West Seattle, Washington

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year : 2019 3571 results

Brown water south of Admiral
January 4, 2019 10:21 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

Lara reports brown tap water this morning in the 3800 block of 42nd Avenue SW. She says signage indicates Puget Sound Energy work is planned in the area but no crews were in view. Anyone else? Be sure to report discolored water to Seattle Public Utilities if it ever happens to you – 206-386-1800.

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6 for 2019’s first West Seattle Friday
January 4, 2019 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on 6 for 2019’s first West Seattle Friday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Steller’s Jay, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Highlights for today/tonight!

TAROT READER: Noon-3 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), Intuitive Tarot with Tamara Zenobia. (5612 California SW)

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE: If you can donate blood, participate in the mobile drive at West Seattle Corporate Center, 1:30-4 pm. From Bartell Drugs, whose corporate HQ is in the building:

The Bloodmobile will be parked in front of the building from 1:30-4:00 pm.

Every day, people undergo surgeries and organ transplants, suffer traumatic injuries, and many people receive ongoing blood components for cancer treatment. Having blood readily available is essential when unforeseeable emergencies happen. Your single donation can impact the lives of up to 3 local patients! While all blood types are needed, our community is especially in need of O+ and O- donors.

(4025 Delridge Way SW)

LIBRARYLAB: All-ages drop-in STEM activity at Southwest Library, 2:30-4 pm: “Librarylab is an all-ages program that introduces science, technology, engineering, and math concepts through play, experimentation, and discovery. Drop in for self-directed challenges and let us show you how to do and create amazing things as you tackle our building challenges.” (9010 35th SW)

PETER MINTUN AT KENYON HALL: 7:30 pm, the New York keyboard artist will enthrall the crowd at historic Kenyon Hall. Ticket info is in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)

FREE YOGA: 7:30 pm at Bikram Yoga West Seattle, all-ages Yin Yoga – info in our calendar listing. (4747 California SW)

THREE BANDS AT SKYLARK: 8 pm, live music at The Skylark with three bands: The Science of Deduction, The Secret Light, and Verbal Tip. $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

LOOK INTO THE FUTURE … via our complete calendar!

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COUNTDOWN: 8 days before Viaduct closes, the latest briefing – and our adventure getting there
January 3, 2019 9:45 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | Highway 99 tunnel | Transportation | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

What happened to us on the way to today’s Viaduct-closure briefing was a reminder of why you’ll want to know enough about options for getting around that you’d be able to switch routes if you have to.

Leaving at 9:15 am to travel the 8.5 miles from Upper Fauntleroy to City Hall should have been enough time for a pre-Viadoom, post-holiday morning.

Taking the high bridge to the 4th Avenue S. exit is our preferred route, as City Hall is on 4th.

Today – so was a crash with a “rescue extrication” response; one person was taken to the hospital. 4th was blocked just north of the end of the NB exit ramp.

Kind fellow drivers let us switch lanes to the SB exit ramp, and we headed south, diverting to 1st Ave. S. at the first possible opportunity.

But – the story will be different if something like this happens in the tunnel-transition time post-Viaduct closure (10 pm Friday, January 11th). The 4th Avenue offramp will devote one of its two lanes to buses. Temporary transit lanes like that are part of the city’s toolbox for trying to ease the “Seattle Squeeze” that kicks off when the Viaduct is closed for the ~3 weeks of work that’ll be needed to #Realign99.

Today’s briefing was primarily about what the city and other transportation/transit agencies, like Metro, are doing, and most of it is information we’ve already reported, but now that the end (of The Viaduct) is in sight, it’s time to sit up and really pay attention.

So first, here’s the slide deck from the briefing (13 MB PDF). Next, video of the briefing, from our late arrival:

Seattle Channel also recorded the briefing, and you can watch via the SC website here.

Of continued interest are the bus changes. The latest version of the South End Pathways map is in the slide deck linked above. Metro’s Bill Bryant recapped the metamorphosis that’s in store for the routes that currently use the Alaskan Way Viaduct – their temporary routes for the Highway 99 closure (three weeks plus the extra week-or-two to finish the new Dearborn exit ramp from NB 99 into downtown), the transition period over the next up-to-a-year while the Viaduct is being demolished and the new Alaskan Way is being built, and the routes’ permanent changes after that. The transitional time will put 40 to 50 buses an hour on 4th Avenue during peak hours, Bryant noted. And if transit gets overloaded, Metro will have 20 coaches on standby, ready to augment any route. Meantime, as the “pathways” map shows, Metro has two options for outbound (pm commute) routes and will be ready to “quickly shift” between them if needed – that’s part of why those routes will be passing through SODO but NOT STOPPING in that area.

A few miscellaneous points that caught our ear:

-SDOT is now up to six “incident response teams” to try to clear trouble faster
-43,000 people have signed up for the Viaduct farewell visits on February 2nd (go here if you haven’t already)
-The city has 7,000 employees downtown, about a tenth of them driving single-occupancy vehicles, and the city is working to provide incentives (teleworking, flex hours, etc.) to reduce that
-If everything SDOT does to try to manage traffic isn’t enough, SDOT’s Heather Marx said, there’s a “Plan B” with more signal modifications, increased street-parking restrictions, more transit-only lanes, potential operations of some streets as transit only, modified I-5 ramp availability/signal timing, restricted turning, expanded hours for transit priority/restrictions, increased “call to action” messaging and more.

WHAT’S NEXT: Tomorrow (Friday, January 4) at 10 pm, the Highway 99 ramps in the stadium zone (Royal Brougham and Atlantic) close permanently so the #Realign99 work can begin. Exactly one week later, the Viaduct closes permanently (10 pm Friday, January 11). If all goes well, WSDOT hopes it can open the tunnel at the end of the celebration weekend – the night of Sunday, February 3rd. The NB 99 Dearborn ramp – which West Seattleites will use to get into downtown from 99 – won’t be ready for “a week or so” after that.

Transportation managers plan more briefings/availabilities in the week-plus ahead, so keep asking questions, and we’ll seek answers. (Tomorrow morning’s briefing topic: Expanded availability of the temporary free downtown waterfront shuttle.)

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Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition announces Paulina López as executive director
January 3, 2019 8:51 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | South Park | West Seattle news

A big announcement tonight from the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition:

As we move into the new year, DRCC/TAG is excited to announce that Paulina López will be our new executive director, effective January 1, 2019.

Our coordinator, James Rasmussen, is stepping into a new, part-time, technical lead role within the organization as he moves toward retirement in a few years. James has truly been an inspiration for his work on the river. He has provided a powerful voice for the river, wonderful leadership for the organization, and has always strived to put the community first. With James at its helm, the organization has grown and thrived. We are not only very thankful that he will continue to provide insight and guidance to DRCC/TAG but also thrilled that he will be able to ensure that the EPA RoundTable and other initiatives will be responsive to community needs and vision.

Originally from Ecuador, Paulina has made Seattle her home over the past 15 years and has been with DRCC/TAG for eight years. Paulina has over 25 years of experience working with issues of civil rights, social justice, equity, education, and diversity. She has and continues to demonstrate commitment and engagement in the community through the advocacy of multiple important civic policies including access to a safe, clean environment for families in the area. Paulina has worked on numerous initiatives and campaigns that have focused on building political power and advancing policies related to issues surrounding race, immigration, the environment, and social justice. She has thrived by pushing for inclusive processes that place those most impacted and affected by issues of inequity and injustice at the center of decision-making.

Paulina created and co-led our Duwamish Valley Youth Corps Program and worked as a Community Engagement Director, advocating for community members to participate in the complex cleanup process and to have a voice. She has served as an expert on the City of Seattle’s Equity and Environment Agenda, Port of Seattle’s Near Port EJ Project, Equity Cabinet of the King County Land Conservation, and on Public Health Seattle and King County’s Health Impact Assessment, among others. Paulina is passionate about community engagement and advocacy for human rights issues especially for underrepresented communities and the issues that affect them. Paulina graduated from St. Thomas University with an LLM, Master of Law in Intercultural Human Rights. She has been an organizer, advocate, full-time volunteer and the mother of three boys under the age of 13.

“My eight years working at DRCC have been an incredible journey and I’m excited to take this next step. When I first got to know this organization, I was impressed by the deep history of the work, the clarity and vision to advocate for environmental justice issues. Also, most of all the inspiring people giving so much of their time to engage the most impacted in my own neighborhood of South Park. It has been an honor to serve here and one of the most important experiences of my life where I learned to appreciate existing networks and bring peoples’ voices to complex systems of government. I look forward to continuing to work together for justice and equity to mobilize resources for the Duwamish Valley as we build collective power to make our community, our cultures, and our ecosystem thrive. Together we will continue our unique and powerful legacy” — Paulina López

We are elated to make this announcement and look forward to the continued growth of DRCC/TAG building on the hard work of James, Paulina, and all of the staff, board, community advisory committee, volunteers and most importantly neighbors and community members.

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Celebration of Life planned April 6 for Christopher R. Clark, 1982-2018
January 3, 2019 6:59 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather in April to celebrate the life of Christopher R. Clark. Right now, they are sharing this remembrance with the community:

Christopher Ryan Clark, 36, of Seattle, passed away into the loving arms of the Lord, on December 28th, 2018, while his mother (Linda Clark) and father (James Clark) held his hands. With a fighting determination, he battled testicular cancer at the age of 12 years old and colon cancer in 2015.

Chris was born on February 7, 1982 to James R. Clark and Linda S. Clark. He was a life-long West Seattle resident and hobbyist who worked for the West Seattle Thriftway for 10 years in the Deli Department.

Chris had a witty sense of humor and a resilient spirit of perseverance, loved being generous and was always willing to help others. He was a master Lego Builder and was active in the BrickCon conventions, which are held in Seattle yearly. Photographing wildlife, birds, and landscapes was another of his hobbies which he enjoyed very much, especially on the many road trips and vacations he pursued with his family as well as with his friends, across the US and abroad.

Chris is survived by his mother Linda, father James, sister Amy Michelle Clark Fowler, and brother-in-law Justin Fowler. He also has many other family members and friends near and far who greatly loved him.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Trinity West Seattle Church (7551 35th Ave SW) on April 6, 2019 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm (family, coworkers, and friends are welcome to attend). More info will be announced in the near future (here).

The Clark family would especially like to thank the West Seattle Thriftway for being so accommodating to Chris while he was in treatments and a great place to work. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Christopher R. Clark’s name to Make A Wish Washington (here).

Share memories of Chris on the tribute page at emmickfunerals.com.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Another stolen green CR-V
January 3, 2019 4:34 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Sam has been visiting our area for the holidays – and unfortunately this happened:

My green 1999 Honda CR-V was stolen on Christmas Eve from the street on the 5600 block of Fauntleroy Way SW. It has Oregon plates (872KGL).

Call 911 if you see it.

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FOLLOWUP: For those who asked how the new West Seattle PCC Community Markets space is going
January 3, 2019 2:09 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(WSB photo: Looking northeast toward the PCC/Luna Apartments project)

When we reported last week on the new signage at the future Whole Foods Market space on the north and west sides of The Whittaker (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW), promising that it will be “open (in) fall 2019,” some WSB readers suggested an update on the new PCC Community Markets-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) space. The project at 2749 California SW, with PCC on the ground floor and three stories of apartments above, has been under construction now for a year, and as shown in our photo, is now the site of the only tower crane currently in use in West Seattle. We asked PCC for an update – here’s the reply from spokesperson Heather Snavely: “Regarding opening, we’re looking forward to returning to West Seattle in the fourth quarter of this year. We’re so grateful to the West Seattle PCC members and shoppers who’ve continued to shop our co-op at our Burien and Columbia City stores, and we’re excited to share more about the new West Seattle store in the coming months.” (You can also still get PCC groceries delivered.)

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UPDATE: SFD response in 3200 block California SW
January 3, 2019 1:26 pm
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: SFD response in 3200 block California SW
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

1:26 PM: According to radio communication, southbound California Avenue SW is currently blocked in the 3200 block as SFD handles a natural-gas leak. They haven’t yet found the source but believe they’ll be able to clear it via ventilation.

1:53 PM: WSB’s Christopher Boffoli reports California is now open both ways. (We have added a photo he sent.)

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YOU CAN HELP! Invest in Youth looking for local volunteers
January 3, 2019 11:59 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Photo courtesy Invest in Youth)

If you’re hoping to spend more time being helpful this year … maybe this is for you! The announcement is from Invest in Youth:

Did you resolve to give back to your community this year? This is your opportunity! Invest in Youth is in need of local volunteer tutors at Roxhill Elementary. As a tutor, you are paired with an elementary school student (a 3rd-5th grader) and work with that same student for the rest of the year. This match allows you to see your impact on the student’s week-to-week progress. It is an extremely rewarding experience for both students and their tutors!

The commitment for tutors involves:

● 1 hour per week at a local school
● An entire school year
● Several breaks for holidays

Please consider becoming a tutor with Invest in Youth and complete an application on our website.

If you are not sure that you can make a commitment every week, or for the entire school year, Invest in Youth is always in need of regular substitute tutors. Please contact Jude (jbrown@investinyouth.org) for specifics.

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ELECTION 2019: Brendan Kolding becomes 3rd to file for District 1 City Council
January 3, 2019 10:48 am
|      92 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

A third candidate has now entered the race for the District 1 (West Seattle/South Park) City Council seat. After Brendan Kolding‘s name appeared Wednesday on the list of those who have registered campaigns, we contacted him to find out more, and he responded with this announcement:

Seattle Police Lieutenant Brendan Kolding has announced his plans to challenge City Councilmember Lisa Herbold for the Council District 1 seat in 2019. “City Council is very much in need of an experienced law enforcement professional,” stated Kolding. “Seattle is in a public safety crisis, and the fine men and women of the SPD do not feel supported by City government. Officers are leaving the Department faster than their replacements can be hired, and the City Council was reluctant to approve the collective bargaining agreement that has been worked out between the Seattle Police Officer’s Guild and the City’s labor relations team. SPD is grossly short-staffed, and this problem will only be exacerbated by the passage of I-940. I am running so that our police officers can have someone on City Council who supports them and will fight for their ability to serve the people of Seattle.

“I am also running because City Council has failed to adequately address the homelessness crisis. I support the creation of FEMA-style shelters. These would be warm, dry places with healthy meals, laundry facilities, ample security, and access to critical services such as mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and job placement. The goal would be to find permanent housing for people within a regional network. It is undignified, unsanitary and unsafe for people to reside in the tents, vehicles, and other makeshift shelters that are currently scattered across Seattle. Many of these living situations are illegal, and for good reason. The solution is not RV lots, tent cities, or tiny villages. Instead, we need to provide basic emergency shelter with concentrated services aimed at elevating people into a more stable lifestyle. Once that is in place, we need to direct people who do not have homes to that option and not allow our sidewalks and parks to be used as campgrounds.”

Kolding, 36, has served on the SPD since 2008. He joined the Policy Unit in 2012, where he was actively involved in the development of key policies related to the federal consent decree. When the City was found to be in initial compliance with the consent decree in January, Kolding returned to Patrol and served as a sergeant at the West Precinct. Promoted to lieutenant in July, he currently serves at the North Precinct. He has been a voting member of the Force Review Board since 2014.

The Kolding campaign will be launching a website in the near future.

In 2017, Kolding applied for the opening on City Council that resulted when former Councilmember Tim Burgess, himself a retired SPD officer, became interim mayor.

Kolding holds a BA from Gonzaga University and an MA from Marquette University, both in political science.

He and his wife have lived in West Seattle for nine years. They have three young children. Kolding is actively involved in the community, coaching basketball at the YMCA and serving as president of the Holy Rosary School Commission.

Kolding has sought elected office before – running for State House in 2014 and 2016.

The first to register a campaign for the District 1 position was Phillip Tavel (here’s our October report), a West Seattle lawyer who ran in 2015; second, Isaiah T. Willoughby (here’s our December report). Incumbent Herbold has yet to announce whether she plans to run for re-election.

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5 for your West Seattle Thursday
January 3, 2019 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on 5 for your West Seattle Thursday
 |   West Seattle news

(Wednesday morning photo by Jim Borrow)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

EXPLORE WEST SEATTLE’S HISTORY: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Log House Museum is open noon-4 pm. (61st SW/SW Stevens)

GAME ON! School’s still out. Bored kid/teen(s) in the house? 2-4:30 pm, board games and more at High Point Library. (3411 SW Raymond)

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: New year, new project? 5-8 pm, visit the West Seattle Tool Library on the northeast corner of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm, Special Order and Phood perform, $8 cover, 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRIVIA TIMES TWO: 7 and 8 pm games at Great American Diner and Bar in The Junction. Free, with prizes! (4752 California SW)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Soggy Thursday watch
January 3, 2019 7:17 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)

7:17 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported in our area so far.

METRO TODAY: Again today, buses are on “reduced weekday” service.

9:38 AM: Getting downtown right now is close to impossible. We are trying to get to a City Hall briefing on Viaduct-to-Tunnel mobility and are stuck on the 4th Avenue S. exit ramp, just discovering the “rescue extrication” call that’s blocking 4th at Spokane.

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GRATITUDE: West Seattle Lights recap
January 2, 2019 10:18 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Now that the holidays are over, so is the 10th season of West Seattle Lights. Received tonight from the music-synched light show’s creator Jim Winder:

I would just like to thank everyone in and around the West Seattle area for coming to see West Seattle Lights and for donating to our two charities, The West Seattle Food Bank and Northwest Parkinson Foundation. Because of your generosity, we were able to deliver to the West Seattle Food Bank over 300 660 pounds in foodstuffs along with $402 and another $402 to NW Parkinson Foundation!! Thank You! Thank You!! Thank You!!! for a great holiday season!!!!

(If you enjoyed WSL this year, you can still donate to its charities online.)

The West Seattle Lights display (which we showcased on Christmas Eve this year) is at a home where friends of Jim’s live. He also now runs a show in Maple Valley.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Flipped-car crash on 1st Avenue South Bridge
January 2, 2019 9:04 pm
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC ALERT: Flipped-car crash on 1st Avenue South Bridge
 |   West Seattle news

If you’re headed this way from points north, avoid the 1st Avenue South Bridge area for a while – emergency crews are there with what SFD says is a two-car crash in the southbound lanes, one flipped with a person trapped inside.

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FOLLOWUP: North Admiral fire started in Christmas tree, SFD says
January 2, 2019 8:54 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

Five days after that early-morning fire gutted a North Admiral house and damaged one next door (WSB coverage here), SFD announced what its investigators found:

Fire Investigators ruled the fire accidental, and determined it was caused by a Christmas tree in the living room that had caught fire from either an energized light string or lit candle ornament.

SFD added that to its original Fireline summary of the incident along with this reminder: “Please remember to water your Christmas tree daily and to keep it at least 3 feet away from heating sources (fireplaces, candles, wood stoves, and heat vents).”

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Water break in Arbor Heights
January 2, 2019 7:25 pm
|    Comments Off on Water break in Arbor Heights
 |   Arbor Heights | Utilities | West Seattle news

Thanks for the tips! There’s a water break in Arbor Heights, near 40th SW/SW 100th. Seattle Public Utilities had a crew arriving when we were there.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Burglar steals 84-year-old woman’s bicycle, leaves watch behind; Westwood Village police response
January 2, 2019 5:16 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

5:16 PM: From Michelle: A break-in early (updated) today at her condo in the 1600 block of Harbor SW, which has been hit before. Above is a security-camera screengrab of the suspect. Michelle says they’ve been hit before, and this time:

We were lucky that they only got one bike. They left several behind, including a new electric that they clearly couldn’t figure out. He did leave behind a watch that I have included. I would love it if people would keep an eye out for this really unique bike! It is going to cost $600 plus to replace and it is my 84-year-old mother’s bike. Grrrrrrrr.

She adds that “we bought it for Mom after she had her hips replaced so that she could just step over it.” The police incident # is 19-1618; if you find the bike, or know anything about the watch, also please let us know.

ADDED 7:04 PM: Thanks for the tips on a big police response near Westwood Village earlier this evening. Though it had dissipated by the time we got there, we were able to ask Southwest Precinct Lt. Steve Strand about it just now at the SW District Council meeting. He said police were after a suspected auto thief. The teenage suspect was caught. The car belonged to his parents, whose custody he’s expected to be released into.

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WestSide Baby among beneficiaries of $11 million mystery man
January 2, 2019 3:00 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

You’ve probably seen regional-media reports about Alan Naiman, a Seattle man who died last year at age 63 and left $11 million to children’s charities after what was by all accounts a frugal life. West Seattle-founded WestSide Baby wants people here to know that they were among the beneficiaries.

“We received a large gift from Alan at the end of 2017 and we were all surprised,” said Nancy Woodland, Executive Director at WestSide Baby. “After reaching out to extend our gratitude, we never heard back but continued to be thrilled. When we learned just weeks later over a phone call that he had left $425,000 to WestSide Baby along with other large gifts to other fantastic children’s nonprofits, the tears were flowing.” …

WestSide Baby will use the gift to purchase basic items urgently needed by families this winter in addition to growing programs to reach more children in 2019. “We feel a great responsibility to ensure Alan’s gift best supports families and children in our region getting the tangible items they need to live healthy and happy lives. We are so grateful.”

In case you missed the announcement last weekend, you have a fun chance to help WestSide Baby by attending a free screening of “Mary Poppins Returns” this Saturday (January 5th) – here’s how.

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VIADUCT-TO-TUNNEL: Countdown updates, including new videos showing how you’ll get to and from downtown
January 2, 2019 11:58 am
|      50 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | Highway 99 tunnel | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

With nine days left until the Alaskan Way Viaduct closes forever for the tunnel transition, the countdown is revving up. We’re just back from a media briefing in SODO at one of the two 99 ramps that will close this Friday – a week before the Viaduct itself – for transition work to begin. What’s new: WSDOT has released videos that try to more clearly answer the persistent questions about how getting into and out of downtown will work after the transition. Two of the clips are particularly relevant to West Seattle – first, how you’ll get into downtown from NB 99:

Second, here’s how you’ll get to SB 99 to get out of downtown:

(The other two new videos are linked here.) For months, WSDOT has been warning that the new Dearborn ramp into downtown from NB 99 won’t be ready for another two weeks or so after the tunnel opens. But when we previewed the video about getting into downtown, we noticed it says the ramp should open after “a week or so.” We asked project deputy administrator Dave Sowers about that at today’s briefing.

He acknowledged that finishing the new ramp could take as little as five extra days of work post-tunnel opening. We recorded the entire 15-minute briefing on video and will add it here when it’s uploaded. (Added 1:55 pm – here it is:)

Other highlights: Sowers said WSDOT is ready to go for the tunnel transition work. If all goes well, the tunnel could open right after the weekend of “goodbye/hello” celebrations February 2-3, Sowers said, possibly that Sunday evening. … The Atlantic and Royal Brougham ramp closures that take effect this Friday night (10 pm January 4th) will mostly affect those who live and work in SODO – 23,000 vehicles a day use the ramps. “There’s a fair amount of work we need to get ahead,” Sowers said, starting with removal of the geofoam that’s under the soon-to-be-closed ramps, revealing more of the permanent northbound tunnel onramp.

SIDE NOTE: Today’s briefing was WSDOT only, and focused on the tunnel transition work itself, not getting around during it. We will be covering a city-led briefing about the latter tomorrow, so if you still have questions about that, let us know and we’ll do our best to get them answered!

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BIZNOTE: Opening day for Youngstown Coffee Co. in Delridge
January 2, 2019 10:12 am
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

(WSB photos)

Today is the first full day of business for Zoe Lyn Kritzer‘s new shop Youngstown Coffee Co. at 5214 Delridge Way SW, but you might know her already from her past West Seattle gigs. We contacted Zoe after neighbor Kate tipped us about seeing the new shop in soft-open mode on New Year’s Day at the former Daily Dose space. Zoe tells us:

My desire to start a coffee shop in West Seattle began when I was 18 and I started working at Uptown Espresso on SW Edmunds St. I have continued to fall in love with the community of West Seattle as I made my residence permanent a few years back and juggled four jobs, two of which allowed me even more exposure to the best of the West; Ma’ono and Uptown Espresso. I am beyond excited to create a space where every person that walks in the door feels like they can be unabashedly themselves and leaves at least a bit better off than when they entered; satiated mentally, physically, and emotionally. My shop is centered on building the beautiful community of Delridge and bringing together people from every walk of life through interpersonal communication and connection.

A big question for coffee shops is always “what are you serving?”

I’m partnering with Victrola for my beans. I grew up on Cap Hill, going to their original shop on 15th; it’s where I began my love affair with coffee and I still think they make the best coffee in Seattle. They also have one of the most supportive, intelligent, ethical, and just generally wonderful team of coffee professionals.

I’m also featuring Friday Afternoon Teas. Friday, the owner of the tea company, is a true tea artist and scientist. Her teas are unlike anything I’ve ever tasted or smelled. She uses a combination of ethically sourced fruit, herbs, and spices to create unique and intoxicating blends.

Lastly, I serve pastries from my innovative and mastermind bakers down at Macrina. They deliver tantalizing treats daily for the fantastic folks of West Seattle to snack on with their craft coffee.

Youngstown Coffee Co.’s hours are 5 am-6 pm weekdays, 7 am-3 pm Saturdays and Sundays.

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6 for your post-holiday West Seattle Wednesday
January 2, 2019 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on 6 for your post-holiday West Seattle Wednesday
 |   West Seattle news

(Pileated Woodpecker, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Options for the first non-holiday of the new year, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

HOT TOPICS FOR SENIORS: Today’s discussion topic at noon at Southwest Library, “The Letter from the Birmingham Jail” – full details in our calendar listing. (9010 35th SW)

SCHOOL’S STILL OUT, SO … all-ages Lego Disaster Island might save somebody in your household from boredom! Legos and Duplos provided. 3-4:30 pm at High Point Library. (3411 SW Raymond)

RUN! First free Wednesday group run of the year at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) – meet at the shop at 6:15 pm. (2743 California SW)

2019’S FIRST COMMUNITY MEETING: Resolved to dive into more community involvement this year? Here’s one way to start: Be at the Southwest District Council meeting, 6:30 pm at the Senior Center/Sisson Building. Agenda details are in our calendar listing. (4217 SW Oregon)

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Live music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) with singer-songwriter Jim Page, 7-9 pm. No cover. (5612 California SW)

PLAY! You’re invited to the popular 8:30 pm weekly trivia at Talarico’s Pizza – details in our calendar listing. (4718 California SW)

LOOK INTO THE FUTURE … via our complete calendar. Send listings to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: First Wednesday of 2019
January 2, 2019 6:43 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)

6:43 AM: Good morning! The holidays are over but holiday vacations aren’t – school isn’t back in session for most (if not all) until next Monday, for example.

METRO TODAY: Again today, buses are on “reduced weekday” service.

#REALIGN99 COUNTDOWN: This Friday night (January 4th) at 10 pm, the on- and off-ramps in the stadium zone close — first big changes, one week before the Alaskan Way Viaduct’s permanent closure. We’ll be covering media briefings each of the next two days, so if you have lingering questions, ask (in comments or text/email) so we can seek answers!

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West Seattle Crime Watch: 2 thefts – green CR-V, red purse
January 1, 2019 9:23 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:

STOLEN CR-V: From Rich:

2 men entered the garage at 5001 California Ave SW at 11:46 on Dec. 31st.

They attempted to steal a van by breaking the ignition lock but only managed to steal the handicap hang tag.

They checked out a few other vehicles before settling on a green 1998 Honda CR-V (WA License 220VQN). They backed the Honda into the vehicle that was blocking it in order to gain room to maneuver out of the parking space.

If you see the car, call 911.

STOLEN PURSE & MORE: From Sophie:

Last night on NYE, somebody stole my red Kate Spade purse at a party on Beach Drive. In it was a matching red Kate Spade wallet, two pairs of Ray Bans, my car keys, house key, and some other important items.

If you happened to spot it discarded or otherwise, we can connect you. We’ll also add the police report # as soon as we get it.

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