West Seattle, Washington
25 Friday
6:01 AM Good morning!
WEATHER
More clouds in today’s forecast, with the high again near 50.
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
687th 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.
ORIGINAL TUESDAY NIGHT REPORT: After five years as a city-supported tiny-house encampment, Camp Second Chance in southeast West Seattle is still trying to get water and sewer connections.
That was the hottest topic at tonight’s monthly online meeting of the Camp Second Chance Community Advisory Committee. The longrunning utility-line effort reportedly had cold water thrown on it by Seattle Public Utilities. Camp manager Scott Harris said SPU reps did a survey that showed the nearest hookups are on the Seattle Fire Department Joint Training Facility site to the north, and said that running the lines to CSC would be too costly. Harris said that didn’t seem like the final word on the matter, though. Committee members are going to contact West Seattle/South Park Councilmember Lisa Herbold to see if she can help them get the utilities at the camp, since she had pursued funding in the city budget last year. In the meantime, water will continue to be delivered to the camp.
Harris said January was busy at CSC, with 14 people moving out into housing. The camp’s currently down to 38 people (about two-thirds of its capacity). They’re doing maintenance right now on some of the tiny houses.
The camp had one person who tested positive for COVID in the past month; that person was one of the 14 who have since left CSC for housing.
Camp operator LIHI is looking to hire a fulltime organizer, and has similar job openings at other tiny-house encampments. Anyone interested can check out the listing here.
The Camp Second Chance Community Advisory Committee meets online at 6 pm on second Tuesdays; next meeting will be March 8th.
ADDED WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON: A clarification from SPU spokesperson Sabrina Register:
The property falls within Water District 20 (for water) and Valley View Sewer District (for sewer), so Seattle Public Utilities does not have the legal right to serve that property. We’ve talked with the General Manager of Water District 20 who indicates they want to serve the parcel with water and are working with Camp Second Chance on what it would take to make the connection to their system.
One of the hygiene (shower) trailers that SPU manages for people experiencing homelessness will soon be deployed to Camp Second Chance, through 2022 funding approved by the City Council.
Aside from which utility serves it, the encampment is on city-owned land (known as the Myers Way Parcels).
The first round of Election Night results shows both Seattle Public Schools levies passing in a big way:
PROPOSITION 1 – Educational Programs and Operations Levy
Yes 76.3%
No 23.7%
PROPOSITION 2 – Buildings, Technology, Academics, Athletics Capital Levy
Yes 76.6%
No 23.4%
So far turnout is only 20 percent. Our story from last month includes a list of 10 West Seattle projects included in Prop 2 fundiing.
Last fall, we reported on Admiral Church‘s plan to partner with Operation Nightwatch to host an overnight shelter for 10 men. After meetings in October and November to answer neighborhood questions, last we heard was that the shelter wouldn’t start up before December. Two more months have passed, and now the church has publicly announced that the plan is scrapped, via a “community announcement” on its website:
The hoped-for partnership between Admiral Church and Operation Nightwatch to offer overnight shelter to ten men living on the streets of Seattle is unfortunately not going to be possible. After further study, Nightwatch decided that several building issues, including having only two bathrooms and no openable windows in the sanctuary, make Admiral non-ideal for their purposes.
Admiral Church says Operation Nightwatch is pursuing partnerships with other local churches; we’ll be following up on that.
Meantime, separate from that, the church also has announced that it’s again considering “repurposing of at least part of our property” because of a “looming financial crisis,” and it’s having a community meeting at 2 pm February 20th for everyone interested. Pre-pandemic, the church was pursuing potential site redevelopment, but that’s been on the shelf for 2+ years.
(Video by Mark Jaroslaw)
That’s Reese T, who will perform at Peel & Press (6503 California SW) Thursday night as part of Muse Fest: The Power of Women’s Voices. These mini-concerts are happening as a celebration of women musicians, during the February West Seattle Art Walk. You can read about all the musicians and venues here; all but one of the performances are set for 6 pm-7:45 pm Thursday (Intisaar is performing 7 pm-8:30 pm at John L. Scott, 4445 California SW). The performances are all free to enjoy, as are Art Walk displays and artist receptions (that lineup for Thursday is here).
During Monday’s weekly City Council briefing meeting, Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda – the West Seattleite who holds citywide Position 8 – told her colleagues that the Department of Finance and Administrative Services was dealing with a high number of claims filed by pothole victims. We followed up with FAS to see just how high the stack was getting. Spokesperson Melissa Mixon looked into it and started her reply with one jaw-dropping, axle-busting stat: “The number of pothole claims for 2021 was 210 and the current count for 2022 is 300-plus.” She adds, “It is noteworthy though that pothole claims from the recent snowstorm already constitute approximately half of all our open claims.” The Risk Management division doesn’t have a geographic breakout, so we don’t know how many of those potholes are in West Seattle. SDOT does have a map showing fixed and reported potholes – here’s a screengrab:
Circles represent recently filled potholes; diamonds represent ones that are “pending.” You can report a pothole here. If you’ve sustained damage from one on a city road, here’s how to file a claim. We asked Mixon how that process works: Your claim is assigned to an adjuster. They reach out to the relevant city department (SDOT) in this case for a formal response. Then they can either close the claim for lack of contact or information, tender it (when another entity is responsible), deny it (if the city isn’t found negligent, or settle it.
(WSB file photo)
Monday, February 21st, is Presidents Day – the next holiday for which dozens of American flags will be placed around the West Seattle Junction, If you can help – all ages welcome! – in the morning placement and/or afternoon removal, Chris Mackay from the Junction Association is recruiting volunteers right now:
Two shifts: 9-10 or 4-5. Fun for families.
Please click on the following web link (or copy it into your web browser if clicking doesn’t work) to go to the signup sheet:
To sign up, just follow the instructions on the page. It only takes a few seconds to do.
Thank you for volunteering!
Tomorrow (Wednesday, February 9th) at 9:30 am, the City Council’s Economic Development, Technology, and City Light Committee, chaired by new Councilmember Sara Nelson, will devote its meeting to a roundtable of business owners and neighborhood leaders. The topic: Public-safety concerns and recommendations. Announced participants (as shown on the agenda) include two with businesses in West Seattle – Kamala Saxton of Marination and Dan Austin of Peel & Press – but the committee invites comment from others too. From the announcement circulated by business groups including the West Seattle Junction Association:
Councilmember Nelson has requested that business owners across the City take part in the public comment process to share their experiences as well. This is important as it has been far too long since a Councilmember has specifically asked to hear from businesses.
Provide public comment at the Wednesday, February 9th Meeting at 9:30 AM
Registration opens two hours prior to the meeting at 7:30 AM. Plan to go to the council website exactly two hours before the meeting to register online.
Send an Email:
Take a moment now and send an email to City Council and the Mayor.
Whether you are a business owner, property owner or an employee, it is more important than ever to share an experience you’ve had that articulates the need for an increased emphasis and new strategies to keep our city safe.
Contact your Councilmembers by emailing council@seattle.gov
Contact Mayor Bruce Harrell by emailing bruce.harrell@seattle.gov
Other members of the committee holding tomorrow’s roundtable include West Seattle/South Park Councilmember Lisa Herbold. Like all council meetings, this one will be streamed live via Seattle Channel, and available for viewing later.
11:05 AM: Thanks to M for another photo of a notable U.S. Navy vessel headed northbound past West Seattle – a northbound submarine they describe as Ohio-class.
4:30 PM: Adding a view from Danny McMillin:
(Clouds last weekend, photographed by Stewart L.)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:
ELECTION DEADLINES: It’s your last day to vote in two elections – the Seattle Public Schools levies, for which you should have a paper ballot to send in or get to a dropbox by 8 pm (details here), and the King Conservation District supervisor election, for which your ballot is online (details here), same deadline.
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.
WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: The Community Advisory Group convened by Sound Transit gets briefed on the just-released Draft Environmental Impact Statement 5-7 pm online tonight, and you’re invited to watch/listen. Here’s the agenda; here’s the livestream. link.
DISCOVER SEATTLE COLLEGES: 5:30-6:30 pm tonight, online, learn about business and accounting studies at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) and its sibling Seattle Colleges. Go here to get the link.
CAMP SECOND CHANCE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: 6 pm online, your monthly chance to hear updates, and ask questions, about West Seattle’s only city-supported tiny-house encampment. Attendance info is in our calendar listing.
ARBOR HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY ONLINE OPEN HOUSE: 6:30 pm – you’re invited if the student(s) in your family might be attending Arbor Heights Elementary this fall. Our calendar listing has the RSVP/attendance link.
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 7 pm online, the FCA board meets for a variety of updates. Community members are welcome – here’s how to register to attend.
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!
Time to look ahead to this year’s youth-sports seasons. Southwest Little League baseball is registering players for spring! You can sign up at southwestlittleleague.org or in person Saturday (February 12th(, noon-3 pm, at the Little Log Cabin in White Center’s Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd).
6:03 AM Good morning!
WEATHER
Clouds are the main feature in today’s forecast, with another high near 50.
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
686th 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:
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.
ORIGINAL MONDAY NIGHT REPORT: Thanks for the tips. Police confirm Canna West Seattle (WSB sponsor) was robbed tonight. Detectives at the scene confirmed the holdup but wouldn’t discuss details, so that’s all we know so far; store employees weren’t commenting either. We found police at the store after multiple tips about a notable SPD response there. This is less than a month after a holdup at West Seattle’s other cannabis store, Origins; more recently, we’ve heard dispatches been a series of robberies at other shops elsewhere in and outside the city.
ADDED 11:08 AM TUESDAY: A bit more info from police today – two robbers, armed, who got away with cash.
(2017 Alki Art Fair from above, photographed by Long Bach Nguyen)
Many beloved spring and summer events are planning for a comeback this year. Among them, the Alki Art Fair, set for July 23-24 along the promenade at Alki Beach Park. As with all big events, planning has to start months in advance, so the Alki Art Fair is sending out the call for help now!
The Alki Art Fair is a beach-side festival that brings people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds together to celebrate local arts and music. Our goal is to promote art education and appreciation by creating opportunities for community involvement and cultural diversity through the arts.
The Alki Art Fair began under the guidance of the Alki Community Center and its advisory council in 1997. In the fall of 2011, a group of artists and other community members transformed the Alki Art Fair into a Washington State nonprofit organization. The Fair continues to be produced with the leadership and guidance of its all-volunteer Board of Directors and thanks to many active volunteers.
Seeking Volunteers & Board Members
As the Alki Art Fair ramps up for our return to the Alki Promenade this summer, we are seeking community members who are looking for a way to get involved and lend their ideas and talents to the organization and the West Seattle community.
We are currently seeking a Treasurer, Fundraising Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, as well as volunteers who can help with everything from marketing, outreach, and general assistance during the event. We have numerous opportunities and will help you find or craft a role that is perfect for you.
If you are interested in supporting the Alki Art Fair, please email (corrected) info@alkiartfair.org or visit alkiartfair.org/volunteer.
A texter sent that photo a few days ago and wondered if the Lowman Beach Park shore-restoration work was really going to meet its deadline for completing in-water work. The answer – no – arrived in this update from Seattle Parks:
In January, Seattle Parks and Recreation and McClung Construction completed preparation and shoring for the seawall installation for the Lowman Beach Park seawall and beach restoration project in West Seattle. Unfortunately, one of the seawall precast panels was the wrong dimension and was unable to be installed. The team has been working around the clock to refabricate and recast this one panel segment. Once the new panel is delivered to the site, the contractor will resume installation of all panels starting on February 9, 2022, and be completed by February 23. This work must be performed at night to take advantage of the low tides.
The original permit for in-water work expired on February 15, however, we were granted a maximum two week extension by the Department of Fish and Wildlife and must have work completed by February 28.
Two work windows at low tides still needed to complete:
Resume installing the precast wall panels – This is expected to take another three to four nights of work.
Completion of Pelly Creek – This is expected to take another two or three nights of work. We were previously planning to complete this on the week of February 7-11 during normal working hours, however, it can only be completed after the seawall panels are installed. To meet the February 28 deadline for beach grading the contractor may need to work extended hours.
The contractor has obtained another Temporary Noise Variance Permit (6881011-NV) issued by Seattle Department of Construction and Inspection (SDCI). The permit states work can occur between 7 PM and 7 AM starting Wednesday, February 09, 2022 at 7 PM and stopping no later than Wednesday, February 23 at 7 AM.
Although the permit allows for 14 nights of work, the contractor expects to work a maximum of eight nighttime shifts. The contractor will do what is feasible to mitigate the inconvenience by keeping the noise levels down as much as possible, disabling backup alarms, and avoiding high-impact work.
Thank you to the neighbors for their patience and cooperation during the Lowman Beach Park seawall and beach restoration project.
In addition to the burglary covered here in a reader report Sunday, we noted two other “residential occupied burglary” calls logged over the weekend, so we requested the reports today. Both turned out to be attempted break-ins. Here’s what the report narratives said:
MARINE VIEW DRIVE: Just after 3:30 am Saturday, a 911 call came in from a house in the 10600 block of Marine View Drive SW. They reported someone trying their doors and opening their screen door. One of the residents confronted the would-be intruder, who said, “You know me,” though that was not the case. The man then went into the back yard and sat in the patio furniture for 10 minutes before leaving. While officers viewed security video and otherwise investigated at the house, a sergeant in the area spotted the suspect two blocks away. He gave police conflicting stories – that he thought it was his house, that he thought it was his daughter’s house, that he was trying to get help for his wife who was possibly overdosing in a car nearby. Police found a crashed car nearby, described as “stuck on a rock,” but no one was inside. They arrested the man, who ended up being taken to Harborview Medical Center for an unspecified problem rather than immediately to jail.
38TH SW: On Sunday morning, a 911 call came in from a residence in the 4800 block of 38th SW. The resident reported a man pounding on the windows and door, and grabbing the door handle. She believed he was trying to break in; she screamed at him to go away. All she could tell them regarding a description was that he was wearing a dark hat. He was gone before officers arrived, and they didn’t find anyone in the area, but they did find a duffel bag outside her house and took it as evidence.
(Rendering from Draft EIS executive summary page 28, Avalon/Genesee)
Two weeks after the West Seattle light rail Draft Environmental Impact Statement went public, have you dived into it yet? You have until April 28th to get your thoughts in about the potential routing and station-location alternatives, but, well, time flies. If a briefing might help, you have an opportunity tomorrow night: The West Seattle-Duwamish Community Advisory Group for this section of the project gets a presentation Tuesday (February 8th) at 5 pm. The agenda’s here; the livestream will be here.
1:30 PM: Thanks for the tip. California Way is blocked off just past Hamilton Viewpoint because of what SDOT and SFD describe as a “downed wire. Sounds from a scanner snippet just now that this may remain closed for some hours.
2 PM: Annie says a construction truck brought down the wires. She says a power outage followed (none is shown on the City Light map currently, though).
4:59 PM: Finally got to go check; it’s open.
Three biznotes from the West Seattle food world:
EZELL’S OPENS: Can’t miss the balloons all around the newly opened fried-chicken restaurant at California/Fauntleroy. After more trial runs over the weekend (as covered here), they’re open for business today.
CIRCA EXPANDS HOURS: As Circa (2605 California SW) celebrates 24 years in business, they’ve sent word they’re expanding hours: “To celebrated, we are opening for dine-in breakfast and brunch at 9 am 7 days a week for the first time in our history. We’ve had weekend brunch forever, but not weekday breakfast. This week we have $5 Bloody Marys to celebrate the occasion.”
GIGI’S CAFE: Chef Gino Williamson says his plan for a restaurant in the current Super 24 at Delridge/Findlay is moving along and he expects to be in the building in about two weeks. As we’ve reported previously, he’s naming it after his daughter Gianna. He’s continuing to sell food from his mobile business TheHomeSkillit.com until then at 5441 Delridge Way SW and says he’ll be there afternoons/evenings daily through Friday.
11:11 AM: Thanks for the tips, and the pic above from M. The USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is the aircraft carrier seen passing West Seattle, northbound, about an hour ago. Josh Farley of the Kitsap Sun reports that it’s out for sea trials after repair-work completion at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.
11:26 AM: Another reader photo:
(Mount Rainier as seen from Don Armeni Boat Ramp, photographed by David Hutchinson)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:
FOOD BANK DONATIONS: As reported here Friday, the White Center Food Bank is running low on multiple items and accepting donations 8 am-3:30 pm weekdays, 8th SW and SW 108th.
CITY COUNCIL’S WEEKLY BRIEFING: 2 pm, councilmembers brief each other and the public on what they’re up to and what’s coming up this week. Staffers will also update them on how the city’s State Legislature priorities are proceeding. Watch live at seattlechannel.org.
TRIVIA X 3: Here are tonight’s three options – 7 pm at Best of Hands (35th/Webster), 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Got something for our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends are remembering Georgia Koenig, a former resident of West Seattle, and sharing this remembrance:
Georgia L. (Petersen) Koenig
February 26, 1945 – December 21, 2021Beloved wife, mother, aunt, and friend, Georgia left us on December 21. She was greeted in heaven by her parents, in-laws, and sister.
The third daughter of George Martin and Eva Elaine Petersen (Marshall), Georgia was born in Seattle. She lived in Kalispell, Montana, then moved to St. Maries, Idaho, and back to Seattle all before the age of 5. Georgia spent the rest of her life in Washington State.
In 1966 she married the love of her life, Robert P. Koenig, and they raised two children, Susan and Robert.
She was a homemaker and community leader, devoting much her time outside the home to volunteerism, serving as school nurse, library assistant, and Camp Fire leader and Area Director.
Georgia excelled at whatever she put her mind to and had many talents. She loved handwork, crafting, and gardening, and was a voracious reader. She enjoyed card games and puzzles. She was an avid fisher. If the fish didn’t bite, it was always because the boat driver didn’t drive right.
Georgia is predeceased by her sister, Bethyl (Beth) Miller. Georgia, the wild card, had a “full house” and is survived by three Roberts and two Susans: her husband of nearly 56 years, Rob; her daughter, Susan, and son-in-law, Bob Gallagher; and her son, Rob Koenig Jr., and daughter-in-law,Susan (Suzi). In addition, she leaves behind her sister, Adina Waterbury of Vancouver, Washington, six nieces and nephews, and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
There is a deep hole in our hearts, and she is dearly missed.
(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
Cloudy with a chance of rain in today’s forecast – high near 50.
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
685th 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:
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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