month : 07/2021 309 results

Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes today:

ANOTHER OFFERUP USER ROBBED: The newest post on SPD Blotter spotlights three recent armed robberies of people who say it happened after they responded to OfferUp ads – two of them in West Seattle. We’ve already reported on the first one, two weeks ago in Riverview. SPD says the other West Seattle case happened this past Tuesday (June 29th), in which “a man reported he had met a man purportedly selling a car on OfferUp in the 6500 block of 30th Avenue SW, only to have the seller pull a gun on him, demand cash, and threaten to shoot him.” If you have any information about these cases, you can call SPD’s Robbery Unit at 206-684-5535.

SUSPECTED CATALYTIC-CONVERTER THEFT ATTEMPT: Emailed by a reader:

We scared off a trespasser the police believe was attempting to steal our catalytic converter at approximately 6:30 this morning, 5400 block of 49th Ave SW. A white male, 30’s, dark T-shirt and jeans, was brazenly checking our vehicle in our driveway, near our open front window. When the trespasser saw/heard us, he ran to the passenger side of a small, ‘90-’00 black sedan, headed north on 49th. SPD was quick to respond but our cameras did not get a vehicle plate number so these folks are likely still prowling.

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REOPENING: What’s changing at West Seattle Farmers’ Market on Sunday

July 1, 2021 5:04 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

Look closely at the lower half of our photo from midday last Sunday and you’ll see the pink tape that has marked the perimeter of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market for months, restricting entry and exit to its south and north ends. Turns out last Sunday was its last hurrah. Market management has notified the West Seattle Junction Association that the reopening changes mean it can drop the tape – so starting this Sunday (July 4th), you’ll be able to move freely between businesses and market booths. The market will no longer require masks for entry, either. And other changes may be ahead – stand by. Throughout the pandemic, despite being an outdoor venue, the market has had to deal with tough restrictions, especially from the city, which wouldn’t even let farmers’ markets open for two months, despite the governor having designated them as “essential.”

ADDED: More from the Farmers’ Market newsletter:

In accordance with the Washington State Department of Health masking order, fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear a mask while in our markets.

-There are no longer capacity restrictions or lines to enter the market!
-Eating and drinking in the markets is allowed.
-NFM and Public Health no longer regulate touching/handling of produce handling, however, individual farm and market businesses may set their own safety requirements; please read signage at stands or ask if you’re unsure.

Oh Happy Day! Music, entertainment, and market events will be returning shortly.

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FOLLOWUP: Repair work on heat-damaged 36th SW starts Friday

July 1, 2021 4:11 pm

| Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Repair work on heat-damaged 36th SW starts Friday

| Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts | West Seattle weather

(SDOT photo)

That’s part of the road damage we first told you about Monday, on 36th SW near SW Oregon. SDOT says repair work starts tomorrow morning, and it’s extensive, so it could stretch across almost two weeks. Here’s the advisory:

Seattle Department of Transportation SDOT crews are planning on doing urgent pavement repairs on 36th Ave SW between SW Oregon St and SW Avalon Way. This work will begin tomorrow morning (Friday, July 2) and will potentially last as long as July 16.

This street was closed on Monday, June 28 due to severe damage caused by extreme temperatures. Crews will need to demolish, remove and replace 8 concrete panels.

Extreme heat can damage roads and bridges. Concrete pavement is designed to expand in hot temperatures and contract in the cold. During extremely hot weather events the heat can sometimes be so great that the expanding pavement has nowhere else to go but up, creating “buckles” in the road.

SDOT crews are continuing to respond to weather-related damage around the city, prioritizing needs with public safety as a top and hazardous conditions first. SDOT engineers are currently evaluating several other locations experiencing heat related distress around the city. Once we perform field assessments of the pavement conditions, we will be targeted and strategic in our approach to make the repairs prioritized based on public safety needs.

Every season brings different kinds of challenges to respond to, and SDOT crews work year-round to maintain to our roads, sidewalks, and curb ramps. For example, in 2020 SDOT crews filled 15,000 potholes but high temperatures can often cause previously repaired potholes to form again so our crews will be ready to respond and repair them again. We expect to continue seeing more pavement damage throughout the summer and expect to continue ongoing repairs over the next several months.

SDOT would like to remind everyone to be aware of these conditions and to be careful. You may see roads closed, signs or cones to warn of a hazard. Please be careful and obey all traffic control signs and devices. If you see road damage, please call 206-684-ROAD to report the conditions.

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FIREWORKS: Home-protection advice from SFD, one year after a big West Seattle fire

July 1, 2021 3:38 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Holidays | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

While we’re talking about fireworks … even if you don’t use them, someone else might set them off near your house or apartment. On the Fourth of July last year, fireworks sparked a large fire at the foot of Gatewood Hill:

(WSB photo from 7/4/2020)

That was a photo we took from our car as we happened onto the scene shortly after the fire at California/Myrtle had started, even before SFD arrived. The memory is fresh for local firefighters, too. We asked the Seattle Fire Department about prevention advice – in addition to “Don’t use fireworks” – and here’s what SFD public educator William Mace offered:

Every year, the personal use of fireworks cause fires and injures people in the Seattle area. Last year, the Seattle Fire Department responded to 16 fireworks-related fires including two structure fires. One significant fire happened on July 4, 2020 in West Seattle where fireworks ignited dry brush in front of a four-story apartment building which then quickly extended to the top floor balcony.

(7/4/2020 photo by Rick Cook)

Fortunately, no one was injured, but several residents were displaced and the total estimated loss was $100,000.

The recent hot, dry weather significantly increases the risk for dry grass, bark, and brush fires. A firework can easily start a fire in these conditions.

Here are ways to reduce fires caused by fireworks near your home:

Remove branches, dry grass and anything that can burn from around your home.
Make sure tree branches are not touching your home.
Clear roof and gutters of evergreen needles and leaves.
Don’t leave cardboard or loose paper recyclables outside – make sure they are in a closed bin.
Keep a garden hose with nozzle hooked up and ready to use.
Also, make sure smoke alarms are working by pushing the test button.

If you experience a fire, please call 9-1-1 immediately after you are in a safe location away from the fire.

Two years ago, in unincorporated King County, a fireworks user started a two-house fire that killed a man.

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FOURTH OF JULY: Seattle Parks’ annual lights-on plan to deter fireworks use

July 1, 2021 2:15 pm

| 25 COMMENTS

| Holidays | Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Reader photo, 2020, fireworks debris at a local park – one that did NOT have lights on)

Every year, Seattle Parks announces it’s keeping lights on for a few hours on the night of July 3rd and 4th at certain locations to try to deter fireworks use. It’s just announced this year’s list. Lights will go on around 8:30 pm and off at 11 pm this Saturday and Sunday at locations including these in West Seattle:

Delridge Playfield, 4458 Delridge Way SW
Hiawatha Playfield, 2700 California Ave. SW
Walt Hundley Playfield, 6920 34th Avenue SW
West Seattle Stadium, 4432 35th Ave. SW

The Parks announcement notes that fireworks, among other things, destroy artificial turf, which would cost more than a million dollars to replace on a full-size field. Also noted: “The fields will be monitored by security from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.”

P.S. We’re checking with other jurisdictions with local parks/sports facilities to find out about their deterrence plans, if any.

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REOPENING: West Seattle (Admiral) Library sets the date – plus, other systemwide changes

July 1, 2021 1:03 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news

(Photo from spl.org)

The last Seattle Public Library branch in our area to reopen for in-building services will do so next Tuesday – the West Seattle (Admiral) Library at 2326 42nd SW will reopen July 6th. SPL is announcing some systemwide changes too. From the announcement:

In light of Washington state’s move to full reopening on June 30, the Library is making other changes: All reopened locations will be open at 100% capacity, will not require physical distancing, and will reintroduce additional computer stations and seating. However, for now, mask requirements remain in place for all City of Seattle buildings, including libraries. …

Thanks to $1.1 million in funding from the City’s Seattle Rescue Plan, the Library anticipates returning to pre-pandemic staffing levels to support the reopening of all locations and the expansion of open hours. With this funding, the Library can work toward full reopening throughout the summer to support Seattle’s children returning to in-person school this fall.

The announcement also notes: “Meeting rooms, study rooms, and in-person programs are not yet available at reopened Library locations.” Hours/days/services for all locations can be found here.

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Renewal Organizing: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor!

July 1, 2021 11:49 am

| Comments Off on Renewal Organizing: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor!

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor – Renewal Organizing. Businesses who join the WSB sponsor team get the opportunity to tell you about what they do – here’s what Renewal Organizing would like you to know:

Renewal Organizing offers our clients a shame-free approach to solving their organizing challenges. We specialize in helping chronically disorganized clients, as well as moves, downsizing, senior move management (such as moves into Assisted Living care facilities), and other specialty organizational needs. Renewal Organizing can help with hands-on organizing for any space in your home – whether it’s your bedroom, kitchen, kitchen pantry, or basement. Owner Ellen Sklanka and her crew can also help get you started with relocation and moving projects. They also offer do-it-yourself packages for people who are looking for a plan to jumpstart their organizing. No matter which plan you choose, Ellen will personalize it to fit your needs.

Clients have called their experience with Ellen life-changing. They’ve also said her patience and attention to detail made the project go faster.

Your home should be a place of tranquility for you – somewhere where you can relax and enjoy time with loved ones. Sometimes, our “stuff” can get in the way of our tranquility. Renewal Organizing can help! Whether your space has been taken over by a project, or paper, or even treasures, we can work together to bring your home into balance. Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or want it done for you, our individualized approach keeps you and your goals front-and-center as we make a plan especially for you. Also, we are members of NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals) and NASMM (National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers).

You can contact Renewal Organizing online here, or by phone at 206-665-0255.

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

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9208 20th SW Design Review and other West Seattle Thursday notes

July 1, 2021 10:32 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Machel Spence)

What’s happening in the hours ahead:

SOUND TRANSIT REALIGNMENT: Board members’ discussion continues at the Executive Committee meeting that is just getting under way (10:30 am-noon) – attendance information is on the agenda.

WADING POOL & SPRAYPARK: Open today – Highland Park spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm, and Lincoln Park wading pool (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm.

DEMONSTRATION: Organizer Scott‘s twice-weekly sign-waving for racial justice continues, 4-6 pm on the corners at 16th/Holden.

9208 20TH SW DESIGN REVIEW: The 77-apartment mixed-use building planned to replace a former auto shop (formerly at the address 9201 Delridge Way) goes to the Southwest Design Review Board tonight at 5 pm online. Our preview includes the design packet and attendance/commenting information.

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Big callout, small fire in Admiral

July 1, 2021 7:45 am

| Comments Off on Big callout, small fire in Admiral

| West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

SFD is about to dismiss most of the units that responded to a fire reported in the 2200 block of 37th SW. The fire, in the basement, is already extinguished, “(put) out by occupant.” 37th/Admiral is blocked by the response until all are cleared.

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WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC: Thursday notes

July 1, 2021 6:03 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

10:15 AM: Two notes that aren’t West Seattle, but aren’t far: The procession preceding the 1 pm T-Mobile Park memorial service for Seattle Police Officer Lexi Harris will affect traffic from Burien to SODO (the route will primarily be via I-5, not 509). Also, WSDOT crews are doing emergency work that has two lanes of southbound I-5 closed just before S. Forest Street.

==============

6:03 AM: Good morning, The Fourth of July is getting closer. After a day of normal weather, today’s forecast is even a bit on the cool side, starting off with some clouds.

ROAD ALERTS

Delridge project – Station work as well as road work continues in this week’s Delridge-and-vicinity plan.

35th/Graham – Work continues here too, for the intersection’s signalized transformation.

FERRIES/BUSES

Regular schedule for buses and ferries. WSF has announced that the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route will run two boats on Sundays starting this weekend. Holiday preview: Limited West Seattle Water Taxi service Monday (July 5th). Watch @kcmetrobus for word of bus cancellations, @wsferries for major WSF changes.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

465th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are the views of other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: 25th week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends, when the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available for some categories of drivers.)

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

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

And the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:

Are draw/swing bridges opening for boats or barges? See the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed. (1st Ave. South Bridge openings also are tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.)

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.

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

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