month : 07/2020 314 results

(Added 8:57 pm, photo by Jamie Kinney)

6:12 PM: Thanks to Jay for the tip! He says orcas just passed Dilworth on Vashon Island’s eastern shore, northbound, so they could be visible soon from west-facing West Seattle.

7:02 PM: Eastbound – toward West Seattle! – in the Fauntleroy ferry lanes, says Kersti Muul.

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COMET NEOWISE: Where to look from West Seattle tonight and/or early tomorrow

| Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

(Photo by Kasia Bozek)

Looks like another clear night tonight, so that means another chance to see Comet NEOWISE. Following up on her earlier post, West Seattle sky-watching expert and educator Alice Enevoldsen has put together maps (with the help of Stellarium) – here’s one for tonight:

Alice says that map shows what should be visible around 10:15 pm on “the North-northwestern horizon. Comet NEOWISE is a speck almost directly below the Big Dipper, and to the upper left of the bright star Capella.” If you’d rather do your comet-watching early in the morning, here’s 2 am Thursday:

That one is “showing the North-northwestern horizon. (The comet) is a speck to the lower right of the Big Dipper, and nearly due North.” Or click here for the 4 am Thursday image. Weather permitting, the comet might be visible through late July.

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Leadership change ahead for Metro

July 15, 2020 4:58 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news

(Terry White, 2019 WSB photo)

Just announced by King County: A leadership change at Metro. After four years as General Manager, Rob Gannon is leaving, heading to Missoula, Montana, to be that city’s chief financial officer. Starting August 1st, deputy GM Terry White will become interim GM; he’s been with Metro for 33 years. Metro oversees the Water Taxi as well as buses and vanpools, and operates the Seattle Streetcar too. White will take over at a precarious time, as pandemic-reduced revenue and capacity has drastically affected the service it provides.

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Supreme closes both locations after U-District employee tests positive for COVID-19

July 15, 2020 3:43 pm

| Comments Off on Supreme closes both locations after U-District employee tests positive for COVID-19

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Thanks for the tip! Another local restaurant has announced a COVID-19-related closure – but with unique circumstances. Supreme in The Junction announced on social media that it has closed both locations because an employee at its U-District location tested positive: “Due to the circumstance, we have decided to close both Supreme locations for now to allow our team two rounds of COVID-19 testing to be 100% sure we will reopen safely. We will also be tracking this testing experience so that we will be prepared for if and when it happens again in any of our places.”

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ELECTION 2020: Your primary ballot’s in the mail

July 15, 2020 3:09 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

If you’re registered to vote, you’ll get a ballot within the next few days – King County Elections has just mailed the ballots for the August 4th primary election. No local ballot measures; among candidates, our area’s State House representatives, Eileen Cody and Joe Fitzgibbon, are both running for re-election unopposed. Our area’s U.S. House Rep. Pramila Jayapal has four primary opponents. The ballot also includes statewide offices – at the top of the ballot, Gov. Jay Inslee has 35 primary opponents. As usual, you’ll be able to either mail in your ballot or use an official drop box (the nearest ones are in The Junction, High Point, White Center, and South Park). And if you’re not yet registered to vote – go here!

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YOU CAN HELP! West Seattle student ready to wrap multi-installment marathon to fight inequality

July 15, 2020 1:25 pm

| 20 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news

The photo and invitation are from proud mom Genya Scharks:

Tomorrow, July 16th, at 4 PM at Hiawatha Park track, our son Ian Scharks will complete the last 1.2 miles of his one-mile-a-day marathon walk to raise money for Black Lives Matter. We are inviting friends, wearing masks and physically spaced, to come cheer him on for the finish of his marathon.

He has raised $9,581 toward his $10,400 goal. He will be a 6th grader at Pathfinder K-8. He has cerebral palsy and autism and started walking with crutches last school year. Previously he used a walker or wheelchair. In March he was able to walk one lap with his crutches, but now is completing one mile, or 4 laps, each day.

In addition to showing up tomorrow to cheer for Ian, you can also donate to his fundraiser – go here. On that page, Ian explains, “I am inspired by Capt. Tom Moore and Tobias Weller in England, both who raised money by walking with assistive devices. I want to make a difference about the inequality Black people face in our nation.”

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another smash-and-grab, and a followup

July 15, 2020 11:59 am

| 38 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reports:

WYATT”S JEWELERS SMASH-AND-GRAB: Another jewelry smash-and-grab – this time at Wyatt’s Jewelers (a longtme WSB sponsor) in Westwood Village. Here are some of the security-camera images:

It happened on Tuesday afternoon around 2:30 pm. The thieves smashed a case that held men’s jewelry, grabbed some items and bolted. Lauren at Wyatt’s was still doing inventory as of late last night but assessed the stolen items as mostly: “Men’s bands. Some trays were real and some were just fake Alloy for custom ordering purposes.” Here are two of the stolen rings:

We will add the police-report number when we get it. (UPDATE: 20-213041.)

FOLLOWUP: Another followup on last week’s similar smash-and-grab at Bellevue Rare Coins in The Junction. Going through video footage from earlier in the day, they found this:

Same shirt, jeans, shoes, and wristwatch as the masked/jacketed thief (as seen in other images they showed us) seen in the first followup. SPD incident number is 20-208198.

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UPDATED – EXTENDED: Got something to say about Stay Healthy Streets?

July 15, 2020 10:56 am

| 40 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | Transportation | West Seattle news

10:56 AM: Three weeks ago, the city launched a long-promised online survey about the no-through-traffic Stay Healthy Streets set up citywide this past spring. Today is the final day – so if you have something to say about these streets, whether they should be temporary or permanent, go here to tell the city what you think. So far, they’re in three areas of West Seattle – two that are along mostly pre-existing greenways in High Point and Puget Ridge/Highland Park, and a stretch of Alki Avenue and Beach Drive around Alki Point. The city says it will also seek “public engagement” in other ways but the survey is the first step.

12:58 PM: As noted in comments, SDOT has just announced it’s extending the survey deadline a week, to July 22nd.

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SPORTS: West Seattle Reign youth volleyball clinics

July 15, 2020 9:40 am

| Comments Off on SPORTS: West Seattle Reign youth volleyball clinics

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Volleyball player in the household? This announcement is from the West Seattle Reign Volleyball Club:

We have a very limited number of socially distanced clinics and open practices available for summer 2020, 7/20 thru 8/29.

Clinics, practices and 1 on 1 personal coaching available for all youth players at westseattlereign.com/clinics-%26-coaching.

We are limiting all events to 4 players. We will maintain 6+ feet of distance at all times as well as have masks and sanitizer available for all participants. We are commited to keeping the curve low by offering youth athletics within all state and Federal safety guidelines.There are 3 options (open practices, any player of any skill; clinics, by skill level; & personal coaching). Those options then have dates with the availability to register.

The clinics are organized by skill level rather than age level or gender.

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ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC, TRANSIT: Wednesday notes, 17th week of West Seattle Bridge closure

July 15, 2020 6:07 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:07 AM: It’s Wednesday, the 119th morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge.

ROAD WORK

Major work continues on Delridge Way, with lane reductions, as road-rebuilding and utility work lead off the RapidRide H Line conversion project – here’s what crews are working on this week;.

This Sunday night is the first of 14 nights over three weeks during which WSDOT will close the NB 1st Ave. S. Bridge for deck-panel replacement.

TRAFFIC

Here’s the 5-way intersection camera (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Sppkane/Chelan):

Here’s the restricted-daytime-access (open to all 9 pm-5 am) low bridge:

The main detour route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) . Here’s that camera:

The other major bridge across the river is the South Park Bridge (map). The camera was still down as of early today. P.S. Going through South Park? Don’t speed.

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 – Still reduced service and distancing – details here.

Water Taxi – Back to its “winter” schedule, with the 773 and 775 shuttles – see the schedule here.

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

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CORONAVIRUS: Tuesday 7/14 roundup

July 14, 2020 9:45 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Words of warning – and encouragement – from the governor top tonight’s virus-crisis roundup:

EXTENDING ‘THE PAUSE’: During his media briefing this afternoon (see the video here), Gov. Inslee said he’s extending the “pause” on phases – no county gets to advance to the next one for at least two more weeks. While we’re not in nearly as bad shape as other states, he said, the pandemic is by no means under control – the current trend is “unsustainable,” he said – and if it isn’t tamed soon, rollbacks are possible.

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: Here’s the daily summary from Public Health, with cumulative totals:

*12,244 people have tested positive, up 145 from yesterday

*606 people have died, up 2 from yesterday

*1,706 people have been hospitalized, up 8 from yesterday

*217,633 people have been tested, up 3,245 from yesterday

One week ago, those totals were 11,206/596/1,631/191,865.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.

NEW REPORT ON DEATHS: From the state Department of Health today:

In the continuing effort to collect, maintain and publish the most useful data available to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has published a new death data report that includes different categories of COVID-19 deaths. Among those who have tested positive for COVID-19, these categories include confirmed due to COVID-19, suspected of being due to COVID-19, non-COVID-19 deaths and deaths pending or missing cause of death. In addition, there are 77 deaths that are probably due to COVID-19, but they are not among those who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Since the first COVID-19 case in Washington in January, DOH has worked to transparently release data in near real-time so that the public, health care providers, policy makers, the media, and public health professionals can access current information. This additional information gives context for decision makers working to stop the spread of the virus.

Read the full DOH announcement here.

RESTAURANT REOPENS: Six days after Public Health shut it down, Duke’s on Alki has reopened. (Our story also includes Q&A with Public Health that we’d initiated before the closure, and PH has called our attention to this post about what restaurants are doing successfully to work with new safety rules.)

GOT INFO? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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LEARN ONLINE: ‘Future of Work’ webinar next week

July 14, 2020 7:34 pm

| Comments Off on LEARN ONLINE: ‘Future of Work’ webinar next week

| West Seattle news | West Seattle online

South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) is co-sponsoring a webinar next week that might interest you if you’re thinking about a new career:

The Future of Work: Upgrade Your Building Science Toolkit
Live Webinar Panel with Interactive Q&A
Thursday, July 23, 2020, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

The Sustainable Building Science Technology and WSU Energy programs co-present this Future of Work webinar. Are you prepared for the jobs of the future in building science, operations, and management? Join us for this panel discussion about how the building science and technology field is changing and what roles are in demand. Our panel discussion will explore:

What are the skills needed to operate, manage, and tune-up buildings that are becoming smarter and greener?

How might trends and policies in sustainability and energy efficiency impact the built environment and jobs?

What opportunities exist to build new skills including continuing education and academic programs?

What new strategies do candidates need to differentiate themselves in a post-COVID job market?

Go here to register, and to find out more.

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What to do if you see a seal pup on West Seattle’s shore

July 14, 2020 4:18 pm

| Comments Off on What to do if you see a seal pup on West Seattle’s shore

| West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Seal pup “Squally” in 2019)

Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network has an important reminder:

Harbor seal pupping season has begun in Puget Sound, and pups will soon appear on West Seattle beaches.

DON’T TOUCH SEAL PUPS! Seals regularly haul out to rest and get warm. Undisturbed, stress-free rest is crucial for their survival. Please don’t pick them up, put them in the water, or attempt to feed them.

DO NOT APPROACH! If a nursing pup has become separated from the mother, she will be scared away by humans and dogs and may not return to her pup. It’s a matter of life and death for young seals.

When you see a seal on the beach, stay back, leash your dog, and call Seal Sitters at 206-905-SEAL (206-905-7325). We respond to reports of marine mammals, both dead and alive.

How far should you stay away from seals? NOAA guidelines say 100 yards, which is the length of 15 parked cars or one city block. At our public beaches, it may be hard to to keep that distance, but simply put: if the animal notices you, begins to fidget, or starts to flee into the water, YOU ARE TOO CLOSE. Please, back off.

Because of COVID-19, Seal Sitters may not be setting up yellow tape perimeters as in the past and may not be present at all times. You can help by respecting our signage, alerting others and asking them to leash their pets. Marine mammals are protected by law; disturbing them is considered harassment and is illegal. Please report violations to the Seal Sitters hotline at 206-905-7325.

For more information, check out the Blubber Blog at BlubberBlog.org. (Seal Sitters has temporarily suspended our volunteer training until the COVID situation improves.)

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TODAY/TONIGHT: What’s happening in West Seattle in the hours ahead

July 14, 2020 2:33 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Dragonfly, photographed in Arbor Heights by Mark)

We had hoped to publish this list a few hours ago, but news got in the way. Not too late, though, to share three things happening the rest of today/tonight:

LIBRARY DROPOFFS BEGIN: Seattle Public Library branches are still closed but starting today, some are accepting dropoffs – including two in our area. From SPL:

This week we will begin accepting returns of Library materials at the High Point, Rainier Beach and Southwest branches. This is a limited operation to help us refine our processes of accepting and processing book returns safely, effectively and efficiently before accepting returns at more locations. Bookdrops will be open limited hours.

You are welcome, but not required, to return your borrowed items at these locations beginning this week. Due dates are extended until at least Aug. 15, and we are a fine-free Library system, so there is no rush to return and you can take the time you need.

When can I return my books? Locations and hours are as follows:

Beginning Tuesday, July 14, the High Point, Rainier Beach and Southwest bookdrops will be open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. or until bookdrops are full.

All returned items will be quarantined – and remain on your account – for a minimum of 3 days before being checked in.

Later this month, SPL expects to expand this to more locations.

SHOWING SUPPORT FOR BLACK LIVES: Tuesday/Thursday streetcorner protests continue:

Come stand in Solidarity with Black Lives Matter

Tuesday, July 14th, 4 to 6 pm, corner of Delridge Way and SW Orchard

Come show support for BLM and ending systemic racism. Hold signs, meet neighbors and stand for racial justice. –Scott at PR Cohousing, endorsed by Hate-Free Delridge. Signs available.

If you miss today, Scott and others will be there 4-6 pm Thursday too.

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 7 pm board meeting online tonight, community members welcome. Agenda includes hearing from the Southwest Precinct’s new commander and operations lieutenant. Go to this page on the FCA website to get the link for registering to attend, so you can get the Zoom link.

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FOLLOWUP: Duke’s Alki reopening after COVID-19 shutdown; plus Public Health’s answers to our questions about how business outbreaks are handled

July 14, 2020 11:54 am

| 53 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(WSB photo, last week)

Six days after Public Health Seattle-King County closed Duke’s on Alki because COVID-19 was spreading among its staff, the restaurant says it has clearance to reopen today. (The PHSKC website confirms the reopening.) Subscribers to its email list received a message from founder Duke Moscrip, including:

… When the health authorities examined our Alki location and took the action to shut us down, we were devastated. Frankly, we thought we were following the safety protocols precisely. After cooperating with them fully over the past few days, we earned their approval to reopen today. Specifically, they approved the distance between our tables and the occupancy levels that allow us to keep everyone safe.

As a new layer of safety at Duke’s restaurants, we ordered and are installing new air purification technology over the next few weeks at all our locations to stop COVID-19 particles, other viruses, and bacteria in internal spaces.

Safety. That is the only thing important to us as we all begin to venture out more and enjoy our unique way of life here in the Pacific Northwest.

Despite every safety measure available, we expect we will see more cases of COVID-19 among our valued team. Today we are better prepared to properly react.

I know that many of you believe that Duke’s let you down. For that, we are truly saddened.

The message also says an unspecified number of staff members remain quarantined. This statement from the restaurant following last week’s shutdown noted 7 Alki employees had tested positive for the virus.

(ADDED 12:55 PM: PHSKC has since published this statement about the reopening.)

Before the shutdown announcement, after our previous report about two cases at Duke’s, we had asked Public Health some questions about how outbreaks are handled; we’d noticed while covering other businesses that no two seemed to be handling cases the same way. We have since received the replies, published below in Q&A format, with our questions and Public Health’s answers:

WSB: “What if anything are businesses required to report to PHSKC regarding employees testing positive?”

PHSKC: “Notify health department within 24 hours if you suspect COVID-19 is spreading in your workplace, or if you are aware of 2 or more employees who develop confirmed or suspected COVID-19 within a 14-day period.”

WSB: “What are they required to tell customers?”

PHSKC: “No requirements.”

WSB: “Under the new state guidance, what circumstance constitutes “spreading” at a workplace that would need to be reported?”

PHSKC: “We would consider ‘spreading’ when any person in the workplace, whether an employee, contractor or customer, might have been potentially exposed in the workplace. We would recommend that a workplace call us if they have any questions or concerns as it generally takes some investigation to try to determine the most likely location of exposure (e.g., community exposure vs. workplace exposure, etc..).”

WSB: “Once PHSKC gets a report of ‘spreading,’ what will you do with that information? How/is it investigated? Might orders for closure ensue?”

PHSKC: “- We first try to confirm any reported cases through our public health databases and if any non-household contacts have been identified already.

“- We then do an initial investigation call to (i) confirm whether transmission occurred in the workplace, (ii) identify any exposed workplace contacts (coworkers or customers), and (iii) assess steps that employers have taken to reduce the risk of transmission within the workplace and provide technical assistance when necessary.

“- If this investigation identifies conditions indicating a higher risk to employees or the public, we may schedule a site visit to the workplace. A public health order or closure could ensue if the risk level is deemed to be very high and we believe there is an ongoing risk to employees or the public that isn’t being mitigated.”

WSB: “What about employees who feel their employer isn’t taking appropriate action – is there anything they can do?”

PHSKC: “Workplace safety complaints about coronavirus or other issues can be filed with L&I (1-800-423-7233). Employees can also file a written safety/health complaint.”

(Again, we had those questions out to PHSKC *before* the Duke’s closure – the first of its kind in our area – was announced.)

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The West Seattle low bridge has cracks, and what else SDOT just announced about it

July 14, 2020 9:14 am

| 110 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

(Reader photo)

9:14 AM: The West Seattle low bridge has cracks- but don’t panic.

That’s one of the low-bridge updates SDOT has just posted.

From the post:

… It is normal and expected that all concrete bridges will eventually form cracks which help relieve stress from this movement. Small cracks in the Low Bridge have been closely monitored and tested to ensure that they do not affect the bridge’s structural integrity.

Fortunately, these cracks are only a few inches deep and are not progressing at rates remotely like the sudden crack growth that led us to close the High-Rise Bridge. We are confident that the Low Bridge’s crack depth, growth patterns, and type do not indicate that the bridge is unsafe for live traffic. …

However, SDOT says it’s taking steps to be sure things don’t get worse:

*Monthly inspections (federal standard, SDOT says, is every two years)

*Real-time monitoring

*Lowering the speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph

*Banning low-bridge access “for the largest and heaviest trucks at 70+ ft and weighing over 207,000 pounds, about two-and-half times the maximum weight allowed on highways under state and federal law without a special permit to drive over the legal weight limit (the technical term for this is Over-Legal 2 or OL-2 class trucks). This will only affect about a dozen trips per week, and will not affect any emergency vehicles, buses, or freight trucks within legal weight limits.

*Carbon-fiber wrapping “as a precautionary measure” – we asked SDOT communications director Michael Harold for the timeline; his reply, “We are working with our consultants and contractors, as well as FHWA, to finalize plans and then move forward with haste, but don’t have a specific timeline to share at this time.”

Read all the details on SDOT’s site here.

1:53 PM: In our original exchange with SDOT this morning, we asked for any available related reports. So far they’ve sent this letter (and the linked document) written by acting roadway structures director Matt Donahue on June 30th about the load rating:

The attached PDF is the draft load rating summary table that we recently received from Jacobs… the difference between page 1 and page 2 is the amount of strength calculated using the Resal Effect Method… page one is for 0.9(Resal Effect) and page 2 is for 1.0(Resal Effect). As you can see from the differences in the Rating Factors (RF) the result is very sensitive to only a 10% change in the Resal Effect. Note that load rating calculations were made using live load test data.

This sensitivity indicates that there is likely real world behavior and additional strength capacity in the bridge that is not captured in the load rating calculation. As such I intend to handle management of the bridge with administrative methods that include the following:

Reducing the inspection frequency from every two years to:

Real time monitoring with Structural Health Instrumentation that takes crack width gauge readings every 20 seconds, reduces them to an average over 5 minutes and then reports off of the bridge to an interactive website. Similar to the WSHB SHMI this system will be set with alarm thresholds that contact RS engineering staff 24/7/365 via cell phone with any issues
Monthly arm’s length inspection of the interior girder surfaces at crack locations
Yearly inspection of accessible exterior girder surfaces via UBIT
Reduction of the speed limit over the bridge to 25 mph along with installation of flashing speed monitoring signs
Close coordination with SDOT Commercial Vehicle Enforcement to make sure that any permit applications for OL1 and OL2 vehicles receive the appropriate level of review by Roadway Structures
Engagement with WSDOT Commercial Vehicle Enforcement to coordinate receipt of permits they issue for loads terminating within Seattle so that we can contact operators that may try to use the low bridge for permit loads without an application to SDOT CVE due to their lack of knowledge of the need to do so
Outreach to the Commercial Vehicle Freight Board and other commercial carrier stakeholders to make sure that they are aware of the situation
Maintenance of the centerlock shimming system to reduce the impact of loads transiting the bridge
Implementing a strengthening program to return RFs to ≥ 1.0 that will likely involve addition of a combination of post tensioning strand and CFRP for completion by the end of 2022.

Meantime, a commenter asked about other bridges around the city and we noted that City Councilmember Alex Pedersen (the council’s Transportation chair) had requested an audit three months ago. We asked about the status. His response sent by a staff member via email:
The condition of the low swing bridge across the Duwamish Waterway reinforces the need to complete the comprehensive audit I requested on bridges throughout Seattle. Our independent Office of City Auditor is completing the data gathering and analysis phase of the audit on Seattle bridges, and is planning to have a report for the City Council and the public by the end of September.

ADDED 8:19 PM: From another exchange tonight with SDOT, they told us:

To clarify, there are no new cracks. The cracks being discussed have been there since the late 1990s. We observed some growth during an inspection last summer, but since then we have conducted numerous tests which verified that the cracks are only a few inches deep, do not penetrate through the girder walls, and are not growing. As you know, it is normal and expected that all concrete bridges will eventually form cracks which help relieve stress, and there is are no indications that this type of crack should affect the Low Bridge’s structural integrity.

The cracks are mentioned in this March document from the load-rating process.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Chief Sealth IHS wins key Metro League award again

July 14, 2020 8:55 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

That big smile belongs to Chief Sealth International High School athletic director Ernest Policarpio, who shared the big news that the Metro League has honored the Seahawks again:

A great way to finish the year for athletics was to win the Sportsmanship Award again! We’ve won it 3 out of the last 6 years in Metro. A true testament of all the hard work of our kids, faculty, and coaches to show a positive experience and to be great leaders on and off the field! #ROLLHAWKS

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK: Tuesday notes, 17th week of West Seattle Bridge closure

July 14, 2020 6:03 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: It’s Tuesday, the 118th morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge.

ROAD WORK

Major work continues on Delridge Way, with lane reductions, as road-rebuilding and utility work lead off the RapidRide H Line conversion project – here’s what crews are working on this week;.

TRAFFIC

Here’s the 5-way intersection camera (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Sppkane/Chelan):

Here’s the restricted-daytime-access (open to all 9 pm-5 am) low bridge:

The main detour route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – which has up to 14 overnight closures planned to start this Sunday, July 19th. Meanwhile, here’s that camera:

The other major bridge across the river is the South Park Bridge (map). The camera was still down as of early today. P.S. Going through South Park? Don’t speed.

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 – Still reduced service and distancing – details here.

Water Taxi – Back to its “winter” schedule, with the 773 and 775 shuttles – see the schedule here.

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

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COMET-WATCHING: Views of NEOWISE from West Seattle

July 14, 2020 1:45 am

| 25 COMMENTS

| Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

It’s the first clear night since Comet NEOWISE came into view in the evening sky (as explained by Alice Enevoldsen) and many were out looking for it tonight. The photo above is from John Hinkey, who says it was visible to the west starting around 10:30 pm. The one below is by Jan Pendergrass, taken from Luna/Anchor Park:

And from Jamie Kinney, comet-watching from Alki:

(Added 2:31 am) Two from Jason Enevoldsen:

(added 10:22 am) From Larry Gilpin:

NEOWISE was discovered just four months ago. It should be visible again Tuesday night, with a clear sky forecast, but don’t procrastinate if you’re interested in seeing it … its next swing out this way isn’t expected for another 6,000+ years.

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CORONAVIRUS: Monday 7/13 roundup

July 13, 2020 9:49 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Midway through the fifth month of the virus crisis in our area, here’s what’s new:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: Here’s today’s daily summary from Public Health – the cumulative totals:

*12,099 people have tested positive, 155 more than yesterday

*604 people have died, unchanged from yesterday

*1,698 people have been hospitalized, 5 more than yesterday

*214,388 people have been tested, 6,892 more than yesterday

One week ago, the totals were 11,140 /591/1,623/190,005.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

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

EXTENDING THE MISSION: We’ve reported on National Guard help at both local food banks (West Seattle and White Center). The governor is asking the White House to keep funding the mission so they can stay on duty in our state until year’s end.

NO FOOD LIFELINE DISTRIBUTION THIS WEEK: Checking FL’s website for updates, we found this announcement:

We learned today someone in direct contact with Food Lifeline’s operations tested positive for Covid-19. Out of an abundance of caution, we have chosen to suspend food distributions for the remainder of this week so our facilities can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection recommendations.

Health and safety will always be our highest priorities during this pandemic. We will continue to provide the highest level of safety for our clients, partners, and staff. We are working in partnership with King County Public Health to ensure we continue to work as safely as possible as we return to operations.

GOT SOMETHING TO REPORT? westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302, text/voice – thank you!

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RECONNECT WEST SEATTLE: Big response so far

July 13, 2020 8:49 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

Have you answered one or more of the surveys launched on Friday as part of what SDOT calls Reconnect West Seattle? According to an email shared with us by a community advocate, SDOT already had 5,000 responses by mid-morning today. There are multiple ways to participate – a 33-question survey for everyone in West Seattle, aimed at gathering data about how you traveled off/on-peninsula before the bridge was closed March 23rd, and what it would take for you to try an alternative while the bridge is out, plus four neighborhood-specific surveys with potential projects to mitigate the effects of bridge-detour traffic. They’re all linked in our Friday story and available in eight languages via the Reconnect West Seattle website. They’re open until the end of the month.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 2 businesses hit by thieves

July 13, 2020 7:04 pm

| 18 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

2 West Seattle Crime Watch reports involving local businesses:

PEGASUS BOOK EXCHANGE: The Junction book shop was hit by theft over the weekend – $200 in already-purchased books. “People can help us out by donating via the WSJA. People’s amazingly generous donations have already helped us recoup the cost of the loss,” Emma from Pegasus tells us. Any overage will go toward some security improvements. (Thanks to Elise for the tip on this.)

TOOLS TAKEN: Jack at Be Green reports, “My crew had some landscaping tools stolen this morning in Gatewood. These are battery operated and of course the stupid thieves didn’t realize the tools did not have the batteries in them. I’m guessing they are just going to dump them somewhere. If anyone finds them, there is a small reward. There was a mower and weed whacker. The suspect car was a ’90s purple Accord with no plates, just a paper sticker in the back window. (Here) is a picture of a car that represents this color and model.” And stock photos of the types of tools taken are here and here.

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WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE CLOSURE: City getting $3.5 million in federal funding for replacement study, commute program

July 13, 2020 4:30 pm

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| West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

(Reader photo)

The city is getting $3.5 million in federal funding for two projects related to the bridge. The money will be routed from the Puget Sound Regional Council, and the City Council gave its unanimous approval today to accepting it. Here’s how the council staff’s memo explained the plan:

The PSRC Executive Board has agreed to allow the City to use $2 million of the grant award to
conduct a Type, Size, and Location Study for the eventual replacement of the West Seattle Bridge. This study will allow SDOT to explore replacement concepts, such as rebuilding the bridge or pursing a shallow immersed tunnel. This conceptual analysis would lead to future environmental review of alternatives and development of cost estimates.

The remaining $1.5 million of the grant award will be used to support One Center City Transportation Demand Management programs. SDOT intends to use these funds to respond to the West Seattle Bridge closure and focus these programs on providing alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle trips between West Seattle and Downtown. The PSRC funding would provide for program incentives, marketing, user survey assessments, and staff time.

That’s all separate from federal funding that would be pursued toward actual repair and/or replacement of the bridge. P.S. As for what’s happening with the bridge itself, stabilization work is continuing, as updated at last week’s Community Task Force meeting.

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