In case you wondered too: Here’s what Seattle Fire Ladder 13 was doing in the Lincoln Park forest

Thanks to Kersti Muul for the photos! Seattle Fire‘s Ladder 13, based at Station 37 in Sunrise Heights, was seen with its ladder extended in upper Lincoln Park this afternoon. No calls logged to the area, so we asked SFD what they were doing.

Reply from spokesperson David Cuerpo: “They were doing a training exercise utilizing the aerial ladder for a rope rescue. Pulling up a Stokes basket.”

BEACH WARNING: Stay out of the water at Fauntleroy’s Cove Park, after pump-station overflow

(Added: WSB photo, Cove Park entrance)

The King County Wastewater Treatment Division says its pump station next to Cove Park, north of the Fauntleroy ferry dock, had an overflow on Sunday, so warning signs are posted now to tell people to stay out of the water. Here’s what we received from KCWTD:

The King County Wastewater Treatment Division responded to an overflow at the Barton Street Pump Station in West Seattle on Sunday, restoring the pump station to normal operations within 3 minutes [of arrival].

At about 12:50 p.m., the pump station located in the 9000 block of Fauntleroy Way Southwest, just north of the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal, overflowed after equipment inside the facility experienced an electrical issue. A wastewater operator reset the pumps and restored the pump station.

King County notified the Washington State Department of Ecology and Public Health – Seattle & King County on Sunday.

Because combined flow of stormwater and sewer was released into Puget Sound through an emergency outfall, King County is working with Public Health to monitor water quality in the area. King County posted closure signage at Cove Park on Monday. The beach at Cove Park is expected to be closed until water quality testing indicates it is safe. The public is urged to avoid contact with the water until the signage is removed.

The announcement didn’t mention the volume of storm/sewer overflow that was released – nor is that mentioned on the KCWTD incident webpage – so we have a followup inquiry out about that.

UPDATE: KCWTD spokesperson Akiko Oda tells WSB that they estimate 3,500 gallons went into Puget Sound.

FOLLOWUP: More on Hiawatha Community Center and Play Area project status

(WSB photo from start of work in March)

More followup information today on where the Hiawatha Community Center and play area projects stand. Late last month we checked in and learned that Seattle Parks was in the process of changing project managers for the community center “stabilization” project, but we did not request an update on the play area. Today we have a brief update on both, thanks to a community member who’s been concerned about the projects inquiring with Parks’ capital-project manager Mike Schwindeller. He says that the new project manager is “working with both the contractor and design team to confirm the schedule implications of the addition of scope associated with the decarbonization of the building.” Parks has applied for a permit for that additional work (explained in this document). Meantime, Schwindeller adds, “As far as the Play Area project, we will have the final Geotechnical Report in the next couple of weeks which will dictate our next steps and timeline. Unfortunately, SPU (and subsequently SDCI) required this enhanced level of documentation associated with the Stormwater Code for us to proceed with the project just as we were going out to bid.” Schwindeller also said yet more details are expected “next week” and that’s when they’ll update the project website, which hasn’t been updated since summer.

SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, outbound

The photo is from Timothy Oliver (thanks!), who just saw the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) from Alki Point, noting it’s his first time seeing one so close-up. The Nimitz is currently headed northbound in Puget Sound, according to VesselFinder.

UPDATE: Short-lived gas-leak response in 4100 block of 38th SW

10:22 AM: Seattle Fire is responding to a gas leak in the 4100 block of 38th SW [vicinity map]. Updates to come.

10:28 AM: The response has been downsized – most units have been dismissed.

(WSB photo)

10:35 AM: A WSB team member at the scene says Puget Sound Energy has arrived.

11 AM: Our team member confirms all SFD crews have left.

11:41 AM: Reviewing audio from the response, this originally was reported as a leak inside a home, with a strong smell of natural gas in the basement, but firefighters weren’t able to confirm a leak, and left as PSE investigated further.

The list for your West Seattle Monday

(Live SDOT cam in the heart of The Junction)

Post-holiday, routines are resuming – here’s the list for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE: Blood-donation pop-up in West Seattle today – check if appointments remain. (4001 44th SW)

A CLEANER ALKI: The local volunteer cleanup group is out until 11:30 am in South Park:

We’ll be Sprucing along the Duwamish Trail South Park Connector to clear leaves and foliage growing out onto the trail. The stretch we’ll work on runs about two city blocks so you can park on either end though we’ll likely park on the south end by 10th Ave. S. & S. Henderson by the pedestrian overpass bridge over 99. The other end of the trail comes out at S. Trenton. We’ll be cutting back brambles, scraping the trail and limbing low hanging branches. There will also be trash-picking opportunities along the path and into the woods. Feel free to reach out with any questions at 206-852-9552.

FREE SEEDS: That’s one of the rewards you can get if you help out with this – High Point Library invites volunteers to drop in 11 am-1 pm and help pack seeds for the HP Seed Library. (3411 SW Raymond)

(added) CITY COUNCIL: Back from holiday break, the councilmembers’ first briefing meeting of the year is at 2 pm – here’s the agenda, which also explains how to watch (no comment period during briefings).

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

D&D: Weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, including first-time players.

LISTENING TO GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm with Tamara Kubacki, meeting at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW). “Grief groups are brave and safe spaces where bereaved people can share their stories and speak their loved one’s name without fear of getting advice, platitudes, or being shut out, no matter how long it’s been since their loved one’s passing.” – you can attend once or multiple times. Fee. Preregistration requested – our calendar listing explains how.

MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three places to play 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: Monday night meditating – free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: The Alley in back of Bonjour Vietnamhas music Monday nights, with The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.

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

If you have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar, please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

New Intergenerational Theater Project inviting student, adult participants

January 6, 2025 9:06 am
|    Comments Off on New Intergenerational Theater Project inviting student, adult participants
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Student and adult participants are invited to apply for this new “intergenerational” project at Chief Sealth International High School – here’s the announcement we were asked to share:

7-10 students from Chief Sealth International High School will join 7-10 adults (some preference will
be given to seniors, and applications will be considered in the order they are received) chosen by BAYFEST for
a monthly meeting of the new BAYFEST Intergenerational Theatre Project. Fun theatre games and exercises, guided discussions, group collaborations and playwriting will lead to a final “showing” in June.

Project will be led by BAYFEST and CSIHS Drama Company Director Robert Shampain, who has more than 30 years experience leading this type of workshop-format project. Other BAYFEST teaching artists will join us for some sessions.

Over our 35 years, BAYFEST has often worked collaboratively with youth and adult performers, and we always find this kind of cross-generational partnership unbelievably rewarding for all. Now that our Chief Sealth Drama Company has been well established, we want to add this project to our roster of community offerings with the hope of making it a regular and sustainable program each year.

January – June, 2025 – Saturdays or Sundays (group will decide what works best for all). First meeting will take place on Saturday, January 18, from 10 AM – 1 PM at Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium and Little Theatre, 2600 SW Thistle Street.

Interested adults and students (NO THEATER EXPERIENCE NECESSARY – JUST A DESIRE TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH PARTICIPANTS OF ALL AGES AND, WE HOPE, CHALLENGE YOURSELF A BIT!) can fill out a brief application:
shorturl.at/EEAXw

APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY JANUARY 11, 2025

COST: FREE. This project is being sponsored by BAYFEST Youth Theatre and our funders. We only ask that participants commit to being collaborative, having fun, and following our group-created charter.

NOTE: Because we are affiliated with Chief Sealth High School, adult applicants will also be required to complete the Seattle Public Schools “Volunteer Packet” at: bit.ly/4gTmD4f

YOU MAY SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH FRIENDS WHO MAY BE INTERESTED.
Any questions? Please contact BAYFEST at BAYFESTyouthTheatre@ gmail.com

TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Back-to-school Monday

January 6, 2025 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Back-to-school Monday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! Back to school, back to work, as we begin Monday, January 6, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Starting cloudy, becoming sunny, high in the upper 40s. Sunrise/sunset – 7:56 am (first day the sunrise is earlier than the day before!) and 4:34 pm.

TRANSIT

Water Taxi Regular schedule.

Metro busesRegular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route with M/V Issaquah and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Tillikum as the “ghost boat.” Check here for last-minute changes.

ROAD WORK

*SDOT warns you may see work trucks parked on the high bridge while crews wrap up some planned work inside.

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project shifted traffic flow to the outside lanes last Tuesday as planned, and removed the temporary crosswalk at 39th.

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.

See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire in Upper Morgan

January 6, 2025 2:50 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire in Upper Morgan
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Police investigating a report of possible gunfire heard in Upper Morgan have found evidence – casings in an alley “south of Graham, between 38th and 39th.” However, officers also have told dispatch “these casings are for blanks.” (Still illegal, by all the references we can find.)

What do they want to do in Olympia? 34th District Democrats’ Q&A with candidates for one, possibly two, State Legislature openings

(Added Monday: 34th DDs’ video recording of forum)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Five elected officials were among the eight people who participated in an online forum this morning meant to help the 34th District Democrats choose nominees for one, possibly two appointments to state legislative seats.

It’s part of the process launched because Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson chose 34th District State Sen. Joe Nguyễn to become director of the state Commerce Department. The 34th DDs, King County Democrats, and King County Council all have roles in the fast-moving process, which is expected to end with county councilmembers making appointment(s) in a little over two weeks.

The “one or two” is because 34th District Position 1 State Rep. Emily Alvarado is seeking to succeed Nguyễn, so if she does, her State House seat will have to be filled too. She was the only would-be senator to participate this morning. The four elected officials hoping to be her potential successor are King Conservation District Supervisor Csenka Favorini-Csorba, Seattle School Board president Gina Topp, Burien City Councilmember Sarah Moore, and Highline School Board vice president Stephanie Tidholm. The other three candidates participating in the forum – which wasn’t mandatory, so others might surface – were Vashon-residing assistant state Attorney General Ben Carr, West Seattle-residing Mayor’s Office policy/labor adviser Brianna Thomas, and West Seattle-residing software engineer Geoffrey Wukelic.

The 34th itself is due for its every-other-year leadership elections this Wednesday; outgoing chair Graham Murphy introduced this morning’s forum, and chair candidate Jordan Crawley moderated. The format was standard – opening and closing statements, plus questions answered by each candidate. Though the general public doesn’t get a vote in this round, we covered the forum so those who didn’t attend can see what the candidates said, prior to one or two being chosen to represent you at least temporarily in Olympia, with some likely to surface in elections this fall.

Our recounting of the questions and answers are paraphrases/summaries unless the verbiage is between quote marks. Housing, education, and the cost of living were topics surfacing frequently. First, the opening statements:

Read More

UPDATE: Another collision near southwest end of West Seattle Bridge

10:39 PM: Police are dealing with another crash toward the Fauntleroy Way end of the West Seattle Bridge right now. Police are reporting the barrier pushed out of alignment again – we’re not sure which side the crash happened on, but the barrier is reported to be a hazard on the eastbound side. The vehicle reported to be involved was described as a Ford Ranger. No injuries reported, as SFD has not been dispatched.

(Image posted by commenter SeaKev)

10:58 PM: If you’re using that end of the bridge any time soon, note that there are short shutdowns as they reset the barrier (again).

11:25 PM: Officers have just told dispatch that all lanes are now open.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Fauntleroy/Alaska Shell robbed again

Another robbery at the Fauntleroy/Alaska Shell station/mini-mart. It happened early Friday; we saw the robbery on the SPD data map, requested narrative, and just found it in our mailbox though it came in later that day (forgive us the delayed reporting). The narrative says the store was robbed just before 5 am Friday by “two unknown-race males, wearing all dark clothing, with faces covered,” who took money, tobacco products, and beer, then left in separate vehicles. The officer who wrote the report reviewed security video with the station’s manager, subsequently noting:

One vehicle was a white van (unknown make/model). The other vehicle was a small white SUV (unknown make/model). One of the suspects … exited one of the vehicles and entered the store. The suspect acted like he was going to buy a drink and a bag of chips. Next … (the other robber) exited the second vehicle and entered the store. Using a diversionary tactic, (he) grabbed several racks of merchandise and threw them out of the store while the (other robber) rushed behind the counter and grabbed all the cash from the cash register. Although no gun was seen, the suspect behind the counter motioned with his hand in his waistband/hoodie pocket like he had a concealed firearm.

The robbers’ getaway vehicles were last seen taking off northeast (toward the bridge) on Fauntleroy Way.

BIZNOTE: Three Little Birds moving north again, to new West Seattle location

(File photo, courtesy Three Little Birds)

Another change ahead in the West Seattle Junction consignment-store scene – Three Little Birds is moving out of 4736 California SW after five years, and moving north to the same South Admiral building where its owner already has other businesses. We contacted proprietor Jennifer Young after commenter Vee mentioned the move in discussion following unrelated Junction biznotes we published last night, and she sent us this statement she says she’s shared with customers:

Our lease expired in Sept. 2024 and after a tremendous amount of thought and discussion, we have made the difficult decision to move our beloved store to a new location in 2025. Some of the factors that went into making this decision were:

*Inability to negotiate new lease terms that made financial sense for our business model.
*Concerns about the safety and maintenance costs of an aging building.
*Questions about the planned light rail extension.
*Rising costs for small businesses in 2025 and an uncertain economic future required thoughtful planning for those expenses to ensure we can remain a viable business moving forward.

We love our West Seattle and beyond customers and hope you will follow us a little further north. Our new location is at 3270 California Ave. SW. We are excited to offer all of our stores and brands in one large building. Our long-term business goal of creating a one-stop shopping experience for our customers is finally beginning! We plan to re-open in that location by February 2025.

We will celebrate 11 years in business in the spring and we hope to be around for many more. Thank you for your support over all of these years! Keep it coming …. your independent local businesses need you now more than ever!

The other “stores and brands” mentioned in the announcement include Alair and Dylan, which changed ownership at 3270 California two years ago, and Kid Friendly Footwear, which moved from the south end of The Junction to merge into Three Little Birds in 2021. Young’s original Three Little Birds location was south Morgan Junction, at 6959 California SW, from which it moved north to the current Junction spot five years ago, after Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) moved south to 6400 California SW.

As for what’s next in Three Little Birds’ current space, we’re not seeing a public “for lease” listing so far, nor are there any permit applications for that space. It’s next door to the 4730 California space (different building, different ownership) vacated by Sound Credit Union last year, with a Gene Juarez Salon moving in.

WEEK AHEAD: Schools are back in session tomorrow

If you have one or more students in the family, you’re likely well aware that winter break is ending and classes resume tomorrow (Monday, January 6). But if not – here’s your reminder that schools are reopening and that means everybody who needs to get to and from them will be back on the streets, sidewalks, paths, etc.

Key dates for the rest of this school year – from the Seattle Public Schools calendar, which many independent schools mirror – include:

January 20 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 17-21 – Midwinter Break
April 14-18 – Spring Break
May 26 – Memorial Day
June 18 – Last scheduled day of school

WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: Half-dozen to see

Some Sundays, we counter-program the Seahawks game with a bird-photo gallery, if stockpiled reader contributions allow. And we have six today, as the team closes out its season …

The first three are from prolific contributor Jerry Simmons, sent in the past month or so. Above, a Steller’s Jay; below, a Golden-crowned Kinglet:

And here’s a Yellow-rumped Warbler:

Christopher Boffoli photographed a Cormorant on a piling near Seacrest:

Rob Christian found a Barred Owl:

And Jon Anderson sent this Hummingbird close-up:

We also publish readers’ bird photos some mornings with our daily event list, so if you’re a bird fan, be sure to check that too. Meantime, though the Seahawks’ season is ending, we’ll publish bird galleries throughout the year as photo supplies allow, so thanks in advance to everyone who continues to share photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best address!

WEEK AHEAD: Two days until West Seattle Preschool Fair

Another reminder that this year’s West Seattle Preschool Fair (WSB sponsor) is coming up Tuesday night – meet reps from 15 local preschools, all in one place, at one time, 5:30 pm-7 pm January 7th at the Hope School Gym (4100 SW Genesee). Here’s the list of schools planning to participate:

Schools Attending:

ARK Preschool
Bloom Preschool
Cometa Playschool
Community School of West Seattle
Fauntleroy Children’s Center
Giddens School
Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School
Holy Rosary Preschool
Hope Lutheran School
Our Lady of Guadalupe Early Learning Center
South Seattle College Cooperative Preschools
Southwest Early Learning Bilingual Preschool
St. Bernadette Early Learning Center
The Cove School
Westside School

The Preschool Fair is a drop-in event, no RSVP necessary. If you’re driving, a parking lot is directly across Genesee from the gym entrance.

Celebration of Life planned Wednesday for Scott K. Janzen

Friends and family will gather Wednesday to celebrate the life of Scott Janzen. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:

Scott Kenneth Janzen, devoted sports fan, consummate PR man, passionate cruiser, and quickest of wit, died on October 21, 2024. He was 69.

Born and raised in West Seattle, he grew up in a modest mid-century home, with a roughly finished basement bedroom perfectly fit for large house spiders and precocious boys. Still, he was able to “sell” his room upstairs to his older sister Sue, not once, but twice. His love for writing and persuasion began in grade school with his first manual typewriter and a regular newspaper he generated about the goings-on in the neighborhood and sports. He was a lifelong sports fan and loved nothing more than to be in the stands or in front of the wide screen rooting for his beloved Mariners, Seahawks, Sounders, Kraken, or Huskies. Even in his final days, he joked, “I always said I wouldn’t go before the Mariners won the World Series.”

Scott considered his dad Ken Janzen (deceased) his best friend, who with the help of Scott’s eldest sister, Sandy, helped to raise him after his mother Marion’s death when Scott was 13. He was deeply affected by her passing. Scott married Cris Benson in November 1999 and for 12 years they made their home in Magnolia with their kittens Sammy and Tater. He adored his nieces Kim and Tammy and his nephew Aaron. While obtaining his degree in Journalism from Seattle University, he wrote for the school newspaper. (of course) Scott was close to his family and made his famous crock pot meatball appetizers on request.

Scott loved all things Seattle. He got excited for every festival that came to town, every street fair and The Bite, which may partly explain why he lived in lover Queen Anne for so many years-close to the Seattle Center, his second home. One of his first PR jobs was with the Pacific Science Center, where he created the “Edible Chair Contest” , garnering international media coverage and his first real street cred as a hot PR talent. One of Scott’s mentors, Ron Elgin of Elgin Syferd, said, “Scott ‘Janbo” Janzen was probably the most creative PR professional in the long history of our company. On top of that, EVERYONE in the agency and our clients absolutely loved him. Hell of a guy: hell of a longtime friend. I miss him a lot.”

For several years in the ’80s and ’90s, he and his buddy Tom hosted an Argosy Cruise “Bop Till You Drop” dance cruise, the hottest ticket in town. That’s about the time his love for cruising began. He sailed nearly 30 cruises, all over the world, and would have sailed more if his disability hadn’t restricted his mobility. He particularly loved sailing to Alaska with friends.

Scott mentored many young people entering the industry and made time to help them out throughout his career. His friends and colleagues thought of him as just easy to be around. “Smart, funny, kind , and brimming with amazing ideas. He made whatever space he was in better.”

Scott died after a long battle with inclusion body myositis (IBM), a rare degenerative muscle disease that slowly stole his ability to enjoy the life he loved so much. Scott would still be cracking jokes today and wanted much laughter when remembering him.

A celebration of his life will be Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 4 pm-7 pm at Steelheads Alley (formerly Pyramid Brewing) 1201 1st Avenue South, Seattle. He had a close group of friends who are raising funds to host this event, so as not to burden Scott’s family. Whether or not you think you might attend, your generosity in any amount will be greatly appreciated.

If you wish to contribute, please send to Tom’s Venmo (@Tom-Phillips-6) or Zelle (Tomphillips1001@outlook.com)

(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)

UPDATE: Fire on 24th SW (investigation results added)

(Added: Photo sent by Sean)

8:35 AM: Thanks for the tip. Seattle Fire has a “full response” at the scene of a house fire in the 6500 block of 24th SW [map].

8:38 AM: Firefighters just told dispatch they have the fire under control.

8:43 AM: And they’ve now called the fire “tapped” (out). They’re dismissing some of the responding units. No report of injuries so far.

9:31 AM: SFD’s investigator is at the scene to try to deduce what caused the fire. As the first tip reminded us, this is on city-owned property (records show the sale in 2022), in an area near Longfellow Creek that’s drawn attention for drainage issues and development controversies over the years.

ADDED MONDAY: SFD tells us their investigation ruled the fire’s cause “undetermined.”

The list for 2025’s first West Seattle Sunday

(Ferry in Saturday’s murk, photographed by Jerry Simmons)

Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s what’s happening today:

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet for today’s run at 9 am at Top Pot Doughnuts (4709 California SW).

HIGH TIDE: 12.8-foot “king tide” at 9:05 am.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open 10 am-2 pm, with winter produce (root vegetables! greens! cabbage!), plus beverages, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared food, nuts, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)

CANDIDATE FORUM: 10 am online forum organized by the 34th District Democrats as part of the process to fill at least one legislative vacancy – link and participant info here.

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool to make your project happen, or to assemble a holiday gift? Borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

MUSICIANS FOR THE WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK: Monthly music in support of the WSFB (bring cash and/or nonperishable food to donate), 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), this month: Misha Yolleck and Michael Partington.

DRIFTWOOD’S 2ND ANNIVERSARY: As previewed here, Driftwood (2722 Alki SW) turns two today, and is celebrating with a 4-8 pm open house-style party – get your ticket(s) here.

ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, 5 pm and later admission times. Tickets and info here.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday night music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.

Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring – and/or in our Holiday Guide (which runs through New Year’s Day)? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

ON THE BEACH: Tidepool with Seattle Parks on Tuesday night

January 4, 2025 9:02 pm
|    Comments Off on ON THE BEACH: Tidepool with Seattle Parks on Tuesday night
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(Photo by Rosalie Miller – sea star during recent nighttime low tide)

It won’t be a low-low tide but if you’d like to head out on a West Seattle beach with an environmental educator, Seattle Parks is offering the opportunity this Tuesday night (January 7) at Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook. Their event is set for 7 to 9 pm – meet at Me-Kwa-Mooks (4430 Beach Drive SW), across the street. Registration is required in advance, and there’s a fee – here’s where to sign up.

UPDATE: Pedestrian hit by driver at 36th/Alaska

7:01 PM: Police have told dispatch that SW Alaska is closed both ways at 36th SW because of a collision. A pedestrian is reported to be hurt, described as a head injury, hit by a vehicle estimated to have been going 20 mph, and SFD medics are on scene. Avoid the area for a while.

7:14 PM: The injured pedestrian will be taken to Harborview Medical Center.

10:46 PM: SFD tells WSB that the pedestrian is a 74-year-old man who was in serious condition when transported.

BIZNOTES: Three West Seattle Junction updates

Three Junction-related biznotes tonight:

PAPER BOAT SETS THE DATE: One month ago, we first told you about Paper Boat Booksellers‘ plan to move to a new location, subleasing space that Windermere isn’t using on the north side of 4526 California SW. They’ve now announced that they’ll close January 22nd for a week-plus of moving, reopening in the new space – twice the size of their current north Morgan Junction space – in “early February.”

LADY JAYE ON VACATION: Thanks to Ian for the tip. It’s “winter break” time for Lady Jaye (4523 California SW), closed through January 14th.

HOMESTREET BANK SWITCHES SHOWCASES: A new month means a new local-business showcase at HomeStreet Bank (4022 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor). But first, an important task for the business featured at the West Seattle branch in December:

(WSB photo: Laura Schneider of Meeples between HomeStreet’s August Mears and Sharon Lingbloom)

Laura Schneider, proprietor of Meeples Games, visited HomeStreet this past week to draw the winner of a $100 gift card. Every business showcased at the bank hosts a prize drawing – all you have to do to enter is visit the branch, whether or not you’re a customer! The January local-business showcase features West Seattle Bowl (which, by the way, is hosting a tournament both days this weekend, so no daytime open play).

SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Duwamish Head Race

January 4, 2025 2:48 pm
|    Comments Off on SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Duwamish Head Race
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

2:48 PM: Thanks to Chris Frankovich for the photo! That Matson cargo ship (Manulani) is one of the vessels that have sounded horns in the past hour-plus as they navigated through sailboats participating in today’s Duwamish Head Race, organized by the Three Tree Point Yacht Club. While Chris’s photo showed a view from west-facing southwest West Seattle, VesselFinder shows about 20 racers currently off Alki.

ADDED 4:36 PM: Thanks to David Hutchinson for this closeup view of one of the participating boats: