday!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Monday info

August 19, 2024 6:03 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, August 19.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

After the wild weekend weather, today’s forecast is relatively calm: Partly sunny, high in the low 70s, chance of rain tonight. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:11 am, while sunset will be at 8:13 pm.

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT CLOSURES

The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project continues; we expect to find out this week’s closure schedule this morning.

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.

ONGOING ROAD WORK NOTES

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

*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 (many on northbound side right now), plus flaggers.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

High Bridge – The Fauntleroy-end camera is working again:

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 – This camera is working again:

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.

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WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: From the beach to the street

August 18, 2024 7:24 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Wildlife

It’s been a while since we’ve been able to publish a Sunday bird gallery – this one was about to take flight a few hours ago, and then the wind swept in. But now that things have quieted down …

That’s a Killdeer that Andy monitored earlier this summer as it incubated four eggs on the rocky beach near his home. After a six-week process – during which he noted the parents facing off with potential predators like Crows – he saw two chicks:

Another reason to tread lightly on local beaches. … We have more beach-bird images, including this video of two Bald Eagles “chatting” at Lowman Beach:

Anthony Decena spotted this Bald Eagle on a seawall at Alki:

Great Blue Herons are a popular photographic subject. Mark MacDonald photographed this group looking for lunch, also at Alki:

Stewart L. found this one with an overview:

And a long-lens look at a Heron’s intense expression:

Susan Whiting Kemp sent this photo of a Mallard family:

Moving to not-so-aquatic birds – the Cooper’s Hawk photo is from John Sturtevant:

Steve Bender shows us a splendid Northern Flicker:

Another woodpecker – Downy Woodpecker, to be specific – showed up at Jon Anderson‘s feeder;

And before we close out this gallery – a recent photo of the wandering West Seattle Guinea Fowl:

Will Lint sent that pic three weeks ago. We had two other sightings of them today. It’s been almost a year since the first sighting we heard about; if they’re news to you, in short, they are reported to have a home, but they’re not kept in a secure yard, so almost daily they turn up roaming, most often in the east Junction area. Drive carefully, as they’ve been known to wander into the street. Meantime, thanks to everyone who shares bird (and other) photos – between galleries, we also sometimes include them as the unofficial “photo of the day” with our daily event list – westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best way to get us images (unless it’s breaking news, in which case text us at 206-293-6302) – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Summer storm, round 2, with power outages, Alki water-rescue response

August 18, 2024 4:39 pm

| 50 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

4:39 PM: No weather alerts yet, but in the past few minutes, the wind has kicked up in a big way, and radar shows another storm band heading this way. Lights are flickering too. Keep everything charged and stay safe! If you have downed trees or anything else to report, once you’ve alerted authorities, tell us too (206-293-6302 text or voice) – thanks!

4:42 PM: It’s not on the map yet but we’re getting outage reports from Riverview. … Here’s the outage, stretching south into White Center and South Park:

4:50 PM: There’s a report of a tree down on Seola Beach Road. Citywide, a dispatcher just declared, “We’re getting a TON of downed tree and wire calls right now.”

4:59 PM: At least one tree is reported down in the Myers/Olson area at the east end of the Roxbury corridor.

5:02 PM: Now there’s a water-rescue response to the 1200 block of Alki Avenue SW. Erin, who called it in, tells WSB, it’s for a “kayaker in distress” who tried to wave down a passing boat. Tons of whitecaps while that giant blast of wind roared through, she observes.

5:16 PM: Responders aren’t finding anyone in trouble so far. As for the 2,221-customer power outage, repairs might take a while, as SCL is dealing with more than 26,000 customers out of electricity around its service area. As for the weather itself, looks like the rain shown on the radar might have bypassed us.

5:21 PM: The Alki water-rescue response is now officially canceled.

5:38 PM: Commenters in Morgan Junction mentioned a loud “explosion.” The SCL map now shows a 27-customer outage between Graham, Fauntleroy, 41st, and 42nd. … From Gatewood, Paul sent this photo:

Paul reports, “On 36th just north of Othello. Came down during wind storm. Everyone jumped in to help clean up. Some damage to vehicle.”

9 PM: Both aforementioned outages remain unresolved, per the SCL map. But the utility’s making progress overall – down to 11,000+ customers out throughout its service area, less than half of the peak number.

10:42 PM: This is now the last large outage left. SCL provided a short update of sorts on X/Twitter a few minutes ago: “Crews continue to troubleshoot the issue and are working toward a solution until power is restored to all.”

11:12 PM: The South Park area of this outage just got power back, so it’s down to just under 700 customers, mostly in West Seattle. The short description of the cause is finally labeled as “tree/vegetation” (we’ll be asking SCL tomorrow about the specific location, as to date nobody has reported where the crew is).

11:46 PM: Just for the record, here’s a screengrab of the SCL map showing who’s still out:

12:43 AM: After eight hours, the map shows everyone in this outage is back on. (If you’re not, please let SCL know!)

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ANNIVERSARY: 1 week until 1 year since West Seattle met its troll. Here’s how to be part of next Sunday’s celebration of Bruun Idun’s anniversary

August 18, 2024 2:54 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS culture/arts

August 25, 2023, was the day that Bruun Idun the troll was officially introduced near Colman Pool in Lincoln Park (WSB coverage here), after weeks of semi-secret construction by Danish recycled-materials artist Thomas Dambo and volunteers. Next Sunday is the one-year anniversary, and a restoration event is at the heart of the celebration:

The restoration work party is planned from 10 am to noon Sunday, August 25 – followed by ice cream! Forest steward Lisa McGinty sent the invitation:

August 25th is BRUUN IDUN DAY in Seattle! Celebrate with our much-loved troll in Lincoln Park. We’ll be working to restore natural areas surrounding the troll and making space for winter planting season. After our work is done, Scan Design Foundation will be treating all to an ICE CREAM SOCIAL as we honor Bruun Idun and the land and sea where she calls home. Great opportunity for student service hours!

All ages are welcome; bring your own gloves if you have them, but if you don’t, you’ll be able to borrow a pair, with tools available too. You’re asked to RSVP – you can do that right now, here.

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BIZNOTES: Camp West adds hours, The Good Society adds smashburgers

August 18, 2024 1:04 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Two food biznotes:

CAMP WEST: Toni at Camp West sends word that the Junction restaurant/bar at 4539 California SW has made some additions:

We started opening up early on Saturday and Sunday at 12:00. We also started a late-night food happy hour from 10-11. We will extend the late night happy hour in the fall and winter.

GOOD SOCIETY: From Nick at Admiral brewpub The Good Society (California/Lander):

We are debuting our own smash burger pop-up at The Good Society today at 4 PM. We are calling it SmasH After the MASH. Since we don’t have a hood in our kitchen, it will be a somewhat random pop-up when we feel like having some fun. Our full menu will also be available. People can find more info, schedule, etc., at smash.goodsocietybeer.com.

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CLOSURE: Southwest Pool’s two weeks of maintenance start today

August 18, 2024 11:02 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Reminder to swimmers – as first reported here in early August, Southwest Pool is closed for two weeks of maintenance starting today. The pool is scheduled to reopen the day after Labor Day (right after outdoor Colman Pool ends its season). Seattle Parks says the work will include “repairs of various mechanical systems. (and) a Health Department mandated replacement of our deep-end drain covers.”

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 17 notes!

August 18, 2024 6:07 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Saturday low tide at Fauntleroy – photo by Tom Trulin. More bird pics later today!)

Here’s what’s happening on your late-summer Sunday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):

SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT OPEN: Another reminder that this weekend’s planned closure was canceled because of the rain, so the bridge between 99 and 5 is fully open.

BIG BLUE TRUCK: Third weekend for the West Seattle return of the Northwest Center‘s donation-dropoff truck (WSB sponsor)! You’ll find it outside WaFd Bank (4102 California SW). Our calendar listing has info on what items the truck will accept. 9 am-5 pm.

SWIM IN THE SOUND: At 9 am, you can join a group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).

WESTIES RUN CLUB: 9 am, the Westies meet up at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for this week’s Sunday run.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, midsummer produce, plus beverages, baked goods, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared food, nuts, candy, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)

SUNDAYS IN THE ALLEY: Pop-up shopping experience – apparel, art, music too – behind Carmilia’s, in the alley behind the east side of the 4500 block of California SW, 10 am-3 pm. More info in our calendar listing.

SMALL BIZ POP-UP MARKET: Inside Jet City Labs (4547 California SW), 10 am-2 pm.

LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -2.3 feet at 10:27 am.

MAKERS’ ART MARKET AT ALKI: Noon-5 pm by Alki Bathhouse, shop more than 20 local vendors’ handmade creations. (60th/Alki)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Elsewhere at Lincoln Park, you’ll find this 7-days-a-week city wading pool, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area.

E.C. HUGHES WADING POOL FINALE: Also open noon-7 pm, last day of this pool’s season. (2805 SW Holden)

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers are at Alki Point Lighthouse today for free tours starting at 1 pm; get there by 3:45 pm for the last tour of the day. (3201 Alki SW)

SAWYER BEST ON THE MIGHTY WURLITZER: 2 pm doors, 2:30 pm show at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW).

STAR ANNA AT EASY STREET: 7 pm in-store concert, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)

GONG BATH & NATURE MEDITATION: 7:30 pm at Lowman Beach Park (7017 Beach Drive SW) – ticket link’s in our calendar listing.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Enjoy Sunday night music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW) – which is still open even though remodeling continues on the restaurant in front – 8-10 pm.

Organizing and/or publicizing something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basics – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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