day : 21/10/2011 11 results

West Seattleite Pete Spalding shared these first two photos, as demolition work started tonight on the south end of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, seen from the Silver Cloud Hotel in the stadium zone. He was at a by-invitation viewing event that he says was attended by many project managers for the state and city, as well as members of the citizens advisory group on which he’s been a WS representative for the past few years. Here’s a wider view:

ADDED 11:21 PM: As promised, video (shot by WSB contributor Katie Meyer):

Minutes before the demolition work began, WSDOT deputy program administrator Matt Preedy, a West Seattleite, talked about the momentous occasion:

Another West Seattleite, transportation reporter Mike Lindblom from the Seattle Times (WSB partner), details exactly what was happening in tonight’s early going – here’s his story. Meantime – WSDOT has time-lapse photography on display here; and you can watch the demolition work from the Viaduct itself 9:30-12:30 tomorrow.

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Update: WSHS-Sealth matchups, including Huling Bowl

October 21, 2011 7:18 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

BIg sports night for principals Ruth Medsker of West Seattle High School and Chris Kinsey of Chief Sealth International High School – they’re watching their varsity football teams in the Huling Bowl at West Seattle Stadium, while their volleyball teams are facing off in the division-championship tiebreaker at Holy Names on Capitol Hill. For updates on both games, check our @wsblive Twitter feed (see it on the web, here). More later!

10:22 PM UPDATE: As commenters have already pointed out, West Seattle took the volleyball match over Sealth, in five sets. West Seattle also won the football game, 53-6. Photos and video to come in a separate story!

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Followup: Guilty plea for ‘prolific’ burglar who victimized West Seattle senior citizens

October 21, 2011 5:09 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

The man charged last spring in a string of burglaries, with victims including residents at the Arrowhead Gardens retirement complex in southeastern West Seattle, pleaded guilty today to 16 charges. We reported in April on the case of 41-year-old John Novotny, who stole a variety of items all the way down to Christmas ornaments. In addition to burglary charges, he pleaded guilty to forgery, identity theft, and “taking a motor vehicle.” The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is seeking an “exceptional” 10-year sentence for Novotny when he is sentenced on December 9th (that’s almost double the low end of the “standard range”).

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West Seattle traffic alert: Eastbound WS Bridge backup

October 21, 2011 4:18 pm

| Comments Off on West Seattle traffic alert: Eastbound WS Bridge backup

| West Seattle news

Right now the eastbound bridge looks more like morning-commute traffic than afternoon (non)traffic. Paul sent word there’s a 2-car crash at the southbound I-5 offramp; it’s not on the 911 log, but that likely just means no one was hurt. So if you have to head eastbound – try another way, or wait a while. The image above is the latest from the city’s bridge-cam, pointed east.

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Viaduct-closure countdown: Friday afternoon notes

October 21, 2011 2:24 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Alaskan Way Viaduct | Transportation | West Seattle news

And now some quick updates, as the 7:30 pm shutdown, and start of south-end demolition, approach…

(Note: That’s the latest image from the NORTH end, not the end that’s coming down)
AND THE WINNERS ARE ... WSDOT just announced that the Rat City Rollergirls and motorcycle stunt team Seattle Cossacks have won the contest to do something unusual with 30 minutes alone on the downtown section of The Viaduct tomorrow (that’s NOT the section being demolished). Meantime, everyone’s invited to the commemorative walk 9:30 am-12:30 pm Saturday, accessing The Viaduct from the construction area north of 1051 First Avenue South.

EXTRA WATER TAXI RUN TOMORROW NIGHT: For the big WSU game on Saturday, the West Seattle Water Taxi is adding an 11 pm run from downtown to WS (and then heading back from Seacrest to downtown at 11:10 pm before docking for the night).

NO FLASHING ‘VIADUCT CLOSED’ SIGNS: SDOT spokesperson Rick Sheridan just sent word of this:

SDOT will not be activating the flashing beacons on the “Alaskan Way Viaduct Closed – When Flashing” signs during the upcoming nine-day closure.

These beacons are battery powered and designed for short term use. A closure of this length would deplete the batteries after several days and, if the lights were not functioning, give the impression the viaduct was open.

We have both permanent and temporary dynamic message signs positioned near these beacon sites. Those dynamic reader boards will have accurate info about the viaduct’s status..

PORT TO PARTIALLY OPEN NEW TRAIN-TRACKS BYPASS: If you drive the West Seattle Bridge, you’ve seen this construction project under way off to the south side of the 99 exit for months. Just in time for the Viaduct closure, it’s being opened partway, says Port of Seattle spokesperson Charla Skaggs:

The Port of Seattle will open the south-bound portion of the East Marginal Way Grade Separation Project to ease congestion during the nine-day closure of the Alaskan Way Viaduct. This new connection will provide access to southbound SR-99 from both southbound East Marginal Way and eastbound lower Spokane Street. The attached graphic provides a visual aid for how the grade separation will facilitate smoother traffic flow.

In addition, a traffic signal has been installed at the intersection of lower Spokane Street and East Marginal Way.

WHERE POLICE WILL BE: Speaking of traffic signals – during the live chat we co-hosted with KING 5 traffic reporter Tracy Taylor earlier this afternoon (you can read the archived chat here), she answered a question about which intersections police planned to staff with officers, at least for starters:

Am Commute 6a-10a
4th and Spokane
1st and Spokane
1st and Atlantic
Denny and Queen Anne
99 and Denny
Atlantic and Alaskan way

Pm Commute 3p-7p
Hanford and east marginal
Atlantic and Alaskan
Alaskan and Yesler
Alaskan and Marion
5th and spring

The city promises that if new trouble spots emerge during the weekdays, they’ll move resources.

BICYCLE RIDE: Just announced by Stu Hennessey of Alki Bike and Board – he’s leading a ride on Monday, designed for those who are NOT regular bicycle commuters:

This ride is provided to assist new riders and riders that have not ridden to downtown from West Seattle recently. Safety in numbers and route selection. Hopefully this experience will convince more commuters that the bicycle always is the healthier and more convenient choice. Ride meets at Alki Bike and Board 2606 California Ave. S.W. in the Admiral District at 7 am and will go into Pioneer Square. Information and route help to further destinations will be available. More information 206 938 3322

For all our previous Via-closure (and other matters Viaduct) coverage, here’s the archive.

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From White Center Now: Dozens arrested in big WC raids

October 21, 2011 12:22 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | White Center

(Added 12:53 pm: Video of some of the seized drugs, guns)
Our partner site White Center Now had first word yesterday of the big raids focused on two WC sites described as “hubs” for crime – and contributor Deanie Schwarz is covering the new information today, with federal, state, county, and other authorities briefing the media at Steve Cox Memorial Park.

(Photo by Courtney Blethen Riffkin, SEATTLE TIMES/Republished with permission)
Here’s the latest, with word of dozens of people arrested, dozens of guns seized, and confiscated drugs. We’ll be adding more details there throughout the afternoon.

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Happening now: Live Viaduct-closure chat with KING 5, WSB

October 21, 2011 10:57 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Though the chat ended just after noon, it’s archived as-it-happened, below)

Right now, WSB and KING 5 invite you to this live online chat about the Viaduct closure that starts at 7:30 pm tonight and is scheduled to continue till 5 am Monday. Got a last-minute question? KING 5’s Tracy Taylor and your WSB editor here (Tracy Record) are both on hand to try to help. Join in! P.S. You have to click the “play” button to see the chat – and to see how to join in.

12:31 PM NOTE: Thanks to everyone who participated (we recognized some WSB’ers)! Now we’ll look ahead to tonight, the weekend, and Monday … with continuous coverage, am and pm commutes, plus traffic bulletins whenever something happens that you need to know about. If it’s easier for you to access Facebook/Twitter when you’re out and about, be sure you’re following us there too – “like” the WSB Facebook page by going here, follow WSB on Twitter here.

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West Seattle Friday: Early Halloween festivities, and more

October 21, 2011 10:44 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Yes, there’s more happening than Viadoom/Viacrunch/Viaclosure/etc. That starts at 7:30 tonight. But here’s what else is up, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

VIADUCT CHAT: For closure coverage, we’re teaming up with our friends at KING 5 to add a little extra oomph (hey, they have a chopper, we don’t). First collaboration: 11 am today, live online chat led by KING’s traffic reporter Tracy Taylor, with your editor here assisting. We should have the chat box here on WSB once it starts, but if we don’t, you’ll definitely be able to participate here.

WALK-A-THON: Lafayette Elementary‘s annual fundraiser is happening today throughout the school day, and you’re welcome to drop by the (newly renovated!) playground to show your support.

TAKE A HIKE! Monthly free guided eco-hike with the Nature Consortium, 1 pm, 14th/Holly trailhead, RSVP to nancy@naturec.org

SKI/SNOWBOARD SWAP – DROPOFF DAY: Ski/snowboard swap this weekend at Mountain to Sound Outfitters, 4-7 pm today, full details here.

FALL FESTIVAL: Free event tonight at High Point Community Center (6920 34th Ave SW), 6-8 pm. Ages 3 and older. Everyone in the family is invited to join in on an evening of fun! Kids will enjoy a variety of “frightfully fun” skill challenging games and activities. This event is created in a way that provides thrills without unnecessary fright for walking toddlers up to eleven years old. If able, we request a donation of a non-perishable food item to be donated to the West Seattle Food Bank.

HALOWEEN CARNIVAL: Free event at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW), Ages 12 and under. Get dressed up and join us for evening of family fun featuring games and sweet treats. The Balloon Buffoon will be in attendance, twisting his award-winning balloon animals. 6-8 pm.

MORE EARLY HALLOWEEN FUN: A Spooky Good Time at the West Seattle Family YMCA, 4515 36th Ave. SW, 6:30-8 pm.A free, exciting evening with the Y’s own Mad Scientist, who will delight the whole family with his spooky experiments! There will be kid-friendly, hands-on activities for all ages.

FILM FESTIVAL: Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (WSB sponsor)’s second of three days with screenings at the Admiral Theater in West Seattle – schedule here; first film at 6 pm.

WINE TASTING: Weekly wine tasting at bin 41 – from 6-7:30 pm: Pinot Noir is the one varietal that fascinates so many winemakers around the globe. We are always fascinated how the varietal can taste so different from different regions. This tasting will feature an array of Pinot Noir from around the world.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: High school football – West Seattle HS hosts Chief Sealth (WS Stadium), 7 pm in the Huling Bowl, with pre- and during-game festivities (here’s our earlier preview) – bring a WS Food Bank donation! Also tonight, Seattle Lutheran vs. Chief Leschi, 7:30 pm at Southwest Athletic Complex in WS

OPENING NIGHT FOR WINTERNACHT: Tonight at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Cabiri’s fifth-annual Ghost Game production. More details in our preview from earlier this week.

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‘Restructuring’ Metro: Finally time to talk about better routes

October 21, 2011 9:16 am

| 9 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

Now that transit is REALLY top-of-mind, at least for a week and a half … Have an idea about a better way for Metro to serve West Seattle? Maybe the long-desired east-west improvements? Metro has long been promising that this fall would bring official public discussions about how to “restructure” its route system once RapidRide starts next year … and the dates for those discussions are finally set, as first announced at this week’s Morgan Community Association meeting. If you have something to say about improving Metro’s routes in West Seattle, plan to be at Chief Sealth International High School on Wednesday, November 9th and/or Madison Middle School on Thursday, November 17th, both 6:30-8:30 pm meetings. You will be able to comment online too – keep an eye on the Metro “Have a Say” site.

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Viarace! Constantine, McDermott, Rasmussen head downtown

October 21, 2011 8:26 am

| 30 COMMENTS

| Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news

King County Councilmember Joe McDermott‘s shuttle to the West Seattle Water Taxi dock finally rolled up to its Junction stop around 7:57 am – and with that, he was the last to head out on what at least one Twitter account dubbed Viarace … his friendly competition with fellow WS-residing politicians County Executive Dow Constantine and City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, to see who would get downtown first. Rasmussen left first, on his bike; Constantine caught a bus – earlier one than he was supposed to, apparently – and that left McDermott to await the shuttle. You may already have seen some of this on TV, as it was a major media event, with the three mobbed by cameras as they alternately joked around and offered serious reminders of your commute options.

All part of the runup to the nine-day, ten-night Alaskan Way Viaduct closure that starts at 7:30 pm tonight – with demolition work beginning on the Viaduct’s south end shortly thereafter – more to come (including video of the 3 “viaracers”)!

8:39 AM UPDATE: The arrivals are in order of departure. Per @newsguysully on Twitter, bicyclist Rasmussen first – in just about half an hour – and bus rider Constantine second. McDermott tracked his commute by Facebook – last update from the Water Taxi: “Beautiful cruise across Elliott Bay! This is a commute!”

8:48 AM UPDATE: And McDermott’s latest status, about a minute ago: “Now arriving City Hall” (an uphill walk a few blocks from Pier 50). He said pre-trip that he’ll be on the Water Taxi Monday too.

ADDED FRIDAY AFTERNOON: King County put together this video recap:

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Reader report: Southwest Community Center’s future

October 21, 2011 7:15 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Lots of big events last night, including a discussion of Southwest Community Center‘s future – hanging under the cloud of a city-budget proposal to change it into a Teen Life Center and Neighborhood Service Center. We weren’t able to get to that meeting, but Kathleen Lonergan was. She and her children participate in the Family Learning Center programs that have been growing at SWCC this year, and her first note to us led to this WSB story about the programs and participants’ concerns. Last night, she e-mailed us from the meeting; we asked if she would consider sharing a report, and this is the result:

Upward of 40 community members were there which, according to SWCC staff, compares very favorably to the number of folks who have shown up at the other CC meetings in W. Seattle. Upper-level Parks and Rec staff in attendance included Deputy Superintendent Eric Friedli, Recreation Division Director Sue Goodwin, and South Recreation Manager Maureen O’Neill.

It opened with a short presentation by a representative of the Department of Neighborhoods, who detailed the plan to move the NSC from Delridge into SWCC. She was sharply questioned by several community members about security concerns, and was asked what security measures were in place to ensure the safety of people in the center, given that the NSC takes in a significant volume of cash each day. She said the security would resemble that at a bank, and would in fact enhance the safety of the environment at SWCC. There will be panic buttons and video cameras installed in the NSC, and the staff will be protected by a thick glass window.

When pressed about whether this glass would be “bullet-proof,” her response was to say that “no glass is completely bullet-proof” and to stress that the DON has never had a violent incident at any of its NSCs.

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