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Spotlight Stories


  • WS5K

    WEST SEATTLE 5K: See & hear how it went

  • Sports

    PLAYOFF TIME: 2 local teams head to state

  • Salmon

    SO LONG, SALMON: Halfway through the season

Talk with your city councilmember: District 1’s Rob Saka launching ‘office hours’
February 17, 2024 8:49 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(WSB photo, City Council chambers, last month)

When we talked with District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka the day he was sworn in, he promised to open a district office. No word of the location for that yet, but he’s launching “office hours” next week – regular times where constituents can make appointments to talk with him in the district, rather than having to go downtown. According to Saka’s weekly newsletter, his first office-hours dates are February 23 and March 6, at the Southwest Customer Service Center (same building as the pool and Teen Life Center, 2801 SW Thistle). According to the signup form for the first date, hours will be 11 am-1 pm, at least for starters, and he’s booking 20-minute windows, either in person or via videoconferencing. He’s also planning South Park office hours, starting March 23 at the Duwamish River Community Hub.

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BIZNOTE: West Coast Willow now open in north Morgan Junction
February 17, 2024 7:23 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

West Coast Willow is now open at 5902 California SW. That’s the space vacated when Good Sister moved south to 6959 California, as reported here in December. West Coast Willow is right next to WSB sponsor Moon Room Shop and Wellness, and says that together they’re creating a “holistic corner” of the neighborhood, dubbing it the “Juneau Junction.” West Coast Willow explains, “We have a dreamy wall of bulk herbs (over 60 different herbs and spices), tea blends (which we will be blending on site for sipping and changing up weekly or more) and accessories, tinctures (made on site), candles, oils, smudge sticks and beautiful products from local makers such as flower essences, soaps, and roller balls. We also carry organic beauty products made on site by Nicole Leitner, our owner and local esthetician who has been working in the neighborhood for the last ten years.” They do facials and Reiki, and plan to offer classes and workshops. “Our goal is to inspire people to follow their intuition and feel confident in making their own herbal remedies and ritual practices.” Hours are 11 am-5 pm Sundays, closed Mondays, 10 am-6 pm Tuesdays and Saturdays, 11 am-6 pm Wednesdays and Fridays, spa days (by appointment) Thursdays.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Sunrise spectacle, and a date to remember
February 17, 2024 5:15 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

No sunset colors tonight, so let’s admire the sunrise! Thanks to everyone who sent photos of today’s early-morning show. Above, that’s from Liz; below, from Jerry Simmons:

And a panoramic view from James Tilley:

Though winter still has a month remaining – spring equinox is March 19 – before it’s done, we’ll be in Daylight Saving Time, which returns three weeks from tonight – 2 am Sunday, March 10.

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YOU CAN HELP: Got warm outerwear? Donation drive Sunday
February 17, 2024 2:56 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Got warm outerwear? Donation drive Sunday
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

On some Sundays, Alki UCC hosts a communitywide donation drive seeking specific items for people in need. Tomorrow’s the next one, with an emphasis on helping people stay warm – winter still has a month to go! Here’s the announcement:

Alki UCC Donation Drive this Sunday, February 18
6115 SW Hinds
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Front Courtyard

Outerwear is the priority. We have no warm coats for men, need all sizes.

Also welcome: vests, long underwear, heavy hoodies, sweatshirts, gloves, beanies and socks.

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

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

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Crash-and-grab at a familiar location
February 17, 2024 12:43 pm
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Thanks for the tips and photo. That’s the aftermath of yet another crash-and-grab burglary (or attempt) at Global Smoke and Vape (35th/Roxbury), hit repeatedly in recent months. According to police audio, it happened just before 3:30 am; the 911 caller reported seeing two people get out of the vehicle that was used, and into a second one to get away. The vehicle left behind was radioed in as a 2015 Kia Optima that officers believed to have been an “unreported stolen” registered to someone in Auburn. We don’t know if burglars made it into the store to take anything or not. P.S. The Twitter/X call log shows police were also called to the strip mall around the same time Thursday for a suspected burglary, but we don’t have information on how that turned out.

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UPDATE: Brown water near Alki Point, High Point
February 17, 2024 12:10 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

12:10 PM: Thanks for the texted tip: “Reporting brown water in Alki, near Admiral and 64th. There was a fire truck out earlier, but I wasn’t paying attention if they messed with the hydrant.” Nothing on the Seattle Public Utilities water-trouble map. Any time you notice discolored water at your residence, business, school, etc., report it to SPU at 206-386-1800 (and let us know too – thank you!). The discoloration is from “sediment” – usually rust – in the pipes getting stirred up by activity such as hydrant testing/use or pipe breaks.

2:19 PM: Also received this note from Karla: “All morning we’ve had brown water in High Point (5400 block of) 34th Ave SW.”

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Girl Scout Troop 41843’s Valentine gift
February 17, 2024 11:36 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

For many, Valentine’s Day is a chance to show your love to someone special. For West Seattle Girl Scout Troop 41843, their “someone special” was the entire community. Christine sent us this report on what they did for Valentine’s Day this past week:

Girl Scout Troop 41843 was out sharing some LOVE with our community. It was really sweet to see the smiles these scouts put on lots of faces with their Valentine’s. Several people told us that we made their day. The Troop started up at Dakota Place Park and walked down through the Junction passing out homemade cards, lollipops, smiles, and lots of love to those they passed on their way to The Great American Diner to end their mission with a delicious cup of hot cocoa.

P.S. In case you were wondering (we were, so we checked), this year’s cookie booths start in two weeks.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 26 notes!
February 17, 2024 6:21 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Friday afternoon clouds, photographed by Hilda Burton)

Welcome to the weekend! Here’s what our Event Calendar listings suggest for today/tonight:

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 but registration required.

CARE FOR TREES ON LONGFELLOW CREEK: 10 am-1 pm volunteering event; meet at the Longfellow Creek Trail/Juneau.

PRESIDENTS DAY WEEKEND SALE: Continuing today at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor), lots of snow sports gear on sale – as shown here. The shop is open today 10 am-6 pm.

(added) SWEET POP-UP: At Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW):

Lovely & Dapper Desserts + McCormick Jam Pop-Up @ HPCS

West Seattle’s own Lovely & Dapper Desserts will be at Highland Park Corner Store selling their delightful tin-can cakes. And they’re bringing friends and collaborators McCormick Jam Company with them – so swing by for some sweet treats!

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Scheduled to be open today:

We are open 10 am-2 pm on Fridays and Saturdays! We have all your indoor plant needs, with pots, advice and more! Plus, any last-minute winter outside plants you might need. 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. Proceeds benefit Landscape Horticulture Program projects.The selection includes perennials, ground covers, shrubs, some annual edibles and flowers, as well as indoor plants. The Garden Center is located in the North Parking Lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th Ave SW)

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.

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

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

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

SHE MADE THE MAP: Artist Sonya Reasor is at Inner Alchemy (3043 California SW) 1-3 pm, selling and signing her popular West Seattle map.

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.

MISSION’S FINAL NIGHT: As announced earlier this month, the Admiral restaurant/bar is closing permanently after tonight. You can dine/drink there one last time 4 pm-midnight. (2325 California SW)

BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS: The West Seattle High School boys play for the district title tonight, 6:30 pm vs. Eastside Catholic at Bellevue College (3000 Landerholm Circle SE). Get tickets here.

BEER AND CHEESE TASTING: 7 pm at The Beer Junction (4511 California SW) – $45; go here to see if any tickets are left!

FULL LIFE CRISIS: West Seattle band heads a 7 pm slate at Tim’s Tavern in White Center (16th/98th), $15 at the door.

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: James Nason at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, no cover.

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

‘BORN WITH TEETH’: Third weekend continues for the current play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm – tickets here.

COMEDY AT GREAT AMERICAN DINER & BAR: 8 pm, semifinals of “Washington’s Funniest Mammal,” check here for tickets. (4752 California SW)

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: benefit at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm, $20 at the door, 21+.

BEATS: Saturday night DJ at Revelry Room – 9 pm. Go here to see who’s DJing tonight. (4547 California SW, alley side)

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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Fewer tents, faster responses, and what else the city says its homelessness response is accomplishing
February 16, 2024 11:11 pm
|      42 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(WSB photo: Deputy Mayor Tiffany Washington, right, with Office of Housing director Maiko Winkler-Chin)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

In advance of Mayor Bruce Harrell‘s mid-term State of the City address next week, his administration says its homelessness response is making progress.

To elaborate on that, the mayor’s office invited reporters to a City Hall briefing today. The mayor wasn’t there – he was out planting trees – but Deputy Mayor Tiffany Washington, whose portfolio includes the homelessness response, presented updates and answered questions. Video recording wasn’t allowed. We were there; here’s what we heard.

A key point: The city has developed a database that allows them to track actions, statuses, and results. Before the database, Washington said, it was all tracked by hand, and not very well at that. Building the database took up much of this administration’s first year, she added. Among the toplines they’re touting are these stats from the Unified Care Team, the multi-department city task force that handles encampments (not to be confused with the crisis-response CARE Team):

Another major change: Washington says they no longer remove encampments based on who’s complaining the loudest. That wasn’t fair, she said, since the loudest usually meant those who had the luxury of the most time on their hands to complain. Now they have criteria. That was part of the briefing, to review how they evaluate encampments for removal, or at least cleaning. For one, the assignation of points:

But, she said, it’s not just a scoring system:

Read More

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Inoperable white van stolen (update: found)
February 16, 2024 10:23 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

10:23 PM FRIDAY: Reported by Kellie via email:

Stolen 1988 Chevrolet white 1/2-ton van – not running, so it was pulled away by someone. It is covered in vinyl stickers – one says National Green Log Society with a picture of a green log and on the back doors in 10-inch purple lettering it says “hang up and drive.” Stolen from Arbor Heights area this morning.

We’re still awaiting the license plate and police report numbers, plus we’ve asked if a photo is available, but the description sounded vivid enough that you’d probably recognize this if you see it, so we’re publishing this for starters. ADDED: Plate is S019694. … SECOND ADDITION: Police report # is 24-044805.

2:13 PM SATURDAY: As noted in comments, found in Fauntleroy. Owners are aware and handling.

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BASKETBALL: West Seattle HS girls’ season ends with a district-tournament heartbreaker
February 16, 2024 8:16 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB photos. Above, #10, freshman Seneca Lucas)

The West Seattle High School girls simply ran out of time tonight in their district-tournament game against Roosevelt. The two were tied 46-46 with :10 to go in what was a close game throughout, but then Roosevelt sank a three and WSHS didn’t have enough time to get back downcourt to try to answer it, and the buzzer sounded to end their season.

Games don’t get much closer than this one. The first and second quarter both ended in ties, 9-9 and 19-19. The Wildcats had a one-point lead at the end of quarter #3, 32-31. But the Riders went on a run and pulled out to a 5-point lead with 5:50 left in the game, 39-34. West Seattle battled back, in part thanks to #20, junior Colby Timmons, hitting two baskets in short order.

(WSB photos. Above, #20, Colby Timmons, second-leading scorer with 13)

With 3:10 to go, WSHS took the lead, 43-42, after #4, senior Carmen Cruz, nailed one of her trademark threes:

(WSB photos. Above, #4, Carmen Cruz, third-leading scorer with 11)

They swapped the lead again and got it back 45-44 at 1:35 remaining, with a reverse layup by #21, junior Alyssa Neumann:

(WSB photos. Above, #21, Alyssa Neumann)

But they couldn’t pull away – and were on the wrong side of the scoreboard when it hit 00:00. Head coach Darnell Taylor and the Wildcats finish the season 13-13.

With only two seniors this year, the team has a good chance to build on this year’s success next season.

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Crowdfunding for Full Tilt Ice Cream family after co-founder’s heart attack
February 16, 2024 6:13 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | White Center

(WSB photo of Justin and family last year as Full Tilt marked 15 years)

As reported on our partner site White Center Now, the co-founder of Full Tilt Ice Cream, Justin Cline, is in the hospital after a heart attack earlier this month. Friends have set up a crowdfunding account, with the update that Justin is now in serious but stable condition: “He is slowly improving. In the meantime, it is unknown how long his recovery will take and the family and business could use some support while they are navigating this.” Justin and partner Ann Magyar, parents of two, founded the shop in 2008 in downtown White Center, where it’s been a community anchor ever since. Here’s the crowdfunding link.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Two West Seattle HS wrestlers to state
February 16, 2024 4:09 pm
|    Comments Off on CONGRATULATIONS! Two West Seattle HS wrestlers to state
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

As we’ve been noting, postseason competition is under way for high-school winter sports – and we have late word of two more local athletes who have made it to the state championships: West Seattle High School wrestlers Sam Fordham (126) and Jak Prater-Thaden (124). The state wrestling tournament is under way today and tomorrow at the Tacoma Dome.

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FOLLOWUP: Longfellow Creek truss bridge finally close to replacement
February 16, 2024 2:27 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news

(2020 photo by Doug Ollerenshaw)

Three years ago, we published a reader report about that wooden bridge across Longfellow Creek, near Greg Davis Park, after Doug Ollerenshaw noticed it had been removed without notice, Seattle Parks subsequently explained to him that it had long been “compromised structurally” and then literally started falling apart, so it had to be removed, but they had to find funding to replace it. He’s been tracking it ever since – still no sign of a replacement, and his followup inquiries hadn’t been answered. So we asked Parks about a timeline for what we have since learned is called the “truss bridge,” and finally got an update today, through spokesperson Karen O’Connor: “Looks like mid – 2024; we have successfully obtained the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s – HPA over-water crossing permitting. The bridge is currently under internal design review as well as undergoing the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) permit approval process.” They’ve also updated the project website since our inquiry; it goes into some other details about the delay.

P.S. We’re working on details for a separate report on a different Longfellow Creek bridge project; permit files indicate Seattle Public Utilities is planning some work on the “fishbone bridge.”

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SOCCER: West Seattle Junction FC announces schedule, single-game ticket sales
February 16, 2024 12:26 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Next move for West Seattle Junction FC, our area’s new “pre-pro” soccer team: They’ve announced the regular-season schedule, and are selling single-match tickets. First, here’s the schedule (with home matches at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex), with the final game vs. the league champions:

HOME: Sunday, May 19th @2:00 pm vs Capital FC

HOME: Friday, May 24th @7:00 pm vs Lane United

HOME: Sunday, May 26th @2:00 pm vs United PDX

AWAY: Saturday, June 1st @7:00 pm vs Ballard FC

AWAY: Wednesday, June 5th @7:30 pm vs Tacoma Stars

AWAY: Sunday, June 9th @4:00 pm vs Capital FC

AWAY: Tuesday, June 11th @7:00 pm vs Lane United

AWAY: Friday, June 14th @7:00 pm vs Midlakes United

HOME: Sunday, June 16th @2:00 pm vs Tacoma Stars

AWAY: Wednesday, June 26th @7:00 pm vs FC Olympia

AWAY: Saturday, June 29th @7:00 pm vs United PDX

HOME: Sunday, July 7th @2:00 pm vs FC Olympia

HOME: Friday, July 12th @7:00 pm vs Midlakes United

HOME: Sunday, July 14th @1:00 pm vs Ballard FC

Ticket prices start at $15. They’re still selling season tickets, too. Junction FC is one of 128 clubs in USL League Two.

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CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle HS 9th-grade brothers swimming in state competition
February 16, 2024 11:02 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Two more local high-school athletes are swimming at the state championships starting today! We just received this report and photo:

Two West Seattle High School athletes qualified for the Boys 3A State Swimming Championships, February 16-17 (today and tomorrow) at the King County Aquatic Center. 9th grader Ben Wrenholt (left) will be competing in the 500 Free, and his twin brother Tom Wrenholt (also a freshman) will be competing in the 100 Back. The swim team is led by outstanding first-year coach Logan Rysemus.

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The list for your West Seattle Friday
February 16, 2024 10:03 am
|    Comments Off on The list for your West Seattle Friday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Olympics this morning, photographed by Rick Cocker)

Friday highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREE TODDLER GYM #1: Happening now – Fridays 10 am-11:30 am, little ones and their caregivers are invited to open gym time at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).

PRESIDENTS DAY WEEKEND SALE: Continuing today at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor), lots of snow sports gear on sale – as shown here. The store is open today

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Open 1-6 pm at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).

FREE TODDLER GYM #2: 3-5 pm at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW).

VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room/wine bar open – wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

BASKETBALL: West Seattle HS girls vs. Roosevelt, 5 pm district-tournament game at Bellevue College (tickets here).

(Olympics this morning, photographed by James Bratsanos)

OPEN MIC AT KENYON HALL: Tonight brings the monthly singer/songwriter open mic, signups at 6 pm, music at 6:30 pm, all ages, at Kenyon Hall. (7904 35th SW)

BLACK HISTORY T-SHIRT TRANSFER: That’s the centerpiece activity at 7 pm at Southwest Teen Life Center‘s late-night program. (2801 SW Thistle)

LIVE MUSIC AT C & P: Tonight it’s music performed by Jim Page and Kat Eggleston at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, all ages, no cover.

SHOWCASE AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), Juniper Honey, Justin Harden, Timothy Robert Graham. $10.

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Sam Cobra, 7 pm. Free, all ages. (4559 California SW)

‘BORN WITH TEETH’: Third weekend for the current play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm – tickets here.

DJ NIGHT AT REVELRY ROOM: Music 9 pm-1 am on Fridays! Tonight’s DJ is Joey Roxville. (4547 California SW)

Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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3.6 earthquake. Did you feel it?
February 16, 2024 9:22 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Earthquake | West Seattle news

Thanks to David Hutchinson on Alki for the tip about an earthquake centered near Hood Canal at 8:30 this morning. According to the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network‘s event page, the magnitude was 3.6, and the quake originated 28 miles underground. Here’s how it looked on a seismogram at Alki Point. David reports, “Slight back and forth movement accompanied by a quiet creaking sound in building.” He also noticed while checking the PNSN site that there was a microquake – 1.2 magnitude – at 11:25 last night a lot closer.

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Memorial service Saturday for William J. Whetham, 1939-2024
February 16, 2024 9:00 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather this Saturday to remember Bill Whetham. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with the community now:

It is with great sadness that we announce William John Whetham (Bill), 84, passed away on February 8, 2024, after complications from a heart attack.

Bill was born to George and Inez Whetham in Niagara Falls, New York, on May 15, 1939. After graduating from Niagara Falls High School, he earned advanced degrees in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Michigan and the University of Washington. A brilliant but humble man, he worked for Boeing for 40 years, obtaining 11 patents.

He is survived by Margaret, his beloved wife of 50 years; his five admiring children, Jennifer, Matthew, Catherine, Lizzy (Michael), and Caroline; and his first grandchild and namesake (due in May). Bill was always there for his family: we deeply miss his stable, stoic presence.

There will be a funeral mass on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 10 AM at Holy Rosary Church in West Seattle, followed by a reception. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Bill’s name to Father Charles’ prenatal and maternity clinic in Uganda, where a generator is needed to prevent medications being spoiled during frequent power outages: https://bit.ly/DonateInBillsName He was also a faithful supporter of the Union Gospel Mission and the Salvation Army.

If you can’t join us, it will be live streamed! Here is the information for the livestream:

Main Site

Scroll down to “Livestreaming Services”

Vimeo Link (Direct)

FB Link (Direct)

Please share memories, condolences & photos of Bill on the tribute wall at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/William-Whetham

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle

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

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Pre-midwinter-break Friday
February 16, 2024 6:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, February 16, and next week is midwinter break for many local students, starting with Presidents Day on Monday.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunshine and a high in the upper 40s are in today’s forecast. Then early Saturday, possibly a bit more snow. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:13 am, sunset at 5:33 pm.

TRANSIT NOTES

Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here. Monday will be on the regular weekday schedule.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is. **Holiday note – Both Water Taxi routes are out of service on Monday for Presidents Day.

Washington State Ferries today – If you sail to Southworth, be aware that Kitsap County got more snow, and is dealing with the results. As for the ferries themselves, though, we have the usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Check WSF alerts for changes, and use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

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

Low Bridge:

1st Ave. S. Bridge:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene). Thank you!

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BASKETBALL: Another win sends West Seattle HS boys to district championship game
February 15, 2024 9:41 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

The West Seattle High School boys’ basketball team were already guaranteed a spot in state competition before tonight’s district semifinal game against Rainier Beach – but their hard-fought 57-51 victory puts them in contention for another prize, the district championship.

WSHS #13, senior Nathan Schiavo, led the Wildcats’ scoring with 15 points. Right behind was #23, senior Pawlose Aschalew, with 14:

And #3, senior Bo Gionet, contributed 12:

The Wildcats took a while to get in the groove – after the first quarter, they were down by 9. But in the second quarter, they took up residence under their opponents’ basket and held Rainier Beach to just five points.

The second and third quarters both ended in a tie – but aggressive rebounding and a late scoring run put WSHS aheadin the late going and secured the win. Head coach Dan Kriley and the Wildcats will play Eastside Catholic for the district title at 6:30 pm Saturday, also at Bellevue College. (The Wildcats won their last matchup with ECHS three weeks ago and have won eight of their last nine games.)

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: Story Time Sunday with Kraken mascot Buoy at West Seattle Library
February 15, 2024 8:01 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB photo, December 2022)

When the Seattle Kraken mascot Buoy came to West Seattle a little over a year ago, a big crowd turned out. This weekend, Buoy’s back – for a Story Time at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library on Sunday morning (February 18). Here’s the announcement we received today:

Sunday, February 18
10:00 – 11:30 am
Doors open at 10:00 am, story time 10:30 – 11:00 am, meet Buoy 11:00 – 11:30 am
West Seattle Branch, Seattle Public Library
Address 2306 42nd Avenue SW

Story times with Seattle Public libraries are interactive learning opportunities. At story time, kids and their families can enjoy stories, songs, and fun learning activities. Registration is not required. Kids and families will also have the opportunity to meet Seattle Kraken Mascot Buoy! Buoy will be available for photo opportunities and fun.

Buoy is the Seattle sea-troll who inhabits the caverns of Climate Pledge Arena and for who nothing beats a day filled with Kraken hockey and the team’s fans. Folks are drawn to Buoy’s many talents, high-energy, and fun-loving spirit. Odds are you’ll see the troll roaming out and about around the Pacific Northwest as well as hanging with the Fremont Troll, who happens to be Buoy’s Uncle.

When you get to the library, check in with staff for your free tickets to this all-ages event.

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Before new Parks and Open Space Plan gets finalized, see what you think about West Seattle projects
February 15, 2024 5:37 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

One week from tonight, the recently released draft Seattle Parks and Open Space Plan gets a public hearing. (More on that shortly.) It’s a plan the city has to update every six years to be eligible for certain types of funding, but it gives a detailed look into where the department expects to go. So we went through the draft plan to look for specific West Seattle mentions.

Overall, the plan proposes redefining the “level of service” provided for people in Seattle – instead of focusing on a certain amount of park/open space acreage per person, the focus would be on ensuring that parks and park facilities are within a 10-minute walk.

Toward that goal, the draft plan notes that three of West Seattle’s “urban village” areas are “underserved” right now – the West Seattle Junction, Morgan Junction, and Highland Park/Westwood areas. (See page 94 of the plan for more on that.)

Also of note – a list of projects slated for the next several years. Listed for West Seattle are accessibility projects (without specifics) for Colman Pool, West Seattle Stadium, the West Seattle Golf Course clubhouse, Walt Hundley Playfield, the south end of Westcrest Park, Seacrest Park, and Riverview Playfield. Also, the three West Seattle landbanked parks (Morgan Junction addition, West Seattle Junction/40th SW, and 48th/Charlestown), plus the second West Seattle Off-Leash Area. Playground renovations are planned for Southwest Teen Life Center/Pool, Riverview, and Westcrest Park’s south play area. Restroom overhauls are mentioned for the golf course (on-course structure), Walt Hundley Playfield, south Westcrest Park, and the Lincoln Park wading-pool area. Other projects envisioned between now and 2028: Turf replacement at Walt Hundley, decarbonization and renovations at High Point Community Center, shower renovations at Delridge Community Center, field-lighting replacements at West Seattle Stadium, plaster-liner replacement at Colman Pool, and “illicit connection remediation” at Hiawatha Community Center.

There’s a lot more in the plan – maps, stats, demographics and how they’re changing – which you can read here. The Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners – a city-convened advisory group – will hold a public hearing at its meeting one week from tonight (6:30 pm February 22 – online and in-person), and the deadline for all comments is March 9. Go here to find other ways to comment.

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