West Seattle, Washington
13 Tuesday
(INFOLINKS: Traffic cams here … SDOT plowed/salted map here … Metro on snow routes … Photo to share? editor@westseattleblog.com)
(First photo of tonight’s snow, from Trileigh Tucker, Lincoln Park area)
6:04 PM: Snowing here in Upper Fauntleroy – are you seeing it too? The National Weather Service’s alerts don’t stretch this far, so far – see the current ones here – its updated “forecast discussion” doesn’t think this will get past an inch. We’ll be updating.
6:34 PM: From the WSB Traffic page – where you’ll find many more cameras – that’s the camera pointing at the northbound Alaskan Way Viaduct. But we hope you don’t have to go out; slippery out there already.
6:54 PM: Sticking on the road up here – the view is from a moment ago, looking east on Thistle from California. (added) From the westward view on the high bridge – note the snowy Harbor Island ramp below, on the right side:
7:20 PM: Wondering if SDOT will be out, since it’s sticking on streets? Here’s Joe‘s view from Arbor Heights
On Twitter a few minutes ago, the department said plows are standing by:
Plow operators ready if needed. Road temps fairly warm prior to sunset but will monitor surface conditions closely.
— seattledot (@seattledot) February 9, 2014
7:35 PM: Apparently some city equipment IS out and about. Cheryl reports, also via Twitter: “SDOT ice/plow trucks going both directions on the Bridge just now.”
8:01 PM: Two hours now, still hasn’t stopped. An Alki view via Twitter:
59th and Alki Ave. pic.twitter.com/9Q5RUzMeHa
— Scott M Alki Wa. (@KayakScottNW) February 9, 2014
Road conditions are increasingly dominating the discussions on the scanner; dispatchers say SDOT is definitely out and hitting arterials around the city. (Few minutes later …) checked outside, about 1″ of snow so far.
8:16 PM: Seattle Fire dispatched to a crash reported at California/Frontenac, western bottom of Gatewood Hill. Reported on scanner to be car vs. tree. And just off Delridge, two crashes reported at Orchard/Dumar. If you really, REALLY have to go out, here’s the SDOT map of where they’ve plowed recently – added to the resource links at the top of this story.
8:44 PM: Metro now says its buses are all on snow routes; find yours here. More crashes – via scanner, SPD says it’s blocking 36th/Thistle after a crash.
9 PM: David sent the clip above from California near Andover. We just did the car-hood check again – about an inch and a half here. Couple miles south of David, here’s our latest pan:
Via Twitter, KFT reports a RapidRide C Line bus got stuck downtown.
9:18 PM: The photo above was texted (206-293-6302, any time!) from south Admiral, where they’re reporting more than two inches of snow. A few blocks east, Crystal just e-mailed (editor@westseattleblog.com, any time!) this photo from Hiawatha:
As MetPatrick tweeted a while ago, this does seem to have an end – check out the KING5.com radar.
9:31 PM: Heavy-rescue call on the SW Genesee hill between Avalon and Delridge, at 30th SW. (Added – photo by Christopher Boffoli:)
(A few minutes later …) also 14th/Holden, car vs. street sign. And police are still trying to keep people off Orchard/Dumar/Delridge intersection & its attendant hills. Overall advice: Avoid ANY hill, arterial or side street. **UPDATE ON FLIPPED CAR** No injuries, Christopher was told at the scene.
10:24 PM: From David:
Roxbury neat 26th Ave SW looking sticky. #westseattle @westseattleblog pic.twitter.com/zZHf16CpBK
— David S. Hogan (@SeattleActorDSH) February 9, 2014
Also now a blocking crash at 9th/Roxbury. (UPDATE: 3 people hurt, per scanner.) Screengrab from SDOT map shows Roxbury hasn’t been plowed between 9th and 35th.
As for the forecast, seems the NWS finally issued a Winter Weather Advisory at 8:44 pm for this area, almost 3 hours after it started snowing, and it’s in effect until 4 am.
10:53 PM: Bonair, between North Admiral and Alki, is “blocked at the top … Car in ditch, another car in road. Police tape is up at the top of the road,” David reports via e-mail. Back to that 30th/Genesee heavy rescue on the hill east of Avalon, here’s another view from WSB’s Christopher Boffoli:
Again, the driver wasn’t hurt. Heading back from the scene, Christopher noted RapidRide buses having difficulty at 35th/Avalon:
He says neither had chains. Meantime, snow looks to be about 3″ by now.
11:08 PM: And via scanner, we hear SPD asking Metro to just stop sending buses southbound on Avalon, saying four articulated buses are stuck in that area now. Meantime, near Westwood Village, Khang tweeted about a car that got stuck and just kept getting hit – until help was rounded up. Note to those who’ve sent fun snow photos – we’re building a separate gallery and will link it here when available.
12:01 AM: The snow is now very light, and that matches the radar view.
1:34 AM: Still hearing from people re: bus woes – RapidRide in particular. No new info from Metro.
2:07 AM: National Weather Service measured 2.9″ of snow at Sea-Tac – new record for February 8th (more than 2″ over the old record, 0.4″ in 1957).
One week from today, you have the chance to join West Seattle sisters Mary Ellen Cunningham and Libby Cunningham in a drive to assist a project described as part of an “unprecedented opportunity to demonstrate womenās leadership in the context of conflict and disaster zones” – the City of Joy, helping Congolese women and girls heal from unspeakable violence. Next Saturday, February 15th, in the Junction parking lot at 44th/Alaska, they’re hoping you will help fill their U-Haul truck with essential items. But first, their detailed explanation (if you can’t see the window below, here’s the PDF version):
And here’s the list of what they are asking you to donate:
* The preference is for new items (definitely make-up, toiletries and skin care products.) Gently used items are also greatly appreciated.
Necessities
Solar-powered flashlights
Solar-powered radios
Umbrellas
Reading glassesSkills
Garden/work gloves
Garden trowels
Small garden shovels
Sewing supplies ā thread, buttons, needles, scissors, embroidery thread
Muslin fabric
YarnWomenās Clothing
Skirts, tops, & light pants (all sizes) NOTE: It is hot & humid in Congo. We need clothes in bright colors and light fabrics. NOT Seattle clothes! āŗ
Durable flip-flops
Sneakers (size 7-10)
Socks (bright colors to fit shoe size 7-10)
Underwear & bras (all sizes)
Scarves
PursesToiletries & Personal Care
Towels ā bath, hand and wash cloths (bright colors)
Makeup
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Traumeel
Moisturizing lotion
Again, the collection event is next Saturday (February 15th), 10 am-2 pm, so you have time to gather up items and be ready to drop them off.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes this afternoon:
PLAYGROUND VANDALISM: Got a text about something poured on/applied to the Hiawatha (map) playground equipment, rendering it unusable – and Christine sent the photo at left, saying the slides were “un-slideable.” She reported it to the community-center staff just in case they hadn’t heard.
MAIL THEFT/ATTEMPT: From Sheridan: “Found our mailbox lock drilled out this morning in 8600 block of 24th Ave SW (map). People should keep an eye out for prowlers.”
SIDE NOTE: These types of crimes can be reported online – go here.
(Photos by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
1:02 PM: If you’re wondering why multiple Seattle Fire Department units rushed to West Seattle Athletic Club – it’s dispatched as a fire alarm having gone off, but described on radio communications as involving a suspected sprinkler-pipe problem. We have a crew checking it out.
1:16 PM: Christopher Boffoli reports that while an alarm bell is still sounding at the club, and staff confirms a broken pipe, they “say otherwise they are open and things are business as usual.”
1:46 PM: Adding a few more photos, including this one as a side note – the icy/salted SW Yancy hill just west of the club:
The call is now closed out on the 911 log, meaning SFD crews have departed.
(WSB photo from February 2013 pancake breakfast at Hiawatha)
No cooking to do, no dishes to wash, but you get a full belly and a warm feeling you’ve helped your community … all that can be yours for $6 or less tomorrow (Sunday) morning at Hiawatha Community Center. It’s the annual pancake breakfast to raise money to help make sure rec-program participation is within everyone’s reach. $6 is for age 13 and up, $5 for ages 3-12, $4 if you’re 65+, free for 2 and under. Breakfast is served 8 am-noon tomorrow; Hiawatha is at 2700 California SW, just north of West Seattle High School and its sizable parking lot.
3 West Seattle art notes today, starting with an invitation to local high-school-student artists:
STUDENTS INVITED TO CREATE ART FOR FAUNTLEROY/ALASKA: Tracy Cilona of Twilight Gallery and Boutique in The Junction shares this open invitation to student artists, to create work to showcase on the fencing at the future development site of The Whittaker:
Open to students of West Seattle High School, Chief Sealth International High School, and Seattle Lutheran High School interested in the Arts. Twilight Gallery & Boutique is excited to partner with the development team of Lennar and Weingarten, along with local community members, to curate the surrounding area of Fauntleroy and Alaska, to feature some of our emerging local student artists. We are always thrilled to have the opportunity to extend the reach of art outside of the gallery and into the community.
Many emerging artists find wonder and inspiration in the area in which they live. The Pacific Northwest has been a muse for many artists as they reflect on the landscape, the history and the culture in which they grew up or migrated to. With that in mind, we seek artwork inspired by the surrounding landscape that we view and experience in our daily lives here in West Seattle. We encourage work that speaks to the spirit of adventure, exploration and wonder – from our local neighborhood parks, beaches, trails and stunning city view ā to our scenic mountain views of the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Range. What inspires you about the local landscape? What are some of your favorite scenic views? Do you have a secret trail that you love to explore? Which local beach makes you happy and inspired? Where do you return to again and again with family and friends? What do you discover just out walking in some our most vibrant neighborhoods?
Chosen artwork will be professionally scanned, printed and featured on the fencing at 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW. 25 student artists will be chosen to participate. Artwork will be featured for the duration of the development project.
Full details, including size and other guidelines and how to submit them – deadline March 1st – can be found on the Twilight website.
‘LUNA GIRLS’ SITE WORK UNDER WAY: On the grassy berm just west of Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor):
You might have noticed this work while heading to or from the West Seattle Water Taxi on Parade Day … installation preparation is under way for the privately funded Luna Girls on Alki sculpture by West Seattle artist Lezlie Jane, once planned for the seawall near Alki Bathhouse, before a more-appropriate site was identified last fall, nearer the project’s historical inspiration.
LOCAL ARTISTS AT NORTHWEST FLOWER AND GARDEN SHOW: Going downtown to the Northwest Flower and Garden Show (sponsoring WSB to get the word out) this weekend? Two local artists e-mailed WSB to share the news that they have creations incorporated into the display garden for Redwood Builders Landscaping:
As shown in that photo provided by the artists, the display garden includes dye-infused-aluminum images by Deb Cibene Photography – all details from poles and carvings near Sequim – and a six-foot-long ceramic-tile globe by Terri Goodwin of Bright Water Studio that “when viewed through a frame will appear round.” The show at the Convention Center downtown is open until 8 pm tonight, and again 9 am-6 pm tomorrow.
Thanks for the tips – if you’re heading eastbound, you might not be able to exit onto northbound 99 because of a multiple-vehicle crash at the ramp. Traffic cameras don’t show a major backup so far.
(Near the beaver dam at Longfellow Creek; by Flickr member “old desolate,” via WSB Flickr group)
Happy Neighbor Appreciation Day! Here are some ways you can get out into your neighborhood today, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
LIVING LONGER, LIVING SMARTER: Free community forum for women 9 am-1:30 pm at Fauntleroy UCC Church – details in our calendar listing. (9140 California SW)
‘HAVE A HEART DAY’ AT ILLUSIONS: The annual haircut-fundraiser day at Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) raises money this year for Pencil Me in For Kids and ArtsWest. 10 am-2 pm; all to see if they have any appointments left – ALL proceeds go to the nonprofits today! 206-938-3675. (5619 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE CHESS TOURNAMENT: Hundreds of kids will be playing chess today at Schmitz Park Elementary, from all over West Seattle, starting at 10 am, in this second annual peninsula-wide tournament. (50th/Spokane)
COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF WEST SEATTLE OPEN HOUSE: For parents only this time, 10 am-2 pm. (9450 22nd SW)
FIRE STATION OPEN HOUSES IN HONOR OF NEIGHBOR APPRECIATION DAY: As noted here last night, you are invited to visit Fire Stations 11, 32, and 37 in West Seattle as part of the city’s Neighbor Appreciation Day, 11 am-1 pm. (16th/Holden, 38th/Alaska, 35th/Holden)
VOTING-RIGHTS DEMONSTRATION: Noon-2 pm in The Junction, a local demonstration is planned as part of a national show of support for a march happening today in Raleigh, North Carolina, protesting voting restrictions that are now on the books in almost half of the USA’s states. (California/Alaska)
ARTIST RECEPTION AT THE LONGHOUSE: Meet artist Earl Livermore at the Duwamish Longhouse opening reception for his exhibition, 1-3 pm. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
METRONOMY AT EASY STREET: 1 pm “sign and spin” session at Easy Street Records in The Junction for British electronic artists Metronomy. (California/Alaska)
ALKI ELEMENTARY PRESENTS ‘DISNEY’S ALADDIN JR.’: Students perform again today at 2 pm in the West Seattle High School Theater – details in our calendar listing, including how to check on whether tickets are still available. (3000 California SW)
‘SOUL JAMBALAYA’: The annual musical celebration tonight in the auditorium at Chief Sealth International High School includes gospel, blues, jazz, and funk with the world-famous Total Experience Gospel Choir, Westside Blues, Figgins and Halbert Jazz, and Denny International Middle School Jazz. Free; donations support the Denny/Sealth music programs. 7 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)
LIVE FOLK MUSIC: Singer/songwriter Bill Davie plays at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)
FIRST TIME AT THE FEEDBACK: Tonight West Seattle’s Roo and the Few play the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) for the first time – details on the FL website. 9:30 pm. (6451 California SW)
…more on the calendar!
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