West Seattle, Washington

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Spotlight Stories


  • WS5K

    WEST SEATTLE 5K: See & hear how it went

  • Park

    CAR IN THE PARK: Film crew spotted

  • Salmon

    SO LONG, SALMON: Halfway through the season

WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: Business at likely station site sends open letter ‘reaching out to our community for support, solidarity, perhaps even some shared strategies’
January 23, 2024 12:33 pm
|      89 COMMENTS
 |   Sound Transit | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

If Sound Transit keeps West Seattle light rail on its current schedule, construction could start in 2027 – three years away.

That might seem like a long time (especially considering seven years already have passed since the ST3 ballot measure that laid the groundwork for it), but for those with homes and businesses in its path, the clock is ticking. The Sound Transit Board won’t finalize the West Seattle station locations and routing until after the Final Environmental Impact Statement is published in the “middle” of this year, but is already focusing planning on likely station sites – including this one at the north end of Delridge Way.

Near the arrow labeled “north to West Seattle Bridge” is the current site of music venue/restaurant/bar The Skylark, whose owner Matt Larson sent an open letter to the community last night. We saw it via their mailing list and obtained permission to republish it:

Hello Skylark Friends, Family, Beloved Patrons,

I hope this message finds you well, and I want to take a moment to share something close to our hearts—something that directly impacts the heartbeat of our community.

You’re likely aware of the impending West Seattle Light Rail Extension, a reality that is drawing ever closer as we are directly in its path. However, what may not be as widely known are the challenges faced by businesses like ours, as well as our dear neighbors at Mode Music, Alki Daycare, and countless others in the West Seattle and Seattle area.

The city, in recognition of the impact this extension will have on local businesses, is offering support in the form of moving, storing, and hooking up our equipment. While they have committed to covering up to $50,000 in associated costs, it’s important to understand that this sum, though significant, falls short of the financial hurdles we would face. This would certainly not cover paying ourselves and our staff during the downtime, any buildouts that would most likely be necessary, the exponential increase in rent, plus all of the other costs that would be incurred with such an undertaking.

This looming inevitability not only disrupts our daily operations but also poses a significant obstacle when it comes to the future of our businesses. Even if one wanted to sell their business at this point, selling at their true value becomes impossible under these circumstances. Furthermore, we find ourselves in a challenging position as we await the letter informing us of the timeline for evacuation — ranging from 1 to 5 years (but probably closer to 1-2) — and the undetermined period we’ll have to vacate thereafter.

I share this not to debate the merits of the light rail or delve into the politics surrounding it. At this point, it’s an unavoidable reality we must collectively navigate. As the only music venue in West Seattle, one of the few all-ages venues in the city, and a hub for community events and LGBTQ gatherings, we’ve proudly been part of this vibrant community for over 16 years.

We’ve weathered storms together—from the challenges of the past years to enduring the bridge closure. Still, as we strive to find our footing amidst the rising costs of everything, the prospect of relocation without the necessary support feels disheartening, to say the least.

I share this not seeking sympathy but understanding. Our story is one of resilience, and we’re reaching out to our community for support, solidarity, and perhaps even some shared strategies for navigating this uncertain path.

In the meantime, I just ask that you perhaps pay an extra visit to us here and there! Support the other businesses and if you have something to offer, I know we are all ears and open to help, thoughts, ideas, or just moral support! We want to be here for you and we don’t want West Seattle to lose something very unique that will be terribly difficult to replicate or replace.

Thank you for being the heartbeat of West Seattle. Together, we’ll find the rhythm to face the challenges ahead and preserve the spirit that makes our community truly special.

With Gratitude,

Matt Larson
Owner, Skylark Cafe and Club

As Matt’s open letter notes, The Skylark is not the only business in this situation. But he felt this was the time to make a plea to the community. If you read our daily “what’s happening today/tonight” lists, Skylark events are a mainstay, including weekly open-mic, trivia, and bingo, plus live bands almost every Friday and Saturday. The venue is also a restaurant and bar. He’s owned it for a decade. Two years ago, we talked with Matt about The Skylark’s pandemic-survival story.

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Fauntleroy Gardening Co.: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor!
January 23, 2024 11:07 am
|    Comments Off on Fauntleroy Gardening Co.: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor!
 |   Gardening | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today we’re welcoming Fauntleroy Gardening Co. as our newest WSB sponsor. When new sponsors join us to advertise their local businesses to you, they get the opportunity to tell you about themselves – here’s what Fauntleroy Gardening Co. would like you to know:

Are you looking for an exterior space to match the detail of your home’s interior? Do you want to extend your living space out into the garden? Fauntleroy Gardening Co. has distinguished itself in designing, installing, and maintaining gardens that invite the visitor into their spaces and encourage them to linger, relax, and unwind. Established in 2006 and based in West Seattle since 2014, Fauntleroy Gardening Co. welcomes new homeowners and established West Seattleites as we continue to grow our roots deeper in the neighborhood.

With over 20 years of horticultural and design experience, we provide our clients with unique garden design that closely aligns with their desired aesthetic, style of home, and natural surroundings. Our work ranges from containers to mixed borders, estate gardens to urban oases. In addition to fine pruning, seasonal color updates, seasonal cleanups, garden restoration, garden coaching, design & installation, we also specialize in garden maintenance.

Once your new or restored garden is in place, you’ll want to keep it looking beautiful with regular maintenance. Our clients rely upon and benefit from our team’s knowledge and expertise to assess the garden, create a game plan for its care, and implement it over time. Fine pruning techniques are used to whip neglected maples, rhododendrons, and other ornamentals into shape and keep them looking beautiful from season to season.

For those whose love of gardening exceeds the space that they have, let us tempt you with lush and lovely custom containers. Check out the container portfolio on our website for examples of containers that our clients love. We’re deeply invested in the care, maintenance, and betterment of our clients’ gardens as well as our community. That’s why we take the time to seek out local community organizations who share our values of preserving/protecting Puget Sound ecosystems, and enrich them through education and good old-fashioned hard work. We have partnered with New Start Community Garden (aka Shark Garden) by donating Fauntleroy Gardening Co. volunteer hours, and we look forward to expanding our local volunteer network as we continue to grow as a company.

We know that there are many landscaping companies out there and perhaps you’ve worked with one only to have been underwhelmed. Give FGC a call and let us show you what it means to work with a professional gardening company. Check us out on Instagram @fauntleroygardeningco, then head over to our website fauntleroygardeningco.com where you can see our portfolio and contact information. We look forward to meeting more of our West Seattle neighbors as we continue planting the seeds of great design.

We thank Fauntleroy Gardening Co. for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here; email patrick@wsbsales.com for info on joining the team!

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14 for your West Seattle Tuesday
January 23, 2024 9:49 am
|    Comments Off on 14 for your West Seattle Tuesday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Seen off Alki one recent murky day – photo by Thomas Bach)

Here’s what’s happening today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREE PLAYSPACE: Drop in Tuesday mornings 9 am-noon at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd/Juneau).

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Regular weekly meeting of the Seattle City Council, 2 pm. Big agenda item: Appointment of City Council Position 8. And there is a public-comment section – in person or by phone – if there’s something you want to tell the council. The agenda explains how.

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

VISIT ROXHILL ELEMENTARY: Prospective families are invited to an open house and tour at Roxhill Elementary (7740 34th SW), 5:30 pm.

LEARN ASL: Free weekly classes, 6 pm at West Seattle’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (4001 44th SW). Start any time. Details in our calendar listing.

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

FREE TRACK RUN: Run with friends old and new on these long nights! Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.

OPEN CHOIR REHEARSAL: Interested in singing with a choir? The Boeing Employees Choir – not limited to Boeing employees – rehearses in West Seattle, 6:30 pm at American Legion Post 160 (3618 SW Alaska), and you’re invited to drop in.

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

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

TRIVIA X 3: Three places to play Tuesday nights – 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 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

BASKETBALL: One high-school home game tonight – West Seattle High School‘s boys varsity team hosts Nathan Hale, 7:30 pm. (3000 California SW)

NEW! BINGO AT TALARICO’S: Starting tonight, 8 pm bingo every Tuesday. (4718 California SW)

What’s ahead? Preview it via our event calendar – and if you have something to add, please email the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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CONGRATULATIONS! Poster-art winner revealed for 2024 West Seattle Garden Tour
January 23, 2024 8:46 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Gardening | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

We are exactly five months from the 2024 West Seattle Garden Tour, set for June 23. But you’re invited to daydream about that summer day now, with the announcement of this year’s poster-art winner:

Each year, West Seattle Garden Tour provides an opportunity for one talented artist to showcase their original artwork on tour marketing materials and to take home a $750 cash prize. We are pleased to announce Sammamish artist Pam Lustig as the winning artist for our 2024 tour.

Garden Pose (18”w x 24”h; watercolor and pen) will be featured on the 2024 West Seattle Garden Tour’s official poster and ticket book. Ms. Lustig will also receive a $750 cash prize. West Seattle Garden Tour will conduct a silent auction of the artwork beginning at the May 2024 West Seattle Art Walk (at Capers Home) and concluding on the day of the tour, Sunday, June 23, 2024. Bids will also be taken on tour day in one of the gardens from 9 am to 5 pm. Proceeds will benefit this year’s designated grant recipient nonprofit organizations.

Garden Pose, along with works by four West Seattle Garden Tour Art Competition finalists, will be on view at Capers Home during the West Seattle Art Walk, 5-8 pm, May 9.

The Garden Tour usually sells out; you can order tickets right now online (in-person retail sales start in mid-May).

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Tuesday watch
January 23, 2024 6:02 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Tuesday watch
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning. Welcome to Tuesday, January 23rd.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

More rain expected, high in the low 50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:46 am, sunset at 4:56 pm,

ROAD WORK

One last reminder that as mentioned last week, SDOT says it’s resuming work on crossing improvements at Roxbury/Olson – here’s the project flyer.

TRANSIT NOTES

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

Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.

Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service 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 applicable). Thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Global Smoke & Vape robbery, Starbucks burglaries
January 22, 2024 9:59 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

9:59 PM: This is all breaking right now. Police have just arrived at Global Smoke & Vape (35th/Roxbury) after a report that two people robbed the store at gunpoint. So far the robbers are described as white, male, in black ski masks and dark clothing. (This is the store that dealt with multiple crash-and-grab burglaries last year.)

Police are also responding to two local Starbucks stores with reports of burglaries that just happened – Alki and Admiral. The person who is reported to have broken into the Alki store is described as 5’8″, in a dark blue puffy jacket, dark pants; the only description from Admiral so far is someone in a gray hoodie who got into a vehicle described as a gray Nissan Rogue.

10:39 PM: No further information except that SFD was dispatched to the Alki scene to board up the door.

(Added: Photo sent by Charlotte)

11:59 PM: And now an SFD truck is being sent to “secure” the Admiral shop.

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VIDEO: Last look at Seattle City Council Position 8 finalists before appointment Tuesday
January 22, 2024 8:18 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

By this time tomorrow, we’ll know who the City Council has chosen to fill out its ranks until the November election. Tomorrow afternoon, they’ll appoint someone to take over citywide Position 8 until then; today, in a 3 1/2-hour special meeting, they listened to more than 60 people voice their choices (and other comments) before each councilmember got 10 minutes to ask questions. (The Seattle Channel‘s full meeting video is above.)

During the public-comment period, we counted 18 speaking in support of Tanya Woo, 12 for Vivian Song, 9 for Neha Nariya (including her parents), 6 each for Mari Sugiyama and Steve Strand (the lone West Seattle-residing finalist), 3 for Mark Solomon, and one for Linh Thai. (Unless it was the one speaker we missed, no one spoke in support of Juan Cotto.) The other commenters didn’t mention a candidate – at least not before their one minute of speaking time ran out.

When the councilmembers got their turns, a few asked multiple questions in lightning-round format. District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka of West Seattle just asked one question, about the finalists’ public-safety priorities. Thai promised to “engage the public and the 911 center” on issues. Sugiyama said she would focus on “accountability.” Strand said it’s all about staffing, and said that appointing a police captain to the council would send a message conducive to SPD’s hiring and retention efforts. Solomon, an SPD crime-prevention coordinator, agreed that more officers are needed and also said it’s important to get people to report all crimes. Neriya said restoring trust and “community policing” are vital. Cotto also focused on building trust. Song said she would be “data-driven” – looking at where crimes are happening and which (repeat offenders) are committing. Woo said improving public safety isn’t just an SPD job, but that every city department has a role to play.

The City Council’s decision is due during its 2 pm meeting Tuesday; here’s the agenda. If you have any last-minute message to send, council@seattle.gov is the address to reach them all.

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West Seattle’s new school board director Gina Topp plans first community-conversation meeting Sunday
January 22, 2024 6:27 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Another in-person meeting of note announced today: West Seattle’s newly elected Seattle Public Schools Board director Gina Topp invites you to her first community-conversation meeting. Any questions/comments/concerns about SPS, bring them; no RSVP needed, just show up. The meeting will be at High Point Library (35th/Raymond) 1:30-2:30 pm Sunday (January 28). Topp won election in November with 89 percent of the vote in the race to succeed two-term board director Leslie Harris, who chose not to run again.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 2 business break-ins, and a dumped cash-register drawer
January 22, 2024 4:24 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 2 business break-ins, and a dumped cash-register drawer
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Seattle Police confirm two business burglaries reported over the weekend – Early Sunday, West Seattle Liquor and Wine in outer west Jefferson Square was hit for the second time in less than a week; after a break-in attempt last Wednesday, this time someone did get in, according to the report, and stole what was described as an “unknown amount of product.” Early Saturday, a burglary was reported at the Itto’s building (California/Genesee). In that one, police say, the cash register was stolen – which might be linked to this discovery just sent by a reader:

That turned up dumped near Fauntleroy/Hudson. The California/Genesee incident # is 24-017994; the Jefferson Square # is 24-019098.

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Final week to apply to be on a board that almost never meets
January 22, 2024 2:44 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Development | How to help | West Seattle news

If you worry that joining an advisory board would take too much time – the Southwest Design Review Board, right now, would prove that wrong. While it technically could meet twice a month, considering up to two projects per meeting, it’s been many years since there were enough qualifying development projects to fill that schedule. Last year, in fact, the SWDRB only met three times. Nonetheless, the city needs to have board members, and reader Rob McCulloch – a current SWDRB member – suggested we let you know that applications are open right now. The deadline is January 28 (next Sunday). Here are the basics:

Applicants should have knowledge of, or interest in, architecture, urban design, and the development process. They should have the ability to evaluate projects based on the City’s design guidelines, the ability to listen and communicate effectively, have a passion for urban design and community development, and the ability to work well with others under pressure. Prior experience with community or neighborhood groups is a plus. Board members must live in the city.

Currently the meetings are held online (the board met in-person pre-pandemic). More on the program, and how to apply (openings include boards for other parts of the city too), can be found here. (The rest of the city’s schedule is pretty empty right now too – see it here.)

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FREEZE FOLLOWUP: Playspace closed for pipe repairs
January 22, 2024 1:09 pm
|    Comments Off on FREEZE FOLLOWUP: Playspace closed for pipe repairs
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

One more West Seattle site still cleaning up after damage done in our freezing weather a week-plus ago: The Salvation Army‘s free playspace (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 3-5 pm) is canceled this week for pipe repairs that affected the South Delridge center’s “small gym.” They’re expecting to be able to offer the drop-in time for toddlers and caregivers again starting next Monday; we’ve updating our calendar’s standing listing (and today’s event list) to reflect.

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WEDNESDAY: West Seattle town hall with U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal
January 22, 2024 11:57 am
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(WSB photo, Rep. Jayapal at West Seattle town hall in 2018)

U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal‘s first town-hall meeting of 2024 will be in her home neighborhood – West Seattle. It’s planned for 5:30 pm Wednesday (January 24th) and her office is asking for RSVPs as they finalize the location; if you’re interested in attending, here’s the form to use to RSVP. Rep. Jayapal represents the 7th District, which stretches far to the north and south – see the map here.

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Options for your West Seattle Monday
January 22, 2024 9:58 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Reader photo, off Alki)

Highlights for the rest of your Monday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

CITY COUNCIL HEARS FROM VACANCY FINALISTS: Under way right now (9:30 am scheduled start), as previewed here – you can watch live here.

BABY STORY TIME: Noon at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).

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

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

Toddler Gym Playtime for ages 1-6 years old. Parent supervision is required. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3 pm-5 pm.

GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday brings “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.

D&D: Open D&D starts at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), all welcome, first-time players too. $5.

MEDITATION ON ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community invites you to Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) for meditation. 7 pm.

MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three options tonight – 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander); 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

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

KARAOKE: 10 pm, Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).

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

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Remembering Charlie Nickels, 1995-2021
January 22, 2024 8:50 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

A remembrance from the family of Charlie Nickels, gone three years:

Charlie Nickels

May 22, 1995-January 22, 2021

It seems like just a moment and also an eternity that you’ve been gone. You are loved and missed every day.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Monday notes
January 22, 2024 6:01 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Monday notes
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning. Welcome to Monday, January 22nd.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Warmer, windier, rainy, high around 50. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:47 am, sunset at 4:54 pm (this Friday, the sunset will be at 5 pm).

ROAD WORK

As mentioned last week, SDOT says it’s resuming work on crossing improvements at Roxbury/Olson – here’s the project flyer.

TRANSIT NOTES

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

Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.

Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service 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 applicable). Thank you!

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VIDEO: Permits close; people wanted! Highland Park Improvement Club ‘town hall’ update on rebuilding progress, and what you can do
January 21, 2024 10:43 pm
|    Comments Off on VIDEO: Permits close; people wanted! Highland Park Improvement Club ‘town hall’ update on rebuilding progress, and what you can do
 |   Highland Park | How to help | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The Highland Park Improvement Club rebuilding project needs more donated dollars. But as much as – or maybe even more than – that, iHPIC needs your talent and time.

That was the message at this week’s online “town hall” updating where the project stands, two and a half years after fire ravaged HPIC’s historic community-owned-and-operated building at 12th/Holden.

The meeting, facilitated by HPIC’s board president Rhonda Smith and member Kay Kirkpatrick, lasted less than an hour, and you can see it in its entirety in the HPIC-provided video above. It was the first “town hall” update on the project in more than a year (here’s our coverage of the previous one, in November 2022), and the sixth since the fire.

The project has been far from idle in the ensuing 14 months – it’s been slogging through the city review process, as explained by architect (and Highland Park resident) Matt Estes of Wittman Estes. Key permits are likely just weeks away. But that’s just one hurdle to clear – to make the project reality, it’ll take more community involvement and more fundraising. The latter has made a lot of progress: Read More

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WEEK AHEAD: City Council vacancy finalists’ final pitches Monday
January 21, 2024 8:53 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

If you want to tell the City Council who you think they should appoint to the 10-month vacancy for citywide Position 8, time is running out. Tomorrow (Monday, January 22) the eight finalists make their final pitches to the councilmembers, who are expected to make their decision Tuesday. You can comment either during tomorrow’s meeting at 9:30 am – in person at City Hall or remotely (the agenda explains how) – or by email (council@seattle.gov or individually). The finalists answered questions in a public forum last Thursday night, and tomorrow morning they’ll answer councilmembers’ questions. As with all City Council meetings, this one will be streamed live at SeattleChannel.org.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Two thefts
January 21, 2024 6:04 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports of West Seattle thefts:

HARDTOP STOLEN: This report and photo are from a reader:

My Mazda Miata hardtop, which had specially installed bolted locks to prevent theft, was drilled off before my discovery the morning of Jan 12 in a lighted alley apartment lot (next to other cars) in the Alki area. This current removal was a concerted effort requiring multiple people and tools and also involved the removal of all items in the glove compartment, car inside, and trunk. Approximately $6,000 of damage was done to the car. This hardtop is not replaceable and was useful for the driver’s visibility (soft convertible tops have small back windows). SPD report number is 2024-901158.

PACKAGE STOLEN: This happened just after 1 pm today, reports Jenn:

We had a package stolen from our front door. We have video from our Ring camera – they were wearing a blue jacket (looks like they’re attempting to look like an Amazon delivery person), red backpack, gray beanie with Pom Pom, and were masked. We’re off 34th and Morgan and have a gate that they opened.

No report number yet; we’ll add when it’s available.

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WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: 12 views of our winged neighbors, plus an ID request
January 21, 2024 2:11 pm
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

Thanks to everyone who’s sent bird photos this month! We have enough for one of our periodic weekend galleries – starting with seabirds: Above, Steve Bender‘s photo of American Wigeons at Jack Block Park; below, Mark MacDonald photographed Harlequin Ducks at Lincoln Park:

Also at Lincoln Park, a Common Goldeneye, by Erin B. Jackson:

At Duwamish Head, Robin Sinner photographed this Black Turnstone:

Moving inland a bit, a Yellow-rumped Warbler from Jerry Simmons:

Two more from Mark MacDonald, both at Lincoln Park – a Varied Thrush:

And a Cooper’s Hawk:

They were popular to photograph in recent weeks – we’ve received other Cooper’s Hawk photos, including this one from Andrew Kronen in Belvidere:

And a closeup from Steve Bender:

Here are two owl photos – first a Great Horned Owl seen at Lincoln Park by Rob Christian:

And William Wright sent this photo last Tuesday, explaining: “The students at Fairmount Park Elementary have had a great view of a Barred Owl perched just outside one of the third-floor classroom windows; just about the whole school has made a visit to room 303 for a look at the owl who has been perched there all day.”

Now the request for ID help – Juli wondered if you can identify this bird seen at her feeder:

Thanks again for all the bird images – we also publish some with our every-morning event-preview lists (and also appreciate the other West Seattle scenes sent in for those) – westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best way to reach us, unless it’s urgent, in which case please text or call 206-293-6302!

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SCHOOLS: Vashon Island district invites non-islanders to apply
January 21, 2024 12:46 pm
|      48 COMMENTS
 |   Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news

Midway through the 2023-2024 school year, families are finalizing their plans for 2024-2025. So we’ve been showcasing open houses and tours for various West Seattle schools of all types. A nearby district is raising its hand for your consideration, too. Vashon Island School District superintendent Dr. Slade McSheehy asked us to share this announcement with you:

Vashon Island School District Still Accepting Non-Resident Applications

(Photo courtesy Vashon Island SD)

Did you know that the Vashon Island School District is currently accepting non-resident applications for students in grades K-12? This is a wonderful opportunity for families in our neighboring communities to become part of an exceptional school district.

At Vashon Island School District, we take pride in small school environments where every student is not just a name on a roster, but welcomed, known, and treasured.

Join over 200+ students, K-12, who commute daily to be a part of our close-knit island community.

Apply for admission using the VISD Non-Resident Student application, Non-Resident Application

Questions, forms, and other information can be received for each school from the following people:

Chautauqua Elementary: Caleb Johns, CES Registrar- cjohns@vashonsd.org 206-463-8540
McMurray Middle School: Kelly Murphy, McM Registrar – kmurphy@vashonsd.org 206-463-9168
Vashon High School: Deb Franson, VHS Registrar – dfranson@vashonsd.org 206-463-8684
Choice Transfers, District Contact: Kareem Greenidge – kgreenidge@vashonsd.org 206-463-8530

We asked the superintendent for a few more specifics about their current “commuter” student population: “We have 257 off-island students who commute. Approximately 25-30 are from Southworth and the remainder from Fauntleroy. Approximately 25 are K-5 with the remainder grades 6-12.” The total district enrollment is just over 1,500, so that means one in six students is from off-island.

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BIZNOTE: Duke’s on Alki temporarily closed for post-freeze repairs
January 21, 2024 11:20 am
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Thanks to Sally for the tip. Duke’s Seafood on Alki says it’s going to have to stay closed “for the next couple of weeks” cleaning up and repairing damage done when pipes broke in the recent sub-freezing weather. The restaurant’s announcement says the pipe breaks led to flooding. Duke’s six other locations remain open – Southcenter, South Lake Union, Green Lake, Kent Station, Bellevue, and Tacoma.

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Memorial service January 27 for Joan Muir Batson (Seamens) King, 1934-2024
January 21, 2024 10:03 am
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 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather next Saturday to remember Joan King, and are sharing this remembrance with the community now:

Joan Muir Batson was born on June 25, 1934 to Phil and Melba (Muir) Batson in Seattle, and passed away peacefully in the company of family and friends on January 5, 2024.

She was proud of her old West Seattle family, who first came to the Alki Beach area in 1919. She grew up in the Admiral district, but spent much of her time with her Grandmother, Martha Muir, who owned restaurants at Alki and later the Junction, one of which was located at the current site of the Great American Diner.

Joan attended Lafayette Elementary, Madison Junior High, and West Seattle High School, from which she graduated in 1952. Her father, a Civil Defense official at the time, was posted to Washington, DC, so Joan spent her sophomore year attending high school in Alexandria, VA.

After briefly attending the UW, Joan left school to marry Ralph Seamens, and embarked on her true vocation: wife, mother, as well as a vocal and active member of her community. For many years, she was active in the West Seattle Hi-Yu, the West Seattle Art Club, the YWCA, Girl Scouts, and other organizations. Joan belonged to the West Seattle (now Admiral) UCC in West Seattle, and later Bellevue First Congregational Church, where she added her beautiful voice to their choir. Joan proactively raised her three daughters to be strong, independent woman (and college graduates!), and good mothers as well. No one could surpass her in entertaining, whether it was a picnic on the beach or a pull-out-all the-stops family holiday dinner, and doing it with, as many people have observed, so much elegance.

In 1977, Joan married Robert King, sharing a blended family, beautiful homes, and many trips and adventures on their boat, The Sceptre. After Bob’s untimely death in 1994, Joan left their house in Bellevue and purchased her own home at Providence Point in Issaquah where she resided until health issues prevailed.

While serving on the planning committee for their 50th high school reunion in 2002, Joan became re-acquainted with Tom Knapp, a fellow classmate from 1952, and they were together, sharing more trips and adventures, until her passing.

Joan is survived by her children and their families: Karen Dobbs, Jill (Jim) Gilliom, Renee (Brian) Thorngate, Chris (Karen) King, and Diane King (Jim Bowden); grandchildren Laura (Nick) Mitchell, Mark (Kelly) Wissing, Rachel Gilliom, Jacob Thorngate, Camden Thorngate, Julie Swanson, and Brian Loberg; great-grandsons Henry, Colin and Sam Mitchell. These children were all the Lights of her Life. Her dear partner Tom Knapp also survives her.

Services will be held at Bellevue First Congregational Church on Saturday, January 27th at 2:00 PM. Donations in Joan’s memory may be made to Bellevue First Congregational Church, the West Seattle High School Alumni Scholarship program, or to any local charity benefitting children, families or the elderly. Arrangements by Sunset Hill Memorial Park.

(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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8 possibilities for your West Seattle Sunday
January 21, 2024 6:16 am
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 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Gatewood photo by Troy Sterk)

Here’s what’s happening today/tonight, mostly from our Event Calendar:

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at 9 am at rotating locations – today it’s Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW).

INDUSTRIOUS GRAND OPENING: The new fitness center in the ex-Village Woodworks space at 4538 California SW just opened and is having a grand-opening party 9 am-1 pm today.

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

FREE SEED-STARTING CLASS: Get going on garden readiness – learn about seed-starting with Jenn at West Seattle Nursery (California/Brandon), 2 pm.

LIVE MUSIC AT C & P COFFEE: Singer-songwriter Dan Lundin performs at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. All ages, no cover.

FLUTES IN THE FOREST GO INDOORS: You loved them in the park, now enjoy their music at the library! Free chamber-music concert, 3 pm, West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2326 42nd SW).

FREE RESTORATIVE-YOGA CLASS: 4 pm at Dragonfly Studio (3270 California SW), “a chill and slow flow restorative class to connect to ourselves, each other and our community.” Donation-based. Our calendar listing has the registration link.

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

Something in the future for our calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the info – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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