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year : 2022 3600 results

FOLLOWUP: Towing crew removing sunken sailboat from Don Armeni
December 29, 2022 2:11 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Back on Saturday, we reported on a false-alarm water-rescue call at Don Armeni Boat Ramp, related to a sinking sailboat that turned out to have been there for some days. By the next day, the boat was entirely submerged. Today, it’s being removed. After a tip from Doug, we went over for a look. The crew from BoatUS, which included a diver, told us they’re working on behalf of an insurance company.

They plan to take the boat over to Shilshole, where it’ll be cut up for salvage.

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Missing mail deliveries? It’s not (just) the weather
December 29, 2022 11:55 am
|      63 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo from last Friday, sent by Viacheslav)

Multiple readers have mentioned missing their U.S. Postal Service deliveries some days – in West Seattle neighborhoods scattered from Pigeon Point to Fauntleroy. Obviously we’ve had some weather issues – as the photo above, from last week, shows. But USPS information both official and unofficial indicates the bigger problem is the one plaguing a variety of services and professions – they’re shorthanded. First, the official: We inquired with Lecia Hall, regional USPS spokesperson. She didn’t have information about specific affected routes, nor about what percentage of routes have had disruptions. But she did say, “We are still hiring, To review available jobs, go to usps.com/careers. We do update the list every week, so if someone doesn’t see the type of job or location they’re interested in this week, come back next week to refresh the list.” Unofficially, one reader reports speaking by phone with someone at one of West Seattle’s two post offices, who said they are dealing with 70 complaints from the reader’s route after more than a week of no deliveries. According to the reader’s report on the conversation, the problem is indeed a vacant position and that there’s too much red tape to go through to simply, for example, assign someone to work that route on OT. Meantime, USPS spokesperson Hall urges people to report missed deliveries or other service problems: “We’ll gladly work to address any specific issue from the community when brought to our attention. Customers can call us at 800-ASK-USPS or go to our website usps.com and click on ‘Contact us’ at the bottom of our homepage. Every concern will be carefully documented and appropriate action taken to strengthen service.”

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen silver CR-V
December 29, 2022 9:58 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

From Johanna:

My silver 2001 Honda CR-V was stolen last night, approximately between 10 PM and 7 AM this morning. I need it to drive my dad back-and-forth in hospital. I am at a huge loss without it. Here’s a picture of it if you could post it on the blog so people know to keep their eye out for it. My license plate is BHH 8282. It was stolen in front of my house on 15th Ave between Kenyon and Elmgrove.

We’ll add the police-report number when we get it. (Added: It’s 22-346619.)

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: 2022’s last Thursday morning
December 29, 2022 6:02 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: 2022’s last Thursday morning
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

ADDED 10:35 AM: Texter reports a backup on the West Seattle Bridge ramp to NB 99.

Earlier:

6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, December 29th.

LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE

This is the 7th day the low bridge has been closed to surface traffic, with SDOT expecting a 2-week-plus closure for repairs.

WEATHER & WATER

No weather alerts this morning – rain expected off and on today, high in the 40s. There’s a Coastal Flood Advisory for the morning’s high tide at 10:07 am.

TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS

–Metro is back to a regular schedule today but still down buses for repairs – 12 of the 126 had been fixed by the end of last week – keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions.

-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule – note that it won’t be running Sunday or Monday

-WSF’s Triangle Route remains on its two-boat schedule- check here for alerts/updates.

SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Updating this recent report, five are now live. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Henderson.

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

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

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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NEW YEAR’S EVE: Not-So-Silent Night Parade returns
December 28, 2022 9:58 pm
|    Comments Off on NEW YEAR’S EVE: Not-So-Silent Night Parade returns
 |   Fun stuff to do | Highland Park | Holidays | West Seattle news

hpmye1(WSB file photo)

A lively all-ages way to start your New Year’s Eve is back this year – the Highland Park Improvement Club‘s Not-So-Silent-Night Parade Since HPIC’s building remains closed, awaiting rebuilding after last year’s fire, the parade will start at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) and proceed to Riverview Playfield. Bring a light, noisemaker(s) – drums, tambourines, whatever you have – costumes if you want. There’ll be free cider as everyone gathers at HPCS between 5:30 and 6, and hot chocolate and cookies at the end of the parade. It’s on no matter what the weather does (so far, the NYE forecast looks fairly calm, mostly cloudy, 40s, slight chance of rain. The parade is a tradition dating back to 2009!

This is one of the NYE/NYD options in our West Seattle Holiday Guide, and we’re still adding to the list – let us know if you have something to add!

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Clearing debris at sea
December 28, 2022 6:06 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(Photos by Jerry Simmons)

ORIGINAL WEDNESDAY REPORT: Thanks to everyone who sent photos of this vessel seen from Alki today, removing floating logs/trees from Elliott Bay, after the king tide – and rain-swollen rivers – swept so many out to sea. It’s the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers‘ M/V Puget, explained here as the USACE’s “debris recovery vessel,” with authority to “remove trees, brush and other debris that may be determined to be obstructions to navigation or that may promote flooding.”

M/V Puget is 78 years old and 104 feet long, based in Ballard. We tried contacting the Corps today to ask for specifics on this operation but haven’t heard back yet.

ADDED THURSDAY AFTERNOON: USACE Seattle spokesperson Scott Lawrence confirms that’s what the Puget was doing and that its crew members “are continuing work in the greater central Puget Sound, clearing logs from the recent king tides and high winds the area experienced.” As for what happens to the logs pulled from the water: “The logs and debris are taken to our debris barges at the Hiram M. Chittenden locks in Ballard, Washington, where a contractor comes in and recycles the material.”

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SOUTH PARK FLOODING: Here’s how you can help
December 28, 2022 3:57 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | South Park | West Seattle news

(Reader photo, South Park on Tuesday)

Our neighbors in South Park are cleaning up flooded homes and businesses along the Duwamish River after Tuesday’s weather-enhanced king tide. Commenters have been discussing how to help and we’re surfacing it here so you can help too. While the city is providing some help, community-based assistance is being coordinated by the Duwamish River Community Coalition, and they have two requests: Money to directly support flood-affected families (you can donate here). DRCC says that so far it’s placed 10 families in hotels and is working with others on specific needs. They’re also asking for volunteer help, too – watch for a link on the DRCC website.

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About the death investigation at long-vacant North Delridge house
December 28, 2022 2:18 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news

We’ve received several questions about a death investigation at the long-vacant house on the northeast end of Delridge Way, officially 3804 23rd SW (Assessor’s Office photo at right). Police and the Medical Examiner’s Office were there yesterday; when we checked then, SPD’s report wasn’t in, but they were able to tell us that the incident had not been referred to homicide detectives. After more questions today, we checked again, and this time a few details were available – “The report type is listed as death/accidental. A worker found the deceased person on the property. Signs point to a non-criminal manner of death.” Final determination of the cause of death, and identification of the person, is up to the ME. The house has long been considered a nuisance property; city records show that the most recent redevelopment proposal, a townhouse project, went idle in 2019. More recently, city files show complaints about the failing retaining wall dating back to July, and a recent permit application from the Renton-based property owner – who bought the site in 2018 – to fix it.

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Five possibilities for your West Seattle Wednesday night
December 28, 2022 12:27 pm
|    Comments Off on Five possibilities for your West Seattle Wednesday night
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(The Olympics, photographed today by James Bratsanos)

Finally time to get back to daily event lists, now that the weather drama has passed. We usually publish the list in the morning – running late today, but here are five things to know about for tonight:

CHAMPAGNE TASTING: 5-7 pm at Molly’s Bottle Shop (3278 California SW), “The tasting of four different, delicious Champagnes is free for all.”

LIVE AT LOCOL: Locöl (7902 35th SW) spotlights live music 6:30-8:30 pm Wednesdays, no cover, 21+, rotating artists.

MUSIC BINGO: Play weekly at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

TRIVIA x 5: At 7 pm, you can play trivia at the West Seattle Brewing Mothership (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW); Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm; there’s 7:30 and 8:30 pm trivia at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska); trivia starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW); at 8:30 pm, trivia at Talarico’s (4718 California SW) with Phil T.

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

Have an event – one-time or recurring – to add to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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NEW YEAR’S EVE: Fare-free transit this Saturday, West Seattle Water Taxi included
December 28, 2022 10:55 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   King County Water Taxi | Transportation | West Seattle news

Saturday, for New Year’s Eve, many transit services around the region will be fare-free, including the West Seattle Water Taxi. The annual announcement just arrived – here are the Seattle/King County highlights:

*King County Metro: Buses will operate on their regular Saturday schedule and be fare-free from 3 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, through 3 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 1. Other Metro services operating fare-free include DART, Via to Transit, Ride Pingo to Transit, Community Van, and Access service. Please note Via to Transit will only operate until 2 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 1.

*King County Water Taxi: The water taxi will operate fare-free on Dec. 31 but will be out of service on Jan. 1. and Jan. 2.

*Sound Transit: Link light rail and Sound Transit Express buses are fare-free from 4 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, to 2 a.m. Sunday., Jan. 1. Sound Transit will operate extended Link light rail service on New Year’s Eve, with 15-minute, late-night service. The last southbound trip will leave Northgate Station at 1:58 a.m. The last northbound train will leave Angle Lake Station at 1:41 a.m. For more information go to the Sound Transit website.

*Seattle Streetcar: Both streetcar lines will operate Saturday service hours. The South Lake Union Streetcar will operate on New Year’s Eve until 12:30 a.m. to accommodate fireworks viewing downtown.

Note that the Water Taxi will run its regular Saturday schedule – no late-night sailings in fall/winter. And note that exceptions to the fare-free plan include the Seattle Monorail, which the announcement says “will collect regular fares and is scheduled to operate from Westlake to the Seattle Center until 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. After the evening’s events at Seattle Center, service to Westlake will run from 12:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.”

We’re adding this info to the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, where we’re also building a list of local NYE/NYD events – not too late to add one – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Seen this stolen statue?
December 28, 2022 10:21 am
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Josette is hoping someone might spot this stolen statue:

(Early Tuesday) around 1.00 AM, my front-yard statue was stolen. It is a bronze statue with 2 children holding a flower basket. It was located on 47th Ave SW and Findlay SW. The thieves were able to carry the statue, which is more than 300 lbs. I was able to see 2 men carrying my statue into a dark-colored car. If you do see it, please let me know. This statue is dear to me.

Any leads, let us know and we’ll connect you. UPDATE: Police reprt # 22-344596.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Final Wednesday morning of 2022
December 28, 2022 6:03 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, December 28th.

LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE

SDOT announced Tuesday that the low bridge won’t reopen for at least another two weeks – and they haven’t finalized a repair plan yet.

It’s been out of service since Friday. It’s being kept open to vessel traffic, but unusable for surface traffic.

WEATHER & WATER

The wind alert expired at 1 am as planned, though the wind hadn’t entirely died down by then. Today is expected to be quieter – mostly cloudy, breezy, high in the 40s. … After Tuesday’s weather-enhanced “king tide,” there’s a Coastal Flood Advisory for this morning, but it’s not expected to be a repeat – high tide should be closer to the predicted 12.8 feet at 9:24 am. (UPDATE: This was upgraded to a Coastal Flood Warning.) … One more note: South Park’s flooding-related closures were still in effect as of early today.

TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS

–Metro is back to a regular schedule today but still down buses for repairs – 12 of the 126 had been fixed by the end of last week – keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions.

-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.

-WSF’s Triangle Route remains on its two-boat schedule- check here for alerts/updates.

SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Updating this recent report, five are now live. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Henderson.

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

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

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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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Wind arrives; off-again-on-again power outage affects almost 5,000 customers
December 27, 2022 6:27 pm
|      126 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

6:27 PM: The wind is getting stronger and the first West Seattle power-outage reports are in – Arbor Heights, Fauntleroy, Morgan Junction reports so far. Almost 5,000 customers (homes/businesses/facilities), according to the City Light map. Updates to come.

6:39 PM: The wind’s roaring up here. Possibly related to the outage, wires are down on 35th at 108th, and the road’s closed south of there, reports Colby, who sent the photo:

A few reminders: The High Wind Warning is in effect until 1 am, so we could be in for a few hours of this. If your power goes out, don’t open your refrigerator/freezer – what’s inside will keep for longer. And remember that the “estimated restoration time” on City Light’s map is absolutely meaningless – it’s automatically generated and even the utility admits the estimates are useless.

7:23 PM: In case you’re wondering – though the outage stretches from Lowman Beach to The Arroyos, the Fauntleroy ferry dock has power, Alice Enevoldsen texted us to report. (See terminal cameras here.)

7:32 PM: Some report their power’s back on (comments and phone calls). SCL’s map lags a bit in updates so we’ll see if that’s everyone. … And a moment later, the map’s updated – 276 still out.

7:56 PM: Now the map shows a multitude of smallish outages, still in the same general area affected before, totaling more than 1,100 customers. … No other major problems reported so far, but we’re monitoring.

8:37 PM: If you lost power, then got it back, and have lost it again … you’re not alone. … On police radio, an officer just told a dispatcher that 35th/Roxbury is in the outage zone, which reminds us to remind you that dark or otherwise malfunctioning signals mean it’s an all-ways stop.

9:26 PM: Unlike yesterday’s short burst of high wind, we haven’t had a lot of downed-tree reports … so far. SPD Twitter log shows a call for one in the 5000 block of Puget Boulevard.

9:45 PM: As noted by commenters, many got their power back … and the map again shows the number affected has dropped below 300. … The late-night National Weather Service “forecast discussion” says “System continues to wind down across the area tonight.” And after this, no extreme weather in the foreseeable forecast – New Year’s Eve/Day should be downright quiet. There’s an alert for possible coastal flooding again tomorrow, but without the main factor that added extra feet to this morning’s high tide – the low-pressure system – it’s not expected to be nearly as extreme.

11 PM: The NWS has reiterated the High Wind Warning in effect through 1 am, but downsized the wind outlook to “Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.”

11:52 PM: More power restored! The map shows no one currently still without electricity in West Seattle.

1:08 AM: The wind alert has expired but the wind itself has not.

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FOLLOWUP: West Seattle low bridge to remain closed at least two more weeks
December 27, 2022 4:18 pm
|      67 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(SDOT camera image, looking west from east end of low bridge)

SDOT is finally commenting on what’s wrong with the West Seattle low bridge (Spokane Street Swing Bridge), four days after it was closed. According to SDOT, the bridge won’t reopen for at least two weeks because crews need “to repair mechanical issues that intensified after a power outage during the ice storm on December 23.” They’re still working on a “repair plan and schedule.” Here’s their explanation of what’s wrong:

The problem initially appeared to be associated with a computer issue that occurred while the bridge was powering back up after a power outage. Once the computer issue was resolved, engineers found previously identified minor issues with the hydraulic system that moves the bridge had intensified.

SDOT completes regular inspections of the Low Bridge and had existing plans to repair these aging components in 2023. However, after the power outage, it was discovered that previously manageable small-scale issues had escalated into more severe problems. Until these components are fixed, the bridge cannot be reliably moved without risking more severe long-term damage.

SDOT engineers are working as quickly as possible to analyze repair options. While there is not yet an estimate for how long bridge repair will take, SDOT expects the closure to last for at least two weeks.

Based on the evaluation results, additional Low Bridge closures for repairs may be needed in 2023, along with closures associated with planned capital improvements to the bridge next year.

In the meantime, the low bridge is being kept open for maritime traffic, but closed to vehicle, bicycle, and foot traffic. The bridge is 30 years old.

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KING TIDE: Duwamish River deluges South Park
December 27, 2022 3:50 pm
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   South Park | West Seattle news

3:50 PM: Thanks to Devlin Carey for the photos. While the weather-enhanced king-tide waters were mostly a point of curiosity in West Seattle, they caused more-serious trouble along the Duwamish River in. South Park, flooding streets and neighborhoods.

At the peak of it, emergency responders had to rescue people from what was described as “flooding/possible sinkhole” near 5th South and South Holden.

ADDED 8:14 PM: Speaking of responders, look what one crew faced, in this photo sent by a reader who works in South Park:

Tonight we also have an advisory from SDOT that road closures continue:

Due to flooding, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) closed streets north of S Kenyon Street from 8th Ave S to SR 99 in South Park until further notice. (Read SPU’s statement on today’s flooding in South Park.) SDOT will reopen the roads once crews verify that the area is safe to travel through. SDOT advises travelers to avoid unnecessary travel in this area. If you must travel, please slow down and avoid driving through flooded roads.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Post-burglary repairs under way at Menashe & Sons Jewelers
December 27, 2022 2:00 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

There’s a sidewalk detour in front of Menashe & Sons Jewelers in The Junction as repair crews work to fix the damage done by would-be crash-and-grab burglars early Saturday (previous WSB coverage here).

We say “would-be” because the Menashes told us today that the burglars did not succeed in getting inside, though as we reported Saturday, video shows them making three tries – two rounds of ramming a pickup truck into the front of the store, one attempt at smashing the storefront with a mallet. It’s expected to take about a week to fix the damage, but in the meantime, the shop is open, 11 am-4 pm daily – just go around back to the alley door and ring the bell. And if you have any information on the break-in attempt, the SPD case number for reference is 22-342460.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police arrest Westwood Village burglary suspect
December 27, 2022 11:02 am
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | Westwood

(WSB photo added 1:35 pm. Damage at left is from earlier burglary)

11:02 AM: Three weeks after the crash-and-grab burglary at Big 5 Sporting Goods in Westwood Village, the store was burglarized again early today – but this time police arrested a suspect. They say the man broke in by using a shopping cart to break a window around 4:15 am. The burglar was still inside when officers arrived; he pointed what appeared to be a rifle – but turned out to be a pellet gun – at them and fled. They caught the suspect nearby, in the 2500 block of SW Barton, and recovered the pellet rifle plus bullets, boots, two coats, and a baseball bat. The 37-year-old suspect was booked into the King County Jail, where the roster says this is his fourth booking this year.

1:02 PM: One added detail from listening to the radio exchanges recorded during the police response – the original call to 911 came from shopping-center security.

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PHOTOS: Weather-enhanced king tide swamps West Seattle shores
December 27, 2022 9:34 am
|      54 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Though the tide tables showed the 8:40 am “king tide” this morning would be slightly lower than yesterday, with the atmospheric conditions, the tide instead rose higher. The first three photos are from Deb Holbrook – above, the Alki Bathhouse, below, Statue of Liberty Plaza and the completely swamped beach:

(added) Also from Alki, Zach Wolpa‘s photo shows the west end of the promenade:

(added) And one more Alki view, from David Hutchinson, also showing how the water reached to the edge of the trail:

At Fauntleroy, as Elizabeth pointed out in her note with the photo below, this tide is a reminder of why the ferry dock needs to be higher when rebuilt (as is part of Washington State Ferries‘ plan):

She also sent this photo from the mouth of Fauntleroy Creek:

(added) Paulette‘s photo shows a logjam against the south side of the ferry dock:

As shown here, high tide was at least two feet higher than expected.

ADDED 11 AM: Doug Eglington sent this view of Don Armeni Boat Ramp:

Thanks again to everyone who’s sent photos! (westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302)

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Last Tuesday of 2022
December 27, 2022 6:02 am
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, December 27th.

LOW BRIDGE STILL CLOSED

We’re hoping for an update today on what’s wrong and why it’s taking so long to fix.

It’s been out of service since Friday.

WEATHER

More wind is on the way, according to the National Weather Service, with the latest alert – a High Wind Warning – and forecast viewable here; the strongest wind is expected in the pm. Rain continues, too; by late last night we were already getting reports of pooling water on local streets. Another water note: Today’s “king tide” – 12.9 feet – is at 8:40 am.

TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS

–Metro is back to a regular schedule today but still down buses for repairs – 12 of the 126 had been fixed by the end of last week – keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions.

-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule but with a warning that the forecast high winds could affect service.

-WSF’s Triangle Route remains on its two-boat schedule- check here for alerts/updates.

SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: As reported here, three have been added; four more are on the way. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon and Delridge/Orchard.

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

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

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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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Portage Bay Café sets West Seattle opening date
December 26, 2022 9:15 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

9:15 PM: Something to look forward to in the new year: Four months after we first reported that popular breakfast/brunch mini-chain Portage Bay Café was expanding to West Seattle, the opening date is set. PBC’s general manager Peter Gunnar tells WSB they plan to open the doors at 4725 42nd SW on Friday, January 6th. Portage Bay was still finalizing the deal for the new location when we first talked with them in August, but at the start of October, after Agave Cocina quietly closed its doors, the secret was out. We’re still awaiting final word on Portage Bay’s West Seattle hours, but all four of their current cafés start the day at 8 am; you can see the current menu here.

ADDED MONDAY: Gunnar tells WSB today that the hours/days will be Thursdays 8 am-1 pm, Fridays 8 am-1:30 pm, Saturdays and Sundays 8 am-2 pm, Mondays 8 am-1 pm, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Also: “The menu will be the same as our other four locations, but like each of our stores, the chef is in charge of his monthly specials, and they differ cafe by cafe.”

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Christmas burglary at Delridge Deli Mart
December 26, 2022 6:22 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Another West Seattle business was hit by burglars over the Christmas weekend. This time, Delridge Deli Mart (in the strip mall at Delridge/Andover). We went over to ask after a tip from Steve. The store confirms they were broken into before midnight last night, by burglars who popped this lock out of the door:

They told us the burglars got away with lottery scratch tickets, cigarettes, and change – some rolls as well as loose. This is the same store whose owner was seriously hurt trying to stop a shoplifter three months ago. If you have any information on last night’s break-in, the SPD incident number is 22-343643.

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One more wind casualty: Light show at ‘the 4040 house’
December 26, 2022 5:12 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

This morning’s wind burst brought an earlier-than-planned end to the season for the holiday light show at “the 4040 house,” Ryan‘s display on Genesee Hill, featured here December 4th. We got this update from Ryan:

Unfortunately, our hopes of running the show through the New Year will not be possible. This morning’s high winds damaged some of the support structure and with higher winds in the forecast there is not enough time to safely initiate repairs.

While this may be disappointing news, the good news is we have already started planning for next year! While we don’t want to spoil any surprises, you can expect to see even more lights and holiday cheer.

On a personal note: We would like to thank our neighbors for their patience and support this holiday season. Without your kindness this would not have been possible.

We would also like to thank everyone who visited us this year. Seeing so much joy and happiness made this entirely worthwhile.

Please have a safe and prosperous New Year. We will see you at 🎃 Halloween!

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Wind Advisory alert for Tuesday (evening update)
December 26, 2022 3:47 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

3:47 PM: Seems this morning’s brief burst of strong wind was just a preview. We mentioned wind in the forecast for tomorrow, and now that’s been upgraded to a Wind Advisory alert for our area, 7 am to 7 pm Tuesday. The National Weather Service alert says in part, “South winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected over the Seattle vicinity.” So charge everything and scout around outside for anything in danger of getting picked up and tossed by the wind; if you have extra garbage/recycling out for pickup tomorrow, consider strategies for securing it. Metro has already warned the wind might affect Water Taxi service, with this advisory: “The Vashon Island and West Seattle Water Taxis may experience delays and/or cancellations tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 27, as a result of high winds and waves in the forecast for Puget Sound. We will begin service as regularly scheduled and will provide customer updates throughout the day.”

9:40 PM: The NWS has now extended the alert to last until 1 am Wednesday morning, and added this: “Strongest winds in the afternoon and evening. Isolated gusts to 60 mph possible in the afternoon and evening.”

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