day : 29/11/2022 10 results

(WSB photo: Ladder 13 at a West Seattle fire response in July)

The City Council took its final budget vote today, and money for added Seattle Fire resources in our area made the final cut. Shortly after the West Seattle Bridge closure in 2020, SFD took Ladder 13 and Medic 26 out of its reserves and stationed them – along with the personnel to staff them – in West Seattle and South Park, respectively. That doubled our area’s allocation of each of those types of units; previously, if a big call, or pverlapping calls, required more than 1 ladder truck or medic unit to respond to this area, the second one had to come from another part of the city. The council news release about today’s budget vote says the two units responded to more than 2,000 calls last year alone, The argument for keeping them beyond the reopening of the bridge was improving response times for the southernmost areas of the city – without the added medic unit based at Station 26 in South Park, medic response times could triple, and without the added ladder truck based at Station 37 in Sunrise Heights, response times to southernmost West Seattle could double.

Mayor Bruce Harrell‘s budget proposal did not include money for keeping the units here; West Seattle/South Park Councilmember Lisa Herbold pushed to add it, and got her amendment all the way through the budget review process. It allots $4.7 million in 2023 and $5.6 million in 2024 for the personnel and equipment costs. The documents say extra spending would be needed after that because Ladder 13 and Medic 26 were summoned into service “beyond their replacement age” – the medic unit will be replaced in late 2024, the truck a year later. The budget has one more step for final approval – the mayor can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without his signature. His post-vote statement suggests he’s OK with it.

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UPDATE: Power outage in Gatewood

November 29, 2022 8:44 pm

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| Utilities | West Seattle news

8:44 PM: Though it still isn’t showing up on the Seattle City Light map, we’ve heard from several people about an outage in Gatewood. We’re told it started more than an hour ago. (One location mentioned: 4000 block of SW Webster.) No indication of the cause, though of course it’s been a day and night of feisty weather. So for now, we’re just noting it for the record. Side note: Checking on this, we discovered the City Light outage map has undergone something of an overhaul sometime in the past week or so – mostly some visual changes to the same basic info it’s long offered.

8:56 PM: Via Twitter, one person affected says crews were out working on “a blown transformer” and that they hoped to have power restored in four to six hours.

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WEST SEATTLE HOLIDAYS: Trio of tree lightings this week

November 29, 2022 6:27 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish)

With the snow’s over and the possible wind has yet to arrive, we’re taking a moment to talk about three West Seattle tree lightings later this week:

FRIDAY NIGHT, HIGH POINT FRUIT-TREE LIGHTING: Following the afternoon Winter Festival (3-5 pm), you’re invited to (location updated) Neighborhood House High Point (6400 Sylvan Way SW) for the lighting of the fruit trees at 5:15 pm Friday (December 2nd). This is the second year of this multi-tree lighting ceremony in the park.

FRIDAY NIGHT, OLG ‘LIGHT UP THE NIGHT’: 7 pm at 35th/Myrtle, on the north side of Our Lady of Guadalupe, it’s the annual event lighting the city’s highest-elevation Christmas tree (along with other greenery outside the church). Christmas carol singalong, too. Bring a nonperishable food donation, if you can, for St. Vincent de Paul.

SATURDAY NIGHT, WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION: As we’ve previewed a few times already, this year the Christmas tree lighting at Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska) is part of an even-bigger street festival, with a Night Market and Glorious Lights of West Seattle (wear lights and compete in a contest!), live holiday music, plus a beer/mulled-wine garden. The festival is set for 4 pm-8:30 pm, with the tree lighting at 6:30 pm.

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FOLLOWUP: Water Taxi returns to full schedule

November 29, 2022 3:27 pm

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| King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

In case you missed our mention earlier – Metro says both Water Taxi routes, West Seattle and Vashon, are returning to full service this afternoon. Two of the three boats had to be taken out of service Monday for repairs to propeller damage, but Metro says the work is complete on M/V Doc Maynard so it’s back in service, and along with M/V Spirit of Kingston, that means full service on both runs. The regular Vashon boat, M/V Sally Fox, is still awaiting repairs. We asked specifics regarding the “submerged debris” on which the propeller damage was blamed; Metro spokesperson Jeff Switzer replied, “Per our water taxi team, we typically encounter debris between Duwamish Head and Alki Point. During high tides in the winter, logs get washed into our path. Large debris can be found everywhere we operate, washing off the shores of Vashon, Downtown Seattle and from the rivers.”

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UPDATE: Shooting investigation near east end of West Seattle Bridge

November 29, 2022 2:05 pm

| 27 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Added: Reader photo, via text)

2:05 PM: Thanks for the tip. The east end of the West Seattle Bridge is affected by a shooting investigation right now. Seattle Police say, they responded initially to 6th/Spokane for “a report of one person shot inside a vehicle,” adding that “The ramp to the West Seattle Bridge will be blocked while (officers) conduct their investigation.”

2:13 PM: Here’s more context from SDOT on where this happened and how it’s affecting traffic:

There is a @SeattlePD incident on the Spokane St Viaduct blocking the EB on-ramp to S Columbian Way, as well as the on-ramp from 6th Ave S. Use alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/LZnbWLaK3C

— SDOT Traffic (@SDOTtraffic) November 29, 2022

We don’t yet have information on the victim’s condition or the circumstances.

2:31 PM: SFD tells us the person who was shot is a 39-year-old man who was transported in stable condition.

2:45 PM: As noted in comments, SDOT says the scene has cleared. No further information otherwise, yet.

3:04 PM: Just in from police via SPD Blotter:

The driver of a vehicle called 911 around 1:30 PM Tuesday afternoon to report that her passenger had been injured in a shooting. Officers contacted the driver and the male victim along the West Seattle Bridge and provided medical aid until Seattle Fire Department medics transported the victim to Harborview Medical Center.

(Added: SPD photo)

Witnesses stated a suspect in a silver or gray vehicle opened fire on the victim’s vehicle, striking the victim in the shoulder. The suspect then fled. Officer searched the area but were unable to find the suspect vehicle. Detectives with the Gun Violence Reduction Unit are investigating. If you have any information in this case, please call the tip line at 206-233-5000.

We’re following up to see if there was any indication exactly where on the bridge the shooting happened, before the victim’s vehicle stopped at the east end.

5:13 PM: Police tell us it’s believed to have happened close to where the car the victim was in stopped.

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WEST SEATTLE SNOW: Tuesday pm updates, and a forecast change

November 29, 2022 12:00 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Newest image from SDOT’s California/Alaska traffic cam)

12 PM: More than four hours after whqt’s been mostly light snow started falling, no notable problems reported so far. But more snow is expected – here’s the Winter Weather Advisory – and so is wind – here’s the Wind Advisory – so we’re keeping close watch on it all. Text or call 206-293-6302 if you have any info to share with the community. Here’s what we’ve received so far:

CHANGES/CANCELLATIONS: (updated 3:21 pm)
-No OST programs or related transportation or athletics for Denny International Middle School this afternoon
–West Seattle HS says, “Tonight’s Boys Basketball game vs South Kitsap has been canceled due to weather on the peninsula. Girls Basketball game @ Silas HS will continue as planned.”
–West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) is open but has canceled programs and services for the rest of the day

INFOLINKS:

SDOT winter-weather-response map (plowed/treated streets)
Metro service advisories
-City map of traffic cams, here
-Our page with West Seattle-relevant cams, here
-County map of traffic cams (choose “south” tab for White Center), here

1:32 PM: Just back from a trip to the north end of the peninsula and back. Currently, even up here in the hills, the snow is melting fast.

2:20 PM: The snow’s picking up speed again, Meantime, though it’s not weather-related, the King County Water Taxi is returning to full service this afternoon, with one boat’s propeller repairs complete.

3:21 PM: Bigger snowflakes now.

5:21 PM: Forecast update – the Winter Weather Advisory has been canceled – though the Wind Advisory remains in effect – and we’re not expected to see snow again any sooner than Wednesday night,

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GIVING TUESDAY: Here’s what you can help Mode Music and Performing Arts do

November 29, 2022 11:41 am

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| How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Before we get back to snow coverage – a message about holiday giving. You have ample opportunities throughout the season (we have a list of donation drives in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide), but today in particular has become known as Giving Tuesday. Your favorite local nonprofits appreciate community support. Among them, Mode Music and Performing Arts, on a mission to make arts education more accessible to more students. Here’s what they asked us to share with you:

In honor of the global generosity movement Giving Tuesday, and in support of your local West Seattle nonprofit arts education organization, Mode Music and Performing Arts (MMPA) is encouraging folks to sign up for our monthly giving options.

Mode Music and Performing Arts was created as a nonprofit to make arts education more accessible for Seattle’s students.

MMPA’s ability to offer scholarships through a pay-what-you-can model is entirely because of people like you – people who care about kids having access to arts education in school AND out of school. This year, we’ve served 351 students in all of our programs, and we’ve offered over 100 partial and full scholarships! Your gifts help make this possible.

All donations to MMPA support our multiple arts education programs — learn more about them at modemusicandperformingarts.org or donate using the link below!

modemusicandperformingarts.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate

Listen to our parents and students speak about our MMPA programming.

MMPA is the nonprofit sibling of Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor). Both are based in North Delridge.

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WEST SEATTLE TUESDAY: Here’s what’s scheduled for the rest of today/tonight, so far (UPDATED WITH POSTPONEMENT)

November 29, 2022 10:26 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

With more snow expected.- not to mention wind – everything’s subject to change. But so far, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide, here’s what’s scheduled for the rest of today/tonight – we’ll update as the day goes on with any changes we find out about (updates appreciated at westseattleblog@gmail.com):

SOUTHWEST POOL CLOSED: Not weather-related – this was announced yesterday; staff illness has left the pool too short-handed to open. They hope to reopen Thursday.

POSTCARDS TO VOTERS: A local way to take national action – participating in the 10:30 am drop-in weekly gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). They’ve been focusing on the Georgia U.S. Senate runoff.

CHESS CLUB: Play chess at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), 1:30 pm. Beginners welcome!

CITY COUNCIL’S FINAL BUDGET VOTE: Scheduled for their 2 pm meeting. Here’s the agenda; you can watch live via Seattle Channel.

DONATION DROPOFF TO HELP STUDENTS: Today’s the second of three Tuesdays on which volunteers are collecting donations outside the north entrance of West Seattle High School to help make “care packages” for students to use during. winter break. Our calendar listing includes info on what they need. 3-5 pm (3000 California SW)

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: New start time for the longstanding weekly sign-waving demonstration at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t have your own.

HOPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Holiday art market at West Seattle Brewing (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW), 6-9 pm. Rescheduled for December 13th because of the weather

SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, you can play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).

OPEN MIC: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).

TRIVIA X 3: Three of the venues where you can play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 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!

You can always see more, and preview future events, via our event calendar – if you have something to add, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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CONGRATULATIONS! More West Seattle High School athletes with Metro League honors

November 29, 2022 10:21 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Earlier this month, we published the list of Metro League honorees from West Seattle High School‘s girls soccer team. Today, we have the list of other fall-sports honorees, sent by WSHS athletic director Corey Sorenson:

Girls Volleyball:
Mountain Division 2nd Team:
Sadie Miller (Outside Hitter), Loretta Philp (Defense / Libero)
Honorable Mention:
Logan Behrbaum, Kate Fjeld

Boys Football:
Sound Division 1st Team:
Max Philp (Long Snapper)
Sound Division 2nd Team:
Mason Kallinger (LB), Jackson Boyer (DL), Elijah Brady (CB), Benny Satia (OL)
Honorable Mention:
Matthew Hazelgrove (OL), Elijah Brady (WR), Mason Kallinger (RB), Myles Mutchler (TE), Matthew Henning-Dierickx (WR), Rune Hendershott (LB), Roman Centioli (Safety), Jonah Pelander (Kicker), Bo Gionet (Punter)

Boys Golf:
All-Metro League 2nd Team: Simon Vance

Boys Cross Country:
All-Metro League 2nd Team: Elliott Allen

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Wintry Tuesday watch; snow arrives

November 29, 2022 6:00 am

| 21 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

7:44 AM: Snowing!

7:54 AM: Sticking on cars, but not on the road, yet (at least here – and we’re at ~~300′ elevation).

8:08 AM: Still snowing but it’s very light. And thanks to everyone who texted when it started in earnest about half an hour ago! Meantime, a ferry note: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth remains down to 1 boat, with the Kitsap not fixed yet.

8:51 AM: Snow continues, but so far the roads we’ve seen remain bare/wet. The sidewalks, however, are starting to get coated. (Photo added – and the decks!)

(Photo tweeted by @mysorryheart2)

9:05 AM: Snowing more heavily now. We’ll continue tracking it here until about 10 and then switch to a midday snow update. No changes/closures/etc. announced by anyone so far, but if your business/school/organization does have a weather-related announcement at some point, please email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

(9:09 AM – starting to stick on street at California/Thistle)

9:36 AM: Back to snowing very lightly. But this is just the first round. And along with more snow later, we’re also expecting wind, per this alert – out of the southeast with gusts up to 40 mph tonight, so charge everything!

Earlier:

==============

6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, November 29th.

WEATHER

If you see snow, let us know! (Text or voice, 206-293-6302.) After late-night flurries, anything’s possible, though forecasters think it’ll hold off until afternoon. Windy this pm too. High in the 30s. (Check the latest alert status here.)

TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS

-The West Seattle Water Taxi is running a reduced schedule again today with backup boat M/V Spirit of Kingston, because both regular boats are out awaiting repairs – here’s the West Seattle route update.

-WSF’s Triangle Route started the morning with one boat, M/V Kitsap, out of service – check here for alerts/updates. Note that Vashon Island is on one-slip operations again this morning, awaiting repairs that WSF says are tentatively scheduled for today.

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

SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS

High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (if SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).

Low Bridge: Or nearby, depending on where SDOT points the camera.

1st Ave. S. Bridge: The south route.

Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.

All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most 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 a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

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