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CONGRATULATIONS! Two girls from West Seattle are state-champion swimmers
November 12, 2023 6:13 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Congratulations to two West Seattle-residing Kennedy Catholic High School students who have just won state 4A swimming championships! The report is from Casie:

West Seattle residents Kaitlyn Vu (top left) and Lucy LaBella (bottom right) are state champions! Sophomore Kaitlyn and freshman Lucy won the 4×100 Free relay for Kennedy Catholic High School at the WIAA 4A state championship this weekend. Kaitlyn was also the 100 Breaststroke state champion. Kennedy placed third as a team.

Full results from the championships at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way are here.

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WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: From sea to trees, plus a bird health note
November 12, 2023 3:41 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

For the first time in a while, we’re commemorating a Seahawks afternoon with a gallery of bird photos sent by WSB readers, starting with sea and shore birds:

Above, a Surf Scoter, photographed by Tom Trulin near Lincoln Park. Below, Horned Grebes, which James Tilley found near Jack Block Park:

A Surfbird off Alki, from Robin Sinner:

Susan Kemp saw this Great Blue Heron off Constellation Park:

Cindy Roberts photographed this Western Meadowlark at Don Armeni:

Continuing inland, this immature Cedar Waxwing is from Jerry Simmons:

Mark Dale photographed this Cooper’s Hawk in his Gatewood yard:

An Anna’s Hummingbird is visiting a fuschia plant in Samantha Wren‘s photo:

At Lincoln Park, Jamie Kinney found this Barred Owl:

And we’ve been receiving more photos of the roaming Guinea Fowl that some are mistaking for turkeys. Kathy Humphrey sent this one:

Huge thanks again to everyone who continues sending bird photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com – we use some in daily preview lists, too.

Meantime, a bird-health note. Krystal sent this last night:

I wanted to let you know, in case you wanted to share it on your Sunday bird report (my favorite!), that we’ve spotted conjunctivitis in the House Finches in the Sunrise Heights/Westwood neighborhood at our feeder. We quickly took our feeders down and our neighbors did the same, and we will keep ours down for the next few weeks. We always wash our feeders in-between fillings, but the recommendation from Cornell suggests leaving the feeders down for a couple weeks, and also recommends against feeders with larger ports where the birds can rub their heads on the openings, such as tube feeders. More info here.

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Navy flyover for Seahawks game
November 12, 2023 2:09 pm
|      29 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

We didn’t hear about today’s Seahawks flyover in advance, but a couple people mentioned it afterward. And James Tilley sent this photo:

He notes, “Just after the flyover at the game, they made another pass over Alki, presumably on their way to land at Boeing Field, as they were dropping gear as they flew over the beach.” According to the Seahawks website, these were “two EA-18 Growlers from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.”

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: A chance to see salmon during ‘open creek’ in Fauntleroy
November 12, 2023 1:08 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Until 3 pm, you are invited to visit Fauntleroy Creek for a close-up chance to see salmon. As of Saturday, 34 coho spawners had made it into the creek in the span of a week, and more are expected.

So volunteers are standing by during today’s “open creek” to show you where to look along a stretch of the creek that otherwise isn’t usually open to the public. Go to the overlook where SW Director turns onto upper Fauntleroy Way SW (across the street, and up the embankment, from the ferry dock) and wait to be called down to creekside!

Fauntleroy Creek is a rarity, one of just a handful of Seattle creeks where salmon come to dpawn.

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Remembering Wilhelm, 2007-2023
November 12, 2023 10:38 am
|      33 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Almost all the obituaries we receive for publication are for people. But every once in a while, there’s one like this:

“’Sometimes,’ said Pooh, ‘the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.’” – A.A. Milne

Romeo’s Simple Twist of Fate, “Wilhelm”
August 21, 2007 – October 28, 2023

When Wilhelm came to live in West Seattle from Packwood, Washington, at seven and half weeks of age, he was smaller than the two resident cats, Emily and Gryphon, at his forever home. The residing dog, a big black lab mix named Tynan, took little speckled fluff ball puppy Wilhelm under his charge and became the perfect big brother. When Tynan passed away in 2010, it was Wilhelm’s turn to big brother it up! Wilhelm soon showed off all he had learned about being an exemplary sibling from Tynan when troublemaker adventure cat, Amelia, handsome corgi, Brychwyn, and big-hearted collie, Huxley, joined the family. While big brother Wilhelm was always smaller than his siblings, what he lacked in stature he made up for with smarts and heart!

Wilhelm did not just charm fellow animals as he was also fond of and adored by many, many people. Throughout his years of long walks from Morgan Junction through the Alaska Junction to the Admiral Junction, up and down Alki and Harbor Aves and Beach Drive, Lincoln Park to Fauntleroy Creek Park, and the Longfellow Creek Trail, neighbors stopped to say hello and pet super soft and friendly Wilhelm. Although Wilhelm took his walks, as well as stops at his favorite shops very seriously, and viewed behaving on them as one of his jobs, he especially liked visits with younger neighbors – there was no such thing as getting petted for too long or by too many kids!

Perhaps Wilhelm’s enjoyment of the company of children was in part because he was always young at heart and he loved and enjoyed the great big world as a child might. On travel adventures to 19 states and 2 provinces, Wilhelm appreciated the simple things, often closing his eyes and sniffing the breeze as his ears blew back. Wilhelm and family tent camped across the country once, and flew a second time. Despite having hiked the entire south rim trail at the Grand Canyon and twice visiting wonders like Niagara Falls and the Golden Gate Bridge, local travels were likely Wilhelm’s favorite. He followed snowshoe tracks up the Glade Trail on Mount Hood multiple times, walked First Beach from jetty to cliff dozens of times, and dipped his feet in the Columbia River at multiple Washington and Oregon stops. Yet through all Wilhelm experienced, nothing compared to simply crunching through the fallen autumn leaves.

Wilhelm, also known as Wilhelm von Dachshund, Wil, Willie, Wee Willie Winky, Little Bone, Dapple-y Dan, Little D, Pup ‘n’ Stuff, Captain Puppy, Man Bone, and so many more, was preceded in death and met over the rainbow bridge by Emily, Tynan, Gryphon, and his baby brother Huxley. Wilhelm is survived by Amelia, Brychwyn, his new kitten Amari, and his resident humans. Not only did Wilhelm know all of his nicknames but he was a Canine Good Citizen and therapy dog. He held titles in Rally, won ribbons in obedience, and took agility and nose work classes. Wilhelm’s release cue upon completing a task was “all done.” For 16 years, Wilhelm gave his whole big heart and small, fluffy body to being an outstanding brother, neighbor, travel companion, and giver of smiles to all he met… “all done, Wilhelm.” Thank you.

“…Felt an emptiness inside
To which he just could not relate
Brought on by a simple twist of fate…”

Wilhelm’s family is grateful to the caregivers at Cascade Heights Veterinary Center, Veterinary Specialty Center of Seattle Cardiology, Lap of Love, and Resting Waters. Actions in memory of Wilhelm should be to sniff the breeze, crunch in the leaves, and stop to say hello to your neighbors.

(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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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 12 options!
November 12, 2023 6:16 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 12 options!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Aerial view of West Seattle, photographed earlier this month by Erik Smith)

From our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are the highlights of what’s happening today/tonight:

WESTIES RUN CLUB: They’re running on Sunday mornings too – meet at 9 am at 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 fall fruit and vegetables as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from cider to kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, more. Here’s today’s vendor list. The market will be in its usual location on California north of Oregon, with the Halloween celebration centered in the block south.

BUY YOUR PANCAKE-BREAKFAST TICKETS! At the market’s south end, go look for the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle booth, and buy your ticket(s) for their December 2nd pancake breakfast!

‘BALANCE DUE’: Third part of Admiral Church‘s three-part community-education series about “the history of West Seattle’s colonization and its impact on the land, water, and the people.” 12:30 pm. More info in our calendar listing. (4320 SW Hill)

GO SEE SALMON! Fauntleroy Creek has seen 34 spawners in the past week and you’re invited to an “open creek” today for a chance to see salmon. 1-3 pm. Our calendar listing explains where to go.

DINE OUT FOR PRESCHOOLS: 1 pm-6 pm on Alki, drink at Future Primitive Beer Bar (2536 Alki SW), and a percentage of the proceeds go to South Seattle College Co-op Preschools, plus you can go get takeout at nearby Blue Moon Burgers and they’ll chip in too – our calendar listing explains.

SUNDAY FUNDAY BRUNCH PARTY: 1 pm-5 pm at Jet City Labs, with shopping and more. (4547 California SW).

LIVE MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: At C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor): The Go Janes, 3-5 pm.

LADIES MUSICAL CLUB: 3 pm, free classical concert at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW).

LIVE AT EASY STREET: The Linda Lindas, 7 pm free in-store, all-ages show at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW).

HEALING: Sound and acupuncture combination at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), 7:30 pm.

SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.

Something for our calendar – one-time or recurring? Or for our upcoming West Seattle Holiday Guide? Please email us the info – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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VETERANS DAY: Peace Pole dedicated at American Legion Post 160 as step toward Peace Park
November 11, 2023 9:27 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Triangle | West Seattle news

On the right side of our top photo is the newly installed Peace Pole outside American Legion Post 160 in The Triangle, installed and dedicated during a Veterans Day commemoration this afternoon. It’s the eighth one installed around this area by the Rotary Club of West Seattle – and Post 160 Commander Keith Hughes says it’s the first of three that will help transform the Post’s front lawn into a Peace Park. The Rotary’s Kjersti Stroup said it’s one of more than 300,000 installed worldwide as a “symbol of the continuing quest for lasting peace.”

A short song expressed the sentiment embodied by the pole, which is decorated with messages of peace in eight languages: -:

Before the pole was dedicated and placed, those gathered inside Post 160 – which also serves as the West Seattle Veteran Center and Westside Neighbors Shelter – paid tribute to veterans, Scouts from Troop/Pack 282 presented the colors:

Commander Hughes gave a short speech he credited to Legion headquarters, telling the story of Korean War veteran and former POW Hiroshi Miyamura, who died last year.

His voice broke as he recounted the story of Miyamura rescuing a fallen fellow soldier. He reminded everyone that veterans’ service to the country deserves respect and gratitude every day of the year, not just this one holiday. The American Legion exists, he noted, because “warriors need advocates.”

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CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle High School volleyball team off to state after finishing district tournament
November 11, 2023 6:21 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(Photo courtesy WSHS Volleyball)

That’s the West Seattle High School volleyball team, photographed today in the gym at Lake Washington High School, where they finished district-tournament play, starting with a 3-0 loss to the host team in the semifinals this morning, coming back with a 3-0 victory over Renton’s Liberty High School this afternoon. That won them third place in the district, following their second-place Metro League finish, and next they’re off to the state tournament. That’s happening in Yakima next Friday and Saturday. The Wildcats, under head coach Scott Behrbaum, are 16-6 on the year so far.

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WEST SEATTLE HOLIDAYS: Alki Bike & Board gathering gifts for Treehouse kids
November 11, 2023 3:42 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE HOLIDAYS: Alki Bike & Board gathering gifts for Treehouse kids
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

That festive corner is dropoff spot for a donation drive for Treehouse foster youth at Alki Bike & Board (2606 California SW; WSB sponsor) this holiday season. You can go here to see what they’re collecting. Donation dropoffs are during store hours – 10 am-6 pm Fridays and Saturdays, noon-5 pm Sundays, noon-6 pm Tuesdays-Thursdays. The drive continues through December 15th, and there’s one request; “Please make sure all items are NEW or in GREAT used condition.”

P.S. If your business, organization, school, etc., has a holiday-season donation drive, email us info – westseattleblog@gmail.com – we’ll have a dedicated ongoing list as usual in our forthcoming West Seattle Holiday Guide.

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SURVEY: Questions for you, from Westside HEY Coalition
November 11, 2023 2:27 pm
|    Comments Off on SURVEY: Questions for you, from Westside HEY Coalition
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

The Westside HEY Coalition has a few questions for you, if you haven’t already answered the survey they launched in late summer:

Please take the time to fill out our 2023 Community Survey. This survey provides our Coalition with important information to help us prevent youth substance use. The survey takes about 5-10 minutes. If you would like more information on our coalition, please contact Donna Kelly at dmkelly@seattleschools.org

ONLINE SURVEY ENGLISH
surveymonkey.com/r/KIWEEN2023

ONLINE SURVEY SPANISH
es.surveymonkey.com/r/KIWESP2023

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Drain-clearing time
November 11, 2023 12:38 pm
|      31 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

The sunbreak might be a great time to do this if you can – thanks to Kevin Freitas for the photos and reminder:

A reminder for folks able, please consider clearing a storm drain or two near you, especially in places where people need to walk, roll, or take transit.

I cleared the bus lane near 35th/Avalon as it was a lake and a few other nearby spots.

And remember that it’s still “extra yard waste at no extra charge” month.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen silver Veloster; package theft
November 11, 2023 11:07 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports this morning:

STOLEN CAR: Jennifer sent word of her stolen car: “2017 silver Hyundai Veloster, license BOT1064, stolen off 34 Ave SW across from West Seattle Elementary School. Police report # 23-326342.”

STOLEN PACKAGE: Annie says this happened this morning on Barton between 30th and 31st:

We were sitting at our dining room table directly in front of our front door. A forest green (with gray bottom) 2000 Dodge truck with a lot of large items in the back (looked like a lawn mower and random appliances) pulled up; a white man, shaved head, over 6’2″, in a faded black T-shirt, jogged up, grabbed a package off our porch and ran to the truck.

The driver pulled away as he was getting in.

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UPDATE: Tree blamed for West Seattle power outage
November 11, 2023 10:26 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

10:26 AM: After a blustery night, 134 West Seattle homes are dealing with a power outage. The power went out just after 5:30 am in the area shown in the Seattle City Light outage-map screengrab above, parts of Brace Point and Arbor Heights. SCL blames the outage on a tree.

3:28 PM: Just checked the map for the first time in a few hours; the outage is down to 21 customers.

7:47 PM: Since that last look, everyone’s been reconnected, per the map.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 25 notes!
November 11, 2023 6:16 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Alki Point photo by Gary Jones)

Here’s how the weekend is beginning, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

VETERANS DAY: No West Seattle Water Taxi service today; Seattle Public Library branches are closed.

FREE GROUP RUN: Get your weekend going with this weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW) group run, All levels welcome. Meet at the shop by 8 am.

VOLLEYBALL: West Seattle High School plays Lake Washington HS at 9 am in a district volleyball tournament semifinal; match is at LWHS (in Kirkland). If WSHS wins, the Wildcats play for the district title at 3 pm.

DONUTS & DONATIONS: Bring warm clothes to 5446 California SW, 10 am-1 pm, and get a free donut!

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Fall is planting season, and you can shop for student-raised plants at the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) Garden Center, open 10 am-2 pm on the north end of campus.

MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Learn about Marco’s music here.

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

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

(added) BUSINESS OPEN HOUSES: Several West Seattle Junction businesses are having holiday open houses today. Here’s one announcement, from Fleurt, which is open 11 am-4 pm:

Fleurt has a Holiday Open House today along with several of our Junction neighbors.
Come kick off the holiday season at Fleurt with gifts for everyone (and some for you too) plus new arrivals in our fashion department you don’t want to miss.

Other businesses participating 1-5 pm: CAPERS Home, Carmilia’s, The Brocante Beach House, Swan Dive, Pegasus Book Exchange, My Three Little Birds, Menashe & Sons, Funky Jane’s Consignment.

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

SANTA PET PHOTOS: Take your furbaby to West Seattle Wonder Dogs (6040 California SW) 1-4 pm for a photo with Santa for a donation benefitting Forgotten Dogs Rescue!

VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Try the new reds!

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: 1-6 pm, with student-produced wines available. North end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. (6000 16th SW)

JEWELRY POP-UP: CAPERS Home continues its local-maker series with Phyllis Warman, 1-6 pm. (4525 California SW)

OUNCES CELEBRATES 7 YEARS: Be there 2 pm-9 pm for the anniversary party, with the Dick’s Drive-In burger truck, plus music, magic, and giveaways. (3809 Delridge Way SW)

ALLISON RUSSELL AT EASY STREET: 2 pm meet-and-greet at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW).

BOOK LAUNCH PARTY: West Seattle writer Sharon Podobnik‘s first book “It’s Not (All) Your Fault” is out, and you’re invited to help her celebrate at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 4-6 pm.

VETERANS DAY & PEACE POLE DEDICATION: The Rotary Club of West Seattle will present a peace pole to American Legion Post 160 in honor of veterans and their families. All welcome. 4 pm. (3618 SW Alaska)

BURGERS & BEATS: Saturday night food and music at Revelry Room – burgers start at 6, DJs at 9. (4547 California SW, alley side)

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

COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: Home Cookin’ performs at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, no cover.

SONGWRITER SHOWCASE: James Coates with special guest Ivy Ficarra at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has ticket info.

‘THE LARAMIE PROJECT’: West Seattle High School‘s new student production continues tonight, 7:30 pm – ticket info and more in our calendar listing.

‘THOSE WHO FEED US’: 7:30 pm at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor):

ArtsWest will be hosting the inaugural reading of Those Who Feed Us, an original devised theatrical-event celebrating food solidarity and awareness of the (un)seen hands that put food on our plates. Produced by volunteer mutual aid group WashMasks, the event is a community gathering of shared memories, dramatic readings, and facilitated public conversations that connect the food we eat to the people that made this happen.

Admission is free, with donations from this pay-what-you-can event going toward WashMasks’ yearly Heart of Washington campaign, serving several farmworker communities across Washington state.

‘GREAT NIGHT’: Saturday night program for young adults 18+ to hang out 7 pm-midnight, at Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle).

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

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Chas Redmond dies at 76 after 20 years of dedication to making West Seattle a better place
November 10, 2023 10:39 pm
|      33 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Chas Redmond died this week.

If you’ve been active in civic life in West Seattle at any point over the past two decades, you’ve probably already heard.

If not, we want to tell you a little about why his passing is such a loss.

Chas, gone at 76, was someone who seemed to us like a strong candidate to make it to centenarianhood.

He was a prolific walker, notching miles at a time. In fact, the first of the 337 WSB stories in which he is mentioned was about the city’s plan to remove a crosswalk in his neighborhood, Gatewood. The third was about the first-ever West Seattle Walking Trails map. As part of his quest to make the peninsula more navigable for others on foot, he helped bring that map and these kiosks to life:

They were installed starting in 2009. Some are still standing. Transportation was a focus of Chas’s activism in those years. He was involved with the West Seattle Transportation Coalition from its start a decade ago and was on its board until relatively recently. He also served on neighborhood groups such as the Morgan Community Association. In the mid-2010s, he helped shepherd a historic-resources study ensuring that West Seattle would know more about its past before too much more was swept away by its future.

In 2015, Chas was one of nine candidates in the first City Council District 1 election – the first to declare, starting his run in late 2013. He didn’t make it out of the primary. He had $2,500 in campaign cash left – and donated it to two nonprofits, the West Seattle Food Bank amd Sustainable WS.

(2013 Sustainable WS holiday party)

Aside from the myriad projects in which Chas was involved with so many groups, you might have enjoyed the results of his volunteer work in another way and never realized it. He was the sound guy for countless local festivals and events, in some cases curating the music. He provided a soundtrack for West Seattle’s summers, including the Delridge Day festivals he helped produce as a key member of VIEWS (Visualize Increased Engagement in West Seattle).

This was all just part of what he did in his later years, after moving here in the early 2000s; earlier in life, Chas served in the U.S. Army and spent decades at NASA in public affairs (as noted here). His family promises a formal obituary at some point, and we trust that will run through the full details of a storied life. In a WSB interview during his City Council run, he said his strengths included “a lifetime commitment of honesty, integrity, and followthrough.” That accomplished much for West Seattle during his time here.

We’re awaiting word from his family on celebration-of-life plans.

–Tracy Record, WSB editor

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WEST SEATTLE THANKSGIVING: Two turkey giveaways again this year
November 10, 2023 9:27 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, WSFB giveaway, November 2022)

If you need help to get a traditional Thanksgiving dinner on the table this year, you have two opportunities next weekend to get a free turkey. Both are happening on Saturday, November 18. Starting at 9 am, Eastridge Church will give away hundreds of turkeys and bags of groceries, at 39th SW and SW Oregon (across from West Seattle Bowl). Starting at 10 am, the West Seattle Food Bank will present its annual turkey-and-food-box giveaway in the north lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). Both are first-come, first-served, while supplies last, and neither requires any ID or proof of need.

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ELECTION 2023: Most of the rest of the votes
November 10, 2023 7:12 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Though the election results won’t be finalized and certified for another two-plus weeks, after today’s count, the daily results updates will be down to a trickle. Most notably in our area, this means Seattle City Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda will be moving to the County Council, with ballots counted from 40 percent of voters in District 8, which includes West Seattle, White Center, Vashon and Maury Islands, and spans southward to Burien:

KING COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 8
Teresa Mosqueda – 32,811 – 54.77%
Sofia Aragon – 26,908 – 44.91%

Mosqueda’s term in citywide Position 8 had two more years to go. Her successor will be appointed by the new council. Speaking of which, it’s definitely final in D-1:

SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1
Rob Saka – 17,880 – 54.35%
Maren Costa – 14,872 – 45.21%

45 percent of voters’ ballots have been counted in these results, only 1 percent less than have been received. In the six other council districts, two of the three incumbents who did run for re-election are leading their opponents – Tammy Morales and Dan Strauss. If these results hold, the council will have six new members and three holdovers. Next ballot count is on Monday.

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BIZNOTE: Viscon Cellars releases two new vintages of longtime favorites
November 10, 2023 4:27 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

Still deciding what to do tonight? You can visit the Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) tasting room and try two just-released Washington red wines that are both new and not-so-new:

(Photo courtesy Viscon Cellars)

Winemaker Ben Viscon explains, “These are new vintages of some of our longtime customer favorites – our new 2021 Heart Box Red Merlot, and our 2021 Rhyme and Reason Syrah.” The Viscon Cellars tasting room – where you can also enjoy wine by the glass – is at 5910 California SW, open 5-9 pm tonight and 1 pm-6 pm tomorrow (Saturday, November 11).

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: White Nissan pickup stolen, again (update: found)
November 10, 2023 3:23 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

The photo and report are from Sean in Admiral:

My truck was stolen again. It’s been seen several times in West Seattle. The driver won’t stop so there’s nothing police can do. If someone sees it parked, please call police. It was stolen on Tuesday and reported same day. 1992 Nissan pickup B27758P. Police report number – 23-322544.

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Here’s what the picketing outside the Admiral Theater is about
November 10, 2023 1:19 pm
|      320 COMMENTS
 |   Admiral Theater | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The Admiral Theater is open today, according to its owner and management, despite picketing outside.

We went to the theater this morning after a media advisory from City Councilmember Kshama Sawant‘s office announcing what was on flyers posted around the area (thanks to everyone who sent us photos of those late last night and this morning) – a “rally and strike” alleging that an Admiral Theater staffer had been fired for trying to organize a union and that there were problematic working conditions, plus making demands including a $25 hourly wage.

Sawant herself wasn’t there but a community organizer from her office, Adam Ziemkowski, who said he also is with Workers Strike Back (founded by Sawant), emceed the rally and a news conference for us and the other media crew that showed up. The former worker spoke, as did two men who identified themselves as current workers, and other local labor activists.

First, some background: The Admiral Theater is owned by a Bainbridge Island-based company called Far Away Entertainment, which also owns five other small theaters around the region. At the Admiral, they own the business, but not the city-landmark building, though Far Away led the renovations that converted it into a first-run moviehouse in 2016-2017.

At this morning’s event, we spoke with Kylie (above center), the former manager who was fired; one of the demands is that she be reinstated. She said she had worked for the Admiral for a year and told us her firing earlier this month followed two days in which she had sent messages to management calling out problems. She says she was being “asked to break labor laws” and that the small staff was so overworked they weren’t getting breaks. We checked state systems but couldn’t find any past complaints on record; Kylie said an unfair labor practice claim would be filed today.

We also talked to current employee Matt, who said he has been working for the theater for about six weeks. He’s a West Seattleite and says he “really appreciates what the theater means to the community” and that’s why he wants to see improved working conditions, Besides the demand for a higher wage, he expressed concerns about pest problems in the building, rodents and termites, noting that he had four years of experience in the pest-control business. He said his advice to company management for dealing with the pest problems was disregarded.

Here’s what they and a third worker, plus the event organizer, said at the news conference:

After returning to our HQ, we spoke with Far Away Entertainment owner Jeff Brein by phone. First, he said, since there’s no union, “there’s no strike” – the picketing is “a protest.” He says the protest “took us by surprise” because a proposal to organize a union had not been brought to him or upper management, and they of course would be open to talking about it. “I’m not anti-union, I’d be happy to sit down and talk.” He said Kylie was fired “for what we believe to be just cause.” As for a $25 hourly wage, he says what his company pays is “a fair, workable wage … at or exceeding what Regal and AMC [corporate theater chains] pay.” Business at the Admiral still hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels, Brein says. “We’re slowly growing back.”

He denies all the other allegations, including that labor laws were broken. “We’re fully compliant with every workplace regulation and have never had a complaint.” He also says they have regular pest-control visits and that the recent sighting of apparent termites was addressed promptly. Mold? He’s not aware of that, though acknowledges some water trouble from a roof leak had to be dealt with, but he says the building is safe. (We checked the city code-compliance files, and no complaints were on record there since one about trash in the alley last year, ultimately ruled unfounded.)

Most of all, Brein said, he’s puzzled that a city councilmember would lash out at his business without attempting to contact him first, but he says he’s never heard from Sawant or her staff.

So what happens now? The picketers say they’ll be there all weekend. (Checking the view of the sidewalk outside the Admiral via the nearest live traffic cam, it appears at least one person is there handing flyers to passersby.) Former manager Kylie says their request for the community is, “Don’t go to the movies right now.” Owner Brein says his message is, “The Admiral is open,” and wants to stay that way: “It’s disheartening to be subjected to this harassment.” Meantime, we’ll watch for the formal filings in the unionization matter.

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WHALES: Orcas in Elliott Bay
November 10, 2023 11:52 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

Transient killer whales are in Elliott Bay right now, Kersti Muul reports via text – westbound off Duwamish Head and “very close.”

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BIZNOTE: Outer Space Seattle planning to close and is up for sale
November 10, 2023 11:28 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

An Alki business is closing, and is also now up for sale. Here’s the announcement we received from Outer Space Seattle:

It is with a mix of emotions and deep gratitude that Outer Space Seattle, the beloved Indoor Playground and Party venue located on Alki Avenue, announces it will be shuttering its doors this December.

Outer Space Seattle, known for its space-themed play structure and creative artwork, has been a haven for children and families in the West Seattle community since its inception just four short years ago. Outer Space hosted countless memorable events, was often present at outdoor community events, and fostered a sense of belonging among its patrons and staff.

Owner Caitlin Huertas is currently seeking another organization, individual, or group who may be interested in carrying forward the spirit and legacy of Outer Space Seattle, either at its current location or via a relocation of its play structure to another suitable site. Absent a suitable successor, their last day of operation will be Friday, December 22nd. Outer Space would like to remind families that if you have any active gift-cards or play passes, to please redeem them before closing as we are unable to provide refunds.

For more information please contact Caitlin Huertas at info@outerspaceseattle.com.

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

Outer Space Seattle was announced for the 2820 Alki SW spot four and a half years ago; before that, it was home to Marée Bistro.

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WEST SEATTLE FRIDAY: 14 notes
November 10, 2023 9:34 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE FRIDAY: 14 notes
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Seen in The Junction last night)

Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead:

VETERANS DAY CLOSURES: Most government offices are closed, but libraries are open (they’ll be closed tomorrow). Here’s the Seattle Parks facilities’ plan.

ADMIRAL THEATER PROTEST: According to flyers around West Seattle (thanks to everyone who’s sent photos) and a media advisory we received this morning from Councilmember Kshama Sawant‘s office, workers at the Admiral Theater plan a 10 am protest claiming retaliation for union organizing and complaints about working conditions. We’ll be there to report on this.

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Open 10 am-2 pm for plant shopping, north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

INTERNATIONAL GAMES MONTH: Drop in and play at South Park Library (8604 8th Ave. S.), 11 am-3 pm – info’s in our calendar listing.

VETERANS DAY YOGA: Noon at Dragonfly, a class is raising money for a veterans’ group, and free to any veteran who attends. (3270 California SW)

SCRABBLE CLUB: You can 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/wine bar open 1-6 pm on the north side of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), student-produced wine by the glass or bottle.

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 newly released red wines!

KENYON HALL CABARET: 7 pm, all-ages drag show at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) – ticket info is in our calendar listing.

WALL DRUGS AT EASY STREET: 7 pm tonight at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), free in-store concert celebrating Wall Drugs‘ new EP.

DANCE NIGHT AT THE SPOT: Fridays are DJ Dance Night at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.

‘THE LARAMIE PROJECT’: West Seattle High School‘s new student production continues tonight, 7:30 pm – ticket info and more in our calendar listing.

AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, Enigma ASD’s Quarterly Music Showcase at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), all ages until 10 pm.

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

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

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