West Seattle, Washington
13 Saturday
(WSB photos. Above, #9, senior Caitlin Gordon)
Metro League tournament play wrapped up tonight for the West Seattle High School softball team, after two games – one victory, one loss. In their first game of the afternoon, the Wildcats beat Seattle Prep, 12-5. Our photos are from the second game, a 15-5 loss to Lincoln.
(Above, #12, sophomore Mackenzie Curry Uzwack)
The Wildcats ended the tournament with sixth place. Now it’s on to the District 2 tournament, which starts Monday.
(Above, #13, freshman Violet Faull)
They’ll be playing on the eastside, at Juanita HS in Kirkland – first game, 6 pm Monday vs. Liberty.
Hey, Sale #274! Thanks for putting up the “official sale” sign (it’s a template we email to sellers so they can use it if you want to)! Our photographer noticed it while en route to a story he’s covering right now. Perfect timing for this final West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day Eve reminder that we are now less than 14 hours away from 500+ sales of all sizes, all over the peninsula, as mapped here. The map page is where you’ll find other updates, such as last-minute cancellations (which are noted in the online-map list, but not the printable version, so if you’re using that to plan your day, please check the numbers on the cancellation list) plus links to our previews this past week with some mini-lists of sales. One more mini-list tonight – here are the ones signed up as block sales (including some alley or apartment-building sales):
#26: 9240 2nd Ave SW
#42: 7742 15th Ave SW
#80: 2303 Walnut Ave SW
#162: 2719 47th Ave SW
#236: 2203 California Ave SW
#244: 3630 46th Ave SW
#262: 3050 36th Ave SW
#289: 7333 29th Ave SW
#296: 6741 38th Ave SW
#297: 5626 29th Ave SW
#307: 3279 38th Ave SW
#310: 5914 34th Ave SW
#352: 7026 30th Pl SW
#446: 6041 California Ave SW
#487: 6307 46th Ave SW
#488: 6043 48th Ave SW
#495: 3910 SW 109th St
#501: 10014 4th Lane SW
We’ll be doing as-it-happens coverage tomorrow as usual, so photos (from buyers with cool finds as well as sellers) are welcome at westseattleblog@gmail.com or texted to 206-293-6302 – please be sure to include the relevant sale number!
P.S. And don’t forget to set out your food donations for the letter carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger food drive! (If you didn’t get the special blue bag, any bag – generally plastic is sturdier – is OK.)
A reader near the south end of Lincoln Park reports a burglary at their home around 1:30 pm Wednesday, with images from their security camera:
This guy came to my door trying to pose as some sort of a salesman and as soon as he determined we were not home broke into our house and helped himself. His shirt is very distinctive and he has a tattoo on his left arm.
The police incident is # 24-125113. We asked SPD for any additional details from the report; they told us, “Officers found a sliding glass door forced open and searched the home. It appeared someone had ransacked several rooms.”
3:01 PM: Two and a half weeks ago, SDOT announced it was about to start work on some of the permanent features of the Alki Point Healthy Street (Alki Avenue SW and Beach Drive SW between 63rd SW and Alki Point) project. We haven’t been back yet for a look at that work, primarily described as added speed humps, but today, SDOT sent an update – the next phase of construction starts “as soon as Monday.”
As soon as Monday, May 13, crews will begin the next phase of construction on the permanent treatments for the Alki Point Healthy Street. This work will include:
-A 10-foot-wide shared walking/rolling space
-Three ADA parking spaces
-Stop controls at intersecting streets
-Pavement markings, parking signs, and striping the public parking lotUnauthorized on-street parking located within 20 feet of intersections will be removed for new installation.
The project page elaborates on the zone numbers shown in the map above.
ADDED 6 PM: David Hutchinson sent this photo of the lines for the new path, roughed out:
More than 200 items, from local business gift cards to exotic getaways, are up for bidding right now during the Madison Middle School PTSA‘s online auction. All are welcome to participate. It’s open until Saturday night; the PTSA says auction proceeds go to “help support supplemental activities and materials for our students and faculty.” Browse the items and register to bid by going here!
Back in 2020, SDOT shelved a plan for a bike lane on the Highland Park Way hill. The idea resurfaced in a 2022 application for federal funding, but there was no design at the time. Now there is, as one of three options SDOT is proposing for the Highland Park Way hill, just unveiled today. All three would remove one motorized-vehicle lane on the downhill (north/eastbound) side, “to provide an improved path for people to walk, roll, and bike between the Highland Park and Riverview neighborhoods and the Duwamish River Trail.” They’re asking for feedback starting now. Here are the three options, as described and shown on the project page:
Option 1: Downhill Protected Bike Lane
For Option 1, we propose replacing the right northbound driving lane on Highland Park Way SW with a downhill protected bike lane. The bike lane would run parallel to the existing path and include a concrete barrier to divide the bike lane from traffic. At the intersection of Highland Park Way SW and West Marginal Way SW, we would add a diagonal bike crossing to connect people to the Duwamish River Trail … We would also add lighting and make some repairs to the existing path to improve accessibility for people walking and rolling.
Option 2: Multi-use Path
For Option 2, we propose replacing the existing path and the right northbound driving lane with a multi-use path. The multi-use path would include a wider landscape buffer and a wider path for people walking, rolling, and biking in both directions. This path will include bus stop landing pads in the landscape buffer, so people have a paved area to wait that is off the multi-use path. As in Option 1, we would add more lighting for people traveling along the path at night and add a diagonal bike crossing at the intersection of Highland Park Way SW and West Marginal Way SW to connect people to the Duwamish River Trail.
Option 3: Combination of Options 1 and 2
Option 3 is a combination of Options 1 and 2. In this approach, we would build the protected bike lane first – as it takes less time and less money to build – and then develop the new multi-use path later when additional funding is available.
You can see maps and more information – including the SDOT answer to “why not expand into the greenspace rather than remove a driving lane?” – on the project page.
FEEDBACK: This survey is open until June 15. Or you can email highlandholden@seattle.gov. SDOT also plans various info events over the next two weeks, also listed on the project page.
11:03 AM: What’s shown as a one-customer power outage on Seattle City Light‘s map is affecting about 500 people – because that one customer is Pathfinder K-8 on Pigeon Point. No word yet why the school – and apparently ONLY the school – lost power; we’re checking with SCL.
1:49 PM: The outage is over, according to the map; still waiting for SCL’s response on what went wrong.
Here are your Friday highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
EARLY WSCGSD SALES: Several West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day sellers are starting one day early and are open today – listed in this preview – the numbers cross-reference to the official map. (The photo above is from #389 and #448, in the 5600 block of 42nd SW, raising money for The Mount.)
WATER TAXI EXTENDED HOURS: The Water Taxi’s spring/summer hours add Friday and Saturday later-evening service each week.
STAY & PLAY INDOOR GYM: Free drop-in play, 10-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.
LIBRARY CLOSURE: The Seattle Public Library‘s temporary closure days continue; the West Seattle (Admiral) branch will not be open, but it’s regular hours today for our area’s other libraries.
LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -3.0 feet at 1:06 pm. (Thanks to John D. Skerratt for the photo of the sunflower star, a species he notes was hit especially hard in recent years’ die-offs.)
SOFTBALL PLAYOFFS: Metro League tournament play continues at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) with West Seattle HS vs. Seattle Prep at 3:30 pm and opponent TBD at 5:30 pm.
VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room/wine bar open tonight for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
GROWN FOLK SKATE: Adult drop-in skating at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW), 6-9 pm.
LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: New Age Healers with The Purrs at 7 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: Songwriter’s Showcase 7 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: West Seattle’s own Aaron Semer, VITO, Lookout Mountain Lookout. Doors at 7 pm, show at 8, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SHOWCASE AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.
DJ NIGHT AT REVELRY ROOM: Music 9 pm-1 am on Fridays! (4547 California SW)
MAKE IT LOUD! Skate to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), 9 pm-midnight, this week featuring Sun Mother, Tongues, TBA. $18 cover + $5 skate rental.
LATE-NIGHT SINGING: 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
One week from tomorrow, thousands of people will volunteer at dozens of sites around the city for the One Seattle Day of Service announced by Mayor Harrell. If you’re not already signed up to help out somewhere, his office sent this list of West Seattle opportunities:
Volunteer opportunities and event partners:
Alki Beach Beautification Event (sponsored by Pearsall Properties) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Don Armeni/Seacrest Park Beautification from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
West Seattle Junction Plaza Park Beautification (sponsored by West Seattle Junction Association) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Kiwanis Club of West Seattle Street Beautification Event (sponsored by Kiwanis Club of West Seattle, Key Clubs West Seattle and Chief Sealth International High School) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
High Point Open Space Association Bee Festival Event from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (three shifts)
Dirt Corps West Seattle Park Beautification Event (sponsored by Dirt Corps) from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Riverview Neighborhood Cleanup from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
West Seattle – First Tongan UMC Street Beautification Event (sponsored by First Tongan UMC) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
West Seattle – Arbor Heights Elementary Gardening Event (sponsored by Arbor Heights Elementary School) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Delridge Roxhill Park Beautification Event from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
African Community Housing & Development Community Engagement and Market Cleanup from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (two shifts)
Residents can sign up for volunteer shifts by going to seattle.gov/dayofservice.
(We went to that page and found the “text-based” option – direct link here – easiest to scroll through; use the District 1 tab.)
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, May 10.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
It’s really happening! Sunny, high near 80. Today’s sunrise was at 5:37 am; sunset will be at 8:34 pm.
ALERTS
FRIDAY & SATURDAY: Still looking for specifics President Biden‘s route, but we know he’s due to arrive sometime after 5:15 pm today and leave by 2:45 pm tomorrow, per the airspace advisory, and that Air Force One will use SEA, not Boeing Field. We’ll update here when we find out where he’s going after landing. (4:55 pm: That info STILL hasn’t emerged. But he’s on the way – Air Force One left the Bay Area around 3:20 pm. …. 5 PM: Just turned on the TV; he’s here, and will be heading downtown shortly. … 5:30 PM: He’s arrived downtown.)
FRIDAY: Also Friday night, the Mariners are back home, vs. the A’s at 6:40 pm.
SATURDAY: From Seattle Public Utilities, covering the next two Saturdays:
On Saturday, May 11 and Saturday, May 18, SPU contractor crews will be performing pavement restoration on Sylvan Way SW between SW Orchard St and Delridge Way SW as part of the Longfellow Natural Drainage System (NDS) project.
To perform this work safely and effectively, Sylvan Way SW between Home Depot’s eastern access and SW Orchard St will be temporarily closed to traffic. Local access will be allowed to driveways east of the closure on Sylvan Way SW. Signage and flaggers will be on site to direct traffic. Working hours on May 11 and May 18 will be 7 am – 7 pm.
ALSO SATURDAY: Residential streets will be busy since it’s West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day at more than 500 locations around the peninsula and a bit beyond, 9 am-3 pm.
ONGOING ROAD-WORK ALERT
*SDOT’s info page for the Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project is updated with more details about the ongoing work at Delridge/Oregon, which is narrowed as a result:
TRANSIT NOTES
Metro today – Regular schedule, though presidential travel might affect the pm commute; check advisories here.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule, including Friday later-night runs. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.
Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Check WSF alerts for last-minute changes. Use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Low bridge: Open.
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
1st Ave. S. Bridge:
Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic. (We’re aware that the low bridge hasn’t shown up in this feed since the recent closure, and we’re awaiting word from SDOT on whether that’ll be fixed.)
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
ORIGINAL REPORT, EARLY FRIDAY: Police following up on multiple 911 calls about suspected gunfire have confirmed it. Officers just told dispatch they’ve found “a bunch of casings” at 32nd SW and SW Raymond, plus “bullet damage” at a nearby residence. No word of any injuries, and no description of who was responsible, though the 911 callers were reported to have heard “a vehicle” in the area.
ADDED MONDAY MORNING: A few more details from the SPD incident summary:
At 0011 hours, officers responded to a shots fired call near 32 Ave SW/SW Raymond St. The suspect exited the vehicle and shot at least 29 rounds at a house. The house was struck multiple times, and it was occupied by five children and three adults. Officers arrived and checked on the welfare of the occupants of the house. Officers checked other houses nearby. The occupants didn’t report any injuries.
(Photos courtesy Cascadia Fresh Market)
We’ve been telling you about Cascadia Fresh Market, aiming to attract everyone to the storefront at 5444 Delridge Way SW for affordable fresh food, seven days a week. The store soft-opens Friday and officially opens this weekend. Co-proprietor Jill Moore sent these photos today as she reported, “First fresh food is rolling in to the market! Berries and mangoes and grapes and kiwis (all $1-3) will greet customers as they drop in for our opening thus weekend.”
Jill and husband/co-proprietor Jeremy Vrablik, a Highland Park couple who own wholesaler Cascadia Produce, say the market is “produce-focused, but will have other cooking staple items and some simple, sweet treats.” (Read more about the plan here.) They’re planning this as a four-month test – if it goes well, they’ll talk with building owner DESC about a long-term lease. So if you like the idea, go shopping as soon as you can. Hours will be 10 am-7 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon-6 pm Sundays and Mondays.
Day after tomorrow, in 80-degree-ish weather, thousands of people will be selling and/or shopping on West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day! If you haven’t seen the map of all 500+ sales yet, find it here (that’s also where to get the link to the downloadable/printable version). For tonight’s preview, we’re mentioning some of the sales with unusual features – here are a dozen (and of course you’ll find many, many other interesting sales if you browse the listings!):
#21: 4115 23rd Ave SW – Several sales promise friendly dogs, but this is the only one promising “friendly kitty kats”
#38: 3803 Delridge Way SW – Restaurant, bar, live-music gear at The Skylark
#42: 7742 15th Ave SW – Live band
#48: 9141 7th Ave S – First-ever participant in South Park
#72: 3241 47th Ave SW – Annual multi-artist art-glass extravaganza
#140: 5218 SW Stevens St – “30 Barbies” (one of 5 sales where Barbie is in the description)
#199: 3452 39th Ave SW – DJ
#351: 7904 35th Ave SW – Vinyl collectors/sellers, with DJs, at Kenyon Hall
#394: 3710 Walnut Ave SW and #502: 11217 Arroyo Beach Place SW– Various sales are offering treats too – these two mention cotton candy
#447: 9323 45th Ave SW – 6 sellers promise bake sales, but this one says the treats will be created by “my son, an aspiring pastry chef”
#479: 4136 SW Holden St – 4 sales mention American Girl but this one declares itself an “American Girl Garage Sale”
Official sale hours are 9 am-3 pm Saturday; some listings mention extra hours and even extra days. Check the online map page for changes/cancellations (the online map itself reflects updates but not the printable version) and for links to lists we’ve already published; all our WSCGSD coverage is archived here, newest to oldest.
6:07 PM: The May 2024 West Seattle Art Walk is happening right now at more than three dozen venues from North Admiral to Morgan Junction!
Our first stop tonight is West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW), where Clara Boline is tonight’s featured artist:
Her show, “Bumper Sticker on a Ferrari,” is described on the Art Walk website as:
This show depicts orchids with various permanent changes made to them. The series of work is meant to call out the strength and resilience of femininity and the harmful comments women receive when making permanent changes to their own bodies. The title of the show refers to a comment the artist has actually received; “Why would she get that tattoo? It’s like slapping a bumper sticker on a Ferrari!”
She’s at WSG until 8 pm. Now that it’s past 6 pm, we’re off to check out some of the 11 performances comprising Muse Fest: The Power of Women’s Voices until 7:45 pm. More coverage to come! (WSB is an Art Walk co-sponsor.)
6:30 PM: CAPERS in The Junction (4511 California SW) is featuring artists from the West Seattle Garden Tour poster contest, including winner Pam Lustig:
6:52 PM: At the Discovery Shop – a nonprofit that raises money for the American Cancer Society – volunteer Ann McClary is tonight’s artist:
She’s donating proceeds from sales of her watercolors.
7:34 PM: Thanks to Jason Grotelueschen for this clip of Sue Quigley‘s Muse Fest appearance at Beveridge Place Pub:
Sue co-coordinated the Muse Fest lineup. She had to cut her set short, so Sheryl Wiser moved over from Whisky West next door:
Co-coordinator for Muse Fest with Quigley was John Redenbaugh, who arranges Art of Music performances for many Art Walks through the year. Art Walk is second Thursday, every month, so that means the next one is June 13!
It’s been a month since we first reported on County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda standing before the Sound Transit Board and asking them to put West Seattle light rail on a Delridge route that could bypass and potentially save local businesses. Those local businesses also have been taking their case to the board, while making contingency plans; we talked with Erin Rubin of Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) and Mode Music and Performing Arts in this report. Now another business in the project’s path, West Seattle Health Club, is asking its members for support. Several readers have forwarded us this message sent to WSHC members by club management today:
We have been informed of the recent decision by Sound Transit to alter its initial plan for the West Seattle Light Rail. Rather than running it around the West Seattle Health Club, the preferred route would require placing a pillar through our pool. We have been working diligently, alongside local businesses and King County Councilmember, Teresa Mosqueda, to ensure that our concerns are heard by the Sound Transit board. Specifically, we have requested a refinement of the plan to place the pillar 20 feet west of the club or over the top. The board has acknowledged our request, and a final decision will be made in June.
We are advocating for a change in the decision, which, while not immediately impacting the gym, would, over time, have significant ramifications. The removal of the West Seattle Health Club would not only result in the loss of a gym but also the displacement of a community. We believe that the decision-makers on the board may not fully appreciate the gym’s value to our community. Some of you have been members since the early 2000s when the gym was known as Allstar Fitness. You have shown remarkable loyalty and dedication to the club and its community, even during challenging times of poor management and financial struggles. We are aware that you have expressed concerns about the proposed changes because you do not wish to lose a community staple that has become so important to you. Some of you have made lifelong friends at the West Seattle Health Club, formerly known as Allstar Fitness, and have been members for over two decades. We are not merely a gym. We are an all-inclusive community that provides a sense of belonging and support. While there may be several other gym options in the area, none can match the feeling of walking through the doors of the West Seattle Health Club.
We support Sound Transit’s efforts to bring the Light Rail to the West Seattle community. However, the removal of our gym will have a profound impact, not only on our community of over 6200 members but also on over 100 employees who travel to West Seattle and support the businesses in the area. We implore you to support us in our efforts to communicate to the Sound Transit board that placing a pillar through the pool of the West Seattle Health Club is not merely a matter of relocating another business. It would have far-reaching consequences.
If you wish to voice your opinion, please contact Cali Knight at CKnight@kingcounty.gov and Shannon Braddock at Shannon.Braddock@kingcounty.gov.
Shannon Braddock, a West Seattleite, is deputy county executive for County Executive Dow Constantine, also a West Seattleite, who is on the Sound Transit Board. Calli Knight is also on the executive’s staff, as infrastructure initiatives director. The board has not yet made a decision about final routing but is expected to vote in the second half of this year, after the final Environmental Impact Statement is released (no date for that yet beyond “midyear”).
(Schmitz Park, in the center of pilot/photographer Long Bach Nguyen‘s 2012 image)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
In the spirit of the people who brought Fauntleroy Creek back from near-death, a new community coalition is dreaming of restoring another creek to its salmon-sustaining glory.
Right now, the stream in Schmitz (Preserve) Park ends unceremoniously underground and then into Elliott Bay via an outfall. The vision is to daylight it and let it run to the sea along its historic path to Alki.
To daylight this vision, a roomful of community leaders gathered at renowned photographer Art Wolfe‘s Seaview home this past Tuesday night for a presentation that Wolfe himself introduced, with a slideshow of images of Schmitz Park in its greenest glory.
“This is a good idea for this time,” declared Wolfe – good for people, good for wildlife (he mentioned his most recent book “Wild Lives“). That wildlife includes salmon; they have just a few home creeks left in the city limits, including Fauntleroy and Longfellow, but Wolfe expressed certainty that Schmitz Park’s creek could join them. “I think it’s worth trying to open-air the creek to salt water.” That would be a few blocks downhill to the north, at Alki Beach.
The room rippled with people murmuring “yes” in agreement. Wolfe continued showing images of what he found in Schmitz Park earlier this spring – trillium and salmonberry flowers, hummingbirds “like little gems,” a pileated woodpecker, red-breasted sapsucker, the snags where birds can find food and respite, trees coated with moss. Wolfe said everyone should see it for themselves: “This kind of environment” – the forest’s “boggy bottom” – “is what purifies the water and makes this a viable salmon-spawning resource.”
His photos also included the not-so-scenic grate over a segment of the creek at 57th and Stevens – here’s the Google Maps Street View image of that spot:
From there, he recounted, the culvert “empties so far out (in Elliott Bay) that nobody realizes (fresh water is mingling).” Wolfe said a potential vision for the Schmitz Park creek could be to run the streambed along a street and down to the beach, “maybe a sidewalk along one side and the creek on the other.” But he stressed that it’s “early in the game” and this is just an idea for now. But: “I think we need more salmon-spawning streams.”
Next to speak was Daniel Nye, co-chair of the new coalition, the Schmitz Park Creek Restore Project. He too spoke reverently of Schmitz Park, “sacred ground,” observing that its old-growth trees “have been here waiting and watching … for centuries since the icebergs retreated.” The forest, he reiterated, is “a spiritual place.”
Nye recounted the park’s history – long before it was a park, it was part of the home territory of the Duwamish people (whose chair Cecile Hansen and council member Ken Workman were among the guests at the gathering). In 1851, the Alki arrival of the white settlers known as the Denny Party started a wave of change on the peninsula. The Schmitz family (whose representative Vicki Schmitz Block was at the gathering) set aside the 53 unlogged acres that became Schmitz Park.
Nye talked about the park’s design by the famed Olmsted Brothers (shown above in an image from a federal website). Their plan “was only partly realized,” he noted – hopes of a “treed corridor (that) went from Alki to the Park” went unrealized, though, as he observed, the features that were realized included the WPS-built “art deco bridge” circa 1936.
This new effort, he said, could make a long-held dream come true. That’s why Nye and co-chair Brian Barilleaux are “getting together a group of people and approaching Seattle Parks with a plan of how to achieve this, and how to finance it.” Nye noted that this is a rare chance to “protect and preserve” something that has not yet been totally transformed from its origins. “We also want to restore the ties to the community and the gift of this park that was given.” And it would be a gift for our area’s life-sustaining salmon. “There are no marine species (in the creek). because it was cut off … even though it’s clear water, it’s essentially lifeless. We want to bring the fish back. … If we restore it, the fish will come.”
But long before the grand dream of daylighting the creek might come true, Nye said, people can take relatively simple action now to help the park and creek – removing ivy and graffiti, clearing blocked sections of the creek within the park. And in the big picture, “There are several ways to get the creek to the beach.” Looking back into history, they think the Alki Elementary playground might have held a “natural lagoon”: “The ghosts of that lagoon are still there,” so perhaps the creek ran in that area to get to the sea.
The dream stretches beyond the creek. They envision the possibility of a National Heritage Area, with buildings such as Alki Point Lighthouse, the Alki Beach Bathhouse, the Fir Lodge/Alki Homestead – and the awaiting-a-new-home Stone Cottage could factor into this too (among those at the gathering was Mike Shaughnessy from Save The Stone Cottage). Wayfinding to help people with area trails could be a factor. Barilleaux added, “Make it a historic monument and historic attraction.”
Other possibilities suggested by Nye: Restoring ties with local schools; demonstrating Indigenous agriculture such as camas (recently planted at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse) and berries; honoring the “sacred” nature of the forest and creek through connecting with local faith communities.
So how to make it happen? Schmitz Park already has inspired generosity and future vision, Nye noted, with a nod to yet another person in the room, Bruce Stotler, who has donated his park-adjacent home to become part of the park when he’s gone. “He’s an inspiration to all of us … in the tradition of Emma and Ferdinand Schmitz.”
An initial list of coalition supporters was shown – and an invitation offered for all to join – that means you, too. “Even if there’s nothing you think you can contribute to this, you can pull out ivy!” They’re going to have ivy-removal training sessions soon, and then organize teams to go to the park in June and July and get going.
You can find out more about the restoration proposal here, and you can email with questions or to volunteer at SchmitzParkCreekRestore@gmail.com.
Buy plants, support education! You can do that every day the South Seattle College Garden Center – one of our newest sponsors – is open. Here’s what they would like you to know:
Discover the vibrant world of plants and support both budding horticulturalists and a student-run business at the Garden Center at South Seattle College, located in the Puget Ridge neighborhood of West Seattle [map]. Our center serves as a hands-on learning hub for Landscape Horticulture Program students, offering them real-world experience and knowledge in both plant care and retail. By supporting the Garden Center, you are supporting our students’ goals in pursuit of careers in the landscape horticulture field.
Step into our oasis and explore a diverse array of indoor and outdoor plants, including snake plants, bird nest ferns, annual edibles, and a variety of colorful flowers. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, our dedicated volunteers and students are available to provide expert advice and insight, honing their skills while helping you cultivate your green thumb.
Nestled between our living, breathing classroom, the Arboretum, and the Northwest Wine Academy (with a tasting room!), our Garden Center is a year-round haven for plant lovers. As the seasons change, so does our selection, ensuring your garden projects thrive year-round.
This Spring and Summer, join us in nurturing both plants and students by supporting the Landscape Horticulture program and our student-run Garden Center.
Visit us Thursday through Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm, and follow us on Instagram for updates and inspiration. We can’t wait to grow with you!
We thank the South Seattle College Garden Center for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here; email patrick@wsbsales.com for info on joining the team!
With the snow-sports season ending, Mountain to Sound Outfitters in The Triangle is going “appointment-only.” Here’s the announcement we received on behalf of M2SO proprietor Greg Whittaker:
Greetings Fellow Snow and Paddle Sport Lovers,
We have some updates as we plan for summer that we wanted to share with you all. Effective May 12th, Mountain to Sound Outfitters will temporarily close to regular store hours for the summer season and pivot to appointment only. This decision reflects our commitment to improvement, as we seek to restructure our operations for the betterment of our community and to set up for a fantastic 2024-2025 winter season. We will remain open at Alki Kayak Tours, and will keep staff busy at the beach running on-water operations and facilitating by appointment sales and services at Mountain to Sound Outfitters.
During this hiatus, we will be working behind the scenes, refining our offerings and updating some systems to help the operations run smoothly. When we return for the launch of the 2024-25 winter season we look forward to reconnecting and dialing you in with the best winter gear.
Your support during this transitional period means the world to us. We invite you to visit us over the weeks, whether to stock up on summer essentials or gear up for the snowy season ahead. Your patronage now will help sustain us through this period of reimagining. If you are in need of paddle gear, please order and buy online, or make an appointment and we will be your personal shopper during our appointment hours.
We want to express our gratitude for your support and understanding during this reset. Rest assured, we remain committed to serving you. We still have a great selection of stand up paddleboards, kayaks, and accessories as well as vehicle racks. Most of what we sell will be available for demo at our sister business Alki Kayak Tours, which will be open 7 days a week beginning in June, and is currently operating weekends and by appointment. Please check our website for updates.
Sincerely,
Greg & the M2S Crew
With 70-degree weather, you’re not going to want to stay inside after work or school, so here are the options for the hours ahead!
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK WITH MUSE FEST: Not only is tonight full of art, it’s full of music, as previewed here on Wednesday – 11 venues are hosting musicians who will perform free mini-concerts 6 pm-7:45 pm for Muse Fest: The Power of Women’s Voices.
In addition, more than three dozen venues from North Admiral to Morgan Junction are ready to welcome you to view this month’s featured art, with the artist(s) on hand at many stops. The list/map is here; see who’s featured where by scrolling through this page. Enjoy food/drink specials at participating restaurants/bars, too! Art Walk receptions are generally 5-8 pm.
Here’s what else is happening today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Now open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -3.2 feet – lowest this month! – at 12:24 pm.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com for info on where they’re playing today.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room/wine bar now open Thursdays-Saturdays 1 pm-6 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm class at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).
HELP CARE FOR HIGH POINT’S FRUIT TREES: Spend part of your evening with City Fruit caring for the fruit trees at High Point Commons Park (Graham/Lanham), 4-6 pm – more info and RSVP link in our calendar listing!
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Off the Rez.
FREE ECO-ARTS CLASS: 5-7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – you’re invited to drop in!
VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) not just for Art Walk but also for wine by the glass or bottle.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at Good Society (California/Lander) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run.
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: 6:30 pm, meet at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for a 3-mile run through the neighborhood. (Walking option, too!)
BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday you can listen to the blues.
Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in daily preview lists like this one? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photo, April 27)
Twice a year, Fauntleroy Church offers the community the opportunity for free drop-off recycling of many items you can’t put out for curbside pickup. Judy Pickens shares the tally from the recent spring edition:
At least 475 people took advantage of 1 Green Planet‘s free, responsible recycling at Fauntleroy Church on April 27. The day’s take of 15.518 tons of recyclables brought the total since these Recycle Roundups began, in 2010, to just over 353 tons. The fall roundup will be on Saturday, Sept. 21.
The participation fluctuates a bit year to year – weather can be a factor, too – but for comparison, this is up a bit from last year’s spring totals.
Another school fundraiser is welcoming wider community participation this week. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:
The annual Move-a-Thon at Louisa Boren STEM K-8 is happening THIS WEEK May 9 & 10! We invite the community to support our STEM students by making donations to a specific grade on the move-a-thon page (under “classes”) or through our general donation page.
All STEM students get to participate in the Move-a-Thon during their regular PE class. Activity stations such as four-square, volleyball or dance party will be set up in the gym, and students will rotate through the stations during PE class.
The Move-a-Thon is a fundraiser that helps pay for library books, school and classroom supplies, staff appreciation, and much more to support our school.
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, May 9.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunny and warm today, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:39 am; sunset will be at 8:32 pm.
UPCOMING ALERTS
FRIDAY & SATURDAY: No specifics yet on President Biden‘s route, just the airspace advisory suggesting his Seattle visit will span a window of 5:15 pm Friday to 2:45 pm Saturday.
SATURDAY: From Seattle Public Utilities, covering the next two Saturdays:
On Saturday, May 11 and Saturday, May 18, SPU contractor crews will be performing pavement restoration on Sylvan Way SW between SW Orchard St and Delridge Way SW as part of the Longfellow Natural Drainage System (NDS) project.
To perform this work safely and effectively, Sylvan Way SW between Home Depot’s eastern access and SW Orchard St will be temporarily closed to traffic. Local access will be allowed to driveways east of the closure on Sylvan Way SW. Signage and flaggers will be on site to direct traffic. Working hours on May 11 and May 18 will be 7 am – 7 pm.
ALSO SATURDAY: It’s West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day at more than 500 locations around the peninsula and a bit beyond, 9 am-3 pm.
ONGOING ROAD-WORK ALERT
*SDOT’s info page for the Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project is updated with more details about the ongoing work at Delridge/Oregon, which is narrowed as a result:
TRANSIT NOTES
Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.
Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Check WSF alerts for last-minute changes. Use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Low bridge: Open.
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
1st Ave. S. Bridge:
Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic. (We’re aware that the low bridge hasn’t shown up in this feed since the recent closure, and we’re awaiting word from SDOT on whether that’ll be fixed.)
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Many months into Seattle Public Schools‘ march toward seemingly inevitable school closures/consolidations to close a budget hole, a few things were clarified at tonight’s School Board meeting. For one, they’re only talking about elementary schools, so the plan that Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones is working on might be more accurately titled “A System of Well-Resourced Elementary Schools.” For two, while they insist there’s no specific list yet, the likelihood is that about 20 of the district’s 70 elementaries will be proposed for closure/consolidation:
But the district’s chief operating officer Fred Podesta insisted, “We weren’t looking for 20 schools to close, we’re looking for 50 schools to keep open.” They also outlined how a “well-resourced school” would be staffed – about 500 students, with full-time art, music, and PE teachers (though not full-time nurses):
The well-resourced schools plan – minus a specific list of schools – was discussed with board members after they moved down to tables with district managers; they voted unanimously at the meeting’s end to accept the plan outline, which was not, it was stressed, an “approval.” First, lots of questions; West Seattle/South Park board director Gina Topp, for example, asked Dr. Jones how he came to decide that closures/consolidations was the way to go. “A smaller footprint is going to allow us to do more things,” he replied. Other board directors asked hypotheticals regarding criteria for choosing which schools would be proposed for changes; the replies seemed to indicate that enrollment size will be the major driver.
Wondering about local elementaries’ sizes? West Seattle/South Park has 11 SPS elementaries – we’ve listed them with the enrollment projections for next year as noted in this budgeting document:
Alki (currently at the former Schmitz Park Elementary building, awaiting its appeal-delayed rebuild/expansion) – 267
Arbor Heights (rebuilt and expanded in the past decade) – 450
Concord International – 264
Fairmount Park (closed in the ’00s, reopened and expanded in the ’10s) – 366
Gatewood – 402
Genesee Hill (rebuilt and expanded in the past decade) – 439
Highland Park – 238
Lafayette – 494
Roxhill at EC Hughes (renovated six years ago) – 240
Sanislo – 164
West Seattle (recently expanded) – 330
So what’s next? Meetings:
We’ll publish the list of community meeting dates and places as soon as it’s made public. Meantime, Dr. Jones spoke repeatedly of bringing a detailed closure/consolidation proposal to the board “sometime next month,” no specific date yet. See tonight’s slide deck in full here. Again, this would be a plan to start in the 2025-2026 school year, NOT next school year.
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