West Seattle, Washington
10 Saturday
(WSB photo, view from West Seattle Bridge last week)
The maritime links in the supply chain are loosening, port commissioners from Seattle and Tacoma were told today. Meeting as the managing members of the Northwest Seaport Alliance, they heard from staff that rail-cargo backups have cleared, and that fewer vessels are waiting at anchor. The latter numbers had been in double digits daily for a while, but are now “5 to 7 on a typical day.” The biggest chokepoint, as described in the briefing, remains getting trucks to transport containers off the docks. Containers are covering a relatively sizable amount of space at docks, including 50 acres at Terminal 46 along the south end of downtown Seattle. So they’re looking at a variety of ways to try to address that, including using short-distance rail to get containers off the docks, and charging “long-stay” fees. The NWSA sent a notice about storage charges two weeks ago – from that notice:
… As with other ports on the West Coast who either have already implemented additional storage charges or will soon be doing so, the failure of importers picking up their containers in a timely manner has created severe congestion issues that has prevented terminal operators from properly servicing vessels destined for their terminals. We sincerely hope the additional storage charge will encourage cargo owners to pick up their containers which will allow the terminals in Seattle to again properly service vessels destined to our port and once that has been accomplished, the temporary storage charges will cease….
The opening of the first modernized berth at West Seattle’s Terminal 5 is expected to take more pressure off the vessel backlog; no date’s been announced yet for the first ship to call, but NWSA spokesperson Melanie Stambaugh tells WSB, “At this time, the NWSA is set to transfer operation of Terminal 5 to [tenant] SSA Terminals at the beginning of January.”
(Image from West Seattle Bridge cam, 11 am today)
Three West Seattle Bridge notes:
EMERGENCY TRAINING: We’ve been reporting on SFD training at a redevelopment site north of the bridge. Now we have word from SDOT that responders will be training ON the bridge the next few mornings:
The Seattle Fire Department will be conducting training exercises and safety drills on top of, and inside, the West Seattle Bridge each morning this week. The public can expect to see emergency first-response vehicles and workers on the bridge each morning until Thursday, December 9. People may also see fake smoke coming from inside the bridge during a drill that will simulate the challenges of conducting a rescue operation inside an enclosed space with limited visibility.
This is a planned training exercise and should not be a cause for alarm. Completing this safety training exercise is an important first step in resuming construction on the bridge. This is one part of the larger safety plan to keep workers and the public safe during construction and keep the project moving smoothly by preventing accidents and ensuring that we are well prepared to respond to any unplanned situations.
SPEAKING OF CONSTRUCTION: Since crews working on the bridge last week were hydroblasting attachment points for new work platforms (WSB coverage here), we asked SDOT how soon those platforms will go up. Spokesperson Ethan Bergerson says, “We’re working to finalize the permits which will allow us to schedule the installation of the work platforms. We’ll be able to say more specific timing once that has been done.” We also asked SDOT if the concrete strike will affect bridge work; spokesperson Mariam Ali says no – “Concrete is not a major part of the current work stage on the West Seattle Bridge.”
TASK FORCE MEETING THURSDAY: The next scheduled public briefing on the bridge will be at 4 pm Thursday, during the West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force‘s monthly meeting. The viewing link is here; we’re hoping to get the agenda tomorrow. (Added: Here it is.)
Thanks to Ashley for tonight’s photos of a display featuring a Halloween spider (featured here in October) who’s now decked out for the winter holidays:
Garth the Spider has put away his pumpkins and is in full Christmas mode. The neighbors had started adding their own touches – aka Wayne the snail.
Garth, Wayne, and trimmings are at 7019 14th Ave SW [map]. If you have, or see, lights that you want to share with the community, email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com, with or without photos – thank you! Every display we feature is listed in our West Seattle Holiday Guide. You can browse the archives (past years, too) here.
(WSB photos)
More than two tons of donated food arrived at the West Seattle Food Bank today, all from the annual food drive by Nucor Steel employees in West Seattle.
This year’s donations totaled 4.300 pounds in all, delivered to WSFB’s High Point HQ this morning with truck/trailer assistance from Tacoma Hydraulics.
Along with the food, Nucor and its employees donated $20,237 – which will go a long way toward helping WSFB buy even more food to help fight hunger.
You can donate to WSFB too – along with money, we asked executive director Fran Yeatts about this year’s most-needed items.
Here’s the list:
-Hams and turkeys for the holidays
-Diapers, including pull-ups for toddlers
-Food with a long shelf life, such as peanut butter and soup
-Snacks for the Backpack Program
-Gluten-free food
-Plant milks including oat and almond
-Cat and dog food, preferably wet; the need for cat food is greatest
Hours and location are on the WSFB website. Also – lots of food drives around the peninsula this holiday season – even a student-led drive-up collection this Saturday!
Thanks for sending the photos/video! (Above, from Jean; below, from Sean.) As we first reported Monday, firefighters are using the destined-for-demolition building at 3417 Harbor SW for training.
You’ll note in the clip that they’re using power tools – a common sound/sight at house fires, once the flames have reached the attic.
The site just north of the West Seattle Bridge is planned for a 115-unit apartment building.
Thanks for the tips! The former Phoenecia space at 2716 Alki Avenue SW has an awning up announcing its future tenant – Gyros on Alki Avenue, promising (along with gyros) shawarma, falafel, and salads. Online records indicate the proprietor also has been associated with other restaurants including Dino’s Grill in Tukwila and Dino’s Gyros in Burien. We have messages out seeking details such as when they plan to open on Alki. The space has been vacant for three years (as you likely know, Phoenecia has long since reopened in The Junction). As for the other half of the building – the former Alki Cleaners space, it still has “For Lease” signage; we reported four months ago on a tentative plan for a market, and are checking back to see what happened to that.
One of the vacant spaces on 16th SW in White Center won’t be vacant much longer. Last night on partner site White Center Now, we reported that the former Taradise Café space at 9808 16th SW – closed since last summer, a few weeks before its proprietor Tara Eckman Scott died – has a new tenant, Que Chevere will be a “Latino fusion” restaurant and bar – with an emphasis on the food, proprietor Felipe Maqueda tells us. See the full story here.
(For a little color on this murky morning, here’s Sunday’s sunrise, from Jerry Simmons)
From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar, here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight:
TRAINING FIRE: Reminder that fire crews are training at 3417 Harbor SW (just north of the bridge), as reported yesterday.
PATHFINDER WREATH SALES: Handmade wreaths are on sale to benefit the Pathfinder K-8 PTSA – our story explains how to get one (or more!) – order online, pick up on Puget Ridge.
FESTIVAL OF TREES: Brookdale Admiral Heights (2326 California SW) has a lobby full of donated, decorated trees – to see them, stop in 8 am-8 pm through Thursday evening, which is when they’ll be auctioned off as a charity fundraiser.
ALKI CO-OP PRESCHOOL BOOK BENEFIT: Today through Sunday, shop at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW) and mention Alki Co-op Preschool – they’ll get a percentage of your purchase.
NW SEAPORT ALLIANCE: 11 am, port commissioners from Seattle and Tacoma meet together as the Northwest Seaport Alliance managing members. An update on cargo flow is part of the agenda. You can watch here.
ALKI ELEMENTARY BENEFIT: From the Alki Elementary PTA:
TONIGHT is Alki School Night at Good Society! From 3-10 p.m. a portion of your purchase can go to Alki Elementary PTA, just mention you are supporting Alki Elementary when you order.
The Good Society Brewery & Public House
2701 California Ave SW
DEMONSTRATION: Scott continues leading weekly sign-waving for racial justice 4:30-6 pm Tuesdays at 16th/Holden – signs available if you don’t bring your own.
DUWAMISH RIVER CLEANUP: 5:30 pm, online meeting with the EPA to explain the feasibility study for the East Waterway cleanup on the Duwamish River. Our calendar listing has more details, including how to attend.
WESTSIDE SCHOOL INFO NIGHT: 6 pm, prospective middle-school families are invited to attend an online informational event about Westside School (WSB sponsor) – email tedh@westsideschool.org to get the attendance link.
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS: 7 pm – free concert by the West Seattle Community Orchestras, playing this time – first concert since 2019! – at the Highline Performing Arts Center (401 S. 152nd, Burien), as previewed here.
BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: 8 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
Family and friends will gather next week to celebrate the life of Catherine Mae Riddle. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing:
Catherine “Buggie” Mae Riddle passed away November 23, 2021. She was born on January 20th, 1991 to Greg and Eileen Riddle.
Family and friends will gather for the celebration of life for Catherine on December 14th, from 2 pm-5 pm at the Queen City Yacht Club, 2608 Boyer Ave E., Seattle. COVID-19 vaccination or negative test 72 hours in advance.
Catherine had to overcome several medical issues during the past seven years ranging from end-stage renal disease to two strokes in the last two years. She passed away from a rare condition, Calciphylaxis.
Although she had several health issues that she endured, she always remained in high spirits. When doing dialysis at the kidney center, her nurses nicknamed her “Sunshine” because she was always an easy patient to deal with. The first 2 years she dialyzed in center and for the next 5 years doing home hemo dialysis.
Everyone always had something positive to say about Catherine. She truly made the best out of whatever situation she was involved in and always spoke highly of anyone who walked into her life.
Catherine’s hobbies included online gaming, gifting the most unique and generous presents, and capturing photos of her loved ones. Catherine will always be remembered for her radiating smile, infectious laughter, bubbly personality, strength, and unconditional love. The lights of her life were her nieces and nephews who brought her great joy.
She is survived by her mother Eileen Riddle, sister Kristine Elliott (Ryan), brother Trevor Riddle (Shawna), nieces Reese, Grace, Shae, and Lucy, & nephews Luke, Blake, and Chase.
Catherine is preceded in death by her father Greg Riddle and grandmother Dortha Peterson.
You will always be loved and missed dearly, Buggie.
(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)
6:03 AM Good morning!
WEATHER
Gray, occasionally rainy – today’s high near 50.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES
Metro is on its regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.
Ferries and Water Taxi: WSF is still running a two-boat schedule on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run. Check here for alerts/updates. The Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
624th 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.
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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