West Seattle, Washington
21 Thursday
5:36 PM: Delridge/Orchard is blocked right now because of this crash. It was originally reported as caused by a hit-run driver in a “dark pickup,” and a bicycle rider was reported injured. We’ll be following up with SFD, but in the meantime, avoid the intersection.
6:19 PM: Still blocking the west side of the intersection.
(WSB file photo)
As Westside Neighbors Shelter operator Keith Hughes told the Rotary Club of West Seattle today, “I’ll be there 12 hours a day for the next five months.” He has officially opened West Seattle’s only emergency shelter for the season; cold weather means it’s open overnight to up to 30 people who need a place to go. The shelter is at 3618 SW Alaska in The Triangle, co-housed with American Legion Post 160 and West Seattle Veterans Center. It runs on donations and volunteers, and Keith told the Rotary he can especially use more of the latter. (Here’s how to volunteer.)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The Southwest Precinct‘s commander spoke at the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s weekly lunch meeting today.
Captain Krista Bair, who’s been leading the precinct since summer, told WSB earlier this fall that community partnership is vital. Her interaction with community at this event started even before her speech; a Rotary member talked about how his 22-year-old car had been stolen twice – and recovered (as he told the story, he pointed out it was at the moment parked right outside the lunch venue, the West Seattle Golf Course banquet room) – thanks to an Automated License Plate Reader in Renton the first time. Capt. Bair confirmed SPD cars have that technology too.
Taking the mic at the front of the room a short time later, Capt. Bair said she’s a former West Seattle resident now living in Burien – and she almost immediately launched into Q&A. The first question was about a particularly egregious case and why not everyone was booked into jail; Capt. Bair said, “I’m just as dumbfounded as you are,” and noted that the question related to an incident involving juveniles, but said “I don’t have an answer for you, but don’t give up, as community, come together and collaborate.”
Second question had to do with the car shootings a few nights ago. “I’ve been told we should call in even if others have – right?” The captain replied, “That’s a perfect example of needing the community in order for us to do our work. …. We have certain priorities, bullets being shot are a priority.” But depending on what’s going on, staffing citywide can be “triage,” and she acknowledged that responses can be “frustrating. … each and every time, even if you know other people are calling … it shows there’s a need for resources in that area …” and be patient with the 911 calltakers “trying to get information” so officers can be fully informed.
What about Southwest Precinct staffing? She noted that the precinct has about 80 deployable people. 4 am-2 pm is first watch. The department has arbitrary minimums – if 10 is the minimum for that shift, for example, should they be below that level, they’ll reach out across the city to try to fill the vacancies. Second watch is 11 am to 9 pm, so the first/second overlap is when they usually would have the most people on the street, with a 12 or 13 minimum. Third watch is 7 pm to 5 am. Officers are “augmenting” – filling the vacancies – a lot, she said. Training and time off, among other things, take people out of the mix.
The next person with a question discussed a street encounter and how he learned about the “keywords” the 911 operators pick up. He mentioned a person with a possible gun – and a fast response ensued.
What are the crime stats and trends? the next person asked. Capt. Bair said crime prevention coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite, who had accompanied her, would have to look that up. (Satterwhite said year-to-year stats as of a few days ago showed a 10 percent increase in property crime, while auto theft is down 30 percent in the precinct – and they’re still giving away steering-wheel locks.) But there’s a weekly meeting about “shots fired” incidents, for example, and citywide hotspots are discussed; there are also meetings about trends like the store robberies, and there’s a “plan of action” (apparently beyond the recent arrests).
Next question: Are the juvenile criminals organized, as in gangs, or more random? Capt. Bair said “depends on who you ask” and noted that the Gun Violence Response Unit is really a gang unit too. But while the juvenile robbers are “very organized,” they aren’t necessarily a “gang,” she said.
Next question: What recruiting tools does SPD have available? Capt. Bair said the officers themselves are the best recruiting tool, in her view, “and I tell my officers that on a regular basis.” She said interim Chief Sue Rahr has been a good influence on the process too, as boosting the recruiting has been her top job. They’re also campaigning for lateral transfers – officers who are working somewhere else. She said that it’s not just her 30 years of experience that has her saying she feels the department is excellent – well-trained, and dedicated people.
She also said that Rahr has created a program called “Trust-Centered Leadership,” which includes communication, cultural awareness, and self-care – “the bottom line, the goal is always the same, to serve the people you are here to serve and help.” As an example, she mentioned going to the East Precinct just as it reopened after the CHAZ abandonment. As a lieutenant, she learned some important management skills with that experience, needing to recognize the mindset of the people you’re leading, not just your own. And she again mentioned that Chief Rahr is here just because she is passionate about the work – she came out of retirement to do this, after all. Right now officers don’t have time to do much more than go from 911 call to 911 call but hopefully that will change when staffing increases in the next few years.
Final question, about the 12th/Jackson trouble spot on the south side of downtown – what can the police due about the prevalent drug use and suffering? Capt. Bair replied “continue with enforcement …is the quick answer.” But the questioner said he had never seen any sign of police response. Bair said “getting the right people out there” is the best answer – the city’s CARE team, for example. Mental-health professionals, case managers, others are needed. “We need other partners to assist us with that … right now the CARE department has been phenomenal.” Officers get dispatched too and then hand off to the CARE team members, so they can move on to calls that truly require an officer.
She was presented with a book of nature photographs by Art Wolfe, as a token of appreciation for her appearance.
OTHER ROTARY NOTES: A recent fundraiser brought in more than $1,600 for fighting hunger; the club also will be volunteering at a local food-distribution center in lieu of next Tuesday’s lunch gathering … 19 trees, 3 wreaths, and 2 gift baskets have been donated for the upcoming Festival of Mini-Trees that the Rotary is presenting on December 4.
(WSB file photo of City Light crew during past power outage)
Some readers wondered how Seattle City Light is preparing for the possible windstorm, with the latest version of the National Weather Service wind advisory envisioning “southeast winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.” SCL spokesperson Jenn Strang had a simple answer for us: “City Light staff and crews are prepared for the forecasted weather. We are monitoring conditions and will adjust staffing numbers as needed.” As for the forecasters, the NWS Seattle bureau updated at midmorning, “Forecast models remain in good agreement over an anomalously strong surface low intensifying offshore today, bringing significant weather to western Washington … Intense pressure gradients will cause strong east winds to develop Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.” In our area, those winds are expected to start in the evening, though the advisory takes effect at 2 pm.
P.S. SCL’s before/during/after-windstorm advice is here. If it does happen, staying safe is the most important thing to do; if you’re able, let us know about power outages, downed trees, etc., via text at 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Thanks to Deb Barker – former Landmarks Board member among other things – for the tip on this. When the board meets tomorrow, it will consider a landmark designation for a home in southwest West Seattle, 10455 Maplewood SW [map]. It’s known as the Stewart House for its original 1930-1931 owners, Ralph and Evelyn Stewart, an entrepreneurial family that primarily made money through home-heating fuel. The unrelated family that has owned it for more than 50 years is seeking the designation “in an effort to gain Seattle landmark protections for the house and to recognize it for posterity,” according to the report that gained a landmark nomination for the house. It was designed by early-20th-century architects Bain and Pries and is considered an example of “Spanish eclectic” architecture. You can see more photos in the slide deck prepared for the Landmarks Board process. The city’s historic-preservation staff says the two-acre site, with other structures, and home are worthy of consideration as examples of an architecture style and “outstanding work” of architects; you can read their report here. The board will consider the potential landmark designation when it meets at 3:30 pm tomorrow at City Hall downtown. You can also watch the meeting online, and/or comment in person or remotely – the agenda explains how.
P.S. West Seattle already is home to more than a dozen designated city landmarks – all mapped here.
presentation
(Monday photo, South Seattle College Arboretum, by Jay Speidell)
Highlights for today/tonight, mostly from our Event Calendar, where you can get a preview days, weeks, even months ahead, and our West Seattle Holiday Guide:
DUWAMISH RIVER CLEANUP UPDATES: Online meeting starts at 10 am – connection info is here. All welcome.
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Long-distance advocacy via handwritten postcards sent to voters in other states – the work continues post-election – drop in 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all welcome.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Lunch meeting at noon at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW). Today’s guest speaker is Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Krista Bair.
CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING: An update on the school-closure plan is one of many items on the agenda for tonight’s 4:15 pm meeting at district HQ (3rd/Lander, SODO).
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $10 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
FOR FAMILIES WITH COMMUTER STUDENTS: The Vashon Island School District superintendent’s next Q&A visit to C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) is tonight at 5:30 pm.
SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm tonight, play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).
FREE TRACK RUN: All runners welcome! Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.
HOPE LUTHERAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 6:30 pm at the Hope Lutheran School (WSB sponsor) main campus (4456 42nd SW).
TREES AND REZONING: As previewed here (with much discussion ensuing), 6:30 pm advocacy-group meeting to talk about this specific offshoot of the city’s new proposed zoning maps. All welcome. Meeting’s at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW)
WEST SEATTLE TOASTMASTERS 832: Work on speaking and leadership skills with this group, meeting online, 6:30 pm. Our calendar listing explains how to get the attendance link.
MAKE POTTERY: Weekly 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).
(added) MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: 7 pm:
The Morbidly Curious Book Club is having their November meeting at 7 p.m. at Easy Street Records.
We are discussing “Boys Enter The House” by David Nelson. Next month’s book is Out Cold by Philip Jaekl.
(4559 California SW)
BINGO AT THE SKYLARK: Play – free! Tuesday nights bring Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 5: Now there are five trivia options for Tuesday – new, 7 pm trivia at Future Primitive‘s Beer Bar on Alki (2536 Alki SW) … 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).
PFLAG MEETING: 7:30 pm monthly gathering at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill).
Planning an event? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar and/or Holiday Guide – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(Photo courtesy Stu Hennessey)
Volunteer work and donations power Puget Ridge Edible Park, a unique space at 18th/Brandon that nourishes the community in many ways. Stu Hennessey asked us to share the announcement of the park’s winter fundraiser, noting, “We have visitors from all over West Seattle coming to the park to harvest, see what we are doing, or to enjoy the atmosphere. We are still operating with a volunteer crew and rely solely on the efforts of these few.”
We are a group of volunteers who work together for the purpose of growing food for public open harvest. 2025 will be our 10th year of developing a farm-like production of healthy produce for neighbors to harvest or to be distributed. We have accomplished a lot in the last decade but still have some structural needs to be resolved,
The park has become a focal point for all ages. Kids to seniors come regularly to harvest a meal or to enjoy the peacefulness of nature. there are many things we grow that before had not been known to many a visitor. Kids come to devour goumi berries and compete in the aronia challenge to see who can eat the biggest handfuls.
We have many events through the season, from the Easter egg hunt to the pumpkin hunt. Kids get to enjoy the farm atmosphere even if they cannot leave the city. They really enjoy the Haunted Food Forest. 
There are many opportunities for learning by all age groups and school groups. Partnering with local schools, Seattle City Parks and the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association, we offer a classroom that has fresh air and a built-in lunch program. The first ten years has been a learning experience. The foundations, relationships and the support of our city and community will sustain us for the future. Thank You!
You can donate (and see more photos) by going here.
7:49 AM: Thanks for the texted tips. Multi-car crash on the eastbound West Seattle Bridge before 99.
8:35 AM: Adding photos. Live camera shows the crash is still blocking the right EB lane.
8:50 AM: Another crash reported, this one at 16th/Henderson, blocking the intersection. Meantime, the bridge crash has cleared.
9:05 AM: Thanks for the texted 16th/Henderson photo (we’re at 206-293-6302 any time) – added.
9:24 AM: Another texter says the 16th/Henderson crash is affecting traffic.
Esrlier:
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, November 19.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
A wind alert is in effect for this afternoon and tonight – check here for the latest version. Otherwise, a break in the rain before more rain, high in the upper 40s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:21 am, while sunset will be at 4:27 pm.
IF YOU SEE SNOWPLOWS
… it’s NOT because snow is expected (not yet!) – it’s because SDOT is testing.
TRANSIT
Water Taxi today – Regular service.
Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route with M/V Sealth as the “ghost boat.” Check here for last-minute changes.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
ROAD WORK
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the south half of the bridge is closed, with one lane each way on the north side. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
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!
(Tuesday photo by Kevin Freitas)
One week ago tonight, an arsonist set Camp Long‘s historic lodge on fire. That not only gutted the building, but also destroyed decades of history. And it torched some people’s plans for events at the lodge, which the city rented out. If you were among them, the company that manages The Hall at Fauntleroy wanted to share an offer. From D Squared Hospitality:
We were all devastated by the news of Camp Long and recognized the importance of the lodge as a meeting place for the community it’s served for many years.
We rallied together to come up with ideas about how we could offer our support and services to those who have already booked their special events at Camp Long by providing a deeply discounted venue space, including many of our standard fees waived with the sincerest intention to allow these community-building events to still happen!
Anyone who has an event booked in December 2024 and into January 2025 can connect with our team directly at info@dsquaredcompany.com if they have any questions or concerns. We would love to work with each person affected individually to help come up with a practical solution that works for everyone.
Meantime, no new info from Parks or Police yet in the Camp Long fire’s aftermath.
Two more West Seattle coyote sightings, this time with clear photos:
THIS MORNING, FAUNTLEE HILLS: Sent by Ann:
I followed this well-fed coyote up Donovan from Fauntlee Crest (Fauntlee Hills) this am around 6:40. He was not the least bit concerned about me.
LAST THURSDAY, SUNRISE HEIGHTS: Sent by a reader who wanted to be anonymous:
Coyote on 29th and Webster around 9:30 pm.
We publish coyote sightings for awareness, not alarm; if you’ve never seen one, you might still have trouble believing they live among us. Here’s state wildlife authorities’ advice on ensuring we can continue co-existing.
5:04 PM: The three armed-robbery suspects arrested Friday night, hours after a series of holdups including two in West Seattle, appeared in court this afternoon. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says a judge found probable cause for holding all three for investigation of four counts of first-degree robbery. $400,000 bail was requested and set for the two adult suspects, 21 and 19; the 11-year-old suspect (who turns 12 later this month) will remain in secure custody for now (bail is not a factor in juvenile cases).
The four robberies happened in the span of less than an hour and a half, starting at 5:25 am Friday morning on East Marginal Way, continuing on Rainier Avenue less than 15 minutes later, then on to West Seattle an hour after that one, with a holdup at Space Age (35th/Holden) followed 10 minutes later at the Shell station in The Triangle. Investigators allege they took cash and tobacco products in the robberies, and that at least one wielded a rifle. The probable-cause documents say they were tracked down an hour after the final robbery because someone flagged down police about an abandoned blue Kia (stolen from a SeaTac hotel), and had dashcam video showing an associated silver Hyundai with California plates. A law-enforcement bulletin was issued for the Hyundai, eventually chased and found near Spring/Harvard, with the three suspects then arrested. While the images in the document copies aren’t usable, investigators say they have security-camera images linking the suspects to the robberies because of the clothing they were wearing. The KCPAO says the two adult suspects are due back in court Wednesday, while the next hearing for the juvenile suspect is on Thursday.
ADDED 6:10 PM: Court records show the juvenile suspect is also being held on a warrant from a case for which he got a suspended sentence just last month. The records in that case, however, show him as 13, rather than 11, though that doesn’t make a difference in the case. It was an eerily similar robbery rampage back in July, with four robbers hitting three stores – two in Tukwila, one in Renton – in a short time span. Four juveniles were arrested – this one, and three others, ages 14 and 15. This suspect plea-bargained to reduced charges and got a suspended 15- to 36-week sentence, with credit for three months in custody. But five days after that sentencing in mid-October, he allegedly violated terms of supervision/release, and a warrant was issued to consider possibly revoking the suspension.
(WSB photo, 2023 Christmas Ship stop)
As noted previously, the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship is making just two West Seattle stops this holiday season, and both are this Saturday night. The second, however, will be extra-festive, because the Alki Community Council is launching a “Nostalgic Neighborhood Tradition“ at the beach. The Christmas Ship is due at 8:35 pm; the community-gathering event is set for 7-9 pm. Seattle Parks promises a bonfire; participating Alki businesses promise treats. And you’re invited to dress up in “ugly holiday sweaters” and/or attire that glows. (Rudolph might be envious.) Plus, bring non-perishable donations for the West Seattle Food Bank! This is all set to happen around the Alki Beach Bathhouse (60th/Alki) and at Alki businesses on Saturday night.
Charge everything – and secure whatever you have outside that might blow around – another wind alert is in place for our area. This time, the National Weather Service has a Wind Advisory in effect from 2 pm Tuesday to 4 am Wednesday. That’s just part of a wave of stormy weather headed for the state – look at all the different alert-signifying colors – 13! – on the NWS map accompanying this story. For specifics, the alert suggests we can expect “east to southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.” The NWS also notes, “Significant impacts may occur at lower-than-usual wind speeds due to the atypical easterly wind direction.” (South/southwest is more common.)
2:12 PM: Still have something to say to City Councilmembers before their final budget votes later this week? They’ve added one more round of public comment, to tomorrow morning’s meeting – you can speak in person or online at the 9:30 am Tuesday meeting of the full council as the Select Budget Committee. Budget chair Councilmember Dan Strauss has added the extra comment period mostly because of tax-related proposals made since last Tuesday night’s mega-hearing, but comment won’t be limited to those items. You can speak in person by signing up on the sheets available in council chambers just before the meeting, or online as explained here. The meeting will stream live on Seattle Channel (funding for which is up for discussion too); the first draft of the agenda is here.
3:51 PM: The agenda has been updated with more of the documents for tomorrow’s meeting.
.
Three notes in West Seattle (and vicinity) Crime Watch, plus an announcement:
GUNFIRE DAMAGES ACCESS BUS: A reader tipped us to this South Park incident, and now police have released a summary:
At 4:15 am (Friday), a Metro Access Van was transporting a single rider to an appointment in the early morning hours. When the van was traveling near 14 Ave S/ S Cloverdale St, the vehicle occupants observed a passenger compartment window shatter. Believing it might have been a rock, the vehicle continued to the original destination. The operator eventually discovered possible bullet damage and notified the supervisor who in turn called 911. Officers responded to the Access facility and contacted the (person who reported it). Bullet damage was verified, and evidence was collected.
If you have any information, the incident # is 24-323338.
Two reader reports:
GAS THEFT, AGAIN: The photo and report are from Jeff:
I came out to my truck this morning to find that someone drilled a hole in the gas tank to steal gas. This is the second time it has happened in a little over a year. Located off 44th and Genesee. If anyone heard or saw anything, it would be helpful.
No police-report number yet, nor for this one:
GARAGE BREAK-IN: From Scott:
(Saturday) night starting at 3 am, on the 41st Ave SW block between Hinds and Manning, someone broke into our garage and stole a bunch of tools. Our video camera captured this image of the person.
Please let people know to lock their belongings!
Also, just announced:
NEXT COMMUNITY MEETING WITH POLICE: Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite has just announced the next Crime Prevention Council meeting (and remember, the “council” is really just everyone who shows up) for 6:30 pm Thursday, December 5. In addition to updates from precinct leaders, you will get a chance to learn about the Unified Care Team, the multi-department team that deals with encampments around the city. The agenda is in our calendar listing; the precinct is at 2300 SW Webster.
(WSB photo, May)
The development docket’s been quiet lately, but a West Seattle project of note showed up in the city’s twice-weekly Land Use Information Bulletin today: 5249 California SW [map] is the long-vacant site next to the once-and-future Ephesus Restaurant. Almost two years ago, we found the newest project proposed for the site, with nine residential units. Now that’s received a key land-use approval, which in turn opens a two-week appeal period for anyone interested. What’s planned on the site is summarized by the city as “a 3-story, 6-unit townhouse building and a 3-story, 3-unit live-work building” with four offstreet-parking spaces. As also noted in the city’s bulletin, the foundation that’s on the site was built in 2017; at one point, there was a plan for a small mixed-use building there. Here’s the decision city planners reached, including their design- and landscaping-related comments; here’s the notice explaining how to appeal, by the December 2nd deadline. After this is finalized, the project still has to obtain a building permit before proceeding.
(Snowy Olympics peeking through the morning murk, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s the list for your Monday, from our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
BABY STORY TIME: Noon at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), for kids 0-2.
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, including first-time players.
LISTENING TO GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm evening group with Listening to Grief, preregistration required. (4034 California SW)
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Four places to play tonight – Sporcle Music Quiz at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 6:30 and 7:30 pm … 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)
MONDAY NIGHT LAUGHS: This month’s “Routine Killers” comedy show at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way) features Tyler Boeh, 7 pm – tickets and info here.
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: You’re invited to 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 also hosts Monday night meditation at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 7-8:30 pm.
MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: The Alley in back of Bonjour Vietnam is open – Monday nights, live music from The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
SING! 9 pm is the start time for Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
If you have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar, please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
One of that student group’s members, Jane is a West Seattle teen who goes to school on Vashon Island, where she’s part of a club that’s reaching across the globe to assist other girls. They’re also reaching across Puget Sound to invite more West Seattleites to support their work, with an online presentation Tuesday night. Here’s their announcement:
Girls to Girls is a student-led club at Vashon Island High School that connects girls from our club community with another across the globe in Taita-Taveta, Kenya. Our sister club, PETRI, is based at Mercer Island High School, and together, we’re sponsored by SeaVuria, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to provide scholarships for girls in Kenya, enabling them to continue their education, as the Kenyan government does not fully fund schooling beyond grade 8. In the rural community of Taita-Taveta, where families earn just $3 a day, affording education for all children is challenging, and often, boys are prioritized.
Beyond scholarships, we have also provided computers and menstrual products to support these students in Taita-Taveta. Through our pen-pal program, we foster a special sisterhood with these innovative and resilient girls, creating meaningful connections across continents.
SeaVuria makes all of this possible through fundraising and donations. We organize bake sales, car washes, and are actively expanding our outreach in West Seattle. This November, we’re hosting our largest fundraiser of the year, and we’d love for you to join us!
Event Details:
Dates: November 19th at 7 PM PST
Location: Join us via THIS Zoom Link.Please also check out our website, seavuria.org, to learn more.
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, November 18.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Rainy, breezy, high in the mid-40s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:20 am, while sunset will be at 4:28 pm.
TRANSIT
Water Taxi today – Regular service.
Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route with M/V Sealth as the “ghost boat.” Check here for last-minute changes.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
ROAD WORK
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the south half of the bridge is closed, with one lane each way on the north side. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
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!
(Trees in High Point, photographed by Jerry Simmons)
Among this week’s events in West Seattle: The Trees and People Coalition plans an “interactive information session” Tuesday night (November 19) to discuss how the city’s proposed zoning changes might affect the tree canopy. They’re planning presentations around the city, starting with 6:30 pm Tuesday at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW). The sessions will include information on how to comment on the rezoning proposals by the December 20 deadline. If you can’t get to this, there’s also an online session next Saturday, noon-1 pm (register here to get the link), with citywide information and the chance to ask questions about your neighborhood.
Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Neighbors gathered earlier this week for a general gathering of the Admiral Neighborhood Association to hear from guest speakers and discuss community issues and upcoming holiday events. The meeting was held at Admiral Church on Tuesday and was facilitated by president Joanie Jacobs, and here’s a recap:Â
First on the agenda (bumped to the top because she needed to attend to a family commitment) was city attorney Ann Davison, who gave an update to the group and answered questions. She had spoken last month to the Alki Community Council (WSB coverage here) and provided a similar update for the Admiral group.Â
Davison reiterated the importance of neighborhood meetings like this being a crucial part of her job, and how much she appreciates people coming out to attend.
Davison cited her partnership with the Seattle City Council in September’s 8-1 council approval of the creation of Stay Out of Drug Areas (SODA) areas, which target drug-related criminal activity in key areas of the city (such as portions of Belltown and the International District) and authorizing the courts to prohibit an individual from entering those areas if they have committed a drug-related criminal offense in those zones. Davison said she is optimistic that the zones are small and targeted enough to really make a difference, saying that past efforts to identify priority areas of the city involved about 40% of the city’s 83 square miles (“simply too big”) but that the current SODA areas make up only .5% of the city. “These areas are a tool for officers to protect the public space and provide predictability,” she said, so the general public “can get where they need to go and do what they need to do.” She added that because prior booking restrictions for King County Jail were lifted on November 1st, this will also help officers be more responsive for the community. “That was a missing piece; an instrumental change,” she said.
Davison then took some questions from attendees:
Davison then needed to leave the meeting for a family obligation, and encouraged attendees to reach out to her office with questions and concerns. She said that she lives in north Seattle and thus isn’t in West Seattle every day, but she wants to hear from citizens. Jacobs thanked Davison for the extra effort to attend the meeting and make the time.Â
The group discussed and approved the minutes of their prior meeting, and then invited officer Barreto to provide some updates:Â
Barreto said that, from a crime-stats perspective in the Admiral area, most of the crime numbers are down, with the exception of aggravated assault and burglaries. Some attendees noted that this wasn’t particularly comforting news, which Barreto acknowledged, but said that the relative number of incidents was still low, thus any data change one way or another is going to result in a significant “percentage change.” Barreto noted that crime data is published online and is readily available.Â
Barreto then answered questions from attendees:
Next was a report from treasurer Bridgett Markille, who reported that the group’s finances are strong, due to great support from small businesses and members, despite considerable expenses this past year on marquee events such as the Admiral Music in the Parks (AMP) series, the July 4th parade and the Admiral Funktion block party. She encouraged residents to support those small businesses.Â
Next up was an update from communications chair ​Dan Jacobs, who reported that ANA has been graciously gifted a software program called MonkeyPod that will be the group’s new platform for management of financing, communications, donations etc. The donation is being facilitated by MonkeyPod’s Mike Depew, who lives in the Admiral area and wanted to get involved with what ANA is doing.Â
The ANA group then elected officers, and attendees approved the continuation of the 4 existing officers to remain in their positions:
President:Â Joanie JacobsÂ
Vice President:Â Cheryl Lea
Secretary: Meagan Loftin
Treasurer:Â Bridgett Markille
Jacobs expressed support for Admiral Church and its staff, saying that the church lets ANA meet there for free, helped host one of the AMP concerts, and has been a great partner.Â
She added that ANA needs a team leader to head up the group’s annual 4th of July parade (WSB coverage here). Megan Erb led it for about 10 years, but she is stepping down and they need a new leader for this popular local event. Jacobs emphasized that it’s not a “solo effort,” it takes many volunteers, but there does need to be a coordinator in order for the event to keep going. Interested? Contact the group via connecttoadmiral.org.
Jacobs acknowledged the recent unexpected death of WSB co-founder Patrick Sand, calling him “an amazing person; a force for good in our community,” and a great friend. She said that different neighborhood associations have been working on ways to honor his legacy, and ANA has decided that they’ll be starting a “Patrick Sand ANA Advocate Award,” and will accept applications in the near future, with the winner chosen by a group that will include WSB editor/publisher Tracy Record.Â
Jacobs then acknowledged the volunteers who helped put together the group’s successful Admiral trick-or-treating event (WSB coverage here), saying that the group received very positive feedback about the event, particularly regarding the ANA-coordinated crossing guards (the first year for that).Â
Some upcoming events, which Jacobs and the team talked about:
The group closed the meeting with some raffle items, and thanked attendees for coming.
The next general gathering of the Admiral Neighborhood Association will be held in the new year: Tuesday January 14th at 7pm at Admiral Church.
(Katie, in photo provided by Flower Lab)
When we reported this past week on changes coming to the southeast corner of the Admiral Junction, Bebop Waffle Shop‘s end-of-year closure news included word that co-housed Flower Lab (2600 California SW) would eventually be going online only. Flower Lab proprietor Katie wants to be sure you know that’s not happening any time soon: “We are going to be remaining open in the Admiral location through Mother’s Day – we do want people to stop in and shop our floor (we’ll be selling off giftware), and we will be keeping our coolers stocked to continue selling in-person and for deliveries over these next months prior to moving things online. We’re so grateful for the chance to continue serving as your retail florist in this special space, which will have new life breathed into it once again in 2025. As we prepare for the future, we’re gradually transitioning to focus more on e-commerce flower delivery, but in the meantime, we’re here — ready for your calls, online orders, and visits to the shop. We’d love to welcome you in and help bring beauty into your lives as you’ve brought it into ours.”
(Photos by Dave Gershgorn for WSB)
If you’re at the Turkey Bowl, you might as well dress like a bird. That’s one of the sights our photographer saw at last night’s Beer Church Turkey Bowl at West Seattle Bowl. For more than 20 years, this event has brought together brewers, brewpub operators, and other members of the beer community to raise money and collect food for the West Seattle Food Bank.
(Organizers- top row from left: Chris Burns, Kendall Jones, Kim Jones, Shayna Burns, Shannon Burns, Tom Burns. Bottom row from left: Wyatt Brinkman, Ellie Burns, Mary Burns, Thomas Burns)
The holiday tradition also included raffles and a silent auction:
And more bowling:
(Dylon Tubb bowling)
Organizers Kendall Jones and Kim Sharpe Jones are known for the Washington Beer Blog, for which Kendall is the main contributor.
| 0 COMMENTS