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Spotlight Stories


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    SUMMER FEST COVERAGE: Scroll here!

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    STAR HONORS TEACHER: WSHS educator’s big win

  • Charged

    SERIAL ROBBERIES: 24-year-old suspect charged

Here’s why Whale Tail Park’s play structure is closed, and when it’s expected to reopen
September 1, 2023 2:16 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Thanks for the tips about the fenced-off closure of the play structure at Alki’s Whale Tail Park. There’s no fully explanatory signage, so we asked Seattle Parks on Wednesday about the situation. We got the info today from Parks spokesperson Karen O’Connor:

The “whale tail” play area on the north end of the park had a damaged slide. When we received the replacement slide, it was the wrong specs and could not be installed. We have ordered another. Once we receive the slide, we will re-install and open this section of the play area. We anticipate it will be re-open by mid-September.

O’Connor says they’ll get a sign posted so visitors know what’s going on.

P.S. We also asked her about the schedule for replacing long-closed Lincoln Park South and Westcrest Park play areas, since the construction contract has now been officially awarded. She’s hoping to have that information post-holiday.

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FOLLOWUP: West Seattle Float Dodger 5K’s finish line – final tally for food-bank boost
September 1, 2023 12:24 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: West Seattle Float Dodger 5K’s finish line – final tally for food-bank boost
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, July 22)

We feature lots of opportunities for contributing to the community, but don’t always get the results. Today, we learned the final tally from this year’s Float Dodger 5K on July 22nd, presented by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) to raise money for the West Seattle Food Bank‘s work preventing hunger and homelessness, WSR’s Lori McConnell tells WSB their official donation to WSFB was $6,883! (If you weren’t among the 600 runners/walkers for the 5K along the West Seattle Grand Parade route, here’s our coverage of how it went.)

P.S. As mentioned here Thursday, your next big chance to have a good time while helping the food bank is the September 28 Taste of West Seattle.

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Belly-dancing cultural celebration, album-release party, more for your West Seattle Friday
September 1, 2023 11:27 am
|    Comments Off on Belly-dancing cultural celebration, album-release party, more for your West Seattle Friday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Alki photo by James Bratsanos from earlier this week – today’s low tide is -0.9 feet at 12:24 pm)

Here’s what’s happening as we head toward the holiday weekend, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar!

SPRAYPARK OPEN: Final Friday! Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open until 8 pm.

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Also the final Friday! Noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

COLMAN POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm on the shore at Lincoln Park; session schedule here.

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

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: 1-6 pm on the north side of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), student-produced wine by the glass or bottle.

BELLY-DANCING CULTURAL CELEBRATION: Free! Dancing, music, bites, more. 5-9 pm at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW).

FOOTBALL: High-school season begins, with one local team playing a home game – West Seattle HS vs. Columbia River at 6 pm at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Album-release party for Frankie and the Witch Fingers, 7 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)

COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: David Garbers performs at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm.

SUMMER SUNSET SOUND BATH: 7:30 pm at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW), $35.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Orange Comfort. Bazaar, Ember Mists, doors 7 pm, music 8 pm at The Skylark, $10 cover, all ages until 10 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW).

‘STAGE STRUCK’ SENDOFF: 8 pm tonight, for alums and friends of the long-running youth theater program. If you missed our story – read it here.

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

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Friends of Roxhill Elementary’s first fundraiser
September 1, 2023 10:03 am
|    Comments Off on BACK TO SCHOOL: Friends of Roxhill Elementary’s first fundraiser
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Every school year, we tell you about ways you can help local students, from tutoring to attending events to donating money. Here’s the announcement for one of the first fundraisers of 2023-2024, from Friends of Roxhill Elementary:

Kick off the new school year by giving to the Roxhill Field Trip and Classroom Fund!

Did you know schools and families cover the cost of field trips? This creates a disparity between field trip experiences across schools in our district.

With your generous donations, Friends of Roxhill provides each teacher at our school with money for field trips and to equip their classroom with much-needed supplies, like educational games, toys, and books. Last year, each teacher received ~$15 per student. We’d like to increase the amount to ~$20 per student this year!

Not all families in our school have the means to give. If you do, please consider donating on behalf of your student and a classmate. 100% of funds will go to teachers to benefit our RoxStars.

Roxhill Elementary is a small but mighty Title I school with about 250 students, located in the south end of West Seattle. Friends of Roxhill Elementary supports the education and enrichment of our multicultural public school in Seattle. Over 70% of our students are from BIPOC communities (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color). Our nonprofit focuses on building equity for students through fundraising, community building, and other important projects for our kids’ school success.

You can go here to help. (And if you have news of a school fundraiser/event/cool potential news story, email westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302!)

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SUNDAY: Children’s Moonlight Festival at Vietnamese Cultural Center in West Seattle
September 1, 2023 9:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

If you’re staying in West Seattle this holiday weekend, we have a few special events to spotlight – first, the Children’s Moonlight Festival at the Vietnamese Cultural Center (2236 SW Orchard, just north of The Home Depot) on Sunday (September 3rd). Despite its name, this celebration happens during the day, 2-4 pm,; it’s full of free activities and treats, plus a lantern parade (with kids carrying lanterns they just made) and a lion dance. All are welcome; here’s the flyer with more details.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday info + holiday-weekend notes
September 1, 2023 6:01 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, September 1st.

WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunnier as the day goes on, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:27 am; sunset will be at 7:49 pm.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Right after the holiday, the schools that aren’t already open will start on Tuesday or Wednesday. Our full list of start dates is here.

TRANSIT TODAY, INCLUDING HOLIDAY-WEEKEND CHANGES

Washington State Ferries – The Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run lost 1 boat to mechanical trouble yesterday afternoon. Check Vessel Watch to see if it’s back to 2 yet. Meantime, the Triangle Route will be on its weekend schedule Monday.

Metro – regular schedule – check here for advisories. The September “service change” happens Saturday – for West Seattle, Route 55 will be suspended and Routes 50 and 22 have changes.

Water Taxi – regular schedule. On Labor Day, the West Seattle Water Taxi and its shuttles will run on the Sunday schedule; the Vashon Water Taxi won’t run.

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 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!

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West Seattle scientist launches Alki Paleo Tours. (No, they don’t involve food)
August 31, 2023 10:26 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

Dr. Kenneth Beck wants to take you on a “Paleo Tour” of Alki – paleo as in paleontology. Even if you think you know everything about Alki’s history, his tour will almost certainly teach you something new – about something old.

Dr. Beck is a retired research scientist whose deep academic background (read about it here) includes paleontology and archaeology studies. And now he’s decided to put that to use: “I saw that few people in West Seattle knew anything about how West Seattle ‘got here,’ and that was sad. We live on one of the most interesting outcroppings in the world!”

He says the tour “will involve the ‘Adventurers’ in discovering fossils for themselves! Imagine that. Fossils from the Eocene Epoch (50 million years ago). Then, fast forward to 900 CE (AD), the Vikings were invading Ireland, the Classical Era was ending in India, and Alki rose out of the depth more than 25 feet in one of the grandest of grand earth-shattering quakes!”

The guided lecture/tour will cover two miles in two hours, on e-scooters or e-bikes (bring your own or rent one on Alki), not included in the $40/person honorarium (kids under 10 are free). You’ll meet Dr. Beck at Spud Fish and Chips (a part of Alki’s more-recent history). And this is by appointment only – he says he’ll offer the tour year-round, at low tide. You might see subtle sights like this, which he says is a fossilized clam:

If you’re interested, email him at drbeck@alkipaleotours.org.

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BACK TO SCHOOL: High-school football season starts Friday
August 31, 2023 8:42 pm
|    Comments Off on BACK TO SCHOOL: High-school football season starts Friday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Some fall high-school sports start up even before the first classes of the year. High-school football season is about to begin. Tomorrow night (Friday, September 1st), West Seattle High School plays a home game at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 6 pm, vs. Columbia River (from Vancouver, Washington). Chief Sealth International High School was scheduled for a season-opener on the road at Foster High School in Tukwila, but the Metro League schedule page says the game’s been canceled and that CSIHS instead is playing at Bellingham, 1 pm Saturday (September 2nd). You’ll also see/hear football at West Seattle Stadium, where O’Dea – which plays its home games there – will play Union at 7 pm Friday.

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Last-minute school-shopping? Independent elementary Tilden School has openings
August 31, 2023 6:44 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Most local students who aren’t back in class already will return next week. If you’ve just moved here – or are rethinking your K-5 student’s plan for next year – independent Tilden School (WSB sponsor) wants you to know they still have a few spaces at each grade level. As noted here last month, Tilden has a new head of school, Dr. Jorge Olaf Nelson, and is looking ahead to the new school year with excitement. They’d be happy to give you a tour, even amid all the preps for the start of school – here’s how to contact Tilden School via email or phone. The campus is on the north edge of The Junction, at 4105 California SW.

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BIZNOTE: More treats! The Fine Baking Co. opening West Seattle storefront
August 31, 2023 4:47 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Another change in south Morgan Junction: We noticed a big COMING SOON sign while passing 6971 California SW, and stopped to check out the sign next to it that explained what’s “coming soon.” The Fine Baking Co. is on the way to the middle space in the building (where massage clinics have been located in recent years). Via the email address on the window sign, we contacted baker Chely Smithgall, who told us:

I’m a home baker with a cottage food permit; since I had such a great turnout and feedback from people I decided to open up my storefront! So excited about it!!!

I do cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, personalized printed cookies and treats; they can be ordered or just come to buy at the store.

Not sure when we will get permits and all that, but hoping to be able to open before holidays – hopefully October!

You can see some of her creations here.

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FERRY ALERT: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth down to one boat
August 31, 2023 3:19 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

3:19 PM: Thanks for the tip. Washington State Ferries says M/V Issaquah had to go out of service for “necessary unscheduled vessel maintenance,” so the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route is currently down to one boat. WSF says that “engineers are on board (Issaquah) working on the issue.” Meantime, M/V Kittitas continues the #1 schedule; you can check Vessel Watch for its location.

3:41 PM: WSF now says it’s a “steering issue” and they’re still working on it.

6:16 PM: No ETA for a fix yet. WSF says the wait at Fauntleroy is now up to 3 hours for drivers

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WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Seal Sitters respond to first live pup of the (slow) season
August 31, 2023 2:38 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

That’s the first live seal pup of the season reported to Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network – a season that normally begins in June. The report and photo are from Seal Sitters’ David Hutchinson:

Just a reminder to your readers that we are still in harbor seal pupping season, which in our part of Puget Sound typically runs from June – September. The 2023 season has gotten off to an unusually slow start on our West Seattle beaches. Yesterday, Seal Sitters had our first response to a live pup on a local beach. Volunteers watched over this vulnerable young seal from mid-afternoon until dark. These animals are protected by federal law and if you come across one onshore, we ask that you keep back, keep people and pets away, and call the Seal Sitters’ hotline at 206-905-7325. Operators are on duty 7 days a week from 8 AM – 8 PM. If you call outside of those hours, please leave a message including the type of animal and its location.

Resting on a beach is normal behavior for harbor seals but the young pups haven’t learned to be discriminating about where they do this. You may encounter them on any of West Seattle’s public or private beaches. It’s particularly important that dogs are not allowed to run off leash on our beaches. While harbor seals are quick and graceful in the water, they are pretty slow while moving on land and would have trouble escaping from a curious dog. Even a small injury can quickly become infected and could be fatal for pups with developing immune systems.

Please note that the accompanying photo was taken with a telephoto lens from behind the tape perimeter. These photos are taken to provide a closer look at the animal to see if there are any external wounds or other signs of poor health and for ID purposes.

Thank you for sharing the shore with our marine wildlife neighbors!

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FOLLOWUP: WSDOT says Myers Way encampment will be cleared starting next week
August 31, 2023 12:54 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Myers Way | West Seattle news

(July photo courtesy Diane Radischat)

WSDOT has just announced that the long-in-the-works clearing of the encampment on the east side of Myers Way is imminent:

After two months of state partners actively working with service providers, local partners, law enforcement and neighbors, WSDOT crews posted a notice to vacate the encampment at Myers Way this morning. Service providers with KCRHA (REACH and PDA/CoLEAD) have offered services and housing that would reasonably match the needs of the people on site. Over 80% of those who were staying at the site have been matched with shelter or housing that will work for them; many have already moved to those accommodations. Outreach workers will continue to help everyone who has accepted housing to move off site over the next several days. Next week, WSDOT will begin cleaning and repairing the site, removing excess vegetation and making other modifications at the site to help prevent resettlement.

Two weeks ago, in its previous update, WSDOT had said that one-third of the known 50+ people on the site had moved into housing. The last community meeting about the situation was in July, around the same time WSDOT said RVs and other vehicles needed to be removed before they blocked off access. (As is clearly visible to passers-by, some remain.) Three months have passed since West Seattle/South Park City Councilmember Lisa Herbold said the city and state – both of which are property owners in the area – were working on “resolution” of the encampment situation, following incidents including a murder. Even before that, Arrowhead Gardens residents across the street had been pleading for something to be done, citing crime and safety concerns at their senior-living complex.

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TICKET TIME: Taste of West Seattle returns to original format
August 31, 2023 11:40 am
|    Comments Off on TICKET TIME: Taste of West Seattle returns to original format
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | WS beverages

(WSB photo from 2019 Taste of West Seattle)

This year, the Taste of West Seattle – benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank – returns in its original format, one big event with dozens of food/drink purveyors offering “tastes” to attendees. Original venue, too – The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW). WSFB is now selling tickets for the Taste of WS, which is set for Thursday, September 28th. $125 VIP tickets get you in first, at 5:30 pm; $75 general admission starts at 6 pm. Here are the participants the WSFB has announced so far:

Aroy Mak Thai
Bakery Nouveau
Circa
Darby Winery
Dolcetta Artisan Sweets
Dream Dinners
Elliott Bay Brewing Co.
Ghostfish Brewing
Mission Cantina
Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce
Pecos Pit Bar-B-Que
Ringa
Seattle Sorbets
Shoshinbakery
Shug’s
Sopranos Antico
T2 Cellar
The Good Society Brewing Co
The Locöl Kitchen & Bar
Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes
Viscon Cellars
…and more to come!

It’s a 21+ event, and usually sells out, so if you’re interested, go here to get your ticket(s).

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The list for your West Seattle Thursday
August 31, 2023 10:23 am
|    Comments Off on The list for your West Seattle Thursday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Ochre Sea Star, photographed during low-low tide by Rosalie Miller)

Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TALK ABOUT THE TRANSPORTATION PLAN: As reported here, SDOT has released a draft Seattle Transportation Plan and is seeking community comments in myriad ways. Another pop-up chance to comment and/or ask questions is 11 am-noon today at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

SPRAYPARK OPEN: Daily operations continue through Labor Day at Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.

LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -1.9 feet at 11:39 am.

WADING POOL CLOSED: Because the temperature is expected to stay below 70, Seattle Parks will NOT open its wading pools – including Lincoln Park, the last one open in West Seattle – today.

COLMAN POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park, noon-7 pm – here’s the schedule of sessions.

DROP-IN ASSISTANCE: Neighborhood House has resources to help with a variety of things – noon-1:30 pm today, drop in to talk about utilities. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to find out where they’re playing today.

THURSDAY FOOD-TRUCK POP-UP: 4-8 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), Swagg-n-Wagon will be visiting.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Also at HP Corner Store, meet up at 6:30 pm for a 3-mile run!

DISCUSS! You’re invited to The Bridge (6301 California SW) 6-8 pm for this conversation:

Are you concerned about the high cost of housing, widespread homelessness, and transportation problems?

Join Seattle YIMBY, Seattle Subway, and others in a friendly, convivial atmosphere to share ideas and solutions to these interrelated issues and how we can create a more affordable, inclusive, and well connected Seattle.

Full announcement is in our calendar listing.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at The Good Society (California/Lander) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run – more in our calendar listing.

THURSDAY NIGHT CORNHOLE: Go play at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm.

BENEFIT FOR KATIE: As previewed here, Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW) is hosting a benefit for manager Katie’s fight with cancer, 8:30-11 pm.

Look ahead any time with our calendar!

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WHALES: Sightings in our area
August 31, 2023 9:08 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

Two reports from Kersti Muul: Transient orcas, northbound, about half an hour ago, and a gray whale, also northbound. Both sightings were reported north of the north end of Vashon Island. Let us know if you see them!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Last day of August
August 31, 2023 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Last day of August
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, August 31st.

WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Chance of showers, high in the mid-60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:26 am; sunset will be at 7:51 pm.

(Tuesday night’s peek sunset, photographed by James Bratsanos)

BACK TO SCHOOL

Remember that some are back in class already, so don’t be surprised to see School Zone beacons flashing in some areas. Our full list of start dates is here.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro – regular schedule – check here for advisories. The September “service change” happens Saturday – for West Seattle, Route 55 will be suspended and Routes 50 and 22 have changes.

Water Taxi – regular schedule. On Labor Day, the West Seattle Water Taxi and its shuttles will run on the Sunday schedule.

Washington State Ferries – 2-boat service. Check Vessel Watch to see where the boats are. The Triangle Route will be on its weekend schedule Monday

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 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!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another stolen and crashed car. You can guess the make.
August 30, 2023 10:13 pm
|      46 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | Crime | West Seattle news

Two people contacted us about what happened in Arbor Heights tonight, including photos of the heavily tagged, crashed car (we’ve blocked out the tags):

My brother and sister-in-law live in Arbor Heights near Westside School. They witnessed a car, presumably stolen, drive wildly around the neighborhood, crash into the Westside School sign and then crash into the hill. The driver abandoned it there. They said there was a car following them and filming it all. They called 911 … The car was left running.

The other person we heard from said this car and the other one, described only as black, were earlier “racing on the streets near Arbor Heights Pool, around a corner (tires squealing) where children were playing … an adult walking a dog was able to move further onto the shoulder of the road and avoid being hit.” Police arrived just after we received the first note and identified the car to dispatch as a stolen Kia Forte, as they called for a tow truck.

P.S. We’ll mention it for the second time today – the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster) has another steering-wheel-lock giveaway, meant for people with Kias and Hyundais, Saturday (September 2nd), 9:30 am-11:30 am.

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FOLLOWUP: Seattle Public Schools takes Alki Elementary ‘no parking’ fight to court
August 30, 2023 9:31 pm
|      106 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photo, Alki Elementary demolition site last Friday)

After three weeks, Seattle Public Schools has made its decision about how to respond to the city Hearing Examiner ruling granting neighbors’ appeal of a zoning exception that would allow the new Alki Elementary to be built without off-street parking: It’s going to court. That’s one of the options if you lose a case before the Hearing Examiner – going to King County Superior Court with a “petition seeking review of a land-use decision.” That’s what SPS filed today, according to documents we obtained tonight. The petition contends in part:

… The Examiner concluded that the SDCI [Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections] Decision lacked sufficient supporting information on this issue alone. The Examiner’s conclusion regarding the vehicle parking departure is incorrect. … Petitioner is aggrieved and adversely affected by the Decision because the Decision prejudices Petitioner’s ability to use its Property and is intended to interfere with the Petitioner’s legal use and enjoyment of the Property and the ability to develop the Project … the Examiner engaged in unlawful procedure, erroneously interpreted the law, made a decision that is not supported by substantial evidence, and committed clear error where it concluded that the Appellants met their burden to demonstrate that it is not necessary to eliminate all parking to meet the school’s educational needs. … The Decision’s determination that the parking analysis did not accurately reflect parking conditions was not supported by substantial evidence in the record. … The Examiner chose to give greater weight to anecdotal statements that parking conditions in December 2021 must not reflect normal parking conditions instead of expert analysis that concluded, in both the report and in testimony, that the parking conditions in December 2021 were likely higher than normal conditions given that many people chose to stay home (and park on the street) rather than leave due to both the COVID-19 pandemic and the West Seattle Bridge closure.

This is not likely to end quickly. The initial schedule set for the case requires a hearing by October 20th, but the case itself might not be fully heard until next January. The district has a permit for demolition, excavation, and grading of the school site, and has completed most of the demolition, but can’t get a permit to build the new school until this issue is settled. Building the school without a zoning exception for parking would require 48 spaces, and presenting a revised plan providing them was one of the other options the district had for responding to the Hearing Examiner’s ruling.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Robbery in West Seattle leads to stolen Kia crashing in SODO
August 30, 2023 6:14 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

We asked SPD for information on this early-morning case after commenter Montanapup mentioned it. The info’s just in via this SPD Blotter post:

Seattle Police officers arrested one adult and three juvenile males after they were found fleeing from a stolen vehicle Wednesday morning.

Shortly after 5:00 a.m., officers responded to a reported theft near the intersection of 42nd Avenue SW and SW Dawson Street. Officers arrived and located a 27-year-old victim who told officers he was at a bus stop when five males in a black Kia approached and stole his backpack.

The victim provided officers with a description of the suspects and the vehicle. Police in the area located the vehicle and attempted to stop it, but the vehicle took off at a high rate of speed.

A short time later, officers learned the Kia was involved in a collision near 1st Avenue South and South Spokane Street.

Multiple officers responded to the scene of the collision and found the Kia engulfed in flames. All the suspects fled the scene on foot. Four of the suspects were apprehended a short distance away. A replica firearm was located at the scene.

(SPD photo)

Police contacted the registered owner of the Kia and learned the vehicle was stolen overnight.

A 63-year-old male driver of the vehicle the Kia collided with was treated by Seattle Fire Department personnel for minor injuries and transported to a nearby hospital.

The 20-year-old male suspect was booked into King County Jail for investigation of taking a motor a vehicle without permission. The three juveniles were identified and released.

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HELPING: Pencil Me In For Kids distributes school supplies to West Seattle students
August 30, 2023 4:18 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

Before local Seattle Public Schools start the new school year one week from today, volunteers and donors pitched in for another year of Pencil Me In For Kids, which procures and distributes school supplies for students in need.

Pencil Me In For Kids is a project of the Rotary Club of West Seattle, with help including donations from Fauntleroy Church. Volunteers gathered at the American Legion Post 160 hall on Tuesday afternoon to sort supplies, and distribution was planned today. You can support PMIFK with donations to the Rotary’s foundation.

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FOLLOWUP: Bruun Idun, the West Seattle troll, now online too
August 30, 2023 2:18 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS culture/arts

(WSB photo, Sunday evening)

We went back to visit Bruun Idun, the giant troll newly installed at Lincoln Park by artist Thomas Dambo with private funding and volunteer help, and have been watching for her to turn up on the Northwest Trolls website. Today, she’s there, along with the full poem that Dambo debuted at the troll-“unveiling” event Friday (WSB coverage here). She’s now also on the worldwide map of Dambo’s trolls. Bruun Idun (Idun, pronounced like Eden, in short) is the third of six he’s installing around the Northwest; the first two are in Portland and on Bainbridge Island, and the next three will be introduced in Issaquah this weekend and on Vashon Island and in Ballard in mid-September. (If you haven’t been to see Bruun Idun yet, she’s right behind Colman Pool.)

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BIZNOTE: New location for Floors Plus Northwest
August 30, 2023 12:13 pm
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 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Photo sent by Mike)

Thanks to Mike for the tip! Floors Plus Northwest has moved – but is still in Morgan Junction, now in the former Super Supplements space at 6451 Fauntleroy Way SW, where we stopped in and talked with co-proprietor Liliana Morales.

(WSB photos from here)

She says the new location is bigger and has offstreet parking for customers. The sign’s not up yet but they’ll install it as soon as it arrives.

Meantime, she says they’re having a sale right now “on all Gaia LVP lines, Abode and Kentwood Savannah Collections in hardwood, Aurora hardwood, and all Dream Weaver carpets.” She and husband Luis Morales opened Floors Plus Northwest almost three years ago; the building where they were originally located, 6959 California SW, was on the market recently, but county records don’t show a change in ownership.

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