day : 30/08/2021 9 results

Public safety, community service, and transportation topics are on the agenda for the District 1 Community Network‘s next meeting, 7 pm online Wednesday (September 1st). D1CN’s mission is “to unite and strengthen the District 1 [West Seattle/South Park] community for the benefit of all.” You’ll learn about the LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion/Let Everyone Advance with Dignity) role in public safety, about the community services provided by the West Seattle/White Center Salvation Army, about the Fauntleroy Community Associationn=’s advocacy in Washington State Ferries‘ plan to replace its West Seattle terminal, and about the Heron’s Nest project. All are welcome; information on attending via videoconference or phone is in our calendar listing.

Remembering Erik Richardson, 1986-2021

August 30, 2021 7:22 pm

| 14 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Three weeks ago, we reported briefly on the death of a man in The Junction. Authorities never released his name. But commenters knew who he was, and now we have his obituary:

Erik Richardson, a West Seattle community member, died the morning of Monday, 8/9/2021. He was found alone near the Junction Starbucks. Fentanyl was the cause of death. He was 34.

Erik was born in Arizona. Like his time in West Seattle, his upbringing was rocky, including deaths of his two older brothers. Despite many terrors around him, Erik’s circumstances didn’t drown him. He made his way to the Pacific Northwest during his later 20’s in pursuit of Alaskan fishing employment, which he did for some time.

In West Seattle, Erik was known for his friendly demeanor with the people he’d cross. For a time, he sold Real Change newspapers at various spots in the community and worked at local establishments including Little Prague European Bakery and Kizuki Ramen. Some may also recall the parakeets he would have on his shoulder, particularly around Alki. Erik was always quick to offer a helping hand or greeting.

Those close to Erik are devastated by his death. Erik was a blessing while he was with us. He lived in the struggle of addiction, sometimes torpedoing the opportunities before him. Erik leaves behind a 16-year-old nephew (Damon) and 13-year-old son (Jayden) in Arizona, and a partner and newborn (John) here in West Seattle.

Any Erik stories in the comments below are very appreciated. Feel free to contribute any photos/videos to photos.app.goo.gl/AKYxkAYMt9pDdGn37.

Gifts in Erik’s honor can be given to:

MentorKids USA – With the help of this organization, Erik was blessed with a “big brother” mentor and friend named Jeff from some of his trying times as a teenager until present day. No matter how bleak things looked for Erik, Jeff has been there the last 23 years. Erik treasured this relationship.

Seattle Humane – in remembrance of Erik’s love for animals.

WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com

It should also be noted that tomorrow is International Overdose Awareness Day, with an event planned in West Seattle.

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Transit passes again this year for many local students

August 30, 2021 5:22 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Thousands of students around the city are getting no-cost transit passes again this year through the ORCA Opportunity program. From the city’s announcement, here’s the information, including how eligible students can get a card:

Today, Mayor Jenny A. Durkan celebrated the 4th school year of ORCA Opportunity Program – Seattle’s commitment to free transit for public high school and middle school students. Through the program, the City of Seattle provides 12-month, fully-subsidized ORCA cards to all Seattle Public high school students, income-eligible middle school students, and Seattle Promise Scholars.

The card is valid through August 31, 2022 and provides no-cost, unlimited transit on King County Metro, King County Water Taxi, Seattle Streetcar, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit, Everett Transit, and Seattle Center Monorail.

More than 80 percent of Seattle voters passed Proposition 1 last November, which has funded more frequent, reliable, accessible bus service in Seattle and the ORCA Opportunity Program. Through a 0.15% sales tax (the equivalent of 15 cents on a $100 purchase), Seattle residents have opened the doors to transit for more residents in the community.

In the 2020-2021 school year, the City of Seattle provided ORCA cards to over 15,000 middle and high School students. From September 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021, students collectively took 512,151 total trips, which equates to a savings for families of over $1.4 million. The ORCA cards allowed students to travel throughout the region, including on King County Metro Bus, Sound Transit Light Rail & Commuter Rail, Seattle Streetcar, Via To Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, Kitsap Transit Bus & Ferry, and Pierce Transit. The City looks forward to expanding the number of students and trips taken by also providing cards to Seattle Promise Scholars this year.

This year, applications for income-eligible middle school students are integrated into the City’s new Affordability Portal. Families now complete an application to receive an ORCA card for their middle school student on the Affordability Portal. The Portal can then refer and connect families with other income-based programs the City offers.

High school students and Seattle Promise Scholars do not need to apply for a card. High school students can pick up an ORCA card at their school. Schools will provide information about when and where students can collect their card. All high school students are required to complete a Conditions of Use form to receive a card. Seattle Promise Scholars will learn more information about how to get their cards during Summer Bridge on September 14, 15, and 20.

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FOLLOWUP: New Alki Beach restrooms ‘very close to opening’

August 30, 2021 3:58 pm

| 16 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

While at Alki for the art installation, we noticed the new restroom building (aka “comfort station”) getting painted, so we asked Seattle Parks about the newest estimate for opening. When last we checked on it, the projected opening was late July, but that’s come and gone. Parks’ Kelly Goold says, “Alki is very close to opening – waiting on City Light to reconnect power.” No date set for that yet, but they are hoping for next week. The new restroom building, which will have three stalls, has been under construction for seven months, with delays along the way including material availability.

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ROAD-WORK ALERT: Paving early Tuesday at Highland Park Way/West Marginal intersection

August 30, 2021 2:00 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

2 PM: ust in from SDOT:

This past weekend, we completed most of the work at the West Marginal Way and Highland Park Way intersection. The final work at this intersection starting early Tuesday AM as we repave two lanes of westbound Highland Park Way.

Starting at 1 a.m. (Tuesday, Aug.31), we are repaving two westbound lanes on Highland Park Way at the West Marginal Way intersection.

We will leave one westbound lane open for people driving while we pave both lanes. As soon as one lane is done and the pavement is cooled, we will open it up to people driving at start work on the second lane. Work will begin around 1 a.m. tonight and is estimated to be done by 9 a.m. Tuesday morning.

ADDED 3:33 PM: We asked SDOT what remains to be done here and when it’s expected to be finished: “We are estimated to complete work at the intersection tentatively by end of September. We have a few items to do, such as install and paint concrete curbs and install reflective pavement markers on curbs, and it should take a few more weeks.”

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Did you see the 5-way shots-fired confrontation?

August 30, 2021 12:15 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(SPD photo from last Tuesday, bullet-flattened tire)

Last Tuesday, we reported on what police described as a “road rage” confrontation that included gunfire at the 5-way intersection west of the low bridge. Police talked to everyone directly involved, including the people who fired their guns, who claimed they did it in self-defense. Though no one was arrested or cited at the time, detectives continue investigating to determine if charges should be recommended. While they’ve spoken with some witnesses, this happened during commute time at a busy intersection and police tell WSB the detective on the case would like to talk with others who saw what happened. If you can help, you are asked to call the SPD tip line, 206-233-5000.

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Yellow umbrellas at Alki Beach, but no rain: Here’s what this one-day art installation is all about

August 30, 2021 10:44 am

| 18 COMMENTS

| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

10:44 AM: Those yellow umbrellas are part of a one-day art installation at Alki Beach that Charlotte Starck hopes will send a message to the other side of the world. Here’s her explanation:

A pop-up environmental art installation, I call, The Umbrella Postcard: Seattle to Troops made of yellow umbrellas set in the sand in the shape of a yellow ribbon. The intent is to make it viewable from the sky for the world to see. Underneath: the words “Come home safe.”

The exhibit is also lined with 13 American flags in memory of the 13 service members who died Thursday in the Kabul airport attacks. Each flag has the name, hometown, and age of the servicemember – most in their early 20s.

For pedestrians, we will tie yellow ribbons and put signs on the lamp posts lining the exhibit on Alki at the volleyball courts. The exhibit will be taken down at twilight Monday.

Starck created this with daughter Sarah Hall and Brandon Rodriguez.

She says the airport bombing troubled her so much that, “I wanted to do something broad that would send a clear and direct message from Seattle to Kabul, and I believe ‘A picture paints a thousand words’.” The yellow ribbon is the original awareness ribbon, dating back to the Iran hostage crisis in the late ’70s.

12:18 PM: Added that photo from our return to Alki to check on the finished installation.

3:42 PM: Here’s the aerial view, by Howard Shack:

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FALL FITNESS: Outdoor classes for Lifelong Recreation at Seattle Parks community centers

August 30, 2021 9:24 am

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| Delridge | High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Seattle Parks is offering outdoor fitness classes at local community centers this fall, includng its Lifelong Recreation program for peopl 50+. Here are three they’re spotlighting; each class title is linked to a page with online registration and more information:

Gentle Yoga at High Point: 9/13-10/18, 10 am Mondays

Stretch and move with awareness, correct alignment and a focus on breath to increase strength and stamina, improve flexibility, and develop better balance, posture, poise, and peace of mind.

Fitness at Delridge: 9/8-10/20, 10:30 am Wednesdays

Build total body muscle strength using fitness bands, free weights and floor work. Improve balance, flexibility and agility. The instructor is a professional dance and fitness instructor and performer. Please bring weights to class

Thriller Dance at Delridge: 9/9-10/21, 11:30 am Thursdays

Learn the “Thrill the World” version of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance. During this session you will learn all the steps and practice the entire dance (no dance experience necessary). If there is interest, the instructor will provide quick tips on Zombie makeup, character and costumes. All participants will receive a dance script so that you can practice at home. After this class you’ll be prepared to join in on the next Thriller flash mob or be the hit at your next party! The instructor is a professional dance and fitness instructor, performer, and has taught and performed Thriller since 2008.

You can also register by phone at 206-684-5177. Classes will be moved indoors if the weather’s bad.

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ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Monday notes

August 30, 2021 6:05 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:05 AM: Good morning! Mixed forecast today.

ROAD WORK

26th SW & beyond – Northbound 26th SW closure continues between Roxbury and Barton.

Delridge project – Here’s the plan for this week.

Spokane Street Viaduct – The deck-scan work that was expected to start today is now postponed until at least Wednesday.

TRANSIT

Buses are on regular schedules – except for the rerouting in RapidRise H Line work zones. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of bus cancellations.

For ferries and water taxis, regular schedule. Watch @wsferries for updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

525th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are views of other bridges and routes:

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

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden – No camera for a few weeks (explained here)

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

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? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed will tell you. (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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