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    SEAFAIR PIRATES: Ashore on Alki, vividly

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    CLOSURE AHEAD: Plan for dump station shutdown

ALL-WHEELS IN MORGAN JUNCTION: One step closer to a ‘skate dot’ design for park
July 9, 2024 1:17 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Members of the Morgan Junction All-Wheels Association (MJAWA) met online last week to discuss the latest plans and ideas for an all-wheeled “skate dot” area (dedicated to activities like skating, scooters, and biking) in the south part of eventually expanding Morgan Junction Park.

The overall “Morgan Junction Addition Project” timeline from Seattle Parks can be found here, with completion expected by Spring of 2025. For historical context: The site was purchased by the city in 2014 and then “landbanked” for park expansion (see our prior coverage here; the site was formerly a dry cleaning business, and “soil remediation” work has been required). 

In recent months, MJAWA has been gathering community feedback about their three potential design concepts for the all-wheels area, which would be up to 1,500 square feet, within the larger park:

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UPDATE: Man arrested after ~2-hour standoff with police near Westwood Village
July 9, 2024 11:18 am
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

11:18 AM: For those noticing the large police response across from the north side of Westwood Village, here’s what’s happening: Officers are in a standoff with a man suspected in a reported domestic-violence incident. No injuries and no road closures so far; the suspect is reported to be inside an apartment at the Westwood Court complex, refusing to come out and talk with police.

12:29 PM: The suspect is in custody, per police radio. SFD is being called in to check him out.

12:35 PM: Our photographer happened to be heading back to the scene when that happened; he’s just arrived and confirmed with police that the suspect is under arrest and they’re searching the apartment now that he’s out of it.

3:24 PM: We asked police for their initial summary of the incident – here’s what they sent:

On July 9th at 10:07 a.m., a juvenile called 911 to report that his grandfather threatened to kill his grandmother with a machete. Officers responded to residence near Southwest Trenton Street & 25th Avenue Southwest. As Officers arrived, the suspect allowed the victim and juvenile to exit the residence, but he quickly barricaded himself inside and refused to come out. Police safety containment was established, and the Hostage Negotiation Team, Special Weapons & Tactics (SWAT) team, and Community Service Officers arrived on scene to assist Patrol.

Police developed probable cause to arrest the suspect for Investigation of Domestic Violence (DV) Harassment. While the primary Officer worked on the search warrant, the suspect managed to rappel from his third-story balcony to the space below. The suspect attempted to flee on foot, but he was apprehended by Police. Officers served the warrant to retrieve the weapons/evidence. The juvenile and victim suffered no injuries and were transported to the Southwest Precinct where the CSOs provided them with food and resources.

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Play Along in the Park, Storytime in the Garden, more for your West Seattle Tuesday
July 9, 2024 10:48 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(A cooling view, from Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

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

FREE SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Our calendar listing has information on where and when kids 1-18 can get free food.

POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Advocacy from afar, 10:30 am-noon every Tuesday at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Daily operation continues – open 11 am-8 pm, free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

BOEING EXEC AT WEST SEATTLE ROTARY: Boeing’s making news again this week. Hear from a company executive who’s the guest speaker at today’s lunch meeting of the Rotary Club of West Seattle, noon at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW) – more info in our calendar listing.

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

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Also 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.

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

TRANSPORTATION LEVY: As previewed here, the City Council is expected to finalize the renewal/expansion of the city transportation levy, to go to voters this November The agenda, with documents, is here. You can watch live via Seattle Channel

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

PLAY ALONG IN THE PARK WITH WSCO: 6 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), the first night this summer you can bring your instrument to play along with the West Seattle Community Orchestras – or just listen in! Off the north parking lot. Our calendar listing includes a link for players to preregister.

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

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 6 pm at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), the FCA board meets, community members welcome.

WEST SEATTLE WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS: 6 pm monthly gathering at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW) – info and RSVP link in our calendar listing.

FREE ASL CLASS: The series of introductory ASL classes continues; you can start at any time. 6 pm at the West Seattle Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (4001 44th SW), info here.

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

FREE TRACK RUN: Everyone’s welcome! Gather at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.

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

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

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

Event coming up? 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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CITY COUNCIL: ‘Street racing’ bill this morning with proposed penalty additions; transportation levy this afternoon; new Saka staffer
July 9, 2024 9:22 am
|      43 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Three City Council notes:

‘STREET-RACING’ BILL: This morning at 9:30 am, the council’s Public Safety Committee takes this up again, this time likely for a vote, along with two proposed amendments from District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka (who is the committee’s vice chair). First, he is proposing that in addition to the $500 fine that would be faced by the owner of a car participating in racing or related activities, a second violation would carry an $800 fine, third a $1,500 fine. See that amendment here. Second, he proposes a $100 citation that could be given to anyone attending an “unlawful race event.” See that amendment here. The full meeting agenda (which also explains how to comment, and links to the full bill under consideration) is here. (You can watch via Seattle Channel.)

TRANSPORTATION LEVY: At this afternoon’s meeting, councilmembers will take their final vote on the $1.55 billion, eight-year transportation levy renewal/expansion that will go to voters in November. The version they’re voting on and the companion amendment are linked in the agenda; assuming they’ll pass it (since it was approved by the levy committee comprised of all councilmembers, chaired by Saka), the mayor is expected to sign it tomorrow. A council spokesperson notes in a memo to media: “The current transportation levy was passed in 2015 and is set to expire this year. It accounts for roughly 30 percent of the Seattle Department of Transportation’s budget for core services and new projects. Under this levy proposal, the estimated property tax bill for the median assessed value home would be $499 per year. That’s $16.58 per month more than the expiring levy.” If you have any final words about it, the agenda for today’s 2 pm meeting explains how to participate in the public-comment period.

NEW SAKA STAFFER: Saka’s staff has been particularly visible in the community so far, so changes/additions are noteworthy, and the councilmember has just announced one. During Monday afternoon’s “briefing meeting” – when councilmembers provide miscellaneous updates – Saka mentioned he’s just hired Ian Griswold as legislative director, joining chief of staff Elaine Ikoma Ko and district director Leyla Gheisar. We asked Ko for more details and she forwarded Saka’s announcement:

Ian is a home-grown Seattleite and grew up in West Seattle. He brings a diverse professional experience, having worked with the Washington Technology Industry Association and Seattle Police Foundation. He is a graduate of UW’s Evans School of Public Policy & Governance and earned his law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law. He looks forward to providing strong legislative and policy support work for the office.

Saka’s staff had had an opening since Heather Marx departed as policy adviser in May.

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Celebration of life August 4 for Maurene Steele McQuarrie, 1950-2024
July 9, 2024 8:41 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather August 4 to remember Mo McQuarrie. They’re sharing this remembrance with her community:

Maurene “Mo” (Steele) McQuarrie passed away April 16, 2024 in her West Seattle home surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Seattle on August 4, 1950. The middle of 5 children born to Lester and Jean Steele. Older brothers Dick and Dave and younger brothers Chuck and Don. Maurene married her high-school (Chief Sealth Class of ’68) sweetheart Fred McQuarrie on June 28, 1969. Fred & Mo raised their 3 children, Lindy (Joe) and twins Lesley (Yuki) and LeighAnne, and sometimes, when needed, extra kids too, here in West Seattle.

Mo was passionate about education and enrolled her kids in a Montessori preschool, well before it was cool – she was ahead of her time! She dedicated her life to giving her kids the best educational foundation she could. She volunteered a few days a week at Montessori while Lindy was in kindergarten. She had no idea her volunteering “just a few hours in the morning,” then assisting in the classroom a few days a week, would land her in a 20+-year teaching career. In 1988 she earned her Montessori Teaching Certificate and began teaching her own preschool/ kindergarten class. She really loved children. Fred called her the child-whisperer; she really was amazing. She wanted nothing more than to protect and teach children. She was a dedicated teacher and enjoyed her classroom for many years. She taught so many wonderful students; we couldn’t go to Target, anywhere in the Junction, or Thriftway without running into “her kids.” She was magical about how she presented new information to her students; it was like she was giving clues to solve a puzzle. She loved watching the delight when kids solved their puzzle. Little things like explaining how letters have names and sounds, then watching them put all the pieces together, and voila! A new reader was born!

She said she was ready to retire from teaching in 2007, but she never really retired from teaching. In her retirement she chose to be a stay-at-home grandma. She was incredibly dedicated to her grandbabies, helping them with their milestones and using her years of Montessori knowledge; she peppered a fresh batch of McQuarries for preschool. The grandkids hold her wisdom with the upmost respect, because after all, “Grandma is a teacher!”. She was magical; from birthdays to holidays, she was able to conjure up some magic and make their day sparkle.

Mo loved traveling with her bestie Dolores. They saw Italy, Paris, Amsterdam, Budapest, and Switzerland together. Their adventures were full of beautiful sights, delicious food, and occasionally, crime-fighting!

To say that she will be missed is an understatement. She will be loved always and missed forever.

Maurene is preceded in death by her parents Lester and Jean Steele, and her brothers Dave and Don Steele. She is survived by her crew of “Oldie Moldies,” brothers Dick and Chuck, her husband of 54 years Fred McQuarrie, daughters Lindy, Lesley, and LeighAnne, as well as her cherished grandkids Joey, Bridget, Gus, Mateo, Russell, and Ariana.
Services will be held to honor her graduation of this life August 4, 2024 at 2 PM at the Burien Community Center Address: 14700 6th Ave SW, Burien. If you are a former student, parent of a student, or a person who knew how awesome our mom was, please consider joining us in celebrating her life, details can be found online here – please RSVP.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Tuesday notes
July 9, 2024 6:00 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Tuesday notes
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, July 9.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The Heat Advisory alert has been extended, now in effect through much of Wednesday. Monday’s high, 95, was a record for the date. Today’s forecast: Still sunny, high in the low 90s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:22 am, while sunset will be at 9:06 pm.

ROAD WORK

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project has begun; here are more specifics. Fairmount Avenue is now closed under the bridge for the duration of the project, likely into early 2025.

*SDOT’s Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch.

SUMMER FEST AHEAD

For West Seattle Summer Fest, road closures and parking restrictions start as early as Thursday morning, according to the West Seattle Junction Association – California Avenue SW closes between Edmunds and Oregon and for much of the block north, and Alaska closes between 42nd and 44th.

TRANSIT NOTES

Metro today – Regular schedule; check for advisories here.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.

Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route, but now with the unscheduled “bonus boat” on weekdays when available; check WSF alerts for last-minute changes and use the real-time map to see where your ferry is. Reminder that the third boat will NOT be available starting tomorrow and continuing for up to two days per WSF.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Low bridge: Here’s the main view:

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

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

1st Ave. S. Bridge:

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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DEVELOPMENT: Gatewood, Alki projects up for design comments
July 8, 2024 11:08 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

A month and a half ago, we reported on two townhouse projects in the Early Community Outreach for Design Review process. Now they’re both in a phase where their design proposals are open to community comments – no public meetings planned, so this is your chance to speak up if interested.

(Rendering by JW Architects)

3507 SW WEBSTER: This proposal in Gatewood is for a four-story, 6-unit townhouse building with 6 offstreet-parking spaces, replacing a four-plex, on a site zoned for up to five stories. Three massing (size/shape) options are shown in the design packet. You can send comments to joseph.hurley@seattle.gov – the city planner assigned to the project.

(Rendering by Cone Architecture)

2236 ALKI SW: This proposal in Alki is for two 3-unit townhouse buildings, one three stories high, the other four stories high, with a total of 9 offstreet-parking spaces. The units, replacing a triplex, will all have three bedrooms and garages. The massing options for this project are shown in the design packet. You can send comments to scott.reynolds@seattle.gov – the planner assigned to the project.

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COUNTDOWN: Sure sign that West Seattle Summer Fest is days away
July 8, 2024 8:56 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: Sure sign that West Seattle Summer Fest is days away
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

The no-parking signs are up, for restrictions kicking in Thursday morning, which is when setup starts for this year’s West Seattle Summer Fest, happening Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, in the areas shown on this official map:

We’ve already previewed much of what’s new, such as additions to the Kid Zone and vendors serving with reusables; this year also brings back a second music stage (in Junction Plaza Park) – see both stages’ lineups here (remember the main stage breaks down after Saturday night, to make space for the temporarily relocated Farmers’ Market on Sunday. WSB is a Summer Fest co-sponsor again this year – we’ll see you in The Junction! (P.S. Don’t forget to visit on Summer Fest Eve …)

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FOLLOWUP: Westwood house fire blamed on barbecue debris
July 8, 2024 6:36 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Sunday morning)

Early Sunday, we reported on a house fire in Westwood. Everyone got out OK, no injuries. SFD’s investigator has determined the cause, according to spokesperson Kaila Lafferty: “Investigators determined the cause of the fire was accidental, started by charcoal briquettes that fell from a barbecue and ignited the deck. The fire then spread to the back of the house and into the attic.”

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BIZNOTES: Hoste turns 1; changes @ Hegge Chevron; HomeStreet Bank x Menashe & Sons
July 8, 2024 5:23 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Three notes about West Seattle businesses:

(Photo courtesy Lana Bear)

HOSTE TURNS ONE: The Admiral District shop at 2332 California SW is about to celebrate its first anniversary, and is inviting you to the party. This Saturday – July 13 – from 11 am-7 pm, stop in and congratulate them. Special extras that day:

SourBaby Bakery is bringing cake (with gf options!) from when we open till sold out. Then Frankie + Jo’s will be scooping ice cream 4-7 and BB’s Bottle Barn pouring wine + beer and a house cocktail from 3 pm till closing.

We have a super-special gift with purchase over $200 featuring a bunch of our favorite things! (Monastery, Flamingo Estate etc.) Limited supply so come on down to snag one! Contents worth over $150!

Proprietor Lana Bear opened her shop in July 2023, billing it as “vintage and modern goods for all.”

HEGGE CHEVRON CHANGES: We’ve received multiple tips about changes afoot at the longtime family-owned service station on the northeast corner of 35th and Holden. Today, Doug emailed after calling them about an oil change and finding out the station has shut down its service department because it’s in the process of being sold. We went over to inquire, and they confirmed that they’re still selling fuel but no longer offering services due to the sale process. The Hegge family has continued to own the station for the 14 years since the sudden death in 2010 of owner-operator Mark Hegge.

HOMESTREET BANK TEAMS WITH MENASHE & SONS JEWELERS: Every month, HomeStreet Bank‘s West Seattle branch (4022 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) showcases a local business. Last month and this month, it’s Menashe & Sons Jewelers:

Every month the showcase business participates in a prize drawing – our photo is from Jack Menashe‘s visit to the branch to help draw the first monthly winner, with the assistance of HomeStreet team member Sharon (wearing a crown because they were celebrating her birthday that day). If you stop by the branch this month, you can put in an entry for the net drawing!

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WEST SEATTLE MUSIC UPDATES: Big Band Concert in the Park; Admiral Music in the Parks announces full lineup
July 8, 2024 3:18 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

In addition to the upcoming music-laden multi-day festivals – West Seattle Summer Fest this weekend, Alki Art Fair one week later – we have three more outdoor-concert updates (all free):

(WSB photo, July 2023)

BIG BAND CONCERT IN THE PARK: 7 pm Tuesday, July 16, is the night you can see, hear, and dance to the swinging sounds of the West Seattle Big Band, directed by Jim Edwards, at High Point Commons Park (3201 SW Graham), sponsored by the West Seattle Grand Parade.

The next two updates are for the concert series presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association – we had dates and times but not the bands, until now.

ADMIRAL MUSIC IN THE PARKS, CONCERT #1: Double bill for this 6:30 pm July 18 show at Belvedere Park (3600 SW Admiral Way) – Troy Aylesworth and The Potholes.

ADMIRAL MUSIC IN THE PARKS, CONCERT #2: Another double bill for this 6:30 pm July 25 show at California Place Park (California/Hill) – Michael Pearsall and Westside Pretenders.

(The third AMP show was previously announced as ABBAgraphs, 6:30 pm August 1st at Hamilton Viewpoint Park.)

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UPDATE: Falling tree limb causes West Seattle power outage for 4,400+ homes and businesses
July 8, 2024 12:46 pm
|      60 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

12:46 PM: Thanks for the tips. 4,400+ homes and businesses are out of power in West Seattle, including High Point and Westwood, (added) parts of Highland Park, Gatewood, and Sunrise Heights too. Part of west South Park is affected too. Updates to come.

12:53 PM: We haven’t heard of any obvious cause yet – no crashes or fires logged, for example. (Let us know if you see City Light crews zeroing in on any particular spot.) … The outage zone covers part of major streets including Delridge, 16th, and 35th, so please remember to treat intersections with non-functioning signals as if they are four-way stops.

1:24 PM: One texter reports a City Light truck near 25th/Myrtle. Meantime, if this is your first power outage, a reminder that the “estimated restoration time” on SCL’s map is entirely useless – the utility told us years ago that those times are basically wild guesses. And they often change – for example, a short time ago, this one was listed as 4 pm, and now it’s changed to 1:22 pm (though that time has already passed [update, at 1:40 pm they went back to a 4 pm estimate]). Could be a lot sooner than the estimate, could be a lot later.

1:32 PM: As this approaches hour 2, if you’re looking for a place to cool off, our area’s three fully air-conditioned libraries are all outside the outage zone and open until 6 pm – High Point (3411 SW Raymond), Delridge (5423 Delridge Way SW), Southwest (9010 35th SW). … (added) Meaghan at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) says they’re open, air-conditioned, with places to sit, purchase not required …

1:52 PM: Many are reporting they’ve got power back. The SCL map hasn’t yet updated so we don’t know if everyone’s back on.

2:04 PM: Map finally updated – 382 are still out.

The map also now describes the cause as “tree/vegetation.”

2:44 PM: Thanks to the texter who sent word that indeed, it was a falling tree limb on 25th:

3 PM: Everybody’s back on now, and SCL spokesperson Jenn Strang confirms that the cause was “a tree that came down onto some wires at 24th Ave SW and 25th Ave SW.”

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Got Seattle Public Schools questions, while awaiting news of possible closures? Here’s your next chance to talk with West Seattle’s School Board director Gina Topp
July 8, 2024 11:23 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

We won’t hear from Seattle Public Schools superintendent Dr. Brent Jones about possible school closures/consolidations until September. So what’s happening in the meantime? The School Board director for West Seattle and most of South Park, Gina Topp, is continuing to host community-conversation meetings, and just announced that her next one will be online, 6-7 pm Wednesday, July 17. Go here for the link you’ll use then (meeting ID 239 288 774 688). These conversations are drop-in events without a scripted agenda (here’s our report on Topp’s previous one) – bring your SPS-related question(s) and/or comment(s).

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Here’s what’s happening for the rest of your West Seattle Monday
July 8, 2024 9:49 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Eagle and crab on Alki, photographed over the weekend by James Tilley)

Today’s highlight list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREE SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Here’s the list of locations and times.

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Daily operation continues – open 11 am-8 pm, free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

COLMAN POOL: The outdoor heated-salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open 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.

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

CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: 2 pm at City Hall, the weekly meeting in which councilmembers talk about their plans for the week ahead. Here’s the agenda. Watch live via Seattle Channel.

ART SALON: 4-6 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor):

This is a monthly gathering of artistic, creative people interested in drawing, painting, printing, journaling, collaging and other creative pursuits. The purpose of this gathering is to provide encouragement and community. Creative people at all stages of development, both casual and professional, are welcome but this gathering is especially for beginners, people who are self-taught, and/or those who simply enjoy making art and think a monthly social gathering will help them make time each month for art! Together, let’s create a safe space for people of all abilities and interests to make art in the company of other creative people. This event is free! Bring your own supplies. Water based mediums only please.

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.

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: Live music with The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.

KARAOKE: 9 pm start for Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).

Have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: July’s second Monday
July 8, 2024 6:00 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: July’s second Monday
 |   West Seattle news

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, July 8.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

We’re still under a Heat Advisory until 10 pm Tuesday. Sunday’s high, 93, was a record for the date. Today’s forecast is for more sunshine, high near 90. Today’s sunrise was at 5:21 am, while sunset will be at 9:07 pm.

(Sunday’s sunset with crescent moon, photographed by Peter Galli)

ROAD WORK

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project starts today; here are more specifics. (Got questions? We’re talking with a project-team member this morning.)

*SDOT’s Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch.

SUMMER FEST AHEAD

For West Seattle Summer Fest, road closures start as early as Thursday morning, according to the West Seattle Junction Association – California Avenue SW closes between Edmunds and Oregon and for much of the block north, and Alaska closes between 42nd and 44th.

TRANSIT NOTES

Metro today – Regular schedule; check for advisories here.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.

Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route, but now with the unscheduled “bonus boat” on weekdays when available; check WSF alerts for last-minute changes and use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Low bridge: Here’s the main view:

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

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

1st Ave. S. Bridge:

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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With light-rail decision nearing, two West Seattle organizations plan Transit Town Hall on July 23
July 7, 2024 10:15 pm
|      37 COMMENTS
 |   Sound Transit | West Seattle news

Sometime in the next few months, Sound Transit is expected to release the Final Environmental Impact Report on West Seattle light rail, followed by a board vote on routing and station locations. With that looming, the 34th District Democrats and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce have just announced a “Transit Town Hall” for 7 pm Tuesday, July 23:

Presented by the 34th District Democrats and the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, this forum with Sound Transit staff intends to educate West Seattle residents about the proposed Link extension project ahead of the vote to identify the project to be built.

As it stands, the project would include three light rail stations: Delridge (at Delridge and Andover), Avalon (at 35th and Avalon), and West Seattle Junction (at Alaska and 41st). The presentation and forum will provide background about ST3, review of the project plan and timeline, detail the alternatives proposed and the possible alignments, discuss the financial cost and community impacts, provide an overview of the entitlements for displaced residents and businesses, and end on a call to action.

The event will conclude with a question-and-answer segment. If you would like to submit your questions ahead of time, you may do so on this form. Pre-submitted questions will be asked at the beginning of the segment by our moderator.

Even if you don’t have a question, follow the form link to reply to a short survey. The venue is the Center for Active Living (ex-Senior Center), 4217 SW Oregon.

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: USS Nimitz, outbound
July 7, 2024 9:51 pm
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(Added: Photo by D, via X/Twitter)

Thanks to Andrea for the tip! As confirmed by MarineTraffic.com, the Bremerton-based aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is northbound in Puget Sound right now, sailing across the mouth of Elliott Bay.

(Added: Photo sent by Kevin)

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WEEK AHEAD: Fairmount Avenue to close as Admiral Way Bridge earthquake-safety work begins
July 7, 2024 8:36 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WSB photo, last Monday)

One more reminder – SDOT is about to start work on the Admiral Way Bridge earthquake-safety project. Crews will start that work under the bridge, in Fairmount Ravine, so Fairmount Avenue will be closed to all traffic beneath the bridge for the duration of the project – expected to be about eight months. As we reported last week, here’s roughly where the road will be blocked:

As explained by project spokesperson Dr. Matthew Howard, “There will be barricades at the bottom of the hill at SW Prince, at the top at SW Forest, and then another set farther down at the actual work area, with fencing. There will be no thru traffic as the work will be taking place on the bridge structure with cranes and equipment blocking the road.” Later in the summer – not likely before August – the top of the bridge (which is really two bridges) will see lane closures, plus two weekend-long full closures. If you have any questions about the project, comment below or email us – we’ll be talking with Dr. Howard tomorrow morning for more details.

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UPDATE: Motorcycle rider seriously hurt at Myers/1st
July 7, 2024 6:04 pm
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: Motorcycle rider seriously hurt at Myers/1st
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:04 PM: SFD and SPD are on scene at Myers Way and 1st Avenue South, after a motorcycle rider was reported seriously hurt; in early radio exchanges, no other vehicle was reported to be involved. SFD is preparing to take the rider to a hospital.

6:12 PM: In a radio exchange with emergency doctors, medic described the rider as in his late 30s and said he collided with a barrier. He’s being taken to Harborview Medical Center.

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FERRY ALERT: Triangle Route going down to one boat tonight
July 7, 2024 5:45 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

Another crew shortage has the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth state-ferry route going down to one boat this evening. Here’s the announcement:

Due to a shortage of crew, the M/V Kitsap will go out of service following its 6:15 p.m. sailing from Fauntleroy to Vashon. The route will continue to operate on one-boat service on the #1 schedule for the remainder of the service day.

This cancels the following sailings:

6:40 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. from Vashon to Southworth
7:05 p.m. and 9:35 p.m. from Southworth to Vashon
7:55 p.m. and 8:50 p.m. Fauntleroy to Vashon

And a reminder that next week, starting Wednesday and lasting for up to two days, the route’s unscheduled third boat will be out of service because of the domino effect from another route losing a boat to maintenance – this too is explained on the WSF bulletins page.

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SUMMER FEST PREVIEW: Reminder that you’ll find the West Seattle Farmers’ Market in a different spot next week
July 7, 2024 4:22 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

That sign at the north end of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market has extra meaning this week – next week, because of West Seattle Summer Fest, the market will be on California Avenue SW north of SW Oregon instead of south. Most if not all of your favorite farmers and other vendors will still be participating, and the hours are the same – 10 am to 2 pm Sunday (July 14) – but the market moves on that one Sunday each year so that festival vendors can continue in their Friday-Sunday spots. (The block north of Oregon is home to the main stage and beer garden on Friday and Saturday – see the music lineup here.) Now that Summer Fest week has arrived, we’ll have daily updates leading up to Summer Fest Eve on Thursday and the festival’s start on Friday (following recent previews of the reusable servingware and the Kids’ Zone additions) – see you there!

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UPDATE: Fire response west of Delridge Home Depot
July 7, 2024 2:08 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(Texted photo, smoke as seen from Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex)

2:08 PM: If you’re seeing smoke – Seattle Fire units is headed to the hillside west of Home Depot, south of Sylvan Way, to check out what was initially reported as a “brush fire” but might involve an encampment.

2:13 PM: Fire command is calling for crews to run another hundred feet of hose because “this is pretty deep into the woods.”

(WSB photo)

2:28 PM: Too far into the woods for us to get a firsthand look, but firefighters’ initial assessment was that the fire covered an area roughly 25′ x 20′.

2:42 PM: Incident commander on scene confirmed to us that no one was hurt and that the fire was in the area of an encampment.

3:12 PM: Firefighters have just declared the fire “tapped” (out) and are wrapping up.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Heat alert continues; here’s another place to cool off
July 7, 2024 12:17 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Heat alert continues; here’s another place to cool off
 |   West Seattle news

After two much-hotter-than-normal days (Saturday’s high was 91, Friday was 89), the National Weather Service‘s “heat advisory” alert continues until 10 pm Tuesday. We’ve just heard from one more place offering respite from the heat – the Westside Neighbors Shelter/West Seattle Veteran Center/American Legion Post 160 building at 3618 SW Alaska. Manager Keith Hughes emailed us to say they’re “operating as a cooling center Sunday through Tuesday from 7:00 AM until 9 PM. All are welcome.” The shelter/center/post is privately operated, supported by volunteers and donations. For info on city resources, go here.

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