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Camp Second Chance’s long-planned expansion brings 50% population increase
August 17, 2022 5:58 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Myers Way | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

After a short hiatus following the departure of its longtime chair, the Camp Second Chance Community Advisory Committee regrouped Tuesday night online and heard a progress report on the camp’s expansion.

We first mentioned more than a year ago that West Seattle’s only sanctioned tiny-house encampment, at 9701 Myers Way South since 2016, was in line for an expansion. After the addition of tiny houses, it has 64, and all but four of them are occupied, said CSC operations manager Scott Harris. That means 75 people are living at CSC now – 62 men, 13 women. (Harris noted the population also includes 4 cats and 8 dogs.) Before the expansion, it was generally around 50 people.

Many of the new residents were referred at the same time. The camp has seen four abandonments from among those recent referrals – people shown to their units, who then left, saying they had to go get their stuff, but never returned. Harris says that’s rare, and if it happens, they hold the unit vacant for two days to give the person a chance to show up, but then it’s given to someone else. Case manager Marjorie Johnson said they try to reach out to those who “abandon,” in hopes of encouraging them to come back. (They even call hospitals and the Medical Examiner.) She said it can be overwhelming sometimes for a person who’s been in a community elsewhere to suddenly have to deal with more support, new neighbors, a new place to stay.

The new tiny houses aren’t the only additions and changes to the camp as part of its expansion. A new icemaker arrived earlier this week, in time for the current mini-heat wave. Water tanks were moved to the front of the camp and Seattle Public Utilities is installing fencing around them. They’re near the new hygiene trailer (funded by a budget amendment from West Seattle/South Park City Councilmember Lisa Herbold last year), which has an attendant on weekdays but is yet to be hooked up to sewer lines; it’s being pumped out every few days until that happens. An emergency-exit gate is being added near the kitchen tent. The new freezer has been malfunctioning but it’s under warranty so they’re working to get a repair specialist out to fix it.

New security cameras have been installed and four more remain. Josh Castle from LIHI, which operates the camp and other tiny-house villages around the region, said cameras are standard for sites like this. In addition to monitoring areas inside the camp, cameras also monitor the parking area outside the camp, which has seen a few vehicle thefts, Harris noted.

That’s not the only way in which that area is being monitored. It was noted that city Parking Enforcement Officers have been ticketing cars for parking there. Community Advisory Committee member Grace Stiller said one camp resident had to go to court to argue against the ticket. Camp managers said they had talked to the city about this problem before and thought they had it resolved until a PEO showed up again last week.

Case manager Johnson provided an update on her work. She has continued working on housing placements and says the camp is down to 7 longtime residents – “more than 2 years” – and she’s working closely with them. Her recent work includes seeking housing for people at apartment buildings recently opened by LIHI, including the Dockside in Green Lake – for which she’s put in 16 applications – and the Frye. Three people are waiting to move into the Harvard and she’s hoping that will happen by December 1st. She added that CSC is having monthly all-village meetings, and that a fulltime mental-health therapist is now on duty at the camp as of this week. Overall, she said, “Just as fast as they’re coming in, I’m moving them out,” and in a few cases where people don’t want to move, she’s working with them to find out why. Fauntleroy Church continues supporting campers with bus passes and hygiene items. They’re hiring to get help for Johnson, too, as CSC moves from “tiny house village to tiny house metropolis,” as Castle termed it.

Asked if they need support for the weather extremes, Harris said “we can always use bottled water and Gatorade.”

GROUP LOGISTICS: The CAC remains without a chair since founding chair Willow Fulton’s resignation earlier this summer. It has room for more members too. Seattle’s sanctioned tiny-house villages are all supposed to have CACs, as required by the city, so even though the leadership change led to a short hiatus, there was no question that it would resume. Their meetings are meant for getting camp updates to the wider community as well as providing a venue for asking questions and surfacing concerns. Now the task for the group is “to get it back to a robust level,” said Castle. Next meeting is TBD.

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Off-limits school playground? Seattle Public Schools blames understaffing
August 17, 2022 3:54 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

That gate leads to the Genesee Hill Elementary schoolyard/playground, one of the Seattle Public Schools playground/playfield facilities that readers have noticed were locked this summer. With the new school year now just three weeks away, kids are trying to pack as much playtime into the remaining days of summer as they can, so any inaccessible facility causes concern. After several reader inquiries, we asked SPS why. Assistant superintendent Beverly Redmond replied, “This summer, some of our fields have been less accessible in general due to understaffing. We are currently prioritizing our groundskeeping and custodial resources to prepare facilities for the start of school in September. We anticipate greater access after the start of the academic year. Those decisions will be made on a school-by-school basis.”

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West Seattleite invites you to take the Seattle Civility Pledge
August 17, 2022 2:20 pm
|      55 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(Planting flowers for bystanders and bees is a community kindness. WSB photo, Gatewood)

Just received from Andreea:

Hi, neighbors! My good friend and I have been contemplating ways to contribute to creating a slightly kinder, more civil city. We’ve embarked personally on what we call our “Seattle Civility Pledge.” I’m sharing here in case any of y’all would care to join – and she’s doing the same in her Rainier Beach neighborhood. Small acts, done with love. We know laws, policies, etc. are critical, but we don’t underestimate the power of small stuff, either. So here we go!

1. I pledge to melt the Seattle freeze. A nod, a smile, a wass up, how ya doing– or whatever human action breaks through so that we connect with each other in tiny ways that matter.
2. I pledge to slow my roll. Children crossing, red-light cameras, cyclists galore–I’m going to try my best to ease up on the gas pedal.
3. I pledge to quit trippin’ and let drivers merge and pedestrians cross. When I merge or cross, I pledge to wave a “thanks so much” and offer a smile.
4. I pledge to pick up one piece of garbage when I’m out and about. Yes, yes, I’m gonna pick up someone else’s trash, because it’s my city after all (and thank you to those I see already doing this!)
5. I pledge to give up a seat on the bus or help someone get their groceries into the car or take the cart back for them. Just because.

Civility: pass it on! xo

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FOLLOWUP: Port of Seattle chooses interim police chief Michael Villa for the permanent job
August 17, 2022 1:24 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Port of Seattle chooses interim police chief Michael Villa for the permanent job
 |   Port of Seattle | West Seattle news

Back in June, we reported that the Port of Seattle was down to two finalists in its police-chief search. Today, port executive director Steve Metruck announced that he’s chosen interim chief Michael Villa for the permanent job. Villa has been with the department for five years and has been interim chief since last fall, after the previous chief was fired following a year-plus on leave during what regional media described as a misconduct investigation. Villa is a former Tukwila Police chief and will lead a Port department that today’s announcement says “s currently authorized with 130 commissioned police officers along with over 40 non-commissioned personnel.” The other finalist for the job was Seattle Police East Precinct commander Capt. Eric Sano.

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COUNTDOWN: 1 month until first-ever West Seattle Art Hop & Shop!
August 17, 2022 11:58 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

We first told you back in June about plans for the first-ever West Seattle Art Hop & Shop, a peninsula-wide event that’s now exactly one month away – 10 am-5 pm Saturday, September 17th. Organizers are still signing up artists to participate. Here’s what it’s all about and how to be part of it:

The Art Hop & Shop is a neighborhood-wide event for local artists and makers to show and sell their work. Artists can host a pop-up in their yard, or “borrow” a yard. The West Seattle Art Hop & Shop publishes an online mobile map for shoppers to find and visit the pop-ups, as well as an artist list on our website.

The Art Hop & Shop boundaries are West Marginal Way to the east, the Seattle city limits to the south, and the water to the north and west. If you do not live in the area, find another artist who does live in the area who can host you. Live in an apartment or condo? Need a place to pop-up? Find a host. Connections made between hosts and artists is one of the wonderful aspects of this event. Please click here to see the do-it-yourself tool for finding match-ups.

An interactive map shows the locations of the sales on September 17th. Artists and makers will enter their own information (including photos and links) on the map. You will receive information about how to add your point to the map when you register. Each artist is responsible for entering their own map information.

How do I sign up?
Visit our Registration Page. The cost is $10, and is non-refundable. The fee covers administrative and promotional costs. This is a “rain or shine” event. You will need a location before you register.

Organizers of the West Seattle Art Hop & Shop are all volunteers. But if you have a question, they’ll be happy to answer it – email wsArtHop@gmail.com. Registration deadline is September 2nd.

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From Thrift Shop Day to Jazz Night, 15+ options for your West Seattle Wednesday
August 17, 2022 10:03 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Lincoln Park photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here’s what’s happening in West Seattle in the (very warm) hours ahead:

TODAY’S BLOCK DROP: Until 6 pm, DIY cleanup equipment is available at Arbor Heights Elementary (3700 block of Beach Drive SW).

DAYSTAR RETIREMENT VILLAGE JOB FAIR: Now until 2 pm, stop by 2615 SW Barton and find out about job openings at Daystar Retirement Village (WSB sponsor), which promises “great benefits!”

THRIFT SHOP DAY SALE: Discovery Shop West Seattle is offering 25 percent off everything today to celebrate National Thrift Shop Day, 10 am-4:30 pm. (4535 California SW)

DROPOFF FOOD DRIVE: Take nonperishable food to Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), 11 am-1 pm.

WADING POOLS OPEN: In West Seattle today, the pools scheduled to be open are Delridge (noon-5:30 pm) and Lincoln Park (noon-7 pm). (Also, Highland Park Spraypark at 1100 SW Cloverdale is open 11 am-8 pm.) This is also the last day of the season for the South Park wading pool (8319 8th Ave. S.), noon-7 pm.

COLMAN POOL: The outdoor pool at Lincoln Park will be open today as its 7-days-a-week schedule continues, noon-7 pm.

LEARN ABOUT WATER & SALMON: Free family-friendly fun at Roxhill Park (2850 SW Roxbury), 12:30-2:30 pm, with free lunch for 18 and under (though all ages are welcome).

CITY PARKS MAINTENANCE: This is one of the topics when the City Council’s Public Assets and Homelessness Committee meets at 2 pm today, online and at City Hall – the agenda has details on how to comment either way.

NETWORKING: Wind Down Weekly networking at Junction Plaza Park, presented by Work and Play Lounge, 6-8 pm. (42nd/Alaska)

JAZZ NIGHT: It’s time for trio jazz tonight at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way), starting at 6:30 pm.

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

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

KUNDALINI YOGA, MEDITATION, GONG BATH: Inner Alchemy presents this at Solstice Park, 7 pm Wednesdays. (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW)

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

TRIVIA x 4: At 7 pm, you can play trivia at the West Seattle Brewing Mothership (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW); Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm; trivia starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW); at 8:30 pm, trivia is back at Talarico’s (4718 California SW) with Phil T.

Calendar event to add? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Remembering Ann Gilbert, 1929-2022
August 17, 2022 9:04 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Ann Gilbert, and sharing this with her community:

Ann Gloria DeCarteret Gilbert passed from this earth on May 9, 2022, at 92 years young. She was a lively spirit, always joyful, and committed all her life to seeing peace and justice prevail, especially for those most vulnerable.

A long-time West Seattle resident, Ann was born in Sumner, WA on June 9, 1929. Her most formative experience was seeing her classmates disappear as Japanese families were herded into internment camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. She never forgot how those with power can overwhelm the powerless, and spent many of her 92 years working for peace and justice with numerous organizations, including the Fellowship of Reconciliation, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, Pledge of Resistance, Conscience and Military Tax Campaign. She was active with West Seattle Neighbors for Peace, passing out peace buttons in the Junction every Sunday during the Farmers’ Market. She was a light and inspiration to so many over the years.

Ann leaves her son Mark Gilbert, daughter Leslie Echtinaw-Bustos, and grandchildren Aaron Echtinaw and Amanda Bustos. She was preceded in death by husband Leland Gilbert and granddaughter Annie (Angela) Echtinaw.

To honor her commitment to making the world a better place, remembrances can be sent to Planned Parenthood, FlipTheVote, Benefits Law Center, or Emily’s List.

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

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Wednesday watch
August 17, 2022 6:01 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, August 17th.

WEATHER

Sunny and hot today, with a high in the 80s.

FERRIES, BUSES, WATER TAXI

Ferries: WSF remains on the 2-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.

Metro buses are on their regular weekday schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for word of reroutes/trip cancellations.

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.

ROAD WORK

Watch for spot repaving work on California SW north of Admiral Way.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

878th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. 32 days until the day SDOT expects to reopen it, September 18th.

Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use until the high bridge reopens; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

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

Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are tweeted by @wsdot_traffic.

All city traffic cams can be seen here, many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page

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

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 4 reports
August 16, 2022 10:30 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Four items in West Seattle Crime Watch:

STOLEN CAR TRACKED, SUSPECT ARRESTED: Officers were looking for a stolen vehicle “that was being tracked by the victim via an app.” First time they caught up with it, “it had fled.” Officers had taken a picture, though, and shared it with the next shift. Then around 2 pm it turned up at 25th/Trenton. Nobody was inside but police headed to the scene spotted a suspect who matched the photo. They caught up with him in an alley in the 8600 block of Delridge Way SW. He tried to run but was taken into custody, the report says, via a “Type II Use of Force” (here are examples). Police say the suspect assaulted an officer in the struggle. He eventually was booked for investigation of possession of a stolen vehicle and third-degree assault.

GROCERY-STORE ASSAULT: This happened last Thursday but the victim decided after a few days to send us her story so others could watch out:

On 8/11 morning at 9:55 am, I was walking out the doors of Morgan Street Thriftway, when a woman (white, 40s, approx 5’4”, brown hair [bangs and pulled back into a low bun], wearing a black Stussy long-sleeve tee with a eight ball, black running shoes with a yellow marking) started yelling at me, calling me the B word claiming I was the wife of a Arabic/African man (a very long name she kept repeating. Unfortunately, I was shaken and just trying to get away that I cannot remember it). She kept following me and yelling. I started to run. She ran after me and shoved me from behind with both hands. Luckily I wasn’t hurt. If this had been someone older, they could have ended up on the ground – she was small, but used force, clearly intending to push me down.

She says she reported this both to the store and to police; the store caught the incident on video and told her they recognized the woman as a former employee, so they provided a name that the victim gave to police. The victim says the officer later told her there had been another incident reported with the same person. The incident number in her case is 22-211362.

STOLEN TRAILER: The photo and report are from Diane:

On 8/11/22, our Tilt Trailer was stolen from our jobsite at 7745 Holden Place SW, Plate #09574AH. A police report has been filed, case #22-211269. Please report [to police] if seen: 206-733-9800.

WEDNESDAY MORNING UPDATE: The trailer’s been found, in the 5600 block of 23rd SW.

SUSPECTED CAR THIEF CHARGED: Here’s one of the most recent West Seattle cases in which the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has filed charges. 37-year-old Jesus R. Perez-Flores is charged with one count of possession of a stolen vehicle. The charging documents say police stopped him June 21st on Airport Way in a Ford Ranger stolen from a Puget Ridge woman almost two weeks earlier. The vehicle caught their attention because it had no plates. Perez-Flores has no criminal record but even before this charge was filed, he’s been in jail since August 3rd in connection with another stolen-car case.

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FOLLOWUP: Here’s what more we found out about West Seattle’s big water-main break
August 16, 2022 7:57 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Monday)

On the day after that massive water-main break at 24th/Kenyon cut water service to thousands and flooded half a dozen apartments (WSB coverage here), we asked Seattle Public Utilities some followup questions. This evening, we received the answers from SPU spokesperson Sabrina Register. So here’s what we’ve learned:

What caused the break? SPU says they don’t know yet. We mentioned that a construction project’s been under way in the area – the Natural Drainage Systems-related work reported here in June – but Register says that crew was working half a block away when the main ruptured.

How old is the main, and why did the break result in such a geyser, when many breaks don’t? Register says SPU records show the main was installed in 1925 and re-lined with cement-mortar lining in 1983 “to extend its life against internal pipe corrosion.” The average age of SPU pipes, she says, is about 70 years. As for why the water erupted with such force: “The water main that broke is a 24-inch diameter pipe, which has a much greater carrying capacity than our typical 8-inch or 12-inch diameter pipes. Additionally, the pipe is under more pressure than many other pipes in the water system. The added pressure in the pipe has to do with the area of the city the pipe serves and the pipe’s elevation relative to the area served. The pipe serves water at around 130 pounds per square inch, compared to more typical pressures in many water pipes of under 80 pounds per square inch.”

Any recent leaks reported (as a commenter had suggested)? “Since 1983, there have been a handful of small (called pinhole) leaks, consistent with a pipe of that age, but no major leaks have been reported. Construction inspectors on the site reported no leaks observed during the construction project.”

How much water was lost before it was shut off? SPU estimates about two million gallons.

(WSB photo, this morning)

What happens now? “SPU has been on site to determine when and how to best replace the section of pipe. SPU temporarily has taken the water main off-line, which does not impact customers’ service. Only a handful of residential customers were connected to the main and crews have been able to provide temporary service to these customers.” To be specific, she says, four houses were connected directly to this main and those were the last to get their service back, restored today.

Repair logistics? “With an active construction site just feet away, close coordination is needed for the complicated work. It may be several weeks before crews are able to replace the broken section of pipe. We are still assessing the pipe and developing a plan to fix it, but crews will have to replace at least a ten-foot section of pipe.” The repairs are expected to be complicated because “the break is extensive and horizontal, which often requires crews to cut out a section of pipe and replace.”

What’s being done for the people whose apartments were flooded? “SPU staff are reaching out to the handful of customers who were displaced yesterday when the water main broke, working with them on the claims process.”

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ELECTION 2022: Here’s the last word on how the primary went
August 16, 2022 5:04 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

checkbox.jpgTwo weeks after the primary election, King County certified the final results this afternoon. No changes in the way these six races turned out, but for the record, here are the final percentages (rounded) for the top two in each race – click the race titles to see the full results:

34TH DISTRICT STATE HOUSE REP. POSITION 1 (no incumbent)
Emily Alvarado (D) – 54%
Leah Griffin (D) – 31%

34TH DISTRICT STATE HOUSE REP. POSITION 2
Joe Fitzgibbon* (D) – 84%
Andrew Pilloud (R) – 16%

34TH DISTRICT STATE SENATOR
Joe Nguyen* (D) – 83%
John Potter (R) – 10%

DISTRICT 7 U.S. HOUSE REP.
Pramila Jayapal* (D) – 85%
Cliff Moon (R) – 8%

U.S. SENATOR (statewide)
Patty Murray* (D) – 52%
Tiffany Smiley (R) – 34%

WASHINGTON SECRETARY OF STATE (statewide; no incumbent)
Steve Hobbs (D) – 40%
Julie Anderson (NP) – 13%

Turnout in our area’s legislative district – the closest gauge of West Seattle turnout (the district also includes some surrounding areas such as Vashon/Maury Islands and White Center – was 41 percent. Countywide, it was 39 percent. (Here’s the KC Elections overview.) The races above are just part of what you’ll find on the November 8th ballot – here’s an unofficial preview of ballot measures (both the city and county have proposals on election changes); candidate lineups are yet to come.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: No arrest yet in Delridge sexual assault
August 16, 2022 3:49 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Since this brief mention last night, we’ve been waiting all day for Seattle Police to reply to our request for additional information in last night’s reported sexual assault near 26th/Juneau. Here’s the entirety of what they just released via SPD Blotter:

SPD detectives are investigating after a woman reported she was sexually assaulted Monday evening in West Seattle.

Around 6:15 p.m., officers responded to the Delridge neighborhood for a report of an injured woman.

Officers and a K9 team searched the area for the suspect but were unable to find him. Medics transported the victim to the hospital for treatment.

Police obtained information about a person of interest in the case, a man who was seen in the area wearing a black Air Jordan hooded sweatshirt, a yellow medical mask, black athletic shorts, and slide sandals.

Sexual Assault Unit detectives continue to investigate.

If you have information for detectives, the Sexual Assault Unit is at 206-684-5575.

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Season extended for Highland Park Spraypark
August 16, 2022 2:18 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB file photo)

As noted here last weekend, this is the final week of operations this year for three of our area’s city-run wading pools – South Park closes after tomorrow, Delridge after Friday, E.C. Hughes after Sunday. Lincoln Park will be open through Labor Day. That was supposed to be the last day for Highland Park Spraypark – but in an aquatics update today, Seattle Parks announced two extra weeks for West Seattle’s only spraypark, which will now be open through Sunday, September 18th. (Never been? It’s at 1100 SW Cloverdale.) The announcement also says, “Next summer, Seattle Parks and Recreation hopes to resume summer aquatics at our pre-pandemic schedules” and says they’re hiring for indoor-pool jobs – go here to find out more.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Heat alert, early library openings for next two days
August 16, 2022 12:22 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Heat alert, early library openings for next two days
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

>small>(Before this morning’s short-lived fog, sunrise colors – photographed by Stewart L.)

By this time tomorrow, we’ll be under another Heat Advisory alert, decreed by the National Weather Service with two days of 90s expected instead of one. The alert is for noon Wednesday through midnight Thursday night. If we really do see two days in the 90s, that’ll tie the record for 12 90-or-more-degree highs in a year (set in 2015),

Because of the forecast, the Seattle Public Library is already planning to open the two A/C-lacking local branches – West Seattle (Admiral) and Southwest – early on Wednesday and Thursday, at 10 am. (Early closure is likely but not yet announced – watch this page.) Anybody else with planned changes (businesses, etc.), please let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Storytime, rock climbing, cleanups, games, more for your West Seattle Tuesday
August 16, 2022 10:23 am
|    Comments Off on Storytime, rock climbing, cleanups, games, more for your West Seattle Tuesday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Mike Burns, as this morning’s fog receded)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BLOCK DROP DIY CLEANUP: Equipment is available until 6 pm today for your neighborhood cleanup – today’s Block Drop location is Holy Rosary School (42nd SW north of SW Genesee).

DONATE FOOD: Admiral Church‘s summer food drive is accepting donations again today, 11 am-1 pm (4320 SW Hill)

WADING POOLS & SPRAYPARK OPEN: Though it’s been cloudy this morning, warm sunshine is expected this afternoon, so the city is opening its wadding pools. EC Hughes (2805 SW Holden) and Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW); both will be open noon-7 pm. Also, Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open 11 am-8 pm.

COLMAN POOL: The outdoor pool at Lincoln Park will be open to the public today as its 7-days-a-week schedule continues, noon-7 pm.

(Photo by Stewart L.)

CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Hybrid meeting (online and in-person at City Hall) at 2 pm; here’s the agenda, which explains how to comment. Watch live here.

ADOPT-A-STREET WALK: Meet at 3 pm at 53rd/Admiral to help clean up!

ROCK CLIMBING AT CAMP LONG: 4:30-7:30 pm at Camp Long (5200 35th SW),

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Longstanding weekly 4:30-6 pm sign-waving demonstration at 16th/Holden. Signs available if you don’t have your own.

STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN: Bring your kid(s) for a story followed by a garden activity, at the Delridge P-Patch, 6 pm (5078 25th SW).

strong>SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, you are invited to come play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).

FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Meeples Games (3727 California SW) welcomes families 6-8 pm to this weekly hosted game-playing night.

CAMP SECOND CHANCE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: The CAC reconvenes after a leadership change. This is your opportunity to get updates on, make comments on, and/or ask questions about West Seattle’s only city-sanctioned tiny-house encampment. 6 pm online – here’s the link.

TRIVIA X 3: Three of the venues where you can play tonight – 7 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 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!

See more on our calendar – and if you have something to add for the future, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEDNESDAY: Job fair at Daystar Retirement Village
August 16, 2022 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on WEDNESDAY: Job fair at Daystar Retirement Village
 |   West Seattle news | Westwood

If you’re looking for work, new local jobs can be found in our West Seattle Jobs Offered section (local businesses can post there for free). Prospective employers are having job fairs, too – and tomorrow, you’re invited to one at Daystar Retirement Village (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor). The job fair 10 am-2 pm Wednesday (August 17th) is your opportunity to find out about full-time jobs with what Daystar describes as “great benefits.” You can also call to inquire – 206-937-6122.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC: Tuesday info
August 16, 2022 6:04 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:32 AM: 5-car crash on West Marginal at Holden (by the transfer station) is reported to be blocking most of Marginal. One person reported injured,

====================

6:04 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, August 16th.

WEATHER

Sunny and warm again today, with a high around 80 (Monday’s high was 84). 90-degree heat could arrive as soon as Wednesday.

FERRIES, BUSES, WATER TAXI

Ferries: WSF remains on the 2-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.

Metro buses are on their regular weekday schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for word of reroutes/trip cancellations.

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.

ROAD WORK

Watch for spot repaving work on California SW north of Admiral Way.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

877th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. 33 days until the day SDOT expects to reopen it, September 18th.

Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use until the high bridge reopens; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

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

Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are tweeted by @wsdot_traffic.

All city traffic cams can be seen here, many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page

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

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WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: You asked, so we asked – weight restriction?
August 15, 2022 9:13 pm
|      31 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, West Seattle Bridge work platform, late July)

When SDOT announced last week that the West Seattle Bridge is expected to reopen Sunday, September 18th, WSB commenters had some follow-up questions. Among them: Will there be a weight restriction on the bridge? We asked, and today we got the answer: No. SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson says, “We are not planning any weight restrictions for vehicles on the bridge. Vehicles would still need to follow the statewide laws governing maximum weight limits to drive on public roads.” (Find those here.) There are weight-limit signs on the bridge now, as we noticed when visiting last Tuesday, but Bergerson explains that they “were placed for construction crews before the post-tensioning work was completed. Now that that work is done, the bridge is much stronger and those signs will be removed by the time the bridge opens.” He also reiterated the plan – noted again in our report last week – for load testing before the bridge reopens, “in which we will drive heavy equipment over the bridge to simulate traffic and let engineers monitor the structure’s response in real-time and confirm that the repairs are working as expected.” If the closure ends on September 18th as currently planned, that’ll be just five days short of 2 1/2 years since its sudden closure on March 23, 2020.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police search near 26th/Juneau
August 15, 2022 7:10 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Delridge | West Seattle news

7:10 PM: We don’t have full details on this but several people have asked about it so we’re making note of what we do know – police have been searching near 26th/Juneau for what was reported as a suspect in a sexual assault. No info yet on circumstances nor even victim description but police have been using at least one K-9 team to search (that’s why you’ve heard short siren bursts – those are part of the warning that a search dog is out). We’ll add anything more we find out.

7:55 PM: SPD spokesperson Valerie Carson says the only information they’re releasing tonight is that they searched the area but so far have not arrested anyone.

TUESDAY NOTE: Still awaiting information from SPD; hoping to have a followup whenever we get it.

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UPDATE: Thousands lose water in West Seattle, after big break at 24th/Kenyon
August 15, 2022 4:18 pm
|      152 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

4:18 PM: We’ve just heard from several people in Gatewood and Sunrise Heights who are suddenly without water. Nothing’s on the Seattle Public Utilities outage map so far. We’re checking with SPU; in the meantime, here’s the number to call if it’s happened to you – 206-386-1800 (although we’re being told people are having trouble getting through).

(Photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand unless otherwise credited)

4:34 PM: Highland Park is affected too. Our crew has just confirmed there’s a broken line at 24th/Kenyon – and describes the water going up from it as a “geyser.” Photo added.

4:40 PM: Another angle:

(Video added:)

There’s also word of some nearby apartments being flooded. This is the same area where “natural drainage system” work has been under way, as reported here in June.

4:55 PM: Yet another view added above. We’re waiting to hear from SPU on how long it’s expected to take to get water service back. So far this is believed to be a 24″-wide water main.

5:06 PM: From SPU spokesperson Sabrina Register: “Crews are on the scene to shut down water at the site of the break (SW Kenyon and 24th Ave SW) with the goal of restoring service to customers who are temporarily without water, but I don’t yet have a estimate of when service will be restored.”

5:31 PM: Per commenters, at least some water is back, and the geyser’s been shut off. (added) Here’s a texted photo – thank you!

6:08 PM: We’ve just confirmed at the scene that what’s ruptured is indeed a 24″ line:

No word yet on exactly how this happened. The outage is now shown on the SPU map but the information is incomplete – it doesn’t show the full area affected, and it attributes the problem to “planned outage,” with a restoration estimate of 10 pm (though as you know if you’ve been with us for power-outage coverage, those estimates seldom bear any resemblance to what eventually happens – sometimes much earlier, sometimes much later).

6:41 PM: No further updates from SPU so far. Some commenters are reporting that they have water but it’s brown – disruptions of even much smaller size tend to cause that, stirring up “sediment” (mostly rust) in the lines. Here’s some SPU advice on how to handle that.

7:30 PM: As noted by SFD, residents of at least six apartments were forced out by flooding. This video by Ben Rupp of MKH.MFG shows how the water battered the apartments like waves in a winter storm:

Also received: This photo from a texter showing how Longfellow Creek’s water level rose because of all the spewed water:

8:32 PM: Update from SPU:

SPU has restored service to most if not all of the customers in West Seattle who were without water late Monday afternoon. A 24-inch water main break at SW Kenyon and 24th Ave SW caused hundreds of customers to temporarily lose service.

If customers experience temporary water discoloration as their service is restored, we recommend they wait until it clears before drinking it. They can run the cold water for a few minutes to see if it clears. More tips can be found on our website.

SPU is working on a plan to repair the 24-inch water main. We don’t know what caused the break but are looking into it.

9:13 PM: Revised estimate from SPU: They now believe about 2,000 customers (homes/businesses/etc.) were without water during the peak of the outage.

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TUESDAY: Confirmation process begins for new SDOT director Greg Spotts
August 15, 2022 3:13 pm
|    Comments Off on TUESDAY: Confirmation process begins for new SDOT director Greg Spotts
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(WSB photo, July 27)

Tomorrow morning’s City Council Transportation and Public Utilities Committee meeting begins with the formal introduction of Mayor Bruce Harrell‘s nominee for SDOT director, Greg Spotts. We covered the announcement three weeks ago. This is only the first discussion, with other meetings/hearings leading up to an expected confirmation vote in early September, around the time he is expected to start the job. The packet attached to the agenda for tomorrow’s meeting includes more information about Spotts, who’s been working in the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services. His resume says he’s been in that department for almost 10 years, after three years in the L.A. Mayor’s Office, two years with the consulting firm McKinsey & Company, and 17 years as founder and president of what his resumé describes as an “entertainment company managing the careers of record producers and engineers.” In his past 10 years at the city, his projects are listed as:

• Founding member of citywide Vision Zero Executive Steering Committee. Launched pedestrian refuge island program constructing 10-20 islands per year
• Launched Great Streets, Biodiversity Medians + Streets Along Park Edges programs
• Launched bikeway inspection, cleaning, maintenance and repaving program
• Launched Street Tree Inventory project including public-facing online tree map
• Launched Cool Pavement initiative + obtained $30M Cooling and Mobility Grant
• Tech & Innovation:
o Purchased agency’s first Plug-In Vehicles including an all-electric sweeper for zero-carbon sweeping of downtown’s protected bike lanes. Led agency’s deployment of GPS vehicle locators and GIS mapping of sweeping routes.
o Optimized completion times for pothole repairs and tree emergencies by deploying tablets to crews and supervisors. Member of winning team for 2015 GovTech.com “Outstanding IT Project” award (for MyLA311 launch)

The packet notes that his starting salary will be $252,000. Tomorrow’s meeting is at 9:30 am; the agenda explains how to attend/comment, online or in-person.

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BIZNOTE: Portage Bay Café planning to expand to West Seattle
August 15, 2022 12:35 pm
|      54 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Thanks for the tips! The renowned breakfast/lunch/brunch restaurant mini-chain Portage Bay Café is expanding to West Seattle. In the past few days, we’ve heard from multiple readers who were dining at one of their existing locations (Ballard, South Lake Union, on Roosevelt, on 65th) and saw printed evidence (one example above) of the plan to come here. However, nothing indicated where in West Seattle they’d be opening. So this morning we reached Portage Bay Café president/co-founder John Gunnar by phone. He confirmed the West Seattle plan and said they’re not ready to announce the location – though he had a hint: The Junction area. They could go public with the location in a week or so, and if all goes well, they could be open in October. Gunnar said customers have long been suggesting they expand to West Seattle, and with the bridge expected to reopen soon, the time is right. If you haven’t been to Portage Bay Café, here’s the current menu. Their motto is “Eat like you give a damn” and they opened their first location (Roosevelt) 25 years ago.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire on 35th SW
August 15, 2022 11:19 am
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

One more gunfire incident to report from last night – this time from the SPD report summaries: Around 11:30 pm in the 7500 block of 35th SW, 911 callers reported “hearing 4 shots and a vehicle speeding away,” according to the summary. Police found a driver who told them he was heading southbound on 35th SW when a black Mercedes came up to pass them in the turn lane, and shot at them while doing so. No injuries but, the report says, the “victim’s vehicle was struck one time, incapacitating the vehicle.” Officers found evidence of gunfire and also a Metro bus driver who saw what happened; investigators were checking to see if the bus camera(s) recorded anything related.

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