West Seattle, Washington
10 Sunday
12:43 PM: Thanks for all the tips! Power’s out for many – we have reports from High Point to White Center so far – South Park too. Seattle City Light maps more than 14.000 homes and businesses out in the early going.
12:54 PM: The total is holding steady at 14,000+. We were spared here at HQ in Upper Fauntleroy – just a flicker – but our server is running slow under the traffic spike; we’re also updating Twitter. Just heard on the scanner that this is believed to have been caused by a tree being cut and hitting wires in the 6700 block of 25th SW.
1:08 PM: Obviously with such a wide area out, there are businesses and schools out (please let us know, or comment below, if you have any specifics) – also traffic signals, so if you are out on the road, please treat those as all-way stops.
1:21 PM: Our standard power-outage reminder – though SCL’s map has an estimated restoration time, those times, as we’ve learned over 15+ years of covering outages (and also hearing directly from the utility), are NOT based in any specifics an generally are way off – restoration could happen a lot sooner or a lot later, so don’t base any decisionmaking on the estimate. Meantime, NO word so far of any early dismissals at affected schools.
1:36 PM: Commenter says Southwest and South Park library branches are closed because of the outage. … SCL now confirms the tree report and says crews are on their way.
1:47 PM: Other closures include Southwest Pool. … More on the cause, from SCL’s Jenn Strang: “A tree took down two feeders, which resulted in a large number of customers affected. City Light anticipates that we will be able to get the majority restored early this afternoon but there may be a smaller group of customers that will be out for a longer period of time.”
1:57 PM: South Park is back on (thanks to commenter Lesley for that news) – the SCL map shows that lowers the total of customers currently affected to about 13,000. (Added, commenter says South Park Library has reopened.)
2:06 PM: More power just restored, per texter and commenters in High Point and elsewhere. (Added) Map shows 9,000 still out. Here’s the updated SCL map:
Basically, most of the north half of the original outage zone is back on. Commenters note that’s brought some businesses and schools back on line, too.
2:20 PM: And as commenters are noting, even more are back on – now down to fewer than 400 customers still out.
3:07 PM: Texter sent this photo of the downed-tree scene:
Those who are still out are mostly in proximity to the scene.
3:14 PM: Southwest Pool has confirmed it too has reopened.
5:59 PM: SCL says everyone has their power back.
Police responded to multiple reports of suspected gunfire late last night, and found evidence at one location – Riverview Playfield. People nearby started calling 911 just after 10 pm. Police reported finding at least four casings in the parking lot, about 100 feet south of the park restrooms. No property damage or injuries were reported. Officers were told “two silver sedans” were seen leaving the area right after the shots were heard. If you have any information, the SPD incident number is 22-112222.
SIDE NOTE: SPD’s Tweets by Beat, the source for the automated feed at the top of our Crime Watch page (and also used by some apps), changed various call classifications recently and no longer differentiates between confirmed and unconfirmed gunfire reports – previously, an unconfirmed report was labeled “noise disturbance.” This change also can mean multiple entries for the same incident if the (possible) shots were called in by multiple people (as was the case with Riverview).
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox, here are the highlights for the rest of today/tonight:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE OPEN HOUSE: 3-6 pm, come learn about South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor):
We are excited to welcome in-person events back to our campus! The event will feature refreshments, campus tours, information on programs, admissions, funding, student resources and more.
This is a great family-friendly event for all potential students and community members interested in learning more about South Seattle College!
Our calendar listing explains where on campus to find the open-house events.
CINCO DE MAYO: Multiple West Seattle venues are having special events – among them Mission Cantina (2325 California SW), with a pig roast and celebratory beverages, 4-10 pm … Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) has Mexican food plus Mexican beer specials, 4-9 pm.
SPORTS: Track meet scheduled this afternoon at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
BOARD GAME NIGHT: Come try something new at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), 6:30-10 pm.
PIANO BAR: The Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon) welcomes you to a night of live piano music with Larry Knapp and friends, 7-10 pm. More info in our calendar listing.
CANNABIS IN NORTH HIGHLINE: It’s on the agenda for the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council‘s online monthly meeting, 7 pm. Here’s how to watch/listen/participate.
PREVIEW NIGHT FOR ‘ALMA’: The new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW) starts its run with a “preview” performance tonight, and that means $10 tickets – buy yours here.
BATTLESTAR KALAKALA: Get funky at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), doors at 8, music at 9. First of two nights this month because it’ll be recorded live!
‘ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW’: The camp/cult classic is onscreen at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) tonight at 8:30 pm.
Have an event to list on our calendar/in our daily lists? We’re adding more daily – email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
8:28 AM: Thanks to the caller who just reported at least five orcas in Elliott Bay, headed westbound toward Alki. Let us know if you see them!
(Added: Photo by Steven Director)
8:39 AM: Also just got a report from Kersti Muul, who says they’re now passing Alki and headed southwest “toward Vashon.”
8:51 AM: Kersti says the orcas are moving fast this time and already approaching the north end of Vashon, traveling midchannel.
10:03 AM: Metro says the Water Taxi will return to service with a downtown departure at 10:30 am.
Earlier:
9:27 AM: Crash reported at West Marginal/Highland Park Way.
Earlier:
UPDATE: The Water Taxi is out of service this morning because of a crew shortage.
Earlier;
6:03 AM: Good morning and welcome to Thursday, May 5th.
WEATHER
The National Weather Service predicts rain “at times” today – high in the 50s.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES
Metro is on its regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of reroutes/trip cancellations.
The West Seattle Water Taxi, which is operated by Metro, is now on the summer schedule – including later evening runs on Fridays and Saturdays.
Use an ORCA card? Start thinking about the changes ahead.
Ferries: WSF continues using the two-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.
ROAD WORK
Early alert for the weekend: Closure of 3 left lanes on SB I-5 between I-90 and S. Spokane for pavement and expansion joint repairs. 10 pm Friday to 5 am Monday.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
773rd 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 city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are 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.
(Photo by Barry J. White)
Even the coin toss had a backstory when Chief Sealth International High School and West Seattle High School played a crosstown-competition soccer match this afternoon at Walt Hundley Playfield. Barry J. White tells it:
Captains Asael Garcia and Jerome Schroeder of Chief Sealth (L) met West Seattle captain Charlie Dyer (R) for the coin toss. For Schroeder and Dyer, it was was the final meeting of a long and successful youth career. Both players started in the West Seattle Soccer Club and played at Madison Middle School and regional Select and Premier clubs before becoming among the most accomplished goalkeepers each high school program has produced.
(This photo and next by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
As for the game – Barry has that story too:
Chief Sealth scraped out a 2-1 win over West Seattle in an entertaining and hard-fought edition of their annual rivalry. The Wildcats went ahead midway through the first half when Oscar Callahan got on the end of a lofted ball into the box to poke it home. An active Wildcat defense largely denied the Seahawks good looks at goal until coughing up a penalty near the stroke of halftime. But Dyer comfortably saved the spot kick and the score remained 1-0 at the break.
Waves of Seahawk pressure in the second half finally broke the Wildcat defense. Nico Americo rounded his man midway through the half and beat Dyer at his near post. Moments later Dani Cabrera bundled home a loose ball off a corner kick and Chief Sealth had their first lead. The Wildcats applied late pressure but couldn’t conjure the equalizer.
A West Seattle team in transition came into the game already out of playoff contention and will play a consolation game Friday. Chief Sealth enjoyed a stellar 11-1-3 (W/L/D) season, finishing third in the Metro League and ranked #9 in the state. Metro League playoffs begin Friday.
Congratulations to Sounders FC and their fans – the team won the Concacaf Champions League championship tonight, first Major League Soccer team to win that title. The 74 in lights on the Russell Investments Building downtown – seen in a photo sent by a reader who wondered about it – is a tribute to the team’s original founding in 1974. Above the numbers are the words “born in,” as also seen in the photo we published back in November 2017,
Those photos are from charging documents filed by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office against 34-year-old Jessica Mae Beach. She’s charged with attempted first-degree robbery and second-degree theft after what started as a shoplift attempt in the T-Mobile store in South Delridge on April 25th. The documents say she tried to steal a display phone, using wire cutters, and that employees confronted her, at which time she “lifted her shirt, revealing what appeared to be a black handgun tucked in her waistband, and told (an employee) to get back.” She gave up on trying to cut the phone loose and left – but came back 10 minutes later to steal a phone and smart watches, even as a different employee and a customer (who provided the images shown above) recorded video. The charges say Beach left in what turned out to be a stolen car, eventually stopped by King County Sheriff’s Deputies in Burien after she backed into one of their marked vehicles. The car was searched three days later; in it, police found a realistic-looking BB pistol as well as the clothing and purse Beach was wearing in the video from inside the store. She also is under investigation for a Burien phone-store robbery shortly before the West Seattle incident. Prosecutors say Beach’s record includes theft and trespassing convictions, plus warrants are out for her in theft cases in Kent and Lakewood – those are among more than 20 “failure to appear” warrants issued for her since 2018. She remains in jail with bail set at $150,000.
7:47 PM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip! Transient orcas are heading southbound past West Seattle right now, passing Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (4500 block Beach Drive SW). Kersti says the notch-finned whale nicknamed “Chainsaw” is with them.
8:08 PM: Kersti reports the orcas are now passing Lowman Beach, “and they’re close.”
The Hall at Fauntleroy, in the historic schoolhouse, is open for events again, and that meant the Fauntleroy Community Association could host its first in-person annual meeting since pre-pandemic. Last night’s gathering included the election of board members:
From left above are board members Bruce Butterfield, Mike Dey, David Haggerty, Marty Westerman, Susan Lantz-Dey, Catherine Bailey, Alexis Zolner, and Frank Immel. (Board members who couldn’t be there are Sydney Hammerquist, Nils von Veh, Bill Wellington, Kris Ilgenfritz, and Alan Grainger.) The event also is known as the Food Fest, because local businesses provide bites for meeting-goers – among them, Daystar Retirement Village (WSB sponsor) in nearby Westwood:
There from Daystar were Corrine Camerota and Jason Kitchel, with a salmon-pate bite. Jack Miller from Husky Deli was there too, with sandwich samples:
Community organizations tabled, too, among them, the Emergency Communication Hubs, represented by Cindi Barker and Michael Brunner:
Whichever part of the peninsula you’re on, find your nearest hub – a place to go in case of catastrophe – on this map. And set your calendar for one more Fauntleroy event, a June 7th dine-out fundraiser at Endolyne Joe’s to support the Fauntleroy Fall Festival (which is looking for more volunteers, too, as reported here). You are also welcome at the FCA’s board meetings, held second Tuesdays at 7 pm – watch fauntleroy.net for updates.
P.S. Also coming up – a May 24th FCA-organized meeting about the Fauntleroy ferry dock-replacement project; details to come.
In the mood to shop? Buy something a local business donated to help a school! Bidding is on right now to benefit Gatewood Elementary – here’s the announcement:
Bid Now on the Gatewood Online Silent Auction!
The Gatewood Elementary Online Silent Auction is on now, and anyone can bid! The theme, Gatewood Literary Society, celebrates our students through the lens of magical books, well-loved stories, and never-ending imagination. On top of sporting events, great gift packages by local businesses, excellent wines, award-winning beers (like this rare find you can’t get in Washington State) and cabin rentals – we have an array of imaginative books to encourage your child’s love of reading.
All proceeds go to the Gatewood PTA and supports our West Seattle Community. You can start bidding here: gatewood2022.ggo.bid
Bidding continues through Friday (May 6th).
137 fry, raised by The Cove School‘s preschoolers (with grownup help), were released into Fauntleroy Creek this morning, on the second day of this year’s Salmon in the Schools releases.
Fauntleroy Watershed Council volunteer Dennis Hinton talked with the students about this phase of the salmon’s lives, and then they took turns releasing the fry into the creek:
Over a span of a little more than three weeks, a dozen schools and a Brownie troop are releasing fry into the creek. They’ve been tending to the salmon since volunteers Judy Pickens and Phil Sweetland led distribution of eggs back in December. The fry are released into upper Fauntleroy Creek, as the lower-creek habitat is reserved for the results of last fall’s big spawning season (244 spawners).
1:38 PM: Thanks to Desiree for the report: “In north lane as you head up, west on Highland Park. Metro bus and 2 other trucks. Appears via was rear-ended by truck who (was) rear-ended by another truck.” SDOT camera shows this blocking the outside uphill lane; SFD cleared quickly so apparently no serious injuries. (added) Police are just arriving on scene, dispatched at one driver’s request.
2:13 PM: The camera shows the scene has cleared.
Need concrete work? Portal LLC is in West Seattle, here to help! As we welcome Portal to the WSB sponsor team, here’s what proprietor Chris Hildebrand wants you to know:
We are unique in that we live in and exclusively service the community of West Seattle. We’ve called West Seattle home for over 20 years and we are deeply connected to these neighborhoods and the families who live here. Staying in one place means we can be responsive to our clients when they need us, and it also means accountability – we are your neighbor, we are easy to find, and we can only be successful if we take great care of every single West Seattle resident we are fortunate enough to work with.
Clients tell us they like working with Portal because of our professionalism, our clear communication, and our focus on Customer Satisfaction. Our online reviews tell the story from our client’s perspective and we hope people check those out. Here is a text I recently received which is typical of the feedback we receive: “Chris, I just wanted to tell you that in all the days of rain lately, our basement has remained dry. We are thrilled. Thanks again for the work with the drains and the new pavement at the back of our house. It was money well spent!”
We have been involved in volunteer grassroots efforts in and around the West Seattle DIY skateboard community for over two decades and don’t have any plans to quit. If anyone has a concrete skate spot they need help with, I invite them to hit us up!
In that photo is a recent project in West Seattle. Our client hired us to build stairs and a wall, and halfway through the project asked if we could add “skateboard-able” elements to the design. This was the concept we ended up coming up with together. We love building stuff like this and dream of pouring concrete skate structures all throughout West Seattle!
Envisioning a project? Reach Portal at chris@buildwithportal.com and 206-419-3880 (text or voice).
We thank Portal LLC for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
Three quick notes about what’s next for the West Seattle (and beyond) Sound Transit light-rail project – scheduled to launch service in 2032 – after last Thursday’s end to the three-month comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement:
HOW MANY COMMENTS? We asked ST about the final tally. More than 5,000, according to spokesperson Rachelle Cunningham. ST now has to respond to them in the final EIS, expected next year.
WHAT HAPPENS NOW? While ST had been saying the board was likely to decide in June what to send into the final EIS studies, its email update today says the board “is expected to confirm or modify the preferred alternative and station locations in July.” If that’s at the regular board meeting (usually the fourth Thursday of the month), the date would be July 28th.
ONE MORE MEETING: The Community Advisory Groups for the project have one more meeting scheduled. The group for the West Seattle/Duwamish segment will meet online at 5 pm next Tuesday (May 10th) – you’ll be able to watch here. (Here’s our coverage of the CAG’s previous meeting, at which ST said possible cost-saving measures could include dropping the Avalon station.)
(Spotted Towhee, photographed by Jerry Simmons)
Reminders for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SPORTS: Two softball games at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – first at 3:30 pm, Chief Sealth IHS hosts Holy Names, and then at 4 pm, West Seattle HS hosts Auburn .. At 4 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle), Chief Sealth IHS and West Seattle HS meet for a soccer match … at 7 pm at NCSWAC, Chief Sealth hosts Roosevelt for a baseball game
SCHOOL SCHEDULE CHANGES? The proposal to go back to a three-tiered schedule at Seattle Public Schools (previously reported here) was on the School Board’s agenda for introduction at today’s meeting, which starts at 4:15 pm, but we just noticed that it’s been removed. We’re following up with the district, but in the meantime, the public-comment period includes some speakers planning to address it. Here’s the agenda; here’s how to watch (or be there in person at SPS HQ, 3rd/Lander in SODO).
FAUNTLEROY DOCK-REPLACEMENT PROJECT: The Community Advisory Group for the Fauntleroy dock/terminal replacement project meets online at 6 pm. No public-comment period, but all are welcome to watch/listen – register here.
DISTRICT 1 COMMUNITY NETWORK: This coalition of West Seattle/South Park community advocates meets online at 7 pm. All are welcome; the agenda has information on how to attend.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: 7:30 pm signups @ West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – no cover to watch. (3803 Delridge Way SW) (See comment below)
TRIVIA x 2: Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 8 pm; at 8:30 pm, trivia is back at Talarico’s (4718 California SW) with Phil T.
Have something for our calendar? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The Madison Middle School WEB program (Where Everybody Belongs) is partnering again this year with Dream Dinners West Seattle (WSB sponsor) – “the original meal-kit company” – and you can help by ordering for one of the special pickup days! Co-coordinator Mike Kreiger explains WEB as “about 90 eighth-grade leaders who help make the school a more inclusive place. We plan and run the 6th grade orientation, give tours to new students, and make relationships by tutoring new-to-Madison students. We meet during advisory and lunch and plan fun ‘get to know you’ activities with the 6th graders to make them feel connected to Madison.” They’re facing budget uncertainties next year but this fundraiser can help. The announcement continues:
By helping WEB and a local small business, your money has a DOUBLE positive impact in our community. For $50 you can get three 3-serving meals (9 servings total), and $10 of that will go straight to Madison’s WEB program for next year. You can pay online up to 36 hours before the pick-up time, and then just pick up during your window and you have 3 pre-made meals that are ready to cook!
Here are the dates (and links) where Dream Dinners West Seattle will donate a portion of their sales to Madison WEB. Deadline to order is May 12th – Spaces fill quickly:
• Saturday, May 14th 10:30 am dreamdinners.com/session/926623
• Monday, May 16th 10:30 am dreamdinners.com/session/926624
• Thursday, May 19th 6 pm dreamdinners.com/session/926625
• Friday, May 20th 11 am dreamdinners.com/session/926626
If you are not interested in Dream Dinners at this time, we are asking for donations of $10 (or more) to keep WEB going strong. If you can help, here is the donation link and there is a QR code attached. All funds will be will be used for WEB curriculum (from the Boomerang Project in California), supplies for orientation, ice breaker and energizer supplies, WEB trainings, WEB retreats, and other WEB related supplies. Any amount supports this program to its full capacity and is greatly appreciated!
Here’s the flyer. (Dream Dinners West Seattle is on the outer east side of Jefferson Square, at 4701 41st SW.)
6:03 AM: Good morning and welcome to Wednesday, May 4th.
WEATHER
The National Weather Service predicts a mostly cloudy day, slightly warmer – high in the 60s.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES
Metro is on its regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of reroutes/trip cancellations.
The West Seattle Water Taxi, which is operated by Metro, is now on the summer schedule – including later evening runs on Fridays and Saturdays.
Ferries: WSF continues using the two-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
772nd 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 city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are 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.
That’s what happened to Susan‘s car, 60 miles from home. The person who pulled over to help her happened to be practically a neighbor – but she doesn’t know his name, and asked if we’d help her find him. Here’s her story:
Driving home from Crystal Mountain on Sunday, my tire literally blew apart on Highway 410 outside of Greenwater. This angel of a human being (a fellow West Seattleite) stopped and helped me jack up and replace the blowout with the spare, in flip-flops and ski pants, with his 10-year-old waiting in their car. This was no easy feat, as the spare is wired in underneath the car, and apres-ski traffic was whipping by at 60 mph. After replacing the tire, he followed me to Highway 18 to make sure I was safe. I’m kicking myself that I didn’t get your name, but your kindness is so greatly appreciated and I’d love to treat you and your daughter to a Menchies!
Thank you so very much.
Susan
If you’re the mystery helper, you can comment below, or email us and we’ll forward your contact info.
Just a little over a week and a half now until the return of West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, with 320+ sales set for Saturday, May 14th, all over the peninsula, from Alki to Arbor Heights, Pigeon Point to South Delridge, and every neighborhood inbetween. Lots of extras – 16 sales with beverages and/or bake sales and/or other snacks. And you can get drinks and/or food at several coffee shops that are among the businesses participating in WSCGSD – among them C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor), HeartBeet, Youngstown, Hotwire Coffee, and Freshy’s are all hosting sales. (Non-food businesses too – that list will be in another preview.) We’re continuing to work on the map/list/guide so you’ll have access to it starting this Saturday, with a week to do advance planning. Keep watching for more advance info in the days ahead (our WSCGSD archive will always start with the most-recent story)!
More leadership news today – this time, from the Southwest Seattle Historical Society:
The SWSHS Board of Trustees is happy to announce that Maggie Kase has been appointed Executive Director of the historical society. After nearly two years as Curator, Maggie had been serving as Interim Executive Director since the resignation of former ED Michael King.
As a result of a nation-wide search, the Board felt that Maggie’s experience in senior leadership, in curatorial and interpretive work and in her commitment to local history best suits the society’s goal to embrace and preserve the history and stories of all the residents of the Duwamish peninsula, both past and present.
Maggie is the key programmatic lead for the society’s highly acclaimed current exhibit “The Spirit Returns 2.0: A Duwamish and Settler Story” in partnership with the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center.
The society is also please to announce the election of two new trustees: Carol-Ann Thornton and Megan Simkus. Carol-Ann has been a member of the society’s Advisory Council and played an important role in the history of West Seattle, having been the first African American student at Alki Elementary School. Megan, an Amazon executive, brings valuable strategic planning skills to the board through her business and non-profit experience.
SWSHS is headquartered in the city-landmark Log House Museum at 61st/Stevens. The museum’s 25th anniversary will be celebrated at the SWSHS “Bridging Our Communities” event June 3.
3:11 PM: Received this afternoon from Julia: “I am writing with the info that there will be a demonstration in support of RESPECT ROE V. WADE, starting at 5 pm in the West Seattle Junction; meeting at Easy Street Records. I’m sewing a nice big banner that says, ‘RESPECT ROE V. WADE,’ and hope others will be there to help hold it up!” This is in the wake of a nationwide call to action following Monday night’s news of a draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion to overturn the 49-year-old landmark ruling.
5:12 PM: We just went through The Junction; the demonstrators are on the KeyBank corner.
6:07 PM: Thanks to the texters who have since sent photos, including the one above.
6:30 PM: Same texter emailed to say, “We’ve dispersed to rise up and raise hell elsewhere.”
7:16 PM: Speaking of “elsewhere,” if you’re headed toward downtown or Capitol Hill, the march under way there currently was just described on police radio as numbering about 2,000.
(Added: Texted photo)
1:48 PM: Thanks for all the tips. There’s a big fire callout just north of the 1st Av S bridge. SFD says the fire is in a boathouse. Updates to come.
(Seattle Fire Department photo)
2:11 PM: Update from SFD: “6300 block of 1st Ave. South: three boats and boathouse (housing two of the boats) have burned. One person reported to have sustained injuries; search of boats is still underway. Working to put out hot spots.” Here’s a map.
2:52 PM: SFD says that “one person reported to have been aboard one of the burned boats has not been located at this time.” Meantime, SFD investigators are working to figure out what started the fire. (And if you were wondering about traffic, cameras indicate the bridge is operating normally.)
7:33 PM: Molly points out in comments that SFD has since updated to say, “firefighters have unfortunately located a deceased individual inside the cabin area of one of the boats that caught fire. The Medical Examiner’s office has been contacted and is responding to the scene.”
ADDED WEDNESDAY MORNING: SPD’s report summaries includes this additional information on the incident: “The Fire Marshal responded and determined the fire to be accidental. The boat had been occupied by the same elderly man for at least the past ten years. He was reported by witnesses to be in poor health, a heavy smoker, and on oxygen.”
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