West Seattle, Washington
22 Friday
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Lots of info as usual at the quarterly Morgan Community Association meeting, facilitated last night in Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation‘s downstairs meeting room by MoCA president Deb Barker.
POLICE: “Making a lot of progress in hiring,” said precinct operations Lt. Nate Shopay. As the chief herself said in a recent interview, she’s probably staying on a while longer. He said the new commander Capt. Krista Bair is “an exciting person to work for” and they’ve been switching up their strategy. We asked if there’s anything at all they can say about the most recent homicide, at Shree’s Truck Stop on SW Detroit last Sunday; in short, no (Lt. Shopay then told us today on followup that detectives are pursuing several leads). Barker asked if any traffic control is planned for ballot boxes around the deadline on Election Night; Lt. Shopay said he hadn’t heard of anything but could certainly consider a request. Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite noted the annual Seattle Public Safety Survey is open for the next six weeks, and reminded everyone that it informs community-policing plans for the neighborhoods. She also showed the crime-data dashboard you can access any time on the SPD website; for Morgan, for example, August had far fewer crimes reported than a year earlier, and September stats should be available soon.
PARK-ADDITION SITE CLEANUP: The toxic soil left over from the gas station and dry cleaner on the Morgan Junction Park Addition site has been dug up and hauled away by a licensed hazardous-waste transporter. Barker said the contractor told her the soils were more contaminated than expected, so they had to excavate a bigger area, 850 square feet more. She was told the expansion was determined by results of testing as they worked. Soil testing was done on site. Now Parks has Department of Ecology clearance. The hole is still awaiting being filled because a permit is needed for filling SDOT right-of-way in the extra excavation area, Barker said. Once they’re ready to start filling, it won’t take long – maybe two weeks or so.
ALL-WHEELS AREA DESIGN: Josh Radick from Morgan Junction All-Wheels Area said it’s been a very fruitful summer with grant-funded design work as well as volunteer work. MJAWA’s Matthew Johnston said they made it through first level of Parks’ internal ProView review; next level is Pro View Tech, scheduled for October 29 – “if we clear that gate, Grindline will start drafting construction documents, that should take 4 to 6 weeks, we hand those over and MJAWA moves on to an advisory role.” You can see the approved website on their website – that’s the one going to ProView Tech. Johnston said Parks asked them to engage in more fundraising – MJAWA’s contention is that all the grant-funded and volunteer-powered contribution they’ve made are plenty. “We’re not adding a lot to the project – we paid for the design.” They got feedback in support of “a plaza design with a little bit of everything” – 6′ x 3′ wide, 12″ ledge, quarter pipe with a hip, seated ledge for spectating or skating – front piece on California with Morgan Junction lettering – existing elements are all going to be reused – Johnston says part of it is inspired by Duwamish River running under the West Seattle Bridge. Radick says the Morgan all-wheels area is going to be a learning space, as compared to the skateparks at Delridge and Roxhill, “much smaller, much less intimidating, something anybody can learn on.” Parks is still projecting construction for next year.
NEW BIZ: Annalise Johnson from Charcuterie by Annalise was introduced. As reported here, the lifelong West Seattleite recently opened a storefront after operating her business – creating “beautiful and delicious charcuterie spreads for any occasion” – as a mobile business. She’s hoping to launch her lunch sandwiches by December.
(WSB photos, 2015 crash at 49th/Graham)
49th/GRAHAM: Zelma Zieman has long been working on safety at this uncontrolled intersection – after getting hit and going sideways in 2015, with SFD having to extricate her and her son. She tried working with SDOT on safety improvements, “didn’t work out.” Then this May, a neighbor also got hit and injured. “The neighborhood is very concerned about this intersection.” Her She said her neighbor’s crash got no police response so is not on the record, but: “This is the only uncontrolled four-way for a number of blocks around it.” They managed to get an SDOT visit but they haven’t heard much since. “We don’t know what the answer is, but we know we need to do something to make it safer.” She’s been trying to research how many of Seattle’s intersections are uncontrolled – and has found thousands. “We know we’re the tip of an iceberg.” She challenged everyone to drive through that intersection and see for themselves = ‘take your time.’ She also challenged everybody to talk to friends and relatives about ‘uncontrolled intersections.’ Longer term, she thinks there needs to be more education about uncontrolled intersections, which folks from other areas might not fully understand.
SDOT: Talking about other intersections, SDOT’s Ching Chan was a guest via video connection. First, an update on Fauntleroy/Rose – the crossing improvements are “moving forward” and they’re working with consultants on the “design concept … evaluating the different treatment options” – they’re hoping to have a concept soon, with construction sometime nect year. Might be a rapid flashing beacon, might be a signal. Is lighting being considered? Chan said she’d find out and get back to the group. Meantime, she reiterated that, as noted earlier this year, Fauntleroy/California is not a good candidate for a walk-all-ways treatment – it might lead to unacceptable wait times for all users, among other problems. Attendees continued offering reasons why safety improvements are needed, including bus-related backups from the RapidRide stops on California NB north of the intersection and westbound Fauntleroy west of the intersection.
HIGHLAND PARK WAY: MoCA joined in the multi-group
letter offering alternatives to the proposed elimination of a downhill lane on Highland Park Way SW, expressing concern that it is important to keep at full width in case it’s needed again as a relief valve for getting traffic off the peninsula. They’re meeting at 4 pm Oct, 29 to walk from the top to the bottom. “This is such a key corridor for West Seattle, so MoCA decided that articulating some concerns” was called for. West Seattle Bike Connections and the Highland Park Action Committee are involved too.
ZONING MAPS: As reported here earlier in the day, the city has come out with new proposals for zoning.
CITY COUNCIL RACE: Neither candidate for the citywide Position 8 seat was available – appointed incumbent Tanya Woo had to be at the council budget hearing (which ran past 10 pm); challenger Alexis Mercedes Rinck was ailing. So their campaign managers spoke in their stead.
NEXT MEETING: Watch MoCA’s website for word of the next meeting, third Wednesday in January.
Lindsey reports this is on her planting strip at 31st/104th in Arbor Heights:
She says the trailer has a watercraft and unsecured paddles plus “various things wrapped in tarps that I’m too afraid to unwrap.” It’s been there since last week. She’s reported it but also hoping posting it might reach the owner(s).
FRIDAY UPDATE: Lindsay commented below that the owner has been found.
As we continue showcasing Halloween decorations around West Seattle – two weeks until the spookiest night of the year! – here’s one texted from Gatewood, centering on a window display, near 37th/Ida. Got something to show your West Seattle neighbors? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! (See what we’ve already shown by scrolling through this archive.)
The wraparound mural at the Center for Active Living is close to complete. Muralist Brady Black has been working on it for a little over a week now; the photo above was sent by Nico on Tuesday. We checked with center executive director Amy Lee Derenthal today; she confirmed it’s “almost done,” with the on-and-off rain delaying the work a bit.
By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The team working on the Alki playground renovation project as part of the larger rebuild of Alki Elementary School is continuing to gather community feedback, and held a public meeting on Wednesday afternoon at the Alki Beach Bathhouse to get input from neighbors and to provide updates about the design process.
Back in early October, the team launched an online Alki Park Improvements – Play Equipment Survey, which will remain open for one more week (likely closing on Thursday Oct. 24th). The public is encouraged to take this survey and submit feedback regarding three possible options (from three different equipment vendors) for the “play equipment area” of the park (see top-left in the image above). The project area is on the north side of the school and the south side of Alki Playfield.
Here is a link to a PDF with high-resolution images of the three design options. Those same visuals were printed and on display in the public meeting on Wednesday, with questions being answered by team members including Matt Olszewski (first photo below) and Will Shrader (second photo below), both from Osborn Consulting, an engineering and consulting company that’s working on the project:
Liz Browning from Osborn was also in attendance, along with team members including project manager Brian Fabella from Seattle Public Schools and Rhys Harrington from Seattle Parks. The event drew a steady crowd throughout the afternoon:
Team members said that this meeting and the new survey represents the second round of feedback gathering, following up on “round one” which was a prior survey and public event on Alki earlier this summer. This latest round of feedback is a chance for the community to provide input on the play area and the preferred play equipment options, to help guide the final project designs for the playground renovation.
The new Alki Elementary is expected to be completed and open when classes start in fall of 2026, with the playground construction starting in spring 2026 and also finishing before school starts.
Just out of the WSB inbox:
I’m a STEM Educator at West Seattle Elementary, and my students are working to answer the question, “How can we create the best city?” They will be learning from city planners and architects and interviewing community members to learn about the needs of our neighborhood and the basics of city planning. Afterward, they will use this knowledge to design and build a model of their city using Legos.
We need many Lego bricks to bring these ideas to life! We are requesting donations of any new or used Lego pieces to support this project. Any support will give students the materials they need to deepen their understanding of sustained inquiry, teamwork, and creative problem-solving.
Lego donations can be dropped off at West Seattle Elementary (6760 34th SW) between 9 AM and 2 PM. Alternatively, individuals can contact me directly at cheyanne.chadwick@stempaths.org to arrange a pick-up.
12:18 PM: Thanks for the tips. The West Seattle low bridge has been having trouble off and on for the past hour. It’s closed again right now, so avoid it TFN.
12:50 PM: Live camera shows it’s working again.
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Better late than never, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are highlights for the rest of today/tonight:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Shop fall plants at the center, 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!
ART-GLASS PUMPKIN PATCH … and glass-blowing demos! Noon-4 pm at Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way).
POSTCARDS FOR DEMOCRACY POP-UP: 1-4 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
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.
STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm yoga class at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
SOCCER: Both high-school girls’ teams play locally today – WSHS plays Seattle Prep at 4 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th SW & SW Myrtle); CSIHS takes on Foss at 4:30 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Zaytoona.
VISCON CELLARS: In addition to participating in tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk (with a reception for featured artist Jessie Summa Russo), 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!
PNW WINE TASTING SERIES: 5-6:30 pm at West Seattle Wine Cellars (6026 California SW), details in our calendar listing.
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: New meeting spot for the 6 pm weekly run – now from Future Primitive on Alki (2536 Alki SW).
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!)
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), in-person and online (connection info here), with guests including City Attorney Ann Davison.
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!
Tickets are still available for tomorrow night’s Bring It Home dinner/auction to benefit the White Center Food Bank, which also serves part of West Seattle – here’s the reminder:
Join us for this year’s fall event, the Bring It Home Dinner and Auction on Friday, October 18th at the Sea Mar Community Center! Come together with the White Center Food Bank community for dinner & drinks, live music, and a “fireside chat”. We will also share a short video presentation showcasing our wonderful new facility and the people who make up this amazing organization.
We have raised roughly 75% of our $8.6 million goal and this event will gather community members, donors, customers, staff, board members and volunteers to raise awareness and financial support to complete our Capital Campaign. So far White Center Food Bank has received widespread support from Washington State, King County, many foundations, businesses, private donors and others. Our goal is to raise $1,000,000 more in private funds, through this event and additional donor engagement. With the completion of this campaign, we can return 100% of our focus to raising funds to keep the community fed. Together, we can Bring It Home!
The fireside chat will include local Senator Joe Nguyen, Executive Director Carmen Smith, Board Chair Gabbi Gonzales and experienced volunteer, Ashley Northup who will illustrate the importance of our new facility to the community and our organization. The event will be MC’d by the inspiring White Center community king and food bank partner, Kimnang Seng. Delightful music from the virtuoso pianist Marina Albero and her quartet will create a celebratory ambiance for this special event. Each ticket includes dinner provided El Catrín, dessert by Patrick’s Cafe and Bakery, plus a drink ticket.
Date: Friday, October 18
Time: 6 pm-9 pm
Event Location: 9635 Des Moines Memorial Dr S.“We’ve accomplished so much together as a community in the last two years since launching our capital campaign: started & completed construction on our new site; moved into our new site and started distribution; and raised 75% of our capital campaign goal. Now that our project is nearly complete, it is time to bring our capital campaign home and move onto the next chapter of supporting our neighbors beyond food resources.” – Carmen Smith, WCFB Executive Director.
Tickets are available here.
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, October 17th.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Periods of rain, also some sun, high in the mid-50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:32 am, while sunset will be at 6:16 pm.
ROAD WORK
*SDOT says the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project is done – no more lane closures.
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides around October 28th. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*The south Beach Drive gas-pipeline project continues; we noted work Tuesday in the 6000-6300 blocks, with traffic flagged through flaggers helping alternate directions through a one-lane stretch.
TRANSIT
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat.” Check for alerts here.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
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.
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!
(Added: Reader photo)
12:37 AM: For the second time in a little more than half an hour, West Seattle police and fire crews are on their way to a reported flipped-car crash. This time at Delridge/Edmunds [vicinity map].
12:41 AM: This crash is reported to be blocking southbound Delridge. The initial 911 call was reported to have come from a passenger in the car who said the driver had fled.
1:16 AM: This one too may be resolved; we’ll have to try for an update from police later this morning.
(Added: Reader photos, sent by Todd)
11:57 PM: SFD is sending a rescue response to the 3600 block of 44th SW [vicinity map] for a reported flipped-car crash with someone trapped inside. Updates to come.
12:00 AM: Police tell dispatch ‘everyone’s out of the vehicle.’
12:03 AM: On arrival, firefighters tell dispatch the vehicle is on its side.
12:12 AM: Reader photo just added above verifies that. At least one parked car is damaged. No indication of serious injuries; SFD canceled all responders but one engine.
12:54 AM: Turns out two parked cars were damaged, a Mercedes (above) and Range Rover. Reader Todd also reports the tow truck is on scene.
(WSB photos)
After two texters told us late today about that mural taking shape north of the Luna Park mini-business district, on the long wall under the overpasses, we went over to find out about it. (updated) The project is led by Artolution, which describes itself as an “international community-based public art and education organization,” whose co-founder Dr. Max Frieder was on site:
Youth painters are assisting, and Urban ArtWorks is partnering. We’re told the plan for this came together at the last minute because of a grant that was close to expiring. The mural’s intent is to celebrate Seattle as a welcoming place; the project is under the One Seattle Graffiti Plan‘s Many Hands Art Initiative, with other partners including the city Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs and the UN Refugee Agency.
The mural is expected to be complete by early next week; we’ll check back!
THURSDAY UPDATE: Dr. Frieder clarifies, “This mural is not being funded by the city of Seattle, it is being funded by UNHCR, the UN refugee agency. They were able to get external funding to be able to support the project; the city only provided the permits.”
In our Halloween spotlight tonight – that’s the preview video for this year’s “Nightfall“ haunt, open for seven nights this year – and the first one is (updated) Friday night. Here’s how its creator explains it:
Nightfall is a dark fantasy walk-through attraction with a deep and expansive story – a high-end, Disney-esque nightmare that is a fun, scary, fun-scary home haunt in West Seattle that raises donations for West Seattle Food Bank and Washington’s National Park Fund. More like a dark ride, Nightfall is filled with more shadowy wonder than intense terror, though there are certainly a few screams to be had along the way. It is family-friendly but may be too intense for some younger guests, so parental discretion is advised. Over nearly a decade, Nightfall has become a Halloween tradition for many in the West Seattle community.
Check the website for donation requirements, essential guest information, and to discover the Nightlore. Please read and follow ALL PARKING and GUEST GUIDELINES. Nightfall is held at a private residence in West Seattle. Please remember you are a guest and be respectful of the community.
Dates and times: October 18, 19, 25, 26, 31 & November 1, 2, 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm. See the website for the location.
Three reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STOLEN SUV: The photo and report are from Adrianna, who says her Tahoe was taken in the Westwood area:
2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
Gold in color
Stock rims
Plate: BZS4166
Police report 24-291574
Call 911 if you find it.
BIN OF KIDS’ STUFF, GUN SAFE STOLEN: Sarah emailed to report a visitor discovered his “truck was broken into last night, parked near Fairmount Park on 40th Ave SW. His gun (which was in a locked safe) and a black Costco rubber bin with a bright yellow lid was stolen. He’s particularly heartbroken about the bin as it had all of his kids’ clothing, stuffies, Legos in it (they are in the midst of moving). I’m hoping someone dumped it as it was quite heavy.”
SPEAKING OF SAFES: Another reader reports finding this one:
Any business missing its safe? Probably dumped sometime late Sun./Mon. Was found in alley between 17th and 18th Aves SW- close to Trenton St.
If it might be yours, refer to SPD incident 24-294196.
Another city bridge-resurfacing project that started in late July is now complete: The deck replacement for the Salmon Bone Bridge across Longfellow Creek in North Delridge. Shortly after Manuel sent these photos (thank you!) with word the bridge was open again, we also got an announcement from Seattle Public Utilities, which led the project. As explained in July, they replaced the decking material with something both enhancing pedestrian safety and more closely resembling artist Lorna Jordan‘s original design:
The new surface is a “weathering steel” product called Cordeck Dots. Meantime, another reason to visit the bridge besides checking out the new surface – we heard unofficial word that salmon spawners have been spotted!
(Texted photo)
3:24 PM: Thanks to everyone who’s texted/emailed about that car fire toward the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge.
(Photo sent by Jackie)
Firefighters have since arrived. At least one passerby noted the driver was on scene. We’re checking on injuries.
(Video sent by Matt)
3:46 PM: A texter says traffic is moving again through that area.
5:45 PM: SFD confirms, no one was hurt.
(Google Maps Street View image, west side of 35th/Barton)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Above, you see the heart of what would be the Upper Fauntleroy “neighborhood center” as part of the proposed zoning changes just unveiled by the city.
The maps are part – but not the entirety – of the “comprehensive plan” (aka One Seattle Plan) updates that the city’s been working on for the past two years, part of a state-mandated process to update the plan once a decade. We got a preview at a City Hall media briefing this morning; the city says its proposed sheaf of changes would give Seattle the capacity for a total of 330,000 new housing units, far more than they envisioned when circulating the draft earlier this year. (Here’s the slide deck from today’s briefing.)
The proposed maps build on the draft maps circulated last spring, as reported here in March, when we first noted that the city intended to plan for increased business activity and housing density by designating “neighborhood centers” as well as making some changes in its existing “urban centers” (formerly known as “urban villages”). Back in March, the city’s early version of these changes showed six “neighborhood centers” for West Seattle. Now, the newly unveiled maps show (update: 7 out of the 30 total proposed citywide – OPCD tells us 3 were were “studied” but are not currently being proposed):
*Brandon Junction (centered on Delridge/Brandon)
*Fairmount (centered on California/Findlay)
*Holden (centered on 35th/Holden)
(UPDATE: Studied but not proposed) *Sylvan Junction (centered on Delridge/Orchard)
*Upper Fauntleroy (centered on 35th/Barton)
*High Point (centered on 35th/Morgan)
(UPDATE: Studied but not proposed) *Highland Park (centered on 9th/Trenton)
*Endolyne (centered on 45th/Wildwood)
*Delridge (centered on Delridge/Dakota)
(UPDATE: Studied but not proposed) *Alki (centered on 61st/Stevens)
(For now, check the online maps for exact boundaries and the attendant rezoning where applicable – we’ve requested a larger version of the map/list and will add it here when available. UPDATE: Here it is.)
The “neighborhood center” additions are only part of what you’ll find on the zoning maps. West Seattle’s four “urban centers” – Admiral, Alaska Junction, Morgan Junction, and Westwood/Highland Park – would, in most cases, expand (here again is the interactive site with the maps).
If you’re not in an urban center or neighborhood center, check your zoning anyway. Upzoning is proposed along major transit routes (Fauntleroy Way SW along the RapidRide C Line route past Lincoln Park, for example). And if you’re in a “neighborhood residential” zone (the new name given to “single-family” a few years back), and otherwise unchanged, you’ll be in an “urban neighborhood” area. Most formerly “single-family” parcels already have had the capacity for three units – a main house and two Accessory Dwelling Units – because of previous city changes, but now the State Legislature-passed HB 1110 requires capacity for four units on these parcels. If affordable housing is included, some might be eligible for six units, and/or four stories. And lots of parcels will become mixed-use in one specific way – any corner lot in an “urban neighborhood” zone would be eligible for a corner store.
Other changes include parking rules:
As a result of this, we learned, the Alki Parking Overlay – which requires a space and a half for every dwelling unit in that area – would be abolished (as would the only other “parking overlay” in the city, in the U District). General parking for residential units – aside from the frequent-transit zones where none would be required – would be one space for two units.
Lots more in the maps, and there’s more in what the city announced today. But for starters, you can browse for yourself, and make comments now – that’s why the maps are being made public, with other plan-updates to come. You can also attend an upcoming informational session. The West Seattle session is 5:30-7:30 pm Wednesday, November 6, at Madison MS (3429 45th SW) and the full list of citywide events (plus the online session) is on this flyer. All this ultimately goes to the City Council for consideration. (added) The official comment period, meantime, runs until December 20, so you have time for a close look. Also of note, as discussed in comments, the city plans to propose more upzoning in Urban Centers in a future “phase” of planning (see page 10 of the slide deck).
THURSDAY UPDATE: OPCD says three of the 10 “neighborhood centers” listed for West Seattle were studied but not proposed. We have labeled them as such above.
ADDED THURSDAY PM: Here also, provided by OPCD, is a District 1-specific map (see it in PDF here):
The report and photo were sent by Paul Beck:
The 100-year-old Kenney Tower Light has, once again, been turned on thanks to a dedicated employee at The Kenney, Ron Blasser.
Residents and neighbors tell us that it reminds them of their school days when, at the end of an afternoon of school and play, it was the signal for the neighborhood kids to go home for supper. Today, with new management, it is a signal that all is well at the Kenney and new residents are moving back into the community.
Restoration of the Kenney Tower Light was recently accomplished by Ron Blasser, Director of Facilities at the Kenney, and a West Seattle neighbor. Ron joined the Kenney staff in October of 2022, following a hiatus in his business, caused by the COVID epidemic, which left him with time on his hands. Hoping to be able to contribute to his West Seattle community, Ron was told by a friend that there was a Facilities Management job opening at the Kenney and suggested he apply. He did apply, was hired, and promised the community two years of employment. Immediately, residents began to experience a turn-around in the overall maintenance of the facility and the addressing of long neglected repairs.
Ron’s two-year commitment was completed on October 10 of this year and he plans to return his attention to caring for his business and family.Ron consistently provided outstanding service to Kenney residents. He used his knowledge and community connections to problem solve many issues that plagued the Kenney for years. His skills in electronics, plumbing and heating restored function in numerous parts of the physical plant. He took piles of worn-out appliances and other discarded building materials that were littering storage areas to be recycled. He used his management skills to train maintenance and custodial staff to learn new skills while enhancing their teamwork and loyalty to the Kenney. At the same time, Ron encouraged and supported residents to take on tasks such as beautification of public spaces, gardening, and night-time security. As a result, Kenney staff and residents have become a team working together to bring The Kenney back to its glory.
On October 1, 2024, the Kenney Resident Council honored Ron for his extraordinary two years of contributions to residents, staff, and the facility. He had inspired us all with his boundless energy, extraordinary skills, confidence, and genuine concern for others. He will be sorely missed, and we wish him happiness and success as he leaves us and approaches the next challenges in his life. The service that Ron provided to The Kenney will ensure everyone in the West Seattle community will see the Kenney Tower Light and know when it is time for dinner.
Paul Beck, MD
Chair, Kenney Independent-Living Resident Council
We’ve been reporting – most recently this summer – on other changes at The Kenney because of new management and receivership.
(SDOT photos)
After two and a half months of intermittent work by night and day, SDOT has announced this morning that the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project – on the West Seattle Bridge extension between Highway 99 and I-5 – is officially complete.
SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson summarizes, “Between July and October 2024, we repaired all of the damaged pavement on the deck’s surface, which was prone to potholes and ‘alligator skin’ cracking. Crews repaved the bridge deck with a synthetic polyester concrete to help ensure it remains in good condition over time. We also made drainage improvements and bridge deck repairs on the westbound lanes.” The project cost $7.5 million, much of that covered by grants, including federal money on which we reported in 2022. Most of the work was on the older eastbound side of the SSV.
(Crab spider, photographed at T-107 Park by Steve Bender)
Here’s what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you can always look ahead, and where you’ll find even more events than we spotlight in the list):
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy at 10 am. Details in our calendar listing.
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: The Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) is open noon to 8 pm, and you can visit any time to see what community artists are showing this year, until late October.
3 IMMUNE-BOOSTING TIPS – AND A RECIPE! Half an hour for your health – “3 Best Tips for Immune Support and Fire Cider Recipe” with Dr. Emily Lesnak from Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care (WSB sponsor), 12:30 pm, online, free. Go here to get the link!
ALKI PLAYGROUND DESIGN COMMENT: 4-6 pm at Alki Beach Bathhouse (2701 Alki SW), stop in to see where design is at for the new playground between the new school and the playfield, and to offer your feedback.
HOMEWORK HELP: 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), volunteers can help K-12 students with their homework.
CITY COUNCIL BUDGET HEARING: 5 pm, as explained/previewed here. You can go to City Hall to testify or do it remotely.
HOW TO GET RAINWISE: Online meetup with contractors and others who can help you figure out how to get a subsidized raingarden or cistern if you’re eligible for the RainWise program, 5:30 pm – info in our calendar listing.
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).
TRIVIA x 4: Four trivia options 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).
FREE NEW BALANCE DEMO GROUP RUN: All runners, all levels, are welcome to join the 6:15 pm weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) group run, which has two extras tonight: New Balance shoe demos, and birthday celebrations, as explained in our calendar listing.
CENTENNIAL CHILI COOKOFF: 6:30 pm chili dinner raising money for Undue Medical Debt, in celebration of the 100-year partnership between Fauntleroy Church and YMCA (9140 California SW) – registration required to attend – go here.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)
MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 7 pm, online or in-person at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation‘s lower-level community room – agenda, and attendance info, in our calendar listing.
MUSIC BINGO X 2: One night, two games! Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm … At Three 9 Lounge (39th/Oregon), you can play MINGO music bingo, hosted by Mingo Maniac, at 7:30 pm Wednesdays.
KUNDALINI YOGA AND GONG BATH: 7 pm with Inner Alchemy at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35; ticket link is in our calendar listing.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: The spotlight is yours! 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Planning an open house, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, show, meeting, presentation, etc., that’s open to the community? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
That’s the trailer for “Stories of Us,” a documentary about people at West Seattle’s only tiny-home village, Camp Second Chance, and it’s the first film up for the relaunch of the quarterly West Seattle Meaningful Movies gatherings. The screening is set for this Saturday – here’s what the group wants you to know:
Meaningful Movies West Seattle has our new home and things are back in action.
The first movie since COVID will be an informational movie and discussion about the life for our unhoused community. The name of the movie is: STORIES OF US: CAMP SECOND CHANCE. Date and time: Saturday, October 19 at 6:30 pm. Location: Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 7141 California Ave. SW. There is no cost; however, donations are appreciated to help support the program.
Join us in person for this important film about our local unhoused community. In this powerful award-winning film, director Melinda Raebyne embeds herself one winter at West Seattle’s only tiny-house village, Camp Second Chance, challenging public ignorance and humanizing a population that locals would rather neglect, sharing with you some of their personal stories and her actual experience of what it’s like to be homeless.
The filmmaker will be at the Meaningful Movies screening for Q&A afterward.
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, October 16th.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Periods of rain, maybe an evening thunderstorm, high in the upper 50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:30 am, while sunset will be at 6:18 pm.
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
ROAD WORK
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides, which SDOT now expects will happen around October 28th. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*The south Beach Drive gas-pipeline project continues; we noted work Tuesday in the 6000-6300 blocks, with flaggers helping alternate directions through a one-lane stretch.
TRANSIT
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat” is back after a brief detour Tuesday. Check for alerts here.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
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.
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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