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In South Gatewood or Upper Fauntleroy? Huddle with your hub!
March 4, 2024 1:03 pm
|    Comments Off on In South Gatewood or Upper Fauntleroy? Huddle with your hub!
 |   Fauntleroy | Gatewood | Preparedness | West Seattle news

Last week on the Nisqually earthquake anniversary, we reminded you about Emergency Communication Hubs – the volunteer-powered meeting places pre-designated in case of catastrophe, places you can go for information/resources if something big takes down the usual means of communication. One of West Seattle’s 20+ hubs is hoping nearby residents will come to a gathering this Thursday (March 7), 6:30 pm – the one for South Gatewood and Upper Fauntleroy residents, at Peace Lutheran Church (39th/Thistle). Here’s the announcement from organizer Joel:

The Emergency Hub located at Peace Lutheran Church is meant to provide community-run support efforts in the area of Cloverdale up to Othello, and 35th to California in the event of infrastructure related disturbances such as a major snowstorm, extended power outages, or the big earthquake/ tsunami/ volcanic eruption/ Guadalajara type of disaster.

If you are, or you know anyone, in the area that may be interested in doing some tabletop role-playing exercises that’ll cover several information gathering and resource distribution techniques to help us be better prepared for managing our local needs in a time of crisis, please feel free to join us. All are welcome. No prior knowledge or training is needed. Enter on the west side of the church.

For detailed info on how hubs are supposed to work, go here

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Parade of tow trucks reveals another Myers Way cleanup
March 4, 2024 12:12 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Myers Way | West Seattle news

Last Thursday, Kathleen sent these photos of a “parade” of tow trucks she saw heading from Myers Way toward Highway 509. After a few inquiries, we finally found out today where they were towed from. It wasn’t an encampment cleanup/mitigation, we were told, but it was a cleanup – involving a Seattle City Light parcel along Myers Way.

SCL spokesperson Jenn Strang told WSB, “This has been a collaborative operation between several city entities to secure the City Light property along Myers Way. We removed vehicles that were sitting at the bottom of the hill and are also closing in on removal of trash and debris in the next few weeks. Once cleared, it will be secured with ecoblocks to prevent further dumping in the area. A total of 10 vehicles, plus a stripped-down frame, were taken off the property.” (We have a followup question out regarding which specific parcel this involved – maps show SCL property on both sides of Myers, close to the city-limit line.)

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Benefit bake sale, trivia, tunes, meditation, more on the West Seattle Monday list
March 4, 2024 10:21 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Quiet February morning at Alki – photo by James Bratsanos)

Here’s the list for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: 2 pm at City Hall, the weekly meeting in which councilmembers talk about their plans for the week ahead. Here’s the agenda. Watch live via Seattle Channel.

TODDLER GYM PLAYTIME: Free indoor drop-in playspace 3-5 pm at the Salvation Army Center. (9050 16th SW).

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: Fourth day of cookie booths at various locations – some starting at 4 pm. Search here for your nearest locations.

BENEFIT BAKE SALE: A local soccer club, Valencia CF Academy Boys 2010/2011, is fundraising for its upcoming trip to Spain, including scholarship costs to ensure all players can make the trip. They’re having a bake sale during Arbor Heights Food Truck Night, 4:40-7 pm. They’re promising key lime pie, cookies, brownies, pan dulce, more. Read more about them in our calendar listing. (10835 42nd Ave. SW)

DISCOVER SEATTLE COLLEGES: As previewed here last night, South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) and its sibling campuses are opening the doors – virtual and physical – this month so you can learn about what they offer. Tonight at 5:30, the first online info session focuses on health and medical programs – RSVP here to get the link.

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

D&D: Open D&D starts at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), all welcome, first-time players too. $5.

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

MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

MEDITATION ON ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community invites you to Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) for meditation. 7 pm.

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

KARAOKE: 9 pm, Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).

Have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar and/or Holiday Guide? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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GOT JOBS? Be part of this year’s West Seattle High School Job and Internship Fair
March 4, 2024 9:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Last year, almost two dozen local businesses and organizations were part of the West Seattle High School Job and Internship Fair. This year’s event is a month away and organizers asked us to share this invitation for participation:

West Seattle High School Job and Internship Fair – 4/3/24

If you’re looking to hire teens and/or soon-to-be high school graduates, West Seattle High School is hosting the WSHS Job and Internship Fair on April 3rd from 11:30am-2:30pm. Come showcase your opportunities and connect with students!

Fill out this MS Form to attend: forms.office.com/r/vh7TccqWEZ or email Brian Fitzgerald at bjfitzgerald@seattleschools.org with questions or concerns.

Positions offered can include:

Paid
Volunteer
Internships
Permanent
Seasonal
Pre-apprenticeships
Apprenticeships

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: March’s first Monday
March 4, 2024 6:01 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:28 AM: Just in from Metro: “West Seattle Water Taxi will miss first two round trips this morning due to a mechanical issue.”

Earlier:

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, March 4th.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Unsettled weather again today, with the forecast including a chance of showers, possibly some “wintry mix,” high in the mid-40s. Sunrise will be at 6:42 am, sunset at 5:59 pm.

ALMOST TIME FOR A CHANGE

Daylight Saving Time arrives Sunday morning (March 10) at 2 am, when we’ll “spring forward” an hour.

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, and 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 us (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene). Thank you!

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About the emergency response on California near Hinds
March 3, 2024 9:56 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

(Added: Photo by Christopher Boffoli)

We have received several questions about a Seattle Fire response that’s been blocking the southbound lanes of California near Hinds. They were originally called there for a suspected gas leak. They couldn’t find evidence of a leak but with Puget Sound Energy‘s help have finally traced the concern to a problem with a meter, which PSE has shut down. The SFD crews will be departing shortly, firefighters just told dispatch.

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WEEK AHEAD: Another round of West Seattle light-rail station planning Tuesday
March 3, 2024 9:31 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Sound Transit | West Seattle news

The Sound Transit Board is still months away from finalizing the light-rail route into West Seattle – that will happen after the final Environmental Impact Statement is made public. In the meantime, the agency, working with the city, is continuing to plan the four stations (Junction, Avalon, Delridge, SODO) – based on the locations that are so far considered the “preferred alternative.” Tuesday night, the agency returns to West Seattle for an open-house-style meeting following up on the one held four months ago. They promise that the meeting will be “an opportunity to see how your feedback informs ongoing station area designs” – feedback from a survey last fall as well as from the October meeting. (Additional station-planning info was shown at a subsequent meeting of the West Seattle Transportation Coalition.) “Station area designs” is a reference to not only the stations themselves but also how other transportation – buses, bicycles, etc. – will be routed for arrivals and transfers, and also what will happen to station-adjacent sites that will be used for construction staging. Some are envisioned as “transit-oriented development.” The Tuesday meeting is set for 5:30-7:30 pm “with a short presentation at 6 pm,” at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds, lower-level entrance off the parking lot). The projected launch date for the $4 billion light-rail extension remains late 2032.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police arrest two teens after Alki burglary (updated); truck-theft attempt
March 3, 2024 5:56 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two notes in West Seattle Crime Watch:

POLICE DETAIN ALKI BURGLARY SUSPECTS: This is happening right now. Someone called 911 to report a suspected burglary at Il Nido (the Italian restaurant in the former Alki Homestead) after seeing/hearing people inside on a night when it’s usually closed; police have detained two suspects, one caught while running a block west, the other, after running into a nearby business. We don’t know yet what they’ve confirmed about the burglary – they’re trying to reach the restaurant’s owners – but in case you’re on Alki and wondering about the police activity, that’s what’s happening. MONDAY UPDATE: We followed up with SPD, which tells WSB, “Officers found two juveniles, both males, ages 13 and 14. They were arrested for burglary and property destruction, identified and released.” They are accused of breaking into an under-construction area of the historic building.

ATTEMPTED TRUCK THEFT: Emailed by a reader in North Admiral:

Wednesday morning, about 1 – 2 a.m., car thieves attempted to steal my husband’s red Dodge Ram pickup. 45th Ave just north of Hill St. Luckily, a neighbor’s nephew was driving down Hill Street and noticed a van with its lights off parked in the middle of the street. He stopped his car and when they noticed him, a couple of people jumped out of the truck, into the van and took off. The truck’s passenger side lock was damaged, and they attempted to jam a screw driver into the ignition. The tip of the screw driver broke off in the ignition. This is the second auto theft, although ours was only attempted, in our neighborhood in a couple of weeks. The last auto was recovered by the owner using a tracker in their vehicle. They were able to find it in Georgetown and recovered it. Our Neighborhood Watch Captain will be putting an alert out to all the neighbors in this area for those who are not yet aware. Please post so others are aware.

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From accounting to winemaking, here are six ways to see what you can learn at South Seattle College
March 3, 2024 5:04 pm
|    Comments Off on From accounting to winemaking, here are six ways to see what you can learn at South Seattle College
 |   Georgetown | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Moving on to college? Going back to college? Thinking about a career change? South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) likely has something for you. As part of “Discover Seattle Colleges” events these next two weeks, you have multiple opportunities to learn about the possibilities. First, four online events this week will explore academic programs and career pathways offered by SSC and its sibling campuses (North and Central):

Health and Medical / Education and Human Services: Monday, March 4, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Business and Accounting / Science, Engineering and Technology: Tuesday, March 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Culinary, Hospitality and Wine / Skilled Trades and Technical Training: Wednesday, March 6, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Arts, Design and Graphics / Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages: Thursday, March 7, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

RSVP to get the links for any or all of those online events – go here.

Then next week, the Seattle Colleges campuses all have in-person open houses where you can meet faculty, take tours, get admission/resources information, and more. (Even if you’re not considering enrollment, community members are welcome to visit and learn more about the colleges too!) Here are the two for SSC:

Georgetown Apprenticeship & Education Center, South Seattle College: Monday, March 11, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
South Seattle College Main Campus (in West Seattle): Tuesday, March 12, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

To RSVP for either or both, and to get info about open houses at the other colleges, go here. (And if you’re ready to enroll, you can do that now too, for spring-quarter classes starting April 1st.)

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Justin Cline, White Center community advocate and Full Tilt Ice Cream founder, has died
March 3, 2024 12:56 pm
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | White Center

(WSB/WCN photo of Justin and family last year as Full Tilt marked 15 years)

Two weeks ago, we reported on community crowdfunding to help the family of Justin Cline, White Center community advocate and founder of Full Tilt Ice Cream, after he suffered a heart attack. Today, we just heard from a Full Tilt staffer announcing on behalf of the family that Justin has died, at age 49. Here’s the announcement published on the original GoFundMe page:

It is with absolutely broken hearts that we share that our beloved friend Justin has moved on to the great ice cream shop in the sky.

Justin died around 6:00 am on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 at Valley Medical Center. At every step along the way, Valley staff did an incredible job monitoring and managing his ever-changing condition, and taking every possible step to give him excellent care.

Ann, Moss and Ruby, their family and friends, and the entire staff and community of Full Tilt are grieving this loss. Justin will be missed by so many, because he touched so very many people in his life. The number of stories of connections and care that we have heard this past month has been incredible. We have loved hearing all the large and small ways that Justin’s open, giving nature has positively impacted the community as a whole and hundreds of individual lives.

Right now Ann and the kids are understandably distraught and overwhelmed with this tragedy. We understand that everyone wants to connect with Ann, share their memories and stories of Justin, and offer love and comfort. However, the community Justin built around himself is so large and deeply connected that we imagine the outpouring of love could become overwhelming for Ann.

We have created a list of ways that the community can support Ann, Moss and Ruby in this time.

* Continue giving to the GoFundMe to support Justin’s family during this time. Ann’s financial needs will only increase as she navigates this shift to single-parenting and keeping Full Tilt afloat.
* Send your memories, stories, artworks, and photos of or inspired by Justin to justininmemoriam at gmail.com. We will be compiling the stories, photos, memories, artworks into a book for Ann and the kids. If possible, title your email “contribution” to help us manage the inbox.
* Email justininmemoriam at gmail.com to offer any practical support you would like – either with your ideas for support you’d like to offer or an open offer for whatever Ann may need. Ann’s friends will be monitoring this inbox and will connect with Ann to see what kinds of supports are needed as time goes on. If possible, please title your email “support” to help us manage the inbox.
* Continue to visit Full Tilt when you can. Every scoop you enjoy, every round of pinball, and every beer you share with a friend helps keep Justin’s family and employees going.
* Hug your people and tell them you love them.
* Consider ways you can support your community. Justin’s store, his heart, and his time were open for those who needed him. Our communities are better when we are community builders.
* Get CPR certified. Ann was able to save Justin’s life the night of his heart attack because she knew how to perform CPR. A couple of hours of your time could save a life. cpr.heart.org/en or redcross.org

We will share more information as services are planned and needs are realized.

Thank you all for your love and support, for all you’ve done this past month and all you will continue to do to help hold Justin’s family, friends, Full Tilt family and community close. We all wish Justin were here to hug each and every one of you.

Toward the request for people to “continue visiting Full Tilt” – which opened in downtown White Center in 2008 – they’re open today.

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Remembering Lorraine R. Presley, 1941-2024
March 3, 2024 10:53 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Lorraine Presley, and sharing this remembrance with her community:

Lorraine Rachelle Chevalier Presley, October 21, 1941-January 30, 2024

Born in Victoria, BC to Marie and Edgar Chevalier. Raised in Mornville, Alberta, Canada. As a teen, the family moved to St. Petersburg, FL, where Lorraine graduated from high school. She wanted to go to college and become a doctor; however, her father would not allow it, because “she was a girl, and girls do not become doctors.” In 1962, while attending nursing school at a junior college, she noticed an advertisement for a stewardess job with United Air Lines and applied. She was the only woman of twenty-five applicants chosen for the job. She flew out of Chicago before transferring to Seattle in 1963. She settled in West Seattle and traveled the world – meeting politicians, celebrities, influential businesspeople and even an occasional mafioso! She shared many stories of her adventures in a world that was certainly a different era.

Lorraine met William (David) Presley, and they married in 1968. She had to leave her job due to regulations at the time requiring stewardesses resign once married. They made their home in West Seattle to raise their children Kari and Michael. In 1977 she chose to return to college, earning her RN degree then working at Swedish Hospital. In early 1980, she joined a class-action lawsuit against the airline for its regulation forcing stewardesses to resign upon marriage. The women won the case, and she gained her job back as a flight attendant with United. This gave her the freedom not only for herself to travel again, but her family were also able to travel. On occasion (for a change of scenery) she flew and lived out of Narita, Japan and London, England. She also flew out of San Francisco. Lorraine retired in September 2001.

In 1997 she and David moved to Grants Pass, OR. In 2008 she returned to West Seattle to be near her daughter and son. At age 65 she took an intensive three-month course to renew her Washington State RN license, working at Northwest Kidney Center. Lorraine returned to Grants Pass in 2019 to care for her husband. In January 2023 she was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma. After a year bravely fighting cancer, Lorraine passed peacefully, quickly and without pain, her family by her side.

Among her talents, Lorraine possessed the highest standard of entertaining, cooking, presentation, and caregiving. She was an excellent seamstress. Making everyday clothing, one-of-a-kind Halloween costumes, and designer-worthy formal wear. Her cakes were beautifully decorated and tasted amazing. In retirement, she volunteered at soup kitchens and medical expeditions in Louisiana, Chicago, Grants Pass, and Seattle.

Lorraine was a strong, smart, creative, caring woman who gave so much of herself to all
who met her and will be greatly missed, never forgotten. She is survived by her husband David, children Kari and Michael, her sister Colleen and husband (Russ), their daughters (Dory, Michelle), sister-in-law Sue Soderstrom, her nieces (Joy, Janet, Debbie, Michelle, Susan, Diane) and nephews (Kevin, Tom). Per her request, there will be no memorial service. Her ashes are to be scattered over Puget Sound and Paris, France.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary donation in her spirit to any of her favorite organizations: Remote Area Medical (ramusa.com), Planned Parenthood, and Habitat for Humanity.

(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)

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 14 notes!
March 3, 2024 6:16 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Bufflehead starting a dive, photographed by James Tilley)

Here’s what to know about today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

DOWNTOWN (ETC.) TRAFFIC ALERT: If you’re going downtown or points north this morning, you might encounter the Hot Chocolate Run, which has 5K/10K/15K routes – here’s the map.

MINI-POLAR PLUNGE: 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).

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: Third day of cookie booths at various locations – some starting as early as 9 am. Search here for your nearest locations.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at 9 am at rotating locations – today it’s C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

HELP OUT AT THE BEE GARDEN: Lots of work – planting, transplanting, compost-moving – 10 am-1 pm at the West Seattle Bee Garden (Lanham/Graham).

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market is open as usual between SW Alaska and SW Oregon on California, offering winter vegetables and fruit plus cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from cider to kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, candy, more! Here’s today’s vendor list.

WHILE YOU’RE AT THE MARKET … go check-out the Small Business Pop-Up Market inside Jet City Labs (4527 California SW), with vendors and music! 10 am-2 pm.

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need to borrow something for a home project? Visit the WSTL 11 am-4 pm. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)

ART EXHIBITION: First weekend for Lucha Libre-themed show at Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery (9414 Delridge Way SW). Open today noon-4 pm.

TOY SWAP: 2-4 pm at Fit4Mom Studio (2707 California SW) – details in our preview.

FREE FAMILY-HISTORY RESEARCH HELP: Get expert help for free, 2:30 pm-4:30 pm at West Seattle Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (4001 44th SW).

MUSICIANS FOR THE WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK: Good music, good cause! 3 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

DRAG BINGO: 5:30 pm at The Locöl Kitchen & Bar (7902 35th SW), 21+.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: See and hear the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8-10 pm.

Planning something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the info – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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HPAC REPORT #2: Encampment updates, re-sleuthing ‘The Hum,’ Delridge Triangle
March 2, 2024 10:17 pm
|      46 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Highland Park | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Our first report on this past week’s HPAC meeting – held online Wednesday night – focused on the group’s discussion with a Metro rep about proposed bus-stop changes. But the coalition tackled other topics of note, and that’s what we’re writing about now.

ENCAMPMENTS: Questions about several encampments in southeast West Seattle had surfaced at previous meetings, so HPAC invited local-government reps to attend with updates. Tom Van Bronkhorst was there from the city’s Unified Care Team, and James Poling was there on behalf of WSDOT. The one of greatest concern was the growing encampment at 1st/Cloverdale, just west of Highway 509. Poling said that WSDOT “has started preliminary assessment at the site.” Van Bronkhorst said WSDOT doesn’t own the entirety of the property involved – there’s adjacent city land that’s “also encamped.” As a result of that, he said, the city will be “working in the weeks ahead to plan some kind of removal.” Before that, he expected crews would be removing litter at the site. (We followed up post-meeting with Lori Baxter, who handles homelessness-response inquiries for the mayor’s office, and she confirmed the site is getting “weekly trash mitigation … while WSDOT resolution planning continues.” She added, “The Unified Care Team last inspected this site on February 14, noting six RVs/vehicles and three tents/structures.”) At the HPAC meeting, Van Bronkhorst also addressed the encampment across Delridge Way from the Southwest Precinct, saying it’s likely to be resolved by summer, because a city reforestation project is planned to “activate” that area (the Delridge Native Forest Garden, which got a federal grant last year, and about which Baxter tells us, “UCT will consider the construction schedule while building out upcoming calendar dates”). Finally, regarding Barton between 15th and 17th, Van Bronkhorst said five RVs were there at last count, 600 pounds of trash was removed three weeks ago, and the outreach agency REACH has been “visiting every few weeks.”

‘THE HUM’: More than a decade ago, we reported on then-HPAC leadership leading community sleuthing of the droning noise that so many were hearing at night. It was traced to vacuum equipment offloading dry cargo from ships serving an industrial facility on the Duwamish River; better muffling was installed, and that seemed to handle the problem. In recent months, we hear every so often from someone thinking they’re hearing it again; invariably, when we get one of those reports, we check MarineTraffic.com, and it shows the same type of ship in port around the same spot. At Wednesday’s meeting, local resident Matthew said he’s resolved to get to the bottom of it, including finding out what the noise rules are. HPAC leadership agreed to collaborate with him. You can help too – if you hear it, log the time. Record it if you can.

DELRIDGE TRIANGLE: This triangle of land by the Route 60 northbound bus stop across from 2 Fingers Social was the subject of a community-led planning process in 2017-2019 aimed at turning it into more of a park. Eventually the effort stalled (the last mention in our archives was July 2019). Now, HPAC says, there’s word that Seattle Parks is acquiring the parcel from SDOT. We’re following up on that with both.

WHAT’S NEXT? HPAC meets on fourth Wednesdays most months, 7 pm. Watch the HPAC website for updates.

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WEATHER: Not done with ‘wintry mix’ yet
March 2, 2024 8:35 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

In case you missed it: For a while this afternoon, snow had the upper hand in the “wintry mix” that swept through. Gill Loring‘s photo above is from White Center; we saw it while traveling from North Admiral to south Gatewood. The clouds that brought it were quite dramatic, as Jason Grotelueschen‘s photo from The Junction shows:

More “wintry mix” (aka rain/snow) is in the forecast all the way through Tuesday, with highs continuing in the mid-40s (below the seasonal norms, which would be low 50s). Spring is only 17 days away!

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COUNTDOWN: One week until free dropoff recycling/shredding event in West Seattle
March 2, 2024 6:13 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: One week until free dropoff recycling/shredding event in West Seattle
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

By this time next Saturday night, you might have a lot less no-longer-needed stuff. since the annual free recycling/shredding event presented by the West Seattle Junction Association and Chamber of Commerce is next Saturday morning – 9 am until noon March 9, in the north lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). From the official flyer, here’s what will be accepted:

First-come, first-served, so don’t wait until the last moment; some trucks might fill up last. Also note that shreddable paper is limited to four boxes. (See the list of what will NOT be accepted by checking our calendar listing.)

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SUNDAY PREVIEWS: West Seattle Bee Garden TLC; family-history research help
March 2, 2024 3:29 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Gardening | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Two events coming up tomorrow (Sunday, March 3) that you might want an advance alert about:

WEST SEATTLE BEE GARDEN: Lisa sent the photo and an invitation for volunteers of all ages to help out tomorrow, all or part of the three-hour period between 10 am and 1 pm:

Our next work party is full of opportunity to:

-plant native plants – a wide variety coming from the King Conservation District Native Plant Sale,
-move loads of compost for our new perennial pollinator pads,
-plant native flower seeds – blanket flower and globe gilia,
-make more temporary signs, and,
=relocate desirable plants.

As usual, dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. We’ll have some light snacks. We also have an assortment of garden tools but if you have a personal favorite, you’re welcome to bring it.

We need lots of folks to make this all happen. Bonus points for those that bring a friend :) Thanks so much for your consideration and effort to help shape the West Seattle Bee Garden into a place of education, inspiration, and beauty.

The West Seattle Bee Garden is located at Commons Park – Graham St and Lanham Pl SW.

FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH: If you’ve been looking into your family history but reaching some dead ends, local experts might be able to help – they’re inviting you to this free event Sunday:

Join us for an afternoon of free Family History Research
Sunday, March 3, 2024
2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Interested in your family history? We have expertise! We’d love to help you discover the joy of family history! Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged. Email bevitaly@gmail.com to reserve a time slot.

Timed to coincide with this Thursday to Saturday event: RootsTech 2024 – The world’s largest family history event. (In Salt Lake City and online.) Then join us in person on Sunday afternoon!

The West Seattle Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – 4001 44th Ave SW

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Mailboxes pried open
March 2, 2024 1:21 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

The photo and report are from Sweta:

This morning I found that our mailboxes had been pried open with mail scattered on the ground. Our building is on California in North Admiral. Incident was reported to the US Postal Inspection Service.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: First weekend of Girl Scouts’ cookie sales
March 2, 2024 11:55 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

Ruby, Leona, and Tatum from Troop 43450 were enjoying a sunbreak when we stopped by for a photo this morning outside Easy Street Records in The Junction, one of multiple places you’ll find local Girl Scouts selling cookies this weekend. You can use the search box here to see where else cookie booths are set up, and you can go here to find online sellers who are delivering (or to donate cookies to people in the military). This year, local Scouts are selling nine varieties, $6/box; cookie-booth season continues through March 17th.

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YOU CAN HELP: Mutual-aid food pantry in West Seattle seeking support
March 2, 2024 9:45 am
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Mutual-aid food pantry in West Seattle seeking support
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

We talk a lot about the major nonprofits helping feed and clothe people in our area, but there are myriad smaller efforts too. One of them is seeking support to keep going – here’s the request we were asked to share with you:

Covid-19 Mutual Aid – Seattle, South King County/Eastside Mutual Aid, and Super Familia have been hosting a mutual-aid food pantry every month for the past 3 years! We are a youth-led, immigrant-led group that supports 150 families each month with fresh produce – from local BIPOC farmers – and hygiene products. We have been distributing food for the past three years, and we are now in need of more support for this project to continue. We are looking for folks who can help us raise funds to buy produce from BIPOC farmers and volunteers who are able to commit to purchasing and dropping off grocery items each month at our location in West Seattle. Please fill out this interest form if you are able to work with us, and we will be in contact. Thank you so much!

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 19 options
March 2, 2024 6:16 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Pieris japonica ‘Valley Valentine’ photographed at SSC Arboretum by Rosalie Miller)

Welcome to the first weekend of March! Here’s what’s in our Event Calendar listings for today/tonight:

FREE! GROUP RUN: Kick off 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.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: Second day of cookie booths at various locations – some starting as early as 9 am. Search here for your nearest locations.

PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: You can visit Admiral Co-op Preschool, 9:30-11:30 am! (3940 41st SW)

TAE KWON DO: First March class of West Seattle Tae Kwon Do Club, 9:30 am at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW).

BEIGNET POP-UP: 10 am-2 pm, you’ll find Jet City Beignet at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW).

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)

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).

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.

LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: Listen to the new self-titled album by BLEACHERS one week early! 5 pm at Easy Street Records. (4559 California SW)

canceled AT KENYON HALL: 7 pm, Great Aunt performs; reservation link in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)

ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: BOG’s Birthday Bash with Bad Honey and Wax Lips “drag extravaganza” at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm, $10 cover.

BEATS: Saturday night DJ at Revelry Room – 9 pm. (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 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!

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FOLLOWUP: West Seattle Bridge columns tribal-art project returning to City Council committee
March 1, 2024 9:10 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Duwamish Tribe | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(Image from last December’s council-committee agenda, incorporating Google Maps photo)

Three months ago, outgoing City Councilmembers shelved consideration of a plan to pay the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and Suquamish Tribe $133,000 for murals on up to 15 columns under the West Seattle Bridge – a mile from the Duwamish Tribe‘s Longhouse, funded with money left over in the bridge-repair project. In response to community concerns, then-Councilmember Lisa Herbold elicited SDOT acknowledgment that there had been no outreach to the Duwamish Tribe regarding the prospective pillar art, and a Transportation Committee vote was delayed at her request. According to the agenda published this afternoon, the proposal returns this Tuesday (March 5) to the committee, now chaired by Herbold’s District 1 successor, Councilmember Rob Saka. (The committee’s previous chair, Alex Pedersen, like Herbold, chose not to run for re-election last year.) Three of the committee’s other four members are new to the council as well.

Nothing in the agenda materials for Tuesday’s meeting indicates anything has changed since the December committee meeting at which the vote was postponed. In response to concerns about not involving the Duwamish Tribe in this project, SDOT reps mentioned at the December meeting that the Duwamish would be involved in a different art project closer to the Longhouse. They had few details to offer when we followed up at the time; that project has since been revealed to involve a stretch of sidewalk. Here’s an image the tribe included in an email to its members regarding a planning event for the sidewalk project:

Tuesday’s committee meeting is at 9:30 am at City Hall; it’ll include public comment, in person and remote, and the agenda explains how to participate. Other scheduled topics include an update on the newly released Seattle Transportation Plan and a “State of the Bridges” briefing.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: The damage ‘hurts the most,’ says Admiral Pub after burglary
March 1, 2024 7:38 pm
|      47 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

The report and security-camera images were sent by Admiral Pub proprietor Alex Garcia:

It was bound to happen eventually. We had a break-in (today) around 5 am. We really have nothing worth stealing, it was more the 6k in damages that hurts the most. They stole alcohol, cash, and broke both the front doors and back door.

Luckily we have a temporary fix for both the front and back… but it will cost us 3k plus install for new front doors and the back door also is going to require a new door, frame + install etc.

Luckily we were still able to be open and will continue to be open.

As bar owners, we do our best to plan for these days, but they always come when you least expect them. If you would like to support us here are 2 ways you can support us: You can donate to our gofundme. Or you can come out next week to Wednesday Trivia (7 pm) or Thursday Music Bingo (7 pm). We will have drink specials and it will be a fundraiser for the new doors and lost liquor (that was stolen). Any kind of support would be greatly appreciated. We love you all!

We’ll add the SPD report number when we get it.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: West Seattle toy swap on Sunday
March 1, 2024 6:16 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

While we’re talking about person-to-person recycling/reusing – here’s an event this weekend, in case you haven’t already seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar: This Sunday (March 3), families are invited to participate in a free West Seattle toy swap! It’s happening (updated time) 2-4 pm Sunday at the Fit4Mom studio (2707 California SW). From the invitation:

Have toys that your little one is no longer loving? Let’s keep them in use!

Please bring 3-5 toys (any toys) geared toward little ones 7 and under:

– No vintage toys, or toys with missing parts or broken pieces
– All toys should be wiped down prior to showing up
– Bring a reusable bag or boxes for your takeaways

Leftovers will be donated. (Image via Freepik)

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