West Seattle, Washington
23 Saturday
West Seattle High School has received a national honor from Special Olympics for its Unified Sports program (which brings together student athletes with and without disabilities). We received the announcement from WSHS’s Unified Sports coordinator Rachel Myers:
WSHS is being recognized as a Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion School.
WSHS demonstrates their commitment to inclusion and shown determination in achieving the collective goal of creating a truly “Unified Generation” of young adults who embrace differences and lead social change! We could not have done this without the hard work and support of our alumni and current WSHS students and staff! We are excited and honored to join the 1,014 schools across the country and the FIRST SPS school to receive this level of recognition!
Here is the official letter from Special Olympics North America and Special Olympics International.
This is a HUGE accomplishment for our school, district, and community! We will be receiving a banner to celebrate this accomplishment at a ceremony in the Spring at WSHS!
Myers explains that “Schools that receive this recognition have demonstrated the commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 national standards of excellence. These standards were developed by a national panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community.”
8:41 AM: Texter says police are blocking SW Henderson between 18th and 20th. The SPD log indicates a response involving a stolen vehicle.
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, September 24.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s weather is expected to be somewhat summery before a fall storm arrives tomorrow: Mostly sunny, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:59 am, while sunset will be at 7:01 pm.
SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE
*No work tonight on the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project – the next scheduled lane closures are Thursday night (September 26).
Other projects:
*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides next month; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
TRANSIT
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat,” now available on weekends too. Check for alerts here.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
South Park Bridge – Looking east (this camera has been malfunctioning lately):
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
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!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
For the first time since May, the Admiral Neighborhood Association had a general gathering, with president Joanie Jacobs facilitating. Here’s what was discussed during last Tuesday’s meeting at Admiral Church:
AUTO THEFT DOWN & OTHER POLICE UPDATES: Officer German Barreto, the precinct’s community liaison, brought updates. Two crime categories have gone up in Admiral year to year – burglaries, aggravated assaults – and auto thefts are down. For shots-fired incidents, he mentioned the September 6 Alki shootout and an incident in the 2100 block of Harbor SW. One attendee asked for more context about the increase in aggravated assaults; Officer Barreto didn’t have specific incident info as to whether they were random or not. Another question was about the collision that injured a pedestrian at 42nd/Admiral; he had no updates on that. What’s behind the drop in auto theft? The increase was in no small part due to the Kia/Hyundai social-media-how-to trend, so the decrease seems to be because those models’ owners are figuring out how to thwart that, he said. What’s up with officer hiring? Barreto said, “I’m hearing we are getting people” but no specific stats. The nature of the work keeps evolving, he observed, and “about 90 percent is knowing how to talk to people.” How about the CARE responders? asked Jacobs. They’re supposed to go citywide at some point, Barreto noted. He also reminded people, regarding the other part of CARE, the 911 center – don’t EVER call the SPD non-emergency number. The 911 center operates differently now that it’s civilianized, he said, leading to “a problem” with police not getting dispatched to things they should be – “if there’s something that you see, and they try to send you to the non-emergency number, hang up and call back (on 911)” he said. And do call, it was stressed, to get everything on record. “And if you call 911 and don’t get the service you want to, email” to point that out. Also “be sure you get an event number or case number” when you call 911. Also, if you want to be contacted by an officer, you can ask for them to call you instead of coming to your door – though sometimes that might mean your phone rings a few hours later.
Updates on two major ongoing road-work projects:
THIS WEEK’S SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT PLAN: The resurfacing project continues. No work tonight, Tuesday night, or Wednesday night, SDOT says. Then:
Thursday Night (September 26)
EB Left Lanes Closure – 7:00 pm to 6:00 am
1st Ave S Off-Ramp Open
4th Ave S Off-Ramp Open
Eastbound bridge to Northbound SR-99 Ramp OpenFriday Night to Monday Morning (September 27-30)
Eastbound Full Lanes Closure – 7:00 pm to 5:00 am
1st Ave S Off-Ramp Closed
4th Ave S Off-Ramp Closed
Eastbound bridge to Northbound SR-99 Ramp Open
As for last weekend’s confusion over the SSV’s status, SDOT says they’d confirmed with the contractor Friday afternoon that work was planned all weekend – but “The contractor wrapped up their work on the westbound lanes earlier than expected.” (So much earlier that readers reported all lanes open by 9 am Saturday.)
ADMIRAL WAY BRIDGE: The next stage of the seismic-strengthening project will switch both lanes of traffic to the north side of the bridge, and SDOT says that is expected “on the week of October 18,” exact changeover date to be set when it’s a lot closer. Fairmount Avenue beneath the bridge remains fully closed until the project is complete, likely early next year/
Tomorrow, Seattle Public Schools was supposed to start a round of community meetings, including one in West Seattle on Wednesday, to talk about the recently announced school-closure proposals – for which most School Board directors had harsh words last week, at a meeting preceded by an anti-closure protest. Late today, the district sent families a new announcement: The meetings are canceled, announced superintendent Dr. Brent Jones, saying, “We are retooling our plans …’ Here’s his message in its entirety (thanks to the parent who forwarded it):
I am taking more time to reflect on plans to bring a consolidation recommendation this October. As a result, I am canceling the upcoming community meetings. A new schedule of engagement sessions will be released soon.
I understand the closure of schools is a very serious topic. After receiving thoughtful feedback from many of you, it is clear we need more time to carefully consider our next steps.
I am working closely with my leadership team to revise our strategy and ensure any decisions we make are sustainable and prioritize the well-being of our students, staff, and families, working together to meet our goals.
We will soon provide new opportunities for community engagement, focused on gathering your ideas and working together to resolve our challenges.
I want to assure you we are taking your concerns seriously. What we proposed last week were initial approaches, which we are now reworking. While our financial challenges are real and it’s our fiscal responsibility to resolve them, it is very clear we need more time to listen and earn your trust as we resolve our structural deficit and revisit our timeline.
I am sorry our proposed options created anxiety for many families who rely on the key programs and innovations within our schools. We are retooling our plans to address these concerns.
It is no secret we are facing tough times. We face a budget deficit that has gone on far too long. Over the past seven years alone, our enrollment has dropped by 4,000 students. Despite this, we still operate nearly the same number of school buildings, and we don’t expect enrollment numbers to rebound for many years. Like many school districts in Washington, the funding we receive from the state has failed to keep up with the costs of providing a quality education to Seattle’s students.
This has been a challenging time, especially the last few weeks, and our school system’s issues will take all of us to solve–in our city and in our legislature.
We stand committed to working alongside you throughout this process. We appreciate your partnership as we strive for equitable and thoughtful solutions that will strengthen the future of our schools and students.
West Seattle/South Park school-board director Gina Topp had moved her community-conversation meeting on Wednesday so as not to conflict with the district meeting. We’re checking with her to see if she’s sticking with the revised time for her meeting, and if she has any other comment.
(Photos by Tom Trulin: Mark Sears [in yellow] led volunteers in relocating drift logs mired in vegetation near Fauntleroy Creek)
As noted here last week, it’s almost salmon-spawning season – and Fauntleroy Creek is ready for fish, thanks in part to some helping hands. Creek steward Judy Pickens sent this report:
How many volunteers does it take to ensure coho spawners can get into Fauntleroy Creek from saltwater? Eight got the job done on Saturday (September 21).
Pilings that support the ferry dock in Fauntleroy Cove trap drift logs, and vegetation can further impact the jam. State Fish and Wildlife permits the Fauntleroy Watershed Council to open a route for spawners when tidal action isn’t enough to clear the way. Mark Sears led the work party and will continue to monitor the area through spawning season.
The annual drumming on Sunday, October 13, to call in spawners (details here) will launch this year’s salmon watch, which will run until mid-November. Last year, watchers recorded a healthy crop of 34 coho spawners; since 1994, the count has ranged from 0 to 274. If/when watchers start to see spawners, West Seattle Blog will announce a weekend open creek for anyone to come have a look.
(WSB photo, Westwood mailbox’s usual spot)
Thanks to the reader who tipped us that the Westwood Village Post Office‘s drive-up/ride-up mailbox is gone again. Since the Junction Post Office has been without its drive-up/ride-up mailbox for 10 months, that means right now – with another mail-in election approaching – West Seattle is without this type of mailbox. We asked USPS‘s regional spokesperson Kim Frum what happened to the WWV box and whether the Junction box is ever coming back. First, she said, “The box at the Westwood Post Office was removed for repairs. As soon as the box is fixed it will be reinstalled. Our maintenance team estimates it should be no more than a week until it is back in place.” (What kind of repairs, she didn’t say, but we’re asking on followup.) Regarding the Junction box, gone since it was stolen last November: “The box at the West Seattle Post Office had a replacement ordered, however, it was the wrong design. A new box was requested, and the office is currently waiting for it to arrive from the manufacturer. Once the box is delivered, maintenance will install the lock, the sticker with posted collection times, and replace it at its location at the West Seattle office as soon as possible.” Both drive-up/ride-up mailboxes had somewhat decreased in utility since they were replaced earlier in 2023 with smaller mailboxes that were described at the time as more secure.
It’s fall, and everything has revved way up (if it ever slowed down in the first place). Figuring out “what’s for dinner?” is a challenge. Dream Dinners West Seattle (longtime WSB sponsor) has solutions. You can see for yourself by reserving a spot at their Test Kitchen Party this Saturday – here’s the announcement:
Join us for our Fall Test Kitchen Party.
Try a sample of our new fall recipes, share your feedback, get a free gift, and win fun prizes! Plus, we will have exclusive event offers you won’t want to miss.
DATE: September 28th
TIME: 11 AM – 1 PM
LOCATION: 4701 41st Ave SW, ste 110 [east side of outer Jefferson Square]
BRING A FRIEND: Get $10 off on your next order when you bring a guest who is new to Dream Dinners (offer must be used by 11/30/24).RSVP by texting 206-938-5999
And for Dream Dinners’ customers both new and returning, some updates:
What’s New?
Only 3-dinner minimum
Delivery within 15 miles of West Seattle Store
No monthly subscriptions or fees
Convenient walk-in shopping from our freezer
Multiple pickup locations available
Get delivery to your neighborhood with just 5 friends!
New to Dream Dinners? Here’s how it works.
More city work on SW Trenton by Westwood Village today. This time, it’s speed-cushion installation. We reported last month that SDOT planned to install four sets of speed cushions on Trenton between 25th and 29th, as part of the Safe Routes to School program (with the Chief Sealth International High School/Denny International Middle School campus a block north). Crews are working today, east to west; we happened onto them as they were finishing the easternmost cushions and moving westward.
(First sunrise of fall – Sunday morning photo by Jerry Simmons)
Here’s the highlight list from our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar happens weekly!
BABY STORY TIME: Bring little ones up to 2 years old to Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), noon-12:30 pm, for story time!
CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: At 2 pm, councilmembers take turns discussing what’s ahead for the week. Here’s the agenda (which explains how to listen in – no comment period at these meetings).
FOOD TRUCK IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Neighbors want you to know there’s a new location for the rotating weekly food-truck visit, 4000 block of SW 107th.
GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday brings “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
HAVE FUN GETTING READY: 6:30 pm, Alice Kuder of Just In Case is leading another of her free Ready Freddie Prep Parties at Whisky West (6451 California SW) – RSVP here to be sure there’s room
D&D: Weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too.
COMEDY! Start your week with laughs during monthly comedy night at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way), 7 pm. Our calendar listing includes the lineup and ticket link.
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three places to play as the week begins – 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander); 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: All are invited to free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
MEDITATION IN ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community also hosts Monday night meditation at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 7-8:30 pm.
MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: The Alley in back of Bonjour Vietnam is open – tonight you can listen to live music from The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
SING! 9 pm start for Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
AT THE BEACH: As of tonight, Alki Beach Park is back to “regular” closing time, and beach-fire season is over.
If you have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar, please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends are remembering David Fuller, and sharing this remembrance with his community:
David William Fuller died September 10 at his home in West Seattle after a 24-year journey with Mantle Cell Lymphoma. He was 75. Fuller was an Assistant Vice President of Costco and Editor of The Costco Connection, Costco’s member publication, from 1989 to 2013.
A lifelong avid traveler with a limitless interest in history and a penchant for collecting books, magazines, and printed matter of all kinds, he was born May 31, 1949 in Jersey City, New Jersey to Bernard William and Julia Caveglia Fuller. The family moved to Delaware in 1951 and then to California in 1958. From 1958 to 1984, Fuller lived in Palo Alto, attending Henry Gunn High School and then Foothill Community College for two years, before spending two semesters on Chapman College’s World Campus Afloat (Semester at Sea). He sailed around the world twice, visiting and studying in 35 countries before finishing his formal education at the Chapman campus in Orange, California. Informal education continued throughout his life and was shared enthusiastically with all who knew him.
He returned to Palo Alto, where he worked as a reporter and then copy editor at the Palo Alto Times until 1978. That year, he left the paper to be part of the start-up team of Peninsula Magazine, a regional magazine covering the San Francisco Peninsula. In 1983 he joined the start-up team of Washington Magazine and moved to Washington state, living first in Kirkland for 16 years, then in West Seattle beginning in 2000.
When Washington Magazine was sold in 1989, he learned that Costco Wholesale, then a six-year-old company, was looking for a professional editor to run the monthly publication staff members had started. He began working there the morning after his 40th birthday and thus began a 24-year career with Costco. He was responsible for the editing of the magazine and also the design, production, circulation, advertising, and business operations of what eventually became an international network of five print magazines, their online versions, a series of 10 annual “The Costco Way” cookbooks, and an international photo contest for Costco members.
In 1996, he oversaw the transition of the publication from newsprint to an award-winning 8.5-million-copy glossy magazine. For 17 years he wrote the magazine’s monthly column, “From the Editor’s Desk,” which after his retirement in 2013 became a website called “fromtheeditorsdeck.” After retirement he also worked as an archivist for several clients, including Costco.
He continued his life-long exploration of the genealogy and history of his family and helped others with researching their family histories. He wrote and self-published two books, “All the Fullers,” about Fuller family history and the history of the families who married his ancestors, and “Smoother Pebbles,” a collection of his favorite quotations.
Travel remained a key part of his life and eventually he visited more than 50 countries during school, on business, and with his family. A highlight was a trip to Italy in 2019 with his children and grandchildren to mark his 70th birthday and introduce them to members of his family living there who he had discovered and met through his genealogy research.
He joined a boating club and for a few years he enjoyed boating around Seattle waterways with family and friends. Whether dancing at his daughters’ weddings or teaching chess to his grandchildren, or creating Summer Wonderland in his backyard, or witnessing endless escapades involving bikes and scooters, he found some of his greatest joys watching and helping his offspring and their offspring live their lives to the fullest. Fuller is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carlene Canton, their daughters Cameron Canton Fuller and Courtney Canton Fuller; sons-in-law Casey Doran and Graham Moore; and four grandchildren: Elliott William Fuller, Felix Russell Fuller, Henry William Moore, and Juliette Lillian Moore. All live in West Seattle. He also is survived by his sister Mary Fuller Heminger and her husband David Heminger, of Fremont, California; a cousin, Clorinda Hite of Santa Clara, California, and countless friends, colleagues and cohorts who shared in his pursuit of travel and joyful learning and living.
Please share memories of David at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/David-Fuller
Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle
(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)
6:40 AM: Crash in the 2600 block of Harbor Avenue SW [vicinity map]. SFD reports driver hit a tree and had to be extricated from the vehicle; they’ll be taken to a hospital. Avoid the area for a while.
Earlier:
6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s the first weekday of fall, Monday, September 23. First day of fall quarter at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), so expect more traffic on 16th SW.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast: Becoming sunny, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:58 am, while sunset will be at 7:03 pm.
SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE
*The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project has not announced this week’s work schedule yet; we should get an update by afternoon. Note, though, as evidenced last weekend, it’s subject to sudden change.
Other projects:
*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides next month; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge. We’re awaiting a project-status update
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
TRANSIT
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat,” now available on weekends too. Check for alerts here.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
South Park Bridge – Looking east (this camera has been malfunctioning lately):
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
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!
10:49 PM: Thanks for the tip and photo. Emergency responders are on their way to the 4100 block of Beach Drive SW for what’s reported as a flipped-car crash. Everyone is reported to be out of the car, no major injuries, so it’s only a one-engine dispatch so far.
10:57 PM: Radio exchanges indicate a utility pole is damaged.
10:18 AM MONDAY: We’re still following up but so far, we’ve heard from SFD, which said no one was hurt, and from a nearby resident who says their parked car was damaged.
12:27 PM: Thanks to Brian for the photos – above, another view post-crash; below, Seattle City Light crews that have been working in the area because of the pole damage. We’re told some lost power for a while as a result.
Meantime, SPD tells us the crash report isn’t filed yet, so we have no further information about circumstances.
(WSB photos)
If there’s a reason to skywatch or stargaze, Alice Enevoldsen is your go-to person in West Seattle. She is a volunteer NASA Solar System Ambassador, as well as an astronomy/physics instructor at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor). Tonight, as she’s done more than 50 times dating back exactly 15 years, she led a sunset watch commemorating the change of seasons. The sun made only the most infinitesimal of cameo appearances, a glimmer through the Lincoln Park trees to the west:
About three dozen people joined Alice at Solstice Park, even knowing the clouds would keep them from enjoying one of the signature features of these sunset watches – seeing the setting sun line up with the precisely placed paths and stones at the park. But they got to hear, see, and participate in the traditional explanation of equinoxes and solstices, which as always featured young volunteers portraying the sun (while Alice held her Earth globe):
Another fun feature of Alice’s events – info about other upcoming reasons to look skyward. One is 2024 PT5, the name given to a “rock the size of a school bus” that will be orbiting Earth for about two months before returning to its regular orbit of the sun. You won’t be able to see it without a “fairly powerful telescope,” Alice warned, so don’t expect any viewing events.
However, she told attendees, a viewing event might be possible for Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), which might become bright enough to be seen without a telescope in the weeks to come. This would require an open southwest view, perhaps from a spot like the Lincoln Park shore. (Otherwise, Westcrest Park is one of her favorite West Seattle places to skywatch, especially when unpredictable sights like the aurora happen. Here are all the places to find her updates.)
NEXT SUNSET WATCH: 3:45 pm December 21st, for the winter solstice, at Solstice Park (upslope at 7400 Fauntleroy Way SW).
9:21 PM: The low bridge is out of service again. SDOT says it’s “currently closed to traffic due to electrical issues with its gates” – all traffic, including bike/foot path users. This is happening two days after the bridge reopened to vehicle traffic following a six-day closure caused by crash damage. No update so far on how long this might take to fix.
9:32 PM: Apparently not long – it’s open again.
Three biznotes tonight:
CELEBRATION: As featured in our highlights list, Charcuterie by Annalise (6032 California SW) celebrated the shop’s grand opening today, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony:
(Photo courtesy West Seattle Chamber of Commerce)
We first reported almost three months ago about Annalise Johnson‘s plan for a shop after three years of a mobile operation. She promises “a unique food experience destination for the community,” from sandwiches to gift boxes.
SNOW PREP: Mountain to Sound Outfitters in The Triangle (3602 SW Alaska, with new murals!) notes that the arrival of fall means it’s time to think snow! For one, you can use code 3X378 for 10 percent off season rentals of snow gear; for two, they’ve also announced the plan for selling and/or buying at this year’s West Seattle Ski Swap, October 12-13.
RESTAURANT CHANGE: Portage Bay Café in The Junction (4725 42nd SW) asked us to let you know it’s shifting to fall/winter hours, which means the restaurant will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The other days, it’s open regular hours – 8 am to 1 pm Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 8 am to 2 pm Saturdays and Sundays.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:
STOLEN SKATEBOARD: The report and photo are from Jen:
I wanted to report a car break-in that occurred sometime late Friday night or early Saturday morning on Kenyon and 32nd. Stolen items include a Car Battery Jump Starter 12V battery pack, everything in the center console, and a newer Baker skateboard. Everything can be replaced, but the skateboard was a gift, and it would be great to get it back if anyone happens to spot it.
PACKAGE THEFT: The report and photo are from Robert:
We discovered these packages on the street walking home from Junction. We left them at the address on the packages [near where they were found by the curb, in south Morgan Junction/lower Gatewood]. There was a puzzle left, but whatever else was in these was missing. A neighbor came out and moved the packages inside a gate across from the mailboxes.
Tomorrow (Monday, September 23) a memorial gathering at MOHAI will bid farewell to Charley Royer, Seattle’s longest-serving mayor (1978-1991). Though he wasn’t a West Seattleite, he will forever be known here as the mayor who built the West Seattle Bridge, which fully opened in July 1984; its construction was no sure thing after the 1978 ship collision that took out its predecessor. As we did when his brother, former deputy mayor Bob Royer, died five years ago, we’re taking the occasion to bring this out of the video archives:
Charley Royer and Bob Royer both were part of that panel discussion 10 years ago in West Seattle, on the 30th anniversary of the high bridge’s dedication. It was part of a series of bridge-anniversary events presented by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, at the time led by historian/journalist/writer Clay Eals, who moderated. As Eals notes, “Charley was mired in the contentious issue of building a new bridge, and, of course, took the famous call late June 14, 1978, ‘the night the ship hit the span,’ and told the bridge tender, ‘Seize the ship!’ He also was instrumental in steering money from all levels of government (as was [former city councilmember] Jeanette Williams) to get the high bridge built.” If you don’t want to watch the whole thing, he recommends Charley’s comments at 43:33-49:23, 58:32-1:01:27, and 1:25:25-1:28:16 in the video. Meantime, Mr. Royer’s memorial gathering is set for 4 pm to 6 pm Monday at MOHAI, 800 Terry Ave. North.
One last back-to-school date on the calendar – tomorrow (Monday, September 23) is the start of the fall quarter at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor). It’s not too late to register for classes; you can see here what they’re offering. Notable for this quarter – it’s the first one for SSC’s new president Dr. Monica Brown, who started work in August. SSC serves about 15,000 students a year at its main campus on Puget Ridge (6000 16th SW) and satellite campus in Georgetown.
(Photos courtesy Kenyon Hall)
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of historic event venue Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) is its “Mighty Wurlitzer” organ. The nonprofit venue is raising money to keep it operational – and next Saturday (September 28) brings a specific way for you to help – here’s the announcement:
The Wurlitzer, a rare and historic organ that represents PNW theater and music history, is threatened with disrepair unless more funds can be raised to repair and restore at beloved West Seattle community theater, Kenyon Hall. Three rank pipes shy of being the same size as a similar organ in the Paramount, the Wurlitzer is one of the remaining organs of its type nationally.
The Wurlitzer organ was created to provide the soundtrack to new and emerging technologies in both film and entertainment in the early 1900s, whereas before theaters often used small live orchestras. Seattle was the first city nationally to have an organ accompany a movie.
Kenyon Hall’s Wurlitzer stands as a wonderful achievement of the pre-digital age but is in need of repairs to ensure it will survive. While many of these organs are “going digital,” Kenyon Hall’s Wurlitzer organ remains completely analog, which means there are thousands of wires that need to be kept in good working order, and an entire three-room series of pipes and switchboards that need to be kept clean and climate controlled. Completely electro-pneumatic, every time a key is pressed by a performer an electrical current runs a wire which then activates a windchest, sending an air current to the corresponding pipe or ranks of pipes.
The Wurlitzer rests at historic Kenyon Hall, a West Seattle community theater built in 1916 that hosts regular theater and concerts. The most notable concert was an exclusive performance by Pearl Jam’s lead singer, Eddie Vedder. In addition to hosting concerts and theater, the Hall is used as a rental space for music recitals, private concerts, social gatherings, and educational events, and is run by local nonprofit Seattle Artists. Kenyon Hall aims to provide living wages to performing artists and teachers while also keeping ticket prices manageable for interested audiences and lesson rates for students affordable.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw with it a drastic decrease in the amount of public arts venues in West Seattle and Seattle in general, and it is Kenyon Hall’s goal to keep the spirit of public arts alive, providing stages for artists new and old to perform and space for audiences to congregate and commune with each other. A fundraiser is planned for Saturday, September 28th from 4 pm-8:30 pm with local performers such as Tomo Nakayama, Erik Walters of Pedro the Lion, and hosted by local Kenyon Hall Cabaret drag performers.
Details of the event can be found at www.kenyonhall.org. Tickets can be purchased via Kenyon Hall’s website or directly through this ticket link (2 seatings). The live stream of the event will be hosted on Kenyon Hall’s YouTube page. This giving campaign will run through the Fall through links provided on Kenyon’s Hall’s “donate” page or directly through this campaign site.
If you’ve never seen/heard the Mighty Wurlitzer being played, you can find many videos online – including this one.
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Welcome to fall! The equinox moment was 5:43 am, so the season has officially changed, and here’s what you should know today, starting with three FYI’s:
SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT OPEN: The plan for work all weekend changed early Saturday, so the Spokane Street Viaduct (continuation of West Seattle Bridge between 99 and I-5) is now fully OPEN. (You can doublecheck this traffic cam to be sure.)
STATE FERRIES’ FALL SCHEDULE: This starts today. Biggest change is that the unscheduled “ghost boat” on the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth run will now also sail on weekends when staffing and vessels are available.
LAST EARLY-CLOSING NIGHT AT ALKI: This is the day that Seattle Parks announced would be the last for early closing at Alki Beach Park (and Golden Gardens).
The beach is in fact where we start the list of what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SWIM IN THE SOUND: At 9 am, jump into the weekly group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet for today’s run at 9 am at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW).
VACCINATION CLINIC: Open to the public, 9 am-3 pm with the Visiting Nurse Association at Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW), appointment required: “Patients will be able to get a flu shot, COVID-19 vaccine, or both in the same appointment. We can vaccinate kids 4 and up for flu and 5 and up for COVID-19. We will be using the updated Moderna products for 2024. Each patient needs their own registration, in their name, with their information.” Here’s the registration link.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: As usual, open 10 am-2 pm, with seasonal produce, plus beverages, baked goods, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared food, nuts, candy, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
GRAND OPENING: Today’s the big day for Charcuterie by Annalise (6032 California SW), noon-5 pm, as previewed here.
BOOK LAUNCH: 2-4 pm, “Plum Blossom Wine,” a translated book of poetry, celebrated at Seattle Chinese Garden (6000 16th SW) – one of the translators is garden docent/volunteer Sibyl James. The publisher says the book “gives voice to an important female Chinese poet writing in a time when literature was dominated by men.”
‘GUARDS AT THE TAJ’: Second matinee for the award-winning “dark comedy” at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 3 pm – info and tickets here.
COLORING BOOK RELEASE: 5 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), a DJ set with Marco Collins celebrates the release of “Color Me, I’m Sick: A Grunge Coloring Book.”
FALL EQUINOX SUNSET WATCH: Join Alice Enevoldsen at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW, upslope) at 6:30 pm to mark the change of seasons and learn about what “equinox” really means. Free, all ages.
HAVE FUN GETTING READY: 6:30 pm, Alice Kuder of Just In Case is leading another of her free Ready Freddie Prep Parties at Whisky West (6451 California SW) – RSVP here to be sure there’s room.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday night music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.
Are you organizing and/or publicizing something that should be listed on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Just email us the basics – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photos/video unless otherwise credited)
Before grabbing pickers and bags, that throng of International Coastal Cleanup Day volunteers gathered for a group photo just west of Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza. As previewed here earlier this week, Ocean Conservancy partnered with Puget Soundkeeper to host this local event as part of the international observance, the first time an International Coastal Cleanup Day flagship event has been held at Alki Beach Park. And they learned before heading out onto the sand and the streets that every little bit helps, literally. First they got the big picture from Ocean Conservancy’s Nick Mallos, vice president of conservation for ocean plastics, about today’s worldwide effort:
Puget Soundkeeper’s executive director Sean Dixon got into the specifics of what was most important to look for while cleaning – a lesson you can apply to even a simple informal cleanup while you’re at the beach (or out at sea): In short, look for small plastic pieces, which can end up not just in the water, but also inside fish, marine mammals, and seabirds:
Going for the small stuff, as was encouraged, the hundred-plus volunteers collected 142 pounds in about two hours of work on Alki.
(This photo and next by Patty Chambers, courtesy Ocean Conservancy)
If you’d like to join the cleanup movement – or are already active – you don’t have to wait for the next event; Ocean Conservancy also offers the Clean Swell app, where you can contribute to what OC says is “the world’s largest repository of marine debris data and is used to inform scientists, conservation groups, governments, and industry leaders about ocean trash and support plastic pollution prevention and advocacy efforts.” Meantime, one more simple thing you can do is use less plastic – today’s volunteers got a souvenir that’ll help with that:
This year’s International Coastal Cleanup Day worldwide stats aren’t tallied yet but these numbers from last year are eye-opening.
Autumn officially arrives at 5:43 am Sunday – the equinox moment. A little over 12 hours later, you can greet the new season in a uniquely West Seattle way – the change-of-seasons sunset watch with educator/expert skywatcher Alice Enevoldsen. She’ll be at Solstice Park (where you’ll find the marker shown above, aligning with the equinox-sunset path), upslope from the tennis courts and P-Patch at 7400 Fauntleroy Way SW, starting around 6:30 Sunday; sunset will be around 7 pm (earlier than official charts, because of the mountains). Drop in to learn what “equinox” really means, and to hear about any upcoming skywatching events of note.
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