West Seattle, Washington
23 Tuesday
Among the elected officials ceremonially sworn in today was the new Seattle City Attorney, Ann Davison. She too had a brief speech after her oath of office. She was introduced by Victoria Beach, longtime chair of the Seattle Police Department African American Community Advisory Council, who said that “Ann has given our city hope” and would be “a city attorney like no other.” Davison herself noted that she’s the first woman to hold the position, making this “a big day for women and girls in Seattle.” Even more than that, Davison said, “this election showed that people are powerful and they’re demanding that we enforce our laws,” after a time in which, she contended, many felt powerless, unsafe, and afraid. “Our legal system must be used as a tool to stand up for victims,” Davison said. She didn’t get into policy specifics but did talk about a duty to “take guns off the streets” so that “misdemeanor gun violations” aren’t followed by felony violent crimes. Davison succeeds Pete Holmes, who came in third in the primary
A “historic day” for the Port of Seattle Commission – with Commissioners Toshiko Grace Hasegawa and Hamdi Mohamed taking office today, the commission has its first People of Color majority. The five-member commission’s other POC member, Sam Cho, was elected today as commission vice president, while Ryan Calkins will serve as president, and Hasegawa as secretary. Calkins was the only incumbent re-elected in November; the other two who were on the ballot were defeated by Hasegawa and Mohamed. The two new commissioners spoke to news media this morning, before the commission’s regular monthly meeting. Hasegawa said it’s “our responsibility to address the generations of environmental harm,” while Mohamed voiced priorities including “addressing the root causes of the supply-chain crisis.” We asked both about how they plan to be more accessible to their constituents (commissioners are elected in a countywide vote). Mohamed promised “listening sessions, town halls” and a “boots on the ground” presence in the community, while Hasegawa promised to be “authentically engaging” and to work to close the “equity gap.” Both also spoke of advocating for a new generation to join the maritime workforce, which is facing a ‘silver tsunami,” as Hasegawa put it, of retirements.
The imminent opening of cargo operations at Terminal 5‘s first modernized berth in West Seattle (with the first ship calling later this week, as we ” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>first reported Monday) was briefly mentioned – Hasegawa called it “exciting,” while Calkins described it as one of the “investments we’e been making (that) are starting to pay off.” During the commission meeting this afternoon, port executive director Steve Metruck noted that the first phase of T-5 construction officially concluded just last week.
(December photo, by Mike Munson)
Three and a half months after work to remove the crumbling Lowman Beach Park seawall began, Seattle Parks says night work is ahead so the project can stay on schedule. Here’s the announcement:
Seattle Parks and Recreation and McClung Construction have reached a milestone with the Lowman Beach Park seawall and beach restoration project. Two main components of this project are complete: demolition of the existing failed concrete seawall, as well as drilling and installation of the steel piles that provide structural support for the new seawall.
The next critical phase of work involves installation of the new precast concrete seawall. This work will occur between January 11 – 24, 2022 and must be performed at night to take advantage of the low tides. The installation of the precast concrete seawall must occur before February 15 when the in-water work window that protects fish and shellfish habitats closes. The time limitation for work is a requirement of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the workable low tides in January and February occur outside normal working hours.
Two night work windows at low tides will occur for:
-Preparing for the permanent installation of new seawall segments which will require up to four nights of work, however, could possibly be completed in one or two nights.
-Installing the precast wall panels, which is expected to take another three to four work nights.
Our Temporary Noise Variance Permit is currently approved for work between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. starting Tuesday, January 11, 2022, and must be completed by Monday, January 24 at 7 a.m. Although the permit allows for 14 nights of work, we expect to work a maximum of eight nighttime shifts.
McClung Construction will do what is feasible to minimize noise levels as much as possible.
Thank you to the neighbors for their patience and cooperation during the Lowman Beach Park seawall and beach restoration project.
Project background is here.
Lots of government-related news today. Just received one more announcement – an online event to which you’re invited tonight:
Your representatives in the State Senate, State House, and U.S. House of Representatives – all West Seattle residents – are inviting you to a live online town hall at 6:30 tonight:
Join Sen. Joe Nguyen, Rep. Eileen Cody, and Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, for a virtual town hall–featuring Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal!
The town hall will begin with an introduction by each participant, move into a conversation about the issues facing Washington in the build up to the 2022 Legislative Session, and end with questions from the audience.
The Legislators will also answer participant questions during the stream, but if you would like to submit a question ahead of time, please send an email to sdc.media@leg.wa.gov with the subject line “34th Town Hall.”
You can see the stream here.
2:23 PM: Avoid Fauntleroy Way near the south end of Lincoln Park – a downed wire has led to the street being blocked off. Updates as we get them.
2:35 PM: Here’s a live view of the scene, looking south down Fauntleroy:
For now, you can only reach the ferry dock from the south, until this is cleared.
2:48 PM: As the live image above shows, the road’s open again.
1:44 PM: Metro says West Seattle and Vashon Water Taxi service should both return to regular schedules later today. You’ll recall that both M/V Sally Fox and M/V Doc Maynard were out of service for propeller problems, so M/V Spirit of Kingston was going to handle both routes – then windy weather canceled Vashon runs this morning. We asked about the plan for this afternoon/evening, and Metro spokesperson Al Sanders replied, “Water Taxi crew is on its way to pick up the Sally Fox for Vashon service tonight. We should be back to regular service on both routes.”
3:01 PM: That said, Metro has just announced one change in the transition: “3:00 PM Water Taxi departure from West Seattle canceled due to lack of crew. The Water Taxi will resume regular service beginning with the 3:25 departure from downtown Seattle.”
(Seattle Channel recording of this morning’s event)
11:05 AM: Two months after Seattle voters elected him, Mayor Bruce Harrell is now in office, and right now you can see his first speech as it happens – following a ceremonial swearing-in – by clicking into the Seattle Channel stream above. We’ll be publishing topline notes below.
He opens by saying “2022 is not like past years”- it’s not a time to open with exuberance but to acknowledge it’s been a fearful time for people, including fear that “Seattle is going in the wrong direction.” He promises an “obsession” with competence and kindness. He says – in first mentioning the homelessness crisis – that the city will be intolerant “not of the people who are unhoused but of the conditions that caused them to become unhoused.” He says, “We’ll implement ideas that work.” He declares, “We are not afraid.” He discusses the diversity of his executive team, including “three deputy mayors who are women of color.”
Looking to the future – “Seattle will be thriving – no more of this ‘dying’ narrative,” Harrell insists. “Everyone will have an opportunity to help us.” His request for the cynical: “Give us a chance.” He wants the city to be “one Seattle.” He says it’s time to move toward “healing and reparation and restoration” and “a real dialogue.” He promises “health care for all … we’ll make sure every resident in our city not only has health care but is healthy.” This will involve partnership with providers and he says talks are under way. Also: He promises everyone will feel “safe and supportive,” from gun-violence prevention to police accountability. He says Seattle has the chance to set a national example. Then regarding homelessness, he says “One Seattle” doesn’t let people suffer on its streets and promises to publish a plan “within the first quarter,” with an accompanying executive order.He mentions another executive order to review processes to expedite “affordable housing” construction.
He also says the city will be hiring a new Parks director (if that means the current superintendent is leaving, that’s the first time it’s been mentioned). Also, a new mentorship program in which he says the city will partner with Seattle Public Schools. He says that also will address violence and protect young lives. “We must be all in for protecting our kids.”
He promises that these aren’t just empty promises – they’re policy commitments. “We’re not going to play small ball,” says the former athlete. He also notes that “One Seattle” doesn’t mean bragging that Seattle is “number one” but rather unity that includes humility. “We will replace fear with love,” he promises in closing.
11:28 AM: It’s on to media Q&A. First asks about his creation of a Chief Equity Officer position. That will include “new outreach strategies,” especially for “small BIPOC businesses,” and ensuring that good-paying jobs are accessible to all.
Will he keep Interim Police Chief Adrian Diaz? Harrell says that hasn’t been decided yet, but “discussions” are continuing.
Asked to elaborate on “health care for all,” the mayor says they’re starting with addressing those who don’t have health care – so they’ll start by formulating a plan for those people within a few months.
Asked about his political position, he refutes the suggestion that he’s not “progressive” – “I ran on a progressive agenda … This is what progressive policy looks like. … My plea to those who claim to be the progressives, give us a chance and let us work together.”
Asked about the shortage of COVID testing and parents’ anguish in deciding whether to send kids to school, he says the city is partnering with the state and county, but has no new specifics, promising an “inventory” of how things are working.
Will he extend the eviction moratorium? “We’ll announce that in due time” – within the next week – he says, noting that “small landlords” are at risk as well as tenants. The decisionmaking process will include looking at whether the moratorium “worked.”
When will people see a difference in addressing homelessness? He promises “real progress in a short time” as well as more clarity with existing data – so that it’s easier to understand where people live now, and what’s happening.
11:45 AM: The event wraps up. We’ll add the recorded video above when it’s available. (Note: Video added at 12:20 pm – if you can’t see the embedded version above, go to this Seattle Channel page.)
5 PM UPDATE: We asked the mayor’s office about the “parks director” reference. They replied that superintendent Jesús Aguirre is “retiring from the office later this month.”
(Photo by Stewart L.)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:
NEW MAYOR’S FIRST SPEECH: Bruce Harrell has officially taken office as mayor. At 11 am on Seattle Channel, you can see his ceremonial public swearing-in, followed by his first speech, “about his vision for a united City.”
PORT COMMISSION: At noon online, the Seattle Port Commission meets, first time with its two newly elected commissioners Toshiko Grace Hasegawa and Hamdi Mohamed. The agenda includes information on how to watch/listen.
CITY COUNCIL: First council meeting of the year, 2 pm – with agenda items including election of the council’s new president. The agenda has viewing/commenting info.
DEMONSTRATION: 4:30-6 pm at 16th/Holden, Scott leads the weekly sign-waving demonstration for racial justice.
ENDOLYNE CHILDREN’S CHOIR: 4:30 pm, it’s the start of winter session. Registration is still open for new participants, as explained here.
TAE KWON DO: Winter session starts at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW), 6 pm – registration info here.
TRIVIA X 2: 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7:30 pm and 8:30 pm at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska).
There’s more on our calendar – and if you have something for a future listing, westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Young singer in the household? Endolyne Children’s Choir welcomes new participants for its winter session, which starts today! Here’s the announcement:
Endolyne Children’s Choir is excited to welcome all three of our choir levels back to in-person rehearsals this Winter Session. This is the first time that our youngest singers in our Debut Choir have been in person for two years and we are excited to welcome new singers to our non-audition choir. Registration for all levels, kindergarten to 12th grade, is open now. Visit form.jotform.com/213500279812148 to register!
Winter session dates: January 4 – March 8, with a concert on March 13.
Rehearsal location: Parish Hall at St. John the Baptist church: 3050 California Ave SW.
Rehearsal times:
Debut: 4:30-5:30 (for all singers in grades K-2)
Encore: 5:45-6:45 (for all singers in grades 3-5, and new ECC choristers in grade 6)
Advanced Ensemble: 7:00 – 8:30 (returning ECC choristers in grade 6, and all singers in grades 7-12)
Tuition: We offer 5 tiers of tuition pricing, from full tuition to full scholarship. You will select your tuition option when registering.
Covid Info: We will continue to follow our successful Covid Safety Plan.
Our staff and volunteers are fully vaccinated.
Our rehearsal space is large and well-ventilated.
All singers must provide proof of Covid vaccination, with the date of their second shot on or before 1/4/2022.
Singers will maintain a minimum 6 feet of distance when singing.
Singers must wear medical-grade 3-layer masks at all times (we always have masks available at rehearsal.)
Singers will have their temperatures checked upon arrival each week.Winter session begins Tuesday, January 4th. Please visit endolynechoir.org for more information.
You can see part of the choir in concert in this video.
7:59 AM: WS water taxi is back to regular schedule this morning – Vashon is canceled because of wind.
Earlier:
6:02 AM Good morning!
WEATHER
Rain and snow are in the forecast again, so be ready for anything.
SCHOOL NOTES
Seattle Public Schools are scheduled to reopen today.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES
West Seattle and Vashon Water Taxi routes are sharing a boat today, as announced last night, because two boats need repairs – see the temporary schedule here.
Metro is back 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
651st morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Many area traffic cams were still down as of early this morning – here are two we have right now:
The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):
South Park Bridge:
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 (when they’re working) here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.
Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
1:43 AM: SPD and SFD have sent a sizable response to the gas station/mini-mart in the 7800 block of Detroit SW [map] after a reported stabbing. No word yet on the severity of the victim’s injuries. Dispatch told officers the suspect claimed it was a self-defense situation; they’ve radioed in that they are talking with him now.
9:27 AM: No additional details from police yet, but SFD reports treating a 56-year-old man who was in stable condition and then is reported to have gone to a hospital in a “private vehicle.”
12:31 PM: From SPD:
One man was stabbed early Tuesday following a dispute between a landlord and tenant in a rented motorhome … Around 1:30 AM, the landlord called police and said he’d been stabbed near Detroit Ave Southwest & 1st Ave Southwest.
The tenant had also called 911 and claimed he had stabbed the victim in self-defense during a dispute.
Officers found the victim, who was bleeding from his abdomen, and learned he had gone to the motorhome to contact the tenant, who had allegedly changed the locks and stopped paying rent.
The victim had asked to be let inside, had asked to use the bathroom, and then emerged to find the suspect armed with a knife. The tenant then stabbed him.
The tenant told police he believed the victim had previously stolen several hundred dollars worth of items from the motorhome and thrown water on his bed.
Officers arrested the tenant and booked him into the King County Jail.
We’ve moved this weekly update on local pandemic numbers and notes to Mondays, and we’re incorporating the weekly Seattle Public School updates.
KING COUNTY CUMULATIVE NUMBERS (through today):
*211,531 cases – 17,828 more than a week ago (7,915 total in West Seattle, up 877)
*9,312 hospitalizations – 233 more than a week ago (270 total from West Seattle, up 5)
*2,165 people have died – 12 more than the previous update (77 total in West Seattle, unchanged)
SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS STATS
Today’s SPS dashboard update comes at the end of winter break, but the district has continued adding cases to its dashboard. Districtwide, the cumulative case total for this school year is 1,294, 100 more than a week earlier (and not including any of the testing done yesterday/today). Here’s the local school-by-school breakout (as always, the total is cumulative since the start of the school year):
Denny International Middle School – 28, up 2
West Seattle High School – 24, up 3
Chief Sealth International High School – 23, down 1 (data adjustment)
Louisa Boren STEM K-8 – 18, up 2
Gatewood Elementary – 17, up 3
Arbor Heights Elementary – 15, up 1
Roxhill Elementary – 15, unchanged
Genesee Hill Elementary – 14, unchanged
Highland Park Elementary – 14, unchanged
Madison Middle School – 13, up 1
Fairmount Park Elementary – 12, up 1
Lafayette Elementary – 10, unchanged
West Seattle Elementary – 10, unchanged
Concord International (Elementary) – 9, unchanged
Pathfinder K-8 – 8, unchanged
Alki Elementary – 6, up 1
Sanislo Elementary – 5, up 1
BRIDGES @ Roxhill – 1, unchanged
VACCINATION RATE
81.9% of King County residents 5+ have completed their vaccine series – up .6% from one week ago.
By West Seattle zip code – note that these numbers are still NOT available as 5+, so they reflect percentage of 12+ population:
98106 – 88.2% completed series, 40% had a booster dose too
98116 – 91.4% completed series, 52.7% had a booster dose too
98126 – 83.5% completed series, 44.2% had a booster dose too
98136 – 93.1% completed series, 56.7% had a booster dose too
98146 – 83.5% completed series, 35.6% had a booster dose too
(Find more COVID-related King County stats here.)
THE WEEK’S PANDEMIC HEADLINES
Test-site changes – The city-sponsored, UW Medicine-run West Seattle testing site at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex will, as of tomorrow (Tuesday, January 4th), limit testing to symptomatic/exposed people. Appointments can be made here (if you find an opening).
School-testing turnout – Both West Seattle middle schools were deluged for the three-hour testing period offered today. The district still plans to return to in-person classes tomorrow.
UPCOMING VACCINATION CLINIC
Pliable‘s clinic next Sunday at Neighborhood House High Point (6400 Sylvan Way SW) still has appointment openings as of this writing.
Just announced by King County Metro – “On Monday, both the MV Sally Fox and MV Doc Maynard damaged propellers during service. We are coordinating with shipyards to get these vessels repaired and returned to service ASAP. The backup vessel MV Spirit of Kingston will be operating on both routes.” That means service reductions for both the West Seattle and Vashon runs – the modified schedule is here.
In West Seattle Crime Watch, we have information on four incidents, starting with two school burglaries that are likely related:
SCHOOL BREAK-INS, WITH A LIKELY LINK: A Pathfinder K-8 parent forwarded us a note sent to families from the school’s music teacher, announcing that the school’s music room was burglarized over winter break:
… Items stolen include a majority of our woodwind, brass, and string instruments stored in the room, audio equipment, internet connectivity servers/devices, percussion instruments and equipment, and our student-device charging stations. …
I ask that you have a conversation with your students about this event. Music, for all grade levels and subjects, is often a safe space for students to come to explore their creativity, build community, and engage in deep and rich learning about the arts and themselves. I imagine some students will be distraught to learn about this violation of our space, as I am. This challenge is a setback, but one we can bounce back from. It shows us what we need to improve to make the Pathfinder music program even greater than it already is. …
You can read the entire message here. It also says the school is “organizing this week to determine how to replace the stolen equipment and how to protect it moving forward.”
We learned about the Pathfinder burglary hours after obtaining a report from SPD about a weekend burglary that seems likely related because the recovered items included what the report described as “several band instruments/equipment … labeled with Seattle Public Schools stickers.” Those items were found inside a stolen car near where police arrested a burglary suspect at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) early Sunday.
The report says officers were sent early Sunday after a call from a campus security guard who saw a person she had kicked off the property earlier in the night. When police arrived, they found a vehicle she reported having seen the person driving, parked in the “back maintenance area” of the campus. It had been reported stolen in Renton. Inside were the aforementioned stolen instruments (no further description except that they included a tuba) as well as “various power tools, several axes/machetes, a bucket full of keys, several burglary tools, and a full-faced plastic mask,” plus “suspected heroin.” The power tools and keys were identified as SSC property; the other items were taken to the Southwest Precinct as evidence. Meantime, officers searching the area discovered the 28-year-old suspect hiding in a storage closet. He was arrested and booked into King County Jail, from which the jail roster shows he was released tonight, after a day and a half.
TWO OTHER BREAK-IN ATTEMPTS: We also obtained police reports today on two other weekend incidents logged as “commercial burglaries,” though in both cases the would-be burglar(s) apparently were unsuccessful in gaining entry. Both happened at businesses on California Avenue SW, neither of which is identified by name in the reports. In the 5200 block of California SW, an employee arriving at work Sunday morning found “a front window broken out … to the right of the front sliding glass doors,” but there was no indication anyone got inside. In the 6500 block of California SW, also on Sunday morning, another front window was found broken at a business, with no indication of entry. In this case, the report says, security video recorded someone breaking the window by “using a lighter and unknown ‘accelerant/ to possibly burn a hole” in it.
(Photo by Jeremy Barton)
As shown in our previous story, Waste Management trucks were still having a tough time in some neighborhoods. So here’s an update from Seattle Public Utilities:
Collection contractors attempted residential collections today, Monday January 3, and determined there are still unsafe road conditions in neighborhoods that has delayed some collections. This will have impacts throughout the week and there will be delays in residential garbage, recycling, or food/yard waste pickup for some customers.
Customers should set out their Garbage, Recycling, and Food/Yard Waste on their regular collection day and leave it out the following day if not collected. Friday customers, if missed, should keep their carts out on Saturday. Customers should be sure to have their containers out by 7 a.m. to ensure collection.
Residential customers are permitted to set out double their normal amount of garbage, recycling, and compost this week for no additional charge. This includes recycling collection, even if it’s not your typical week for collection. Contractors will attempt to collect this ‘off-week’ recycling, if possible, but may not be able to collect all. Customers can call 206-684-3000 for additional support if needed.
Snow’s gone but today’s weather still has had its challenges.
If your promised one-week-late solid-waste pickup hasn’t happened yet today, that might explain why. Jeremy Barton sent the video, explaining, “The truck was stuck at 51st Ave SW and SW College for about half an hour. Eventually a second, smaller, truck arrived and the driver of that truck (with assistance from other staff on the ground as spotters) was able to get it back up onto a less snowy/icy portion of 51st.”
And that was before this afternoon’s sleet (hail, graupel, ice pellets, etc.) and snow mix:
Ice pellets picking up where the snow left off (but louder) pic.twitter.com/ZGXXuv4OXs
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) January 3, 2022
This unsettled weather is expected to hang around for the next few days – with rain and snow both in the forecast.
1:48 PM: That’s just part of the line for this afternoon’s voluntary Seattle Public Schools student COVID-19 testing at Denny International Middle School – it started at 1 pm and when we went by around 1:15, the line had already wrapped through the parking lot and halfway up the block along SW Kenyon. We also got a report that people in line at the other West Seattle site, Madison Middle School, were being told there would be a two-hour wait. To compound matters, though our photo was taken in the sunshine, sleet/snow has since swept through the area, followed by rain. The testing is supposed to continue until at least 4 pm. We’re also awaiting an update from the district on the resumption of classes tomorrow – there was word that superintendent Dr. Brent Jones was expected to speak to staff around 11 am but then that was postponed.
3:39 PM: The district added a brief update to its website, timestamped 3:30 pm – “All SPS COVID testing sites have reached testing capacity and are no longer taking additional guests.” Meantime, a commenter has shared the link of the aforementioned speech from the superintendent – see it here or below:
He reiterates that they’re planning to resume in-person classes tomorrow.
(Wikimedia file photo of MSC Monterey)
MONDAY MORNING: We’ve been watching for word of the first cargo-ship call at the first modernized berth at West Seattle’s Terminal 5, and it’s just appeared on the newest Northwest Seaport Alliance calendar update: MSC Monterey is due at Terminal 5 on Thursday afternoon (January 6th). The schedule also shows MSC Margarita scheduled for T-5 two weeks later. Monterey, built in 2007, carries up to 5,000 containers (TEU); Margarita is slightly older and slightly larger, with a capacity of up to 6,000 containers. (That’s about a third of the potential capacity the revamped berth was designed to handle.) According to MarineTraffic.com, Monterey’s last port was Manzanillo, Mexico, from which it departed one week ago. We may hear more about T-5 when the Port of Seattle Commission meets online at noon tomorrow; that’ll be the first meeting for its newly elected commissioners Toshiko Grace Hasegawa and Hamdi Mohamed.
TUESDAY MORNING UPDATE: The schedule has changed (as, with ships, it often does) and MSC Monterey is now due in Friday morning.
(Texted photo – a sculpted bit of remaining snow at Lincoln Park this morning)
Back to almost-normal on this first post-holiday Monday. From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox, here’s what’s up for the hours ahead:
GOLF COURSE CLOSED: Seattle Parks says the West Seattle Golf Course is closed today, not only to golfing as it has been since the snow started, but also to “snow activities,” since the slushy condition of what’s left is unsafe.
COVID TESTING FOR SPS STUDENTS: As announced last week, two West Seattle sites are offering voluntary testing to all Seattle Public Schools students 1-4 pm today – Denny International Middle School (2601 SW Kenyon)
TRIVIA X 3: Here are tonight’s three options – 7 pm at Best of Hands (35th/Webster), 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Something for our calendar/daily previews? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The new year brings a new season for many West Seattle activities – including Tae Kwon Do. Here’s the announcement:
The West Seattle Tae Kwon Do Club is offering in-person classes at High Point Community Center in January. Adults (18 and older) can sign up to learn Tae Kwon Do, a Korean martial art known for its fast sparring techniques, dynamic forms, and strong kicks. Classes cost only $40/month and meet Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00-7:30 pm and Saturdays 9:30-11:30 am.
The first class for the new year is on Tuesday, January 4 from 6:00-7:30 pm. We will be wearing face masks and will be appropriately distanced for safety. New students can join at any time and beginners are definitely welcome!
Check out our website at westseattle.choitkd.org, email westseattletkd@gmail.com for questions, or call 206-684-7422 for registration information.
HPCC is at 6920 34th SW.
6:03 AM Good morning! Be careful of slippery slush, after a night of heavy rain.
WEATHER
“Rain at times,” breezy forecast for today, and temperatures closer to seasonal normal.
SCHOOL NOTES
Seattle Public Schools aren’t reopening until tomorrow; Highline Public Schools are starting two hours late.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES
Metro expected to be back on its regular weekday schedule after ending Emergency Snow Network reductions Sunday. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.
Ferries and Water Taxi: WSF continues a two-boat schedule on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run. Check here for alerts/updates. The Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
650th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Many area traffic cams were down as of early this morning – we’ll keep checking to see if that’s remedied – here are the two we have right now:
The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):
South Park Bridge:
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 (when they’re working) here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.
Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
Local school notes for tomorrow (Monday, January 3rd):
SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS: As announced last week, no classes tomorrow – the district is offering voluntary COVID-19 testing to all students. Two locations in West Seattle, both 1-4 pm – Denny International Middle School (2601 SW Kenyon) and Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW). No appointments – families have been told that they’ll be given an approximate wait time upon arrival. Here’s the form to fill out.
HIGHLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS: The district immediately south of West Seattle says all schools will start 2 hours late on Monday because of weather/road conditions.
VASHON ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT: Also because of weather/road conditions, all schools will be closed Monday. The plan for a 2.5-hour-late start to facilitate COVID-19 testing (explained here) is rescheduled to Tuesday.
SUNDAY NIGHT: As rain finally melts the snow, finally clearing unplowed roads, here’s a reminder of how city garbage/recycling/yard waste pickup will work this week: Everybody will be on their regular collection day, allowed to set out up to double the usual volume. If your collection day last week was supposed to include recycling, you can put that out too, although Seattle Public Utilities cautions that its contractors “will attempt to collect this ‘off-week’ recycling, if possible, but may not be able to collect all.” As for what to use:
-Extra garbage can be set out in bags or a personal can.
-Extra recycling can go out in a cardboard box or paper bag.
-Extra compost shouldn’t contain food and can go in a personal can or paper bag.
As for Christmas trees, you have until January 31st – you can “place up to 2 trees or bundled greens next to your food & yard waste cart on each regular collection day throughout the month of January” – with all decorations removed, and the trees cut into sections no more than 4′ long. Or, you can take up to 3 trees, up to 8′ tall, to transfer stations for free all month long – the nearest one is the South Transfer Station at 130 S. Kenyon (here’s how to get there).
MONDAY EVENING UPDATE: From SPU:
Collection contractors attempted residential collections today, Monday January 3, and determined there are still unsafe road conditions in neighborhoods that has delayed some collections. This will have impacts throughout the week and there will be delays in residential garbage, recycling, or food/yard waste pickup for some customers.
Customers should set out their Garbage, Recycling, and Food/Yard Waste on their regular collection day and leave it out the following day if not collected. Friday customers, if missed, should keep their carts out on Saturday. Customers should be sure to have their containers out by 7 a.m. to ensure collection.
(We’ve also published this separately.)
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