day : 13/03/2023 9 results

(Admiral Way Bridges from Fairmount Avenue, via Google Maps Street View)

Three years after voters approved the “Move Seattle” transportation levy in 2015, SDOT announced a work plan that included various West Seattle projects. Among them, seismic retrofitting for the Admiral Way bridges over Fairmount Ravine (technically two structures). Fast-forward to late 2021, when SDOT told us planning for the retrofit was under way and that construction was likely to start in late 2022-early 2023. It’s been pushed back again, we learned, after following up on a mention of the Admiral Way bridges last week when an SDOT rep briefed the Levy Oversight Committee. Wes Ducey‘s briefing focused on studying various bridges around the city for eventual replacement, including Admiral:

Here’s what an “alternative analysis” is about:

In the briefing, Ducey suggested, among other things, that the city might consider designating one particular bridge to be the next in line for replacement, rather than continue to study and re-study multiple bridges:

After that briefing, we checked with SDOT regarding the Admiral Way bridges retrofit project. And we learned the retrofit is now not expected to start in “early 2023” after all. SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson told WSB, “We are still planning to complete a seismic retrofit on the Admiral Way Bridges by the end of 2024, thanks to funding from the voter-approved Levy to Move Seattle.” As for studying it for potential replacement, Bergerson explained,”While we do not anticipate the need to replace this bridge anytime soon, the planning study will incorporate what we learn during the seismic retrofit and be a valuable resource in the future if the City ever needs to choose between investing in additional major maintenance or completely rebuilding the bridge decades from now.”

P.S. During last week’s Levy Oversight Committee briefing, City Councilmember Alex Pedersen – who’s a committee member – mentioned that the council committee he chairs, Transportation and Public Utilities, will talk about bridges later this month, in the context of the citywide bridge audit.

Share This

DEAL: Register for Loop the ‘Lupe 2023 before next price increase

March 13, 2023 7:38 pm

| Comments Off on DEAL: Register for Loop the ‘Lupe 2023 before next price increase

| Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

If you’re thinking about being part of this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe – our area’s only obstacle-course 5K – this is the week to sign up. Prices go up Friday for three of the five levels at which you can participate this year – the Family Wave Obstacle Course 5K, the new Elite Wave Obstacle Course 5K, or Fun Run 5K. You can get in on the early prices by going here to sign up. Loop the ‘Lupe happens June 3rd at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle), next to Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose community social work is supported by the event. (Loop the ‘Lupe also includes Senior Saunter and Youth 1K options, but those prices don’t change until just a couple days before LTL.) Set your calendar for June 3rd even if you don’t want to run/walk/dodge – music, food, and a beer garden will be set up on the sidelines for everyone to celebrate a day in the park. (WSB is a Loop the ‘Lupe community sponsor.)

Share This

FERRIES: Service added on Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route

March 13, 2023 4:55 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, ferries seen from Lincoln Park at midday earlier this month)

Though Washington State Ferries has said it doesn’t expect to be able to restore the “Triangle Route” to three-boat service until later this year, it has added some sailings starting this week. Here’s the announcement:

To help supplement service, Washington State Ferries has added the following weekday service on our Fauntleroy/ Vashon/ Southworth “Triangle” route to fill gaps in the two-boat schedule when crewing allows:

11:15 a.m. existing Southworth to Vashon will load Fauntleroy traffic
11:50 a.m. Vashon to Fauntleroy
12:15 p.m. Fauntleroy to Vashon (continues to Southworth)
7:35 p.m. Fauntleroy to Southworth (currently to Vashon)
8:10 p.m. Southworth to Vashon
8:30 p.m. Vashon to Fauntleroy
8:55 p.m. Fauntleroy to Vashon
9:20 p.m. Vashon to Southworth
9:35 p.m. Southworth to Vashon (Fridays only)

As reported here, WSF hopes to restore three-boat service on weekdays in May, then full 7-days-a-week restoration in fall.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another business burglary; stolen black Suburban; abandoned Elantra (resolved)

March 13, 2023 3:28 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Three more reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

ANOTHER BUSINESS BURGLARY: Dani at Meeples Games (3727 California SW) sends word that they too were burglarized early Sunday:

Early Sunday (3/12) around 7:20 am, Meeples Games was broken into. We hate that this has happened again, and we are asking the community for help! If you recognize the person in this photo, please contact us (206.535.7896).

If you are looking for a way to support Meeples Games during this time, please stop in and hang out at our cafe, play some games, join one of our events, or shop for a new board game.

The SPD incident # is 23-68017.

STOLEN BLACK SUBURBAN: Sandy‘s vehicle was stolen this morning:

Please be on the watch out for our older-model black GMC Suburban, with a white Rocket Box on top. It was stolen from
SW Findlay, 1/2 a block east of 35th Ave SW, just this morning, Monday 3/13, between 9 and 10:30 am. SPD incident # 23-69053.

POSSIBLY ABANDONED STOLEN ELANTRA: Linda sent the photo and report:

Spotted this car on my way to work this morning. Appears to be stolen and abandoned. Black Hyundai, flat tire, broken window and license applying attempted to be removed. It’s sitting on Fauntleroy Place and Charlestown.

It’s been reported, but Linda sent the report to us too in case its owner sees this. (UPDATE: As suggested by commenters, that was indeed Lauren‘s stolen car.)

Share This

COUNTDOWN: Two months until West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2023! Here’s when registration begins

March 13, 2023 1:40 pm

| Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: Two months until West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2023! Here’s when registration begins

| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Just two months away from West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2023! As always, the big day will be on the second Saturday in May – this year, that’s Saturday, May 13th. Just a refresher, WSCGSD is not one big sale – it’s one big day, with many sales of many sizes, all around West Seattle, 9 am-3 pm (though individual sellers are welcome to start earlier and/or end later). We call WSCGSD “the ultimate person-to-person recycling event.” Registration will open Monday, April 3rd – watch for the announcement and link here on WSB that day; registration will then stay open for about three weeks. After that, the map/list of sales will be available here starting one week before sale day. Aside from the 2020-2021 pandemic hiatus, we’ve presented West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day every year since 2008; it was founded in 2005 and presented through 2007 by a nonprofit called Megawatt.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Time to watch for signs of spawning herring

March 13, 2023 11:44 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Wildlife

(2017 photo by “Diver Laura” James)

Six years ago, we told you about herring spawning off West Seattle – which led to pearly eggs, like those in the photo above, on the beach, after sea birds and sea lions were seen in a feeding frenzy offshore, near “milky swaths” that are telltale signs of what’s happening. “Diver Laura” James says it’s time to watch for that again – and to report it if you see it. She tells WSB, “Our West Seattle herring spawn should be starting any day now and and it would be amazing if local readers could keep an eye out for spawning activity so we can capture the action with drone and 360 underwater cameras.” The Coastal Watershed Institute has been watching – saying it’s “been extremely predictable the last five years. You could literally set your watch to the shoals of fish, brilliant white water, layer upon layer of herring eggs, and caterwauling sea lions and birds. This year? Nothing.” But spawning has begun in an area of British Columbia, so there’s hope they’re just running late this year. If you think you’re seeing signs of spawning, you can email Laura – ljjames (at) mac (dot) com.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen maroon/silver ‘loud’ F-250 (update: found), and two other reports

March 13, 2023 10:03 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Three reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

STOLEN PICKUP: From Dennis:

My truck was stolen from in front of my house last night between 10:00 pm and 6:00 this morning—3600 block of SW Othello St. Maroon over silver Ford F-250 Pickup with an extended cab. License # C42605D. An important note is that it is a DIESEL engine. It is very loud!

5:34 PM: Dennis sent this update:

My truck was recovered in the 7700 Block of 34 AVE SW. Punched out the ignition switch, content inside pilfered but nothing missing.

I would also like to thank the 911 call center which took the report. And the responding police officer who came to my house, within 1 hour after reporting the theft. The police officers who helped me recover my truck. Most of all I give a BIG THANKS to the lady who found it. With all the talk of “Defund the police” “Police don’t do anything” and “West Seattle is a bad place to live” I say BOLOGNA!

(back to original roundup) Meantime, two more reports from the past few days:

GUNFIRE INVESTIGATION: From the SPD report summaries made available this morning, word of confirmed gunfire early Friday. A report of suspected gunfire brought officers to 30th/Barton around 12:30 am Friday. Callers said the shots were fired from a vehicle. Officers found shell casings but no victims or property damage.

PACKAGE THEFT: Reader report from Stefan in Fauntleroy:

3/12/23 around 9:00 am on SW Director St., a porch pirate stole an Amazon package off our porch. It appeared they were following the delivery truck. They carried up an empty iPhone box and dropped it off while they picked up our delivery (a voltmeter/electrical tester device). I think this was to appear they were doing a delivery.

Our doorbell camera captured some images of the thief.

Green/gray hooded jacket with the lower half in dark blue, purple shirt, and yellow shoes with white soles. Zipped off in a mid-2000s dark-colored Nissan Altima with a small spoiler on the trunk.

Keep your eyes out & stay safe.

Share This

10 options for your West Seattle Monday

March 13, 2023 9:13 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Alki Bathhouse this morning – photo by Jerry Simmons)

Highlights for the rest of today, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: Final week of this year’s in-person sales. Use this lookup to see where and when to find them in your zip code.

MONDAY MOVIE: 1 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), “Terry’s Greatest Movies You’ve Never Heard Of,” today featuring “Here Comes the Groom.” Free popcorn! Contact SCWS to register in advance.

CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: 2 pm, councilmembers preview the week ahead (here’s the agenda) and get another briefing on the ongoing State Legislature session. You can watch online or on cable via Seattle Channel.

FREE INDOOR PLAYSPACE: Free Toddler Gym weekday afternoons at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW), ages 2-6, 3:30-5 pm.

COMMUNITY WEEK AT LOUISA BOREN STEM K-8: As explained here – first event, 4-6 pm wetlands walk with Delridge Neighborhood Development Association & Nature Consortium. “Learn from nature experts about your environmental impact on our neighborhood and the greater PNW at a wetland just two blocks away from STEM K8.” (5950 Delridge Way SW)

NEW OPEN MIC: You’re welcome at the new weekly BedHead Open Mic at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (4201 SW Juneau) – info in our calendar listing.

CRAFTING AND CREATIVITY NIGHT: 6-10 pm at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.

D&D: Open D&D starts at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), all welcome, even first-time players. $5.

MEDITATION: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation event at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

PLAY TRIVIA! Three scheduled options tonight for trivia players – 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Have a West Seattle/White Center event for our calendar ? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Share This

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Monday, one week till spring

March 13, 2023 6:00 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Monday, one week till spring

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, March 13th, one week until spring (which arrives at 2:24 pm March 20th).

WEATHER & TIME

The forecast for today: Rainy, breezy. High around 50. Sunrise 7:26 am, sunset 7:11 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

Water Taxi – Regular schedule.

Metro – Regular schedule, but trip cancellations remain possible, so check notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts. Saturday brings the service change – here are the West Seattle plans, including Route 120 becoming RapidRide H Line.

Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule; check here for alerts/updates and see Vessel Watch for boats’ locations.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the camera at the top:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge – looking east to west (unless SDOT turns the camera):

1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:

Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if needed) – 206-293-6302.

Share This