West Seattle, Washington
15 Tuesday
One week after state and city crews started clearing the encampment site between northeast Myers Way and southbound Highway 509, Governor Jay Inslee visited this afternoon to see what had been done so far.
It’s one of 30 state highway/freeway-adjacent sites statewide addressed by the Right Of Way Safety Initiative, which Inslee declared “is working.” (Also cleared as part of the initiative was the infamous 2nd/Michigan encampment by the West Seattle side of the 1st Avenue South Bridge.) Before the governor’s arrival, we talked with reps from several departments and agencies to get some numbers.
First: Though outreach workers had previous said more than 50 people were identified as living at the camp, they ultimately revised that number to 36, saying the camp was often “very active” with visitors and they eventually settled on a lower number of residents after early-morning visits gave them a clearer picture. Of those, 30 have been placed in housing, according to outreach workers. Some of that is hotel-room-type housing, some is permanent supportive housing, some is temporary shelter – 1 person was even placed at Camp Second Chance, the (usually full) tiny-house village a short distance south on Myers Way.
The original vehicle count on the site was 43, and three of those were confirmed as stolen. About half the vehicles remain on site, now abandoned and – at least the ones we saw close-up – uninhabitable. We’re told notices have been sent to their registered owners, giving them 15 business days to retrieve them, or else they’ll be either towed or demolished on site.
Another number: 1,000. That’s how many hours the governor was told that workers have put in on the site. Regarding what’s going to be done to keep it from being re-occupied, we’re told the concrete barriers along Myers Way will be put back in place, and a fence will be put up from the north end of Myers Way down to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints property south of the encampment.
Aside from the abandoned, not-yet-removed vehicles (and boat), the site appeared mostly clear, except for small debris like screws and nails visible in the dirt as we walked around. The governor also paused during the tour to make a statement and answer media questions, during which he declared, “This encampment has been eliminated,” adding that the initiative isn’t just about getting “squalor” out of sight, but also about getting people into housing:
Among the next steps is a followup meeting with residents of Arrowhead Gardens, the senior-living complex across the street, which campaigned for many months to get action taken. Resident rep Diane Radischat was there to talk with Inslee:
The followup meeting is planned for September 25th.
(WSB photo, Lincoln Park South Play Area right after July 2017 closure)
Five weeks ago. we reported that a contractor had been chosen for the long-delayed Lincoln Park South and Westcrest Park play-area projects. At the time, Seattle Parks said the “best estimate” was that work would start in “late summer,” though they didn’t know which would be first. So we checked back, with “late summer” running out, and learned that work actually is now still months away. Parks spokesperson Karen O’Connor tells WSB, “For the South Lincoln Park Play Area and Westcrest Play Area replacement projects, we will negotiate a start date with the contractor this fall. The contractor has other park projects under construction now that must be finished before these start. We have also learned the play equipment will be available to ship in March 2024. Construction will likely start in winter 2023/early 2024 to align with the availability of the play equipment.” By that time, Lincoln Park South will have been closed 6 1/2 years, while Westcrest will have been closed 2 1/2 years.
From Les via email:
Sometime last night, my white 2005 Chevy Silverado truck was stolen from in front of my house on SW Canada Drive. The truck plate # is C30524C. The truck is white in color with a regular cab and an 8-foot bed The truck bed contains some demolished white kitchen cabinets. Police report #23-263411.
THURSDAY UPDATE: Les’s truck was found in Gatewood, at 39th/Willow.
(Photo courtesy “Boating Motes”)
Also seen in Elliott Bay – Washington State Ferries‘ M/V Wenatchee, under tow. It’s arriving at Vigor on Harbor Island to make history as the first WSF vessel to be converted to hybrid-electric. (That’s also where the ferry was built 25 years ago.) The Wenatchee’s propulsion system also will be updated during the conversion. When it’s complete next year, it will return to service on the Seattle-Bainbridge Island route, and M/V Tacoma will head to Vigor for its hybrid-electric conversion.
(Photo sent by “Boating Motes”)
Thanks for the photos and tips! That big gray boat seen in Elliott Bay off West Seattle a short time ago is the Military Sealift Command vessel USNS Fisher (T-AKR 301). MSC ships like this are basically cargo ships for the military, though their crew is civilian.
Seattle Fire crews sometimes have to call for police help. This morning at Delridge and Cambridge, it was because a fire engine was hit by theft. According to emergency-radio traffic, a chain saw was taken from Engine 37. The thief was described as driving a red or maroon GMC Yukon with chrome wheels. We’re following up with SFD to see if there’s any additional information. Earlier this summer, regional media reported on other theft incidents elsewhere in the city.
(Reader photo)
Police have converged on another stolen Hyundai, crashed/dumped this past hour at 25th/Cloverdale.
(WSB photo)
Its occupants reportedly bolted and got into a white Kia that had been traveling with it, according to an earlier sighting on which police had been following up, a reported car prowl near 35th/Monroe in Gatewood. The white Kia was reported to be a different type from the white Kia in which Sunday’s Morgan Junction ATM robbers were traveling. No other descriptive details so far but be extra-watchful for suspicious activity, particularly involving those types of currently much-stolen cars.
(Red-breasted Nuthatch, photographed by Jerry Simmons)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, highlights for the hours ahead:
FOR VETERANS: If you need help filing a disability claim, the DAV offers free drop-in assistance 9 am-1 pm. (4857 Delridge Way SW)
CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING: 2 pm, councilmembers talk about the week ahead. The agenda explains how to attend or watch.
RUNNING INJURY ASSESSMENTS: Free service at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), 4:30-6 pm.
SUMMER EVENING PADDLING: Monday nights all summer long, get out on the water with Alki Kayak Tours, 6 pm. (1660 Harbor SW).
GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, this is “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Open D&D starts at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), all welcome, first-time players too. $5.
INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION: The Alki Dharma Community offers this on the second Monday each month, 6:45 pm. (6115 SW Hinds)
MONDAY MEDITATION: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
BEDHEAD OPEN MIC: Weekly BedHead Open Mic at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (4201 SW Juneau), 7 pm (signups at 6:30) – info in our calendar listing.
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three weekly events – 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SPECIAL ‘THE OFFICE’ TRIVIA: One added event tonight – special trivia event at Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) focused on “The Office,” hosted by Raised By TV. 7 pm.
MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Live music with The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
Have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar ? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather Thursday to celebrate the life of Donny Smith. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with his community:
Donald “Donny” John Smith, 52, a man who was deeply loved by many, passed away unexpectedly on September 3rd, 2023.
His larger-than-life, magnetic personality touched thousands of people. He is survived by the love of his life Megan, his two astounding daughters Sadie and Stella, as well as his mother Ann (Ward) Smith, brothers Garrett and Johnny Smith, sisters Maggie Downer (Brian) and Pauline Elam (Ethan), and his beloved dog Claire. He is preceded in death by his father Gary Smith and his grandparents.
Donny was born in Seattle and spent his childhood on Vashon Island, later graduating from Kennedy Catholic High School in 1988 with many lifelong friends and lots of great stories. After high school, his love of connecting with people led him to Alaska Airlines, where he was a devoted flight attendant for 34 years. Flying the skies also brought him to his love, Megan Blix, where they bonded over their shared interests of the Seattle Mariners, snow skiing, traveling, and gathering with friends. Donny and Megan were then blessed with their two beautiful daughters, who were the center of his universe. He had immense love for his family and was an amazing father. His passion for new adventures, whether it was bicycling, boating, or playing card games, always ended in great stories and laughs. He was the favorite carpool dad, and always involved with the girls’ schools and activities.
A true helper, he could often be found lending a hand to a neighbor, and was always generous with his time. Donny will be best remembered as having the unique ability to relate to anyone who crossed his path. Without fail, he would show them genuine interest and make them feel important, whether you were his close friend, family member, or stranger sitting next to him at a Mariners game. His magnetic personality changed the atmosphere in any room he stepped into, and you couldn’t help laughing even if his jokes were sometimes slightly inappropriate. Somehow, he was able to get away with anything. Donny forever changed the lives of those who were lucky enough to know him and the world will not be the same with him gone. He will be profoundly missed as a loving husband, a father his children adored, a devoted son and brother, a favorite uncle, and a genuine friend. “I lava you.”
A memorial service and celebration of Donny’s life will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle on September 14th at 10:30 am. A reception will follow at 12:30 pm at the Alaska Care Retreat. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alaska Airlines Employee Assistance Fund or to support the continued education of his daughters through the following links.
www.alaskaeaf.org
Sadie Smith College Fund
Stella Smith College FundService: Holy Rosary Catholic Church: 4139 42nd Ave SW
Reception: Alaska Care Retreat: 1555 4th Ave S.
Cards to: 5057 SW Stevens St, Seattle, WA 98116Please share memories, photos & condolences of Donny on the Tribute Page at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Donny-Smith
Care & Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home – 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)
9:04 AM: SFD and SPD are responding to a reported two-car crash at 24th/Barton. Minor injuries.
Earlier:
6:01 AM: Good morning. It’s Monday, September 11th.
WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Possible morning rain, sunny later, high in the upper 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:39 am; sunset will be at 7:31 pm.
(Saturday sunset from Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook – photo by Mike N)
BACK TO SCHOOL
Today’s the first day for kindergarteners and preschoolers in Seattle Public Schools.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route. Check alerts for changes, and use Vessel Watch to see where your ferry is.
Metro – Regular schedule; check advisories here.
Water Taxi – Regular schedule.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.
High Bridge – the main camera:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
Low-bridge cam:
1st Ave. S. Bridge – alternate route across the river:
Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges Twitter/X feed shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.
If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities). Thank you!
Reported by Sara: “I chased off a couple coyotes from 41st and Portland around 9:00 this evening. Both were skittish, thankfully! Another good reason to keep kitties inside.” Not sure what to do if you see one? Wondering what you can do to keep them at a distance? Read this. (See past sighting reports by scrolling through this WSB archive.)
The Southwest Seattle Youth Alliance circulates a survey each year to help shape programs aimed at preventing substance abuse. They’re hoping to get replies from a wide variety of community members, including people without youths in their households. Here’s the announcement:
The SW Seattle Youth Alliance, a school and community coalition formed to address the high rates of youth substance use in Southwest Seattle, would like your help in learning more about community concerns related to drugs and alcohol. The coalition will use these surveys to guide their work in selecting effective prevention programs and services for youth and the community. Please take a few minutes to complete.
You can answer the survey in English, or en Español. The survey’s open until November but if you have a few minutes to spare, earlier is always better.
Previously, we previewed the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s first fall gathering, this Tuesday (September 12th). Also resuming meetings for fall on Tuesday: the Fauntleroy Community Association. The FCA also expects a Southwest Precinct rep to attend with updates on local crime/safety issues, so if you have a question for police, community-group meetings provide you with regular opportunities. Also on the FCA agenda – a look ahead to next month’s Fauntleroy Fall Festival, an update on Washington State Ferries issues, and a discussion of Sound Transit‘s West Seattle plan, among other issues. Community members are welcome to attend in person – 7 pm Tuesday in the conference room at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) – or online (registration information is at fauntleroy.net/meetings).
Thanks to the reader who sent these photos – police are on the scene at 37th/Myrtle in Gatewood where a suspected stolen Kia crashed into three parked cars before its two occupants, both appearing to be Black male teenagers, got out and ran, as seen below.
According to ongoing police-radio exchanges, the vehicle hadn’t been reported stolen but police were going to contact its registered owner – in The Junction – and see if they were aware of its whereabouts.
Today is scheduled to be the end of a nine-day closure for Delridge Community Center. According to Seattle Parks, the shutdown since September 2nd has been for “re-flooring and front entrance construction.” Monday and Tuesday, the community center is scheduled to be open “but no showers or programs.” Full operation is to resume Wednesday (September 13).
1:13 PM: Thanks for the tips. Police are investigating an armed robbery at the Morgan Junction BECU standalone ATM today. It was reported just before 10:30 am. According to archived SPD audio, the robbers were described as three “unknown race males,” late teens or early 20s, wearing masks, in what turned out to be a stolen white Kia Soul, taken from the 3600 block of Beach Drive earlier this morning. One of the robbers had a gun. We’ll add anything more we find out.
2:31 PM: The robbery victim emailed us. Here’s how she says it happened: “Three young folk, all masked. Bright daylight, other people around. Only took maybe 30 seconds for them to get out of the car, take my wallet (and keys, ugh), get back in the car and drive off. Police confirmed the car was stolen, and that my description and those of other bystanders matched with other reports they’ve gotten from other recent incidents.” Meantime, a commenter below says their friend owns the stolen getaway car and that it was taken at about 2:30 am.
Another high-school team is off to a successful start of the season. The report and photo are from West Seattle High School volleyball coach Scott Behrbaum:
The West Seattle High School girls varsity volleyball team were the champions of the Kent Meridian Varsity Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, defeating Shadle Park HS in the finals. Way to go. Wildcats!
The Wildcats also defeated Holy Names in the first league match of the year on Wednesday, 9/6.
WSHS has three road matches ahead this week, and then will be home, vs. Roosevelt, on Wednesday, September 20th – here’s the season schedule as finalized so far.
(Added: Photo sent by Erin)
9:52 AM: In case you missed the advance notice – the military helicopters in the area now are practicing for this afternoon’s Seahawks flyover, so they’ll be back later too. They’re from Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Pierce County.
2:07 PM: As discussed in comments, the actual game flyover was aborted. Via Twitter/X, the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade says that was because of “communication issues within Lumen Field.”
ADDED 9:18 PM: Though there was no stadium flyover, we have two photos to add. From one of the West Seattle flyovers – Jamie Kinney caught this very close-up view:
Jerry Simmons saw them on the ground:
(Latest view from SDOT traffic camera at California/Alaska)
Second-to-last Sunday of summer – here’s what’s happening:
ROAD-WORK ALERTS: The eastbound West Seattle Bridge exit to southbound I-5 is supposed to reopen by 8 am … The Junction paving project is scheduled to continue today – in the eastbound lanes of SW Alaska between California and 44th.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Now 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 between SW Alaska and SW Oregon on California, offering late-summer fruit and vegetables as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, more. Here’s today’s vendor list.
CHALLAH BRAIDING: Demonstration at the Farmers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm, presented by Torah Learning Center of West Seattle.
(added) DOUGH JOY AT OUNCES: Last-minute announcement, another 10 am-2 pm Dough Joy Donuts popup at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), with a special Seahawks donut!
WSUU INGATHERING SERVICE: 10:30 am, annual “ingathering” at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation, led by new minister Rev. Carter Smith, followed by a celebration, as previewed here. (7141 California SW)
FLYOVER: Military helicopter activity is likely at mid-morning and early afternoon in connection with today’s planned Seahawks flyover – home opener is 1:25 pm vs. Los Angeles Rams.
SEAHAWKS PARTY FOR VETERANS: The DAV at 4857 Delridge Way SW invites all veterans to a 1 pm Seahawks watch party, including food and fun.
MEMBERS’ PICNIC: Current or ready-to-join Southwest Seattle Historical Society member? You’re invited to a 1-3 pm picnic today at the Log House Museum‘s courtyard. (61st/Stevens)
‘MATT & BEN’: First matinee for the new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3 pm. Check for tickets here.
COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: Country-blues duo Steve Itterly and Jonathan Pitman perform 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). No cover.
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? Email us the info – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Thanks to Al for sending photos and a report from tonight’s Sunset Paddle for Maui, a West Seattle on-the-water fundraiser organized by Alki Kayak Tours. Al told us via text, “15 boats, 21 people, at least 6 sea lions, and one gorgeous sunset…”
If you couldn’t join the paddle, here’s one way to help Maui fire survivors – the Maui Strong Fund.
Community groups are resuming their regular meeting schedules this month, and one of the first to reconvene will be the Admiral Neighborhood Association. Tuesday (September 12th) at 7 pm, ANA invites you to its next “general gathering,” with guests including Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison. She’ll talk about what her office is focused on right now, and listen to attendees’ concerns. ANA usually has a Southwest Precinct rep in attendance, too, so if you have concerns or questions, bring them. And they’ll recap a summer of fun events including the return of Summer Concerts at Hiawatha and the second Admiral Funktion festival. You’re welcome to come talk about those, too. The ANA gathering is at 7 pm Tuesday, in person, at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill).
(WSB photo from spring Recycle Roundup last April)
If you’re doing fall cleaning and finding things you no longer need, remember that the fall Recycle Roundup at Fauntleroy Church is now just two weeks away – 9 am to 3 pm Saturday, September 23. The list of what Recycle Roundup partner 1 Green Planet will and won’t accept this time is available – see it here. (More than 60 items on the “will accept” list, only 20 on the “won’t.”) It’s free to drive up, ride up, walk up, and drop off your item(s); the church is at 9140 California SW.
Thanks for the tip! Just after we got a call about a crash at 42nd/Admiral, we heard the police dispatch for it. No injuries reported but westbound Admiral Way is blocked, so avoid the area for a while.
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