West Seattle, Washington

18 Saturday

51℉

Spotlight Stories


  • Hit-run

    HIT-RUN DEATH SUSPECT: How he was found

  • Beached

    BEACHED SUV: Why is it still there?

  • Bridge

    BRIDGE PROJECT: Road-closure plan

HAPPENING NOW: Opening day for Delridge Farmers’ Market, after mayoral visit
May 18, 2024 11:30 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news

15 vendors offering fruit, vegetables, flowers, fresh-cooked food, and condiments and spices are awaiting you right now at opening day for the third year of the Delridge Farmers’ Market. The day began with a ribboncutting ceremony featuring Mayor Bruce Harrell, visiting as part of his tour for One Seattle Day of Service, which also includes dozens of volunteering events around the city:

As you can see in our photo, District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka was there too. He and Harrell spoke briefly before the ribboncutting, as did Bilan Aden of ACHD, the nonprofit that operates the market, with a focus on economic development for BIPOC-led businesses:

Vendors will be there until 2 pm, including both growers like Aash Farms …

.. and Afella Jollof Catering:

We also saw Ma and Pops‘ frozen-treat stand, Wendi Farms, Guerra’s, BDE dumplings, Queen Sugar Baking Company, Bajan Station, and more. They’re in the courtyard at Hope Academy (9421 18th SW), and you’ll find the market there every Saturday, 10 am-2 pm, through October, with resources for community members as well as food for all (including free bags for those who need them).

Share This

HAPPENING NOW: West Seattle Bee Festival begins!
May 18, 2024 10:58 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | High Point | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(Thanks to Lora for the photos)

If ever you’ve wanted to find out more about the West Seattle Bee Garden, today is THE day. The West Seattle Bee Festival is under way all day in and around High Point Commons Park. The morning is devoted to walking and running activities, with the help of Emerald City Wanderers:

Then from noon to 4 pm, booths will be set up along Lanham Place, with a variety of organizations and vendors to visit, and you can check out activities and demonstrations – to learn about the bees, be at the Bee Garden at 1 pm for a hive demonstration. The full schedule of events is in this preview.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 34 notes!
May 18, 2024 6:07 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(‘Sundog’ photographed Friday night by Don Brubeck)

Here are notes for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

LIBRARY CLOSURE: The Southwest Library is closed Saturdays through June 4.

WATER TAXI’S LATER-EVENING RUNS: Spring/summer season for the West Seattle Water Taxi continues, 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)

SAUNA AT THE BEACH: Portable sauna at Alki Beach, 8 am-3 pm, with some openings remaining as of early today – the reservation link is in our calendar listing.

FREE! HEAVILY MEDITATED: Arrive by 8:50 am for community meditation at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska). Free event every Saturday but please register.

WEST SEATTLE BEE FESTIVAL: 9 am-4 pm at High Point Commons Park and in the street on Lanham Place. See our preview for the full schedule, from morning 5K/10K walks to the afternoon booths, demonstrations, and music.

WEST DUWAMISH GREENBELT GUIDED HIKE: Free! Meet up at 9:30 am at Pathfinder K-8 (1901 SW Genesee) – details in our calendar listing.

DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET, SEASON OPENER: 10 am-2 pm, as previewed here. Mayor Harrell is scheduled to visit toward the start of today’s market, as part of the One Seattle Day of Service. (9421 18th SW)

SPEAKING OF ONE DAY OF SERVICE: Last-minute volunteers still welcome at Webster Pond (greenspace on SW Webster south of Home Depot), 10 am-1 pm – here’s the RSVP form.

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.

MIDDLE-SCHOOL SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP: As previewed here, Madison MS boys play Eagle Staff MS for the district championship, 10 am at Memorial Stadium downtown.

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.

BEGINNER’S FORAGING WALK: 11 am in West Seattle – organizer will send location after registration.

FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

POP-UP: 11 am-6 pm, fashion pop-up by Jayma at Swan Dive (4537 California SW).

POGGIE TAVERN TURNS 90: The dive bar at 4717 California SW plans festivities all weekend – that includes NWTXBBQ visiting 3-7 pm today. Open noon-2 am.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

HIGH-SCHOOL BASEBALL: West Seattle HS plays its first state-tournament game, vs. Peninsula at Edmonds-Woodway HS (7600 212th SW, Edmonds), 1 pm.

READY FREDDY PREP PARTY: Join preparedness coach Alice Kuder of Just In Case (WSB sponsor) to learn how to build your “flee bag.” At Whisky West (6451 California SW); RSVP, please – email alice@justincaseplans.com to be sure there’s a spot.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Open 1-6 pm at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

SEATTLE BEER WEEK AT OUNCES: Christmas in May, 3-6 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), as Seattle Beer Week festivities continue.

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.

UNMASK THE NIGHT: 5 pm benefit for Chad’s Legacy Project, founded by a West Seattle couple in honor of their son. At Hideaway Cellars in SODO (4130 1st Ave. S.).

ROO FORREST & FRIENDS: Music at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm, no cover.

LARRY MURANTE AT KENYON HALL: With Nati Popova, 7 pm doors. Ticket link’s in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)

THUNDERPUSSY LIVE AT EASY STREET: 7 pm in-store performance. (4559 California SW)

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

RETROMANCERS AT THE SKYLARK: “Power rock with West Seattle band The Retromancers, plus First Track & Project 33, doors 7 pm, music 8 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), $10 cover.

BEATS: Saturday night DJs at Revelry Room – 9 pm. Tonight, DJ Ichy spins. (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!

Share This

New summer celebration, beach concerns, CARE’s chief @ Alki Community Council
May 17, 2024 11:53 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Even with one marquee guest (City Attorney Ann Davison) canceling, last night’s Alki Community Council meeting was information-laden.

One headline: The ACC is organizing its first community celebration, with the help of a city grant. Set your calendar for 5-8 pm Thursday, June 20, when music, food, and fun will fill Alki Playfield. ACC vice president Lindsay Pearsall is organizing the event: “The idea is to bring the whole community together … to find opportunities to connect and celebrate.” It’ll also synergize with the quest for public feedback on plans for the playground between the past-and-future Alki Elementary site and the playfield. This will replace the ACC’s usual third-Thursday meeting.

Another headline: Parks still hasn’t formally announced the closing times for Alki beach-fire rings and the rest of the beach park, though ACC president Charlotte Starck received an email from Parks official Markeith Blackshire a week ago saying the superintendent had decided to keep the closure at 10:30 pm, same as the past few years, and same as what Parks said during last November’s meeting covering a variety of West Seattle topics. But this was all before the early-Wednesday gunfire on both ends of the greater Alki area – Beach Drive and Harbor Avenue – so things could change.

With summer-like weather bringing crowds last weekend, the beach park was a major topic. Pearsall said she had seen two newly graduated Park Rangers at the beach over the weekend; Starck said she had noticed more police presence.

Read More

Share This

WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Junction Wine Walk draws 1,000+ people to sample beverages and businesses
May 17, 2024 10:28 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

Tonight’s sold-out West Seattle Wine Walk, organized by the WS Junction Association, not only brought out more than a thousand people to taste wine and visit businesses, it also gathered donations for WestSide Baby. More than 50 wineries and businesses participated – we visited three of the WSB sponsors who were participating. Ben from Viscon Cellars was pouring at CAPERS Home:

You can visit his tasting room Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 5910 California SW. To the north, Ava and Jo from Spruce Hill Winery (open Fridays/Saturdays in SODO) were pouring at Kendall Dental:

And Emerald Water Anglers (42nd/Oregon) hosted Momento Cellars:

The Junction Association announces events like these months in advance, so be sure to snap up your ticket(s) next time as soon as you hear about it, so you don’t miss out – you’ll see the news here as well as wsjunction.org.

Share This

UPDATE: Big callout, small-but-smoky fire in 2100 block California SW
May 17, 2024 8:17 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(Added: Reader photo, sent by Patrick Brown)

8:17 PM: The first units arriving at a fire-in-building callout in the 2100 block of California SW [vicinity map] say it’s a kitchen fire.

8:20 PM: This is on the first floor of a four-story apartment building. Firefighters just told dispatch the fire is under control but very smoky.

8:24 PM: They’ve declared the fire “tapped” (out). … No injuries reported.

8:55 PM: They’re calling for Red Cross help for one woman and two pets.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation
May 17, 2024 6:51 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | High Point | West Seattle news

6:51 PM: After 911 calls reporting apparent gunfire near 30th SW and SW Morgan [map], police have arrived in the area and confirmed it. They have found at least three casings in an alley near that intersection. They also have found a vehicle with “two bullet holes in the windshield,” officers told dispatch. No report of any injuries so far; there are reports the gunfire may have involved multiple groups of people on foot and in vehicles.

6:54 PM: Now they’ve reported to dispatch that they’re up to 15 casings.

7:14 PM: Officers have also told dispatch about “possible gunfire damage” to the 2nd floor of a home in the area.

Share This

SPORTS: Madison MS boys’ soccer team to play for district championship
May 17, 2024 6:38 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

The photo is from Amber, one of two Madison Middle School parents who sent word that the boys’ soccer team plays for the district championship Saturday morning at Memorial Stadium downtown. The other parent notes, “They are led by the amazing and caring Coach Zanna Peterson, who is also an Instructional Assistant at Madison. Congrats to Coach, these players, and their families!” The game at 10 am tomorrow, Amber says, is vs. North Seattle’s Robert Eagle Staff Middle School.

Share This

WEEKEND PREVIEW: West Seattle Bee Festival tomorrow!
May 17, 2024 3:33 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   High Point | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

First big event of a lively West Seattle weekend starts at 9 am tomorrow – the West Seattle Bee Festival! Here’s how the day will unfold:

Commons Park runs north behind Neighborhood House (6400 Sylvan Way SW; map) and the West Seattle Bee Garden is at its north end (corner of Lanham and Graham); Lanham is where you’ll find most of the booths during the community activities between noon and 4 pm (that street will be closed to traffic much of the day). It’s all free! The first Bee Festival was back in 2013, celebrating the launch of the Bee Garden itself.

Share This

BIZNOTE: U-Frame-It proprietor gets ready to hang it up after almost half a century of framing
May 17, 2024 1:12 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

In two weeks, Tom Sweeney will end a 48-year career, closing one of West Seattle’s last two framing shops.

It’s not because of lack of business, or increased rent, or any of the frequently cited business-closure reasons. The proprietor of U-Frame-It says simply, “I’m tired.”

We talked to Tom in his shop at Jefferson Square, where he’s been for 10 years, after 20 years on California SW, in a storefront lost to redevelopment. We found out about his retirement plan from readers who heard it from him face-to-face; he hasn’t made an announcement via email, or social media, as he says he doesn’t use a computer or cell phone – “I’m an old Luddite,” he laughs, displaying a sheaf of handwritten business records when we ask how many customers he’s served over the decades.

How did he happen into framing as a career? Tom says he was a cross-country driver, just back from eight months on the road, when he walked into a shop to see about framing some photos he had taken. They happened to be hiring, no experience required. Tom said he’d “had enough” of life on the road – so he decided to give it a try, and started November 1, 1975. “They were having so much fun.”

And so was he, until a few years ago. Until the pandemic, Tom says, “this wasn’t work” – and then business intensified, with so many more people spending so much more time at home. He was overwhelmed; his turnaround time increased, from one week to two months. (The shop name U-Frame-It might imply self-serve, but Tom says that business line ended a while back. He doesn’t have employees, either, though he says he did until The Great Recession in the ’00s.)

Even with the steady business, Tom says, “Nobody wants to buy stores.” Nobody much wants to buy his equipment, even; he’s sold one item to a downtown business, but the rest, he expects, will end up “in my garage.” He realizes that “being a shopkeeper is an old-fashioned thing.” And he’s an old-fashioned framer, “doing it the same way I have since I started.”

Not that long ago, he says, West Seattle had seven framing shops. After U-Frame-It closes, only Northwest Art and Frame will remain. He’s already sending people there; though May 31st is his planned last day, he’s already turning away new business (someone opened the door while we were in the shop talking with him, and he offered regrets and redirection).

Since he isn’t making a formal announcement, we asked if he has parting words: “West Seattle’s been incredibly kind to me … I’ve met people (and am) doing their children’s framing now. The clients have been nothing but gracious and kind to me. I’m going to miss them … I’m very grateful.”

So what’s Tom planning to do in retirement? “Sleep, and work in my yard. I’ve been ignoring my yard for 30 years.”

Share This

Thinking about this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe obstacle-course 5K (or other options)? Here’s a deal if you sign up today
May 17, 2024 11:52 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Just three weeks until this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe, featuring our area’s only obstacle-course 5K. Here’s one reason to register today instead of waiting until the last minute:

Loop the ‘Lupe director Brian Callanan tells us that he’s putting in the orders for T-shirts today. So to guarantee you get the T-shirt size you’re looking for, sign up before midnight – and if you do, here’s a special one-day-only deal: Use the coupon code SHIRT5 to get a $5 discount on registration! Go here ASAP and use that code. As that page explains, you have five options for the big day – Saturday, June 8, at Walt Hundley Playfield – (34th/Myrtle) with starts between 11 am and 1 pm: Obstacle-course Elite Wave, obstacle-course Family Wave, 5K Fun Run, Senior Saunter, Youth Dash. It’s one big party, with music and food/drink. (WSB is Loop the ‘Lupe’s media sponsor – here’s our coverage from last year.)

Share This

Laugh, dance, skate, sip, and other West Seattle Friday options
May 17, 2024 11:02 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Hoverfly – aka flower fly – Genus Eumerus on lavender leaf. Photo by Rosalie Miller)

Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s what’s up for the rest of your Friday:

WATER TAXI EXTENDED HOURS: The Water Taxi’s spring/summer hours add Friday and Saturday later-evening service each week.

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, until 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.

MASCOT MAYHEM: Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) kicks off Seattle Beer Week 5-9 pm by hosting two Seattle sports mascots – Blitz and the Moose – details in our calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE WINE WALK, SOLD OUT: If you have your ticket, tonight’s the night in The Junction, 5-9 pm. If not – sorry, sold out!

VISCON CELLARS: In addition to participating in the Junction Wine Walk, the tasting room/wine bar is open tonight for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

OPEN MIC AT KENYON HALL: Signups start at 6, music at 6:30. (7904 35th SW)

LAUGH AND PLAY: Murder mystery meets comedy in this version of Mafia at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), 7 pm – check fast to see if tickets remain.

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS: First of two free May concerts by WSCO, 7 pm at Chief Sealth IHS (2600 SW Thistle).

PARENTS’ NIGHT OFF: For ages 6-12, 7-10 pm at Wicked Rae’s Art Studio, with a “Moana” theme – check to see if openings remain. (3220 California SW)

AT THE SKYLARK: Publique Official DJ night, featuring featuring Suede Rango, Travieso, Kevibe, Richard Mixon. Doors at 7 pm, music 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.

DJ AT REVELRY ROOM: DJ Topspin, 9 pm-1 am! (4547 California SW)

MAKE IT LOUD! Skate to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), 9 pm-midnight, this week featuring Tacos!, Noise-A-Tron, Klesa. $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!

Share This

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Bail set at $500,000 for suspect in hit-run death of Tommy Joe Garrett
May 17, 2024 9:15 am
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | White Center

(Victim’s photo, as displayed at April 27 vigil)

9:15 AM: Three and a half weeks after a hit-run driver killed 81-year-old Tommy Joe Garrett at 15th/Roxbury, the King County Sheriff’s Office has announced an arrest. Here’s the news release:

King County Sheriff’s Office Detectives have made an arrest in fatal pedestrian hit and run that occurred
in White Center on April 22, 2024. On April 22, 2024, just after 10 PM, an 81-year-old man was crossing SW Roxbury Street at 15th Ave SW when he was fatally struck by a vehicle in the hours of darkness. The vehicle did not stop and fled the scene. Detectives were able to identify the fleeing vehicle as a silver- colored Jeep Compass. Over the next few weeks KCSO Detectives continued checking the area

businesses and residences to trace the vehicle’s route pre and post collision. This eventually led them to identifying a vehicle license plate with a view of the driver, a lone 37-year-old male driver. With the help of the King County Metro Transit PD Street Crimes Detectives, the driver was arrested yesterday without incident on a traffic stop as he was leaving a home in the Puyallup area. He was eventually booked for investigation of the fatal hit and run into the King County Jail. The driver subsequently admitted that he moved the Jeep to Port Orchard, where he had it parked under a tarp at a family member’s residence. King County Sheriff’s Office Detectives have recovered the vehicle, and it was brought back to King County as evidence and for processing.

This case is still an active and open investigation. We are not naming the suspect as he has not been charged yet by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. We hope to have more information to release whenthe case has concluded.

We’re working to find out more and will update this story with additional details when we do.

4:20 PM: The suspect’s bail was set this afternoon at $500,000, as requested by prosecutors. He is being held for investigation of hit-run death. We checked his record; he was arrested for domestic violence 10 years ago, and the case was dismissed, but the charging documents noted he had numerous driving violations. The document from today’s hearing says the suspect lives in Puyallup and that the car belongs to his mother. The plate was traced through an image from the Westwood Village McDonald’s, recorded minutes before the crash.

Share This

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Friday + weekend info, including Bike Everywhere Day, Bee Festival, West Seattle 5K
May 17, 2024 6:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, May 17.

BIKE EVERYWHERE DAY

As previewed here, West Seattle Bike Connections is hosting a “Celebration Station” 6-9 am today, along the path at the west end of the low bridge. Here’s the map of all stations around the region.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Increasing clouds, high in the low 60s.. Today’s sunrise was at 5:28 am; sunset will be at 8:43 pm.

(Thursday sunset, photographed by James Bratsanos)

ROAD-WORK ALERTS

*SDOT work at Highland Park Way/Holden – repairing the sidewalk at the intersection’s northwest corner, restriping the road, and rebuilding the curb ramps to fix accessibility issues.

*SDOT’s Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon:

WEEKEND ALERTS

*Lanham Place north of Sylvan/Morgan in High Point will be closed for much of Saturday for the West Seattle Bee Festival.

*SPU may again close Sylvan Way SW between SW Orchard St and Delridge Way SW on Saturday, 7 am-7 pm, for pavement restoration.

*Harbor and Alki Avenues will be closed to traffic approximately 8-11 am Sunday morning for the West Seattle 5K.

TRANSIT NOTES

Metro today – Regular schedule; check for advisories here.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule, with Friday late-night runs. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.

Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Check WSF alerts for last-minute changes. Use the real-time map to see where your ferry is. … Monday note: Work at the Southworth terminal will close lanes there for about 3 weeks.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Low bridge: Open.

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

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

1st Ave. S. Bridge:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:

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

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic. (Except the low bridge, for now; SDOT says it’s working on that.)

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!

Share This

COUNTDOWN: Three days until season-opening soccer match for West Seattle Junction FC
May 16, 2024 10:33 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

A victory for West Seattle Junction FC days before the new soccer team takes the field at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). You might recall the club owners had some challenges with the stadium’s owner, Seattle Public Schools, not giving permission for some things Junction FC considers critical to success – like scoreboard use. They’ve now secured permission for that – paying an SPS employee to operate it – so the scoreboard will be in operation when Junction FC plays Capital at 2 pm Sunday (May 19). Tickets are still available – go here to get yours. Also, the club says, “We’re lining up street-side food vendors and pop-ups. Interested vendors can contact info@wsjunctionfc.club” If you can’t make it to opening day, the next two home matches after that are Friday, May 24, 7 pm vs. Lane United, and Sunday, May 26, 2 pm vs. United PDX. Same link for tickets. Junction FC players and coaches also have the team’s first two youth-soccer clinics on the schedule, June 21 and 22 at local fields – go here for info and registration.

ADDED FRIDAY: Junction FC supporters are planning a March to the Match after a pre-game gathering at The Westy (7908 35th SW) – gathering at 11:30 am, march at 1 pm.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Field trip to The Troll
May 16, 2024 7:51 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | West Seattle schools

(WSB photos)

Almost nine months after her installation, Bruun Idun the troll remains a popular attraction at Lincoln Park. Today, her visitors included dozens of students from Pathfinder K-8, on a doubleheader field trip. First they released salmon fry at Fauntleroy Creek, not far from the park; then they went to visit the troll. Their time there was highlighted by a short talk from docent Jane Gunwaldsen, who talked about the connection between the Nordic nations – including troll creator Thomas Dambo‘s native Denmark – and the Northwest, including Indigenous traditions caring for the land and water.

Bruun Idun and the other trolls, you might recall, are meant to be symbols of environmental stewardship, made from discarded/reclaimed/found material. Jane told the students that Dambo has installed trolls in 17 countries including ours. Also of note: The students along for today’s field trip included about half a dozen living with disabilities – Salmon in the Schools volunteer Judy Pickens explains that the program has expanded to find new ways of including students outside the general-education classroom environment. (This year’s Fauntleroy Creek releases run through the end of the month.)

Share This

FRIDAY MORNING: ‘Bike Everywhere Day’ station at west end of low bridge
May 16, 2024 6:34 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Bike Everywhere Day 2023)

Tomorrow (Friday, May 17) is “Bike Everywhere Day,” formerly “Bike to Work Day,” and that means “celebration stations” around the city. The one for our area will be set up 6 am to 9 am at the west end of the low bridge, organized by West Seattle Bike Connections, which outlines the plan:

Homemade baked goods, coffee and information on bicycling routes and planned improvements will be available, and local enthusiasts can answer questions about commuting, recreational cycling and other biking issues. Local bike repair shops will provide simple, on-the-spot bike repairs, and BIRD scooter and bike share will provide demos of their services. For more information, see westseattlebikeconnections.org The SDOT East Marginal Way Corridor Improvement Project team will host an information booth to share updates on construction between S Spokane St and S Atlantic St on E Marginal Way S. Stop by or visit seattle.gov/transportation/eastmarginalway to learn more about what bicyclists can expect.

Share This

UPDATE: 12th/Holden crash; SW Edmunds tree
May 16, 2024 5:40 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

5:40 PM: A crash is reported to be partly blocking 12th/Holden, so if you’re headed that way, you’ll want to detour for a while. No major injuries reported so far – one SFD engine dispatched.

5:59 PM: Another traffic alert, while we’re still in PM prime time:

Thanks to Ian for the photo and report: “There’s a big tree down behind Safeway in the Junction, on Edmunds. It is partially blocking the street, cones are in place.” As the photo shows, SDOT is on the scene.

10 PM: A nearby resident just told us via X/Twitter that “the tree is still there, but they trimmed it back out of the road and put caution tape around it.”

Share This

Alki Elementary moms organize support campaign for school’s appeal-delayed rebuild/expansion
May 16, 2024 4:45 pm
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photo, past-and-future Alki Elementary site earlier this week)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“We’re frustrated that the school’s not being built, and that our voices are not being heard.”

That’s how Eva Chappell explains the letter-writing campaign she and Stefie Deeds have organized in support of the Alki Elementary rebuild/expansion, so far delayed almost a full year because of appeals filed over zoning exceptions involving parking.

Chappell and Deeds are both parents of Alki Elementary kindergarteners. The old school closed after the 2022-2023 school year and has been demolished, with other site preparation under way, but no construction until the latest appeal is resolved. Right now, it’s set to go before a city hearing examiner right after Memorial Day.

A bit of backstory if you’re just tuning in: Seattle Public Schools sought nine zoning exceptions (“departures”) for the rebuild/expansion. The city granted them. Nearby residents appealed. A hearing examiner denied the appeals on all but one point – the plan for no on-site parking (following zoning rules would require 48). The district went to court to try to overturn the ruling but was unsuccessful. Finally it submitted a new plan with 15 parking spots. The city approved that. A different set of nearby residents appealed in March. And that’s the subject of the upcoming hearing.

Meantime, Alki Elementary students and staff are wrapping up the first of at least three years in temporary quarters at the former Schmitz Park Elementary, which is so small, Chappell and Deeds say, some of the classes – third- through fifth-graders – are in portables.

But what they’re most concerned about is that parents like them have no voice in the process that’s extended their children’s stay in temporary quarters. In a conversation with WSB earlier this week, they explained that many Alki parents don’t even know what’s going on with the project – they “have no clue that it’s being held up,” Deeds says. “Nobody thought this was going to happen.” She’s an eight-year Alki resident who was excited about being able to send her child to a neighborhood school – but now for at least three years, they’re not within walking distance. “Alki really deserves a walkable school.”

She contends that appellants are wrong to contend that the new, larger school will pose a traffic nightmare because everybody drives, saying that in fact, many parents they’ve spoken with say they’ll be walking, as will her child.

So they’re hoping their voices of support can make a difference; more than 200 letters have been sent already via their online campaign. District officials including our area’s School Board director Gina Topp are the designated recipients.

They’re stressing that their intent isn’t “to diss anyone” – not even those who’ve been fighting the rebuild; they want to “regain a sense of community, in raising awareness.” They hope to “sit down together” with school neighbors as well as with other school families and staff, to discuss the school-related traffic concerns.

But first – they want to see the project back on track.

WHAT’S NEXT: The appeal hearing is scheduled to start at 9 am Tuesday, May 28, in the Hearing Examiner’s hearing room in the Seattle Municipal Tower downtown (700 5th Avenue). If a second day is needed, that’s scheduled for Thursday, May 30.

Share This

BIZNOTE: Five years for il Nido at Alki Homestead
May 16, 2024 2:46 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Alki Homestead | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Five years have passed since the restaurant il Nido opened in the historic Alki Homestead/Fir Lodge (2717 61st SW). We received this anniversary announcement today:

Our staff at il Nido wanted to reach out and let you know we are celebrating the restaurant’s 5th anniversary this week.

It’s an honor to be a part of the Alki community & the current caretakers of the historic Homestead — we’ve welcomed many neighbors through our doors over the past five years, and we are grateful for each guest who has made these years so special. It has been an eventful time in the world and within our industry specifically, and we are thrilled to be thriving in West Seattle!

With care —
Candice & the il Nido staff

The restaurant was founded by Mike Easton in 2019 and taken over three years later by its executive chef and general manager, Katie Gallego and Cameron Williams. If you’re new to the area, the building itself has a long backstory as the city-landmark Fir Lodge, built in the early 1900s, its future long in question after a 2009 fire until area investor Dennis Schilling bought it in 2015 and restored it.

Share This

LIGHT RAIL: Two more rounds of Sound Transit drilling in West Seattle Junction area
May 16, 2024 1:54 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Sound Transit | West Seattle news

Sound Transit is still working on its final Environmental Impact Statement for West Seattle light rail – that’s the next major milestone before final routing decisions. Environmental studies have included drilling for samples at various sites around the area, and two more rounds have been announced. Sound Transit sent us the notices:

*”As soon as” May 20 (next Monday), 41st SW south of Edmunds (here’s the notice with details)

*”As soon as May 29, 41st SW (here’s the notice with details) north of Edmunds

No date yet for the final EIS to go public – ST has most recently said “midyear.”

Share This

Set your calendar! Dine out next Tuesday for Fauntleroy Fall Festival
May 16, 2024 11:56 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photo: Pumpkin-decorating at 2023 Fauntleroy Fall Festival)

Yes, spring/summer event season is just getting started, but one of fall’s biggest events will have a moment in the spotlight at a tasty fundraiser next Tuesday. It’s the annual Endolyne Joe’s dine-out day for the Fauntleroy Fall Festival, a free-admission event that runs entirely on donations and volunteers. If you come to the restaurant (9261 45th SW in the heart of Fauntleroy’s mini-business district) on Tuesday, May 21 (it’s open 8 am-10 pm), you’ll be part of it. Here’s the announcement from festival organizers:

Join us @ Endolyne Joe’s on Tuesday, May 21st, for a full day of fundraising! A portion of the daily sales from Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be donated directly to our beloved Fall Festival. Dinner time (4-9 pm) @ Joe’s will have the famous raffle ticket sales for amazing gift baskets donated by our local community.

If you haven’t been to the Fall Festival before – check out our coverage from last year.

Share This

Alki Community Council, Highland Park Way project Q&A, more for your West Seattle Thursday
May 16, 2024 10:48 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Seen at Lincoln Park. Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here are highlights for the hours ahead!

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Now open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

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.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room/wine bar now open Thursdays-Saturdays 1 pm-6 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm class at what’s now 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 Paparepas.

TALK WITH SDOT ABOUT HIGHLAND PARK WAY HILL: Also 4-8 pm at HPCS, SDOT will be tabling with information and Q&A about the proposal to replace one downhill vehicle lane on the Highland Park Way hill with a protected bike lane or wider multi-use path.

FREE ECO-ARTS CLASS: 5-7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – you’re invited to drop in!

VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) not just for Art Walk but also for wine by the glass or bottle.

ROBOTICS INFO NIGHT: For 8th- through 12th-graders interested in involvement with a robotics club next year, 6 pm open house. Our calendar listing has RSVP info (location provided to RSVPers).

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at Good Society (California/Lander) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run.

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!)

BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday you can listen to the blues.

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm hybrid meeting at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) – agenda includes an update on summer beach hours and a presentation on the CARE Department; all welcome. More info in our calendar listing, including the link to attend online.

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Mia Day‘s album-release show, 7 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)

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

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

Share This