West Seattle, Washington
12 Friday
The city’s Summer Meals Program opens today at 70 sites citywide. Kids and teens ages 1 through 18 can get “free, healthy breakfasts, lunches, and snacks,” according to the announcement, which adds, “Each participant can receive up to two meals or one meal and one snack per day, to be eaten onsite.” The program will operate through August 23, and this page has multiple ways to find the site closest to you and the hours it’s open – West Seattle sites on the list include High Point Community Center, Highland Park Playground, Roxhill Park Playground, Salish Landing, and High Point Commons Park (opening July 8). If you have questions, email SFSP@seattle.gov.
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, July 1.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Clearing, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:16 am, while sunset will be at 9:10 pm.
ROAD WORK
*Some work on the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project could start this week, but SDOT hasn’t released detour plans yet and says they’re not needed because the early work does not require traffic control.
*SDOT’s Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch.
TRANSIT NOTES
Metro today – Regular schedule; check for advisories here.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is. Meantime, extra daily weekday midday Vashon Water Taxi runs to downtown start today.
Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route, but now with the unscheduled “bonus boat” on weekdays when available; check WSF alerts for last-minute changes and use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (as of early this morning, most were functioning again(
Low bridge: Here’s the main view:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
1st Ave. S. Bridge:
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 open for vessel traffic.
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!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Some of the questions posed to State Sen. Joe Nguyễn during his Saturday morning Town Hall were about the biggest issues faced by state government – like school funding, public safety, and climate response.
Then, there was the attendee who wanted to know who had the power to keep the Blue Angels away.
Sen. Nguyễn, a West Seattle-residing Democrat in his second term as senator for the 34th Legislative District, spoke to and with more than two dozen people scattered around the back garden at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor). As announced, the Town Hall lasted an hour – we recorded it on video:
Many of the questions were about climate/sustainability, not surprising considering that Nguyễn chairs the State Senate’s Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee. But school funding carried the most immediacy, given that Seattle Public Schools‘ superintendent Dr. Brent Jones has cited inadequate state funding as a reason he’s considering closing ~20 schools.
(WSB file photo from a movie night at Camp Long)
Camp Long has set the date for three outdoor movies this August – now the park staff is hoping you’ll help choose which movies are shown. Movie nights will be Fridays – August 2, 9, 23 – “shortly after dusk.” You’re invited to choose your first, second, and third choices from a list of more than 30 movies – go here to cast your votes!
(WSB photo, 34th/Morgan)
Though most of the attention has gone to the Alki Point stretch, West Seattle has two other “Healthy Streets,” and SDOT sent an announcement this week that it’s done with work on what was the first one announced in 2020, officially the “High Point Healthy Street” though it stretches into Sunrise Heights. After a downsizing decision last year, SDOT retained the designation for 34th SW between Graham and Holden. Most of what the “construction” entailed was the placement of permanent concrete-base signage, including some with planters, as shown above, and pavement markings around the signs. SDOT says it will decide by year’s end whether the other West Seattle Healthy Street, Delridge/Highland Park, will become permanent; community advocates have long been requesting that if it does, the Trenton stretch is removed, as that’s a major neighborhood connection street.
Thanks to Teri for the photo. As noted in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and today’s highlight list, former longtime West Seattle Nursery employee Linda Hornberg has written a book “for children of all ages,” and she’s at the nursery until 3 pm signing and reading from “Picture a Garden“ – all welcome to stop by! The nursery is at California/Brandon.
King County Road Services reminds us that today is the 10th anniversary of a momentous day in local transportation history – the opening of the rebuilt South Park Bridge. Our photo above is from the grand-opening party, held on Sunday, June 29, 2014, a day before the full opening to traffic. The bridge opened exactly four years after its predecessor was closed for safety concerns; when its closure was announced, there was no guarantee a new one would be built, as funding hadn’t been finalized, and community tumult resulted. But a few months later, full funding was announced, and construction started half a year after that. Final cost of the bridge, which is a King County structure, was $175 million.
Family and friends will gather July 26 to remember Kelly Jean Wilson, and are sharing this remembrance with her community now:
Kelly Jean Wilson, a lifelong resident of West Seattle, passed away on April 30, 2024, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born on May 21, 1957 at the Doctors Hospital in Seattle to Dale and Peg Wilson. Kelly attended Hope Lutheran School, Denny Middle School, and graduated from Chief Sealth High School in 1975.
Following her high school graduation, Kelly attended beauty school and embarked on her career as a hairstylist. She worked at salons in Pioneer Square, South Lake Union, and 9th & Lenora, before starting her own salon in the Trigger Building in Sodo. Kelly reluctantly retired in December 2021 due to her illness.
Kelly also worked part-time for Seattle sports teams, concerts, and shows at both Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park. As someone who loved being around others, she enjoyed the camaraderie of her coworkers and interactions with the fans.
In addition to her work, Kelly had a passion for playing sports and being active. In high school, she lettered in volleyball and track. She played soccer for many years in an adult league as well as Gaelic football for the Seattle Gaels. Kelly also loved attending her kids’ sporting events, cheering them on from the sidelines. She was a fan of all the professional and college teams in Seattle and the Zags in Spokane. Later in life, Kelly enjoyed attending yoga and fitness classes and missed them terribly when she became too ill to participate.
Kelly loved going on camping trips with family and friends and enjoyed her time traveling throughout Europe and her multiple trips to Ireland.
Kelly had many lifelong friends, especially from high school. She will be remembered for her unwavering love for her community and those around her, and her courage to take on any challenge that came her way.
She will be greatly missed by her partner Alan Gaskin, daughter Sara, son Joe (Margaret), sisters Vicky and Tammy (Marvin), brother Larry (Semie), as well as her many nieces and nephews and extended family.
A memorial service for Kelly will take place on Friday, July 26th, 2024, at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at 7001 35th Ave. SW.
(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)
(Photo by Billy Joe Huels)
Here’s our list for the last day of June, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar!
SEATTLE PRIDE PARADE FYI: Today’s the big day downtown – here’s what you need to know, whether you’re going to the parade or going downtown for something else.
ADMIRAL CHURCH FOOD DRIVE: Continues today – drop off nonperishable-food donations at the church (4320 SW Hill) 9 am-noon.
PLUNGE INTO THE SOUND: 9 am every Sunday, you’re welcome to join a group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 9 am, meet at Dough Joy Donuts (4310 SW Oregon) for this week’s Sunday Funday Run.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: The market is open today, 10 am-2 pm as usual, on California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon, offering early-summer vegetables, flowers, fruit, and plants, plus baked goods, cheese, fish, meat, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from cider to kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, candy, more! Here’s today’s vendor list.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Daily operation continues – open 11 am-8 pm, free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL: The outdoor heated-salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is back open to the public today, noon-7 pm – session times are on the Colman Pool webpage.
LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, the season continues for the only city-run wading pool in West Seattle that operates seven days a week, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area.
CONCERT TRUCK AT ALKI: Noon outside Alki Beach Bathhouse (60th/Alki), the Seattle Chamber Music Society Concert Truck returns with the musicians and program performed at the Seattle Chinese Garden on Thursday night.
Free – bring your own blanket/chair.
ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS RETURN: Reminder that Alki Point Lighthouse is open to the public today for free tours, 1 pm-3:45 pm, Alki Avenue SW & Point Place SW.
READING AND BOOK SIGNING: Longtime West Seattle Nursery employee Linda Hornberg returns to read from and sign her book “Picture a Garden,” 1-3 pm. (5275 California)
‘CLYDE’S’ AT ARTSWEST: 3 pm closing performance at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) – “In this 2022 Tony Award®-Nominated Best Play, creating the perfect sandwich is the shared quest of the formerly incarcerated kitchen staff of Clyde’s, a truck-stop cafe.” Find the ticket link and more info in our calendar listing.
LITTLE’S HOUSE AT KENYON HALL: Doors at 7, show at 7:30 – tickets here. (7904 35th SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Enjoy Sunday night music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8-10 pm.
Organizing and/or publicizing something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basics – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Here in the midst – and mist! – of another not-so-summery night, we’re looking ahead to West Seattle’s two big summer parades.
(WSB photo, July 4, 2023)
FOURTH OF JULY KIDS’ PARADE: Just five days until hundreds of local families fill the streets of North Admiral for this annual “just show up and you’re in!” parade. It starts from 44th SW and Sunset at 10 am Thursday, and travels this winding route to get to post-parade fun at Hamilton Viewpoint Park (sack races, games, food/treat trucks):
The parade is a quarter-century-plus tradition, now presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, coordinated by Megan Erb, with community sponsors (including WSB). The walking and rolling starts right after the National Anthem, with a singer from Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor), and a brief welcome from City Councilmember Rob Saka. Haven’t been before, as a participant or spectator? Our coverage from last year shows you what it’s like.
(WSB photo, West Seattle Yacht Club in 2023 West Seattle Grand Parade)
WEST SEATTLE GRAND PARADE: Three weeks from today, you can stake out a spot along California Avenue SW somewhere between SW Lander and SW Edmunds to watch riders, dancers, marchers, musicians, pirates, clowns, cheerleaders, and others make their way southward in this community celebration. This parade – a tradition for almost 90 years! – is a presentation of the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation, coordinated by a team of volunteers (including amateur-radio operators who handle logistics along the route, and the judges who decide on each year’s winners). The parade starts at the north end of the route around 11 am and usually concludes about two hours later in The Junction.
(WSB photo, primary Vashon Water Taxi vessel M/V Sally Fox after its 2015 delivery)
The King County Water Taxi‘s Vashon-to-Seattle route has long run only during weekday morning and afternoon/evening commute times. With state ferries’ reduced service, Vashon has long requested expanded Water Taxi service – and Monday, it finally happens. With $3 million added funding from the state, the Water Taxi is adding four weekday Vashon-Seattle round trips – leaving Vashon at 9:25 am, noon, 1:30 pm, and 3:45 pm. Previously, the Vashon-Seattle route had six daily round trips, so now it has 10; still no weekend service. You can see the new schedule here.
DJ, also known as Dave or Dennis, is missing, last seen in the White Center/West Seattle area three weeks ago.
Family and friends say he was last seen at or near The Blu Grouse (9839 17th SW), and was in his 1970s-vintage VW bus:
His missing-persons case was filed with police in Thurston County because he had been staying at a friend’s property there, but White Center was the last sighting – please call 911 if you’ve seen him or his vehicle. The Thurston County (Yelm area) police case # to refer to is 24-002682.
One of today’s biggest events is happening right now – the Taste of White Center, benefiting the White Center Food Bank. Until 3 pm, you can visit any of the WCFB’s ticket-sales booths along 16th SW and buy $5 tickets good at participating venues for specific “tastes” – while they last!
This year it’s an all-out street fair, even a DJ, plus bouncy toys on 16th near 100th. Lots of places to sit and enjoy your “tastes.”
More than 30 restaurants, bars, and food stands are participating this year.
(Added: Traffic camera screengrab, 10:30 am)
10:21 AM: Thanks for the tips. Avoid the Delridge/Brandon vicinity – major police response reported per readers, including SWAT. Both directions of Delridge are blocked. Metro says RapidRide H Line is routed off Delridge between Genesee and Orchard. We’re headed that way to find out more.
10:39 AM: Our crew has just arrived in the area and reports that Delridge is blocked from Findlay to Brandon. … This is all focused on someone in a unit at Cottage Grove Commons.
10:46 AM: We don’t know yet what started all this but the person they’re after is described as wanted for felony harassment. Our crew at the scene reports the SWAT officers have used a flashbang and are making loudspeaker announcements asking the suspect to come out. A K9 team is standing by as well. (They have to warn the suspect about that as well.)
11:15 AM: A nearby resident tells us the suspect broke out one of his windows earlier today and started throwing stuff out onto the street.
11:21 AM: Now, our crew reports, the PA announcements are telling the suspect he’s under arrest (once in custody) for property damage and resisting arrest. Again, street blocked and buses diverted in the area.
11:37 AM: After deploying “O.C. gas,” they have reported that the suspect is in custody, and they’re bringing in SFD to check him out.
11:45 AM: Next step, they’re searching the unit. He was reported to have been hitting things (including his door) with a “metal pipe.”
12:06 PM: Delridge Way has reopened.
2:28 PM: We asked police for details; they say this started at 6:23 am, when a 911 caller said the suspect had threatened someone with a “large metal pole.” He subsequently “barricaded himself inside his apartment,” and that’s what eventually led to the large response. The pole was recovered when officers – who obtained a search warrant – searched his apartment after the arrest, SPD says. He’ll be booked into King County Jail.
7:11 PM: That process often takes a few hours, but the 39-year-old suspect is there now.
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor. P.S. Want to get out on the water? WSB sponsor Alki Kayak Tours is open!)
Here are your Saturday highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEST SEATTLE RUNNER’S FREE GROUP RUN: The store is where you and other runners will meet up for the weekly free group run at 8 am. (2743 California SW)
FREE! HEAVILY MEDITATED: Arrive by 8:50 am for community meditation at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska). Free event every Saturday but please RSVP.
STATE SENATOR’S TOWN HALL: As previewed here, State Sen. Joe Nguyễn will be at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) 9-10 am for a Town Hall meeting. Coffee and pastries provided.
WESTCREST DOG PARK CLEANUP: 10 am-2 pm, volunteer cleanup at West Seattle’s only official off-leash area, everybody welcome, bring tools and buckets IF you have them.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market’s fourth season offers produce, plants, condiments, prepared food, more. (9421 18th SW)
ALSO AT THE MARKET: Learn about recycling from Waste Management Recycle Corps interns at the Delridge Farmers’ Market today.
STORYTIME AT SEOLA POND: 10 am, all ages, bring your own blanket to sit on – local teacher leads storytime! Here’s where to find the pond.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Join others on a walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy), 10 am.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.
STORYTIME AT THE BEE GARDEN: 10:30 am at the West Seattle Bee Garden (Lanham/Graham), Seattle Public Library librarians will lead storytime.
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.
TASTE OF WHITE CENTER: 11 am-3 pm, sample White Center eateries’ fare while helping the White Center Food Bank – this preview explains how it works – look for the WCFB’s booths on 16th SW to buy your tickets.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Spraypark season continues – open 11 am-8 pm, free, every day, whatever the weather. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC: One last day for this series of swim-meet closures.
LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: If the pools open today – check after 9:30 am at 206-684-7796 – the season continues for the only city-run wading pool in West Seattle to operate seven days a week, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
HIAWATHA WADING POOL: Also open today if the pools open, noon-5:30 pm. (2700 California SW)
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Volunteers engaging in long-distance advocacy, noon-2 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
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/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
PURRDIE BURRDIE IN THE PARK: 1-5 pm at Lincoln Park Shelter 1 (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW; map), as explained here, West Seattle artist/author Danitra Hunter will be presenting free fun activities – and free copies of her children’s book about her character Purrdie Burrdie, too, for the second of four Saturdays at West Seattle parks.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: The tasting room/wine bar is open 1-6 pm with student-produced wines and “affordable eats” at the north end of the 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.
BOOK SIGNING: 6:30 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), book signing with authors of “Roads to Madness: The Touring History of Queensrÿche” Brian J. Heaton and Brian L. Naron.
WEST END GIRLS AT THE SKYLARK: Doors at 7, show at 8 for the monthly West Seattle drag extravaganza’s “supersized Pride show” – info and ticket link here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
LIVE AT KENYON HALL: 7:30 pm, Koda’s Home and Friends – get your ticket(s) here. (7904 35th SW)
SEE ‘CLYDE’S’ AT ARTSWEST: Final 7:30 pm performance at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) – “In this 2022 Tony Award®-Nominated Best Play, creating the perfect sandwich is the shared quest of the formerly incarcerated kitchen staff of Clyde’s, a truck-stop cafe.” Find the ticket link and more info in our calendar listing.
BEATS AT THE ROOM: Saturday night, DJs at Revelry Room – 9 pm. Tonight, DJ Grizz. (4547 California SW, alley side)
KARAOKE AT THE PIZZERIA: Saturday nights, you can sing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.
West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event belongs on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
On Tuesday (July 2), city councilmembers are expected to vote on one last round of potential changes to the transportation levy intended to go to voters in November. The council committee reviewing and refining the levy is chaired by District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka, who announced his latest proposed revisions today. Checking the detailed documents for West Seattle specifics, 
you’ll see one addition: A tribute to Steve Hulsman, the 66-year-old West Seattle man killed in a collision with a driver on Marine View Drive last December. Mr. Hulsman’s brother-in-law John Good had been talking to the city about ceremonially renaming the section of street where he died; instead, he told us this morning, Councilmember Saka decided to propose, as spelled out in the amendment document, a “Protected Bike Lane project in West Seattle to be named in honor of Steve Hulsman.” The document does not specify a location; the only potential PBL project for West Seattle named in the levy is Highland Park Way SW, but the levy calls for many other to-be-identified-later safety projects around the city. Good showed us email from Councilmember Saka offering also to sponsor a proposal for a “secondary street naming” in memory of Mr. Hulsman, while saying that would take more time.
As for the rest of Saka’s latest levy revision, it still contains the West Seattle specifics we’ve previously mentioned – projects for 35th SW between Alaska and Morgan, Fauntleroy Way between 35th and Alaska, Olson/1st/2nd, plus sidewalks for SW Brandon between 26th SW and 30th SW, and transit-corridor work for sections of SW Oregon and SW Alaska in The Junction. Saka says his final proposal would result in a $1.55 billion levy, same as his previous proposal. Here are the categories into which that would break out:
i. $160.5 million for Vision Zero, School and Neighborhood Safety;
ii. $423 million for Street Maintenance and Modernization, including no less than $350 million for Arterial Roadway Maintenance;
iii. $221 million for Bridges and Structures;
iv. $151 million for Transit Corridors and Connections;
v. $193 million for Pedestrian Safety, including no less than $111 million for New Sidewalks and Sidewalk Alternatives and no less than $34 million for Sidewalk Safety Repair;
vi. $100 million for Signals and Operations;
vii. $113.5 million for Bicycle Safety;
viii. $66.5 million for People Streets and Public Spaces;
ix. $69 million for Climate and Resiliency, including no less than $32 million for
electric vehicle charging infrastructure;
x. $45 million for Freight and Goods Movement; and
xi. $7.5 million for Good Governance & Equitable Implementation Initiative
In the first year, council documents say, Saka’s version would cost the owner of a “median assessed value” home $499, compared to $467 for the mayor’s original $1.45 billion version. Other councilmembers’ amendments include a counterproposal from Councilmember Tammy Morales, totaling $1.7 billion, which would equal $546 in the first year for that “median value” homeowner. (The city says that’s an $804,000 assessed value, and that the expiring levy is costing a median-value homeowner $288 this year.) The meeting at which the final amendments will be discussed, and votes taken, is Tuesday at 9:30 am, and includes a public-comment period, as noted on the agenda (where all the proposed amendments are linked, too). Other ways to get comments to the council are listed here.
Thanks to Margaret for the tip and photo! That taped-off area in the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Arboretum will be the site of a new garden. It had held a rock fountain that long had stopped functioning; it was demolished this month to make way for a sensory garden. SSC spokesperson Ty Swenson told WSB that students in SSC’s Landscape Horticulture program (the same program that runs the Garden Center nearby) “did several designs for the sensory garden that are posted in the kiosks in the front of the arboretum. One will be chosen and students will bring that vision to reality.” The Arboretum is in the northwest corner of the campus, west of the Seattle Chinese Garden and the aforementioned Garden Center.
Though the newly named West Seattle Art Tour is more than two months away, two deadlines for being part of it are coming up fast! If you’d like to host artists as a tour site, you have a little over a week to apply; if you’d like to participate as an artist, you have two weeks. Here’s the announcement:
Save The Date for Art on September 21st! The West Seattle Art Tour (originally West Seattle Art Hop & Shop) returns on September 21, 2024 (10 a, – 5 pm) for its third year. This free, self-guided tour features a full spectrum of art, a chance to meet and talk with artists, and the opportunity to purchase exceptional works of art, all while exploring West Seattle’s beautiful neighborhoods.
Along with a new name, the Tour has a new look thanks to West Seattle artist Karen Johnson, who has designed a new poster, logo, and other marketing materials for the event. Tour co-chair Kassie Hennessey says, “The bold design Karen has put together reflects the West Seattle Art Tour’s commitment to producing an event that puts West Seattle’s artist community on the map!” Additional changes this year include a focus on sites where artists live, work, teach or create community and an application process for host sites and artists.
Artist and host sites are invited to learn more about this year’s criteria on the Tour website (https://wsartwalk.org/west-seattle-art-tour/) and encouraged to apply ASAP! This year’s event has a short application window, with site applications closing July 7th and artist applications due by July 15th.
The West Seattle Art Tour is organized by an all-volunteer committee of more than 20 artists and art lovers with support from West Seattle Art Walk. Individuals interested in supporting the West Seattle Art Tour can reach out to WSArtHop@gmail.com.
(Rendering of new Alki Elementary entrance on north side of school)
Monday (July 1) is the day that Deputy Hearing Examiner Susan Drummond is expected to issue her ruling in the second appeal of a proposed zoning exception for the new Alki Elementary School. Thursday was the deadline she gave to the three parties in the case – the nearby residents who filed the appeal, Seattle Public Schools, and the city Department of Construction and Inspections – to file their closing statements, and all three did. You might recall that the only issue is whether SPS will be allowed to build the expanded new school with less parking than city zoning rules require. The rules require 48 spaces; the district originally sought to rebuild with no offstreet parking; a separate group of area residents appealed that and other zoning exceptions the city granted. Last August, Drummond ruled in their favor regarding the parking issue, ordering the district and city to go back to the drawing board on that. (Other exception appeals were either dismissed or settled.) The district subsequently revised the design to create 15 spaces on the southwest side of the campus; the city said OK, and then this appeal was filed.
The case was argued in a three-day hearing we covered in late May and early June (here’s our report on Day 1, our report on Day 2, and our report on Day 3), and now the ruling is awaited. The closing arguments are all in the case file – you can download and read the appellants’ argument here, the district’s argument here, and the city’s brief argument here.
Depending on what Drummond rules, a subsequent court challenge is possible; that was the first action the district took after the previous ruling, but a judge threw it out because it wasn’t a land-use decision, it was just an admonition to revisit the issue. Meantime, Alki Elementary spent the just-concluded school year in temporary quarters at the former Schmitz Park Elementary and will be there at least two more years. The school’s enrollment last year was ~271 (100 under the old Alki’s capacity), and the new school is planned for up to double that, counting two preschool classes expected also to be housed on the campus.
The West Seattle Little League 12s All-Stars are headed for state competition after winning the district championship. Thanks to Jackie Borg for sending the report and photos:
The WSLL All-Star baseball 12s achieved a thrilling victory Thursday night, securing the District 7 Championship!
With incredible determination and skill, the 12s had to rally to beat South Highline National twice to clinch the title. Now, the team is headed to the state tournament to represent District 7! The 12s state tournament run begins July 13 in Aberdeen.
Manager: Nick Datz
Coaches: Sean McKinney & Stu Widman
Players: Timothy Kime, Elijah Fraser, Gavin Ross, Patrick Bowen, Ben Datz, Cameron Widman, Nathan Shafi, Mason Pfeifle, Henry Corr, Milo Reese, Keanu Ignacio, George Faull, Duncan McKinneyFor the All-Stars Tournament schedule, visit the WSLL website:
westseattlelittleleague.com
Among the upcoming games, the 11s All-Stars play tonight at 6 at Bar-S (64th/Admiral).
12:10 PM: While awaiting the next major step toward Sound Transit‘s West Seattle light-rail extension, the release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement – due sometime this summer – businesses in the project’s path continue their awareness/support campaign. We just got this announcement this morning:
Rally For Relocation
Rally in Support of West Seattle Businesses Facing Relocation
July 11th | 4 pm-7 pm
At Ounces Taproom & Beer Garden and Skylark CaféJoin us for a rally in support of Ounces, Skylark, Mode, Alki Beach Academy, West Seattle Health Club & 60+ local businesses facing relocation as a result of light rail to our community. This rally is NOT about light rail, but instead about supporting those local businesses that face relocation as a result –– to ensure that they get the funding and assistance needed to successfully reopen their businesses in a new location should light rail be approved in the near future. Bring your family, friends & neighbors to stand with these businesses! Together, let’s walk Skylark to Delridge Deli Mart (and back) – all in support of local business! Then stick around for food, beer & community at Ounces & Skylark!
Skylark and Ounces are both on the west side of the 3800 block of Delridge Way SW. Meantime, we’re checking back with Sound Transit to see if there’s any new information on the FEIS timetable; after it’s released, the next step would be for the ST Board to take a final vote on routing and station locations. Construction is currently projected to start in 2027, with the line opening toward the end of 2032.
1:23 PM: ST’s Rachelle Cunningham replied to our inquiries, saying the FEIS release is “getting close, but there isn’t a publication date yet.” Also – a separate community group had said that ST Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine was championing their request for a community forum for West Seattle; Cunningham says about that, “The team is working on scheduling some upcoming engagement, but there aren’t any specifics to share yet.”
Orcas were in view off West Seattle earlier this morning, and while we missed the chance to mention them earlier, we just got word from Kersti Muul that they’re now “northbound after milling,” on the west side of the channel (so binoculars definitely needed), off Lincoln Park.
(WSB photo, Mount Rainier and the bridge seen from T-5 earlier this week)
Highlights for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SSC GARDEN CENTER: South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, until 3 pm.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open 11 am-8 pm. Free! (1100 SW Cloverdale)
WADING POOLS: Open today since warmer weather is expected – Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm; Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) and Hiawatha (2700 California SW), noon-5:30 pm.
COLMAN POOL CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC: Swim-meet closure again today.
VISCON CELLARS: The tasting room/wine bar is open tonight for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
HAND-BUILD CLAY ANIMALS! At The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), 6:30-9 pm – registration information is in our calendar listing.
STEEL GUITAR AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Fraser Havens performs at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, all ages, no cover.
SOUND BATH: 7 pm at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW), uphill – details in our calendar listing.
EMERALD CITY KINGS BALL PRIDE: Drag at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), doors at 7 pm, show at 8 pm, $20 advance tickets or $25 at the door.
AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.
SEE ‘CLYDE’S’ AT ARTSWEST: Third-to-last chance! 7:30 pm performance at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) – “In this 2022 Tony Award®-Nominated Best Play, creating the perfect sandwich is the shared quest of the formerly incarcerated kitchen staff of Clyde’s, a truck-stop cafe.” Find the ticket link and more info in our calendar listing.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Tonight it’s DJ Supreme La Rock, 9 pm-1 am! (4547 California SW)
YOU SKATE, THEY PLAY: “Make It Loud!” returns at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), roller skating to live bands, featuring Leeni, Darksparkler, Miloisntreal. $18 cover, $5 skate.
YOU’RE THE STAR: 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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