West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
11:24 PM: A police search is under way in Admiral after a reported robbery at the 7-11 a short time ago. No details yet but a K-9 unit is being called in to join the search.
11:30 PM: Here’s the description officers have just given to dispatch: 4 Black men, 25-30, all about 6′, all dressed in black, with white-lettered hoodies (except for one wearing a yellow hoodie), one armed with what looked like a 9mm gun with a white stripe, all last seen on foot heading west on Admiral Way.
FRIDAY 10:37 AM: No arrests. We obtained the police report this morning, and it has a few additional details: The store employee who was robbed at gunpoint told police that the first robber – the one in the yellow hoodie – came into the store and appeared to be shopping. He walked to the back of the store and then the other three came in; one of them pulled out a gun and aimed it at the employee, while the man in the yellow hoodie walked behind the counter and began yelling. They ordered the employee to take money out of the register and put it in one of the store’s gray money pouches. In the meantime, the clerk was able to activate a silent alarm; the report continues, “The store is equipped with a live 24-hour video surveillance system with a PA (public address) speaker system installed. It appeared that the suspects were able to hear the PA and within seconds, they left with what they were able to take from the register and a box of Swisher Sweet cigars.”
Vaccine updates top tonight’s roundup:
VACCINE UPDATES: If you’re eligible and interested in getting vaccinated, you might be having a tough time getting an appointment. Even for those who qualify, broad availability hasn’t happened yet – at least not in West Seattle. We’ve seen signs of future potential availability – for example, the Safeway lookup suggests there may eventually be appointments at the Roxbury and Admiral stores. Walgreens says vaccinations will eventually be available at all of its stores (there are two in our area). Bartell Drugs doesn’t expect to see vaccine before next month. The city and county plan large-scale vaccination sites, but locations haven’t been announced yet. … Statewide, today’s health briefing included this stat: 335,000 doses have been administered in our state, out of 820,000 received so far. The state expects almost 100,000 more doses to arrive next week but to meet the “45,000/day” goal, will need triple that.
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily-summary dashboard, here are today’s cumulative totals:
*73.445 people have tested positive, 521 more than yesterday’s total
*1,206 people have died, 8 more than yesterday’s total
*4,664 people have been hospitalized, 21 more than yesterday’s total
*808,114 people have been tested, 6,632 more than yesterday’s total
One week ago, the four totals we track were 70,547/1,165/4,495/782,951.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them, county by county, on the state Department of Health page.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 97.4 million cases worldwide, 24.6 million of them in the U.S. See the nation-by-nation breakout here.
TESTING SITE OPENS: Last night, we reported on a new testing kiosk arriving unannounced at Don Armeni Boat Ramp. Today, it opened:
(Photo sent by Stewart L.)
It’s open 8 am-3 pm Mondays-Saturdays. Appointments are available here.
MANDATORY HAZARD PAY? Earlier in the pandemic, many grocery workers got an extra hourly boost of “hazard pay,” often $2/hour. Most employers eventually dropped it. Now City Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda (the West Seattleite who holds citywide Position 8) has proposed legislation requiring $4/hour hazard pay for Seattle grocery workers. Here’s the announcement.
NEED FOOD? 2-5 pm tomorrow at Food Lifeline (815 S. 96th) HQ, emergency food boxes are available.
GOT PHOTOS/TIPS? 206-293-6302, text or voice, or westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
If you can give – here’s a chance this Sunday (January 24th), as announced by Alki UCC:
Alki UCC Winter Food Drive and Call for Socks
Sunday, January 24, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Front courtyard/6115 SW HindsPlease bring donations of non-perishable food items and supplies including:
Canned Meat/Soup/Fruit (pop-top cans, if possible)
Rice, Noodles, Peanut Butter, Oats, etc.
Toilet Paper
Diapers/Similac Formula/Baby Wipes
Can Openers
Cleaning Supplies
Hand Sanitizer
Clearly labeled packets of pet foodThe following items are especially appreciated and rarely donated:
Boxed Milk
Tea Bags and Coffee
Sandwich Bread
Sugar & FlourDonations of Men’s Casual/Work Clothes are also being taken, as well as NEW socks — the clothing item most requested by our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Masks required; social distancing observed.
Thanks to James for the tip! The fence is up, heavy equipment has arrived, and that means construction is starting for the Alki Beach restroom rebuild along the Alki Trail at 57th SW [map]. It’s been two years since first word of the project, which will replace the two-restroom building with one that incorporates three individually accessed all-gender restrooms that meet ADA requirements. The ~$638,000 project is happening about a year later than the original (pre-pandemic) schedule. Burien-based JEM Contractors is the construction company, and Seattle Parks project manager Kelly Goold tells WSB they’re aiming to be done by early summer.
ORIGINAL REPORT: That’s Alex‘s stolen pickup truck. He sent the photo and report:
My 2006 Ford F-350 Super Duty Power Stroke was stolen from 44th and Edmunds on 1/20/21 between 12 am-6 am. $2000 reward for any information that leads to recovery of the truck. It has new tires and the front fender flares aren’t missing as seen on pic, and it has a dent on rear tailgate. Any info helps
Vin Number: (ends in) 5103
Plate Number: B70219X
Case Number: 2021-016504
If you see it, call 911.
UPDATE, EARLY FRIDAY: It’s been found.
It’s been almost a year since we first reported that Realfine Coffee was taking over the former Tap Station space at 35th/Kenyon. Today, Realfine proprietor Julie Mierzwiak tells WSB that the expansion location will open next Tuesday (January 26th). Hours will be 6 am-3 pm weekdays, 7 am-3 pm weekends. On the new shop’s first Saturday (January 30th), Realfine will host Jet City Beignet (WSB sponsor) for one of their pop-ups, 8 am-1 pm that day. Realfine’s two existing locations – 4480 Fauntleroy Way SW (now in year 6) and Capitol Hill (in year 3) – will continue operations too.
Thanks to Mark Jaroslaw for the photo. Structure-moving specialists Nickel Bros were back at the Stone Cottage (1123 Harbor SW) to continue preparing to move the rock-covered bungalow off its site before the property’s new owners start their redevelopment project. The preservation advocates who formed Save The Stone Cottage continue crowdfunding to pay for the move, and are also continuing a series of community events to keep it top of mind. Next one is this weekend – here’s the announcement:
Saturday, January 23, 2021: “Walking in Eva’s Shoes” event on Alki, starting at the Lighthouse, 10 am to 2 pm.
Looking for fun family-friendly activities to do outside with the whole crew? Experience “Walking in Eva’s Shoes,” the third event hosted by the “Save the Stone Cottage” committee in the “Finding the Lost Stones” contest series.
Does it seem like ages that you’ve been ‘bubbled up at home’ with little ones, with not much to do? Here’s an opportunity for some fun family time on a familiar shoreline path but instead you get to ‘see’ Alki of the 1930s through the eyes of a Seattle family as they collected stones to cover their home.
That little house on Harbor Ave SW known as Eva’s Stone Cottage is now the focus of the “Save the Stone Cottage” committee’s fundraising drive. We plan to move the house out of the way of pending demolition and give it a new life.To raise awareness of these efforts, we’re hosting a series of educational, entertaining, and inspiring events called “Finding the Story Stones.” These four “Story Stones” unlock elements of the unusual stories surrounding the Stone Cottage, Eva Falk, and the early history of Seattle & Alki.
Now is the chance for you and your family to relive history by “Walking in Eva’s Shoes” from the Alki Lighthouse to the Stone Cottage, symbolically recreating the 1930’s journey that Eva Falk and her family took. Along the way, there are five interpretive stops where a history volunteer will tell the fascinating stories behind some remarkable locations we have right here in our own backyard on Alki, the Birthplace of Seattle.
● The Alki Lighthouse (3201 Alki Avenue SW – start your journey here)
● The Birthplace of Seattle Monument
● The Log House Museum
● Anchor Park (former location of Luna Park amusement park)
● and the Stone Cottage itself.This event will take place from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, January 23, 2021. It is open to anyone, and meant to be accessible. Participants are encouraged to walk the beautiful route, although those who may be less mobile can bike, scooter, skate or drive if they wish to. At each of the interpretive stops along the way the historical interpretive volunteers will tell a short story on each of the historical landmarks. For example:
*Anchor Park at Duwamish Head is the former 12-acre amusement park known as Luna Park. Opening in 1907, the rides operated until 1913, and the pool closed after a 1931 fire. Built on pilings over the water, Luna Park extended over Elliott Bay and was called the ‘greatest Amusement Park on the West Coast.” Today, during very low tides, one can spot remnants of the park pilings that offer a glimpse into an exciting past.
(DID SOMEONE SAY PUZZLES??) For those who also wish to compete for the third Story Stone, a gift certificate at a local West Seattle restaurant (for takeout or outdoor seating), and bragging rights, you can solve the five puzzles along your route and be the first to correctly answer all five puzzle answers once you arrive at the last stop at Stone Cottage. Although there is only one who will achieve the honor of unlocking the Story Stone, all who participate will be “winners” because of the fun and educational experience they’ll have during this event.
So far two of the four “Story Stones” have been claimed.
The fourth event will be a live “Stone Cottage Karaoke Rock Concert” on January 30th. Find out more at Save The Stone Cottage’s website; if you’re interested in donating to the moving fund, go here.
Some call it the “Up House” – the little old house at 4526 42nd SW between big new(er) buildings. Starting tomorrow, you can just call it Moto. We went over this morning after a reader tip (thank you!). Lee Kindell opens the restaurant on Friday, offering Detroit-style pizza:
What’s Detroit-style pizza, you ask? Well, for starters, it’s square, and deep-dish. Moto will use sourdough. You can see the menu online. Moto will also offer soft-serve ice cream in fancy handmade cones:
Coffee, too. By the way, since the building is set back from the street, look for this closer to the front of the lot:
Moto opens at 4 tomorrow and will be open 4 pm to 9 pm Wednesdays through Sundays, closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes this morning:
ANOTHER DRUGSTORE ROBBERY: Two nights after a strong-arm robbery at the South Delridge Walgreens, the High Point Walgreens was hit last night. After a reader tip, we obtained the police report this morning. In this case, the robber was after money, not drugs, and did not appear to have an accomplice. A clerk told police a man came in, bought a candy bar, gave her $2 and demanded his change in dimes. While she was attempting to do that, he reached over her to grab money from the open register. She tried to stop him; he said “Get out of my way,” shoved her, grabbed money cash, and fled the store. Security video (not publicly available but police have viewed it) showed he was in the store a total of three minutes, from 5:31 pm to 5:34 pm. The report gives a partial description: Black, slender, 6’0″, hoodie pulled up, dark pants. The clerk reported that the attack left her with arm pain, but she declined emergency treatment.
PARK CAR PROWLS: Heads-up for people using Westcrest Park – Amy visited yesterday afternoon and was told, in the lot near SW Cloverdale, there had been five recent smash-and-grab car prowls.
(Lowman Beach photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s what’s happening today/tonight:
NEW COVID TESTING KIOSK: We reported last night on a Curative testing kiosk appearing at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor SW) – do-it-yourself (but with someone there to give directions) mouth-swab tests. We’re told this morning that it opens today.
SOUND TRANSIT REALIGNMENT WORKSHOP: 1-4 pm, the board digs further into the realignment process – which is supposed to lead to a decision in July on how to “realign” the ST3 projects for which construction hasn’t begun yet, including the West Seattle light-rail extension. The agenda includes info on how to watch (this meeting does NOT include a public-comment period); here’s the briefing book they’ll be using.
GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING: 2:30 pm, Gov. Inslee is scheduled to discuss topics including the state’s pandemic response. You’ll be able to watch here.
DEMONSTRATE FOR RACIAL JUSTICE: Scott‘s twice-weekly sign-waving in support of Black Lives Matter continues, 4-6 pm at 16th/Holden. Signs available if you don’t have your own.
DINE-OUT BENEFIT FOR ROXHILL: Just announced – takeout tonight to help a local school:
Dine out fundraiser at Korean restaurant Anju Bar and Eatery in White Center from 4-8 pm.
This is a great opportunity to support a small local business during this difficult time for the restaurant industry. We are so grateful that they will be donating 15% of the proceeds back to us at Friends of Roxhill Elementary. **
Online orders for takeout only at www.toasttab.com/anjuseattle/v3 **Please type “Roxhill” next to your last name so that your order will be counted toward our fundraiser.
Anju is at 9641 15th SW.
FISHING DERBY HISTORY: Online at 6 pm, as previewed here, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society invites you to a presentation about fishing derbies in Alki and elsewhere. Cooking demonstration, too! Go here ASAP to register to get the viewing information.
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm online, community members are welcome at the monthly ACC meeting. Agenda items include election of officers and a Seattle Parks guest to talk about how the pandemic has affected the system. Here’s the viewing link. (Meeting ID 995 1615 6974, passcode 638862 – you can also use that information for calling in via 206-337-9723.)
Anything we’re missing? Let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
7:11 AM: Thanks for the texts. More than 3,700 homes and businesses have lost power, including Westwood, South Delridge, and White Center. No hint yet of the cause. Updates to come.
7:28 AM: No indication yet what caused this. Note that the outage zone includes parts of Roxbury and 16th SW, both arterials, with signals, so if you travel through an intersection that’s affected, it’s a four-way stop. Also remember that SCL’s restoration estimates are just guesses. (Added: The latest guess has already changed dramatically, from 2 pm to 8:54 am.)
7:51 AM: We have one report that power’s back. The SCL map lags so we won’t get the full picture for a bit.
8:01 AM: Map shows one pocket remains, almost 400 customers in the Greenbridge area. We’ll update later when we find out the cause. (So far, SCL has attributed it to an “underground issue.”)
8:15 AM: Checking the archives – this outage footprint, and cause, is similar to this December outage. We’re following up on that.
6 PM: City Light spokesperson Julie Moore responded: “Today’s outage was due to a switch failure that caused a substation feeder breaker to lock out. It was the same breaker as the Dec. 12 incident, so that’s why we saw a similar footprint. However, it was a different switch in a different location on the feeder that failed this time.”
6:12 AM: It’s Thursday, January 21st, the 304th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.
ROAD (ETC.) WORK
Low bridge closure – SDOT plans to close the low bridge 8 am-1 pm Saturday to all but emergency vehicles, so it can be inspected. Here are the bus-reroute plans:
Delridge project – The SW Thistle closure continues between Delridge and 20th. Here’s what else is in this week’s plan.
California and Myrtle – The sewer-repair project continues – if driving/riding on California, watch out for the bumps, even though the grade has been improved.
Sylvan Way work – Also be aware of the bumps left after last weekend’s drainage work until permanent road repairs are done.
CHECK TRAFFIC BEFORE YOU GO
Low Bridge: Second week for automated enforcement cameras, while restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily. Here’s a bridge view:
West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
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). Here’s the nearest camera:
Going through South Park? Don’t speed. (Same goes for all the other detour-route neighborhoods, both the arterials and neighborhood streets!)
To check for bridges’ marine-traffic openings, see the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
You can view all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.
TRANSIT
Metro – On regular weekday schedule – if you’re not subscribed to alerts, watch @kcmetrobus on Twitter for them
Water Taxi – On its regular schedule
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
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