7:29 PM: Thanks for the tips. Above is a screengrab of the Seattle City Light map showing 317 customers lost power about 10 minutes ago, mostly in the Puget Ridge area. No obvious cause yet. Let us know if you see SCL crews!

7:51 PM: We don’t know yet if it’s related but SFD is responding to a vault fire in the 6700 block of West Marginal [map]. Firefighters report “light smoke coming from an underground vault” and SFD says via Twitter/X: “Firefighters are establishing a 300-foot safety perimeter as a precaution and to protect nearby structures.” … The outage map has, since the start, included two spots off West Marginal, including one in the area of the vault fire, so that might be an indication.

8:05 PM: They’re dismissing most of the units from the vault-fire call.

9:19 PM: Power’s restored to the 300+ who were out.

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READER REPORT: Indecent exposure at Roxhill Park playground

August 26, 2023 7:25 pm

| 89 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | Westwood

From a reader who wanted to be anonymous:

I think it’s important for the public to be aware of this (for lack of a better word)… insanity occurring in places that are generally considered safe.

Police Call Reference Number 23-246390.

There was a guy at the park who was either high out of his mind, or very mentally impaired. Around noon he emerged from the playground area bathroom completely naked, exposing himself to lots of kids that were present. An agitated woman who I do not know told me her son just went in the bathroom where this naked guy was just weirdly hanging out and he was pretty shaken up.

Several people called the police. We did not engage him as we weren’t sure if he was violent.

For the next hour, no police showed up. A couple of Park Services people showed up and tried to contain the guy to the bathroom area, but they were pretty helpless. Anyways, this guy continued to go in and out of the bathroom and walk by the play area, where people were trying to shield their kids.

After an hour of no police response, a few people eventually had enough of this guy, decided he wasn’t physically violent, and chased him away. He walked over to Westwood Village, still naked.

Two hours after the police were called and we left the scene, I got this text:

“The officers searched the area for your incident but were unable to locate the incident or person(s). We appreciate your help in keeping our community safe.”

It’s frustrating that a drugged-out naked guy can hang out at a playground for 2 hours before law enforcement shows up.

We were away from the scanner much of today while at the Admiral festival, so we didn’t hear the related radio traffic, and the Broadcastify audio archives are missing significant chunks of time prior to 4:15 pm today. The Twitter/X call logs did time-stamp this call – usually the time when it was received, not necessarily when it was dispatched – at 12:04 pm, and show a separate “lewd/flashing/exposing” call at Westwood Village, 23-246448, at 1:01 pm.

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PHOTOS, VIDEO: Admiral Funktion 2023 street party!

August 26, 2023 12:19 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

12:19 PM: The second annual Admiral Funktion street party is on!

(WSB photos, video unless otherwise credited)

Until 10 tonight, you can come enjoy this warm late-summer Saturday and walk/roll in the street along California SW between Admiral Way and SW College, The festival is presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, whose booth is toward the south end of the festival zone:

They’re in front of the gas-station car wash, ready to talk with you about what’s going on in north West Seattle (and as festival media sponsor, we’re on-site right next to them). Visit their booth for tchotchkes, too – and balloon animals (get here sooner rather than later to get in on those).

Admiral Neighborhood Association’s booth is also accepting $25 (or more) donations to support the festival, for which you get a special wristband good for discounts at local venues. (The ANA is an official nonprofit, so your donation is tax-deductible.) The music just started up, too, toward the north end of the festival zone (update – here’s video from the first band, School of Rock:)

Here’s the scheduled band lineup:

12 pm – School of Rock
1 pm – Princess Pulpit
2 pm – Michael Pearsall
3 pm – Matlock and the Keys
4 pm – Midnight Gallo
5 pm – Radium Girls
6 pm – Tennis Pro
7 pm – (update: mystery act)
8 pm – The Loveless Building
9 pm – The Ancient Robotz

More coverage to come!

1:03 PM: If you have questions for your Seattle City Council District 1 candidates – both have festival tables, so this is a great place to come meet them/talk with them in person:

The election is November 7th; voting will start when ballots are sent out in mid-October. … Other opportunities for community involvement that you can find out about during Admiral Funktion include learning about Neighborhood Emergency Communication Hubs – preparedness expert extraordinaire Cindi Barker is set up in front of (updated) Ralph’s Barber Shop (close to the festival water-filling station):

Speaking of restaurants, a fun part of the festival street closure is a chance to enjoy expanded outdoor cafés today/tonight at many of the year-round Admiral food/beverage establishments – from West Wings …:

…to Mission Cantina:

… to Arthur’s:

1:35 PM: Princess Pulpit is on stage right now (added: video courtesy Jason Grotelueschen).

Lots of people have stopped by the booth to say hi (thanks!) – and we also wanted to mention that you can learn about community organizations during Admiral Funktion as well as local businesses. Elizabeth and Clay opened the day at the Southwest Seattle Historical Society booth (where you also can find out about the Save the Stone Cottage campaign):

2:43 PM: Here’s Michael Pearsall, on stage a short time ago:

Lots of kid activities, too – Clay sent this photo from the Stone Cottage/Historical Society booth, with 4-year-old Ellie Piersall doing some stone decorating:

3:37 PM: Onstage right now – Matlock and the Keys:

We’ve taken another spin through the booths – Seattle Yarn, moving to Admiral soon, is here:

Inner Alchemy, which has a storefront in South Admiral, is here too:

Inner Alchemy’s Maari Falsetto is having a sound bath to raise money for Maui fire relief – 6 pm Wednesday (August 30th) at Me-Kwa-Mooks (more info here).

3:55 PM: We should note that “Dan the Balloon Man,” who spent hours making custom creations at the Admiral Neighborhood Association booth, has departed. But many booths/vendors are here until 6, so it’s still a great time to come down and walk around. … Another community organization you’ll see here is the West Seattle Food Bank. You can find out about the next Taste of West Seattle – returning this year to its pre-pandemic format – set for September 28th:

4:35 PM: Midnight Gallo is onstage this hour.

This festival – only in its second year and bound to be even bigger next year – is just one of the events the ANA coordinates; Summer Concerts at Hiawatha and the Admiral stops on the West Seattle Art Walk are among the others, plus they’re taking over the West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade starting next year. Regular community meetings, too – next one is on September 12th, where guests will include City Attorney Ann Davison.

5 PM: Last hour for booths (some have broken down already) – but again, the music’s on for a few hours beyond, and the street closure continues, so you might consider coming down for dinner at one of the venues with outdoor cafés.

5:31 PM: This hour’s band, Radium Girls:

ANA is about to draw the winner of its prize pack, with items donated by local merchants:

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READER REPORT: Harbor Avenue condo garage flooding

August 26, 2023 12:03 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS breaking news

Thanks to the texter who sent that photo from the garage at the condo building Point Nautica. The texter says the flooding is due to a water break. Seattle Fire has been there (1005 Harbor SW) on a call categorized as a “major water job” for more than an hour.

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READER REPORTS: Business burglary, car down park slope, laundromat theft

August 26, 2023 11:55 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Three reader reports this morning:

BUSINESS BURGLARY: The photo is via Twitter/X, at the strip mall on the northeast corner of 35th/Roxbury:

We’re going by a bit later to try to find out more (and we’ll update this when we do). The police-call log shows a burglary report just before 5:30 am. The incident number is 23-246128. 2 pm update: The break-in was at Global Smoke & Vape, which hasn’t yet completed inventory of what was taken.

CAR DOWN SLOPE: Thanks for the tips and photos of this – a Hyundai down a Westcrest Park slope:

We don’t have police info on this yet but there’s been at least one past instance of a stolen car “disposed of” this way.

OLYMPIC HEIGHTS LAUNDROMAT THEFT: Via email from a customer of this laundromat on the northwest corner of 35th/Webster: “Work clothing placed in locking washer and started and when returned at the end of cycle; clothes and basket were missing. Owners of laundromat are not forthcoming with contact information in the laundromat to get a hold of them to get digital camera evidence. Submitted a report to SPD and awaiting approval but I heard from another person that there was another recent theft there.”

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Admiral Funktion, White Center Block Party, more for your West Seattle Saturday

August 26, 2023 6:16 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Two street parties top our highlight list,

ADMIRAL FUNKTION: That traffic camera shows the south end of what will be the festival zone for the second annual Admiral Funktion, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, with community co-sponsors including WSB. It’s happening on California SW between Admiral Way and SW College. See the band lineup here; see the vendor lineup here; get your wristband – good for local venue discounts – at the ANA booth on-site (south end of festival zone). It’s all happening 11 am-10 pm.

WHITE CENTER BLOCK PARTY: Also starting at 11 am, on 16th SW between Roxbury and 100th. Live music, live wrestling, vendors, more, as previewed here. This festival is scheduled to continue until midnight.

Here’s what else you need to know, 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); plus Highway 520 both ways between Seattle and Bellevue.

VOYAGING CANOE SAILING BY: Hōkūleʻa will likely be visible from West Seattle’s Elliott Bay shores around 8 am, as explained here.

(canceled due to air quality) 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/GARAGE SALES: Several are listed for today in the WSB Community Forums.

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.

ARTISTS’ SECONDS SALE: Go shop cool creations at 3512 SW Charlestown, 10 am-2 pm.

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).

BAGELS AND PIZZA AT THE P-PATCH: The Barton Street P-Patch Gardeners welcome you for two tasty rounds today – bagels, 11 am-1:30 pm; pizza, 4-6:30 pm, and live music with Gary Benson starting at 5 pm.

SATURDAY COOKOUTS: Highland Park Corner Store is grilling, 11 am-2 pm on Saturdays through September. (7789 Highland Park Way SW)

50TH REUNION: West Seattle High School‘s Class of 1973 is gathering today, 11 am-3 pm at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor). If you’re in the class and haven’t heard about it until now – all the info’s here.

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

COLMAN POOL OPEN: Just one and a half 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).

WADING POOL: Last one open in West Seattle is Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), 12-7 pm, in the upper park near the north play area, daily through Labor Day.

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)

SIGNING AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 2 pm, meet Budos Band in celebration of their new EP. (4559 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE EAGLES MEMBERSHIP DRIVE & MAUI DINNER: Two reasons to visit the West Seattle Eagles‘ aerie in The Junction today/tonight – starting at 2 pm, it’s a membership-drive day, and they’re happy to talk with anyone interested in joining the organization of “People Helping People.” Example of their mission – a dinner tonight raising money for Maui fire relief. More info in our calendar listing, (4462 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE ROPER ROMP: Pub crawl paying homage to TV’s “Mrs. Roper,” starting at 5:30 pm – times and stops are in our calendar listing.

(Friday sunset, photographed from Lincoln Park by Tom Trulin)

LIVE AT C & P COFFEE: 7 pm-9 pm, Cyd Smith performs at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). No cover, all ages.

TERRY MUTTER ALBUM RELEASE: 7 pm show at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), with special guest Carmen Ficarra. Ticket reservations here.

WEST END GIRLS: West Seattle’s monthly drag extravaganza at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, $20.

OUT AT THE BOX: 9:30 pm drag show at Box Bar (5401 California SW), no cover.

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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CRIME WATCH: Man shot while driving on southbound Highway 509

August 26, 2023 12:47 am

| 9 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

12:47 AM: A “scenes of violence” response is headed to a reported shooting victim in a car at Arrowhead Gardens but that’s not where he says he was shot. Dispatch was told the 21-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the left leg after someone in another car shot at his car on southbound Highway 509; he subsequently got off the highway and called 911.

12:52 AM: Police say this is a possible case of “road rage” involving one shot fired “just north of the Myers Way exit.” The vehicle from which the shot was fired is described only as a “black sedan.”

1:04 AM: A few more details – the victim was driving when this happened and was shot in the thigh. He’s being taken to Harborview Medical Center right now.

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FOLLOWUP: City gives district two options in Alki Elementary no-parking appeal

August 25, 2023 10:10 pm

| 35 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photo)

As of tonight, the old Alki Elementary is almost completely demolished, but a matter that must be settled before the new one is built is still in question. More than two weeks have now passed since a city hearing examiner ruled in favor of neighbors challenging the city decision to allow a zoning exception so the replacement school – with a higher capacity – can be built without parking. We’ve been asking both the city Department of Construction and Inspections and Seattle Public Schools what they plan to do to respond to the ruling. We finally got an answer today from SDCI; spokesperson Wendy Shark tells WSB, “SDCI has communicated to the district to revise the project proposal to include the required parking or provide additional information to supplement a revised decision. A revised decision would be appealable to the Hearing Examiner. Timing of these actions is dependent on the district.” The required parking, per city code, is 48 spaces. The district has one other option – they could appeal the hearing examiner’s decision in King County Superior Court; so far court records show no indication they’re doing that. What they do plan to do, we don’t know yet, as we asked again as soon as we heard from SDCI this morning, but we hadn’t received a district response by day’s end. The building permit can’t be finalized until the issue is settled. The new school is supposed to be ready in two years.

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BIZNOTE: New ice-cream option in West Seattle

August 25, 2023 8:33 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Highland Park | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Just in time for another heat wave, there’s a new type of ice cream in town. Meaghan Haas of Highland Park Corner Store says it’s a new sideline in her storefront:

Tip Top an Ice Cream Shop brings New Zealand-style ice cream to Seattle. New Zealand-style ice cream, also known as real fruit ice cream, blends frozen fruit into an ice cream base, creating a custom-flavored ice cream each time. While it has been popular in New Zealand for quite some time, this fruity treat is just now catching on in the States. With only a handful of Little Jems (the custom-made ice cream blenders) in the States, Tip Top is the first one here in Seattle.

Tip Top’s tagline is “New Zealand-style ice cream with a Northwest twist.” Sourcing local ingredients that reflect the flavors of both New Zealand (hokey pokey – aka seafoam – from Indu!ge Desserts) and the Northwest (sweet cream and coconut cream base from Full Tilt), Tip Top seeks to keep the simple intent of NZ-style ice cream with local NW tastes. Additional regional ingredients include locally sourced fruits (when available), Theo chocolate, Three Tree Tea matcha powder, and Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce spice powder.

Tip Top is located inside Highland Park Corner Store, a community-centric corner store in Highland Park, West Seattle. Owner Meaghan Haas immigrated from the Seattle area to New Zealand after high school and obtained her degree from University of Auckland. She sees Tip Top as a way to bring her appreciation of her time in New Zealand – and Kiwi culture – to the Seattle area. Tip Top serves ice cream 7 days a week, from 11 am-8 pm Mondays-Saturdays, and 11 am-5 pm Sundays.

Highland Park Corner Store, and Tip Top, are at 7789 Highland Park Way SW.

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MEET WEST SEATTLE’S TROLL: Bruun Idun unveiled at Lincoln Park

August 25, 2023 4:17 pm

| 35 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS culture/arts

4:17 PM: At an invitation-only (but crowded) event under way right now, West Seattle’s troll Bruun Idun has just been “unveiled.”

As we first reported back in June, with a followup when troll-building began last week, this is one of six trolls that Danish artist Thomas Dambo is making from recycled materials and installing around the Northwest – first one was in Portland, then Bainbridge Island, now West Seattle (still to come are Issaquah, Vashon Island, and Ballard). Now that it’s been completed, its location at Lincoln Park has been revealed – right behind Colman Pool, where volunteers were still working to complete it this morning:

We took that photo after hiking in for a scheduled chance to talk briefly with the artist:

We also met John “Coyote” Halliday, a Muckleshoot Tribe artist who is contributing decorations to the troll, made primarily from bark and shells.

More photos and info to come – including the troll’s story (Dambo told us it’s meant to be “singing to the orcas”) – when we’re back from the event!

7:06 PM: Turns out Bruun Idun (“Idun” for short – pronounced like “Eden”) is playing a flute with a song for the orcas. Each troll has a poem, and Dambo read part of this one at the podium, including the line, “She played for them the orca song, to ask them where they all had gone.” Artist Coyote, meantime, explained that his creations are adorning Bruun Idun’s flute. He and Dambo had an “artist exchange” as part of this, including a visit by Coyote to Denmark, where he painted a killer whale on Dambo’s house. He and Dambo also exchanged gifts today.

This is all shown in our video of the program, which was emceed by Visit Seattle‘s Tracey Wickersham – a West Seattleite.
Guest speakers included Mayor Bruce Harrell, who talked with the artist before everyone moved to the portable podium:

The program began with a song by the Muckleshoot canoe family.

As underscored by the listing of partnerships at the end, this was a privately funded project. More information about Bruun Idun should appear soon on the nwtrolls.org website, as it has for the Portland troll Ole Bolle and the Bainbridge troll Pia. Dambo said this all was intended to happen a few years ago, but the pandemic interrupted the timeline. He has installed 121 “environmental sculptures” around the world and has more on the drawing board – even as this one was being built, he flew briefly to Austin, Texas, for meetings about a series planned next year.

P.S. As explained in our earlier interview with the artist – video above – no, they are NOT left to decompose; at some point the site host (Seattle Parks for this one) will decide when to dismantle it and recycle its components.

(Editor’s note: Troll’s name corrected post-publication to reflect that Bruun Idun is two words, not one as originally reported)

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VIDEO: See inside SPD Mounted Patrol’s West Seattle home

August 25, 2023 2:36 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| Highland Park | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

A dozen years after saving the SPD Mounted Patrol, the Seattle Police Foundation has saddled up a special fundraising campaign for the unit, which is based here in West Seattle – in a barn next to Westcrest Park.

This time, it’s not in danger of shutdown, but the SPF funds “gaps” not covered by the basic SPD budget, so to get the word out, they invited media to visit the barn.

Riding McLovin – a name bestowed by the horse’s previous owner – in our video is Sgt. Brandon Caille, who along with one officer comprises the entirety of the Mounted Patrol’s permanent unit staff – supplemented if necessary, he says, with temporarily reassigned officers from elsewhere in the department. You must of course be trained to ride. Among those who are – SPD Chief Adrian Diaz.

When we visited during the “open barn” event on Wednesday, we had just missed the chief taking a turn around the indoor riding ring. The unit currently has six horses, plus Li’l Sebastian, who is wildly popular during community appearances:

Community appearances is what the unit focuses on, in fact, says Sgt. Caille – “relational policing” is the formal term. They might visit areas, for example, where data shows there’s been an uptick in crime. A common misconception is that they do crowd control work; Sgt. Caille says actually, they don’t.

The SPF calls its campaign “Adopt-A-Horse” – donations might even eventually fund a replacement for one of the current horses, which can cost up to about $20,000. (McLovin was one of the two most-recent purchases, in 2021.) SPF stepped up to save the unit when budget cuts threatened it in 2011; three years later, the city started covering its basic funding again, but the SPF has been covering “gaps” as it does for some other units in the department. If you’re interested in donating, go here.

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FOLLOWUP: Here’s where Highland Park Improvement Club rebuild project stands as city announces permit-comment period

August 25, 2023 12:35 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Highland Park | How to help | West Seattle news

(Rendering by Wittman Estes)

The nonprofit Highland Park Improvement Club‘s plan for replacing its fire-ravaged building is now in an official comment period with the city. The process was announced in Thursday’s city-circulated Land Use Information Bulletin. It’s been more than two years since the fire and more than a year and a half since HPIC started working with local architects Wittman Estes. So where does it stand now? HPIC board president Rhonda Smith answered our questions.

Timeline for permit process? “We are in the MUP [Master Use Permit] process, which SDCI says will take 5-7 months. Providing the city gives us the permit to do the project, we most likely will see that permit coming [first quarter of] 2024.”

How long will the rebuild take? “The architect, Wittman Estes, and general contractor, Metis Construction, have stated it will take approximately 15 months to do the rebuild. This means that providing we have the funding in hand when the project is ready to start, the new building will reopen in 2025.”

Insurance on the old building only covers part of the cost of a new one, so HPIC has been fundraising. Where is that at? “We have effectively raised $1.7 million. We are working with RJZ Connections, LLC to develop a fundraising plan that can be executed in stages. We need to raise $2M more to rebuild the building. We have launched the HPIC Building Booster campaign to give our community the opportunity to help us raise funds. We are building a case statement that will help tell the story of HPIC to be shared with future private donors, foundations and agencies. We have applied for many grants, some of which we have received. We will continue to do this as we identify the grants that match our needs and purpose.”

Smith says there’s another way to get involved in addition to contributing cash: “We are looking for new community partnerships. We are building a business model for the future through the development of new community partnerships that will keep HPIC independent and self-sustaining. We will still keep some of the favorite things people loved about HPIC while adding new programming that will reach a broader community audience. If there are non-profit organizations that are seeking a home and think HPIC could be a great partner, please send an email to HPIC at hpic1919@gmail.com with the header PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY.”

Smith adds, “This has been a challenging project and we are working hard every day to make this rebuild a reality but we can’t do it alone. We need everyone’s help.” Here are more ways to get involved.

As for the city’s permit-review process, this notice explains how to comment; the deadline is September 6th.

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CRIME WATCH: Guitars, bikes stolen; car break-in

August 25, 2023 11:20 am

| Comments Off on CRIME WATCH: Guitars, bikes stolen; car break-in

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports:

GUITARS, BIKES STOLEN: That security-camera image is from a theft in which Drew says he lost $10,000 worth of guitars and bicycles. It happened in his storage unit at 125 SW 112th but he’s casting a wide net, including West Seattle, hoping someone might spot some of the items. Here’s a full list – with more photos – of what was stolen, including contact info for Drew and for King County Sheriff’s Office investigators, if you have any information.

CAR BREAK-IN: From Cynthia: “I wanted to report my vehicle was broken into in front of the Grove on 36th overnight (Tuesday) night. They stole my car charger and didn’t even look through anything else. I filed a police report.”

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WEST SEATTLE FRIDAY: 13 possibilities

August 25, 2023 10:07 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Late-summer flowers, photographed by Jerry Simmons)

Here’s what’s happening today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar!

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

SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Last day for local sites where free food has been available for kids on weekdays this summer, 11:30 am-1 pm lunch, 2-3 pm snacks.

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm – this is the only West Seattle wading pool that stays open through Labor Day – assuming it’s a warm, mostly sunny afternoon, which is expected today. (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.

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: In-store radio broadcast by Marco Collins, 3-7 pm, “with a special appearance by Citizen Cope.” (4559 California SW)

TROLL GOES PUBLIC: The giant troll that’s been under construction in Lincoln Park will debut at an “exclusive media unveiling” at 4 pm, and should be publicly visible after that.

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.

COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: Jim Page 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: Blade Palace, Crazy Eyes, Long Shorts, doors 8 pm, music 9 pm at The Skylark, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW).

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

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YOU CAN HELP: WestSide Baby welcomes donations and volunteers

August 25, 2023 9:13 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news

WestSide Baby, the nonprofit that has long helped kids and their families in this area, wants you to know it welcomes donations and volunteers. From interim executive director Laura Skelton asked us to share this announcement:

WestSide Baby is back to regular donation and volunteer hours.

Donation Hours:

We are happy and grateful to accept donations on Tuesday (9 AM-7 PM), Wednesday (9 AM-5 PM), and Thursday (9 AM-4 PM). More info about donating items here: westsidebaby.org/donate-items

Volunteer Hours:

We have volunteer shifts on Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursdays. More info and a sign-up link here: westsidebaby.org/volunteer

We ramped up our bulk diaper program in the past year, which is a new way to meet community needs. We are distributing pallets of diapers to about 35 partners on a monthly basis.

In the first half of 2023, we fulfilled about 450 orders each week. These represent specific requests from our community partners, on behalf of their individual clients.

WestSide Baby is best known for distributing diapers but that’s by no means all they handle, as you’ll see by following the donation-info link above.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday notes + weekend alerts

August 25, 2023 6:02 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, August 25th.

WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Chance of rain today before sun takes over, with a high around 80. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:18 am; sunset will be at 8:03 pm.

WEEKEND ALERTS/CLOSURES

–California SW between Admiral Way and SW College will be closed most of Saturday for the Admiral Funktion street party, scheduled for 11 am-10 pm (but setup will start earlier and breakdown will last later).

-In White Center, 16th SW will be closed most of Saturday between Roxbury and SW 100th for the WC Block Party.

-From 9 pm tonight until early Monday, Highway 518 eastbound, east of Burien, will be closed again (so if that’s your route to the airport, Southcenter, I-405, etc., you’ll need to find another way).

-One other major regional closure this weekend – Highway 520 between Seattle and Bellevue, 11 pm tonight until early Monday.

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 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: Gunfire in North Delridge

August 25, 2023 12:50 am

| 9 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Police have found shell casings near 26th SW and SW Brandon, after 911 calls from that vicinity reporting what sounded like “dozens” of shots. Officers have told dispatch they’ve found “quite a few” casings. No word of any injuries or property damage so far. … If you have any information for police, the incident # assigned to this is 23-244852.

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WEST SEATTLE COYOTES: Two pair sightings

August 24, 2023 11:56 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Two of the latest reader-reported coyote sightings were pairs:

FAUNTLEROY: A texter reported tonight, “Coyote spotting…10:30 p.m. Two full-sized on Tillicum Rd across the street from Lincoln Park near Cloverdale.”

GENESEE HILL: Tim reported that on Tuesday night, “I believe I saw two coyotes crossing 55th Ave SW near Andover St about 9:30 PM … It appeared the coyotes were coming up the power line right of way that goes down the bank. That same night, in that same area, Rob saw this one, and sent us the photo via Twitter/X:

If you haven’t read up on coexisting with coyotes yet – especially how to avoid unintentionally feeding them – here’s the state Fish and Wildlife Department‘s advice.

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Polynesian voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa to sail past West Seattle on Saturday and Wednesday

August 24, 2023 8:53 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

That video is about the current voyage of Hōkūleʻa, a 49-year-old replica of an ancient Polynesian voyaging canoe that’s been traveling the world for decades and is due to arrive in Seattle on Saturday. If you’re looking out at Elliott Bay on Saturday morning, you might see it on the way in, so we’re publishing this heads-up. From the announcement:

Seattle’s Tribal Nations, Native Hawaiian residents, city officials and community members are planning a special welcome for Hōkūleʻa and her crew as the Polynesian voyaging canoe sails from Suquamish and enters Elliott Bay at approximately 8:00 am on Saturday, August 26. Tribal Nations protocol will open the way for a flotilla of outrigger paddling canoes, the City’s fire boat, and other vessels that are planning to give Hōkūleʻa a water welcome before escorting the canoe toward the Seattle Waterfront.

If you go downtown, you’ll have the chance to tour Hōkūleʻa between 1 and 4:30 pm on Saturday. It’s the first day of a four-day visit; the voyaging canoe is scheduled to move to Bell Harbor Marina (2203 Alaskan Way) for 1-3 pm tour opportunities Sunday and Monday – hokulea.com will have updates. On Wednesday (August 30th), Hōkūleʻa and crew will head past West Seattle again, including the west-facing shores, journeying to Tacoma for a noon arrival there. Their current voyage is described as a “four-year circumnavigation of the Pacific” that started up in Juneau on June 15. They expect to “cover an estimated 43,000 nautical miles around the Pacific, visiting 36 countries and archipelagoes, nearly 100 indigenous territories, and more than 300 ports … to ignite a movement of 10 million ‘planetary navigators’ by developing young leaders and engaging communities around the world to take part in navigating earth toward a healthy, thriving future.”

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SMOKE WATCH: Hazy now, but no alerts

August 24, 2023 6:50 pm

| Comments Off on SMOKE WATCH: Hazy now, but no alerts

| Environment | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

6:50 PM: If you have a westward view like the one we photographed from Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook, you know the Olympics have gone temporarily missing again behind a smoky haze. This time, it’s smoke drifting down from British Columbia as the wind blows out of the north. Air-quality readings (like these on PurpleAir) show the results, but nothing like the last round, and so far, this time it’s not expected to get to alert level, and there’s even a chance of showers tomorrow morning.

8:58 PM: Another sign of smoke – the sunset. Here’s how Theresa Arbow-O’Connor caught it from Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza:

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GET READY: Next Fauntleroy Church Recycle Roundup less than a month away

August 24, 2023 4:54 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

If you’re ready for some pre-fall cleaning, you can start getting ready for the next Recycle Roundup dropoff event at Fauntleroy Church. It’s set for 9 am-3 pm on Saturday, September 23rd, and the list of what Recycle Roundup partner 1 Green Planet will and won’t take is available already – see it here. Then just be ready to drive up, walk up, ride up, and drop off your recyclables, free, that day. The church’s Green Committee coordinates this twice a year – last one was on Earth Day (April 22nd), with 450 people dropping off 14+ tons of recyclables.

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Portable classrooms in place at West Seattle High School

August 24, 2023 3:07 pm

| 14 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photo)

Thanks to Clay for the tip. In time for the new school year’s start in two weeks, the long-planned portables are in place in the West Seattle High School parking lot. We first wrote about the plan back in January, when the city sought feedback on the zoning exceptions needed for approval, primarily involving parking, as the portables were projected to cover 30 spaces. According to the slide deck originally presented with the plan, the school already has fewer spaces than zoning requires – 191 compared to 238. and this is a further reduction from that. The presentation also cited a survey from two mornings in May 2022 showing that the lot is not fully used during an average school day. Another exception (“departure”) was sought for providing less covered bicycle parking than required. According to district enrollment reports, WSHS had more than 1,300 students enrolled at the end of last school year, 200 more than fall 2019.

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UPDATE: Brush fire southwest of 1st Avenue South Bridge

August 24, 2023 1:35 pm

| 18 COMMENTS

| West Seattle fires | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

1:35 PM: Thanks for the tips. Some traffic interruptions continue on southbound 99 just south of the 1st Avenue South Bridge, and near Highland Park Way/2nd SW, because of what’s logged as a brush-fire response. Avoid the area for a while.

2:33 PM: Officers have just told dispatch that they’re reopening northbound West Marginal at the scene.

2:43 PM: And now they’re reopening everything else that was closed.

ADDED FRIDAY AFTERNOON: Readers wondered if this was related to an encampment, as some other nearby fires have been. According to SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo, who spoke with crews who were on scene, “There was not sufficient evidence that this brush fire was related to an encampment. The brush fire involved an area approx. half an acre in size. No injuries were reported.”

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