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WEST SEATTLE FRIDAY: 17 notes!
December 22, 2023 8:41 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Hints of Vashon through the fog – photographed by Robert Kosara)

As we get ready to head into a long holiday weekend, here’s what’s happening, from listings in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

DROP OFF HOMEMADE COOKIES: Baking cookies for The Christmas People? Today’s the first of three days you can drop off your cookie donations – West Seattle Coworking (9010 35th SW; WSB sponsor), 10 am-5 pm.

FINAL DAY & OPEN PLAY: This is the last day of operations for Outer Space Seattle (2820 Alki SW), offering open play 10 am=8 pm.

FREE HOT LUNCH: All welcome, 11:30 am-12:30 pm at The Junction Church (4157 California SW).

LIVE MUSIC AT THRIFTWAY: Live holiday music at West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor) with Alex Baird, 12-3 pm, and Gary Benson, 3:30-5:30 pm.

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

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room and wine bar on the north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) is open 1 pm-8 pm.

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

PARTY AT LAUREN’S JEWELRY: 3-6 pm, have some snacks and bubbly with your shopping at Lauren’s Jewelry (WSB sponsor) in Westwood Village (2600 SW Barton).

VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room/wine bar open – wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Try the fall-release red wines, and stock up for Christmas/New Year’s!

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 continues tonight, 5 pm. Timed tickets and pricing info here.

THE SOUNDTRACK OF RESILIENCE: Fundraising concert to raise money for making an album – pianist Edelmar Obenza, plus cellist and soprano. 7 pm at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill) – details in our calendar listing.

HONEYVILLE RASCALS: Performing live at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm.

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

CHRISTMAS JAZZ CABARET: At Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds):

Christmas Jazz Cabaret
Friday, December 22, 7:00 to 9:00 pm

Don your festive attire and celebrate the season with a musical evening of singing and dancing! Alki UCC Music Director Stephan Anthony Rawson is the evening’s MC. In addition to his many other talents and accomplishments, Stephen has served as piano coach/music assistant for Jennifer Hudson. Raffle tickets for fun prizes benefit the ministry of Alki UCC. Financial donations also accepted to benefit our local food banks.

HOLIDAY SOUND BATH: 7:30 pm at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $45.

‘SNOWED IN’ SOLD OUT: ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) says the rest of its holiday show’s run is sold out!

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

Something to add to our calendar and/or Holiday Guide? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday info, as winter begins
December 22, 2023 6:03 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, December 22 – first full day of winter.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Key forecast point today – the return of rain. Also: Breezy, high in the mid-40s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:55 am, and the sun will set at 4:20 pm.

TRANSIT UPDATES + HOLIDAY PREVIEWS

Water Taxi – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you’re wondering where the boat is. Holiday note: NO SERVICE Monday (Christmas Day).

Metro – Regular schedule; check advisories here. Holiday note: SUNDAY SCHEDULE Monday (Christmas Day).

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!

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UPDATE: SFD ‘full response’ in Highland Park
December 22, 2023 2:58 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

2:58 AM: Seattle Fire is arriving at a house in Highland Park (added: 8800 block 9th SW) where a 911 caller reported seeing flames from the basement. Possibly a vacant building, as the incident command has called for “derelict building” protocol.

3:02 AM: The incident commander says it’s a “small fire.” It’s confirmed to be a vacant building.

3:07 AM: The response is being downsized. The fire has just been declared “tapped” (out) and firefighters told dispatch it was actually an exterior fire.

3:11 AM: One more note – our archives indicate it’s the third fire in two months in one block.

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VIDEO: Welcoming winter at Alice Enevoldsen’s solstice sunset watch, with extra reason to be excited about spring
December 22, 2023 1:30 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

Welcome to the first full day of winter! Three hours before the season started with the solstice moment at 7:27 pm Thursday, more than 50 people joined educator/expert skywatcher Alice Enevoldsen for her 59th change-of-seasons sunset watch. This time, those gathered at Solstice Park saw the sun slip behind the tall trees of Lincoln Park across the way:

Key attributes at upper Solstice Park are the paths and stones that align with the sunset on the solstices and equinoxes, so checking out those views was popular just before sunset:

Then it was time for a centerpiece of the sunset watches – Alice’s interactive explanation of the earth’s tilt at solstices and equinoxes, with young volunteer Meredith at the center of the circle, portraying the sun:

Alice also explained how your views of constellations change during the year, responding to an attendee’s question, and talked a bit about the solar eclipse coming up on April 8th – only 20 percent coverage or so in our area, “but a nice partial eclipse,” she said. But before then, her 60th quarterly sunset watch will mark the arrival of spring – be at Solstice Park at 6:30 pm March 19,

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UPDATE: Bicycle rider killed in collision with driver on Marine View Drive
December 21, 2023 6:31 pm
|      98 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

6:31 PM: A man riding a bicycle is seriously hurt after a driver hit him near Marine View Drive and 46th SW just after 6 pm, according to what firefighters are telling doctors at Harborview via radio. The man is described as about 40 years old and will be taken to the hospital.

6:34 PM: Police are on scene and investigating; they told dispatch that the rider’s injuries are life-threatening. We don’t know the driver’s status; we’re going to the scene to try to find out.

7:32 PM: The scene had cleared by the time we got there. We have an inquiry out with SFD regarding the victim but might not be able to learn more about the investigation before tomorrow morning.

7:50 PM: SFD spokesperson Kaila Lafferty tells WSB the victim is actually in his mid-60s and was assessed as being in critical condition when transported.

ADDED FRIDAY, 3:41 PM: We finally have confirmation of what a commenter posted last night – that the rider did not survive. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office daily list of death investigations identifies him as 66-year-old Steven Hulsman.

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WHO’S OPEN ON CHRISTMAS? Where to find West Seattle info, and how to add more
December 21, 2023 5:55 pm
|    Comments Off on WHO’S OPEN ON CHRISTMAS? Where to find West Seattle info, and how to add more
 |   Holidays | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Here’s our annual reminder that it’s not too late to let us know about West Seattle retail hours on Christmas Eve and food/drink businesses’ hours on Christmas Day. All the info we have compiled so far – including the grocery-store hours list for Christmas Eve/Day – is toward the end of our West Seattle Holiday Guide page (which has a list of church services, too, and New Year’s Eve/Day events). Direct link to our first take of the Christmas Day restaurants/bars list is here. We’re still checking for additions; if you can help by providing info, please email westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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HOLIDAY NOTES: Cocoa Cris Cringle, cookies, coats, churches, Christmas tree price cuts …
December 20, 2023 2:00 pm
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 |   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.

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BIZNOTE: New location for Good Sister, and new business for the space it’s leaving
December 20, 2023 12:05 pm
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 |   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.

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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!

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THINK SPRING: Southwest Little League signup time
December 20, 2023 9:22 am
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 |   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.

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