West Seattle, Washington
08 Tuesday
9:24 PM: Police and Fire have responded to a house on Belvidere alongside Fairmount Ravine for a “scenes of violence” callout. Medics tell dispatch they’re treating a man, believed to be in his 40s, for a gunshot wound. No word on the circumstances so far.
9:47 PM: The wounded man is reported to have been taken to Harborview by SFD medic unit.
What happened toward the north end of Beach Drive last month has now happened toward the south end. We went to Lowman Beach after a tip about multiple vehicle windows being smashed overnight. We talked to the owner of the truck seen above; he said nothing was taken, but he had heard of at least three other vehicles that were targeted. We found one of them parked nearby:
The pickup owner said nothing was taken so far as he could tell; we haven’t heard from any of the other victims.
Our photo is from Saturday evening, as crews were wrapping up a day of repaving a section of SW Avalon Way just north of SW Genesee, work that reduced lanes and backed up traffic for much of the day. As we noted here after happening onto the work Saturday morning, despite Avalon’s status as a busy arterial – and despite the complication of SW Genesee’s concurrent closure west of Delridge – there was no public traffic alert about it. As promised, we followed up Monday with SDOT. No alert was required, explained spokesperson Mariam Ali today. For starters, it was not an SDOT project – it was a private project, road restoration that was required because nearby private development had cut into the repaved road: “Since Avalon Way had recently been paved, the contractor was required to restore a large area. This follows our Right-of-Way Opening and Restoration Rules which outlines the allowable exceptions for cutting into new pavement and establishes restoration requirements.” As for advance notice – the contractor provided that only to “residents and businesses within the project area,” Ali said, which is all that’s required, even when a street is used by many who don’t live or work in “the project area.” (The Genesee closure was also a private restoration project, but we found out about that in advance because Metro issued a reroute alert.)
(WSB photo)
2:22 PM: We’ve just learned from members of Save The Stone Cottage that there’s been a change in plan for tonight’s move. It’s still happening – but minus the hoopla: No ceremonial events, no mini-parade, just the move. What happened is that the moving firm, Nickel Bros, had a positive COVID test – and even though the person who tested positive is NOT on the crew that will be handling tonight’s move, “out of an abundance of caution,” Save The Stone Cottage’s Jeff McCord explains, they decided to cancel the public-spectacle part of the plan. The winning bidders in their auction for ceremonial roles in the event, for example, will get refunds. More details to come.
3:06 PM: The full update we’ve since received from Save The Stone Cottage explains, “Nickel Bros contacted the Save the Stone Cottage committee on Monday evening as soon as its COVID case emerged and possible contact exposures within the Nickel Bros crew had been discovered. The company administered rapid tests to its entire crew early this morning. Two Nickel Bros crew members tested positive for COVID and are quarantining.” One more note: “Those interested in seeing the move take place can still do so, but the Save the Stone Cottage committee recommends that they stay inside vehicles and distanced from the moving staff.”
(WSB photo, 2017)
Back in 2017, we photographed the portable kinetic sculpture “Interspecies Communication” during a daylong event at Duwamish Waterway Park in South Park. Now the sculpture and its creators – Vashon Island-based Lelavision – are coming to Westcrest Park in West Seattle for a nine-day “celebration of art and science.” From the announcement:
On August 27-September 5, 2021, Lelavision will animate West Seattle’s Westcrest Park with BIPOC-centered performances, kinetic musical-sculpture, eco-art installations and workshops, wellness offerings, and science panels to cultivate our health as a community.
As part of the Created Commons initiative, the performance and production company Lelavision (choreographer/organizer Leah Okamoto Mann and sculptor/musician Ela Lamblin) will provide a neighborhood celebration featuring BIPOC-centered performances, wellness offerings, and science panels utilizing their interactive kinetic sculpture, Interspecies Communication. This large sculpture — 50 feet long and 32 feet wide — depicts a whale and a bird. Visitors can make the bird “fly” from 12 pm to 8 pm each weekend of the event, by setting its wings in motion.
This family-friendly, zero-waste event is free and open to the public. All are encouraged to bring picnics, camping chairs, blankets, and filled water bottle, which will help them stay hydrated during the fun. Composting and recycle bins will help keep the park clean. Visitors should pack out all other trash in the spirit of leaving the park better than we found it. Vashon Island Growers Association will provide free organic produce, and a variety of food trucks will be on site, including delicious ice cream from event sponsor Full Tilt Ice Cream. There is limited parking at the park, but plenty of surface street parking. No alcohol will be permitted on site.
An Indigenous-centered opening will kick off the nine-day event on Friday, August 27, at 6 pm. Orca Annie & Odin Lonning, UW Tacoma Students from the Pacific Islander Student Association, will share stories, music, and tales of their activism on behalf of the resident Orcas in the Salish Sea. Duwamish Tribe representatives Ken Workman, Nancy Sackman, and Billie Jane Lakey will also be present. Donations for Real Rent Duwamish will be collected throughout the event to honor the Duwamish Tribe and acknowledge the unceded land the event will take place upon.
On Saturday, August 28, 12 pm – 8 pm, the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (DNDA) will present an Arts in Nature Festival Showcase, a condensed version of the well-loved annual Arts In Nature Festival that has offered an eclectic experience of art and performance in a local park for 22 years. Starting at noon, the park will be full of art on the paths, fun in the field, sound baths, roving dancers, and more. Between 3:00 and 8:00 pm, poet LASH will co-MC the main stage performances, with movement artists Danza Symbiosis, Seattle Capoeira, and Noelle Price with cellist Gretchen Yanover. Music features include Troy Osaki, Jennifer Moore, and Holy Pistola.
Sunday, August 29, from 12 pm to 3 pm, the park will come alive with activities and eco-arts in the field and with trail animations. From 4pm to 8pm, the festival will feature performances curated by artist and activist dani tirrell and a science panel on health-care access. Panelists include Candace Jackson of the African American Health Board of Seattle and Dr Sinead Younge, Director of the Social Justice Inquiry and Praxis Institute in the Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership at Morehouse College. Performers Dandy (David Rue & Randy Ford), Northwest Tap Connection, Majinn (Michael O’Neal), J Mase III, Kutt’N’Up, and Malicious Vixens will take the stage following the panel. The evening’s finale will be a community dance party with DJ dark_wiley. Pop-up vaccines will be available on site.
On Tuesday, August 31, from 6 pm-8 pm, the festival will create a community event in honor of Overdose Awareness Day in collaboration with artist and counselor, Alexia Jones, the Executive Director of R2ise and Dr Seema Clifasefi of UW’s HaRRT Program (Harm Reduction, Research, Treatment). Vaccines will also be available on this day.
Friday, September 3, 6 pm-8 pm will feature a drumming circle with artist Sumayya Diop. Some drums will be provided, or participants can bring their own percussion (including clapping, stepping, and heartbeat).
Saturday and Sunday, September 4 and 5, 3 pm-8 pm Jack Straw Cultural Center joins Lelavision in presenting BIPOC poets, musicians, and dancers, including Hula Halau O’keala’Akua Naniloa Mana’oakamai; Jack Straw Writers, hosted by Anastacia-Renee; and music by JR Rhodes. Sunday’s presentations will include a Community Bon Odori; music by Nic Masangkay, Trio Guandalevin, and Seattle Kokon Taiko, and Jack Straw Writers, hosted by E.J. Koh.
You can also see the schedule details here.
(Seen in Lincoln Park this morning: ‘Fashion shoot’ is all they’d say)
Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
OUTDOOR STORY TIME: Page Ahead and the Seattle Public Library are teaming for an outdoor story time today in the amphitheater at High Point Commons Park (behind 6400 Sylvan Way SW), 11 am-noon.
SIGNWAVING FOR RACIAL JUSTICE: Join Scott at 16th/Holden for now-weekly signwaving to advocate for racial justice, 4:30-6 pm at 16th/Holden. Signs available if you don’t have your own.
WOMEN’S PERSONAL-SAFETY CLASS: 4:30 pm online, free. Our calendar listing has registration infrmation.
TOASTMASTERS: You’re invited to join West Seattle Toastmasters 832 online tonight at 6:30 pm – our calendar listing explains how.
REDISTRICTING: The 2020 Census results will be used to redraw boundaries for legislative and Congressional districts. What do you need to know about how this process will affect your political power? The League of Women Voters is teaming up with the 34th District Democrats for an online presentation/discussion at 7 pm tonight – here’s how to attend.
STONE COTTAGE MOVE: The historic stone-studded house at 1123 Harbor Avenue SW will be moved tonight just after midnight. Spectators welcome! Preps at the site get going at 11 pm. Here’s the plan as announced by Save The Stone Cottage.
Something for our calendar? Best way to get it to us is westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
9:39 AM: Keeping the West Seattle lost/found Pets page since 2008, we’ve heard a lot of stories about how pets get reunited with people. This time we’ve heard from a person whose pet is already found – and now she’s looking for the people who helped. From CeiCei:
I’m trying to find and thank the Good Samaritans that helped out Sunday and walked my dog (Franklin) back to my house. Someone else found him by Madison Middle School, and passed him off to a couple that was jogging in the area.
My friend was watching my dog while I was OOT and I had no cell reception. Somehow the latch on the fence wasn’t fully latched and Franklin managed to paw the fence door open and get out of the yard yesterday. Someone found him, tried calling me, but wasn’t able to get a hold of me.
Picture belowm, when my friend found him tied up at home:
Let us know if you were among Franklin’s rescuers and we’ll connect you with CeiCei,
10:09 AM: Just heard from the folks who brought Franklin to his home!
6:04 AM: Good morning. Another mild day, says the forecast.
ROAD WORK
26th SW– Northbound closure continues between Roxbury and Barton.
Delridge project – Miscellaneous work this week.
CLOSURE
SW Andover pedestrian/bicycle overpass – This remains closed, explained by SDOT as related to “trespassing” problems and neighborhood concerns in advance of the fall seismic-retrofit project.
TRANSIT
Buses are on regular schedules – except for the 26th rerouting. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of bus cancellations.
For ferries and water taxis, regular schedule. Watch @wsferries for updates.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
512th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are views of other bridges and routes:
Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)
West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden – No camera for a few weeks (explained here)
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):
For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:
Are draw/swing bridges opening for boats or barges? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed will tell you. (1st Ave. South Bridge openings also are tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.)
See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.
Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
Tomorrow brings the second episode of Tossed Popcorn, a weekly podcast co-hosted by West Seattleite Siena Jeakle. She describes it as “a comedy podcast about classic movies.” And it’s in a bright spotlight, since Jeakle and co-host Lianna Holston won the iHeart Radio network’s “Next Great Podcast” contest (under the working title Frankly, My Dear). Tossed Popcorn launched last week by taking aim at “The Godfather,” and the goal is to take on another movie every week from the American Film Institute’s “100 Greatest American Movies of All Time.” You can listen here – and Jeakle says you also can find it on the “iHeartRadio app, Spotify, and all other online podcast streaming services.”
Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STOLEN RED LEGACY: The report and photo are from Valdies:
The car was stolen probably last night from in front of my house at 4th Ave SW and Cambridge Ave in Highland Park. 1998 Subaru Legacy sedan. The Plate is BKG8833. Incident # 21-212718.
Call 911 if you see it.
ANOTHER CATALYTIC-CONVERTER THEFT: After three reports over the weekend, here’s another one. Brent‘s security cam recorded the thief approaching his neighbor’s hybrid Toyota Highlander, and then the sound of the theft. The video is not embeddable but you can watch/listen here. This happened around 4:46 am near Highland Park Way and SW Holden.
(added 9:27 pm) AND ANOTHER: Just received from Debbie:
After spending my lunch reading the weekend catalytic converter thefts on the blog, I received a text from my husband (I was at work) that he discovered the catalytic converter in his Ford Truck was stolen sometime between midday Friday 8/13 and midday today 8/16. His truck was parked on 39th Ave. SW between Thistle & Cloverdale.
Another reminder – tomorrow night is when the historic Stone Cottage will be moved off its original site at 1123 Harbor Avenue SW, taken by structural-moving specialists Nickel Bros to a temporary holding site on Port of Seattle land to the east/southeast. Over the weekend, we published the plan for moving night – even if you’re not planning to go watch, be aware of the traffic effects. In case you missed it, here again are the key points, from the group that’s coordinating the move, Save The Stone Cottage:
Approximately 8 p.m.: Nickel Bros’ crew will maneuver the Stone Cottage from wooden cribbing piles onto oversized dollies, and connect them to the semi-truck.
11:30 p.m.: Special remarks by VIP’s at the Information area,
11:55 p.m.: VIP’s lead a countdown, then the ‘Big Go Button’ is pressed by the Save the Stone Cottage auction winner. Lights and fog will erupt from the Stone Cottage.
11:59 p.m.: Drivers and riders enter their convoy vehicles: Nickel Bros Truck Cab, Pilot Car, and Sweeper Car
12:05 a.m.: Nickel Bros truck pulls the Stone Cottage into the Harbor Avenue SW roadway and gets in line between the Pilot Car and the Sweeper Car.
12:15 a.m.: Stone Cottage convoy heads south on Harbor Avenue SW at parade speed – approx 5mph. The rolling convoy may stop to let vehicular traffic from cross street through.
By 1 a.m.: Nickel Bros truck pulls the Stone Cottage through the SW Florida Street gates while the Pilot Car and Sweeper Car turn around and head back to the starting point.
By 2 a.m.: Nickel Bros crew will have the Stone Cottage securely parked onto wooden piers in the Port of Seattle storage lot.
During the move:
No public will be allowed in or near the Nickel Bros Stone Cottage work crew area on the west side of Harbor Ave at Maryland Place.
No public will be allowed within the driving roadway during the move.
The Harbor Avenue SW ‘No-Parking zones’ will ONLY be along Don Armeni Boat Launch and near the Calif. Ave intersection.
SDOT and SPD are responsible for maintaining one-way vehicular flow along eastern side of Harbor Avenue SW during the move. .
Sidewalk closure on the west side 1100 block of Harbor Avenue SW (Stone Cottage block)
Sidewalks along Harbor Avenue SW will provide great elevated viewing opportunities.
SIDE NOTE #1: Save The Stone Cottage, which has led the community campaign to save it, notes that their effort is noted in this summer’s edition of Preservation Magazine, published by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
SIDE NOTE #2: Never seen a house move before? Here’s our coverage, with video, from a move almost three years ago at a development site just a few blocks from the Stone Cottage.
That’s an image from the peak of the power problems we covered here Friday/Saturday. Today as promised we followed up with Seattle City Light; spokesperson Julie Moore just responded with this explanation:
On Friday, Aug. 13, we actually experienced two separate events that impacted customers in the same area of West Seattle. The first one was an equipment failure in the underground system that initially impacted ~200 customers. We restored power to some Friday evening, but the final 59 were still out until mid-day on Saturday. As you know, underground outages can sometimes take longer to identify the location of the failure and also to make the necessary repairs.
The second, larger outage impacting ~2,000 customers, occurred in an overhead system. During a regularly scheduled maintenance job, a piece of electrical equipment failed and resulted in an overhead pulling rope dropping down on to our primary voltage electrical system, causing the lines to fault. The crew first made the area safe for the general public. A clearance – when we intentionally cut power to a particular area – was needed for the electrical workers to safely remove the pulling rope from the primary lines and then we were able to restore the system to its normal configuration.
2:35 PM: Thanks to Brandon for the photo. Though we haven’t seen rain yet, there’s water on the road at 8th and Roxbury after what was described by dispatch as the possible result of a semitruck hitting a hydrant/pole on the northeast corner but proceeding on, unaware. We’re headed that way for a closer look.
2:55 PM: Traffic is getting by OK. Firefighters from both Seattle and North Highline are there, as is Seattle Public Utilities, but it’s still gushing.
5:04 PM: In comments, nearby residents are noting low water pressure in the area. The SPU map has the area marked as experiencing an “emergency outage.”
6:40 PM: An SPU crew was still on scene at 8th/Roxbury when we passed by a short time ago.
9:11 PM: Texter reports the hydrant is fixed.
You might have seen this post in the WSB Community Forums, announcing a plan for a new “neighborhood market/convenience store” on Alki, and linking to this survey with questions including what potential customers would want the market to carry. We followed up to see what the prospective owners are planning and where. They tell us they’re finalizing a lease for 2718 Alki Avenue SW – that’s the spot where Alki Cleaners closed three years ago. We had reported that the building, also formerly home to Phoenecia, was up for sale in February 2020, listed for $1.2 million; records show it sold the following month for $1.4 million. Alki Beach Market’s prospective proprietors hope to open in November. It’s been almost four years since Alki’s last neighborhood store, Alki Urban Market, closed at 2820 Alki SW.
Thanks to Ingrid for noticing that SDOT‘s Highland Park Way/Holden traffic camera has been showing a very non-West Seattle scene for at least a few days. We’ve had the camera image in our traffic-cam lists for months, and hadn’t changed the link; investigating further, we found the SDOT Travelers’ Map has also changed the view for that location:
So we checked with SDOT. Spokesperson Ethan Bergerson responded:
The portable camera was moved last week to NE 45th St and Roosevelt Ave NE in the U District to monitor detour traffic during the WSDOT Montlake Bridge closure. We plan to move it back to West Seattle when that construction project is completed in a few weeks. We had actually purchased a new portable traffic camera so that we could monitor conditions in both locations, but unfortunately the parts did not all arrive on time due to supply chain issues. So there’s some possibility we may be able to re-install a camera Highland Park Way SW & SW Holden St sooner depending on when the new camera components arrives.
The camera’s description as “portable” refers to its technically temporary status – it was placed at the intersection after the temporary signal was rush-installed the week after the West Seattle Bridge closure almost a year and a half ago. A permanent camera with upgraded technology is expected to be part of the permanent signal, now on hold until after the bridge reopens next year.
The United Communities of Laos are continuing to work toward building a cultural center, and this week you can order flower bouquets with a pickup spot in West Seattle. The group explains, “Our goal is to raise $25k so we can complete our feasibility study with our consultant. This will bring us one step closer to starting a capital campaign and building a cultural center that supports our Hmong, Khmu, and Lao ethnic communities and preserve our unique cultures.” The mixed bouquets are $25. They’re also selling vegetable boxes for $18 but the pickup locations for those are only on the Eastside. Here’s the flyer about both; the local bouquet pickups will be 9:30 am-noon this Saturday (August 21st) at the West Seattle YMCA (36th SW and SW Snoqualmie; WSB sponsor). You can order bouquets – and learn more about the communities and the plan – by going here. (If you don’t want to buy flowers but do want to donate, you can do that at the same link.)
6:03 AM: Good morning. Smoke’s gone, heat’s gone, dramatically different forecast!
ROAD WORK
26th SW– Closure continues, northbound between Roxbury and Barton.
Delridge project – This week’s plan focuses heavily on sidewalk work.
CLOSURE
SW Andover pedestrian/bicycle overpass – This remains closed, explained by SDOT as related to “trespassing” problems and neighborhood concerns in advance of the fall seismic-retrofit project.
TRANSIT
Buses are on regular schedules – except for the 26th rerouting. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of bus cancellations.
For ferries and water taxis, regular schedule. Watch @wsferries for updates.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
511th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are views of other bridges and routes:
Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)
West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):
For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:
Are draw/swing bridges opening for boats or barges? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed will tell you. (1st Ave. South Bridge openings also are tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.)
See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.
Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
Here’s our weekly roundup of local pandemic updates, starting with the newest local numbers.
KING COUNTY CUMULATIVE NUMBERS AS OF FRIDAY:
124,952 people have tested positive – 4,398 more than a week ago (4,416 in West Seattle, up 181)
6,916 people have been hospitalized – 142 more than a week ago (209 from West Seattle, up 4)
1,705 people have died – 17 more than a week ago (66 in West Seattle, up 1)
VACCINATION RATE:
76.2% of King County residents 12+ have completed their vaccine series (up .5% in the past week)
By West Seattle zip code:
98106 – 78.7%
98116 – 84.5%
98126 – 73.9%
98136 – 85.9%
98146 – 72.8%
(More COVID-related King County stats here)
PANDEMIC NEWS
Statewide situation – Here’s the big picture: “Prevalence is approaching levels last seen in the winter 2020 surge,” state health officials report.
Booster for some immunocompromised people: The state Health Department said this weekend that some people should get a third shot if they were vaccinated with Pfizer or Moderna. Here’s the list of situations to which this applies, from the CDC website:
-Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
-Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
-Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
-Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
-Advanced or untreated HIV infection
-Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response
Vaccine mandates: In case you missed it, these were announced this past week for many state, city, and county employees.
WHERE TO GET TESTED IN WEST SEATTLE
The UW Medicine testing service at the Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex parking lot (2801 SW Thistle) continues to operate; you might have to wait a few days, though – the booking site shows, for example, that Monday and Tuesday slots are all booked. Meantime, the Curative testing kiosk at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor SW) is also till operating. In addition, both West Seattle Walgreens stores are offering drive-up testing (35th/Morgan and 16th/Roxbury) – more info here.
NOT VACCINATED YET?
Go here to see where you can change that.
All of today’s West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports have been about catalytic-converter theft. Hours after we.published this report, two more arrived:
IN A STORE PARKING LOT: Greg says this happened to his Honda Element today in the Delridge Home Depot lot, which happens to be next to the police precinct serving West Seattle and South Park:
Somebody attempted to steal my cat converter while I was in Home Depot. I was parked in the south side of the parking lot facing the Southwest Precinct car park.
I was in the store for 20-30 minutes. When I came out I noticed a large gray Suburban with tinted windows blocking my parking spot and the car next to me.
I thought this was odd but my brain didn’t really register what was happening. I started heading that way and the thieves were very calm in seeing my approach.
The driver was a white female, mid 30’s, dirty blonde hair; she turned to her accomplice, a man, mid 30’s, dark black hair, possibly Hispanic, and through the window of their car I saw him shove something in the back seat of their car, jump in the front and they drove away.
They were not driving super fast and surprisingly were not rushing to get out of there. It wasn’t until I started my car and the engine sounded like a motorcycle that I realized they had almost cut one side of my cat away when I inspected further. I found the Sawzall blade embedded on one side of my cat and provided that to the police.
This was 3 pm in a full parking lot. The lesson here is to park in the center stack with cars facing you and on either side because they were able to box in my car to hide their attempted crime, because I was parked along the perimeter.
The police responded quickly and took an incident report and contacted the Home Depot supervisor for the (video) of the attempt.
IN AN APARTMENT GARAGE: Reported by John: “Just to add to the pile of reports, the catalytic converter on my Prius was stolen sometime early in the morning on Thursday from the locked garage in my apartment building (4730ca in the Junction).”
STATS NOTE: According to this July news release from State Farm Insurance, Washington is #4 in catalytic-converter theft. The number of claims it’s received nationwide has tripled.
(Photo courtesy Delridge Grocery Co-op)
Whether you’re a grower or a shopper – or both – you know we’re at that point in the summer that you might call Peak Produce. Perfect time to learn how to can. The Delridge Grocery Co-op is offering an online class next weekend. Here’s the announcement:
Get ready for preserving the tastes of summer to use during the gray Seattle winter with an online Fall Canning Class hosted by the Delridge Grocery Co-op on August 21 at 5 pm (next Saturday). The class covers water-bath canning techniques that are applicable to preserving other fruit into jams and jellies, most tomatoes, pickles, chutneys, and more.
If canning fruit jams, tomatoes, or pickles has always seemed daunting, this introductory class is just for you. Kerri Cacciata (DGC Board Treasurer, Tilth Alliance Market Programs Director, and all-around canning badass) will guide you through the basics of water bath canning with this 1.5-hour class. You’ll get a start-to-finish processing demo, recipes and tips, and time for questions.
Kerri’s demonstration will focus on making peach jam, using a 10-pound box of “freestone” peach seconds from Collins Family Orchards in Selah. These peach seconds come slightly bruised or very ripe, and they’re ideal for processing into jam, sauce, beverages, baked goods, or freezing for smoothies. If peaches aren’t your jam, the DGC is also offering 10 pounds of stewing tomatoes and 10 pounds of green beans from Wright Brothers Farm in Ferndale.
The online zoom class (register here) costs $20 and takes place at 5 pm that afternoon (8/21). The class is available for everyone, but DGC owner-members will receive a 50% discount. The 10-pound boxes of peaches, tomatoes, and green beans are priced at $24.99 and can be picked up at the DGC (5444 Delridge Way SW) on Saturday morning (8/21).
P.S. DGC continues with three-days-a-week operations at its storefront, 5444 Delridge Way SW – 3-7 pm Fridays, 9:30 am-1:30 pm Satureays, 11 am-3 pm Sundays. You don’t have to be a member to shop there, but if you’re interested in membership – go here.
FRIDAY UPDATE: The performance has been canceled because of illness – watch for a new date.
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Twice this summer, local musicians have serenaded Schmitz Park visitors with free “Flutes in the Forest” concerts – the video above is from the second one earlier this month. Next Saturday, you’re invited to the third one. From organizers’ announcement:
The JBC Flute Trio (Jennie Goldberg, Barb Cotton, and Carolyn Hoppe-Denend) will play an hour of flute trios including favorites from concert #1.
Saturday, August 21, 2021 – 2:30 PM
Bring your own chair or blanket. Invite your friends and family! Bring a picnic. Feel free to come and go.
On concert day, you’re advised to enter Schmitz Park from Admiral/Stevens.
What a day for pup-watching as well as people-watching at the beach. Just after 1 pm, the second major parade of Alki Beach Pride 2021 took off eastbound from Statue of Liberty Plaza – this one, people-powered:
The people who powered it most of all – ABP organizers Stacy and Jolie Bass-Walden:
This is the seventh year for ABP – usually a giant beach party until the pandemic forced some changes last year and this year (here’s the full schedule).
Not too late to be part of it – the outdoor movie “But I’m a Cheerleader” screens at Alki Playground starting at 8:15 pm. (Our coverage of some of yesterday’s events is here.)
A texter reports their Prius’s catalytic converter was stolen early Saturday. The car was parked in a Harbor Avenue driveway near Seacrest, and the theft happened around 4:45 am.
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