day : 07/04/2021 12 results

10:02 PM: Police are blocking northbound Beach Drive at Atlas because of a crash. So far one vehicle is reported involved, one engine but no medic unit dispatched so injuries are not believed to be major.

(Added: Photo by James Bratsanos)

10:50 PM: Commenter Peter describes the crash as a rollover.

ADDED THURSDAY: Police are investigating this as suspected DUI.

Share This

FERRY ALERT: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth down to 1 boat until tomorrow morning

April 7, 2021 9:22 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

If you’re planning on late-night ferry travel, note that the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run is down to 1 boat for the rest of the night. The #2 vessel, M/V Issaquah, has a “shortage of Coast Guard-documented crew” requiring it to go out of service, Washington State Ferries says, so the only sailings tonight are those scheduled for the #1 vessel M/V Kittitas.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Students’ message for senator

April 7, 2021 8:55 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Environment | West Seattle news

If you were on or near the Fauntleroy ferry terminal at mid-afternoon, you might have seen those students sending a message they hope will be heard thousands of miles away. They’re from the Summit Atlas hub of the Sunrise Movement, which organizer Hannah Lindell-Smith describes as “a youth-led organization to stop the climate crisis and create good jobs in the process.” Today, school hubs around the city were holding actions like this to send a message to U.S. Senator Patty Murray, asking her, Hannah says, “to stand up for our generation’s right to good jobs and a livable future and sign onto the Green New Deal and Good Jobs For All Pledge.”

Share This

YOUTH WRITING CONTEST: Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s high-school-student winner

April 7, 2021 7:27 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle history | West Seattle news

This week we’re publishing the winning entries in the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s youth-writing contest, for essays on “Women History Makers of the Duwamish Peninsula.” Tonight, we conclude with the high-school winner:

Bertha Landes
By Halle Morgan

Bertha Ethel Knight Landes was born in 1868. She was born into a world where women couldn’t vote and where there were barely any women in politics. Landes paved the way for many, becoming the first female mayor of a major US city. All her adult life was devoted to making the city of Seattle a better place.

Landes saw the community as an extension of home and was always very active in it. She founded the Women’s City Club and played leadership roles in many organizations including the Women’s University Club, the Woman’s Century Club, the League of Women Voters, the Women’s Auxiliary of University Congregational Church, and was the president of the Washington State League of Women Voters. This leadership led her to be appointed by the mayor to serve on a commission studying unemployment.

In 1922, Landes and Katheryn Miracle were elected to serve on Seattle City Council, becoming the first women to do so. As a city council member, Landes supported city planning and zoning as well as social concerns such as hospitals and recreation programs. In 1924 when Landes was reelected, she became the council president. The mayor at the time, Edwin Brown, left the city to go to the 1924 Democratic National Convention, leaving Bertha as the acting mayor.

In 1926, Edwin Brown ran for reelection and Landes ran against him. Landes ran on a platform that emphasized “municipal housekeeping,” vowing to clean up the city government. Landes won the election by over 6,000 votes and quickly set to work. She continued to work for things she supported when she was on the city council as well as fought against bootleggers and reckless drivers.

Landes fulfilled her promise of cleaning up the government by putting the city’s financial house in order. She also improved public transportation and parks and advocated for municipal ownership of utilities such as Seattle City Light and street railways. One of her great accomplishments as the mayor was building the Civic Auditorium, which was later used for the Opera House at the 1962 World’s Fair.

A bill that Landes signed that personally affected West Seattle was Seattle Ordinance 54627, which authorized a new pump station in West Seattle, and the equipment and personnel needed to maintain it, which was much needed at the time. This measure helped get water to West Seattle residents. Previously, people on the peninsula hadn’t gotten the water they needed. There wasn’t a lot of water in the area, and the lack of water had many unfortunate health effects on people in these neighborhoods. While there was still much to be done to reform and strengthen West Seattle’s water infrastructure issues, Mayor Landes’s initiatives and legislation were able to create real change in the lives of many people living in West Seattle.

In 1928, Landes ran for reelection. Although she was supported by local newspapers and her ratings were high, Landes lost to Frank Edwards. Despite this, Bertha Landes continued being active in the community. She wrote for national newspapers and was chair of the Sewing Room Work for the Women’s Division of the Mayor’s Commission for Improved Employment. She was also the first woman to serve as moderator of Washington’s Conference of Congregational and Christian Churches.

Bertha Landes had an everlasting impact on the city of Seattle; after her time as mayor, she endlessly encouraged other women to get involved in politics. Today Bertha’s work is still in the city – the largest meeting room at the Seattle City Hall is named in her honor. The tunnel-boring machine that was used to create the tunnel in replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct was named after her as well. Like how that machine paved its way through the ground, Bertha Landes paved the way for many others. With her accomplishments and encouragement, Landes convinced many women that they too, can make a difference.

“Let us, while never forgetting our womanhood, drop all emphasis on sex, and put it on being public servants.” -Bertha Landes.

If you missed the other winning essays earlier this week, here’s the elementary winner published Monday; here’s the middle-school winner published Tuesday. Congratulations to all three!

(Photo credit: Seattle Municipal Archives)

Share This

Got something stuck inside shuttered Quality Cleaners? 3 chances to get it before building is sold

April 7, 2021 5:08 pm

| 15 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

Last June, we reported on the then-impending closure of Quality Cleaners (2601 California sW), one of The Admiral District’s oldest businesses, after a sudden death in the owners’ family. When it closed, many customers still hadn’t picked up items left for cleaning. In subsequent months, we have heard occasionally from customers trying to find out how to retrieve those items – not just clothing; at least two had family keepsakes. Now, we’ve heard from the family that owns the building. They have put it up for sale (here’s the listing) and are planning to open the doors for three upcoming afternoons so people can come get those items. Those dates are noon-4 pm on Saturday, April 17th; Sunday, April 18th; and Monday, April 19th. Masks required. After that, anything unclaimed will be donated.

Share This

BIZNOTE: West Seattle Thriftway changing ‘senior shopping hours’ schedule

April 7, 2021 4:06 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

For a year, West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor) has opened its doors to shoppers 60 years and older only on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 7-9 am. Now with a high rate of vaccination among seniors, Thriftway is cutting back to one morning a week – Tuesdays, 7-9 am, will continue to be reserved for shoppers 60+. The store also continues to offer curbside service on weekdays – here’s how that works.

Share This

Body found in Duwamish River

April 7, 2021 3:10 pm

| Comments Off on Body found in Duwamish River

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Police are investigating the death of a person whose body was found in the Duwamish River. They received a report around 11 am of a body spotted in the river off a dock in the 5400 block of West Marginal Way SW, which cross-references to the Lafarge plant. The initial police report says, “Patrol coordinated with the Harbor Unit and local businesses to use their property and equipment to assist with recovering the body,” but no other information is available so far – no age, gender, possible cause of death. Right now SPD says this is just classified as a “death investigation.”

Share This

SPORTS: West Seattle High School golfers’ success at Metro League tournament, including another title for Lauryn Nguyen

April 7, 2021 1:54 pm

| Comments Off on SPORTS: West Seattle High School golfers’ success at Metro League tournament, including another title for Lauryn Nguyen

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

The abbreviated school-sports seasons continue, with word from West Seattle High School that its golfers did well in the Metro League tournament:

(Photos courtesy WSHS)

That’s senior Lauryn Nguyen, who won her fourth consecutive Metro League individual title. The girls’ team tied for third in the tournament with Holy Names Academy, “with only three strokes separating first and third place,” WSHS reports. The boys’ team finished seventh, “with only 15 strokes separating first and seventh.” For the boys, senior Nic Chantorn finished 7th, earning all-Metro League honors.

As reported here back in February, both Lauryn and Nic are going on to play collegiate golf – she signed with Northwestern University and he signed with Bellevue College.

Share This

Seattle Public Library to reopen Southwest Branch for indoor service

April 7, 2021 11:48 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news | Westwood

(Southwest Branch, WSB file photo)

It’s the news Seattle Public Library patrons have been awaiting – SPL is reopening some branches for in-building service. OF the first three branches to reopen, one is in West Seattle – the Southwest Branch at 9010 35th SW. Here’s the SPL announcement of what it’ll offer starting Tuesday, April 27th:

The schedule for in-building services will be Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. with closed cleaning breaks between public use sessions. Patrons will be able to enter the buildings at 25% capacity during public-use sessions to pick up available holds and check them out, use a physically distanced computer, use a restroom, speak to a Library staff member, charge a device, or sit and read. Masks will be required of all patrons and staff.

The opportunity to browse a branch’s collection or use meeting rooms or study rooms will not be available initially. The Library will continue to expand services and access to the collection and other Library spaces as state health guidance, Library safety protocols, and staffing allow.

These are the first three branches to offer in-building services since the Library’s systemwide building closure in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More locations will open incrementally as it is safe and feasible to do so, similar to the rollout of the Library’s Curbside Pickup Service that began last August and is now provided at 15 libraries.

Highlights of in-building services include:

· Public sessions: Patrons may enter the building when a public-use session (around 90 minutes) begins; once the capacity limit is reached, the Library will allow new patrons to enter only as others leave. Patrons may enter the Library for multiple time blocks a day. In between public sessions, Library staff will clean and reset the interior space.

· Physically distanced layout: Seating, tables, computer stations, and other furniture have been rearranged to enable physical distancing. Plexiglass will be installed between computers and in other service areas.

· Computers, wi-fi, printing: Library cardholders can use public computers on a first-come first-served basis for up to two hours a day. Patrons will be able to print, copy or scan up to 10 pages of black-and-white pages for free a day (faxing is also available at the Beacon Hill Branch). Staff assistance with technology support or information requests will be offered at a distance. Free wi-fi is also available.

· Charging stations: Two charging stations at each location will allow patrons to charge their devices. As with computers, these will be available on a first-come first-served basis.

· Safety first. Masks will be required for all patrons, staff and visitors entering Library buildings; disposable masks and hand sanitizer will be available on site. (If you require an accommodation, call 206-386-4636.) Eating and drinking in public areas of the building will not be allowed. As always, the Library Rules of Conduct will be enforced to ensure the safety of patrons and staff.

· No meeting room use: For now, meeting rooms and study rooms will remain closed to the public.

Learn more about in-building Library services at spl.org/InBuilding. Curbside Pickup Service for holds will continue to be available at 12 other locations and bookdrops (which also accept DVDs and audiobooks) will continue to be open at 19 locations. Check www.spl.org/Hours for a complete list of services and hours at each branch.

The other two branches that will offer in-building service starting April 27th are Beacon Hill and Lake City.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: Community Task Force gets high, low updates tomorrow

April 7, 2021 11:27 am

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

(SDOT camera, 11:26 am today)

Updates on the high and low bridges are expected when the West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force meets tomorrow afternoon (Thursday, April 8th). When the CTF last met on March 10th (WSB coverage here), SDOT announced it had opened the bid process for prospective contractors to work on both bridges; the window for applications ends next Monday (April 12th). There was also a promise they would be working out details for increased low-bridge access, particularly the issue of how to allow people to use the low bridge to get to and from life-saving medical treatments on the other side of the water. Tomorrow’s meeting starts at 4 pm and will be streamed live via YouTube; here’s the link.

Share This

8 events for your West Seattle Wednesday

April 7, 2021 9:27 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Seen at sunset Tuesday – photo by Jonny Layesky)

Lots happening today/tonight:

DONATION DRIVE: Last chance to drop off food and other supplies in for West Seattle High School students’ donation drive, noon-2 pm at the school’s north entrance (3000 California SW).

PANDEMIC BRIEFING: 2 pm online, state health officials will present their weekly briefing and media Q&A. Watch the livestream here.

HIGHLAND PARK ELEMENTARY PLAYGROUND: 3 pm online, you’re invited to the first of three community workshops about the next phase of playground improvements. Participation info is in our preview.

MADISON MS ADDITION: 3:30 pm online, the city Landmarks Preservation Board considers the project. Participation info is in our preview.

SCHOOL BOARD: 3:30 pm online, with items including a final vote on renaming Southwest Athletic Complex in honor of the late Nino Cantu. The agenda includes viewing/listening information.

DOW CONSTANTINE’S RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN KICKOFF: 5:30 pm online, County Executive Dow Constantine officially launches his re-election campaign with an event focusing on West Seattle (where he lives), White Center, and vicinity. Register here to get viewing details.

SUMMIT ATLAS OPEN HOUSE: 6 pm online, prospective families/students are invited to a virtual open house for the middle/high school in Arbor Heights. Go here to register.

DISTRICT 1 COMMUNITY NETWORK: 7 pm online, the community coalition for West Seattle/South Park has its monthly meeting, with guests/topics including Community Land Trusts and city attorney Pete Holmes. The agenda includes participation information.

Send event info – whether it’s online or in-person – to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Share This

WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC: Wednesday watch

April 7, 2021 6:07 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:07 AM: Good morning! Rain expected today, and breezy too.

BACK TO SCHOOLS

Third day for some Seattle Public Schools elementary students returning to in-person learning. (Here’s the districtwide map of schools.)

ROAD WORK .

Delridge project – The east end of Sylvan Way, just west of Delridge, is now closed for work. Here’s the rest of this week’s plan..

The Highway 99 tunnel is scheduled to close both ways Friday night to Saturday morning for its monthly inspection, with the NB direction staying closed until Monday morning.

TRANSIT

Metro is on its regular schedule

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

380th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how it’s looking on other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: 13th week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily. Here’s a bridge view: