City moving back toward 72-hour parking enforcement. But will that affect West Seattle’s longest-running RV encampment?

Announced today by the city – enforcement of the 72-hour parking rule will resume in a week. The announcement says the first priority will be to clear “unoccupied hazardous vehicles that may have been abandoned over the past 19 months.” As for vehicles being used as residences:

Parking enforcement at SDOT will not impound a vehicle with someone living in it unless it poses a specific risk to public health such as inadequate sanitation causing a direct risk of illness or injury, inadequate protection leaving the occupants exposed to the weather, or other environmental, fire, health and safety hazards.

So what might that mean to longrunning RV encampments like the one alongside the Nucor Steel plant on SW Andover?

(WSB photo, this morning)

This week, Nucor management sent us a statement from vice president/general manager Matthew Lyons, expressing frustration with the situation. Here’s what he wrote:

The West Seattle neighborhood where Nucor Steel is located, like countless neighborhoods across the city, is experiencing the difficult work of addressing the needs of unhoused people in our city. At Nucor, safety is our most important core value as a company, including the safety of our teammates and our neighbors in the communities where we operate. We are concerned that an RV encampment on city property along the fence line of our manufacturing plant is presenting a public safety threat to residents of the encampment, our teammates, and surrounding neighbors. For example, Nucor teammates and contractors have been threatened with violence and our facility has been broken into numerous times and items have been stolen. Trespassing is occurring with greater frequency and presents a significant safety hazard to those trespassing and to our teammates as we are a 24-hour, seven day a week manufacturing facility.

We know the homelessness crisis is complex and that those living outside face many challenges. We would like to work with the city of Seattle and local nonprofits who assist people who are unhoused to find housing options for residents of the encampment. We believe the location of this encampment poses a potential safety risk to its residents and Nucor teammates and contractors. It would be in the best interest of people living in the encampment, our business and the West Seattle community for our company, local nonprofits and the city to work together to find a solution.

Along with the statement, we received this letter Lyons had sent to Mayor Jenny Durkan four months ago, going into further details about why the company believes the RV encampment meets city parameters for removal as an urgent hazard. A company spokesperson tells us, “Nucor has made several attempts to contact multiple city officials both before and after the letter was sent in June, but with very limited success.”

Now comes the news that the city is reviving the 72-hour parking rule. While today’s announcement said parking enforcement “will not impound a vehicle with someone living in it” in most situations, does that mean no tickets or warning notices? We took that question to SDOT. Their response reiterated that residential vehicles would have to be deemed hazardous, and added:

The first step of enforcement for any type of vehicle is to leave an official warning notice giving the vehicle owner at least 72 hours to move their vehicle. If it appears that people may be living one of these vehicles, we will provide the occupants information about assistance and support services and resources along with a warning notice, or attach this information to the vehicle.

Vehicles which move to another location voluntarily will not be in violation of the 72-hour rule. If a vehicle needs to be repaired to be driven, we will attempt to be flexible and work with the owner and provide a reasonable amount of time if they are demonstrating a good faith effort to get the vehicle repaired.

We first reported on the Andover RV encampment almost six years ago – at which time some of the vehicles already were displaying orange warning notices.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen Crown Victoria (update: found)

October 8, 2021 5:54 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Crime | West Seattle news

Jennifer hopes you can help find her stolen car:

It’s a 2009 ford Crown Victoria, matte black Police Interceptor, spotlights each side, crack on window, spider effect across window, “very loud” because its catalytic converter is missing. Plate BZR7825. Taken Thursday morning from 17th/Henderson. If you see it, call 911.

UPDATE: Found “near Highland Park.”

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FOLLOWUP: EPA sticks with plan to allow higher levels of a Duwamish River pollutant

October 8, 2021 3:50 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| Environment | Health | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, September)

Back in February, we reported on the EPA‘s plan to make a change in the Duwamish River cleanup plan, allowing higher levels of a particular pollutant, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), a “carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (cPAH).” The higher levels would be allowed because a review process dating back to 2013 had determined the pollutant was less cancer-causing than previously believed. After a public comment period and further review, the EPA is finalizing what it originally proposed. Here’s the one-sheet explanation:

EPA spokesperson Bill Dunbar says, “Due to the reduced risk, EPA Region 10 has revised the allowable levels of cPAH at the Lower Duwamish Waterway. The higher levels will provide the same level of human health protection. The new levels are expected to reduce the areas where waterway sediments require Superfund cleanup by less than five percent. PCBs remain the main source of risk to people’s health from the site. People can be exposed to PCBs if they eat fish and shellfish that spend their lives in the river, or contact sediment during beach play, net-fishing, and clamming. cPAHs do not accumulate in fish but are found in clams. EPA estimates that since 2012, average levels of cPAHs and PCBs in Duwamish Waterway sediments have been reduced by half as a result of early cleanup actions, control of pollution sources, and burial by cleaner sediments from upstream. Future cleanup to reduce PCBs will also reduce cPAHs.”

This change is part of what led the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition to organize a rally for the river just two weeks ago. DRCC executive director Paulina López tells WSB that while the EPA’s decision is troubling, there’s some hope: “Unfortunately, the change EPA approved means that our communities will be exposed to higher levels of carcinogenic PAHs — in our river sediments, and in our fish and shellfish. We do not believe that this is health protective, especially for an Environmental Justice community with multiple, cumulative exposures. We are encouraged, however, that the impact of EPA’s change will be minimized as a result of our City, County and Port’s stated commitment to stay the course and clean up all of the cPAHs as originally ordered by the 2014 cleanup decision. DRCC will still call on our local governments to stand by this commitment and we look forward to working with them to secure EPA’s cooperation and support. to protect our communities, our fishers, our habitat. “

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: More gunfire on SW Charlestown

October 8, 2021 1:51 pm

| 16 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

For the second time in a week, there’s been confirmed gunfire near 47th/Charlestown. We reported on the previous incident last week, shortly after it happened the night of September 30th; police say two residences and one car were hit by bullets that night. Neighbors called 911 again last night and this morning about suspected gunfire, but police have only confirmed gunfire in last night’s incident: They got that call around 7 pm last night (Thursday, October 7th). Two casings were found. Neighbors’ reports varied, according to the police narrative – one person saw people running out of an apartment after the shots; another person saw a silver SUV speeding away; another person saw a motorcycle speeding away. No property damage or injuries reported.

This morning’s call was in the 6:30-7 am vicinity. The police-report narrative says callers reported hearing one loud noise followed by “possible rapid fire.” One caller said they saw smoke in front of an apartment building. The officer who was dispatched found a “suspicious” car with no plates and noted “a strong odor of burnt black powder consistent with fireworks …” plus, along and beneath the car, “cardboard wadding consistent with fireworks that had been exploded.” Neither the car – whose VIN traced to an owner in Tukwila – nor anything else was damaged.

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BIZNOTE: Three Little Birds + Kid Friendly Footwear = ‘inspired collaboration’ in West Seattle Junction

October 8, 2021 11:42 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Three Little Birds)

Two West Seattle Junction kids-consignment businesses are merging. Here’s their announcement:

This fall Kid Friendly Footwear is flying north… but only up the block, coming to nest inside West Seattle’s biggest kids’ consignment boutique, Three Little Birds. The two beloved indie children’s shops will combine to create a world of truly exceptional family shopping, in the heart of The Junction.

Kid Friendly Footwear is known for an amazing hand-picked collection of shoes, boots, and sandals for new walkers, big kids, and everyone in between. Shoppers specially bring their growing kids from all over Western Washington. Our experienced staff finds the best fit with time-tested methods, and know the brands and features families are looking for.

Best sellers include:
Hyperfunctional Tsukihoshi styles from Japan (washable & waterproof)
Cozy, waterproof Baby Bogs boots
Rugged KEEN shoes & sandals–a Northwest original
Other favorite brands include Bogs, Stride Rite, Hatley, Kamik & more. Kid Friendly Footwear also outfits kids with gear for all seasons: waterproof rain jackets & one-piece suits, waterproof gloves & mittens, and SPF sun & swim gear.

Kid Friendly Footwear at Three Little Birds, an inspired collaboration! How did we get here?

In 2008, Sarah took over Again & A Gain, West Seattle’s kids’ consignment hub since 1995. In the humble shop at 4832 California Ave SW, she founded Kid Friendly Footwear and over 13 years grew it into a Seattle destination for kids’ shoes, boots, sandals, and gear for all seasons. The star-studded Google reviews say it all.

Jennifer founded Three Little Birds in 2014, starting in Morgan Junction and finally landing at 4736 California Ave SW. She transformed the spacious spot into a charming, popular children’s consignment boutique that families flock to.

Then 2020 happened. With more people staying close to home and spending their dollars online, the long pandemic year was tough on neighborhood independents. So Sarah and Jennifer got creative. The two women — with a shared commitment to community and independent small business — hatched a savvy plan.

Shops of a feather flock together, and Sarah’s mission to outfit our kids with Earth-friendly leather-free footwear is amplified and elevated by Jennifer’s innovative spirit and style. And both have terrific, experienced staff members. We’re excited to team up to make Kid Friendly Footwear at Three Little Birds an exciting, inviting West Seattle shopping experience.

Kid Friendly Footwear is destination shopping for families from West Seattle and all around Western Washington. Babies have taken their first steps here, and thousands of happy feet have found their perfect fit. The tradition continues at Three Little Birds, where Kid Friendly’s famous customer service, shoe-fitting expertise, and playful touch will find their new home.

Kid Friendly Footwear at Three Little Birds will continue to offer environmentally conscious footwear from beloved brands. We only expect our collection to get bigger and better in our new location! And since reduce, reuse, recycle is our Earth-friendly mission, shoppers can count on a tempting selection of choice resale items. Longtime Again & Again consigners, have no worries: Your store credit will be honored at Three Little Birds.

Come shop at either location through October 31 as we complete this exciting transition. Both Jennifer and Sarah are grateful for the community’s consistent support of independent, women-owned businesses. Watch for our opening celebration, and stop by Three Little Birds during the Junction Harvest Fest for a sneak peek!

Kid Friendly Footwear at Three Little Birds (starting 11/1/21)
4736 California Ave SW – 206-946-6591

Kid Friendly Footwear at Again & Again (through 10/31/21)
4832 California Ave SW

Both Three Little Birds and Kid Friendly Footwear continue to offer online shopping, too.

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FREE: West Seattle Junction flower baskets

October 8, 2021 10:55 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Gardening | West Seattle news

Want a free flower basket? The Junction’s seasonal hanging baskets have just been taken down and West Seattle Junction Association executive director Lora Radford just sent the photo – she says the unclaimed baskets are available for pickup in Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska) while they last.

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5 for your West Seattle Friday

October 8, 2021 10:30 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Lincoln Park driftwood – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

KING COUNTY COVID BRIEFING: At noon online, King County Public Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin will present an update on, and answer media questions about, the pandemic. (A recording will be available later at publichealthinsider.com.)

FOOTBALL: Both local high-school teams are playing home games tonight at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – 5 pm, Chief Sealth International High School vs. Cleveland, followed by (around 7:45 pm) West Seattle High School vs. Lakeside. Also happening in West Seattle: 7 pm game at WS Stadium (4432 35th SW) between Eastside Catholic and O’Dea.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm doors, 8 pm show – Glass Beaches, Dream Logic, Your Man. 21+. More info here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

LIVE MUSIC AT THE BEACH: 8 pm at J&J Public House (2808 Alki SW), live music led by Grammy winner Andrew Gouché. $10 cover.

LIVE MUSIC AT DRUNKY’S: 8 pm doors, 9 pm show, $10 cover at Drunky Two Shoes BBQ (9655 16th SW) in White Center.

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YOU CAN HELP: Preschool pizza fundraiser

October 8, 2021 9:25 am

| Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Preschool pizza fundraiser

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | West Seattle schools | Westwood

The next school dine-out fundraiser sent in for the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar is this Sunday. If you mention Lincoln Park Co-op Preschool when ordering takeout that day (October 10th) from MOD Pizza at Westwood Village, they’ll get a share of the proceeds from your order. The restaurant is open 10:30 mm-10 pm, on the south side of the shopping center (2800 SW Barton).

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Friday watch & weekend alerts

October 8, 2021 6:02 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts | West Seattle video

6:02 AM: Good morning! No classes today for Seattle Public Schools – teacher in-service day.

WEATHER

Mixed forecast today, with a high around 60.

ROAD WORK – TODAY & THIS WEEKEND

26th SW – Now closed southbound between Roxbury and Barton.

15th SW – Also as part of the King County-led work on the RapidRide project, southbound 15th is scheduled to be closed at Roxbury for underground utility work.

Highway 99 tunnel – Closed both ways for maintenance 10 pm tonight until 8 am Sunday.

West Marginal Way – Work is scheduled to continue both days this weekend at the Duwamish Longhouse crossing/signal site,

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro’s fall “service change” took effect Saturday, with various West Seattle changes, including the return of Routes 22 and 113. Also note the rerouting in RapidRide H Line work zones – on 26th and 15th SW in particular. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of canceled trips.

For ferries and water taxis; Check WSF schedules for the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route, announced late last night as planning a “reduced 2-boat schedule” today due to crew shortage. Also – reminder that there will be NO West Seattle Water Taxi service this Saturday and Sunday, Watch @wsferries for ferry updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

563rd 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:

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 movable 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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