West Seattle, Washington
09 Friday
1:40 AM: Police and fire are headed to a report of at least one shooting victim near 42nd/Dawson. Updates to come.
1:43 AM: Officers are telling dispatch that a woman has been shot int the abdomen. She is reported to have told them who is responsible.
1:50 AM: The possible suspect is reported to have left the scene in a vehicle, maybe a green Infiniti. (Update: It’s been further described as a 1998 i3.)
1:56 AM: SFD medics are taking the victim, reported by medics to be 37 years old, to Harborview.
2:28 AM: So far, no further details on circumstances nor on the victim’s condition; we will of course follow up later this morning.
8:41 AM: Police say the victim’s injuries are not life-threatening; SFD says she was in stable condition when transported. SPD has just posted more details:
Around 1:30 AM, a 21-year-old man called 911 and reported that his mother had been shot in the 4200 block of Southwest Dawson Street. Officers found the woman leaning up against a car on the street.
Police learned the man and his mother were outside on the street when the man began talking to five known people in a car. The conversation turned into a dispute and one person in the vehicle fired a gun at the man, missing him and striking his 37-year-old mother.
(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
While the orcas didn’t get within orca range, while we were at Alki this evening, we did enjoy that golden view. The clouds that were moving in might bring a shower, maybe even a thundershower, overnight, forecasters say, so don’t be surprised if you hear that. (We’ve dodged so many shower “chances” in recent weeks, though, our expectations are low.)
X items in West Seattle Crime Watch. First, two from police reports:
GUNFIRE CONFIRMED: Holdover from the holiday weekend – around 9:45 pm Sunday night, multiple 911 callers reported what sounded like gunshots. Police found evidence to confirm it – shell casings in the 6000 block of 36th SW. No injuries or property damage, and the police report says that although some thought they heard a vehicle leaving the area after the shots, no one could describe it.
STOLEN CARS FOUND: Just before 9:30 this morning, a report of a suspicious vehicle in the 9000 block of 3rd SW brought out police, who discovered (a) it was stolen, (b) a person was passed out inside it, (c) there were catalytic converters inside it, and (d) another vehicle next to it was stolen. After apparently reviving enough to say he’d ingested a mixture of drugs, the person passed out again and was taken to the hospital by Seattle Fire.
Three reader reports:
STOLEN WHEELS: Sophie says her boyfriend’s car was hit by wheel thieves last night in the Altamira Apartments garage in The Junction (same building as QFC):
Here’s what they look like:
PROWLER: Clayton sent the video and report:
After about half a dozen car prowls in the last couple months we noticed that there is a man walking our neighborhood every night around 2 AM, checking car doors. He carries a large sack or wagon to carry his plunder. Last night he got into my yard and poked around behind my house, which allowed me to get some footage of his face.
This is happening near 38th and Hinds.
DUMPED DRESS (AND MORE)? The photo and report are from Fiona:
We were cleaning up at Delridge a couple of months ago, and found a pile of clothes, so I bagged them to donate. I finally got around to washing them and realized they probably all belong to one person, and I thought I’d put word out. If no one claims them, I’ll donate them. There’s a very nice Betsy Johnson dress (pictured) and then if a responder could identify a couple of other items, that would clinch it. It’s a lot of really nice and unique clothing.
You can text Fiona at 509-761-9286 if this is yours.
Three notes from the West Seattle restaurant world:
MAHARAJA CUISINE OF INDIA: This Junction restaurant (4542 California SW) has just reopened for indoor dining. Its hours are 11 am-midnight Sundays-Wednesdays, 11 am-2 am Thursdays-Saturdays; the kitchen closes at 11 pm.
MIOPOSTO: The North Admiral restaurant with outdoor and indoor dining (2139 California SW) will offer brunch/lunch 7 days a week starting tomorrow. They’ll open at 11:30 am weekdays, 10 am weekends.
MARINATION MA KAI: Fall hours started today at the Seacrest eatery with outdoor and indoor seating (1660 Harbor SW) – 11 am-8 pm Mondays-Thursdays, 9 am-8 pm Fridays, 9 am-9 pm Saturdays and Sundays.
Got a biznote? westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best way to get us info – thanks!
5:13 PM: The Southern Resident Killer Whales’ first local appearance of (almost) fall could be happening shortly! Members of J-Pod have been heading south in Puget Sound all day, and Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail just called to say that if they continue southbound, they should be in view from West Seattle around 5:30 pm or so. Thanks also to Kersti Muul for updates on their southward journey. Both have mentioned that West Seattle researcher Mark Sears headed out to see them earlier today; Donna says Mark has seen J56, the 2-year-old whale reported to be ailing, and his early word was that she looked OK – that’s of course pending a closer assessment of her condition. Anyway, assuming the orcas keep heading this way, let us know if you see them!
5:23 PM: Don’t rush down to the shore – update from Donna, they’re milling off West Point, on the north edge of Elliott Bay.
6:38 PM: We are at the west end of the Alki promenade and are seeing one in the distance to the NW.
7:04 PM: Still seeing a few blows in that same general area.
A month and a half after a reduction-gear problem took it out of service – just as it was scheduled for a month of maintenance anyway – Washington State Ferries‘ M/V Cathlamet is back on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route as of this afternoon. The 124-car Cathlamet replaced the 90-car Sealth, so this boosts capacity on the run,.
If you want to play tennis at the Lowman Beach Park court one last time before it’s removed as part of the shore-restoration project, you have six days. Seattle Parks says its contractor McClung Construction will be starting work next Monday (September 13th) and that means, according to project manager Janice Liang, “The park will be partially closed during construction including the beach, tennis court, and the gravel walkways. The play area and the part of the lawn area close to the street will remain open.” The $1.2 million shore-restoration project will remove the failing seawall on the north side of the park, creating more beach space, and daylighting the stretch of Pelly Creek that currently leads to an outfall pipe in the seawall. The work is expected to last at least eight months. Earlier this summer, Parks ruled out building a replacement tennis court elsewhere in the park, but said it would consider allowing something smaller, like a pickleball court – provided community fundraising covered the cost; nothing is planned so far.
Some businesses are voluntarily requiring customers to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Today, King County announced it’s working on possibly making it mandatory for “some non-essential indoor business activities and other venues.” The announcement does not specify which “business activities” are being considered for this, only elaborating, “The County is considering non-essential indoor and outdoor spaces where people gather in close proximity for a prolonged period of time.” We asked for more specifics, or at least examples; Public Health spokesperson Kate Cole replied, “Examples of non-essential businesses include music venues and bars.” Right now, the county says it’s shaping the potential policy by “engagement with community organizations, labor unions, businesses, and cities to gather feedback.” If and when an order is announced, unvaccinated people would have “at least five weeks to complete their vaccination series before the requirements of the proposed policy go into effect.” Even if you’re not in one of the groups with which the county says it’s conducting “engagement,” you’re invited to send your feedback to coronavirus@kingcounty.gov.
A year and a half after the passing of former South Seattle College president Jerry Brockey, the date is set for his Celebration of Life. The announcement is from one of his successors at the college, Dr. Jill Wakefield:
The Jerry M. Brockey Student Center sits at the center of South Seattle College’s campus, where students gather to connect with each other, and the cultural celebrations of a diverse community take place. It is fittingly named after a man who shaped a college from a vision to reality, serving as the college’s president from 1977 – 1995. Jerry Brockey passed away in March 2020. A celebration of life is scheduled for Mr. Brockey on Saturday, September 25, at 2 p.m. in the Brockey Center.
Born in 1933 on a small farm in North Dakota, Jerry Brockey eventually landed in Seattle where he built his career in education as a teacher and coach at Seattle Public Schools. He later joined the Seattle Community College district and was appointed president of South Seattle in 1977.
Brockey was known as a passionate and tough leader, with high expectations and a legendarily firm handshake. Brockey led the college’s growth as a premier workforce education and college transfer destination. Former colleagues described Brockey as an “egalitarian … an effective president, and a natural leader,” a “welcoming executive that created a welcoming environment for students,” and a president who was “really good at bringing people together.”
West Seattle historian and journalist Clay Eals, in remarks shared with West Seattle Blog, said, “Jerry also was a highly visible connector between the college and the rest of West Seattle, no easy feat given the college’s geographical isolation.” Eals went on to say, “He was a true force for good, worthy of admiration.”
Jerry Brockey’s legacy is ever-present at South Seattle College through the Brockey Student Center and the Brockey Endowed Scholarship, which has helped many students find financial stability so they can focus on their studies.
For more information on the Brockey Celebration of Life, call 206-234-6752.
Mr. Brockey was 86; here’s the obituary published shortly after his death last year.
Nice day to go to the beach – but if you do, heed this reminder from David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network:
West Seattle is entering its busiest 2-3 months for vulnerable harbor-seal pups using our local beaches. We ask that everyone please be alert and report any marine mammals you come across to the Seal Sitters’ Hotline at 206-905-7325. The young harbor seal pup in the photo was chased into the water yesterday by an off-leash dog. Remember, dogs are not permitted on Seattle Parks’ beaches, either off or on a leash. This pup appears to have some respiratory issues, which is common for many pups during the fall months. It is critical that these animals are able to rest undisturbed.
ADDED TUESDAY NIGHT: We don’t know whether it’s the same seal, but Cindy Roberts photographed this one basking at Constellation Park today:
Have you seen Weston‘s trailer? It was stolen from 40th and Dawson between 2 am and 5 am today. Plate is 11756AE. Call 911 if you see it. (added) A few more details – it’s a 2018 KZ-IV Escape 140th Toy Hauler, with a burgundy and gray vinyl sticker stripe.
UPDATE: Weston says it was found in Burien.
6:03 AM: Good morning! Another nice day expected, warm and breezy. Bonus photo – Sunday’s sunset, from Rosalie Miller:
BACK TO SCHOOL
More schools are starting classes this week – today, Holy Family and Hope Academy.
ROAD WORK
26th SW & beyond – Northbound 26th SW remains closed between Roxbury and Barton.
Delridge project – Curbs, medians, and landscaping are the focus this week.
Tunnel closure Friday – 10 pm Friday (September 10th) to 6 am Saturday, the Highway 99 tunnel will be closed for maintenance.
TRANSIT
Buses are on regular schedules today – except for the rerouting in RapidRise H Line work zones. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of canceled trips.
For ferries and water taxis, regular schedule today. Watch @wsferries for ferry updates.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
533rd 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.
From Susan:
we wondered about the ceremony that these roses were part of. They were drifting on the water just south of the [Fauntleroy] ferry dock this late afternoon. They were starting to scatter; we counted 10.
We sent thoughts of Peace and Comfort.
Last night in our weekly pandemic update, we noted that Seattle Public Schools planned to start updating a “dashboard” this week with COVID-19 case numbers. Despite the holiday, the district posted the first round of data today. The data is shown by region, not individual schools. It shows the Southwest region – West Seattle and South Park – with 12 cases, 10 students and 2 staffers. That’s more than a third of the 36 cases reported districtwide after three days of the school year. Though the dashboard totals are not broken down by school, we know at least one of the schools affected is Chief Sealth International High School, which had to cancel its Friday night football game. District protocols say families will be notified of any positive cases in their child’s classroom. The dashboard, meantime, is scheduled for weekly updates, on Mondays.
(August photo by Long Bach Nguyen)
Another Labor Day note about jobs: SDOT announced last week that the federal Department of Transportation had approved the plan to use the Priority Hire program to fill bridge-related jobs. The city explains the program as “promot(ing) access to construction careers for women, people of color and others with social and economic disadvantages.” So how will this work? We asked a few followup questions; the replies below came via Melissa Mixon of the city Department of Finance and Administrative Services:
How many jobs are expected to be part of this?
The West Seattle Bridge should provide significant opportunity for construction workers in our communities, with a need for several hundred workers over the course of the project. Based on performance on other Priority Hire projects, the City estimates that workers from economically distressed ZIP codes could earn an additional $600,000 in wages on the West Seattle Corridor Bridges Rehabilitation and Strengthening project due to Priority Hire. Other apprentices, women and people of color who live outside the economically distressed ZIP codes will earn additional income.
Who will do the hiring?
Kraemer, their subcontractors, construction union partners and apprenticeship programs will work together to hire Priority Hire workers on the project. The project will have a Community Workforce Agreement (CWA), which sets basic terms and conditions of employment on the project it covers. Contractors on the project will hire apprentices and experienced journey workers through union hiring halls and associated apprenticeship programs.
When and where will those openings be posted?
If you or someone you know is interested in working in construction, learn more about getting in the industry (and potentially working on the West Seattle Bridge) by viewing the Apprenticeship Guidebook. These programs will work directly with contractors to place workers on the project. You can also connect with our community-based partners to learn more about construction opportunities:
Outreach
Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle: 206-702-8011
Rainier Beach Action Coalition: 206-914-1762Training
ANEW: 206-381-1384 or info@anewaop.org
Carpenter’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program: 206-437-4235
Ironworkers Pre-Apprenticeship Program: 206-244-2993 or info@iw86appr.org
Seattle Central Colleges PACT Program: 206-934-2943 or PACT.Central@seattlecolleges.edu
3:47 PM: Thanks to the texter who tipped us about this:
Stalled vehicle at Chelan Ave SW and SW Spokane St. The WB lane is blocked. Use caution. pic.twitter.com/a1LRQmTJhF
— SDOT Traffic (@SDOTtraffic) September 6, 2021
The texter reports the “stalled vehicle” is a Metro Route 21 bus and it’s stopped because a passenger using a wheelchair fell out of her chair and was injured, so the bus might be there a while.
4:39 PM: SDOT says the scene is clear.
Today seems like a good time to remind you about the West Seattle Jobs Offered section of the WSB Community Forums. This is where West Seattle, South Park, and White Center businesses are welcome to post job listings, free of charge. So if you’re looking for a local job, drop in and check once in a while! You don’t have to have a login to read the Forums (or any other section of WSB) but you DO need one to post – so here’s how to get yours: If you’re visiting WSB with a desktop or laptop, look for the box on the right sidebar to show you how to get one; if you’re mobile, go to westseattleblog.com/log-in. When posting a job listing, please include contact info, so prospective applicants can contact you directly.
Meet Niki Stojnic (left) and Nia Martin (right). We’re spotlighting these West Seattle writers on Labor Day because they are collaborating on a project that “focuses on the work, expertise, and stories of women in the greater Seattle area and how we impact and shape the city and Pacific Northwest region.” It’s a twice-monthly newsletter called Parts & Labor. Martin says, “We’ve gotten some great interviews over 31 issues — featuring accomplished women across the spectrum, from the new executive chef of Canlis, Aisha Ibrahim, and her partner on how they’re changing kitchen culture, to how Vivian Hua helped keep Northwest Film Forum going during the pandemic.”
Martin and Stojnic launched Parts & Labor just as the pandemic began, in fact – March 2020. Since both are West Seattleites, Martin says, “We frequently feature West Seattle women’s small businesses in our ‘She Made It’ short feature section and our ‘Attn’ section, which calls out timely events, businesses and organizations.” After almost a year and a half, they stopped down during August for a break but are now getting ready for their next issue – scheduled publication date, September 16th. You can browse past Parts & Labor issues here (that’s also where you can subscribe, free!). They also publish “featurettes” on Instagram.
(Duwamish River, photographed from the West Seattle Bridge last month)
Good morning! Holiday notes:
TRANSIT/TRAFFIC
–Metro is on a Sunday schedule
–West Seattle Water Taxi is also on a Sunday schedule
–Sound Transit buses and light rail are on Sunday schedules too
-If you’re going to an area of the city with pay-station street parking, note that there’s no charge today
-Check traffic cams here
HAPPENING TODAY
Duwamish Longhouse Art Market – 10 am-5 pm, 4705 W. Marginal Way SW.
Art Glass Seconds Sale – The annual sale at Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way) is back after 2 years, 10 am-2 pm.
Final day of the season for city aquatics – After today, city-run wading pools, sprayparks, and outdoor pools are all closed until next year. Our reminder from yesterday lists what’s open today, where, and when.
Benefit barbecue – Highland Park neighbors invite you to a four-grill cookoff raising money for the White Center fire recovery, starting at 5:30 pm on 10th SW between Barton and Henderson, as previewed here.
WEATHER
The sun is expected to prevail today, with a 70-ish high.
Here’s our weekly roundup of local pandemic updates, starting with the newest local numbers.
KING COUNTY CUMULATIVE NUMBERS AS OF FRIDAY:
137,785 people have tested positive – 4,138 more than a week ago (4,946 in West Seattle, up 189)
7,463 people have been hospitalized – 174 more than a week ago (230 from West Seattle, up 8)
1,776 people have died – 23 more than a week ago (69 in West Seattle, unchanged)
VACCINATION RATE:
77.9% of King County residents 12+ have completed their vaccine series (up .6% in the past week)
By West Seattle zip code:
98106 – 80.4%
98116 – 86%
98126 – 75.5%
98136 – 87%
98146 – 74.7%
(More COVID-related King County stats here)
PANDEMIC NEWS
Mask order expanding – On Tuesday (September 7th), masks will be mandatory at outdoor events in King County if 500+ people are expected, as announced this past Thursday.
State employees’ tentative agreement – There were rumblings of labor unrest as a result of the governor’s vaccine mandate for state employees, but that’s apparently been headed off by this tentative agreement.
Tracking COVID at school – Seattle Public Schools has a dashboard that it promises will display case numbers by region – but the year’s first weekly update isn’t up yet.
NEED TO GET TESTED IN WEST SEATTLE?
The UW Medicine testing service at the Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex parking lot (2801 SW Thistle) continues to operate; you can make an appointment here, though readers report walk-ups have been accepted. Meantime, the Curative testing kiosk at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor SW) is also still operating. In addition, both West Seattle Walgreens stores are offering drive-up testing (35th/Morgan and 16th/Roxbury) – more info here.
NOT VACCINATED YET?
Go here to see where you can change that.
Medians, curbs, sidewalks, and signals are the focus as Delridge road/utility work continues, preparing for next year’s RapidRide H Line launch. The weekly update starts with SDOT‘s list of the main points:
*Landscaping continues throughout the corridor. We will also be doing some more lane striping and channelization work this week.
*We are continuing to work in Zone A to upgrade sidewalks, curb ramps and electrical utilities
*Median and curb installation along Delridge Way SW between SW Juneau St and SW Graham St continues
*Traffic signal upgrades in Zone C have begun this week and signal upgrades will continue through this fall
*Sidewalk upgrades near SW Barton St continue. This work will continue into next week.
Here’s the full preview for the week ahead; SDOT says crews are off until Tuesday.
One reader report tonight in West Seattle Crime Watch:
The photo is from a texter who says that happened to their pickup truck near 41st/Austin in Gatewood on Friday night. “Appears someone smashed the window and didn’t even go into the truck or take anything. Terrible and probably the 6th time this truck has been vandalized in the past year.”
Happening tomorrow! Just received the announcement from Samuel:
He says they’re planning to “have four grills going”! Here’s a map.
MONDAY UPDATE: Setup photos just in from Samuel – here’s the raffle table:
And those grills:
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