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    WEST SEATTLE 5K: Are you ready for Sunday?

Feels like spring already. Welcome it officially Tuesday at Alice’s West Seattle sunset watch
March 17, 2024 4:36 pm
|    Comments Off on Feels like spring already. Welcome it officially Tuesday at Alice’s West Seattle sunset watch
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

(Last year’s spring-equinox event)

After a record-for-the-date high temperature Saturday (74) and more 70-degree weather today, you might feel like spring has already arrived. But it’s not here officially until the equinox moment – 8:06 pm Tuesday (March 19) – which will be immediately preceded by an only-in-West Seattle way to celebrate: Change-of-seasons sunset watch with expert skywatcher/educator Alice Enevoldsen. Alice will be at Solstice Park (uphill from the tennis courts at 7400 Fauntleroy Way SW) starting at 6:30 pm Tuesday; the official sunset time is 7:22 pm, but the sun is likely to vanish behind the Olympics around 7 pm. Alice has been leading these gatherings for 15+ years, and it’s a fun way both to find out what exactly “equinox” (or solstice, during winter/summer) means, as well as seeing why Solstice Park has its name (being there right at sunset – providing the sun’s not obscured by clouds – is a must).

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VIDEO: West Seattle Runner’s Leprechaun Leg Group Run
March 17, 2024 2:29 pm
|    Comments Off on VIDEO: West Seattle Runner’s Leprechaun Leg Group Run
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

You might have seen that green-clad group running in the morning sun around Admiral – they were out on the Leprechaun Leg Group Run organized by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) proprietors Lori and Tim McConnell:

The costume contest winner – by a vote of everybody participating – was Colleen:

This pup joined the fun:

They headed out from Hiawatha:

And afterward, nearby Good Society Brewing and Public House opened early for the runners to stop in. Along with special events like this, West Seattle Runner hosts free weekly runs too – they’re always featured in our event calendar and daily lists.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Admiral’s famous, mysterious green stripe
March 17, 2024 12:52 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

The photo is from Meagan Loftin, who noted, “Leprechauns have been out on 41st Ave again. The green stripe is refreshed.” This is a St. Patrick’s Day tradition on 41st SW north of Admiral Way. We went by this morning for a look, too, and photographed the shamrock at the stripe’s end near SW Hill:

Who are the paint-equipped leprechauns? That remains a mystery. When we showed it 15 years ago, a commenter said this tradition dates back to the 1970s!

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FOLLOWUP: Car removed from water off Duwamish Head, 34 hours after crash
March 17, 2024 10:33 am
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

Thanks to Lynn Hall for the photos! The car that went into Elliott Bay off Duwamish Head very early Saturday morning has just been pulled out, after this tow crew showed up.

They had police assistance on the water side:

And the flatbed will take it away:

The car was fully visible on the beach at low tide Saturday evening, as shown in photos added to our original coverage. We’ll be following up with police tomorrow on the status of the driver, a man in his early 20s who was not seriously hurt, and with Seattle Parks on whether any seawall/beach damage will need repairs.

ADDED MONDAY: SPD confirmed today that the driver was arrested for investigation of DUI.

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UPDATE: Brown water in Upper Fauntleroy; hydrant testing continues
March 17, 2024 9:53 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

9:53 AM: This time it’s happening here in Upper Fauntleroy, about a mile south of the Gatewood report from Saturday; since early this morning, the water has looked like iced tea. Nothing on the Seattle Public Utilities map. We just got through to SPU’s hotline – 206-386-1800 – and they blame early-morning hydrant testing.

11:26 AM: To be specific, SPU said the hydrant testing was at a “record” pace, and apparently they weren’t exaggerating: We passed firefighters opening two hydrants in Morgan Junction and en route to a third.

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 14 things to do!
March 17, 2024 6:21 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(WSB photo)

Browse our list to see what’s up today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: Final day for cookie booths at various locations. Search here for your nearest locations.

MINI-POLAR PLUNGE: 9 am every Sunday, you’re welcome to join a group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market is open as usual on California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon, offering late-winter vegetables and fruit, plus cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from cider to kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, candy, more! Here’s today’s vendor list.

SMALL BIZ POP-UP MARKET: While you’re in The Junction, go into Jet City Labs (4547 California SW) to browse vendors, enjoy music, more, 10 am-2 pm.

DONATION DRIVE: Men’s work clothes are especially needed in this month’s donation drive at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 11 am-3 pm – drop off your donation(s) at the courtyard.

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need to borrow something for a home project? Visit the WSTL 11 am-4 pm. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)

JOB FAIR: 11 am-3 pm at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102) in White Center, the DubSea Fish Sticks baseball team welcomes candidates for a variety of jobs.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at a later-than-usual time, 11 am at rotating locations – today it’s Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW).

‘HIGHLAND PARK PUB’: Speaking of HPCS, it’s transforming into Highland Park Pub for St. Patrick’s Day, noon-4 pm – green beer, baked-potato bar, more!

MORE ST. PATRICK’S DAY FUN: Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party (noon-7 pm) and scavenger hunt (noon-1:30 pm) today.

ART EXHIBITION: Third weekend for Lucha Libre-themed show at South Delridge’s Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery (9414 Delridge Way SW). Open today noon-6 pm.

MAGICAL STRINGS: St. Patrick’s Day concert at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 3 pm – check to see if they still have tickets.

BENEFIT DINNER FOR JUSTIN CLINE’S FAMILY: As previewed here, Itto’s restaurateur Khalid Agour is hosting a dinner at the West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), 5-7:30 pm, to raise money for the family of Justin Cline, the Full Tilt Ice Cream co-founder who died two weeks ago at age 49. All welcome, all ages, $30 (cash only) donation for dinner; fundraising auction, too.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: See and hear the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8-10 pm.

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

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UPDATE: Rescue response for vehicle ‘over wall’ at The Mount
March 16, 2024 10:59 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

10:59 PM: Seattle Fire has a “rescue extrication” response arriving at The Mount (4831 35th SW) after a report of a vehicle over an embankment. First arriving unit reports “vehicle over a small wall.” Updates to come.

(Added: Photo by Kevin Freitas)

11:04 PM: Firefighters told dispatch they got the driver out safely. The response is being downsized.

ADDED SUNDAY: SFD confirms the driver, who they say was an “adult female,” was not hurt.

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VIDEO: Historic heroes, the Trưng sisters, honored at West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center
March 16, 2024 10:30 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photos/video)

It’s International Women’s History Month, and the Vietnamese Cultural Center in West Seattle paid tribute today to two women with a major role in Vietnam’s history: The Trưng sisters (Hai Bà Trưng), Trưng Trac and Trưng Nhi, lived 2,000 years ago; born into a nation under Chinese rule, they organized an army to fight back and drive their oppressors out. The sisters are celebrated each year with a holiday. Today’s commemoration at the center included a procession by women bearing flowers:

Minh Thy told the story of the heroic sisters:

Participants sang a song in the sisters’ honor, “Trưng Nữ Vương và Cô Gái”:

This is one of the events held each year at the Vietnamese Cultural Center (2236 SW Orchard).

Others are listed here, including next month’s memorial for the soldiers lost in the Vietnam War.

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West Seattle runners return from Tokyo Marathon, two with new Six-Star Medals
March 16, 2024 9:03 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS & Sports

Six West Seattleites are back from one of the marathons that comprise what’s known as “the most prestigious distance running series in the world.” The achievement completed the series for two of them – including, for a second time, Joe Drake, who sent the report and photo:

(Photo By Antoine Smith)

Residents of West Seattle – from left in above photo, Des Lee, Sarang Shamshery, Patti Shuster, Joe Drake, Sokphal Tun, and Erik Nakich (not pictured) – trekked to Japan this month to run in the 2024 Tokyo Marathon. All of them are avid fans of our favorite running store, West Seattle Runner.

Tokyo is one of six cities that host the annual World Marathon Majors, the premier events for runners worldwide. Completing all six of them to earn the coveted Six-Star Medal is a bucket list item for many marathoners, a journey that often requires several years of planning and training to knock off. Patti Shuster earned her Six-Star Medal in Tokyo. She had been working toward it for the past two and a half years. Joe Drake took home a second one after picking up his first last year in Tokyo.

The others have some work to do to complete their missions. Erick Nakich has only London standing in his way. Sokphal Tun’s finale will be in New York City, someday, after she takes on Chicago later this year. Desmond Lee is halfway there and is strategizing as to which of his remaining cities – Berlin, London, or New York City – will make the best backdrop for his Six-Star Medal photo. (updated) Sarang Shamshery just began his journey with two majors (Chicago and Tokyo) and plans to enjoy the ride to collect the remaining stars as he and his wife are expecting a child in a couple of months and he will be a busy man. You may see him training with a stroller on Hiawatha track every Tuesday!

For more on the World Marathon Majors, see this link.

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MUSIC: First album for North Delridge’s Wicked Mouth
March 16, 2024 6:45 pm
|    Comments Off on MUSIC: First album for North Delridge’s Wicked Mouth
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

West Seattle musician Wicked Mouth has recorded their first album and asked us to help share it with potential listeners. Here’s their announcement and links:

Local North Delridge singer-songwriter Wicked Mouth has released their debut album, Wildfire. Listeners are describing the album as “poetic, quirky, deep, vintage, and hopeful.”

Wicked Mouth is the stage name of Joshua Goupil, a Washington native. Their songs have a classic and nostalgic feel, with moods that evoke several decades, genres, and atmospheres. Their poetic lyrics delve into topics such as queerness, coming out, intimacy, self-reflection, spirituality, and mental health, inviting listeners to join their journey of self-discovery and expression.

Wildfire is an album about breaking past cycles of trauma and challenging insidious lies that society tells people (especially queer-identifying people) about who they are and how they should live. After a wildfire clears an entire forest, new life finds a way to grow back more resilient than ever before.

Wildfire was recorded and produced by local performer and producer Jared Mitchell=”” at Sound Life Studios in West Seattle and was mastered by Stephen Van Etten in Nashville, TN.

You can stream the album, see the music video for the track “Wicked Mouth,” and connect with the artist here.

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YOU CAN HELP: Sunday donation drive for men’s work clothes
March 16, 2024 4:45 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Sunday donation drive for men’s work clothes
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

(Alki UCC photo from February)

That’s what generous donors gave during Alki UCC‘s monthly donation drive in February – and tomorrow (Sunday) is your next chance to help! Here’s the announcement:

Alki UCC Donation Drive this Sunday, March 17
6115 SW Hinds
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Front Courtyard

Men’s work clothes donations are the priority need: jeans, khakis, hoodies, outerwear for cold weather, boots, socks, layering pieces.

Your donations of food, clothing and outdoor gear are distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network (WIN) Saturday lunch, hosted in White Center.

Deepest gratitude to our community for your generous support of our neighbors in need.

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COUNTDOWN: 8 weeks until 2024 West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day!
March 16, 2024 2:55 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Eight weeks from today, right about now, we’ll be wrapping up this year’s West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2024 – and registration starts soon. WSCGSD will be on Saturday, May 11, this year – always the second Saturday in May, with registration opening April 1. Watch WSB that day for the announcement and link. If you’re new, WSCGSD – coordinated by WSB since 2008, three years after it began – is one day with many sales of all sizes, all over the peninsula, in garages and yards and schools and courtyards and community rooms and parking lots and businesses and driveways and … (Here’s WSB coverage of last year’s WSCGSD, with a sample.) We provide a map/guide to all the sales, available a week before WSCGSD so shoppers can start planning. To recap those dates to remember – Monday, April 1, registration begins; Saturday, May 11, sale day! Official hours are 9 am-3 pm; some sellers start earlier and some wrap up later.

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WHALES: Orcas in the area again
March 16, 2024 12:59 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

For the second day, orcas are in the area. Kersti Muul texted earlier this morning that they were southbound but already passing Arbor Heights; then another texter reported less than an hour ago they were northbound passing Vashon. Orca Network commenters are seeing them off west-facing West Seattle too. Let us know if you see them!

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Brown water in Gatewood
March 16, 2024 11:43 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Gatewood | Utilities | West Seattle news

Per a text, discolored water is happening in the 6700 block of 41st SW. No incidents on the Seattle Public Utilities map so far, but if/when it happens to you, it’s always important to report it – SPU’s 24-hour number for this is 206-386-1800 – because your report might be first word of a problem. (Another common cause: Hydrant testing stirring up sediment, aka rust, in the pipes.)

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West Seattle High School recruiting for cheer team
March 16, 2024 10:57 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle High School recruiting for cheer team
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Spirited student in the family? This announcement was sent by West Seattle High School head cheer coach Nadine Nguyen:

Are you ready to become a part of the State-Winning West Seattle High School Coed Cheer Team?

Now’s your chance. Tryouts will be held in person March 26th-March 29th from 4:30 pm-8:30 pm @ WSHS. To try out, you will need to fill out all online forms and provide a current Sports Physical.

*We will also be hosting Cheer Clinics on March 19th.

CHEER CLINICS – Learn the cheer basics to help prep you for tryouts!

*For those interested in trying out for our State Winning Competition Team, you are invited to attend our Stunt Clinics where you will learn basic stunt skills.

Stunt Clinics are on March 20th @ 4:30 pm-8:30 pm

To participate in tryouts on March 26th – March 29th, Stunt Clinics, and the Cheer clinics, please bring a printed and signed copy of the following items below to the first day of the clinics/tryouts.

-Student Athletic Registration Form
-Signed Parent Waver
-Up-to-date Physical

The Tryout application and required forms are available through the following link tree:

https://linktr.ee/WSHSCHEER

For tips and more information regarding tryouts, follow our Instagram @westseattlecheer

Good Luck and Go Wildcats!! For Questions email: nmnguyen@seattleschools.org

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 27 notes!
March 16, 2024 6:16 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS miscellaneous

(Friday morning photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Cookies, beignets, music, massage, more … Welcome to the third weekend of March! Here’s what’s in our Event Calendar listings for today/tonight, right after a traffic note:

TRAFFIC ALERT IF YOU’RE GOING DOWNTOWN: Road closures are planned for the 12:30 pm St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 4th/James to Westlake. Further south, Sounders FC has a 12:30 pm match.

Now, the reasons to stay on the peninsula:

FREE! GROUP RUN: Start your Saturday with this weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW) group run! All levels welcome. Meet at the shop by 8 am.

FREE! HEAVILY MEDITATED: Arrive by 8:50 am for community meditation at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska). Free event every Saturday but please register.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: Final weekend of cookie booths at various locations. Search here for your nearest locations and times.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FORESTS: Show some love to the forest at Westcrest Park (9000 8th SW), 10 am-1 pm, details in our calendar listing.

JET CITY BEIGNET’S LAST WEEKEND: Today, your second-to-last chance to get beignets from Jet City Beignet, which will be popping up at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), 10 am-2 pm or until sold out.

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Scheduled to be open 10 am-2 pm today: “The Garden Center at South Seattle College provides Landscape Horticulture students the opportunity to increase their knowledge of plants while gaining real-world retail experience. Plants available for sale are selected, propagated, grown and presented by students. Additional plants are brought in from local growers.” (6000 16th Ave SW, north lot)

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.

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.

ALKI KAYAK TOURS: Open for tours and rentals, 11 am-7 pm, at Seacrest (1660 Harbor SW).

FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

POP-UP PLANT SALE: 11 am-7 pm, plants, holders, and more, at a big Puget Ridge pop-up. (6350 18th Ave SW)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER, WITH SPECIAL EVENT: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. Today you’re invited to the 1-3 pm event honoring the memory of the Trung sisters, historic heroes of Vietnam. (2236 SW Orchard)

VISCON CELLARS: 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 open 1-6 pm, north end of 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.

VIVA LA GALA: Support Holy Family Bilingual School by attending their gala dinner/auction at 5 pm tonight in the school hall (20th/Roxbury) and/or by bidding in the online auction. Our calendar listing has links for both.

DICK’S AT LARRY’S: 5-7 pm, Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has invited the Dick’s Drive-In burgers-and-shakes truck for Customer Appreciation Day.

(Friday evening photo by James Bratsanos)

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: The Hasslers and School of Rock House Band at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 6 pm, all ages, $15 at door.

LIVE AT C & P: 7-9 pm, Roo Forrest and Friends at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). No cover, all ages.

CAVORT AT KENYON HALL: 7 pm doors for this taste of Ireland in West Seattle. (7904 35th SW(

ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)

MUSIC FOR THE SOUL: That’s what the Northwest Symphony Orchestra (WSB sponsor) wants to give you during a concert tonight at Holy Rosary (42nd/Genesee), 8 pm, featuring a local composer’s world-premiere work as well as J.S. Bach, Brahms, and Schubert. Get your ticket(s) here.

BEATS: Saturday night DJs at Revelry Room – 9 pm. Tonight, DJ Sessions. (4547 California SW, alley side)

OUT AT THE BOX: 9:30 pm drag show at Box Bar (5401 California SW), no cover, 21+.

KARAOKE: Saturday night, sing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm, with Michael Van Fleet.

Planning a concert, open house, show, sale, event, walk, run, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? If the community’s welcome, your event belongs on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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UPDATE: Driver rescued after vehicle goes into water off Alki Avenue (remaining ‘beached’ Saturday evening)
March 16, 2024 12:16 am
|      42 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

12:16 AM: 911 is reporting multiple calls about a car into the water off the 1200 block of Alki Avenue SW [map]. Police are just arriving and SFD is on the way. A person is reported to be “standing atop the sinking vehicle.” Updates to come.

(Photo sent by Lynn Hall)

12:25 AM: So far responders on scene say it appears the driver was alone in the car and is indeed out. This is now said to be in the 1100 block of Alki. Police are blocking off the street both ways in that area.

12:31 AM: Firefighters have reported one person “extricated” and we’re not sure if that’s a reference to the driver or another person.

12:47 AM: Both SFD and SPD say just one person was rescued, the driver, who is reported to have only minor injuries. (Added: SFD says the driver is a man in his early 20s.)

12:52 AM: Police told dispatch they’re reopening Alki Avenue both ways.

ADDED 10:40 AM: Thanks to Janna for sending this video – the car is still submerged:

She says it’s a Nissan Versa. High tide was just over an hour ago; the next low tide is -0.2 at 4:41 pm.

12:06 PM: Charlotte Starck of the Alki Community Council reports city Park Rangers are at the scene.

(added) Another photo from Charlotte shows an apparent tire track, and a perspective of the scene, west of Luna/Anchor Park:

2:34 PM: Just heard over police radio … “The car … is now beached.” A texter sent this photo:

9:29 PM: Still there at sunset – Bob Spears sent this photo:

10:30 AM SUNDAY: Just pulled out – followup here.

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FOLLOWUP: Southwest Teen Life Center security cameras now operating, councilmember says; community safety meeting set
March 15, 2024 11:10 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB photo, January 23)

A month and a half after the deadly shooting of a 15-year-old at Southwest Teen Life Center, the Seattle Parks-operated facility has working security cameras again, as announced by District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka today in his weekly newsletter:

I am very happy to report that the security cameras are now installed and working at West Seattle’s Teen Life Center, the location of the tragic shooting of Chief Sealth International High School student Mobarak Adam in January – Seattle’s first homicide of 2024.

I want to thank Mayor Harrell and our Parks Department for their partnership in helping us deliver this new camera system at the center. We continue to monitor progress on the investigation into this tragic event. As more information becomes available from the SPD, we will share out. Mobarak’s family deserves answers. I will continue to partner closely with the Mayor and SPD to ensure that the City provides Mobarak’s family with the clarity about what happened at the facility that they so desperately need.

As for who monitors the cameras and how, that’s a followup question we’ll be asking. Meantime, three weeks after Parks Deputy Superintendent Christopher Williams said his department would be part of a community meeting regarding safety at school and Parks facilities in the area, a date is set: The Chief Sealth IHS PTSA tells WSB that the meeting, with city, district, public safety, and other reps expected to participate, will be at the school at 6 pm April 16th.

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UPDATE: Suspect arrested after police standoff at Delridge/Thistle
March 15, 2024 7:49 pm
|      37 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

7:49 PM: Police are blocking SW Thistle both ways just east of Delridge because of an incident. We’re still working to find out more about the original callout – but they’re calling in negotiators and setting up a command post. Avoid the area.

8:05 PM: We’ve talked at the scene both with police and with a woman who says her boyfriend is the person police are after – this is described as a domestic-violence situation. The suspect is believed to be barricaded in an apartment in a building on the southeast side of the intersection.

9:12 PM: We’re continuing to monitor this; it’s not resolved yet.

(Traffic-camera framegrab showing closed streets north of response scene)

9:45 PM: Police just told dispatch they’re shutting down Delridge, too, and they’re calling for help directing traffic. Meantime, SWAT has arrived on scene. Radio exchanges indicate the suspect is wanted for two incidents involving guns.

10:10 PM: Police said the suspect told them by phone he would surrender – and they just told dispatch he has, and is now in custody. They’re checking inside the apartment just to be sure it’s now empty (others who were inside were reported earlier to be out), so the response won’t start winding down until after that.

10:34 PM: Thistle is still closed “until SWAT clears out.” … Per dispatch, the suspect has a warrant related to what was described as a “drive-by shooting” incident as well as the domestic-violence incident to which they initially responded.

10:53 PM: Thistle is reopening too.

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Brown water reported near Alki Point
March 15, 2024 7:33 pm
|    Comments Off on Brown water reported near Alki Point
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

A texter reports discolored water near Bar-S Playfields on Alki Point. No incidents are shown on the water-outage map. Remember to report it to Seattle Public Utilities at 206-386-1800 if it ever happens to you.

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BIZNOTES: Alki Kayak Tours, Portage Bay Café, Nepenthe
March 15, 2024 5:26 pm
|    Comments Off on BIZNOTES: Alki Kayak Tours, Portage Bay Café, Nepenthe
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Updates from three West Seattle businesses:

(Alki Kayak Tours photo, 2022)

ALKI KAYAK TOURS: The watercraft-and-more rental business at Seacrest (1660 Harbor SW) will be open tomorrow: “With our first 70° weekend … We wanted to let you know that Alki Kayak Tours will be open for tours and rentals this Saturday from 11-7!” Find out more about AKT on their website.

PORTAGE BAY CAFE: Spring and summer hours have launched at this West Seattle Junction restaurant: “We’re back to seven days a week.” Their hours at 4725 42nd SW are 8 am-1:30 pm Mondays-Fridays, 8 am-2 pm weekends.

NEPENTHE: Proprietor Naomi Rivera is starting a walk-in clinic on Saturdays, 3-5 pm: “Short specific sessions. Great for that crick in your neck you woke up with or to sample my work before committing to a full appointment. No charge; however, gratuities are appreciated.” Nepenthe is at 9447 35th SW.

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Here’s what Metro’s next service change brings to four West Seattle routes
March 15, 2024 3:21 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, March 6)

Metro has just gone public with its list of what’ll be different after the next semiannual “service change,” which takes effect two weeks from tomorrow (on Saturday, March 30). The full list is on this page; here are four West Seattle routes with changes, with links to their new timetables:

ROUTE 21 – adding one trip late Sunday nights

ROUTE 56 AND ROUTE 57: Changes (including three weekday deletions on 56) are planned to “align” these two routes “and provide service approximately every 20 minutes between routes 56 and 57.”

RAPID RIDE H LINE: “On Saturday and Sunday, between 6 am and 8 am, several trips will be added at the direction of the city of Seattle to better align Seattle Transit Measure service investment with the city’s goals.”

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No longer just a ‘mud field,’ Madison Middle School’s upgraded playfield is dedicated
March 15, 2024 1:21 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photos)

Five years after voters passed the levy that funded it, Madison Middle School‘s upgraded playfield was dedicated this morning in a short ceremony featuring an all-school photo.

Madison principal Dr. Robert Gary, speaking to his assembled students via megaphone, recalled, “This used to be a mud field with mud problems. It wasn’t healthy and-or safe.”

Now the field has turf and lighting; as first reported here in 2019, the ~$3 million project included widening the field by more than six feet.

It’s getting rave reviews – among the people we talked to was 8th grader Oliver Miller, who played soccer on the upgraded field earlier this week, and declared it “really nice,” recalling its previous near-unusability because of the damage done by neighborhood use as a dog park. Sheree Porter, who retired as Madison’s longtime PE teacher two years ago but was back today as a substitute, declared it “amazing.”

She laughed, “I retired too soon. This is the real thing.” Another PE teacher, Courtney Schiro, marveled, “This is going to be a game-changer.” Then in the bright-but-breezy sunshine, members of Madison’s student government cut a ceremonial ribbon.

Dr. Gary says the field will be reserved for school use during the day but then there’s an agreement in place with Seattle Parks for community use, such as sports teams, during other hours. Other major West Seattle projects in 2019’s BEX V levy included the West Seattle Elementary addition that opened last fall and the on-hold-for-another-appeal Alki Elementary rebuild.)

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