West Seattle, Washington
02 Thursday
(WSB photo)
More public facilities are reopening. X weeks ago, after a reader question, we reported that the city was close to announcing a plan for reopening the Southwest Customer Service Center and its counterparts around the city. This afternoon – the announcement: The SWCSC (2801 SW Thistle), in the same building as Southwest Pool and Teen Life Center) reopened today. Its hours will be Mondays-Fridays, 9 am-5 pm. The center offers a variety of services including in-person bill payment.
2:46 PM: A big Seattle Fire Department response is headed for the 3200 block of SW Avalon Way. The dispatch is “a report of a fire on the fifth floor.” Updates to come.
2:52 PM: Arriving crews say nothing’s visible, so they’re “investigating.” Avoid Avalon in that area as it’s being blocked – between Genesee and 35th – by/for the response.
2:56 PM: They’re not finding anything – apparently a work crew’s “dust” was mistaken for smoke – so most responding units are being dismissed.
3:10 PM: Call closed, so Avalon should be getting back to normal.
Just out of the WSB inbox:
This is Kayla, owner of Opal Nail Studio (formerly Juniper) in the Junction. Just wanted to contact someone who could get the word out that there is an individual on foot who has walked into our business twice in the last hour and stolen merchandise and tried to run out the door.
One of our team members went after him and they got into a physical altercation and he tried to do it a second time shortly after.
I’m reaching out to you to help let our small-business neighbors know that this man isn’t exactly in his right mind and may try this at other businesses.The person in question is about 5’7″, Caucasian, male, medium build, Jeans, and a T-shirt. Seems under the influence of drugs.
Opal is at 4155 California SW.
12:38 PM: Thanks to the texter who tipped us about what’s logged as a “marine service response” off Harbor/Alki Avenues. They report the West Seattle Water Taxi “rescued (a person) who had turtled his craft and couldn’t get it upright.” SFD sent fireboats. We’re following up.
12:42 PM: We’ve also heard from Karen, who was on the Water Taxi when this happened, and reports the rescue involved an “overturned sailboat off Duwamish Head,” adding, “We were on the water taxi when it diverted from the route to rescue them. Kudos to the crew!”
1:08 PM: Thanks to Rodney for the through-a-telescope photo. Meantime, we’re hoping to get more rescue details from Metro (which manages the Water Taxi).
2 PM: Our original texter, Roxanne, says the Coast Guard has brought the sailboat in. (added) Doug and Shari sent this photo:
3:18 PM: Here’s what we just received from Water Taxi/Metro spokesperson Al Sanders in response to our inquiry (photos included):
The crew of the West Seattle Water Taxi Doc Maynard rescued two boaters whose sailboat capsized off Duwamish Head shortly after 12:00 p.m.
The Doc Maynard had just left West Seattle’s Seacrest Dock on its 12:00 p.m. sailing to downtown Seattle when the crew spotted two people in the water next to a capsized sailboat.
The water taxi pulled next to the sailboat and deployed their rescue platform and life sling, but the two people were unable to use the sling.
One of the crew of the Doc Maynard then got into the boat’s rescue suit, went into the water, and assisted the people into the sling and onto the water taxi.
The Doc Maynard returned to Seacrest Dock with rescued passengers of the boat and were met by Coast Guard. The boaters worked with the Coast Guard to retrieve their capsized vessel.
After bringing the boaters to the dock, the Doc Maynard resumed its regular schedule.
The photo is from Darin, one of several readers who noticed that “BRIDGE CLOSED” signage had appeared Tuesday at the entrances to the SW Andover pedestrian/bicycle bridge over the west end of the West Seattle Bridge [map]. The foot bridge has long been scheduled for an earthquake-safety project, but that’s not why it’s closed, SDOT just told us in response to our inquiry:
The Andover pedestrian bridge was closed to address trespassing onto the high bridge from the pedestrian bridge. We also added signs in the area and hired peace officers to monitor the pedestrian bridge on weekends to help reduce trespassing. This issue was raised to us by nearby residents and the Seattle Police Department. Trespassing onto the high bridge is a safety issue as there should not be any community members on the bridge until we know it is safe for travel.
We plan to reopen the pedestrian bridge after the seismic retrofit is complete, in late fall or early winter. However, we will continue monitor the area for trespassing.
Construction of the seismic retrofit is likely to start next month, according to SDOT; more info on the project is here. We asked SDOT for specifics on what kind of problems the trespassing has caused (perhaps the graffiti vandalism that’s been visible on the bridge’s sides?); the reply: “Noise activities were taking place on the ped-bridge after hours and especially on the weekends,” as well as a reiteration that it’s just not safe to be on The Bridge.
SIDE NOTE: Last time the foot bridge made news was related to one of the other signs in the top photo. Years ago, it was popular for hanging banners such as birthday wishes, to be seen by drivers passing beneath it. In 2007, a crackdown began (extensively discussed here).
(Tuesday’s sunset, photographed by James Bratsanos)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox, what’s up the rest of today/tonight:
PARKS’ AQUATIC SCHEDULE FOR TODAY: Wading pools are closed on Wednesdays, but Highland Park Spraypark is open 11 am-8 pm as usual (1100 SW Cloverdale) as is Colman Pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm.
STAYING COOL INDOORS: The city’s list has two air-conditioned West Seattle locations for today, the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon) until 4:30 pm and the Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW) until 6 pm. Before the hottest days arrive (tomorrow and Friday), we’re checking on other options, so if you know of any, please comment, or email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! (added) The city has since updated its list to add the High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), open until 6 today, 10-6 tomorrow and Friday. Delridge Library also will be open those hours today, tomorrow, and Friday. The Senior Center was also considering extending its hours.
(added) ALKI BEACH CLEANUP: 3-6 pm, join Alki Volleyball Association in cleaning up the beach, and get a free burger. RSVP and info here.
BALLOT-MEASURE DISCUSSION: Tonight at 6 pm, before their regular meeting at 7 pm, the 34th District Democrats host a discussion of City Charter Amendment 29, which will be decided by voters in November. Supporters call it “Compassion Seattle“; they will be represented along with opponents, who have organized as “House Our Neighbors.” The discussion is online, as is the meeting, which is expected to include fall endorsement votes. The registration link is in our preview.
SOUND TRANSIT ONLINE OPEN HOUSE: Upcoming service changes for existing bus service (including adding service to Route 560) and light-rail service will be discussed in an online open house at 6 pm. If you’re interested in attending, register here.
OPEN MIC: Wednesdays at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 7:30 pm signups, 8:30 pm performances.
School starts for many local students three weeks from today and we’re continuing to publish back-to-school announcements. Today – an invitation for Chief Sealth International High School students to sign up for fall sports, which get going even before classes begin:
Sports tryouts and practices begin soon. Sports Registration is open.
All registration is completed online. More detailed instructions on how to register, and coaches’ email (Sports Offered Tab), can be found here.
Sports offered and start dates are as follows:
August 18, 2021
Football
August 23, 2021
Girls’ Volleyball
Girls’ Slowpitch Softball
Girls’ Soccer
Girls’ Swim & Dive
Co-ed Cross Country
Co-ed GolfJoining a fall sport is a great way for new students to meet classmates before school begins!
If your school has an announcement, now or at any time during the year, please email us the info – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
6:09 AM: Good morning, Today’s forecast is the prelude to the heat wave – mid-80s expected (yesterday’s high was 85).
ROAD WORK
26th SW – Closed northbound between Roxbury and Barton. See project details here
Delridge project – Here’s where crews are working this week.
SW Andover pedestrian/bicycle overpass – Readers report this had “closed” signs on Tuesday. We’re waiting for a response from SDOT re: what’s going on.
TRANSIT
Buses are on regular schedules – except for the South Delridge and 26th rerouting. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of bus cancellations.
For ferries and water taxis, regular schedule. Watch @wsferries for updates.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
506th 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 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.
It’ll be a warm evening Thursday as the August West Seattle Art Walk takes center stage from Alki to Arbor Heights, starting at 5 pm.
Some venues have air conditioning, like Fogue Gallery (4130 California SW), open until 8 pm with the opening reception for Abstracts in the Key of Flamingo, participants in the Seattle Deconstructed Art Fair.
Also participating in the Deconstructed Art Fair, multidisciplinary artist Shima Star will be at Virago Gallery (4537 California SW) 5-9 pm on Art Walk night.
Nearby at 4525 California SW, Capers Home will be hosting West Seattle artist/photographer Chandra Sandoval, also 5 pm-8 pm.
Those are also the hours you can visit the southernmost stop on the August Art Walk, Brace Point Pottery (4208 SW 100th) in Arbor Heights, this month featuring paintings by Lynn Davis-Smith and Bruce Howard as well as the fabric and concrete constructions of Su Cummings.
What we’ve mentioned are just a few of the participating venues – some with art, others with food/drink specials. You can check the official August Art Walk preview for many other suggestions of where to visit this month!
Thanks to Eric Bell for the cooling photo, looking toward Luna/Anchor Park. Keep that scene in mind as the next heat wave rolls our way. The National Weather Service has kicked the alert level up to an Excessive Heat Warning, starting at noon tomorrow, continuing until 7 pm Saturday. The highest temperatures are expected Thursday and Friday, with highs in the 90s, but higher-than-usual humidity is in the warning too, and that will increase the impact. The city released a list of air-conditioned libraries, community centers, and senior centers with air conditioning, but the West Seattle options are few – we’ll be checking tomorrow to see if any locations/hours will be added.
ADDED WEDNESDAY: The list has been updated – now the Delridge and High Point libraries, both air-conditioned, will be open 10 am-6 pm Wednesday-Thursday-Friday. (Follow the link above.)
Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
GARAGE BURGLAR TAKES BICYCLES: DH sent the photos and report:
Around 3 am on Saturday, August 7th, we were victims of a burglar who broke into our locked condo garage and helped himself to our bikes, backpacking and camping gear, and suitcases full of clothes and shoes that were all packed into our car for our daughter’s drive over to WSU later that morning. A report has been filed with the Seattle Police department and a case # has been assigned.
Attached are the photos taken by our HOA security system. These do a good job of showing the burglar’s identifiable features.
I’m hoping these can be published in the Crime Watch section of the WSB with the goals of:
1) Asking if anyone knows this guy (if so, please notify the police)
2) Warning folks this guy is on loose, so protect your stuff or report him to the police if you see him lurking around
BIKE STOLEN FROM BUS: From Beth:
Bike stolen off Metro C-Line at approximately 9:45pm 8.9.21. Please be on the lookout for a Silver Allez Specialized road bike 56cm with multicolor handle bar wrap (green/yellow/red/black) or might be bare if they pull it off. Also has Grateful Dead Dancing Bear sticker on side. Reward if found!
ANOTHER CATALYTIC CONVERTER GONE: This report is from Neysa:
I wanted to share that my Honda Element’s catalytic converter was stolen from in front of my residence just two blocks south of the Fauntleroy Ferry docks. The theft happened sometime between Friday August 6th at 10:30 pm and Saturday August 7th at 10 am. I filed a police report. I have no leads or footage, but wanted to share to further alert those in the area of the ongoing cat thefts.
(Photo from seattle.gov)
In late July, we reported that Seattle Parks hoped to reopen Southwest Pool – West Seattle’s only city-run indoor pool – in September. No date was set at the time. Now, we have one: Monday, September 13th. That’s when SW Pool (2801 SW Thistle) will reopen “for lap swim, limited aquatic exercise classes, independent aquatic fitness, and swim team rentals.” No swim lessons, though, per today’s announcement. In the meantime, city-run Colman Pool, on the shore at Lincoln Park, remains open through September 6th. P.S. The city still has aquatic-job openings!
Tracking emergency dispatches, we usually check the Seattle Fire Department‘s Real-Time 911 page multiple times a day. It’s an automated log of where, when, and why SFD units are dispatched. From time to time, the call types on the log change – for example, what used to be “assault with weapons” if a weapon was believed to be involved changed in 2018 to “scenes of violence.” On Monday, we noticed a new designation – the word “encampment” was appearing before some fire and medical calls, such as this one from Monday’s log:
Many readers use the 911 page too, so we asked SFD spokesperson Kristin Tinsley about it when we saw her at the Joint Training Facility Monday afternoon. She checked into it and provided this explanation today:
In order for us to better track our responses to homeless encampments, we have added in new dispatch type codes that list “encampment” if this information is known when someone calls 911 to report an incident. Crews can also change the type code from a regular type code by contacting dispatch once they arrive on scene if it’s at an encampment. In addition to tracking, it also gives responding crews improved situational awareness that the response is at an encampment location.
So far today, the new labels have applied to six of the 200 (as of this writing, 16 hours into the day) lines on the call log.
(SDOT camera image from Twitter)
2:05 PM: A big emergency response for a collision is blocking the California/Edmunds/Erskine intersection. Updates to come.
2:22 PM: We just got there and the scene is now clear, street reopened, SPD tells us via email that a pedestrian was taken to Harborview after being hit by a driver. We’ll check with SFD on their condition.
3:22 PM: SFD says the person who was hit is a 66-year-old man, in stable condition when transported.
The West Seattle and Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) is one of six regional Y’s with hiring fairs this Saturday. You’ll find, the Y tells us, “on-the-spot interviews, prizes, food, and fun” as well as the opportunity to “take advantage of our limited-time sign-on incentives of up to $600!” The Y says working with them is your chance to “be a changemaker.” The local hiring fair is at the main West Seattle branch in The Triangle, 36th SW and SW Snoqualmie, 10 am-1 pm this Saturday (August 14th). Job openings in the region include Day Camp Counselors, Resident Camp Counselors, Lifeguards, Swim Instructors, Early Education Teachers, more. If you can’t go to the hiring fair, you can also apply right now at seattleymca.org/jobs.
12:11 PM: Thanks to Jennifer for calling the WSB hotline to suggest readers who are airport-bound should know about a big problem at Sea-Tac – the lower arrivals drive is closed right now while a “suspicious package” is investigated. That’s led to a massive traffic backup. The airport advises via Twitter, “If you’re looking to use the lower arrivals drive, we encourage you to use the south entrance at S. 182nd St. Upper departures drive is open, but has heavy traffic.”
(WSDOT camera image)
12:38 PM: The lower arrivals drive has reopened. But keep in mind that traffic backups take a while to dissipate.
(WSB on-the-road photo, looking toward the bridge from West Marginal Way)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The next public updates on the 16-months-closed West Seattle Bridge and associated projects are expected this Thursday (August 12th) at the monthly Community Task Force meeting.
But you’re not likely to hear anything revelatory about the repair/reopening timeline. SDOT‘s bridge project director Heather Marx tells WSB a schedule update is more likely next month, as repair contractor Kraemer North America is using the “60-percent design” to work on that right now.
Some repair preparation is under way, too – an asbestos survey has been completed, and ordering of materials is getting under way, according to Marx, who was joined in our conversation by Sara Zora, who heads up the Reconnect West Seattle program.
(Lincoln Park at dusk – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
More of what’s ahead today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:
POLICE STAFFING & COMMUNITY-SAFETY ALTERNATIVES: Both are on the agenda as the City Council Public Safety and Human Services Committee, chaired by West Seattle/South Park Councilmember Lisa Herbold, meets at 9:30 am today. Here’s the agenda; here’s where to watch.
FERRY-FARE HEARING: The state Transportation Commission’s hearing on ferry-fare increases is at 10 am today, online – participation information is in our preview.
DONATE BLOOD: Pop-up today at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor) – some donation spots available; appointment info is in our calendar listing.
DEMONSTRATE FOR RACIAL JUSTICE: From organizer Scott:
Black Lives Matter sign-waving
Tuesday, August 10, 4:30 to 6 pm, corner of 16th SW and SW Holden (note–starting at 4:30p now)(We are no longer doing Thursday sign-waving at his time.
Come build awareness & stimulate actions to tear down the systems that have oppressed Black lives for over 400 years on this continent. Hold signs, meet neighbors and stand for racial justice. Scott at Puget Ridge Cohousing, endorsed by Hate-Free Delridge. Signs available.
PLAY ALONG IN THE PARK: Last Tuesday night to join the West Seattle Community Orchestras to play music in Lincoln Park (or watch) – 6 pm easy, 7 pm not-so-easy. More info in our calendar listing.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE SPOT: 6 pm, Andrea Lockwood performs at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way).
TRIVIA & TACOS: 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).- help the pub defend its TopTV Trivia title!
Got something for our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Seattle Lutheran High School invites you to meet the Saints’ new volleyball coach tonight. Here’s the announcement:
Saints Athletics is pleased to announce our new volleyball head coach for the 2021-2022 season, Dylan Lavis.
Coach Lavis grew up playing the game on the beaches of California. He is a former high school and college volleyball player. He has coached high school and club volleyball, as well as played professionally in Europe. He is a graduate of Humboldt State with a degree in Business Administration.
Coach Lavis lives in West Seattle and is excited to be at Seattle Lutheran, and he hopes to be able to build a strong program at Seattle Lutheran High School with a love and excitement for the game.
There will be a Meet & Greet for Coach Lavis on Tuesday (tonight), from 6:00 – 7:00 pm, in the Seattle Lutheran gymnasium. We invite the West Seattle community to welcome Coach Lavis and his fiancée Saraya to our Saints community.
The SLHS gym is at 4100 SW Genesee.
7:10 AM: WSF has a crew shortage this morning so it’s canceled some sailings on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth #2 vessel M/V Issaquah – through at least 8:25 am.
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6:01 AM: Good morning, Today’s forecast is still pleasant, but that heat wave is rolling this way, for Thursday and Friday in particuar.
ROAD WORK
26th SW – Closed northbound between Roxbury and Barton. See project details here
Delridge project – Here’s the plan for this week.
TRANSIT
Buses are on regular schedules – except for the South Delridge and 26th rerouting. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of bus cancellations.
For ferries and water taxis, regular schedule. Watch @wsferries for updates.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
505th 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 draw/swing bridges opening for boats or barges? See the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed. (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.
Six days after the primary election, vote-counting continues. After today’s count, here’s where things stand:
SEATTLE MAYOR – Still former City Councilmember Bruce Harrell and current City Council President Lorena González advancing to the general election, but they’re a lot closer than they were in the first count – Harrell now has 34.1%, González 32.1%. He was almost 10 points ahead on Election night.
SEATTLE CITY ATTORNEY – Incumbent Pete Holmes conceded Friday, and today’s count had no reason for him to rethink that. Nicole Thomas-Kennedy, who wants to end prosecution of misdemeanors (those are the crimes that go through the City Attorney’s Office, not felonies) leads with 36.3%, while private attorney Ann Davison is at 32.7%; Holmes has 30.7%.
SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL POSITION 8 – Incumbent Teresa Mosqueda is up to 59.4%, while her apparent challenger in November will be Kenneth Wilson (16.2%), a bridge engineer who believes the West Seattle Bridge could be partly reopened immediately.
SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL POSITION 9 – Community organizer/cultural worker/artist/attorney Nikkita Oliver is now in the lead over brewery owner Sara Nelson, 40.15% to 39.52%; Nelson led by seven points on Election Night.
KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE – Incumbent Dow Constantine is now just under 20% ahead of State Sen. Joe Nguyen, 51.9% to 32.4%; it was a 23-point lead on Election Night.
WHAT’S NEXT – Once-per-weekday results updates continue until the election is certified a week from tomorrow (Tuesday, August 17th)
Thanks to Gene Pavola for the photo of tonight’s colorful sunset! Just in case you were wondering, the National Weather Service says that late-in-the-week heat is still on the way – the Excessive Heat Watch alert is still in effect starting Wednesday afternoon, but Thursday and Friday are expected to be the hottest days, in the 90s.
Three West Seattle Crime Watch notes:
ALKI SHOOTING MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN A SHOOTING: Seattle Police have released additional details on the Saturday night incident reported here, and they might explain why officers couldn’t find any evidence of gunfire, as noted in our coverage. Here’s the SPD narrative:
On 08-07-2021 at 2347 hours, officers responded to an unknown call, in the 6100 block of SW Admiral Way. Additional information came in that a male victim was shot in the face. Officers arrived to find the victim’s vehicle had collided with two parked vehicles. The victim was located inside a nearby residence, where he had summoned assistance. The victim reported that an unknown male on a motorcycle had shot him in the face, but he could not provide further information. Seattle Fire treated the victim on scene and transported him to Harborview Medical Center, with non-life-threatening injuries. Officers attempted to locate a shooting scene, with negative results. After being examined at HMC, doctors believe the facial wound was more consistent with being stabbed (no exit wound and no projectile located).
THREAT ARREST: Police say this happened around 8:18 pm Sunday:
officers responded to a Threat Call in the area of Fauntleroy Wy Sw/ Sw Graham St. The suspect threatened to kill the victim, while yelling racial slurs. The victim felt that the suspect targeted him because of his race. Officers located the suspect in the area. The victim positively identified him as the suspect. The suspect was placed into custody and booked into King County Jail.
The jail-register website has just completely changed format so we’re not able to deduce who the suspect might be an what their status is, but will see what we can find out tomorrow.
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