West Seattle, Washington
30 Saturday
That’s the trailer for “Ultimate Citizens,” a documentary by West Seattle filmmaker Francine Strickwerda, which she describes as “a 52-minute gem of a doc about an Iranian American primary school counselor and ultra-athlete who helps refugee and immigrant kids in Seattle find belonging on their way to compete in the world’s largest Ultimate Frisbee tournament. The doc is ‘kid appropriate’ and seriously fun.” It’s already won awards on the road to its upcoming screenings at SIFF (the Seattle International Film Festival), on 12:30 pm May 12 and 4 pm May 14 (at SIFF Cinema Uptown on Queen Anne). More about the movie, from the news release sent to us:
While set in the worlds of primary-school education and athletics, ULTIMATE CITIZENS offers a fresh and compelling perspective on the immigrant experience in the U.S. Far removed from contentious media headlines are families who settle quietly, labor long hours, and find their way into the American Dream. The U.S. provided (69-year-old Jamshid Khajavi) safe refuge from the political turmoil in Iran that marked the late 1970s; in return, his contributions to the Seattle community have benefitted generations of kids, making the city and society at large better off.
A broader narrative of the film is the role that teachers, school counselors, coaches, and administrators play as extended family members for many students and parents, especially when parents must work multiple jobs or odd hours to make ends meet.
ULTIMATE CITIZENS is a captivating blend of bright colors, artful editing, and candid verité moments. Tender familial and community scenes are interwoven with the underlying tournament narrative in a film that culminates in the thrill of the “big game” with Khajavi’s underdog team competing against teams from wealthier, better-funded athletic programs.
This is filmmaker Strickwerda’s third documentary (we reported on “Oil and Water“ back in 2010). She is co-proprietor of the West Seattle-based creative-video agency Hullabaloo. Tickets to her film’s SIFF screenings are available via SIFF.net.
This weekend marks the official start of boating season, and boaters are encouraged to keep their distance when Southern Resident Killer Whales are in the area. Here’s the reminder from a coalition of advocates and authorities:
(Photo of Calf J56 [Tofino] and Mother J31 [Tsuchi], by Mark Sears, NOAA Permit #21348)
Last year the Washington State Legislature passed a new law requiring boaters to stay 1,000 yards away from the critically endangered Southern Resident orcas, beginning in January 2025. With the opening of the boating season, national and regional conservation groups encourage boaters to take the voluntary pledge at givethemspace.org and give the whales the space they need today.
The Southern Resident orca population currently consists of 74 individuals, nearing their historical low of 71. “There are nine calves under 5 years old in the population, including Tahlequah’s newest calf, and six of those are female,” said Donna Sandstrom, director of The Whale Trail. “The future of the population is here. Their ability to survive and thrive into adulthood depends on the actions that we take today.”
“Our goal is that every boater in Puget Sound, and through the Southern Resident orcas’ range, will take this pledge, and do their part to give the whales the space they need, even before it is required,” said Rein Attemann, Puget Sound senior campaign manager at Washington Conservation Action. “Boaters have a unique opportunity to play a role in the Southern Residents’ recovery, simply by avoiding them while at sea, and making it easier for the whales to find and catch their prey.”
“The Southern Residents are on the brink of extinction due to human-caused threats, including lack of prey, toxic contaminants and disturbance by boats and noise,” said Kathleen Callaghy, Northwest representative at Defenders of Wildlife. “Giving the whales space is the simplest and most immediate way we can help them, and we don’t have to wait until 2025 to do so.”
The law implements a recommendation from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) based on recent science showing that when vessels approach closer than 1,640 yards it significantly reduces the whales’ ability to find and catch prey. The harm from vessel noise and disturbance is more pronounced in females, who abandon hunts when boats approach closer than 400 yards.
Currently, commercial whale-watching operators are required to stay 1,000 yards away from Southern Residents most of the year, while other boaters are allowed to approach as close as 300 yards. The new law resolves that difference. Having one distance for the majority of boaters gives the whales the space they need to forage successfully, and the rule will be easier to communicate, comply with and enforce.
“Even though the distance requirement is not mandatory until 2025, there’s no reason to wait to give the whales the space they need,” said Lovel Pratt, marine protection and policy director at Friends of the San Juans.
“On the long road to recover the Southern Residents, Washington State has taken a big step forward,” said Miguela Marzolf, ocean policy coordinator at the Seattle Aquarium. “We encourage the federal governments of Canada and the United States to follow suit and give the whales the space they need throughout their range.”
“WDFW’s Orca Regulations Communications Advisory Group, or ORCA Group, is working hard to help the Department get the word out about the upcoming change to the distance regulations,” said Julie Watson, WDFW’s Killer Whale Policy Lead. “Everyone can help by spreading the word and setting an example now by practicing the 1,000-yard setback before it goes into effect in 2025.”
Local high-school baseball and softball teams play postseason games this week:
BASEBALL: Postseason play is already under way. West Seattle HS (16-5) plays Seattle Prep at 4 pm tomorrow (Monday), Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center (1321 SW 102nd), after a 2-1 postseason win over Lincoln on Saturday … Chief Sealth IHS (12-12) plays Bishop Blanchet at 4 pm Wednesday, also at Steve Cox Memorial Park, after a 7-0 postseason win over Roosevelt on Friday.
SOFTBALL: The first postseason games are this week – CSIHS (6-12) plays Rainier Beach at 4 pm Tuesday, WSHS (9-8) plays Eastside Catholic at 1:30 pm Wednesday, both at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
7:17 AM: That’s a screenshot from a few minutes ago as the SDOT traffic camera at the crest of the West Seattle Bridge showed the first bicyclists crossing the bridge on the Emerald City Ride. Between now and 9 am, the riders, who started near the stadiums and are accessing the bridge via southbound 99, will head over the westbound bridge and onto Harbor Avenue to continue the ride around West Seattle. The ride is on the westbound lanes only; eastbound remains open to motorized traffic. After riding around Alki and down to Fauntleroy, they’ll head back through eastern West Seattle and via the regular path on the low bridge. (Here are ride details sent to riders.) Updates to come.
7:27 AM: That’s from our photographer along Harbor Avenue, as the post-bridge riders head north/west along the West Seattle waterfront.
(added) And some video:
Meantime, the SDOT camera at 1st/Dearborn just showed another wave heading onto the short closed stretch of southbound 99, which closes to riders at 8 am.
This is a ride, not a race, so departures are going in waves.
7:46 AM: Still crossing. Noticed a recumbent rider too.
Thanks to Debra Salazar Herbst for this view of riders on Alki Avenue:
8:10 AM: This is the first Emerald City Ride since 2019; previous rides have included other iconic roadways such as the Alaskan Way Viaduct pre-demolition. The riders, meanwhile, are down to a trickle; SDOT has turned the high-bridge camera to look eastward:
Unrelated to the ride, a car has stalled/broken down on the low bridge (thanks to Rose for the word on that) so access to the westbound low bridge is backed up.
8:27 AM: Watching the live camera pointed north/west on the high bridge again. A few stragglers are still crossing.
That was as of a few minutes ago. Now they’re picking up the cones, so it looks like the bridge part of the course has cleared.
8:35 AM: Down on the low bridge, some riders are headed back to the SODO start/finish line, via the regular path:
8:45 AM: Haven’t seen cars on the high bridge yet (15 minutes remain until the official preannounced “no more bridge access” cutoff).
8:51 AM: High bridge now reopened to motorized vehicles. We’ll check with Cascade later to see what the final registration total was for the ride.
ADDED 5:24 PM: Thanks to Allyne Armitage for rider’s-eye-view photos:
Here’s what’s happening for your Sunday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
EMERALD CITY RIDE: Above is the SDOT traffic camera looking northwestward across the crest of the West Seattle Bridge, across which hundreds of bicycle riders will be in view, in the westbound lanes, after 7 am. As part of the Cascade Bicycle Club‘s Emerald City Ride, they’ll be on southbound 99, then the westbound high bridge, and then on surface streets around the peninsula before heading back to the start line in SODO. Only the westbound high bridge will be closed, and it should reopen by 9:30 am. Here’s our original preview with details. We’ll be tracking this in a separate story starting by 7 am and will include an update when the westbound bridge closure ends.
HIGH POINT LIBRARY CLOSED: The branch at 3411 SW Raymond is closed Sundays through at least early June as part of a schedule shuffle as the system deals with staffing shortages.
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).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meets at 9 am Sundays at rotating locations – today it’s Realfine Coffee‘s south location (35th SW & SW Kenyon).
BEE GARDEN NEEDS YOU: 10 am-noon, show up at the West Seattle Bee Garden (Graham/Lanham) and dig in!
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: The market is open today, 10 am-2 pm as usual, on California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon, offering spring vegetables, flowers, fruit, and plants, plus baked goods, cheese, fish, meat, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from cider to kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, candy, more! Here’s today’s vendor list.
KINDIE WEST CONCERT SERIES: Live family music with Johnny Bregar, 10:30 am at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW).
MAKERS’ ART MARKET: First market of the season! Local makers show and sell their creations at Alki Bathhouse (60th/Alki), noon-5 pm.
CELEBRATE CINCO DE MAYO AT OUNCES: Noon-6 pm festivities including a food truck. (3809 Delridge Way SW)
POP-UP ART GALLERY: Noon-6 pm, the Feather in the Wind weekend pop-up‘s final day over Alki Arts (6030 California SW)
‘MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM,’ LAST CHANCE: See the Chief Sealth IHS Drama Club/Bayfest Youth Theatre production at 2 pm at the CSIHS Theater (2600 SW Thistle) – get your ticket(s) online here. Marc Giedeman, who sent the photo above, wrote: “It is an amazing fun modern abridged edition of the play. Please come out and see what amazing wonders a comedy of errors can be.”
(added) SOCCER: Free admission to preseason match for West Seattle Junction FC, 2 pm vs.United Cultures FC at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Club (2801 SW Thistle).
MUSICIANS FOR THE WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK: These regular performances at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) are part of why WSFB honored C & P with its Instrument of Change award this year. Enjoy music and support the WSFB, 3-5 pm.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Your weekend’s finale can be music by the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8-10 pm.
Are you planning something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basics – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
One of the last remaining independent small businesses at Westwood Village is closing its brick-and-mortar doors. Lauren’s Jewelry, formerly known as Wyatt’s Jewelers, is going online-only. Proprietor Lauren Wiggins already has started promoting a going-out-of-business sale (as noted here) and is now officially announcing her shutdown plan:
It is with a heavy heart that after 5 years of Lauren’s Jewelry, we are closing our store. Lauren and Tyler would like to thank each of our friends, and customers for allowing us to do what we love to do, and being a part of our lives.
Please come in and take advantage of this opportunity to save up to 70% on our entire inventory of diamonds, color stones, and silver jewelry. Come in and enter to win a pair of 1.00ctw diamond earrings.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. -Lauren
It’s been a challenging five years – as noted in this January report, Lauren reported having a collection of seven SPD officer cards from investigations of burglaries and attempted burglaries (and now, add the truck theft to that). Meantime, Lauren tells us she hasn’t set a hard-and-fast closing date yet – the going-out-of-business sale will include a “VIP preview” event next Tuesday through Friday for starters, and she’ll see how things go from there. She bought Wyatt’s Jewelers from previous owners Kirk and Joni Keppler when they decided to move on after 15 years.
One of the year’s first festivals is exactly two weeks away – the West Seattle Bee Festival in High Point. Here’s the overview of what’s planned for the festival 9 am-4 pm Saturday, May 18, at Commons Park (home to the West Seattle Bee Garden) and along Lanham Place:
During the noon-4 pm festival, two dozen nonprofits, schools, agencies, and city departments will have informational booths so you can connect with your community. That and the other Bee Festival activities and performances are all free!
SIDE NOTE: You can help get the Bee Garden ready for the festival by volunteering there Sunday morning!
You might have seen this truck parked in various West Seattle spots the past few days:
Aside from what it’s advertising (we have a separate story to come about Lauren’s closure plan) – if you have seen the truck today, please tell police where, and refer to case # 24-121342 – because it was stolen last night. Before we found out about that, a reader sent this photo after their security camera caught people using the truck in a car prowl early this morning:
That was around 5 am in the 5200 block of 46th SW; someone from the box truck broke the driver-side window on a parked truck, but apparently an alarm then spooked them into taking off. The reader says the truck came by, apparently to case, a few minutes before returning for the prowl.
UPDATE: As discussed in comments (and confirmed by Lauren’s), the truck’s been found.
(WSB photo: Sign seen on Harbor Avenue last night)
Two months after we first told you about the Cascade Bicycle Club‘s ride across the westbound West Seattle Bridge and around the peninsula, tomorrow is the day for the Emerald City Ride. It starts and finishes in SODO, 7 am until about 11 am, heading onto southbound 99 to get to the westbound West Seattle Bridge – the westbound lanes (NOT the eastbound lanes) will be closed approximately 5:30 am to 9:30 am Sunday. Then the riders head around the peninsula:
(Course map, from Emerald City Ride website)
They’ll head back on the regular bike route across the low bridge. P.S. Registration has closed, so no last-minute signups. Cascade was expecting at least 2,000 riders.
3:29 PM: Just texted by Kersti Muul: Orcas are “super close to shore,” northbound, headed toward Lincoln Park.
7:51 PM: Thanks to David Hutchinson for sending photos of the orcas – transients, he says – as they passed Constellation Park and headed into Elliott Bay.
(Added: SDOT image)
2:58 PM: Thanks for the tips. A crash is blocking multiple lanes on the westbound bridge just west of 99.
3:44 PM: SDOT says the scene is clear.
4:25 PM: Listening back to archived radio exchanges, officers and firefighters at the scene reported the same thing as officers below – two people walked away from the crash. Police checked the plates and the car, registered to a West Seattle address, had not been reported stolen.
One option for this cloudy Saturday afternoon – enjoy local art and meet the artists! We just visited the Feather in the Wind multi-artist pop-up over Alki Arts (6030 California SW) – there we found Diane Bellisario:
And Damian Grava:
The pop-up is open until 7 tonight and again noon-6 on Sunday.
If you haven’t already seen it, we want to let you know that we published the map for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day early this morning, as promised! The interactive online map is here; the printable guide (with all 500+ sale listings, PDF, 32 pages) is here. The sales cover the peninsula and even stretch a bit beyond – this year we have a seller in South Park. Over the next week, we’ll publish previews and updates, including some mini-lists. One behind-the-scenes note – each year we sort the list by zip codes, low to high one year, high to low the next – last year was high to low (meaning the southernmost zip code, 98146, was atop that list) so this year the numbering starts with the 98106 sales. The map page explains how to search if you want to find which listings have a certain type of item you’re seeking, like “camping” or “toys.” West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day is one week from today – 9 am-3 pm Saturday, May 11 – second Saturday in May every year (except for the pandemic hiatus) since 2005, coordinated by us here at WSB since 2008. More previews ahead!
(Harbor seal, photographed by Erin B. Jackson)
Welcome to May’s first weekend! Here are highlights and other info for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
LANE CLOSURES: The two northbound right lanes are scheduled to be closed on the First Avenue South Bridge this morning until 11:30 am, for maintenance.
LIBRARY CLOSURE: The Southwest Library is closed Saturdays through June 4.
WATER TAXI’S LATER-EVENING RUNS: Third weekend of spring/summer season the West Seattle Water Taxi, so it’s making later-evening runs tonight.
WEST SEATTLE RUNNER GROUP RUN: The store is where to meet for the weekly free group run at 8 am. (2743 California SW)
FREE! HEAVILY MEDITATED: Arrive by 8:50 am for community meditation at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska). Free event every Saturday but please register.
BENEFIT PLANT SALE: Alley sale in High Point, benefiting educational programs of (corrected) PEO Sisterhood (just west of High Point Library in the 6000 block of the alley between 35th SW and 36th SW, cross streets SW Raymond and SW Graham), 9 am-3 pm.
COMPOST GIVEAWAY: 10 am-1 pm at Westcrest Park P-Patch (9000 8th SW), but this one is different from past giveaways – important info in our calendar listing.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.
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.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am-11 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
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).
DRAG BRUNCH: At Harry’s Beach House (2676 Alki SW), two seatings, 11 am and 1 pm – ticket link is in our calendar listing.
WEST SEATTLE BOAT SWAP/SALE: 11 am-4 pm at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska), the focus is on human-powered watercraft – if you’ve got something to sell, dropoff time is 9 am-11 am.
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY: At West Seattle’s only comic-book store, Tails to Astonish (4850 California SW), “We will have free comics for all who come, and a variety for all ages. Open 11:30-7:00.”
BIZARRE BAZAAR: Community artisan market at Box Bar (5401 California SW), noon-4 pm
POP-UP ART GALLERY: Noon-6 pm, the Feather in the Wind weekend pop-up continues over Alki Arts (6030 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)
HIGH-SCHOOL BASEBALL: WSHS has a postseason game vs. Lincoln at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center, 1 pm.
VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
MUSIC FESTIVAL: More than a dozen bands are playing on 2 stages, 1-9 pm (see the schedule in our preview), at The Heron’s Nest (4818 Puget Way SW). Tickets $20, raising $ for ongoing restoration and education work at the site.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Open 1-6 pm at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
‘MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM,’ 2 PERFORMANCES: See the Chief Sealth IHS Drama Club/Bayfest Youth Theatre production at 2 or 7 pm at the CSIHS Theater (2600 SW Thistle) – get your ticket(s) online here.
READY FREDDY PREP PARTY: Free 45-minute event with disaster-preparedness coach Alice Kuder of Just In Case (WSB sponsor), 3 pm at Whisky West (6451 California SW) – email alice@justincaseplans.com to be sure there’s room.
NEPENTHE’S WALK-IN MASSAGE CLINIC: 3-5 pm, show up at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) with a specific problem to be addressed by massage, and you’ll get a free (gratuities appreciated) trial of their work.
BELLS OF THE SOUND: See and hear the renowned handbell choir in concert at 7 pm, Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW).
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
AT KENYON HALL: Vocal quartet Princess Guy brings “a non-stop thrill ride of vocal harmony and insane comedy” to Kenyon Hall. Doors at 7, show at 7:30 pm, tickets here.
AT THE SKYLARK: “AzuQar is the longest running Queen Latinx Dance Night in Seattle, We started it in the fall of 2015-ish. We saw a void in Seattle’s night life for Queer Friendly Latinx music could be played and danced to.” The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW) is a new venue – doors at 8 pm, 21+.
BEATS: Saturday night DJs at Revelry Room – 9 pm. Tonight, DJ Supreme La Rock. (4547 California SW, alley side)
KARAOKE: Saturday night, sing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.
Planning a happening? If the community’s welcome, your event belongs on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Got a Chief Sealth International High School senior in your household? The CSIHS PTSA can help with scholarship money! This week, they announced they “will award a $1,000 scholarship each to up to five graduating seniors planning to attend a College, University, or Technical or Vocational Program.” May 24 is the deadline to apply. Get more info – and the application form – by going here.
Ready for what we all hope will never happen? If not, join Alice Kuder of Just in Case Disaster Preparedness Services (WSB sponsor) at one of two more “Ready Freddy Prep Parties,” and a little time can make a big difference. At 3 pm tomorrow (May 4) and 1 pm Saturday, May 18, in less than an hour, you’ll see how to create a Flee Bag™ (aka “Go Kit” or “Bug-out Bag”). Bring your own bag; if you want to stuff it with the basics Alice recommends, she’ll be selling them at cost. The party is at Whisky West (6451 California SW) and attendance is limited so RSVP ASAP by emailing Alice at alice@justincaseplans.com.
The Heron’s Nest might be one of West Seattle’s best-kept secrets – hidden just uphill from West Marginal Way, an ongoing site of environmental restoration and community-building. Tomorrow afternoon and evening (Saturday, May 4), The Heron’s Nest will be the site of a two-stage music festival – here’s the lineup:
Admission is $20 – “all ages and all creatures welcome,” according to the official flyer. Tickets are available online here; find The Heron’s Nest at 4818 Puget Way SW.
3:39 PM: Not related to the bank robbery, according to police, but they’ve just run after – and detained – two people near California/Fauntleroy. This started when officers spotted a stolen car, occupied and moving. The driver pulled into the Thriftway parking lot, and two people were seen running shortly thereafter, with police chasing them on foot. We haven’t yet heard a description of the car, which is apparently still in the Thriftway lot.
3:43 PM: Officers just told dispatch the plates on the car are from a different car. Meantime, an officer is reported to have minor injuries, reportedly from “hopping a fence” in the foot pursuit.
ADDED: This GMC Yukon is the stolen vehicle that was recovered:
According to radio traffic, it was taken in Federal Way.
3:21 PM: Police are arriving in The Junction to look for a robber. According to the address given by dispatch, it happened at Sound Credit Union – which recently announced its plan to close the branch at the end of June. The robber is described as a white man in his late 20s, 5-9, medium build, light hair, baseball cap, blue face mask, “with cash in hand.” The branch was robbed three times last year.
3;27 PM: Police have added clothing to the description – blue bandanna around his neck, light blue T-shirt, dark blue shirt beneath, blue jeans, green baseball cap.
After 14 years, The Beer Junction (4511 California SW) is getting a new look. Proprietor Corey Leitch sent the announcement:
The Beer Junction is thrilled to announce the launch of its new brand identity, marking an exciting chapter in the establishment’s journey since opening its doors in 2010.
The centerpiece of the rebrand is a contemporary logo depicting the familiar sight of a hand gripping a beer bottle, with the cap bursting off the top, symbolizing the release of the beverage and the joyful anticipation of that first sip.
This dynamic image encapsulates The Beer Junction’s role as a facilitator of memorable beer experiences. It represents the art and ritual of properly pouring and appreciating a finely crafted beer, capturing the essence of the establishment’s passion for fostering beer culture and community. …
The new logo was designed by artist Casey Callahan. Another Beer Junction note – they’re planning to open the outdoor “patio” for the season next weekend.
Just got a text reporting brown water in Alki. No Seattle Public Utilities work mapped in West Seattle – either emergency or planned – so it’s likely hydrant testing stirring up sediment (rust) in the lines again. We also have seen SFD doing some of that testing in south Gatewood today, near 35th/Thistle. Even if you’re sure that’s what’s happening with your water, ALWAYS report it to SPU’s 24-hour hotline, 206-386-1800. The discoloration is not toxic but can stain your laundry, so you’ll want to be sure the water runs clear before you wash anything.
(SDOT camera at 35th/Holden, south end of newest corridor proposal)
One week after the end of public feedback on his initial $1.35 billion proposal for the new transportation levy, Mayor Harrell has just announced the revised plan. He’s added another $100 million, so it’s now a $1.45 billion, nine-year levy. But the list of potential West Seattle projects in the overview has been scaled back since that previous announcement (here’s our West Seattle-focused report from April).
Perhaps the biggest West Seattle change is a reduction for what’s envisioned for a “corridor” project on 35th SW – instead of the previously mentioned project (including repaving) from Morgan to Alaska, the revised levy only mentions Morgan to Holden. The revised levy document also no longer mentions Fauntleroy Way SW (the Triangle section was originally in the now-expiring Levy to Move Seattle, then shelved in case light rail needed that corridor). The one West Seattle holdover from the first proposal is at Olson, toward the end of the Roxbury corridor:
Olson Pl SW / 1st Ave S: 2nd Ave SW to SW Cloverdale St — Street reconstruction with a widened sidewalk or trail and treatments to keep vehicles from skidding on wet pavement.
We note two additions: On the list of potential sidewalk projects, the new proposal adds SW Brandon between 26th and 30th, something that’s been on the North Delridge wish list forever. And a “transit corridor performance project” is proposed for the block of SW Oregon between California and 44th.
The reduction in named West Seattle projects doesn’t necessarily mean this area is getting less investment – there are many categories in which the plan doesn’t go into detail (we asked about specifics previously and SDOT said those were yet to come). You can read the city’s overview of the new proposal here, and more details here. Now it goes to the City Council, with District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka leading the review as chair of the Transportation Committee and the all-councilmembers Select Committee focusing on the levy, starting next Tuesday morning (here’s the agenda).
(Salty’s, scene of tonight’s SWSHS gala, and the Water Taxi, running late tonight, seen in Theresa Arbow-O’Connor’s photo)
Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: Again today, get food at/from Blue Moon Burgers (2504 Alki SW) and tell them you’re supporting Madison Middle School; part of the proceeds will go to Madison students via the ASB.
WATER TAXI EXTENDED HOURS: Third Friday for the Water Taxi’s spring/summer hours, which add Friday and Saturday later-evening service each week.
STAY & PLAY INDOOR GYM: Free drop-in play, 10-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.
LIBRARY CLOSURE: The Seattle Public Library‘s temporary closure days continue; the West Seattle (Admiral) branch will not be open, but it’s regular hours today for our area’s other libraries.
(added) JUNCTION FC MERCH POP-UP & FORMER SOUNDER APPEARANCE: At Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW):
Friday, May 3rd from 4-7 pm
Calling all soccer fans! Former Sounder Román Torres will be at Ounces, Friday, May 3rd from 4-7 pm, along with West Seattle’s new semi-pro soccer team, Junction FC, for a very special Preseason Pop-up! Come get Junction FC Merch for their inaugural season, support your local team, drink beer to win FREE game tickets & merch, and say hello to Román! (He might even sign something.)
GRAND OPENING: 4-7 pm, it’s a “grand opening happy hour” at Tattoo Pizzazz (6021 California SW).
VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room/wine bar open tonight for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
ART RECEPTION: Feathers in the Wind pop-up, upstairs at Alki Arts (6030 California SW) with six local artists showing and selling their work all weekend!
SWSHS GALA: Not too late to get tickets for the Southwest Seattle Historical Society gala at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor), 6 pm – a fun night with speakers, an auction, dinner, more!
LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: The Hinges and Spiders from Uranus at 6 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: Art Frankel and Gordon Assadi on violin, 7 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: West Seattle’s own Not Dead Yet is back., followed by Good Lettuce and the Hall Passes. Doors at 7 pm, show at 8. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SHOWCASE AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.
‘MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM’ AT CSIHS: 7:30 pm, opening night for the Chief Sealth Drama Club/Bayfest Youth Theatre production of Shakespeare‘s classic. Our calendar listing includes ticket info. (2600 SW Thistle)
DJ NIGHT AT REVELRY ROOM: Music 9 pm-1 am on Fridays! (4547 California SW)
MAKE IT LOUD! Skate to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), 9 pm-midnight, this week featuring Test Frenzy, (blouseusa)band, noisepoetnobody. $18 cover + $5 skate rental
LATE-NIGHT SINGING: 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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