West Seattle, Washington
20 Wednesday
Four days after Washington State Ferries put Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth on a two-boat schedule until further notice, the system just announced that they’ve found enough crew to restore three-boat service today. Beyond that? We’re checking. It’s one of three routes for which a reduced-service schedule started this past Saturday.
6:03 AM: Good morning!
WEATHER
Rain and wind are in the forecast today.
SCHOOL-BUS NOTE
Third day for the cutback in Seattle Public Schools bus service – the suspended routes are listed here.
ROAD WORK
26th SW – Ongoing closure between Roxbury and Barton for RapidRide H Line prep work.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES
Regular Metro schedule, except for the rerouting in RapidRide H Line work zones – on 26th and 15th SW in particular. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.
For ferries and Water Taxi: Both have changed schedules as of last Saturday – here’s the Water Taxi info; note that shuttles are only running during weekday peak hours. Here’s the ferry info.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
575th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are views of other bridges and routes:
Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)
West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):
For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:
Are movable bridges opening for boats or barges? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed is working again. (1st Ave. South Bridge openings are also tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.)
See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.
Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
That’s the Chief Sealth International High School slow-pitch softball team, which played for the Metro League championship this afternoon at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex.
The Seahawks’ game against Cleveland was a battle, and they were leading in the final inning, but a late rally won it for the Eagles, 10-5. Chief Sealth’s season isn’t over yet, though – CSIHS athletic director Ernest Policarpio tells us they’ll be playing a TBD opponent Friday, 4 pm at NCSWAC, to see who advances in the postseason. All welcome to be there to cheer them on.
8:31 PM: We’re hearing from multiple readers about an insect invasion in the Alki area. Stephanie said she went out for a walk and “was covered in” small blue aphid-type bugs. An earlier texter said they believe the bugs are smoky-winged ash aphids. So far we haven’t found history of them swarming in Seattle, but they seem to be a periodic problem in Eastern Washington – a recent report there points to this WSU website report from 2017, describing them as “hovering masses of puffy gnat-like bugs.” This time of year, the females lay eggs, and that’s the reason for the swarming.
9:47 PM: Commenters from all around the peninsula are reporting sightings, so we’ve updated the headline. We’ll be trying to track down an expert tomorrow to see if we can find out more.
Thanks to Mike Munson for another photo of the work at Lowman Beach Park, removing the seawall and tennis court to restore a more-natural shoreline, as was done with the south side of the park long ago. The project’s been in the works for more than four years; work is expected to last until next spring.
P.S. A brief update will be part of the Morgan Community Association‘s quarterly meeting, online at 7 pm Wednesday.
Talk about synergy – meal-prep help and home organizing! Longtime WSB sponsor Dream Dinners West Seattle is teaming up with Bee Organized Seattle for a giveaway that’s easy to enter – no purchase required – here’s the announcement:
We’re buzzing with excitement to announce a new partnership between Bee Organized Seattle and Dream Dinners, The Original Meal Kit Company.
To celebrate, we’re giving away kitchen-organizing services + a Dream Dinner!
We want to help you get dinner on the table and “BEE” organized.
If interested in our contest, email us and mention our DREAM PARTNERSHIP. You will be automatically entered into our contest. The winner wins a choice of a Virtual or an In-Home Kitchen Organizing Session plus a Dream Dinner.
We are hoping to create some “BUZZ.” Want to know more? Look for us on our Facebook and Instagram pages @DreamDinnersWestSeattle & @BeeOrganizedSeattle.
The contest is through Saturday, October 23rd. The WINNER will be announced that day.
Good Luck to everyone!
Buzzing with excitement,
Dream Dinners West Seattle – WestSeattleWA@dreamdinners.com
& Bee Organized Seattle – info@Beeorganized.com
The “for lease” sign has been down for a while at the ex-West Seattle Licensing location (5048 California SW), but it took a liquor-license application to give a hint at its future. We talked briefly today with one of the applicants, who are seeking a license under the business name Till Dawn. It’s going to be a café, he said, but they’re still a few weeks away from going public with details. (The license application is in the “snack bar” category, which means bottled/canned beer for on-site consumption.) They’re hoping to open by year’s end. The storefront’s been vacant for almost two years.
As first announced last month, and as we reminded you Sunday, this Thursday brings an online community meeting focused on the future of the four West Seattle Junction sites long used as parking lots. They’ve been zoned for mixed-use development for decades, and now the question is not whether they’ll be redeveloped, but who will do it and how. The West Seattle Junction Association is convening Thursday night’s meeting with prospective purchaser Community Roots Housing, which has just sent this:
Community Roots Housing, in partnership with the West Seattle Junction Association (WSJA), is proposing plans for a redevelopment of four parking lots in West Seattle. On October 21, the organizations will host a virtual community meeting to gather input on the proposal.
The redevelopment plans would convert the four parking lots into affordable housing, including one building for senior housing, a 6,500 square-foot business incubator space, and replacement public parking. The housing would service incomes at or below 60% of the area median income. “At Community Roots Housing, we believe in community-led development,” said Christopher Persons, CEO of Community Roots Housing. “We are committed to listening to and responding to the needs and priorities of the West Seattle neighborhood while creating more affordable homes to combat the Seattle housing crisis.”
Currently, the lots are owned by the West Seattle Trusteed Properties and managed by WSJA. In April, Community Roots Housing submitted an offer to purchase the parking lots at the appraised value of the land. The City of Seattle Office of Housing has agreed to provide an acquisition loan to buy the property and convert the parking lots into affordable housing. The landowner is expected to take a vote on the sale at an October 28 member meeting.
“Input from the community will be a guiding factor as we begin to craft the vision for the Junction parking parcels,” said Lora Radford, Executive Director of the West Seattle Junction Association. “Being within an urban village, the critical development decisions that will impact future generations of West Seattleites is here and now. The value of early community voices is important to build and sustain a downtown that will have vision, history, heart, and soul.”
Community Roots Housing is a mission-based Public Development Authority chartered in the City of Seattle that creates affordable and workforce housing. Over the past year, Community Roots has been in community and stakeholder discussions about the property. “West Seattle Junction is the beating heart of the neighborhood, and we have a generational opportunity to transform and strengthen this community by welcoming new affordable housing, senior housing, expanded community space, and a small business incubator,” said City Councilmember Lisa Herbold. “I’m excited to see these plans begin to take shape under the leadership of the West Seattle Junction Association and Community Roots Housing. I look forward to learning more and hearing from community members at Thursday’s open house.”
Information for watching/listening to/participating in Thursday’s 6:30 pm meeting is on this WSJA webpage. The meeting agenda includes presentations from WSJA, Community Roots Housing, and architects Ankrom Moisan, as well as a period for community questions/comments.
Starting today, the city’s Small Business Stabilization Fund is accepting applications. The available grants are $5,000, $10,000, and $20,000, which the city says can “be used on operational expenses such as rent, wages, equipment, and more.” The announcement also notes, “For this new round, the Stabilization Fund will support small businesses with up to 50 full-time equivalent employees and accept applications from those who received a Stabilization Fund grant in past rounds” You can find out more about eligibility here; go here to apply. The application is available in eight languages, and you have to file it by November 9th. Questions? oed@seattle.gov is where to send them.
You’ve probably heard a lot this year about 30th anniversaries of Seattle grunge milestones. In some cases, that evokes the question, “Where are they now?” You’ll find some answers in a new book – published today – by West Seattle photographer/author Mike Hipple, “Lived Through That: 90s Musicians Today.” Hipple, who lives in Arbor Heights, explains, “It’s a portrait-heavy exploration of some of my favorite musical artists from the ’90s and what they’re up to these days. I wanted to see where these people are today, what their stories are, how their lives have changed since their 90s heyday and introduce readers to some bands they maybe haven’t heard of. I traveled all over the United States and Britain tracking down the artists, photographing them, and hearing their stories and I’m excited to share them. There are quite a few Seattle folks in there as well.” Including one from right here in our back yard – Chris Ballew (aka Caspar Babypants):
Hipple’s book is available through Paper Boat Booksellers, where you can meet him and get your copy signed this Saturday (October 23) at 1 pm. This is his second book; three years ago he published “‘80s Redux,” focusing on music from that decade.
(Black Turnstones and Surfbirds, photographed Monday at Alki by Dan Ciske)
Just some of what’s on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for today:
VACCINE POP-UP: Until 1 pm, the South Park Senior Center (8201 10th Ave. S.) is hosting a wqlk-in COVID vaccine clinic. All three vaccines are available, as noted in our calendar listing.
(added) CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: Chief Sealth International High School‘s slow-pitch softball team plays Cleveland for the Metro League championship at 4 pm today, lower field at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
DOG SWIM: Take your pup swimming on what might be the nicest day this week! Second of six days when Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club (11003 31st SW) opens its pool to dogs before closing and cleaning it for the offseason. 4:30-6 pm. Details in our preview.
DEMONSTRATION: The weekly event organized by Scott:
Black Lives Matter sign-waving – 4:30 to 6 pm, corner of 16th SW and SW Holden
Come build awareness & stimulate actions to tear down the systems that have oppressed Black lives for over 400 years on this continent. Hold signs, meet neighbors, and stand for racial justice. Scott at Puget Ridge Cohousing, endorsed by Hate-Free Delridge. Signs available.
KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION NIGHT: 6 pm at Hope Lutheran School (42nd/Oregon) – info’s in our calendar listing.
LIVE MUSIC: 6 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way).
WEST SEATTLE TOASTMASTERS 832: You’re invited to the twice-monthly online meeting, 6:30 pm – details here.
TRIVIA & TACOS: 7 pm Tuesdays at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: 8 pm Tuesdays at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), play bingo free with Cookie Couture.
Something to add for today/tonight? Text our hotline – 206-293-6302; for event listings further down the road, email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
From Neighborhood House:
Neighborhood House has spaces for FREE early learning programs for families, from pregnant women through children age 5. This includes in-person programs at our High Point Center in West Seattle. We offer preschool, toddler classes, and home visiting.
Available to families living in Central Seattle, South Seattle, West Seattle, Burien, and Tukwila.
To enroll, visit bit.ly/FreeEarlyLearning or call 206-209-7563 or 206-403-7544.
That link has information on eligibility and answers other questions you might have before enrollment. Here’s a flyer, too.
6:04 AM: Good morning!
WEATHER
Sun in the forecast today.
SCHOOL-BUS NOTE
Second day for the cutback in Seattle Public Schools bus service – the suspended routes are listed here.
ROAD WORK
26th SW – Ongoing closure between Roxbury and Barton for RapidRide H Line prep work.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES
Regular Metro schedule, except for the rerouting in RapidRide H Line work zones – on 26th and 15th SW in particular. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.
For ferries and Water Taxi: Both have changed schedules as of last Saturday – here’s the Water Taxi info; here’s the ferry info.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
574th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are views of other bridges and routes:
Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)
West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):
For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:
Are movable bridges opening for boats or barges? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed is working again. (1st Ave. South Bridge openings are also tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.)
See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.
Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
Video/photos and recap by Patrick Sand and Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog co-publishers
Two of the Seattle City Council‘s nine positions are on your ballot for the general-election voting that’s under way right now.
The four people seeking them were in West Seattle tonight for an in-person forum at Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Walmesley Center, presented by the Westside Interfaith Network, High Point Mosque, and League of Women Voters Seattle-King County.
Though the forum stuck to basic topics like homelessness and public safety, the dialogue – moderated by West Seattle journalist Brian Callanan – was lively, with each candidate offered the chance for up to four rebuttals, and most of those 16 opportunities getting used.
OLG pastor Father Kevin Duggan and the League of Women Voters’ Lucy Gaskill-Gaddis welcomed the candidates – for Position 8, incumbent Teresa Mosqueda and civil engineer Ken Wilson; for Position 9, community organizer/lawyer/artist Nikkita Oliver and brewery co-owner Sara Nelson. Wilson is the only first-time candidate in the group; Oliver ran for mayor in 2017, the same year Nelson made her first try for council.
All four candidates were asked to answer each question. What you read below in our recap is how we summarized the questions and responses, not direct quotes except for what’s within quotation marks. When you see more than one response from a candidate following a certain question, that’s a rebuttal.
First, opening statements:
Last month, the Seattle Public Library asked for your thoughts on its search for a new Chief Librarian. Tonight, a new survey – this time, about the basics. What hours should your local libraries be open? What services should they offer? How did the pandemic change the way you used libraries? The focus is on priorities for the levy that Seattle voters passed two years ago, now that all libraries have reopened and the mayor’s budget proposes restoring full general-fund support for SPL. The survey is here, available in eight languages – Amharic, Chinese, English, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya, and Vietnamese. You also can answer it at any library location, either on paper or via a library computer. If you don’t have time now, it’s open until November 8th.
As we’ve been reporting, a fourth of Seattle Public Schools‘ bus routes are suspended starting today because of ongoing and anticipated driver shortages. One foreseeable effect: More students on Metro buses. Jessica emailed us to say, “I was on the 128 bus this morning and it was filled to the brim with Madison students. All of the seats were full, and the students that were standing were packed like sardines. There was definitely no room to socially distance.”
We asked Metro what provisions they are making for this. Spokesperson Al Sanders‘ reply: “With last week’s notice from SPS we knew we might see an increase in the number of student riders starting today. We are monitoring the situation to see what adjustments could be needed for the riders.” Meantime, he noted that Metro has a post up for advice that might help new riders.
P.S. Families hopefully know this already, but for the record, the district’s webpage now lists the school-specific routes that are not running.
The city sent official notices today for the next Southwest Design Review Board hearings about two projects we’ve been tracking, both on November 4th, and the SWDRB schedule shows two more projects are on the schedule for a meeting two weeks after that. All are projects we’ve reported on previously. Here’s the meeting schedule:
4406 36TH SW: Second and possibly final meeting (here’s our coverage of the first) for this project in The Triangle, described as “a 7-story, 275-unit apartment building with retail (and p)arking for 163 vehicles.” It’ll go to the board at 5 pm Thursday, November 4th. Info for attending/commenting at the online meeting, by video or by phone, is here.
3010 SW AVALON WAY: First SWDRB meeting for this “8-story, 87-unit apartment building (with) parking for 4 vehicles,” 7 pm Thursday, November 4th. We’ve been reporting on this project for two years. Viewing/commenting/call-in info for this meeting is here.
4440 FAUNTLEROY WAY SW: Second and possibly final meeting for this project (companion to 4406 36th SW, both on property owned by Alki Lumber‘s Sweeney family), described on the city website as a “7-story, 217-unit apartment building with retail (and p)arking for 153 vehicles.” 5 pm November 18th; here’s our coverage of the first meeting. Info on video/call-in/commenting for this meeting should appear here soon.
4448 CALIFORNIA SW: This will be the second “early design guidance” meeting (here’s our coverage of the first) for this project, “a 7-story, 96-unit apartment building with retail (and n)o parking.” It’ll be at 7 pm November 18th; viewing/call-in/commenting info will be at this link soon.
That’s 35th/Graham, which was supposed to have a signal by now, but doesn’t. It’s been almost half a year since SDOT announced the start of improvements at the intersection for walking/biking – after deaths in both categories in the 2000s and 2010s. Most of the work is done, but not the signal. Andrew emailed the city and us, wondering what happened. We noted that the project website had been updated two weeks ago to say, “The final work at this intersection includes getting electrical power to the traffic signal and installing the detection in the street for recognizing when a person biking is waiting at the traffic light. Due to construction crew capacity, as well as COVID-19-related supply delays, we expect to complete this work in mid-October.” So, now it’s mid-October, and we asked SDOT today for a status report. The reply: “Last week, we received electrical power at the new signal location. We expect to install the new signal arms and turn on the signal in the next couple of weeks.” The signal was originally proposed as part of the 35th SW Safety Project but then was moved into the West Seattle Neighborhood Greenway extension.
Today’s the day city employees had to either be vaccinated or be exempt. Advance concern focused on the police and fire departments, which already had staffing struggles. Here are the newest numbers released by Mayor Jenny Durkan‘s office:
Citywide
99% of our 11,000 employees have complied
94% vaccinated
5% exemptions
1% not submitted – approximately 150 individualsSeattle Fire
93% vaccinated
6% exemptions
1% not submitted
Only 16 individuals have not submittedSeattle PD
91% vaccinated
7% exemptions
2% not submitted
Only 24 individuals have not submitted
Both SPD and SFD had contingency plans if needed; City Councilmember Lisa Herbold, who chairs the Public Safety Committee, explained them at the council’s briefing meeting this morning – watch starting at 41:15:
In short, SPD, if necessary, would move to “Stage 3 operations,” in which all sworn personnel would be ready to staff precincts if needed; SFD’s contingency plan also would include moving personnel from desk to operations jobs, along with steps such as reducing the number of units initially dispatched to certain types of calls.
The weekly update of the Seattle Public Schools COVID-19 data dashboard is in: 472 total cases reported districtwide since the school year began. This week’s increase – 58 – is down from last Monday’s update, when 71 new cases had been reported. Here are the school-by-school breakouts for our area, with the changes compared to what was on the dashboard last week – again, the numbers are cumulative for the entire school year so far:
Chief Sealth International High School – 18, up 2
Denny International Middle School – 15, unchanged
Roxhill Elementary – 10, up 1
Highland Park Elementary – 9, unchanged
Madison Middle School – 8, unchanged
Lafayette Elementary – 7, up 1
Arbor Heights Elementary – 6, up 2
Genesee Hill Elementary – 6, unchanged
Concord International (Elementary) – 5, up 2
West Seattle Elementary – 5, up 1
Gatewood Elementary – 4, unchanged
Sanislo Elementary – 3, unchanged
West Seattle High School – 3, unchanged
Pathfinder K-8 – 3, unchanged
Louisa Boren STEM K-8 – 2, up 1
Fairmount Park Elementary – 2, unchanged
Alki Elementary – 1, newly reported this week
BRIDGES @ Roxhill – 1, newly reported this week
The dashboard does not break down student cases/staff cases school by school, but for the Southwest Region – including West Seattle and South Park – 91% of the cases are among students.
(Sunday sunrise, photographed by Stewart L.)
Here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight:
DOG SWIM: First of six days when Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club (11003 31st SW) opens its pool to dogs before closing and cleaning it for the offseason. 4:30-6 pm. Details in our preview.
IN-PERSON CITY COUNCIL FORUM: The four candidates for the only two City Council positions on the general-election ballot – citywide Positions 8 and 9 – will be in West Seattle for an in-person forum tonight, 7 pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Walmesley Center (35th/Nyrtle). It’s open to the public, and will also be livestreamed. Our preview has details.
OPEN D&D: Drop-in play at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), 6:30-10 pm.
(added) TRIVIA AT BEST OF HANDS: Weekly trivia at Best of Hands Barrelhouse (35th/Webster):
•Hosted by Melanie & Trivia o Muerte
•7-9 pm
•Teams up to 6 people welcome.
•$2/person entry – winner take all.
•Proof of vax or negative test required to be inside/play
•21+
TRIVIA AT THE GOOD SOCIETY: Weekly trivia at The Good Society Public House (California/Lander) at 7 pm with Jesse from Trivia o Muerte – more info in our calendar listing.
TRIVIA AT THE SKYLARK: 7:30 pm with Quizfix, weekly trivia at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
Are we missing something happening today/tonight? Text 206-293-6302 – thank you!
Family and friends will gather next Monday to remember Danny Thomas, and are sharing this remembrance with the community:
In Memory of Danny Thomas
Daniel “Danny” Wayne Thomas, born November 20, 1956 in Seattle, departed this world on September 19, 2021 in Seattle at the age of 64.
He is survived by his brother Gene Thomas; aunts May Mcbane and Beverly Prickett; cousin Mary Gaskill-Clyne; and his many first and second cousins and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents Ellis and Irene Thomas.
Danny will be remembered fondly for his kindness, love, and loyalty, and he will be sincerely missed by all who know and love him.
A memorial service for Danny is scheduled for 10:15 AM on October 25, 2021 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery at 6701 30th Ave SW in West Seattle.
He will be interred beside his mother and father at Riverton Crest Cemetery at 3400 South 140th Street in Tukwila at twelve o’clock noon, October 25, 2021. The funeral service will be officiated by Pastor Father Woodland of St. Philomena.
*Wearing a mask is required during the memorial and funeral services.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
6:03 AM: Good morning!
WEATHER
Cloudy and cool today.
SCHOOL-ZONE NOTE
The cutback in Seattle Public Schools bus service starting today will likely change traffic patterns in school zones, so be aware.
ROAD WORK
26th SW – Ongoing closure between Roxbury and Barton for street upgrades to prepare for RapidRide H Line.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES
Regular Metro schedule, except for the rerouting in RapidRide H Line work zones – on 26th and 15th SW in particular. Lots of canceled trips lately, so watch @kcmetrobus for word of those.
For ferries and Water Taxi: Both have changed schedules starting Saturday – here’s the Water Taxi info; here’s the ferry info.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
573rd morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are views of other bridges and routes:
Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)
West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):
For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:
Are movable bridges opening for boats or barges? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed is working again. (1st Ave. South Bridge openings are also tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.)
See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.
Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
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