West Seattle, Washington
27 Saturday
6:16 AM: Welcome to Thursday, the 227th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.
ROAD WORK
Delridge project: 23rd SW is closed at Delridge this week. The other current work is detailed here.
CHECK TRAFFIC BEFORE YOU GO
West Marginal Way/Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden:
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. (Same goes for the other detour-route neighborhoods, like Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge.)
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.
BUSES
Metro – Fare collection has resumed.
WATER TAXI
The West Seattle run remains on its weekdays-only schedule. Note that there’s no service next Wednesday, for Veterans Day.
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
Tonight’s numbers start alarmingly, but note there’s a disclaimer:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily-summary dashboard, the cumulative totals:
*28,948 people have tested positive, 559 more than yesterday’s total++++
*809 people have died, unchanged from yesterday’s total
*2,621 people have been hospitalized, 22 more than yesterday’s total
*550,631 people have been tested, 1,131 more than yesterday’s total
++++Here’s the explanation of today’s positive-test total, from the dashboard:
One week ago, the four totals we track were 26,817/803/2,561/530,067.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them, county by county, on the state Department of Health page,.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: See them, nation by nation, here.
SCHOOLS & COVID-19: State health authorities plan a briefing at 11:15 am tomorrow about “a new modeling report on potential outcomes of the impact in-school COVID-19 testing may have on the different approaches to in-person learning, depending on community rates of COVID-19.” You can watch the livestream here.
GOT INFO? Email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com or phone us, text or voice, at 206-293-6302 – thank you!
6:51 PM: Thanks for the tips. We’re hearing from multiple people in Gatewood, mostly along SW Holden, from California SW east, who say they lost power about 10 minutes ago. The City Light map initially only showed 1 customer affected but has just updated to 73. We’re checking on the cause; we’ve been hearing some scanner traffic tonight about wires downed in the wind.
7:15 PM: We just drove SW Holden, confirming that the outage goes east to 37th SW. No sign of City Light in the area, though (if you see them working anywhere, let us know).
7:43 PM: A caller tells us City Light now has a crew at 41st/Holden.
10:40 PM: Outage is in its fifth hour. No official update from SCL.
11:46 PM: The map now shows most of the outage resolved. We’ll follow up with SCL tomorrow regarding the cause.
ADDED THURSDAY EVENING: SCL spokesperson Julie Moore tells WSB the outage was caused by “equipment failure.”
All the post-election suspense is at the national level – but we’re going to present a quick local update anyway.
TURNOUT UPDATE: Will King County hit that 90 percent goal? It’s getting closer – as of tonight, just under 86 percent of ballots countywide had been received; looking just at the city of Seattle, it’s almost 88 percent. (For comparison, the final 2016 percentages were 80.85% countywide, 84.26% for Seattle.)
RESULTS UPDATE: Nothing we were watching at the local/state level was close, and today’s added returns haven’t changed anything. Seattle Transportation Benefit District Prop 1, sales tax to fund extra Metro service, has 8X percent approval, while King County Prop 1, property tax for improvements at Harborview Medical Center, has 77 percent approval. See the updated King County results here, and the updated state results here.
West Seattle author/illustrator Danitra Hunter wants more kids to meet, and be inspired by, a character she created who’s known as Purrdie Burrdie.
She created Purrdie Burrdie while working at the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) as a teacher in recent years – a job she says she can’t do right now because the pandemic has closed her classroom. But she is working on another way to reach kids – a children’s book starring Purrdie Burrdie.
Danitra explains, “She represents self-love, and many children in our community love and adore her. Purrdie Burrdie started out as a coloring page and over the years I’ve been working on her world and I currently have a live Kickstarter campaign to publish my first children’s book “Purrdie Burrdie: I Love Myself, Can You See?” This book was inspired by little Black girls at West Seattle Elementary being ashamed of being Black and Brown girls. A friend of mine who worked for an afterschool program told me this information and it truly broke my heart.” But Purrdie Burrdie is for everyone: “I want people of all ages and backgrounds to love themselves – that’s why I am in your world!”
Her Kickstarter campaign – already more than halfway to its goal – will enable her to self-publish the Purrdie Burrdie book, ideally in February 2021, in honor of Black History Month. (Even if you’re not interested in backing her project, you can see preview pages on her Kickstarter site.)
Thanks to WestSide Baby for the photo of that brand-new mural on the north-facing wall of the nonprofit’s White Center HQ. It’s by artist Angelina Villalobos, who painted it last weekend. The organization explains:
The mural is the end result of many conversations for many years, but was pushed forward by the organization’s desire to communicate their values of Humanity, Resilience, and Intention OUTSIDE of their huge warehouse walls in response to the murder of George Floyd in late May and the continued fight for justice in our community and beyond. The building has been tagged with graffiti a number of times over the last couple months, with messages of support for Black Lives and racial justice, and it was important for WestSide Baby to honor that sentiment.
The artist elaborated on her work:
I centered a circle and honed in on shapes growing out, emulating pages of an open book. From the open book I filled it with words of justice, love, and equity, and more words brainstormed by WestSide Baby staff, including their values of Humanity, Resilience, and Intentionality. This design color and type was pulled from 1960s-styled protest posters, reminding us of the fight for civil rights and love during that time, and now in 2020.
WestSide Baby has distributed more than 1.6 million diapers to local families so far this year, and says that’s more than during any other full year in the organization’s 20 years of work. You can support them in two ways: Donate dollars or diapers. For online donation info, go here; for in-person donating, they’re accepting boxes or packages of all sizes of diapers and pullups, plus wipes and other hygiene items, 10 am-2 pm Wednesdays at the White Center HQ (10002 14th SW).
Thanks for the tips. King County Transit Police (part of the Sheriff’s Office) are investigating after a person was found dead at the northbound bus stop near Delridge/Myrtle this morning. KCSO spokesperson Sgt. Tim Meyer tells WSB that they got a call around 6:30 am. Someone tried to do CPR on the person, believed to be a woman in her mid-60s, but it was too late. He says there is no suspicion of foul play at this point, though the King County Medical Examiner’s Office will make the final determination of the cause of death.
(WSB photo, DGC volunteers asssembling boxes in September)
2020 won’t just be remembered for the pandemic and other problems. This year has had its memorable milestones, too, big and small. For Delridge Grocery Co-op, it’s the year that weekly box delivery launched. So what’s next? Be the first to know by attending the DGC’s annual meeting online this Saturday! In case you haven’t seen it in our calendar yet. here’s the announcement:
The Delridge Grocery Co-op annual meeting is going virtual this year on Saturday, November 7 at 3 pm.
Please consider spending some time with us on Saturday as we’ve got a lot of news to share and will be voting on up to two additional board positions (voted on by owner-members with a full $100 ownership share).
We’ll be covering what we’ve done with our DGC Essentials Box program, providing a virtual tour of the retail store, going over current financials, describing the next steps needed for opening our retail site, and listing out some areas where we need help from our owners and community.
Reserve your meeting spot today at our SignUp Genius page (we will have a limited number of virtual seats available). We’ll provide the full agenda and Zoom conference details closer to Saturday.
(Photo by Christopher Boffoli
Two events of interest today and tonight:
ORCA-DOCUMENTARY DISCUSSION: 12:30 pm-1:30 pm today, an online performance and panel discussion/Q&A kick off the distribution of a new documentary, “Sentinels of Silence? Whale Watching, Noise, and the Orca“ (trailer below):
Panel members include West Seattleite Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail, who served on Gov. Inslee‘s task force about the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales. Register here ASAP to get the link for viewing today’s online event.
DISTRICT 1 COMMUNITY NETWORK: 7 pm online, this coalition of community advocates from West Seattle and South Park has its monthly meeting. All welcome. Agenda topics include a recap of recent tenant-rights bootcamps, updates on public-safety issues, and current COVID-19 community impacts. To attend, use this link or call 669-900-6833. (Meeting ID: 222 985 415 – Password: 625318)
7:46 AM: Thanks to Kersti Muul of Salish Wildlife Watch for the tip: Orcas are passing West Seattle, southbound off Blake Island.
10:39 AM: Kersti reports in a comment below that the whales (Southern Residents from J-Pod) have turned back northbound.
6:16 AM: Welcome to Wednesday, the 226th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.
ROAD WORK, ETC.
Delridge project: 23rd SW is closed at Delridge this week. The week’s other major work, is detailed here.
CHECK TRAFFIC BEFORE YOU GO
West Marginal Way/Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden:
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. (Same goes for the other detour-route neighborhoods, like Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge.)
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.
BUSES
Metro – Fare collection has resumed.
WATER TAXI
The West Seattle run remains on its weekdays-only schedule. .
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
Here’s our Election Night edition of local pandemic-related news, notes, and numbers:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: First, here’s today’s daily summary from Public Health – the cumulative totals:
*28,329 people have tested positive, 127 more than yesterday’s total
*809 people have died, 3 more than yesterday’s total
*2,599 people have been hospitalized, 5 more than yesterday’s total
*549,500 people have been tested, 3,849 fewer than yesterday’s total++
One week ago, the totals were 26.621/800/2,559/526,824.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.
NATIONAL/WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 47.4 million cases worldwide, 9.3 million of them in the U.S. – see other nation-by-nation stats by going here.
NO BRIEFING TOMORROW: State health officials’ weekly briefing usually happens every Wednesday, but this week it’s canceled.
GOT SOMETHING TO REPORT? westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302, text/voice – thank you!
King County is out with its first and only results report – 72.4% of county votes have been counted. Locally, the ballot measures are tonight’s biggest news:
SEATTLE PROPOSITION 1
Sales tax for transit funding
82% yes
18% no
ADDED 8:33 PM: West Seattle/South Park City Councilmember Lisa Herbold on Prop 1:
“Today’s vote in support of Proposition 1 for transit funding is good news for West Seattle. Proposition 1 specifies that up to $9 million annually to support mobility needs related to the closure of the West Seattle Bridge, and COVID-19 response and recovery. With the West Seattle Bridge closed through at least 2022, traffic and access issues will only increase once social distancing ends or decreases. Transit service will be critical to meeting the ambitious goals of SDOT’s Reconnect West Seattle plan. The ballot measure notes Investments could include, in addition to transit service, speed and reliability improvements, first-last mile transit connections, and Transportation Demand Management strategies described in the community-driven Reconnect West Seattle plan.”
Back to results:
KING COUNTY PROPOSITION 1
Harborview Medical Center property tax
78% yes
22% no
ADDED 8:49 PM: From King County Executive Dow Constantine:
“While there are still many votes to be counted, I thank the voters of King County for their support for Harborview Medical Center. These investments will ensure that our region continues to be the best place in the country to receive emergency medical care, and needed seismic upgrades will protect the lives of patients, employees, and visitors to Harborview. Besides helping people with behavioral health needs and better preparing the region to fight pandemics, the measure creates thousands of family-wage construction jobs at a time when our region needs them the most.”
Back to results:
KING COUNTY CHARTER AMENDMENT 5
Change sheriff from elected to appointed?
56% yes
43% no
We’ll be adding more. Meantime, major races are for Congress and state offices – plus one state ballot measure of note – those results are here:
U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 7
(Includes West Seattle)
Pramila Jayapal (D) 85%
Craig Keller (R) 15%
ADDED 11:45 PM: Rep. Jayapal (a West Seattle resident) thanked voters via Twitter, adding:
I am humbled, grateful & ready to serve again. Our path to truly build a more just & equitable country is long. But we are bold, progressive & unafraid, and if we believe in the possible & organize, we WILL win!
GOVERNOR
Jay Inslee (D) 60%
Loren Culp (R) 40%
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Denny Heck (D) 47%
Marko Liias (D) 34%
SECRETARY OF STATE
Kim Wyman (R) 52%
Gael Tarleton (D) 48%
STATE REFERENDUM 90
Sex education
Approved 60%
Rejected 40%
Unlike the Seattle/King County-only races, the statewide ones will change through the night because of other counties, so we’ll keep updating.
P.S. If you’re interested – the presidential race in King County so far is Biden 77%, Trump 21%; statewide, it’s Biden 61%, Trump 36%.
8:09 PM: At Charlestown and California, police are investigating a reported carjacking. According to radio exchanges so far, they were told that a gray Dodge Challenger was taken at gunpoint by three people – two females, one male – and that the victim was pistol-whipped. We’re on our way in hopes of finding out more.
8:19 PM: Police tell us at the scene that they’re still trying to verify more details about the car – it’s either a Charger or a Challenger, and they don’t have the plate yet. They’re also trying to locate the victim, who apparently walked away from the scene – the 7-11 parking lot – though he was described as injured and bleeding.
Final hour of voting – and ballot drop-box sites are ready for a crush of procrastinators who might not show up, given this year’s early voting – 83 percent of Seattle ballots received by late today. Nonetheless, there are flaggers on the street and staffers on the sidewalk by The Junction’s drop box:
And when we stopped by before 7 pm, they were outnumbering the last-minute voters. If you still haven’t dropped off your ballot, get to your nearest drop box by 8 pm – the list is in our daily preview. King County’s first round of results are due out around 8:15 pm.
(October photo by Tony Welch)
As noted here Monday, the Northwest Seaport Alliance‘s managing members – Seattle and Tacoma port commissioners – had the West Seattle Bridge on their meeting agenda today. It’s a vital issue for them because the Terminal 5 expansion increases their stake in mobility to and from West Seattle. After a briefing and discussion, they decided to send Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan a letter – but they’re not taking a stand on repair vs. replace, yet. Instead, they hope the letter, which will emphasize their priorities and interests, will help the mayor in her decisionmaking. Co-chairs Peter Steinbrueck (Seattle) and John McCarthy (Tacoma) have a meeting coming up with her, too. Steinbrueck stressed that the bridge is important “to the entire region and state.”
Lindsay Wolpa, a Port of Seattle manager who’s on the West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force (as is Steinbrueck), delivered the briefing, recapping toplines from the recently released Cost-Benefit Analysis, as well as offshoots of the bridge closure such as the West Marginal Way plan. Wolpa noted that the port is against the proposed northbound freight lane, and concerned about the possible two-way protected bike lane on the southbound side. She said the freight lane seems “unlikely to happen”; the port believes it would add more traffic to the corridor and further jam up the 5-way intersection close to the T-5 entrance, creating “havoc” as Steinbrueck described it. The port does support the signal and crosswalk on West Marginal for the Duwamish Longhouse, however, it was reiterated. As Wolpa quickly reviewed the alternatives the city’s consultant WSP studied in the Cost-Benefit Analysis, she noted that the “infamous immersed-tube tunnel” is “very concerning” to the port and NWSA, because it would “have a lot of impact” on maritime operations.
In addition to what was outlined in the CBA, she also spoke about the “rapid span replacement” that suddenly appeared as an option when the CBA was almost done. Commissioners voiced skepticism that its potential “rapid” timeline could really be met. Seattle commissioner Ryan Calkins said that if not for the last-minute appearance of the “rapid span replacement,” he suspected there would be “considerable momentum toward repair.” Another commissioner asked Wolpa what neighborhood groups are supporting; she said so far, most were voicing support for the “repair” option, to get traffic access restored as soon as possible. Calkins said an independent third-party review would be helpful; Wolpa said the Technical Advisory Panel is filling that role, and that it has given “repair” the highest rating, so far. Another concern, one that the city has voiced as well: Would money for a replacement decades down the road be harder to get than money for one now?
In the end, the commissioners decided to send a letter expressing their concerns and priorities rather than one with a repair/replace position; Steinbrueck emphasized, as he had at the last CTF meeting, that they need more information before they could take a definite stand. Meantime, no new date yet for the mayor’s decision, though Wolpa said she’d heard some talk it could happen on November 18th, when the Community Task Force meets again.
A well-known West Seattleite has died: Former Seattle Port Commissioner Jack Block. A moment of silence was held in his memory as current Seattle and Tacoma port commissioners gathered online for today’s Northwest Seaport Alliance managing-members meeting. You might know Mr. Block as the namesake of the port-owned Jack Block Park in West Seattle, which was renamed in his honor in 2001, three years after it opened as Terminal 5 Park. Mr. Block is a former longshore worker who was elected to the Port Commission in 1973 and served until 2001; the port says he was its longest-serving commissioner, adding, “Throughout his life he always supported working people, free trade, and those who needed help most in our communities.” This 1986 Journal of Commerce profile notes some of Mr. Block’s accomplishments, including rising to union leadership at a relatively young age. Mr. Block, who lived in Fauntleroy with wife Vicki Schmitz Block, was 86 years old. Emmick Family Funeral Home (WSB sponsor) is handling arrangements, which are still in progress.
(WSB photos)
The Katz family is among the Our Lady of Guadalupe parishioners joining in a streetside Election Day vigil this afternoon along 35th SW in. front of the church. The sign is one of several expressing hopes and wishes on this day of decision:
Also seen at the vigil: Tag the Corgi.
If you’re procrastinating, you now have a little over 5 hours remaining to get your ballot in – our morning preview has all the info you need on where and how.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
However long it takes to get West Seattle a main cross-Duwamish arterial again – from a year and a half for repairs, to up to 10 years for something new – some local neighborhoods have to deal with thousands more drivers passing through every day.
What more can/will be done to lessen that impact? SDOT reps talked with HPAC, the community council for Highland Park, South Delridge, and Riverview, last Wednesday night. More than 30 people attended the online meeting, led by acting HPAC chair Craig Rankin. The discussion happened in two segments:
On days of national importance, we like to feature our local Bald Eagles – thanks to Eric Bell for the photo! We begin with one more look at where/how to vote:
KING COUNTY ELECTION DROP BOXES: The five in our area and nearby are open until 8 pm. If you are in line – not walking or running to the line, but actually in line – at exactly 8 pm, your ballot will be accepted. KCE will have staff (and plainclothes security) there to help, although they acknowledge the last-minute rush isn’t likely to resemble past years because so many people (80 percent of Seattle voters as of last night). Here, first, are the locations:
–The Junction, south side of SW Alaska between California SW and 44th SW
–High Point Library, 3411 SW Raymond
–South Seattle College, 6000 16th SW
–South Park Library, 8th Avenue S./S. Cloverdale
–White Center Library, 1409 SW 107th
Here’s the full countywide list/map
KCE says staff will be at all drop boxes today until they close (plainclothes security, too).
USPS MAIL: Your ballot must be postmarked by today to count. The only way to guarantee that is to take it into a Post Office and have it hand-canceled. We have two Post Offices in West Seattle: Westwood Village (2721 SW Trenton) and The Junction (4412 California SW)
LAST-MINUTE REGISTERING? State law allows you to do that today until 8 pm, but you have to do it in person at a Vote Center – here’s the countywide list; nearest one is at the CenturyLink Field Event Center (register and you will get a ballot and be able to turn it in on the spot).
VOTING-RELATED QUESTION OR PROBLEM? 206-296-VOTE.
WHEN WILL WE SEE RESULTS? KCE plans, as usual, one results report tonight: “We generally look to have those results up by about 8:15 p.m. but please be patient as we will get them up as quickly as possible and it’s a big file this time around.” With so many ballots returned early, they are expecting tonight’s results to include more than 1 million ballots (about 70 percent of the 1.4 million sent out in mid-October; overall turnout forecast is 90 percent). Tomorrow and each day after that, results updates will be posted around 4 pm.
AS FOR THE REST OF THE COUNTRY: If you don’t already have preferred sources, here’s a non-paywalled guide to individual states’ poll-closing times and more.
What else is happening?
ELECTION DAY VIGIL: Our Lady of Guadalupe plans one outside the church on 35th SW (just south of SW Myrtle) noon-5 pm.
ANTI-RACISM DEMONSTRATION: Organizer Scott is continuing these twice-weekly events:
Black Lives Matter sign waving
Tuesday, Nov 3, 4 to 6 pm, corner of 16th SW and SW Holden
Thursday, Nov 5, 4 to 6 pm, 16th and Holden
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.
LIBRARY REMINDER: No services today at High Point Library (and other branches around the city that are also home to ballot drop boxes).
Anything else up? Our 24/7 hotline is 206-293-6302, text or voice.
From Nanci, who hopes you’ll keep watch for this stolen pickup truck:
Monday night our white Dodge pickup was stolen from our home on 21st Ave SW and SW Holly St. Plate # B51314U. Police report has been filed.
If you see it, call 911.
Family and friends are remembering Anne Bentrott Wise, and sharing this with her community:
Anne Louise Bentrott Wise, a giant in West Seattle residential real estate, died peacefully in her sleep on October 26, 2020.
Anne was born on March 15, 1931 and experienced a world of adventure and love in her lifetime. The only child of Navy officer Captain Harry Horney and homemaker Mary Horney, Anne was born in Coronado, California. Her childhood was marked by frequent moves to places as far flung as Panama and as homespun as St. Louis, Missouri. These moves enabled her to easily make friends, and she could talk to anyone and everyone.
After WWII ended, Anne returned to Coronado where she graduated from Coronado High School in 1948. Her high-school years were an idyllic combination of biking, playing tennis, and enjoying the sunny beach. Anne studied hard and was admitted to Stanford University. She earned two scholarships to cover her tuition, $800 per year, and graduated in 1952.
At Stanford, Anne flourished socially and academically. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa in Political Science. Her goal of becoming a Foreign Service Officer took a detour when she met handsome part-time Post Office truck driver Boyd Bentrott. The young couple fell in love and was married in Palo Alto in 1952.
When Boyd elected to pursue a Master’s Degree at the University of Washington, they moved to Seattle. After a brief stint in San Francisco for Boyd’s military service, they returned to Seattle, where both became lifelong West Seattle residents. Anne worked at the Henry Broderick Company, where her intelligence and talent were recognized and she was encouraged to pursue a career in residential real-estate sales. Her business took off from there. Anne made history by becoming one of the first female residential realtors in West Seattle, while Boyd became a beloved history teacher at West Seattle High School. After being told she couldn’t be hired because she was a woman, a broker later admitted not hiring her was the biggest mistake of his business career.
Anne succeeded in real estate because she was smart and loved helping people. We believe she sold more homes in the community than any other realtor in the area. As late as this past year, she still helped out friends and family with their real-estate needs.
Anne and Boyd had three sons: Martin (Beth), Bryan (Mary Ann), and Robert (Tina). Sadly, Boyd died unexpectedly in 1976. Anne went on to have 11 grandchildren: Brandon, David, Kelly, Bryan (Jane), Matt, Mark (Caitlyn), Amy, Corbin, Chase, Kiran, Collin, and 4 great-grandchildren: Estelle, Charlie, Annie, and Emily. Her competitive spirit was evident whether playing Yahtzee or pickle ball with her grandkids. She never “let” anyone win. Grandma Anne loved all her grandchildren dearly and the love was completely reciprocated. To say Anne was generous would be a massive understatement.
After Boyd’s death, she met and married Ken Wise in 1980. Kenny was a great husband and wonderful Grandpa. Anne benefitted greatly from joining the welcoming Wise family. Kenny added another son, Tom (Wendy), and 2 more grandchildren, Chandra and Corinne, to the brood. They built their dream home on Puget Sound in the Arroyos and loved traveling the world together. They spent 2 months a year on Maui enjoying their snowbird friends and fished in British Columbia every summer. After Kenny passed away in 2010, Anne continued fishing (and catching) with family and friends until the age of 87.
The outpouring of stories, calls, and texts has been overwhelming, but here is a favorite: “Anne was a force of nature … a role model of determination, grit, and heart.” A celebration of her life will be held in spring/summer 2021. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to YMCA Camp Colman and reference “Nichols Cabin,” in honor of longtime Camp Director George Nichols.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
6:12 AM: Welcome to Tuesday, Election Day – also the 225th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.
BALLOT DROP-BOX TRAFFIC REMINDER
We might not see the backups of past years, with so many people voting early, but just in case, note that congestion is likely until the boxes close at 8 pm, particularly The Junction (eastbound California between 44th and Alaska) and High Point (eastbound SW Raymond east of 35th). Our area’s newest drop box, on the driveway in front of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) administration building (6000 16th SE), is less likely to draw a crowd. King County Elections promises staff and security at all sites.
ROAD WORK, ETC.
Delridge project: 23rd SW is closed at Delridge this week. The week’s other major work, is all detailed here.
CHECK TRAFFIC BEFORE YOU GO
West Marginal Way/Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden:
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. (Same goes for the other detour-route neighborhoods, like Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge.)
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.
BUSES
Metro – Fare collection has resumed.
WATER TAXI
The West Seattle run is back in service after last week’s dock trouble.
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
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