West Seattle, Washington
14 Sunday
7:10 AM: SPD and SFD are on the north shore of Lincoln Park for what’s described as a vehicle in the water – but they have deduced that no one is in the vehicle, nor in the water nearby. One texter describes the vehicle as a “white SUV” (added: and says it’s actually on the beach, not submerged). We’re on our way to find out more.
7:32 AM: Thanks to the texter who sent that photo. Our photographer, walking into the park from the Lowman Beach end, has talked with one officer at the park who says a tow crew is on the way. The tide is receding; next low tide is at 11:31 am. (added) The next photo, sent by Greg Dirks, shows where on the north shore this happened:
7:48 AM: Unlike last weekend’s car-in-water off Alki, this one is getting towed out quickly – our photographer has arrived and says they’re there now.
Police tell us they don’t know yet whether the vehicle (described as a GMC Acadia) is stolen and they also haven’t figured out which way it was driven there, from the south entrance or north entrance – we’re looking and don’t see any obvious tracks or damage hinting at that.
ADDED SATURDAY NIGHT: Stephen Nielsen sent this photo of the SUV after it was pulled off the beach.
We hope to be able to find out Monday if police ever confirmed whether the SUV was stolen.
ADDED MONDAY: Police told us today they were unable to confirm whether it was stolen – at least, it hadn’t been reported stolen before turning up in the park. The incident summary says it was registered to someone in Kent: “Kent Police attempted to speak with the registered owner but were unable to reach him by phone.”
(Photo by Jerry Simmons)
Welcome to the first weekend of spring! Here’s what’s in our Event Calendar listings for today/tonight:
WEST SEATTLE LITTLE LEAGUE JAMBOREE: 8:30 am-6 pm at Bar-S Fields (64th/Admiral) on Alki Point, cheer on <strong>West Seattle Little League teams in the season-opening Jamboree, as previewed here. (Find the game schedule here.)
FREE! GROUP RUN: Start your Saturday with this weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW) group run! All levels welcome. Meet at the shop by 8 am.
FREE! HEAVILY MEDITATED: Arrive by 8:50 am for community meditation at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska). Free event every Saturday but please register.
CRAFT SHOW AND SALE: The Missing Piece (35th/Roxbury) is hosting its third annual Craft Show and Sale, 9 am-4 pm.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Scheduled to be open 10 am-2 pm today: “The Garden Center at South Seattle College provides Landscape Horticulture students the opportunity to increase their knowledge of plants while gaining real-world retail experience. Plants available for sale are selected, propagated, grown and presented by students. Additional plants are brought in from local growers.” (6000 16th Ave SW, north lot)
(added) SEATTLE LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL GIVEAWAY: 10 am-3 pm at the former SLHS, future Hope Lutheran School north campus (4100 SW Genesee): “Two SLHS Board members, Pete Renn and Kelly Hammond, are hosting an event today at the former Seattle Lutheran High School main floor. Jerseys, yearbooks, backpacks, lanyards, etc will be available for SLHS alumni and supporters to select from.”
MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
PRINCESS ANGELINE SOVEREIGNTEA: Annual event at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse (4705 West Marginal Way SW), 11 am-1:30 pm. When we asked Friday, a few tickets remained; online sales are over, so call to check.
ROXHILL COMMUNITY DAY: Celebrate Roxhill Park! 11 am-2 pm, DNDA and partners present games, activities, music, and food, for all ages. (29th/Barton)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER=: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room/wine bar open 1-6 pm, north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
NEPENTHE’S WALK-IN MASSAGE CLINIC: 3-5 pm, show up at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) with a specific problem to be addressed by massage, and you’ll get a free (gratuities appreciated) trial of their work.
MEET THE WINEMAKERS: Fossil & Fawn winemakers from Oregon are the guests for a 4-7 pm tasting today at Sebastiano’s (3278 California SW).
WIP & SIP: 6 pm at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW), paint and sip with artist Christopher Coleman – check to see if tickets remain!
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: The Flying Waves, Crash Site, Drama Club at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm, all ages, $10 at door.
FIRES AT EASY STREET: Free in-store show and signing by Fires, 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), all ages.
LIVE AT C & P: 7-9 pm, folk trio Friends and Folk at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). No cover, all ages.
LIVE AT KENYON HALL: 7 pm doors for Wiley Gaby ft. Acacia Forgot . (7904 35th SW)
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
BEATS: Saturday night DJs at Revelry Room – 9 pm. Tonight, DJ TOPSPIN. (4547 California SW, alley side)
KARAOKE: Saturday night, sing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm, with Michael Van Fleet.
Planning a pop-up, concert, open house, show, sale, event, walk, run, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? If the community’s welcome, your event belongs on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The latest meeting of the Fauntleroy ferry-dock replacement project‘s Community Advisory Group was as notable for what members didn’t get as for what they did get.
First, they were expecting to get long-awaited research information at Wednesday’s meeting on promised studies of how dock traffic might be affected by changes such as using the Good To Go! electronic payment system. That information, as Fauntleroy resident Frank Immel said, is what “we all have been waiting for.” Some have long contended that the more efficient fare-paying can be made, the less space the new dock will need. WSF promised at last month’s meeting (as we reported) that the information would be available at this meeting, but said Wednesday it wasn’t ready after all.
Second, some members complained that they didn’t get the time they needed to review a 64-page environmental-analysis report that Washington State Ferries had sent to them the day before the meeting. (See that report here.)
Otherwise, there was one major headline from the meeting:
That’s Sue, one of the thousands of pets that have spent time on the WSB West Seattle Lost/Found Pets page since we launched it 15+ years ago. One month ago, Sue got lost – and then found – thanks to caring people. One of Sue’s people, Ryan, wanted to publicly thank them – and many others, as you’ll see if you read on:
I am writing this primarily to say thank you to West Seattle for helping us find our boy named Sue. He was recently hit while crossing Fauntleroy at night after he slipped his light collar. Afterward we found him in less than 24 hours because of this amazing community. So, I have to say, thank you, West Seattle!
Thank you to the commuter who accidentally hit my black dog as he ran home across Fauntleroy at 9:00 pm with no light. Thank you for calling your family and helping me look for him in Lincoln Park for 3 hours. You are amazing and why this community is the best.
Thank you to Sebastian, Lynn, Dave, Dirk, Tony, Brett, Sarah, Shia, and anyone else I might forget for scouring West Seattle for our dog.
Thank you to the West Seattle Blog and Nextdoor communities for helping us find him over a mile away licking his wounds and hiding.
Thank you to the VCA for helping Sue and getting him back to his goofy healthy self.
Our dog is happy, healthy, and home because of all of you.
Additionally, I want to say thank you to this amazing community I am lucky to call home. Thank you to Gatewood and all the other amazing public schools we have here and the hard work you do to make our community better.
Thank you to the amazing Parks Department that keeps our section of Seattle the best! (Even though you may be distracted by the pickleball debate.)
Thank you to the police, fire department, and all our amazing emergency services that do your best to help us in spite of ourselves. The majority of us trust, respect and appreciate you.
Thank you to the businesses that give us the best banh mi, tamales, dive bars, guitar shop, bakery, record store, movie theater, beach, and community in Seattle!
Thank you for being the only place I want to call home. In my lowest moments, this community always reminds me that we live in an amazing place surrounded by people who may not agree with you, may not particularly want to talk to you, but care for you and want to improve your life.
Thank you from Sue, Chelsea, Rowan, Renee, and Ryan.
(File photo)
Another look ahead to the weekend – Sunday (March 24) brings the first community egg hunt of the season. This one is presented by the Fauntleroy Community Association, which is doing it a bit differently this year – be at the historic Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) playground at 1 pm Sunday; the hunting will happen in waves, with the littlest ones (4 and under) going first. At last report FCA is still looking for volunteers to help fill and hide the eggs earlier on Sunday, so if you might be able to help with that, email coordinator Candace Blue at the address you’ll find here.
All the rest of the community egg hunts are next weekend – Saturday, March 30, and Easter Sunday, March 31 – and we’ve updated the full list here. (If you know of one that’s not listed, please send us the info – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!)
The Beer Junction (4511 California SW) plans to add a new service starting Monday. Here’s the announcement from proprietor Corey Leitch:
At noon on Monday, March 25th, The Beer Junction will launch our new online ordering system! It will now be easier than ever to shop for your favorites and find new beers to try. We will offer in store and curbside pickup of beer, cider, wine, snacks, and more.
We have been working diligently over the past six weeks to get our entire inventory added to the new store with photos and descriptions, so you will have access to everything we sell. Everything is set up by the single unit so you’re not limited to buying in 4/6 packs; you can build the mixed case of your dreams just like when you shop in our store.
Beyond our huge beer selection, we have developed a great wine program over the last year and we have a massive selection of non-alcoholic beer and soft drinks as well. We will also have our selection of snacks (soft pretzels, nachos, etc.) available for order all ready for you to heat them and enjoy at home.
One of the most exciting things about this new service for us is that this will make it easier for parents to shop at our store and we are thrilled to let you know that children 10 and younger may accompany parents into the store while they are picking up their orders
In preparation for this, The Beer Junction has remodeled its website – including a live tap list.
Play ball! It’s time for West Seattle Little League‘s season-opening Jamboree this weekend, and they’ve sent this community invitation:
West Seattle Little League (WSLL) will kick off the season with its annual Jamboree this weekend. All games will be held at WSLL’s Bar-S home field!
The games will be held on Saturday, March 23rd, and Sunday, March 24th. Games will be between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on both days.
Come cheer on our kids, take pictures with the DubSea Fish Sticks mascot, learn about WSLL, and grab a bite to eat at the concessions.
More info here! Bar-S is off Admiral Way west of 64th, on the back side of Alki Point.
(WSB photos unless otherwise credited)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The main event at last night’s Alki Community Council meeting was a conversation with District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka, in his fourth West Seattle community Q&A in a little over two weeks
ACC president Charlotte Starck said she wanted to “set the stage for the conversation” with the context that Alki isn’t just another neighborhood, it’s a “gem for the city of Seattle … but the city does not seem to manage to the crowds when they flex,” and that means a lot of chronic problems go unchecked.
Before she got into specifics – starting with questions received before the meeting – Saka introduced himself, saying “you don’t just win and turn it off .. I’m here right now putting in the work …” and giving a shoutout to his support staff, two of whom were present, district-relations director Leyla Gheisar and policy adviser Heather Marx.
Starck had opened with the topic of dangerous driving along Alki, including two crashes in the past year involving allegedly drunk drivers and cars ending up in the water.
(WSB file photo, Senior Center’s north side)
The Senior Center of West Seattle is getting close to unveiling a new name. To celebrate it, a mural will be painted on its building at California/Oregon – potentially all three sides – and an artist for that mural is being sought now. Here’s the announcement we just received:
Call for artists! Senior Center of West Seattle is seeking professional artists to submit proposals to paint a mural on its building in the West Seattle Junction.
The Senior Center of West Seattle is seeking artists to respond to its Request for Proposals to paint a mural on the side of its building at 4217 SW Oregon St. The mural will wrap from the alley on the Oregon St. side all the way to the California Ave. SW side of the building.
The Senior Center is excited to be going through a renaming and rebranding this year. In mid-May, the nonprofit will announce to the community its new name, which will reflect its long-term goal of broadening and diversifying its membership.
As part of that, the organization is seeking a vibrant and meaningful mural to express its new name and brand that will enhance the visual appeal of the center, create a welcoming atmosphere, and reflect the spirit of the community.
Part of the funding for this project is coming from a Neighborhood Matching grant from the City of Seattle. The Senior Center will be raising the remainder of the funds for the project through its GiveBIG campaign this May.
The Mural Committee for the Senior Center of West Seattle is putting out a Request for Proposal for muralists. Indigenous/BIPOC artists are encouraged to submit a proposal. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 22.
If you’re interested in receiving the Request for Proposal, please contact Karen Pfeiffer Bush at karen@housewarmingseattle.com
(Rosalie Miller photographed a ‘newly emerged Mason Bee’)
Here’s our list of Friday highlights! Most are from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
STAY & PLAY OPEN GYM: Until 11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd), free!
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Open 1-6 pm at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).
FREE TODDLER GYM: 3-5 pm at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW).
HIGH-SCHOOL SOFTBALL: One home game – West Seattle HS hosts Kentlake, 4 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
HIGH-SCHOOL SOCCER: Two home matches – West Seattle HS hosts Bishop Blanchet, 4 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle), while Chief Sealth IHS hosts Garfield, 4:30 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
FOOD POPUP: 5-9 pm at The Nook (2206 California SW) in North Admiral, Lovely and Dapper Desserts, McCormick Jam Co., and Cooking With Timmy are in the house.
CULTURAL CONNECTION NIGHT: “The White Center Teen Program (aka the Log Cabin) is excited to invite the community to the premiere of Cultural Connection Night from 5-7 pm at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd). Join the WCTP for an evening of Cultural Performances along with a Visual Art Gallery featuring the artwork of local artists ages 12-19. In addition, attendees are welcome to wear cultural attire to participate in the inaugural Log Cabin Cultural Fashion Show.”
VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room/wine bar open tonight for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL MULTICULTURAL NIGHT: 6-8:30 pm, with dinner at 7, all welcome: “WSHS student clubs have come together to plan an incredible celebration of diversity through music, dance, and global cuisine. Enjoy student performances, education, community resources, and fun for the whole family!” More info in our calendar listing. (3000 California SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT C & P: Tonight, you can see/hear longtime fave Forrest Sallee at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, all ages, no cover.
SHOWCASE AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm doors for Sundodger, Pent Up!, Waves of Rust. $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
DJ NIGHT AT REVELRY ROOM: Music 9 pm-1 am on Fridays! Tonight: DJ Mr. Nyice Guy. (4547 California SW)
MAKE IT LOUD! Skate to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), 9 pm-midnight, this week featuring Rat King, Abhoria, Whythre. $18 cover + $5 skate rental
LATE-NIGHT SINGING: 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Two weeks from today, school gets out for spring break for many local kids. For families still looking at options, here’s a nonprofit West Seattle day camp with room: DNDA is offering EcoArts Spring Nature Camp for students ages 7-12.
(DNDA images from camp flyer)
It will run 9 am-3 pm daily, Monday, April 8, through Friday, April 12, with before- and/or after-care options. The camp will be based at DNDA’s Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), with a field trip to Camp Long to learn rock climbing. You can register here – the deadline is March 31.
6:04 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, March 22.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Cloudy with a chance of more showers, high in the upper 50s. Sunrise will be at 7:06 am, sunset at 7:26 pm.
EAST MARGINAL PROJECT
As we noted Thursday, SDOT has “started early work at South Horton Street,” which means it’s closed between East Marginal and 99 – for maps and other alerts, see the East Marginal Way Corridor Improvement Project website.
TRANSIT NOTES
Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.
Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Check WSF alerts for changes. Use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, 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:
1st Ave. S. Bridge:
Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotlinr (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!
We have more information tonight about the home-invasion suspect arrested by SWAT officers near Fauntleroy/Hudson on Wednesday. We’re identifying him because he’s being held on another case in which he’s charged, as well as this one in which charges are still pending. Total bail for 20-year-old Tyler L. Taylor is $700,000. A half-million of that is for the home-invasion robbery in which he’s accused, while most of the rest is for the case in which he’s charged. That case involves domestic-violence assault and unlawful gun possession, stemming from a January incident at his home in North Seattle, in which he allegedly threatened to pistol-whip family members. Though Taylor does not have a felony record, he was not supposed to have the gun under terms of a protection order against him. He was arrested after that incident; the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office wanted his bail set at $350,000, but the (unidentified) first-appearance judge set it at $75,000, and after a week, Taylor got out on bond.
According to probable-cause documents from his hearing today, that was almost two months after the home invasion for which he’s being held now. It happened in North Seattle on December 2nd; four men broke into a house and held a couple at gunpoint for more than an hour while stealing items including a car and forcing them to access their bank accounts online. (The narrative notes that the robbers at one point argued over how debit and credit cards work.) Taylor and other suspects were eventually found through use of the victims’ stolen cards at stores and ATMs from which security video was procured, plus cross-referenced cell phone records. The probable-cause documents also say Taylor used a stolen card to buy a $550 virtual-reality headset from a Best Buy store and linked his own account to the purchase.
None of the court documents in either case give any hints as to what Taylor was doing in West Seattle at the time of his arrest Wednesday, nor how police knew to find him there, but one document does say he threw a handgun over a fence before he was taken into custody. It was recovered, and found to have been illegally modified to automatic. Taylor was one of three suspects arrested yesterday; the other two arrests happened outside West Seattle. Potential charges Taylor faces in this case, according to prosecutors, are first-degree robbery, first-degree kidnapping, ID theft, motor-vehicle theft, and second-degree unlawful firearm possession.
Thanks for the tip. Public Health – Seattle & King County is reporting a recent E. coli outbreak linked to PCC West Seattle (WSB sponsor). Here’s what the notice posted on the PHSKC website says:
Public Health is investigating an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 (also known as STEC). Three of the five people who got sick had testing that matched by genetic fingerprinting. This means they most likely got sick from the same source.
Based on information collected, we found one common source for all sick people, which was a store-made guacamole purchased at PCC Community Markets – West Seattle Co-op on February 10, 2024. Even though we think this is the most likely source of illness, we do not know for certain. We did not find out how the guacamole might have been contaminated with STEC and did not have any left to test.
This outbreak appears to be over.
The Public Health report says the five people got sick between February 14 and February 28 and all had gastrointestinal symptoms. None were employees. The agency adds these details:
Four people who became sick had testing that was positive for STEC O157:H7. Three people also had further testing showing they matched by whole genome sequencing or WGS (like genetic fingerprinting) at the Washington State Public Health Laboratory. One person who became sick did not have any testing done.
Public Health also subsequently visited the store last Friday (March 15) to review rules and prevention strategies. We contacted PCC and they pointed us to this announcement on their website’s “recalls” page. It reiterates the PHSKC information about the outbreak and adds:
PCC has fully cooperated with Public Health. West Seattle PCC temporarily ceased all production of guacamole, conducted a deep cleaning of food production areas, and reinforced safe food handling procedures with our staff.
We are so sorry to those impacted by this unfortunate incident. At PCC, we believe in providing open information and responding swiftly if a food safety concern arises. We hold ourselves to a higher standard and know we are trusted in our region for our high quality standards.
As a leader in fostering and promoting healthy, resilient and sustainable food systems, the co-op makes these commitments to our staff, members and customers:
Prioritize and educate: Food safety is top of mind for all of us at PCC — from our staff, food handlers and certified food safety managers at each neighborhood PCC store, to the leaders of our supplier approval process, right up to the co-op’s leadership team.
Teamwork:Every role at the co-op is important to strengthening PCC’s food safety culture. We work collaboratively across all departments, so team members understand how they impact food safety and quality, as well as how they can reduce food safety risks.
Excellence: PCC works with local, state and federal health agencies to ensure that we meet and exceed safety compliance standards.
Continuous improvement: We regularly review our food safety program, procedures, processes, tools, and technology to ensure support and resources to effectively and efficiently manage food safety risks.
Listen deeply: Finally, we will continue to listen deeply to our staff, co-op members and customers when a concern about food safety arises.
You may learn more about recall protocols here. All shoppers can sign up to receive recall notifications here.
We asked a PCC spokesperson if they’re certain no one has this still in their fridge: “As indicated by Public Health, the one common source for all sick people was store-made guacamole purchased on February 10. Given the short shelf life, it is unlikely that any shoppers have this guacamole (still).” But if anyone hearing about this thinks they might have gotten sick too, they should contact Public Health.
(Saturday evening photo by Robert Spears – car wasn’t removed until Sunday morning)
Last weekend, that car remained in the water off Duwamish Head, in the 1200 block of Alki Avenue, for 34 hours following a one-car crash we told you about early Saturday. The 22-year-old driver, unhurt, was arrested for DUI, according to police. The question remained: How/why did he drive into the water? We’ve obtained the early version of the collision report. According to the narrative written by police, the driver was headed east/northbound at the time, so he crossed both directions of Alki Avenue before going over the curb and into the water. Here’s what the narrative says:
Multiple witnesses standing on Alki beach pier saw [vehicle] driving EB, struck the WB curb, rolled 2-3 times over the grass/trail, and then plunged into the water. The paths and side mirror and damage to curb correlate witnesses’ statements. … 2 witnesses [in a nearby building] saw car go over curb, rolled/spinned 360, then went into water.
The narrative also summarizes what the driver told police:
[Driver] said he drank two beers, drove down Alki, lost control of his car, hit the curb, and went into the water.
The driver is a Burien resident, according to the report. So far he has not been cited nor charged in this incident (or any others). We asked Seattle Parks earlier this week if the crash did any significant damage to the seawall or beach that would have to be repaired; they said no.
That photo texted by a reader shows ATM-decommissioning work today at the former Admiral Wells Fargo branch, which permanently closed at midday Wednesday. The building that includes the ex-bank (2358 California SW) and other businesses (stretching to Hoste on the north end) is now officially listed for sale; CBRE is the listing firm, and $7.65 million is the asking price. Signage will be up next week, we’re told, but they’re expecting this to go relatively quickly. For those who have asked, the 25,000-square-foot parcel is zoned for mixed-use development up to 75 feet (~7 stories), as are the parcels on the other three corners of the Admiral/California intersection.
3:51 PM – First: The Guardian One helicopter is just east of Highland Park because of a reported vehicle theft “in progress” in the 8400 block of 1st Avenue South, at or near the tow yard there, across from the 1st/Cloverdale encampment. The vehicle is described as a green 1997 Nissan pickup. The helicopter was not specifically dispatched for this call – it happened to be up and heard the radio traffic and offered assistance.
Second, for those who have asked: There was a sizable emergency response on the Alki Point end of Admiral Way for a medical call described as a suspected overdose. We don’t have an update on the patient.
4:48 PM: Update on the first incident – the helicopter wasn’t in the area for long, and couldn’t locate the stolen pickup. According to police radio, the owner has spotted his truck in the area again, and requested police assistance.
Any of this look familiar? Suzanne sent the photo and report:
Found: Many clothing items belonging to (probably) teen girl, neatly packed in white plastic bag. The photo shows just a few of the many items in the bag.
Bag was on the ground in an alley in the Seaview neighborhood. All of the items were neatly folded as if packed for moving. Items were damp from rain so the bag has been outside for at least a week. I’ve put them in my garage for safekeeping for now. Really hoping they find their way back to their rightful person.
If it’s yours, email us and we’ll connect you.
12:01 PM: One month after Mission Cantina closed at 2325 California SW after 19 years, it has new owners who plan to reopen the restaurant/bar soon. Here’s the announcement we received a short time ago:
Mission Cantina, a cherished Mexican restaurant nestled in the heart of West Seattle, is excited to share that we will be reopening soon.
The Admiral treasure, founded by Peter Morse and others over 19 years ago has operated for the past decade under the leadership of Peter Morse, Shawn Padilla, and Tina Schlotfeldt Padilla, will re-open and continue to operate under the ownership of West Seattle couple Gina Topp and Ben Johnson.
For 19 incredible years, Mission Cantina has been an integral part of the West Seattle community. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a cornerstone of cherished memories and cherished moments. From family dinners and community events to first dates and milestone celebrations, Mission Cantina has been there, woven into the fabric of our lives.
“We couldn’t bear the thought of saying ‘adios’ to this beloved establishment that has meant so much to our family, and we’re incredibly grateful to the previous owners, Peter, Shawn, and Tina, for allowing us to take on Mission’s next chapter. Their vision, passion, and dedication have built an irreplaceable community asset, and we are honored to be its new stewards. It’s truly a testament to the enduring spirit of our community and commitment to preserving the traditions and memories that make West Seattle unique that we are able to re-open Mission Cantina,” said Gina Topp and Ben Johnson.
Please stay tuned for more details on our grand re-opening.
The restaurant/bar had been listed for sale for a while before the closure announcement. You might recognize new co-owner Topp’s name – she is also the recently elected Seattle Public Schools board representative for West Seattle and most of South Park.
1:29 PM: We sent Topp two followup questions. First, about the new owners’ restaurant experience: “Neither Ben nor I have direct experience in the restaurant industry. However, before finalizing the purchase, we curated a strong team. We have a consultant who owns multiple WS/Burien restaurants, along with a seasoned general manager. We will rely on their expertise and guidance.” Second, any major changes planned? “Although there will be some updates and fine-tuning, our primary objective is to maintain the community asset that is Mission Cantina.”
Despite the latest round of community concern, SDOT has reiterated that the final Alki Point Healthy Street design will be built, as first reported here last December.
In a reminder email sent Wednesday to those who had previously signed up for the project mailing list, SDOT’s project team recapped the design announced last winter, including some parking removal, and confirmed to WSB this morning that nothing has changed since the winter update. For example, here’s how the Beach Drive section north/west of 64th works now:
And here’s what it’ll be changed to:
All the cross-section renderings remain available on the Alki Point Healthy Street webpage. The last point of clarification we’ve been seeking from SDOT is how soon construction will start – Wednesday’s email to the list simply said “spring,” which could be any time in the next three months. SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson told WSB this morning that it’s not imminent but won’t have to go out to bid: “This will be an SDOT crew-delivered project. We have not scheduled the exact date yet, and are currently working to determine the schedule. It will likely be in the next few months, depending on crew availability.”
(Photo by Brandon Faloona)
Thanks to the reader who sent the report on the West Seattle High School boys’ soccer team’s win over Nathan Hale on Wednesday, 2-1, five days after a 5-0 loss to the same team. While that loss was at home, Wednesday’s win was on the road; the reader says, “Freshman Noah Ott (#13) scored the game-winner in the second half for West Seattle and was swarmed by his teammates at the final whistle.” The photo above shows that winning goal, a header. According to the Metro League website, this was the first win of the just-underway spring season, and the boys are now 1-1-2, with their next game at 4 pm tomorrow (Friday), at home at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle) vs. Bishop Blanchet.
(Varied Thrush, photographed by Jay Speidell)
Here’s what’s up today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FREE PLAYSPACE: Drop-in space open at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd/Juneau) until noon.
FREE FISH TACO: Duke’s Seafood on Alki (2516 Alki Avenue SW; WSB sponsor) continues celebrating its reopening with a new offer – free fish taco this week with any entree. Open 11 am-10 pm.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Wine bar and tasting room open 1-6 pm at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).
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 class at Senior Center of West Seattle (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 (corrected) Tandem.
FREE ECO-ARTS CLASS: New time – 5-7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – you’re invited to drop in!
VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle.
MEET THE WINEMAKER: 5-7 pm, Celler Pardas visits Sebastiano’s Natural Wines (3278 California SW).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at Future Primitive Beer Bar (2536 Alki SW) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run – more in our calendar listing.
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!)
WEST SEATTLE TIMEBANK: Gathering at Alki Arts (6030 California SW), 6:30 pm – details in our calendar listing.
BOEING FIELD INFO: The King County International Airport Community Coalition presents its annual report at the Duwamish River Community Hub, 6:30 pm. (14th Ave. S. & S. Cloverdale, South Park)
BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday you can listen to the blues.
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka is the spotlight guest at this month’s ACC meeting, 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).
THURSDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: Burger Planet (9614 14th SW) in White Center now has Thursday night trivia at 7 pm – prizes!
Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in daily preview lists like this one? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Thanks to Jan Pendergrass for the photo. Orcas are back in the area today – seen off Duwamish Head as well as southbound off west-facing West Seattle – so if you have a water view, keep an eye out!
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