West Seattle, Washington

21 Wednesday

56℉

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

Brown water in The Junction
December 21, 2023 3:39 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

We’ve received two reports this afternoon of brown water in The Junction. So far no line breaks mapped; other possible causes include hydrant testing and construction. If it happens to you, be sure to report to SPU at 206-386-1800.

Share This

Got Washington State Ferries questions? Online community meetings planned next month
December 21, 2023 2:51 pm
|    Comments Off on Got Washington State Ferries questions? Online community meetings planned next month
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Announced today by Washington State Ferries:

ach year we host two rounds of public meetings to engage and inform those we serve. In January, we are holding two virtual community meetings to offer both midday and evening meeting options. Each meeting will focus on systemwide topics like route service, ferry-system electrification, and the latest from recruitment and workforce development. The remainder of the meetings will be devoted to answering questions from participants.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to provide written public comment during the meeting or beforehand by emailing our Communications team (WSFComms@wsdot.wa.gov).

Register to attend a virtual meeting:
Wednesday, January 17 at 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 18 at 6 p.m.


Not mentioned in the announcement but sure to be a topic as well – the impending departure of WSF head Patty Rubstello.

Share This

BIZNOTE: Wells Fargo closing one of its West Seattle branches
December 21, 2023 1:08 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(King County Assessor website photo)

1:08 PM: Thanks to the reader who texted us after receiving a letter from Wells Fargo Bank saying that it’s planning to close its Admiral Junction location. We’ve since confirmed the closure with a Wells Fargo spokesperson, who responded to our inquiry:

Yes, we’ll be closing the Admiral Junction branch at California and Admiral on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Until then, customers can use this branch and bank with us as they always have. After that, they can visit us at our West Seattle branch, approximately 1.39 miles away.

That will leave two of the four corners at California/Admiral vacant unless a buyer/tenant emerges for the southwest corner, where Quality Cleaners closed 3 1/2 years ago. Wells Fargo owns the Admiral building, so we have a followup inquiry out as to whether they plan to sell it or to lease out this space.

2:20 PM: According to WF spokesperson Tony Timmons, “No decisions have been made yet” regarding the future of the 2358 California Avenue SW building.

Share This

DEVELOPMENT: Will this be the 3257 Harbor Avenue SW project that finally gets built?
December 21, 2023 11:11 am
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(King County Assessor’s Office photo, mid-2010s)

Yet another development proposal has appeared in city files for a Harbor Avenue site that’s had several others in the past decade and a half. The site is 3257 Harbor Avenue SW (also spanning street numbers 3303 and 3315). It was once held by disgraced developer Michael Mastro; in 2007, we mentioned it was being marketed as a potential 80-apartment project. A similar proposal in 2014 went into Design Review, and then two years later, that plan was scrapped and a 32-townhouse plan emerged. That plan went all the way through Design Review and land-use permitting but then went idle.

Most recently, the site was back on the market – as this brochure details – as a potential 115-apartment site, and that’s what the new early-stage filing suggests is being proposed. No other details yet, and county records don’t show a sale (yet), but the document in city files names the developer as Bode, which has two new buildings in West Seattle – 115 apartments at 3050 SW Avalon Way and 75 apartments at 2222 SW Barton. The south end of Harbor Avenue has been something of a development/construction hot spot these past few years, with projects including the 114 apartments that are building at 3405 Harbor plus two self-storage complexes.

Share This

Solstice sunset watch, free skating, Santa, shopping, more for your West Seattle Thursday
December 21, 2023 9:49 am
|    Comments Off on Solstice sunset watch, free skating, Santa, shopping, more for your West Seattle Thursday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Mike Burns)

Here are the Thursday highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

SANTA AT WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY: Santa Claus’s traditional pre-Christmas visits to West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor) continue, 10 am-1 pm today.

PRESCHOOLER STORY TIME: 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW).

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com for an update on where they’re playing today.

GARY BENSON AT WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY: Live holiday music at West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor) with Gary Benson, 2:30-4:30 pm.

SOLSTICE SUNSET WATCH: It’s the unique West Seattle way to observe the change of seasons – educator/expert skywatcher Alice Enevoldsen leads her quarterly gathering at Solstice Park to demonstrate and discuss what the solstice really means and how it works, and to watch the sunset. 3:45-4:45 pm. (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW, uphill from the tennis courts and P-patch)

THURSDAY FOOD-TRUCK POP-UP: 4-8 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), Alaska N Dumplings will be visiting.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Also at HP Corner Store, meet up at 6:30 pm for a 3-mile run.

FREE ROLLER SKATING: Coalition of local youth advocates presents a night of free skating and other fun at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), 5-8 pm.

SHOP LATE THURSDAY IN THE JUNCTION: At least half a dozen Junction shops are keeping their doors open until at least 8 pm! Also, music from Better As Brass at KeyBank Plaza, 6-7:30 pm.

ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, starting at 5 pm. Timed tickets and info here.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at Future Primitive Beer Bar (2536 Alki SW) at 6:30 pm for a 3-mile run – more in our calendar listing.

BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday you can listen to the blues.

SPECIAL CHURCH EVENTS: From the Holiday Guide’s list of seasonal services and other church events, two for tonight:
*Westside Unitarian Universalist (7141 California SW) – 6:30 pm Winter Solstice Celebration in the Social Hall

*West Side Presbyterian (3601 California SW) – 7 pm Longest Night Service

LIVE AT EASY STREET: Record-release show for Student Nurse, 7 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)

YOGA, BREATH WORK, GONG BATH, MORE: 7 pm at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35.

THE WHALE TRAIL’S GATHERING – SOLD OUT: 7 pm winter gathering of The Whale Trail is sold out.

‘SNOWED IN’ – SOLD OUT: ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) has sold out all remaining tickets!

Planning something that should be on our calendar (or in our Holiday Guide if it’s for Christmas/Kwanzaa/New Year’s)? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Share This

FOLLOWUP: Winter Wander 2023 congratulations, gratitude – and clues/solutions revealed
December 21, 2023 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Winter Wander 2023 congratulations, gratitude – and clues/solutions revealed
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle news

Again this holiday season, we told you several times about the Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt, organized by Alice Kuder as a fun community event and a boost for local businesses. Alice has sent us her report on how it all turned out:

Now that the snowflakes have settled from this year’s Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt, I’d like to thank the 128 teams of West Seattle Wanderers who sneered at the rain and rejoiced in the sun to embrace the challenge.

Over the course of the 10 days, players scouted out 15 local businesses and 10 decorated homes (above, the Berkowitz-Vargas home) to snap and submit 733 selfies! Altogether, Wanderers racked up 1,407 entries into the prize bag drawing.

Prize donations from local businesses filled four duffle bags with approximately $200 worth of merchandise in each one. The three lucky teams to win the duffles by means of random drawing are: (including those shown above and below) Team Murray, Tata Tochter Time, and Puzzling Pete.

Many teams donated to the local food bank and Toys for Tots to earn extra entries into the prize drawing.

The $100 Grand Prize went to Paxton Phillips (above) for earning the highest number of entries. He accumulated 81 points by solving all 25 clues, submitting a team selfie, and donating 23 cans of food.

This was the fourth year for the Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt. REALTOR® and owner of Just in Case, LLC, Alice Kuder, is the originator and orchestrator of this free annual event. She hopes it is already becoming a West Seattle holiday tradition for all community members to anticipate and enjoy. Winter Wander 2024 will run from December 6-15.

Many thanks to the volunteers who helped make Winter Wander a reality, including Randy Winn, Shelley Barouh, Dora-Faye Hendricks, Malu Santos, Robert Peckyno, Alyssa Granlund, Mic Christian, Laura Berkowitz, Nathan Rasmussen, Pam Phillips and the many community members who hosted yard signs in their front yards.

Following is a list of the 15 local businesses who enthusiastically participated in Winter Wander 2023 and the associated clues. How many could you have solved?

Clue: Feathered flyers daily roam, for carbs and coffee at this home
Solution: The Birdhouse

Clue: Shop online, shop in store, consign your goods for sports galore
Solution: Second Gear Sports

Clue: Fine French pastry you will see at this Junction patisserie
Solution: Panterelli Patisserie

Clue: Surfing and cycling never stop at West Seattle’s oldest bike shop
Solution: Alki Bike and Board

Clue: We shall bake with gluten no more, at the sign of the aerial pinafore
Solution: Flying Apron Bakery and Cafe

Clue: Your morning drink, we will prepare, no need to stop and brush your hair
Solution: Bedhead Coffee

Clue: This Junction restaurant is sure to please, its haute cuisine is classic Lebanese
Solution: Phoenecia

Clue: If you don’t like your flab, and you want to get fit, then our awesome lab is the place you should hit.
Solution: HIIT Lab

Clue: Looking to sell? Looking to buy? Her groovy clothes are hip and fly
Solution: Funky Jane’s Consignment

Clue: Whether you’re a lefty or not, these guys will cut your hair right.
Solution: Southpaw Barber Shop

Clue: Roses are red, violets are blue, the lights on our cars are red and blue, too
Solution: SW Precinct, SPD

Clue: If you’re going round in circles, and you don’t have time to think, those funny shoes should clue you in, you’re at the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Solution: Southgate Roller Rink

Clue: Work at your own pace in our flexible office space
Solution: West Seattle Coworking

Clue: For food and drink, when you want to go out, find the sign with the bird and umlaut
Solution: Locol Kitchen and Bar

Clue: If on cider you are focused, head to Alki to the _ _ _ _ _ _
Solution: Locust Cider

Share This

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday info, with winter on the way
December 21, 2023 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday info, with winter on the way
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, December 21 – winter arrives tonight at 7:27 pm.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

‘Dense fog advisory’ alert until noon. Otherwise, partly cloudy, high near 50. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:54 am, and the sun will set at 4:20 pm. (Watch the solstice sunset with Alice!)

TRANSIT UPDATES

Water Taxi – Regular schedule (fog could lead to some delays). Check the real-time map if you’re wondering where the boat is.

Metro – Regular schedule; check advisories here.

Washington State Ferries – 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 – 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!

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Crash-and-grab at Westwood Village
December 21, 2023 3:45 am
|      34 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

3:45 AM: Police responding to an alarm at the Westwood Village Game Stop store around 2:45 am reported finding “a vehicle in the building.” Whoever was in the vehicle was gone before officers arrived. No further details so far, but we’ll follow up.

8:47 AM: Here’s what SPD tells us: “Officers arrived and found a KIA sedan had been reversed into the entry doors of a business in the Westwood Village. Once inside the store, the burglars stole various game consoles before fleeing in a second vehicle. All three suspects were described to be Black males wearing masks, hooded sweatshirts, black pants, and black shoes. The keyholders of the business responded after the building was cleared by police. The vehicle used to break into the business was abandoned and an unreported stolen. It was impounded for evidence processing.” (“Unreported stolen” means the owner didn’t know it was gone until contacted by police.)

9:22 AM: We just went over. They’re closed while still doing inventory and cleanup.

Share This

UPDATE: Crash on eastbound West Seattle Bridge
December 21, 2023 12:42 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

12:42 AM: Emergency responders are arriving at a two-car crash on the eastbound bridge, not far from the Fauntleroy entrance, and police are planning to block the eastbound bridge at that entrance shortly. A texter reports that “one car is spun around.”

12:52 AM: One eastbound lane is now opened. Police are telling dispatch that SDOT will have to reset the jersey barriers at the crash scene.

Share This

FOLLOWUP: New proposal for Alki Elementary rebuild, with some parking
December 20, 2023 9:04 pm
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(New design proposal for Alki Elementary, with 15 parking spaces in southwest corner of site)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Four months after a city hearing examiner ruled that Seattle Public Schools must address parking concerns in its plan for rebuilding and expanding Alki Elementary, the district has submitted a new plan to the city. The original plan had no offstreet parking; the new one has 15 spaces.

First, some backstory – the hearing examiner’s order was the result of an appeal filed by nearby residents challenging the original city Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) decision last May to grant zoning exceptions (“departures”) for the project, including building it with no offstreet parking. The appeals were either dismissed or settled, except for the parking issue; the district was ordered to “revisit” it. SPS instead chose to go to court to challenge the ruling; after a hearing October 20th, a judge dismissed that challenge (on a technical point, not on its merits), leaving the district no option but to come up with a project revision. Now it’s done that.

One point of contention for the nearby residents’ appeal had been the parking study done for the original plan by Heffron Transportation, during a time period when both the pandemic and the West Seattle Bridge closure were factors. The firm has done a new study (see it here), looking at neighborhood parking this past August and September, and also looking at parking at and near the former Schmitz Park Elementary, to which Alki Elementary has moved until its new building is ready. The new parking study has findings similar to the previous one, contending that school-related needs still wouldn’t max out the available street parking near Alki Elementary. The new study also says they found Schmitz Park’s 47-space lot a little more than half-utilized.

All this, and the new plan, is summarized in a memo to SDCI (see it here) by project architect Rebecca Hutchinson of Mahlum Architects. Here’s how she explains what they did to come up with the 15 spaces:

… the design team was able to remove the loading platform and a dedicated driveway and staging area for SPS delivery trucks and garbage pickup. The design team also relocated the proposed transformer further away from the school building, which adds a greater cost than the original design. The design team then removed some storage space from the school and reconfigured the long-term bike parking structure (while still retaining the same number of long-term bike parking stalls). Finally, the design team removed the dedicated pedestrian path at the south edge of the site. This redesign sacrificed those elements that are desired for the functioning of the school, such as better loading, storage, and separated pedestrian path, and left only those architectural elements that were necessary to meet educational goals.

The result is that SPS was able to redesign the school to accommodate 15 parking stalls, including one ADA van stall. Depending on the needs of the student and staff population at the time the school reopens, it is possible that SPS can include one additional ADA stall and/or a time-limited load or unload zone. Now that the ADA stall can be included on the school site, the previously proposed on-street ADA stall across the street has been removed, which will result in retaining one additional on-street parking stall.

The architect’s memo also details why that’s the most they could do in terms of parking (if the project was built to code, 48 spaces would be required). A parking garage wasn’t an option, either above or below ground, Hutchinson wrote, for factors from height to water table to “(it) would increase the potential for uninvited persons to utilize the parking structure for a multitude of nefarious reasons.” She also wrote that a parking garage would likely add at least $10 million to the project price tag.

Another option examined: Condemning/buying adjacent residential property. They looked at a 16-unit apartment building south of the school and two single-family homes east of the school; neither seemed feasible or desirable for using that way, nor would either site enable the code-compliant number of spaces, the architect wrote.

In one last bit of case-making, the memo notes that seven SPS elementaries have no parking (none in West Seattle), 12 have fewer than 15 spaces, six have 20 or fewer; the project team has pointed this out before.

WHAT’S NEXT: It’s up to SDCI to review the revised plan and decide whether to approve the new version of the zoning exception (departure) or to reject it and insist on a plan with the required 48 spaces. If SDCI approves the revised departure, it would again be subject to appeal. The old school building already has been demolished but construction permits won’t be issued until this issue is settled.

Share This

TONIGHT’S LIGHTS: Gingerbread and grazing
December 20, 2023 7:20 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Another double bill of Christmas lights tonight:

Above – head to the south end of Arbor Heights to see Jason‘s display – which he refers to as the “Gingerbread House.” It’s at 11233 35th Ave SW. … Below, Joni‘s photo of the colorful herd at 39th/Andover:

See all the lights we’ve shown by scrolling through this WSB archive; also check out this map Chloe from West Seattle Nursery made to connect many of the displays we’ve featured. And it’s not too late to send a suggestion, with or without photo/video – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Share This

WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Water Taxi fog delays likely tonight; ‘dense fog advisory’ alert
December 20, 2023 4:54 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Water Taxi fog delays likely tonight; ‘dense fog advisory’ alert
 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

(Texted photo, looking toward downtown from Admiral this afternoon)

4:54 PM: Metro wants riders to know: “Thick fog is lingering in Elliott Bay this evening. The King County Water Taxis will be operating at reduced speeds while fog is present. Delays are likely.” The most recent West Seattle run was only six minutes later than scheduled, according to the real-time tracker.

5:25 PM: The National Weather Service has issued a “dense fog advisory” alert in effect through noon tomorrow (Thursday). Visibility could be as low as a quarter-mile.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Victim pepper-sprayed by tool thieves; black work van stolen; two apparently abandoned vehicles
December 20, 2023 3:44 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle Crime Watch notes:

TOOL THEFT TURNED ROBBERY: We noted a robbery call logged very early this morning and asked SPD for details: “Police responded to a report of a robbery in the 4500 block of 36 AV SW around 4:30 a.m. this morning. Officers responded and located the victim, who was pepper sprayed. It was reported the victim was confronting two suspects who were stealing tools from his vehicle. The suspects left in a truck northbound from the location. SFD responded to provide aid. Unknown what was taken at this time.” No description of the truck or robbers yet, pending the full report.

STOLEN VAN: More stolen tools – inside the work van taken from Jayson:

I just bought an older work van. Last night it was stolen. 2002 Ford E150 (cargo style van). It’s all black (black wheels) with knobby tires. It was parked at 4727 42nd Ave SW in front of Safeway. It had all of my bigger work tools and some lumber in it.

License number CKF 1516
Police/Incident report: 23-364747

If you see it, please let me know. 206-696-3429 Also, if anyone needs a handyman within walking distance of the Alaska Junction, call me. I still have hand tools and need the work!

APPARENTLY ABANDONED VEHICLES: The gray Kia reported yesterday has been claimed. Maybe one or both of these have owners out there too. Daniel sent the report and photos from the neighborhood just south of Admiral Church:

Reporting on two seemingly abandoned vehicles in North Admiral. The black KIA with a broken-out rear window and ignition/steering column damage has been parked on Ferry Ave for over a month.

The dilapidated RV with both expired tabs and a funky looking short term parking permit (the second of two) also expired has been there for a couple of weeks.

He says both have been on Parking Enforcement radar for at least a week but they’re still there.

Share This

HOLIDAY NOTES: Cocoa Cris Cringle, cookies, coats, churches, Christmas tree price cuts …
December 20, 2023 2:00 pm
|    Comments Off on HOLIDAY NOTES: Cocoa Cris Cringle, cookies, coats, churches, Christmas tree price cuts …
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Five notes in case you haven’t seen these in our West Seattle Holiday Guide:

(WSB file photo)

COCOA CRIS CRINGLE: The most-fun Santa photo opportunity of the season is almost here. Cocoa Cris Cringle will be in the house at Easy Street Records (California/Alaska) 4-8 pm this Saturday (December 23rd). $20, all ages welcome, pets too.

COOKIES: Time to start baking if you’re able to donate cookies to The Christmas People! Karen sent this photo as inspiration:

The Christmas People need thousands of homemade (not store-bought) cookies for the holiday meals they’re distributing to people in need, and all you have to do is bake and drop them off at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW; WSB sponsor) this Friday, Saturday, or Sunday – details are in the announcement.

COATS: Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (3435 California SW; WSB sponsor) is reminding you that while some holiday donation drives are wrapping up soon, their coat drive continues through the end of this month – drop off coats and warm clothing (new or gently used) at their office on weekdays!

CHURCHES: If you’re planning to go to church for the holidays, a reminder that we have services listed in the Holiday Guide too – we issued an open call for local churches to send their service info, and many responded. Special shoutout to St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW), which is advertising on WSB through Christmas to more widely extend the community invitation to worship.

CHRISTMAS TREE PRICE CUTS: Just in as we finished this roundup – West Seattle Nursery (California/Brandon) sent this update on tree sales:

We have now dropped the price to 50% off. Usually by this time in the season, the trees have been picked over, and not many pretty ones are left. But this year, we have beautiful trees that just need a good home. We give every tree a fresh cut before you take it home, so it absorbs water right away and stays fresh, and we deliver for free in West Seattle. We ask that if you opt for free delivery to please consider donating $5 to Southwest Youth and Family Services. We match all donations.

Share This

BIZNOTE: New location for Good Sister, and new business for the space it’s leaving
December 20, 2023 12:05 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photo – Good Sister’s new home at 6959 California SW)

After two years at California/Juneau, Good Sister is moving from north Morgan Junction to south Morgan Junction, according to the announcement we received from proprietor Ennjoili Fleck:

We will be relocating our business to a new and improved location. After careful consideration, we have decided to close our current location at 5902 California Ave SW. However, we are thrilled to announce that we will be taking over a similar brick building just 5 blocks away, previously occupied by NW Floors and Three Little Birds. The new address is 6959 California Ave SW. The new space is significantly larger, allowing us to expand our services and offerings. We will now have three spa treatment rooms and more retail space. Additionally, our staff is growing, and we are excited to provide more community classes. We aim to fill the gap in spa services and retail in the area.

As part of this transition, Nicole Leitner of West Coast Willow will be taking over our current space starting January 2024. West Coast Willow is an all-natural, organic skin care and health care brand that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Nicole also offers spa services, making her an excellent replacement for Good Sister. We are confident that the community will be pleased with her offerings, and we kindly ask you to welcome her to the neighborhood.

Good Sister is still working on the buildout so they plan to start offering spa appointments at the new location January 4th and are hoping to have the retail grand opening in early February. Their last day in the current location is this Saturday (December 23) and they’re having a storewide sale that day – info and hours here.

Share This

From our Holiday Guide and Event Calendar, here’s the list for the rest of your Wednesday
December 20, 2023 10:26 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Early-morning photo by Theresa Arbow O’Connor)

from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

(added) MUSIC AT WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY: Alex Baird performs holiday music in-store 10 am-1 pm. (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor)

TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

SANTA AT WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY: Santa Claus‘s traditional pre-Christmas visits to West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor) start with 2-5 pm today.

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Repair it instead of replacing it! Weekly event, 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).

FREE GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for the weekly free group run.

TRIVIA x 7: Seven places to play tonight. At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) offers trivia … there’s 7 pm trivia at West Seattle Brewing (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW) … NEW! 7 pm trivia at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW, White Center) … 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska) … Trivia starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 8 pm … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)

MUSIC BINGO: Play weekly at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

‘SNOWED IN’ SOLD OUT: Just an FYI – tonight is sold out, as is the rest of the run for the holiday show at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor).

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: 7:30 pm signups @ West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – no cover to watch. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

If you’re planning a presentation, meeting, performance, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, holiday event etc., and it’s open to the community, please send us info for West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Share This

THINK SPRING: Southwest Little League signup time
December 20, 2023 9:22 am
|    Comments Off on THINK SPRING: Southwest Little League signup time
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Another youth sports league is signing up players for 2024. This time it’s Southwest Little League. Rob emailed us to say that SWLL “is now open for baseball, softball and Challenger programs, ages 4-14.” Here’s the link. Rob notes that SWLL is one of the local youth sports leagues that has a geographic jurisdiction, including “a large portion of West Seattle including High Point, Highland Park, Arbor Heights, and South Delridge, in addition to White Center, South Park, and Highline.” Registration is open until February, so you have time to decide; the season starts in March.

Share This

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Wednesday notes
December 20, 2023 6:02 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning. It’s Wednesday, December 20 – one day before the Winter Solstice and the shortest day of the year.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Mostly sunny, high near 50. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:54 am, and the sun will set at 4:19 pm.

TRANSIT UPDATES

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

Metro – Regular schedule; check advisories here.

Washington State Ferries – 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 – 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!

Share This

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: First hearing for teens accused in Monday night rampage
December 19, 2023 10:48 pm
|      67 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

24 hours ago, we were reporting on the arrests of three teenagers near Boeing Field, pursued there by police after a three-incident crime rampage in West Seattle. This afternoon all three had their first court appearance, and we just received the toplines from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Two of the suspects are 14 years old; the third is 16. Probable cause was found to hold all three for investigation of two counts of attempted first-degree robbery. All three were ordered to remain in secure detention, at least until their next hearing on Thursday, which is also the deadline for rush-filing charges. And assuming they’re charged, that’s when we’ll find out more about them, such as whether any of them have records.

Share This

HOLIDAY GIVING: West Seattle’s only shelter gets a gift from HomeStreet Bank. Here’s what you can do
December 19, 2023 9:31 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

Those are some of the cots on which people slept last night at the Westside Neighbors Shelter. The volunteer-and-donation-powered shelter has 38 cots … but last night had 44 people in need of a place to sleep, so some slept on the floor.

That’s why a gift from HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) is so welcome. The bank is funding four more cots, thanks to the initiative of Kamarie Wilson, who manages HomeStreet’s branch in the Pierce County town of Lakewood, who visited today to check in with shelter manager Keith Hughes.

Kamarie met Keith at a networking event, and was so impressed to hear about his work running the shelter at the West Seattle Veteran Center/American Legion Post 160 building that she says, “Keith is like a miracle.” Her enthusiasm for the shelter’s work has also resulted in a fundraising drive at all HomeStreet branches (including the one in West Seattle, at 4022 SW Alaska) – you can make a donation there and the money will go directly to shelter operations. Here’s another way you can help: Keith tells us they’re short on “single-size blankets,” L/XL coats (but not larger – they have plenty of those), and socks – they go through 40 pair a week, and that’s what they have on hand right now. You can just bring donated items there – 3618 SW Alaska.

Share This

TONIGHT’S LIGHTS: Whoville and starshine
December 19, 2023 7:14 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Two displays to show you tonight:

First, Lacey just sent photos: “We have our Whoville/Grinch-themed display up again this year. Lots of lights to enjoy at night, but also fun to see during the day! We are at 9643 18th Ave SW, just off Roxbury.”

Next, Janet recommended 56th SW north of Spokane, so we went there for a look and found this star-topped, light-laden tree:

Some other nice lights on that street too. … Thanks again for all the tips and pics – scroll through this WSB archive to see everyplace we’ve already shown, and if you have a suggestion, westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Share This

‘Be brave!’ You’re invited to the 2024 West Seattle New Year’s Polar Bear Plunge at Alki Beach
December 19, 2023 4:36 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(2022 photo by Robert Spears)

It’s back for 2024 – the New Year’s Day tradition that lines Alki Beach with hundreds of people ready to at least briefly submerge themselves in the chilly water of Puget Sound! We just received the announcement from organizer Mark Ufkes:

Optimists unite! Make no mistake about it; Life continues to get better! Our nation continues to get better! Remember, the glass is always way more than half full.

Alki Beach, West Seattle, again this year. We go into the water at 10:00 am sharp on January 1, 2024. Don’t be late. Over 1,000 participated last year, so plan for a crowd. We line up and down the quarter-mile beach, hold hands, and we start counting down from 10, 9, 8 . . . We yell “Happy New Year” and, together, rush wildly into the 47-degree water, screaming with joy! Holding hands and wearing bright colors seems to help. And we are only in the water for a short time. Yes, it’s a form of mild insanity, but a lot of fun too. And the hundreds of smiles before and after is the best part.

In our home, we have a candle service every Winter solstice (December 21), generally considered the end of the year by many ancient cultures. We blow out a candle to leave behind the complexities from last year, and then light the candle again, asking the Universe, in all her infinite wisdom (because God must be a woman after all) for more opportunities to be a better person.

Since our White Center home is too small for 1,000 of you, this year, we encourage all Polar Bear participants and guests to try this;

On a small piece of paper, 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 will be a giant jar on a table at Alki beach, with a sign, and lots of pens and pads of paper, so that you can write and then insert your unsigned dreams and wishes list into the jar. We will save the contents for next year’s 2025 announcement.

Life is a clean slate on January 1. Be Brave. Take a deep breath of fresh mountain air. Inhale! Exhale!! Come share the joy of being alive here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Bring your friends and family. This is your year!

Requirements; be an Optimist, be in good health, bring a towel, good water shoes, a change of warm clothes and your hopes and dreams for 2024. 10:00 am sharp. And remember, how can we believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself?

While the crowd stretches quite a ways along the beach, Mark usually shouts the countdown from the vicinity of 57th/Alki.

Share This

UPDATE: About the beached sailboat at Lincoln Park
December 19, 2023 4:25 pm
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Photo sent by Mike Munson)

4:25 PM: Thanks to everyone who’s sent photos of that sailboat on the beach at Lincoln Park this afternoon. Several also noted that SPD officers were there. So we asked them about the situation, and they forwarded a Coast Guard statement:

The Coast Guard boarded a 25-foot sailing vessel this morning around 11:15. The owner/operator stated he was moving the boat from Tacoma to Shilshole Marina to sell it. The USCG boarding crew noted that the individual had all required safety gear aboard (i.e. lifejacket, sound producing device, etc.). There was no concern from the USCG at that point, so the man was allowed to continue his voyage. Sometime after 1 p.m., he ran into some rocks near the Fauntleroy area.

The USCG did not plan another response as no one was hurt and there’s no danger of pollution, as the boat has no engine. SPD says its officers were just there to “assist the boater.” We don’t know yet how – whether – the grounding was resolved; next high tide is just after 10 pm, but it’s a much lower high tide than the 12-foot-plus high tide expected at 11 am tomorrow.

8:53 PM: Thanks to Rick Rasmussen for that photo of the sailboat getting the aforementioned USCG visit earlier today. It’s apparently still there – dispatch tried sending officers again this evening, until informed that it had already been “dealt with” and that the boat’s occupant indeed was awaiting high tide.

Share This