WEST SEATTLE PARKS: Why a tall tree was taken out at Me-Kwa-Mooks
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Thanks to Christopher for the photo taken today at Me-Kwa-Mooks. We asked Seattle Parks about the tree crew; spokesperson Rachel Schulkin tells WSB that the pine was “being removed by Seattle Parks and Recreations Urban Forestry. This tree has come under attack by beetles carrying a fungus that is killing the tree.” If you look closely at the photo, you can see some of the tree’s branches are discolored.
SUMMER CAMP: Here’s what Mode Music and Performing Arts is offering this year
Next week is mid-winter break. After that, blink, and it’s suddenly summer. So it’s time to start signing up for camp! In West Seattle, Mode Music and Performing Arts has opened registration – here’s the announcement:
MMPA Summer Camps
June 20th – August 26th
Mode Music and Performing Arts is back in full swing, with camps all summer long! Each week-long camp includes a morning and afternoon session, with a lunch break in between for those who sign up for a full day.
Summer camps will run from June 20th through August 26th. The morning camp runs from 9 AM to 12 PM and the afternoon camp runs from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
Partial and full scholarships are available, and camp spots are limited.
Learn more and register for your camps now at modemusicandperformingarts.org/camps.
You can also email education@modemusicandperformingarts.org with additional questions.
MMPA is the nonprofit sibling of Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor).
WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Rock-climbing gear stolen; package-theft aftermath
Twp reader reports:
STOLEN GEAR: Amanda reports a car break-in Sunday night/early Monday:
My 2015 Subaru Forester was broken into on the 2800 block of SW Adams. The hood release latch was ripped out and stolen, and my rock-climbing gear (shoes, harness, chalk) and tire chains were taken.
PACKAGE-THEFT AFTERMATH: From Greg:
I found a couple of Amazon deliveries on the side of SW Charlestown St that had been evidently “porch pirated.” There were actually 2 different packages – one addressed to someone on the 3800 block of 51st Ave SW (shipped on 2/13 based on the label) and the other addressed to someone in the 3000 block of 60th Ave SW (shipped on 2/12 based on the label). Both of the boxes were opened and empty and stuffed into the plastic Amazon delivery envelope. I have pictures of the 2 labels with names and exact addresses, but since the contents were emptied, through the envelope in the trash and the boxes in the recycle bin.
If you’re in that area and missing a package, contact us and we’ll connect you.
VIDEO: Mayor Bruce Harrell’s first State of the City speech
That’s Mayor Bruce Harrell‘s first State of the City speech, which lasted more than half an hour, presented at the start of this afternoon’s City Council meeting. No major announcements – his lone West Seattle-specific mention was a description of the 23-months-closed West Seattle Bridge as one of the city’s “most pressing priorities.” Recapping his announcement last week that the ongoing concrete-drivers strike may delay its reopening, he offered his City Hall conference room to the two sides if they need a place for talks. Earlier in the speech, he declared that “the status quo is unacceptable” and promised his administration will get “back to the basics.” He spent a major chunk of time on public safety, both embracing alternatives and declaring that the city needs more police on the streets. He said a promotional campaign will launch to encourage new officers to join – “the right number and the right kind” – and that the training academy will have a special Seattle-focused class of 36 in June. The city already has funding to hire 125 officers, he noted, budgeted even before he was elected. Regarding homelessness, he said a Unified Care Team would be created as the latest attempt to align resources, and that the city will simplify the process for members of the public to report issues of concern. On other issues, he voiced concern for struggling small businesses and promised to work with them. (Here’s the full transcript.)
TRAFFIC ALERT: West Marginal Way reopens, 3 1/2 hours after crash brings down pole
12:11 PM: Thanks to Alison for the tip (added: and photo). SFD is arriving at what’s described as a three-vehicle crash with “pole down,” near the intersection with West Marginal Place, just south of the bridge [map]. No word yet on injuries, but this could mean traffic trouble for a while.
1:12 PM: SDOT says West Marginal is closed both ways at the scene, and City Light is there making repairs. They also sent this photo:
No ETA yet for reopening.
1:36 PM: Update from Alison:
They are turning all northbound Marginal Way cars around at Cal Portland/T103. The cars [from the crash] are being towed but City Light will need to fix before opening the road back up since it’s hanging so low that trucks can’t get through.
2:22 PM: We checked with SFD to see if anyone was hurt in the crash. One person, according to spokesperson Kristin Tinsley – a 92-year-old man who was a passenger in the vehicle that hit the pole. He was taken to the hospital in stable condition.
3 PM: No official updates yet but a texter says northbound WMW traffic is being detoured around via 16th SW by the recycling center.
3:37 PM: SDOT has just announced the scene is clear.
4:15 PM: More from SDOT: “The damaged pole belonged to CenturyLink, and Seattle City Light crews assisted with completing an urgent short-term repair because CenturyLink could not arrive as quickly. CenturyLink is heading to the area to finish repairs, but we do not expect this to have a significant traffic impact as they expect to be able to complete repairs only occupying the right southbound lane. As you know, this lane begins in this location and does not continue all the way through the corridor.”
BIZNOTE: Ready for ‘Embroidery 101’?
Learn something new Wednesday night at WEND Jewelry (3278 California SW). They’ve sent word there’s still room in an “Embroidery 101” class with West Seattle artist Emily Juarez: “She will introduce us to a simple embroidery stitch for beginners. You’ll use colorful thread to personalize a simple white cotton tea towel with a fun word or message. No previous experience with embroidery is necessary. All supplies are included.” The class is 6-8:30 pm tomorrow (February 16th) at the gallery, and you can sign up online right now.
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: New place to find them online, as next meeting approaches
If you live, work, study, and/or play in the Alki area, and are interested in community involvement, the Alki Community Council is back on the web, at alkicommunitycouncil.org. The newly launched website is its first one at that address and it’s the work of a new infusion of volunteer involvement. It’s meant to be a central location for information including ACC meetings, which are most months on third Thursdays, so the next one is this week – Thursday, February 17th, at 7 pm. ACC has moved to “hybrid” meetings, so you can attend in person (at Alki UCC, 6115 SW Hinds) or online. On the new ACC site, you’ll also find links including Alki history, area resources, social media, and membership signup.
8 for your West Seattle Tuesday
(Seen in Gatewood)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:
WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: The City Council’s Transportation Committee gets briefed this morning on Sound Transit‘s Draft Environmental Impact Statement for West Seattle-to-Ballard light rail. The meeting starts at 9:30 am; here’s the agenda; here’s where to watch.
STATE OF THE CITY: Mayor Bruce Harrell gives his first State of the City speech at 2 pm – watch it here.
BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS: Both West Seattle High School varsity teams have district-tournament games on the Eastside today/tonight, 3:30 pm for the girls, 8:15 pm for the boys, as reported here.
DEMONSTRATION FOR RACIAL JUSTICE: 4:30-6 pm at 16th/Holden, Scott leads the weekly demonstration for racial justice. Signs available if you don’t have your own.
DISCOVER SEATTLE COLLEGES: 5:30-6:30 pm tonight, online, learn about science, tech, engineering, and math studies at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) and its sibling Seattle Colleges. Go here to get the link.
WEST SEATTLE TOASTMASTERS 832: 6:30 pm – you’re invited to the twice-monthly online meeting – details are in our calendar listing.
TRIVIA X 2: Two venues to play tonight – 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7:30 and 8:30 pm at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska).
BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: Play bingo with Cookie Couture at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm. Free, all ages!
There’s more on our calendar – and if you have something to add for the future, email us the info at westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Tuesday morning watch
6:01 AM Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday.
WEATHER
Cloudy forecast for today, with a high in the mid-to-upper 40s.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES
Metro is on its regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of reroutes/cancellations.
West Seattle and Vashon Water Taxi routes are on regular schedules.
Ferries: WSF continues the two-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
693rd morning without the West Seattle Bridge.
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:
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? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 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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