VIDEO: Seattle City Council’s new lineup, with District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka, officially starts work

(WSB photo: District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka, with daughter Maeve administering oath of office)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Hopes and expectations were running high as the new edition of the Seattle City Council gathered for its first meeting, before a full house that gave councilmembers a standing ovation, cheering loudly as they entered the chambers.

(WSB photo)

First task in the 2 1/2-hour meeting: They chose a new president – the only nominee, elected unanimously, was citywide Councilmember Sara Nelson, who is midway through her first term.

(WSB photo)

Then came the ceremonial swearing-in ceremonies for, and speeches by, the seven newly elected/reelected district councilmembers, in district numerical order, so District 1’s Rob Saka was first, with the oath given by his 9-year-old daughter Maeve, a Fairmount Park Elementary student, who concluded, “Congratulations, Daddy!” In his subsequent speech, he thanked his wife Alicia and their three kids for being “with him every step of the way,” as well as his father. He shared the personal story many heard during the campaign – with an emphasis on “resilience and unity.” He said those are the factors that led him to enlist in the U.S. Air Force, and why he became a lawyer. He acknowledge “immense” challenges facing the council, including public safety and housing, as well as the nuts and bolts “basics” of government (potholes, etc.). He says he wants to be the “king of potholes” if that’s what it takes – “the little things in life matter.” He also declared this is a “once-in-a-generation opportunity … to reshape the culture here at City Hall.” He made some of the same points in our brief interview with him before the meeting:

If you don’t have time to listen to the interview, a key question we asked Councilmember Saka was how he plans to stay in touch with constituents; he said he’ll continue the “robust” weekly newsletters that his predecessor Lisa Herbold began, and he also plans to keep his promise to open a district office. He also has hired his first two staffers – chief of staff Elaine Ikoma Ko and district relations/scheduler Leyla Gheisar. (Find the office contact info here.)

Committee chairs were announced during the meeting; Saka will chair the Transportation Committee. That was not a major topic during Saka’s campaigning, but for public safety, which was, the committee chair role is going to new District 7 Councilmember Robert Kettle.

There will be some major transportation-related issues this year, though, as senior Councilmember Tammy Morales noted while speaking as president pro tem during the opening moments of the meeting. She observed that the “challenging year ahead” for the council will include “enormous tasks” such as the next transportation-levy proposal as well as a new comprehensive plan, new Seattle Police Officers Guild contract, and a potential $250 million budget deficit.

Nelson, in her first speech as council president, vowed to “work to do the most good for the greatest number of people.” She also said the council needs to “double down on our oversight role.” She described her “grand vision as council president” as “simple good governance.” She also expressed a preference for the in-person format that filled the chambers.

(City-provided photo)

As Saka noted in his interview with us, the first big task for the council is to choose its ninth member – the citywide Position 8 had been held by Teresa Mosqueda (a North Delridge resident), but she is now resigning to take her new job as King County Councilmember, for which she’ll be sworn in soon. They have just under three weeks to do that; the appointed councilmember will serve until someone is elected this fall to finish what will then be the remaining year of Mosqueda’s term. Here’s the webpage with information on the process.

With public comment and some routine business added to all that, the new council’s first meeting concluded at about 4:30 pm, with new president Nelson declaring, “We got this, everybody!”

ADDED: Here’s the Seattle Channel meeting video – if you watch from that page, it includes links to jump ahead to specific times, such as Councilmember Saka’s swearing-in and speech.

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Outer Space Seattle closes, still seeking buyer

January 2, 2024 2:27 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

One last announcement from now-closed Outer Space Seattle‘s proprietor Caitlin Huertas:

Goodbye, West Seattle. It’s been fun!

Are you interested in purchasing Outer Space Seattle? We have everything packed up and ready to go to a new home! For inquiries, or expressions of interest in acquiring Outer Space Seattle, please contact Susanna Tran or Julie Shizukuishi of West Coast Commercial Realty at 206-283-5212.

Susanna Tran susanna@wccommercialrealty.com
Julie Shizukuishi julie@wccommercialrealty.com

Huertas announced in November that Outer Space Seattle would close unless a buyer was found. It was located at 2820 Alki Avenue SW, between Cactus and Locust Cider.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Twice-stolen green Yukon; hit-run with plate left behind

January 2, 2024 12:23 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

TWICE-STOLEN YUKON: The report and photo are from Linda:

I want to report the theft of my 2002 GMC YukonXL K1500, dark green, license plate number WA BPB8585. It was taken last night – for the second time since August- from the 4400 block of SW Dawson Street (between California Ave. and Erskine Way). Last time it was recovered in Burien in the possession of a person who had been arrested four times in the previous year.

We’ll add the police-report number when we get it.

HIT-RUN WITH PLATE LEFT BEHIND: This report and photos are from Kevin:

My car was the secondary victim of a hit and run last Friday morning on 35th and Austin. The car that did the damage was a 2018 Acura and they were nice enough to leave their license plate.

Awaiting a report number on this too.

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Ten for 2024’s first West Seattle Tuesday

January 2, 2024 10:25 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Dale Cotton – view from ‘top of the Arroyos, Arbor Heights)

Highlights for the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

POP-UP BLOOD DRIVE: West Seattle opportunities start today – sign up if you can donate; check here for appointments.

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.)

NEW COUNCIL’S FIRST MEETING: As previewed here, District 1’s new Councilmember Rob Saka and other newly elected/reelected councilmembers meet for the first time at 2 pm. You can watch via Seattle Channel or attend the meeting at City Hall.

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.

WEST SEATTLE TAE KWON DO: January classes start tonight, 6 pm at High Point Community Center. (6920 34th SW)

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.

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).

You can look into the future any time via our event calendar – if you have something to add to it, please email the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Memorial service planned January 13 for William W. Sauter, 1946-2023

January 2, 2024 9:09 am

| 10 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather January 13 to remember Bill Sauter, and are sharing this remembrance with his community:

William Warren Sauter
November 29, 1946 – October 24, 2023

William Warren Sauter passed away peacefully on October 24, 2023 at the age of 76. He was a lifelong resident of West Seattle and the owner of the plumbing company West Seattle Sewer and Drain. He was well known as West Seattle’s local plumber, enjoying friendships with his customers and rescuing them from plumbing emergencies. When Bill retired four years ago, he sorely missed his work and his customers.

Bill grew up loving the game of baseball. He began playing for West Seattle Little League at the age of ten and continued through American Legion and West Seattle High School. He pitched for the 1964 West Seattle High School team that won the Metro League Championship that year and was named 1st Team in the State of Washington. Bill was the only Sophomore on that team. In 1966, his senior year at West Seattle High, he was chosen as team captain and awarded Most Inspirational Player.

Bill served four years in the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command during the Vietnam War. After basic training, he served at Goose Bay Labrador’s Air base in Canada, fueling U.S. military aircraft. He finished his service at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, fueling Air Force helicopters.

Known for his garage sales in Arbor Heights, his signs would be posted on the corner of 35th SW and SW 106th St. in summer and fall months. He loved interacting with the buyers and was famous for his “wheeling and dealing.” Some people would return every year just to share their troubles to a listening ear.

Bill was exceptionally proud of his children and grandchildren, encouraging them to work hard to accomplish their goals. He is remembered by them for his ability to laugh at himself.

He leaves his wife, Diane; two daughters, Julia and Erin; son David and his wife Morresia; seven grandchildren, Ashley, Emily, Jerin, Elisa, Zach, Lexi, and 4-month-old granddaughter River.

A memorial service for Bill will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 11:00 am at Grace Church, 10323 28th Ave SW.

(Updated January 2 at 10:30 pm)

(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: Post-holiday-season Tuesday

January 2, 2024 6:00 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, January 2nd – holiday season’s over, so it’s back to work and back to school.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Rain returns, high in the upper 40s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:57 am, and the sun will set at 4:29 pm.

TRANSIT UPDATES

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

Metro today – Back to 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

(The video options on SDOT’s camera map still don’t work; SDOT tells us they’re working on it, but no ETA for the fix.)

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 – another route across the river:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; 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/bay, 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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BIZNOTE: West Seattle’s smallest for-lease commercial site

January 1, 2024 10:40 pm

| 31 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Apparently Bank of America isn’t planning to repair and reactivate its standalone ATM in Morgan Junction in the wake of last October’s destructive theft attempt. The paved pad where it’s stood for a decade, just west of the north side of West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), is up for lease. We noticed it while browsing commercial listings, which pointed to this glossy brochure (cover image below), touting the 100-sf site as a “high-visibility single-tenant pad.”

(Cover page of brochure for ex-ATM site)

As we reported in October, the would-be thieves who shut down the ATM tried to get into it with a “Jaws of Life” type of tool stolen from the fire district that serves communities including White Center and Burien.

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TUESDAY: District 1’s Rob Saka and other new Seattle City Councilmembers start work

January 1, 2024 6:34 pm

| 18 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

With five of nine Seattle City Councilmembers brand new to the job – and a sixth soon – tomorrow’s the day we will start seeing what they do. The council’s 2 pm Tuesday meeting is their first of the year and will be devoted to:

*Electing a new president (previous council president Debora Juarez did not run for re-election)

*Ceremonial swearing-in – Along with the five new members, two were re-elected in November, so there will be seven oaths of office: Rob Saka (District 1), Tammy J. Morales (District 2), Joy Hollingsworth (District 3), Maritza Rivera (District 4), Cathy Moore (District 5), Dan Strauss (District 6), and Robert Kettle (District 7).

*Speeches

*Public comment

*Starting the process of appointing a councilmember – Right after the meeting, Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda (a West Seattleite who holds citywide Position 8) will resign to take her new role as a County Councilmember. So the new council has to appoint someone to fill the position until this fall’s election. This webpage explains the basics of the process, and will have more information once the council makes more process decisions tomorrow.

Here’s the agenda; you can watch this all live Tuesday afternoon via Seattle Channel.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another burglary at Tails to Astonish

January 1, 2024 4:31 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

(Images from Tails to Astonish)

For the third time in a little over four months, burglars have hit West Seattle’s only comic-book store, Tails to Astonish just south of The Junction. They report it happened around 6:45 this morning and sent these security-camera images:

We woke up this morning with someone having broken into the store. So we will be closed today and tomorrow (Monday/Tuesday) to clean up and do inventory. We will be back open on Wednesday with all the new books! If you recognize them please call us or SPD case number 24-000302.

Last year’s burglaries were on August 23rd and September 30th.

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Got fitness plans for the new year? West Seattle Runner’s free ‘Get Fit’ program about to start

January 1, 2024 3:10 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Health | West Seattle news

You might have resolved to move more in the new year – and if you did, this might help you get going. West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) periodically offers a free “Get Fit” training program, to get you from “couch to half marathon,” and the next one begins with an informational night at the shop (2743 California SW) at 6:30 pm this Wednesday (January 3). Then the first group training run – 1 mile – is set for Saturday. They’ll be training for a half-marathon in May. To sign up and/or ask questions, email lori@westseattlerunner.com.

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VIDEO: Alki Beach New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim 2024, brief and brisk

January 1, 2024 12:10 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle news

There’s no simple way to count the number of people who join in the Alki Beach New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim – but this year just might have been the biggest yet by one measure: As we arrived in the area by car about 25 minutes before the 10 am start, parking was bumper-to-bumper further out than we’ve seen it before. And even after the official “swim,” some were still showing up belatedly and plunging in on their own. Above, our view from the center of the lineup, including the countdown; below, our view from the east edge:

Some lingered in the water for a photo op:

It was also a way to close out the holiday season:

We saw dinosaurs:

Dalmatians:

And politicians:

(That’s former U.S. Attorney and current State Attorney General candidate Nick Brown with 34th District State Senator Joe Nguyễn, both West Seattleites.) Organizer Mark Ufkes counted down the crowd by bullhorn and then joined them in the water:

His invitation to write down what you’re letting go for 2023 and your hopes for 2024 had some takers:

After all, today’s the day to retake the wheel and be the captain of your destiny:

Final note – this year’s air temperature was 41 degrees, 10 degrees below the water temperature.

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HAPPY 2024! West Seattle info for your New Year’s Day Monday

January 1, 2024 6:07 am

| Comments Off on HAPPY 2024! West Seattle info for your New Year’s Day Monday

| Holidays | West Seattle news

(Reader photo – The Brothers’ peek appearance)

Welcome to 2024! Here’s info we hope you’ll find helpful on this holiday:

BUSES: Metro‘s on the Sunday schedule. (Fares ARE being collected today, after fare-free NYE.)

WATER TAXI: It’s not running today.

STATE FERRIES: Weekend 2-boat schedule on Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route – check for alerts here.

MORE TRANSPORTATION NOTES: No charge for street parking in areas of the city with curbside pay stations … West Seattle-relevant traffic cameras are here; see all cameras citywide via this map.

GROCERY-STORE HOURS AND OTHER BIZNOTES FOR TODAY: Though we don’t make full New Year’s Day lists because closures/changes are far fewer than on the other fall/winter holidays, we do have a few notes for today: First, grocery-store changes — Trader Joe’s is closed; PCC West Seattle (WSB sponsor) opens later (9 am); Whole Foods opens later (9 am); Metropolitan Market opens later and closes earlier (8 am-8 pm). For Costco fans, the SODO store and other locations are closed today. … Other biznotes, including a few sent in – C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) is open 8 am-4 pm today … Grillbird is open regular hours; Freshy’s is open 9 am-7 pm, Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) is closed today but returns to regular hours tomorrow (Tuesday).

NEW YEAR’S DAY WALKS: The Emerald City Wanderers‘ New Year’s Day walks are on again ths year, starting at St John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW). Choose the 5- or 10-kilometer walk and start between 9 and noon, with soup and snacks afterward. No fee, but donations to help cover costs are welcome.

ALKI POLAR BEAR SWIM: Be at the beach to be part of the annual tradition of running into Puget Sound with hundreds of other people at 10 am sharp, just about anywhere on the sand – here’s this year’s announcement, with a special invitation to – before going in the water – “write down what you want to leave behind from 2023 and what you want from the New Year for you, your family, and for our great nation” (there’ll be a jar to drop your wish in).

OTHER NOTES: Seattle Public Utilities customers’ trash/recycling/yard-waste pickup is on one-day delay all this week too – Monday customers get Tuesday pickup, Tuesday customers get Wednesday pickup, etc. … Seattle Parks & Recreation closure info is here … Libraries (city and county) are closed today.

ASTRA LUMINA: The celestially inspired light show continues on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, opening at 5 pm. Tickets and info here.

‘4040 HOUSE’ LIGHTS: Last night this season to see the music-synched light show at 4040 47th SW, 6-9 pm – the display’s creator asks that you park on Andover or Dakota if you’re driving to see it.

If you see/hear news, please text/call 206-293-6302 – we appreciate your tips 24/7/365 (or, this year, 366)!

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UPDATE: Crash near Admiral Way Bridge

January 1, 2024 12:27 am

| 15 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS breaking news

12:27 AM: Big emergency response near the Admiral Way Bridge for a car crash. It was initially dispatched as a “rescue extrication” but responders then reported finding no one in or near the car – so far.

12:32 AM: The location of the crash is logged as 39th/Admiral but one crew has told dispatch they’re actually on Fairmount, so we’re not clear whether they’re on or below the bridge. Dispatch has checked the plate of the crashed Acura and told police it’s “clear and current” to someone in the Pierce County town of Milton.

12:48 AM: Per commenter RS, “The crash is just south of the Admiral bridge on Fairmount. Car is on its side on the east side of the road. You can see it from the Admiral bridge.” Responders searched all around but didn’t find anyone, so SFD has closed out its part of the call.

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GOODBYE, 2023: This year’s 10 most-commented WSB stories

December 31, 2023 7:56 pm

| 47 COMMENTS

| West Seattle history | West Seattle news

Time for the only year-end look back that we publish every year – the 10 WSB stories that drew the most reader comments. Not necessarily the most-read stories or the most-important stories, but this is one thing our publishing system allows us to objectively quantify. So, with hours remaining in 2023, here’s this year’s countdown:

#10 – LINCOLN PARK COURT-CONVERSION OPPONENTS RALLY, PLOT STRATEGY
October 21, 2023 – 190 comments
If you are a frequent reader, you won’t be surprised to see that the uproar over Seattle Parks’ plan to build pickleball courts on a paved pad that once held tennis courts has multiple spots on this year’s list. As of now, the plan remains on hold, at least until warm-weather season.

#9 – COUNCILMEMBER HERBOLD ASKS PARKS TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING ON PICKLEBALL PLAN
October 27, 2023 – 198 comments
They did, sort of – an online briefing about West Seattle projects including this one.

#8 – DEMONSTRATION ON WESTBOUND WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE
December 29, 2023 – 200 comments (so far)
A few cars stopped traffic on the bridge, briefly, and people inside them waved Palestinian flags out the window. The minutes-long demonstration touched off a days-long discussion.

#7 – WORKERS RETURN TO LINCOLN PARK COURT-CONVERSION SITE, WITH POLICE
October 23, 2023 – 225 comments
Back to the park pickleball plan.

#6 – OPPONENT KEEPING VIGIL AT PICKLEBALL SITE; CITY TO ESTABLISH ‘WORK ZONE’
October 17, 2023 – 249 comments
For a while, city crews were under orders to push ahead with the plan.

#5 – SEATTLE PARKS SAYS IT’S ‘PAUSING PROJECT CONSTRUCTION FOR TWO WEEKS’
October 31, 2023 – 254 comments
This was the most-commented pickleball-related story. The “two-week pause” has so far lasted two months.

#4 – MAN SHOT AND KILLED NEAR WHALE TAIL PARK
May 13, 2023 – 295 comments
To date, no arrest has been announced in the shooting death of 25-year-old Davonte Sanchez.

#3 – 2 DRIVERS TO HOSPITAL AFTER COLLISION ON ALKI AVENUE PUSHES 1 CAR INTO THE WATER
July 16, 2023 – 311 comments
A man slammed his car into Madison Kelly‘s car so hard that she and her car were pushed over the seawall and into Elliott Bay; bystanders pulled her out. She spent many weeks in the hospital/rehab. To date, the driver who hit her has not been charged.

#2 – HERE’S WHAT THE PICKETING OUTSIDE THE ADMIRAL THEATER IS ABOUT
November 10, 2023 – 320 comments
Some current and former workers at West Seattle’s only movie theater announced they were going on strike. They picketed off and on for some days afterward; the theater remained open.

#1 – FIREWORKS OFF BAINBRIDGE ISLAND STARTLE THOUSANDS
September 16, 2023 – 337 comments
A huge Fourth-of-July-quality fireworks show off the west side of Puget Sound was heard around the region. To date, no official confirmation of who it was for, but The Seattle Times followed the trail quite a distance.

PREVIOUS YEARS: Here are our previous most-commented-stories lists, going back to 2011:

2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011

(Image by starline on Freepik)

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Looking for a new job in the new year? West Seattle Junction Association searching for new full-timer

December 31, 2023 3:01 pm

| Comments Off on Looking for a new job in the new year? West Seattle Junction Association searching for new full-timer

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

A new year often brings new opportunities. At the West Seattle Junction Association, the door is opening for a new full-time staff member. Until now, executive director Chris Mackay has had only a part-time assistant – but Jill Maio is leaving that job for new focuses in her life, and WSJA will hire a full-time replacement to serve as Marketing and Events Manager. The full job listing is on WSJA’s website – here are the toplines:

Organization: West Seattle Junction Association (WSJA) aka “The Junction”
Open Position: Marketing & Events Manager
Salary: $60-$65K, DOE
Location: mainly on-site at the WSJA office in the West Seattle Junction
Starting Date: February 1, 2024

About the organization

The mission of the non-profit West Seattle Junction Association is to develop and promote activities that enhance a healthy economic and social climate for the West Seattle Junction. We support the businesses within our city-designated boundaries, clean and beautify the neighborhood, and produce a range of events for the community.

About the position

The WSJA is seeking applications for a newly-created full-time staff position: Marketing & Events Manager. The M&EM will divide their time between marketing (with a heavy focus on social media) for the Junction itself and the businesses within its boundaries, and overseeing the Junction’s events, which include Summer Fest, Wine Walks, GLOWS and more. The M&EM will hold one of only two full-time positions at the Junction, so should enjoy a lively but small, all-hands-on-deck kind of environment.

More information on qualifications and duties, and how to apply, can be found in the full listing. WSJA’s office is at 4210 SW Oregon.

P.S. Is your business/nonprofit hiring? Post the job for free in the West Seattle Jobs Offered section of our community forums (where the WSJA job will appear soon too)!

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WEEKEND SCENE: Washington State Black Legacy Institute hosts Business Festival During Kwanzaa at new Admiral home

December 31, 2023 12:51 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle history | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Since our visit for this story earlier this month, the Washington State Black Legacy Institute has added new displays at its new home in the city-landmark former church previously known as The Sanctuary at Admiral. Portraits of historic Black community leaders and entrepreneurs line the lobby’s main wall, and curator Roger Evans says more are on the way. But today the focus is on modern-day entrepreneurs, as the three-day Business Festival During Kwanzaa concludes. An afternoon of free workshops complements a vendor fair in the main room.

Among the participating entrepreneurs is Denise Leonard, with hats and jewelry from her business A Sista Thang Fashions:

She told us these creations channel her passions, and she’s hoping to inspire young women. She’s on the north side of the room, while on the south side you’ll find art by Edimbo Lekea of Natty Dread Illustration:

Other vendors are listed here. Here’s the workshop schedule for the rest of the afternoon:

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Pearl Nelson. “1st-time Homebuyer”

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Melany Bell. “Food is First”

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Evan Poncelet. “Fundraising for Community and Venture Scale Businesses”

All are welcome; WSBLI is at 2656 42nd SW, and the festival concludes at 5 pm.

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Remembering Walfrid U. Styrk, 1933-2023

December 31, 2023 10:41 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Wally Styrk, and sharing this with the community:

Walfrid Uno Styrk
1933-2023

Wally Styrk was born on February 14th, 1933, in Kearsarge, Michigan. His family later moved to Butte, Montana, and finally to Washington state, where they made their home in West Seattle. There, Wally attended Cooper Elementary and West Seattle High School. He always said that he “loved every minute” of his childhood, when his days were mainly spent at the Delridge gymnasium or hunting golf balls at West Seattle Golf Course.

After high school, Wally married Julie Anne Neale and joined the Army, where he served in the Canine Corps training German Shepherds for the Korean War. He remained fond of German Shepherds and enjoyed one as a family dog for many years.

Upon completing his time in the Army, Wally returned home to Seattle and was the first person to disembark the ship. His arrival was featured in the Seattle Times and included a picture of him on the dock reuniting with his wife, Julie.

Together, Wally and Julie made their home in the Alki area of West Seattle and raised four children, including Pam (Doug) Crim, Greg (Linda) Styrk, Lynne (Matt) Crockett, and Karen (Darrin) Williams. They had eight grandchildren: Bryan Crim; Ryan Styrk and Jenni (Styrk) Condon; Elli (Crockett) Surber, Mariah, Hannah, and Salvador Crockett; and Zachary Williams. At the time of his death, Wally had four great grandchildren: Skyler and Memphis (Crockett) Surber, and Campbell and Miller (Styrk) Condon.

Wally spent most of his life working on the Seattle waterfront as a longshoreman and foreman. He worked alongside his father, Karl Styrk, and brother, Bill Styrk, as well as friends he had known since childhood. Wally believed in hard work, often working seven days a week.

As a foreman, Wally was known as a tough but fair boss. He was particularly proud that his daughter-in-law, Linda Styrk, worked for the Port of Seattle. They had many spirited discussions over the years!

Wally loved sports and was an avid fan of the Seahawks, Sonics, and Mariners. He was just as passionate for the sports his children and grandchildren participated in, and he attended as many of their events as he could. He was extremely proud of their achievements, and he bought each grandchild a letterman’s jacket to recognize what they’d accomplished.

Family vacations were an important part of Wally’s life. Two of his favorite places to go were Hawaii and on cruises in Alaska, where his son, Greg, piloted the ships. Wally was also proud of his Finnish heritage, and he travelled to Finland with Julie and his daughter, Pam, to visit all his relatives.

In their later years, Wally and Julie built a beautiful home on the Hood Canal waterfront in a small community named Holly. It became a special place where the family enjoyed an abundance of time together, with countless memories created over the years. Wally lived in Holly until his last days.

Wally died on December 22nd, 2023 surrounded by his large family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Ellen Styrk, and his wife, Julie, and survived by his brother, Bill Styrk. He was 90 years old. His big booming voice and good-hearted nature will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

No service is planned. Donations in remembrance of Wally can be made to:
Holly Community Club
24283 Seabeck Holly Road NW
Seabeck, WA 98380

(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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New Year’s Eve parade, parties, walks, and much more for your West Seattle Sunday

December 31, 2023 6:07 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor – Space Needle illuminated ahead of tonight’s fireworks/lights/drone show)

Wave goodbye to 2023! Here’s what’s happening today and tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

FARE-FREE TRANSIT: Most metro-area transit services are fare-free all day and into the night for New Year’s Eve – here are the details.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at 9 am at rotating locations – today it’s Dough Joy Donuts (4310 SW Oregon).

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.

BUSINESS FESTIVAL DURING KWANZAA, DAY 3: 11 am-5 pm, workshops and vendors at the Washington State Black Legacy Institute (2656 42nd SW), as previewed here. See today’s event lineup on this RSVP page.

NEW YEAR’S EVE WALKS: The Emerald City Wanderers again invite you to celebrate on foot. 5K and 10K walks, leaving from St John the Baptist Episcopal Church [3050 California SW]. And hot soup and snacks to help you recover. Start anytime between 3:30 and 6:30 PM; the 10K goes down to Alki and around Duwamish Head and then back up to North Admiral – the 5K goes down through The Junction. No change but donations are welcome. Flashlights are highly recommended.

NOT-SO-SILENT NIGHT PARADE: “HPAC and HPIC will be holding our annual ‘Not so Silent Night’ Parade on NYE. Bring a lantern or lights, your favorite noise maker, family and friends. We’ll meet at Highland Park Corner Store and wander loudly through the neighborhood welcoming 2024. Plan to be at the start point by 6 pm.” (7789 Highland Park Way SW)

’80s PARTY AT THREE 9 LOUNGE: 8 pm-1 am, “Dress in your favorite ‘80s wear to be eligible to win a $100 gift card for the best dressed! Celebration of the Ladies of the ‘80s Playlist – Giveaways throughout the evening – Complimentary Midnight Toast.” (4505 39th SW)

THE ALLEY’S SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ & NYE PARTY: Triangular Jazztet plays The Alley (4509 California SW) as usual, 8-10 pm, but tonight it’s part of the bar’s Black and Gold New Year’s Eve party, also featuring a DJ at 10:30 pm and champagne toast at midnight.

SOUL TRAIN NYE AT REVELRY ROOM/JET CITY LABS: 9 pm-1 am. Info here! Check to see if any tickets remain. (4547 California SW)

PARTY & DRAG SHOW AT ADMIRAL PUB: “New Year’s Eve party & Drag Show at Admiral Pub featuring Jolene Granby, Sid Seedy, & Jizzuhbell Johnson, with VJ Lacefront 9 pm. Free. With free Champagne Toast at Midnight.” (2306 California SW)

‘SEATTLE UNLEASHED’ NYE AT WEST SEATTLE BREWING: 9:45 pm, “untamed energy with an homage to the grunge legends,” party with live music, no cover. (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW)

COUNTDOWN PARTY AT BENBOW ROOM: DJ Tony Goods with ’80s and ’90s throwbacks – party starts at 10 pm at Benbow Room. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

FIREWORKS, DRONE, LIGHT SHOW: The Space Needle will do it again to greet 2024, starting with light shows on the Needle at 10, 10:30, 11, and 11:30, then the fireworks and drone show to welcome the New Year. You can watch from many northeast-facing West Seattle viewpoints and shoreline areas, if you’re not going downtown to experience it close-up.

IF YOU’RE WATCHING ON A SCREEN … look for West Seattle band THEM on the KING 5 broadcast/stream (details in our preview).

SPARKLING CIDER TOAST AT WEST SEATTLE ARCADE: “West Seattle Arcade is hosting a family-friendly New Year’s toast! Open until after the Space Needle fireworks show, (which can be seen from the sidewalk out front), we will provide Martinelli’s sparkling apple juice in champagne flutes to everyone in the arcade at midnight. This is an alcohol-free event.” (2758 Alki SW)

Something to add for NYE? Text us – 206-293-6302! Something further in the future for our calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the info – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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