West Seattle, Washington
13 Sunday
The Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s every-other-month meeting is set for this Tuesday (May 15th), 6:30 pm, and ANA president Larry Wymer sends word of three major agenda items:
Officer John O’Neil – Community Policing Officer with the Seattle Police Department – will update the neighborhood on the state of policing in Admiral, with an open Q&A session to listen to any of our concerns and answer any questions we might have.
Mitch Lloyd will discuss, and obtain our feedback, on the planned extension of SDOT’s ‘West Seattle Neighborhood Greenway’ northward from Junction into Admiral to provide connections, and enhance safety of those walking and biking in West Seattle.
Kara Mattaini with Sub Pop Records will return to follow up on their March meeting presentation with additional details of their ‘30th Anniversary Party At Alki Beach’ on Saturday, August 11.
We will also get updates and discuss a summer full of fun activities including the Summer Concert Series, 4th of July Parade, the Float Dodger/Grand Parade, and Adopt-A-Street Cleanups; and get updates from our various committees.
The ANA meets at The Sanctuary at Admiral, at 2656 42nd SW. Our meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of every other month from 6:30-8:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Though five people participated in this past Wednesday’s State Senate candidates’ forum at the 34th District Democrats‘ meeting, we had only received official candidacy announcements from two. Now we have a third:
Public Health Nurse Lois Schipper formally announced she is running for the Washington State Senate. Schipper is a lifelong Democrat.
Schipper said, “Sunday is Mother’s Day. I want to serve in the Washington State Senate because I want to use my decades of experience as a public health nurse to give every mother the gift they most want on Mother’s Day – safe and healthy children.”
This Mother’s Day, Schipper reflects that her priorities in Olympia will always revolve around children and families: fully funding K-12 education, with an emphasis on special education and closing the achievement gap for low income kids and kids from communities of color; fighting the NRA to ban assault weapons and high-capacity clips; and cleaning up our upside-down tax system. “My work in our community has let me see that too many families are struggling,” says Schipper. “I want to take my expertise to Olympia to craft working solutions to these issues.”
Throughout her career, Schipper has led the fight to solve these needs and challenges, managing the King County Public Health Center that serves White Center and Burien. Earlier, Schipper was the first nurse in the 1980s supporting HIV-positive mothers and babies. Now, at Seattle Children’s Hospital, she leads a team helping non-English speaking families navigate the health care system.
“I think what I would bring to Olympia is my on-the-ground experience here in the 34th and in King County; working in the community, implementing programs, looking at what works, building teams across agencies,” said Schipper. “That’s the kind of work that’s necessary. I know how to bring diverse people – who often disagree – together to solve problems.”
Lois Schipper has deep ties to White Center – one of the most economically disadvantaged areas of King County. “Schipper deeply cares about underserved communities of color” according to Sili Savusa, executive director of the White Center Community Development Association. “Schipper understands what underserved communities need and she will deliver results in the legislature!”
In addition, Schipper served as PTSA president in both the Seattle and Highline School Districts, successfully leading school levy campaigns and serving as a PTSA legislative representative in Olympia.
John Welch, the former superintendent of the Highline School District, saw Lois’s efforts first-hand. “Lois got results through collaboration, perseverance and commitment,” says Welch, “I can’t imagine a more qualified and dedicated person to represent the 34th District.”
Schipper, who was a nurse in the Peace Corps, received her nursing degree from the Ohio State University and earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Minnesota.
Schipper has been married to Mark Ufkes for 27 years and they have two sons who are both Eagle Scouts.
In Schipper’s own words, “As a public health nurse, I have dedicated my 30-year nursing career helping families and children live better lives. I want to bring my experience as a children’s health expert to represent you and your family in the State Senate in Olympia. The safety and health of children and families will always come first!”
The weeklong official filing period opens tomorrow. The two candidates from whom we previously received announcements are Shannon Braddock and Joe Nguyen. The seat is open because Sen. Sharon Nelson has announced she is not running for re-election.
Thanks to West Seattle High School head track and field coach Will Harrison for the report:
West Seattle Boys 4th, Girls 10th among 16 Seattle Metro League Schools
It was a great showing for West Seattle HS athletes at the Seattle Metro League Championships at Southwest Athletic Complex, May 9th and 11th. The boys’ team compiled 51 points to tie defending champs O’Dea for 4th; the girls earned 34 points for 10th. Photos courtesy of Erik Bell.
The boys’ team was led by:
-Senior Cass Elliott defending his 300 hurdles title, winning in 37.76 seconds. He also placed 3rd in the 200m dash in 22.81 to score 16 points total.
(Elliott holds the state No. 1 mark this season in the 300m hurdles)-Junior Rylee Farrison came up 3rd in the boys 400m in 51.28 and 4th in the 200m in 23.21 and to grab 11 points. Elliott and Farrison capped off the meet teaming with Seniors Jackson Delaney and Alec Maroon to place 3rd (worth 6 points) in a thrilling 4x400m relay in 3 minutes 27.6 seconds, dangerously close to the school record of 3:27.41 seconds from 2016 (Elliott and Farrison were on that team as well).
(Rylee Farrison)-Senior Joe Kirk-Woodbury went out with a fantastic senior Metro performance, achieving personal bests for 2nd place in the discus throw (149 feet, 7 inches) and 4th in the shot put in (47 feet, 1.5 inches) to score 13 points. With two weeks left in the season, the discus school record of 150 feet, 6 inches (Jay Morgan in 2003) could be in jeopardy.
(Senior Joe-Kirk Woodbury was Metro Runner-Up in the discus throw Friday)-The boys 4 x 100m relay team of seniors Abdifatah Jeylani and Lucas Bower and sophomores Tom Nguyen and Kahlel Kelley placed 5th in the 4×100 meter relay (44.63) to score 4 points. Jeylani also placed 8th in the 100m dash for an additional point.
Girls’ team highlights included:
-Junior Chloe Cunliffe defended her pole vault title by going 13 feet even. She also placed 6th in the long jump in 16 feet, 5.25 inches to score 13 points altogether.
(Cunliffe has the top mark in Washington this season)-Senior Symmone Davis had a breakout meet which saw her advance to districts in 4 events (top 8 in Metro advance to that meet, next Wednesday/Friday at SWAC). She placed 2nd in the 100m hurdles (16.19), and 7th in the 300 hurdles finals in 50.53. seconds – though the big breakthrough came in the prelims for that race, in which she earned the 2nd overall time with a 47.73, an oh-so-close .03 seconds off Grace Sarver’s record from 2017. Davis’ efforts added 10 points for those events.
(Davis advanced to district in 2 individual events and helped 2 relays advance)-She also helped 2 relays advance – the 4x200m relay of Davis, sophomore Madison Kipley, senior Sierrah Bettin, and sophomore Katherine Long placed 5th in a season-best 1:48.54 (4 points); the 4x 100m of Davis, C. Cunliffe, Bettin, and sophomore Marissa Rackner placed 4th (5 points) in 51.36 seconds.
(Sophomore Madison Kipley was a key member of 2 relays)-Sophomore Sophia Cunliffe placed 7th in long jump (2 points) with a leap of 16 feet, 5 inches.
-The 4x400m relay of Kipley, Bettin, freshman Evelyn Hootman, and sophomore Melody Potratz placed 9th in 4 minutes, 15.78 seconds, and sophomore Malia Proctor threw 77 feet, 4 inches, also for 9th- thus earning spots as 1st alternates for the district meet next week.The Nathan Hale Boys won the meet with 86 point (by ½ point over Bishop Blanchet) and the Holy Names Academy girls won with 83 points (by 2 over Seattle Prep). Full results can be found here.
Whether or not you’re spending part of this day with your mom, here are highlights of what’s up:
(Lion dance at the Peony and Bamboo Festival on Saturday, photographed by David Hutchinson)
SEATTLE CHINESE GARDEN PEONY AND BAMBOO FESTIVAL: 10 am-4 pm, it’s the second and final day of the festival at the Seattle Chinese Garden on the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. (6000 16th SW)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Produce, products, flowers, plants, beverages, ready-to-eat food … lots available at the WSFM, 10 am-2 pm, in the street in The Junction. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Noon-4 pm Thursdays-Sundays, you are invited to visit the home of West Seattle’s history. (61st SW/SW Stevens)
‘BROKEN BONE BATHTUB’: Two West Seattle performances today – 2 and 4 pm – for this “strange, comforting, and magical” show. Make a reservation and they’ll tell you where to go. Our calendar listing explains.
MARC SMASON: Live music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)
PREVIEW THE WEEK AHEAD … via our complete calendar!
(2017 Bee Festival photo: The Big Bee, which led the parade)
The almost-summer fun has just begun. One week from today, the West Seattle Bee Festival will fill the heart of your Saturday with free fun. It’s headquartered at the West Seattle Bee Garden in High Point, starting with the Honey Run at 9:30 am, and continues until 2 pm. From festival spokesperson Karen Berge, a preview:
HONEY RUN: The Honey Run leads off the festival at 9:30 AM. It’s a free, informal, fun run for all ages that takes place in High Point Commons Park. One lap around the park is 1K. Participants compete to see how many laps they can do, and in how short a time. No registration required. Just show up and run/walk/roll!
PARADE/PARADE PREP: Face painters and balloon twisters will be on hand from 10 to 11 inside Neighborhood House to help get everyone decorated for the costume parade, which begins at 11. Everyone is welcome to join the parade – pets too! No experience needed, just follow the Big Bee!
From 11 until 2, many festival activities will take place concurrently.
VENDOR FAIR: This includes sustainable organizations, businesses, and community groups. Tilth Alliance will be there with their popular worm bin, info about their Master Composter Sustainability Steward program, and the Garden Hotline. Members of the High Point Resource Coalition will be there. Camp Long will be back with science activities — last year, their Naturalists brought microscopes so that attendees could look closely at bees, bugs, flowers, and other natural things. The SW Precinct plans to be there with the mobile precinct and some of the CPT officers. SFD is bringing a firetruck. Deb Greer will be there with info about West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network. New Hub Captains, Robert Landis and Johnny Schmidt, will host the West Seattle Be Prepared booth.
PLANT SWAP: This is part of the Vendor Fair again this year. People can bring their excess plants, seeds, tools, or anything gardening-related … and take home others that they find! No need to bring a plant in order to take a plant!
ANIMAL AMBASSADORS: Woodland Park Zoo will be back again with their live “animal ambassadors.” Their Up CLOSE program, “Pollinators: Little Animals, Big Job,” will be located inside Neighborhood House. They will also host a “Pollinator Party” outdoors at our Vendor Fair.
POP-UP SEWING: This is a hands-on workshop. People can bring torn clothes and learn to repair them, to minimize what ends up in landfills. People can also learn how to make items that they need. The goal is to promote sustainability and the idea of buying less. Last year, many of the participants made handbags or reusable shopping bags.
STARTING AT NOON
Noon – Bee Garden creator, Lauren England will give a Bee Hive demo; Krista Connor will narrate and explain what is taking place and why.
Noon – 2 PM, Puget Sound Beekeepers will host an Open House in the Bee Garden. They’ll have local honey available to taste and to buy. Beekeepers will field bee-related questions and are also happy to answer questions about plants.
Noon – 1 PM, enjoy international finger foods inside Neighborhood House. Free for low-income residents – contributions are welcome!
MUSIC
10 – Noon: DJ Arlo and DJ Nate Prudhon: They’ll put together family-friendly, fun, eclectic international music, “Break BEEts and Dance Music from around the Globe.”
Noon – 2 PM, enjoy live music by Mississippi Jones, followed by jazz with Bell and the Bees.
MISSISSIPPI JONES: Find out more about them here.
BELL AND THE BEES: A group of young jazz musicians from Garfield High School.
ORGANIZERS
The West Seattle Bee Festival is hosted by the Events Committee of the High Point Open Spaces Association. Deborah Vandermar is the Chair of the committee. Leslie Skavland is arranging the food and entertainment, and managing the logistics. This year’s festival is again a team effort that includes Asmeret Habte, Janell Gonyea, Zach Chupa, Terry Hirata, Tram Chung, Megan Demeroutis and others who live or work in the High Point Community.
WSB is a co-sponsor of the Bee Festival and we look forward to seeing you there!
P.S. Not sure how to get to the Bee Garden? Scroll down this page for a map.
Thanks to Meyer for the photo: A little over two weeks after we reported that the project to save West Seattle’s murals would kick off with restoration of the one in Morgan Junction, the artist is at work. Meyer spotted Gig Harbor artist Bob Henry at work today on the mural behind the California/Fauntleroy building that houses five businesses including Peel and Press, whose proprietor Dan Austin is spearheading this part of the project. We expect to hear more next week about broader plans for restoring more of West Seattle’s murals.
Thanks to Gary Jones (above) and James Bratsanos (below) for photos from today’s Seattle Yacht Club‘s Vashon Island Race as participants sailed past West Seattle.
This is part of the SYC’s Tri-Island race series, which concludes with the Blake Island Race in three weeks, on June 2nd.
West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day is many things – among them, a boon to local nonprofits who welcome leftovers:
NORTHWEST CENTER’S BIG BLUE TRUCK: Open late tonight in The Junction for post-WSCGSD donations! 4718 44th SW, dropoff until 6:30 pm. Please bag/box items. Check out their list of what they’ll accept, or schedule a residential pickup for this coming week, at bigbluetruck.org.
STUFF THE TRUCK AT HOLY ROSARY: They’re collecting unwanted items again this year, 42nd/Genesee, to help fund programs to help neighbors in need. Most-needed items: Clothing, books, men’s jeans, shorts and shoes, and women’s business clothing. (No furniture, mattresses or beds, please.)
Look for the truck in the HR parking lot off 42nd SW north of SW Genesee until 5 pm.
STOP N SHOP AT THE SENIOR CENTER OF WEST SEATTLE: Taking “small household items and clothing” today until 4 pm – drop off in the carport on the east side of the building (4217 SW Oregon).
And to the south:
WHITE CENTER HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY: A donation drive with a special early drop-off date for WSCGSD:
White Center Heights Elementary PTA is partnering with Value Village for our first-ever Donation Drive Fundraiser Wed. May 30 – Mon. June 18, with a special early drop-off date on Sat. May 12 during West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day — so sellers can get rid of what’s left and buyers can make room for new treasures.
Every pound of your unwanted stuff turns into funds for uniforms, supplies and community activities benefiting White Center Heights students, teachers and families.
Early Donation Drop-Off
Sat. May 12, 3 PM-6 PM at White Center Heights Elementary School Parking Lot (10015 6th Ave SW)Regular Donation Drop-Off
Wed. May 30 – Mon. June 18, Noon-10PM at Full Tilt Ice Cream (9629 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106)
* For large amounts of donations, please contact us at the info below so we can accommodate.What We Can Take
Clothing, shoes, bedding, towels, accessories (e.g., hats, mittens, scarves, ties, socks, purses, wallets, backpacks, bags, belts, jewelry)
Small household items (e.g., electronics, toys & games, kitchen items, knick-knacks, sporting goods)
Books and media (e.g., CDs, DVDs)
Please put soft items in trash bags and hard/heavy items in boxes.Questions? Contact Us
If you have any questions, can’t make the drop-off times or have a lot of donations, please call/text 206-992-6506 or email wchpta@gmail.com.
Anybody else? E-mail us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we will add.
(SEE THE ONLINE MAP/LIST HERE … DOWNLOAD/PRINT THE PDF MAP/LIST HERE … BENEFIT/NONPROFIT SALES LISTED HERE)
12:10 PM: We start the second half of the 14th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day at the easternmost spot on the map, Sale #34, 8145 5th Ave SW, in one of Highland Park’s furthest (but what a great view!) reaches. Go to Kenyon/5th and turn right (south) on 5th. Also in a spot of their own and inviting you to come by, Sale #33, 8124 24th SW:
They e-mailed, “We have a lot of kid stuff, some mid-century modern tables, baby gear and more! … We also have a donation table with mystery toy bags. Proceeds go to Louisa Boren STEM School.” Back in eastern Highland Park, Sale #19 at 9th and Thistle is a Girl Scout troop benefit with Italian sodas!
Sale #165, 2932 Walnut Ave SW, features “the cutest lemonade stand,” according to Karin, who sent the photo:
And talk about cute. Check out the ultimate garage-saling T-shirts, as photographed by Cindy at Sale #112 1706 California SW):
On the opposite end of the peninsula, the southernmost sale this year is Sale #334, 11408 Marine View Dr SW. We just stopped there, and found out that Oreo is the mascot:
Looking for bed frames? These are still available as of Karen‘s e-mail a few minutes ago from Sale #58 at 4047 39th SW:
And if you have just been looking everywhere for a feather boa – Alina Guyon models the one from her family’s garage sale in Fauntleroy, Sale 326, 9360 Fauntleroy Way SW.
ADDED 1:35 PM: The last official hour is getting closer! (Already?) The crowd at Sale #69 texted to say they’re having “a great day”:
They’re the “multi-family adulting sale” at 4806 46th Ave SW. If your “adulting” means you need a blender, via Twitter, here’s a deal for you:
@westseattleblog #063 has a nice Ninja Blender + Attachments still! New! #WestSeattleGarageSale pic.twitter.com/e8fp2l0s5v
— Jason R (@Shulin_) May 12, 2018
Sale #63 is at 3840 44th SW. Across the street, one of the day’s most unusual items was likely the old-school Coke machine at Sale #67, 3831 44th SW:
2:40 PM: A few final scenes – lots of selling going on along 42nd SW north of Morgan Junction:
That includes the LaFranchi residence, 5637 42nd SW, benefit for Mount Hood Kiwanis Camp at Sale #246, which we featured in our daily preview:
They usually start selling on Friday of Garage Sale Day weekend … but the incident a few doors down changed those plans, since 42nd SW was blocked in the area all day and into the evening.
3:01 PM: And that’s a wrap! Thanks to everyone who participated – shopping, selling, mingling, whatever. Next up, who’s taking donated leftovers!
5:22 PM P.S. One post-WSCGSD report:
My finds at the garage sale by Hotwire (Coffee) parking lot. The painting is an original by Teresa Walsh, who I love, and the little book is how to do hand shadow puppets, & who can’t use two pretty scarves.
All bought for under $20, & $ went to non-profits!
(SEE THE ONLINE MAP/LIST HERE … DOWNLOAD/PRINT THE PDF MAP/LIST HERE … BENEFIT/NONPROFIT SALES LISTED HERE)
9 AM: “South end is where it begins!” That’s what Young Chang proclaimed, sending us that early photo from Sale #229 at 9037 35th SW – and with that, the 14th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day is on! Haven’t seen the map yet? Find it here. And from the north, Andy sends this photo from the block sale at Palm and Massachusetts, Sale #178 – “Barbies for days!”
We’re off to visit some sales, but also appreciate your photos for our as-it-happens coverage – westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best address – more to come!
9:31 AM: Hotwire Coffee is a group site as always – 4410 California SW, Sale #62:
Just wander into the courtyard! Meantime, we’re now stopping at Lafayette Elementary‘s first-ever WSCGSD sale, 2645 California SW, right out front:
They’re Sale #148 on the map. Lemonade and cookies too! While you’re in the north, you can stop by the Urban Homestead Foundation‘s fundraiser sale, 50th & Dakota, the site they’re raising money to buy from the city:
The UHF is Sale #141. Meanwhile, almost anywhere you stop, you’ll find unique items:
Those signs are at Sale #224, 9256 30th SW.
10 AM: This is the westernmost sale, as far as we can tell – 6217 SW Admiral Way, folks who just moved to the area, Sale #120:
Their collection of scarves caught our eye. Now from the inbox (thanks for the pics at westseattleblog@gmail.com) and to the south – Westside School (WSB sponsor) is hosting a big sale:
On your map, that’s Sale #330, 10404 34th SW. On to Seaview – from Sale #287:
5956 45th SW is where you’ll find Carol. We’re now headed to check out some east West Seattle stops.
10:20 AM: While headed east, we stopped at Sale #225, 4100 32nd SW, and found an outgrown drum set:
They also have a big selection of no-longer-needed sneaers! Meantime, we received this photo from a benefit sale on the north side of The Junction, tweeted by Mike:
Sale 094 in full swing..lots of good stuff swing on by 4107 42nd Ave @westseattleblog #WSGarageSaleDay pic.twitter.com/joQdRmIMkm
— Mike Jensen (@mjtwit) May 12, 2018
From another benefit sale not too far away – treats!
That photo is from Sale #46, 4853 42nd Ave SW, where they are raising money for the VA Health Care System.
10:55 AM: Now we’re in Delridge. On the north end, the West Seattle Tool Library, which had some of its origins during a tool-collection drive on WSCGSD seven years ago:
The Tool Library is at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW, Sale #13. Further south, we turned into the Cottage Grove neighborhood, curiosity piqued by the listing for Sale #15 at 5643 25th SW:
“Hair salon” was part of the description, along with “vintage” and “punk rock.” Onward to the east High Point area, where the Sylvan Heights townhome neighborhood has a sale on the map:
Josh and Sarah are Sale #25 at 2701 SW Sylvan Heights Dr. (P.S. Their sale is bigger than it looks if you just pass by – they also have a garage full of stuff today!) WSCGSD is one-third over already but LOTS of shopping time left – remember some sales are staying open beyond the 3 pm official end time – check the map.
11:20 AM: On the south end, we visited Fresh Flours Bakery, a new participant and a benefit sale – they’re raising money for HONK! Fest West, which has chosen White Center as one of its venues this year:
Fresh Flours is Sale #5, 9410 Delridge Way SW. Before we get back to the south end, we’ve received a photo from another business participant, longtime WSB sponsor Click! Design That Fits in The Junction:
Click! is having a Garage Sale Day sale up in the loft. Sale #49 on your map, 4540 California SW. … Back to the south now. Another Garage Sale Day first – a “flea market” organized by the White Center Chamber of Commerce:
Sale #20, 9834 17th SW, is a big parking-lot sale commemorating the Chamber’s reboot.
11:50 AM: Back on the north side, Sale #110 at 1730 Sunset Ave SW reports, “Still have some kids’ furniture and toys!”
Sale #173 in the alley behind 3854 49th Ave SW has some two-wheeled merchandise:
Speaking of two-wheeled, a motorcycle is up for grabs at Sale #238, 8461 35th SW:
Two interested prospects so far, they tell us. Meantime, we’re launching a second report now that we’re in the second half of WSCGSD! (Here’s the link.)
Happy Saturday!
(Mike at Sale #246, a benefit sale that started Friday but was blocked off by emergency traffic – visit today at 5637 42nd SW – free cookies and coffee!)
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE DAY: We’ve mapped, we’ve listed, we’ve previewed, we’ve promoted. Now it’s up to you to sell, shop, mingle with your neighbors! The 14th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day brings 320+ sales all over the peninsula, as mapped here – official sale hours are 9 am to 3 pm, though as you’ll see if you review the listings, some are starting early, some ending late. And send photos! (westseattleblog@gmail.com, text 206-293-6302, or Instagram/Twitter at @westseattleblog)
STAMP OUT HUNGER: It’s the USPS letter carriers’ 26th annual door-to-door food drive today, so please put a bag of food out by your mailbox/mailslot before you head out to shop, sell, etc.
SEATTLE SEAFAIR COMMODORES BOWL-A-THON: Even if you’re not bowling, stop by to cheer them on! 9 am-noon at West Seattle Bowl. (39th/Oregon)
SEATTLE CHINESE GARDEN PEONY & BAMBOO FESTIVAL: 10 am-4 pm,first day of the annual celebration. Details in our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)
SOUTH DELRIDGE COMMUNITY CLEANUP: Just one hour can make a big difference! Join the South Delridge Community Group for their monthly cleanup, 10 am-11 am. (17th/Henderson)
EARTHQUAKE RETROFIT WORKSHOP: 11:30 am-1:30 pm, free workshop at Southwest Library. (9010 35th SW)
5 BERRIES FOR YOUR HOME GARDEN: 1-3 pm at Community Orchard of West Seattle with the Seattle Farm School – details in our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)
MGMT AT EASY STREET RECORDS: From 1 pm-3 pm, MGMT “will be signing their vinyl, CDs, and T-shirts, taking photos with fans, and spinning their favorite music upstairs in our vinyl loft!” says Easy Street. (California/Alaska)
INSTRUMENTS OF CHANGE: A few tickets might be left for tonight’s big dinner raising money for the West Seattle Food Bank. 6 pm at the Seattle Design Center. (5701 6th Ave S.)
GARY DAVIS: Singer/songwriter performs tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)
WHAT ELSE? Go here to see!
Checking the court files, followups on two people whose cases we’ve been following:
GREGORY THOMPSON: Since last we checked on Thompson in late April, the Puget Ridge man police say was found with drugs and guns, he’s gotten out of jail again – and been booked back in again. After his April 23rd arrest on warrants, he got out on May 5th. Then on May 9th, he was arrested again – not just in connection with the previous cases, but also related to a new charge: Possession of a stolen vehicle. Court documents say surveillance video links Thompson to a vehicle reported here on WSB after it was stolen – a red F-250 pickup truck – and that a WSB reader found it parked in front of a house in Westwood. Thompson’s in jail in lieu of $125,000 bail.
KIERRA WARD: The defendant in last October’s Admiral stabbing attack has another new court date. Today Ward’s trial-readiness hearing was postponed again, this time to June 8th, because of ongoing trial preparations. Ward has been in jail in lieu of $400,000 bail since the day she was arrested, after a mother was stabbed while out for a walk with her baby.
All around the peninsula, sellers and shoppers are getting ready for tomorrow – the 14th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day. At WSB, we’ve been coordinating this huge neighbor-to-neighbor event since its fourth year, and so we have a few reminders for you:
THE MAP: Whether you want to search for who’s selling something you’re seeking, or if you just want to see which of your neighbors are having sales, the clickable/zoomable/searchable and printable versions of the map and listings for all 320+ sales can be found here.
CHECK FOR LAST-MINUTE CHANGES: We’ve had a few cancellations since making the map, as usual, and while we’re able to note those on the clickable map, we can’t update the printable map, so if you are using that, be sure to check the map page, where we’ve listed late cancellations, and scratch those sales off your copy.
THE LISTS: If you’re trying to decide where to start – your own neighborhood, of course, but beyond that – we have some lists linked on the map page too (benefits, businesses, block sales, lemonade).
THE WEATHER: Absolutely perfect.
YOUR PHOTOS: We’ll be covering the day as it unfolds, as always, but we can’t be everywhere, so we invite you to share a pic of something you bought, someone you met, a cool sign you saw, or … please include the sale #, and e-mail us during WSCGSD at westseattleblog@gmail.com or tag us on Twitter or Instagram (@westseattleblog on both).
THE AFTERMATH: For sellers – or for those shoppers who enjoy buying stuff they can turn around and donate to nonprofits – here’s our updated list of who’s accepting items afterward and where to go for dropoff.
Here’s to an awesome West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day!
Two SDOT updates on local projects bring news of closures ahead:
18TH/MYRTLE: On Puget Ridge, the project near Sanislo Elementary continues, with an unanticipated closure in a week:
This week, our crews continued work at SW Orchard St, 18th Ave SW, and SW Myrtle St. We worked with Seattle Public Utilities to relocate a fire hydrant and worked with Seattle City Light to relocate light poles along SW Orchard St. We were also able to pour concrete to complete more sidewalks and curb corners. Our crews worked on adjusting driveway thresholds along SW Orchard St.
During our earlier excavation work, we discovered the roadbed under the intersection of SW Myrtle St and 18th Ave SW was in worse shape than we had expected. Because of this unforeseen circumstance, our crews will have to completely demolish and reconstruct the intersection. We are scheduled to do this work on Saturday, May 19 – this work will require full closure of the intersection of SW Myrtle St and 18th Ave SW. Our crews will begin work as early as 7:00 am as we hope to complete this work by Sunday morning to minimize impact to school related traffic. Detours will be in place during this work. The newly paved intersection will have a smaller traffic circle footprint to widen the street around it and allow for larger vehicles more space for turning movements.
Then later this month, the start date is set for the long-planned closure for drainage work related to the Arbor Heights sidewalk project:
35TH/104TH: SDOT also sent an update about the Arbor Heights sidewalk project:
We will be starting construction work on 35th Ave SW between SW 100th St and SW 106th St on the week of May 21. Our crews may begin moving construction equipment into the area and begin preparation work as early as late next week. We will begin full closure of 35th Ave SW between SW 104th St and SW 106th St on Tuesday, May 29. This closure will last through mid to late June for our crews to replace the stormwater drainage and detention system underground. Detours and reroutes for access to Arbor Heights Elementary and Westside School have identified. A map will be available and included in next week’s update.
We hope everyone’s aware of this scam by now but just in case – we got a call from Luna Park Café a little while ago, and they had just received the infamous utility-scam call. Businesses are a favorite target of these scammers, who claim your power’s about to be cut off unless you pay some money right now. Utilities including City Light say they don’t do business that way. But if you get a call like that and somehow fear you might be in arrears, you can call the utility to be sure. All the info you need is here.
(Added: WSB photo outside Findlay side of scene)
11:13 AM: Thanks for the tips. There’s both a full-response Seattle Fire Department turnout and what appears to be a SWAT callout near 42nd SW and SW Findlay. Avoid the area. We are on our way to find out more.
11:16 AM: Our crew headed north to the scene can see black smoke and flames even from some distance away.
(Photo courtesy Heather Fitzpatrick)
The King County Sheriff’s Office confirms it’s their SWAT team and is sending a public-information officer. You’ll see/hear at least one TV helicopter in the area shortly.
11:22 AM: Also avoid California in that area, as it’s blocked off and more SFD equipment is on the way. This house is right on Findlay – our crew, just arrived, says it’s the one at the southwest corner of 42nd and Findlay that you might know for the old vehicles parked outside.
Here’s what Rasmus Rasmussen recorded a short time ago:
Here’s my report from the fire in West Seattle. Cc @westseattleblog @KING5Seattle @komonews pic.twitter.com/zkDWmwH5U9
— Rasmus Rasmussen (@theprint) May 11, 2018
(Video courtesy Rasmus Rasmussen, who narrates)
11:34 AM: SFD has just upsized this to a two-alarm fire. They also have a public-information officer at the scene so we should find out more soon. The sheriff’s SWAT arrival preceded the fire – we had just been getting tips about it and were starting to head that way when we got word of the fire callout.
(Video courtesy Bruce Butterfield)
11:47 AM: Commenter says at least one citywide reported this had to do with the eviction. KCSO is the agency accountable for those, though not usually with SWAT teams. We cross-referenced court records and have found documents confirming that today was the deadline for a person whose address was shown at that house to get out; the action was filed by the estate of the owner, apparently a relative. Researching more. Again, avoid California/Findlay/42nd – California is blocked north to Brandon.
NOON: There’s also a power outage in the area – wires are down because of the fire. Not on the City Light map so far.
12:15 PM: Now the outage is mapped – 1,595 homes/businesses.
Meantime, the fire is mostly out. (added) We just talked to SFD. They say the fire started in the basement and spread to the rest of the house. They also say KCSO had warned them there might be ammunition in the house. Since the fire is mostly out, they and SWAT will be going in soon to find out if anyone was inside.
12:30 PM: Here’s what KCSO just told WSB’s Christopher Boffoli: The SWAT team was there to try to evict the resident because 24 firearms were registered to the residence. They did NOT fire any shots nor use any incendiary devices. Neighbors hadn’t seen the resident – the son of the house’s now-deceased owner – since December. He was to be evicted because the house was to be sold. Officers had tried to get in by piercing the screen door, and KCSO says that’s when they realized the house was on fire. They don’t know yet if the man, in his 50s, was inside. (added) SFD meantime tells us the fire went to a second alarm not because of its size but because it was a complicated situation.
12:55 PM: KCSO is gearing up with breathing masks to go inside the house. They also tell us that there was some indication the 51-year-old man had mental-health challenges, so they had brought a mental-health professional with them when they arrived to try the eviction.
1:13 PM: KCSO confirms a body has been found. Meantime, we’re continuing to read the court documents associated with the eviction case. The 51-year-old son of the owner was originally ordered to leave more than a year ago – April 30, 2017. Also: A drone will be used at the scene soon to “evaluate for hazards,” according to scanner traffic.
1:59 PM: The Sheriff’s Office also says that it won’t be the one to confirm whether the body is that of the house’s resident and eviction target; that will be up to the Medical Examiner. KCSO is saying only that the dead person is a man. They will remain on scene investigating, with help from SFD and SPD.
2:18 PM: California is back open. The power is back on in the area, too. Those, we have verified in person; via scanner, we hear that authorities have set up a “hot zone” around the house while continuing to investigate what’s inside it. Also, added above the 12:30 pm update is Christopher’s video of the briefing given at that time. (added) KCSO says via Twitter that “an explosive device was located inside the house,” therefore the extra caution.
2:52 PM: An update from KCSO – never mind, it was NOT an explosive device:
UPDATE#2 There is NO EXPLOSIVE device in the residence. On further exam, BDU personnel were able to determine the device they found was not explosive. They are continuing to search the house at this point with machines until they are sure it is safe for Deputies to go in.
— KingcosoPIO (@kingcosoPIO) May 11, 2018
3:15 PM: Elaborating at the scene, KCSO spokesperson Sgt. Jason Houck says the alleged “device” turned out to be a CD case with a bunch of wires. Meantime, as the investigation will continue for some hours, side streets in the area including SW Findlay will remain closed TFN.
4:01 PM: No further updates. KCSO and SFD were downsizing the scene at last report; we’ll be going back over in about half an hour to check on the status of things. Meantime, some lingering after-effects of the earlier power outage – West Seattle Nursery, at California/Brandon, says its phones and registers are continuing to have some trouble so while they’re open, you might consider waiting until tomorrow instead of visiting today.
4:24 PM: KCSO has just sent a news release. We’ve reported everything in it, but in case you’d like to see it all in one place … here it is. (A few minutes later …) And here’s the SFD news release.
6:31 PM: Stopped back at the scene a while ago. Findlay is open; 42nd was still blocked. Firefighters are still on site:
Below those two, the burned house was partly visible through the shrubbery along Findlay:
The old vehicles, still parked along the alley, apparently undamaged.
ADDED SATURDAY: We received this photo from Dan, who says this is some of what KCSO brought out of the house Friday night:
We’re reaching out to KCSO with followup questions, though we might not hear back until Monday.
SATURDAY NIGHT UPDATE: We did just hear back from KCSO Sgt. Houck – but he says reports with the full tally of what was found won’t be available until Monday.
(Steller’s Jay, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
Looking ahead to the rest of your Friday – from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
KIDS’ CAFE AFTERSCHOOL MEALS: The kids-hunger-fighting program continues at High Point Library. 2:45-3:30 pm, anyone under 18 can eat for free. (3411 SW Raymond)
SOFTBALL PLAYOFFS: West Seattle vs. Garfield in the Metro League tournament game for third place, 5 pm at Southwest Athletic Complex. (2801 SW Thistle)
WINE AND CHEESE: Special 5-8 pm rosé tasting at Sound and Fog in The Junction. (4735 40th SW)
HSA SELECT TRYOUTS CONTINUE: 5:50 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield, two more sessions of soccer tryouts – see the full schedule here. (6920 34th SW)
ART LOUNGE: Bring your project(s) to Highland Park Improvement Club starting at 7 pm for the monthly Art Lounge – 21+. (1116 SW Holden)
WHATEVERLY BROTHERS: “Rich harmonies with instrumental frosting,” at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)
MINISYMPHONY: Featured at 7:30 pm tonight at Kenyon Hall, The MiniSymphony – “a string quartet, a piano, and an accordion.” Ticket info and more details here. (7904 35th SW)
PREVIEW THE WEEKEND … with a look at our full calendar.
Congratulations to Meghan Fiso from the third-place-in-state West Seattle High School girls’ basketball team! She has been honored as the Pacific Northwest Basketball Officials Association‘s Female Player of the Year. As explained by the PNBOA:
This award, as voted on by the officials who officiated your basketball games, is given to the player who shows great sportsmanship and leadership while also being an outstanding player.
Fiso, who’s a sophomore, received the award at a banquet last weekend. Thanks to proud mom Julie Fiso for sharing the news and the award photos!
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:07 AM: Good morning! So far, no incidents reported in/from West Seattle.
ROAD-WORK REMINDER: Repaving work is scheduled to continue today on Admiral Way between 57th and 59th.
I-5 LANE CLOSURES THIS WEEKEND: Here’s what WSDOT has planned.
7:11 PM: Speaking of I-5, there’s a problem in the right NB lane at I-90 – stalled semitruck.
7:30 AM: That has cleared.
Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STOLEN CAR: From Amy:
My son’s car was stolen on 24th & Holden sometime between 10 pm yesterday and 2 pm today (Thursday 5/10). Blue/green color, 4-door 2000 Honda Civic. License plate AVS9683. Cracked windshield and dented rear bumper. It’s been reported to police and he hopes to recover it, as sentimental-value items were in the trunk. If spotted, please call 911.
SPD incident # 2018-167234.
STOLEN BICYCLE: From Dawn:
Yet again another Cannondale bike was stolen from behind my apartment building. This is the 3rd one ! The U Lock was cut off. I’m getting tired of these thieves in our neighborhood. This is my only means of transportation. We are not allowed to bring our bikes into the building, so I invested in a U-Lock and it didn’t stop the thief or thieves from stealing it. It is a black Cannondale, with the writing Beast from the East on the frame. Please call Dawn @ 206-422-3785. Thank you.
STOLEN PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS: From Fred:
My car was broken into (Tuesday) night in the 1600 block of California Ave SW. Window smashed and black suitcase full of percussion instruments (bells, guiro, claves, drumsticks) stolen. There’s a slight chance that the thief dumped it somewhere once he or she realized that there was nothing of value, and I’d love to have it back. I have reported this information to the police.
P.S. Your next chance to check in with local police is next Tuesday, May 15th, 7 pm, when the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meets at the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster). Special guest will be talking about transportation safety – SDOT’s Jim Curtin.
Now 36 hours away from the 14th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day this Saturday!
WEATHER: Sunny, 70s
SALES: 320+ – all sizes, all neighborhoods – mapped here
WHO’S SELLING WHAT? Search tips are below the map. For example – search for “tools” and you’ll find 54 sales come up, including #13 at the West Seattle Tool Library (which was launched in 2010 with the help of tools collected on WSCGSD) … search for “toys” and you’ll find 75 sales come up … then there are 114 sales whose listings mention furniture! And a few shorter lists, in addition to the ones we’ve already linked from the map:
BLOCK SALES:
#27: 9238 20th Ave SW
#74: 2719 47th Ave SW
#214: 6600 High Point Dr SW
#226: 5914 34th Ave SW
COOL BEVERAGES:
lemonade promised at
#46: 4622 SW Dakota St
#47: 3212 40th Ave SW
#148: 2645 California Ave SW
#244: 3715 SW Rose St
#251: 3911 SW Elmgrove St.
#256: 6016 42nd Ave SW
#331: 10021 42nd Ave SW
and Italian sodas at
#19: 8403 9th Ave SW
Reminder … if you’re shopping, check the map page before you head out Saturday morning because we’re continuing to note last-minute cancellations there. And whether you’re shopping or selling, share photos – cool find? or? – westseattleblog@gmail.com, or text to 206-293-6302, or tag us on Twitter or Instagram at @wsb.blackfin.biz. More tomorrow!
Seal-pup season is starting, and Seal Sitters Marine Stranding Network is recruiting – and training – volunteers. From Robin Lindsey:
There are still spaces left for Seal Sitters Volunteer Training, Saturday, June 9th, from 10 am-12:30 pm (see details here). Doors open at 9:30. Due to limited seating, RSVP is required at the website link to ensure a seat.
Seal Sitters is always in need of dedicated volunteers to keep marine mammals safe and educate the public. We do encourage children (must be accompanied by adult) to join Seal Sitters and become environmental stewards at a young age. It is empowering for those of all ages to be able to protect marine life and truly make a difference.
Harbor seal pupping season is getting underway in Washington. There are numerous pregnant seals in Central and Puget Sound. Harbor seals are generally born in our area from late June thru early September; however, there has already been a premature birth, so we can expect pups soon. We have had newborn pups in West Seattle as early as June 9th. If you are heading to the outer coast of Washington now and over the next couple of months, you might very well encounter a newborn pup. Always stay back to avoid abandonment and contact the area stranding network (for maps, go here).
To learn in-depth about harbor seal pups and to view a pupping season map, go here.
Here in West Seattle, we never know what kind of activity each season will bring. Wildlife is predictably unpredictable! That’s why Seal Sitters needs predictably reliable volunteers – since each day can bring new challenges, anything from keeping a resting seal pup safe from harm to responding to a stranded whale.
As always, if you see a seal – or other marine mammal – on a West Seattle beach or in trouble offshore, please call Seal Sitters hotline @ 206-905-SEAL (7325). Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network is a partner in NOAA’s West Coast MMSN and responds to reports of ALL marine mammals, dead or alive.
To learn more about Seal Sitters, marine mammals and the work of NOAA’s MMSN, please visit our website and blog for “what’s happening on the beach.”
Robin adds that her photo above is “of weaned seal ‘Uno,’ who spent many days onshore in January and February resting near the water taxi.”
(1st 2 photos courtesy John Smersh of Click! Design That Fits)
6:12 PM: Wearable art! That’s some of what you’ll find on tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk – at Click! Design That Fits (4540 California SW; WSB sponsor), the artist is Elyssa Cichy:
Here again is tonight’s map/venue list – with places you’ll find food and drink specials, as well as places with art:
ADDED 6:37 PM: Stop by Wallflower Custom Framing (4735 42nd SW) and meet artist Heidi Bruns Shank:
The display description explains that her “series ‘Adapting Clarity’ explores individuality of sight and perception.”
7:30 PM: Also in The Junction, Graystone Mortgage in Jefferson Square is featuring art by Chief Sealth International High School students – including Tuvy!
Says the WSAW preview: “The student art … on display represents work from the beginning Drawing/Painting class and the International Baccalaureate Art program.” Between there and WSB HQ, we stopped at Locöl for Graham Vittum, presented by the Bruno B Art Colletif:
Next month’s Art Walk – always the second Thursday – is June 14th.
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