(SCHOOLS: Closure list … TRASH/RECYCLING: No pickups today … PARKS: Today’s updates here … LIBRARIES: Today’s plan here … WS BUSINESS/ETC. UPDATES as received)

6:00 AM: Good morning. Morning watch begins – updates ahead.

SDOT WINTER-RESPONSE MAP: See where SDOT has treated/plowed
METRO SERVICE: Emergency Snow Network only – here are the West/South Seattle specifics.
WEST SEATTLE WATER TAXI: One-boat service – schedule and other details here
TRAFFIC CAMS PAGE: Our compilation of local cameras
SDOT CITYWIDE CAMS ETC. PAGE: Year-round “travelers” map with cams/more.

6:21 AM: No incidents in our area. Arterials have been cleared since Sunday’s new snowfall, but as has been the case in recent days, the main challenge will be getting to one. The temperature’s back below freezing. No significant new snowfall expected until later – the new Winter Weather Advisory alert takes effect at 11 am. (The early-morning “forecast discussion” continues to warn that forecasters are uncertain about when and where the next wave turns to rain.)

7:16 AM: Doc Maynard is the one boat on the West Seattle Water Taxi run today … Speaking of vessels, the “low bridge” restrictions are officially over. And it’s just opened for a vessel to pass.

7:31 AM: The low bridge has reopened to non-marine traffic.

7:41 AM: Important reminder from Metro – apps/trackers do NOT filter for the Emergency Snow Network (which is the reduced-service level in effect since early Saturday) though they “can still accurately show estimated arrival times for those routes actually in service.”

8 AM: Next wave moving this way a bit faster than expected, NWS now says, so we may only have a couple more hours’ break. Got business open/closed – or institution/organization – news? Text or voice 206-293-6302 is the best way to get it to us; building a new list right now.

8:32 AM: Thanks to the commenters who are sharing road-condition updates. Meantime, we’ve started that new businesses-etc. list here. … Still awaiting city status reports for libraries and Parks facilities.

8:41 AM: Alert from King County, “West Seattle Water Taxi shuttle Route 775 is currently unable to provide service on California Way SW and also Admiral Way SW between 61st Ave SW and California Way SW.”

8:48 AM: Seattle Parks update for the day is in – see it here.

9:28 AM: Also from the city, an SDOT overview:

SDOT crews continue to plow, working back to back 12-hour shifts. SDOT currently has 35 snow and ice fighting trucks roving Seattle’s major streets and roadways. Plow crews continue to prioritize keeping Gold and Emerald routes clear. A flusher truck is covering city-wide elevated structure and frost prone areas. Smaller, more mobile trucks are addressing trouble spots, and streets near schools. In addition, two SDOT tree crews are on duty and available within the City for calls related to downed or hazardous trees through the night shift. No outstanding tree calls currently. Street closure inspection and reporting teams are also on a 12-hour shift and continue checking the status of street closure signs.

The mayor, governor, and city department heads plan an 11 am briefing. … Also just in: Seattle Public Library status (in our area, all but West Seattle/Admiral will be open today) … We’ll continue to update this roundup until (serious) snow returns or afternoon arrives, whichever comes first, but we’re also working to catch up on other news notes, so watch for some non-snow stories shortly.

9:47 AM: A few flakes are falling already!

9:54 AM: Jackknifed semitruck on Edmunds just east of California – thanks to Doug B for the tip and photo:

On the scanner, we hear police just arriving at that scene. They say the truck driver is chaining up in hopes of getting out.

10:08 AM: And the truck is reported to have moved on. Still lightly snowing.

11:02 AM: Couple updates – Southwest Pool is actually opening noon-3, different from what the Parks link above shows, we’re told … Speaking of the city, the mayor/governor/etc. briefing just started and Seattle Channel is streaming it here … Speaking of city employees, check this out:

Texted with this caption: “Neighbors helping neighbors! Thanks to the mighty help of Fire Station 32 for helping Lien Animal Clinic shovel out their overflow parking lot.”

11:39 AM: We’ve been monitoring the briefing and tweeting some toplines; will publish the video and toplines separately once it’s over – there’s usually a near-instant turnaround of the Seattle Channel stream via YouTube.

12:35 PM: Extending this roundup into the early PM while we try to get a couple other items up before starting the official afternoon roundup. Snow’s falling more seriously now, by the way.

2:07 PM: There’s been a discussion in comments regarding USPS. Yes, they’re working – we just saw ours go by. Serious snow continues but the NWS is adamant it’ll turn to rain later – the roads, meantime, are getting snowed over again. Here’s a framegrab from the SDOT camera in The Triangle:

We’ve added more updates to the business list – including several restaurants.

3:19 PM: Afternoon/evening updates are here.

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WEST SEATTLE SNOW: Sunday pm updates

February 10, 2019 3:23 pm

| 106 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

FIRST REPORT, 3:23 PM: As predicted, the next wave of snow has begun:

(Lincoln Park photo by Kersti Muul)

Coverage resumes with our latest list of infolinks, including pages we’re continuing to update as info comes in:

NEWEST FORECAST/ALERTS: National Weather Service‘s Seattle site
SCHOOL CLOSURES: Monday announcements here
SDOT WINTER-RESPONSE MAP: See where SDOT has treated/plowed
TRAFFIC CAMS PAGE: Our compilation of local cameras
METRO ‘EMERGENCY SNOW NETWORK’: Here’s the bus plan for today and Monday
WEST SEATTLE WATER TAXI: Here’s the NEW plan for Monday
SOUND TRANSIT ALERTS: See left side of this page
SDOT CITYWIDE CAMS ETC. PAGE: Year-round “travelers” map with cams/more.
SEATTLE PARKS & RECREATION: Sunday updates here
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARIES: See the updates atop this page.
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION: Updated – no Monday pickups
WS BUSINESS NOTES: Open, closed, changed – adding as received
WS CANCELLATIONS/POSTPONEMENTS/NON-BIZ CLOSURES: Includes Sun. and beyond, as received
EARLIER COVERAGE: Sat. #2 here, Sat. #1 here, Fri. #3 here; Fri. #2 here; bonus photos/video here

3:34 PM: Don’t everybody rush out. But Jason Grotelueschen sends the pic with a note that Junction True Value got a shipment of snow shovels and they’re going fast.

4:05 PM: As the snow continues falling fairly fast, almost every local school/district has already announced closures for tomorrow – we’re continuing to update our school-closures page (also linked above). … SPU has NOT yet called off trash/recycling/etc. pickups for tomorrow but says Monday customers (who were missed last week) will be prioritized whenever they do resume pickup.

(“Live” image from SDOT cam currently pointed east at high and low bridges)
4:31 PM: From the city’s latest mega-update:

Currently there are 34 snow vehicles out roving Seattle’s major arterials with plows, salt spreaders, and de-icer trucks servicing snow and ice routes. Fourteen hand crews are out responding to sidewalk issues in Downtown and Center City areas. The most high priority arterials are in fair to good condition with mostly slushy pavement conditions. Our goal is prevent ice buildup, with an ultimate goal of achieving “bare and wet” pavement conditions.

4:53 PM: Just added to our business-closures/changes page, Junction QFC is closing at 7 pm. The weather isn’t expected to get any better aside from what the NWS says will be a “brief break” very early Monday, so if you have to shop, sooner better than later.

6:21 PM: Important change for Water Taxi riders – since the announcement sent early this afternoon, they have CHANGED the plan and now WILL have 773/775 shuttle service, plus Pier 2 parking and that shuttle, on Monday. We have changed the link in the list above … For North Delridge, take note that our newest addition to the biz-info list is The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), whose proprietor Matt reports they’re “open and will continue to be!” … And one more big addition to the school list: South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) just announced it’s closed Monday too.

7:18 PM: That C Line bus got stuck on the low bridge a short time ago (and is still blocking the westbound side); thanks to @D4RKARROW for tweeting the photo. We are at the point – as you can see on the cameras – that even the main routes are getting snowed over faster than the city can keep them cleared.

8 PM: Just in via text and tweet: More reports of roads to avoid, including Sylvan Way, and SW Oregon. Here’s why the roads have gotten so ugly – several inches of snow, as shown in this photo from Eddie V:

The NWS says snow should start to taper off shortly – at least, until tomorrow.

8:33 PM: Word of another stuck bus – this one’s on 35th SW south of Alaska:

Lots of reports of road trouble on the scanner.

8:45 PM: Thanks to MercyMoi for catching SPU’s recent update (at the same link in our list above) – NO Monday pickup; they’re hoping to catch up with Monday customers (who you’ll recall were skipped last week after the first snow) on Tuesday.

9:06 PM: Thanks to the texter who sent that photo of SDOT plowing Admiral tonight. Since by all accounts the heaviest snow has passed for now, they should be able to catch up – the map shows they have also hit 35th, Delridge, the bridge, and more this past hour.

10:13 PM: The bridge looks a lot better than it did a couple hours ago. Meantime, further proof the sky has at least partly cleared – we can see the moon through the trees to the west. And thanks for the fun pics too – we have added (and are still adding) today’s photos atop the gallery here.

11:15 PM: The NWS’s late-night “forecast discussion” (a deeper analysis they usually publish four times daily) says the air may be warming more than expected and that might mean more rain ahead than snow. MIGHT.

11:36 PM: The West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) plan for Monday, just announced: “Our West Seattle and Fauntleroy locations will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.” More specifics here.

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SCHOOLS: Monday closures/status announcements

February 10, 2019 2:29 pm

| 20 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | West Seattle weather

(updated 8:16 am Monday) The school closures are coming in. We’ll continue adding to this list.

Districts
SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
HIGHLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
VASHON ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT: Closed Monday

Private/parochial/other schools
TILDEN SCHOOL: Open Monday for staff/students who can get there safely
EXPLORER WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL: Closed Monday
HOLY ROSARY: Closed Monday, no preschool or BASE
WESTSIDE SCHOOL: Closed Monday
SUMMIT ATLAS: Closed Monday
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE: Closed Monday
HOPE LUTHERAN: Closed Monday
SEATTLE LUTHERAN HS: Closed Monday
WEST SEATTLE MONTESSORI: Closed Monday
TAPROOT SCHOOL: Closed Monday
KENNEDY CATHOLIC HS: Closed Monday, activities canceled
HAMLIN ROBINSON SCHOOL: Closed Monday

Preschools/day cares
A CHILD BECOMES PRESCHOOL: Closed Monday
FAUNTLEROY CHILDREN’S CENTER: Closed Monday
LITTLE PILGRIM SCHOOL: Closed Monday
COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF WEST SEATTLE: Closed Monday
COMETA PLAYSCHOOL: Closed Monday
BRIGHT HORIZONS: (Update) Closed Monday

Colleges
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE: Closed Monday (other Seattle Colleges campuses too)
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON: Closed Monday
SEATTLE UNIVERSITY: Closed Monday
HIGHLINE COLLEGE: Closed Monday

Something to add? 206-293-6302 text or voice – thank you!

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UTILITIES: Water-main break in Arbor Heights

February 10, 2019 2:28 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Arbor Heights | Utilities | West Seattle news

Thanks to the neighbors who’ve sent word about this: Some Arbor Heights residents have no water, and others have brown water, because of a break on SW 100th, which is closed between 35th and 37th as a result. If you experience brown water at any time, by the way, remember to report it to the city even if you think they’re on it – 206-386-1800.

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METRO BUSES & WATER TAXI: Here’s the plan for Monday – so far

February 10, 2019 1:33 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

1:33 PM: Just in from Metro, here’s the Monday plan for buses and the West Seattle Water Taxi:

Due to persistent dangerous roadway conditions and a forecast for ongoing freezing temperatures and two more snow storms, King County Executive Dow Constantine directed Metro to continue to operate only routes on its Emergency Snow Network (ESN) on both Monday, Feb. 11, and Tuesday, Feb. 12. This will provide weekday service levels focused on only 60 high-ridership routes and shuttles. Metro continues to operate ESN service today, Feb. 10, using Sunday schedules.

Riders should be prepared for crowding and potentially longer waits at bus stops on Monday and Tuesday as Metro operates on the Emergency Snow Network, which reduces service to 60 high-ridership routes to maintain reliability. Facing unpredictable weather conditions and travel delays, Metro encourages commuters across the region to allow for another 30-60 minutes in their travel schedules and prepare alternate travel plans if their route is not in service, and connect to Link light rail service where possible.

“The region continues to face challenging road conditions, freezing temperatures and a forecast that keeps bringing more and more snow,” said King County Metro General Manager Rob Gannon. “We’re working to provide customers with reliable bus service on an identified network of core routes, and asking riders to prepare for limited transit service until roadway conditions improve and we are out of this cycle of severe winter weather.”

Several more inches of snow are expected and riders are encouraged to monitor weather conditions in their community prior to traveling. Riders also are asked to carefully review their available travel options on the 60 routes and shuttles that will be operating. Buses will be following their posted snow routing except in the event that conditions require taking different streets.

For those who can, Metro is encouraging people to consider opportunities to work from home or flex work schedules on Monday and Tuesday and for as many days as this winter weather persists and affects Metro’s ability to operate safely. This also frees up space on buses for riders who do not have the ability to stay home or change their schedules.

Metro activated its ESN at 4 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, and will continue until further notice. Metro’s chained bus fleet has operated for two days on these core routes, which primarily serve key arterials and transit centers in many parts of King County.

The National Weather Service warns of additional weather systems bringing several inches of snow and ongoing freezing temperatures Sunday, Monday and into Tuesday. Metro is monitoring forecasts and roadway conditions to determine whether it is safe and possible to return to a higher level of service and operate a larger network of transit service via snow routes.

Emergency Snow Network

The ESN prioritizes high-ridership routes and serves areas that avoid steep hills. The routes were developed in coordination and collaboration with the City of Seattle and other jurisdictions to follow designated snow plow plans.

Routes operating as part of the ESN will serve core centers around King County, via routes 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 21, 24, 24 shuttle, 31, 32, 36, 40, 41, 44, 45, 48, 62, 62 shuttle, 65, 70, 75, 90 shuttle, 101, 102 shuttle, 106, 106 shuttle, 120, 124, 128, 150, 166, 168, 169, 180, 181, 235, 245, 248, 252/255 shuttle, 255, 255 shuttle, 271, 331, 345, 348, 348 shuttle, 372 Woodinville and 372 Lake City, ST 522, ST 545, ST 550, ST 554, ST 554 shuttle, RapidRide A, B, C, D, E and F lines.

Metro is monitoring performance of this network and will make adjustments as needed to improve operations. Customers in outlying areas and neighborhoods should prepare for reduced or temporarily unavailable bus service for several days due to inclement weather, difficult travel conditions and topography. Ride2 West Seattle and Eastgate will not operate on Monday and Tuesday.

Maintenance crews continue to switch between chaining operations and troubleshooting and repairing buses damaged by operating in winter weather.

Emergency Snow Network- Access

Access Services will also move to the ESN to mirror fixed route services. Access’ main objective under the ESN will be to provide life sustaining medical transportation. During this time, customers who are not certified to use Access that need to connect to life sustaining medical services can call 206-205-5000 to request services between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Access will also be working closely with fixed route services to help support customers that are stranded due to breakdowns or weather conditions.

West Seattle Water Taxi

The West Seattle Water Taxi will temporarily operate a one-boat commute-only schedule Monday via the MV Doc Maynard, following its typical winter schedule rather than the expanded two-boat Viaduct closure schedule. Available crews will shift to ice clearing and dock maintenance to maintain safety for passengers. Water Taxi shuttle routes 773 and 775 are currently ~~not~~ UPDATE – **ARE** scheduled to operate and Ride 2 West Seattle services are canceled.

What Riders Should Know

Metro encourages people to avoid traveling if at all possible.

Riders who intend to use Metro’s services should visit the Emergency Snow Network webpage to view details about routes in operation and to identify their options. ESN routes will travel on posted snow routes unless otherwise communicated.

Metro’s Customer Information Office opens at 6 a.m. Monday to assist riders with trip planning, at 206-553-3000.

Posted timetables on Metro’s Schedules and Maps page are a good point of reference for the 60 ESN routes that are operating, but unforeseen roadway and weather conditions may result in delays or unplanned reroutes.

Customers should be aware that Puget Sound Trip Planner and third-party apps will not reflect ESN service and will not be accurate for planning itineraries on ESN days. However, once intending riders know which ESN route they want to use, other Puget Sound Trip Planner features, such as maps, bus stop locations and timetables for ESN routes are valid. Puget Sound Trip Planner and other apps are still accurate for planning trips or getting schedules for regular service days.

Next Departure features and Text For Departure tools are working for only bus routes that are in service.

5 PM: Metro has since sent out an alert with conflicting info about tomorrow’s plans. We’re seeking to clarify.

6:49 PM: Metro confirms that the late-afternoon update is accurate – so shuttle Routes 773 and 775 ARE now going to be in service (albeit limited), along with the Pier 2 parking lot and that free shuttle between lot and dock.

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BEFORE MORE SNOW: Trouble spots

February 10, 2019 11:44 am

| 9 COMMENTS

| Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

If you’re headed out before the next expected wave of snow – be very careful. Some trouble spots haven’t been fixed and may not be. Above is one example – Monica sent that photo from 38th/Hanford, first reported yesterday and not yet fixed. Meantime, no photo but Sayoko wanted to warn people about 48th at Graham:

I wanted to let drivers know that the corner of 48th and Graham is very icy and dangerous. Since 48th is an arterial, people are driving way too fast, and coming down from Graham is super icy . We saw many cars just sliding into 48th and almost have accidents.

We just heard that mentioned by SPD dispatch. Certainly there are other trouble spots. But particularly if you haven’t been out, proceed slowly and carefully.

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Yes, the West Seattle Farmers’ Market is on today

February 10, 2019 8:06 am

| 18 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

Just in case you were wondering – yes, the West Seattle Farmers’ Market is happening today as usual, 10 am-2 pm in the heart of The Junction. The SDOT cam above even shows the setup under way. However, as mentioned last night and noted on our non-business cancellations/postponements list, the city’s planned info booth about the 48th/Charlestown park site will be rescheduled for a TBD date.

ADDED 12:32 PM: A very small Farmers Market – no produce except potatoes and microgreens. But it’s a good day for frozen purchases – meat and soup!

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WEST SEATTLE SNOW: Saturday night updates, Sunday previews

February 9, 2019 7:07 pm

| 23 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Photo by David Hutchinson)

7:07 PM: Beautiful snowy sunset – preceding this already-below-freezing night – so you are urged to stay home.

(Photo by James Bratsanos)

Tonight’s post-(and pre-)snow coverage starts with our infolink list:

NEWEST FORECAST/ALERTS: National Weather Service‘s Seattle site
SDOT WINTER-RESPONSE MAP: Here’s where SDOT has treated/plowed
TRAFFIC CAMS PAGE: Our compilation of local cameras
METRO ‘EMERGENCY SNOW NETWORK’: Service reduced to these routes, continuing Sunday
SOUND TRANSIT ALERTS: See left side of this page
SDOT CITYWIDE CAMS ETC. PAGE: Year-round “travelers” map with cams/more.
SEATTLE PARKS & RECREATION: Saturday updates here (added: Sunday updates here)
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARIES: Closed today, awaiting Sun. updates.
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION: Here’s SPU’s latest update
WS BUSINESS NOTES: Open, closed, changed – adding as received
WS CANCELLATIONS/POSTPONEMENTS/NON-BIZ CLOSURES: Includes Sun. and beyond, as received
EARLIER COVERAGE: Sat. morning/afternoon here, Fri. night/early Sat. here; Fri. afternoon/evening here; bonus photos/video here

8:19 PM: We’re starting to get some Sunday info. We’re continuing to update our local lists, linked above, but will also note major announcements like this – Shalimar Gonzales, executive director of the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor), says, “Our WS location will be open 10 am-3 pm on Sunday. Our pool will close at 2:30. Fauntleroy will remain closed.” … Grocery report: Phoebe e-mailed to say West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) is well-stocked now … In earlier coverage, we reported on a truck getting stuck on the SW Edmunds hill in The Junction. Jake reports it’s bad tonight too and wanted to warn you: “Edmunds east of 42nd is an ice sheet. Two collisions … cars going downhill and locking up, unable to stop.”

(WSDOT cam framegrab, 1st Ave. S. Bridge NB side stuck)

9:27 PM: Trouble with the 1st Avenue South Bridge – the State Patrol says NB 509 will be “closed for a couple hours” as a result.

10:39 PM: And it was fixed in less than an hour. So let’s look at a couple pretty photos that came in tonight – from Micah Summers, the Seattle Chinese Garden on Puget Ridge:

And this High Point scene is from Breton:

And just in – though the Farmers’ Market is still on so far as we know, the city’s scheduled WSFM booth to take opinions about the future 48th/Charlestown park has been POSTPONED to a future date. (You can still take the online survey linked in our recent story.)

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ELECTION 2019: 3 more days to vote, snow or no snow

February 9, 2019 6:59 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics | West Seattle schools

Tuesday is Election Day, snow or no snow, so if you go out tomorrow, and haven’t voted yet, you might consider a stop at the ballot box or mailbox. Ballots in West Seattle and the rest of the city have only two issues, both Seattle Public Schools levies:

*Seattle School Prop #1 (Operations Levy)
*Seattle School Prop #2 (BEX V Levy)

Prop 1 is a three-year levy, Prop 2 is a six-year levy, and each requires a simple majority to pass. Each link above takes you to official info including pro/con arguments and full measure text; for the school-by-school project list for Prop 2, go here. Voting deadline is 8 pm Tuesday; ballot dropbox locations are here; you can also send you ballot via the US Postal Service, no stamp required.

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Neighborhood involvement, project funding, more @ D1 Community Network

February 9, 2019 6:07 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news

Meeting facilitator Eric Iwamoto (Westwood, Roxhill, Arbor Heights) engages in group discussion along with Tamsen Spengler (MOCA and SWDC), Cindi Barker (WS Emergency Communication Hubs), Mat McBride (North Delridge), and Marianne McCord (South Delridge).

Photo and story by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Neighborhood leaders gathered Thursday night at the West Seattle Senior Center/Sisson Building for the second official meeting of the District 1 Community Network (WSB coverage of the group’s first meeting, in January, is here).

The D1 Community Network (D1CN) is a new coalition of representatives from organizations and community groups throughout West Seattle and South Park (which together comprise what the city now calls District 1), working with a common goal of sharing information and ideas and “doing better things for the peninsula.” The group is planning to have meetings every month or so, with a “rotating facilitator” model that has a different member running each meeting.

For this month, the facilitator was Eric Iwamoto who represents the Westwood, Roxhill, and Arbor Heights areas, and the agenda included discussions about a community survey, securing grant funding for improvement projects, regional transit and housing, neighborhood events, emergency preparedness and overall prioritization of the organization’s goals.

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MORE SNOW PHOTOS/VIDEO: West Seattle scenes from the weekend and beyond

February 9, 2019 5:04 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

THANK YOU! Here are more of the photos and video you’ve shared in since the snow began (and we’re adding):

Added Monday – thanks to Liz Virnig for this montage of cool creations by the water:

Added Sunday, more photos/video – below, “picture sent by Lisa Wolters: Igloo built by Ella, Sawyer, Lisa and Ben Wolters and by Elliott and Chad Caron“:

Alex Hagenah‘s snow couple in Seaview:

From Monibelle, “Juneau St. shenanigans”:

Tweeted by Brian, his family’s very young snow-shoveler:

8 year old willingly shoveling snow. He did the driveway this morning. @WestSeaWx @westseattleblog pic.twitter.com/WQQsUf627B

— Brian (@bmc123_) February 11, 2019

More Saturday views – the next two by Susan Romanenghi:

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WEST SEATTLE SNOW: Saturday morning/afternoon updates

February 9, 2019 8:09 am

| 148 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Texted photo, cross-country skiing south of Alki Point)

8:09 AM: Good morning! If you went to bed last night thinking the forecast had fizzled short of big snow – as we chronicled into the early-early-morning hours, it resumed in a major way. We’re starting our morning updates now – any info to share, 206-293-6302, text or voice. Stay home and stay safe.

LATEST FORECAST/ALERTS: National Weather Service‘s Seattle site
METRO ‘EMERGENCY SNOW NETWORK’: Service reduced to these routes
SOUND TRANSIT ALERTS: See left side of this page
SDOT WINTER-RESPONSE MAP: Here’s where SDOT has treated/plowed.
TRAFFIC CAMS PAGE: Our compilation of local cameras.
SDOT CITYWIDE CAMS ETC. PAGE: Year-round “travelers” map with cams/more.
SEATTLE PARKS & RECREATION: Saturday updates here
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARIES: Closed today.
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION: Canceled today, per SPU
BUSINESS NOTES: Open, closed, changed – adding as received
CANCELLATIONS/POSTPONEMENTS/NON-BIZ CLOSURES: Continuing to update this list
EARLIER COVERAGE: Friday night/very early Saturday here; Friday afternoon/evening here

8:29 AM: Even if you think you can try the roads, please don’t. Problems from scanner and hotline in just the past few minutes include a stuck truck at 40th/Edmunds (photo added below after tow arrived), and wires down at 28th/Kenyon and 46th and Stevens. …

No city cameras on Delridge Way so thanks to Sage K for this photo from near Boren STEM K-8:

9:18 AM: Another addition to the link/shortcut info list above – solid-waste collection, which was already on a one-day delay, is CANCELED today. … If you can get there safely, some restaurants and other businesses ARE open, and we’re continuing to update our list. At both ends of the peninsula, two WSB sponsors – Endolyne Joe’s (Fauntleroy) and Mission Cantina (Admiral) – ARE open right now, for breakfast/brunch respectively. Meantime, we just measured our snow. 7″ in Upper Fauntleroy. … Multiple WSB’ers remind us, take care of the birds! (updated) Lise emails:

Remind people to bring their hummingbird feeders indoors overnight so they can thaw and put out a bowl of water for when they rest. Which could also be brought indoors overnight to thaw.

10:03 AM: This Alki photo tweeted by @AggieDave also carries a reminder:

While the snow is currently at flurry level – and “tapering off” per the NWS – wind is expected to increase and that means blowing snow as well as trouble for snow-laden, weakened tree branches. … Another road report: US Postal Service truck reportedly in trouble at 35th/Southern in Gatewood. (added) Speaking of forecasts, Babs just mentioned in a comment that weather analyst Cliff Mass has just published an update. Still looking like more big snow next week!

11:05 AM: Still snowing. From @LO on Twitter: “Home Depot is out of ice melter but True Value has quite a good stock (5 pallets) as of 10:50 am!” … Best sledding is at parks. More on that in a moment – posting a found dog – if you’re new to WSB, note that we have kept the only all-WS lost/found pets page for more than a decade now; find it here. (added) Back to sledding – @GDH415 tweeted this video of sledding at Westcrest Park in Highland Park:

@westseattleblog folks are enjoying the hills at Westcrest Park right now. So much powder, it’s lovely. 🛷 #WAwx #WAsnow pic.twitter.com/T8qsA5dlG4

— G (@GDH415) February 9, 2019

The updated Seattle Parks roundup for today (also linked in our list above) says parks are open but beware of tree branches. Also, while West Seattle Golf Course is closed for golf, it’s open for sledding/snow play. … @roncreel tweeted this pic of a neighborhood where, as Ron put it, “sharing is caring”:

11:36 AM: Road update from the city – “SDOT has 34 snow and ice vehicles treating major streets and thoroughfares throughout the city. Morning and afternoon crews will focus on maintaining bare and wet pavement conditions on major arterials.” That goes with this texted photo from the west end of SW Roxbury:

And a new pic of Delridge, this one from Joy, looking north from the Youngstown pedestrian overpass:

11:55 AM: Side streets, however, are generally trouble. But check out this rescue on 55th SW (texted photo):

12:40 PM: Continuing to update both the business-info page (some businesses are making decisions now about closing early) and the cancellations/postponements page (some churches have canceled Sunday services, for example) – both are linked above. Earlier we mentioned the city’s update on SDOT snow/ice crews – here’s the link to today’s full roundup with status of city services. … Another road-condition-where-there’s-no-cameras photo, SW Thistle toward its highest point:

Thanks again for all the great photos – we’re building a separate gallery to link before we launch afternoon coverage in the next few hours.

12:58 PM: Scanner – Fairmount & Hanford, tree down across Fairmount, brought wires down too. SCL advice: “We’ve received many reports of downed power lines. If you see a downed line, keep a safe distance (at least 20 feet) and report it to (206) 684-3000. If it appears to be sparking or smoking, call 911. Crews will respond to each report.”

1:21 PM: 39th/Hanford, split utility pole, also per scanner. (added) Eric sends this photo – tree down as part of it too:

Thanks also to Frank for calling with word of this (and sending the second photo) … BUS INFO: We also have an update from Metro – the Emergency Snow Network will continue TFN:

Service on Metro’s Emergency Snow Network (ESN) began 4 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, and will continue until further notice. Freezing temperatures are expected to persist and Metro has chained up its bus fleet to operate on these core routes, which primarily serve key arterials and transit centers in many parts of King County. Dozens of buses became stuck overnight due to roadway conditions, signaling ongoing challenges with roadway conditions. The forecast calls for difficult weather conditions in the days ahead.

The ESN service prioritizes service on high-ridership routes and avoids areas with steep hills. The routes were developed in coordination and collaboration with jurisdictions and take advantage of designated snow plow plans, including the City of Seattle.

Routes served

Routes operating as part of the ESN will serve core centers around King County, via routes 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 21, 24, 24 shuttle, 31, 32, 36, 40, 41, 44, 45, 48, 62, 62 shuttle, 65, 70, 75, 90 shuttle, 101, 102 shuttle, 106, 106 shuttle, 120, 124, 128, 150, 166, 168, 169, 180, 181, 235, 245, 248, 252/255 shuttle, 255, 255 shuttle, 271, 331, 345, 348, 348 shuttle, 372 Woodinville and 372 Lake City, ST 522, ST 545, ST 550, ST 554, ST 554 shuttle, RapidRide A, B, C, D, E and F lines.

The full announcement is now online here – including a caveat for riders – the ESN is NOT reflected in apps and the Puget Sound Trip Planner.

1:57 PM: Police are responding to word of a tree down at 34th/Admiral, southbound lanes. (added) Nika sent a photo:

2:21 PM: Sun’s out. And sledding continues in many places:

Thanks to Aidan Grambihler for that photo.

3:55 PM: Back after a break. As noted in comments, a NEW weather alert – Winter Storm Watch for Sunday afternoon through Tuesday night. … Several local churches have canceled Sunday services, and we’re adding to the Cancellations/Postponements (etc.) list. … ArtsWest, meantime, says its Saturday and Sunday shows are ON … Latest updates to our Businesses Open/Closed/Etc. list include the Admiral Theater now OPEN, as of mid-afternoon. … As a reminder that we’ve had a few hours of sunshine now, this photo from David Hutchinson at Constellation Park:

5:13 PM: Evening coverage launching soon. Meantime, we also now have a gallery up with some of the many photos we’ve received but hadn’t already published – see it here – and don’t miss the comment thread below, where many cool images have been posted too. Be safe tonight – the temp could drop into the teens!

P.S. Evening updates are here.

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WEST SEATTLE SNOW: Friday night updates, Saturday previews, power outage…

February 8, 2019 9:02 pm

| 57 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

9:02 PM: Launching the Friday mid-evening updates, with Saturday previews:

(Photo contributed by Andy)

LATEST FORECAST/ALERTS: National Weather Service‘s Seattle site
METRO UPDATES: Here’s the winter-weather page
METRO ‘EMERGENCY SNOW NETWORK’: Service reduced to these routes as of 4 am Sat.
SOUND TRANSIT ALERTS: See left side of this page
SDOT WINTER-RESPONSE MAP: Here’s where SDOT has treated/plowed.
TRAFFIC CAMS PAGE: Our compilation of local cameras.
SDOT CITYWIDE CAMS ETC. PAGE: Year-round “travelers” map with cams/more.
SEATTLE PARKS & RECREATION: Saturday plan here
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARIES: Watch for Saturday plan.
BUSINESS NOTES: Open, closed, changed – adding as received
CANCELLATIONS/POSTPONEMENTS/NON-BIZ CLOSURES: Here’s the list so far

The snow has resumed. Updates ahead.

9:36 PM: Cass just sent the photo of a stuck bus on westbound Roxbury at 35th:

Since the photo, Cass reports, a second bus has gotten stuck by that one. … Again, as mentioned in the afternoon coverage and linked above, Metro plans to reduce service to its Emergency Snow Network as of 4 am. Meantime, SDOT is out on the roads – we just photographed this plow truck here in Upper Fauntleroy:

We have also just finished the first take of the cancellations/postponements/non-business closures list – any additions to that, or business notes for tomorrow, 206-293-6302 or westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you.

10:53 PM: Now’s the time when you REALLY don’t want to be out driving. Via scanner, we’re hearing police planning to block the 35th SW hill in the SW Edmunds vicinity. “It’s pretty bad,” one officer warned.

11:05 PM: Also from the scanner, tree trouble at 46th/Holgate. … The National Weather Service’s Winter Storm Warning is still in effect through 4 pm Saturday, and in a late-night update, the NWS says the heaviest snowfall is overnight tonight, after midnight.

11:33 PM: Bus stuck at Delridge/Kenyon per scanner. Even arterials are getting snowed over – below are two framegrabs of cameras you can check “live” on our cams page:

11:59 PM: Kevin tweeted photos of the scene near 35th and Alaska:

Scene near 35th/Alaska a few min. ago. Saw plow go by southbound after I left. Last pic is @SeattlePD running up 36th. I placed cones on 36th to discourage using as a bypass. @westseattleblog #wasnow #wawx pic.twitter.com/ZKbOTBdJOh

— Kevin Freitas (@kevinfreitas) February 9, 2019

12:12 AM: Continuing to update the two info pages linked in the list above – business info (who’s open, who’s not) and other (non-business) cancellations/postponements/etc.

12:50 AM: Especially for those who are sleeping through all this new snow and won’t see this until morning – Benjamin Evans says it is quiet on 8th SW:

Tamsen Spengler sent the next photo, saying Morgan Junction now has a half-foot:

Still snowing!

1:20 AM: Thanks for the messages – we only flickered here but that meant somebody was losing power somewhere, and we’re hearing from Highland Park for starters.

1:29 AM: Now mapped. 3,428 homes/businesses. (Update) Added a screengrab from the outage map. Cause still under investigation but multiple people report seeing flashes, which usually means a transformer/wire type problem. Also a reminder – though a restoration estimate of 3:50 am is currently mentioned, could be sooner, could be later, that’s really only a guess.

4:36 AM: Back on as of minutes ago.

8:10 AM: Saturday coverage is launched here.

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Driver crashes into Delridge bus shelter

February 8, 2019 8:42 pm

| 21 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news

Police are investigating that crash on Delridge at Myrtle. An 18-year-old was reported to be driving the car when he hit the bus shelter. He was not reported to have been seriously hurt. (Thanks to the person who sent the photo!)

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WEST SEATTLE SNOW: Friday PM updates

February 8, 2019 12:15 pm

| 132 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

12:15 PM: The snow is here. Afternoon updates start now:

(West Seattle Junction – photo by Jason Grotelueschen)

LATEST FORECAST/ALERTS: National Weather Service‘s Seattle site
METRO UPDATES: Here’s the winter-weather page; snow routing @ 2 pm
METRO ROUTE 55: no 3:56 run from downtown; 4:28 & 5:12 pm runs canceled
METRO ROUTE 56: 4:54 pm run from downtown canceled, also 5:31 pm
METRO ROUTE 57: 4:15 run from downtown canceled
METRO ROUTE 113: 5:07 pm run from downtown canceled
WATER TAXI: Some changes.
RIDE2: Canceled for the rest of the day
SOUND TRANSIT ALERT: See left side of this page
SDOT WINTER-RESPONSE MAP: Here’s where SDOT has treated/plowed.
SCHOOL CHANGES: The Friday list of early dismissals (etc.)..
TRAFFIC CAMS PAGE: Our compilation of local cameras.
SDOT CITYWIDE CAMS ETC. PAGE: The year-round “travelers” map with cams/more.
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARIES: Closing at 1 pm.
SEATTLE PARKS & RECREATION: Friday weather-impact updates here; Saturday plan here
BUSINESS NOTES: Open, closed, changed – adding as received

If you have changes/closures/etc. to report, 206-293-6302 text or voice – thanks!

1:03 PM: Steady snow for going on an hour now. Just added to our school-changes list for today: Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is near the highest-elevation point in the city, is closing early – but, the school stresses, don’t rush to get there, be safe. Meantime, a live look at 35th/Fauntleroy, followed by the high bridge at midspan:

1:29 PM: In comments and via email, we’re hearing that traffic on streets around West Seattle is slow going, so please be safe and patient! Also a commenter reminds us that the East Marginal/Nevada scene – now in its 8th hour – hasn’t fully cleared yet. … Just heard via scanner, tree down at Highland Park Way/West Marginal Way …

1:57 PM: As discussed in comments – King County is stepping up Water Taxi frequency for “the next hour or so” due to high demand for getting back to WS. (Added) Doc Maynard is temporarily out for maintenance, we’re told, and that’s why smaller Spirit of Kingston is running along with Doc Maynard.

2:05 PM: Metro is now on snow routes, and just sent the map above – here’s a PDF version – saying, “We heard from West Seattle customers who were seeking a better map for C line snow routing … this map better shows the stops. We hope this makes it easier for people who absolutely must ride transit during this snowstorm, but we’d feel better if most folks could ride this one out warm and safe at home.”

2:25 PM: Per scanner – jackknifed semitruck on SW Genesee just east of Avalon. … SDOT says (updated 2:37 pm) TWO southbound lanes are now open at scene of 5:50 am truck-vs.-wires incident at East Marginal/Nevada … Metro has just announced Ride2 is canceled for the rest of today.

2:43 PM: SFD fireboat is out looking for a possible paddleboarder in distress off Alki, per scanner … If you’re waiting for somebody to come home, be aware that many city streets are gridlocked or close to it (even some WS arterials – see the red lines on the city map) … Gov. Inslee has just declared a statewide state of emergency because of the storm.

3:01 PM: Thanks to Robert Duffy for that photo of the truck stuck on SW Genesee east of Avalon. Nancy tweets that the hill is now closed. … As specific bus-route alerts come in, we’re adding to the list above, next to the transit links already there…

3:50 PM: Sitting next to a window, we’ve been able to observe the ebb and flow of the storm. The snow lightened up for a while but now it’s intensified again. Here’s a “live” look at Admiral/California:

We’ve started the business-info page here, linked in the list above too. … Traffic note: Stalled vehicle blocking a SB lane on 1st Ave. S. at Spokane.

4:44 PM: That’s clear. Plus, all but one NB lane now reopened at the East Marginal/Nevada truck-vs.-wires scene (11 hours later). Monitoring regional reports, the general consensus is that everyone’s finally gotten out of downtown.

5:11 PM: Just in from Metro – they’ll activate the Emergency Snow Network starting tomorrow morning:

The Emergency Snow Network (ESN) will be effective at 4 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, until further notice.

Customers will be able to board service only on 60 core bus routes and shuttles primarily serving key arterials and transit centers. The network was prioritized based on high ridership routes and to serve areas to avoid steep hills. The routes were developed in coordination and collaboration with jurisdictions and taking advantage of designated snow plow plans, including the City of Seattle.

Routes operating as part of the ESN will serve core centers around King County, via routes 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 21, 24, 24 shuttle, 31, 32, 36, 40, 41, 44, 45, 48, 62, 62 shuttle, 65, 70, 75, 90 shuttle, 101, 102 shuttle, 106, 106 shuttle, 120, 124, 128, 150, 166, 168, 169, 180, 181, 235, 245, 248, 252/255 shuttle, 255, 255 shuttle, 271, 331, 345, 348, 348 shuttle, 372 Woodinville and 372 Lake City, ST 522, ST 545, ST 550, ST 554, ST 554 shuttle, RapidRide A, B, C, D, E and F lines.

Metro will be monitoring performance of this network and make adjustments as needed to improve operations. Customers in outlying areas and neighborhoods should prepare for reduced or temporarily unavailable bus service on Saturday and for several days due to inclement weather, difficult travel conditions and topography.

More details on the ESN here.

5:28 PM: Power outage near 42nd/Andover, where a texter describes what sounds like a transformer problem preceding it. Not on the map yet but the texter says it seems to be a small neighborhood pocket.

6:10 PM: 6 customers affected by that outage, according to the SCL map … Update on the stuck truck on SW Genesee, it’s been towed after almost four hours:

Thanks to Regina for the update and photo. … Also thanks to Al, for this pre-dusk photo of California Way:

And a note from C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) – tonight’s songwriter showcase is canceled.

6:41 PM: The 42nd/Andover outage is down to 1 customer. Meanwhile, Seattle Parks is out with its plan for tomorrow – also adding to the list above.

7:32 PM: Thanks to the person who mentioned that the comment function on this story had broken – unfortunately a glitch we have had every so often with too many updates on the same story. Time to start an evening update anyway; stand by for that link.

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HELPING OTHERS STAY WARM: West Seattle Eagles’ coat/blanket drive announced; results of Dave Newman State Farm’s holiday drive

February 8, 2019 12:10 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Just as the snow begins – two notes about helping others stay safe and warm:

WEST SEATTLE EAGLES’ DRIVE: The West Seattle Eagles are starting a donation drive to collect coats and blankets for those in need. Drop donations off any time they’re open, 4426 California SW. (But not until you can get there safely!)

DAVE NEWMAN STATE FARM AGENCY DRIVE RESULTS: Gratitude for holiday-season donors:

That’s Jannylee from the Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (WSB sponsor) office, which sent this update:

Thanks, West Seattle!

The West Seattle Helpline annual clothing drive has once again been a big success! This year’s donations from generous friends and neighbors allow the West Seattle Helpline to assist local citizens at a critical time of year.

The clothing drive at Dave Newman State Farm Agency happens every year in December and January. This year marked the most donations we have ever received – THANKS, FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS. And thanks to volunteers like lifelong West Seattle resident Rodger Tanner, who not only volunteers with the clothing drive every year but also assists the Helpline with facilities, maintenance and equipment.

Watch for the clothing drive at the end of this year – December and January are hard cold months for many citizens.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: 88-year-old charged in deadly bus shooting, 5 years after his arrest in another shooting; police seeking ERPO

February 8, 2019 10:12 am

| 25 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

(1/26/2019 SDOT cam framegrab showing investigation scene)

ORIGINAL REPORT, 10:12 AM: A reader asked what ever happened in the case of the deadly shooting aboard a C Line bus while it was stopped in SODO two weeks ago. We found that the victim had been identified – 51-year-old Ronnie Tyler – but the status of the 88-year-old man accused of shooting him hadn’t been reported. So we checked with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and discovered that they have filed a charge of first-degree manslaughter, with use of a deadly weapon, against Roger Mize. Here’s what the court documents allege happened:

… (At 11:12 am Saturday, January 26) suspect Roger Mize and victim Ronnie Tyler boarded a northbound King County Metro bus at 4th Ave. S. and S. Walker … The bus was equipped with multiple video cameras. A review of the video recording shows the following:

Suspect Mize boarded the bus first, while victim Tyler was behind him. Tyler stood behind Mize, and began to walk up the stairs of the bus to board, as Mize put money into the pay box. Mize then proceeded to walk back past the driver, as Tyler stood behind him. Mize continued to walk toward the seating area, and was approximately three feet or so past the driver’s seat. At that point, Tyler attempted to move around, to the right of Mize.

As Tyler moved past Mize, Mize pushed Tyler with his right hand and stated “get away from me, you dumb m—– f—–.” Tyler turned his attention to Mize, as Mize began to back up toward the front of the bus. Tyler replied to Mize, “What’d you call me?” Tyler started to nudge and push Mize backward with his left forearm. As that was happening, Mize turned his back to Tyler while he reached inside his front left jacket pocket and retrieved his pistol. Tyler then gave Mize a harder push, which jolted Mize forward and toward the front steps of the bus. It should be noted that this occurred simultaneous to the bus moving forward. Mize did not fall or lose his footing, but stumbled forward. Mize turned around and faced Tyler and then there was an approximate 2- to 3-second pause where both men simply stared at each other.

Without further provocation from Tyler and without warning, Mize forcefully struck Tyler twice in the face and head with the pistol (pistol whipped). The bus stopped at this point and the bus driver attempted to verbally stop the altercation. After absorbing the second blow by Mize, Tyler began to reach toward Mize, in what appears to be an attempt to stop him from hitting him. At that time, Mize delivers a third blow with his pistol to Tyler’s face/head. After the third strike, Mize fired his pistol, striking Tyler in the lower right abdomen. Tyler continued toward Mize, and pushed him out of the front doors of the bus. As Mize fell backward out of the bus, he fired a second shot (a fired bullet was later recovered by police from the pay box of the bus). Tyler collapsed onto the stairs of the bus and onto the ground.

Tyler died at Harborview Medical Center, which is also where Mize was taken. Detectives interviewed him there the next day. The court documents say he alleged that the victim had been hostile toward someone else at the bus stop, and that once they clashed on the bus, he felt he had to shoot Tyler because he was much younger and bigger. After that, the court document notes that Mize was arrested in another shooting incident five years ago in which he shot another man in the abdomen after some kind of altercation. No charges were filed because of a lack of witnesses and “objective evidence”; the man he shot survived. (We found this Seattle Times report about the case.) As for this case, Mize is scheduled to be arraigned on February 14th; as of the filing earlier this week, he was described as “receiving inpatient rehabilitation services at a care facility”; prosecutors wrote that they were not requesting bail “(g)iven the defendant’s current physical condition and his age.”

7:46 PM: Since publishing the story this morning, we’ve learned that Seattle Police are seeking an Extreme Risk Protection Order to temporarily prevent Mize from possessing guns. (ERPOs were explained at last month’s West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting.) In the document seeking the order, police say he has a valid concealed-pistol license and at least one gun, a .38-caliber revolver bought last April. Besides the two cases mentioned above, they say that he was arrested in Everett – where he lives, according to what’s listed as his “last known address” – for pulling a gun on a man last November. A temporary ERPO was granted at a hearing this week and a permanent one will be considered at a hearing later this month.

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Snow changes Black Lives Matter at School Week schedule

February 8, 2019 9:57 am

| Comments Off on Snow changes Black Lives Matter at School Week schedule

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

With two full and two partial snow days for Seattle Public Schools this week, many plans have had to change, including some Black Lives Matter at School Week lessons and activities. But this morning at Louisa Boren STEM K-8, the PTA was able to go ahead with sticker distribution:

That’s Trixie, whose mom was among the parents handing out the stickers. STEM’s visit from Hella Black Books‘ Joy Sparks has been rescheduled to next week – weather permitting! – along with the BLM@School assembly.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT/WEATHER/MORE: Friday AM updates

February 8, 2019 5:01 am

| 64 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts | West Seattle weather

(SCHOOLS: Friday changes are here)

(SDOT MAP with travel times / WS-relevant traffic cams / Water Taxi schedule HERE)

5:01 AM: Good morning. Updates:

FORECAST: Snow still expected to start around noon. Possibly 6″-8″ here. (added) Flurries/showers are starting earlier.

BUSES: As announced last night (updated 9:04 am):
Route 37 – Canceled today
Route 125 – Canceled today
Route 55 – 6:31 am, 6:48 am, 7:30 am, 8:34 am canceled
Route 56 – 6:43 am, 7:33 am, 8:41 am canceled
Route 57 – 7:20 am canceled
Route 116 – 6:33 am, 7:13 am, 8:00 am canceled
Snow routes – Starting 2 pm

We’ll update that list if anything more is added.

5:56 AM: First incident of the morning. Shortly after a text reporting “green flashes,” SFD has dispatched to a report of wires down in SB lanes of East Marginal/Spokane, possibly hit/snagged by passing semitruck.

6:04 AM: This is blocking East Marginal at Nevada, south of Spokane. [map]

6:22 AM: Northbound traffic is being stopped at E. Marginal/Hudson, per radio communication.

6:55 AM: First reports of flurries (thank you!). (Photo added – from Ben in Highland Park, new snow atop car:)

But the NWS says this is NOT the main event – that’s still not expected to start until noon.

7:19 AM: Some school changes still coming in – we’re continuing to update the Friday list here.

7:42 AM: East Marginal closure continues, just in case you’re wondering. Could continue another hour-plus.

8:10 AM: Lines at Junction True Value, as reported by a shopper. And empty shelves at more than one supermarket. Continued reports of flurries but barely visible through our window, so getting around is still OK.

8:38 AM: East Marginal remains closed (SDOT image above); also, Metro has rerouted Routes 113, 121, 122, 123, and 154 off East Marginal. That’s still the only area incident of note this morning. The snow flurries are still very light, and forecasters continue saying the start of the main snow event remains a few hours away.

8:56 AM: Metro just sent a retroactive alert that three Route 116 trips did not run this morning. Adding to the list above. … Our plan is to continue updating this report until the expected snow starts in earnest, plus we’ll be publishing some other (non-storm) stories we’re working on; when the “real” snow arrives, we’ll start a new storm report. Thanks yet again to everyone who’s helping keep West Seattle neighbors informed by sharing info/pics – 206-293-6302 text or voice is great and so is westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

9:36 AM: Still adding to the school-changes list. … Alice Enevoldsen (trivia point: 10 years ago, before there was an SDOT winter-weather-response map, there was Alice!) reports that TrueValue is now out of de-icer and shovels, and that she saw a bus go by with “Snowmageddon” written in the dirt on its window … Yes, the East Marginal closure continues.

11:20 AM: We just went out for a bit, quick look around before the storm. City/county/state authorities are having a briefing right now – watch it live here. New SDOT director Sam Zimbabwe just warned that they “plow to the right” so if you are parked along a “green or gold route” – your vehicle might get a little swamped.

11:47 AM: We’ve been watching that briefing and will add the embedded video when it’s over and available. (Added: Here it is)

Meantime, one thing of note – SPU general manager Mami Hara said they’re still on the one-day-delayed solid-waste pickup plan BUT if things worsen as forecast, all bets are off. … Metro said it hasn’t finalized the “emergency snow network” plan yet but they ARE still going ahead with chaining coaches: “We have outstanding mechanics who can put chains on pretty damn quick!”

12:17 PM: The snow has begun – we’ve started the afternoon update here.

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