West Seattle, Washington
02 Tuesday
The photo – taken from a distance with a long lens – is from David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network, which has a reminder for you:
We are in the middle of harbor seal “pupping season” so it was not surprising that the Seal Sitters’ Hotline received a call last week reporting a seal on the Elliott Bay shoreline. When volunteers arrived, they found an adult harbor seal, which is unusual – pups are much more common. Seals are generally very skittish and return to the water quickly when approached by people. The Hotline report stated that a couple of people were too close, taking photos and trying to feed the animal.
Under the protection of volunteers, this seal was able to spend about 5 hours resting before returning to the water in the early afternoon. Volunteers are always happy to answer your questions about the animals they are watching over.
If you spot any marine mammal on the shore of West Seattle (alive or dead), please keep your distance, keep people and pets away, and call the Seal Sitters’ Hotline at 206-905-7325.
If it’s easier to remember, the number is also 206-905-SEAL.
12:20 PM: Thanks for the tip. Dozens of “eco-blocks” placed in the aftermath of the SW Andover/26th/28th RV encampment sweep almost two months ago are gone, and city crews are back in the area today. They told our photographer that they’re there to remove some of the soil as the next phase of the cleanup.
As our top photo shows, SW Andover is blocked in the area, and crews expect to be there until about 2 pm today. Before the sweep, West Seattle Health Club said they’d been told of a proposal to build a bike lane along that stretch of Andover; the person who tipped us today said a crew member told them about a plan for pedestrian/bike infrastructure. We’re asking SDOT if that’s true, as well as seeking further details of what’s happening today, and will add whatever we hear back.
4 PM: We’re still waiting for additional info from SDOT. Meantime, Newell Aldrich in Councilmember Lisa Herbold‘s office tells WSB, “CM Herbold has been in touch with SDOT since June about potential extension of the bike lanes on Andover beyond the existing portion between Delridge and 26th. She received confirmation from SDOT that they do plan to install bike lanes there beyond 26th and Andover to 28th, and beyond. We haven’t seen a design yet. The Seattle Bicycle Master Plan includes connections on 28th, then Yancy to Andover.”
(Yes, hibiscus does grow here too! Photo sent by Waikikigirl)
Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are highlights for the hours ahead:
WADING POOLS: Three local city-run wading pools will open today, EC Hughes at 2805 SW Holden noon-7 pm; same hours for South Park at 8319 8th Ave. S. And Lincoln Park at 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, noon-7 too. (The Highland Park spraypark continues its daily schedule, 11 am-8 pm, 1100 SW Cloverdale.)
COLMAN POOL: Colman Pool on the Lincoln Park shore is also open noon-7 pm.
BOWLING FOR THE FOOD BANK: 2+ years ago, Nathan, now 10, bowled to raise money for the West Seattle Food Bank. This year, he’s doing it again – but with a role (roll!) for you: He’s bowling at West Seattle Bowl (39th/Oregon) 4-5 pm today and his pin total will be posted; then, through Labor Day, you can bowl any time at WS Bowl for an hour and $25 to try to beat his total – $15 of that goes to the food bank. More details in our calendar listing.
(added) COMMUNITY SUP PADDLE: 6-8 pm with Alki Kayak Tours (1660 Harbor SW) – details here.
CRAFTING AND CREATIVITY NIGHT: 6-10 pm at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), explained in our calendar listing.
MEDITATION: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation event at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm.
PLAY PINBALL, FREE! The Admiral Pub‘s 16 pinball machines are open for free play 7-10 pm Mondays. (2306 California SW)
PLAY TRIVIA! Three scheduled options tonight for trivia players – 7 pm at Best of Hands (35th/Webster), 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Have something that should be listed on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Love wildlife? Plants? Parks? Here’s a volunteer opportunity we’ve been asked to let you know about:
Become a SUNGuide!
Seattle Urban Nature Guides enhance, promote and foster appreciation of nature by connecting families, students and the community with their Seattle parklands, and provide educational opportunities for all.
As a SUNGuide, you will:
● Develop Job Skills such as public speaking, education techniques and group engagement
● Enjoy a community of fellow volunteers and city staff
● Receive FREE Training on Pacific Northwest flora and fauna, habitats, environmental-education techniques to connect with a wide variety of audiences, and equity concepts
● Lead hands-on learning experiences in a variety of settings from playgrounds to beaches
● Familiarize yourself with Seattle’s diverse parklands while helping others do the sameApplication deadline is Saturday, August 20th; training begins Saturday, August 27th. To apply please visit our website:
Environmental Education Volunteering – Parks | seattle.govQuestions? Contact Penny Rose at penny.rose@seattle.gov
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, August 8th.
WEATHER
Today’s forecast is sunny, hot, and breezy.
FERRIES, BUSES, WATER TAXI
Ferries: WSF is on the 2-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.
Metro buses are on their regular weekday schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for word of reroutes/trip cancellations.
The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
869th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. 34 days until the week SDOT hopes to reopen it.
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.)
1st Avenue South Bridge:
South Park Bridge – camera malfunctioning, as are a few others in eastern West Seattle (they’ve been reported to SDOT, still no estimate on when they’ll be fixed)
Highland Park Way/2nd SW (one of four recently installed cameras):
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are tweeted by @wsdot_traffic.
All city traffic cams can be seen here, many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
As the weekend ends, here’s our regular Sunday night check of local COVID numbers from the Public Health – Seattle/King County dashboard:
*17 percent fewer cases countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 631 new daily cases countywide (down from 758 when we checked a week ago)
*12 percent fewer hospitalizations countywide in the past week thab the week before
*Currently averaging 14 new hospitalizations daily (down from 16 a week ago)
*23 percent fewer deaths countywide in the past two weeks than the two previous weeks (the dashboard doesn’t offer a one-week increment)
*Currently averaging 2 deaths daily (down from last week’s two-week average, 3)
For West Seattle, we have two-week comparisons (these are the combined totals from two “health reporting areas,” labeled West Seattle and Delridge, together comprising the entire peninsula):
*555 cases between 7/18 and 8/1, down from 668 between 7/3 and 7/17
*6 hospitalizations between 7/18 and 8/1, down from 18 between 7/3 and 7/17
*1 death between 7/18 and 8/1, down from 4 between 7/3 and 7/17
VACCINATION: Checking vaccination rates:
*82 percent of all King County residents have completed the initial series (up .2% from a week ago)
*86.6 percent of all King County residents ages 5 and up have completed the initial series (up .1% from a week ago)
*51.9 percent of all King County residents have had the initial series plus a booster (up .1% from a week ago)
*In West Seattle, here are the vaccination rates by ZIP code for ages 5 and up (reminder, 98106 and 98146 are not wholly within WS):
98106 – 88.9% completed initial series (up .1% from a week earlier), 56% have had a booster (up .2%)
98116 – 93.7% completed initial series (unchanged from a week earlier), 68.2% have had a booster (up .2%)
98126 – 84.5% completed initial series (unchanged from a week earlier), 58.1% have had a booster (up .1%)
98136 – 94.5% completed initial series (up .1% from a week earlier), 71.3% have had a booster (up .2%)
98146 – 83.7% completed initial series (unchanged from a week earlier), 50.3% have had a booster (up .1%)
VACCINE CLINICS: A vaccination pop-up is scheduled for August 31st at Delridge Library, all ages … Look for other opportunities here.
TESTING: If you want to get tested and don’t have or want to get a home kit, public testing sites include the city-supported site at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle, 9 am-5:30 pm Monday-Saturday this week) and the Curative kiosk at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1220 Harbor SW, 9 am-3 pm Monday-Friday this week). … If you need to report self-test results, that’s explained on this page.
In West Seattle Crime Watch tonight, two reader reports and two court cases. First, the reader reports:
STOLEN PICKUP TRUCK: The photo and report are from Omar:
New West Seattle resident here. Less than a month and my truck is already stolen off Avalon. The truck is a 1995 Nissan Truck XE in black with a chrome grille and KC lights.
The plate in the photo is NOT the one on the truck now – its current plates are C99327Y. (MONDAY UPDATE: Thanks to the commenter who spotted it. Omar says he has it back.)
PACKAGE TAKEN: The video and report are from Mike:
Anyone else reporting this idiot? Hope he enjoys the 40 pounds of cat litter… :(
I’m on 9th Ave SW between Thistle and Elmgrove. This was today at 3:30 pm.
And from the court files, we have two West Seattle cases in which the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has filed charges:
CAR-THEFT SUSPECT INTERPRETS 72-HOUR RULE: 33-year-old Jaime Verdugo-Torres is charged with motor-vehicle theft for allegedly stealing a Jeep Wrangler from the former Seattle Lutheran High School parking lot at 41st/Genesee. Police arrested him July 28th after detecting via Automated License Plate Reader that he was driving a stolen vehicle. After he parked it on Puget Ridge, they stopped him when he got out of the truck, and the charging documents continue:
Verdugo-Torres went on to say the vehicle had been parked in a private parking lot for several days, so he looked up the abandoned vehicle laws in Seattle and said his interpretation of that law was that since the vehicle had been parked, and seemingly unattended for over three days, he could take possession of the Jeep.
He has another auto-theft-related case pending, and a theft conviction, and remains in jail in lieu of $20,000 bail.
SHOPLIFT-TURNED-ROBBERY: 26-year-old Thomas J. Joo is charged with second-degree robbery for a July 29th incident at the Westwood Village QFC. Charging documents say store staff confronted Joo as he tried to walk out with three bags of frozen shrimp without paying for them. Prosecutors say Joo “pulled out a bloody needle, uncapped it, pointed it towards (the employee), and said ‘If you come near me, I’ll stab you’.” The employee backed off; Joo left, and police found him nearby, allegedly still in possession of the stolen shrimp (valued at $75), plus “several used syringes.” The charging documents say Joo has no known record. He remains in jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society is bringing back its speaker series Words, Writers, & Southwest Stories, this Thursday (August 11) with Jake Prendez, artist and proprietor of Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery in South Delridge. Here’s the announcement:
The Art of Rebellion: Social Justice and Chicana/Chicano Visual Arts
‘Words, Writers, & Southwest Stories,’ a speaker series of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, is excited to announce that it is hosting Jake Prendez for a live Zoom presentation on Thursday, August 11 at 6:00 PM. Prendez will deliver a presentation titled “The Art of Rebellion: Social Justice and Chicana/Chicano Visual Arts.” Registration is required. Register here.
How has art has been used to mobilize communities and disseminate messages of social justice? Is art just a commodity that is only accessible to the elite? How has the idea of “art for the people” shifted the way we look at art?
In this talk, Chicano artist Jake Prendez traces the history of social-justice art, from the rise of Mexican muralism to its influence on American artwork from the civil-rights era and the modern era. Explore how the means of production and new technologies made art accessible worldwide, and join Prendez as he deconstructs his own artwork to show how it relates to this greater narrative.
Jake Prendez (he/him) is a renowned Chicano artist, and the owner and co-director of Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery in West Seattle. His work is an amalgamation of his life experiences — a representation of his Chicano background and a reflection of his time living in both Seattle and Los Angeles.
This program is part of the Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau. The Historical Society is grateful to Humanities Washington for their support. This talk is also made possible by the support of our partner The Seattle Public Library and our sponsors 4Culture, The City of Seattle Arts & Culture, Luna Park Cafe, Alki Beach Academy, and HomeStreet Bank.
7:25 PM: The photo is from Caroline, who spotted that on Lowman Beach and wonders what it is: “It’s humongous! And so amazing with the colors and textures.” She and other beachgoers have been keeping it wet while the tide rolls back in, but they’re wondering what it is. We don’t recognize it; tried Google Search By Image, and while it suggests possibly a jellyfish relative, no definitive ID via photos. Do YOU know what it is?
9:22 PM: Consensus in comments seems to be that it’s an upside-down lion’s-mane jellyfish, so we’ve updated the headline.
In the fall, we often feature bird-photo galleries on Seahawks game days. Today, it’s in honor of the end of the Seafair airshow.
While at Duwamish River People’s Park for the festival on Saturday, we photographed the Osprey nest atop a pole in the middle of the habitat-restoration zone. Steve Bender sent this photo of the mom and chick two weeks ago:
At Lincoln Park, Vincent Marx photographed two young male Bald Eagles:
Then there’s the majesty of the birds that share our neighborhoods day to day – Chi Krneta photographed these Crows (one fully leucistic) in July:
Troy Sterk sent this photo of a young Crow a few days ago:
Speaking of young, Jerry Simmons photographed a Steller’s Jay feeding chicks in June:
Ann Anderson photographed a baby Bushtit – and if you know how small Bushtits are, imagine how little their babies must be!
Last but not least, a Great Blue Heron with a catch, photographed by Dianne Johnson:
Thanks to everyone who’s sent bird photos – with Seahawks season almost here, we’ll likely be back to publishing galleries every few weeks, depending on what comes in.
(Rendering by Atelier Drome)
Without many big projects in the pipeline, meetings of the Southwest Design Review Board – which could meet up to twice a month, with up to two projects on each agenda – have been few and far between. In an online meeting Thursday night, the all-volunteer board took its third look at 4448 California SW, the mixed-use project set to replace the commercial building that currently holds Doll Parts Collective and a new temporary location of West Seattle Coworking. The 7-story building is proposed for 96 apartments – described by the project team as “a mix of 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom” units – and ground-floor commercial, with no offstreet-parking spaces.
The board has had some changes since its second look at the project in November; Patrick Cobb is now the chair, and two of the other three members in attendance were new – Brenda Baxter and Gavin Schaefer. Of the two continuing members, Alan Grainger was present and Johanna Lirman was absent. The city planner assigned to the project also has changed since the November review; now it’s David Sachs.
Here’s the design packet used for the meeting. There were no major remaining points of concern, and the only public comment that came in during the meeting was positive. It was noted that some written comments had been received pre-meeting about aspects outside the SWDRB’s jurisdiction – including parking and density. Board members observed that the architects from Atelier Drome had revised the design in accordance with guidance given by the board in November. They spelled out five points they want to see addressed before the final design gets official city approval. Those include differentiating the residential entry from the commercial entry and signage; they were concerned the commercial signage would get lost under the awning, and pointed to signage on the edge of the awning at the nearby AJ Apartments as an example of how that problem could be avoided. Another focus area is the bicycle-storage room access, ensuring lighting and security.
WHAT’S NEXT: If you have comments about the project – design or otherwise – you still have time to email Sachs (david.sachs@seattle.gov). He’ll write the final report on the project, and it still has other phases of the permit process to go through before construction can begin.
The proprietors of adjoining Youngstown Coffee and HeartBeet Organic Superfood Café in Morgan Junction emailed to say they were burglarized early this morning – “Cash and iPhones and iPads stolen and damage to Youngstown’s front door.” They say security video recorded the burglar but may not be of much use because he was fairly well covered; they describe him as white, male, thin, 5’8″, in a blue hoodie and hat, wearing a medical face mask. Despite having to deal with the burglary’s aftermath, the businesses – which also have been deeply involved with community events – are open. How can you help? “The best way is to just come get some coffee, food, and smoothies. We so appreciate the support!”
Also happening today in addition to what’s on our preview list: A dine-out fundraiser at Lady Jaye in The Junction for the Seattle Badgers D-division team’s trip to the 2022 Gay Softball World Series.
The team has five players and two coaches who live in West Seattle. The GSWS is in Dallas this year, starting later this month, and the Badgers are fundraising to help cover travel costs. Lady Jaye is one of their sponsors and today the restaurant/bar is donating a percentage of proceeds to the Badgers. Dining hours are 2-8 pm but you can also buy gift cards or meat-shop merchandise at LJ now through 8 pm to be part of the fundraiser. Lady Jaye is at 4523 California SW. The Badgers play in the Emerald City Softball league.
When we published this remembrance of longtime Admiral community advocate Dennis Ross in June, the date for the celebration of his life hadn’t yet been set. Now it has. Here’s the announcement:
A celebration of Dennis Ross’s life will be held at Hamilton Viewpoint Park (1120 California Way SW) on August 27 from 2-4 pm. Please RSVP to bill54ross@gmail.com so we can have enough picnic food and drinks for all! And all who knew and befriended Dennis are welcome!
(Photo by Gary Pro)
Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s what’s happening today:
TRAFFIC ALERTS: Here’s what SDOT has going today:
-16th/Cambridge, working to update curb bulbs and curb ramps.8 am-5 pm
-Olson/Roxbury, cleaning the parking strips and medians 6 am04 pm, planning to “begin on Olson Place SW where we will close a single eastbound lane and proceed to SW Roxbury St, where we will close a single westbound lane.”
-21st/Genesee, grinding pavement to prepare for repainting the street mural.
PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT: Starting at 8 am and continuing all day, spectators welcome but playing spots are filled for the second annual West Seattle Pickleball Classic at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th & Myrtle).
CHURCHES WITH ONLINE SERVICES: We’re continuing to list these – see today’s list here.
FOOD DRIVE: Donate non-perishable food at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill) today, 10 am-12:30 pm.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market is open with peak summer produce as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, prepared food, and more, California SW between Oregon and Alaska.
FREE PERSONAL SAFETY TRAINING: 11 am online – our calendar listing explains how to register.
LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: With sunny and hot weather expected, the wading pool will be open in central upper Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm.
COLMAN POOL: The outdoor pool on the Lincoln Park shore (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is back open to the public, noon-7 pm.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society museum< is open on Alki, and you can visit noon-4 pm, (61st/Stevens)
NO ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS TODAY: This week’s tours are canceled because U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers are busy supporting Seafair.
‘HERE THERE BE DRAGONS’: 3 pm matinee at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) for the one-woman musical. Tickets here.
BLUE ANGELS: One last performance, again planned to start shortly after 3 pm. Here’s our Saturday story, with today’s airshow schedule.
MUSICAL BENEFIT AT C & P COFFEE: Starting at 2 pm, 11 musicians perform in a benefit show at C & P Coffee Company raising money for education in Sierra Leone. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NEED FOOD? White Center Community Dinner Church serves a free meal (take-away available) at 5 pm Sundays at the Salvation Army Center in South Delridge (9050 16th SW).
MEDITATION AND MORE: Kundalini Yoga, Meditation, Gong Bath at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW) with Inner Alchemy, 7-8:30 pm.
SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.
SUNDAY NIGHT KARAOKE: 9 pm to 1:30 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
Have an event to list for our calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
2:13 AM: A Seattle Fire “full response” is headed to a possible house fire in the 2600 block of 39th SW [vicinity map]. Updates to come.
(Added: Texted photo)
2:15 AM: First engine to arrive confirms “working fire.”
2:19 AM: Firefighters say the fire seems to have reached the roof.
(Added: SFD photo)
2:24 AM: Firefighters have told dispatch that they’re finding “hoarding conditions” inside the house. Meantime, they’ve also declared the fire under control.
(Added: WSB photo)
2:45 AM: The fire’s now been declared “tapped” (out).
(Added: WSB photo)
3 AM: Our crew at the scene has talked with SFD’s David Cuerpo, who says no one was inside when the fire started, and no one has been hurt. SFD’s investigator is on the way.
3:02 PM: Cuerpo says the fire’s cause remains under investigation. He also says there was a resident inside the house at the time: “The resident was able to evacuate and reported no injuries.” And regarding another point of the firefighting operation that’s under discussion in the comments, Cuerpo says, “While our firefighters may state ‘hoarding conditions’ over the radio, it is communicated as a safety precaution for other firefighters on scene to be aware of objects that may block access to a space within the home. After the fire, our Battalion Chief on scene confirmed these were not hoarding conditions.”
ADDED TUESDAY MORNING: We’ve been asking SFD since the fire about the determination of cause. They have just confirmed it was arson. We’ll have a separate story later today.
One more day for the Blue Angels’ return to Seafair. Tonight we have a few photos from today’s airshow courtesy of West Seattle photographers – above and below, by Monica Zaborac, from Harbor Avenue:
That’s the Blue Angels’ support plane “Fat Albert,” which David Hutchinson also photographed:
Again watching from Ruby Chow Park at the north end of Boeing Field, David also caught this formation:
And a closeup:
(added) Thanks to Vicky Piston for this view:
Jerry Simmons watched from Seward Park and sent this photo of one of the other, shall we say, loud planes in the airshow:
That’s an F-35A piloted by Maj. Kristin “Beo” Wolfe, Commander of the Lightning II Demonstration Team from the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base in Utah.
SUNDAY SCHEDULE: From the Seafair website:
10:35 – Aerobatic Performance
12:00 – Golden Knights Performance
12:35 – Aerobatic Performance
13:10 – F35 Lightning II Performance
13:40 – EA 18G Growler Performance
14:45 – Aerobatic Performance
14:45 – Boeing Seafair Flyover
15:05 – Blue Angels Performance
They’re all meant for optimal viewing by admission-paying Seafair attendees on Lake Washington, but some of the airshow performers – including the Blue Angels – take off from Boeing Field, and in addition to experiencing the roaring takeoff by the airport, you can also see some of the highest maneuvers from here (we watched from Westcrest Park, with binoculars, on Friday afternoon).
Three more reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
TRUCK TAKEN: From Tanya:
:
My husband’s 2009 F150 was stolen sometime today. It is a darker-gray crew cab truck with a Thule paddle board kayak rack on the bed. The license plate number is B21626L. It was stolen from the 8600 block of 36th Ave SW. Please keep an eye out for it. A police report has been filed.
9:22 PM: Update – Tanya says they found it by driving around – it was left seven blocks away from where it was taken.
STOLEN PACKAGE: From Jessica:
I live (in the 2300 block of) 44th Ave SW (right behind Arthur’s) and I had a package stolen today. It’s a pretty big package. Delivered at 2 pm and we got home about 5:30, so in those 3 hours it was stolen. It’s a suitcase, so if anyone sees it please let me know. The brand is Away and it’s dark green.
PROWLER: Mark reports a prowler who lurked on his front porch and others:
We followed him up and down 39th and 38th, between Hanford and Lander. We called SPD but they never showed up or updated us. The suspect did walk up to other front doors and appear to be casing homes.
The National Weather Service has shifted the timing of its Heat Advisory alert for our area. Now it’s set to take effect at noon Sunday and continue until 9 pm Monday. Though the NWS says temperatures might reach the 90s the next two days, this afternoon has only been 80ish.
(WSB photos unless otherwise credited)
1:17 PM: Until 5 pm, you can visit newly dedicated Duwamish River People’s Park and enjoy the Duwamish River Festival. The park is at 8700 Dallas Ave. S. in South Park [map] – we reported on the site when construction began two years ago.
Today’s event includes entertainment, games, educational booths, and food, as shown here. We’ll add more photos when we’re back at HQ.
P.S. If you drive there and can’t find a close parking spot, there is a shuttle from 8438 Dallas.
ADDED 2:59 PM: The festival has more than 55 booths, most from agencies and groups addressing environmental issues in the Duwamish Valley and ways you can help – native plants, for example:
Knowing and respecting the Duwamish River’s fish and wildlife is another topic:
You can find out more about the West Dumamish Wet Weather Storage Facility project featured here earlier this week, to be built in southeast West Seattle in about three years:
Community resilience is a topic too – Cindi Barker from West Seattle is at the booth where you can find out about Neighborhood Emergency Communication Hubs:
And of course the EPA is there to talk about the ongoing Duwamish River cleanup. New regional administrator Casey Sixkiller (last mentioned here when he was running for mayor last year) spoke briefly to festivalgoers – he’s at right in our photo below next to Paulina López, executive director of the Duwamish River Community Coalition – which is presenting today’s festival:
With them from left are Calvin Teraba, Christian Poulsen, and Fatima Hernandez. Sixkiller promised to “continue to work in partnership with this community” toward “a river that’s clean, healthy, open to everyone.”
ADDED: Thanks to Don Brubeck for this photo of some of the festival performers:
SATURDAY: The report and images were sent by Rich:
My 2003 Ford E250 plate BLG3758 was stolen out of my condo garage 5001 California Ave SW on Monday Aug 1st
It is the same van that was involved in a car theft on New Year’s Eve a couple years ago
From the description of the video, the thieves knew what they wanted and got it. Here is the description from a fellow condo member.
Van was stolen on Monday August 1 at approximately 6:37 AM by two individuals in a gray Audi sedan with license plates blacked out.
Access was through the Hudson garage door. The first individual, apparently a female in a black body stocking, mask and, yes, kitten ears, opened the garage door manually from the inside so that the male in the Audi could drive in.
The female first emerged at about 6:37 AM from the area near the Hudson pedestrian gate. We don’t have a camera at the gate, however it is likely she climbed over the 8′ high gate because the gate lock itself was not damaged. We do have a camera at the taller Hudson wall and she did not gain access there
The female joined the male in the car and parked directly in front of (the) van. The male needed only about two minutes to gain access to the van and start it up. At one point the female got out to assist .
At about 6:40 AM the female drove the Audi out through the California garage door followed by the male driving the van. Both vehicles turned left and headed north on California Avenue.
Here is a link to police contact if people have any info/evidence. Case 2022-205914.
SUNDAY UPDATE: Rich says the van’s been found.
A neighbor sent that photo of a vehicle being towed after an early morning shooting in North Admiral. Here’s what police report happened:
Just after 2:00 a.m., a 911 caller reported a man had been shot near 42nd Avenue SW and SW Hill Street. Police arrived and found a 28-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the back. Officers began first aid and then transferred care to Seattle Fire Department medics, who transported the man to Harborview Medical Center.
According to the victim, he heard someone breaking into his car and went outside to investigate. When he confronted the two suspects, it escalated to a shooting.
Officers recovered evidence at the scene and will continue to investigate this incident. Anyone with information about this shooting should call the Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.
ADDED 9:04 AM: SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells us the victim was in stable condition when transported.
(Garden photo by Brian Michel)
Here’s what you should know as Saturday begins::
TRAFFIC ALERTS: Here’s what SDOT has announced for today:
West Seattle – On Saturday and Sunday, we will be working at 16th Ave SW and SW Cambridge St to update curb bulbs and curb ramps. Work will begin as early as 8 AM and conclude at 5 PM. We’ll maintain traffic throughout the area, but people driving can expect delays.
South Park – Our signal crews will be working to replace overhead signs and complete wiring activities on 14th Ave S and S Cloverdale St. The work is anticipated to begin as early as 8 AM and conclude by 3 PM. For people driving, we may need to briefly close lanes directly below the signs while this work takes place. Please navigate the area with caution.
TRAINING RUNS: 8 am at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), get going on the training programs for the Seattle Marathon. There’ll be a novice group and an intermediate group.
FREE WRITERS’ GROUP: Held in West Seattle, 10:30 am. Our calendar listing has details including how to register.
WADING POOL/SPRAYPARK: With a sunny, warm day expected, the city will open the wading pools, so the pool in central upper Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) will be open noon-7 pm. Also, Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) will be open 11 am-8 pm.
COLMAN POOL: You can swim at the outdoor pool on the Lincoln Park shore today, noon-7 pm.
DUWAMISH RIVER FESTIVAL: Go to brand-new Duwamish River People’s Park (8700 Dallas Ave. S., South Park) noon-5 pm to enjoy this free festival, which includes this schedule of performances, plus food, games, educational booths, more. Find out more here.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Open to visitors noon-3 pm, as noted here. (2234 SW Orchard)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society museum is open on Alki, and you can visit noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)
WINE TIME: The Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) tasting room – selling wine by the glass or bottle – is open 1-6 pm. (5910 California SW)
COVID VACCINATIONS: Pop-up clinic for Seattle Public Schools students, staff, and family members 3+, 2:30-5:30 pm at Denny International Middle School. (2601 SW Kenyon)
BLUE ANGELS: Scheduled to take off from Boeing Field just after 3 pm. Here’s the full airshow schedule. Wondering where to watch if you’re not going to Lake Washington? Our Friday story has a few options.
MUSIC TO SUPPORT YOUNG MUSICIANS: Naked Giants and Caitlin Sherman are among the performers at a Vashon Island event at 4 pm benefiting West Seattle’s youth-education nonprofit Mode Music and Performing Arts – details here.
MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: Dogstrum, Karma Hate Club, Entropy Son, Deception Fails perform tonight, doors at 7 pm, music at 8. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
‘LET THERE BE DRAGONS’: Second weekend for the new one-woman musical, written and performed by Felicia Loud, at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm curtain – info and ticket link in our calendar listing.
WEST SEATTLE OUTDOOR MOVIES: Third of this summer’s five free screenings is at Hotwire Coffee (4410 California SW), gates open at 7:30 pm, tonight’s movie – ““Encanto“.
COMEDY SHOW AT ADMIRAL PUB: 9 pm, free comedy show at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
Something to add, for today/tonight or beyond? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
| 2 COMMENTS