July 2024

By Patrick Robinson

A Transit Town Hall on the West Seattle Link Extension project drew a packed house on Wednesday evening, with over 250 residents responding to a pre-event survey and more than 65 attending in person at the Center for Active Living. The event, hosted by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the 34th District Democrats and moderated by Jordan Crowley of Alki Beach Academy, featured presentations from Sound Transit officials on the latest project plans and timelines.

The full presentation can be downloaded here.

Key updates included:

information from West Seattle Chamber of Commerce

The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce has repaired the iconic “Welcome to West Seattle” sign after months of work. For more than two decades, the “Welcome to West Seattle” sign along the Fauntleroy Expressway has served as a beacon for travelers and residents alike. The sign was damaged by an uninsured driver in 2023.

Longtime Alki resident Adah Rhodes Cruzen made a significant financial contribution to the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, designated for the installation of a new “Welcome to West Seattle” sign and a sustainable maintenance plan in 2018. The donation was made on behalf of the estate of her late husband, Earl Cruzen, who died Jan. 23, 2017, at the age of 96.

Earl is recognized for bringing three groups together, the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the

Information from Seattle Department of Transportation
 

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will begin construction to repave the South Spokane Street Viaduct between I-5 and the West Seattle Bridge starting as soon as July 29. This work will require multiple weekend closures of all eastbound travel lanes and one weekend closure of the westbound travel lanes. There will also be overnight closures of one or two lanes at a time on weeknights this summer and fall.

The Pecos Pit restaurant at the corner of Fauntleroy Way and 35th Ave SW was hit by burglars again overnight. The criminals smashed through a window to gain access. then subsequently broke into a safe.

The restaurant shared they need to go cashless for the time being accepting only credit transactions.

This is the sixth time this has happened. They got away with $1200 cash.

They shared this message:

"Hey BBQ fam, we need your support! Unfortunately, we've experienced another break-in at our West Seattle location. This is incredibly disheartening for our team. As a result, we will be going cashless temporarily to safeguard our business. We're still a small business, and these incidents take a huge toll on us. Please come by for lunch, dinner, or just to say hi. Your support means the world right now."

District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka shared some news with his constituents on Monday July 22, about traffic calming measures aimed at Alki and Harbor Ave SW. This comes following numerous requests from the neighborhood and on the heels of shootings and a stream of reports of speeding in the area.

The construction notice from SDOT reads:

In the coming weeks, SDOT will build about 10 sets of speed humps and speed cushions in several places along Harbor Ave SW, Alki Ave SW and 56th Ave SW. in an effort to curb speeding.

This construction work is still being scheduled and may potentially start as soon as July 28 and last up to a week. Crews will return about a month later to paint permanent markings cnce the asphalt has hardened.

Well over 100 custom cars, many of them true to the title of the event were part of White Center's Lowrider Block Party on July 20. 

Sponsored by the Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery ,the EZ Duz It Car Club White Center Food Bank, and White Center CDA the event was crowded and mellow, full of food, booths and vendors,

These cars often from the 1960's and 70's are customized to a degree seldom seen, with engine parts chromed, interiors meticulously done, exterior painting perfect and frequently displaying thematic art. 

This was truly a family event.

With 85 entries the West Seattle Grand Parade's 90th edition on July 20, 2024 was the largest in years. 

Though lacking in actual floats, it was full of drill teams, politicians, businesses and drill teams. 

The Orville Rummel Award winner were Bianca Thomka and Neil Duncan due to their significant contributions to the West Seattle community.