day : 07/10/2022 10 results

10:46 PM: Thanks for the tips. Police are investigating gunfire tonight targeting a West Seattle fire station. It was reported just after 9 pm that somebody shot at Fire Station 37. Investigating officers reported initially finding damage from one shot to the garage window of the station at 35th/Holden. No injuries reported. We’re following up and will add anything more we find out. If you have any information, the SPD incident number is 22-269510.

ADDED 9:20 AM SATURDAY: We followed up with SFD. Spokesperson Kristin Tinsley tells WSB this morning that despite the initial police assessment, “the glass of one of the apparatus bay doors was damaged at Fire Station 37 but it’s undetermined what caused the damage.” We won’t have access to the police report for further followup until Monday.

ADDED 10:43 AM SATURDAY: We did manage to obtain some information from police, who say a “ball bearing” was found at the scene. They’re still not sure exactly what happened but didn’t find gunfire evidence.

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INVESTIGATION: Detectives seeking information after person found dead along Highway 509

October 7, 2022 8:58 pm

| 26 COMMENTS

| Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news

Several people asked about an investigation that lasted for hours along southbound Highway 509 south of West Seattle, just north of Glendale Way South/5th Avenue South. (Thanks to Mel for the photo.) The King County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a death and looking for the public’s help:

Detectives are requesting the community’s help as they investigate what happened to a female found deceased this morning on the side of Highway 509.

We’re requesting information for anyone who was driving southbound on 509 between the 1st Ave. South Bridge and the 518 interchange between midnight and 7:30 am this morning (October 7th) and observed anything suspicious (vehicles stopped, people on the roadway, etc.) or have dashcam video.

If you know or saw anything, call our tip line 206-296-3311 or report anonymous tips at P3Tips.com – Case #C22033455

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WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: SDOT’s last weekly update

October 7, 2022 5:31 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

If you’ve been on the SDOT mailing list for weekly West Seattle Bridge updates – today’s newsletter is the last one, they’ve announced. Here’s the final update, three weeks post-reopening:

The West Seattle Bridge has been open to travelers for nearly 3 weeks, and people are transitioning back to their pre-closure travel patterns. Nearly 2/3 of pre-closure bridge travelers have returned to the high bridge over the past few weeks.

Traffic on the Spokane St Swing Bridge (low bridge), which is now open for everyone 24/7, has decreased by 30%, improving the flow of goods in and out of Seattle’s busy port. Traffic volumes on West Marginal Way SW, which were 250% higher than pre-closure volumes, have decreased dramatically. Elsewhere on the former detour routes – such as East Marginal Way S and 1st Ave S – the number of cars on the road has returned to what it was prior to March 2020.

Traffic on the low bridge, which sits just below the West Seattle Bridge, was down by more than 30% since reopening to all users.

People traveling to and from West Seattle are getting time back in their daily lives as traffic continues to adjust after the bridge reopening.

This decrease in traffic volumes across West Seattle means that people are getting to their destinations in less time. Peak travel times on most former detour routes have decreased significantly and people commuting to downtown from some neighborhoods in West Seattle have seen their travel times cut in half.

While more and more people get back on the bridge for their commutes, we will continue to monitor and inspect it in the months to come. Our first comprehensive inspection following the reopening confirmed that the repairs are doing their job and keeping the bridge strong and stable.

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WEST SEATTLE MUSIC: Got a ukulele? WSUP! is for you

October 7, 2022 3:51 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Photo courtesy WSUP!)

If you’ve got a ukulele, this group is looking for you. Mike at WSUP! sent the announcement:

WSUP! (name includes exclamation mark) – West Seattle Ukulele Players – are people sharing the joy of ukulele and music welcoming all and serving the West Seattle Community. We are open to ukulele players at all skill levels to join together and make music. We meet on Thursdays from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. We supply the links to musical sources we will play from. Currently we are playing outside at assorted locales in West Seattle. To see where we will be playing next, go to our public page or can contact me directly – foxslair (at) seanet.com.

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FOLLOWUP: Highland Park Way bike-lane proposal, awaiting grant funding, yet to be designed

October 7, 2022 1:53 pm

| 19 COMMENTS

| Highland Park | Transportation | West Seattle news

One week ago, we reported that the proposal for a bicycle lane on the Highland Park Way hill – shelved in 2020 – had resurfaced in SDOT‘s application for federal grant money to fund a variety of “Safe Streets for All” projects. We asked SDOT a few followup questions. First, what happens to the project if the grant money isn’t received? SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson replied, “If we do not receive the Safe Streets for All grant, there is not another funding source identified to build this project.” An even-bigger question: What design is envisioned for the lane – which side of the street would it be on, and would it require removal of a general-traffic lane (as was envisioned in the previously shelved plan)? Bergerson’s reply: “We have not begun the design of this bike route. If we receive funding, we would engage the community on potential designs such as the two options you mentioned. We may also consider other possible alternatives like widening the existing trail.” As noted in our story last week, other West Seattle proposals listed in the grant application are mostly smaller projects such as curb ramps.

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ANNIVERSARY: Celebrate Carol Kelly’s milestone at Alki Spud Fish and Chips

October 7, 2022 11:56 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people | West Seattle restaurants

Back in 2010, we talked with Carol Kelly (pictured at right with her daughters) about the 75th anniversary of Spud Fish and Chips on Alki. At that point, Carol had been working at Spud for half that time. Now she’s about to celebrate her own milestone there, and you’re invited to the party. On Tuesday afternoon (October 11), 2-4 pm, Alki Spud will celebrate Carol’s 50 years at the restaurant! Alki Spud’s ownership (whose other endeavor you might recognize, Ivar’s) shared these fun facts about her time there:

Under her management, Alki has served:

More than 5.3 million customers.

She has filleted, battered, and breaded more than 937,000 pounds of fish.

She has wrapped more than 4 million lineal feet of SPUD wrapping paper with the bubbling-cod cartoon around orders.

SPUD has soaked, cut, and fried more than 2.3 million pounds of SPUDs to accompany its orders

She has served more than 3.5 million cups of Coke.

Carol’s two daughters were both working with her at Alki Spud (2666 Alki SW) when we took the 2010 photo; Ashley has stayed with the company and is now general manager of Ivar’s Acres of Clams restaurant, while Victoria left Spud in 2020, by which time she’d become assistant manager. But everyone is “family” to Carol Kelly, the owners note, so she’d be thrilled to see you Tuesday afternoon. (There will be cake!)

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Watching the Mariners, Oktoberfest, comedy, and what else is up for your West Seattle Friday

October 7, 2022 10:26 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(More early-fall flowers, seen in Gatewood)

Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

‘ONE DAY FOR WEST SEATTLE’: Today’s the day for the all-day fundraising marathon presented by the West Seattle Booster Club, as previewed here. Details are in this one-sheet; the donation link is here.

BLOCK DROP: DIY cleanup equipment is available at Ercolini Park (SW Alaska and 48th SW) until 6 pm – that’s also where you can drop off what you clean up, as part of closing the Block Drop loop!

SOUTHWEST ART SHOWCASE: See the community show at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), which is open until 6 pm today.

WATCHING THE MARINERS: Looking for someplace in West Seattle to watch today’s 1 pm playoff game with the M’s at Toronto? Thanks to everyone who responded when we asked that question. Here are the results. Any others? Still time to let us know so we can add:

The Bridge (6301 California SW)
Arthur’s (2311 California SW)
Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SWO
The Benbow Room (4210 SW Admiral Way)
The Admiral Pub (2306 California SW)
The Beer Junction (4511 California SW)
The Westy (7908 35th SW)
Prost West Seattle (3407 California SW)
Circa (2605 California SW)
West Wings (2329 California SW)
Christo’s on Alki (2508 Alki SW)

OKTOBERFEST AT OUNCES: First day of an all-weekend celebration, 3-10 pm – full details here. (3809 Delridge Way SW)

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: The West Seattle High School Wildcats host Lakeside at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 4:30 pm – homecoming game! – followed by the Chief Sealth International High School Seahawks playing Cleveland, also at NCSWAC, 7:30 pm. Admission is $4 students/senior citizens, $6 adults, cash only.

LIVE AT EASY STREET: 6 pm at Easy Street Records (California/Alaska), see Enumclaw performs live, free, all ages.

MUSIC AT C & P: 7-9 pm, Guitar Gil performs at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW), free, all ages.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Doors at 7, music at 8, with Fast Nasties, Wiley Foxes, Juliet Tango. $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

BINGO AT ADMIRAL PUB: West Seattle’s “sassiest bingo party” starts at 7 pm. (2306 California SW)

AT ARTSWEST: The ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) play “Swimming While Drowning” continues the second week of its run, 7:30 pm curtain. Tickets are available online.

COMEDY: New monthly show at Great American Diner (4752 California SW), 8 pm, produced by Cozy Comedy (featured in this WSB story).

Have something to add to our Event Calendar? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Remembering Shanna Warren-Platt, 1959-2022

October 7, 2022 9:13 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Shanna Warren-Platt and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Shanna Warren-Platt, 63, of Seattle, passed away September 28th, 2022.

She was born in Amoret, MO on April 17th, 1959 to parents Lucille (née Warren) Platt and James Platt. A friendly and studious child, Shanna was known for her love of exploring and animals. Shortly after graduating Miami High School, Shanna moved to Washington state, where she would go on to summit Mt. Rainier.

Shanna graduated from Antioch University Seattle with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and then later a Certificate in Human Resources from the University of Washington, Seattle Campus. Shanna had a career as Manager of Cash Services, Seattle Branch for the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Shanna was a natural leader, a good listener, and described by those who worked with her as a “force of nature.”

She had a passion for hiking, travel, cooking, her children, friends and pets. As a friend she was up for anything and loved to go on trips, especially around the state of Washington. Local travel could never be considered complete without her loyal dog companions. Her pets, aside from children, provided some of the greatest joy in her life. She once said she likes to be part of a pack.

She is survived by her children, Miles and Natasha Thornton, and her siblings, Elaine Eidson, Jim Platt, and Steven Platt. Most of all, Shanna leaves behind a legacy of generosity, honesty, and kindness. She was, truly, a gift to all who knew her.

To share condolences and memories, please visit: www.EmmickFunerals.com/obituary/Shanna-Warren-Platt

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

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ORCAS: Whales back in nearby waters

October 7, 2022 8:44 am

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

Southbound orcas were reported off Bainbridge Island, says Kersti Muul, so they may be in view from west-facing West Seattle shores. Let us know if you see them!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Friday info + weekend alerts

October 7, 2022 6:00 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

8:50 AM: Thanks to Mel for the tip. One lane is closed on southbound 509 in the Glendale area for what’s only described as “police activity.”

————–
Earlier:

6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, October 7th. Go, Mariners!

WEATHER

Here’s the forecast – a lot like Thursday, some clouds, some sun, high in the 70s.

TRANSIT INFO

Metro buses are on their regular schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.

No changes in ferries (check here for alerts/updates) or West Seattle Water Taxi service. Note that the Water Taxi will be on a Sunday schedule this Monday for the Indigenous Peoples Day holiday.

ROAD WORK – INCLUDING THIS WEEKEND

-There’s some work toward the east end of Sylvan Way, but not the big SPU project – that’s now expected to start next week.

-In South Park, a drainage project is closing S. Holden St. between W. Marginal Way S. and 5th Ave S. weekdays through October 14th.

-Weekend alerts from SDOT:

As part of the Reconnect West Seattle Program, this weekend we will be implementing six Vision Zero projects, aimed to improve intersection visibility. Work is anticipated on Saturday and Sunday from 7 AM to 3 PM. We will be mostly working from the parking lane and will maintain traffic in all directions through these intersections. Please anticipate minor delays while traveling through the area.

We will be painting and posting curb bulbs at the following locations:

8th Ave S and S Rose St
8th Ave S and S Southern St
7th Ave S and S Donovan St
2nd Ave SW and Olson Pl SW
35th Ave SW and SW Brandon St
8th Ave SW and SW Barton St

BRIDGES

High Bridge – here’s the camera that’s atop the span.

Low Bridge: Open to anyone who wants to use it.

1st Ave. S. Bridge: The view, for those finding it more convenient.

Highway 99: Whichever bridge you’re using to get to 99, here’s the northbound side at Lander.

All currently functional city traffic cams can be seen here (new URL), many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

If you see trouble on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

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