West Seattle, Washington

14 Wednesday

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month : 11/2014 290 results

Update: Fire callout on Beach Drive = ‘small kitchen fire’
November 9, 2014 2:53 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

2:53 AM: A big callout for a potential house fire in the 4800 block of Beach Drive. First crew on scene sees “light smoke.” More to come.

2:56 AM: Most of the units are being canceled – this turned out to be, according to communications between fire crews and dispatch, “small kitchen fire, (extinguished) by occupant.”

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Election 2014: After five days of ballot-counting, a look ahead for transit, preschool, class-size measures
November 9, 2014 12:04 am
|    Comments Off on Election 2014: After five days of ballot-counting, a look ahead for transit, preschool, class-size measures
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Today (Sunday) will be the first day King County Elections has *not* released updated results since Tuesday night. That night’s ballot count was followed by two daily Wednesday-Friday and one more Saturday evening. Here are three notes following the latter:

TRANSIT FUNDING (Transportation Benefit District Prop 1):
Yes 61.14% – 109,139 votes
No 38.86% – 69,380 votes

What’s next? Since Wednesday’s media briefing (WSB coverage here) with the mayor and county executive, Metro general manager Kevin Desmond has sent an e-mail message to bus-alert subscriber lists, including this:

… We’re working with the city now to flesh out the agreement, including the exact route improvements. It will be submitted to the city and county councils in December for adoption early next year.

The need is clear. Seattle voters, like transit riders across the county, undoubtedly have experienced the packed buses that have come with growing ridership. Metro is on track to deliver 120 million rides countywide this year—a record high—and our financial situation has not allowed us to expand to meet the demand.

Our just-released 2014 Service Guidelines Report, which analyzes the performance of our transit system and identifies investment needs, found that Metro should be providing 15 percent more service to meet current demand countywide. …

(That report does not appear to be online yet; it wasn’t linked, and we could only find the 2013 version. We’ll check on Monday.)

PRESCHOOL (Seattle Propositions 1A/1B):
Prop 1A – 31.29% – 49,393 votes
Prop 1B – 68.71% – 108,477 votes

What’s next? Thanks to Diane for forwarding e-mail about meetings to discuss how the resulting Seattle Preschool Program will be planned and implemented. Two meetings, both on December 6th, are in West Seattle, at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, the first focused on curriculum, the second on teacher training/coaching. They and others around the city, starting later this month, are listed on this flyer.

SMALLER CLASS SIZE (Statewide Initiative 1351):
Yes 50.49% 945,851 votes
No 49.51% 927,356 votes

What’s next? This trailed on election night, but now supporters have declared victory. How this will be made to happen, the Legislature has to work out, as the text says.

SEE FULL, UPDATED LOCAL AND STATE RESULTS: If there’s something else you want to check on, King County’s results are all linked here; statewide races and measures are all linked here.

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Early Veterans Day gift: Volunteer project makes WWII vet’s home safer
November 8, 2014 9:06 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Three days before Veterans Day, a West Seattle man who served in World War II got an early gift.

Rebuilding Together Seattle, with help from Renewal by Andersen, worked on the Beach Drive home of World War II veteran Elvino Naccarato. Along with fencing, the volunteers worked to build safer stairs and a porch.

They also worked to clean and organize the home, hauling away what they cleaned up as well as debris from work they did.

Kerianne Halpin, a spokesperson for the project, explained, “We want to help someone who helped us through their dedicated service. By making improvements to his home, we will make it safer and more comfortable for Elvino.”

P.S. RTS accepts applications from qualifying homeowners in need. It welcomes volunteers, too.

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West Seattle weather: Vivid sunset tonight, chillier temps soon
November 8, 2014 5:19 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Hope you saw it! If not, from the past half-hour …

5:19 PM: That’s from Christopher Frankovich, and the next is from Ghazal Sharifi:

Before sunset, it was a little unsettling to see the Olympic Mountains devoid of snow, as we head into mid-November. Perhaps that will change – next week, the forecast warns of a cooldown, with daytime highs in the 40s.

ADDED 9:40 PM: Two more photos – moonrise from Carolyn Newman:

And one more look at the sunset colors, from JayDee in Upper Alki:

Thanks to everyone who shares photos, from sunset sights to breaking news (and more along the way)!

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West Seattle weekend scene: Orchard Street Ravine got its TLC
November 8, 2014 4:19 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

During today’s Green Seattle Day, Orchard Street Ravine got the TLC it was looking for. Cindi Barker shared photos and reports, “Over 30 people came, including 3 full families. All the plants got in the ground and are now well protected for the winter ahead.”

Cindi says that’s the youngest worker who showed up today, 6-year-old Evan, with his mom Jane. Here are the pots that held the plants now in the ground:

Thanks to everyone who volunteered somewhere today!

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Big fire callout on SW Andover: Kitchen problem
November 8, 2014 1:16 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

1:16 PM: Just in case you saw the big fire callout in the 5200 block of SW Andover (map) this past half-hour and wondered about it – our crew reports it was a kitchen problem, generally described by firefighters as “food on the stove,” and is wrapping up.

4:25 PM: Commenters say it actually turned out to be electrical. We won’t be able to get a final report from SFD until Monday.

MONDAY UPDATE: SFD spokesperson Kyle Moore confirms that while it was a kitchen problem, as commenters noted, it did not turn out to be a cooking problem. He also says the smoke detector made a big difference:

We were dispatched at 12:59 p.m. to 5227 SW Andover St for reports of a fire in the kitchen. It turned out it was a dishwasher fire that extended to the kitchen cabinets. The occupant was home alone asleep and woke to to the smoke detectors going off and evacuated. Firefighters contained the fire to the kitchen. Minor fire damage but there was smoke damage inside the house. There were no injuries.

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Happening now: Turkey drive in The Junction for West Seattle Food Bank
November 8, 2014 12:14 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

You can help the West Seattle Food Bank make sure families in need have turkeys this holiday – by buying one and dropping it off (or a $15 donation so they can buy one) at HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) in The Junction until 2 pm. Above, one of the turkey donations that happened while we stopped by. HomeStreet is at 41st/Alaska – just look for the WS Food Bank van by the bank:

Also look for the friendly people, including Melodie VanHouten from HomeStreet and Jim Dean from the Food Bank board:

If you miss today’s drive, check the WSFB site to find the many ways you can donate, during the holiday season and the rest of the year.

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Happening now: Mega-kid-stuff sale, benefiting preschools
November 8, 2014 11:07 am
|    Comments Off on Happening now: Mega-kid-stuff sale, benefiting preschools
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

One of the first events on our big list today is at the midway point – the mega-consignment sale benefiting West Seattle Cooperative Preschools. It continues until 1 pm at the VFW Hall in The Triangle, and organizers say they’ve had a steady stream of shoppers. If there’s a wee one on your shopping list, you might even find her/him a new pal:

The VFW Hall is at 3601 SW Alaska.

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Emily’s wedding ring might be on your doorstep right now.
November 8, 2014 10:53 am
|      31 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

This is not quite the standard case of lost-and-found … Emily‘s wedding ring was lost because of a delivery mistake, and it might be on your doorstep, or somewhere else a parcel would be left:

West Seattle, I need your HELP. Thursday afternoon my wedding ring was supposed to be delivered to our home at 46th/Admiral (we had it remade for our ten year anniversary) and it was delivered to the wrong house (the package required a signature yet the driver left the package anyway) and it is currently missing. Knowing how small West Seattle is, and that everyone knows everyone, I’m asking you all to PLEASE SHARE this, in the hopes that someone will come forward. We are offering a reward, no questions asked. This is obviously heartbreaking and the sentimental value is something that can never be replaced. Thank you for your help!

You can reach Emily at 503.784.0079.

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West Seattle Saturday: Kids’ sale; turkey-donation drive; foster-cat adoptions; open houses and bazaars; theater; music; more!
November 8, 2014 7:33 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: Kids’ sale; turkey-donation drive; foster-cat adoptions; open houses and bazaars; theater; music; more!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Killdeer, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
You might need wings to get to ALL the cool stuff in today’s highlights. Or at least a really good plan. So here we go – from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

KID-STUFF CONSIGNMENT SALE: 9 am-1 pm at the VFW Hall, it’s the return of a huge sale with all kinds of stuff for kids – sneak peeks here – benefiting West Seattle Cooperative Preschools. Details in Four local work parties but the one that needs help the most is at Orchard Street Ravine in Gatewood/Morgan, as previewed here on Friday, 9 am-1 pm. Even if you can only be there for part of that time! (Follow that link for directions)

‘PINK BELT’ TOURNAMENT: 9 am-noon at Evergreen Tang Soo Do in The Admiral District, martial-arts students from age 4 through adulthood are having their first ever breast-cancer-benefit tournament – details in our calendar listing. (2707 California SW_

THREE BAZAARS: And yet more pre-holiday shopping – 10 am-4 pm at Providence Mount St. Vincent (4831 35th SW) … 10 am-4 pm at Shorewood Elementary (2725 SW 116th) … and 11 am-4 pm at White Center Library (11220 16th SW)

BRING A TURKEY (OR $) TO HELP THE WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK: It’s Turkey Drive day at HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, 11 am-2 pm. Bring a 10-to-12-pound turkey, or $15 so the Food Bank can buy one, and help make sure local families in need have a great Thanksgiving too. (41st/Alaska)

OPEN HOUSE … at West Seattle Nursery, 11 am-2 pm; details in our calendar listing. (California/Brandon)

SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS-RELATED CONCERN? Bring it to West Seattle’s representative on the School Board, Marty McLaren, during her community-conversation meeting (just drop in) 11 am-12:30 pm at High Point Branch Library. (35th/Raymond)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM CLOSED ... because today’s the gala champagne brunch raising money for the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. (Hope you got your tickets – the brunch, at Salty’s on Alki [WSB sponsor], is sold out!) The museum will reopen Sunday, regular noon-4 pm hours. (61st/Stevens)

CAT ADOPTION EVENT: Noon-3 pm at High Point Community Center, come meet cats in the Seattle Animal Shelter foster-cat program … waiting for their forever homes. Details here. (6920 34th SW)

FALL ART OPENING AT ‘THE BUILDING’: 20 local artists, live music, more, as detailed here. 5-10 pm. (4316 SW Othello)

NEIL YOUNG TUNES … by Melanie and David, performing at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

UMPTEENTH SOUSA BIRTHDAY BASH: 7:30 pm, an annual tradition at Kenyon Hall. (7904 35th SW)

‘ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD’: Third night for the West Seattle High School Drama Club production – more here. 7:30 pm, WSHS Theater. (3000 California SW)

‘DOGFIGHT’ 7:30 pm curtain time for tonight’s performance of this musical-based-on-a-movie, at ArtsWest in The Junction. (4711 California SW)

OVERNIGHT TRAFFIC ALERT: 9 pm tonight until 8 am Sunday, on Highway 99 downtown, the Battery Street Tunnel is scheduled to be closed in both directions for fire-system testing, as noted here.

BUT … WHY LEAVE THE PENINSULA ANYWAY? Besides the highlights mentioned above, there’s MORE nightlife (among other things) – see the listings here.

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High-school football: Chief Sealth’s season-finale game
November 8, 2014 2:19 am
|    Comments Off on High-school football: Chief Sealth’s season-finale game
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
Chief Sealth International High School junior Daron Camacho (#11) scored the Seahawks’ lone touchdown in their final game of the season Friday night, a 28-6 loss to visiting White River (from Pierce County). That was in the second quarter, which is also when senior Alloney Burris (#5) intercepted a pass:

Sealth took momentum into the second half but White River stuck to a ground game that wore down the clock and helped them stay on top.

Highlights of Simon Iniguez‘s first season as head coach (3-7) included the third consecutive Huling Bowl victory over West Seattle HS and the homecoming victory over Franklin.

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Westside Public House announces it’s opening on Monday
November 8, 2014 1:19 am
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports | WS beverages

The ex-Terrible Beauty space at California/Edmunds will open Monday in its new incarnation as the sports bar Westside Public House (first reported here in September). 4 pm Monday, to be specific, according to its Friday night announcement on Facebook, which also mentions that it will be 21+ only.

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Search for hit-run driver after crash on 21st SW
November 7, 2014 11:12 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

If you heard/saw the big callout to the 4700 block of 21st SW (map) – that’s what it’s all about – a two-car crash with one driver reported to be on the run, according to the Seattle Fire tweet. The road’s blocked in the area, so stay away if you have to head out.

(Added: WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)
11:45 PM: Tow crews are already at the scene, so it should clear before long.

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Heard of TED Talks? Coming to West Seattle – FRED Talks!
November 7, 2014 11:03 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Want to be inspired and informed? Check out a great slate of speakers without crossing the bridge. Just announced by Kol HaNeshamah, their first “FRED Talk”:

Listen to what Harborview Medical Center Medical Director, J. Richard Goss M.D., has to say about Ebola, Obamacare and other hot topics which impact our community Sunday, Nov. 23, from 3-5 PM at Alki UCC/Kol HaNeshamah, 6115 SW Hinds, as part of West Seattle’s first FRED Talk.

If you are familiar with Ted Talks, you will understand FRED Talks. FRED, which stands for Fresh, Relevant, Educational & Dynamic Talks are a way for community members to come together to hear from those who are on the front lines working hard in our community each day.

“We see one another at the grocery store, ride busses together, attend our children’s’ games or performances and say hello,” says Kol HaNeshamah Rabbi Zari Weiss, “but we seldom take time to really learn about the challenges and the joys we face on a daily basis at work. FRED Talks are designed to give us the opportunity to hear more from one another about why we do what we do each day.”

Other speakers, November 23, include Scott Schill, producer of Frank vs. God, a full-length feature comedy currently making a splash at film festivals around the country, Danielle Eidenberg-Noppe, education ombudsman at the Washington State Office of Education, and Alice Braverman, the development director at Navos Mental Health Solutions.

FRED Talk speakers will share stories of gumption, grit and gratitude and allow time for questions. Attendees will hear from all four speakers with a short intermission along the way. Suggested admission is $18 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. Children’s activities will be available, ages 3-11, for $5 a session.

“We are excited to invite community members from West Seattle and beyond to join us for this interesting and engaging afternoon,” Weiss says.

Proceeds from this event will go toward KHN, West Seattle’s progressive synagogue community.

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Fauntleroy talks traffic. City reps listen. But did they hear?
November 7, 2014 7:02 pm
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

From last night’s traffic/transportation forum organized by the Fauntleroy Community Association: Residents voiced frustration at what they saw as a history of all talk/no action, leaving them bringing up the same problems year in, year out. So here’s what was talked about, in that context:

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Green Seattle Day tomorrow – with a local ravine looking for you
November 7, 2014 3:45 pm
|    Comments Off on Green Seattle Day tomorrow – with a local ravine looking for you
 |   Environment | How to help | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Cindi Barker: Some of the plants that await you!)
Four West Seattle sites are part of the citywide Green Seattle Day workparty-a-thon tomorrow – but just one comes with the added notation “Needs some love” on the signup list: Orchard Street Ravine in the Gatewood/Morgan area. Organizers say it’s “a big effort (that) can use lots of willing hands”:

We are finishing some clearing and have 150 plants that need to get into the ground. After planting we will be laying burlap and bark down in preparation for the winter. So there are tasks of all kinds, please come for some or all of the time, tools will be provided, just bring your own gloves.

They’ll be working 9 am-1 pm, but even if you can only be there for part of that time, that would still be a BIG help. Directions are on this page, which is where you also can RSVP right now, to let organizers know help is on the way!

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Update: Why Denny, Sealth, Roxhill were ‘sheltering in place’
November 7, 2014 2:13 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police | West Seattle schools

2:13 PM: Police are checking out a report of a man seen in the Roxhill Park vicinity “with a handgun,” and that has led to Denny, Chief Sealth, and Roxhill “sheltering in place.” No injuries, no gunfire reported, but it’s a precaution.

2:24 PM UPDATE: Seattle Public Schools has just tweeted that the “shelter in place” has been lifted, and schools are dismissing at normal times.

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One week from tonight: Help the West Seattle Helpline!
November 7, 2014 2:09 pm
|    Comments Off on One week from tonight: Help the West Seattle Helpline!
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Every year, the West Seattle Helpline is a lifeline for people in need of short-term emergency help, and the community’s generosity is what enables that to happen. One week from tonight, you’re invited to help the Helpline and have a good time at its annual dinner/auction, 6:30-9 pm Friday, November 14th, at the Duwamish Longhouse in West Seattle (4705 W. Marginal Way SW). Getting your tickets is quick and easy – go here.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Have you seen this stolen car?
November 7, 2014 12:01 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Latest reader report of a car stolen in West Seattle: Red ’99 Civic with an Air Force bumper sticker, license A0E7374, stolen “sometime last night outside our home on 34th Ave SW & Morgan (behind Walgreens).” Call 911 if you see it.

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West Seattle Friday: Bazaars; jobs; authors; actors; more…
November 7, 2014 10:03 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Friday: Bazaars; jobs; authors; actors; more…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Fall colors along Harbor Ave, by Don Brubeck, via the WSB Flickr group)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BAZAAR AT THE MOUNT: 10 am-4 pm at Providence Mount St. Vincent, with a special raffle, as noted in our calendar listing. (4831 35th SW)

WHITE CENTER LIBRARY GUILD BAZAAR: 11 am-4 pm today (and tomorrow) at White Center Library, its Guild is hosting the annual holiday bazaar and book sale. Shop for a good cause! (11220 16th SW)

FINAL SALMON WATCH: No new fish since last week, so if that trend continues, the volunteer Fauntleroy Creek salmon-watchers will officially wrap up their work for the season after today.

METROPOLITAN MARKET JOB FAIR: 2-7 pm at Metropolitan Market-Admiral (WSB sponsor), hiring for MM jobs around the region. More info in this WSB Jobs-section post. (41st/42nd/Admiral)

WORDS, WRITERS, & WEST SEATTLE: This one will shake you up! Sandi Doughton, author of “Full Rip 9.0,” explains why:

As explained on the Southwest Seattle Historical Society website, she’ll read from her book (and as you heard her say in the video clip, that’s not all) 5-7 pm at Barnes & Noble/Westwood Village. (2600 SW Barton)

CHIEF SEALTH INT’L HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: 7 pm game vs. White River, at Southwest Athletic Complex. (2601 SW Thistle)

AUTHOR APPEARANCE: West Seattle author Sarah Alisabeth Fox reads from “Downwind: A People’s History of the Nuclear West,” 7 pm tonight at Elliott Bay Books. (1521 10th Ave.)

‘ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD’: Night 2 for the West Seattle High School Drama Club production of Tom Stoppard‘s spinoff from Shakespeare‘s “Hamlet.” 7:30 pm, WSHS Theater. (3000 California SW)

‘DOGFIGHT’ 7:30 pm curtain time for tonight’s performance at ArtsWest in The Junction. (4711 California SW)

SLAGS AT THE POGGIE: Poggie Tavern doesn’t have a calendar online but every so often we hear from one of the acts, and tonight, it’s The Slags, 9 pm. (4717 California SW)

12TH STORE! West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) says it’ll have a “huge announcement” today involving a Seahawk. Keep an eye on its Facebook page.

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West Seattle whale-watching: Humpback said to be back
November 7, 2014 9:02 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

Quick note for whale fans: We’ve received a couple reports that the humpback seen in the area recently is in the Lincoln Park vicinity right now.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday alerts; weekend notes
November 7, 2014 6:39 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday alerts; weekend notes
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WS high/low bridges and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
The cameras are back! SDOT fixed the ones whose problems made it tough to monitor yesterday’s multi-problem morning commute. We’ve also added the 11th/Spokane view, since at least as of first thing this am, it’s still pointing to the low bridge. Now, on with notes and previews, while we can:

BATTERY STREET TUNNEL CLOSURE: One more reminder – the BSTunnel will close overnight tomorrow night for fire-system testing – original announcement here.

CITYWIDE WEEKEND TRAFFIC ALERT: From Oprah (tonight/tomorrow) to the Seahawks (Sunday) – useful info here.

REROUTE RAPIDRIDE IN THE JUNCTION? Here’s our report on the first official open-to-the-public presentation, during Wednesday night’s Southwest District Council meeting.

10:18 AM: This morning’s rollover scene is cleared and Admiral Way has just reopened between 59th and 61st.

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Update: 2 hurt in crash that closed Admiral Way for 6 hours
November 7, 2014 4:40 am
|      39 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(First two WSB photos by Tracy Record)
4:40 AM: At least two people are hurt – one seriously – after a crash at 60th/Admiral. One texter says Admiral’s blocked off. We’re en route to find out more.

5:08 AM: This is a one-car rollover. 19-year-old woman driving, very seriously hurt. Passenger hurt too. TCIS is coming, police told us at the scene, so Admiral will be closed here a while; on the east side, it is blocked at 59th. Lots of debris in the road, as shown in our short Instagram clip panning the scene (and photo below). Police are investigating whether alcohol was a factor.

The car ended up on its side in the planting strip on the south side of Admiral (top photo).

5:58 AM: Metro just texted its reroutes caused by the Admiral Way closure: “Routes 50 and 56 are currently routed off Admiral … Use stops east of 59th SW or west of 61st SW.” (added) The 775 Water Taxi shuttle reroute: “Use stops on SW Admiral Way east of 59th or on Alki SW east of 61st.”

7:48 AM: Still closed. We’ll update here and the daily traffic watch as soon as it reopens.

(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
8:53 AM: Just back from checking the scene. A tow truck driver had arrived and was doing some cleanup; SPD has been calling for SDOT to do more.

10:10 AM: According to our crew back at the scene, Admiral is reopening, after further cleanup by SDOT and SFD.

10:21 AM: And Metro has just sent a text alert that its routes in that area are back to normal.

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