REMINDER: 35th/Alaska closure = distant detours, and why that’s a good thing

January 3, 2020 6:42 pm

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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Reminder for the weekend ahead – that sign at 35th/Morgan is part of the detour related to the 35th/Alaska intersection closure that began this morning, despite the distance. As spelled out again in the update we published Thursday, the goal is to keep drivers from using side streets as cut-throughs. And here’s a reminder of why:

That reader-texted photo is from a crash at 36th/Raymond late this afternoon. The texter described it as a “broadside” crash. No medic unit was sent, and the small SFD response closed quickly, so apparently no serious injury. We do NOT know whether anyone involved was “cutting through” BUT this is a reminder to take great care – all the time – on residential streets, too. Meantime, the 35th/Alaska closure is scheduled to end by early Monday; as usual, we will be checking on Sunday in case it ends early.

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FOLLOWUP: Sea-lion carcass towed from Constellation Park

January 3, 2020 6:14 pm

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 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Another update on the California sea lion found dead this past week on West Seattle’s shore – the photo and newest info are from David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network:

Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network is happy to report that the California sea lion carcass that had been on the beach at Constellation Park was successfully removed today. The carcass was towed by Mark Sears from that location over to Don Armeni Boat Ramp, where a limited necropsy was performed by Casey Mclean, Executive Director of SR3. Samples were taken for x-ray. At this point no cause of death can be confirmed.

This was a cooperative effort and Seal Sitters would like to especially thank Mark for his assistance. Also, we greatly appreciate the part played by Seattle Parks & Recreation. Parks’ staff coordinated with Mark and provided the equipment needed to move such a large, heavy animal. They will also be responsible for final disposal.

Previous reports: Here (Thursday) and here (Tuesday).

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About the emergency response at Terminal 5

January 3, 2020 5:05 pm

|      1 COMMENT

 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

Thanks to Kevin Freitas for the photo and to everyone who messaged about a big emergency response at Terminal 5. We missed hearing the dispatch so inquired with SFD – spokesperson David Cuerpo replied:

Firefighters responded … for a loaded excavator that tipped over on a dock, partially landing in the water (the stick/bucket part of the excavator). The driver of the excavator was able to self-extricate prior to SFD arrival (the driver never fell in water), and was transported in stable condition via AMR to Harborview. He is an approx. 60-year-old male. When the excavator tipped over, an adult male on a nearby vessel fell in the water, and was able to exit on his own. He is wet, but uninjured. Rescue boat 5 and Fireboat 2 were taking turns in managing traffic in the waterway…

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BIZNOTE: South Delridge restaurant closes

January 3, 2020 3:04 pm

|      13 COMMENTS

 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(WSB photos)

Thanks to the texter who sent word that the Vietnamese restaurant Hoang Kim (9418 Delridge Way SW) has closed. We went over for a look – here’s the note on the window:

Hoang Kim had been there for about two years, taking over what had been 88 Restarant. In a social media post about its closure, Hoang Kim said, “Hope to see you all again at a new better location!”

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another Audi theft; apartment-garage, carport car prowls

January 3, 2020 12:54 pm

|      5 COMMENTS

 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle Crime Watch reports:

ANOTHER AUDI THEFT: Audis seem to be a favorite target of local car thieves lately. From Derek:

Our car was stolen late evening the 2nd or early morning the 3rd, before 4:00 am.

1985 Audi 4000S quattro. Blue with gray/black interior. Dents and dings on every panel. Washington plate AFV7909. Taken from the 6500 block of 18th Ave SW. Police incident number 2020-002643.

APARTMENT-GARAGE CAR PROWLS: An anonymous reader sent word that the “Junction 47 apartments on the corner of Alaska and California has had three mass car break-ins in the secure garage in the last two months, two of which involved vandalism of and theft from the cars (smashed windows and stolen items).” The most recent, police confirm, was overnight New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day, with three vehicles prowled. Incident # 2020-000414.

ALKI CAR PROWL: The image and report are from Allen, who says this happened in the 3600 block of 61st SW:

12/31/2019 @ 8:16 am. Man in 20s. Dark jacket, hoody underneath. small backpack and white tennis shoes with reflectors above heel area and zig-zag black manufacture markings on side of shoes. Entered unlocked car in carport stole tire chains and misc. items after getting in thru backseat to trunk. Left carrying dark bag containing chains south on 61st Ave. SW. @ 8:19 am. Police report: T19014832 [temporary tracking #] if you can help identify thief.

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Four for your West Seattle Friday

January 3, 2020 11:28 am

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 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to Anne from longtime WSB sponsor Ventana Construction for the lovely view of Lincoln Park on this partly sunny Friday morning. Four highlights for the hours ahead:

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is a great place to visit on the last day of winter break. Regular hours are noon-4 pm Thursdays-Sundays. (61st/Stevens)

BASKETBALL: Big night for high-school home games. Chief Sealth International High School hosts Lakeside, girls’ varsity at 7, boys at 8:30 (2600 SW Thistle); West Seattle High School hosts Garfield, girls’ varsity at 7, boys at 8:30. (3000 California SW)

SIGGIE THE VINTAGE MAN: CD-release show at Pacific Room (WSB sponsor) on Alki, 8 pm. Cover info here. (2808 Alki SW)

VIDEO PREMIERE PARTY: 8 pm at The Skylark, “The Light” video premiere from Jim Marcotte Music, along with performances from his band, Xolie Morra & The Strangekind, and Jesse Gallaway. $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

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FOLLOWUP: Power outage over

January 3, 2020 10:38 am

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 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

10:38 AM: Thanks to Mike Monteleone for the photo! Those Seattle City Light crews are working “in alley between 35th and 36th near Fauntleroy.” That’s the trouble spot that took out traffic signals and eventually 282 residential and business customers nearby. We’d been covering it in this morning’s traffic watch, but since the commute’s over, we’re publishing this followup, where we’ll add any updates, including the restoration of power.

10:44 AM: Moments after we published this, Kathy told us the power had just come back on. We had a crew on the way to check 35th/Avalon anyway – and they’ve just verified it’s all restored.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: 2020’s first Friday; signal (and beyond) outage

January 3, 2020 5:36 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)

5:36 AM: Good morning. Starting early after multiple reports that the signal at 35th/Fauntleroy is out; one report says a power line’s down in a nearby alley. Remember that a broken signal = all-way stop!

5:40 AM: We also have an email report that 35th/Avalon, Fauntleroy/Avalon signals are out too.

5:54 AM: That report was from Kory, who says SPD is directing traffic at 35th/Fauntleroy.

6:07 AM: Seth says the signals are still out.

6:46 AM: Kory reports the outage has spread to nearby businesses including Alki Lumber, Taco Time, Starbucks. It’s showing on City Light’s map as well (but was not previously), with almost 300 customers out:

Per scanner, police are also directing traffic now at 35th/Avalon.

9:06 AM: Teo crash reports – west end of WB West Seattle Bridge and NB 1st Ave S Bridge.

10:50 AM: As we’ve updated in a separate story, the outage is over.

=========================

(from original report) Meantime, today’s reminders/FYIs:

35TH/ALASKA INTERSECTION CLOSURE: SDOT says this will start at 9 am. The full detour plan is here. Bus changes are linked here. While the closure is scheduled to last until “early Monday,” as usual we’ll be checking Sunday for signs of early reopening and will update if that happens.

WATER TAXI CHANGE: Starting today, the smaller Spirit of Kingston will handle the West Seattle run on Friday mornings TFN.

IF YOU USE LIGHT RAIL … some changes start today.

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Farewell to fines, and what else just changed at Seattle Public Library

January 3, 2020 1:15 am

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 |   West Seattle books | West Seattle news

Going back to before last year’s vote on the Seattle Public Library levy, much discussion focused on its inclusion of a plan to end overdue-material fines. That just kicked in, but it’s not the only change that’s taking effect. From the library’s announcement:

… The Library continues to urge residents to return their library items. It will send reminders via email, text and phone. Patrons will receive notices to remind them when materials are due, as well as when they are past due. Patrons will still be responsible for paying replacement fees for lost or damaged items. Outstanding fees for lost and damaged items will not be waived. …

As part of the new policy:

· Patrons will now be able to renew items up to three times if no one else is waiting for them

· The Library will change its notification schedule to help borrowers remember to return their items, and patrons can now sign up for text-message reminders

· Patrons who do not return an item within 14 days after it’s due will have their Library account suspended until they’ve returned the item or paid the replacement fee

· The Library will consider an item lost if it is not returned after 31 days past its due date, and a replacement fee will be added to the account

· Patrons can find details on the new policies at spl.org/NoLateFines

The change means the reinstatement of about 51,000 accounts, SPL says. Meantime, the levy also is adding hours of operation, starting this Sunday, when all branches will open an hour earlier, noon instead of 1 pm. Delridge Library also soon will be open on Fridays because of levy funding, which is expanding hours at High Point and South Park too.

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UPDATE: Seattle Fire investigating smoke @ Sunset Avenue home

January 2, 2020 9:32 pm

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 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

9:32 PM: In case you wondered about the sirens too: A mid-size Seattle Fire response has arrived in the 2200 block of Sunset Avenue, checking out smoke inside the house. So far, radio exchanges indicate, they’re focusing on a “malfunctioning heater” as the likely source.

9:36 PM: The response is being downsized.

9:54 PM: The last unit has left and the call is closed.

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FOLLOWUP: Sea lion’s death still under investigation

January 2, 2020 8:05 pm

|      3 COMMENTS

 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network sent the photo and an update on the most-recent dead sea lion found on the West Seattle shore:

Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network would like to thank those of you who have been contacting our Hotline and reporting on the most recent dead California sea lion to wash ashore in West Seattle. Our volunteers have been keeping track of its location since it was first reported much farther south on private property along Beach Drive on Christmas Day. After a brief stop at the Emma Schmitz Overlook, the carcass is now on the beach at Constellation Park. Seal Sitters has posted an informational sign at the site.

Removal is not a simple process. Seal Sitters has been coordinating with Seattle Parks, SR3 and NOAA on the best way to deal with the situation. Burial on site is not an option, and towing offshore and sinking requires a permit from the Environmental Protection Agency. We have the beginnings of a plan in place which would include an examination and the taking of samples by Casey Mclean of SR3. Seattle Parks & Recreation will be handling the final disposal.

Reports that the animal has been shot are not confirmed at this time. Until a limited necropsy has been performed, there is no sure way of determining cause of death, much less if it was due to shooting. That said, any time a robust sea lion shows up dead, there is suspicion the animal has been possibly shot.

Once again, thanks and be sure to report any new sightings of a marine mammal, alive or dead, on West Seattle beaches to Seal Sitters Hotline (206-905-7325)

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CITY COUNCIL: How its committees will change; Herbold to chair Public Safety

January 2, 2020 5:37 pm

|      21 COMMENTS

 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

When the Seattle City Council starts its year next Monday, they’ll take care of some internal business, from swearing-in ceremonies to new committee assignments. That means some changes in committee names, too. The new lineup – barring any last-minute changes before a vote on Monday – is here (along with a description of each committee’s responsibilities).

District 1 (West Seattle/South Park) Councilmember Lisa Herbold, about to start her second 4-year term, has a big change – she’ll chair the Public Safety and Human Services Committee. She’ll be vice chair of the Finance and Housing Committee, chaired by Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda. Herbold will also be a member of the Transportation and Utilities Committee, chaired by new Councilmember Alex Pedersen, and of the Public Assets and Native Communities Committee, chaired by re-elected Councilmember Debora Juarez, as well as serving as an alternate member of the Community Economic Development Committee, chaired by new Councilmember Tammy Morales. (The other three committees are Governance and Education, chaired by Councilmember Lorena González; Land Use and Neighborhoods, chaired by new Councilmember Dan Strauss; and Sustainability and Renters’ Rights, chaired by re-elected Councilmember Kshama Sawant.) Also of note: That’s one fewer committee than the current lineup. This will all get finalized – plus, the council will choose its new president – 2 pm Monday at City Hall downtown.

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WATER TAXI: Friday-morning boat change for the rest of the season

January 2, 2020 4:30 pm

|    Comments Off on WATER TAXI: Friday-morning boat change for the rest of the season

 |   King County Water Taxi | Transportation | West Seattle news

(Spirit of Kingston – WSB file photo)

For the rest of the winter, the King County Water Taxi‘s backup boat Spirit of Kingston will have a regular spot – Friday mornings on the West Seattle route. KCDOT spokesperson Torie Rynning tells WSB that this starts tomorrow, January 3rd. The regular West Seattle boat, Doc Maynard, will in turn handle the Vashon run on Friday mornings. Rynning cites three reasons for the change:

*Allows the Spirit of Kingston to not sit idle

*Doc Maynard can “get some exercise” on the longer trip to Vashon

*More routine maintenance can be conducted on the Sally Fox

SoK has a little more than half the DM’s passenger capacity, and a lower bicycle capacity too. The 7-day-a-week spring/summer schedule starts March 23rd on the West Seattle run; Vashon service is 5 days a week year-round. (Update: Rynning adds that this might continue past the start of the 7-day schedule.)

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