month : 10/2020 330 results

If you watch “The Voice,” you might not realize that one of this season’s artists is a West Seattle music teacher! Phil Gustavson from School of Rock-West Seattle shares the news about Payge Turner:

(Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC)

Seattle musician and School of Rock West Seattle teacher Payge Turner wowed the coaches during her blind auditions on season 19 of NBC’s The Voice and joined Team Gwen! Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Payge has lived and performed in the Seattle area for a few years and teaches part-time at The School of Rock in West Seattle. An electric performer, Payge sings and plays keyboards and guitar. She is known for her emotion-filled vocals and her passionate approach to singing and teaching.

Still an independent artist, Payge’s music can be found on Spotify, YouTube and other outlets. Visit her website at www.paygeturnermusic.com for more information.

:”The Voice” is a musical-competition show that airs on NBC Monday and Tuesday nights. Here’s how it works.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: ‘Freeze Watch’ alert

October 23, 2020 11:11 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Wednesday at Alki – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Back on Tuesday, we warned you that the first freezing forecast of the year was on the way. Now the National Weather Service has an official alert about it, issuing a “Freeze Watch” for Sunday morning, 2 am-10 am. That means, the NWS says, “Sub-freezing temperatures of 27 to 32 degrees (are) possible.” Highs Sunday and Monday will be in the 40s, then warning to the 50s on Tuesday, the forecast says.

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JUNCTION HARVEST FEST: Scavenger Hunt; spooky trivia; more!

October 23, 2020 9:54 am

| Comments Off on JUNCTION HARVEST FEST: Scavenger Hunt; spooky trivia; more!

| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

With the weekend in view, we want to be sure you know West Seattle Junction Harvest Fest has begun!

That’s the map for the Harvest Fest Scavenger Hunt – more than a dozen Junction merchants are participating; go get a map (free at participating businesses), and: “Once you’ve found the item, cross it off the map then go to the shopkeeper for your special treat or prize.” Participating businesses are listed here.

That same page shows you where to get cocoa and cider during Harvest Fest (which continues through Halloween). You’re also invited to wander The Junction and admire window decorations – including pumpkins – and six giant spiders!

One more special event to mention – online this (corrected) Monday, October 26, presented by Pegasus Book Exchange:

Spooky Trivia Night! October 26th 7:30-9 pm, on Zoom, family-friendly, prizes for all teams, grand prize of rare book of choice. Special prizes for Best Costume, Best Team Name, and Best Decorations! $25/team up to 6 people (email us to sign up!)

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ROAD WORK, TRANSIT, TRAFFIC: Friday 10/23 watch

October 23, 2020 6:21 am

| Comments Off on ROAD WORK, TRANSIT, TRAFFIC: Friday 10/23 watch

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:21 AM: Welcome to Friday – the 214th morning without the West Seattle Bridge, which closed exactly seven months ago tonight.

ROAD WORK, ETC.

*Delridge project: Edmunds will be closed at Delridge starting at 9 this morning, continuing through Sunday, reopening by early Monday. Then starting Monday, SW Alaska closes east of Delridge. Here are details for the week ahead.

*Tunnel closure: Tonight through Saturday morning (October 23-24), the Highway 99 tunnel will close both ways for maintenance, 10 pm-6 am.

CHECK THE TRAFFIC BEFORE YOU GO

Here’s the 5-way intersection camera (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/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 are two cameras:

The other major bridge across the river is the South Park Bridge (map). Here’s the nearest camera:

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 – Fare collection has resumed.

Water Taxi – Also no longer free.

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

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CORONAVIRUS: Thursday 10/22 roundup

October 22, 2020 10:29 pm

| Comments Off on CORONAVIRUS: Thursday 10/22 roundup

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news

The latest news and numbers on the pandemic’s local impact:

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

*25,740 people have tested positive, up 186 from yesterday’s total

*789 people have died, up 2 from yesterday’s total

*2,518 people have been hospitalized, up 2 from yesterday’s total

*517,636 people have been tested, up 3,202 from yesterday’s total

One week ago, those totals were 24,649/782/2,472/494,372.

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

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 41.6 million cases worldwide, 8.4 million of them in the U.S. See the nation-by-nation breakout here.

TRICK OR STREET: The city’s “Stay Healthy Blocks” temporary-permit offer now has morphed into a suggestion for closing your non-arterial street for safely distanced Halloween revelry.

NEED FOOD? Free emergency food boxes are available again 2-5 pm tomorrow at Food Lifeline HQ (815 S. 96th) … On Saturday (October 24th), the Greater Seattle Filipino-American SDA Church (2620 SW Kenyon) is also distributing free boxes of food – dairy, fruit, vegetables, meat, milk, bread) 1-4 pm.

CAN YOU GIVE? Friends of Roxhill Elementary is raising money to get grocery cards to families in need.

IMMIGRANT RELIEF FUND: Announced by the governor’s office:

The Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund is now open for applications. The relief fund will provide $40 million in federal funds allocated by the state to assist Washington workers who miss work due to COVID-19, but are unable to access federal stimulus programs and other social supports due to their immigration status. While the fund is operational, eligible recipients will receive $1,000, with a limit of $3,000 per household.

Go here to apply.

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

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West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force, report #2: Cost-Benefit Analysis review

October 22, 2020 8:21 pm

| 34 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

(SDOT video of Wednesday’s full Community Task Force meeting)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

A day and a half after receiving the information-dense Cost-Benefit Analysis reviewing West Seattle Bridge options, Community Task Force members got their first chance to ask questions about it.

The 89-page report was almost done before the ballyhooed new “rapid span replacement” possibility went public, so the discussion took place somewhat in its shadow, and immediately after the first half of Wednesday’s CTF meeting was spent on a presentation on that unvetted option (WSB coverage here) – something that hasn’t been done for any of the other possibilities, so far.

SDOT‘s bridge-project leader Heather Marx opened with a warning: “None of the numbers you see here should be referred to as ‘estimates’ SDOT would have preferred ranges but this type of study requires choosing a number, she said. She also stressed what the CBA is not:

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another catalytic converter stolen

October 22, 2020 6:21 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

From Sharon in the 9400 block of 20th SW:

Heads up. West Seattle neighbors:

Between 9 pm and 5:25 am today, our 2007 Toyota Prius had the catalytic converter stolen. They cut out the front and back flanges that hold it there (better resale value, because it can be sold as complete). They even took the bolts. Husband took to muffler shop and someone else was there that got hit last night too.

Southwest Precinct Crime-Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner recently sent an alert including advice on how to protect your car.

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YOU CAN HELP: Keeping Roxhill Elementary families from going hungry

October 22, 2020 3:54 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

The Roxhill Elementary school community is casting a wider net to help feed local families in need. Maybe you can chip in too. Jessica sent us this note:

A large number of families at Roxhill Elementary in West Seattle are facing food insecurity. Friends of Roxhill Elementary (FORE), the school PTO, has organized a fundraiser to help out. All donations are tax-deductible!

A lot of Roxhill Elementary families have donated, but we’re a small school of about 250 students. 70% of our students are on free or reduced lunch and 30% of our families are supported by the Seattle Housing Authority. So we really need help from the great folks in West Seattle, not just our school, to hit our fundraising goal.

If you can help, go here.

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UPDATE: Seattle Fire response in The Junction – false alarm

October 22, 2020 3:02 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(Added: WSB photo)

3:02 PM: A big Seattle Fire response is arriving for a reported natural-gas leak at Oregon 42 (42nd SW/SW Oregon). They’re blocking some of the streets – including Oregon between 41st and California, and 42nd between Genesee and Alaska – until the situation is handled. Updates to come.

3:06 PM: They haven’t yet found the source of the possible leak, and air readings are NOT showing natural gas – they’ve just noted a “sewer” type of odor in the building – so they’re likely about to downsize the response. PSE is there helping to investigate.

3:15 PM: The incident log shows all but four responding units have been dismissed.

3:18 PM: And just announced over the emergency-radio channel, “Confirmed false.” Wrapping up, roads reopening. Our crew at the scene has confirmed that neither SFD nor PSE could find any evidence of a problem.

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David Hooper, CFA: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor

October 22, 2020 1:48 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today we welcome David Hooper, CFA, as a new WSB sponsor. New sponsors get an opportunity to tell you about what they do:

“As a financial advisor who is affiliated only with a Registered Investment Advisor, I must always act as a Fiduciary. I have a legal and ethical responsibility to always put my client’s priorities first. Each of my clients has a written financial plan that’s customized to their specific objectives. This ensures that we’re on the same page working toward the same goals. I manage each and every investment accounts personally, so I can make sure the client’s investment strategy is on track to help reach their goals. People know that I care about their financial well-being. Also, being an independent advisor reduces the number of potential conflicts of interest of a large investment firm and allows me to focus on my clients.

“My clients appreciate the way I can take complex and intimidating industry jargon and explain it in a way that makes sense to them. It’s my job to empower my clients with investment knowledge and not confuse them with industry jargon.

“I believe in being authentic and always try not come off as a pushing salesperson. As an experienced professional with more than 25 years in the investment management, portfolio management, and financial-advising industry. I take the trust that my clients have given me seriously, and have earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and my MBA from the UW Foster School of Business, both of which enable me to do my job better.”

David’s community involvement includes siting on the board of the West Seattle and Fauntleroy YMCA and is a member of Burien’s BNI Networking Chapter. You can contact him by going here.

We thank David Hooper, CFA, for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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READER REPORT: Alki mailbox returns

October 22, 2020 12:24 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Seen around town | West Seattle news

From the WSB inbox:

Super exciting news. The USPS collection box has just been installed after months of being on hiatus. It is at the corner of 63rd Ave SW and Hinds. I have attached a picture of the new box with cross streets amd information on address and official collection times. The people of Alki are going to be so excited.

Sincerely,
Their mailman

(The 4412 California SW location is the Post Office in The Junction.)

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Final design for Hiawatha play area’s new location

October 22, 2020 10:44 am

| 25 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Design by Karen Kiest Landscape Architects)

That’s the final design for Hiawatha‘s to-be-relocated play area, as just announced by Seattle Parks:

Seattle Parks and Recreation is happy to announce the completion of the final concept design for the new play area at Hiawatha Playfield. To review the design, (go here) or view a large concept design board at the park near the adult fitness equipment. Karen Kiest Landscape Architects worked with SPR and input from the community to develop the final design concept. Thank you to the community for their participation in this design. Hiawatha Playfield is in West Seattle at 2700 California Ave. SW.

The goal of this project is to transfer the location of the play area from the north end of the park to the grass area just south of the wading pool. The project includes new play equipment for children 2 to 5 and 5 to 12 years, swings, a small plaza, and restoration of the old play area site. The new location will improve visibility and access for all.

Play area construction is planned to start in the summer of 2021 and end in December 2021, along with restoration of the old play site. Other areas of Hiawatha Playfield will remain open during construction. However, there are other projects in the planning stages for this area (community center renovation and athletic field turf replacement).

Funding for this play area project is provided by the Seattle Park District. The Seattle Park District provides more than $47 million a year in long-term funding to tackle the $267 million major maintenance backlog for Seattle Parks and Recreation as well as other facilities including the Aquarium and Zoo. The Seattle Park District helps improve and rehabilitate community centers, preserves the urban forest, performs day-to-day maintenance of parks and facilities, provides more recreation opportunities for people from underserved communities, supports programs for people of all ages and abilities, and acquires and develops new park land.

Separate from this project, the city has announced – as we reported early in the budget-review process – that Hiawatha Community Center itself is expected to be closed for all of next year because of its own renovation work. An update on that project is here.

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Services today for Omar W. Sommer, 1925-2020

October 22, 2020 9:40 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will remember Omar W. Sommer today, and are sharing this remembrance with his community:

On Tuesday, October 6, 2020, Omar Wayne Sommer died at the age of 94, in Seattle, Washington, of congestive heart failure. Omar was born to Walter and Alice Sommer on December 25, 1925, in Waco, Nebraska, and was the oldest of four boys. His family moved from Nebraska eventually into Washington State, and made their home in Winlock, Washington. A brother to Raymond, Wilbur, and Howard, Omar was a child of the Depression and at one time picked ferns to sell to a local florist for a penny each.

Omar served in the United States Navy during World War II and was in Pearl Harbor preparing to ship out when the war ended. Using the GI bill, he graduated from Washington State University with an engineering degree and was primarily employed at the Boeing Company, working in Seattle, Kent, and Everett over the years.

On June 3rd, 1956, Omar wedded Pearl Margaret Cohrs, and they were blessed in marriage for 61 years until Pearl’s death in 2017. They made their home in Seattle, where Omar was a loving father to Cheryl-deceased (Kent, grandchildren Derek & Ian); Loren (Bernadette, grandchild Rachel); Alan (Beth, grandchildren Abigail & David); Neal (Elissa, grandchildren Joshua & Brooke).

He is also survived by his brother Howard; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends, and family too numerous to list but not forgotten.

Omar was baptized into the Christian faith on January 1, 1926, and was confirmed in Utica, Nebraska. A lifelong follower of Jesus Christ, he worshipped at Hope Lutheran Church in Seattle for many years, where he also served as an Elder, Bible study leader, and on the school board at Hope Lutheran School. He was the “signboard guy” at Hope when his children were younger, and often recruited them to help.

Omar loved fishing and gardening, and took care of his yard into his early 90s, also helping with the irrigation system at church. He had a wide knowledge of plants, trees, and animals, and taught his children to love fishing and camping.

A private graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 22, at 11:30 am, and a memorial service for family will also be accessible for others via Zoom on the 22nd at 4:00 pm.

Omar was preceded in death by his brothers Wilbur and Raymond, his daughter Cheryl, and his wife Pearl. We rejoice in the gift of eternal life and salvation given by Jesus, the crucified and risen Savior.

Nearly 2 years ago, a stroke left him unable to speak well. He was always quick to share a smile. Everyone always commented about how nice he was. Clearly the love of Jesus was shining brightly through him.

Please share memories of Omar and condolences with his family at www.emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Omar-Sommer

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle

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

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WEST SEATTLE THURSDAY: What’s ahead today/tonight

October 22, 2020 9:09 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Moment of rest for an Anna’s Hummingbird, photographed by Jerry Simmons)

Quick look at what’s up today/tonight:

FLU SHOTS: Another drive-up clinic, 10 am-5:30 pm at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle). Open to all; the city is covering costs for people without insurance. Our preview explains how to get an appointment.

TRIBUTE TO RBG: The West Seattle Democratic Women‘s monthly meeting online at 11 am today includes a tribute to the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. If you are interested in attending, email wsdwomen@yahoo.com ASAP.

DEMONSTRATION: Scott‘s twice-weekly sign-waving for Black lives is 4-6 pm at 16th/Holden. Signs available if you don’t have one.

BUSINESS NETWORKING: Do it online with the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, 5:30-7:30 pm. Our calendar listing explains how to participate.

WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: 6:30 pm online, with SDOT guests featured to discuss the newly released West Seattle Bridge Cost-Benefit Analysis as well as the Stay Healthy Streets program. Attendance info is in the WSTC calendar listing.

ONLINE BENEFIT CONCERT: Three musicians perform in an online concert presented at 8 pm by the Pigeon Point Anti-racism Project, benefiting the Black Voters Matter Fund. Our preview explains how to watch.

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ROAD WORK, TRANSIT, TRAFFIC: Thursday 10/22 watch (updated)

October 22, 2020 6:21 am

| 12 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

UPDATED 8:28 AM: Crash on West Marginal Way SW (thanks for the tip), east of the 5-way intersection per SDOT, which says all lanes are blockrd. At least one person is hurt.

8:34 AM: One lane is now open, SB. 3 vehicles need to be towed, per radio communication.

8:39 AM: Now one lane each way, “intermittently,” and two tow trucks are arriving.

8:52 PM: Added a framegrab from the SDOT camera. The third vehicle will be moved off the road without a tow.

9:16 AM: Cleanup now, and officer just radioed, “we should be opening it back up soon.”

Earlier:

6:21 AM: Welcome to Thursday – the 213rd morning without the West Seattle Bridge.

ROAD WORK, ETC.

*Delridge project: Edmunds will be closed at Delridge Friday through Sunday (October 23-25), reopening by early Monday, as announced yesterday. Otherwise, here are the weekly highlights.

*Tunnel closure: Friday night-Saturday morning (October 23-24), the Highway 99 tunnel will close both ways for maintenance, 10 pm-6 am.

CHECK THE TRAFFIC BEFORE YOU GO

Here’s the 5-way intersection camera (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/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 are two cameras:

The other major bridge across the river is the South Park Bridge (map). Here’s the nearest camera:

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 – Fare collection has resumed.

Water Taxi – Also no longer free.

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

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CORONAVIRUS: Wednesday 10/21 roundup

October 21, 2020 11:49 pm

| Comments Off on CORONAVIRUS: Wednesday 10/21 roundup

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Tonight’s local/regional pandemic-related toplines:

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

*25.554 people have tested positive, 187 more than yesterday’s total

*787 people have died, 2 more than yesterday’s total

*2,516 people have been hospitalized, 8 more than yesterday’s total

*514.434 people have been tested, 3,487 more than yesterday’s total

One week ago, those totals (plus testing) were 24,500/782/2,467/490.206.

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

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

GOOD NEWS, BUT DON’T GET COMPLACENT: The state reports:

According to public data gathered by the New York Times, Washington’s current new case rate is 7th-lowest in the nation. COVID-19 landed here first, but our state has been among the best in fighting back. Your efforts to limit gatherings, mask up, and conduct safe business have been successful – they must continue to reverse a recent spike.

THANKSGIVING TRADITION, PANDEMIC STYLE: The Hall at Fauntleroy has announced that it will keep up its long-running annual tradition of a free Thanksgiving feast, but this year it’ll be a take-away meal. They’re also seeking donations – details here.

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

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HALLOWEEN: Celebrate by giving blood

October 21, 2020 9:11 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Health | How to help | West Seattle news

9:11 PM: On Halloween, a day when fake blood is used to scare, your real blood can be used to help. West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) is sponsoring a half-day blood drive on Halloween afternoon – noon-4 pm Saturday, October 31st, at The Sanctuary at Admiral (2656 42nd SW). Sign up now for a donation appointment – no walk-ups during the pandemic – just go here to choose a time. Bloodworks Northwest notes, “As an additional benefit, donors will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies.” Want more info about donating? Go here.

EARLY THURSDAY: There were 12 spots open when we published this, but it looks like they’ve all been spoken for. If that’s what you find too – check BWNW’s site for other opportunities!

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UPDATE: Water break near Schmitz Park

October 21, 2020 6:49 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news

6:49 PM: Thanks for the tip and photo. Seattle Public Utilities is at the scene of a water break at 51st and Spokane. The SPU water-outage map says 36 customers have lost water as a result. Even if your water is still oh, problems like this might cause discolored water for others nearby.

8:27 PM: Still out, per map. And we’ve heard via comment and email from people as far as half a mile away who are seeing discolored water as a result.

10:25 PM: Water’s back on. Commenter Jen says it came back around quarter till 10; the map says everyone was back by 10:05 pm. (If you’re not, be sure to notify SPU at 206-386-1800.)

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VIDEO: Mostly new West Seattle Bridge by 2023? Community Task Force gets briefed on ‘rapid span replacement’ concept

October 21, 2020 5:02 pm

| 63 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Repaired bridge in 2022 or mostly new bridge in 2023?

That’s what the repair-or-replace decision could boil down to, now that a “rapid span replacement” has been vaulted into the mix.

The first hour of today’s Community Task Force meeting was devoted to an exploration of that concept. We’ll report separately tonight on the second part of the meeting, a discussion of the newly released Cost-Benefit Analysis, which does not include the “rapid span replacement,” though SDOT‘s project team points out that would fall in the CBA’s Alternative 4 “superstructure replacement” option.

If you missed the meeting (the viewing link was changed at the last minute), here’s the hour-long presentation and discussion of the new concept, which was described more than once during the meeting as “intriguing”:

Shown during the presentation was this animation of how the span replacement would be installed:

The presentation was given by Ted Zoli of HNTB, the firm the city hired this summer to design a replacement regardless of whether the decision is to repair or replace.

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City extends outdoor business permits another year, adding free tent/heating permits

October 21, 2020 3:26 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

The city is extending its free street/sidewalk-use permits enabling businesses to add outdoor space for COVID-19 safety. The permits will now be good through October 31st of next year. Today’s announcement also mentions, “the Seattle Fire Department will immediately begin issuing free tent permits and heating permits to help businesses maintain operations during the colder, rainier months ahead. ”

P.S. If your restaurant/bar plans to continue outdoor operations into the fall/winter, please let us know so we can include that detail on our ongoing list! Any recent changes in hours/days are good to note, too.

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REINVENTING PUBLIC SAFETY: Parking-enforcement officers propose taking on more non-emergency duties

October 21, 2020 1:16 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(Reader photo, last March)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Are parking-enforcement officers part of the solution to the reinventing-public-safety problem?

Nanette Toyoshima hopes so. “We’re public servants – let us serve.”

She is president of the Seattle Parking Enforcement Officers’ Guild, representing almost 100 people who work as Seattle Police parking-enforcement officers (PEOs)- a job she has done for 14 years.

As part of Seattle public-safety reform, there’s a proposal to move PEOs out of SPD and into SDOT.

Toyoshima’s group – with the support of West Seattle/South Park councilmember, and Public Safety Committee chair, Lisa Herbold – proposes instead moving them to the new department that will also include the 911 center after it moves out of SPD.

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LOW BRIDGE: Camera-enforcement signs about to go up

October 21, 2020 11:56 am

| 53 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

SDOT is about to take the next step toward camera enforcement of West Seattle low-bridge restrictions – installing signs this weekend, warning that the cameras are on the way. Today’s announcement notes that warning tickets will start “as soon as” December 1st, with ticketing – carrying $75 fines – then starting around January 1st. Also from the announcement:

To date, in an effort to ensure traffic volumes do not impact emergency vehicle response times as we develop our automated enforcement system and policies, Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers have been ticketing or turning around people using the Low Bridge during AM and PM peak commute hours. Enforcement by SPD alone is temporary until we implement automated enforcement, but SPD Traffic or Patrol officers, as well as other localized police agencies may continue to identify, stop and enforce the sign restrictions as part of their normal duties.

And in case you’ve forgotten, here’s the current rules:

Who CAN use the Low Bridge

Emergency vehicles
Transit vehicles (King County Metro buses and school buses)
Freight vehicles
People walking, rolling, using a scooter, or biking
Employer shuttles
Vanpools
People with placards (currently 160 distributed)
People driving personal vehicles at night (from 9 PM to 5 AM daily)

Who CANNOT use the Low Bridge

Ubers, Lyfts, or other ride-sharing vehicles
People driving personal vehicles, including motorcycles, during the day (from 5 AM to 9 PM daily)

The policies are always subject to change – the West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force now has a low-bridge subcommittee to discuss possible changes.

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WEST SEATTLE WEDNESDAY: Bridge meeting, 10-venue dining fundraiser, free pumpkins, Junction Harvest Fest, more…

October 21, 2020 9:58 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Golden-crowned Kinglet, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Big day! Here are the highlights:

GET YOUR FLU SHOT: The city has clarified that the drive-up/ride-up flu-shot clinics at local schools are open to EVERYONE, and if you’re uninsured, they’ll cover the cost: One is happening today at Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW) until 5 pm, and others are coming up in West Seattle. Get an appointment before you go; our preview explains how.

GET A FREE PUMPKIN: Happening today outside Lafayette Elementary:

he Lafayette Garden program has extra pumpkins and would like to offer them up to the community! Stop by the school (2645 California Ave SW) to pick one up for yourself, they will be by the flag pole from 10-4, or until they are gone. Our students have been learning all about the ones they took home with a pumpkin S.T.E.M. lesson that encourages the kids to measure, weigh and learn about their pumpkin. Lessons will be out front as well for anyone looking for a fun activity to do with their child. If you are interested in exploring garden programming at your school or have any questions don’t hesitate to leave your name in the box by the pumpkins. The pumpkins were made possible through a grant by the Robins Family foundation (thank you!).

DINE OUT AND SUPPORT WSHS SENIORS: Today’s the day for the big fundraiser we’ve been previewing! 10 local venues donating part of their proceeds to support the West Seattle High School Class of 2021 – just dine in or take out sometime today. Our most-recent preview has the list of participating food/beverage spots. Plus – the band Aurora Avenue at Lady Jaye (4523 California SW) 4-4:45 pm.

WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE COMMUNITY TASK FORCE: Two big items during today’s noon meeting – a presentation about the newly emerged option for a pootentially faster replacement, plus a discussion of the Cost-Benefit Analysis made public Tuesday (here’s our coverage), which compares and analyzes repairing vs. replacing. Here’s the link (UPDATED) to watch the meeting; for questions/comments, before/during/after, email westseattlebridge@seattle.gov.

WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION HARVEST FEST: The 10-day celebration begins today! Get a scavenger-hunt map, stop for cider or cocoa, enjoy festive displays. All the details are here.

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