West Seattle, Washington

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Spotlight Stories


  • Parade

    WS GRAND PARADE: Just two days away!

  • Teacher

    STAR HONORS TEACHER: WSHS educator’s big win

  • RTCC

    REAL-TIME CRIME CENTER: WS use?

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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BIZNOTE: New chapter on tap for The Beer Junction
August 24, 2023 12:22 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

Thanks to Dave for the tip. A beloved West Seattle Junction business is entering a new chapter, with a change of ownership – though you could say it’s staying in the family. The Beer Junction‘s longtime proprietor Allison Herzog announced the change via email this morning (we’re excerpting it with permission):

(Photo courtesy The Beer Junction)

Yesterday was my last day as the Owner of The Beer Junction. I’m very happy to say that Corey, our General Manager, and his wife, Shanel, purchased the business and are the new Owners effective today. The store will open a little late today (we’re targeting 4:00 pm, but maybe earlier!) to finalize a new Point of Sale system and The Beer Junction will continue under new leadership.

If you’ve followed our story, you’ll know I have a lot of love and memories at The Beer Junction. It has been part of my life for thirteen years, through good and bad times. The bad times: losing Morgan to cancer and learning to run the store without him. That was the hardest. But also: Fear of going bankrupt in the early years. Fear of going bankrupt again during Covid shutdowns. Fixing broken fridges. Losing internet service (why does it always happen on a busy Friday?)

But those are outweighed by the good times: the West Seattle community, who was here with me through it all. The friendships and relationships I’ve made that I will carry with me. You know who you are. Brew day for our anniversary beer each year. Inside jokes with employees and customers (too many to list!). And the amount I’ve learned—about beer, about business, and about myself.

To be clear, this is not goodbye. I still live in West Seattle. I still plan on visiting The Beer Junction for a pint or two. I’ll just be on the other side of the bar.

After I made the decision to sell the store, it was important to me that it continue much as it is today, under someone with beer knowledge and experience running a bottle shop/beer bar. It didn’t take long for me to find that person—it was obvious that it was Corey. If he’s ever given you a beer recommendation or if you’ve attended one of the recent tasting events he’s hosted, you’ll know how knowledgeable he is. Like me, he is a Level 2 Certified Cicerone, but I must admit his beer knowledge far surpasses mine. And before he worked at The Beer Junction, he was the General Manager at the well-respected Teku Tavern. Corey has already made positive changes since he has taken over as General Manager here, and I am grateful that The Beer Junction is in good hands.

Allison’s late husband Morgan Herzog opened The Beer Junction in July 2010 in a small commercial building that was demolished for the construction of Junction 47, leading to the shop’s move to 4511 California SW less than two years later.

Meantime, new proprietor Corey says in the announcement, “I am thrilled to continue the legacy and the great work that has been done at The Beer Junction. … I can’t wait to continue to provide our community with great beer, excellent service and a place to feel at home.” He explains that he had long dreamed of opening a beer bar, before coming to work at The Beer Junction, and so this now makes that dream come true. You can read the entire announcement, and see photos from the shop’s history, by going here.

Also – you’re invited to a sendoff celebration for Allison on Wednesday, September 6th starting at 5 pm. And in the short term, as mentioned above, the shop is opening late today for some point-of-sale-system work – they’re hoping for 4 pm-ish.

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YOU CAN HELP: Summer party to benefit Fauntleroy Fall Festival
August 24, 2023 12:15 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Summer party to benefit Fauntleroy Fall Festival
 |   Fauntleroy | How to help | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

If you haven’t already seen this in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar: You’re invited to a Neighborhood Night Out next Tuesday to benefit the Fauntleroy Fall Festival. It’s a 21+-only event on Wildwood Market‘s rooftop deck at 9214 45th SW with wine, beer, and neighborhood merch, 4-8 pm. All proceeds will go to this year’s Fauntleroy Fall Festival, which is planned October 15th, free to the community as always, powered by fundraising like this as well as other community donations and volunteer help, No need to RSVP for the event – just show up Tuesday (August 29th) at Wildwood (which is a festival sponsor)!

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SITE NOTE: Sorry for the delay
August 24, 2023 12:09 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online

Usually we’ve moved on to other news and information by 10 am at the latest, but today the traffic roundup has been stuck at the top of the WSB front page for a few extra hours because of technical trouble that’s kept us from publishing anything new for the past few hours. Thanks to our tech team for sleuthing and fixing the problem so we can resume publishing!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday begins
August 24, 2023 6:03 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, August 24th.

WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny today, smoky haze moving in later, with a mid-70s high. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:17 am; sunset will be at 8:05 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 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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BACK TO SCHOOL: More start dates for West Seattle and vicinity
August 23, 2023 11:56 pm
|    Comments Off on BACK TO SCHOOL: More start dates for West Seattle and vicinity
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB file photo)

By two weeks from today – Wedmesday, September 6th – most local students will have returned to school. One West Seattle school has already begun the 2023-2024 school year – Summit Atlas, the charter middle/high school. For students at Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien, the nearest parochial high school, today was Day 1. The rest of the planned first days that we found via online calendars start next week – here’s the list:

August 30 – Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School
August 30 – Vashon Island School District
September 5 – Tilden School (WSB sponsor)
September 5 – Hope Lutheran School
September 5 – Holy Rosary Catholic School
September 5 – Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School
September 5 – The Bridge School
September 6 – Seattle Public Schools (1st-12th grades)
September 6 – Highline Public Schools (1st-12th grades)
September 6 – Westside School (WSB sponsor)
September 6 – Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor)
September 6 – West Seattle Montessori
September 11 – Seattle Public Schools (kindergarten/preschool)
September 26 – South Seattle College (WSB sponsor)

(Anyone to add? Let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!)

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gas-chugging suspect charged in home burglary; police release arrest video
August 23, 2023 7:43 pm
|      50 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

A 40-year-old man is charged with residential burglary for a Friday break-in north of Westcrest Park at a home where a teenage girl was alone. Police released information and video from the incident today via SPD Blotter; we researched the suspect’s status and found that he’s still in jail and has been charged.

The narrative in the charging documents begins with the girl, home alone, texting her father wondering if he’d hired someone to do work at their home, because a man was trying to get in. The father subsequently called 911. In the meantime, police say, the man broke in, while the girl hid in a closet, from which she called 911 too. Officers arriving in the area were flagged down by a neighbor who said a man had been seen in the area carrying a ladder and gas can. This, the neighbor said, was on video (a frame grab from the charging documents is at right).

Police meantime went on to find a broken window at the house from which, and about which, 911 had been called, and officers forced open the door to get in. They say they found Christopher M. Abbott sitting in a car in the closed, locked garage. From there, the document says:

Abbott noticed the officers and immediately started yelling that he was not going to be taken into custody. Abbott then began chugging gasoline out of the gas container that he had with him.

Officers instructed Abbott to open the driver’s door, or they would be forced to break the window to extract him from the car. Abbott refused again and continued chugging gasoline out of the container. Due to the hazard that Abbott was creating for officers and himself, officers broke the driver’s side window of the vehicle and removed Abbott while he continually attempted to grab onto items inside of the vehicle to prevent from being extracted from the car.

Here’s the SPD video showing their arrival at the house and apprehension of Abbott:

After they took him into custody, they found the 17-year-old girl, who came out of hiding and told officers she was unhurt. Her father arrived in the meantime and went through the house with officers to see if anything was missing, It appeared Abbott had eaten some pizza and chips; nothing else seemed to be missing. Abbott was medically evaluated at Harborview and then booked into the King County Jail. According to charging documents, he has no permanent address, and no local record, but has several convictions in Texas, mostly for domestic-violence assault. His bail is set at $20,000 and he will be arraigned next month.

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COUNTDOWN: 3 days until Admiral Funktion street party. Here’s who you’ll see in the booths
August 23, 2023 6:36 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

This Saturday, the second annual Admiral Funktion street party, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, will take over California SW between Admiral Way and College Street. You’ve seen the music lineup. Today, we have the vendor lineup – the businesses and organizations you’ll see in booths along the street:

Alair
Southpaw Barber Shop
Inner Alchemy
Seattle Dive Tours
SW Historical Society/Save the Stone Cottage
West Seattle Food Bank
Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce
Admiral Church
Pearsall Properties
The Little Merle
Hawthorne Massage and Self Care
CrossFit West Seattle
Seattle Yarn
Row House West Seattle
Admiral Neighborhood Association
Honey Girl Books
Ma’ono

ANA says Seattle City Council District 1 candidates Maren Costa and Rob Saka will have booths too. And the year-round local businesses in the festival zone, and nearby, will be happy to welcome you, both during the Admiral Funktion and afterward.

The forecast looks sunny and warm as the festival starts at 11 am Saturday (August 26th); it will continue until about 10 pm. The festival is free, but if you can afford to support it – permits and production are costly – the ANA is crowdfunding, with wristbands good for discounts at local venues if you donate $25 (or more) – go here. (The ANA is an official nonprofit, so your donation is tax-deductible.) See you in Admiral on Saturday!

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Junction plumbing repairs almost done
August 23, 2023 5:39 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Utilities | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

It’s been almost two weeks since we first reported on sewer-line repairs affecting Elliott Bay Brewing and then Talarico’s Pizza in The Junction. The work got ever more complicated, Tim O’Neill of O’Neill Plumbing Company (WSB sponsor) explained, as they dealt with, among other things, a century-old line. He sent an update today explaining that you’ll see his crews in the area a little while longer:

Both Elliott Bay Brewery & Talarico’s Pizzeria are open for business.

The EBB pipe-lining project from inside the building’s basement to the main on California Ave ha been completed.

We then moved over to Talarico’s to make similar repairs and have found additional pipe separations near the curb line that will require some equipment that is not readily available until early next week.

We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to have everything, including the cement repairs, completed by 8/31.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen red Dodge pickup
August 23, 2023 4:24 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Reader report:

Our 2000 red Dodge Dakota was stolen Monday night or early Tuesday morning from in front of our house on 42nd SW SW between Juneau and Findlay.

License number B45084N
SPD case number 23-241959

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Two more business burglaries
August 23, 2023 2:25 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Early this afternoon, we learned of two business burglaries in the Junction area:

EMERALD WATER ANGLERS: Burglar(s) broke a window on the north side of West Seattle’s only fishing-focused store (a WSB sponsor), which is on the southeast corner of 42nd/Oregon.

(WSB photo)

Proprietor Dave McCoy says the burglar(s) stole high-end jackets. He’s going through security video for more on what happened, including the time. This isn’t the first time Emerald Water Anglers has been hit; Dave posted on social media, “I didn’t realize this is what being a community-minded advocate for clean, cold water and wild fish was going to look like, but here I am and here I will stay!”

TAILS TO ASTONISH: On the south edge of The Junction, burglar(s) broke into West Seattle’s only comic-book store overnight too. No visuals from this one (yet) so we don’t know if there’s any chance it was related. Co-proprietor Shaun Duff tells WSB the list of comic books they know the burglar(s) stole totaled more than $20,000:

Amazing Spider-Man #129 First Punisher
Amazing Spider-Man #13
Amazing Spider-Man #14 First Green Goblin
Amazing Spider-Man #3
Amazing Spider-Man #129 Signed by Jerry Conway, First Punisher, CGC 8.5
Amazing Spider-Man #13 First Mysterio, CGC 4.5
Amazing Spider-Man #9 CGC 3.5
Avengers vs. X-Men #1 Mid Town Comics Edition Variant Cover by Skottie Young, CGC 9.8
Detective Comics #34 Restoration, CGC 5.0
Fantastic Four #46 First Black Bolt, CGC 4.0
Infinity #1 Skech by Jim Starlin Signed Signed by Jim Cheung, CGC 9.8
X-Men #9, CGC 3.0
Batgirl #37, CGC 9.8
Raphael Mini Series High Grade
Raphael Mini Series Low Grade
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 3rd Printing
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #3 1st Printing High
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #3 1st Printing Low
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4 1st Printing

The shop at 4850 California SW is closed today “to get as much of this sorted out as we can.” (added) Police incident # is 23-243112.

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Young children in the family? Here’s a request for you
August 23, 2023 1:52 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

The West Seattle Church of the Nazarene in Morgan Junction is hoping to get opinions from families with young kids but says the topic is “not about religion.” Here’s the message they asked us to share:

Are you a parent in our community with young kids? We want to hear from you!

A small group from our church is working on a neighborhood improvement project, and we need your input. We’re applying for a grant to make our community more family-friendly, and we believe your perspective as a parent is crucial.

We’d love to chat with you for about 30 minutes over a cup of coffee (our treat!) to discuss what it’s like to be a parent, the challenges you face, and what improvements you’d like to see in our neighborhood. This interview is not about religion; it’s about understanding your experiences as a parent.

Our focus is intentionally a bit vague. Our hope is that these conversations with the community will guide us in identifying the best ways we can positively impact the West Seattle community.

We are open to new possibilities, but current areas that could benefit from these conversations include Play Space (an indoor play area for children and their caregivers), a future coffee shop within the church building, Maarten Park (a green space being developed for neighborhood use), Movies in the Park, Open Mic Nights, and a Community Vegetable Garden.

Your participation is confidential, and any information shared will only be used for our grant application. If you’re interested, please email us with your availability. Let’s work together to create a better place for families to thrive! Thank you for being a part of our community’s growth!

You can contact associate minister Sarah Emerson; her contact info is here.

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Spirit Halloween (re)opens at Westwood Village
August 23, 2023 11:56 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Halloween | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | Westwood

As noted here a few weeks ago, the seasonal store Spirit Halloween has returned to the ex-Bed Bath and Beyond space at Westwood Village. Going through the center this morning, we noticed this morning that it appeared open, so we went in to verify. Here are the posted hours:

This is an earlier start than last year, when the store didn’t open until September.

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WEST SEATTLE WEDNESDAY: The list for today/tonight
August 23, 2023 9:20 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEDNESDAY: The list for today/tonight
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Post-rain clouds this morning, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

From discussion to dance, here are calendar highlights for the rest of your Wednesday:

TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

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

COLMAN POOL: At Lincoln Park, this outdoor salt-water pool is open noon-7 pm daily through Labor Day. See the session schedule here.

DELRIDGE GROCERY CO-OP VOLUNTEER HANGOUT: 5-8 pm, drop by Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) to meet some of the people who power Delridge Grocery, and find out how just a little of your time can do a lot of good toward keeping it running.

CIVIC CONVERSATION ABOUT AI: It’s moving fast. How might that change the world – your world? Come to C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight, 5-7 pm, and talk about it. Our preview has more info, including the RSVP link.

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Don’t replace it – repair it! Weekly event, 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).

TRIVIA x 5: Five places to play tonight. At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) now offers trivia … there’s 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska); trivia starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW); Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 8 pm … at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).

FREE GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for the weekly free group run.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)

LIVE PIANO MUSIC: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks. (4210 SW Admiral Way).

MUSIC BINGO: Play weekly at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

DANCE POP-UP IN THE PARK: 7:30 pm at Myrtle Reservoir Park (35th/Myrtle), Whim W’him Contemporary Dance Theater plans a pop-up performance. Free.

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: 7:30 pm signups @ West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – no cover to watch. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Planning a presentation, meeting, performance, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, or …? If it’s open to the community, please send us info for West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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UPDATE: 4,700 lose power in West Seattle, third outage in less than two months with similar footprint
August 23, 2023 4:32 am
|      114 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

4:32 AM: Thanks for the tips. 4,700 customers are out of power in (mostly) northwest West Seattle. More info to come ….

4:37 AM: Added above, a screengrab of the City Light map showing the outage zone. We haven’t heard an obvious cause yet. The power went out at 4:25.

4:48 AM: According to a commenter, the problem is at California/Hudson [map]. SFD and City Light are reported to be there.

5 AM: A similar footprint was affected by an outage on July 2nd – that outage was caused by a driver taking out a pole and lines at Admiral/47th/Waite – as well as another one July 24th blamed on an equipment problem (blown fuses) near 30th/Brandon. …

5:40 AM: The map now blames “equipment failure” for the outage. … Via Twitter/X, SCL verifies the “failure” happened at California/Hudson – “downed wire.”

5:43 AM: Some commenters are reporting their power’s back.

5:56 AM: The SCL map has finally updated to reflect that. 2,644 customers still out – will add the revised map, for the record, in a moment. (added) Here it is:

6:36 AM: Commenters say there’s at least a pocket around 47th/Admiral that’s still out, not shown on the map update. … That outage pocket is reported to include the 47th/Admiral signal.

6:46 AM: Thanks to Kevin Freitas, who keeps a continuous skywatching camera going, for sharing this video of how the sky lit up when the outage-triggering failure happened (a few blocks west of his residence):

Meantime, we looked further back in WSB archives. Before the three summer outages (including this one) with similar footprints but different causes, we had three other outages this year affecting thousands in West Seattle, all blamed on trees:
-1/13/23, 4,400+ out after tree came down in North Delridge
-2/3/23, 3,200+ out after tree came down (in wind) in North Delridge
-6/6/23, 3,300+ out after tree came down (in slide) on Harbor Avenue

(There were also several smaller but still notable outages affecting hundreds.)

7:10 AM: The SCL map has added back the Admiral area from which commenters were reporting “still out but not shown on map.” That brings the total out to 2,900+.

7:16 AM: Now that it’s light, our photographer went over to California/Hudson, where a City Light crew is working:

The wires/cables are by the stairway:

9:04 AM: Commenters and SCL report more restored – fewer than 300 still out.

10:47 AM: The map shows the outage entirely resolved. We’ll be following up with City Light for more specifics on the cause.

ADDED 3:49 PM: Here’s what City Light spokesperson Jenn Strang tells us:

CAUSE: The owl mentioned by commenter “Admiral” below was the actual cause, Strang says, in a chain reaction of sorts: “The owl contact outage at SW Walker St and 47th Ave SW resulted in the wire coming down at California and Hudson.”

FOOTPRINT: We asked how three outages with different causes, in different areas (though the owl at 47th/Walker is close to the 47th/Admiral/Waite crash scene at the heart of the early July outaage), wound up with pretty much the same footprint. Strang’s reply: “The footprint is similar because of how the infrastructure is laid out from that particular substation to the outlying feeders.” In some cases, she added, the footprint is affected when SCL has to de-energize an area for safe repairs, but in this case, the identical footprint was shown from the very start of the outage, long before repairs.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 3 reader reports
August 22, 2023 11:56 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three reader reports:

THEFT ON TWO WHEELS: From a reader via email:

I wanted to report a theft from my residence this morning at 8:52 am (a police report has already been filed). A man riding a bicycle rode onto our lot and stole a large bag from the porch outside of our front door at 8:52 am this morning. Our doorbell camera captured the theft. I am attaching screenshots from that recording.

Several hours later he was seen walking around the Mesob grocery on 16th and Henderson towards the apartments at 17th and Henderson, so it is unclear if he lives in the neighborhood.

PACKAGE THEFT: From another reader via email: “A package (delivered late and without notice) was stolen off our front porch at 2:30 am. 4100 block of 39th Ave SW.”

MAILBOXES BROKEN INTO: Via text:

Someone broke into our mailbox after 4 (Sunday) morning, and before 7 or 8 AM. This is in the 8400 block of 5th Ave. SW.

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PHOTO TOUR: See inside West Seattle Elementary School’s expansion and renovations
August 22, 2023 8:16 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Two weeks from tomorrow, West Seattle Elementary School students and staff will have classes at their 6760 34th SW home campus for the first time in more than two years.

While WSES spent those two years in temporary quarters at the former Schmitz Park Elementary, their school underwent big changes – an addition and renovations. We requested a tour so we could show you those changes before the school year. Shown below are our tour guides last Friday afternoon:

From left are assistant principal Ritchie Garcia, Miller Hayashi Architects principal Laura Maman and project manager Pearlene Cheah, and Seattle Public Schools‘ project manager David L. Jackson. We photographed them beneath what might be the most distinctive feature of the expansion-and-renovation project – shown atop this story – a new entrance canopy that is visible from the streets west and east of the school and from the neighborhood to its north.

We started our tour at the front entrance, which is now a secure space with separate doors for the office and the hallway.
Read More

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READER REPORT: West Seattle Scouts travel to Florida for adventures in exploration, conservation
August 22, 2023 5:25 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Scouts from West Seattle traveled to Florida for summer adventures that included important lessons. Jay Brock sent the photos and report:

What an exciting and adventurous summer for West Seattle Crew 282 with members from Troop 282 (Boys), Troop 8282 (Girls), Troop 284(Boys) and Troop 22 (Girls – San Francisco) at Sea Base Florida! Here’s a closer look at their remarkable achievements:

Advanced Open Water Course: Completing the Advanced Open Water course is a significant accomplishment. It suggests that the members of both troops are skilled and experienced in scuba diving, having undertaken more than 10 dives in the Florida Keys, including night dives. These experiences allowed them to explore the mesmerizing underwater world and encounter a variety of marine life.

Scouting Centers of Excellence in Nature and Environment (SCENE) Project Award: Earning the SCENE project award demonstrates their commitment to environmental stewardship and nature preservation. It signifies that they have not only enjoyed the natural world but also actively worked to protect and conserve it.

PADI Project Aware Coral Reef Conservation Project: Participating in a PADI Project Aware Coral Reef Conservation project in Florida is an admirable contribution to marine conservation. Coral reefs are vital ecosystems that require protection, and the effort put into this project will help restore and maintain the health of these reefs.

This summer adventure was not only thrilling but also educational and environmentally responsible. It’s evident that the scouts are dedicated to both adventure and making a positive impact on the environment. This experience will likely leave a lasting impression on all the participants and inspire a sense of responsibility towards preserving our natural world.

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BIZNOTE: Longrunning West Seattle pet business needs to fetch a new home – again
August 22, 2023 3:10 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

A dozen-plus years after Sarah Mettler took over Lady Di Pet Chaperone, she’s in need of a new location – again – thanks to redevelopment, and hoping you might know the perfect place.

(Photo courtesy Sarah Mettler [clients enter off the alley])

Last time, she was able to stay on the same block in The Junction, moving from 4433 42nd SW – which became Junction Flats – to 4451 42nd SW. But now, nine years later, the block is almost completely redeveloped and out of possibilities. Mettler says her landlord has informed her the site will be used as staging for the upcoming mixed-use project at 4448 California SW and she’ll have to be out by year’s end. As she told her clients in the initial announcement, “Although I’m planning to work with an agent, some of the best properties are discovered by word of mouth. If you or anyone you know has a property available for lease or a lease-to-own option, please share their contact information and I will be so grateful.”

So we asked – what’s she looking for? “My dream is to stay in West Seattle but I am open to surrounding areas. I will need a space with a minimum of 1000sf. Cozy is my desire but I could turn an old warehouse into a palace if needed. The dogs will need access to an outside area to potty, even if it’s not your traditional yard. I offer daycare and overnight boarding 365 days a year.” If you have a possibility in mind, contact info – email, phone, or web message – is here. (But in the meantime, Lady Di Pet Chaperone remains open and “business as usual.”

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WEDNESDAY: Another West Seattle ‘civic conversation’ about AI
August 22, 2023 1:35 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Two months ago, West Seattleite James Boutin invited community members to join him for a “civic conversation” about artificial intelligence (AI), which has seemingly suddenly burst into the spotlight for so many industries and other facets of life. He’s doing it again tomorrow, so if you’re interested in talking about AI, join him at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) 5-7 pm tomorrow (Wednesday, August 23). He explains, “Advances in artificial intelligence technology are occurring at lightning speed – much faster than the general public can keep up with. … I believe civic conversations about AI can help us practice democracy, build community, and improve our understanding and humane use of AI.” You can register to save a spot, free, by going here.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Restaurant burglary
August 22, 2023 11:29 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

New Teriyaki and Wok in Morgan Junction (6540 California SW) is opening late today – around 5 pm – as its owner deals with cleanup and repairs after an overnight burglary. We took the photo after hearing police dispatched this morning to check out the shattered door; at the time, officers hadn’t reached the owner, but they eventually did, and we went back just now to follow up with him. He told us the burglar(s) didn’t get away with much – $20 and “a box of chicken.”

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Person found dead at West Seattle bus stop
August 22, 2023 10:29 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Thanks for all the tips a=about SPD and SFD at the bus stop on southbound 35th SW south of Avalon early this morning. The initial call around 5:40 am was for an unconscious, unresponsive person, and SFD medics were unable to revive him. Police tell WSB, “There were no signs of foul play.” The cause of death will be determined by the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, which subsequently responded to the scene and, SPD says, “took responsibility of the deceased subject.”

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From running to trivia, here’s what’s happening for the rest of your West Seattle Tuesday
August 22, 2023 10:12 am
|    Comments Off on From running to trivia, here’s what’s happening for the rest of your West Seattle Tuesday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Caity Gerhardt)

Here’s our highlight list for your late-summer Tuesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Last week for these local sites to offer free food for kids on weekdays, 11:30 am-1 pm lunch, 2-3 pm snacks.

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm, the last wading pool open in West Seattle is expected to be in operation today since afternoon sunshine is expected before that chance of rain. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

COLMAN POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park, this outdoor salt-water pool is open noon-7 pm daily through Labor Day. See the session schedule here.

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm at the air-conditioned Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon): “Are you looking for a new activity to keep your brain sharp and clear? The Senior Center Chess Club welcomes both novice and experienced players. Join us at 1:30 p.m. for lessons, short tutorials, and chess for all levels of expertise.” (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t have your own.

STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN: 6 pm stories and activities for kids at the Delridge P-Patch, weekly throughout the summer. (5078 25th SW)

SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, you can play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).

FREE TRACK RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.

THE CLAY CAULDRON: 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance or drop in to work on your project(s).

OPEN MIC: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).

TRIVIA X 4: Four places to play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW); also, 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska).

BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: Play bingo with Cookie Couture at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm. Free, all ages!

You can see the future any time via our event calendar – if you have something to include on it, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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