8 possibilities for your West Seattle Sunday

January 21, 2024 6:16 am
|    Comments Off on 8 possibilities for your West Seattle Sunday
 |   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!

SPORTS: Chief Sealth IHS varsity basketball teams host Cleveland

January 21, 2024 12:59 am
|    Comments Off on SPORTS: Chief Sealth IHS varsity basketball teams host Cleveland
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

With two weeks to go in high-school basketball’s regular season, we checked in on Chief Sealth International High School‘s two Saturday night varsity home games.

(#24, junior Fahima Mohamed)

The Sealth girls opened the night with a big win.

(#14, sophomore Alysse Bland)

They beat Cleveland 74-29.

(#11, sophomore Dajah Johnson)

The girls’ record is now up to 8-7. Their win came with an assistant coach filling in at the helm – former West Seattle High School basketball star Grace Sarver:

In the nightcap, the Seahawk boys lost narrowly to Cleveland, 65-63.

It was Senior Night, so that meant some special recognition for the players who will graduate this year:

(#14, senior Ocean Freeman)

(#22, senior Natniel Goitaom)

(#0, senior James McAllister II)

The boys’ record is now 3-13. Their next game is at Franklin, as is the girls’ next game; the boys play at 7:30 pm Tuesday (January 23), the girls play at 7:30 Wednesday (January 24).

VIDEO: ‘Don’t lose this Y, please.’ Fauntleroy YMCA fans express fondness and frustration at town-hall meeting

(WSB meeting video, beginning after introductions; public comments start 16 minutes in)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“We’re not going to close the doors tomorrow, next week, next month …” promised Greater Seattle YMCA district executive Greg Lewis toward the end of Friday’s two-hour town hall on the Fauntleroy YMCA‘s future.

The meeting was announced earlier this month as the YMCA (WSB sponsor) moved to address rumors that it intended to close the Fauntleroy branch. The organization acknowledged financial challenges but asked members and other supporters to help figure it out.

Y leaders did not bring further financial specifics to the full-house meeting at Fauntleroy Church – long co-housed with the Y – and that was a source of frustration to many who spoke.

The meeting opened with introductory remarks from West Seattle/Fauntleroy branch executive Cleveland King. He had Y staff introduce themselves from around the room – there were a dozen regional and other-branch managers present. That’s not counting the six who were on stage with King – five West Seattle/Fauntleroy managers, and one more regional leader. Also introduced were three local advisory board members, as well as some staffers including instructors.

King said they wanted to “come up with solutions” and “hear what the community wants to tell us.” He also said they wanted to hear that in the format of comments, not questions – “things that you want to let us know – whatever it is, I want to know, I want to hear.”

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Crash blocking Sylvan Way

January 20, 2024 6:20 pm
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC ALERT: Crash blocking Sylvan Way
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

SFD and SPD are at the scene of a crash blocking Sylvan Way both ways at Holly [map]. Two cars have been mentioned by dispatch; one person who texted us says it might be as many as four. No word yet on injuries.

Cloudy water in Arbor Heights

January 20, 2024 6:01 pm
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 |   Arbor Heights | Utilities | West Seattle news

The report is from Beth. The Seattle Public Utilities map doesn’t show any current problems, but there have been several repairs in Arbor Heights in recent days. This too is a problem to report, if it happens to you, to SPU’s 24-hour line at 206-386-1800.

GIVING: Holiday competition brings in half-ton of donations

January 20, 2024 3:56 pm
|    Comments Off on GIVING: Holiday competition brings in half-ton of donations
 |   Fauntleroy | Holidays | West Seattle news

A bit of post-holiday news is still trickling in … including this report from Judy Pickens on how the Fauntleroy Church Festival of Trees‘ food-drive competition turned out:

Last month’s Festival of Trees hosted by Fauntleroy Church is now history but “votes” for favorite trees put over 950 pounds of food and hygiene items on shelves at local food banks.

(This photo and next courtesy Fauntleroy Church)

Youth from the church sorted and counted more than 1,100 donations for the White Center and West Seattle food banks. Two trees garnered the most “votes” in the friendly competition: “Tree by the Sea” (crafted from driftwood by Alki UCC) and “Peace in Many Languages” (crafted from recycled components by the Petty-Johnson family).

The 13 trees in this second year of the festival included several deemed best of show, including “best celebration of diversity,” “most creative use of stuff,” and “most interactive.” Participation was open to any interested group or individual and anyone who viewed the trees could vote. The church hopes to offer this event to the community again during the 2024 Christmas season.

Festival visitors were invited to bring non-perishable food to the event and “vote” for their favorite by placing food items beneath the tree.

SPORTS: West Seattle High School seeking coaches for two spring sports

January 20, 2024 1:16 pm
|    Comments Off on SPORTS: West Seattle High School seeking coaches for two spring sports
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

West Seattle High School athletic director Corey Sorenson is looking for two people to step up to the plate and fill out his coaching staff – here’s his announcement:

West Seattle has two coaching positions open for this Spring!

Girls Varsity Softball Head Coach
Boys Junior Varsity Head Baseball Coach

Interested applicants can apply via the link listed below. Thank you!

seattleschools.org/departments/athletics/opportunities

UPDATE: Medical response at 10th/Roxbury

January 20, 2024 12:14 pm
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: Medical response at 10th/Roxbury
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

12:14 PM: Westbound Roxbury is blocked at 10th right now. A man was reported down in the street; responders have been told he was not hit – he fell and hit his head. So he’s getting medical attention right now. Avoid the area for a while.

1:16 PM: SFD has cleared the scene and closed the call.

GRU! Seattle Kraken goalie visits kids at Salvation Army in South Delridge

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

If you’ve watched a Seattle Kraken game, you might be familiar with fans’ appreciative call of GRUUUUU! when goalie Philipp Grubauer gets a save. Not recently – he’s been off the ice with an injury for more than a month. But he’s keeping busy, including in a role as Divisional Youth Ambassador for the Salvation Army, which hosted him at their South Delridge center on Friday.

Grubauer joined kids from the center’s After-School Program for a hockey-skills drill (with a ball, not a puck):

He was scheduled to hang out with the kids through dinnertime.

ORCAS: In the area

Orcas are passing West Seattle, per a text from Kersti Muul – NB in the Vashon ferry lanes.

22 possibilities for your West Seattle Saturday!

(Seals at sunset Friday off Fauntleroy – photo by Pia VanHanen)

Here are your options for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar.

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.

DAY SIT WITH PUGET SOUND ZEN CENTER: Daylong retreat at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 8:30 am-5:30 pm – details in our calendar listing.

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

BAGEL POP-UP: 10 am-1 pm at Peel & Press (6503 California SW) in Morgan Junction, Rachel’s Bagels is popping up.

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)

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

DOG MEET-AND-GREET: Catch Forgotten Dogs Rescue at Mud Bay in Admiral (2611 California SW), 11 am-2 pm.

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

FREE POP-UP IRISH-DANCE CLASS: Noon for kids 5-12, 1 pm for teens/adults, at West Seattle Health Club (2629 SW Andover) – call 206-556-3280 to see if there’s room!

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2234 SW Orchard)

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

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.

BASKETBALL: Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle) has home games today – both vs. Cleveland – girls at 4:30 pm, boys at 6 pm.

INTIMATE CONCERT SERIES: Music at Alki Arts (6030 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6 pm – tonight, Levi Hilliard. $20 suggested donation (goes directly to musician).

LIVE AT EASY STREET: Acoustic set with Slaughter Beach, Dog, 6:30 pm. (4559 California SW)

COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: 7 pm, Roo Forrest & Friends at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.

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

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Folk-driven music with Wiseacre, Sheyenne Leonard at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm, $10.

BEATS: Saturday night DJ at Revelry Room – 9 pm, tonight it’s DJ Sessions. (4547 California SW, alley side)

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

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

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

Police, Parks, promises @ Alki Community Council’s ‘new start’ meeting

January 19, 2024 11:59 pm
|    Comments Off on Police, Parks, promises @ Alki Community Council’s ‘new start’ meeting
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

What you see above – taped onto the door of Alki UCC Thursday night – was one sign (literally) of the Alki Community Council‘s “fresh start.”

Another sign – more than 20 people in the room, and others joining online, a much larger turnout than most recent meetings.

“We’re all here thanks to a very long history of volunteer service,” new ACC president Charlotte Starck observed in her introductory comments. “This group has done a lot for a long time … we’re all here because we love Alki, we love our home, we want to contribute … We’re not just driven by one issue.” Starck explained that the new leaders, elected in. November, see the role of the ACC ss to “facilitate the conversation and help keep the dialogue going,” not necessarily to advocate for any particular position.

New vice president Lindsey Pearsall elaborated that they hope “to bring the community together, to uplift Alki in general.” She said they’re working to streamline communications, including launching a newsletter – “a resource for the community to go to.” They’ll also be updating the website, automating membership technology, and working to circulate a community survey. That’ll be announced in the newsletter. She’s also interested in ideas of how you would like to see information distributed. They’ve also been connecting with other neighborhood groups, with new District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka, and others.

From there, it was on to the night’s featured guests and topics:

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigated in two locations

10:29 PM: Multiple 911 callers – and texters contacting us after calling 911 – reported suspected gunshots in High Point a short time ago, and police have confirmed it was gunfire: Officers have just told dispatch they found casings at 29th/Brandon. They’ve also heard from people near 29th/Findlay who say they were “shot at” – but no injuries are reported so far. The only description is a “black sedan with aftermarket headlights.”

10:47 PM: A texter says they’ve found casings by the 34th/Myrtle roundabout and have reported that to police.

10:56 PM: Officers have just told dispatch they’re at the aforementioned “second scene.”

11:11 PM: They’ve subsequently reported a “bullet in a house” near the second scene. Still no injuries reported in connection with either scene.

WEST SEATTLE SCHOOLS: Holy Rosary Alumni Day next weekend

If you ever attended Holy Rosary School, they’d love to see you back next weekend – here’s the announcement:

Calling All Alumni for Holy Rosary Alumni Day

Are you an alum of Holy Rosary, or do you know someone who is? Or, come together as an alumni class! We are celebrating all Holy Rosary school alumni on Sunday, January 28, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. HRS alumni are invited to contribute to the Holy Rosary Alumni Book while enjoying light refreshments in the school hall. Families are welcome to join.

Please direct any question to office@holyrosaryws.org

PARKING: West Seattle Junction RPZ expands

Thanks to Steve for the tip about those covered-up signs near California and Andover. SDOT confirms they’re signs for an expansion of what started as the West Seattle Junction Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ):

These signs are for a single-block expansion of Restricted Parking Zone 35 on SW Andover Street between 44th Ave SW and California Ave SW. We followed our standard practice for single-block expansions as described on our website here.

Here’s what the signs will look like when uncovered:

Here’s the current RPZ map; here’s what this zone covered when launched almost five years ago. This is one of two RPZs in West Seattle; the other is in Fauntleroy,

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen green Sierra pickup; gas theft

Two reader reports:

STOLEN SIERRA: From Jon:

My 2000 GMC Sierra pickup was stolen at 4 AM of the 18th while parked in the 6000 block of Beach Drive. The truck is a medium green with a flat bed cover and Washington license N7IGG.

Guilty party was the passenger in a 2000 to 2006 GMC Tahoe, license beginning in “D” and ending in “10”. If anyone notices either please call 911 and mention the case number: 24-16382.

GAS THEFT: Reported via text – “Just a note that on 38th between Stevens and Lander last night at about 930 somebody drilled out my gas tank on my Toyota Tacoma and stole the gas.”

BIZNOTE: Westwood Village McDonald’s temporarily closed

Thanks for the tips that the Westwood Village McDonald’s is temporarily closed. We just went over to verify. The sign on the door doesn’t give a reason for the closure; one tipster says it’s a pipe problem. We’ll check again in a few hours; let us know if you see it reopened sooner.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: School threat, determined to be a hoax

2 PM: Thanks for the tips. Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School families have received an email from their schools’ principals about a threat today that they say was determined to be a hoax. Here’s the version sent by principal Ray Morales:

This morning, a threat was reported regarding Chief Sealth International High School. Seattle Police Department (SPD) responded quickly to our campus.

SPD completed a thorough safety check on our shared campus. Seattle Public Schools (SPS) safety and security team has reviewed our security alarm system and found no unauthorized people entering the building. SPD and SPS have determined this was a hoax. There is no credible threat to our students and staff.

The incident remains under investigation with SPD and SPS Department of Technology Services who are attempting to determine the source of the email.

For Denny, out of an abundance of caution, we kept first lunch Denny students inside due to the additional police presence.

I am grateful for the quick and thorough response by SPD and SPS. Today, you or your student may see additional SPD and additional SPS safety and security staff on our campus as they investigate and support our school community.

We’re checking with SPD to see if they have any additional information; the call log on X (formerly Twitter) says police responded to a threat call at CSIHS just after 9:30 am.

ADDED 2:58 PM: Here’s the SPD response to our inquiry:

On 01/19/2024 at approximately 0937 hours, a local news station received an email from an unknown individual. The email was regarding a bomb threat at (the school) and a teacher’s residence. Officers headed to the high school and contacted the principal of the school. Based on the email, the school deemed that the email non-credible and wished not to evacuate the school. The listed teacher declined to speak to officers. Officers checked the outer perimeter of the school and did not locate anything suspicious. The school staff checked the inner perimeter and reviewed security camera footage, nothing was suspicious.

FOLLOWUP: If you’re wondering what’s up with the long-closed Jack Block Park pier …

(WSB photo, 2021)

Three years have now passed since we reported that the pier at Jack Block Park (2130 Harbor Avenue SW) might have to be rebuilt, after what by our count was at least its third closure in a year and a half – and this time, a closure from which it has never reopened. The park is owned by the Port of Seattle, and inquiries are handled by the Northwest Seaport Alliance, the partnership of the Seattle and Tacoma port authorities. So we asked NWSA spokesperson Melanie Stambaugh for an update on the pier’s status/future. Here’s what she told us:

Analysis on the best solution (repair or replacement) for the Jack Block Park Pier was conducted and the NWSA has determined a replacement of the pier is best. Design of the Pier Replacement Project will begin this year and funds for the replacement were approved in our 2024 budget. The full completion date of the project has yet to be determined.

We didn’t find the line item in the NWSA’s budget but it’s in the Port of Seattle budget – 196 pages in, $500,000 is allotted this year, $2.5 million next year, and $3.4 million in 2026 for what’s billed as “pier and plaza replacement” at the park.

HELPING: One more MLK Day of Service scene – students at Lincoln Park

The extra-cold weather didn’t keep students from spending their day off as a “day on” back on Monday – the photos and report are from Lincoln Park forest steward Lisa McGinty:

Sharing some highlights from Monday’s MLK Day of Service co-hosted with students from WSHS Earth Club. 53 students from WSHS and other area high schools showed up on a cold morning to help restore our urban forests in Lincoln Park. It was a great ‘youth-leading-youth’ event with WSHS Earth Club leaders helping to guide students at restoration sites in the Park. They worked to remove blackberry, ivy, holly and trash debris found in the forest. Thanks to all the awesome students who braved the cold and shared the 💚!

Watch this site for opportunities to help in Lincoln Park (and elsewhere!).

Fauntleroy YMCA town hall, WSHS play, music, more for your West Seattle Friday

(“Northwest conifer with decorative flattened scales and winter buds,” explains photographer Rosalie Miller)

Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s the lineup for the rest of your Friday:

TODDLER GYM: Free drop-in gym at Arbor Heights Community Church, 10 am-11:30 am. (4113 SW 102nd)

SCRABBLE CLUB: Play 12:30-1:30 pm at Margie’s Café inside the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

TODDLER GYM: Free indoor playspace, 3-5 pm at Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW).

FAUNTLEROY YMCA TOWN HALL: As previewed here, the YMCA (WSB sponsor) wants to hear from you regarding the future of its longtime Fauntleroy location. This event, 4-6 pm at Fauntleroy Church/Y (9140 California SW), is intended for you to offer comments and/or ask questions.

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

SONGWRITER INCUBATOR NIGHT: 6 pm signups, 6:30 pm music at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW).

LIVE MUSIC AT C & P: Folk rock with Dublin Abbey 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.

‘ALMOST, MAINE’ AT WSHS: The West Seattle High School Drama-produced play has its final performance tonight at 7:30 pm in the school theater. (3000 California SW)

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), Beefeetees, Torch, Justin Harden. $10.

DJ NIGHT AT REVELRY ROOM: Music 9 pm-1 am on Fridays! (4547 California SW)

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

CAN YOU HELP? Madison Middle School students seeking gift-card donations for read-a-thon

You donate, they read! The Madison Middle School ASB (student association) has a request:

Help us get people reading!

Madison Middle School’s annual fundraiser is approaching! This fundraiser allows us to fund clubs, sports, and extracurriculars. This year, we’ll be holding a read-a-thon, from March 11th to March 25th. We are looking for incentives for students to motivate them to participate. The Madison Middle School ASB will be accepting gift cards/certificates to local West Seattle businesses, no more than $25 each.

If you have any questions, or would like to make a donation, please email madisonmsasb@gmail.com

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday arrives

6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, January 19th.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Big news today is an expected high in the 40s for the first time in more than a week – mid-40s to be specific, per the forecast, which also says it’ll be cloudy with a chance of more rain. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:50 am, sunset at 4:50 pm (one week from tonight, the sunset will be at 5 pm).

ROAD WORK

As noted here last night, SDOT says it’s resuming work at Roxbury/Olson – here’s the project flyer.

TRANSIT NOTES

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you’re wondering where the boat is.

Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.

Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route. Check 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!