West Seattle, Washington
01 Sunday
(WSB file photo)
Planning to go outside this no-rain-expected weekend and clear away some leaves (or catch up on other yard work)? Here’s the annual reminder – November is “free extra yard waste” month for city curbside-pickup customers. Each collection day through the end of the month, Seattle Public Utilities says, you can set out up to 10 extra bags/containers of yard waste.
You’re invited to a grand opening tomorrow (Saturday, November 12th) in The Junction! Here’s the announcement we received tonight:
Bali’s Himalayan Chai & Salt Snacks Counter is having its grand opening from 10 am to 2 pm tomorrow, Saturday November 12!
Bali’s Himalayan Snacks Counter is hosted inside Puerto Vallarta Mexican restaurant, thanks to owner Eduardo Morales. We’re in Alaska Junction, 4727 California Avenue.
There will be free tastings of Bali’s Pink and Masala Chais and his delicious spicy pakoras and tasty parathas with your choice of sweet or savory fillings.
Stop by and say hi to longtime West Seattle resident Bali Khan, and check out the new venture!
(File photo, donated food at a past Turkey Bowl)
The Beer Church Turkey Bowl is a beer-release party and early-holiday-season benefit all in one, and it’s back, tomorrow (Saturday) at West Seattle Bowl (39th/Oregon). Here’s the announcement from Kim at the Beer Church (philanthropic arm of the West Seattle-headquartered Washington Beer Blog):
Tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 12, Beer Church Turkey Bowl returns to the West Seattle Bowl after a two-year absence. The event is happening from 4 to 7 p.m. 100% of proceeds benefit the West Seattle Food Bank.
While the bowling event is sold out, everyone is welcome to stop by. Guests can purchase a $5 raffle ticket for prizes (drawing around 5:30, must be present to win). We will also be enjoying the release of Beer Church Hoppy Pale Ale (also benefiting the food bank), brewed by the West Side Beer Trail brewers at Future Primitive Brewing.
The West Seattle Food Bank will be present to accept donations of money or non-perishable food.
Find out more about the event and the new beer by going here.
The Stars and Stripes again graced The Junction today for Veterans Day. Thanks to Margaret for the photos – she reports:
Cub Scout Pack 282 set up the flags in honor of Veterans Day at the Alaska Junction with the American Legion.
Above, Josie, proud Army granddaughter, unfurls a Flag to honor her grandparents.
Volunteers removed the flags before nightfall.
You can get almost anything delivered to your house/apartment – now, add physical therapy to the list. It’s one of two new services that Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) wants you to know about. Mark Bouma of LWPT West Seattle says, “We are now offering Delivered Physical Therapy visits to residents in West Seattle and medically based Personal Training.” Delivered PT might be your best option if, for example, you’re a post-operative patient, you don’t have transportation to the clinic or can’t currently drive, you have kids you don’t want to bring along, etc. Read more about it here; meet the physical therapists in this video. Medically based personal training is being offered by Lorilei “Ilei” Tinia, NASM-CPT (here’s her bio). Mark says, “She is seeing clients in our clinic space during the week and on weekends. Ilei works closely with our physical therapists to make sure the appropriate modifications are made to make your training program safe and effective. A Doctor of Physical Therapy is always nearby to help triage any aches or pains to keep you on track with your fitness goals.” Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle is at 1309 Harbor Avenue SW; contact info is here.
(Seattle Public Library photo)
This weekend, the historic West Seattle (Admiral) Library hosts the return of a pre-pandemic favorite – the Ladies’ Musical Club. They bring free classical-music concerts to the library, and the first one in three years is scheduled for 3 pm this Sunday (November 13). The concert features woodwind duets; you can see the program on the library’s website.
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
At Camp West, soon to open in the ex-West 5 space in the West Seattle Junction, they’re taking the camping theme seriously – yet lightheartedly.
When you walk into the space at 4539 California SW, you’ll notice foldable canvas chairs at the tables by the front window. Temporary placeholders for furniture yet to arrive? No, they’re intentional. “They’re really sturdy!” insist two of the proprietors, Toni Uy and Patrick Haight, presiding over ongoing preparations and training when we visited Thursday afternoon, 5 months after we first reported the plan for the space.
Then there’s what you’ll get for water on your table – not a glass carafe, but a metal thermos.
If you’re drinking something harder, the cocktail might have a name like One-Eyed Squirrel (aloe, vodka, lime juice, and a decorative eyeball, a favorite at Camp West’s sibling in Tacoma, Camp Bar). Plan to pair your drink with food? Unique items include the Snackle Box, a mini-tackle box stocked with meat, cheese, olives, and bread.
Next to it in our photo is one of the mini-grills deliverable to tabletops for roast-it-yourself S’mores.
But let’s broaden the perspective for a moment, as, unless you hadn’t visited the space before, you’ll be mentally comparing at first:
One thing prominently absent in that view – the railing down the middle, removed in the remodel, no longer needed because Camp West is 21+. The north wall is now lined with booths, and the wall over them sports faux greenery, except for the section nearest the front, which is decorated with a variety of items from antlers to an axe to this photo of a well-known West Seattleite camping:
Over the front tables, the south wall has a mural by Andrew Miller, who also painted the one on the alley behind Camp West. That goes up to the bar, which features unique lantern-style lighting:
The focus there (see the beverage menu online) is on signature and classic cocktails, with a “heavy whiskey selection.” (And more whimsical names, like Sweaty Lumberjack.) You also will find four beers on tap – including of course the locally renowned Manny’s – plus a selection of canned beverages, even the 16-ounce Rainier.
At the back of Camp West, you’ll find a tent – seating 8+ for a semi-private celebration spot.
The back is also where there eventually be one lone video screen, not for sports or entertainment, but to support the rustic/outdoor ambience – skiing videos, old Rainier Beer commercials, etc.
In addition to the aforementioned Snackle Box and S’mores, Camp West has a broader menu than its Tacoma sibling – “a lot fancier” is how Haight puts it, but not too fancy. You can see the food menu online too – from burgers and other sandwiches to entrees including seared steelhead and mushroom cassoulet. Camp West has brought “a lot of new equipment” to the kitchen.
So the big question – when will they open? Right now they’re training staff via “friends and family” sessions. Then they’ll open to the public somewhat gradually, with the plan to be fully open by Wednesday, November 23. Hours for starters will be 4-10 pm Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4-midnight Fridays and Saturdays, 4-9 pm Sundays, closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
(Camp Long – photo by Rosalie Miller)
Here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
BLOCK DROP: DIY cleanup equipment – and dropoff spot for what you pick up and bag – available until 5 pm at the Admiral Way entrance to Schmitz Park.
DROP-IN OPEN PLAY: Now through 11:30 am, weekly drop-in open play for little ones at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room, wine bar, and retail store are open again on Fridays and Saturdays, 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, as previewed here.
ADOPTABLE CATS/KITTENS: Go to Pet Elements (6511 California SW) and see who’s looking for a forever home this week.
SILENT DISCO: Dance to music only you can hear! 5:30 pm-8 pm at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).
ALIEN OPEN MIC: As previewed here, you – and all beings – are invited to Freshy’s (2735 California SW) for the first-ever Alien Open Mic. Host Krystal Kelley says it’ll be streamed here, too.
MUSIC AT C & P: 7-9 pm, Songwriters’ Showcase at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW), free, all ages.
ONE-WOMAN SHOW: Tia Naché‘s one-woman show “That Talk You Do“ opens tonight, 7 pm, at Acts on Stage in White Center. (10806 12th SW)
‘THE CURIOUS MRS. SAVAGE’: Second night for the West Seattle High School production, 7:30 pm in the school theater (3000 California SW). Our calendar listing has the synopsis and ticket link (note that this production offers a streaming option too).
THEATER: Blue Hour‘s ‘boom’ continues at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm.
ADMIRAL PUB ANNIVERSARY PARTY: Starting at 9 pm, join the owners of Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) celebrating their 3rd anniversary with an ’80s party!
CABARET/BURLESQUE: 9 pm at 2 Fingers Social (9211 Delridge Way SW) – details in our calendar listing. 21+.
Something for our calendar (or a last-minute addition for our Halloween Guide)? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends are remembering Mark A. Vinson and sharing this remembrance with the community:
Mark Alan Vinson, of Shoreline, died on September 25, 2022, after a nearly 4-year battle with colon cancer.
Mark was born in Seattle on January 5, 1974. He was an extremely bright and funny child who graduated from Holy Rosary School in West Seattle, Kennedy High School, and Pepperdine University.
Post-graduation, Mark worked in the Molecular Epidemiology Program at Pacific NW Research Institute in Seattle. He co-authored five manuscripts in reputable cancer research journals and helped design grant proposals funded by the NCI and Superfund. Having a background in cancer research, Mark was appreciative of the excellent care and compassion he received from the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance doctors, nurses, and staff throughout his cancer journey. Mark was brave and strong in his battle, taking care of himself until only a few weeks before he passed away.
Mark was a beloved friend to many. Reflecting on Mark’s passing, one of his closest friends, Toby Cheff, said, “Mark was a kind soul, very intelligent, widely talented, and genuinely cared about the plight of our planet, our country, and most of all his friends and family. It was through the toughest times that Mark showed his finest human qualities. Even through all of his suffering, Mark found a way to practice gratitude.”
Mark had many interests, including disc golf, drumming, music, art, and cooking. He loved to purchase items from area thrift stores to refurbish them for resale or thoughtful gifting to family and friends. He spent much of his time renovating stereo equipment – purchasing parts and repairing classic pieces. Mark’s apartment was like a museum – with treasures stashed in every nook and cranny and stories to tell about each of them.
Mark is survived by his parents, Alan Vinson, Jr. and Mary (Granquist) Vinson; sisters, Kristi (Mike), Jessie (Gerald), and Heather (Mike); nieces, Izzy and McKenna; and nephew, Jayden.
A funeral service is not planned at this time. Instead, donations may be made in Mark’s name to Hopelink or Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Veterans Day – Friday, November 11th.
WEATHER
Cloudy, slight chance of rain, high in the 40s. (Thursday’s high was 46, 7 degrees below what’s normal for that date; the low was 35, also 7 degrees below normal.)
VETERANS DAY CHANGES
No school; no Water Taxi; Metro on “reduced weekday” schedule; “parking holiday” for Seattle street spaces; state ferries plan to sound their whistles at 11:11 am as a tribute to veterans
ROAD WORK – TODAY + WEEKEND
-The east end of Sylvan Way just west of the Home Depot entrance remains closed for drainage work.
-Salmon designs will be installed along 31st SW and SW Graham in High Point this weekend; here’s the explanatory notice. SDOT says work will start each day around 6 am.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (if SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).
Low Bridge: Or nearby, depending on where SDOT points the camera.
1st Ave. S. Bridge: The alternate route.
Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see trouble on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
(Rendering by Wittman Estes)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Almost a year and a half after fire gutted their historic headquarters, Highland Park Improvement Club has a design, an architect, and a new price tag: $3.1 million.
That’s four times the total amount they expect to get from insurance.
But if ever there was a can-do crew, it’s this one, and HPIC board members presented an optimistic, determined front at an online Town Hall tonight updating the community on the rebuilding plan – including how you can help even if you can’t donate a dime.
The new estimate came from architect Wittman Estes – whose designs were shown and discussed at previous Town Halls – and newly hired contractor Metis Construction. It’s for a building envisioned aw a “future connector and heart of our community” in multiple ways, not the least of which is as a performing-arts center. That’s important because of a big grant they’ve just landed: $400,000 from the Washington State Building for the Arts. This is a prestigious, competitive statewide grant, and HPIC trustees are ecstatic they got it. Add that sum to the expected insurance money and $55,000 already received in community donations, and they’re up to $1,205,000.
But they need community support to lock in that grant, as it requires State Legislature approval, so they’re asking for people to contact first Governor Inslee and then local legislators to ensure the grant goes through. The message: What HPIC means/has meant to you. It’s been a community center for more than a century, hosting celebrations, meetings, bazaars, workshops, performances, and in times of trouble – like the pandemic – campaigns to help, like emergency food distribution. If you don’t have your own message to convey, HPIC has a suggested template on its website, as well as information on how to get your message to the governor. Get a message to him by Thanksgiving, and then attention will turn to state legislators before they convene in Olympia early next year: Our area’s State Senator Joe Nguyen, State House Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, and State House Rep.-elect Emily Alvarado.
And while they mount a letter-writing campaign to secure that $400,000, HPIC board president Rhonda Smith said, “We need to start working in the direction to find (the rest of the) money – if we can’t raise this money, we can’t rebuild the building.” They’re acutely aware that the charred HPIC, at 12th/Holden, is an eyesore, and even if all goes well, will remain that way for a while – they have a tentative date to submit building permits in February, and once permits are granted, construction is likely to last a year. If necessary, they said, the building can be built in phases – even if only part of it can be occupied for starters.
While strategizing how to fundraise, they’re also grappling with how to continue serving and connecting the community despite the lack of a building, They’re welcoming “fresh ideas” and more volunteers on that front as well as the search for dollars. If you are interested in helping – or have an idea about funding sources – hpic1919@gmail.com is how to contact them. And watch hpic1919.org for updates.
ADDED FRIDAY: HPIC has uploaded its video recording of the meeting here.
Every time we’ve seen West Seattle artist Desmond Hansen, he’s been out along a street, in protective gear, painting a signal box. Tonight, a different setting, and some of his other work:
As previewed here earlier this week, Hansen is the featured artist tonight for the West Seattle Art Walk debut of the new West Seattle Realty (WSB sponsor) office at 2715 California SW. He painted a Seacrest Pier mural on the office’s north interior wall, and other creations of his are on display tonight and throughout the month – including these:
Around the corner from West Seattle Realty, we found Carla Dreams Nitkey at Good Society (2701 California SW), showing her abstract/expressionist work inspired by feng shui principles:
Three Art of Music performances enhanced tonight’s Art Walk, too – we caught part of Sarah Brunner‘s set at West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW):
Next month’s Art Walk is an ectra-festive holiday edition, Thursday, December 8th.
If you’re not already ticketed for the Mode Music and Performing Arts Friendsgiving Fundraiser this Sunday (November 13), you can still buy tickets tonight! Here’s the announcement:
We’re celebrating Thanksgiving early this Sunday at our Friendsgiving Fundraiser, and we’re most thankful for YOU, the community members who make up the Mode/MMPA extended family.
We still have more tickets available for purchase, and we’re hoping for a full house! Our ticketing site turns back into a pumpkin on Thursday at midnight, so act fast! Need convincing? Here’s some exciting details to get you to smash that “buy tickets” button at the end of this email.
PRICELESS Experiences Available At Our Live Auction
How would you like to host a private house show by Seattle girl rock band THEM?
Or maybe you’d like some VIP tickets for you and the family to attend Bluey’s Big Play at The Paramount?
What about an entire summer’s worth of FREE MMPA day camps?
All this and more is up for grabs at our Live Auction!
Live Performances From Mode/MMPA Teachers and Students
We’ll be hosting performances by some of Mode and MMPA’s talented teachers, as well as a set by our student rock band It’s All Happening. And we’ll end the night with a killer playlist to bring you to the dance floor, curated by our superstar emcee, KEXP DJ Troy Nelson.
Delicious Food From Our Friends at Skylark Cafe
Our neighbors and pals over at Skylark will be serving up a tasty taco bar, and we’ll also have a cash bar with beer and wine from some local spots! Come eat, drink and be merry!
We’d LOVE to see you there!
Join us THIS Sunday (November 13) from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. We can’t wait to celebrate with our community!
BUY TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mmpa-friendsgiving-fundraiser-tickets-429906651367
Mode Music and Performing Arts is the nonprofit sibling of Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor), headquartered in North Delridge.
Two weeks until Thanksgiving. That means it’s peak time for menu planning, and that’s why West Seattle Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor) has brought back its Holiday Taste sampling event, happening in-store right now through 7 pm. There’s also a deal if you do some shopping while you’re there:
More pics shortly. P.S. You can also let Thriftway do the holiday cooking for you – orders are being accepted for Thanksgiving through November 21st.
ADDED 5:35 PM: And in fact, you can get a taste of the turkey dinner during this event:
Much of what you can sample is Thriftway-made – but some vendors are there too, including Nola’s Catering, with tastes of ginger pork:
If you order holiday food, you can pick it up as late as Thanksgiving afternoon.
(King County Assessor photo)
Five months ago, we reported on an early-stage “affordable apartments” project planned for 8830 25th SW, currently the site of the West Seattle driver-licensing office, across the street from the east side of Westwood Village. Today, we have two updates: First, the plan is now open for comments as part of the Administrative Design Review process – no public meetings, but public feedback is requested. The project is now described as “a 6-story, 144-unit apartment building (with p)arking for 20 vehicles proposed.” You have two weeks to get comments in for project 3040124-EG. (We’re still trying to find the actual design document and will add it here when we do.) Second, the Department of Licensing says it’s found a new West Seattle location that’s “very close” to this one. However, a DOL spokesperson told us today, they haven’t finalized the plan so they’re not yet disclosing where it is. But if all goes well, they expect to move “in spring or summer” of next year.
12:09 PM: Thanks to Jake and E, who both sent tips and photos after SDOT crews showed up this morning to convert 40th/Edmunds and 41st/Edmunds into 4-way-stop intersections. E, whose photos are above and below, wrote, “As a pedestrian who has almost been run down by the range of distracted-to-malicious drivers, I am ecstatic that SDOT is painting zebra stripes and installing 4-way stop signs along Edmunds this morning.”
Both noted that some drivers seem not to have noticed the new signage yet. West of these new installations, 42nd/Edmunds is a 4-way, and California/Edmunds is signalized.
ADDED 6:10 PM: We went through the area late this afternoon and noted that crosswalks are painted on all four sides of both of these intersections.
Chief Sealth International High School celebrated fall-sports success with its seasonal banquet last night, In addition to its sport-by-sport award, they also celebrated two college signings – softball player Jing Gardner has signed with the University of Washington:
Soccer player Vivian Gaither is headed to Quincy University, one of several successful student athletes in her family, which joined her to celebrate – mom Michelle and brothers Kyler and Chase – with coach Michael Rillo:
Vivian also won the individual award for soccer.
Now, the other individual award winners: Slow-pitch softball winner was also Metro League 3A co-MVP, Puna Faga, shown with Metro League Coach of the Year Sergio Lopez:
The football honoree was Demiko Bousley, shown with coach Daron Camacho:
For volleyball, Charlotte Lindow, with coach Desiree Johnson:
For golf, Nevin Pivar, with coach George Cano:
For swimming, Emma Osgood, with coach Stephanie Hunt:
And for cross country, Violet Beck with coach Miguel Bautista:
Congratulations to the athletes and coaches, and to Chief Sealth athletic director Ernest Policarpio!
Tonight’s marquee event – this month’s West Seattle Art Walk! Here’s the list/map:
Artists and venues are spotlighted in this month’s preview – which features food and drink specials as well as art-hosting venues. Highlights include three Art of Music performances – Sarah Brunner at West Seattle Grounds in North Admiral (2141 California SW), Kristen Marlo at John L. Scott Real Estate in The Junction (4445 California SW), and Joshua Dennis at Beveridge Place Pub in Morgan Junction (6413 California SW). The Art Walk starts at 5 pm; the musical performances run concurrently, 6 pm-7:45 pm, at all three venues.
Another highlight, as featured here Wednesday – the grand opening of West Seattle Realty‘s new office, featuring a reception for West Seattle muralist Desmond Hansen and a chance to see his new mural inside the WSR space, as well as some of his other work.
Now, here’s what else is happening today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WREATH ORDER DEADLINE: Last day to order a wreath in The Bridge School‘s fundraiser.
HAVE PIZZA, HELP A SCHOOL: Louisa Boren STEM K-8 benefits from a dine-out fundraiser 10:30 am-11 pm at MOD Pizza in Westwood Village (2800 SW Barton).
WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY HOLIDAY TASTE: With two weeks to go until Thanksgiving, you can visit West Seattle Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor) 4 pm-7 pm tonight for the return of its annual sampling event.
WORDS, WRITERS, & SOUTHWEST STORIES: 6 pm online, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society presents longtime broadcaster Ross Reynolds, talking about “How Audio Technology Changed the World.” Our preview includes the registration link you can use to sign up for attendance info.
BOARD GAME NIGHT: Go play at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), starting at 6:30 pm.
HPIC TOWN HALL/REBUILD UPDATE: 7 pm, find out the latest on Highland Park Improvement Club‘s post-fire rebuilding plans during an online Town Hall. Connecting/call-in info is on the HPIC website.
BINGO AT ADMIRAL PUB: “Sassiest bingo party in town,” starting at 7 pm. (2306 California SW)
‘THE CURIOUS MRS. SAVAGE’: Opening night for the West Seattle High School production, 7:30 pm in the school theater (3000 California SW). Our calendar listing has the synopsis and ticket link (note that this production offers a streaming option too).
Have something to add to our calendar? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The main reason the Southern Resident Killer Whales are often back in central Puget Sound this time of year is the pursuit of their preferred food – salmon. Not far from the orcas’ recent passes, coho spawners continue returning to Fauntleroy Creek. The video above by Tom Trulin shows fish in the surf near the creek’s mouth by the ferry dock. And creek steward Judy Pickens reports that as of Wednesday, volunteer watchers had counted 155 spawners! In comparison, by mid-November last year, volunteer watchers had only seen – and then a sudden surge brought in a near-record total of 244; the year before that, only two were seen.
7:46 AM: Orcas are in the area again today! They just passed “super close” ro Constellation Park, southbound, Kersti Muul tells us. And now they’re in view from Emma Schmitz Overlook (4500 block of Beach Drive).
(Added: Photo tweeted by @i8ipod)
8:30 AM: Off Fauntleroy, still SB per comments/emails (thank you!).
9:40 AM: Commenter Kris says at least some have turned back northbound.
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, November 10th.
WEATHER
Partly sunny today – high in the 40s. (Wednesday’s high was 45, 9 degrees below what’s normal for that date; the low was 32, ten degrees below normal.)
ROAD WORK
-West Seattle Bridge lane closures again tonight: “11 PM Thursday to 5 AM Friday: All westbound travel lanes on the Spokane St Viaduct approaching the West Seattle bridge will be closed. Access to westbound lanes on the West Seattle Bridge from southbound SR 99 will be maintained during this time. People driving should detour to the Spokane St Swing Bridge (low bridge) to avoid delays and construction.”
-The east end of Sylvan Way just west of the Home Depot entrance remains closed for drainage work.
VETERANS DAY FRIDAY
No school; no Water Taxi.
TRANSIT STATUS
–Metro buses are on their regular schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi resumes service today, running its fall/winter schedule (still daily, all dayparts, but no late Friday/Saturday runs). No service Friday for Veterans Day.
-Still a 2-boat schedule for WSF’s Triangle Route (check here for alerts/updates).
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (if SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).
Low Bridge: Or nearby, depending on where SDOT points the camera.
1st Ave. S. Bridge: The alternate route.
Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see trouble on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
(WSB photos)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Sizable turnout tonight at Alki Bathhouse for SDOT‘s open house to show its “early design” for turning the west ends of Beach Drive and Alki Avenue into a permanent “Healthy Street“ and Neighborhood Greenway. The stretch around Alki Point has had “Stay Healthy Street”/”Keep Moving Street” status since early in the pandemic, declaring the street closed to vehicle through-traffic, but aside from the “Street Closed” signs at either end, it’s been largely unchanged. Now that the city has decided to permanently change the street, the question is how. What they showed at tonight’s open house included added traffic-calming features to narrow the street, such as paint-and-post curb bulbs and a traffic circle. One display tonight showed this array of possibilities:
The other three showed these actual early-design concepts (in the first one, the “cul-de-sac” effect would involve moving the Alki Avenue street-closed sign a bit further west, to where the bike lane ends now, and narrowing the road entrance to one lane):
On the displays as well as on a long paper rendering of the street, attendees were invited to leave post-it-note comments:
Some of the suggestions we read included “more speed bumps” and residential parking permits.
Sheets of paper for longer comments were available too, and periodic reminders to fill them out were shouted over the din. We listened in on some of the conversations; many attendees identified themselves as residents in the Healthy Street area. One attendee talking with SDOT’s Healthy Streets program manager Summer Jawson expressed concern about equitable access to the area; Jawson stressed that they planned to include additional accessible parking spaces, and that none of the current parking would be removed.
ADDED THURSDAY AFTERNOON: SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson sent us a clarification on Jawson’s parking comment, saying she was speaking “in reference to specific areas near intersections where we planned to install painted curb extensions … clarifying that this would not remove legal parking spaces because it is already illegal to park within 30 feet of these intersections (or in the intersection itself). We do anticipate removing parking in a few specific locations to make room for drivers to turn around at the cul-de-sac and to support some of the traffic calming and public space enhancements along the waterfront. One of our next steps on the project will be to complete a parking analysis to map out specific parking changes.”
WHAT’S NEXT? An online open house is planned at noon next Tuesday (November 15); the link is supposed to be posted any day now on the project website. Now that the “early design” has gone public, you also are invited to send comments to AlkiKeepMovingStreet@seattle.gov by December 9.
8:01 PM: Police are searching in Highland Park for three people who are suspects in an armed robbery. K-9 is already involved in the search, and the Guardian One helicopter is expected to join the search, so you might hear it soon over eastern West Seattle. The suspects were last seen in an alley north of Fire Station 11 at 16th SW and SW Holden. Per an exchange between officers and the helicopter deputies, the suspects might be linked to other robberies outside Seattle. The one who is reported to have had a gun is described as Hispanic, male, black clothing, red gaiter-style face mask. No other details yet.
(Added: Texted photo of one of the SPD cars involved in search)
8:22 PM: Archived dispatch audio indicates the holdup was at Seamart at 16th/Holden. Meantime, the helicopter and K-9 ended their search because the trail grew cold, possibly with the robbers having left via a getaway vehicle nearby. If you’re in the area and see anything suspicious on your security video, the SPD incident number is 2022-301827.
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