month : 06/2020 331 results

CONGRATULATIONS! Hope Lutheran School’s Class of 2020

From Hope Lutheran School:

At Hope Lutheran School, the months of May and June are all about wrapping up the year strong and celebrating our twenty 8th graders who will be moving on to high school. This year is no exception, albeit we are all at home. Knowing that graduates everywhere were disappointed not to be enjoying some of the normal festivities of graduation, we had to get creative in order to show our happiness for them while they are at home.

Social media has been a great way to highlight each of our graduates in what we called our “8th Grade Spotlight.” Sally Heit, Admissions Director, posted a Facebook Live post every day where she spoke about each graduate and posted a picture of them.

Lawn signs were a huge hit for every school, Hope included. Each graduate received one to post outside their front door. One tradition that remained the same this year was the mysterious flock of flamingos that showed up right before graduation to send off the graduates, each with their own graduation hat.

A HUGE Thanks to West Seattle resident Ruth Gardner and her company WestSide Flockers for always getting the flock together in front of the school. Graduates have been coming by to get their picture taken by their flamingo, and passersby have enjoyed the pink display.

Today (June 11th) was the official graduation day, and the Graduation bus carried Hope principal Kristen Okabayashi, Admissions Director Sally Heit, and middle school teachers Sara Kunkel, Tim Allen, and Lisa Mey delivered to each student their diploma and goodie bag.

And, this evening families viewed the special graduation video created by the Hope staff especially for the graduates, complete with a program.

Congratulations, Hope Lutheran Class of 2020!

CORONAVIRUS: Thursday 6/11 roundup

Three months ago today, it was the last regular day of school for most kids in our area. Fast-forwarding to tonight – here’s the nightly roundup:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily-summary dashboard:

*8,584 people have tested positive, up 25 from yesterday

*571 people have died, up 1 from yesterday

*1,512 people have been hospitalized, up 7 from yesterday

*112,753 people have been tested, up 1,462 from yesterday

One week ago, the positive-test/deaths totals were 8,333 and 564.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them, county by county, on the state Department of Health page,.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: See them, nation by nation, here.

REMINDER – LOCAL TESTING TOMORROW: Tomorrow’s the next weekly drive-up/walk-up testing day at the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) north lot (6000 16th SW), 10 am-3 pm.

BACK TO SCHOOL THIS FALL? Three months after closing campuses, Seattle Public Schools is expected to announce its plan a week from tomorrow. Meantime, new state guidance was announced today:

Gov. Jay Inslee today issued a proclamation outlining the state’s plan to possibly re-open schools in the fall for the 2020-2021 school year. The plan follows the state’s Safe Start phased approach to reopening on a county-by-county basis.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal addressed the media today to unveil the Reopening Washington Schools 2020 Planning Guide authorized under the proclamation.

BUS/WATER TAXI COMEBACK: Metro announced today that service levels will be increased on Monday, June 22 – both buses and the Water Taxi.

NATIONAL GUARD MILESTONE: We’ve shown you National Guard members assisting at local food banks, like these soldiers in White Center:

(WCN/WSB photo, last month)

The state announced a milestone today:

Since being activated to support the COVID-19 response, Washington National Guard soldiers and airmen have packaged more than 25 million pounds of food to support local food banks. This past week alone, more than 650 Guard personnel helped box more than 2.6 million pounds of food and assemble more than 68,000 meals.In addition, this week WSDA’s Food Assistance program distributed 1.5 million pounds of food and served more than 171,000 clients.

PHOTOS? TIPS? westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302 – thank you!

DELRIDGE RAPIDRIDE PROJECT: Tree work, side-street staging, and other updates

If you travel along the north half of Delridge Way SW, you’ve probably seen the protective enclosures put up around street trees. Crews on the project paving the way for the RapidRide H Line have also started trimming some trees, and that’s part of what’s in the first update shared by SDOT since work started this past Monday:

We have started tree trimming work this week that will carry into next week on Delridge Way SW in West Seattle. We are also beginning to install drain socks, potholing, and some light saw cutting.

Please note that the trees that are being trimmed are street trees in the right-of-way. We will also be conducting some tree trimming later this summer.

As part of this project, we will upgrade sidewalks and curb ramps, replace panels, and mobilize large equipment in the street. To prepare for this work, overgrown vegetation on private property (tree limbs, shrubs, etc.) that extend into the public right-of-way will need to be trimmed. Please trim trees and plants that hang over the sidewalk as well as tree limbs that hang 14 feet or lower over the street. If plants are not trimmed, we will begin trimming them as we prepare for sidewalk and curb ramp work later this summer.

Work by zone:

Zone A (West Seattle Bridge to SW Findlay St)
SW Alaska, SW Dakota, and SW Genesee streets

We will be conducting utility and storm work. Please expect traffic to be shifted to the east side of Delridge Way SW.

Zone B (SW Findlay St to north of SW Orchard St)
SW Findlay St to SW Juneau St

We will be installing utility pipes. Please expect and traffic to be shifted to the east side of Delridge Way SW.

Zone C (North of SW Orchard St to White Center)
We will continue adjusting traffic signals at select locations in Zone C. Please follow posted traffic signs.

Note that some side streets are blocked at Delridge for staging:

Please note that we are staging equipment at the following streets off of Delridge Way SW and through traffic will be restricted.

 SW Dakota St, west side of Delridge
 SW Edmonds St, west side of Delridge
 SW Edmonds St, east side of Delridge
 SW Hudson St, west side of Delridge
 SW Hudson St, east side of Delridge
 SW Puget Blvd, east side of Delridge
o We will close the gravel alley behind the apartments to the first driveway and use this area for staging.
 SW Brandon St, west side of Delridge
 SW Juneau St, east side of Delridge (summer only)
 SW Willow St, west side of Delridge

The 120 will become the H Line in September 2021. For a full look at all the work that’s scheduled along the corridor, browse the online open house (which has contact info for the project team).

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Treasure-chest thief; hit-run fence-crasher

Two reports with video – first, from Mara, the case of the treasure-chest thief:

That’s the treasure chest that was stolen, a kids’ project in a Seaview yard. The theft was recorded on security video:

Mara explains, “It was something they created during COVID as a share place for kids … it was a big chest from the ’70s. It had a lot of sentimental value.” This happened late Monday night.

Also on video – the case of the fence-crasher:

Heather sent the video and explains: “We’re looking for help locating this vehicle. They ran through the fence never braking. We’re all lucky no one was on the other side of the fence as we all have kids and animals. This person needs to not be driving! Plates can’t be made out but it’s a very distinguishable vehicle. SPD case is 2020-185756.” This happened Tuesday morning near Fairmount Playfield.

ONLINE NOW: West Seattle Art Walk, June edition

June 11, 2020 5:00 pm
|    Comments Off on ONLINE NOW: West Seattle Art Walk, June edition
 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news | West Seattle online | WS culture/arts

It’s the second Thursday of the month, which means West Seattle Art Walk night, online! Just launched and viewable above, a video playlist with what organizers explain as a “curated gallery “movie” with a good selection of work for the artists who are coordinated by local businesses, and a representative 1-3 images for all the artist-led exhibits (plus) a selection of personal videos sent in by some of the artists.” You can see all the artists’ work – and find out about them – by going here.

FOLLOWUP: Start date changed for northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge overnight closures

June 11, 2020 3:24 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Start date changed for northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge overnight closures
 |   Transportation | West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

An update today from WSDOT: The start date has been pushed back for the 1st Avenue South Bridge work that will require up to 14 overnight northbound-only closures, as announced earlier this week. WSDOT spokesperson Tom Pearce says the work is now set to start the night of July 12th (almost a week later than previously announced). The state, which owns and manages this particular bridge, says the closures are needed to “replace 14 sections of steel bridge decking.” The West Seattle low bridge will be open to all during those closures.

Metro bus and Water Taxi service increasing June 22nd. But long-term cuts loom

(WSB file photo)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Metro believes it can handle the demand for bus service that will eventually arise due to the West Seattle Bridge closure.

That’s despite its plans for long-term cuts.

We covered a briefing this morning with Metro officials as they announced that some service will be restored June 22nd, both for buses and the Water Taxi. But – the September “service change” will see some long-term bus cuts, especially with an eye toward the end of some funding Seattle has been providing via the Transportation Benefit District.

First – here’s the full Metro announcement, regarding the entire system. An excerpt:

The transit services in operation in September will be about 85% of pre-COVID levels, providing an estimated 11,000 weekday trips on 121 bus routes. Service will focus primarily on a network of all-day routes throughout King County, including preserving frequent service on Metro’s busiest routes, while restoring peak service sufficient to meet returning demand to the extent possible given the current financial challenges. The cuts are made with direction from the City of Seattle in expectation that the Seattle Transportation Benefit District will discontinue revenue collections at the end of the year. (Metro says it still is awaiting something “definitive” from the city on whether a renewal measure will be pursued.)

While some weekday peak-period commuter routes will be restored, many peak routes will remain suspended in anticipation that long-term commuter ridership demand will take time to recover as many large employers continue having employees telework. Night, evening, and weekend service also will be significantly reduced.

Two West Seattle routes will not come back at all in June or September – the 22 and 37. Metro says those were the lowest-ridership routes on the peninsula even pre-COVID-19 (although some riders have pointed out the chicken-and-egg nature of ridership dropping because of cuts). The only West Seattle routes listed as NOT facing long-term cuts are 21X, 128, and the 131. And beyond September, Metro expects to need to make more cuts, as its projected revenue loss through 2022 – between taxes and farebox – is $615 million.

Metro, by the way, is looking at late June/early July for reinstating fares – they have some safety measures to implement in the meantime.

Since the Metro announcement did not specifically mention response to the West Seattle Bridge closure, that was our question.

“We’re very well aware of (those) challenges,” Metro GM Rob Gannon replied, saying Metro has been “working nonstop” on related issues since the closure, coordinating with the city. He left the specifics to Metro’s Bill Bryant, who promised that WS riders “will see real improvements” on June 22nd and September 19th. He also noted that – for WS and elsewhere – Metro has the ability to increase service on routes quickly, “if we see a spike.”

The expectation that they can meet West Seattle demand is also based on the expectation of relaxed social-distancing guidelines. Metro in the meantime stresses that it’s doing what it can to increase confidence n safety. But it’s been talking with the city regarding increasing West Seattle demand and while the service might not be “as convenient as in the past” or cover the previous span of hours, “it will be adequate to provide the needed capacity.”

As for the Water Taxi, Bryant said it will return to its full “winter schedule” – 5 days a week, commute dayparts – on June 22nd, with the shuttle routes returning too. Longer term, they are considering adding a second boat for the WT – the dock at Seacrest could handle up to 3 sailings an hour. What about shuttle routes that cover more of the peninsula than the standard two? That’s not in the plan for June or September, Metro says, but is under consideration for longer-term planning.

Again, this briefing wasn’t specifically about West Seattle transit – it was Metro’s systemwide announcement of June/September plans – so we expect to hear more specifics in the “Reconnect West Seattle” plan that SDOT has promised. Metro also will have more details soon on the June 22 increases system-wide.

GENERAL STRIKE ON FRIDAY: West Seattle business closures

Regional leadership of the Black Lives Matter movement has called for a “general strike” and day of action tomorrow – read about it here. So far we’ve heard from three West Seattle businesses planning to close Friday in support:

(updated 7:38 pm Friday – note we’ve included a few White Center businesses mentioned)
Pegasus Book Exchange
Funky Jane’s Consignment
Cupcake Royale
Best of Hands Barrelhouse
Bebop Waffle Shop
Flower Lab
Full Tilt Ice Cream
Beveridge Place Pub
Flying Apron
ArtsWest
Meat the Live Butcher
Alair
Bakery Nouveau (closing early)
Il Nido
Kinetic Physical Therapy
Carroll Law Group
Thunder Road Guitars/The Bass Shop
Mashiko
Carmilia’s (closing early)
Bishop’s
Realfine Coffee
West Seattle Wonder Dogs
Chelan Café
Click! Design That Fits
StarCycle West Seattle
C & P Coffee Company
Public Goods & Services
Marination Ma Kai
Swinery
Village Woodworks
Cold Crash Brewing
Bin 41
Seattle Yarn
Easy Street Records & Café
Elliott Bay Brewing
Hotwire Coffee
Moonshot Coffee
Zeeks Pizza
Husky Deli
Box Bar
Fleurt
Lika Love
West Seattle Nursery
Pagliacci
Curious Kidstuff
Itto’s Tapas
Wyatt’s Jewelers
West 5
Harry’s Beach House
Olympia Coffee (closing early)
Verity Credit Union (closing early)
Northwest Art & Frame (closing early)
Falafel Salam
Great American Diner
Junction TrueValue
Shadowland
Maharaja
Elegant Nails by Tina
The Good Society
MetaHelm
Endolyne Joe’s
Wildwood Market
Filmateria Studios

Any others? Please let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll add to the list.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: ‘Black Lives Matter’ support sign stolen

The photo and report are from Julie:

I am writing to share the upsetting and disappointing news that a Black Lives Matter sign our PTA placed on the Myrtle St. fence at Gatewood Elementary School was removed and stolen last night. Someone was trying very hard to block this message of solidarity and support for people of color in our community, and we ask that people be on the lookout.

We are planning to print another and post again.

OPEN AGAIN: Chelan Café

Thanks for the tips! We just went down to confirm that Chelan Café has reopened. Breakfast and lunch daily, dine in or take out, 7 am-2 pm.

The café is at the now-busier-than-ever 5-way intersection, 3527 Chelan SW.

Here’s why it’s a big morning for fishing on Elliott Bay

Lots of boats on Elliott Bay right now. Thanks to Jim Borrow for the photo and explanation – it’s the always-popular one-day season for spot-shrimp fishing. (Not even one full day – 7 am to 1 pm in Elliott Bay, 7 am to 11 am west of the bay – but the state’s announcement notes, “Additional dates and times may be announced if enough quota remains” afterward.) ADDED: This of course has filled Don Armeni Boat Ramp’s lot – this photo, from early morning, is by Stewart L:

ROAD WORK/TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday notes; 12th week of West Seattle Bridge closure

6:03 AM: Good morning – the 80th morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge. One more time, we’ll remind you that the Delridge Way repaving-and-more project has begun – here’s our preview.

Now on to the cameras for the 5-way intersection, and the restricted-access low bridge just east of it:

The main detour route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – which has up to 14 overnight closures planned next month, as announced Tuesday. Meanwhile, here’s that camera:

The other major bridge across the river is the South Park Bridge (map) – this camera shows the SP-side approach:

Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed for info about any of those bridges opening for marine traffic.

You can see all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.

TRANSIT

Metro – Check the Twitter feed for any breaking service changes. Otherwise – still on the reduced schedule and reduced capacity; check here for next departure

Water TaxiReduced schedule continues

Trouble on the roads/paths? Let us know – comment or text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

CORONAVIRUS: Wednesday 6/10 roundup

Tonight’s toplines in the virus crisis:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily-summary dashboard:

*8,559 people have tested positive, 23 more than yesterday

*570 people have died, unchanged from yesterday

*1,505 people have been hospitalized, 6 more than yesterday

*111,291 people have been tested, 1,478 more than yesterday

One week ago, 8,277 people had tested positive, and 562 had died.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them, county by county, on the state Department of Health page,.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: See them, nation by nation, here.

MASK CHALLENGE: Even as reopening continues, health authorities urge everyone to wear a face covering when out in public. So the state has announced this:

Wearing a facial covering is one of the easiest, most effective things we can all do to prevent the spread of this virus. The governor announced the state has already made emergency distributions of more than 1 million cloth facial coverings with another 4 million masks on order. The state has teamed up with Restart Partners to launch the “Wear A Mask” Initiative and is asking Washingtonians to submit videos of themselves answering the question: “Why do you wear a mask?” You can learn more and participate in this effort by visiting restart.us/WearAMaskWA.

FIGHTING HUNGER: An additional summertime benefit will be available for families of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch – here are the details.

…AND HOW TO HELP FIGHT HUNGER: Admiral UCC Church‘s next food drive is Saturday: “From 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. There will be a Food Bank barrel to collect food donations, under a canopy if it is raining, at the Admiral church with attendants to assist with the collection of food: non-perishable and canned food, pet food and cat litter, baking supplies, seasonings and herbs, bagged fresh produce or home grown organic vegetables.” The church is at 4320 SW Hill.

GOT INFO? Email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com or phone us, text or voice, at 206-293-6302 – thank you!

WEST SEATTLE SUNSET: Wednesday’s fiery finale

Breathtaking sunset tonight! Thanks to James Bratsanos (above) and Stephen Nielsen (below) for sending photos.

The forecast says we might see rain again tomorrow.

PROTESTS: ‘Community March for Black Lives’ fills White Center streets, with Chief Sealth IHS youth joining in

A community-organized March for Black Lives took to the streets in White Center late today, starting with a rally at Greenbridge Plaza, then marching to the business district for a second rally, and then back to Greenbridge via Roxbury. For more photos, see our report on partner site White Center Now. Among the participants, a group that marched from Chief Sealth International High School – we stopped by while they were gathering:

WHAT’S NEXT: Still awaiting word on whether any West Seattle events are planned in conjunction with Friday’s general strike. We have heard from an organizer calling for a 2 pm Sunday (June 14th) march from High Point Community Center.

UPDATE: Missing man found

8:17 PM: Just got a call from neighbors of the family looking for Byron, missing about half an hour near 56th and Dakota. He’s in his 70s and has dementia; he’s white, with white hair, 5’9″, thin, wearing a red/white/blue collared shirt and tan pants. Police are searching too. If you see him, call 911.

8:20 PM: Good news! He’s been found, safe.

ADDED: The photo mentioned in a comment, published with the family’s permission:

HELPING: Alki PTA’s ‘In It Together’ initiative, and 2 more ways to be part of it

From the Alki Elementary PTA – how they’re helping, and how you can help:

During these unprecedented times of true uncertainty, Alki Elementary has set out to shine the light on small businesses and families in need here in West Seattle. We have always relied on our community’s support to help us fund staff positions (counselor, nurse, and hourly staff) and programs within our school, and our community has never let us down. Now, our call to return that support is clear. We are filled with ideas and moving forcefully with meaningful action through our “IN communITy TOGETHER” initiative.

By way of our collective minds and hearts, we have already launched 3 separate efforts during this pandemic, honoring our mission to serve and support those our own neighborhood.

*Selling flowers for our local flower farmers on Mother’s Day was wildly successful, due to the synergy of teamwork. The idea lives on, as other schools have adopted our model and continue to host sales for Lee Lor Gardens and Blong’s Garden.

Currently, two more efforts are taking place.

*For Father’s Day we are supporting Husky Deli, The Beer Junction, and Safeway on Admiral as we sell pre-orders of DIY ROOT BEER FLOAT KITS for drive thru pick-up at Husky Deli on Father’s Day, June 21st.

*Lastly, our initiative to FEED THOSE IN NEED is the pride and joy of IN IT TOGETHER. We have partnered with the existing effort of local restaurants here in West Seattle (The Westy, Mission Cantina, The Bridge, Peel and Press, and West 5), as well as the Alibi Room at Pike Place Market to provide healthy meals to first responders, seniors, healthcare workers, and those experiencing food insecurities due to the pandemic. A $10 donation will provide one meal as well as support our local community needs through ALKI CARES FUND. Alki Cares supports families severely impacted by COVID19, providing them with groceries, supplies, and more. To date, we have provided 235 meals!

WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE CLOSURE: Community Task Force begins ‘long journey’

(WSB file photo)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The three-dozen-plus members of the West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force have begun their “long journey.”

That’s what one co-chair called it, as the group met for the first time via videoconference and phone this afternoon.

It was mostly a meet-and-greet session, devoted to introductions as well as a statement of purpose, underscoring that this group will be advising, not deciding. The major piece of new information presented by SDOT was the timeline/scenarios released separately, and reported here, during the meeting – basically, that we’ll have a new bridge either in mid-decade, or, if this one’s life can be extended a bit through repairs, early next decade.

First, here’s the meeting slide deck (also here in PDF):

(added Thursday) Here’s the meeting video:

SDOT director Sam Zimbabwe opened. “This is the top issue for SDOT,” he reassured everyone, “a huge undertaking and a complex set of issues.”

Read More

WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE CLOSURE: New potential timelines/scenarios from SDOT

While the West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force is holding its first meeting, SDOT has published an update on potential timelines/scenarios – if the bridge is not fixable and has to be replaced, for example, a replacement could be in place as soon as 2024. The full post is here; below, key excerpts:

…To ensure that the public has a similar baseline understanding of the bridge and related work as the TAP and Task Force, we want to share with you an update on current bridge work and what it means, in the broadest of terms, for when and how we might restore travel capacity across the Duwamish. The estimates shared below reflect best estimates at this time and are very much subject to change as we continue to gather additional information. They are helpful, however, for showing where we are right now and what pathways and corresponding crossroads sit before us.

The first step to determining the future of the bridge is to complete testing and analysis to understand the condition of the bridge and how it continues to change.

We learn more about the bridge’s condition every day. This past weekend, crews suspended by ropes and safety harnesses descended from the edge of the bridge to drill precision holes in the concrete and collect core samples. The concrete samples, extracted from several locations along the superstructure, will be tested to determine how resistant the concrete is to corrosion.

Soon, we will have enough information for an informed discussion about whether to repair or replace the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge.

We expect to complete our analysis on the structural stability of the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge in late June or early July. This information is critical to understanding whether repairs to the bridge are possible and provides important information needed to decide what is best going forward.

Our ultimate goal will be to restore the critical transportation connection of the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge as quickly as possible, in the safest, most effective way that puts the needs of the community and urgency of the situation front and center.

Critically, we will not be making this decision alone, and will work closely with elected leaders, partner agencies, our new Technical Advisory Panel of engineering experts, and the new Community Task Force representing affected communities in West Seattle and the surrounding areas.

While we do not have all of the information yet, we are beginning to better understand what tradeoffs and rough timelines could look like for repairing or replacing the bridge.

Just as we shared in April that we do not anticipate the bridge reopening in 2020 or 2021 if repair is possible, today we want to share what the corresponding timeline might be for replacement, should we collectively choose to move in that direction.

While we still do not know exactly how long it would take to repair or rebuild the bridge, and which path is best based on data and structural analysis, we do have a sense of the pros and cons of several options we want to share today, as we prepare to share a much more technical set of considerations in the coming weeks.

If repairs are feasible, they would take until 2022 at the earliest.

Repairs would potentially mean fewer lanes of traffic than the bridge carried before and would only extend the life of the bridge by approximately 10 years, when the bridge would still need to ultimately be replaced.

While these are some significant tradeoffs, this could also offer some big advantages. In addition to allowing vehicles back onto the bridge sooner, reopening the bridge for up to a decade could also give us more time to work with regional partners on the potential design, construction, and funding for a long-term solution to restore capacity across the Duwamish in a more deliberative fashion.

If repairs are deemed not feasible, constructing a new bridge could take, very roughly, four to six years (reopening approximately 2024 – 2026).

But then, the construction would be done, and the new bridge could last for 50-75 years, depending on what type of replacement option was selected.

There are many types of replacement bridges to consider, and the decision will likely depend on several factors including cost, timeline, and the health of the infrastructure around the current bridge. In addition to construction, the approximate four- to six-year timelines include public input, design, planning, and permitting.

Again, we will know more as to whether or not repairs are feasible later this summer, once we complete our analysis on the structural stability of the bridge. Any decisions before then would be imprudent, but has and will not preclude our efforts to prepare for all pivots that data might suggest.

In addition to completing testing and analysis, another immediate step for both repair and replace scenarios will be to stabilize the bridge.

We are continuing to gear up and prepare for the stabilization work that will be the essential next step for public safety, no matter what path is ultimately chosen. While we may be able to adapt and scale back some aspects our stabilization plans if we move towards replacement, we would still need to strengthen and support the bridge in order to safely demolish it prior to replacement work commencing.

This work will begin this summer and will likely consist of three phases …

Details on those phases, and what happens next, are in the full SDOT post. Meantime, we are covering the Community Task Force meeting, and will have that report later this afternoon.

PROTESTS: Delridge demonstration, with 2 more events ahead today

(WSB photos)

Protests for justice and equity, against racism and oppression, continue around our city, region, and nation. Parents organized this rally lining Delridge at noon outside Louisa Boren STEM K-8, first of three events today.

Coming up: 3 pm student-organized event outside Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle), marching to White Center, where the Community March for Black Lives will begin with speakers at Greenbridge Plaza (8th SW south of Roxbury) at 4 pm, heading toward downtown White Center at 5 pm.

REOPENING: Announcements from 6 more West Seattle Junction businesses

We’re continuing to publish business-reopening announcements. Here are six more we have received, all in The Junction:

SKIN CARE BY CASEY (44th/Oregon): From proprietor Casey Rasmussen:

Skin Care by Casey will re-open 6/25 at limited capacity, following all guidelines.

Booking here-
square.site/book/311VZ123H62TW/skin-care-by-casey-seattle-wa

FUNKY JANE’S CONSIGNMENT (California/Oregon): From proprietor Panida Vilaythong:

Now open! Temporary modifications below:

Hours
Monday / Tuesday Closed
Wednesday – Friday 12 pm to 6 pm
Saturday 10:30 am to 5 pm
Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm

Consignment
As we ease into this new environment, FJC will not be accepting consignments at this time. As regulations change rapidly, we feel this will allow us to be as nimble as possible.

Fortunately, prior to our statewide shutdown, we transitioned into the Spring season! Our store is stocked with great inventory for your new Spring / Summer wardrobe! We look forward to seeing you again and rebuilding with your support!

As you read in our window, WE MISSED YOU!

DARBY WINERY (California/Alaska): From the new tasting room:

Darby Winery @ The Junction will be opening for tastings and bottle service/glass pours this Saturday, 6/13 from 12-6pm and Darby will be in the tasting room to greet guests this Saturday!

Our ongoing hours then will be TH-SAT 12-6 pm

Reservations are recommended as we have limited availability, reservations on the hour, every hour during business hours. We will have reservation capability directly from our website (setting up now) but to start, guests can email info@darbywinery.com OR call 425.233.7879 to reserve.

If you don’t reserve you can pop by and if we have an open tasting area we are happy to seat you! Don’t need a reservation to come get wine to go! Still pop in any time during normal business hours and pick up!

SPA PHOEBE (Fauntleroy/Edmunds): From proprietor Phoebe Lind:

Spa Phoebe has decided to fully open its doors again July 1st. We are open by appointment only Sunday-Saturday. 206-450-2761

MATHNASIUM OF WEST SEATTLE (Jefferson Square): From owner Juned:

Mathnasium of West Seattle is opening June 15th.

We will be offering online tutoring during 1 PM – 3 PM and 3 PM – 6 PM offering in-center tutoring.

We are very excited to start the center soon.

TERRY GANGON STATE FARM (4727 44th SW):

Terry Gangon’s State Farm office reopened on June 1st with masks required. Thanks, West Seattle for 40 years!!!

More updates ahead – westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best way to reach us unless it’s breaking news (then text/voice 206-293-6302) – thank you!

ONLINE TONIGHT: Writing circle, presented by West Seattle libraries

June 10, 2020 11:37 am
|    Comments Off on ONLINE TONIGHT: Writing circle, presented by West Seattle libraries
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online | WS culture/arts

Libraries haven’t reopened yet, but the Seattle Public Librarys local branches are presenting this tonight, and you’re invited – just be sure to sign up ASAP!

Virtual Writing Circle with Hugo House: Seattle Writes
Wednesday June 10, 6-7:30 pm

Drop into a virtual writing circle, hosted by author Jeanine Walker, for writing exercises, motivation, and ways to connect with other writers. Registration required.

In this group, we’ll focus on generative writing through poetry prompts. The session will begin with introductions and a short warm-up, after which we’ll read two separate poems and write in response to those. At times writers will be invited to create community through sharing words or ideas with other writers in small groups. Attendees will leave the class with 2-3 new drafts of poems. Designed for all writers, this group supports poets as well those working in other genres, as the skills practiced in poetry can be thought of as “cross-training” for memoir and fiction, too.

Library events and programs are free and everyone is welcome. Have a laptop or pen and paper — and be ready to write!

To receive the link for this event, please click here and select the red date you want to attend. Phone registration also available at 206-322-7030.

TODAY: West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force’s first meeting

=(May photo courtesy Kevin Freitas, originally published on Twitter)

As we’ve mentioned several times, the new West Seattle Community Bridge Task Force has its first meeting at 1 pm today. From SDOT, here’s how to watch/comment:

This first meeting will be an opportunity for panelists to meet each other, establish some basic ground rules, and get a broad overview of efforts on the bridge, on the ground, and in the community. Then, next week, the Task Force will dive more substantively into the issues at hand.

Please use (updated link) this link to listen and watch the meeting.

Once the meeting begins, we will be provide a link to a comment/question form for members of the public and media. SDOT staff will be monitoring these comments throughout the meeting and will share them with the moderator and co-chairs as needed, and to all Task Force members following the meeting.

Here’s the agenda, which includes dates and topics for the next two meetings.