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FOLLOWUP: Lowman Beach Park night work continues
January 18, 2022 10:19 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Lowman Beach Park night work continues
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Thanks to Mike Munson for the photo of a delivery today at Lowman Beach Park. His photo and an area resident’s report of bright lights overnight last night are reminders that night work on the shore-restoration project continues, as previewed in a Seattle Parks announcement two weeks ago. We asked Parks today what’s happening now; spokesperson Karen O’Connor replied, “The night work started last week. The Contractor was working on shoring and preparation around the area for the new precast seawall. This week, a few more night shifts will occur to set precast wall and cap in place.” They’re working during late-night low-low tides. If anyone in the area has questions about the night work, she said, they can email lowmanbeach@seattle.gov.

P.S. A brief update on the project is also planned during Wednesday night’s quarterly Morgan Community Association meeting, 7 pm online – viewing/participation info is in our calendar listing.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police search for carjackers (update: car found)
January 18, 2022 9:04 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Delridge | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL TUESDAY REPORT: Police are currently on the lookout for a gold 2014 Nissan Murano, plates BKY3697, reported as stolen in a carjacking from the Lighthouse Apartments at 7901 Delridge Way SW. Officers have told dispatch that the victim described the two carjackers as female, white or Hispanic, in their 20s, one with light hair and a hoodie, one with dark hair, both in blue jeans. A gun was implied but not seen, they say. If you see this (or any other reported) stolen car, call 911.

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON: Just got word that the car was recovered in Kent, possibly linked to other robberies. We’re checking to see if we can find out more.

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PANDEMIC UPDATES: Local check-in #27, 1/18/2022
January 18, 2022 8:07 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

One more COVID-19 update tonight – our one-day-delayed weekly look at countywide and West Seattle numbers from Public Health-Seattle & King County, which did not update on the holiday:

KING COUNTY CUMULATIVE NUMBERS (through today):

*288,808 cases – 40,033 more than our last check 8 days ago (10,841 total in West Seattle, up 1,596)
*10,274 hospitalizations – 524 more than eight days ago (292 total from West Seattle, up 15)
*2,246 people have died – 50 more than the previous update (80 total in West Seattle, up 3)

TREND

The West Seattle case total averages out to just under 200 per day, compared to 190 per day in last week’s update

VACCINATION RATE

82.8% of King County residents 5+ have completed their vaccine series – up .4% from one week ago.

By West Seattle zip code – note that these numbers are still NOT available as 5+, so they reflect the percentage of 12+ population:
98106 – 88.9% completed series (52.1% of them have been boosted)
98116 – 92% completed series (64.7% of them have been boosted)
98126 – 83.7% completed series (60% of them have been boosted)
98136 – 93.5% completed series (67.9% of them have been boosted)
98146 – 84% completed series (48.6% of them have been boosted)

(Find more COVID-related King County stats here.)

GETTING TESTED IN WEST SEATTLE

-The city-sponsored, UW Medicine-run West Seattle testing site at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) is limiting testing to symptomatic/exposed people. Appointments can be made here (if you find an opening).

–Curative continues operating two West Seattle testing locations – at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor SW) and at Summit Atlas School (9601 35th SW)

GETTING VACCINATED IN WEST SEATTLE

The city-run vaccination hub at Neighborhood House High Point (6400 Sylvan Way SW) continues Friday and Saturday operations; here‘s where to look for an appointment. Pliable‘s Sunday clinics (same location) are on hiatus until January 30th. Pop-up clinics continue, including one for Seattle Public Schools students tomorrow at Denny IMS.

P.S. If you missed it, SPS published its weekly case-numbers update Monday despite the holiday, so we had the local breakouts last night.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Roxbury arrest; supermarket incidents
January 18, 2022 6:13 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three incidents in West Seattle Crime Watch:

ROXBURY INCIDENT: This response is unfolding right now – it started with a report of an “aggressive man in the street,” then as police responded, the man is reported to have gone inside the gas-station mini-mart at 30th/Roxbury and started breaking glass and throwing things. Officers told dispatch they deployed a Taser and have the suspect in custody; we confirmed that on scene:

Medics were called to check out the suspect. This is King County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction and they were reported to be on the way. (ADDED 9:31 PM) We’re not likely to get additional information until tomorrow, but we do have a short video clip from Ted Huetter, who was at the nearby stoplight when he noticed the police response:

ADDED WEDNESDAY: SPD’s preliminary summary adds details:

Officers responded to a 911 hazard call regarding a subject lying in the roadway in the 2100 block of SW Roxbury St. Officers arrived and located the subject walking in the roadway in the 3400 block of SW Roxbury St. Officers attempted to persuade the subject out of the roadway, but he refused. While officers waited for additional units to arrive for an emergent detention, the subject ran in the road several blocks before entering a nearby gas station, located in the 2800 block SW Roxbury St. The subject proceeded to damage and/or throw most items in the store, shatter a window, and threw items at officers. One officer was struck by flying glass but uninjured. The subject eventually exited the store and a taser was deployed … The subject was taken into custody and Seattle Fire was requested for his injuries. The subject was transported to Harborview Medical Center via SFD, and a hospital guard was established until the subject could be booked into King County Jail for investigation of Malicious Mischief and Assault 3. The amount of loss suffered by the gas station was undetermined due to the extent of the damage.

Also in Crime Watch, the next two incidents both happened Saturday at Admiral Safeway, according to police summaries:

SHOPLIFT TURNED ROBBERY: This was reported at 8:45 am – a man was “placing items inside his cart, backpack, and duffel bag.” The store manager, the summary continues, “approached the suspect and offered to assist the suspect with checking out all the items he was concealing. The suspect became agitated and pulled out a hypodermic needle, and aggressively held the needle in his hand as a weapon. The manager placed a shopping cart between him and the suspect. The suspect walked out of the store with the stolen items inside his backpack and duffel bag.” Police searched but did not find him; the summary does not include a description.

ARMED MAN THREATENS CUSTOMERS: This was reported at 11:22 pm, and it did result in an arrest. The summary says “multiple 911 calls” reported a man “armed with an axe and knife, threatening customers.” No injuries were reported. Police found the man hiding in a stairwell. He was booked into jail for investigation of felony harassment.

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CORONAVIRUS: Denny IMS hosting one-day vaccination clinic, ongoing afterschool testing
January 18, 2022 4:13 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

A two-part announcement from Denny International Middle School (2601 SW Kenyon):

VACCINATION CLINIC TOMORROW: 4-6 pm Wednesday (January 19th), Seattle Public Schools students who are eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations can get them at a one-day walk-in clinic at Denny. Here’s the flyer.

AFTERSCHOOL TESTING: Starting tomorrow, an afterschool testing site will be set up weekdays at Denny, 4-8 pm, open to all SPS students, families, and staff. This too is walk-in, but you can register in advance here (or use the QR code on the flyer).

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CORONAVIRUS: Feds’ free-tests website now taking orders; state’s price-gouging alert
January 18, 2022 1:47 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Two notes today about home tests for COVID-19:

ONLINE ORDERING BEGINS FOR FREE TESTS: The federal government wasn’t expected to launch this until tomorrow but it’s up now. You can go here and order up to four home COVID tests per household to be mailed to you. Wondering what kind of tests? From the website:

The tests available for order:

-Are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR
-Can be taken anywhere
-Give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required)
-Work whether or not you have COVID-⁠19 symptoms
-Work whether or not you are up to date on your COVID-⁠19 vaccines
-Are also referred to self-tests or over-the-counter (OTC) tests

The tests will take at least a week to arrive, the site says.

IF YOU’RE BUYING HOME TESTS … the state Attorney General’s Office has a warning for you about price-gouging. The office says it’s been receiving complaints including online ads offering tests for more than triple their retail price. You can file a price-gouging complaint about this or anything else by going here.

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RAPIDRIDE H LINE: Station sighting
January 18, 2022 11:48 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Transportation | West Seattle news

Thanks to Joseph for the photo. The familiar red-highlighted RapidRide station framework is appearing on Delridge Way, eight months before the scheduled conversion of Metro Route 120 to the RapidRide H Line. This work is under way on southbound Delridge just south of SW Andover. As shown on the map of the West Seattle section of the H Line, this will be the northernmost station:

The H Line is currently scheduled to launch with Metro’s September service change

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5 notes for your West Seattle Tuesday
January 18, 2022 9:49 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Recent Lincoln Park sunset, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

KING CONSERVATION DISTRICT ELECTION: Voting begins in a unique countywide election, for one of the supervisor positions of the King Conservation District. You can vote online – go here for information on how to do that and who’s running.

DEMONSTRATION: 4:30-6 pm at 16th/Holden, organizer Scott leads the longrunning signwaving demonstration for racial justice. Signs available if you don’t have one.

TOASTMASTERS 832: All welcome at the weekly online meeting, 6:30 pm. Our calendar listing has information on how to participate.

TRIVIA X 2: Two venues to play tonight – 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7:30 and 8:30 pm at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska).

BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: Play bingo with Cookie Couture at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm. Free, all ages!

There’s more on our calendar – and if you have something to add for the future, email us the info at westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Celebration of Life planned February 5 for Gary W. Wofford, 1939-2021
January 18, 2022 9:00 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather February 5th to celebrate the life of Gary Wofford. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:

Gary W. Wofford, age 82, passed away on Nov. 3, 2021, at St Clare Hospital, Lakewood, Washington, from Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was surrounded by his family.

Gary was born to George Wofford and Helen (Johnson) Frederickson of Bremerton and grew up in Poulsbo. He graduated from North Kitsap High School, class of 1957. He was very active in sports and school activities.

Gary married Ellen (Waali) Wofford in 1958. They were married for 62 years. They lived in West Seattle for 36 years before moving to the Lake Tapps / Enumclaw area.

When Gary resided in West Seattle, he coached football for The West Seattle Boys Club and West Seattle Jr. Football from 1959-1976. We know he impacted many young men’s lives and won several City Championships along the way! He also worked on the “Chain Gang” for the University of Washington football program for several years.

In his earlier years, he worked for Boeing, Sid Eland Distributors, and North Coast Electric. After moving to the Lake Tapps area, he had three restaurants in Bonney Lake and Enumclaw: Pard’s Place (Enumclaw), Midtown Grill (Bonney Lake), and 23 years as proprietor of BLT Sports Bar and Grill, 1997-2020 (Bonney Lake).

He was very supportive to the local community programs, charities, several youth programs, and the Veterans Home, located in Orting. He was active with WIAA High School Basketball by hosting teams in state tournaments at the Tacoma Dome for several years and supported many High School athletic programs. He also provided holiday meals for families in Enumclaw and Bonney Lake communities.

He is survived by his wife Ellen and their three children: Jana Decker (Joe Fox), Connie Bray, and Brent Wofford, and grandchildren Travis Decker (Lindsey), Kyle Bray (Willa Rector), Jennie Roush (Brandon), Brooke Coyle (Frank Tanner), Taylor Wofford, Devin Wofford, Domi Wolmer (Chris), and JJ Fox. Gary also is survived by 11 great-grandchildren and his brother Richard Wofford (Cathy).

In lieu of flowers, please donate to any of these organizations:

Bonney Lake Food Bank: PO Box 7521, Bonney Lake, WA 98391
Enumclaw Food Bank: PO Box 827, Enumclaw, WA 98022
Or any Youth Organization of your choice.

A private burial was held Nov. 9, 2021, at the Enumclaw Cemetery, Enumclaw. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 5th at the Eagles in Buckley from 1-4 PM.

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

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Post-holiday Tuesday notes
January 18, 2022 6:03 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM Good morning!

WEATHER

Showery forecast today, with a high in the upper 40s.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro is on a regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.

West Seattle and Vashon Water Taxi routes are back to their regular schedules.

Ferries: WSF continues a two-boat schedule on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run. Check here for alerts/updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

665th 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.)

The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

South Park Bridge:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

Are movable bridges opening for vessels? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed can tell you; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are also tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page

Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation
January 17, 2022 11:59 pm
|      29 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

11:59 PM: Police are investigating gunfire near 47th/Charlestown. They’ve just told dispatch that they’ve found “a couple of shell casings.” No reports of any injuries, though. This happened in an area where gunfire has been investigated before, including twice in one week last October. According to what officers have told dispatchers, they’ve gotten various descriptions of possible vehicles involved – no description of the armed person(s) so far.

ADDED 3:43 PM TUESDAY: We’ve requested the full-report narrative but haven’t received it yet. Here’s the preliminary summary made public by SPD:

Neighbors in the 4700 block of SW Charlestown called to report shots fired from a vehicle after a loud argument. When officers arrived, they located evidence of a shooting in front of an apartment building in the area. A female in the building was contacted who reported a burglary and hinted that her boyfriend may have fired his weapon while confronting the suspects who were driving a Gold or Silver Subaru Forester with tinted windows. However, her story changed repeatedly, she admitted lying initially to officers, and her boyfriend had fled the scene in a White BMW prior to officers’ arrival.

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CORONAVIRUS: 1,489 new cases in weekly Seattle Public Schools update; district responds to teachers’ safety requests
January 17, 2022 10:41 pm
|      33 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

We were going to hold off on our entire weekly local pandemic roundup until tomorrow because of the holiday. Then we discovered that despite the holiday, Seattle Public Schools has posted its weekly dashboard update. (King County Public Health won’t have new numbers until tomorrow, so that’s when we’ll update the other local stats.) Districtwide, the cumulative SPS case total for this school year is now 3,590, 1,489 more than a week earlier. Here’s the local school-by-school breakout (as always, these totals also are cumulative):

Chief Sealth International High School – 77, up 44
Madison Middle School – 51, up 30
West Seattle High School – 44, up 5
West Seattle Elementary – 43, up 29
Arbor Heights Elementary – 40, up 18
Denny International Middle School – 40, up 8
Sanislo Elementary – 36, up 19
Louisa Boren STEM K-8 – 32, up 9
Pathfinder K-8 – 31, up 14
Genesee Hill Elementary – 31, up 14
Concord International (Elementary) – 28, up 13
Roxhill Elementary – 28, up 13
Fairmount Park Elementary – 27, up 9
Gatewood Elementary – 25, up 6
Alki Elementary – 23, up 4
Lafayette Elementary – 20, up 9
Highland Park Elementary – 15, up 1
BRIDGES @ Roxhill – 2, up 1

No schools in West Seattle have gone fully remote, though some classes have – the district doesn’t publicly announce changes for part of a school’s population, but we were forwarded a letter indicating that some classes at Pathfinder K-8 are all-remote right now until next Monday at the earliest.

Also tonight, the district has just published on its website what it titles “Response to SEA” (the educators’ union Seattle Education Association), in response to a new list of union requests. Those requests are similar to what we published last Thursday night after the Friday sickout closure of Chief Sealth International High School was announced. The requests include providing high-quality masks to all students and staff; the district says it will start distributing those to staff tomorrow, and that they’re on order for students. But otherwise, the two sides remain apart.

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REOPENING: Full Tilt Ice Cream reopens in White Center tomorrow, four months post-fire
January 17, 2022 7:59 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | White Center

(West Seattle Blog/White Center Now photos)

Four months after the fire that gutted the Locker Room Bar and Grill, one of the other White Center businesses affected is about to reopen: Full Tilt Ice Cream‘s flagship location at 9629 16th SW reopens tomorrow (Tuesday, January 18th). We stopped by this evening as they finished getting ready.

That wall is an example of what had to be fixed before Full Tilt could reopen – firefighters had to break through it while working to stop the September fire. And they’re two doors down from Locker Room; the damage was even worse at neighboring Huong Xua Deli and, on the other side of Locker Room, Bizzarro Italian Café. No updates on them yet (Bizzarro is still open in Wallingford). Full Tilt will reopen with a few new touches – like this Simpsons-themed pinball machine:

Hours will be the same as pre-fire – 3 to 8 pm.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white Subaru Forester
January 17, 2022 5:48 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white Subaru Forester
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Be on the lookout for Andrea‘s car:

Stolen from our garage last night:
License ANJ2559
2014 white Subaru Forester
With golden retriever decal on back

Stolen between 1am and 6am Monday the 17th on 36th Ave SW near SW Hanford.

If you see it, call 911.

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Also at Lincoln Park: Unusual bird sighting
January 17, 2022 5:36 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Before sunset, we got multiple reports (thanks to Megan for the photo) about that rooster, seen and heard in upper Lincoln Park. Not likely it’s a lost pet, as they’re against city rules. We advised reporting to Seattle Animal Shelter but they’re closed for the holiday.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Car broken into in park lot
January 17, 2022 2:43 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Heads up if this afternoon’s sunshine has you planning on driving to a local park. Just sent by Franki:

We wanted to share that sometime from 11:40 to 12:40 this morning our car was broken into while we were strolling in Lincoln Park. We parked our car in upper parking lot along Fauntleroy. The right side window was smashed and my mom’s purse was stolen. We are a bit befuddled on how this happened because there were so many people around in the parking lot! Just remember to stay safe and don’t leave belongings visible in your car.

General advice is not to leave anything in your car, visible or not – thieves have been known to break in on spec.

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MLK DAY OF SERVICE: West Seattle volunteers give the greenbelt some help
January 17, 2022 1:44 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Delridge | Environment | How to help | Pigeon Point | West Seattle news

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day has become MLK Day of Service for many, and in West Seattle, that included several environmental-restoration/cleanup projects today. We stopped by the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association Nature Team work site in Pigeon Point Park, part of the West Duwamish Greenbelt urban forest, adjacent to Pathfinder K-8.

This is a labor-intensive, long-running project to give the life-sustaining forest some help by beating back invasive plants. Removing blackberry growth was a focus for the nearly 30 volunteers who turned out today. In the spring, work parties will focus on planting – but at this time of year, the ground has to be cleared and readied to receive those new plants. DNDA has frequent volunteer opportunities for this area and other parts of the West Duwamish Greenbelt – check them out, and sign up if you’re interested, by going here.

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ELECTION 2022: Ballots go out this week for Seattle Public Schools levies. Here’s what you’ll be voting on
January 17, 2022 11:52 am
|      43 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

checkbox.jpgThis week, King County Elections sends out ballots for February 8th “special elections,” and this year that includes two levy renewals for Seattle Public Schools.

Proposition 1: Educational Programs & Operations Levy Renewal
This is a three-year $646 million levy (down from $814 million in 2019). The district explains it as “funding for day-to-day operations, staffing positions, academic programs and student opportunities that are not fully funded by the state.” One example cited by SPS is that state funding covers nine school nurses for the entire district; levy funding is used to employ 59 more (still only 68 nurses for a 110+-school district). The levy is expected to cost up to 75 cents per $1,000 property valuation per year, down from the $1.05 rate voters approved three years ago. You can see the full text here; see the official pro/con statements and other background here.

Proposition 2: Buildings, Technology, and Academics/Athletics Levy Renewal
This is a six-year $783 million levy, up from $475 million for the one approved in 2015. The district explains that this three-part levy covers everything from major building-maintenance projects to “strategic investments in technology” to athletic-field improvements. This levy starts at 47 cents per $1,000 property valuation and goes down to an estimated 37 cents in the final year (the 2016 version was estimated at 43 cents per $1,000). See the full text of the levy here; yes/no statements and other background is here. West Seattle schools and SPS facilities with projects on the district’s list include:

Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex – replace softball-field turf and lighting
Hiawatha/West Seattle HS – new batting cages, shared cost of turf replacement
Gatewood Elementary – windows and fire alarm
Highland Park Elementary – playground improvements
Lafayette Elementary – stormwater systems and asphalt maintenance
Boren STEM K-8 – electrical system improvements, intercom/clock system replacement
Pathfinder K-8 – fire-alarm panel replacement
Madison MS – exterior cladding/window improvements
Interagency/Roxhill – fire and burglary alarm improvements
Schmitz Park (interim site) – door, fire-safety improvements

Both levies require a simple-majority vote to pass. KC Elections plans to send ballots on Wednesday; dropboxes open Thursday; deadline to return your ballot (or get it postmarked) is Tuesday, February 8th.

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MLK Day of Service and other notes for your West Seattle Monday
January 17, 2022 9:54 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Thanks to Noodle and crew for the photo from a West Seattle walk in the fog. Below, a few notes for this Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday Monday:

WHAT’S CLOSED
-Schools
–Libraries
–Most Seattle Parks facilities
-Banks
–Post Offices

As for what’s happening:

POP-UP CLEANUP: Other MLK Day of Service events in our area are full – volunteer capacities have long been restricted because of the pandemic – but you can grab a bag and go join the pop-up cleanup along Harbor Avenue SW, 10 am-noon, as previewed right after we got word of it last night.

BETTY WHITE CHALLENGE A reader asked us if any local animal-advocate groups was joining this nationwide fundraiser honoring what would have been Betty White‘s 100th birthday today. Furry Faces Foundation has decided to jump in:

We are proud to join Betty White’s Challenge! Please consider donating $5 in honor of Betty White…she still lives with all of us in our hearts and minds,

Thank you for your consideration. Donations may be made to our PayPal account – furryfaces@hotmail.com – or mailed to 3809 46th Ave SW, Seattle, 98116. For more information about Furry Faces Foundation, go here.

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WEATHER, TRANSIT, TRAFFIC: MLK Day Monday notes
January 17, 2022 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on WEATHER, TRANSIT, TRAFFIC: MLK Day Monday notes
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM Good morning! It’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

WEATHER

Cloudy, breezy, rain likely later, per the holiday forecast, with a high in the 40s.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro is on a regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.

Sound Transit express buses are on regular weekday schedules too.

West Seattle and Vashon Water Taxi routes are not running today.

Ferries: WSF continues a two-boat schedule on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run. Check here for alerts/updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

664th 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.)

The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

South Park Bridge:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

Are movable bridges opening for vessels? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed can tell you; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are also tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page

Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

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MLK DAY OF SERVICE: Still looking for a way to volunteer?
January 16, 2022 10:36 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

If you aren’t already signed up for an MLK Day of Service volunteer opportunity tomorrow but are interested in helping out somewhere, we just found out about this – CleanupSEA is organizing a pop-up cleanup, 10 am-noon. Meet at Harbor and Lotus [map]. More info here. (P.S. If you know of any other service opportunities Monday that are not all booked up, let us know so we can mention them too!)

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From ferry lines to Fall Festival’s future @ Fauntleroy Community Association
January 16, 2022 8:52 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Here’s what happened at this week’s online meeting of the Fauntleroy Community Association:

TRAFFIC SAFETY: This has been an ongoing focus for FCA, as they continue pressing for progress on issues raised at a special community meeting in October. Two issues they emphasized: Getting enforcement for ferry-line jumpers and people making U-turns near the dock. One challenge – Those are different agencies’ jurisdictions – the State Patrol and Seattle Police. FCA president Mike Dey suggested a separate conversation with SPD and WSP might be in order to talk about a unified response. SDOT has promised signage and an “education campaign” about line-cutting; FCA doesn’t feel that’s enough.

FERRIES: FCA’s point person on Washington State Ferries matters, Frank Immel, recapped recent community meetings and said WSF’s environmental survey of the Fauntleroy dock will likely start in the next few months. He reiterated that it’s too early in the planning process for any decisions on the replacement dock/terminal.

CRIME: The Southwest Precinct was represented by Sgt. Lance Gilmore. Again this month, he said, Fauntleroy has had fewer calls than any other part of West Seattle. He also mentioned another new emphasis program is planned for Westwood Village, starting soon once the plan – and the overtime it would require – gets final approval. (The shopping center was a topic at the previous FCA meeting in November.)

FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL: David Haggerty said the festival’s future is clouded by rising costs and a need for volunteers. The cost could double this year, if some of last year’s price hikes on items such as pumpkins and canopies are a preview of what’s to come. Fundraisers are planned as usual but finding volunteer help can be difficult. Festival organizers are working on some questions to take to the community soon as they look ahead.

EASTER EGG HUNT: FCA is tentatively planning on one for April 16th, the day before Easter – details to come. (Last year, FCA hid hundreds of eggs around the community.)

WHAT’S NEXT: FCA’s board meetings, open to the community, are held online at 7 pm the second Tuesday of most months, so the next one is February 8th. Watch fauntleroy.net for updates.

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In case you’re wondering too: No, the garbage strike does NOT include West Seattle
January 16, 2022 6:11 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

Several people have asked us today whether our area’s residential solid-waste collection is affected by the strike against Republic Services. So in case you’re wondering too, the short answer: No. Long answer: In West Seattle and elsewhere, Seattle Public Utilities contracts with other companies for pickup – Waste Management and Recology. Their drivers are NOT on strike – the strike is against Republic only. The walkout started a month ago in San Diego and has since spread to Republic facilities in King County. While the city does work with a Republic-operated recycling facility, an SPU spokesperson is quoted in The Seattle Times as saying that will not affect service.

P.S. Separate from the strike situation, tomorrow’s MLK Day holiday also will NOT affect service in West Seattle, though some other areas of the city are on a one-day delay, as explained here. (Monday note: Some commenters say they’ve received notifications to the contrary – please let us know if you did too, as we will be asking SPU tomorrow about their apparently erroneous/incomplete announcement.)

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