West Seattle, Washington

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WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Joyful
December 22, 2020 5:48 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

We skipped last night because of storm coverage – so tonight, another double feature!

Thanks to Erin in Sunrise Heights for our first photo – her house on 31st SW, with the famous treetop stars near Othello/32nd/34th [vicinity map] in the background. She says, “I especially want to call out the giant evergreen trees. The three have been lit just about every year for the 18 years we’ve lived here and they bring us such joy. Just like the tree on the Space Needle, these lit trees symbolize that it’s the holiday season! Thank you to our neighbors who light them up every year!”

Speaking of joy:

Thanks to Jackie for the photo of that display in the 3800 block of 36th SW [vicinity map]. Jackie explains, “They have been displaying decorations and lights for many years. It is a complete labor of love as these two are approaching 80 years. This year they added some new deer and a fabulous ‘joy’ sign. The sleigh is handmade. There is a teddy bear window and a window with carolers.”

Not too late for more tips/photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com – see the lights we’ve already featured by scrolling through our archive or checking the list in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.

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FOLLOWUP: Emma Schmitz Overlook seawall construction almost done
December 22, 2020 3:45 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

When late-night work was announced last week for the Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook seawall-replacement project on Beach Drive, some asked about the project’s status. Short answer: Almost done! Longer version, from project spokesperson Andrew Muñoz of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:

The contractor is finishing up final construction items and we expect major construction to be complete in the next two weeks. The site will be handed over to Seattle Parks to finish the project with landscaping. This means construction equipment will be removed but fencing will remain up for the time being.

Contractor Redside Construction started major work on the long-planned project about five months ago. The new $3 million, 465-foot seawall had to be built in front of the failing old one because demolition work would have been a risk to a sewer line running beneath it.

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WATER TAXI ALERT: West Seattle vessel downsizing for rest of today and tomorrow
December 22, 2020 2:19 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

(Spirit of Kingston – WSB file photo)

Just in, a temporary change of vessel on the West Seattle Water Taxi route:

The 149-passenger Spirit of Kingston will replace the 278-passenger Doc Maynard on the West Seattle route tonight and tomorrow. West Seattle riders should plan accordingly given the reduced passenger capacity, especially on the 8:00 and 8:35 morning sailings as well as the 4:45 and 5:25 evening sailings. The Doc Maynard will be going to the shipyard to have a damaged propeller replaced. There will be no impacts to Vashon service.

And a reminder, no Water Taxi service on Friday for the holiday.

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WHO’S OPEN ON CHRISTMAS: Where to find West Seattle info, and how to add to it
December 22, 2020 1:21 pm
|    Comments Off on WHO’S OPEN ON CHRISTMAS: Where to find West Seattle info, and how to add to it
 |   Holidays | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | WS beverages

That’s the new covered outdoor addition at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), one of the West Seattle businesses that will be open on Christmas Day (8 am-4 pm). As always, we’re building info lists for the holidays, and publishing this reminder that it’s not too late to let us know about retailers and food/drink businesses’ hours on Christmas Eve/Day. All the info we have so far – including the complete grocery-store hours list for Thursday/Friday – is toward the end of our West Seattle Holiday Guide page (which has a list of church services, too). We’re still checking around, but if you can help by providing info, please email westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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HOLIDAY HELPING: West Seattle family’s fundraising Christmas music
December 22, 2020 11:44 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

With three days to go until Christmas, maybe you’ve already heard the Mariah Carey version of “All I Want for Christmas” a hundred times. Here’s an alternative: Listen to the Leyva Family Band version! Michelle Leyva emailed to tell us about their downloadable Christmas music album, fundraising for Keep Music Live Washington, an advocacy group fighting for the future of live-music venues shuttered during the pandemic. Proceeds will go to that group; the Leyvas are offering their Christmas collection for $5, or anything more you want to pay, explaining, “We miss live music and so look forward to hearing it again soon with all of YOU.” You can find the album, and preview it, by going here.

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WEST SEATTLE TUESDAY: Here’s what’s up
December 22, 2020 10:35 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE TUESDAY: Here’s what’s up
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Christmas pony? Photo by Jerry Simmons)

A few notes for the rest of today/tonight:

SHOPPING: See our Holiday Guide for spotlighted shops, as well as a list of local independent businesses offering online shopping (many with curbside pickup and/or delivery).

DEMONSTRATE FOR RACIAL JUSTICE: The weekly announcement from Scott @ Puget Ridge Cohousing:

Black Lives Matter sign waving

Tuesday Dec 22, 4 to 6 pm, corner of 16th SW and SW Holden

Thursday Dec 24, 4 to 6 pm, corner of 16th SW and SW Holden [Xmas Eve–we may end early if traffic very light]

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.

LAMENTATION LIBERATION: Happening outside Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds):

Due to harsh weather conditions, the Winter 2020 Solstice Lamentation Liberation has been rescheduled for Tuesday, December 22 from 4:30 to 5:30 pm in the church’s front courtyard.

Alki UCC invites our friends and neighbors to write down your 2020 Lamentations and General Complaints Against the Universe on paper and join us to watch them go up in smoke in our 2020 Lamentation Fire. Let’s release 2020 from its grip upon us, and look to longer, brighter days ahead. Burning of the lamentations will start at about 4:30 pm, continuing until the fire burns out. Self-serve cider mix packets will be offered for at home enjoyment. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the White Center Food Bank. The church is also sponsoring a family with a single dad with 10 kids that need winter jackets, so please bring a child’s jacket if you have one to donate.

ENDOLYNE JOE’S: As announced last Friday, the Fauntleroy restaurant is temporarily closing TFN after tonight. Open for takeout 11 am-8 pm. (9261 45th SW)

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Remembering Susan M. Bowen, 1948-2020
December 22, 2020 8:59 am
|    Comments Off on Remembering Susan M. Bowen, 1948-2020
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Susan M. Bowen, and sharing this with her community:

Susan Marie Bowen, beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on Sunday, December 6th at midnight in Seattle.

Susan Marie Clark was born on September 10, 1948 in Missoula, Montana to Robert and Montana Clark. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Seattle and purchased a home on 48th Avenue, near the bottom of Charlestown Hill in West Seattle.

Tragically, her father died when she was three years old and her mother never remarried. Susan grew up in West Seattle with her older half-sister Loretta and graduated from West Seattle High School.

She attended the University of Washington until she took a semester off, worked at the Post Office, met and married James Bowen and divorced after 14 years. They had four children: Cassandra, Eugene, Rebecca, and Tamara. Susan worked for close to 30 years at the Seattle Police Department and retired as a Chief Dispatcher. Oddly, she was on duty for some of Seattle’s biggest crises, including the Mardi Gras riots in Pioneer Square, the Metro Bus that drove off an unfinished highway ramp, and other notorious events.

Susan loved Jehovah, her family, gardening, sewing, knitting, making jewelry, and was a voracious reader.

We will all miss her encouragement to develop a personal relationship with our Creator and keep His laws.

Many people have lavender potpourri made from Nana’s garden, her delicious fruit leather made from her own plum tree. Jars of delicious jams and jellies have been mailed to many cousins in Montana, and beyond. She was also known for her tasty lemon bars made with love. Her sudden, shocking death due to Stage 4 cancer saddens us all deeply, but we know that she is in the care and memory of our loving Heavenly Father, who will reward her.

Susan was dearly loved and is survived by: Her older sister Loretta Baker; Cassandra (daughter) James, Jordan (granddaughter) and Madison O’Neal (granddaughter); Eugene (son), Anna Marie (granddaughter), Michael (grandson), Caprice (granddaughter) and Camryn Bowen (granddaughter); Rebecca Bowen (daughter), Lanisha Scott (granddaughter) Terrence, Samaya (great-granddaughter), and Zion (great-granddaughter); and Tamara (daughter), Quincy, DeShawn (grandson), Aria (granddaughter),
and Layla Aitkens (granddaughter). She will be greatly missed by tons of cousins, nieces, nephews, and
friends.

John 5: 28, 29
Daniel 12:13

(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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ROAD WORK, TRANSIT, TRAFFIC: Tuesday 12/22 watch
December 22, 2020 6:07 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

ADDED 9 AM: Thanks for the tip – a tree has come down on part of the Alki Trail, in the 1200 block of Alki:

It’s been reported to the city. Earlier:

=====

6:07 AM: It’s Tuesday, December 22nd, the 274th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. It’s also the day after record rainfall followed by a sharp temperature drop and snow, so beware of potentially slick streets.

ROAD (ETC.) WORK

Bridge platform: 7-11 am today, the second West Seattle Bridge stabilization-work platform is expected to be lowered and barged away. Low-bridge traffic is not expected to be affected, but maritime traffic will have to wait until the work is done.

Delridge project: Work is planned through Thursday this week. Here are the expected highlights.

TRANSIT

Metro – Regular schedule today.

Water Taxi – Regular schedule today (no service Friday).

CHECK TRAFFIC BEFORE YOU GO

West Marginal Way/Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

Restricted-daytime-access (open to all 9 pm-5 am) low bridge:

The main detour route across the Duwamish River, the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) . Here are two cameras:

The other major bridge across the river – the South Park Bridge (map) – see the closure advisory above. 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.)

Checking for bridges’ marine-traffic openings? See the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

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

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

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CORONAVIRUS: Monday 12/21 roundup
December 21, 2020 10:30 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Time for our nightly toplines in the virus crisis:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: Here are the toplines of today’s daily summary from Seattle-King County Public Health – the cumulative countywide totals:

*58,107 people have tested positive, 477 more than yesterday’s total

*993 people have died, unchanged since Friday

*3,893 people have been hospitalized, 8 more than yesterday’s total

*717,680 people have been tested, 2,208 more than yesterday’s total

One week ago, the totals were 54,649/935/3,714/694,880.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

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

TEMPORARILY CLOSED: Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) announced today that one of its employees has tested positive, so the salon is closing for 2 weeks while everyone quarantines.

GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING: Today he focused on the buzz about new variants of the virus overseas, with expert guests. The bottom line: Don’t panic. That said, he did take action as announced below:

Today Gov. Jay Inslee issued a 14-day quarantine requirement for anyone returning to Washington state after visiting the United Kingdom, South Africa, and other countries where a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, 501Y.V, has been circulating.

Health experts believe this new variant may be more transmissible than other variants. The order applies to anyone who has been present in these countries within the prior 14 days. An individual is permitted to leave quarantine to perform certain essential activities (for example, seek medical treatment), provided that they avoid public transportation and ride-share services, wear a facial covering, separate themselves from other people to the greatest extent reasonably possible, and follow other appropriate social distancing measures. All individuals who are impacted by this order are strongly encouraged to be tested within seven days of returning to Washington. The full proclamation is available here.

See the briefing video here.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES: Also covered in the governor’s post-briefing news release: a removal of the attendance cap on religious services, based on a recent court ruling.

NEED FOOD? On Wedmesday (December 23rd), food boxes will be available 2-5 pm at Food Lifeline (815 S. 96th).

NEED A HOLIDAY MEAL? The Christmas People are waiting for your call “between now and 12/24 to order Christmas Day take-out meals (12-4) for shut-ins, seniors, veterans … people who need a nice meal at Christmas. Call Fred at 206-719-4979 or email pialley@jps.net. We will do this until the food runs out.” They have volunteer drivers to help make this happen.

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

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Downpour swamps streets, paths; then – big cooldown, with snow
December 21, 2020 3:24 pm
|      57 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(CONTINUING COVERAGE from afternoon downpour to evening snowfall)

3:24 PM: The heavy rain predicted in today’s forecast has arrived, and some streets are swamped. Above, Frank sent the photo of bike-lane posts acting as breakwaters along Avalon Way; not far from there, Lehualani tweeted this video:

From Conner, the ground-level view of that same stretch of 35th SW:

3:40 PM: As mentioned in comments, Harbor Avenue is swamped too. Just received this video via Twitter:

Meantime, more Avalon:

And here’s 35th/Barton, from Kersti:

We are also getting texts that California/Raymond, northeast of Morgan Junction – a perennial drainage trouble spot – is also flooded. (video added, from Patrick Wirth)

One texter says it’s so bad that some drivers are turning around, while neighbors are out trying to clear the drain(s). Just heard a dispatcher tell an SFD crew that “SDOT is swamped” – as are streets.

4:03 PM: This is keeping SFD busy too – note all the “water job” calls on the real-time log. … Also of note, the temperature has dropped in a big way. At 3 pm, Boeing Field (KBFI here) was 55 degrees … at 4 pm, 40 degrees. (added) Another look at Harbor Avenue, from Alaina:

4:26 PM: Judy emailed about that same stretch of Harbor, “Completely impassable east side between Anchor Park (estimate) & 7-11. Low carriage vehicle submerged over wheel wells so car quit running. This occurs without any warning on a curve where center planting is so no way to turn around. Cars keep stacking up and they are trapped – water still rising. I just barely got to place to turn around with my Forester.” … Also hearing about deep water on Fauntleroy Way west of California, and Murray SW (near Lowman Beach). … Also West Marginal Way.

4:42 PM: First word of a flooded business – Thunder Road Guitars and The Bass Shop (6400 California SW; WSB sponsors) were flooded and have to close for the rest of today and tomorrow.

5:03 PM: A request from the aforementioned neighbors who’ve tried to unclog drains on Fauntleroy north of Morgan Junction – SLOW DOWN! (photo added, from Frank G)

Creeks are running high too after the deluge. Laura sent this photo from the daylighted Alki end of Schmitz Creek:


5:19 PM: Almost every arterial has had flooding – Debora emails to say that includes Delridge, “a deep river with cars stalled and flooded and traffic backed up both directions given buses’ refusal to navigate the deep water.” (added) Brandon sent this photo showing why the north end of Delridge was closed:

Trouble for waterborne transportation too: The West Seattle and Vashon water taxis have both been canceled for the rest of the evening. … With the temperature dropping as noted above – now it’s into the upper 30s – that chance of slushy snow later doesn’t seem as unlikely as it did when temps were in the 50s earlier.

5:40 PM: Some paths have been swamped too – like the bike/ped path along the north end of Delridge, north of Andover. This photo is just in from Joseph:

To the west, Shauna recorded what Spokane Street was like under the bridge earlier:

5:52 PM: Commenters are seeing some snow. … And a few minutes later, here in Upper Fauntleroy, so are we! (added) Slushy accumulation on a car:

The National Weather Service says that “precipitation has ended on the coast,” so as hard as it might be to believe after all this, that “mostly sunny” forecast for tomorrow does seem in reach.

6:57 PM: Still snowing here. And video from @WestSeaWX:

7:33 PM: Snow hasn’t stopped yet.

Forecast hasn’t changed yet, either. Top-of-the-hour temperature was down to 34 degrees – 21-degree drop from 3 pm.

8:37 PM: Crews have been dispatched to check out a report of a tree down on 35th SW, south of Morgan.

9:39 PM: The evening edition of the forecast is out – still projecting sunshine for tomorrow.

11:40 PM: Still some snow on the ground (and the shrubbery).

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WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: One platform down, one to go
December 21, 2020 3:15 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

(WSB photo)

Despite the rain and the wind, crews did manage to get one of the two hanging platforms down from the West Seattle Bridge this morning. Our photo shows the one that remains; SDOT says that one is scheduled to be brought down in the second window they have planned for this work, 7 am-11 am tomorrow. This marks the end of what SDOT calls the “emergency stabilization” work, described as follows in an update today:

Post-tensioning cables: Installed nearly 10 miles of taught steel cables inside of hollow areas of the bridge structure to strengthen and reinforce the bridge’s post-tensioning system, reducing the risk of further cracking.

Carbon-fiber wrapping: Surrounded sections of the bridge with carbon fiber-reinforced polymers to further support and strengthen the bridge. Crews performed multiple rounds of carbon-fiber wrapping and completed the final installation last week.

Pier 18 bearing release and replacement: Replaced neoprene lateral bearings which were compressed and bulging, locking together two critical parts of the bridge that typically are independent of each other. The bearings were creating additional pressure and preventing the bridge from moving as it should. Over the last few weeks, crews finished pouring and curing the concrete that will hold the new lateral bearings in place.

Next comes designing of, and hiring a contractor for, the repair plan, which SDOT says “will likely include additional post-tensioning and carbon-fiber wrapping on the center bridge span, as well as the two ‘tail spans’ on either side of the center span.”

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No West Seattle Farmers’ Market next Sunday
December 21, 2020 2:15 pm
|    Comments Off on No West Seattle Farmers’ Market next Sunday
 |   West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

The West Seattle Farmers’ Market can usually be found in The Junction every Sunday, rain or shine or snow or wind, even on holidays – but this year, the market’s decided to take a post-Christmas break. Market management explained to the Junction Association, “We gathered feedback from vendors and decided to cancel [December 27th] so everyone can have a weekend of rest before the new year.” (The order-online-for-pickup service was already planning to take next Sunday off anyway.) The market will be back on Sunday, January 3rd, 10 am-2 pm as usual.

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COVID CLOSURE: Illusions Hair Design employee tests positive
December 21, 2020 12:32 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

The latest West Seattle business to have to suddenly close temporarily after an employee tested positive for COVID-19 is Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor). This announcement just went out to clients:

Over the weekend, one of our staff experienced slight symptoms of Covid-19. She was tested on Saturday and results came back this morning … Positive for the Covid-19 virus. As part of our business protocols and safety procedures, all of our staff and their households are being tested today. Because our staff has all been in contact with someone who has tested positive, we will be quarantining for the recommended 14 days, and this means we will be closing the salon for 2 weeks.

We are in the process of contact tracing and letting all of those who were in the salon beginning Wednesday Dec 16th to let them know of this test result, and cancelling all appointments scheduled for the next few weeks. Should you have any questions in regards to whether you need to be tested and to read through quarantine guidelines for Covid-19, we will direct you to the Department Of Health website HERE & HERE.

Don’t call Illusions, as everybody’s already home and in quarantine. The salon tells WSB that so far, no one else on staff has symptoms. If everyone tests negative, they hope to reopen January 4th.

P.S. A reminder that if you need testing for this or any other reason, West Seattle has one of the official city sites – registration starts here.

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WEST SEATTLE MONDAY: School food; solstice events; shopping; more!
December 21, 2020 10:27 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Sunday photo of the Olympics, by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Winter has arrived, as of 2:02 am. Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, from our inbox, calendar, and Holiday Guide:

SCHOOL FOOD: Seattle Public Schools are offering one week’s worth of breakfast/lunch items in special food boxes available for pickup today, 11 am-1:15 pm. West Seattle distribution sites are Denny International Middle School (2601 SW Kenyon, where we’re told Borracchini’s French bread is being offered too) and Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW).

SHOPPING: Just a few days for last-minute holiday shopping! Among the stores open today are WSB sponsors Thunder Road Guitars (6400 California SW), now until 6 pm; Wyatt’s Jewelers (Westwood Village), now until 6 pm; Click! Design That Fits (4540 California SW), now until 7 pm. Also open today, Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way), noon-4 pm. (Anyone else? Please email us your hours this week so we can include them – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you.)

SOLSTICE SUNSET WATCH: Join Alice Enevoldsen for the winter-solstice sunset watch, 3:45-4:15 pm online, including a discussion of the conjunction (some call it the “Christmas star”) that will be visible if and when the clouds clear in the nights ahead. Free as always but you need to register to get the link – go here!

LONGEST NIGHT: Admiral UCC (4320 SW Hill) plans an outdoor service at 6 pm.

POSTPONED: Alki UCC has delayed its Winter 2020 Solstice Lamentation Liberation event to 4:30 pm tomorrow (Tuesday, December 22nd).

BENEFIT BOOK FAIR: Last day to buy from the Lafayette Elementary PTA online book fair.

Any other last-minute holiday notes, for the rest of the week? We’re making our lists and checking them twice. Send us info!

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Remembering Barry W. Frost, 1956-2020
December 21, 2020 8:59 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Barry W. Frost, and sharing this with his community:

Barry Wayne Frost passed away December 18th, 2020 at his home in West Seattle.

He was born October 2nd, 1956, in Pontiac, Michigan, and grew up in the small town of Logan, Illinois. After high school he joined the Navy and traveled the world on the USS Midway. While stationed in Seattle, he met his wife Sue. His son BJ and daughter Leah were born soon after.

When he wasn’t coaching or cheering on his two children’s sports teams, he was a die-hard Seattle sports fan and loved watching the Seahawks, Huskies, and Mariners. He worked at the University of Washington, where he retired after 30 years.

He is survived by his wife Sue, his son B.J. (Jamie), and daughter Leah; his brothers Buddy (Lowell), Allen, and Bruce (Samutha), and sisters Elaine (John) and Karla (Avin); as well as his Aunt Janet and Cousin Steve (Tracy).

(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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ROAD WORK, TRANSIT, TRAFFIC: Monday 12/21 watch
December 21, 2020 6:07 am
|    Comments Off on ROAD WORK, TRANSIT, TRAFFIC: Monday 12/21 watch
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:07 AM: It’s Monday, December 21st, the 273rd morning without the West Seattle Bridge.

ROAD (ETC.) WORK

Bridge platforms: 7-11 am today and tomorrow are the periods set aside for lowering the work platforms from the West Seattle Bridge onto barges. Low-bridge traffic is not expected to be affected, but maritime traffic will not be able to pass through.

Delridge project: Work is planned today through Thursday this week. Here’s the updated work plan.

TRANSIT

Metro – Regular schedule today.

Water Taxi – Regular schedule today (no service Friday).

CHECK TRAFFIC BEFORE YOU GO

West Marginal Way/Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

Restricted-daytime-access (open to all 9 pm-5 am) low bridge:

The main detour route across the Duwamish River, the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) . Here are two cameras:

The other major bridge across the river – the South Park Bridge (map) – see the closure advisory above. 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.)

Checking for bridges’ marine-traffic openings? See the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

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

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

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CORONAVIRUS: Sunday 12/20 roundup
December 20, 2020 11:56 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

For the second consecutive Sunday night, there’s vaccine news:

(Image by Christopher Boffoli)

VACCINE #2 ON THE WAY: The Moderna vaccine will arrive in our state this week as a result of the federal approval and regional approval – here’s the state announcement:

Gov. Jay Inslee today announced the authorization of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine by the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup. The announcement comes after the FDA and CDC granted their initial authorization of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The Western States Workgroup, comprised of vaccine experts from Washington, California, Oregon and Nevada, have been meeting to review the data and analysis to ensure the safety and efficacy of both the Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna vaccines federally authorized.

Here’s the full announcement.

GOVERNOR ON ECONOMIC-RELIEF BILL: Also today, a statement from Gov. Inslee on the federal economic-relief bill, which includes unemployment benefits and $600 checks for many Americans.

KING COUNTY’S NEWEST NUMBERS: Here are the cumulative totals from the Public Health daily-summary dashboard:

*57,630 people have tested positive, up 501 from yesterday’s total

*993 people have died, unchanged from yesterday’s total

*3,885 people have been hospitalized, up 60 from yesterday’s total

*715,472 people have been tested, up 3,975 from yesterday’s total

One week ago, the King County totals were 54,017/935/3,674/685,369.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 76.8 million cases and 1,693,000+ deaths – see the nation-by-nation breakdown here.

NEED TESTING? Just a reminder that one of the city’s testing sites is here in West Seattle, 8:45 am-5:30 pm Mondays-Saturdays in the parking lot at Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – go here to sign up for an appointment.

FOOD FOR STUDENTS: Though Seattle Public Schools is on break this week and next, the district is offering food boxes available with a week’s worth of breakfast and lunch items. They’ll be available Monday, Dec. 21 – tomorrow – and Tuesday, Dec. 29, 11:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m, at two West Seattle locations: Denny International Middle School (2601 SW Kenyon) and Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW).

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

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RESEARCH REVEALED: UW vessel Rachel Carson’s work off Alki Point could help predict earthquakes
December 20, 2020 8:37 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(Photo by David Hutchinson)

One day earlier this month, a reader asked us about that University of Washington research vessel, R/V Rachel Carson, lingering off West Seattle for hours. That set us on a research quest of our own, learning that the Carson was there for earthquake-related research. The work, UW oceanography professor Paul Johnson tells WSB, has been under way for about three years and involves methane bubbles that seep from the Seattle Fault beneath Puget Sound off Alki Point. The work could someday help with earthquake prediction. We asked for details in hopes of writing a story – and Professor Johnson provided the words and images in the format you see below, which tells the story quite well without much intervention from us – scroll on:

Read More

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Flipped-car crash at 35th and Kenyon
December 20, 2020 7:08 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

Thanks for the tip! Northbound 35th SW is blocked at Kenyon until a tow truck arrives for a flipped car. The original callout was “rescue extrication” but most of the units were canceled quickly. Police tell us the driver hit a parked car and his car flipped. No major injuries.

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WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Trees!
December 20, 2020 7:06 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Thanks to George for tonight’s photo – these lights are at 9031 32nd Avenue SW [map]. The rain hasn’t started yet, so it’s a nice night to go out and admire lights. Everyplace we’ve showcased is listed in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and viewable by scrolling through this archive; still time for tips, with or without photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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ROAD WORK: Delridge project plan for this week
December 20, 2020 5:13 pm
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 |   Delridge | Transportation | West Seattle news

Weather permitting, the Delridge repaving/utility project is scheduled for Monday-Thursday work this week. Here are key points from the weekly preview:

Side-street closures on the east side of Delridge Way SW during demolition and paving

Currently closed (timing is weather dependent and may change):
SW Edmunds St (local access only)
SW Brandon St (closed into early next year)
SW Willow St (closed through the end of the year)

Closing soon (timing is weather dependent and subject to change)
SW Myrtle St (closed when SW Willow St reopens, as early as December 28)
SW Thistle St (closing in early 2021)

Driveways on the east side of Delridge Way SW between SW Alaska St and SW Hudson St to be reopened this week

Temporary street closure at SW Thistle St between Delridge Way SW and 20th Ave SW beginning as early as January 4

Roadway and sidewalk demolition and paving starting soon in Zone C
Roadway demolition is scheduled to begin on the east side of Delridge Way SW between SW Trenton St and SW Henderson St as early as December 21 with paving to follow in the new year

Sidewalk demolition between SW Cloverdale St and SW Trenton St to begin as early as December 23

The full list of what’s next is here. Though the RapidRide H Line launch is now delayed until 2022, SDOT says the road work remains on schedule for completion in 2021.

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Winter arrives Monday! Weather alert + season-change sunset watch reminder
December 20, 2020 3:17 pm
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 |   Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Two notes for winter’s official arrival Monday:

WEATHER ALERT: The National Weather Service says we’re in for heavy rain – up to two inches – tonight through tomorrow night, so it’s out with a Special Weather Statement alert, warning of increased landslide risk.

(Marker at Solstice Park, where Alice hosts her events in non-pandemic times)

SOLSTICE SUNSET WATCH WITH ALICE: This is the fourth change of seasons since the pandemic began, and West Seattle skywatching expert/educator Alice Enevoldsen has continued to lead solstice/equinox sunset watches online, whatever the weather. Join her via Zoom 3:45 pm-4:15 pm Monday; go here now to preregister to get the link. Sunset is officially 4:20 pm but Alice notes that its actual disappearance behind our mountains/islands is earlier, likely around 4:05 pm tomorrow. The solstice moment is 2:02 am. P.S. Alice plans to talk about the big planetary conjunction, too.

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BIZNOTES: Mission Cantina’s Holiday Mercado, Lady Jaye’s Night Market, Harry’s Beach House dinner-kit deadline, Illusions Hair Design updates
December 20, 2020 12:37 pm
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 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Spend local! Four more updates from local businesses:

MISSION CANTINA: At 2325 California SW in The Admiral District, Mission Cantina (WSB sponsor) is offering shopping as well as dining (takeout or patio). They’re open 11 am-8 pm Sundays-Thursdays and 11 am-9 pm Fridays and Saturdays, including Christmas Eve/Day. The Holiday Mercado includes “unique gifts like mezcal tasting boxes, Mexican chocolates, fun gifts from Alair, ornaments, stockings and more! All purchases include a raffle ticket for awesome prizes from Easy Street Records, Alair & Mission, and we’re delivering to the winners on Christmas Eve!” Also, Mission’s Tina Padilla tells WSB, “We now have eGift Cards through GiftFly! We’re still taking donations for the West Seattle Food Bank, and from now until Christmas the owners are matching all donations!”

LADY JAYE: At 4523 California SW in The Junction, “Lady Jaye will be hosting a socially distanced night market on Tuesday (December 22nd) from 3 pm-8 pm. There will be stations starting at the front door (where we will serve everyone a cup of Chef Charlie’s famous vegan chili) and through the restaurant then ending on the back patio. The windows will be open so we are calling it an open-air market. Basically you start at the front door and work your way through the stations until you end on the patio. Each station is 7 feet apart and you can’t move to the next station until the group in front of you is gone. We are going to have tons of stocking stuffers like mini-bottles of our high-end whiskey, small cuts of wagyu beef, food and drink accoutrements and cocktails to go! Keonii from Fleurt Collective will have a station as well! At the end, guests will also be able to purchase one of our Pulled BBQ Pork Sandwiches to go! It should be a fun last-min shopping experience for West Seattle!”

HARRY’S BEACH HOUSE: We published a list of pre-order Christmas-meal options a few days ago but didn’t include Harry’s (2676 Alki SW) because the order-by date on their website had already passed. Turns out that the deadline for ordering has been extended through tonight – go here to order (and note they’re selling other gift items too).

ILLUSIONS HAIR DESIGN: This longtime WSB sponsor at 5619 California SW will be open Monday-Wednesday this week, and that includes curbside pickup for hair products and other retail. Call 206-938-3675 for appointments and orders.

Open for last-minute shopping/dining/etc.? Let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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