West Seattle, Washington
05 Saturday
(WSB photo, 2021 Great Cross-Sound Race)
If you’re a rower or paddler and you haven’t tried the Great Cross-Sound Race yet – this might be your year! One week from today, the annual 7-mile race heads out from Alki to just off south Bainbridge Island and back, 9 am Saturday, August 24. Sound Rowers and Paddlers organize the race and registration is open – there are categories for single, double, and triple (or more) watercraft. You can register here. (You can also watch from the Alki seawall west of the Bathhouse and cheer the racers, at a distance!) This is the first one in two years; last year’s race was canceled due to air quality from wildfire smoke.
Thanks to the texters who sent photos and reports of another beach driftwood fire, this time early this morning on the north beach at Lincoln Park;
The first photo was from someone who said SFD had been called; the second, from someone who wrote, “Another log burning in Lincoln Park, just south of Lowman. We put sand on it, though it’s still smoking slightly. Someone is clearly setting these and just wondering if SFD is looking into it before it causes too much damage.” We’re not seeing any police call logged for today’s fire; we asked SFD about their response, just before 6 am, but they tell us only that their firefighters “extinguished a tree stump that was smoldering.” Previously we’ve reported on fires at Lowman Beach and at Weather Watch Park.
Received from Kevin:
An e-bike appeared at 6 am along the side of my house (near 35th and Morgan), I’m assuming it was stolen, and I have a video of it being left there.
Light-blue VanMoof S3. Would like to get this back to its owner if they can provide a correct description and serial number (I will be calling VanMoof’s store when they open this morning, not sure if they can track down the owner, though).
If you’re missing an e-bike that matches the description, email us and we’ll connect you.
(Friday sunrise – photo by Stewart L.)
Here’s what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):
NO SSV CLOSURE: First, a major traffic note – the Spokane Street Viaduct (continuation of West Seattle Bridge between 99 and I-5) is fully open this weekend; no work because of the rainy forecast.
GARAGE/YARD SALES: See what’s listed today in the WSB Community Forums.
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.
ALSO AT WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: 8 am also brings the kickoff of the Full Fit marathon-training program.
BIG BLUE TRUCK: Third weekend of the Northwest Center‘s donation-dropoff truck‘s return to West Seattle! 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.
FUND RUN 5K, WITH TRAFFIC ALERT: 9 am, the Salvation Army (9050 16th SW) presents this fundraising 5K, with a 1K option. SW Barton will be closed from 8th SW to 16th SW as part of the course.
HEAVILY MEDITATED: New location for free community meditation, 9 am at Schmitz Preserve Park (5551 SW Admiral Way).
TAKE A HIKE! 9:30 am, the free monthly guided hike in the West Duwamish Greenbelt begins – south end of Pathfinder K-8 lot (1901 SW Genesee); more info in our calendar listing.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: Go get fresh food from growers and makers – 10 am-2 pm, the market’s fourth season offers produce, plants, condiments, prepared food, more! (9421 18th SW; WSB sponsor)
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: You’re invited to join others taking a walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy), 10 am.
SSC GARDEN CENTER, WITH THE OTTER PUP: Summer gardening season isn’t over yet – and fall’s in view – add something new! Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm. Plus: The Otter Pup is open by the center, with coffee, ice cream, and other treats!
ARTISTS’ SECONDS SALE: 10 am-2 pm at 3512 SW Charlestown, West Seattle artists’ seconds sale with Yardia and Honeyberry Studios. More info in our calendar listing.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.
MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
EMERALD CITY ROMANCE AUTHOR & READER EVENT: As previewed here, dozens of romance authors are gathered in one place for an event fans will love – VIP ticketholders get in at 11, general-admission ticketholders at noon, Brockey Center at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), event continues until 5 pm. Ticket link and more info in our calendar listing.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK OPEN: Spraypark season continues – open 11 am-8 pm, free, every day. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
FREE COOL TREAT FOR YOUR PUP: Treat your dog to something tasty and free! Noon-3 pm at All the Best Pet Care (4722 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor), bring in your dog for a free frozen treat!
POSTCARDS 4 DEMOCRACY: Noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), bonus weekly session of long-distance advocacy, drop-ins welcome.
SOPASUPA: The South Park Summer Party is happening at and around the heart of South Park, 14th Avenue S./S. Cloverdale, noon-9 pm, with live music, beer garden, food trucks, kids’ activities, Lucha Libre wrestling, more. The schedule’s in our calendar listing.
COLMAN POOL: Open noon-7 pm on the Lincoln Park shore – find the session schedule online. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park, the season continues through Labor Day for the only 7-days-a-week wading pool in West Seattle, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
HIAWATHA WADING POOL’S LAST DAY: Last day of the season today, noon-5:30 pm. (2700 California SW)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)
WEARABLE ART POP-UP: Tucker Willow is at Alki Arts (6030 California SW), noon-5 pm today.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: The tasting room/wine bar is open 1-6 pm with student-produced wines and “affordable eats” at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
NEPENTHE’S WALK-IN MASSAGE CLINIC: 3-5 pm, show up at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) with a specific problem to be addressed by massage, and you’ll get a free (gratuities appreciated) trial of their work.
FONTAINES D.C. LISTENING PARTY: 5 pm at at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), be the first to hear Fontaines D.C.‘s new album “Romance.” Free, all ages, bar open for 21+.
GRIEF-RELEASE DANCE PARTY: Help A Sacred Passing recover from a repair bill by joining this fundraising dance party, 6 pm in South Park. Ticket info in our calendar listing. (836 S. Kenyon)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Guitar Gil at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, no cover, all ages.
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Coral Moons with Hit It! at The Skylark tonight, 7 pm doors, 8 pm music, $15 at door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Element. (4547 California SW)
JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).
KARAOKE AT THE PIZZERIA: Saturday nights, you can sing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.
West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event belongs on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Sent by Hillary:
A locked 2011 sky-blue Hyundai Sonata, license plate AF8321, was stolen at 7:47 PM tonight in the 6900 block of 37th Ave SW. Four young men were involved, all wore masks, but from what was visible, they appeared Caucasian, age 16-20.
While one, dressed in all black with a hoodie and mask rushed toward the car to gain entry, the other three rolled up in a Kia (2019, white – has been reported stolen) and intimidate the onlooking neighbors. The Hyundai was quickly entered, hotwired, and the entire group fled.
Please send any info to SPD under case number 24-230571.
SUNDAY UPDATE: Commenter Brian notes below that this car was found outside West Seattle, used in a crash-and-grab business burglary.
9:39 PM: Police are investigating gunfire in High Point and trying to determine whether anyone is injured – an SFD ‘scenes of violence’ response has been sent to the 6300 block of 30th SW just in case. One person who says their car has bullet damage is reported to be waiting at the Southwest Precinct to speak with police. All this comes after multiple 911 calls reporting what sounded like gunfire, and police are working to sort it out. Updates to come.
9:43 PM: Still no victim found, but police report finding at least one shell casing “on the sidewalk.”
10:14 PM: Officers have reiterated that they found the evidence of gunfire in the 6300 block of 30th SW.
ADDED THURSDAY: Police have posted a summary of this incident including more specifics:
At 2128 hours, SW Patrol responded to numerous calls of shots heard in the High Point neighborhood. Initial calls indicated that a victim may have been on the ground not moving. Witnesses reported an unknown make vehicle fleeing the scene westbound in the alley and a separate subject running southbound on 29 Ave SW. An uninvolved victim drove to the Southwest Precinct and reported their vehicle had been struck by gunfire at 29 Ave SW and High Point Dr SW. There were no injuries to this caller. Officers located a single scene in the 6300 block 30 Ave SW where a total of 11 FCC’s were on the sidewalk. Two FN 5.7×28 and nine .40 FCC’s were recovered from this location.
More speed cushions are in the works for West Seattle, and this time they’re not at the beach. SDOT sent us a list of projects they plan to build by year’s end as part of the Safe Routes to School program, aimed at making it “easier for students to walk and bike to school.” The descriptions are from SDOT:
SW TRENTON TRAFFIC CALMING
To support Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School students, we’ll install traffic calming on SW Trenton St between 25th and 29th. It will include “speed cushions” and “paint and post” bulbs to improve the visibility of the crossing at Trenton/26th – next to Westwood Village.
Last year, SDOT installed an all-way stop at 25th/Trenton, followed by speed cushions in the CSIHS vicinity on SW Thistle.
DECORATIVE CROSSWALK AND ALL-WAY STOP AT DENNY IMS
Denny students held a design contest for a decorative Community Crosswalk in front of their school on Kenyon.
The crosswalk marks the central entrance to the school and will be installed with an all-way stop.
PERMANENT ‘SCHOOL STREET’ ON GENESEE HILL
We’re making the Genesee Hill Elementary School Street permanent. Both entrances to the School Street will feature more durable signage, painted curb bulbs, and art. Genesee Hill students designed the pavement art that crews will install on SW Dakota St to support a safe and welcoming school environment.
23RD SW WALKWAY
Connecting between Louisa Boren STEM K-8 and the newly redeveloped Delridge Wetland Park, we’re installing a walkway with a planter strip and trees on the west side of 23rd Ave SW.
SDOT’s website lists a few other Safe Routes to School plans for West Seattle but notes they’re “paused pending funding.”
Two reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
MULTIGENERATIONAL SHOPLIFTING: The report is from Jennifer at My Three Little Birds:
Hoping this might help other small businesses. I borrowed these photos from Doll Parts Collective. This large group of 3 families came into our store (THREE LITTLE BIRDS) as well as Doll Parts down the road. The kids trashed the store causing complete chaos while the women distracted the staff with questions and requests.
In the meantime the 7 or so kids left one by one stealing many items from our store. Definitely an organized crime. They had clearly done this before. Sharing everywhere. I know the police won’t do much, but maybe getting the photos out will prevent this from affecting another small business. We are so stunned, violated and disheartened today. … They stole a really expensive stroller system, toys, and clothing. They work quickly and seemed to know in advance what they were taking. At Doll Parts they also went through the employee’s purse and wallet. The police officer helping today says they tell small businesses to never allow large groups in the store all at once because of this.
We’ll add the police-report # when we get it.
MINI-MART BREAK-IN: We requested this report from police the day it happened, Tuesday, and just got it today. They responded to the 41st/Admiral mini-mart around 2:16 am after a report that a store manager or owner checked their camera following a call from their alarm company and saw “front door smashed and cigarettes all over.” They subsequently confirmed that someone had broken in by smashing the front glass with a large rock; the burglar(s) took “several items of merchandise.” Video of the burglary was provided to police later but the report summary provided to us did not include a description.
(WSB photo, Monday)
Back on Monday, we reported on a fire that damaged three buildings at Full Gospel Pentecostal Federated Church in North Delridge. The next day, as we noted in an update at the end of the original report, SFD announced the fire was accidental. Readers have asked how to help the church recover; today, District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s newest newsletter has suggestions. He writes:
… Church leadership are looking at the availability for an alternative site for their Sunday service and they will be issuing community notifications soon. The leadership shared: “Our greatest joy would be to see the community of supporters in person and their best donation is the time taken in human fellowship.”
Monetary donations can be sent electronically to the Church’s Cash App log-in: #FullGospel5071, or Zelle, log in fgpfcf@gmail.com. Checks may be mailed to: Full Gospel Pentecostal Federated Church, c/o P.O. Box 232 Renton, WA 98057.
{Note: Other types of donations are welcomed, but the capacity to store them is currently very limited at this time.}
No one was injured by the fire. We spoke at the scene with someone from the church who told us it hit doubly hard because they were already grieving, having just hosted a memorial service two days earlier for a longtime member.
Today we’re welcoming Independent Living at Providence Mount St. Vincent as a new WSB sponsor. New members of the sponsor team get the chance to tell you what they do – so here’s a message from The Mount, written by longtime volunteer Terry Tazioli:
West Seattle’s Providence Mount St. Vincent is opening another chapter in its ongoing mission to care for our community’s seniors. Introducing Independent Living, a new experience at The Mount, as it’s affectionately known, and you’re welcome to pay a visit and see what it’s all about.
The Mount is celebrating its 100th year, its perch high on a hill with incredible views all around, a hard-to-miss landmark. Already offering care and companionship from apartments with assisted living to skilled nursing care, transitional care and skilled nursing, The Mount now offers Independent Living, an opportunity for you or a loved one to make your own new home. You manage your own life, your comings and goings, and you’ll still have opportunity to take part in The Mount’s programs.
If you’re never been to The Mount, you’re in for a treat. The place is a beehive. Lots of staff, more volunteers than you can count, activity after activity, when you’re interested – and kids! Lots of them. Besides being honored for its senior care, The Mount is home to a unique day-care program, among its features a wonderful opportunity for children and elders to meet. Think a building filled with grandparents!
The Mount offers an environment where you’ll be welcomed. It’s not uncommon to hear people say “you can just feel the goodness of this place.” More than likely you’ll meet some former West Seattle neighbors among the residents, the staff and the volunteers. Time for lots of shared moments, and stories.
What’s more, as you need more care down the road, it’s all there – from assisted living to skilled nursing and transitional care. No need to move from The Mount.
Pay us a visit. To see what’s happening inside that huge home on the hill (4831 35th SW) – and to check out the new Independent Living program, email Christina.L’Heureux@providence.org or call 206-938-6248 and schedule a tour. We’ll be happy to show you around.
We thank Independent living at The Mount 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!
Another West Seattle Junction shop is moving to a new, bigger location nearby. A texter sent the photo on Thursday from Mystery Made‘s front door at 4310 SW Oregon. We checked in with Mystery Made proprietor Cory Côté, who tells us via email that the new spot “around the corner” is the space recently vacated by Swan Dive:
Big News! We are moving down the block to the old Swan Dive spot, 4537 California Ave SW location (the original Easy Street) – can’t wait to show it off – and bring some buzz back to The Junction!
The space is definitely larger than the current space so we’ll be able to bring in more premium goods and continue to put our Northwest spin on retail as we roll into fall and the holidays.
Shooting to re-open up retail Sept 1st in the new location/home! Fingers crossed! But you can still order online in the meantime at www.mysterymade.com
Looking forward to doing a grand reopening party!
It’s been four years since Mystery Made moved from Admiral to The Junction (into a former Christian Science Reading Room).
Three coyote sightings, two of them just this morning:
LOWER GATEWOOD: The photo and report are from Brian Quinn:
On my morning walk with my dog, and this guy just came sprinting down the middle of the street – Woodside Pl and Othello.
UPPER FAUNTLEROY: Quick glimpse on security video, sent by Robert:
The sighting was around 8 this morning. (Not far from our own one-and-only coyote sighting – 16 years ago.)
SUNRISE HEIGHTS: Merica reported two coyotes seen near 30th/Elmgrove last Saturday night (August 10).
We’ve been reporting coyote sightings for 17 years to encourage awareness, not alarm – we and they can stay a healthy distance from each other, experts say, especially if you avoid providing food (from unattended pets to unsecured garbage) – they have plenty of small wildlife (including rodents) and vegetation to eat otherwise. Read more about coexisting with coyotes here.
(Traffic-camera image of work last Sunday afternoon, looking west)
Update from SDOT: Since rain is in the forecast this weekend, the contractor for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project will not be able to work. That means no closures tonight through Monday morning – the bridge between 99 and I-5 will be fully open both ways. Meantime, we’re awaiting next week’s closure schedule, and will add that when available.
(Hosta blooms, photographed by Arlene Rubin)
Here’s our Friday highlight list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am until 3 pm. Plus, until 2:30 pm, while you’re there, you can visit The Otter Pup for coffee, ice cream, and other treats!
LOCAL HAMS TALK WITH ISS ASTRONAUT: As previewed here, West Seattle Amateur Radio Club members are at the Pacific Science Center downtown this morning for a special event culminating in radio contact with ISS astronaut Dr. Jeanette J. Epps. Science Center visitors are welcome to attend, starting at 10:15 (the radio window is after 11 am). A livestream is planned too – links are in our preview.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open 11 am-8 pm. Free! (1100 SW Cloverdale)
WADING POOLS: Open today – Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm; Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW – last day of the season for this pool) and Hiawatha (second-to-last day, 2700 California SW), noon-5:30 pm.
COLMAN POOL: You can swim today 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.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM: 1-6 pm, open in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).
BACKPACKS FOR KIDS: Backpacks, school supplies, barbecue, all free at Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle), 3-6 pm, presented by 1World1Sky and partners.
Flutes in the Forest from JaroslawMedia on Vimeo.
FLUTES IN THE FOREST: That video clip is a preview of what you’ll see and hear for free at 3 pm in
Schmitz Preserve Park (5551 SW Admiral Way) during this flute duo’s only park performance this season! Details in our calendar listing.
VISCON CELLARS: The tasting room/wine bar is open for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
AT KENYON HALL: Monthly singer/songwriter incubator open mic at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), doors open at 6 for sign-ups, music starts at 6:30 pm, more info in our calendar listing.
COMEDY AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Midnight Mystery Theater at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm.
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: GreenStage presents “Henry VI parts 2 & 3” at Camp Long (5200 35th SW), 7 pm, free.
AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.
SUMMER SUNSET SOUND BATH: 7:30 pm at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW), $38 – tickets and info here.
AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, Bent Not Broken & Five Shots Gone, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Lady Coco! (4547 California SW)
JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).
YOU SKATE, THEY PLAY: Rat City Recon presents “Make It Loud!” at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), roller skating to live bands, featuring Colony Drop, I AM The Intimidator, Distest. 9 pm. $18 cover, $5 skate.
What are we missing? If you have something else to add to our event lists and calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, August 16.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast: Mostly sunny, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:07 am, while sunset will be at 8:18 pm.
SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT CLOSURES
Another all-weekend closure is scheduled for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project – first, two left eastbound lanes close 7-10 pm, then all eastbound lanes and one westbound lane are scheduled to close from 10 pm tonight until 5 am Monday.
ANOTHER WEEKEND CLOSURE
Saturday morning, as previewed here, SW Barton is scheduled to close between 16th SW and 8th SW for the Salvation Army Fund Run 5K.
TRANSIT NOTES
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes. Friday night means later-evening runs too.
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 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 (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 too:
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!
Thanks to Sharon Leishman with the Duwamish Alive! Coalition for calling our attention to your chance to vote right now on how the city should spend $5 million set aside for community-proposed projects. It’s called the CommUNITY fund. Projects are proposed in regions of the city, and you can cast one ballot per region, with up to three projects on your ballot, signifying that’s where you’d like to see the money go. Projects from West Seattle and South Park are in the West Region, with five up for a share of funding in this regional vote:
*Duwamish art and signage at Herring’s House Park
*Covered shelter at Roxhill Park
*Accessible playground surfacing at Southwest Teen Life Center
*Outdoor exercise equipment in South Park
The West Region page also includes three citywide proposals. You can vote in the other regions too, regardless of where you live – voting for all four regions starts here. Read more about the CommUNITY Fund voting here; voting continues through the end of this month. Then Parks staff will assess the results and make announcements this fall.
(Mia Tran painting outside Crawfish House)
5:46 PM: Thanks to Meghan for the tip on this new monthly event launching tonight in White Center and South Delridge! The first-ever Rat City Art and Food Walk – organized by the White Center Business Alliance – is happening right now, continuing until 9 pm and, at some venues, beyond. Here’s the list of participants as published by organizers:
1. 2 Fingers Social – Live Painting, DJ, Tattoos!
2. Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery – Vecinos Art Show
3. Nacho Mama – $5 Mini Native Tacos
4. Misfits Strength Studio – Circus Art
5. Boombox – Karaoke 9 pm-close
6. Lumberyard – Live Art, GameNite 8pm, Happy Hour 4-7 pm
7. Mynt – Gift with Mural Selfie and Social Media Post
8. Alebrijes Oaxacan Kitchen – Kids/Youth Painting & Food Specials
9. Big Mario’s Pizza and Alpine Diner – Live Music & Food Specials
10. Southgate Roller Rink Bar – Karaoke w/ Baby Metten
11. Tim’s Tavern – Live Music W/ Dusty 45s & Tropical Itch Art By Henry Ward
12. Sap Sap Lao Deli – Meatball Skewer Special & Tofu & Gluten Free Sauce Special
13. Que Chevere – Latin Music & Food Specials
14. Crawfish House – Live Painting by Mia
15. Puffy Pandy – DJ, Live Painting, Interactive Panda Mural, Artist Marketplace, $5 Ice Cream Puffys
16. Lariat Bar – Live Art by Nolan Harris & Market by John X Garaizar & Sing in the Ring Karaoke with Christopher Mychael
17. Blu Grouse – Gears N Beers
More photos to come.
6:46 PM: We visited what are essentially the north and south ends of tonight’s zone. Next to the artist in our top photo, MG Creations is at work outside Puffy Pandy:
Across 16th at wrestling-themed Lariat Bar, wrestling-themed art is being created by Nolanium:
At the north end, 2 Fingers Social was jumping – multiple artists, including Rosie Pringle with Super Nature:
Outside, a shave-ice pop-up with White Center’s own Patrick’s Café and Bakery:
You can wander until 9 pm – and make plans for the second Rat City Art and Food Walk on September 19.
ORIGINAL 3:24 PM REPORT: The photo was sent by Pierre, who’s wondering if someone might be missing these:
I just realized some bags were discarded in my backyard. I haven’t looked inside and it could be trash, but it could also be stolen.
The items were found in the Sunrise Heights area.
4:41 PM: We just got this reader report of a similar type from another reader, so we’re adding it here:
I found this bag lying in the middle of 16th Ave SW in Highland Park last week. It contains several items but no identification. If someone is able to describe the items, I’m happy to return it to them.
If any of the above might be yours, email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll connect you.
(WSB photo, June)
That’s Chloe Bolduc, who we told you about in our coverage of local amateur-radio operators’ – aka hams – Field Day at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge back in June. She was working on a project to communicate with the International Space Station. Tomorrow’s the big day – and you’re invited, though it’s happening off-peninsula, at the Pacific Science Center downtown (200 2nd Ave. N.) The West Seattle Amateur Radio Club will be there setting up equipment in advance of the doors to the event venue opening at 10:15 am (the Science Center opens at 10). Before the contact window, event participants will be giving short presentations on emergency communications and on the ISS; then a video introduction is planned for astronaut Dr. Jeanette J. Epps, who’s been aboard the ISS as a flight engineer since March and is an amateur-operator herself. The contact is scheduled for 11:15-11:25 am, with a Q&A panel to follow. If you can’t make it to the Pacific Science Center (which charges an admission fee), the event also will be livestreamed – here and here – and amateur-radio operators can listen in, during the 10-minute contact window, at 145.800MHz.
In case you haven’t already seen it in our calendar: The Salvation Army is having a fundraising 5K on Saturday (August 17), and part of the course involves a street closure. The Fund Run will close SW Barton on Saturday morning; the course is described as, “from the White Center Salvation Army parking lot [9050 16th SW], east on Barton up to Westcrest Park, where a designated loop will be set up with volunteers, and then back to the Salvation Army. SW Barton Street will be closed between 8th Ave and 16th Ave.” The run starts at 9 am, with 5K and 1K options; registration is still open. They’re fundraising for ongoing community programs including senior lunches, day camps, and after-school services.
(Image: SDOT camera)
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!
EAT THE RAINBOW: Interactive presentation to teach kids about plant-based nutrition, 11 am at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
SPRAYPARK: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open every day through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm, free.
COLMAN POOL: You can swim today 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 today noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area.
DELRIDGE & HIAWATHA WADING POOLS: These two part-time wading pools are also open today, noon-5:30 pm. (4501 Delridge Way SW and 2700 California SW)
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 C. Davis Texas BBQ at HPCS.
VISCON CELLARS: Along with Art Walk participation, 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.
(added) RAT CITY ART AND FOOD WALK: Thanks to Meghan for the tip on this! New monthly event, debuting 5-8 pm tonight in South Delridge and White Center – info here.
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.
RETRO VINYL X 2: Depeche Mike at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 6-9 pm; Brian Rauschenbach at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 9 pm. No cover.
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.
TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).
AT THE SKYLARK: All-local hip-hop show – YJTGM x DMNT presents PXSSIONEYE and special guests, 7:30 pm, 18+, $15 at the door. (3803 Delridge Way 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!
More than two dozen wineries are in the lineup for the fall Wine Walk, presented by the West Seattle Junction Association, set for 5-9 pm Friday, September 27th. Wine Walk tickets have just gone on sale, and usually sell out, so you might want to buy yours sooner rather than later. Tickets are $37 for 14 tastes plus a logo wine glass and bottle tote. On Wine Walk night, you’ll check in either at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW) or Row House (4203 SW Oregon) and you’ll get a map showing which businesses are hosting which wineries. Ticketholders will also be able to buy bottles tax-free as well as additional sips. Your ticket awaits you here!
7:44 AM: Crash is blocking eastbound bridge ramp to NB 99. Texter says a car is “spun sideways.” High bridge traffic is moving very slowly as a result.
7:56 AM: The assigned SFD units just all cleared.
7:59 AM: @SDOTTraffic has finally acknowledged this and spun the bridge camera to look at the scene.
8:08 AM: Ramp still closed, looks like a cleanup crew at the scene.
8:13 AM: Officers just confirmed that to dispatch, saying the crashed car has been towed but the incident-response team is working on a fluid spill.
8:31 AM: New problem – broken-down RapidRide bus reported to be blocking a lane on NB 99 at Atlantic.
8:46 AM: SDOT reports the scene is now clear and the ramp has reopened.
Earlier:
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, August 15.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL
Remember that Summit Atlas, the charter middle/high school at 35th/Roxbury, is in session.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast, same as yesterday: Cloudy, then clearing, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:06 am, while sunset will be at 8:20 pm.
(Wednesday sunset, photographed by Carol Ann Joyce)
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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