West Seattle, Washington
16 Friday
Here are highlights of what happened at HPAC‘s January meeting online last night, led by co-chairs Kay Kirkpatrick and Craig Rankin:
PUBLIC SAFETY: First, from the Southwest Precinct, acting Lt. David Terry was there along with one of the officers who work east West Seattle, Officer Macaully Lakin. Terry showed screens from two public SPD data dashboards – crime reports and dispatches. (You can use the dashboards to check stats from various neighborhoods by choosing the MCPP option.)
Three West Seattle Bridge notes tonight:
NEXT PLATFORM GOES UP SATURDAY: The photo above shows the first work platform for the high-bridge repairs, raised on a Saturday earlier this month. SDOT confirmed late today that the other platform, further east, is set to go up this Saturday. That means some traffic impacts for people headed to/from the south end of Harbor Island, per SDOT’s alert:
While crews are hoisting work platforms on the eastern span of the high bridge, people accessing Terminal 102 will be rerouted as a safety measure to avoid the work area. These traffic impacts will occur in the daytime on Saturday, January 29. Those travelling east and westbound on SW Spokane St will not be impacted. Detour signs will be in place for those travelling to and from Terminal 102. View the detour route map.
LOW-BRIDGE TESTING CLOSURES ON SUNDAY: The last of five Sundays with short closures for low-bridge-repair preparations – testing and measurements – is also this weekend. Around 9 am, 1 pm, and 5 pm, the low bridge will be closed to all surface traffic for up to half an hour at a time.
PARTY-PLANNING POSTSCRIPT: Back on Monday, we reported on the start of community-led planning for some sort of celebration once the bridge reopens. We asked SDOT at the time what kind of parameters it had given, and also whether it was prepared to contribute any money toward such a plan. To the first point, spokesperson Mariam Ali said the department is “open to hearing ideas and exploring how SDOT can support community-led planning.” To the second, “We’re looking into how we’ll be funding community celebrations related to the openings.”
P.S. For those who were wondering about the next public bridge briefing via the Community Task Force, it meets again in two weeks, at 4 pm February 10th.
THURSDAY NIGHT: Thanks to John for the tip. New stop signs have just been installed on SW Andover at 26th. This is the north end of West Seattle’s oldest neighborhood greenway, and also a short distance from West Seattle’s northernmost stops on the upcoming RapidRide H Line.
ADDED FRIDAY NIGHT: We asked SDOT today about the reason for adding the stop; the reply we received tonight: “These stops signs were installed as part of the Delridge RapidRide H Line project. The neighborhood greenway on 26th Ave SW was upgraded as part of the project, which included the additional stop signs to make that intersection safer for people biking on the greenway.”
From the North Delridge-headquartered Camp Fire Central Puget Sound:
Camp Fire Candy Fundraiser Going on Now
Every year around this time, youth from Camp Fire Central Puget Sound can be found in the doorways of grocery stores selling candy and raising funds for their groups. This year, they will mostly be found selling through virtual storefronts on the Camp Fire website! To purchase some delectable candy and coffee, please head to our Gallery of Groups web page now through February 21st and choose a youth seller to support. Thank you!
Signal 88 Security is a new WSB sponsor; here’s what they want you to know about what they do:
What does community look like?
Your community is made up of many people: your neighbors; the local kids; the early morning dog walkers; your fellow shoppers at the local grocery store. It can include the sidewalks, bike lanes, park paths, and residential streets. Community can be comprised of many different people and places, but most importantly, a community is safer.
Signal is more than a security service — we are your neighbors, a part of your community, devoted to prioritizing your community’s safety.
The world has changed since Signal was founded in 2003. But for nearly two decades, we’ve been a leader in world-class and industry-leading security services for residential, commercial, and retail customers. We believe that safety is a basic human right and need — and shouldn’t come at the cost of disrupting your community.
Peace of mind, not policing
Signal provides peace of mind where you, your neighbors, dog-walkers, and fellow grocery shoppers can feel safe and secure. Employees are hired locally — we’re your neighbors and are deeply invested in seeing our community thrive.
We believe we have a responsibility to the residents we serve. Our tagline “We’re here” speaks to the trust, transparency and accountability placed in us. Rapid and non-lethal responses, regular patrols, and priority orders in the case of critical events. These are just a few ways we serve our residents.
Employees are trained on non-lethal responses with the goal to de-escalate and maintain safety for all bystanders. This includes having a regular presence on-site through nightly patrols, having dedicated and regular staff able to recognize regular members of the community, and technology that has built-in accountability measures like body cameras. Transparency, honesty, and integrity are front of mind as we serve your community.
By the community, for the community
The courage to lead by humility and mutual respect is what sets Signal apart. We do more than provide security: we are an additional tool to achieving a safer community that is directly accountable to the community we serve. Devotion to service is at the very core of our business.
Signal is proud to offer a special deal for West Seattle residents looking to ensure the safety of their community. Learn more at seattlepatrols.com
We thank Signal 88 Security 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.
Teams at both local public high schools have just been announced as recipients of $5,000 grants from the Mariners Care program, explained by the team as “part of On BASE (Baseball And Softball Everywhere), a strategic effort by the Mariners to leverage new and existing partnerships to break down barriers that may prevent some children from participating in baseball and softball, whether that is because of high registration fees, lack of equipment or access to playable fields.” From the Mariners’ announcement:
Chief Sealth High School Baseball & Softball
The students who make up Chief Sealth’s six baseball and softball teams are among the most ethnically and economically diverse in Seattle Public Schools. Head coach Ernest Policarpio says, “We never want the financial burden of baseball to be a reason a kid doesn’t play,” so coaches take it upon themselves to buy supplies and equipment with their own money. The grant will allow Chief Sealth to purchase shoes, gloves, bats, balls as well as pay for needed repairs to the scorekeeping system and provide nets and other safety equipment for practices.
West Seattle High School Softball
The West Seattle softball program does not receive any funding from the school or Associated Student Body and, because of COVID-19, they have not been able to independently fundraise for two years. The grant will help purchase basic equipment like bats, balls, gloves, socks and pants, that will be available to any player who needs them, as well as training equipment like weighted balls for hitting and a safety screen for batting practice.
The two local schools are among 10 schools around the region receiving the grants. The Mariners created the program in 2017.
“I think in general our community could benefit from getting closer to the issues of homelessness,” says West Seattle resident Tomasz Biernacki. He’s been working hard himself to try to facilitate that. Three years ago, he produced the documentary “Trickle Down Town,” focusing on people with different relationships to the homelessness crisis. He’s spent a lot of time volunteering, including co-founding the tiny-home-building program Sound Foundations NW, which launched at Camp Second Chance in West Seattle. More recently, he’s helped coordinate volunteers and funding for West Seattle’s only cold-weather shelter at the Veterans’ Center in The Triangle. And now Biernacki is co-producing a podcast, “You Know Me Now.” Here’s the description:
You Know Me Now is a Seattle based podcast, storytelling and journalism project giving voice to those marginalized in our community. From these life stories we hope to spark conversation and connection. We are doing this with the sole purpose of bringing us all closer together so that we can better address the issues that divide us.
When we listen to those living different lives or views from our own, we begin a journey of understanding. An understanding of not only those around us, but also ourselves. To move forward, we must know that everyone has their own truth. It begins by not being right or wrong, but rather by listening.
Those sharing openly and vulnerably do so with the hope of non-judgment in return. This is the beginning of coming closer.
The first episode, hosted by Seattle architect and advocate Rex Hohlbein, is an introduction of sorts, running 13 minutes. You can listen to it by going here.
(Alki Statue of Liberty in Thursday’s sunset glow, by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FOOD FUNDRAISER: Delridge chef Gino Williamson of The Home Skillit is serving up lunch/dinner 2-7 pm today at the 5441 Delridge Way SW service station to continue raising money to open a restaurant in the building next door, as reported here. (Menu, you ask? He emailed us to say, “I am smoking Brisket, I have shrimp and grits, Seattle Dogs, Chicago dogs, Louisiana hot links, and Green stuffed bell peppers. Plus you have to try my Smoke Daddy BBQ Sauce!!!”)
GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING: 2:30 pm, hear the latest on the pandemic response (and likely other topics) from Gov. Jay Inslee – here’s where you’ll find the livestream.
LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY ONLINE OPEN HOUSE: Prospective future families are invited, 3:30 pm. Our calendar listing has info on how to attend.
TALK WITH THE RAPIDRIDE H LINE TEAM: Questions about construction of the future RapidRide H Line? The project team has another round of monthly “office hours” today, 5-6 pm – just drop in by phone or online any time during the hour.
To join online, click this link
To join by phone, call: 206-485-0017; Conference ID: 206 834 474#
To request interpretation services for these virtual events, please contact us before the meeting via phone, at 206-257-3079, or email us at rapidride@kingcounty.gov
SUPPORTING DEMOCRACY: West Seattle Democratic Women host a democracy-advocacy presentation during their regular online meeting, starting at 6:15 pm. Our calendar listing has meeting details, including info on how to attend.
WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: 6:30 pm, WSTC hosts guests from Washington State Ferries, with topics including the Fauntleroy dock/terminal-replacement project, and Metro. Our calendar listing has info on attending by video or phone.
‘MONSTERS OF THE AMERICAN CINEMA’: The new world-premiere play at ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) officially opens at 7:30 tonight. Read more about it here; buy your tickets here.
Something for our calendar (where you’ll find even more for tonight)? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Still seeking COVID-19 vaccinations for kids/teens? If they are Seattle Public Schools students, you have options. Out of the WSB inbox this morning, this reminder:
Neighborcare Health has school-based clinics in several West Seattle schools that all offer the COVID-19 vaccine. The clinics are available for ANY Seattle Public Schools student, even if it is not at your school. There is no cost for students.
Please call the following clinics for COVID vaccine appointments for ages 5 years to 11 years:
Highland Park Elementary: 206-455-9025
Roxhill Elementary: 206-452-2660
West Seattle Elementary: 206-548-3164Please call the following clinic for COVID vaccine appointments for ages 12 to 18 years:
Madison Middle School: 206-933-7842
Family and friends will gather tomorrow in memory of Ginger Lei Andersen. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with her community:
Ginger Lei Andersen
A true wonder of a woman, Ginger Lei Andersen continued her journey and departed our lives suddenly on January 20, 2022, at the far-too-early age of 58 after battling polycythemia vera, a rare blood disorder.
Ginger had the unique ability to make anyone in her presence feel like they were the most important person in her life. She had a rare balance of intellect and warmth, an infectious laugh and radiant smile. She also had an insatiable desire to learn, leading her to succeed in multiple disciplines and careers.
Named after the fragrant ginger flower used to make Hawaiian leis, Ginger Lei was born in Oahu, Hawaii on October 7, 1963. Her love of the islands always stayed with her. She returned often to enjoy hikes, the culture, long swims in the ocean, and indulge in shaved ice. Her family left the islands when Ginger was in grade school and moved to Danville, California. She graduated from Monte Vista High School, but not before spending a memorable season as the back half of “Musty the Mustang,” the school mascot. At an early age Ginger began developing her talent as a singer and performer. She was involved in numerous musicals and choirs from high school through college and beyond, including leading roles in “Hello Dolly,” “Brigadoon,” “Music Man,” and “My Fair Lady.”
After high school, Ginger graduated from Brigham Young University in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree and later completed a master’s in humanities. She married Jed Moffitt in 1984 and started their family: Miles, Seth, and Damen. Ginger loved her three boys and embraced her role as a loving mother to them. She taught English and humanities at BYU until the family moved to Sammamish, Washington, in 1999, where Ginger tutored and taught. After a short stint as a recruiter and HR generalist for The Gates Foundation, Ginger focused on a true passion: inspirational business leadership, focusing on organization performance and personnel development at Intellectual Ventures, where she worked for 9 years. She also earned a second master’s degree in organizational systems in 2015. Ginger and Jed divorced in 2012.
Ginger began a romantic journey with Ronny Sullivan in 2017 and together they found true love and an amazing connection. A longtime resident of West Seattle, Ronny introduced her to the cozy community. She fell in love with the area and purchased her perfect home in the North Admiral neighborhood, moving in on Halloween night, 2019. She spent many hours enjoying Alki Beach, embracing nature at Lincoln and Fauntleroy Parks, wandering through the Farmers’ Market, connecting with her neighbors through a book group she started, and walking her dog Odin with daughter-in-law Maaya. During 2021 she began a new journey in her career, completing her certification as a Hakomi guide and therapist. While Ginger had many titles, the most important one may have been “unofficial advisor, support, and confidante” to countless friends, family, and coworkers.
In May 2021, her son Seth and his wife Maaya moved into Ginger’s home, expecting to stay for three months. But they brought so much joy to Ginger and she to them, that the little family unit stayed together. When Ginger left Swedish First Hospital on New Year’s Day after a week-long stay, she returned home to the loving care of Ronny, Seth, & Maaya, who filled her final weeks with love and joy.
Ginger had a tremendous desire for adventure and loved to travel and experience other cultures. Throughout her life, Ginger traveled the world. While COVID slowed her recent travel schedule, the last year of her life was filled with adventure, including golfing in Palm Springs, walking the beaches in Hawaii, rappelling in Zion National Park, and visiting the Washington Coast multiple times. Ginger and Ronny also hiked in Utah’s National Parks, visited the North Cascades, Palouse Falls, and made a special sojourn to Ronny’s hometowns.
One of the highlights of her life was spending a month in Spain in the fall of 2021 with her youngest son Damen and loving partner Ronny. She also loved spending time with Miles at his home in Spokane and her home in West Seattle.
Ginger had the most amazing smile, eyes that sparkled, infectious warmth, and a presence you could feel when she walked into the room. She was deeply spiritual and intuitive but did not practice organized religion. Ginger was always ready for an adventure. She loved to travel, dance, competed in West Coast Swing, Seattle Improv, had a passion for tennis, was an avid gardener, loved hiking, and had recently caught the golf bug. The world was truly alive within her.
Ginger’s sudden passing came as a devastating shock to all those close to her. She is survived by her three adult sons, Miles Moffitt, Seth Moffitt (Maaya), and Damen Moffitt; her six older siblings, Kathi Kohler (Rich), Alan Andersen, Paula Tibbitts (Loel), Gail Newbold (Dave), Phil Andersen (Candace), and Dan Andersen (Kris); and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
On January 20 in the hours before she passed, Ginger enjoyed the beauty of Puget Sound, meditated, gave thanks for the joys in her life, and danced with Ronny, the love of her life, holding him close as they made plans for more adventures together. In memory of Ginger, take a moment to do the same
Services will be Friday, January 28 at noon at Forest Lawn Funeral Home in West Seattle. For any thoughts, wishes, photos, or memories about Ginger, please visit her Tribute page at dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/seattle-wa/ginger-andersen-10544706
(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)
6:04 AM Good morning!
WEATHER
Another forecast with some clouds, some fog, some sun, and the high might get into the low 50s.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES
Metro is on its regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.
West Seattle and Vashon Water Taxi routes are on regular schedules.
Ferries: WSF continues a two-boat schedule on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run. Check here for alerts/updates.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
674th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.
Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras are still 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. S. 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 roads/paths/water? Text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
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