West Seattle, Washington
28 Sunday
The long-in-the-works East Marginal Way South Corridor Improvement Project is finally fully funded. It’s not in West Seattle, but it’s on a transportation corridor for many traveling between here and the downtown waterfront, in modes from bicycling to trucking. Federal and city officials announced today that the project has received a $20 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) program. SDOT says this will enable it to start construction “at the end of 2022,” with completion “estimated for 2025.” The city’s announcement continues:
The grant funding will enable SDOT to do both the safety improvements and the road reconstruction at the same time. This means that there will be fewer disruptions to freight traffic during construction.
Currently, East Marginal Way S faces three primary transportation challenges along the corridor: 1) safety, 2) mobility and increasing demand, and 3) deterioration of pavement. The RAISE grant will now help improve operational and safety deficiencies by widening and strengthening the road to accommodate larger and heavier truck traffic, provide access to freight terminals at the Port of Seattle for the trucks that use the corridor each day, and helping to reduce congestion with improved traffic signals.
Below are some of the improvements in the East Marginal Way S Corridor Improvement project:
-Reconstructing the East Marginal Way S roadway and upgrading the route to Heavy Haul Network standards along a 1.1-mile segment from a point south of S Massachusetts St to S Spokane St to enhance efficient freight flow.
-Constructing a 2-way protected bike lane along a 1.4-mile segment between S Atlantic St and S Spokane St to increase visibility, protect the approximately 1,000 people who ride bikes on this corridor each day, and work toward our Vision Zero goal of ending traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030.
-Rebuilding the sidewalk on the west side of East Marginal Way S adjacent to the roadway reconstruction to provide a safe, accessible route for people walking.
-Constructing new traffic signals that will work dynamically together to enhance safety and improve traffic flow at several of the City’s busiest freight intersections.
For more details on what’s planned, see this fact sheet. The city says the project funding also includes $7 million from the Levy to Move Seattle as well as from the port and state. Total estimated cost will be $43 million, according to page 19 of this document used in the application for the just-announced federal grant.
(WSB photo, November 2020)
In addition to the already announced Eastridge Church turkey-and-groceries giveaway in The Junction on Saturday morning, the West Seattle Food Bank is also again offering free turkeys and other holiday food in a drive-through distribution at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) that day. WSFB development director Breanna Bushaw says the Saturday distribution is “open to any West Seattle family in need of Thanksgiving groceries.” Details:
Each family will receive a turkey and a box of produce, or turkey and thanksgiving box.
Drive Thru Distribution
South Seattle College, North Lot
6000 16th Ave SWSaturday, November 20, 2021
10 am to 2 pm (or supplies run out)Masks are required. Must remain in your car.
Maximum of 2 families per household. Each family must be present & show proof of address.If families are not able to make it to our Saturday Thanksgiving distribution, our walk-up distribution at West Seattle Food Bank will have turkeys next week:
Monday: 10 am – 2 pm
Tuesday: 10 am – 2 pm
Wednesday: 10 am -4 pmThursday & Friday: CLOSED
The WSFB is headquartered on the southeast corner of 35th SW and SW Morgan. If you don’t need food but would like to donate, Bushaw says the food bank needs money most of all: “Monetary donations help us purchase fresh produce, meat and dairy products. Donations also go to fund our emergency financial assistance program to help neighbors stay in their homes and keep utilities on when they are going through a tough financial time.” (Here’s where to donate.)
Less than two weeks after West Seattle Junction Association executive director Lora Radford announced her impending departure, she’s already training her successor.
Meet Chris Mackay, 25-year West Seattle resident and veteran nonprofit manager. Her most-recent role was as executive director of Crooked Trails, a nonprofit that specializes in “meaningful travel opportunities” – tourism and volunteering rolled up into one adventure, for example. But after 20 years of that – doing a lot of traveling along the way – she’s excited to work “close to home” in her new role.
Mackay’s previous work led to a skillset that’s perfect for the WSJA leadership position, from partnerships to development to event production. The latter is especially important as, after the pandemic hiatus, the Junction Association is reviving its signature events, including the Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting and Night Market (December 4th) and a “full-blown” West Seattle Summer Fest next year (set your calendar for July 15-17, 2022). Mackay told WSB in a short introductory chat at the WSJA office that she expects to spend a few months getting up to speed with everything that’s already in the works, and then starting a conversation about future strategy, growth, and direction – “what’s the dream?” as she puts it.
First, she’s working closely with Radford – whose last official day is later this week – “to extract everything from her head … and her heart.” Radford expects Mackay to shine: “Chris will be a wonderful advocate for small businesses; she has wonderful energy and is ready to take over the reins.”
Today we’re welcoming The Bridge School as a new WSB sponsor, which means they get the opportunity to share information about what they do:
The Bridge School is a cooperative, multi-age, progressive elementary-school program that fosters authentic learning through whole-child development.
We are a cooperative learning environment that supports creativity, exploration, community building, academic growth and connecting to nature. We do this by using a progressive, multi-age, child-centered, constructivist approach that includes a variety of curriculum and activities selected for the age and needs of current students. Families who choose The Bridge School want to be involved in their child’s education, which builds a strong, supportive, and friendly community and helps keep tuition low.
We are a Washington State Approved Elementary School Program serving ages 5-11. Our multi-age classes include regular instruction in math, literacy, science, social studies, music, art, theater, outdoor education, and social-emotional skill development. For students ages 4-5, we also offer our nature-based Cedar Play School on Friday mornings.
Our teachers plan and create challenging, dynamic, emergent learning opportunities in and outside of the classroom. We believe that there are unique benefits to multi-age classrooms including allowing students to grow at their own pace in a non-competitive environment and deep peer-to-peer learning and mentorship. Many teachers have the same students for more than one year, which allows them to deeply understand their students and their families, and develop strong, trusting relationships.
The Bridge School does not discriminate in any programs, activities, the hiring of employees or selection of volunteers on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our school community.
We welcome you to learn more about our programs by visiting our website, and encourage you to attend one of our upcoming Open Houses!
We thank The Bridge School 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.
(Photo by Palmer Richardson)
12:37 PM: More word of recent rains drawing salmon into local creeks! This time we have an update from Fauntleroy Creek, courtesy of Judy Pickens:
Nearly a month ago, volunteer salmon watchers began seeing a few coho spawners come into Fauntleroy Creek. After several days with no new fish, we were about to call it quits at seven but, because of tides at or exceeding 11 feet, we decided to keep going. By Sunday (Nov. 14), watchers had tallied 10 – a good year for this small creek.
Yesterday’s high tides were still high enough to give spawners easy access from Fauntleroy Cove. Watchers braved rain and gusty wind and were rewarded when spawners began to pour into the creek.
(Video by Dennis Hinton)
By dark, the tally had jumped to 48, the most in nine years. And it may not be over. Watchers will be back this afternoon to see if another very high tide brings in more.If you want to take a chance on seeing spawners, come to the fish-ladder viewpoint (SW Director and upper Fauntleroy Way SW, overlooking the ferry terminal). Catch the attention of a salmon watcher below and you’ll be invited down to the creek. Children must come with a parent, and dogs must be on leash. You may stay as long as the watcher does.
Judy says a watcher is expecting to be there by 2 pm.
ADDED TUESDAY NIGHT: Thanks to Michelle Green Arnson for the photo of a fish she saw there today:
Every year, many ask about Thanksgiving volunteering opportunities. So far we don’t have anything for the actual holiday, but if you have time to spare the day before, the Junction Church (4157 California SW) needs helpers for its free Thanksgiving Eve community lunch at noon Wednesday, November 24. Interested? Text Pastor Gilbert, 206-327-2348.
(Photo by James Tilley – Brant in flight)
Notes for the rest of your Tuesday:
WARM CLOTHING DRIVE CONTINUES: 9 am-5 pm weekdays, drop off donations of clothing, coats, and shoes at Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (3435 California SW; WSB sponsor).
(added) ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: Learn about it during the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s online meeting:
Join us on Tuesday, November 16th at noon to hear Richard Yonck present at the Rotary Club of West Seattle weekly meeting via Zoom.
Topic: “Fostering Artificial Intelligence For Good.”
Featured Speaker: A West Seattle Local, Richard YonckRichard is an author, futurist and international speaker with a background in computer science and media studies. Richard makes a strong case why our devices and advanced AI Systems need to have emotional intelligence, specifically the ability to sense human emotions and adapt accordingly. Come and hear how our world is about to change in amazing ways…catch a glimpse of the future and the heart of how we will work with Artificial Emotional Intelligence for Good.
Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83997072661?pwd=Wm5NUURhWStOWjRCN21vVmVsZDJPZz09
Meeting ID: 839 9707 2661
Passcode: 043120
DEMONSTRATION: Organizer Scott continues leading weekly demonstrations for racial justice, 4:30-6 pm at 16th/Holden. Signs available if you don’t have one of your own.
LIGHT RAIL ADVISORY GROUP: Sound Transit‘s new Community Advisory Group for the West Seattle-Ballard light-rail line has its first meeting at 5 pm, online. Our preview has the agenda as well as the viewing link.
HOPE LUTHERAN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 6 pm at the school (42nd SW and SW Oregon), prospective families are welcome to find out about learning opportunities.
CHIEF SEALTH IHS PTSA: 7 pm meeting, online. The link’s in our calendar listing.
MORE … on our calendar!
Just two days remain to get in on this school fundraiser, which is Thanksgiving-specific!
Alki Elementary PTA‘s Thanksgiving Shop is open! We have partnered with Macrina Bakery, Metropolitan Market, and Remlinger Farms with an offering to help you gather around the table with loved ones:
-Macrina Bakery baked goods
-Fall Flower Bouquets
-Sparkling Apple Cider
-Remlinger Fresh Fruit Pies
-Family Gratitude KitPre Sale ends November 17th with order pick-up at Alki Elementary on Wednesday, November 24th from 11 am-3 pm
6:03 AM: Good morning.
WEATHER
More sunshine expected, and cooler.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES
Metro remains on its regular weekday schedule, except for the rerouting in RapidRide H Line work zones, including 26th SW. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.
Ferries and Water Taxi: WSF continues a two-boat schedule on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run. Check here for alerts/updates. The Water Taxi is in service – here’s the West Seattle schedule.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
603rd 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.)
The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):
South Park Bridge:
West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
Are movable bridges opening for vessels? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed can tell you; 1st Ave. South Bridge openings are also tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.
See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.
ROAD WORK REMINDERS
26th SW – Continuing southbound closure between Roxbury and Barton for RapidRide H Line prep work. Also, work at 26th/Roxbury. This flyer has details.
Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
This week’s update of COVID-19 cases in Seattle Public Schools shows 25 percent fewer new cases than a week earlier – 45 newly reported cases this time, among the district’s 90+. schools, down from 59 new cases in last week’s update. Here are the school-by-school breakouts for our area, and the changes from a week earlier:
Denny International Middle School – 20, up 1
Chief Sealth International High School – 20, up 1
Roxhill Elementary – 12, unchanged
Genesee Hill Elementary – 11, unchanged
Highland Park Elementary – 11, unchanged
Madison Middle School – 10, unchanged
Gatewood Elementary – 9, up 3
West Seattle Elementary – 8, unchanged
Arbor Heights Elementary – 8, unchanged
Lafayette Elementary – 8, unchanged
Louisa Boren STEM K-8 – 6, up 1
Concord International (Elementary) – 6, unchanged
Sanislo Elementary – 4, unchanged
West Seattle High School – 4, unchanged
Alki Elementary – 3, up 1
Fairmount Park Elementary – 3, unchanged
Pathfinder K-8 – 3, unchanged
BRIDGES @ Roxhill – 1, unchanged
A 39-year-old Boulevard Park man is jailed tonight, bail set at $250,000, after being arrested for suspected child molesting and indecent exposure. Court documents say the man was arrested Sunday evening, about two hours after the two elementary-school-age victims told their parent about the incident. A Seattle Police investigator wrote in probable-cause documents that the children were at 8th SW and SW Roxbury, walking home from an unspecified nearby park/playground, when a man approached them and asked for “a hug.” They said no but he touched them both and then exposed himself. At that point, the report says, a person yelled from a car that was stopped at the intersection, telling the man to stop, and the children ran away. Both that witness and the children’s parent reported the incident to police, and the description led to the suspect’s arrest near 16th/Roxbury. The suspect, who is not yet charged, was convicted of indecent exposure almost three years ago following an incident in Top Hat.
Here’s another way to share your bounty with neighbors in need, if you can, as Thanksgiving approaches – Daystar Retirement Village (WSB sponsor) has a drive-through food drive this Wednesday, 3:30-5:30 pm. Bring donations for the White Center Food Bank to Daystar at 2615 SW Barton [map], right across the street from Westwood Village. A list of the most-wanted items are on the Daystar website.
(Beach Drive photo by Steyn Benade – @alwayslocalphotos)
The Wind Advisory alert that was previously set to expire at 4 pm has been extended into evening – the National Weather Service says wind “20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph” can now be expected until at least 7 pm.
(Constellation Park photo by Jerry Simmons)
Earlier, we reported on two more downed trees on public property. We asked Seattle Parks what they’ve been dealing with – spokesperson Rachel Schulkin replies, “We had 10 tree failures over the weekend. We are responding to another 11 today. And have responded to over 66 tree failures this month so far.” (And again, that’s just on Parks property.)
Earlier this fall, we put out Sound Transit‘s call for people interested in being on a new Community Advisory Group for the West Seattle-Ballard light-rail extensions, as ST approaches the next planning milestone, the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. That’s been delayed multiple times but is now projected for publication early next year, opening a new public-comment period. More than 230 people applied; Sound Transit has appointed 51 in four groups, with the largest lineup representing the West Seattle-Duwamish section – here’s the roster for all four:
The meeting will be online, 5-7 pm Tuesday, viewable here (livestreamed or archived afterward). Here’s the agenda.
A three-car crash at 41st/Thistle has police diverting traffic right now – avoid the area for a while.
1:12 PM: Just walked up to look. Vehicles are cleared to the side, road is open.
12:29 PM: Southwest Pool would usually be open by now for its first lap swim of the day, but Seattle Parks says it’s opening late today “due to power outages this past weekend … Crews are working to get the boilers back online.” The weekend’s major power outage on Sunday didn’t stretch that far west, so we’re checking with Parks for more information.
2:04 PM: Parks spokesperson Rachel Schulkin didn’t have outage-specific info but tells WSB, “The power outage had an impact on the pool’s boilers and the pool and shower temperatures are reducing. Our HVAC crews are coming out to get it fixed and hope to have it open later today or tomorrow, but we won’t know exactly until the HVAC crew gives us a time estimate.”
4:19 PM: The pool is open again, but may be a few degrees cooler than usual.
11:29 AM: Soggy ground and strong gusts are combining for more tree trouble in West Seattle. Thanks to Paul for the photo above (and to Lindsey for sending a similar photo) from the bike/pedestrian path alongside the Delridge onramp to the West Seattle Bridge – SDOT says it has a crew on the way to remove the tree, but the path will be closed until they finish that. (If you see a blockage on a public path, road, or sidewalk, 206-684-ROAD is the number to call – then let us know too!) Another big tree fell over the north shoreside path at Lincoln Park:
The photo is from Mindi, who saw a crew arriving to deal with it. (The Seattle Parks maintenance number is 206-684-7250.) The wind is going to be at its worst in the next several hours, according to the National Weather Service, which already has recorded a 58-mph gust at Sea-Tac; the Wind Advisory alert remains in effect for our area until 4 pm.
2:02 PM: SDOT says the bike/ped path has reopened after their crew cleared the tree.
11:06 AM: Seattle Fire is sending a water-rescue response by land and sea to the 5000 block of Beach Drive SW, for a report of a kitesurfer possibly in distress “about 50 feet offshore.” Updates to come.”
11:13 AM: Avoid the area since multiple emergency vehicles are blocking Beach Drive in that area [map]. They haven’t spotted the person yet but are told to look for someone with a “black wetsuit and lime-green kite.”
11:21 AM: SFD has made contact with the kitesurfer, who is safely out of the water at Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (across from Me-Kwa-Mooks), and they’ll be dismissing most responding units.
Here’s another opportunity for you to support a school community in West Seattle. This announcement is from Friends of Roxhill Elementary:
We learned that the organization that provided Roxhill families with holiday support in the past cannot provide the same level of support this year. Every child should have a holiday meal and present, and parents and caregivers could use less stress this holiday season. You can make a difference by donating today to Friends of Roxhill Elementary, the school PTO. All donations are tax-deductible.
Many Roxhill Elementary families have already donated, but we’re a small Title I school of about 240 students. 56% of our students are on free or reduced lunch and 30% of our families are supported by the Seattle Housing Authority. So we really need help from the great folks in West Seattle, not just our school, to hit our fundraising goal.
Family and friends are remembering Kathryn M. Armstrong, and sharing this remembrance with her community:
Kathryn “Kiki” Marie Armstrong – October 23, 1959–November 2, 2021
Kathryn “Kiki” Marie Armstrong passed away on November 2nd in Seattle, the same day her oldest sister Janet Ann Armstrong died in Columbus, Ohio. After a long and courageous fight against Younger Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, Kathryn left us at the much-too-early age of 62. She is survived by her husband Vladimeer Oustimovitch of Seattle and sister Carol Armstrong Wilkins of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews
Kathryn was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin as the youngest of three sisters. She was the daughter of John Alexander Armstrong, a respected professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin, and Annette Taylor Armstrong, who was also educated in political science but decided to devote herself to raising her daughters and supporting her husband’s academic efforts.
To her family and close friends she was known as “Kiki,” and as the youngest in the family she acquired an assertive character that served her well throughout her life. After finishing high school, she studied architecture at the University of Minnesota. Upon graduation, she moved to Boston to complete her internship as a professional architect. Forever wanting to expand her horizons, she then completed a graduate degree in finance at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before moving to Washington, DC, where she transitioned to the management of complex real-estate projects.Athletic and strong, it was on a climb of Mount Rainier in 1994 that she met her future partner and husband Vlad, who at the time was living in Chicago. After a long-distance relationship, they decided to move to the place they had met, the Pacific Northwest. Before settling in Seattle, they first spent a year on an epic backpacking trip around the world. It was an adventure that became the bedrock of their relationship.
After arriving in Seattle, Kathryn enthusiastically immersed herself in the challenging development of high-density urban housing, which was still in a pioneering phase. Her work was part of a downtown renaissance, and she leaves a legacy of many buildings, especially in Belltown. Forever filled with energy, Kathryn spent her time away from work exploring the beautiful area in which she lived. With her husband Vlad, she became a seasoned mountaineer and summitted most of the major peaks of the Pacific Northwest. Her natural curiosity took her traveling on every compass bearing; she was indefatigable. It was only at her beautiful home and garden in West Seattle that she ever allowed herself to relax.
Kathryn’s ashes will be scattered near Mount Rainier, which was her cathedral. Her radiant smile and boundless energy will be missed by all those who were fortunate enough to be graced by it.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
6:02 AM: Good morning.
WEATHER
Windy and relatively warm, with a high possibly in the 60s (Sunday’s high was 63). Check here for the latest alerts.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES
Metro remains on its regular weekday schedule, except for the rerouting in RapidRide H Line work zones, including 26th SW. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.
For ferries and Water Taxi: WSF continues a two-boat schedule on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run. Check here for alerts/updates. The Water Taxi is in service.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
602nd 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.)
The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):
South Park Bridge:
West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
Are movable bridges opening for vessels? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed is working; 1st Ave. South Bridge openings are also tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.
See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.
ROAD WORK REMINDERS
26th SW – Continuing southbound closure between Roxbury and Barton for RapidRide H Line prep work. Also, work at 26th/Roxbury. This flyer has details.
Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
Here’s our every-Sunday-night update on local pandemic stats and news.
KING COUNTY CUMULATIVE NUMBERS (through Friday, since they’re not updated on weekends):
*168,882 cases – 2,210 more than a week ago (6,015 total in West Seattle, up 81)
*8,616 hospitalizations – 85 more than a week ago (257 total from West Seattle, up 4)
*2,050 people have died – 16 more than a week ago (74 total in West Seattle, unchanged again this week)
VACCINATION RATE
83.7% of King County residents 12+ have completed their vaccine series (up .4% in the past week)
By West Seattle zip code:
98106 – 85.5%
98116 – 89.2%
98126 – 81.1%
98136 – 90.6%
98146 – 81.1%
(Find more COVID-related King County stats here)
THE WEEK’S PANDEMIC HEADLINES
State health officials’ briefing – State Health Secretary Dr. Umair Shah led a briefing on Wednesday – here’s the video:
Among the toplines: More than 10 million doses of COVID vaccine have been administered in our state. Cases are “stable” statewide, though at a “high level.” That includes all age groups, kids too.
Vaccinations for kids – The eligibility of 5-to-11-year-olds continues to be in the spotlight. Seattle Public Schools has started its clinics (see the schedule here); the city’s new West Seattle clinic is administering vaccine to children but does not currently appear to have appointments available.
NEED TO GET TESTED IN WEST SEATTLE?
The UW Medicine testing service in the Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex parking lot (2801 SW Thistle) continues to operate; you can make an appointment here. Meantime, the Curative testing kiosk at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor SW) is also still operating, as is a Curative location at Summit Atlas (35th/Roxbury). In addition, both West Seattle Walgreens stores are offering drive-up testing (35th/Morgan and 16th/Roxbury) – more info here.
One more community-council meeting to recap after a week of many, before a new week begins. Here are our toplines from the Fauntleroy Community Association‘s November board meeting, held online:
CRIME UPDATE: From the Southwest Precinct, night-shift Lt. David Terry spoke briefly. October saw what he called a “little uptick” in crime in the precinct’s coverage area (West Seattle and South Park); Fauntleroy is still the safest area in the precinct’s jurisdiction. He was asked whether things are any better at Westwood Village (not in FCA’s coverage area, but not far east of it).
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