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year : 2022 3600 results

Lowman Beach update and more @ Morgan Community Association’s quarterly meeting
January 16, 2022 4:45 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Thanks to Mike Munson for that photo from the north end of Lowman Beach Park, where the seawall removal/shoreline restoration project continues. A short project update is one of the items on the agenda for the Morgan Community Association‘s next quarterly meeting, this Wednesday (January 19th), online at 7 pm. MoCA will also talk about the Morgan Junction Park expansion site and forming a committee to talk about what can be done with the site between (upcoming) contamination cleanup and (future) park development. Also on the agenda, the new owner of one of Morgan Junction’s major mixed-use buildings, Ivy Court. See the full agenda here or below:

Information for attending the meeting by video or phone is in the agenda and also in our calendar listing.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another catalytic-converter theft
January 16, 2022 2:22 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Sent to us via text this weekend:

Just wanted our neighbors and community to know that our 2006 Toyota Highlander’s catalytic converter was stolen some time between last Sunday, Jan. 9th and Friday, Jan. 14th. We don’t use the car much as my son takes the Metro to school and I’m within walking distance to my job. We live within a few blocks of Lafayette Elementary.

Not sure what people can do to deter this from happening to their car. Nonetheless, I thought people might want and need to know to be a bit more aware.

Deterrence advice is on this National Insurance Crime Bureau webpage, along with national stats showing how catalytic-converter theft grew dramatically between 2019 and 2020.

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THEATER: Last call for online viewing of ArtsWest’s ‘We’ve Battled Monsters Before’
January 16, 2022 12:23 pm
|    Comments Off on THEATER: Last call for online viewing of ArtsWest’s ‘We’ve Battled Monsters Before’
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Though “We’ve Battled Monsters Before” closed at ArtsWest Playhouse in The Junction (WSB sponsor) just after Christmas, you can still see it online. As reported here back in November, ArtsWest is offering this season’s plays online too, for anyone who doesn’t yet feel ready to return to in-person attendance. So a recorded performance of the musical by Justin Huertas (also a co-star) is available online through Thursday (January 20th). Ticket prices vary, from the “inclusion rate” on up. Go here to get your ticket and the viewing link. After this, ArtsWest opens the season’s second show, “Monsters of the American Cinema” by Christian St. Croix, starting with a preview performance January 26th

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‘Parenting in a Pandemic’: Open invitation to online presentation Wednesday
January 16, 2022 10:30 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Two years into the pandemic, this remains a tough time in many ways. That includes people trying to help their kids cope with the ongoing challenges. That’s why the West Seattle High School PTSA is inviting you to an online presentation at 7 pm this Wednesday – you do NOT have to be a WSHS PTSA member or even a WSHS parent/guardian to attend:

WSHS PTSA Presents: “Parenting in a Pandemic: Reestablishing Parenting Foundations”
January 19th, 7-8:30 pm via Zoom with Sound Discipline facilitator, Jen Giomi

The pandemic has shaken our foundations and we know our kids are struggling. As we continue to navigate this pandemic and discover the myriad of effects on our lives and our children, it might be time to re-establish those parenting foundations.

Join Jen Giomi, Sound Discipline facilitator and WSHS parent, for a science based approach to guiding emotional-regulation and connection, using communication tools to de-escalate conflict, and foster cooperation in your home. It will be an interactive evening to learn and/or renew tools for kind and firm parenting.

You can get the link for attending by going here.

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Clothing/food donation drive, low-bridge closures, and 7 other notes for your West Seattle Sunday
January 16, 2022 6:34 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Olympic foothills fog plus ferry, photographed by Jerry Simmons)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s what’s up for the hours ahead:

TRAFFIC ALERT – LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURES: Today is the third of five Sundays during which SDOT plans to close the low bridge three times, up to half an hour each time, for measurements needed to prepare for repair work, as explained here. The closures are expected to happen around 9 am, 1 pm, and 5 pm.

TRAFFIC ALERT – SIGN WORK: SDOT says crews will continue work today on Rapid Flashing Beacons-equipped signage along Dumar/Orchard.

CHURCHES: More West Seattle churches have gone back to online-only for now because of the current COVID surge – here’s our weekly update on 20+ churches.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, it’s the weekly WSFM (WSB sponsor). (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

DONATION DRIVE: 11 am-3 pm outside Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), collecting food, toiletries, children’s clothing, and men’s work clothing – details in our calendar listing.

BOOK CLUB: 3 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), monthly meeting of the West Seattle Classic Novels (and Movies) Book Club – see our calendar listing for update on this month’s discussion topic and how to RSVP.

NEED FOOD? White Center Community Dinner Church serves a free meal (take-away available) at 5 pm Sundays at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW).

SUNDAY NIGHT KARAOKE: 8 pm to 1 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.

Got an event to list in our calendar and previews? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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FOLLOWUP: Rain City Clay gets ready to move into Brace Point Pottery in Arbor Heights
January 15, 2022 10:11 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Deb Schwartzkopf had cause to celebrate tonight. She was in the spotlight at a show with dozens of artists exhibiting at the future location of her Rain City Clay studios. It’s at 4208 SW 100th, the longtime Arbor Heights home of Brace Point Pottery, whose owner Loren Lukens is moving out of state. Schwarzkopf and friends, including many contributing artists, gathered tonight for a reception celebrating the start of the transition, which we first told you about back in September. It’s now just a month and a half until Schwartzkopf will “get the keys” on March 1st.

She plans to keep her current studio in White Center, Rat City Studios, as a location for artists to use, but Rain City Clay will be the hub for classes, workshops, and shows – like this one, featuring many students past and present, as well as other clay artists.

If you didn’t get to the show – titled “Introductions” – tonight, you can also see it next Saturday, when Brace Point Pottery is open 10 am-5 pm. (This is the last show Lukens is hosting there before his move next month.) Meantime, Schwartzkopf is continuing to crowdfund to help with improvements and added equipment to realize her community-building vision for Rain City Clay. The grand-opening celebration is planned for April 2nd.

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REBUILDING HPIC: Third town hall planned Wednesday
January 15, 2022 8:02 pm
|    Comments Off on REBUILDING HPIC: Third town hall planned Wednesday
 |   Highland Park | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

(Photo from HPIC town-hall presentation, building’s south side along SW Holden)

Almost seven months after the fire that severely damaged the Highland Park Improvement Club building (12th/Holden), major decisions remain about its future – how much of it to rebuild, and what purpose the new building could serve. Those have been topics of two online “town halls” so far (WSB coverage here and here), and now it’s time for the third, Wednesday (January 19th) at 7 pm. As announced by HPIC, “Architect Matt Wittman and Landscape Architect Jody Estes of Wittman Estes will facilitate the meeting again. We will be discussing the results of the Community Priority Questionnaire and how this input relates to the building, with diagrams and sketches to help visualize.” Even if you haven’t participated in the process so far, you’re welcome to jump in now. Connection information for the meeting is on the HPIC website.

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UNSEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Aircraft carrier and submarine in transit through the fog
January 15, 2022 5:53 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

At the end of a socked-in day, we learned that somewhere in the fog, an aircraft carrier passed by … for the last time. The USS Kitty Hawk has been mothballed in Bremerton for more than a decade, and was towed away today, headed to be scrapped in Texas, as the Kitsap Sun‘s Josh Farley reports. We don’t have a photo of its passage in the fog today, but here’s a pic we published (courtesy of reader Gary) the day it arrived in Bremerton in September 2008:

kittythismorning.jpg

Meantime, also on the water between here and Bremerton this murky day, a submarine:

We received that photo from Kelley Leigh, who was on a state ferry headed for downtown Seattle that passed the submarine arriving in Bremerton just before 3 pm today.

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FERRIES: 2021 ridership rises, but still below pre-pandemic usage
January 15, 2022 3:53 pm
|    Comments Off on FERRIES: 2021 ridership rises, but still below pre-pandemic usage
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

(Fauntleroy ferry dock, photographed in this week’s fog by Vlad Oustimovitch)

Washington State Ferries says its ridership continued rebounding last year from the 2020 pandemic low. This week, it released the year-end ridership report for 2021. The accompanying announcement included the overview on some of the trends:

For only the second time since it began operations in 1951, and the second year in a row, WSF carried more vehicles with a driver (8.9 million) than passengers (8.4 million) in 2021, as many continued to work from home or chose to drive on board because of the pandemic.

Current ridership trends

State ferry ridership in 2021 rose to roughly 72% of 2019 pre-COVID-19 numbers, with vehicles climbing to 85% and walk-on customers up to 42% of pre-pandemic levels. Ridership is expected to rebound further when COVID-19 eases and as WSF restores sailings closer to pre-pandemic levels.

“We’re in the process of planning our service restoration efforts as we continue to aggressively recruit, hire and train new employees,” said WSF Assistant Secretary Patty Rubstello. “Pandemic-related vessel crewing challenges and the temporary loss of one of our biggest ferries due to an engine room fire were two major service obstacles for us in 2021.”

2021 route-by-route ridership highlights

The greatest year-to-year increase came on the Seattle/Bainbridge Island route, where total ridership – vehicles and passengers combined – was up 44%. The boost lifts the run back into the top spot as the system’s busiest after dropping behind Mukilteo/Clinton and Edmonds/Kingston in 2020 for the first time in more than 40 years. The Anacortes/San Juan Islands route had the second largest growth at 36% with ridership on those runs reaching 95% of pre-pandemic levels. System highlights include:

Seattle/Bainbridge Island: Biggest year-to-year increase with total riders up 44%, led by a system-high rise in walk-on passengers of 54%; vehicles jumped a system high 32%.
Edmonds/Kingston: Total riders climbed 20%, vehicles grew 14%.
Mukilteo/Clinton: Total riders rose 14%, vehicles increased 11% to remain as busiest route for drivers.
Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth: Total riders up 13%, vehicles jumped 9%.
Anacortes/San Juan Islands: Total riders surged 36%, vehicles climbed 23%.
Seattle/Bremerton: Total riders grew 29%, vehicles rose 20%.
Point Defiance/Tahlequah: Total riders increased 18%, vehicles up 13%.
Port Townsend/Coupeville: Total riders jumped 22%, vehicles climbed 14%.
Anacortes/Friday Harbor/Sidney, British Columbia: The international route did not resume service in 2021 due to U.S.-Canada border restrictions and continued crewing and vessel availability challenges.

You can see annual ridership reports dating back to 2002 by going here. For a quick comparison, Fauntleroy-Vashon ridership in 2021, 1.4 million, was down from 1.8 million in 2019, while Fauntleroy-Southworth’s 2021 total, 554,000, was down from 2019’s 976,000.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: One-minute business burglary on video
January 15, 2022 11:49 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

As shown in that security video from early this morning, one minute is all it took for a burglar to enter Hotwire Coffee in The Junction, load a container with items, and leave. The video was sent by Hotwire’s general manager, Nicole, who says the burglar got away with their cash drawer, petty cash, and keys. It happened around 4:25 am and she’s hoping someone may have seen something or recognize the burglar. We don’t have the incident number yet but will add it when we do.

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About the warning: No, a big tsunami is not expected in our area because of the Tonga eruption
January 15, 2022 10:09 am
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

10:09 AM: Your phone might have just sounded an alarm saying King County is under a tsunami advisory because of the big volcanic eruption in the South Pacific that happened last night:

It’s important to know this does NOT mean the stereotypical giant wave (which would be a possibility if the event were somewhere nearby). Even on the open ocean coast, the “tsunami” might be 1 to 3 feet – but do heed warnings if you happen to be visiting that area.

10:19 AM: Here’s a map of where the eruption happened.

3:14 PM: And if you’re still worried, note that the state Emergency Management department clarified that the advisory is not for areas like ours. Meantime, one commenter asked what to do if there WAS a serious tsunami threat – short answer is to head inland/uphill, much longer answer (and lots more info) is here.

5:20 PM: For the areas of our state’s ocean coast that WERE under an advisory, it’s been canceled.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 8 notes
January 15, 2022 6:34 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Foggy Friday photo by Jerry Simmons)

Welcome to the weekend. Here’s what to know as it begins:

TRAFFIC ALERTS: Three of them today:
–Repaving work on SW 106th between 32nd and 106th all weekend
-If you’re going to/from Harbor Island, possible minor traffic impacts on SW Manning and E. Klickitat related to bridge work platform rigging and hoisting
-Rapid Flashing Beacon replacement work along Dumar/Orchard

VACCINATION CLINIC FOR KIDS: 9 am-noon, by appointment, at Neighborhood Naturopathic (5410 California) – check to see if they have any appointments left; contact info’s in our preview.

WAYS OF WHALES: Online workshop presented by Orca Network, 10 am-4 pm. Details and registration info are in our calendar listing.

FREE WEEKLY WRITERS’ GROUP: New participants welcome. 10:30 am – registration link and other details are in our calendar listing.

HEALTH EVENT: COVID vaccinations and other health resources/services on a walk-in basis, 11 am-3 pm at Highland Park Elementary (1012 SW Trenton) – more info in our preview.

WINE TIME: Viscon Cellars‘ (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) tasting room is open 1-6 pm.

ART RECEPTION: It’s time for “Introductions” as Rain City Clay takes over Brace Point Pottery in Arbor Heights, 6-8 pm reception tonight. (4208 SW 100th)

WEST SEATTLE DRAG SHOW: At the Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) with Dolly Madison, 9 pm.

Are we missing anything? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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UPDATE: Fire callout in The Junction
January 14, 2022 9:50 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

9:50 PM: Big SFD callout to the 4730 California SW apartments in The Junction. They’re reporting “light smoke in the hallway” on the third floor. They’re downsizing the response – calling it a small kitchen fire.

(Added: Reader photo, texted)

10:01 PM: The incident log shows five units still on scene, a third of the number originally dispatched, so you’ll want to avoid that block of California (between Alaska and Edmunds) for a while. No report of injuries (we’ll verify that with SFD).

10:26 PM: The remaining units have been dismissed and the call is closed.

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Here’s what SPD isn’t likely to pull you over for any more
January 14, 2022 8:30 pm
|      65 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Eight months ago, the city’s Inspector General sent interim Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz a letter asking him to “partner with OIG to find ways to eliminate, or at least greatly reduce the practice of conducting traffic stops for civil violations or low-level, non-dangerous moving violations.” Inspector General Lisa Judge – whose duty is to “help ensure the fairness and integrity of the police system” – voiced concern about such stops resulting in “use of force or tragedy” and having “broader implications for public trust. Judge added that “a new framework is needed to address the historical inequities and inherent dangers in traffic stops. Without drilling down to underlying issues and root causes, police and community are
destined to continue the same cycle of traffic stops gone wrong.”

Working-group conversations ensued, as outlined in this followup Inspector Judge sent earlier this week, released this evening after Chief Diaz went public with his official reply, spelling out what SPD will “deprioritize.” Here’s the chief’s full letter; from SPD Blotter, an excerpt:

… the Seattle Police Department will no longer treat the following violations as primary reasons to engage in a traffic stop:

-Expired or missing vehicle registration. License tabs expired. (Title: License and plates required) – SMC 11.22.070

-Issues with the display of registration plates. No front license plate, a vehicle must have a rear license plate. (Title: Vehicle license plates displayed) – SMC II.22.080

-Technical violations of SMC 11 .84.140, such as items hanging from the rear-view mirror and cracks in the windshield. Actual visual obstruction, such as snow, fog, non-transparent material, or shattered windshields, will be enforced. (Title: Windshield obstruction) – SMC 11.84.140

-Bicycle helmet violations (KCHC 9.10)

(That rule is a King County matter, and a possible repeal remains under discussion.) In the response, Diaz notes that these violations can still be enforced – they just won’t be a sole reason for a traffic stop. He adds, “The group also recommended ceasing primary enforcement for all equipment violations. I support this recommendation in principle, but only if there are viable options to address the equipment violation. For pedestrian and driver safety, we cannot allow vehicles with safety equipment issues to just remain in that status. SPD is working with others to identify a way for individuals to get safety equipment issues fixed, even when they cannot afford to do so.”

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Building burglary; catalytic-converter theft; warrant arrest
January 14, 2022 7:32 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

BUILDING BURGLARY: Brandon reports another condo-building break-in, this time in the 3200 block of Harbor Avenue SW reporting that a man first broke a door to get into the building, then broke into a car in a secure garage, and tried to burglarize other areas of the building. Plus: “Around the same time, someone (perhaps the same person) attempted to break into an office suite that provides mental health therapy to the community in the same building. Brandon says there’s video from the break-in; we’ve requested an image and will add it if we get it. Police incident # is 22-010698.

CATALYTIC-CONVERTER THEFT: We just got word this week of one that happened December 29th. Paul reports, “The catalytic converter was sawed off my Honda Element on December 28th. I was parked outside the Chelan while eating lunch. I was one space from the bar door. … We sure could use some political action to stop buyers from abetting this crime.” We checked the Washington State Legislature database and so far for this year’s session, four bills have been introduced related to catalytic-converter theft, including one co-sponsored by West Seattle-residing State House Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, HB1815, which would establish a “pilot project” and task force focusing on ways to make it easier to track stolen catalytic converters, including a free ID-etching program.

WARRANT ARREST: We got a tip Thursday afternoon about a large police presence at 24th/Holden. Police were gone when we arrived, but we learned today that it was a warrant arrest. 20-year-old Kevon J. Givens was arrested on warrants from two 2020 cases in which he had been charged, second-degree robbery in a backpack theft at a Kirkland youth-activities center, attempted first-degree robbery in a backpack theft in South Seattle. The jail roster shows he is also under investigation for an alleged firearms violation. Court documents from the 2020 cases list Givens as a Beacon Hill resident.

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Remembering William D. Ward, 1926-2022
January 14, 2022 6:18 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering William (Bill) Ward, and sharing this remembrance with the community:

William D. Ward, age 95, a longtime resident of West Seattle, died peacefully on January 4 in Chehalis, where he resided for the last year and a half.

Bill grew up in Oakland, California and graduated from the University of Santa Clara with a degree in Civil Engineering. In 1952 he met and married Jeanne (Venen) Ward, his loving wife of 52 years. They moved to West Seattle and he joined a small engineering firm (at that time 13 employees) which became Skilling Ward Rogers Barkshire in 1987.

During Bill’s 40-year career, the firm grew into one of the largest structural engineering companies in the country, responsible for many prominent buildings on the Seattle skyline as well as engineering some of the country’s most notable structures, including the original World Trade Center in New York. After his retirement, Bill was a structural engineering consultant for The Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle.

One of his most enjoyable pastimes was fishing, both close to home on Puget Sound and on annual trips north with son Jim, a tradition which lasted almost 50 years. Still fishing at the age of 85, he caught his biggest fish ever, a 54-pound king salmon, in the Queen Charlotte Islands.

He loved road trips, including favorites such as Las Vegas and the surrounding national parks. And of course, he always loved ice cream!

Bill and his family were active members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. He is predeceased by his wife Jeanne, and survived by his son Jim (wife Patty) Ward of Chehalis, and daughter Terri Titcomb of Blue Hill, Maine, along with their families, 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

(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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FOLLOWUP: Andover walking/biking bridge work delayed by concrete strike, SDOT says
January 14, 2022 3:39 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

(SDOT photo)

Two months ago, SDOT said its contractor had about two months of earthquake-safety work left on the SW Andover walking/biking bridge over the west end of the West Seattle Bridge. So is it almost done? No. The department sent an update today saying completion is delayed because of the ongoing concrete strike:

This project, and several others, have had to pause concrete paving work until the strike is resolved. This is a challenge, and we support a fair resolution among the parties. In the meantime, we’re continuing other project work at the site and behind the scenes and will be sure to share more about the strike outcome and any impacts to this project as information becomes available. We remain hopeful that this issue will be resolved soon and that we can continue making even more progress delivering projects for our Seattle communities.

The concrete strike’s been under way for two months, so we asked SDOT how much time this project has lost, and which others are affected. We’re still waiting for those answers. The bridge has been closed since two months before the work began, after a sudden shutdown blamed on trespassing concerns.

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WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: 4 seals in 1 day as Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network’s busier-than-usual winter continues
January 14, 2022 1:48 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

That’s a harbor seal photographed during a visit to Alki (yes, with a long lens) by David Hutchinson with Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network. We asked him about other seal reports we’d heard this week, and he said a busier-than-usual season continues:

Every year is different, but traditionally the winter months see a tapering off in the number of Seal Sitters’ responses. Yesterday was an exception, with 4 calls to our Hotline about young harbor seal pups hauled out on West Seattle beaches.

The first was at Lincoln Park and after a period of time, it was decided to call in support from our partner, SR3 (Sealife Response, Rehabilitation and Research). Veterinary staff arrived, did a health assessment, and after consulting with Seal Sitters it was decided that the pup was in need of additional medical diagnostics and treatment. The pup was transported to their marine mammal hospital in Des Moines. SR3 responds at the request of marine mammal stranding network members, not from the general public, so if you come across a seal the first step is to call the Seal Sitters’ Hotline.

The other 3 calls concerned pups at different locations along Alki Ave, one of which was scared into the water by people and a dog coming too close while the reporting party was still talking with the Hotline. Harbor seals and other marine mammals are protected by federal law, and just a reminder that dogs are not allowed on Seattle Parks’ beaches. It is normal for these animals to rest on the beach, with young vulnerable pups not realizing the dangers of coming ashore in a dense urban area. The photo is of one of these Alki pups, where a protective perimeter was set up and staffed by volunteers who provided information to passersby.

If you come across a marine mammal, alive or dead on a West Seattle Beach, please keep back, ask others to do the same, and call the Seal Sitters’ Hotline at 206-905-7325.

If this helps you remember that number – it’s also 206-905-SEAL.

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DEVELOPMENT: Morgan Junction 34-unit ‘stacked townhome’ project advancing
January 14, 2022 12:12 pm
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(Early rendering from 2021 presentation to MoCA)

From the latest city-circulated Land Use Information Bulletin, the townhouse project planned for 6314 41st SW [map] has advanced to the next major step in the planning process. We’ve been reporting on this HALA-upzoned site for two years – first, a larger project was planned; then, one year ago, the developers presented a revised plan to the Morgan Community Association. That’s what’s moving through the system now – three 4-story buildings with 34 units total, and 14 offstreet-parking spaces. Though the city website continues to label this an “apartment” project, the developers told MoCA last year that it’ll be a mix of small townhouses and flats that will be sold, not rented; the project is described on their website as “34 stacked townhomes in the heart of West Seattle.” They’ve given the project a name, too – Callie. The project is going through Administrative Design Review and passed the first phase, which is why it’s advanced to the application stage. That opens a new public-comment period; this notice explains how to comment. January 26th is the deadline.

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WEST SEATTLE FRIDAY: 4 notes
January 14, 2022 10:53 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Photo by Dale Cotton, looking at Mt. Rainier over The Arroyos)

A few notes for a Friday off to a foggy start (thanks for the photos!):

VACCINATION CLINIC: The city-run clinic at Neighborhood House High Point (6400 Sylvan Way SW), for first/second shots and boosters. Check here for available appointments.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM CLOSED: Reminder that the museum on Alki – which otherwise would be open Friday/Saturday/Sunday afternoons – remains closed again this weekend because of the currently high community incidence of COVID-19.

(Photo by Sandra Braun)

SONGWRITERS’ SHOWCASE: 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), “a monthly showcase from Songwriters In Seattle. A new lineup each month featuring four local singer-songwriters performing their original material. Anchored and hosted the second Friday of each month by West Seattle’s own Tom Humphreys. Each performer gets a 25-minute set in the showcase.” No cover.

AT THE SKYLARK: West Seattle’s premier live-music venue (3803 Delridge Way SW) features Dredge, War Puppy, and Kitty Junk at 8 pm, 21+. $10 cover.

Anything for our calendar? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Act, dance, play! Signup time for kids’ winter classes at Mode Music and Performing Arts
January 14, 2022 10:03 am
|    Comments Off on Act, dance, play! Signup time for kids’ winter classes at Mode Music and Performing Arts
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Mode Music and Performing Arts in South Delridge has opened registration for winter classes – here’s the announcement:

Mode Music and Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization located in West Seattle that offers educational programs to all children. MMPA provides music, theatre, and dance classes to students of all backgrounds throughout the year. Winter Classes begin January 24th and are available for students to sign up now! These classes all help students to harness their creativity, expand their horizons, and learn something new about music and performing arts. As a COVID-19 safety measure, MMPA will only be accepting students who are fully vaccinated for enrollment at this time.

For more information or to sign up for a class please visit modemusicandperformingarts.org/classes and for interest in private music lessons, please visit modemusicstudios.com.

MMPA Drama Club (one day/time for grades K-3, one day/time for grades 4-6)
This new offering from MMPA is for students who are interested in learning more about the magic of theatre. Together, we will discover what goes on behind the scenes of a stage production, hone our skills as performers, and collaborate on an end-of-season showcase to share what we’ve learned with friends and family! Students will have the opportunity to break down scenes and songs from beloved plays and musicals and work together to write their own original pieces to perform.

Dungeons & Dragons Weekly Campaign (Ages 9-12)
Take a trip into the Forgotten Realms with this class, an introductory exploration of the world’s greatest roleplaying game: Dungeons & Dragons. Students will exercise their imaginations by creating Player Characters, developing their backstories, and navigating through a world of high fantasy and adventure to complete their mission. D&D teaches students valuable social and creative skills like teamwork, collaboration, problem solving, and the artistry of character building. Let the adventure begin!

Broadway Dance Party! (K-5)
Get ready to bust a move at the Broadway Dance Party! In this high-energy dance class, students will learn musical theatre dance routines set to music from hit Broadway shows like Newsies, Matilda, Frozen, and more! The class will learn proper warm-up techniques, important foundations for jazz, ballet, and theatre dance, and best practices for keeping your body healthy and strong while dancing — and we’ll have a great time while doing it! Students will prepare a number of routines to be performed for a limited audience of family and friends on the final day of camp.

MMPA is the nonprofit sibling of Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor), both headquartered at the north end of Delridge Way SW. As noted on Thursday, both also have a dropoff donation drive happening right now for warm clothing, nonperishable food, and toiletries.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday watch, with weekend alerts
January 14, 2022 6:02 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM Good morning!

WEATHER

Clouds but no rain in the forecast, with a high near 50.

HIGHLAND PARK WAY

Fully reopened as of Thursday afternoon, after two landslide closures in less than a week.

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

SCHOOL NOTES

Chief Sealth International High School is closed today because of a staff sickout over safety concerns. All schools are closed Monday for MLK Day.

WEEKEND ALERTS

-As reported Thursday, two blocks of SW 106th will be repaved Saturday and Sunday.

-Expect minor traffic impacts on SW Manning St and E Klickitat Ave (Harbor Island) the next two Saturdays related to bridge work platform rigging and hoisting:

People accessing Terminal 102 will be rerouted as a safety measure to avoid the work area. These traffic impacts will occur on Saturday, January 15 and Saturday, January 22. Those traveling east and westbound on SW Spokane St or on the pedestrian path will not be impacted. Detour signs will be in place for those traveling to and from Terminal 102.

-Replacement of Rapid Flashing Beacons: Work is planned near Michigan/Corson in Georgetown on Saturday, followed by Dumar and Orchard in West Seattle “for the remainder of the weekend,” 7 am-5 pm both days, but “minimal traffic impacts” are expected.

-Sunday, the low-bridge measurement/testing closures to prepare for repair work continue – up to half an hour each around 9 am, 1 pm, 5 pm.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

West Seattle and Vashon Water Taxi routes are on their regular schedules. And dogs and cats are now allowed on board. (No Water Taxi service on Monday, MLK Day.)

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

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

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

661st 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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CORONAVIRUS: Chief Sealth International High School closed Friday due to ‘sickout’ over safety concerns
January 13, 2022 8:17 pm
|      77 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Every day this week, Seattle Public Schools has closed at least one school somewhere in the district because of a staffing shortage. So far, none have been in West Seattle. That’s changing for tomorrow (Friday, January 14th), when Chief Sealth International High School will be closed – no remote learning, just a full closure. Before the announcement – which attributes the closure to a “surge in staff sick-leave requests” – we received a letter that teachers say they sent the administration earlier in the day about what the teacher who forwarded it referred to as a planned “sickout”:

RE: COVID Conditions Collective Action

At a membership meeting on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, educators met to discuss safety concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19/Omicron in our school and community.

As a result of the meeting, members agreed the following conditions are necessary to maintain a safe, in-person learning environment:

1. N95 or KN95 masks required and made available for all staff and students
2. Mandatory weekly, on-site testing for staff and students
3. Resolve staffing shortages so staff are not asked to cover unfilled positions during their planning periods
4. District-wide mental health resources, or the funding thereof, will be made available for students, staff, and the community

If the resources are not available for these conditions to be met, we propose a shift to remote learning until those conditions can be established or until the current surge is resolved.

Chief Sealth teachers say the plan received 75 percent approval at their meeting. We had asked the district for comment on the demands, but haven’t received a reply as of this evening. We also checked with the Seattle Education Association, which says it hasn’t been organizing a district-wide action – these are school-by-school actions. SEA says it is still talking with the district about further COVID-19 safety measures; spokesperson Julie Popper tells WSB, “SEA is in ongoing discussions with SPS about safety in the buildings, both for COVID safety and for staffing safety.”

ADDED 11:40 PM: One of the Sealth teachers we’ve heard from elaborates, “We sympathize with the challenges that this presents families and students but this was the only way that we, as a staff, felt that the district would listen to our concerns regarding safety. We did not take this action lightly but felt we had little recourse.” So far as of late tonight, this is the only closure announced in our area; elsewhere in the district, outside West Seattle/South Park, SPS has announced one other closure (Cleveland HS) and four schools going all-remote (Broadview-Thomson K-8, Olympic Hills Elementary, Mercer International MS, Meany MS) as of Friday.

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