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Spotlight Stories


  • Ecoblocks

    ECO-BLOCKS GONE: What’s on Andover now

  • Gunfire

    2 GUNFIRE INCIDENTS: 1 blamed on road rage

  • Bowl

    BOWLING BENEFIT: Can you out-bowl this 10-y-o?

UPDATE: ‘Humongous’ sighting at Lowman Beach
August 7, 2022 7:25 pm
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

7:25 PM: The photo is from Caroline, who spotted that on Lowman Beach and wonders what it is: “It’s humongous! And so amazing with the colors and textures.” She and other beachgoers have been keeping it wet while the tide rolls back in, but they’re wondering what it is. We don’t recognize it; tried Google Search By Image, and while it suggests possibly a jellyfish relative, no definitive ID via photos. Do YOU know what it is?

9:22 PM: Consensus in comments seems to be that it’s an upside-down lion’s-mane jellyfish, so we’ve updated the headline.

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BIRDS: From river to sea to trees
August 7, 2022 5:19 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

In the fall, we often feature bird-photo galleries on Seahawks game days. Today, it’s in honor of the end of the Seafair airshow.

While at Duwamish River People’s Park for the festival on Saturday, we photographed the Osprey nest atop a pole in the middle of the habitat-restoration zone. Steve Bender sent this photo of the mom and chick two weeks ago:

At Lincoln Park, Vincent Marx photographed two young male Bald Eagles:

Then there’s the majesty of the birds that share our neighborhoods day to day – Chi Krneta photographed these Crows (one fully leucistic) in July:

Troy Sterk sent this photo of a young Crow a few days ago:

Speaking of young, Jerry Simmons photographed a Steller’s Jay feeding chicks in June:

Ann Anderson photographed a baby Bushtit – and if you know how small Bushtits are, imagine how little their babies must be!

Last but not least, a Great Blue Heron with a catch, photographed by Dianne Johnson:

Thanks to everyone who’s sent bird photos – with Seahawks season almost here, we’ll likely be back to publishing galleries every few weeks, depending on what comes in.

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DEVELOPMENT: 4448 California gets final Southwest Design Review Board approval
August 7, 2022 3:01 pm
|      72 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(Rendering by Atelier Drome)

Without many big projects in the pipeline, meetings of the Southwest Design Review Board – which could meet up to twice a month, with up to two projects on each agenda – have been few and far between. In an online meeting Thursday night, the all-volunteer board took its third look at 4448 California SW, the mixed-use project set to replace the commercial building that currently holds Doll Parts Collective and a new temporary location of West Seattle Coworking. The 7-story building is proposed for 96 apartments – described by the project team as “a mix of 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom” units – and ground-floor commercial, with no offstreet-parking spaces.

The board has had some changes since its second look at the project in November; Patrick Cobb is now the chair, and two of the other three members in attendance were new – Brenda Baxter and Gavin Schaefer. Of the two continuing members, Alan Grainger was present and Johanna Lirman was absent. The city planner assigned to the project also has changed since the November review; now it’s David Sachs.

Here’s the design packet used for the meeting. There were no major remaining points of concern, and the only public comment that came in during the meeting was positive. It was noted that some written comments had been received pre-meeting about aspects outside the SWDRB’s jurisdiction – including parking and density. Board members observed that the architects from Atelier Drome had revised the design in accordance with guidance given by the board in November. They spelled out five points they want to see addressed before the final design gets official city approval. Those include differentiating the residential entry from the commercial entry and signage; they were concerned the commercial signage would get lost under the awning, and pointed to signage on the edge of the awning at the nearby AJ Apartments as an example of how that problem could be avoided. Another focus area is the bicycle-storage room access, ensuring lighting and security.

WHAT’S NEXT: If you have comments about the project – design or otherwise – you still have time to email Sachs (david.sachs@seattle.gov). He’ll write the final report on the project, and it still has other phases of the permit process to go through before construction can begin.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Businesses burglarized
August 7, 2022 11:05 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

The proprietors of adjoining Youngstown Coffee and HeartBeet Organic Superfood Café in Morgan Junction emailed to say they were burglarized early this morning – “Cash and iPhones and iPads stolen and damage to Youngstown’s front door.” They say security video recorded the burglar but may not be of much use because he was fairly well covered; they describe him as white, male, thin, 5’8″, in a blue hoodie and hat, wearing a medical face mask. Despite having to deal with the burglary’s aftermath, the businesses – which also have been deeply involved with community events – are open. How can you help? “The best way is to just come get some coffee, food, and smoothies. We so appreciate the support!”

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YOU CAN HELP: Dine-out fundraiser today for Seattle Badgers’ trip to Gay Softball World Series
August 7, 2022 10:48 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Also happening today in addition to what’s on our preview list: A dine-out fundraiser at Lady Jaye in The Junction for the Seattle Badgers D-division team’s trip to the 2022 Gay Softball World Series.

The team has five players and two coaches who live in West Seattle. The GSWS is in Dallas this year, starting later this month, and the Badgers are fundraising to help cover travel costs. Lady Jaye is one of their sponsors and today the restaurant/bar is donating a percentage of proceeds to the Badgers. Dining hours are 2-8 pm but you can also buy gift cards or meat-shop merchandise at LJ now through 8 pm to be part of the fundraiser. Lady Jaye is at 4523 California SW. The Badgers play in the Emerald City Softball league.

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Date set for Celebration of Life event remembering Dennis Ross
August 7, 2022 9:31 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

When we published this remembrance of longtime Admiral community advocate Dennis Ross in June, the date for the celebration of his life hadn’t yet been set. Now it has. Here’s the announcement:

A celebration of Dennis Ross’s life will be held at Hamilton Viewpoint Park (1120 California Way SW) on August 27 from 2-4 pm. Please RSVP to bill54ross@gmail.com so we can have enough picnic food and drinks for all! And all who knew and befriended Dennis are welcome!

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Here’s what’s happening (and not) on your West Seattle Sunday
August 7, 2022 6:34 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Gary Pro)

Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s what’s happening today:

TRAFFIC ALERTS: Here’s what SDOT has going today:
-16th/Cambridge, working to update curb bulbs and curb ramps.8 am-5 pm
-Olson/Roxbury, cleaning the parking strips and medians 6 am04 pm, planning to “begin on Olson Place SW where we will close a single eastbound lane and proceed to SW Roxbury St, where we will close a single westbound lane.”
-21st/Genesee, grinding pavement to prepare for repainting the street mural.

PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT: Starting at 8 am and continuing all day, spectators welcome but playing spots are filled for the second annual West Seattle Pickleball Classic at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th & Myrtle).

CHURCHES WITH ONLINE SERVICES: We’re continuing to list these – see today’s list here.

FOOD DRIVE: Donate non-perishable food at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill) today, 10 am-12:30 pm.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market is open with peak summer produce as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, prepared food, and more, California SW between Oregon and Alaska.

FREE PERSONAL SAFETY TRAINING: 11 am online – our calendar listing explains how to register.

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: With sunny and hot weather expected, the wading pool will be open in central upper Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm.

COLMAN POOL: The outdoor pool on the Lincoln Park shore (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is back open to the public, noon-7 pm.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society museum< is open on Alki, and you can visit noon-4 pm, (61st/Stevens)

NO ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS TODAY: This week’s tours are canceled because U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers are busy supporting Seafair.

‘HERE THERE BE DRAGONS’: 3 pm matinee at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) for the one-woman musical. Tickets here.

BLUE ANGELS: One last performance, again planned to start shortly after 3 pm. Here’s our Saturday story, with today’s airshow schedule.

MUSICAL BENEFIT AT C & P COFFEE: Starting at 2 pm, 11 musicians perform in a benefit show at C & P Coffee Company raising money for education in Sierra Leone. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

NEED FOOD? White Center Community Dinner Church serves a free meal (take-away available) at 5 pm Sundays at the Salvation Army Center in South Delridge (9050 16th SW).

MEDITATION AND MORE: Kundalini Yoga, Meditation, Gong Bath at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW) with Inner Alchemy, 7-8:30 pm.

SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.

SUNDAY NIGHT KARAOKE: 9 pm to 1:30 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

Have an event to list for our calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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UPDATE: Seattle Fire ‘full response’ for Admiral house fire
August 7, 2022 2:13 am
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

2:13 AM: A Seattle Fire “full response” is headed to a possible house fire in the 2600 block of 39th SW [vicinity map]. Updates to come.

(Added: Texted photo)

2:15 AM: First engine to arrive confirms “working fire.”

2:19 AM: Firefighters say the fire seems to have reached the roof.

(Added: SFD photo)

2:24 AM: Firefighters have told dispatch that they’re finding “hoarding conditions” inside the house. Meantime, they’ve also declared the fire under control.

(Added: WSB photo)

2:45 AM: The fire’s now been declared “tapped” (out).

(Added: WSB photo)

3 AM: Our crew at the scene has talked with SFD’s David Cuerpo, who says no one was inside when the fire started, and no one has been hurt. SFD’s investigator is on the way.

3:02 PM: Cuerpo says the fire’s cause remains under investigation. He also says there was a resident inside the house at the time: “The resident was able to evacuate and reported no injuries.” And regarding another point of the firefighting operation that’s under discussion in the comments, Cuerpo says, “While our firefighters may state ‘hoarding conditions’ over the radio, it is communicated as a safety precaution for other firefighters on scene to be aware of objects that may block access to a space within the home. After the fire, our Battalion Chief on scene confirmed these were not hoarding conditions.”

ADDED TUESDAY MORNING: We’ve been asking SFD since the fire about the determination of cause. They have just confirmed it was arson. We’ll have a separate story later today.

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BLUE ANGELS: West Seattle photographers’ Saturday airshow views
August 6, 2022 9:24 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Blue Angels | West Seattle news

One more day for the Blue Angels’ return to Seafair. Tonight we have a few photos from today’s airshow courtesy of West Seattle photographers – above and below, by Monica Zaborac, from Harbor Avenue:

That’s the Blue Angels’ support plane “Fat Albert,” which David Hutchinson also photographed:

Again watching from Ruby Chow Park at the north end of Boeing Field, David also caught this formation:

And a closeup:

(added) Thanks to Vicky Piston for this view:

Jerry Simmons watched from Seward Park and sent this photo of one of the other, shall we say, loud planes in the airshow:

That’s an F-35A piloted by Maj. Kristin “Beo” Wolfe, Commander of the Lightning II Demonstration Team from the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base in Utah.

SUNDAY SCHEDULE: From the Seafair website:

10:35 – Aerobatic Performance
12:00 – Golden Knights Performance
12:35 – Aerobatic Performance
13:10 – F35 Lightning II Performance
13:40 – EA 18G Growler Performance
14:45 – Aerobatic Performance
14:45 – Boeing Seafair Flyover
15:05 – Blue Angels Performance

They’re all meant for optimal viewing by admission-paying Seafair attendees on Lake Washington, but some of the airshow performers – including the Blue Angels – take off from Boeing Field, and in addition to experiencing the roaring takeoff by the airport, you can also see some of the highest maneuvers from here (we watched from Westcrest Park, with binoculars, on Friday afternoon).

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Two more thefts – gray F-150 pickup (update: found), ‘big’ package – plus, prowler
August 6, 2022 7:51 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three more reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

TRUCK TAKEN: From Tanya:

:

My husband’s 2009 F150 was stolen sometime today. It is a darker-gray crew cab truck with a Thule paddle board kayak rack on the bed. The license plate number is B21626L. It was stolen from the 8600 block of 36th Ave SW. Please keep an eye out for it. A police report has been filed.

9:22 PM: Update – Tanya says they found it by driving around – it was left seven blocks away from where it was taken.

STOLEN PACKAGE: From Jessica:

I live (in the 2300 block of) 44th Ave SW (right behind Arthur’s) and I had a package stolen today. It’s a pretty big package. Delivered at 2 pm and we got home about 5:30, so in those 3 hours it was stolen. It’s a suitcase, so if anyone sees it please let me know. The brand is Away and it’s dark green.

PROWLER: Mark reports a prowler who lurked on his front porch and others:

We followed him up and down 39th and 38th, between Hanford and Lander. We called SPD but they never showed up or updated us. The suspect did walk up to other front doors and appear to be casing homes.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Alert adjusted
August 6, 2022 4:45 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

The National Weather Service has shifted the timing of its Heat Advisory alert for our area. Now it’s set to take effect at noon Sunday and continue until 9 pm Monday. Though the NWS says temperatures might reach the 90s the next two days, this afternoon has only been 80ish.

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WEEKEND SCENE: Duwamish River Festival at brand-new park
August 6, 2022 1:17 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   South Park | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(WSB photos unless otherwise credited)

1:17 PM: Until 5 pm, you can visit newly dedicated Duwamish River People’s Park and enjoy the Duwamish River Festival. The park is at 8700 Dallas Ave. S. in South Park [map] – we reported on the site when construction began two years ago.

Today’s event includes entertainment, games, educational booths, and food, as shown here. We’ll add more photos when we’re back at HQ.

P.S. If you drive there and can’t find a close parking spot, there is a shuttle from 8438 Dallas.

ADDED 2:59 PM: The festival has more than 55 booths, most from agencies and groups addressing environmental issues in the Duwamish Valley and ways you can help – native plants, for example:

Knowing and respecting the Duwamish River’s fish and wildlife is another topic:

You can find out more about the West Dumamish Wet Weather Storage Facility project featured here earlier this week, to be built in southeast West Seattle in about three years:

Community resilience is a topic too – Cindi Barker from West Seattle is at the booth where you can find out about Neighborhood Emergency Communication Hubs:

And of course the EPA is there to talk about the ongoing Duwamish River cleanup. New regional administrator Casey Sixkiller (last mentioned here when he was running for mayor last year) spoke briefly to festivalgoers – he’s at right in our photo below next to Paulina López, executive director of the Duwamish River Community Coalition – which is presenting today’s festival:

With them from left are Calvin Teraba, Christian Poulsen, and Fatima Hernandez. Sixkiller promised to “continue to work in partnership with this community” toward “a river that’s clean, healthy, open to everyone.”

ADDED: Thanks to Don Brubeck for this photo of some of the festival performers:

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Van stolen from garage (update: found)
August 6, 2022 12:07 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

SATURDAY: The report and images were sent by Rich:

My 2003 Ford E250 plate BLG3758 was stolen out of my condo garage 5001 California Ave SW on Monday Aug 1st

It is the same van that was involved in a car theft on New Year’s Eve a couple years ago

From the description of the video, the thieves knew what they wanted and got it. Here is the description from a fellow condo member.

Van was stolen on Monday August 1 at approximately 6:37 AM by two individuals in a gray Audi sedan with license plates blacked out.

Access was through the Hudson garage door. The first individual, apparently a female in a black body stocking, mask and, yes, kitten ears, opened the garage door manually from the inside so that the male in the Audi could drive in.

The female first emerged at about 6:37 AM from the area near the Hudson pedestrian gate. We don’t have a camera at the gate, however it is likely she climbed over the 8′ high gate because the gate lock itself was not damaged. We do have a camera at the taller Hudson wall and she did not gain access there

The female joined the male in the car and parked directly in front of (the) van. The male needed only about two minutes to gain access to the van and start it up. At one point the female got out to assist .

At about 6:40 AM the female drove the Audi out through the California garage door followed by the male driving the van. Both vehicles turned left and headed north on California Avenue.

Here is a link to police contact if people have any info/evidence. Case 2022-205914.

SUNDAY UPDATE: Rich says the van’s been found.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Man shot in North Admiral after confronting car-prowl suspects, police say
August 6, 2022 8:39 am
|      51 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

A neighbor sent that photo of a vehicle being towed after an early morning shooting in North Admiral. Here’s what police report happened:

Just after 2:00 a.m., a 911 caller reported a man had been shot near 42nd Avenue SW and SW Hill Street. Police arrived and found a 28-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the back. Officers began first aid and then transferred care to Seattle Fire Department medics, who transported the man to Harborview Medical Center.

According to the victim, he heard someone breaking into his car and went outside to investigate. When he confronted the two suspects, it escalated to a shooting.

Officers recovered evidence at the scene and will continue to investigate this incident. Anyone with information about this shooting should call the Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.

ADDED 9:04 AM: SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells us the victim was in stable condition when transported.

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Duwamish River Festival, Blue Angels, and the rest of the list for your West Seattle Saturday
August 6, 2022 6:25 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Garden photo by Brian Michel)

Here’s what you should know as Saturday begins::

TRAFFIC ALERTS: Here’s what SDOT has announced for today:

West Seattle – On Saturday and Sunday, we will be working at 16th Ave SW and SW Cambridge St to update curb bulbs and curb ramps. Work will begin as early as 8 AM and conclude at 5 PM. We’ll maintain traffic throughout the area, but people driving can expect delays.

South Park – Our signal crews will be working to replace overhead signs and complete wiring activities on 14th Ave S and S Cloverdale St. The work is anticipated to begin as early as 8 AM and conclude by 3 PM. For people driving, we may need to briefly close lanes directly below the signs while this work takes place. Please navigate the area with caution.

TRAINING RUNS: 8 am at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), get going on the training programs for the Seattle Marathon. There’ll be a novice group and an intermediate group.

FREE WRITERS’ GROUP: Held in West Seattle, 10:30 am. Our calendar listing has details including how to register.

WADING POOL/SPRAYPARK: With a sunny, warm day expected, the city will open the wading pools, so the pool in central upper Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) will be open noon-7 pm. Also, Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) will be open 11 am-8 pm.

COLMAN POOL: You can swim at the outdoor pool on the Lincoln Park shore today, noon-7 pm.

DUWAMISH RIVER FESTIVAL: Go to brand-new Duwamish River People’s Park (8700 Dallas Ave. S., South Park) noon-5 pm to enjoy this free festival, which includes this schedule of performances, plus food, games, educational booths, more. Find out more here.

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Open to visitors noon-3 pm, as noted here. (2234 SW Orchard)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society museum is open on Alki, and you can visit noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)

WINE TIME: The Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) tasting room – selling wine by the glass or bottle – is open 1-6 pm. (5910 California SW)

COVID VACCINATIONS: Pop-up clinic for Seattle Public Schools students, staff, and family members 3+, 2:30-5:30 pm at Denny International Middle School. (2601 SW Kenyon)

BLUE ANGELS: Scheduled to take off from Boeing Field just after 3 pm. Here’s the full airshow schedule. Wondering where to watch if you’re not going to Lake Washington? Our Friday story has a few options.

MUSIC TO SUPPORT YOUNG MUSICIANS: Naked Giants and Caitlin Sherman are among the performers at a Vashon Island event at 4 pm benefiting West Seattle’s youth-education nonprofit Mode Music and Performing Arts – details here.

MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: Dogstrum, Karma Hate Club, Entropy Son, Deception Fails perform tonight, doors at 7 pm, music at 8. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

‘LET THERE BE DRAGONS’: Second weekend for the new one-woman musical, written and performed by Felicia Loud, at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm curtain – info and ticket link in our calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE OUTDOOR MOVIES: Third of this summer’s five free screenings is at Hotwire Coffee (4410 California SW), gates open at 7:30 pm, tonight’s movie – ““Encanto“.

COMEDY SHOW AT ADMIRAL PUB: 9 pm, free comedy show at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

Something to add, for today/tonight or beyond? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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ENCAMPMENTS: City’s plans for Harbor Avenue; aftermath of West Marginal Place and 26th/Juneau sweeps
August 5, 2022 9:47 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

We’ve continued to ask the city about West Seattle encampment sites, and have new replies from the mayor’s office regarding three:

HARBOR AVENUE SW: As of late this afternoon, only three RVs were on Harbor, spread over several blocks east of Fairmount. That’s down from as many as 11 a few weeks ago. The mayor’s office tells WSB that the area “is scheduled for remediation later this month,” though they won’t give an exact date, saying the “calendar changes frequently.” The response continues:

Last week the city began working with partners at REACH and Union Gospel Mission with the goal of helping as many people as possible connect to shelter and resources. For example, outreach teams can help people in inoperable vehicles by purchasing batteries, gas and other resources. The HOPE team and other city workers are also advising owners to regularly move vehicles to avoid warnings and citations.

We also asked about the results of two recent sweeps reported here:

WEST MARGINAL PLACE: This cul-de-sac abutting the bicycle/foot path west of the low bridge was swept this past Tuesday. The mayor’s office says, “Parking enforcement officers observed 17 vehicles before the cleanup occurred (three RVs, one motorcycle, and 13 other vehicles). Many of the vehicles were moved voluntarily prior to the cleanup event and three vehicles were impounded (the motorcycle and two other vehicles; no RVs were impounded from this site). About 7,000 pounds of debris was removed during the cleanup event.”

26TH/JUNEAU: The only aftermath response on this cleanup last Monday was, “Our records show there were two people living at that site, and that two people received referrals for shelter.”

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Another heat alert
August 5, 2022 8:41 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Photo by Marc Milrod)

Though the mini-heat wave ahead doesn’t look anything like our recent almost-weeklong 90+-degree streak, a weather alert has been announced: The National Weather Service has a Heat Advisory in effect noon Saturday through 9 pm Sunday. The current forecast would seem to suggest Monday will be hot too, but we’ll see how it goes.

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SEAFAIR: Blue Angels’ Friday show, and what’s next
August 5, 2022 6:40 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Blue Angels | West Seattle news

Thanks to David Hutchinson for photos of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels in flight this afternoon. He photographed them from Ruby Chow Park at the north end of Boeing Field (across the Duwamish River from West Seattle).

Without time to leave West Seattle, we checked out the view from Westcrest Park. From the northeast side of the park’s plateau, along SW Cloverdale, you can glimpse Boeing Field, so, with binoculars, we had a decent, if partial view, including the smoke bursts before takeoff and during their landing pass.

The schedule had them up 3:05-4 pm today, tomorrow, and Friday; today was fairly close to that, with takeoff around 3:10 pm and landing around 3:55. If you are interested in seeing them this weekend without going to Lake Washington (where the full airshow, including other aerial acts, you can also check out the Museum of Flight‘s Jet Blast Bash; though the bigger new Blue Angels jets an’t park next to the MoF any more, museum visitors get a runwayside view of the takeoffs/landings and pilot meet-and-greets after they land.

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SATURDAY: Sail a few minutes for hot ticket to cool concert amplifying youth music education in West Seattle
August 5, 2022 5:08 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Not too much going on around the city aside from Seafair this weekend – so if you love live music, you might consider sailing over to Vashon Island for a benefit show tomorrow (Saturday, August 6th) to boost youth music education via West Seattle’s own nonprofit Mode Music and Performing Arts. Here’s the announcement:

Bric/Brac Fest and Mode Music and Performing Arts are so excited to bring this event to Vashon Island and help create ongoing opportunities for youth music education!

Join us Saturday, Aug. 6th for a benefit for youth music education on Vashon with generous partners and sponsorships by Mode Music Studios, Open Space for Arts & Community, Orbit at Open Space and The Vera Project.

Secure your space on the green for an evening of food, drink, and amazing bands for a great cause. Bring your chairs and blankets for:

NAKED GIANTS
CAITLIN SHERMAN
JULIA SHAPIRO (CHASTITY BELT)
IT’S ALL HAPPENING

Open Space For Arts & Community
18870 103rd Ave SW, Vashon [map]

4 pm doors
Suggested donation:
$20 Adult
$10 under 18
No one turned away for lack of funds (NOTAFLOF)

Get your tickets here.

You might have seen Naked Giants and/or Caitlin Sherman at West Seattle Summer Fest just three weeks ago.

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Part of Alki Playground suddenly closed
August 5, 2022 2:18 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Photo sent by Ashley)

Thanks to everyone who emailed after discovering fencing had gone up around the southwest part of the Alki playground on the north side of Alki Elementary. It’s a Seattle Parks site, so we inquired this morning and just got replies saying this sign would be posted this afternoon, explaining the play area was closed “after a recent play area safety check” and adding, “We are working with Seattle Public Schools to address the future of this site.” However, the replies we received did not elaborate on what safety issue was discovered, so we’re asking that on followup. Seattle Parks has closed several play structures in recent years because of various safety concerns; one of them, Lincoln Park’s south play area, is still closed after five years.

P.S. One issue in the play area’s future obviously will be the Alki Elementary rebuild, scheduled to start construction in about a year.

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WEST SEATTLE ART: New mural in Admiral
August 5, 2022 2:00 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Thanks to Alex Garcia from Admiral Pub for sending word of that new mural, painted on the alley side of the building the pub shares with Yen Wor Village. The artist is in the photo – Stevie Shao, hailed here last year as “Seattle’s breakout muralist.”

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Why Don Armeni’s so busy today
August 5, 2022 12:27 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks to LM for the photos. Don Armeni Boat Ramp is busy today – with a commensurate increase in boats on Elliott Bay – because of the opening of a three-and-a-half-day season for chinook salmon fishing.

According to the state Fish and Wildlife Department, this season will be open until noon Monday (August 8th), “east of a line from Duwamish Head to Pier 91 up to the Duwamish River mouth, including Harbor Island (both the west and east Duwamish waterways).” Daily limit is two chinook, at least 22 inches long.

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Here’s what’s up for the rest of your West Seattle Friday
August 5, 2022 10:57 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by David Hutchinson)

Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s what’s up for the hours ahead:

WADING POOLS OPEN: The pools that are scheduled for Friday operations in West Seattle are Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW), noon-5:30 pm, and Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm. Highland Park Spraypark at 1100 SW Cloverdale is open 11 am-8 pm, too.

COLMAN POOL: The outdoor pool at Lincoln Park is open to the public today, noon-7 pm.

BLUE ANGELS: Today they’re scheduled to rehearse their full air show around 3 pm, taking off from Boeing Field. You can watch the takeoff/landing from the Museum of Flight at 9404 East Marginal Way (parking lot open today but will be an admission-charge area Saturday and Sunday as part of Jet Blast Bash).

SANDLOT FUN DAYS: Tonight’s West Seattle Little League pickup game is for 9-12-year-olds interested in softball – details in our calendar listing. At Bar-S Playfield (64th/Admiral).

BOOK LAUNCH: As noted last night in our story about her book “At Home on an Unruly Planet,” West Seattle author Madeline Ostrander has a launch event at 7 tonight outdoors at The Collective (400 Dexter Ave. N.) downtown, presented by the Northwest Science Writers Association. (Register here.)

MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: Doors at 7, music at 8, with Waiks, Pubbxtra, DJ Blaznpersuasian. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

‘HERE THERE BE DRAGONS’: 7:30 pm performance of ArtsWest‘s new play. (4711 California SW)

Have something to add to our calendar? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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