(Northern Flicker, photographed by Samantha Wren)

Welcome to the weekend! Here’s our highlight list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREEWAY CLOSURE REMINDERS: Two major closures all weekend – Highway 518 eastbound, from 509 eastward, which means you can’t take that route to the airport or Southcenter (among other destinations); I-405 both ways between Bellevue and Renton.

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

YARD SALE RAISING MONEY FOR MAUI: Today and tomorrow, 9 am-1 pm on 37th SW between Charlestown and Andover, proceeds go to the Maui Strong Fund.

GUIDED HIKE: Explore the West Duwamish Greenbelt! Meet at the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Arboretum at 9:30 am, north end of campus. (6000 16th SW)

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-2 pm, the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center will be open, with a sizable selection of student-grown plants. (6000 16th SW, north end of campus)

WALKING TOUR OF HIAWATHA: Learn about its history with Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks, free guided walk at 10 am – details and RSVP link are in our calendar listing.

SOUTH DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: The farmers’ market on the grounds of Hope Academy (9421 18th SW) is happening every week, 10 am-2 pm Saturday, prioritizing vendors of color, presented by African Community Housing & Development.

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

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

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

SPRAYPARK OPEN: Highland Park Spraypark is open daily, 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

SUPER DELI MART FESTIVAL: Noon-5 pm, live music, free food, big party to celebrate Super Deli Mart‘s customers. See our calendar listing for the lineup, (9051 35th SW)

COLMAN POOL OPEN: Just two more weeks to swim at the city-run outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), open noon-7 pm (session schedule here).

2 WADING POOLS OPEN – 1 FOR LAST DAY: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), 12-7 pm, in the upper park near the north play area, daily through Labor Day; Hiawatha (2700 California SW), 12-5:30 pm, in the park, northeast of the community center, and this is its final day of the 2023 season.

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

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: See what’s new at the home of West Seattle’s history – visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) 12-4 pm. P.S. Here’s a message from the museum:

Neighbors and visitors may notice a few changes at the Log House Museum. The Southwest Seattle Historical Society is in the process of updating its signage. If you notice a missing sign or panel, please know the museum is aware! Any questions about the Historical Society can be directed to museum@loghousemuseum.org or by calling 206.350.0999.

VISCON CELLARS: 1-6 pm, visit the tasting room at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) – offering wine by the glass or bottle. Learn about Viscon wines here! (5910 California SW)

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

FLUTES IN THE FOREST: Free outdoor classical music, 2 pm at Schmitz Park Preserve. (Admiral/Stevens)

6 WEST SEATTLE WINERIES … under one roof! The first “Pouring West Seattle” event is 4 pm-7 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW); our calendar listing includes the ticket link.

GRAND OPENING: New salon/spa The 1994 welcomes you to its grand-opening party at 8854 Delridge Way SW, 4-8 pm.

ALKI BEACH SUNSET RUN: 5K without road closures, with an after-party – starting near Alki Bathhouse (60th/Alki) at 6 pm, headed to Anchor/Luna Park and back – info here.

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 7 pm, free live, all-ages in-store show by Weep Wave & Bouquets. (4559 California SW)

LIVE AT C & P COFFEE: 7 pm-9 pm, Roo Forrest & Friends perform at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). No cover, all ages.

Planning a concert, open house, show, sale, event, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? Get it on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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SENTENCED: 9 1/2 years for driver who killed West Seattle couple

August 18, 2023 11:56 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

(WSB/WCN photo from April 2021 crash scene)

Last month, we reported that 28-year-old Irene Plancarte-Bustos had pleaded guilty to two counts of vehicular homicide for the April 2021 North Burien crash that killed a West Seattle couple. Today, she was sentenced in the deaths of 35-year-old Lauren Dupuis-Perez and 38-year-old Kamel Dupuis-Perez, Arbor Heights residents with two children. Plancarte-Bustos had her own young child in her car, driving almost 60 mph wtth a blood-alcohol level of .24, according to court documents, when she hit the victims’ car, pushing it into the path of a pickup truck whose driver was unable to stop in time. After the crash on the Ambaum “S” curve, Plancarte-Bustos drove to the nearby Rainbow Mini-Mart, where officers found and arrested her. Today King County Superior Court Judge Averil Rothrock sentenced her to what prosecutors proposed as part of the plea bargain – 9 1/2 years (explained in our July report). A defense document in the case file says that will mean Plancarte-Bustos, who had no prior criminal record, will likely be eligible for release in 2028.

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UPDATE: False report of gunfire north of The Junction = fireworks; stolen silver Elantra

August 18, 2023 9:39 pm

| 20 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Two more incidents to report, one unfolding right now:

FALSE REPORT OF GUNFIRE: 9:39 PM: 911 received multiple calls about this a short time ago. Dispatch told officers that one caller at an apartment building in the 4100 block of California claims somebody – possibly a neighbor – fired a gun from a balcony. No injuries reported. Police are trying to sort this out right now. We’ll add anything more we hear.

9:53 PM: Police are not finding any evidence of gunfire despite that report, and now believe it was fireworks – they’ve reported finding an “empty box.”

10:02 PM: Thanks to David for this video of what it sounded like from 44th/Andover:

(back to original report) Meantime, via email:

STOLEN SILVER ELANTRA: Stolen-car report tonight from Lauren:

PLEASE HELP! Stolen car- silver/gray Hyundai Elantra (license plate AQS2284) stolen (near Fairmount Park). If you see this car, please call 911 and reference case number 23-237899. My fiancé starts teaching in about a week, and really needs his car back.

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HELP FOR MAUI: More West Seattle events

August 18, 2023 9:23 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news

(Lahaina on Wednesday – photo by Dominick Del Vecchio, via Wikimedia Commons)

Three more local events will raise money for Maui fire relief:

FUNDRAISER YARD SALE, SATURDAY & SUNDAY: 9 am-1 pm both days this weekend (August 19-20), Laura is hosting a benefit yard sale: “All proceeds from the sales will go to the Hawaii Community Foundation- The Maui Strong Fund.” Look for it on 37th SW between Charlestown and Andover.

FUNDRAISING DINNER, AUGUST 26TH: One week from tomorrow, during a membership drive from 2-11 pm, the West Seattle Eagles (4462 California SW) are having a Hawaiian Aloha Dinner with proceeds to support Maui Fires for $14. Live music too – the band Tikigraphics will play from 5-9 pm. The Eagles announcement says, “All interested in finding about the Eagles and our motto of People Helping People are welcomed.” Questions? secretary@westseattleeagles.org or
wseaglesnewsletter2643@gmail.com

SOUND BATH, AUGUST 30TH: Announced by Maari Falsetto of Inner Alchemy:

Inner Alchemy will host a Sound Bath for Maui fundraiser on Wednesday, August 30th from 6-8 pm at Me-Kwa-Mooks Park on Beach Drive. Everyone is invited to this free event.

We will create a community mandala to send our love to the people of Maui. There will be links available for on the spot donations to provide financial support to all who are in need and Maari will provide a community Sound Bath so we can unite in peace and send vibes of Aloha to the people of Maui.

What is a Mandala?

A mandala is a symbol of the universe in its ideal form, and its creation signifies the transformation of a universe of suffering into one of joy.

Arrive at 6 pm to join in the community Mandala creation. Bring flowers, flower petals, leaves, sea shells, rocks, or anything else you have to add to the Mandala.

The Sound Bath will begin at 7 pm. Bring yoga mats, pillows, or chairs for comfort.

You are encouraged to ride your bikes or walk to the park as car parking is somewhat limited.

Any questions reach out to Inner Alchemy at www.inneralchemytt.com.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Wednesday night’s Admiral ‘havoc’

August 18, 2023 6:15 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

On Thursday, several readers asked about an Admiral incident the night before. We had heard bits and pieces of radio traffic, with a dispatcher at one point describing the suspects as “wreaking havoc,” but were unable to get followup information from Seattle Police until the case number was made available today. So we requested and received the report narrative, with a few redactions, today. The report began with the officer who wrote it being dispatched at 11:16 pm Wednesday to a report of a collision in the 2600 block of 42nd SW. The report picks up from there:

En route, dispatch advised that there were reports of shots fired in the area and that the involved vehicle may have left the scene.

I arrived with other Officers and observed several people clustered around a vehicle stopped in the middle of the roadway. The vehicle, a (redacted), had significant damage to the front end and windshield.

I spoke with the occupants of the vehicle (redacted). They told me the following. They had been at Alki Beach earlier in the evening and prior to the incident they were traveling eastbound on SW Admiral Wy. As they passed the 7-11 at 4312 SW Admiral Wy, they observed 3 vehicles in the parking lot revving their engines before leaving the area traveling westbound on SW Admiral Wy. They slowed down as they passed and they observed the 3 vehicles perform a U-turn behind them. They described these vehicles as a white sedan and 2 gray sedans.

They turned right at the intersection with California Av SW and cut through the parking lot at the Safeway … They emerged southbound on 42 Av SW and proceeded southbound. Another vehicle turned onto 42 Av SW facing northbound. The vehicle revved its engine and honked repeatedly. They stopped their vehicle in the roadway because they did not know what to do. There was an open lane of travel next to them for this other vehicle to pass them. The vehicle then proceeded forward at a high rate of speed and crashed into the victim vehicle. The vehicle then reversed at a high rate of speed. This vehicle was a white sedan.

(Redacted) all exited the victim vehicle and ran, fearing that they would be seriously injured or killed by this vehicle if it rammed them again. The vehicle then moved northbound again at a high rate of speed before driving around their vehicle and leaving the area northbound.

(Redacted) ended up hiding in a nearby yard. (Redacted) ran away southbound toward SW Lander St. As they approached the intersection, 2 gray sedans pulled up and demanded to know if they had seen a black male with dreadlocks.

These vehicles proceeded northbound on 42 Av SW and stopped mid-block in front of the victim vehicle. 6 black males exited the vehicles with bats and golf clubs and proceeded to strike the victim vehicle several times, shattering all the windows and causing significant damage to the body. They removed all of the items inside the victim vehicle and placed them in their own vehicles before leaving the area northbound.

(Victim names redacted) were afraid to confront the suspects stealing their property. They believed that the suspects would assault them with the bats and clubs if they approached. Several residents in the area heard the collision and called 911. They observed the suspects damaging the victim vehicle. They all provided similar narratives of what had happened.

No one was able to provide further descriptions of the vehicles or suspects. The victim vehicle was not drivable. An impound form was completed and Gerber Towing responded to the scene and removed it. Officers conducted a check of the surrounding area but were unable to locate the suspects or their vehicles. (Redacted) No evidence of a shooting was located at the scene or nearby. It is likely that the sound of the collision and the sound of the victim vehicle being damaged were misheard as shots by several callers.

(Victim names redacted) declined to be examined by SFD. They advised that they each had a backpack inside the vehicle that was missing. They all stated their backpacks were black in color and contained personal items including their clothing. They believed that the 2 gray sedans had been chasing the white sedan that struck the victim vehicle.
(Redacted) They were all provided business cards and they declined to provide audio statements. They all left the
area.

Dispatch broadcast an auto recovery at 14 Av S and S Dakota St. (Redacted) This vehicle [a Kia] returned stolen out of Bellevue. The vehicle was described as having significant front end damage. … I responded to that location and observed a black backpack outside of it. I collected this backpack and submitted it to evidence. … There was a report of an assault or robbery at xxxx SW Waite St; in that incident the suspects were described as 6 teenaged males one of whom was black. They may have left the area in a dark-colored sedan. It is unknown at this time if these incidents are related.

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ORCAS: Last captive Southern Resident Killer Whale, Tokitae, has died

August 18, 2023 3:42 pm

| 29 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

(WSB photo from 2015 Alki ‘Free Lolita’ rally)

There will be no homecoming for the last Southern Resident Killer Whale in captivity. The 57-year-old orca known as Tokitae (previously Lolita) has died. She was estimated to be four years old when captured 53 years ago off Whidbey Island. The Miami Seaquarium announced her death on social media, saying in part:

Over the last two days, Toki started exhibiting serious signs of discomfort, which her full Miami Seaquarium and Friends of Toki medical team began treating immediately and aggressively. Despite receiving the best possible medical care, she passed away Friday afternoon from what is believed to be a renal condition.

The Seaquarium stopped making her perform two years ago. Recent plans to try moving her back to Puget Sound were still being developed – as we noted back in April – after years of protests and other advocacy, here and elsewhere, demanding she be brought home.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Crash-and-grab burglar hits WS Tool Library

August 18, 2023 2:59 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Those two videos are from a crash-and-grab burglary at the nonprofit West Seattle Tool Library, which is on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in North Delridge. Head librarian Micheal sent the report and videos today, and says this happened a week ago:

Around 3:30 in the morning of Friday the 11th, we fell victim to a “smash-and-grab” burglary: a 1998-2000 greenish-blue Ford pickup truck was crashed through our roll-up shop door, and the driver made off with several thousand dollars worth of tools and cash from the workshop. Fortunately, none of the tools we check out were stolen, but the stolen items were some of the most important for performing maintenance, as well as for our members to use for projects in the shop. We’re now hoping to raise $4,000 to replace the items that were stolen and damaged in the break-in, and to reinforce our security yet again. The police report number is 23-237581.

In case you can’t see the videos, here’s a screengrab:

The Tool Library’s donation link is here (via PayPal).

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YOU’RE INVITED: Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks to tour Hiawatha on Saturday

August 18, 2023 2:30 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle history | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB file photo)

While Hiawatha Community Center and Playfield await their future, if you’re interested, tomorrow (Saturday, August 19th) brings a unique chance to learn about Hiawatha’s century-plus-long history. Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks invites you to a free walking tour, 10 am-noon. All they ask is that you RSVP – the link for that, and details of the tour, are here.

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BIZNOTE: Distinctive White Center building to become West Seattle day care/preschool’s future home

August 18, 2023 11:57 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | White Center

It’s been a year and a half since Chase Bank closed its White Center location in that distinctive round building at 1616 SW 100th. At the time, we reported on partner site White Center Now that Chase planned to put the half-acre site up for sale. This week, a reader asked us about fencing that has gone up around the site, and whether that indicated the building’s future had been determined. Our subsequent research revealed that the site has been purchased by the owner of West Seattle’s Evergreen Learning Center. ELC’s current location at 6007 California SW has long had a redevelopment plan – mixed use with ~50 apartments – so the preschool/child-care center needed a new home. Contacted by email, ELC owner Cassie Ragsdale confirmed that the former bank building is ELC’s future home: “I just recently closed on this location to move Evergreen Learning Center to, since the location that we are currently in will be redeveloped. We are in the permitting stage but are hoping to begin construction this fall. We’re excited to be bringing our school to the White Center community!” This also continues a mini-trend of preschool/child-care renovating and reusing former institutional buildings, such as WorldKids School (WSB sponsor) renovating Fauntleroy’s former Christian Science church as an expansion location.

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Outdoor movie, wading pool’s closing day, more on the list for your West Seattle Friday

August 18, 2023 10:57 am

| Comments Off on Outdoor movie, wading pool’s closing day, more on the list for your West Seattle Friday

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Wednesday night at Alki, photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here are highlights for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar!

GARDEN CENTER OPEN: Need late-summer (or pre-fall) plants for your garden, containers, etc.? You can shop at the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center, open with a variety of student-grown plants, until 2 pm. (North end of campus, 6000 16th SW)

SPRAYPARK OPEN: 11 am-8 pm daily, Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open daily.

SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Here’s the list of local sites where free food is available for kids on weekdays this summer, 11:30 am-1 pm lunch, 2-3 pm snacks.

2 WADING POOLS OPEN, 1 FOR LAST DAY: Delridge and Hiawatha wading pools are open noon-5:30 pm. This is the last day of the season for Delridge, while Hiawatha’s last day is tomorrow. (4501 Delridge Way SW and 2700 California SW)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm – this is the only West Seattle wading pool that stays open through Labor Day. (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.

VISCON CELLARS: Tonight’s your next chance to visit Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW).

KIDS’ NIGHT OUT: Outer Space Seattle (2820 Alki SW) offers a three-hour drop-off, ticketed event for kids 3 to 12, starting at 5:30 pm – more in our calendar listing.

AT KENYON HALL: Singer-songwriter showcase, signups at 6 pm, music 6:30-9 pm. (7904 35th SW)

OUTDOOR MOVIE AND FOOD DRIVE: As previewed here, the West Seattle Junction Association presents “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” at Camp Long tonight (sunset is shortly after 8 pm so be there by then!), free but bring nonperishable food for the West Seattle Food Bank if you can. (5200 35th SW)

COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: Herky Cutler 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: Ouija Boob Music Video Release with L80 and Hot Hail, doors 7 pm, music 8 pm at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW).

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: In-store show by NightOfAL, 8 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)

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

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WEST SEATTLE COYOTES: Early morning sighting

August 18, 2023 10:05 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Thanks again for sending your coyote-sighting reports. Got another one this morning, from Steph, who emailed to say, “saw a Coyote this morning on Atlas Pl SW around 6:45 a.m.” That street on the slope between Beach Drive and Seaview is in a greenbelt area, but they can roam far from greenbelts too. Wherever you are, here’s info about coexistence – including encouraging them to keep their distance by not providing food (from pet food to unaccompanied pets), They otherwise will find food such as rodents, small wildlife, and fruit.

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Memorial service Thursday for David T. Hall, 1955-2023

August 18, 2023 9:00 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather next Thursday (August 24th) to remember David T. Hall. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:

David Thomas Hall was born on 11th January, 1955, in Dayton, Ohio, and passed away peacefully on 10th August, 2023, at the age of 68. David was preceded in death by his father, David A. Hall, and his brother Terry Hall. He was a beloved son of Constance Wieschenberg, and brother of Rick Hall.

He is survived by his son, Doug Hall; his former wife Susan Hall and their children Steven Hall and Mallory Koch; and grandsons Caden and Carter Koch.

David was raised with his brothers in a military lifestyle as their Master Sergeant father traveled around the country from base to base with the family in tow. During his teenage years the family spent several years living in Thailand before settling in the Sumner/Lakewood area. David developed a passion for music and through his high school years he would book and perform gigs with his band, often playing at Joint Base Lewis/McChord. Eventually a music producer caught sight of the young talented band and offered them a contract, so they moved to Los Angeles to pursue their music careers.

In 1981 David met Susan in Santa Monica, CA while she was traveling abroad from the UK. They were immediately smitten with each other and their love story began. They flew to England a year later to be married, and in 1983 made their move from California, eventually setting up home in West Seattle. David excelled in his new career in Real Estate at Ron Turner Realty. As he became established in the area, West Seattle gave David the home base he had always craved, and he made so many good friends over the years. Known by most as David T, or “Silver Fox” because of his full head of hair, he continued his love for music and for several years was a popular Emcee and Music Organizer for the annual West Seattle Street Festival and also Holy Rosary WestFest, along with entertaining the crowd with his band, B Rich & The Poor Boy$.

David was passionate about boating with his family. He taught his children how to fish, and snow-ski, and took them on many summer camping trips. David rarely missed any of their sports games, always cheering them on from the sidelines. He was umpiring a Pee Wee baseball game one year and it broke his heart when he had to call a strike out on his little Stevie and send him to the bench. He would bring a small speaker amp to Mallory’s basketball games and play the “Rocky” theme music as her team entered the gym; and everybody got to know his son Doug, who would often accompany him to the office. David enjoyed playing poker regularly with his pals; and discussing theology at his Bible Study mornings. He loved to talk with people from all walks of life. He had a fondness for stray black kittens, bringing them home if they needed one; and he always had a warm pair of gloves and a few dollars in his car for a needy stranger on the street.

David was the light that entered the room, beloved by so many. Though his light went out for him that peaceful night, he was wrapped in the presence and loving arms of his family, and his light will continue to shine in their hearts, and in Heaven.

On Thursday, August 24th, at 2:00 pm, David will be remembered for his love of family, friends and his joyous spirit at a Funeral Mass at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle. This service will be followed by a reception across the street in the School Hall. Livestreaming links to the service will be available on the main page at www.holyrosaryseattle.org

Per his wishes, David’s cremated remains will be interred at a later date at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a donation be made in David’s name to St. Vincent de Paul charity at holyrosaryseattle.org/stvincent, which works with needy people in our community.

Please share memories, photos & condolences with David’s Family on the Tribute Wall at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/David-Hall

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)

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday info + weekend alerts

August 18, 2023 6:01 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday info + weekend alerts

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, August 18th.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The heat alerts are over! Today’s forecast: Cloudy, then clearing, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:09 am; sunset will be at 8:16 pm.

WEEKEND NOTES

*Not in West Seattle but you might need to know – two big freeway closures this weekend, Friday night to Monday morning: Eastbound Highway 518 east of 509 (so you can’t get to the airport or Southcenter that way), and both directions of I-405 between Bellevue and Renton.

*Two big Alki events this weekend – Saturday’s Alki Beach Sunset Run heads from the promenade onto the paths and back at 6 pm; Sunday’s Alki Beach Pride includes a street party on Alki Avenue SW between Marine and 60th, noon-7 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro – regular schedule – check here for advisories.

Water Taxi – regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – 2-boat service. Check Vessel Watch to see where the boats are.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up 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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VIDEO: ‘Gratitude gathering’ beneath two doomed Gatewood trees with advocates who say ‘housing vs. trees is a false dichotomy’

August 17, 2023 11:29 pm

| 47 COMMENTS

| Environment | Gatewood | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

(The Gatewood Douglas Firs)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Tree advocates who helped save “Luma“ are branching out.

Tonight in West Seattle, they led a “gratitude gathering” that drew more than 40 people to pay tribute to two Douglas Firs that are among 16 trees planned for removal on a Gatewood lot where a house is to be built.

Organizer Sandy Shettler of Tree Action Seattle said they’re not sure these two can be saved as was “Luma” – she hasn’t even contacted the builder who owns the lot to plead the case – but she doesn’t want to see them go without at least a round of awareness-raising.

The trees – measured at diameters of 43″ and 27″ – are on a 4,200-square-foot lot in the 4100 block of SW Southern that, records show, had the same ownership as the house to its east until last year, when the house got a new owner, followed this past April by the separate sale of the lot to a West Seattle builder.

Shettler says she and her group were not there to vilify the builder and that they are not against housing – but they are against losing more “exceptional” trees to do it. (The Tree Action Seattle website declares, “The future is about housing and tree equity for all. Housing vs trees is a false dichotomy of the Old Way of unintelligent planning and short term profits for the few. We reject this limited thinking and embrace housing and tree equity for all.”) She says this project was cleared because the trees couldn’t be spared without the house being less than 15′ wide at one spot, but she contends the city has many homes that don’t fit the criteria, and showed a roughed-out sketch of how this lot could hold a home and accessory dwelling unit while sparing the two big trees.

Losing trees like these, lot by lot, is an ecological crisis, Tree Action Seattle contends. Leaders were joined in speeches tonight by West Seattle wildlife biologist Kersti Muul, who stated flatly, “If we don’t have trees, we don’t have whales” – trees cool and clean the air by the waterways that raise the salmon Southern Resident Killer Whales in particular need to eat.

While the two Gatewood trees may not be next to a salmon stream – though Fauntleroy Creek is only about a mile away – they are important to birds, she added, showing a photo of a mating pair of Merlins that she found nesting in the area seven years ago, with their offspring seen nearby ever since. Her photo even appeared in the book “Magical Merlins” by Bruce A. Haak; she sent us this photo post-event:

The Merlins need tall evergreens for nesting – “mostly Douglas Firs.” She offered one more point for contemplation: “We have wants, Wildlife has needs.”

We recorded her remarks as well as those of the Tree Action Seattle leaders:

Shettler said they’ve been hearing from so many local people about doomed trees, she’s planning a West Seattle section on their website. (Friday update: That page is now live.) They’re also fighting for changes in the city’s new tree ordinance, which they say actually reduces protection possibilities for exceptional trees by giving the city less leeway in considering their fate. They’re hoping to make this an issue in the seven City Council campaigns and urged attendees to ask council candidates – Rob Saka and Maren Costa in District 1 – where they stand. “Our best hope is the new council.”

As the setting sun cast a golden glow on the trees, the “gratitude” part of the gathering began; Tree Action Seattle brought a basket of flowers and created a mandala on the pavement for people to pause to contemplate the trees and offer thanks for their existence.

Some then left; many of those who stayed gathered for a group photo.

WHAT’S NEXT: The newest version of the tree-removal notice filed today for this site says removal might start as soon as a week from tomorrow. Unlike the “Luma” saga, Shettler didn’t expect “direct action” in this case, but each spotlight shone on a situation like this, she said, could plant a seed of inspiration for housing plans that spare trees.

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