West Seattle, Washington

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Spotlight Stories


  • Gunfire

    GUNFIRE: Bullets hit homes, cars; 1 arrest

  • Artwork

    TO BE DEMOLISHED? Public artwork’s fate

  • Registration

    WS GARAGE SALE DAY: Registration ends Thursday!

CONGRATULATIONS! Pathfinder K-8 wins Ultimate Frisbee championship
November 21, 2024 8:29 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Yet more student-athletes in West Seattle are celebrating a championship. Here’s the update we received on the Pathfinder K-8 Ultimate Frisbee team:

The Pathfinder K-8 Ultimate Frisbee team prepared well this season with an almost perfect season leading to their victory in the SPS, middle school division C final this past Saturday. Their growth as a team was obvious as they moved the disk down the field with precision and applied a stifling defense, which took all of their best weapons away from them to lead 6-1 at halftime. Our opponent, Hazel Wolf K-8 – who we fell to in our only loss this season – could not begin a comeback after the rain began in the second half. All 14 players who were available were important contributors in the 11-2 final score. Thanks to all the players, coaches John and Dominik, and all the supporters that came out to cheer the team on!

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CITY BUDGET APPROVED: From turns to turf, here’s how our area’s Councilmember Rob Saka changed it
November 21, 2024 6:31 pm
|      108 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The City Council, sitting as the Select Budget Committee, voted this afternoon to pass a budget for the next two years. They’ve made dozens of changes since Mayor Bruce Harrell first sent them a budget proposal back in September. If you want to see how, this is the key document to read. Reading through it, we note that District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka‘s sponsored or co-sponsored changes include:

(WSB file photo)

*$2 million for what he’s calling the Delridge Safety Project, including likely removal of a divider that keeps drivers from turning left at Delridge/Holly (the budget item spells out, “for improvements to Delridge Way SW near the SW Holly St right-of-way to allow for left-turn ingress and egress from adjoining properties, including the Refugee and Immigrant Family Center Bilingual Preschool”)

*$1.5 million for turf at Fairmount Playfield

*$200,000 for neighborhood business districts

*$175,000 to eliminate angled parking at Duwamish Head, a longtime request of nearby residents concerned about street disorder and gatherings (the budget item spells out “to convert angled on-street parking on Harbor Ave SW at Duwamish Head to parallel-only parking, and to restore parallel-only parking to Alki Ave SW adjacent to this location”)

*$1 million for transit security, plus a report on implementing it

*SPD reports including officer recruitment/retention and sound-enforcing technology

*$50,000 for cleaning RV sites, plus a report on RV strategy

*A report on the pothole-repair program

*A report on attracting food retailers to food deserts

The Delridge project has been the subject of much discussion; it’s something that Saka pursued even before he was a council candidate. He defends it in the newsletter he sent out after the budget vote, including:

… I became aware that certain members of the organized opposition to this project is driven by fringe ideological framing and a purist “proxy war” of sorts that seeks to pit cars against cyclists, transit riders, or pedestrians. I wholeheartedly reject this divisive narrative. The Delridge Safety Project prioritizes inclusive safety improvements for ALL road users, not one mode of transportation choice over another. …

Saka’s newsletter also explains why the field at Fairmount Park was singled out for turf conversion, saying it traces back to the survey he circulated earlier in the year after “an extensive consultation process with five local youth recreational softball/baseball leagues,” and lists these results:

The voting results data for each of the eight candidate projects are as follows:

Fairmount Park Playfield: 137 votes, earning 31% of the total vote.

Riverview Playfield: 107 votes, earning 24.2% of the total vote.

Lincoln Park South Playfield: 46 votes, earning 10.4% of the total vote.

Hiawatha Playfield: 45 votes, earning 10.2% of the total vote.

EC Hughes Playfield: 38 votes, earning 8.6% of the total vote.

Highland Park Playfield: 27 votes, earning 6.1% of the total vote.

Bar-S Playfield: 24 votes, earning 5.4% of the total vote.

Walt Hundley Playfield: 19 votes, earning 4.3% of the total vote.

Saka’s newsletter lists other points that he considers key in the final budget.

P.S. One West Seattle budget point we noted early on, disbanding the Highland Park-based Mounted Police Unit as part of the SPD budget, never came up for reversal, so it appears that unit’s end is near.

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WINDSTORM AFTERMATH: Today’s West Seattle updates, and what’s next
November 21, 2024 4:59 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(WSB photo, this afternoon)

On the second day after the windstorm, some effects linger – like that huge tree across Walnut Avenue south of Hanford, with vehicles stuck beneath its branches and utility-pole damage nearby; we photographed it a few hours ago. But there’s good news for some who have been without power since Tuesday night’s storm – via comments, residents of west Charlestown/Genesee Hill say they finally have electricity again. Commenter GHMike reported:

Power was restored around 3:30 PM for the area on Genesee Hill involving 155 residents on 52nd SW and 53rd SW. between Andover and Schmitz Park(and surrounding area). Looks like crew trucks are working on the area involving 55 residents in the adjacent area between Andover and Genesee on 52nd Ave., SW and 53rd Ave., SW (which was the first reported outage on Tuesday evening on Genesee Hill).

City Light‘s map shows a little over 6,000 customers still without power, down from a six-digit total at the peak of Tuesday night’s storm. The utility says it still has “dozens of crews” in the field working on restoration.

Meantime, you might have heard some talk of another storm on the way tomorrow. There’s no alert for our area right now, but the forecast calls for “breezy” conditions, south/southeast winds possibly gustings into the 30s – considerably less powerful than what blew through Tuesday.

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FOLLOWUP: Seattle Public Schools superintendent officially cancels closure meetings
November 21, 2024 3:40 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

His final decision on whether to withdraw the four-school-closure plan isn’t in yet, but Seattle Public Schools superintendent Dr. Brent Jones has announced the upcoming meetings/hearings for the affected school communities are canceled/on hold. Here’s his statement released today:

We are canceling our upcoming round of online community meetings at North Beach, Sacajawea, Sanislo, and Stevens elementary schools. We are doing so as the board has decided to delay the December closure and consolidation hearings, in part based on important input from families that we all value. As a result, I am considering withdrawing my earlier recommendations for closure and consolidation.

Our next step is to sit down with the school board for further planning. Having community meetings before or during these conversations would not be fair at this time.

Closing and consolidating schools is one of the hardest conversations we have ever had as a community. The conversations with affected school families, with the larger Seattle Public Schools community, our staff, and our board have been productive and at times painful. We understand that no one wants their beloved school to close – and we appreciate how much you love your schools, the teachers, the staff, and the culture that helps each student thrive.

I want to thank our school community for providing feedback as we work to address our budget gap and build a sustainable system so that every student thrives.

As noted in our report on the school-board meeting that preceded this, local school board director Gina Topp will have a community-conversation meeting at 6:30 pm next Tuesday (November 26) at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), and that’s a good place to plan to voice your opinions and ask questions.

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UPDATE: Water break in Admiral
November 21, 2024 1:32 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

1:32 PM: Thanks for the tip. Another big incident being dispatched right now – a water-main break reported in the Admiral District, on California near College. Water’s reported to be coming up from the covers on both sides of the road. We’re on the way to check it out.

1:48 PM: Still on the way but hearing emergency responders say that while the water’s shut off, there are two big holes “in front of the Admiral Theater” that will have to be filled.

(WSB photo)

2 PM: Here now, adding photo. It’s really mainly the one hole you see in our photo. A Seattle Public Utilities crew member told us they got here fast to shut off the break but likely won’t be able to fill the hole until tomorrow – both sides of the street are lined with parked cars that will have to get out of the way. (That’s why you’ll see “no parking” signs in the area.) If you’re anywhere nearby, remember that sometimes service disturbances like this lead to discolored water. No traffic effects right now except that an SPU truck is parked in the center lane.

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UPDATE: House fire in North Delridge (added: cause)
November 21, 2024 1:20 pm
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: House fire in North Delridge (added: cause)
 |   Delridge | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(Reader photo)

1:20 PM: A fire call in the 4800 block of 25th SW has just been upgraded to a “full response” and arriving crews have declared it a “working fire.” Updates to come.

1:23 PM: Fire crews believe the fire is centered in the basement. They’ve found it and are putting water on it. Meantime, thanks to the neighbor who sent the photo we’ve added above. Police are blocking off surrounding streets (including Edmunds at Delridge). They’ve quickly declared the fire under control. No word of injuries so far.

1:33 PM: SFD confirms no one is hurt. They’ve searched the building and report it “all clear.”

1:40 PM: SFD has declared the fire “tapped” (out). They’ll be investigating the cause and starting to dismiss units.

ADDED FRIDAY: “Investigators ruled the fire was accidental. Likely caused by faulty electrical,” SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells WSB.

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BIZNOTE: Emerald Water Anglers invites you to new space’s grand-opening celebration
November 21, 2024 12:37 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photo – seen in new EWA space when it opened in late September)

When we first visited the new space for West Seattle’s only fishing-focused shop in September, Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor), at 4707 California SW, proprietor Dave McCoy promised a proper grand-opening celebration later in the fall. That’s happening the next two days, Friday-Saturday, November 22-23. Here are some of the highlights announced by EWA:

We’ll be featuring presentations by:

–LOC Waders, maker of revolutionary breathable waders like none other, introducing themselves to the West Coast via our new space.

–Vision Fly Fishing spey rods, of which we’re proud to be the exclusive North American dealer. Let’s get one of these in your hands so you can experience it for yourself.

–Patagonia, Bruce Skinner will be in store talking about what’s new for Patagonia in the upcoming season.

To help get you excited for winter fishing and the year beyond, Dave McCoy will give presentations on fly fishing around Seattle on the 22nd and 23rd at 4 PM. We will also have resident tiers in store representing some of their favorite patterns.

Capping off Friday’s festivities, Bill Marts, longtime friend, lifelong wild-fish advocate, influential fly angler, and industry professional will be celebrating his 80th birthday with us — and we invite all of you to join.

EWA’s hours are 10 am-6 pm Mondays through Saturdays, 11 am-5 pm Sundays.

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SPORTS: West Seattle High School’s volleyball champs head east for state showdowns
November 21, 2024 11:35 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

West Seattle High School volleyball head coach Scott Behrbaum shared that video shown at WSHS on Wednesday as his team prepared to head east today for the start of the state 3A tournament in Yakima tomorrow. After winning the district championship, the Wildcats’ next challenge is a 1:30 pm Friday match against either Stanwood or Lakes, depending on which of those teams wins its opening match hours earlier. However their first contest turns out, they’ll have a second match Friday evening. This is WSHS’s first trip to the state tournament in a half-century; you can follow their progress via the tournament bracket here.

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Anniversary party, shopping, running, feasting, more for your West Seattle Thursday
November 21, 2024 9:58 am
|    Comments Off on Anniversary party, shopping, running, feasting, more for your West Seattle Thursday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Snowy Cascade Mountains as seen from Alki – photo by Michael Rohter)

Here’s what’s happening this afternoon/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Shop fall plants at the center, open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Annuals, perennials, sun, shade, natives, edibles, ground covers … wide variety!

PRE-THANKSGIVING DINNER: High Point Community Center cooks up a full Thanksgiving feast one week in advance, 1-5 pm today. Dine in or take out, $12 – call in advance to be sure there’s a plate for you! Info’s in our calendar listing. Walk-ins welcome if they’re not booked up. (6920 34th SW)

DUCKS IN A ROW: Death happens to everyone eventually, so why not get your ducks in a row for end-of-life decisions? 1 pm today, it’s the third and final presentation in this series as West Seattle (Admiral) Library offers a series of presentations, today focusing on advance care directives,

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com for info on where they’re playing today.

STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm yoga class at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Galileo’s Pizzeria.

OUNCES TURNS 8: 5-7 pm anniversary party at Ounces with free fries and $5 beer! (3809 Delridge Way SW),

VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s cozy tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle!

RAT CITY ART/FOOD WALK: 5-8 pm at 17 venues in White Center and South Delridge – see the list here.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for a group walk in Lincoln Park, continuing into the fall and winter after all – details in our calendar listing.

MENASHE AND SONS JEWELERS OPEN HOUSE: “Join us to celebrate the season!” 6-9 pm Thursday, November 21. 40% off the store. “Raise a glass and enjoy light bites!” FYI: Sale excludes Rolex. (4532 California SW)

WESTIES RUN CLUB: The 6 pm weekly run is now departing from Future Primitive on Alki (2536 Alki SW).

AT EASY STREET: Gemini Affair DJ Depeche Mike at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 6-9 pm

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: 6:30 pm, meet at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for a 3-mile run through the neighborhood. (Walking option, too!)

GRIEF-SUPPORT PEER GROUP: 6:30 pm with Listening to Grief, meeting at Counseling West Seattle (6957 California SW), preregistration required – info in our calendar listing.

COFFEEHOUSE COMEDY: Midnight Mystery Theater brings laughter to C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm.

CLOUDBREAK FESTIVAL AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm doors, 8 pm music as the citywide Cloudbreak Festival presets Carl Christiansen and the Lake Flora Band with special guest Lemonboy. $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm hybrid meeting – attend in person or online. Here are agenda highlights, including police updates and holiday event previews. (6115 SW Hinds)

TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).

‘OPHELIA’ AT WSHS: Second-to-last chance to catch the student production, 7:30 pm at the West Seattle High School theater (3000 California SW), details in our calendar listing.

‘SNOWED IN (AGAIN)’: Opening night for the holiday show at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm; ticket info is in our calendar listing.

DJ NIGHT: The weekend starts early at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Teddy Buckspin starting at 8 pm.

Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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HOLIDAY GUIDE: 1 week to Thanksgiving! Here’s what’s inside
November 21, 2024 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on HOLIDAY GUIDE: 1 week to Thanksgiving! Here’s what’s inside
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

tday16thankful
(WSB file photo – seen at a Hall at Fauntleroy Thanksgiving dinner)

Just a reminder this morning that this year’s edition of the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide is live and stuffed with Thanksgiving information, from ordering deadlines to free community dinners (both The Hall at Fauntleroy and the West Seattle Eagles are offering theirs again this year). For those in need, the Eastridge Church turkey giveaway is coming up this Saturday morning; the West Seattle Food Bank is not having a drive-up turkey pickup this year, but we have their Thanksgiving-week hours in the guide. Also there, you’ll find a link to our list of West Seattle restaurants and bars planning to be open on the holiday, and our coffee-shop list will be linked later today. If you have additions or changes, please let us know at westseattleblog@gmail.com or (text/voice) 206-293-6302. The Holiday Guide includes lots of other info too, and we’re frequently updating it all season long!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Thursday info
November 21, 2024 6:02 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Thursday info
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, November 21.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Showery, high in the upper 40s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:24 am, while sunset will be at 4:26 pm.

(Wednesday photo by Christopher Boffoli)

TRANSIT

Water Taxi today – Regular service.

Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route with M/V Sealth as the “ghost boat.” Check here for last-minute changes.

Metro buses today – Regular schedule.

ROAD WORK

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the south half of the bridge is closed, with one lane each way on the north side. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

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

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

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

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

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WINDSTORM AFTERMATH: West Seattle, ~24 hours later
November 20, 2024 8:59 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Charlestown Hill, photographed by Christopher Boffoli)

This time last night, the wind was howling, but tonight, it’s quiet. Throughout the Seattle City Light service area, 20,000+ customers remain without power. No major outages remain in West Seattle, but some residents on west Charlestown Hill/Genesee Hill/upper South Alki were still out (some of them unmapped) at last report. One told us via text, “We are still out and so is our street and I just talked to SCL and they now say the new time is tomorrow by midnight. They were not able to give us any info on why we were still out when most around were good now.” As we told them, the 2006 windstorm – to which the outages from this one are being compared – also left some in West Seattle out for a lot longer than people nearby – the grid connects (or doesn’t) in mysterious ways.

IMPORTANT: If you’re out of power, preparedness guru Cindi Barker reminds us, don’t fall victim to carbon-monoxide poisoning from heating/cooking sources:

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous and odorless gas that cannot be seen or smelled. It can kill a person in minutes. If you don’t have electricity, prevent poisoning from carbon monoxide.

-ONLY use a generator outdoors and far from open windows and vents
-NEVER use a generator indoors in garages or carports
-NEVER cook inside on a charcoal or gas grill

Illustrated flyers in 24 languages

Other notes include a Comcast/Xfinity outage that several have mentioned, and wind damage trashing the early holiday decorations at the famous “4040 house.” A couple readers have mentioned there’s even crowdfunding set up in hopes they can recover in time for this season after all.

As for the weather – no more major wind in the forecast, but looking at next week, there are multiple mentions of possible snow showers!

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Charging documents in four robberies including two West Seattle holdups reveal possible links to three more
November 20, 2024 7:45 pm
|      32 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

The three suspects arrested Friday night, hours after a robbery rampage including two West Seattle holdups, are now charged. And documents accompanying the charges say two of them are under investigation for three West Seattle 7-11 robberies, too. And those documents confirm the “11-year-old” is actually a few years older.

First – 21-year-old Tyzavius Holmes of Top Hat and 19-year-old Amarri Lard of Auburn are each charged with four counts of first-degree robbery for the four holdups on Friday morning, including the Space Age gas station at 35th/Holden and the Fauntleroy Shell station; the last one is the one for which the charging documents feature these images (and many others from the series).

The charging documents say Holmes had only been out of jail a month in relation to other matters:

Mr. Holmes’s criminal history includes convictions for Theft of Motor Vehicle (2024); Possession of Stolen Property in the Second Degree (2024); Identity Theft in the Second Degree (2024); Attempted Robbery in the Second Degree (Juvenile – 2021 x2); Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the Second Degree (Juvenile – 2019); Robbery in the First Degree (Juvenile – 2019); Residential Burglary (Juvenile – 2018); Assault in the Fourth Degree (2024); Theft in the Third Degree (2024 x2; Juvenile – 2018); and Vehicle Prowling in the Second Degree (2024). Mr. Holmes was released from the King County Jail on October 11, 2024, after being sentenced for three felonies and four gross misdemeanors.

Lard had no conviction history, prosecutors say. The probable-cause documents filed with the charging papers say the two also are suspected in the November 2nd Admiral 7-11 robbery, the November 7th Junction 7-11 robbery, and the November 13th Avalon 7-11 robbery; those cases are still being reviewed for possible charges. Adult suspects Lard and Holmes remain in jail in lieu of $400,000 bail, with arraignment set for December 4.

The juvenile suspect is described in these documents as 13, not 11, in line with what we found when researching his background earlier this week (as reported here) – he turns 14 tomorrow. He’s charged (as a juvenile, so we are not publishing his name) with four counts of first-degree robbery plus one count of making a false statement to a public official, for lying about his name and age after his arrest on Friday. He remains in secure detention pending arraignment tomorrow (Thursday).

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YOU CAN HELP: Got blankets and pillows? West Seattle’s emergency shelter could use them
November 20, 2024 6:18 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

As reported here earlier this week, Westside Neighbors Shelter in The Triangle is now open for overnight stays. And Keith Hughes says there’s a greater need than they expected, so operator Keith Hughes is looking for a very specific type of donation and asked us to share the request with you:

With the predictions of extreme wind, heavy rain, and dropping temps, we had ha big influx at the shelter last night. We had 36 overnight guests, which we were not prepared for this early in the winter season. Consequently I ran out of blankets and pillows last night. (We have) a request for twin-size blankets and pillows. I will be at the shelter until 10 pm tonight to take deliveries and again at 7:30 am to 11 am tomorrow (Thursday) morning.

The shelter is at 3618 SW Alaska.

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FOLLOWUP: Schmitz Preserve Park encampment ‘resolved,’ city says
November 20, 2024 4:30 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

One week ago, we reported that the city said it had no plans to “resolve” that tent encampment at Schmitz Preserve Park. That apparently changed quickly: One of the readers who had contacted us got a message Tuesday that the encampment had been resolved after all. A Unified Care Team rep told them:

Our contracted outreach partners were out last week to engage with individuals at the site and connect them to services and resources. They left the grounds on Friday and UCT performed trash pick-up services yesterday and today [Monday-Tuesday]. We consider this issue resolved. Re-encampment can occur at a site; please continue to submit new service requests by using our Unauthorized Encampment service request form or on your mobile device using our Find It, Fix It mobile app. The information you provide will help the Unified Care Team (UCT) deploy the right teams and resources to address the issue as quickly as possible.

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UPDATE: California/Admiral crash
November 20, 2024 4:16 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Photo by Deb Barker)

4:16 PM: Thanks for the tips. There’s a crash at California and Admiral, on the northbound side, a collision between a semitruck and car.

4:44 PM: Live camera shows the scene hasn’t cleared yet. We’ll be checking with SFD re: injuries.

9:00 PM: SFD says no injuries were reported.

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SCHOOL CLOSURES: Seattle superintendent might cancel the plan, after emotional board meeting
November 20, 2024 2:38 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

While the wind raged across our region, a gust of surprise stirred things up at last night’s Seattle Public Schools board meeting (video above). Suddenly, the district might be abandoning its plan to close schools to save money. (Four elementaries are proposed for shutdown, including Sanislo Elementary on West Seattle’s Puget Ridge, with one parent last night saying the closures would “destroy communities”). Toward the end of the emotional meeting, including impassioned testimony by supporters of the targeted schools, Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones threw out his planned update on the closure process and instead announced he’s “considering withdrawing the recommendations.” That in turn had followed a tearful speech by board president Liza Rankin – currently the subject of a recall campaign – saying the path on which they were proceeding does not “align with any of the things we asked for.” While legal counsel said she couldn’t simply call for a vote on scrapping the proposed closures then and there, she was told she does have the power to postpone the formal hearings planned for next month at the schools. If the superintendent withdraws his recommendations, that would do the same thing. So now it’s a matter of what happens next.

Meantime, West Seattle’s school board director Gina Topp has set the time and place for her next community-conversation meeting – 6:30 pm Tuesday, (corrected) November 26, at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW) – you can talk/ask about the closures or any other SPS topic.

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BIZNOTES: Mission Cantina’s treat for City Light workers; Itto’s, Camp West anniversary deals
November 20, 2024 1:03 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Three restaurant biznotes:

MISSION CANTINA’S TREAT FOR CITY LIGHT WORKERS: Just announced by the Admiral District restaurant/bar:

In the wake of last night’s windstorm that left many in the region without power, Mission Cantina and Harbor Foods are teaming up to show their appreciation for the tireless efforts of Seattle City Light employees. These workers have been out in the field restoring power and ensuring the community’s safety during challenging conditions.

As a heartfelt “thank you,” Mission Cantina and Harbor Foods are offering free burritos to all Seattle City Light employees today and tomorrow, 11 am to 10 pm. Employees can enjoy this small gesture of gratitude by ordering take-out or dining in. Seattle City Light employees can:
-Order online at order.toasttab.com/online/mission-cantina on our Grab’n Go Menu
-Call us at 206-937-8220 for take-out
-Dine in person after 4 pm at 2325 California Ave SW

Employees must present their official SCL badge to claim their complimentary burrito. While supplies last. One per SCL badge.

ITTO’S TAPAS TURNS 9: They’ll celebrate with you tomorrow (Thursday, November 21), with $9 food and $9 cocktail specials. Itto’s Tapas is at 4160 California SW, open 4 pm to 10 pm. (Ever wonder about Itto’s backstory? Here’s a WSB story from 2015.)

CAMP WEST TURNS 2: The Junction restaurant/bar at 4539 California SW is celebrating its second anniversary this week. Through tomorrow, they’re offering s’mores and bottles of wine at half price. They also want you to know about their new hours – earlier, on Friday at 12:00 and Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00, with brunch to come sometime next year.

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ORCAS: Second wave of whales visible off West Seattle today
November 20, 2024 12:12 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

12:12 PM: After the wind, the whales! Kersti Muul told us about orcas northbound from Vashon about three hours ago, while we were still in the midst of storm-aftermath coverage; now she sends word that a group of Southern Resident Killer Whales is northeastbound from the south end of Blake Island. Let us know if you see them! (Kersti adds that baleen whales are in the area today too, including three humpbacks off Alki earlier.)

1:20 PM: From Donna Sandstrom at The Whale Trail:

The group of orcas are the J16s – consisting of Slick (J16) a 52-yr-old female, and her offspring Mike (J26), Alki (J23) and Echo (J42). Might be hard to pick out in the whitecaps though J26 has a tall dorsal fin.

Mike is the model for NOAA’s inflatable orca that has been the star of many West Seattle events (see below).

At the same time the rest of the Js are southbound from Kingston.

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WEST SEATTLE GIVING SPIRIT: Meet 150 tiny neighbors at Educare Seattle
November 20, 2024 11:39 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle Giving Spirit | West Seattle news | White Center

Today, we start our series of spotlights to tap into your West Seattle Giving Spirit. Last week, we invited local nonprofits to participate in this first-ever coordinated giving campaign – first-come first-served – and our partner in the campaign, Learning Communities Foundation, received enough applications to fill up the spots. Three times a week before year’s end, here on WSB, you’ll learn about a different West Seattle/White Center nonprofit and how you can support it. LCF is kicking off the campaign with a spotlight on its early-learning center Educare Seattle, as the first participant – here’s their story:

It’s Fire Drill Day @ Educare Seattle!

A fire drill with the 150 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers at Educare Seattle Early Learning in White Center is no small feat. All of the little people, with all their little FEET, practice their listening, walking, and self-control under the care of their teachers to trek outside.

Educare Seattle is an innovative early-learning center in White Center, with a Whole Family Whole Child approach, where hiring decisions, curriculum changes, and even 1:1 learning plans are done with staff and families working together. Your gift as part of the West Seattle Giving Spirit campaign will support Educare Seattle’s early learning impact right here.

Because 85% of brain development happens before the 3rd birthday, high-quality early learning that partners deeply with families is vital. During the roughly 2,000 days between birth and kindergarten, a child’s mind and body are focused solely on growing and developing – inside and out.

Investing in Educare Seattle (624 SW 100th) means you are investing in a neighbor’s child during this important time as well as the future promise of our West Seattle and White Center communities.

With data and evaluation in hand and relationships built on trust, families meeting “income and circumstance” criteria receive child care and attend preschool in a setting built on four pillars that combine to lead to a Racially Just and Humanizing Learning Community.

Those are big words for a program focused on little children.

Daily, 150 children enter Educare Seattle’s 10 classrooms. They are greeted by teachers and school leaders who look and sound like them, honor their stories, and celebrate their traditions. Parents and caregivers are recognized as their children’s first and most important teachers and have access to family support services and leadership opportunities in equal proportion.

A mom of a recent “Off to Kindergarten” graduate says, “Our family has really grown with Educare the past 3.5 years. I left a really hard relationship, moved and didn’t have a job. With the help of my Family Advocate, I became a Parent Advocate. (This means) I was able to look at resumes of people who wanted to work here and that helped ME get more experience (so that) I also got a job (and was recently promoted!). I cannot say enough good things about Educare and how much they help families in need and how much they helped me.”

Real-time, equity-centered data and evaluation practices impact every family (100% of families have faced systemic obstacles grounded in poverty or oppression) and also inform both state and federal legislation beyond the walls of our building.

Educare was launched in 2010 with capital and operational support from the Gates Foundation; that funding source has now ended. Educare Seattle is a part of a network of 27 Educare schools all under the nationwide Early Learning Network. Its local impact has national influence through this critical partnership. Primary funding for Educare Seattle comes from federal Head Start and Early Head Start funds, in kind and backbone support from the Puget Sound Educational Service District and fund development support from the Learning Communities Foundation, the PSESD’s philanthropic partner.

Join us for a Tour tomorrow – Thursday, November 21, 10:30-12 pm – or at a date of your choice December 9-13 – email nwoodland@learningcommunitiesfoundation.org

Interested in learning about volunteering in 2025? nwoodland@learningcommunitiesfoundation.org

Enrollment information is here – or email Family Advocate Christina Monteith (cmonteith@psesd.org)

We are hiring teachers! Email Site Manager Johna Rhooms (jrhooms@psesd.org) to learn more.

****Donate to Educare Seattle here!****

West Seattle Giving Spirit, in partnership with the Learning Communities Foundation, will bring you the next spotlight on Friday – you’ll be able to learn about, and lift up, another local nonprofit!

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Quick note about what else is up today/tonight in West Seattle
November 20, 2024 10:18 am
|    Comments Off on Quick note about what else is up today/tonight in West Seattle
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Because of windstorm coverage, we won’t be publishing a detailed “what’s happening today/tonight” list, but you can see the lineup by checking out the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar. Two events to highlight – 6:30 pm at Gatewood Elementary (4320 SW Myrtle), a community conversation about inclusive schools; and at 7 pm online, Highland Park Improvement Club has its next Town Hall; details are in this preview.

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WINDSTORM AFTERMATH: West Seattle tree trouble and other damage
November 20, 2024 9:09 am
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

We mentioned a lot of tree trouble in last night’s windstorm coverage, and now in daylight we’re getting a look at that and other damage:

Thanks to Jonathan for the photo above. That’s the big tree that fell on Walnut Avenue last night: “We live on 41st and heard something around 10 last night. Couldn’t figure out what it was. This is on the other side of the block from us, so clearly what it was. I feel for our neighbors.” Here’s another angle, from Peter:

Meantime, a texter sent this from a south Lincoln Park blufftop trail:

The texter confirms it’s blocking the trail. If you find other fallen trees in city parks, report them via Find It Fix It or call 206-684-7250. … Sean sent this photo of a crew doing early-morning work where a tree tumbled on Hanford:

In northwest West Seattle, Christopher Boffoli spotted this fallen fence:

We’ll continue adding to this through the day; photos are welcome at westseattleblog@gmail.com or via text at 206-293-6302.

ADDED WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Thanks to Jed for these photos from Schmitz Preserve Park:

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POWER, WEATHER, SCHOOLS, TRAFFIC: Wednesday morning updates
November 20, 2024 6:00 am
|      47 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: It’s Wednesday, November 20, and thousands remain out of power after last night’s windstorm (here’s our Tuesday night coverage).

POWER UPDATES (updated 9:10 am)

The major north West Seattle outage has been resolved as of less than an hour ago – from Admiral to Alki and beyond – and the major east West Seattle outage (Riverview south to the city limit and beyond) has been reduced.

City Light‘s outage map, after glitches last night, appears to be functioning in real time again. (Please let us know via comments or text – 206-293-6302 – if you get your power back, as SCL does not keep a public-facing record of that; the utility says it’s brought back tens of thousands around its service area.) Remember that if you encounter a traffic signal that’s dark or flashing, it’s an all-way stop. (16th/Holden is among them) … Some power-out areas in north WS are NOT showing on the map, we’re told, such as 51st/Orleans. … 9:10 am, texter says they just got power back in Highland Park/Riverview … 10:20 am, commenters say power in the Westwood area is back.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Cloudy with showers, breezy but not windy, high in the low 50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:23 am, while sunset will be at 4:27 pm.

SCHOOLS (updated 6:46 am)

-Sanislo Elementary closed (district says that’s the only WS school it’s closing today)

-No school at Community School of West Seattle today, per text

-YMCA Early Learning in Westwood is closed per commenter

-Highline Public Schools closed

-Any others? Let us know!

TRANSIT – No major changes reported in our area this morning.

Water Taxi today – Regular service.

Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route with M/V Sealth as the “ghost boat.” Check here for last-minute changes.

Metro buses today – Regular schedule but with trip cancellations.

Sound Transit today – Link light rail is starting service at 7 am, two hours late than usual.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS – Some are out this morning, but here’s the ones that were working as of 6 am:

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera. Bridge note: As of 6 am, a “large amount of standing water” was reported on the eastbound bridge at or near the ramp to 99:

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

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

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

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

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