West Seattle, Washington
23 Tuesday
11:30 PM THURSDAY: Just sent by Joellyn:
My sister’s car was stolen sometime between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm tonight.
Parked on California Ave in front of California Nail Salon and across the street from Soundview Apartments at the south end of the Junction.
Red 2017 Lincoln MKZ
License Plate: BWU 9390Police Report 22-067080
FRIDAY MORNING UPDATE: Car’s been found.
(Southern Resident orcas in Puget Sound, photographed by Mark Sears, NOAA Research Permit 21348)
One week from tonight, you’re invited to The Whale Trail‘s first in-person gathering since pre-pandemic days. Here’s the announcement:
After two years of hibernation, The Whale Trail is ready for a new season! Join us to welcome Spring with special guests Rachel Aronson (Quiet Sound), researcher Mark Sears, and Whale Trail Director Donna Sandstrom. Catch up on news about orcas and programs to protect them, and learn how you can help.
Rachel will introduce us to Quiet Sound, a new program to protect whales by reducing noise and disturbance from large vessel like tankers, container ships and ferries. Mark will share photos from recent field research, including encounters with southern resident orcas. Donna will recap news around The Whale Trail, including upcoming events to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Springer’s rescue!
Attendance is limited. Get tickets ahead of time here.
Masks are optional but recommended.What: Whale Trail Spring Gathering 2022
When: Thursday, March 24, 7 PM (Doors open at 6:30)
Where: C&P Coffee Company, 5612 California Ave SW
Cost: $5
Advance tickets: bpt.me/5404648 (Brown Paper Tickets)Attendance is limited. Masks are optional but recommended.
The Whale Trail’s last in-person gathering was in February 2020, just a few days before King County announced its first COVID cases.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Are members of the Community Advisory Group for the Fauntleroy ferry dock/terminal replacement plan being rushed along to get buy-in on potential locations without enough information for a true comparison?
That’s what some suggested at last night’s meeting, a followup to the one two weeks ago (WSB coverage here) at which Washington State Ferries presented nine “draft alternatives,” including Lowman Beach and Lincoln Park.
Some CAG members also suggested the process is putting too much emphasis on dock location/size when some of the biggest issues, like traffic, could and should be addressed operationally, and long before the replacement is built (currently expected in 2025-2027).
Here’s how the meeting unfolded:
(WSB photo, late this afternoon)
One small bridge project has resumed, but the West Seattle Bridge work still awaits concrete, despite drivers’ back-to-work announcement earlier this week. First, here’s what SDOT announced today about the Andover overpass over the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge:
We’ve resumed work on the SW Andover St Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge (Andover Bridge) seismic retrofit project. Our contractor for this project is using independent drivers to pour small amounts of concrete.
Remaining work includes landscaping around the new sidewalk and base of the bridge, installing and painting the handrail, and replacing fencing near the bridge. With work starting on the Andover Bridge again, we expect to complete the seismic retrofit in the next few weeks. We appreciate your patience and look forward to reopening the bridge after the work is done and it’s ready for use again.
After getting that announcement, we asked SDOT if there’s an update on the Teamsters Local 174 drivers’ offer to resume work for three companies in hopes of getting concrete to some projects including the West Seattle Bridge. The reply from spokesperson Ethan Bergerson:
Contractors have autonomy to select concrete suppliers and we were informed last week by the contractor for the Andover St Pedestrian Bridge Seismic Retrofit project that they would be pouring a comparatively small amounts of concrete using independent drivers.
This is not the same kind of concrete as is needed for the West Seattle Bridge. The West Seattle Bridge program requires specialized concrete which is capable of holding more than 20 million pounds of force and must sustain its strength for decades for the bridge to remain standing. This is a different kind of concrete than what is used for most other transportation projects like streets or sidewalks, which does not need to hold up to the same kinds of force.
Kraemer has reached out to all the concrete suppliers to determine who can supply the special type of concrete needed for the West Seattle Bridge and other details about timing and logistics. We are still awaiting more information from the concrete suppliers.
As for the drivers, they have a new statement online tonight, saying drivers for one company – Salmon Bay – are back at work, but alleging another company, Cadman, is dragging its feet on setting a date for drivers’ return.
Wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day if we didn’t go check on the legendary green stripe down the middle of 41st SW north of Admiral Way. We just went over to look and yes, it’s there. The mystery leprechaun(s) who maintain it may have run out of paint and/or time, though, as it appears decidedly faded north of a certain point near SW Walker, but fresh and bright to the south of that point.
4:18 PM: When Metro announced the plan for its next twice-yearly “service change” this Saturday (March 19th), the plan was for Saturday service on Route 125 to remain suspended. But Metro has just announced that instead, the 125 will resume Saturday service.
ADDED THURSDAY EVENING: We asked Metro why the last-minute change of heart, and spokesperson Jeff Switzer explained they’re still “fine-tuning” the service-change plan and won’t have final word until tomorrow afternoon.
Dream Dinners, “the original meal-kit company,” is 20 years old. The company’s had a West Seattle presence (longtime WSB sponsor) for almost that long. You’re invited to celebrate with special deals. Here’s the announcement:
Everyone knows the expression “time flies when you’re having fun,” and few know that better than Dream Dinners West Seattle owners Mark and Meghan Hogan, who have spent the past nearly three years providing delicious, time-saving meal kits to families in their local community.
In April 2019, Mark and Meghan Hogan purchased the Dream Dinners franchise store, which has been in West Seattle for 17 years, and are now celebrating the company’s exciting milestone 20th anniversary.
Dream Dinners is an innovative concept in meal prep that eliminates the stress of daily menu planning, grocery shopping, prep-work, and clean-up by moving the process out of home kitchens into specially equipped professional prep kitchens. Every item comes with complete cooking instructions and serving suggestions. Additional vegetables, side dishes and desserts are available for purchase to “round out” a meal, plus pre-prepped breakfast and lunch solutions, adding to the convenience of Dream Dinners as a one-stop shop.
Recently they had to pivot away from guests preparing their own meal kits, due to Covid regulations. They now prepare all the meal kits for their customers. Guests simply stop by the store curbside to pick up the pre-prepped meal kits.
To pay tribute to this exciting milestone, and to thank you for your support, Dream Dinners the Original Meal Kit Company will be celebrating by offering milestone savings to new Guests. Use the code: BIRTHDAY20 for $20 off a Starter Pack of 18 servings or BIRTHDAY40 for $40 off a standard order of 36 servings. (Start here.)
“We couldn’t be happier with our decision to open a Dream Dinners franchise,” said Meghan Hogan. “We are excited for what the next decade will bring.” Use the birthday codes on your first order to help you appreciate meal kit convenience and ease your dinnertime dilemmas. When you enjoy Dream Dinners, you help them celebrate a milestone 20th Anniversary.
Founded in 2002, Dream Dinners’ mission is to make gathering around the family table a cornerstone of daily life. Guests choose from seasonal, rotating monthly menus, with meal kits prepared from fresh ingredients then frozen until cooked. They are available in the continental United States at 69 locally owned and operated retail kitchens and on Door Dash Marketplace. Learn more at www.dreamdinners.com
LOCAL JOBS!
If you would like to be a part of Dream Dinners the Original Meal Kit Company and work with exceptional people, please contact us. We are accepting applications and resumes at this time. Email: westseattlewa@dreamdinners.com / Call or Text: 206.938.5999.
Dream Dinners West Seattle is headquartered on the outer east side of Jefferson Square, at 4701 41st SW.
Thanks for the photos! Another submarine sighting off Alki today, in the noon hour – above, Ted caught the submarine in the background, with swimmers in the foreground. Below, Mike‘s photo with a closer look:
It’s on the MarineTraffic.com tracker simply as “U.S. submarine,” currently off Whidbey Island and continuing northbound.
Four notes in West Seattle Crime Watch so far today:
VAN STOLEN: A reader found the last “distinctive” van reported here – maybe you’ll be the one to spot Cindy‘s van (above). She emailed to report: “My ’94 Dodge Ram van has disappeared from the street behind my house. It was parked on 46th (near Erskine Way SW close to the Alaska Junction). It’s turquoise and VERY distinctive. License CCM1046.” 3/22 UPDATE: Found in SeaTac.
GUNFIRE ON THE ROAD, #1: Around 4 am, police say, someone fired a shot from “a silver-colored vehicle (that) was westbound” in the 2200 block of SW Thistle. No injuries or property damage but police report finding “evidence” (presumably at least one shell casing).
GUNFIRE ON THE ROAD, #2: This didn’t happen in West Seattle, but the targets were on their way here – the crew of Seattle Fire Department Ladder 4. From the SPD summary and our followup from SFD, here’s what happened: Around 2:15 am, the truck was headed to West Seattle from Belltown to backfill at a fire station while both WS-based ladder trucks were out on the Beach Drive house fire. While Ladder 4 was exiting the southbound Highway 99 tunnel, the police summary says, “the rear driver of the ladder truck heard 4 shots and whizzing noises going past the truck. A gray BMW sedan (no plate) then fled at a high rate of speed.” The truck was not hit, but police later found “evidence of a shooting” in the area.
WINDOW-SMASHING ATTACK: We mentioned this last night and promised to request the report narrative from SPD today. Here’s what it says: Police were called to Bellevue Rare Coins at California/Oregon at 3:18 pm Wednesday. The initial dispatch was that someone was “threatening employees with a gun” though none was seen, and “hitting windows.” Police were told the suspect had been in the store less than an hour earlier to sell some jewelry for about $300. He returned about 40 minutes later and angrily accused an employee of mistreating him because his bank allegedly refused the check. He allegedly spat in the employee’s face, then left the store, got a crowbar (not a bat as reported by a witness) from the van in which he had arrived, and smashed windows in the front and on the side of the shop. He then left in the van; someone got the plate, but the police summary says “it came back as a stolen vehicle.”
(Recent sunrise, photographed by Stewart L.)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:
ST. PATRICK’S DAY: Got a tip for where to celebrate? We have two for starters – Circa (2605 California SW) tells us, “One of our biggest days of the year. Full special menu, 3 Irish beers on tap & fun atmosphere. Dine in or take out.” … Also, Admiral Pub is hosting St. Patrick’s Day Bingo, 7 pm (2306 California SW).
BOARD GAME NIGHT: Come try something new at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), 6:30-10 pm.
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm online AND in-person (basement of Alki UCC, 6115 SW Hinds), agenda details and connection link in our calendar listing, all welcome.
OPENING NIGHT: ArtsWest‘s new play “This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing” opens tonight, 7:30 pm, in the theater at 4711 California SW. Tickets available here.
Have an event to list on our calendar? We’re adding more daily – email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Three ways to help local schools this week:
THE BRIDGE SCHOOL: This cooperative elementary school (a WSB sponsor) is not only taking bids in an online auction all week, it’s inviting you to a live online auction at 6 pm Saturday, with a costume contest (prizes!) as well as bidding. The Bridge School promises, “Our auction includes a wonderful mix of items and experiences. You can bid on: gift certificates, homemade items, themed baskets, unique experiences, fantastic getaways, and more!” Get going right now by starting here.
FAUNTLEROY CHILDREN’S CENTER: Through Sunday, another online auction is supporting Fauntleroy Children’s Center. More than 160 items are up for bidding, thanks to FCC families and community. businesses. It’s the 35th annual auction for FCC and you can go here right now to be part of it.
KRISPY KREMES FOR MADISON MS: The Madison Middle School PTSA is raising money by selling Krispy Kreme donuts. Two ways to get in on it:
1. Pre-order a dozen freshly-baked, glazed doughnuts for $13, to be picked up in front of Madison Middle School on Friday, March 25, between 8:15-9:00 am and 3:45-4:30 pm.
2. Buy a “Digital Dozen” for $13. Digital gift cards will be delivered via email after the fundraiser ends to be redeemed ANY time at ANY Krispy Kreme location.
They’re taking orders through next Tuesday (March 22nd) – go here.
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, March 17th. (Spring starts at 8:33 am Sunday!)
WEATHER
Chance of more rain today, high near 50.
ROAD WORK:
The 35th/Findlay sewer work is expected to continue.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES TODAY
Metro is on its regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of reroutes/cancellations. (NOTE: Saturday is Metro’s next “service change”; here’s our story with West Seattle changes.)
Water Taxi‘s on its regular schedule.
Ferries: WSF continues the two-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
723rd 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.)
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 by @wsdot_traffic.
All city traffic cams can be seen here; West Seattle and vicinity-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.
1:41 AM: Another big Seattle Fire dispatch – this time headed for a report of a possible fire at Beach Drive and Jacobsen Road. Updates to come.
(Added: Video sent by Ann)
1:44 AM: First crews on scene say smoke is visible from a house.
1:51 AM: The address is now the 4700 block of Beach Drive. “Water on the fire,” a firefighter just told his colleagues and dispatch. … And a minute later, they’ve reported the fire is under control.
1:54 AM: They’ve just checked the house’s basement and report smoke and flames there.
1:59 AM: They’ve also found fire “in the walls.” No word of injuries so far.
2:12 AM: The fire’s out; no one was inside, firefighters report. If the revised address on the SFD log is correct, this is the house just south of Emma Schmitz Overlook that was the former Quesnel’s Restaurant decades ago. It’s now on the books as a duplex.
2:28 AM: Some units are being dismissed. The cause is under investigation.
2:39 AM: Beach Drive Blog‘s photo confirms it is the former Quesnel’s.
3 AM: BDB now says it’s 4701 Beach Drive, not 4703 as logged by SFD. Meanwhile, we’ve added video above, sent by Ann.
10:08 AM: SFD spokesperson Kristin Tinsley tells WSB, “Fire investigators ruled the fire as ‘accidental,’ caused by electrical failure/overheating involving the refrigerator power supply or refrigerator itself; ignited nearby combustibles.”
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