West Seattle, Washington

04 Sunday

61℉

month : 03/2022 305 results

ROAD-WORK ALERT: 5-way intersection changes, West Marginal Way repaving this weekend
March 3, 2022 4:54 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Here’s your advance alert about road work this weekend – here’s the announcements from SDOT:

5-WAY WORK ON SUNDAY: One week ago, at the West Seattle Transportation Coalition meeting, SDOT mentioned the 5-way just west of the low bridge was being evaluated for changes. Here’s what SDOT is going to do on Sunday:

We’ll be working to close the northbound lane at the Chelan 5-way intersection for people turning into Terminals 5 and 7. This change is being made to help the West Seattle Bridge detour route run more smoothly. At this intersection, delays and traffic congestion from train activity have become more frequent and have ranged from just a minute or two, up to 90 minutes. Since this route is a vital pathway for people traveling into and out of West Seattle during the bridge closure, it is important that we keep traffic moving efficiently and safely for everyone using the roadways.

To make these changes, we’ll need to update the striping on the street, add and remove signs, and make some traffic signal updates. During this work, we’ll need to turn off the signal for a period of time. We’ll have a uniformed police officer directing traffic at the intersection to make sure traffic is moving efficiently during this work. We’ll start as early as 4 AM on Sunday morning and expect to be done by 1:30 PM that afternoon.

These changes will mostly impact freight trucks and employees traveling to Terminal 5 and 7. We will be prohibiting the following movements:

Eastbound left turns from Chelan Ave SW
Northbound straight-through from Delridge Way SW
Northbound straight through from SW Spokane St (from the low bridge)
Westbound right turn from West Marginal Way SW

What other ways can freight and employees get to Terminal 5 and 7?

Freight and employees will be rerouted to an alternate route using the Terminal 5 access bridge. This bridge has a designated right-turn lane to Terminal 7 for people driving to that terminal. To access the Terminal 5 bridge, turn onto SW Spokane St and turn left, just before the entrance to the Spokane Street Swing Bridge. The Terminal 5 access bridge travels over the Chelan 5-way intersection and directly to the terminals.

Here’s a flyer about the planned work.

WEST MARGINAL WAY REPAVING: This is planned both days this weekend:

We are returning to West Marginal Way to pave the other side of the street we paved in early February. On Saturday and Sunday, we will be repaving West Marginal Way SW between 2nd Ave SW and Highland Park Way SW. We anticipate beginning this work early as 1 AM and concluding by 1 PM on both days. During work hours, we will be limiting the area to southbound traffic only.

People driving northbound will follow a detour route that continues north on 2nd Ave SW to Highland Park Way and connects at the Highland Park Way/West Marginal Way intersection. The road will be fully open outside of work hours, but please anticipate traffic delays and navigate the area with caution.

SIGNAGE ON SUNDAY: Also from SDOT, “We’ll be adding directional signs on westbound SW Spokane St to provide earlier notice of the correct lane to be in for the Admiral Way or Harbor Ave/Avalon Way exits. We’ll also make small updates to the road striping to support these new signs. We plan to start this work in the early morning on Sunday, as early as 4 AM and expect to be done by 6 AM that same day.“

Share This

UPDATE: Beach Drive reopens after sewer-pipe break
March 3, 2022 1:56 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(South of the break, photo by Kersti Muul)

1:56 PM: Thanks for the tips. A water break in the 6700 block of Beach Drive [map] has closed the street to traffic, north of Lowman Beach. SFD is on scene. More shortly.

2:44 PM: Firefighters remain on site and SPU has arrived. They’re not sure whether this is a water line or sewer line but it broke under the street. The closure’s not likely to end any time soon. Residents are using sandbags.

4:22 PM: SPU says “we currently believe that no SPU water or drainage/sewer infrastructure is involved.”

4:32 PM: We’re now trying to find out whose line it was. Meantime, Kersti reports that Beach Drive has reopened.

5:52 PM: Just went back down for a look. Whatever is leaking, it’s coming up through cracks in the street and along the sidewalk even more vigorously than it was when we stopped by four hours ago. A King County truck is there, too.

12:13 AM: King County Wastewater Treatment Division has finally confirmed it was their pipe, in a late-night news release. It says, “Flows from the leaking pipe were diverted to a second pipe … The leak overflowed into storm drains and through an outfall near Lowman Beach Park, … Crews worked through the evening to clean the streets. … County staff posted caution signs along the water near the outfall, and water quality testing will begin at first light on Friday morning. King County reported the overflow to health and regulatory agencies.”

(Added: Photo from a Beach Drive neighbor)

We’ll be following up further later Friday.

Share This

BIZNOTES: Sign of West Seattle Just Poké progress
March 3, 2022 12:25 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

12:25 PM: Just Poké has long had West Seattle in its sights – more than four years – but for the first time, there’s a sign of progress. Hope tipped us today that the banner was up in the window of Just Poké’s future location, the former Wallflower Custom Framing space in Mural (4735 42nd SW) across from Jefferson Square. That’s the space that Just Poké’s founder Norman Wu mentioned to us one year ago, though the company’s website shows a different WS address (the space since taken by West Seattle Liquor & Wine [WSB sponsor]). We have an inquiry out seeking an update on their timeline.

3:34 PM: Wu tells WSB they’re expecting to open in June.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Red Nissan pickup stolen again (UPDATE: found)
March 3, 2022 11:08 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

11:08 AM: Back in October, we reported on the theft of this 1997 red Nissan pickup. Now it’s been stolen again:

The theft of the pickup with door signage for Harold’s Fitness (WSB sponsor) was just reported by Deborah, who says not only is it a repeat theft for this vehicle, it’s the third auto theft by Murray Wet Weather Facility and Lowman Beach Park in two weeks – the area’s even been hit during the daytime. The pickup now has the license plate C11469Y. If you see it – last time it turned up in southeast West Seattle – call 911.

9:04 PM: Deborah reports that a WSB reader found the truck – not far from home – and notified Harold, so they have it back.

Share This

Pizza fundraiser, 16th SW reconfiguration @ NHUAC, more for your Thursday
March 3, 2022 10:26 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Cooper’s Hawk, photographed in February by Mark Dale)

Here’s what’s up in the hours ahead:

SCHOOL DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: Dine in at, or get delivery/takeout from, Proletariat Pizza (9622 16th SW, White Center) 4-9 pm today and tell them you’re supporting Roxhill Elementary, so part of the proceeds will go to Friends of Roxhill, as our calendar listing explains.

SUMMIT ATLAS OPEN HOUSE: West Seattle charter middle/high school Summit Atlas (35th/Roxbury) invites prospective families to an open house 5:30-7:30 pm – RSVP here.

LINE-DANCING CLASSES: You can drop in and dance at 6:15 pm, Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) with Silver Sweet Soul – more info in our calendar listing.

BOARD GAME NIGHT: Come try something new at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), 6:30-10 pm.

WHITE CENTER’S COMMUNITY COUNCIL: If you live in unincorporated North Highline just south of West Seattle, your community council – the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council – meets tonight, 7 pm online, with major topics including a full presentation about the proposed rechannelization of part of 16th SW – our preview on White Center Now explains how to participate.

FIRST THURSDAY FUNK: Battlestar Kalakala at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm doors.

Share This

BIZNOTE: Tasting time at West Seattle Liquor and Wine
March 3, 2022 9:00 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

Most Fridays, West Seattle Liquor and Wine (4714 42nd SW; WSB sponsor) invites you to visit for tastings, 4-6 pm. This Friday (March 4th), they’re having a special tasting for wine lovers – Cabernet Sauvignon. Along with wine from our state, WSLW is also planning to feature Cabernets from California, Italy, Spain, and France this Friday. If you haven’t been to the shop yet, it’s on the outer west side of Jefferson Square, next to Nikko Teriyaki.

Share This

TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Thursday notes
March 3, 2022 6:04 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:04 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, March 3rd.

WEATHER

Clouds and possible rain are in the forecast, with a high near 50.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES TODAY

Metro is on its regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of reroutes/cancellations.

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

709th 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 on @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.

Share This

Ferry dock at Lincoln Park? Lowman Beach? Current location? Or? Fauntleroy terminal replacement ‘draft alternatives’ unveiled
March 2, 2022 9:40 pm
|      100 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The Fauntleroy ferry dock/terminal must and will be replaced. But might it be moved, too?

At this early stage in the planning process, that’s a possibility, the replacement project’s Community Advisory Group was told tonight. During the group’s first meeting in three months, Washington State Ferries rolled out nine “draft alternatives” – including concepts, however improbable-seeming, for possibly moving the dock to Lincoln Park or Lowman Beach.

More on the nine “draft alternatives” in a moment. First, here’s what the meeting was all about. The replacement isn’t expected to go into construction before 2025, so the process is currently in the stage of developing alternatives and finalizing the criteria for screening them.

Screening is a two-level process, and when they get to stage 1, that’s the “fatal flaw” part of the process; stage 2 is “detailed analysis.” Read More

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen black Jetta (update – found)
March 2, 2022 9:02 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen black Jetta (update – found)
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | Westwood

Mackenzie reports a stolen car to watch for: “Black Jetta GLI stolen from 29th Ave SW and Thistle SW. License plate is BWG7161 – WA plates. It was taken night before last (Monday) between 9 pm and 6 am.” If you see it, call 911. (Update: Found in Westcrest Park 10 days after this report.)

Share This

WEST SEATTLE SUNSET: March magic
March 2, 2022 7:12 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

What a sunset! Thanks to everyone who sent photos. Above, the first one in was from Mel in Highland Park; the view below is from Brooke Gozstola:

Tom Trulin had this view overlooking the Fauntleroy ferry terminal:

Doug Eglington caught the reflection from downtown buildings:

And here’s Bill Johnson‘s view from Upper Fauntleroy:

Savor the colors – could be another gray day tomorrow.

Share This

ORCAS: Happy and sad news for Southern Resident Killer Whales, including a birth
March 2, 2022 4:20 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales | Wildlife

(J37 in central Puget Sound in December 2020, photographed by Kersti Muul)

Happy and sad news about the Southern Resident Killer Whales. First, the happy news – J-Pod has a new calf. The Center for Whale Research confirms the arrival of J59, believed to have been born to 21-year-old J37 sometime in the past few days. The two were seen yesterday in the San Juan Islands. CWR says this is the first J-Pod calf born in a year and a half. This brings the number of J-Pod orcas to 74. It’s too soon to know the calf’s gender.

Now the sad news – two other J-Pod whales are believed to have lost their calves, according to SR3. Their researchers documented three pregnant J-Pod whales last September (as reported here) and now says that during a recent sighting, before the aforementioned birth, only J37 appeared still pregnant. The other two had lost body size, and neither was accompanied by a calf. “Unfortunately, reproductive loss has become normal for this population,” SR3’s report says. (These orca updates were first reported by Lynda Mapes of The Seattle Times.)

Share This

FYI: Here’s how to report crime and other problems
March 2, 2022 3:11 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

This month’s newsletter from Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Danner goes beyond crime.

It’s worth saving in case you ever need to notify somebody about a wide variety of issues – if the embedded version above doesn’t work for you, here’s a PDF version.

Share This

LIBRARIES: Seattle’s interim Chief Librarian gets the permanent job
March 2, 2022 1:41 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news

Announced today by the Seattle Public Library: The system’s Board of Trustees has chosen Tom Fay as Chief Librarian. He’s been in the role on an interim basis since Marcellus Turner left a year ago. Before that, he spent five years as SPL’s director of library programs and services. Here’s the official news release. Fay was one of two finalists for the job. According to the detailed job listing, the “mid-range salary” for his new job is $203,700. The system he’ll be running has four branches in West Seattle – in Admiral, North Delridge, High Point, and Westwood.

Share This

PHOTOS: Our Lady of Guadalupe’s prayer walk for Ukraine peace
March 2, 2022 11:47 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle religion | West Seattle schools

(WSB photos)

Almost a week has passed since Russia invaded Ukraine. Worldwide signs of support for Ukraine include some here in West Seattle. This morning, Our Lady of Guadalupe students and parishioners held a Prayer Walk after their Ash Wednesday Mass.

Many participants wore items in blue or yellow, the colors of Ukraine’s flag.

Some signs carried bilingual messages of peace.

At 6:30 tonight, before the evening Ash Wednesday Mass, OLG (35th and Myrtle) plans to pray the Rosary for Ukraine peace as well.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Car window smashed
March 2, 2022 11:20 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Jessica sent the photo and report:

I parked my car at the 3400 block of California. I went to my car to discover that someone attempted to break in (I’m assuming anyway). The front window on the driver side was smashed in. Even with insurance, it’s a costly fix. Wondering if anyone saw anything. Happened in the late hours of the first to early hours of the 2nd.

Share This

Fauntleroy dock project, District 1 Community Network, more for your West Seattle Wednesday
March 2, 2022 10:30 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Tuesday’s sunset, photographed by James Bratsanos)

Notes for the rest of your Wednesday:

SCHOOL BOARD: A budget increase for the West Seattle Elementary addition project is one of the items the Seattle Public Schools Board will consider during its semimonthly meeting, starting at 4:15 pm. The agenda includes viewing information.

FAUNTLEROY TERMINAL REPLACEMENT: The Community Advisory Group for the Fauntleroy ferry dock/terminal replacement project meets tonight for the first time in 3 months, 6 pm online. Our preview has information on how to participate.

DISTRICT 1 COMMUNITY NETWORK: 7 pm online, the community coalition for West Seattle and South Park has its monthly meeting, all welcome. Our calendar listing has information on how to participate.

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: 7:30 pm signups @ West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – no cover to watch. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Something for our calendar? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Share This

CORONAVIRUS: 3 upcoming vaccination pop-ups
March 2, 2022 9:31 am
|    Comments Off on CORONAVIRUS: 3 upcoming vaccination pop-ups
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Last weekend brought the end of West Seattle’s long-running city-supported COVID-19 vaccination clinic. But three local pop-ups have been announced for this month. For everyone eligible, the West Seattle YMCA (3622 SW Snoqualmie; WSB sponsor) is offering a community vaccination clinic noon-4 pm Saturday, March 12th; limited walk-in opportunities are expected, but you can also make an appointment – this flyer explains how. Meantime, for Seattle Public Schools students and staff, the district is promoting two upcoming clinics – 3-5 pm tomorrow (Thursday, March 3rd) at Upton Flats (35th/Graham) in High Point, and 9 am-1 pm Saturday, March 19, at Concord International (723 S. Concord) in South Park. For other availability, the state continues offering an online locator tool.

Share This

TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Wednesday watch
March 2, 2022 6:03 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, March 2nd.

WEATHER

Showers are in the forecast, with a 50s high.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES TODAY

Metro is on its regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of reroutes/cancellations.

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

708th 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 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.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Peregrine Falcon rescued
March 1, 2022 9:27 pm
|      34 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | Wildlife

The report and photos were sent by community naturalist Kersti Muul:

At 1:26 PM, I received a call from concerned West Seattleite ‘Lee The Gardener’ regarding a ‘hawk’ that didn’t look well. It was grounded on the parking strip next to Lowman Beach.

Luckily I was able to respond quickly; was on scene within 10 minutes. Quite a little crowd had gathered around this beautiful bird. Initially it was standing with one leg up, which could be thermoregulating, or it could be an injury. I assessed the situation and captured the bird quickly.

It was very alert, but not as reactive as it should be, and not flighted. It later put weight on the leg that was previously up.

My first thoughts were, that it was one of our local Merlin pair, however after looking at the size and markings (malar stripes, etc.) I determined it to be a juvenile Peregrine Falcon. The fastest animal and bird on our planet! Quite a humbling feeling to be of assistance to such a rockstar bird.

I transported the falcon to PAWS and hope it recovers quickly.

Photos by me and Trileigh Tucker, who happened to be at Lowman looking at other birds!

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Assault arrest; apparently abandoned car
March 1, 2022 8:14 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Two reports tonight:

ASSAULT ARREST: We got a question about police and medics near 13th/Holden very early this morning, and a short police-report summary has the answer: At 3:42 am, officers were called for “an assault and theft” in the 1200 block of SW Holden. “While attempting to arrest the suspect, he kicked an officer in the jaw and shoulder,” the report says, adding that the suspect was taken into custody “after a struggle” and eventually booked for third-degree assault. We’ve requested more info about the case from police.

APPARENTLY ABANDONED CAR: With auto theft still at a high rate, we’re hearing about more sightings of what appear to be abandoned vehicles. Here’s one that’s been in a Seaview neighborhood for more than a month, according to Bill, who sent the photo as one last attempt to find its owner before calling it in:

The car also carries a 2008 parking sticker from Los Rios Community College in Sacramento, California.

Share This

THEY’RE BACK: Outdoor movies returning to West Seattle this year
March 1, 2022 6:05 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | West Seattle Outdoor Movies

West Seattle hasn’t had a summer outdoor-movie series since 2018 – it wasn’t a pandemic casualty; it went on hiatus for lack of a sponsor. But this year, it’s coming back. The West Seattle Junction Association has announced plans for five Saturday night outdoor movies this summer. Right now, WSJA is inviting you to vote for three movies from this list of 18 possibilities. The movie nights are set for July 23, July 30, August 6, August 13, and August 20. Stand by for details including location – past sites, during the previous 14 summers of the movie series, were the Hotwire Coffee courtyard and West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) parking lot.

Share This

DEVELOPMENT: Work under way at 3405 Harbor Avenue SW apartment-project site
March 1, 2022 4:18 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

The development site at Harbor/Avalon is being cleared, as work begins for the six-story, 114-unit building that’s been in the works for three years.

(Rendering by Atelier Drome Architecture)

This project now goes by the address 3405 Harbor Avenue SW (previously 3417) and is being developed by Housing Diversity Corporation with West Seattle-headquartered STS Construction (WSB sponsor) and Atelier Drome Architecture. HDC announced today that it’s closed a $25.7 million loan to finance the 3405 Harbor project, which is described as “91 attainably priced market-rate units as well as 23 rent-restricted units through Seattle’s Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) Program.” HDC, STS, and Atelier Drome are collaborating on a half-dozen other West Seattle projects, as noted on the HDC website, all projects we’ve been covering – 214 apartments at 1704 SW Roxbury, 96 apartments at 4448 California SW, 76 apartments at 9201 Delridge Way SW, 48 apartments at 6007 California SW. 39 townhouses at 2501 SW Orchard, and 24 apartments at 9038 21st SW.

Back to 3405 Harbor – documents in city files indicate the construction should last just over a year and a half, and that the Mandatory Housing Affordability fee paid for this project was just under a million dollars.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE SCENE: SPD Mounted Patrol at Alki
March 1, 2022 2:24 pm
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Thanks to the texter who sent that photo with word that the Seattle Police Mounted Patrol had arrived on Alki. We were out photographing something else at the time and went right over to see if we could catch up with them; saw the empty truck and trailer, but couldn’t find the horses/officers. They’re often out for training/acclimation rides this time of year; the unit is based in West Seattle, on the west side of Westcrest Park. Citywide media reported that the unit got two new horses last fall.

Share This