West Seattle, Washington

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month : 03/2022 305 results

WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: Concrete followup; party-planning update
March 15, 2022 4:41 pm
|      54 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Bridge notes this afternoon:

(SDOT photo – inside the bridge, awaiting concrete)

CONCRETE FOLLOWUP: As reported here Monday, striking concrete-truck drivers say they’te willing to return to work at three of the four companies involved in the labor dispute, to get concrete going again for projects including the West Seattle Bridge. Today the companies have released a joint statement, saying only two of the companies had heard from Teamsters Local 174, but that they’d be happy to welcome those drivers back to work. Meantime, we have another update from SDOT this afternoon, after their earlier response that bridge-repair contractor Kraemer North America is contacting the suppliers named in the Teamsters announcement: “We are working closely with Kraemer as they urgently seek a concrete supplier for the bridge and continue to reorder and evaluate the repair schedule. We are talking with them every day about ways to keep the bridge repairs moving forward and minimize delays as much as possible.”

PARTY-PLANNING UPDATE: Though we don’t know when the West Seattle Bridge will reopen, a volunteer community coalition is continuing to plan celebrations. This is entirely a grass-roots effort, coordinated by the executive directors of the West Seattle Junction Association and Chamber of Commerce. The purpose is two-fold: Both to celebrate the end of the closure, whenever it happens, and to ensure the rest of the region is invited to head back this way. Nothing’s finalized yet but the first thing you’re likely to hear about soon is a logo contest with a theme along the lines of “I Survived the West Seattle Bridge Closure” – they’ll be looking for a logo for T-shirts and other merch. As for events, there’s talk of a run/walk on the bridge at some point before it reopens, followed by an afterparty, and a “business activation” event/campaign after it reopens, as well as neighborhood-specific celebrations. This is all privately funded so far, and one of the subcommittees is actively seeking sponsors, after signing STS Construction Services (WSB sponsor) and Compass Real Estate as lead sponsors.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen black Harley
March 15, 2022 3:27 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

3:27 PM: Lots of good work by WSB readers lately getting stolen stuff back to their owners, so here’s something else to look for – a stolen motorcycle. The report and photo are from Rebecca, who says this happened last night in Highland Park:

My husband’s black Harley Davidson motorcycle was stolen from the driveway in the alley between SW Kenyon and Portland St (near 11th SW). The license plate is 0F0048 and the police report case number is 22-64607.

9:43 PM: Rebecca found out from neighbors that a red Jeep towing a trailer took the motorcycle away.

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First candidate for open 34th District State House seat: Leah Griffin
March 15, 2022 1:39 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

As reported here on Monday, 34th District State House Rep. Eileen Cody of West Seattle is retiring from the Legislature after 27+ years. Today, the first potential successor has announced her campaign: Leah Griffin, also a West Seattle resident (Highland Park). From her announcement:

Griffin is a certificated school librarian who works on sexual assault policy reform at the state and federal levels. After being raped by a man in her neighborhood in 2014 and seeing how broken the system is for survivors, Griffin knew she had to do something to make things better for other survivors. In 2015, she was appointed to the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Task Force in the Washington legislature with the aim of solving the myriad of problems survivors encounter navigating the justice system in Washington State.

As a representative of survivors, Griffin significantly contributed to the passage of HB1068, to test new rape kits, HB1109 to increase trauma informed interviewing techniques for police, HB2530 to track rape kits through the system, SB1539 to prevent child sexual assault, SB5649 to increase the statute of limitations for rape, and HB1109 to fund and test all untested rape kits in Washington, HB2318 to store unreported kits, and amend the legal definition of rape kits, and SB6158 to create model sexual assault protocols for hospitals.

She also helped write and lobby for the Survivors’ Access to Supportive Care Act with Senator Murray and Representative Jayapal to increase access to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners in hospitals. Leah connects her work to her community by working with the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, Legal Voice, RISE, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest, and the Washington Library Association. She sits on the board of the Sexual Violence Law Center.

“I took my rage, and I channeled it into reform. What I understand now is that sexual violence intersects with almost every other issue; healthcare, education, economic justice, law enforcement, homelessness. Trauma is at the root of our society’s problems, and it is past time that we talk about it. There is so much to do, and I look forward to making those changes together,” said Griffin.

The field of candidates for the seat won’t be finalized until after the formal filing period in May; this year’s primary election is on August 2nd.

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Alki Point’s unofficial ‘dog park’ locked, again
March 15, 2022 1:03 pm
|      33 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | West Seattle news

The photo is from Karen, one of multiple readers who emailed this past week to wonder why that patch of public land on Alki Point was suddenly locked and inaccessible, as it’s been used, they say, as an unofficial “dog park.” It’s part of the grounds of the Alki stormwater treatment plant, a facility managed by the King County Wastewater Treatment Division. So we asked KCWTD spokesperson Marie Fiore about it. She says the site was never intended to be a “dog park,” or any other kind of park, but people continue to “cut the lock off” – so the lock was replaced. She says public access is prohibited “for safety and liability.”

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New ‘High Utilizer Initiative’ aimed at addressing frequent offenders
March 15, 2022 11:10 am
|      60 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

118 people responsible for more than 2,400 criminal cases in Seattle in the past five years. That’s who the City Attorney’s Office says it’s targeting for starters, as it launches the newest attempt to address frequent offenders, called the High Utilizer Initiative. The announcement from City Attorney Ann Davison says this program will “identify individuals responsible for repeat criminal activity across the City of Seattle and aims to dramatically reduce their public safety impacts” by prioritizing their cases to “ensure they have access to critical social safety programs.” The 118 initially identified people, according to Davison’s office, were charged with “theft (1,019 charges), trespassing (589 charges), assault (409 charges), or weapons violations (101 charges).” The program won’t involve domestic violence or DUI offenders, which the announcement says “are already the subject of additional attention.” Davison is quoted as promising to “advocate for both accountability and behavioral health and substance use interventions to help stop the cycle of addiction, crime, and human suffering we are seeing on our streets.” No specifics on which “interventions,” though. The list of High Utilizers will be kept by the City Attorney’s Office, but coordination is promised with SPD, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, King County Jail, and “service providers.” This isn’t the first time the city has talked about dealing with repeat offenders, though – today’s announcement ends with the note, “The High Utilizer Initiative follows in part some similar recommendations made by the 2019 High Barrier Individuals Working Group, organized by Seattle and King County.” (More about that here.) As for whether West Seattle offenders are on the list, we’ve asked the City Attorney’s Office if any geographic information is available.

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Ten for your West Seattle Tuesday
March 15, 2022 9:58 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Moss growing on a Beach Drive tree, photographed by Trileigh Tucker)

Highlights for the hours ahead:

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: Use this search tool to find the next locations/times.

ONLINE AUCTION FOR THE BRIDGE SCHOOL: Bid right now (through Friday) on items and experiences to support cooperative elementary The Bridge School (WSB sponsor) – go here to get started.

NORTHWEST SEAPORT ALLIANCE: The managing members (Seattle and Tacoma port commissioners) meet online at 11:45 am – here’s the agenda; here’s where to watch.

CITY COUNCIL: Their weekly meeting is at 2 pm, online. The agenda explains how to comment; Seattle Channel is where to watch.

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.

FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Meeples Games (3727 California SW) welcomes families 6-8 pm to this weekly hosted game-playing night.

JOIN CAMP LONG’S ADVISORY COUNCIL: Want to help Camp Long thrive? 6:30 tonight, participate in an info session for prospective Advisory Council members. Info’s in our calendar listing.

CHIEF SEALTH IHS PTSA MEETING: 7 pm online – link is in our calendar listing.

TRIVIA X 2: Two of the venues where you can 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!

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Memorial planned March 25 for Dorothy Neal, 1924-2022
March 15, 2022 9:00 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather March 25th for a Funeral Mass in memory of Dorothy Neal. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing now:

Dorothy Neal joined her husband Jim and son Jimmy in heaven on February 25th, leaving behind a legacy of love.

She was born on June 9, 1924, to Louis Joseph and Hannah Murdoch Blanchard in Seattle. She was raised in South Park, the 9th of 10 children. A fondness of dancing the Jitterbug and Swing attracted her to the “best dancer in Ballard,” Jim Neal, and the two married in 1944. The family moved to Vashon in May 1951 and spent many happy years grilling salmon, singing around the fire, reading stories, and dancing. She worked as a librarian for the Vashon Island School District and she received her BA from CWU in 1984. Along with skiing, jogging, and boating, Dorothy was a gifted artist, seamstress, and puppeteer; and crafted over 250 marionettes for her traveling show, “The Theater of the Little People.” The show went on tour in Washington and BC.

The passing of her son Jimmy and suffering from breast cancer were two tribulations that had a huge effect on Dorothy but attested to her tenacity, faith, and spirit. She spent her later years working for daughter Shelley at her preschool and was known for her loving presence, hand-painted cookies, and the way she made each child feel special and loved. She was called Grandma Dorothy by all.

She lives on through her family, students, and friends whom she affected greatly with her positivity and living life to its fullest. Dorothy leaves behind her sister Irene Dufort, her five children Kathy Winge (Carl), Joe Neal, Diane Kukull (Walter), Teresa Walsh (John), Shelley Neal (Ralph), 18 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren. There will be a Rosary said Thursday, March 24th at 7 pm at the Island Funeral Service and a Funeral Mass celebrated by Rev. David Mayovsky at St. John Vianney, Friday, March 25th at 11 am. A luncheon will follow. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Seattle Saturday morning. Remembrances in Dorothy’s name can be sent to Providence Mt. St. Vincent Foundation, where she was lovingly cared for the last years of her life, 4831 35th Ave SW, Seattle 98126.

(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)

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Last Tuesday of winter
March 15, 2022 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Last Tuesday of winter
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, March 15th. (Spring arrives Sunday!)

WEATHER

Showery, breezy, possible pm thunderstorms, 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

721st 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.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gym theft leads to car theft
March 15, 2022 1:02 am
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Just got a call about another car theft – this time, the owner says her locker was broken into at LA Fitness and the stolen items included her car keys, so the thief subsequently stole her car from the Spruce garage. It’s a royal blue 2015 Hyundai Sonata SE (similar to this), 4-door, no window tint, blue interior lights, license #BNF4676. There’s some driver’s-side damage, as the thief took off with some blue pieces of the car mirror left behind.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 6 reports, from robberies to catalytic-converter theft to found/dumped items
March 14, 2022 8:24 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch:

STREET ROBBERY: The full report narrative on this wasn’t available but a woman reported being held up at gunpoint near California/Alaska in The Junction on Saturday night. Her purse and phone were taken. No description of the robber other than he was “short.” If you have any information, the incident number is 22-062983.

STORE SHOPLIFT-TURNED-ROBBERY: This happened around 3 am Saturday at the Harbor Avenue 7/11. According to the police summary, the clerk reported that “a group” had come in and while one was buying a beverage, another was grabbing alcoholic beverages, lighters, and health/beauty products. While that person was in the process of leaving without paying, the clerk “verbally challenged her to pay for the items,” and the thief “lifted her shirt and exposed a short knife in her waistband.” That made it a robbery. She and the group left in two vehicles; the summary does not include descriptions.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER STOLEN: In a garage in the 1100 block of Alki Avenue SW, the catalytic converter was stolen Saturday night from Jill‘s 2006 Lexus RX 330. She says the thief left in this red Volvo:

Its plate starts with CAZ. Jill says people in a red Volvo were also seen a few days earlier “casing our building and turning our cameras.” (TUESDAY UPDATE: The car was stolen March 3rd on Genesee Hill, its owner tells us.)

THEFT TOOL? Rich found this stashed/tossed in shrubbery by his residence on Fauntleroy Way south of The Junction:

We discovered an automobile jack hidden in the bushes next to our house. When I saw it, the catalytic converter thefts leapt to mind.

But if you happen to have had one stolen and this looks like it … let us know. (TUESDAY UPDATE: Heard from the jack’s owner.)

DUMPED SKI GEAR: Ken found this dumped in a Fauntleroy alley:

If it looks like items you’re missing, let us know and we’ll connect you. (TUESDAY UPDATE: Heard from the items’ owner.)

CAR-THEFT ATTEMPT: One last reader report – Steve in Fauntlee Hills says someone tried to steal his car, parked on the street. He found the steering column and ignition damaged this morning. It was clear that an intruder had been in his car for one other reason – it reeked of cigarette smoke.

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CONCRETE STRIKE: Drivers say they’ll return to work at 3 companies without a settlement ‘to allow concrete to flow to critical projects’ including West Seattle Bridge
March 14, 2022 5:44 pm
|      44 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

(Image from SDOT bridge-top webcam)

5:44 PM: There could be a partial break in the 3-month-old strike by more than 300 concrete-truck drivers against four local companies, which has left worksites including the West Seattle Bridge repair project waiting for concrete. According to an update on the Teamsters Local 174 website, the drivers are offering to return to work at three of the companies as of tomorrow – Cadman Seattle, Lehigh Cement, and Salmon Bay Sand & Gravel. The update says in part:

… This decision will allow some concrete to flow to critical projects in and around Seattle, with a dedicated and professional Teamster workforce operating equipment they know well, including the West Seattle Bridge, Sound Transit, the Convention Center, and the Hwy 520 Bridge. Negotiations for a new contract will continue with each Employer individually until contracts are reached. This includes the three companies whose workers have offered to return to the job. …

The update includes the letter the union says it’s sent to the three companies, which says in part:

… After much consideration, and on behalf of the bargaining unit we represent and who you employ, which is currently engaged in an unfair labor practice strike against your company, the Union hereby accepts your March 4, 2022, offer to permit our members to return to work “at any time” for the Seattle Location. We designate the beginning of the workday on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, as the time when our members will return to work. To maximize efficiency, please promptly inform our members who are employed by you regarding their work assignments on that day. …

The company not included in the offer is Gary Merlino Construction, which the union says made “a regressive offer” last week. We’ll be seeking reaction from city reps among others; the four concrete suppliers involved in the strike have been posting statements here, but there’s nothing about today’s Teamsters announcement yet. It’s been three weeks since the February 20th date by which the city said concrete needed to be available to keep the bridge repairs on schedule.

6:09 PM: You might recall that the February 20th “need concrete by” date was announced by Mayor Bruce Harrell at a joint media briefing with King County Executive Dow Constantine in White Center, as Constantine announced a plan for the county to seek alternate suppliers. The county executive (a West Seattle resident) is first in with a reaction to the Teamsters’ offer:

For more than 100 days most of the region’s construction has stopped as a result of a dispute between several sand and gravel companies and their employees, who are represented by Teamsters Local 174. Thousands of construction jobs have been impacted, tens of millions of dollars lost, and critical infrastructure projects delayed including wastewater, transit, bridges, and housing.

Today’s offer by Teamsters to return to work at three locations could help critical projects get back on track while negotiations for a three-year contract continue. I appreciate the Teamsters members and leaders who are continuing to bargain in good faith to get a fair contract. Now it’s time for the sand and gravel companies to do the same and return to the negotiating table, secure a fair and long-term contract, and get our region moving again.

ADDED TUESDAY MORNING: We asked SDOT for comment last night and here’s what spokesperson Ethan Bergerson tells us this morning: “The City’s contract language for public works projects like the West Seattle Bridge gives contractors autonomy to select concrete suppliers. Kraemer North America has flexibility to get concrete from any supplier, and is currently reaching out to all three companies listed in the Teamsters press release.”

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POLITICS: Longtime State Rep. Eileen Cody of West Seattle retiring: ‘I had a good run’
March 14, 2022 4:00 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

4 PM: After more than 27 years of representing West Seattle and the rest of the 34th Legislative District, State Rep. Eileen Cody is retiring. That’s according to an announcement from the 34th District Democrats, which notes in part:

… Eileen has chaired the House Health Care and Wellness Committee and tirelessly worked for improved patient safety, mental health parity, public health services and to restore the universal purchase of vaccines. She led the effort to implement the Affordable Care Act at the state level. Largely due to her work, our system has been a model for the rest of the country. She leaves big shoes to fill. We thank her for her service and will be planning a special event in her honor after the term ends.

Rep. Cody’s interest in health care goes beyond her legislative work; as noted in her official biography, she worked as a nurse for more than 40 years, until retiring three years ago. She was first elected to the 34th District’s State House Position 1 in 1994 and last won re-election, unopposed, in November 2020; what is now her final term will end after the elections this fall. We are seeking comment from Rep. Cody and will update if and when we hear back.

4:30 PM: Just talked with Rep. Cody. She says, “It’s time … I had a good run.” She’s hoping to spend time traveling with her husband. But she’ll be on the job until her term ends when her successor takes office next January. She says she knows of multiple potential candidates – none are showing on the state Public Disclosure Commission website yet – so it’s likely to be an “active summer” of campaigning.

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SPORTS: West Seattle HS lacrosse team starts 2022 play
March 14, 2022 2:47 pm
|    Comments Off on SPORTS: West Seattle HS lacrosse team starts 2022 play
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Thanks to Andrew for the photo and report from the weekend:

West Seattle HS Lacrosse was back in pre-season action at the Spring Tune-Up Jamboree.

The boys won their first match 5-0 over Kamiak, followed by a 2-4 loss to Skyview, then an 8-6 win over Union.

Wildcats are looking forward to a fun, competitive season.

Dates and times of upcoming games are on the team calendar. The lacrosse program is hoping to have a WSHS girls’ team starting next year.

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UTILITY WORK: Planned outage next week for ~500 customers
March 14, 2022 1:39 pm
|    Comments Off on UTILITY WORK: Planned outage next week for ~500 customers
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news | White Center

If you’re on one of the orange-shaded blocks of Westwood, South Delridge, and White Center, you should have received a notice from Seattle Public Utilities about a planned overnight water outage next week for about 500 homes/businesses: 9 pm Tuesday, March 22nd, to 6 am the next morning, Wednesday, March 23rd. SPU says the outage is needed because “SPU crews will be testing the water main shut off valves and preparing for some hydrant and water main work that will occur in April.” If you didn’t receive a notice, here’s the one-sheet explaining what to do and what not to do before and during the outage.

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RETURNING: West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2022
March 14, 2022 11:34 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

We’ve received lots of questions in recent weeks about whether West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day will return this year. Today, the answer: Yes – two months from today.

If you’re new to West Seattle, WSCGSD isn’t one big sale – it’s one big day with simultaneous sales big and small all over the peninsula. It first happened in 2005, the second Saturday in May every year, but the nonprofit that launched it (Megawatt) disbanded in 2007, and we took it over starting in 2008. So we presented WSCGSD every year annually for 12 years … until the pandemic exploded right before registration for 2020 would have begun. So this will be the first WSCGSD since 2019.

The date: Saturday, May 14, 2022, 9 am-3 pm. (Individual sellers may choose to start earlier and/or end later, but we ask that all participants cover at least the basic six-hour window.)

We charge small registration fees (which we reduced when we took over WSCGSD in 2008 and have never raised) that cover production/promotional costs and provide a bit of support for ongoing WSB operations. A week before sale day, we publish clickable and printable maps/lists with all registered sales and their highlights.

Registration will open Monday, April 4th – watch here for the announcement and link. And get ready to shop, sell, or at least walk over and say hi to your neighbors, on May 14th.

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WEST SEATTLE MONDAY: What’s ahead
March 14, 2022 10:40 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE MONDAY: What’s ahead
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Lincoln Park, photographed by Anjanette Nelson-Wally)

Here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight:

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: Last week for sales – find cookie booth times and locations via the lookup.

ONLINE SCHOOL AUCTION: For the next week, you are invited to support the Fauntleroy Children’s Center:

The Parents of Fauntleroy Children’s Center invite you, as a member of our community, to participate in the 35th Annual Auction, Come Together, March 14-20. This year’s auction is completely virtual, so you can participate by visiting bit.ly/FCCAuction22.

Over 160 items thoughtfully donated by families and community businesses will be up for auction to support the early childhood programs at the Fauntleroy Children’s Center (FCC). Every dollar raised will go toward updating our beloved outdoor play structures, supporting continuing education for our teachers, funding tuition assistance for families in our community and other essential needs.

CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: 2 pm online, councilmembers preview the week ahead and recap recent highlights. No public-comment period, but the agenda explains how to watch/listen.

SPORTS: High-school softball season starts! West Seattle HS hosts Lynnwood at 4 pm at Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

LINE DANCING: 6:15 pm class at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) – drop-ins welcome. Details are in our calendar listing.

OPEN D&D: Drop in to play 6:30 pm-10 pm Mondays at Meeples Games (3727 California SW).

TRIVIA X 3: Here are tonight’s three options for trivia players – 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)

Do you have a listing for our calendar and daily previews? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen dark-green Dodge pickup
March 14, 2022 9:58 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen dark-green Dodge pickup
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch, another stolen pickup truck. Jason emailed this morning to report: “My truck was stolen from my driveway (6500 block of Delridge Way SW) at 1 am this morning (March 14th). ’99 Dodge Ram 2500 4×4 extended cab, dark green with amber beacon light on roof, license plate C74086X.” We’ll have other weekend Crime Watch reports later today.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: First Monday of Daylight Saving Time
March 14, 2022 6:04 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:04 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, March 14th. We trust you’ve caught up with Daylight Saving Time (which started Sunday morning) by now.

WEATHER

Rainy.

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

720th 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.

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: Comment countdown continues with city observations, ‘deep dive’ info, and how to see what it’ll look like
March 13, 2022 11:56 pm
|      47 COMMENTS
 |   Sound Transit | Transportation | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

46 days left to comment on what Sound Transit has found out about potential routes and station locations for West Seattle light rail – the findings that comprise the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

As of the end of February, ST had received 409 comments, the Community Advisory Group for the West Seattle/Duwamish River leg was told at its latest meeting

The centerpiece of the meeting was supposed to be a “deep dive” into parts of the DEIS on which group members had requested more information – including a slide deck with many more renderings that didn’t even get reviewed during the meeting. But if you’re still considering how you’ll comment on the options, you might be more interested in the second part of the meeting, which featured City of Seattle reps talking about how the city’s official comments are taking shape. So that’s where we’ll start.

Read More

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CORONAVIRUS: Mid-March check of West Seattle and countywide trends/stats
March 13, 2022 8:37 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

With many pandemic-related requirements now lifted or scaled back, it’s time for what will serve as a baseline update of key local numbers. So here’s what we’re seeing on the Public Health – Seattle/King County dashboard.

*23 percent fewer cases countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 226 new daily cases countywide (down from 291 when we checked a week ago)

*40 percent fewer hospitalizations countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 6 new hospitalizations daily (down from 11 a week ago)

*49 percent fewer deaths countywide in the past two weeks than the two weeks before (the dashboard doesn’t offer a one-week increment)
*Currently averaging 4 deaths daily (down from 5 a week ago)

For West Seattle, we have two-week comparisons (these are the combined totals from two “health reporting areas,” labeled West Seattle and Delridge):
*192 cases between 2/21 and 3/7, down from 330 between 2/6 and 2/20
*3 hospitalizations between 2/21 and 3/7, down from 4 between 2/6 and 2/20
*1 death between 2/21 and 3/7, down from 3 between 2/6 and 2/20

And checking vaccination rates:
*80.1 percent of all King County residents have completed the series (up .2% from a week ago)
*84.8 percent of all King County residents ages 5 and up have completed the series (up .2% from a week ago)

*In West Seattle, here are the zip-code vaccination rates for ages 5 and up (note that 98106 and 98146 are not entirely within WS):
98106 – 87% (up .3% from a week earlier)
98116 – 92% (up .3% from a week earlier)
98126 – 82.8% (up .2% from a week earlier)
98136 – 93% (up .2% from a week earlier)
98146 – 81.7% (up .2% from a week earlier)

Although the city’s West Seattle clinic is closed, you can still find vaccination locations via this statewide lookup.

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FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Ferry dock, police updates, 2 big spring events
March 13, 2022 7:44 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Among the community groups that had monthly meetings this past week was the Fauntleroy Community Association. Here are the toplines:

FERRY ISSUES: While paying close attention to the ongoing planning for the Fauntleroy ferry terminal/dock replacement, FCA is also watchdogging current operational issues. Line-cutting is a major concern. Signage has been added, but FCA doesn’t feel that’s enough. They’re hoping to organize a meeting with WSF, SPD, WSP, and SDOT to discuss what more can be done. Regarding the dock project, FCA’s point person Frank Immel – who’s on the project’s Community Advisory Group – presented updates. The dock rebuild (as reported in our coverage of the most-recent meeting) might expand the its vehicle capacity. FCA is skeptical that would do much for alleviating traffic on Fauntleroy Way. He stressed that at this stage, all possibilities are on the table. The prevailing FCA sentiment so far leans toward support of rebuilding the dock in its current location with the same foot print. Meantime, FCA president Mike Dey is meeting with local elected officials including State Representative Joe Fitzgibbon and City Councilmember Lisa Herbold. FCA’s Bruce Butterfield is facilitating next month’s District 1 Community Network meeting and hopes to have the ferry project on the agenda. Meantime, the CAG meets again this Wednesday.

POLICE UPDATES: Fauntleroy’s crime rate is among the lowest in the city, Southwest Precinct Lt. Dave Terry told the FCA board. He was asked how the “emphasis patrols” at nearby Westwood Village are going. They’ve been working as a deterrent when the officers are there, he said. He also warned that those extra patrols will shift to Alki Beach when warmer weather launches the busy season there. Asked for a status report on the staffing challenges, he talked about the time it takes to train new officers, and said that while new hires are in the pipeline, there’s no guarantee any will be assigned to the precinct here.

ANNUAL MEETING: FCA has set May 3rd as the date for the return of the in-person annual membership meeting, known as the Food Fest because it usually includes samples from neighborhood restaurants, More details soon.

EGG HUNT: FCA also continues planning the community Egg Hunt for the week of April 11th.

The Fauntleroy Community Association board meets second Tuesdays, 7 am – watch for announcements at fauntleroy.net.

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FOLLOWUP: Worn-out Beach Drive sewer pipe leaked tens of thousands of gallons
March 13, 2022 5:58 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Utilities | West Seattle news

That’s where crews worked to repair a 27-inch-wide sewer pipe over the past few days, one week after it leaked, sending liquid bubbling up over the street and sidewalk on Beach Drive north of Lowman Beach. The King County Wastewater Treatment Division, which is responsible for this pipe, said sand and grit simply wore a hole in the concrete pipe, which KCWTD says is more than 70 years old. We asked about the volume of the leak, which bubbled up for hours. KCWTD spokesperson Marie Fiore tells WSB that via “modeling,” they estimate the total amount of the leak was 40,500, with about 33,500 of that discharged on the surface: “A portion was absorbed into the ground and most went into the storm drains.” Last week, after the leak was reported, KCWTD crews rerouted the flow from the leaky pipe into a parallel pipe, and cleaned the area; they returned starting this past Friday for repairs.

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WEEKEND SCENE: Paddlers’ Duwamish River competitive cleanup nets almost a ton and a half of trash
March 13, 2022 2:46 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

That trophy’s part of what’s up for grabs in a cleanup competition that has dozens of paddlers out on the Duwamish River this afternoon. They launched shortly after noon from the Georgetown side of the river, close to the First Avenue South Bridge.

We talked with one of the organizers, Cari Simson of the Duwamish River Paddling Club. She told us they were splitting into groups to head both north and south, to the areas they thought were most likely to be in need of cleanup, on both sides of the river.

So the kayakers and paddleboarders don’t get bogged down with everything they pick up, Global Diving and Salvage and the Port of Seattle were providing motorized-boat support.

The paddlers are having a friendly competition in categories including Most Mysterious Garbage, Most Colorful Garbage, Most Re-Useful Garbage, and Most Wearable Garbage. We hope to get an update later on the results of what organizers have dubbed River Booty 2022.

ADDED SUNDAY EVENING: See the comments for the update and photos – almost a ton and a half of trash removed!

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