West Seattle, Washington
21 Thursday
WSB has always sought to give exposure to local nonprofits and their needs. This holiday season, we’re also planning to do that through a new campaign called West Seattle Giving Spirit. Nonprofits interested in participating are invited to apply, as there’s a limited number of dates and it’s first-come first-serve, Here’s what it’s all about:
West Seattle Giving Spirit
A year-end campaign focused on community strength and generosity.Sponsored by the Learning Communities Foundation and WSB
November 20 – December 27, 2024Calling all West Seattle and White Center nonprofits to participate in the first-ever coordinated year-end giving campaign with and for area nonprofits!
There are so many incredible nonprofits supporting the communities reached by WSB. West Seattle Giving Spirit will highlight the positive impact that organizations on (and adjacent to) the West Seattle peninsula have on our neighbors, the arts, the environment, and more. When the world finds itself in transition, this is one way to engage, give, and support locally.
From November 20 -December 27, WSB, in partnership with the Learning Communities Foundation, will provide up to sixteen West Seattle or White Center nonprofits a one-day Spotlight and “opportunity to ask” for donations of money and/or volunteer time. To be eligible, nonprofits must have locations or primary services provided within the following zip codes: 98116, 98136, 98126, 98106, 98146.
Interest forms will be reviewed as received and no later than Monday, November 18 at 4 pm.
Info Sheet for Interested Nonprofits (which includes the form links for nonprofits interested in participating)
If you’re not a nonprofit but want to support – watch for participant spotlights starting next week to find out how!
Family and friends will gather tomorrow to remember Scott Stoefen. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with his community:
Scott Clifford Stoefen, beloved by all who knew him, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2024, in West Seattle. Born on November 26, 1957, in North Seattle, he was a graduate of The Overlake School, attended the University of Washington and was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, UWSigmachi! He cherished his lifelong relationships with his brothers, often recalling many activities, especially Spring Derby Days. He lived a life characterized by generosity, faith, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys that life offers.
Scott was a man of thoughtful words and actions. His faith-filled presence was a cornerstone of the Holy Rosary Parish community for nearly two decades. His dedication to the parish went beyond mere attendance; he was instrumental in keeping the community running smoothly, offering his time and talents without reservation. He was a true servant leader, whose quiet strength and unwavering commitment to his faith community will be deeply missed.
His interests were as varied as they were passionate. Scott found solace and joy in music, embracing the melodies and rhythms that filled his soul. He was an avid enthusiast of sound systems, always in pursuit of the perfect audio experience. This love of music was a constant companion throughout his life, providing comfort and inspiration in equal measure.
Scott was also an outdoorsman at heart. He spent countless hours on the golf course, relishing the challenge of each game and the camaraderie of fellow golfers. Fishing was another pursuit that allowed him to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of Washington’s beautiful waterways.
Perhaps one of the most endearing images of Scott was him cruising around with the top down in his red Volvo convertible. It was in these moments, with the wind in his hair and the sun on his face, that Scott truly lived in the moment, embracing the freedom and adventure that life on the open road offers.
Scott’s legacy is one of generosity and thoughtfulness. His actions spoke louder than words, and he will be remembered as a man who lived his values every day. The absence of his presence will be felt deeply by those who knew him, but the memory of his kindness, his faith, and his gentle spirit will continue to inspire and guide us.
As we bid farewell to Scott Clifford Stoefen, we celebrate a life well-lived, a life full of purpose and love. He may have departed from this world, but his impact will be felt for generations to come. Rest in peace, dear Scott, knowing that your journey was a beacon of light for all of us.
Scott’s funeral will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 11 am, followed by a reception in the school gym. In lieu of flowers, Holy Rosary and friends kindly request that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, the Sigma Chi Foundation, or Holy Rosary Parish, in memory of Scott.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
9:41 AM: Westbound Fauntleroy is blocked at 42nd SW in Morgan Junction because of a crash reported as a driver hitting a pedestrian. No word yet on how seriously the person is hurt. Per radio exchanges, the crash was reported by the driver.
9:58 AM: Apparently the victim was not seriously hurt – SFD was canceled relatively quickly, and the street has reopened.
Earlier:
6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, November 15.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Partly sunny, chance of rain, high in the upper 40s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:16 am, while sunset will be at 4:32 pm.
TRANSIT
Water Taxi today – Regular service.
Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route with M/V Sealth as the “ghost boat.” Check here for last-minute changes.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
ROAD WORK
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the south half of the bridge is closed, with one lane each way on the north side. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
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; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Story and photos by Tracy Burrows
Special to West Seattle Blog
Thursday night at the Highline High gym, the West Seattle High School volleyball team punched their ticket to this year’s state tournament, beating the Roosevelt Rough Riders 3-1 in the quarterfinals of the district tournament.
Despite having to play short-handed due to injuries and illness, West Seattle kept getting stronger as the match went on.
They dropped the first set by a score of 25-22, in a contest that featured long rallies and hard-fought points. Between sets, head coach Scott Behrbaum told the team to relax, play freely, and have fun. The Wildcats made small adjustments in their attack and defense and came back to win three straight sets, capping it off with a 25-11 victory in the final set.
An enthusiastic crowd of WSHS Wildcats supporters who traveled to Burien witnessed the team advance to the state tournament for the second year in a row. It’s a remarkable turnaround for a program that hadn’t previously qualified for the state tourney since the 1970s. They will be facing Bellevue in the semifinals of the district tournament at Lakeside School on Saturday at 9:00 am. The outcome of the rest of the district tournament matches will factor into the seeding for next week’s state tournament in Yakima.
(Added: WSB photo)
9:45 PM: Police and fire are headed to 26th/Roxbury for what was initially reported as a four-vehicle crash, with one person possibly trapped, so it’s a “rescue extrication” dispatch. Fire dispatch says “one car is upside down on top of another.” Updates to come.
9:53 PM: The response is being downsized. Police told dispatch that this is on the county side of Roxbury. Nonetheless, it’s blocked in both directions right now. One driver is reported to have left the scene.
9:59 PM: A sheriff’s deputy popped onto the SPD frequency with an FYI that they had just had a robbery at Roxbury Safeway near the crash scene.
11:11 PM: SFD confirms no injuries were reported. We went to the scene for the photo added atop the story; if one car had been atop another, that situation had been corrected before we arrived.
(Photo courtesy The Mount – that’s the new time capsule to the left of the sign)
Reps from Nucor Steel visited The Mount (WSB sponsor) to celebrate the new time capsule that will be filled as part of 100th-anniversary festivities. The plant that houses Nucor has decades of history with The Mount – it supplied 1,000,000 pounds of steel for the original construction under general contractor A.W. Quist.
The design and build of the stainless-steel time capsule was led by Richard Crist. with help from melt shop and engineering teammates including Zac Reeves, Mark Hanson, and Andrew Lovre. The announcement from The Mount adds, “Contractor Argo Blower also contributed to the detail cuts of The Mount’s centennial logo mounted on the outside of the box.” You can see the contents of the original 1924 time capsule and admire the new one at The Mount’s holiday bazaar Friday and Saturday; you’re also invited to contribute ideas for what should be sealed inside the new one, for future generations to discover. (The Mount is at 4831 35th SW.)
Just by their nature, senior-living communities tend to see firefighters/paramedics often. But this encounter wasn’t an emergency, as explained by Quail Park of West Seattle (WSB sponsor):
In a show of appreciation for the tireless efforts of local first responders, Quail Park of West Seattle delivered a special lunch to the dedicated firefighters of Station 32 today. Residents and staff brought a hearty meal of brisket, ribs, and pulled pork from Jack’s BBQ in SoDo to thank the firehouse for their service to the community.
This gesture is a heartfelt thank-you to the team at Station 32, who have served Quail Park and the surrounding neighborhood over the years. The BBQ lunch was a small token of gratitude for the critical work they do to keep the area safe.
Station 32 is just east of The Junction, at 38th/Alaska.
5:39 PM: We’re making a couple West Seattle Art Walk stops tonight. First:
(WSB photos)
Jessica and Zac are proprietors of Space Gallery, a cozy, quirky, art-filled space on the Edmunds side of the 4801 Fauntleroy Way SW mixed-use building. (They use the term “lowbrow.”) Tonight they’re featuring ceramics – including the work of artist Dida Lopez:
The in-house art is worth a look too. Zac creates a lot of it – like these magnets ($10!):
Many other local artists’ work is showcased too (don’t miss the hot dogs, inspired by a show over the summer). Zac and Jessica both have day jobs; the gallery is their after-hours “passion project,” and it’s full of heart. Stop by until 8 tonight or 12-6 Saturdays. Off to our next stop- see the Art Walk website to choose your route (and wear your rain hat – it’s back after a few hours’ break)!
6:37 PM: At Alki Arts (6032 California SW), Dance! West Seattle is performing ballet – excerpts from their upcoming “Nutcracker Suites” production, December 22 at Highline Performing Arts Center:
One more mini-performance is ahead at 7 pm (you can buy tickets too). Meantime, Diane Venti‘s gallery is also featuring in-house and visiting artists tonight, spotlighting this month’s theme “Peaceful Homes”:
Open until 8-ish.
(Added: Photo by Robin Sinner)
3:51 PM: If you’re up for pre-sunset whale watching, Kersti Muul just texted to report that Southern Resident Killer Whales from J and K Pods are “northbound from just before the south end of Blake Island. Visible without binoculars.”
(WSB photo – some of the whale watchers at Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook)
3:57 PM: Donna Sandstrom from The Whale Trail says she’s heading to Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (4500 block Beach Drive) for guided viewing.
(Added: Photo by Robin Sinner)
4:55 PM: We were lucky enough to see some of the whales, not close enough to photograph but via binoculars loaned by Donna. We watched one group continue northbound, passing Bainbridge as it got dark. They’re still chasing chum, apparently.
(Monday night photo by Kerry Antezana)
2:57 PM: Three days after a deliberately set fire gutted the historic lodge at Camp Long, Seattle Parks is still working to determine its future. Parks spokesperson Rachel Schulkin had told us they hoped to have more to say later in the week, so we checked back, also asking about the park’s status overall. Here’s the response:
Currently the department is assessing the damage of the main building at Camp Long. After this assessment we will be able to determine next steps.
The park continues to be closed but we hope to reopen it soon as soon as we can secure the building.
Programming is currently cancelled and we hope to resume in the coming week.
Parks said on Tuesday that damage from the fire is estimated at $1.2 million; two of the park’s rustic cabins were vandalized the same night. Investigators found shattered glass and blood droplets; no new information about the investigation so far.
The lodge went through a million-dollar renovation back in 2010.
ADDED 3:50 PM: We also followed up with District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka‘s office. Chief of staff Elaine Ikoma Ko tells WSB they’ve been talking to both SPD and Parks and “We let them know that we stand prepared to support next steps. So we are waiting and monitoring this closely.”
Two days after Dow Constantine announced he doesn’t plan to run for re-election, after 15 years as King County Executive, the field of potential successors is still taking shape. We said we’d check with his most-recent challenger, another West Seattleite, State Senator Joe Nguyễn. We heard back from Nguyễn today and he told WSB that no, he’s not planning to run again. In 2021, he got 44 percent of the vote for County Executive; the next year, he won a second 4-year term in the State Senate, where his committee roles include vice chair of the budget-writing Ways and Means Committee. Nguyễn also told us that if County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay decides to run for County Executive, he’d support him. So far the highest profile candidate is a County Councilmember from the Eastside, Claudia Balducci, who’s also on the Sound Transit Board, which Constantine currently chairs.
Three independent West Seattle businesses are about to throw anniversary parties, and you’re invited:
CARMILIA’S: The boutique Carmilia’s is turning 22! 4-8 pm tonight, the party at 4528 California SW will feature “bubbles, nibbles, and fun,” discounts on new arrivals, gifts with purchases while they last, door-prize drawings, more.
AND ARLEN: Turning two! Just received from Miranda:
On Saturday, November 16th from 5-8 pm to celebrate our 2-year anniversary for our jewelry store And Arlen (4130 California Ave SW), we’ll have snacks, drinks, raffle prizes, and a gift with purchase.
OUNCES: Turning eight! The party at 3809 Delridge Way SW is one week from tonight:
Come celebrate 8 Years of Ounces! Every year, we love to use our Anniversary to say thank you to all the people who have come to Ounces over the years! This year we’re showing our thanks with FREE French Fries & $5 Beer!
Stop in anytime from 5-7 pm Thursday, November 21,for FREE French Fries from our new Burb’s Burger Box, All Beer just $5, and other fun surprises! As always, this event is FREE, Family Friendly & dogs welcome!
(Photo from commenter)
10:42 AM: Emergency responders are headed toward what might be two separate crashes toward the end of the westbound West Seattle Bridge – one pickup truck reported to have hit a pole, another reported to have hit the median. If you’re headed this way, you might consider an alternate route, or exiting the bridge before you get to the last stretch.
10:45 AM: No injuries reported so far. But this may affect eastbound traffic too, which will have to be blocked off to reset the median barrier – an SDOT crew is being summoned for that.
11:18 AM: Currently “one lane blocked eastbound and one blocked westbound,” police have told dispatch. And eastbound will be fully closed eastbound shortly for the barrier reset.
11:40 AM: Fully open again both ways.
November’s second Thursday is here, and it’s West Seattle Art Walk night, featuring The Art of Music. First, here’s the list of who’s featuring art and/or food-and-drink specials tonight:
To browse the individual artists and venues you’ll find, check out this preview on the Art Walk website, spotlighting what’s happening tonight all over the peninsula. Also note there’s been a change in The Art of Music – no musician at The Beer Junction after all, but 6-7:45 pm, you’ll still find Nathan and Roz Duo at Soprano’s Antico Pizza & Pasta in the Admiral District, and Cyd Smith at Whisky West in Morgan Junction. Also:
BALLET DURING ART WALK: Dance! West Seattle is in the house at Alki Arts (6032 California SW) – details here.
CERAMICS SHOWCASE: Space Gallery (4801 Fauntleroy Way SW, enter off Edmunds) invites you to stop by and get acquainted while browsing their ceramic-art showcase tonight, 5-9 pm.
Here’s what else is happening tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Shop fall plants at the center, open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Annuals, perennials, sun, shade, natives, edibles, ground covers … wide variety!
DUCKS IN A ROW: Death happens to everyone eventually, so why not get your ducks in a row for end-of-life decisions? 1 pm today , it’s the second in this series as West Seattle (Admiral) Library offers a series of presentations, today focusing on estate planning,
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com for info on where they’re playing today.
STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm yoga class at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s The Original Philly’s.
VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s cozy tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm, while participating in tonight’s Art Walk (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle!
UNDER-21 OPEN MIC AT THE SKYLARK: Mode Music Studios’ monthly open mic, signups at 5 pm, music at 6 pm, optional theme this month “Delicious Ditties.” (3803 Delridge Way SW)
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for a group walk in Lincoln Park, continuing into the fall and winter after all – details in our calendar listing.
WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: Get the story behind the grunge-themed coloring book “Color Me, I’m Sick” in this online event presented by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, featuring the book’s author Bradi Jones and historian Peder Nelson, 6 pm. Our calendar listing includes the link you can use to register to get attendance info.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: The 6 pm weekly run is now departing from Future Primitive on Alki (2536 Alki SW).
ONLINE MEETING ABOUT SCHOOL CLOSURES: Seattle Public Schools plans an online info-meeting about proposed school closures including West Seattle’s Sanislo Elementary, 6:30 pm – find connection info here.
TEEN’S PACIFIC COAST TRAIL TALE: 6:30 pm at High Point Library, hear Julia’s story:
Julia, a West Seattle teen, completed the PCT, Pacific Crest Trail, thru hike this past summer. The PCT travels from the border of Mexico to the border of Canada. The total elevation gain for the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is approximately 489,000 feet (149,000 meters)123. The PCT is 2,650 miles long and crosses over 57 major mountain passes. It is estimated that hiking the PCT involves climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest more than 16 times. Julia will talk about her experience of the hike, we will share her favorite trail snacks, tea and water, and view some of her photos from the hike. This is a program for all ages.
(3411 SW Raymond)
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: 6:30 pm, meet at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for a 3-mile run through the neighborhood. (Walking option, too!)
GRIEF-SUPPORT PEER GROUP: 6:30 pm with Listening to Grief, meeting at Counseling West Seattle (6957 California SW), preregistration required – info in our calendar listing.
GUIDED BREATHWORK JOURNEY: 6:30 pm in Morgan Junction, “explore your inner world through the transformative power of your breath” – register to get the location info.
LIVE AT EASY STREET: Gemini Affair live in-store at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 7 pm, free, all ages, celebrating their vinyl & CD release.
OPEN MIC: Singers of all genres are welcome tonight at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm.
TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).
‘OPHELIA’ AT WSHS: Opening night for the student production, 7:30 pm at the West Seattle High School theater (3000 California SW), details in our calendar listing.
DJ NIGHT: The weekend starts early at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Jenn Green starting at 8:30 pm.
Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Local preschools that want to reach a lot of families all in one night have an easy way to do that – sign up to be part of the West Seattle Preschool Fair! Here’s the invitation that organizers asked us to share:
Calling West Seattle-area Preschools! We will be holding our annual local Preschool Fair on January 7th, from 5:30 pm-7 pm at Hope Lutheran School’s North Gym. This is a great resource for young families in our area to learn about the options in our neighborhood. If you are interested in participating, please use this link to sign-up by next Monday (November 18th). Questions – westseattlepreschoolfair@gmail.com
And of course, if your family has a future preschooler, save the date!
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, November 14.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Rainy, breezy, high in the low 50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:14 am, while sunset will be at 4:33 pm.
TRANSIT
Water Taxi today – Regular service.
Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route with M/V Sealth as the “ghost boat.” Check here for last-minute changes.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
ROAD WORK
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the south half of the bridge is closed, with one lane each way on the north side. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
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; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
9:47 PM: Police are back at the 35th/Avalon 7-11 after another robbery in the past 15 minutes or so. Three people are reported to have gotten away with the store’s register. Two are described as Black, male, black face masks, black shirts, blue jeans, 5-9, 170, and the third is described only as female. The two male robbers are said to have implied weapons but none were actually seen.
10:08 PM: Officers just told dispatch the store will be closed for a while because Robbery Unit detectives are going there to investigate further.
ADDED: One more bit of info – they might have gotten away in a black Kia headed NB on 35th.
(SSC photo: Dr. Monica Brown at right, greeting students at start of fall quarter)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The new president of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), Dr. Monica Brown, is in her fourth month of leading West Seattle’s only higher-education institution.
But who’s counting? She is. When we sat down to talk recently, she cited the number of days she had been on the job, “and I have been counting.” (In a good way,)
This is her first college presidency, after several senior roles elsewhere, most recently senior vice president for student affairs at Montgomery College in the Washington, D.C., area, a job in which she was “primarily responsible for all things related to student services.” More of an “internal” role, she said, but with external support involved.
What hasn’t changed in her elevation to a presidency is the “focus on all things students’ success.” Working with her cabinet, she says, it’s important to have a sense of the community’s needs as well as students’ needs, though “these things are ever evolving.”
After more than 20 years at Montgomery College, she crossed the country to come work at South Seattle College. Why?
Thanks for the tips and photo. A car wound up on the Admiral/Olga embankment a few hours ago and police are blocking bridge-bound traffic on the curve as they work to get it unstuck. So far as we can tell from the logs, no one was hurt in the original incident.
Two notes about West Seattle encampments:
BEHIND HOME DEPOT: A texter reported that it looked like city crews were engaged in a cleanup at this encampment today, and on behalf of the Unified Care Team, city spokesperson Callie Craighead confirms it:
The area behind the Home Depot on Delridge was resolved today with tents and debris cleared. Over the last several months our contracted outreach partners have been engaging with the individuals residing at this encampment and at the time of resolution, 4 out of 5 offers of shelter were accepted.
This encampment has had multiple fire responses, including a big one this past spring.
SCHMITZ PRESERVE PARK: Multiple readers have reported an encampment inside Schmitz Preserve Park (one of whom sent the photo above), and wondered what the city plans to do about it. Nothing yet, Craighead told us:
UCT is actively monitoring the reported encampment at Schmitz Preserve Park. UCT uses an objective prioritization matrix based on health, safety, and accessibility hazards and shelter availability. Based on the current size and impact of this encampment, it is not scheduled for resolution at this time. We will continue to monitor the area and asses the site for resolution based on changing conditions and the availability of resources.
Thanks to Gene Pavola for the photo. Fins protruding from the water are often assumed to be whales – but not in this case. That’s a “sailing” sea lion, a phenomenon we’ve explained over the years, with the help of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network (see this story, for example). Gene photographed the sea lion at noontime today.
Just about time to seriously get into the holiday previews. We’re working on this year’s WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, as noted the other day – thanks to everyone who’s sent info for that! Meantime, if you’d like to sing “The Messiah” without leaving the peninsula, West Side Presbyterian Church will be the place. Music director Anthony Spain asked us to publish this call for singers to join the choir:
The choir of West Side Presbyterian Church will be singing Christmas sections of the Messiah in December, and is welcoming singers of any age in our community to join us. The choir sings in the beautiful sanctuary space at WSPC, and will be joined by members of the Northwest Symphony Orchestra for this Messiah. For more information, please reach out to Music Director Anthony Spain at anthonys@wspc.org
(Constellation Park section of Alki Point Healthy Street, February)
Months after the city installed much-discussed permanent changes on the Alki Point “Healthy Street”— Beach Drive and Alki Avenue’s respective west-of-63rd SW stretches – SDOT is wondering what you think. They;ve sent out a survey solicitation – here’s the heart of it:
Since 2020 SDOT has been partnering with Seattle Parks and Recreation and the community to improve safety and access for people who walk, bike, and roll while enjoying Alki Point. Throughout the past four years SDOT has evaluated the temporary Healthy Street, made adjustments and heard the community call for permanent changes. This year we began the construction on the first phase of permanent improvements including:
-A shared-use path along Beach Drive SW for people walking, biking, and rolling
-Three designated public parking areas
-Speed cushions to slow down vehicles
-A vehicle turnaround at the end of the Alki trailAs a regional destination park and marine reserve habitat, Alki Point serves people enjoying many popular outdoor activities like kayaking and paddle boarding, whale watching, exploring the low tides, and taking in views of sunsets and the mountains. We understand the unique nature of Alki Point and are seeking your feedback on this survey to better understand how the changes are working so far and inform our next steps.
Go here to answer the survey. It’s open until December 2.
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