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WEST SEATTLE SNOW? ‘Winter Weather Advisory’ in effect
February 3, 2025 6:22 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SNOW? ‘Winter Weather Advisory’ in effect
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

The National Weather Service has finally issued an alert after all these days of forecasts with the potential for some snow. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 10 am tomorrow, with the NWS saying we could get up to two inches of snow. As always, we’ll cover the weather plus school and traffic info – 206-293-6302, voice or text, is the best way to let us know what’s happening where you’re at.

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Duwamish Tribe wins new chance at federal recognition
February 3, 2025 5:08 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Duwamish Tribe | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from May 2022, drumming/singing at event announcing lawsuit)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“We look at this as a victory.”

That’s how the Duwamish Tribal Council sees a federal court ruling giving them a new start in their decades-old fight for federal recognition. We talked this afternoon with Tribal Councilmember Yvonne Griffin to get context on the new ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Jamal Whitehead.

The ruling (first reported earlier today by The Seattle Times) is related to the lawsuit the Duwamish Tribe announced with an event at their West Seattle longhouse in May 2022 (WSB coverage here). In short, it orders the federal government to reconsider the tribe’s petition for recognition, and cancels the previous denial, Griffin explains.

The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs must re-evaluate the petition, and the tribe is allowed to submit new evidence. A key contention remains that the modern-day Duwamish Tribe is indeed the rightful successor to the historic Duwamish Tribe that signed the Point Elliott Treaty of 1855, despite other regional tribes including some descendants of Duwamish people. “New evidence will help us demonstrate (that),” Griffin says.

She also says it’s highly unusual for a tribe to be granted two “remand” orders – remanding their case to the department for reconsideration, which was ordered, then denied, in a previous case.

Recognition is vital because the Duwamish Tribe needs a government-to-government relationship with the federal government, Griffin says, and access to programs its members “deserve.” She adds that the fight isn’t over “treaty fishing rights” (though they are mentioned in the case, and two recognized tribes, the Muckleshoot and Tulalip, have taken the anti-recognition side) – they just want that recognition, which they briefly had a quarter century ago: This round of their fight dates back to recognition granted by the outgoing Clinton Administration at the turn of the millennium, then pulled back by the incoming Bush Administration. Another change in federal administrations could complicate things, since this case was filed against the Biden Administration, and will now require a review by the Trump Administration. Griffin says they haven’t spoke to anyone in the new federal government yet, so they’ll have to wait and see how it goes – and who does it. The court order says it must be “impartial.”

But this is only a “step in their journey” toward recognition – or, re-recognition, if you will. The ruling wasn’t “everything we asked for,” but: “We remain hopeful,” says Griffin, as they and their lawyers wait to see what happens next.

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DEVELOPMENT: See the design packet for Thursday’s review of 86-apartment 3010 SW Avalon Way
February 3, 2025 2:54 pm
|      37 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

(Rendering by Studio 19 Architects)

Three weeks ago, we told you about the upcoming Design Review hearing for an 86-apartment project at 3010 SW Avalon Way. At the time, the city hadn’t linked the “packet” for that hearing (though we found a draft version for our story), but now it’s available and you can see it here. The online review meeting is at 5 pm Thursday (February 6); the links for participating/viewing are on this page. As we noted last month, this will be the first time the city has convened the Southwest Design Review Board since December 2023. The project passed the first phase of Design Review in November 2021. P.S. If you’re wondering how close this is to the future light-rail station, that’s shown on a map in the packet.

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: One more week for Admiral Bank of America
February 3, 2025 12:54 pm
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

That photo sent by Ray reminded us that we should remind you the Admiral Bank of America branch is closing as of one week from tomorrow. B of A announced the February 11 closure plan way back in July of last year. As we noted then, it’ll be the second Admiral Junction bank-branch closure in less than a year, after Wells Fargo shuttered there last March. That building has since sold, and the ex-bank space in it remains for lease; that’s the plan – as you can see from the signage – for this building too. As for B of A’s two remaining West Seattle branches – in The Junction and at Westwood Village – both are in the city building-permit system right now for various exterior work such as bollard upgrades and parking-lot maintenance.

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WEDNESDAY: Your chance to speak at City Council’s public hearing on proposed rezoning and other Comprehensive Plan changes
February 3, 2025 11:57 am
|      41 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

If you have something to say about the proposed city rezoning plan and other components of the Comprehensive Plan Update, Wednesday night brings the City Council‘s major public hearing about it. Various groups around the city have gone public with support and opposition, but this is the one night that councilmembers are convening to listen to as many individuals as want to speak. You can either go to City Hall to comment in person, or sign up to do it online; the agenda explains how. The hearing starts at 5 pm Wednesday (February 5); here’s the official notice, with a summary of what the city considers the plan’s toplines. You can find both the full proposed plan and its Environmental Impact Statement linked from this page.

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Free health presentation, WSHS-CSIHS basketball, more for your West Seattle Monday
February 3, 2025 9:58 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Moon and Venus on Saturday night, photographed by Kanit Cottrell)

Here’s what’s scheduled (and not) for the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – we’ll update if we get word of any weather-related changes, but for now, here’s what we have:

BABY STORY TIME: Note that story time at Southwest Library is canceled this week.

‘EATING FOR YOUR MICROBIOME’ FREE WEBINAR: 12:30 pm online, free webinar presented by Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care (WSB sponsor):

“Eating for Your Microbiome: How to Incorporate Prebiotics in Your Diet” with Dr. Megan Taylor
February 3, 2025 at 12:30 pm

Join Megan Taylor, ND, FABNG to discuss how to “Eat for your Microbiome.” Dr. Taylor will review some dietary strategies, with a focus on prebiotics, to support the growth of a diverse and rich gut microbiome.

Go here to register for the viewing link!

HOMEWORK HELP: Drop-in time for students to work with volunteer homework helpers at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4-5:45 pm.

BASKETBALL: This year’s games between Chief Sealth International HS and West Seattle HS are tonight at CSIHS (2600 SW Thistle) – 5:30 pm girls’ varsity, 7 pm boys’ varsity.

GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday is “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.

D&D: Weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players included!

LISTENING TO GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm with Tamara Kubacki, meeting at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW). “Grief groups are brave and safe spaces where bereaved people can share their stories and speak their loved one’s name without fear of getting advice, platitudes, or being shut out, no matter how long it’s been since their loved one’s passing.” – you can attend once or multiple times. Fee. Preregistration requested – our calendar listing explains how.

MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three places to play tonight! … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander); 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: Monday night meditating – free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: The Alley features music on Monday nights, jazz with The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.

MONDAY KARAOKE 9 pm Monday night is time for karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).

Thanks to everyone who contributes listings to our calendar – if you have something to add, please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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New local jobs on WSB’s West Seattle Jobs Offered board
February 3, 2025 9:04 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online

Every few weeks we remind you that if you’re looking for a new job – or new employee(s) – WSB has a West Seattle Jobs Offered section in the WSB Community Forums. This past week has brought new listings for local businesses, including our own, just posted. If you are hiring in West Seattle/White Center, it’s free to post – go here if you don’t already have a login. (When you post a job, be sure to include contact info so applicants can reach you directly.) No login needed if you’re a jobseeker browsing listings. Thanks for keeping it local!

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: February’s first weekday, with snow showers
February 3, 2025 6:01 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:16 AM: Big flakes in a snow shower right now!

Earlier:

6:01 AM: Good morning – it’s Monday, February 3, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Partly sunny, chance of more snow showers, high in the upper 30s, low tonight in the 20s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:32 am and 5:14 pm.

SCHOOL NOTES

No changes announced for Seattle Public Schools, but as noted here last night, Highline and Vashon Island districts and Summit Atlas are all reported to be starting late. (Added 6:57 am) Kennedy HS is starting two hours late too. … (added) Texter reports YMCA Early Learning in West Seattle is opening at 9:30 am.

TRANSIT

Metro buses – Regular schedule. If we do see snow, check metrowinter.com!

Water Taxi –  Also on a regular schedule today.

Washington State Ferries – M/V Suquamish is currently with M/V Cathlamet on the Triangle Route, with M/V Salish as the “bonus boat.”

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.

See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: School changes for Monday (am and pm updates)
February 2, 2025 9:34 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | West Seattle weather

The second wave of snow showers was even shorter than the first, but some nearby areas are experiencing – and/or expecting – weather wintry enough that they’ve announced school changes for Monday. Here’s what we have so far:

HIGHLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS: The district that includes White Center and points south will start 2 hours late on Monday. Full details here.

VASHON ISLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS: The district with hundreds of students from West Seattle will start 1 1/2 hours late on Monday.

SUMMIT ATLAS: We haven’t reached the school to confirm this yet but a parent says the charter middle/high school in Arbor Heights is starting 2 hours late on Monday.

(added) KENNEDY HS: Also starting 2 hours late.

(added) HOLY FAMILY BILINGUAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL: Closed today.

(added) SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE: Just received at 5 pm:

South Seattle College Alert: Due to winter weather, all classes and activities starting at 6 PM or later on Monday, February 3 are cancelled. We will also have a late start of 10 AM on Tuesday, February 4. All classes and activities prior to 10AM are cancelled.

Got a school change or closure? Please text or call us, 206-293-6302.

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UPDATE: Eastbound West Seattle Bridge reopens after closure because of person-in-crisis situation
February 2, 2025 6:59 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:59 PM: Thanks for the tips. Avoid the eastbound high bridge for a while; there’s a major police response blocking lanes, reported to involve a person in crisis.

(Added: Cropped screenshot of 35th/Fauntleroy camera showing SPD blocking EB side)

7:14 PM: Police are telling dispatch they will be shutting down the entire eastbound bridge because traffic noise is preventing them from talking with the person they’re trying to help.

7:38 PM: Police just told dispatch they have brought the person safely out of danger and they’ll be taken to a hospital for evaluation. The bridge will be reopening.

7:56 PM: Eastbound bridge now fully reopened, officers told dispatch.

If you are, or someone you know is, contemplating self-harm, the 988 hotline is available 24/7.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Second wave of snow showers
February 2, 2025 5:17 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

After a showerless afternoon … the snow’s back, at least here in Upper Fauntleroy. Still no advisories for the city in general, West Seattle or otherwise, but the forecast has snow showers possible in every daypart for the next few days, and temperatures are not expected to get out of the 30s.

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VIDEO: Pro-immigrant march in West Seattle
February 2, 2025 2:36 pm
|      97 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle protests

(WSB photos/video unless otherwise credited)

2:36 PM: Hundreds of protesters are marching along the Alki Trail right now, demonstrating against the ongoing ICE raids around the country. Word of a Sunday afternoon Alki protest circulated on social media, a reader told us, but we couldn’t confirm until this sighting.

They’re marching east/northbound in one large group (which we pulled over to photograph) and a few smaller groups, all on the trail, none in traffic lanes.

One police car was on the other side, apparently monitoring; we had heard an FYI broadcast on SPD radio, at the time described as “about a dozen.”

(Added: Photo sent by Kris)

Some demonstrators are in cars, hoisting Mexican and American flags, and signs – one just went by with a sign, NO HUMAN IS ILLEGAL ON STOLEN LAND.

(Added: Video sent by Stewart L.)
3:12 PM: Just caught up with demonstrators’ rally at the north/west end of Don Armeni. The message was pro-immigrant; signs included SEEKING SAFETY IS NOT A CRIME. Now some of the protesters are marching back, on the trail, to the beach. Thanks to those who’ve sent photos and video; we’re headed back to HQ to add more.

(Added: Photo by David Hutchinson, near marchers’ starting point at Alki Beach)

3:20 PM: Pulled over at Harbor Ave 7-11 to report that an even larger group is now marching back west/north along Harbor. Some are in the parking lane. Signs include IMMIGRANTS BUILT AMERICA.

5:40 PM: Readers report that some of the marchers went back to Alki, and photos/video show them marching in the street in the business district:

(Video sent by David Hutchinson)

In David Hutchinson’s video, you can hear a car revving loudly – he says that’s what factored into this car fire he photographed at 59th/Alki (we listened back to archived scanner audio, and SFD reported the fire out before they got to it):

The next three photos are from Bucky Hayes-McQueen, who was on Alki Avenue between 3:30 pm and 5:10 pm:

ADDED 9:11 PM: We asked SPD, since they had been monitoring the march/rally, if they had any reports of trouble. Here’s the summary we just received:

At 1341 hours, patrol officers responded to reports of a small demonstration at 59th Avenue Southwest and Alki Avenue Southwest. Officers and a Sergeant responded to the scene to monitor. The demonstration grew to 200-300 people and more than 50+ vehicles. The demonstration was peaceful, and no crimes of violence or property damage occurred. There were just noise nuisances and minor traffic disruption. The on-duty LT responded to the scene and monitored the demonstration.

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Another short-lived water-rescue callout
February 2, 2025 2:24 pm
|    Comments Off on Another short-lived water-rescue callout
 |   West Seattle news

Just in case you wondered – there was a short-lived water rescue callout a short time ago, this time off Lowman Beach. Turned out to be a false alarm; all responders now canceled.

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SNOWBIRDS & MORE: 7 new views of West Seattle birds
February 2, 2025 1:59 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

Thanks to Sarah Chadd in Fauntleroy for the first two photos just in time for the bird-pic gallery we were already planning for today – two “snowbirds” photographed this morning, a Dark-eyed Junco above, Townsend’s Warbler below:

The bird photos below were received over the past few weeks. First, you might be noticing many American Robins out lately – Rainer Klett photographed this one in the Alki area:

At Alki Point, Gary Jones photographed this juvenile Bald Eagle:

A juvenile gull caught Megan Wood‘s eye along Elliott Bay:

Two waterbird views from Steve Bender – a family of Barrow’s Goldeneyes:

And a Great Blue Heron, dining:

Thanks again to everyone who sends photos – whether birds, breaking news, sightings, or … ? – westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best way if it’s not urgent; text 206-293-6302 if it is.

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THINK SPRING! UW beach-volleyball team returning to Alki
February 2, 2025 12:18 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(April 2024 WSB photo)

If you need an excuse to think about spring on this semi-snowy Sunday, here’s one: The University of Washington beach-volleyball team’s 2025 schedule has been announced, and it includes two events at Alki Beach: A doubleheader on Saturday, March 22, against Portland and Northwest University, and a tournament Friday and Saturday, April 11-12 – the Husky Invitational, hosting Long Beach State, FIU, and Oregon. You can see the full schedule here. This year marks nine years since UW played what was billed as its first-ever home match at Alki.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Snow showers, first wave
February 2, 2025 9:41 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(INFOLINKS: West Seattle traffic cams … SDOT’s citywide camera map … SDOT’s winter-response map … Metro advisories)

9:41 AM: Serious snow shower right now in Upper Fauntleroy. That’s what the forecast is suggesting for our area today – still no official weather alert for Seattle, though, and no major accumulation is expected, but this one is heavy enough that the dusting is already sticking on the ground.

And on the roads, at least in the higher areas!

9:56 AM: And elsewhere. Sam from Sylvan Way says drivers are already getting stuck on the hill east of The Home Depot (she sent the photo above). … And moments later, the snow stopped, for now.

10:58 AM: Metro has sent alerts that Route 125 is routed off 16th SW between Austin and Oregon because of road conditions. We’re adding the Metro status link to our infolinks atop this story – though we’re in a break now, radar suggests more on the way.

11:23 AM: Metro says the 125 has resumed regular routing.

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ORCA SIGHTING: ‘Snow whales’
February 2, 2025 9:32 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

“Snow whales” is what Kersti Muul dubbed the orca sighting she just texted us about – at least five killer whales headed southbound past Alki Point Lighthouse. Let us know if you see them (despite the murky/snowy weather) too!

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14 possibilities for February’s first West Seattle Sunday
February 2, 2025 6:07 am
|    Comments Off on 14 possibilities for February’s first West Seattle Sunday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are highlights for your Sunday:

SKI SHUTTLE: Shuttle to Crystal Mountain now picks up at 7:15 am Sundays at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor).

KING TIDE: One of three times for the highest predicted tide of the year – 12.9 feet – is at 7:42 am.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet for today’s run at 9 am at West Seattle Grounds in North Admiral. (2141 California SW)

AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Meet up with other players – all levels – 9:30-11:30 am at The Missing Piece (35th/Roxbury).

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open 10 am-2 pm, with winter produce (root vegetables! greens! cabbage! apples!), plus beverages, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared hot food, baked goods, nuts, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)

MAKERS’ MARKET: While you’re in The Junction, also visit Jet City Labs (4547 California SW), 10 am-2 pm, for their first Makers’ Market of the year.

DUWAMISH TRIBE LONGHOUSE & CULTURAL CENTER: The longhouse is open for visitors, 10 am-5 pm. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool to get your project going, or to finish assembling a holiday gift? Borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

MUSIC WORKSHOPS: Five-workshop series starts 12:15 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW) – details in our calendar listing.

YOGA SERIES STARTS: At 1 pm, first of eight weeks for Yoga with Miche in The Admiral District – our calendar listing has details.

AT KENYON HALL: Beethoven string quartets, performed by Seattle string quartet Pure Flavor, 2:30 pm. (7904 35th SW)

MUSICIANS FOR THE WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK: 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), enjoy the music and do a good deed by bringing nonperishable food and/or cash for the West Seattle Food Bank.

ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, 6:30 pm and later admission times. Tickets and info here.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday nights bring music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.

Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Carjacking on Harbor Avenue (updated)
February 2, 2025 12:37 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL SUNDAY REPORT: About the same time police were dispatched to the flipped car on the bridge, they got word of a carjacking and assault. The victim is reported to have been carjacked near Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW) and assaulted in the process; he went to the Harbor Avenue 7-11 and SFD medics treated him there. The stolen car is described as a 2006 black Porsche Cayenne. No other info so far.

ADDED EARLY TUESDAY: We obtained the police-report narrative. Police say they got “various conflicting accounts about the circumstances” from the man who said he was carjacked. They say he wouldn’t give descriptions, he gave two different locations for where it happened, and though he said he’d been hit on the head, police found no “obvious signs of injuries.” He also didn’t know his license plate number and police couldn’t find anything in the system registered in his name. No witnesses or video either, according to the police report.

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UPDATE: Flipped-car crash at Fauntleroy end of westbound West Seattle Bridge (updated Monday)
February 2, 2025 12:07 am
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

12:07 AM: SFD ad SPD are on their way to the Fauntleroy end of the westbound West Seattle Bridge, where the live traffic camera shows a flipped car.

12:12 AM: According to emergency radio, whoever was in the car got out safely. A texter just sent this ground-level view:

The one SFD unit originally sent was canceled quickly, indicating no serious injuries.

12:31 AM: There’s also been no indication of another vehicle involved. Police remain on scene awaiting a tow truck.

12:43 AM: The tow truck has arrived, and they’re expecting to have to block traffic for a bit while the tow crew gets the car hooked up and righted.

1:02 AM: The car’s been towed and the scene is cleared.

8:11 PM: We followed up with SPD today and heard back tonight that the driver was arrested for investigation of DUI and reckless endangerment.

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‘We have to continue to tell our story’: Washington State Black Legacy Institute’s grand opening in West Seattle celebrates past, present, future
February 1, 2025 10:30 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Admiral Neighborhood Association)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

More than a year after we first took you to the Washington State Black Legacy Institute, the new mission of an ex-church/event venue in Admiral, it is opening its doors more widely to the community.

A celebration today at the city-landmarked building at 2656 42nd SW, recently purchased to firm up its future, featured words of both promise and defiance – a declaration that the WSBLI mission will not be derailed or detoured by the national political attack on diversity and equity. “We have to continue to tell our story and what we’ve been able to overcome,” declared WSBLI president/CEO Kateesha Atterberry, founder of real-estate/development firm Urban Black, which partnered with WSBLI for the building purchase. Here’s what she told those gathered this morning, starting with words of welcome:

Even stronger words were delivered by the next speaker, District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka.

(WSB photo by Dave Gershgorn)

Before presenting Atterberry with a proclamation that today is Washington State Black Legacy Institute Day in Seattle, he decided to “go off script for a moment” and decry “efforts to politicize things that should not be political,” elaborating that he was defending diversity/equity/inclusion. “In Seattle, we will continue to celebrate DEI.” Here’s what he said, including excerpts from the proclamation:

You might have noticed the speakers standing under umbrellas in front of the WSBLI building. Throughout the speeches, icy rain continued to pick up intensity, and that led Roger Evans, executive vice president for heritage and preservation, to keep his remarks short, explaining the exhibit as celebrating “greatness that has always bee here but was never told to the masses”:

Dr. Jacqualine Boles sang next – and during her gospel performance, the heavens opened up and a heavy hail shower poured down, moving the celebration into the WSBLI foyer, where the ceremonial ribbon was cut, before guests moved into the larger inside room for brunch. The foyer is where portraits and other permanent displays can be seen:

(WSB photo by Dave Gershgorn)

The art exhibit that went on public display today is in the WSBLI basement, while other rooms in the building are devoted to work such as preservation and digitization. The plan is to have the building open most days this month (we’re checking on the hours); other events being planned include a Juneteenth film festival.

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UPDATE: Missing man found
February 1, 2025 8:25 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

SUNDAY NIGHT: The missing man that KCSO had been seeking has been found, safe.

Earlier:

Read More

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Small fire in West Seattle Junction apartment building
February 1, 2025 7:06 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(Image from SDOT camera via @SDOTtraffic)

Thanks for the tips. A briefly large Seattle Fire response was sent to The Junction this past hour for a small fire in a unit at 4730 California SW. The seventh-floor fire was extinguished quickly and most of the responding units were dismissed. This started with a small dispatch to investigate “water flow” (turned out to be the sprinklers) and then was upgraded.

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