West Seattle, Washington
26 Friday
Received tonight from Mark:
My dark green Specialized electric Mountain Bike was stolen out of the PCC garage 7:40 pm Friday 26th. 2 men in a Hummer H2 SUT short-bed pickup.
Mark’s awaiting the police-report #; we’ll add it when available.
(WSB file photo)
Back in February, we mentioned that work was ahead for the “salmon bone bridge” across Longfellow Creek in North Delridge. Now Seattle Public Utilities has announced that work is about to begin. As explained on the project page:
The Salmon Bone Bridge was designed by renowned Seattle-based artist Lorna Jordan and was installed in 1999 as part of the Longfellow Creek Habitat Improvement Project. The bridge was designed to invoke the skeletal structure of a fish and the deck was made from recycled cedar timbers arranged in a herringbone pattern. The Bridge is also known as the Adams Fish Bridge.
Since then, the timber deck has deteriorated and has become unsafe. As a result … SPU covered the deck with plywood and an anti-slip surface, which altered the bridge’s aesthetic. This project aims to honor the artist’s original vision while improving pedestrian safety by replacing the deck with materials designed for slip resistance and long service life.
After exploring several materials for deck replacement, SPU selected Cordeck Dots decking material. This weathering steel product is a long-lasting option that will mimic the visual appearance of the original deck.
SPU will replace the deck … The restored bridge will preserve the artist’s original design, but will be more durable and accessible, and safer, while requiring less maintenance.
The work will start in early August and will close the bridge for up to three months, according to this notice that SPU says will be circulated to neighbors starting next week.
The man arrested for allegedly briefly stealing a fire engine in West Seattle early Wednesday is now charged. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged 22-year-old Emanuel D. Wentworth of South Park with motor-vehicle theft and second-degree driving with a suspended/revoked license. The narrative with the charging documents says he only drove the engine (South Park-based Engine 26) about 300 feet from where it had been parked during a medical call at Arrowhead Gardens; as he left the cab, firefighters and a bystander yelled at him to stop, but he kept walking. Police subsequently found him walking nearby, at 1st/Cloverdale. The charging documents say that after being advised of his rights, Wentworth explained that he took the fire engine because he wanted to “see how it feels.” A firefighter explained to police that Wentworth might have been able to drive it farther if they hadn’t set the parking brake.
As we reported in our previous story, the King County Jail docket shows that this is Wentworth’s ninth booking in nine months. Only two of those cases have been referred by police to prosecutors – both auto thefts – and KCPAO spokesperson Casey McNerthney tells WSB they charged Wentworth in both those cases, which are still making their way through the system. He adds, “In every other investigation, King County prosecutors have gone to court and asked for the defendant to be held, and been successful in those arguments. But none of those five felony investigations have been referred by police to King County prosecutors. … The cases may still be under police investigation. The diminished staffing of Seattle Police might also be a factor here. Either way, we know SPD officers and detectives have hard jobs and prosecutors will review any case if it’s sent to our office.” The cases in which he has not been charged included three burglaries, a robbery, and a stolen vehicle, one case in southeastern West Seattle and the others in South Park, downtown, and North Seattle. His most recent jail stay, for a failure-to-appear warrant, ended July 1st, when he was released to an alternative check-in program – with which he never checked in,, In the new case in which he has just been charged, bail is set at $50,000, and he remains in custody, pending arraignment in two weeks.
(WSB photo)
3:01 PM: Thanks for the tips. Police are investigating the discovery of a dead person on the beach in Fauntleroy, in a residential area south of the ferry dock. Our photo was taken looking south from the dock; the person’s body was on the beach just to the right of the driftwood at the photo’s right edge. This is the same area where a search was under way early Wednesday morning after a report of someone splashing and calling for help. Despite searches by sea and, later in the day, by air, no one was found at that time. We’re following up with police and will add anything more we find out.
3:49 PM: SPD spokesperson Officer Brian Pritchard says the call originally came in as an unclothed man dead on the beach, and that’s what police confirmed upon arrival. He says there’s no sign of foul play, though it’ll be up to the Medical Examiner to determine the cause of death.
(Photo sent by Leif)
They do believe this is the same person who was the subject of the Wednesday morning search, because of the clothing found on a small swimming dock (as mentioned in our previous story).
(Cropped photo – the red-paint tagging extends the full length and to the bottom edge)
If you’ve been to the West Seattle Junction parking lot behind the KeyBank block in the past few weeks, you might have noticed the extensive tagging vandalism on the mural along the south side of the lot, “The Old Mud Hole.” Thanks to Doug for the photos – including this one showing the plaque with the mural’s history:
This is at least the second time in five years that vandals have damaged this mural – here’s one of our 2019 reports – and this time, restoration poses a dilemma. Chris Mackay of the West Seattle Junction Association tells WSB, “Our graffiti team attempted to clean the mural but it’s not possible without destroying it.” So for starters, she’s trying to reach its artist, Mike Svob (who is in British Columbia). This mural is one of 11, mostly in The Junction, created and installed more than 30 years ago as part of a civic enhancement/beautification project. Some were restored through an endowment from the late Adah Rhodes Cruzen, widow of Earl Cruzen, who had spearheaded that original project. WSJA’s Mackay tells us there is some money available to restore this mural – depending on what the cost turns out to be.
(WSB photo, July 2023)
The first of this summer’s two major human-powered-boat racing events at Alki is happening tomorrow! Dozens of outrigger-canoe paddlers from around the region are expected for the annual “Da Grind” races, hosted by the Seattle Outrigger Canoe Club. The event will last much of the day, starting with registration at 7 am and continuing until awards are presented around 3:30 pm. Paddlers will race on one of two courses – 4 miles (along Alki) or 12 miles (out to Blake Island and back); see the maps on the race page.
P.S. The other major human-powered boat racing event is Sound Rowers’ Great Cross-Sound Race, coming up August 24.
Savor the summer sun, now that July’s almost over! Thanks to TB for the sunrise photo. Here’s what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, until 3 pm.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open 11 am-8 pm. Free! (1100 SW Cloverdale)
WADING POOLS: Open today – Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm; Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) and Hiawatha (2700 California SW), noon-5:30 pm.
COLMAN POOL: You can swim today in this outdoor heated-salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm – session times are on the Colman Pool webpage.
VISCON CELLARS: The tasting room/wine bar is open tonight for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
CLAY CREATIONS: Make handbuilt animals at The Clay Cauldron, 6:30 pm. (5214 Delridge Way SW)
DUBSEA FISH STICKS BASEBALL: Tickets available for tonight’s 6:35 pm game vs. Redmond Dudes at Steve Cox Memorial Park. (1321 SW 102nd, White Center)
WEEKEND WRITING RETREAT: Not too late to sign up for this West Seattle retreat, starting at 7 tonight and continuing all day Saturday and Sunday. Info and registration link in our calendar listing.
AT KENYON HALL: Capital Focus Jazz Band, featuring Chief Sealth Jazz, at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), doors at 7, show at 7:30. Info and tickets here.
AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.
AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm, CHEER Seattle presents: SPLITZ! A Drag/Talent Show Fundraising Extravaganza!, $20 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SUMMER SUNSET SOUND BATH: 7:30 pm at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW), $38. Ticket link in our calendar listing.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, Swerveone! (4547 California SW)
YOU SKATE, THEY PLAY: “Make It Loud!” at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), roller skating to live bands, featuring The Disorderlies, Not Your Ex Lover, and more TBA. 9 pm. $18 cover, $5 skate.
What are we missing? If you have something else to add to our event lists and calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
From Jennifer:
My husband’s 2000 Jeep Wrangler was stolen sometime last night from the 9200 block of 35th Ave SW. It’s dark green with a black hard top, and a worn spare tire on the back. Seems hard to believe it would be stolen since it’s a manual, but there must be some jerks who still know how to drive a stick. Police report being filed – will update when available, but if you see it please let me know. Plate # ABJ5683.
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, July 26.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunny, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:40 am, while sunset will be at 8:50 pm.
TRANSIT NOTES, WITH METRO FLEX
Metro Flex – Fifth day for this on-demand service in Delridge (and South Park), starting a two-year pilot. Here’s how it works. Used it yet?
Metro buses – Regular schedules; check for advisories here.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, and the unscheduled third boat may be available. Check that link before you sail.
ROAD WORK
*The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project is about to start, first with overnight lane closures, then with several all-weekend one-direction closures. Here’s the announcement.
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project is in progress. Fairmount Avenue is closed under the bridge for the duration of the project, likely into early 2025. Deck work is likely to start in August
*SDOT’s Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch.
WEEKEND NOTE
No road-closing events in West Seattle this weekend, but if you’re going downtown, be aware that streets will be closed for Saturday afternoon’s Seafair Torchlight Parade, which starts at 3 pm.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (West Seattle Bridge cameras are back but some others remain out)
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:
Low bridge: Here’s the main view:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
12:10 AM: Seattle Fire has sent a “rescue extrication” response for what arriving crews are describing as a “car wrapped around a tree” in the 3800 block of West Marginal [map]. At least two people are injured.
12:16 AM: Firefighters report they’ve gotten one person out of the vehicle, and have another to rescue next.
12:21 AM: They’ve gotten the second person out of the car.
12:26 AM: According to radio exchanges, the two injured people are a woman in her 20s and a man in his 30s; he’s believed to have been the driver, and is more seriously injured. Both will be taken to Harborview Medical Center.
12:39 AM: Police have told dispatch that the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad will be coming to the scene. That means the road closure is likely to last a few hours. (added) We don’t have any imagery from the scene but plate lookup indicates the car is a 2006 Civic.
We first told you six months ago about Stu Hennessey‘s quest for a more “walkable Admiral” (District). He is a business owner in Admiral, proprietor of Alki Bike and Board, and walks the talk, not only on human-powered transportation, but also on other sustainability issues. Making Admiral more walkable would require some city changes, and Hennessey has launched a yard-sign campaign to get community support for them:
The QR code on the sign takes you to this page, which spells out the three proposals he introduced back in January:
Admiral and California All-Walk intersection. The biggest safety concern for pedestrians crossing the streets is the right turn on red. Is it wise to have cars and pedestrians using the same crossing?
Mid-block raised crossings between Lander and Admiral near the Safeway entrance at Menchie’s yogurt and between Admiral and College St. Specifically crossing to the Admiral Theatre. These crossings would eliminate one parking space and have a bulb out to the lane edge with flashing crossing signs.
Permanent closure for SW Lander St. between California Ave and 44th SW. This is an often-ignored one-way and daytime-temporarily-closed street that could be used for an emergency gathering point for Lafayette School, auto-free pickup of students, and a potential event space such as a farmers’ market.
The page also suggests emailing three city contacts – SDOT (684-road@seattle.gov), Councilmember Rob Saka (rob.saka@seattle.gov), and Economic Development director Markham McIntyre (markham.mcintyre@seattle.gov)- to voice your support for a more walkable Admiral. Hennessey has a few spare yard signs for Admiral businesses, and flyers for posting in windows – stop by his shop (2606 California SW) to ask about those.
6:43 PM: We’re at California Place Park, between a Metro stop and Admiral Church, where Michael Pearsall is playing as the first half of a double bill for the second Admiral Music in the Parks concert, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association.
He’s a veteran musician, playing a self-accompanied set of originals. (He talked about his many years on the road with band Honor by August.) He’ll be followed by the Westside Pretenders. This free concert continues until about 8 pm – come join your neighbors at the park (and if you can, bring non-perishable food to donate).
7:36 PM: The Westside Pretenders have just started their set, opening with the classic “Midnight Rider.”
If you can’t come see this show, the AMP series has one more concert – next Thursday, August 1, 6:30 pm, with The ABBAgraphs, at Hamilton Viewpoint Park.
10:40 PM: Added photos and video.
(WSB file photo)
A long-awaited post-pandemic comeback is finally about to happen: Northwest Center is resuming regular Big Blue Truck visits to West Seattle for donation dropoffs, Here’s the announcement:
Big Blue Truck, a division of Seattle nonprofit Northwest Center, is excited to announce the opening of a new donation site in West Seattle. Beginning Saturday, August 3, 2024, community members can donate gently used clothing, textiles, and small household goods at WaFd, 4102 California Ave SW.
The donation site will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
“We are thrilled to return to West Seattle! The Big Blue Truck was a popular donation site in the heart of West Seattle until Covid forced its closure in 2020. Now West Seattleites once again have a convenient weekend drop-off location just steps from the heart of Alaska Junction,” said Michael Scalzo, SVP of Operations at Big Blue Truck.
“We are passionate about collecting our community’s gently used clothing items to support children and adults with disabilities. We believe being back in West Seattle will have both a sustainable and mission-led impact on the community for generations to come. A big thank you to our partners WaFd, Value Village, and PrintItForward.net for being instrumental in our return to West Seattle!” said Tess Connor, Chief Growth & Operating Officer at Northwest Center.
Donations made to Big Blue Truck support Northwest Center’s education and employment programs for children and adults with disabilities. By donating, residents not only help children and adults with disabilities but also promote environmental sustainability through recycling and reusing goods.
Big Blue Truck welcomes donations of:
Gently used clothing
Shoes
Books
Textiles- including towels and sheets
Small household itemsFor more information about what to donate or the work Big Blue Truck supports, please visit our website at BigBlueTruck.org or email marketing@nwcenter.org Join us in making a difference in West Seattle – every donation counts!
2:54 PM: The two-boat Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth ferry route also is currently down to two terminals. WSF reports, “Southworth terminal operations are suspended due to a hydraulic leak on the transfer span. Both vessels will depart between Fauntleroy and Vashon every 30 minutes.” They’re both off-schedule, WSF says; we’d advise tracking their locations via the VesselWatch page, but it’s currently down too.
3:22 PM: Repairs are complete and the Southworth dock is back in service, WSF says.
ORIGINAL THURSDAY REPORT: Thanks for the tip! A major regional festival in its second year has just changed venues – and its new location is Lincoln Park. The event is The Cantanna Fest, with three music stages, food vendors, and a car show – plus cannabis-industry advocacy – scheduled for Saturday-Sunday, August 10-11. Reached via email, organizer Scott McKinley explained to WSB, “We had this event scheduled for Snohomish for the last year and just lost our venue and the switch to West Seattle is a last-minute one. This is a political rally/music festival centered around creating a 20-point bill of rights for Cannabis in the state and searching for a candidate to run for a Senate seat.” McKinley says he and co-founder Redman launched Cantanna Fest last year, when it was held in Renton, and says the highlights will include “Shawn Kemp is main-stage host, Donald Glaude as host of the EDM Forest, and Peter Dante is host of the Robert Lang Studios Stage celebrating 50 years of music.” The music lineups are on the festival website. Because this will be a “free-speech event in a city park,” admission will be free, but they’re selling “VIP access” tickets as an option. (And in case you’re wondering, given the cannabis-industry advocacy, the festival website has the caveat, “This IS NOT an open consumption event. It is open to the public and all ages are welcome to this community event.” They are planning adult-beverage areas for 21+, though.) We asked exactly where in the park the Cantanna Fest stages will be. While the locations and map aren’t finalized, they’re focusing on several areas of upper Lincoln Park accessible from the north lot. We’re still gathering other information, including hours.
FRIDAY 4:33 PM: We asked Parks about the process by which this was permitted at the relatively last minute. Spokesperson Christina Hirsch replied, “Seattle Parks and Recreation event scheduling permitted this on July 19. We have been in discussion with the event organizer about possibly relocating the event to a different location.”
Another garage burglary resulting in an e-bike theft. This one was reported by Julie:
This was stolen out of my garage on Alki on Sunday night. RadTrike electric tricycle, gray. (Stock photo) It was brand new. They used bolt cutters to cut the lock off. They don’t have the key to turn on the battery. It’s a long shot but I’d love to get it back. 24-935601 police report.
11:02 AM: Just texted by Kersti Muul: “There’s a humpback whale that’s been slowly making its way north this morning. It’s now getting close to the Fauntleroy Ferry Lanes. Close to shore.” Please let us know if you see it!
3:33 PM: Kersti also let us know about four orcas southbound in the Bainbridge ferry lanes about half an hour ago. An Orca Network commenter says they’re now off Blake Island and have flipped to head northbound.
(Art on Alki, photographed by Stewart L.)
Here’s our list of what’s happening for the rest of your Thursday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: If you need plants, the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Annuals, perennials, sun, shade, natives, edibles, ground covers … wide variety!
SPRAYPARK: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open every day through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm, free.
COLMAN POOL: You can swim today in this outdoor heated-salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm – session times are on the Colman Pool webpage.
LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, the 7-day-a-week wading pool is open today noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area.
DELRIDGE WADING POOL: This wading pool is open today, next to Delridge Community Center, noon-5:30 pm. (4501 Delridge Way SW)
HIAWATHA WADING POOL: And this pool is open today too, next to Hiawatha Community Center, noon-5:30 pm. (2700 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com for info on where they’re playing today.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room/wine bar open Thursdays-Saturdays 1 pm-6 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Food too – stop by to sip and nosh!
STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm yoga class at what’s now the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Vandalz.
VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM RECEPTION: 6-8 pm, visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) for the closing reception celebrating its award-winning Longfellow Creek exhibition, as previewed here.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for a group walk in Lincoln Park – details in our calendar listing.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at Good Society (California/Lander) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run.
ADMIRAL MUSIC IN THE PARKS: Second of this year’s three free outdoor concerts presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, 6:30 pm, California Place Park (California/Hill), featuring Michael Pearsall and Westside Pretenders. Bring your own chair/blanket, and bring a donation for the Admiral Church food drive if you can!
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: 6:30 pm, meet at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for a 3-mile run through the neighborhood. (Walking option, too!)
BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday you can listen to the blues.
TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).
Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Before we get to what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight, we’re previewing a weekend event whose organizeRs are sponsoring WSB this week to get the word out – Saturday’s Soulfest block party, back for another year!
Soulfest began on Capitol Hill in 1997 and has since evolved into a unique music festival that celebrates talented artists, soulful tunes, and an electrifying atmosphere. Join us on July 27th, 2024, in the heart of West Seattle for an unforgettable experience filled with live music, delicious food, and great vibes.
Featured Artists
Aurora Avenue Band
A Seattle-based Indie-pop rock band formed in 2020. Known for their catchy melodies, upbeat rhythms, and J-pop influences, Aurora Avenue is set to bring an energetic performance.Harmonious Funk
This 7-piece band from Seattle blends classic funk, soul, and R&B. With over 10 years of experience, they have performed all over the Pacific Northwest, delivering groovy tunes that get everyone dancing.DJ Kipprawk
Seattle’s own DJ Kipprawk will take over the turntables. With over 25 years of experience, DJ Kipprawk is known for his eclectic mix of music and his ability to get the crowd moving. Expect an exciting ’90s Dance & Singalong session!DJ Derek Moon
Owner of Revelry Room, Derek’s blend of talents and knowledge brings a unique energy to any event. He loves West Seattle, and Revelry represents the achievement of a long-held goal. Get ready for a fantastic set that showcases his passion for music and community.On the Menu
Get ready for a mouthwatering culinary experience crafted by our friends and family. Indulge in Southern favorites like:
● BBQ Pork Shoulder
● Joe’s Fried Chicken
● Mac n Cheese
● Hotlinks
● Cornbread
● Tater Tots
● The original Seattle Dogs from Hotdogjoe’sGet ready to savor the best party food ever!
Gates open at 4 pm in the 6300 block of 46th SW; food starts at 4:30. The full schedule is in our calendar listing. Tickets are available at soulfestblockparty.com.
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, July 25.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Becoming sunny, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:39 am, while sunset will be at 8:52 pm.
(Tuesday sunset, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
TRANSIT NOTES, WITH METRO FLEX
Metro Flex – Fourth day for this on-demand service in Delridge, starting a two-year pilot. Here’s how it works.
Metro buses – Regular schedules; check for advisories here.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, and the unscheduled third boat may be available. Check that link before you sail.
ROAD WORK
*The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project is about to start, first with overnight lane closures, then with several all-weekend one-direction closures. Here’s the announcement.
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project is in progress. Fairmount Avenue is closed under the bridge for the duration of the project, likely into early 2025.
*SDOT’s Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (West Seattle Bridge cameras are back but some others remain out)
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:
Low bridge: Here’s the main view:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
One notable achievement of Tuesday night’s Transit Town Hall: A few of the local business owners facing likely relocation because of light rail got a very public chance to put Sound Transit reps on the spot.
That happened during the live Q&A comprising almost half the two-hour event. As shown in our first report Tuesday night, the event – presented by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and 34th District Democrats – began with an ST recap of project planning, from 2016’s ST3 vote to the current status, awaiting the Final Environmental Impact Statement “in the late third quarter,” which will be followed by a final vote on routing/station locations.
Then it was time for Q&A – both pre-submitted and asked live. We’ll start with the latter. First, video of the in-person Q&A:
The most pointed exchanges were with business owners facing relocation, including Erin Rubin of Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) and nonprofit Mode Music and Performing Arts, which serve hundreds of students.
(WSB photo: Mode’s Erin Rubin, with moderator Jordan Crawley)
Rubin recounted waiting for a promised reply from ST real-property director Faith Roland – one of the panelists – that never came, and made a request that she’s made to ST before: Why can’t she get an evaluation from ST now rather than having to wait for the official vote on the Delridge station location that will almost certainly displace her business? Starting the resource-providing conversation now, she said, would “make us feel more secure.”
8:30 PM: For the second time today, Seattle Fire sent a water-rescue response to the waters off Fauntleroy – this time to the Lincoln Park vicinity, after a report of a person in the water in trouble. SFD says “the patient was rescued from the water by a civilian vessel. A fire boat now has the patient and is bringing them to shore to be evaluated.”
ADDED EARLY WEDNESDAY: We’re still waiting for followup information from SFD, but meanwhile, we listened back to archived incident audio; an Argosy Cruises boat picked up the person, who was then transferred to the fireboat. No hint of circumstances or whether this had any link to the earlier incident; we hope to know more this morning.
9:59 AM: SFD tells us the person rescued is a 65-year-old man who had been paddleboarding. After SFD brought him to shore, he was taken to a hospital via AMR ambulance. And below are more details from a commenter identifying themselves as the captain of the Argosy boat that rescued him.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Since Seattle Public Schools superintendent Dr. Brent Jones decided not to go public with an expected list of school closures/consolidations until September, it’s become a summer of waiting, and dreading, for many involved with the district – staff, students, families. One SPS employee in attendance at School Board Director Gina Topp‘s monthly community-conversation meeting, seeing coworkers and students at summer school, described it as “waiting for a giant hammer to fall.”
Anticipation of, and concern about, what’ll be in the proposal dominated Topp’s meeting, held online a week ago (she switches up formats, locations, days, and dayparts in hopes of increasing accessibility). The director herself, in her first year on the board, representing a district including West Seattle and most of South Park, repeatedly described herself as “disappointed” in the delay, particularly because it will result in a condensed public process between the time the announcement is made and the time the board will have to vote on any closures to take effect in the ’25-’26 school year.
Topp started the meeting with a few updates, including the board’s recent vote to finalize the budget for next school year.
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