month : 09/2023 309 results

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday info

September 7, 2023 6:01 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday info
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, September 7th.

WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Partly sunny, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:35 am; sunset will be at 7:37 pm.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Remember that all schools have reopened.

ROAD WORK AHEAD

-If you missed the announcement Wednesday, this weekend and next will bring pavement work on eastbound SW Alaska between 44th and California.

(added) Friday night through Sunday morning, the ramp from the eastbound West Seattle Bridge to southbound I-5 will be closed – here’s the WSDOT alert:

The southbound I-5 on-ramps from the Spokane Street Viaduct, South Spokane Street and Sixth Avenue South will close for construction from 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, through 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. A signed detour will use northbound I-5 to westbound Edgar Martinez Drive to southbound First Avenue South to eastbound South Holgate Street to northbound South Fourth Street to the southbound I-5 on-ramp. Please allow extra time for travel.

TRANSIT TODAY

Washington State Ferries – The Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run is on the 2-boat schedule. Check Vessel Watch to see where your ferry is.

Metro – Regular schedule; one last reminder that the September “service change” happened last weekend – in West Seattle, Route 55 was suspended, and Routes 50 and 22 have changes.

Water Taxi – Regular schedule.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

High Bridge – the main camera:

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

Low-bridge cam:

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

Highway 99: – 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: The @SDOTBridges Twitter/X feed shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities). Thank you!

BIZNOTE: Bartell Drugs’ White Center employees tell customers store is closing

Three years after the national chain Rite Aid acquired Seattle-founded regional chain Bartell Drugs, it’s closing some Bartell stores. And employees of the White Center Bartell store (9600 15th SW) are telling customers theirs will soon be among them. We’ve heard from multiple readers who say they’ve been told in recent days that the store will close at the end of the month, and a visit to the store reveals many items on sale at deep discounts. We have inquired with both Rite Aid and Bartell corporate spokespeople via email and phone, but have yet to receive a reply or acknowledgment either confirming or denying. As we reported on partner site White Center Now, the White Center store’s building changed ownership a year and a half ago, purchased for $5.1 million by an LLC associated with a California electrical contractor (we have an inquiry out to the owner as well). King County permit records show nothing on file for the sizable site. When the 4th Avenue Bartell store in downtown Seattle closed in July, The Seattle Times reported that was the fifth Bartell closure in less than a year; since then, one more has been announced. All this is unfolding against a backdrop of financial challenges for parent company Rite Aid.

FYI: Helicopter sightings expected Sunday before Seahawks flyover

Early heads-up, you may notice military helicopters over West Seattle this Sunday (September 10th) because of a flyover planned for the Seahawks‘ season-opener. We’re told helicopters from Joint Base Lewis-McChord will be in the area mid-morning and early afternoon; the game starts after 1 pm.

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Opening date for new Highland Park restaurant

Thanks for the tip! That’s the sign now on the door at 1513 SW Holden in Highland Pari, former home of Wanna Teriyaki and Burger, future home of Chef Korea Miso. We published an update a month ago, after talking with one of the proprietors; she explained they’ll be serving “K-food” and that they were just awaiting final permits. Now they’ve announced they’ll open September 15th – a week from Friday.

READER REPORT: Tree down on street bridge over Longfellow Creek

Thanks to Manuel for the photos and report: “A tree fell from the Longfellow Creek area and is blocking the small Nevada Street bridge in Delridge. SDOT is on the scene.” (Here’s a map.)

This was about an hour ago, so it might be clear now, but still noteworthy; readers also reported a tree down earlier this week by Dragonfly Pavilion, but that one did not appear to be blocking anything.

ROAD-WORK ALERT: Repaving planned on SW Alaska in The Junction

September 6, 2023 2:30 pm
|    Comments Off on ROAD-WORK ALERT: Repaving planned on SW Alaska in The Junction
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Eastbound SW Alaska will be closed for one block in The Junction, between 44th and California, the next two weekends. SDOT is planning to replace several damaged concrete panels. The work is planned 8 am-6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, September 9th-10th and 16th-17th; the work zone will be open on the weekdays inbetween, and the westbound lanes will remain open at all times, as will the sidewalks. Bus rerouting will be forthcoming from Metro.

BACK TO SCHOOL: West Seattle Elementary returns home after ‘sorely needed’ renovation/expansion

For thousands of West Seattle families, today’s biggest news is the start of the new school year. The traditional red-carpet welcome for students at West Seattle Elementary in High Point was paired today with a ribbon-cutting for the school’s newly complete expansion/renovation. Last month, we took you on a photo tour of the school. Now, principal Pamela McCowan-Conyers (above right), her staff, and their students are all back, after two years in temporary quarters at the former Schmitz Park Elementary (a “long ride” from High Point, the principal acknowledged). McCowan-Conyers hailed the project as “sorely needed” while offering a profuse round of gratitude for everyone involved, before leading the ribboncutting:

Among the dignitaries was district superintendent Dr. Brent Jones, who also enthused about the project, funded by the BEX V levy, passed by voters in 2019.

Once the ribbon was down, students headed for the entrance, under the new canopy, and were greeted by school staffers with high-fives and big smiles.

Shoutout to WSE staffer Akim Finch, who DJ’d the event, including a brisk early round of Earth Wind & Fire classics (“September” was especially appropriate):

The expansion added 12 classrooms, giving the school a capacity of more than 500 students; currently it’s around 400, assistant principal Ritchie Garcia told us when we toured for last month’s report. The school – which serves a community with a large immigrant population – is designed to support families as well as students, with areas where parents can access resources such as a job board.

P.S. With the reopening, West Seattle Elementary’s address has returned to 6760 34th SW – readers have noted that Google is still listing it with the Schmitz Park address, which is now the temporary home of Alki Elementary.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Business burglarized for second time in 2 weeks; stolen car dumped in driveway crash

Two notes in West Seattle Crime Watch this morning:

BUSINESS BURGLARIZED 2X IN 2 WEEKS: The front of Global Smoke & Vape at 35th/Roxbury was still boarded up from the break-in on August 26th when crash-and-grab burglar(s) hit it early today. We went over to check after a reader tip. The store proprietor confirmed the burglary and said a vehicle had been used to break down the temporary door. The SPD call log shows an alarm response there just after 4 am. The store is open today, even as they clean up, again.

DUMPED IN DRIVEWAY CRASH: Even earlier this morning, a rude awakening at Jon‘s house near 20th/Holden:

Car thieves dumped that stolen Kia Soul in his driveway, after crashing it into his car around 1:15 am, still running (as is often the case). More than four hours later, Jon reported, “Police just left with the tow truck. The car owner didn’t even know it had been stolen yet. A great way to start the day.”

P.S. Today’s already seen at least one other stolen/dumped Kia, according to police-radio communication – another one left at Westcrest Park, also damaged and running.

UPDATE: Gas-leak response on Delridge Way

September 6, 2023 9:57 am
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: Gas-leak response on Delridge Way
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:57 AM: Thanks for the tip. Seattle Fire has responded to a natural-gas leak in the 5200 block of Delridge Way SW, and that has the southbound side of the street closed between Brandon and Puget. Updates to come.

10 AM: According to SFD radio communication, this happened because of a sewer-line repair.

10:06 AM: SFD describes this as a “minor leak,” because of a “nicked” line. They’ve been checking the air in neighboring houses for safety’s sake.

10:38 AM: SFD reports that Puget Sound Energy has “secured the leak,” so its units will be leaving, which means the road should be reopening.

13 options for your West Seattle Wednesday

(WSB photo, school bus in Gatewood)

Happy back-to-school day! Here’s what else is happening:

DRINK DEAL: $6 back-to-school “momosas” all day (until 3 pm) at Bebop Waffle Shop (2600 California SW) in The Admiral District.

TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

TRANSPORTATION PLAN INFO: Today brings the last of four SDOT informational pop-ups at West Seattle libraries to get comments and answer questions about the newly released draft Seattle Transportation Plan, 12 pm-1 pm at Southwest Library (35th/Henderson). Here are other ways to get info/offer feedback.

PARTY AT THE BEER JUNCTION: Starting at 5 pm, tonight brings the celebration in honor of former owner Allison Herzogprevious coverage here. (4511 California SW)

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Don’t replace it – repair it! Weekly event, 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).

TRIVIA x 5: Five places to play tonight. At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) now offers trivia … there’s 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska); trivia starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW); Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 8 pm … at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).

FREE GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for the weekly free group run.

ALSO AT WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: 6:30 pm injury-prevention clinic.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)

LIVE PIANO MUSIC: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks. (4210 SW Admiral Way).

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

‘MATT & BEN’ PREVIEW: $10 seats for the “preview” performance of “Matt & Ben” at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor, 7:30 pm.

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

If you’re planning a presentation, meeting, performance, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, etc., and it’s open to the community, please send us info for West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Celebration of Life planned September 24 for Michael J. Nies, 1959-2023

September 6, 2023 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on Celebration of Life planned September 24 for Michael J. Nies, 1959-2023
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather September 24th to celebrate the life of Mike Nies. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with his community:

Michael Jay Nies (Mike)
October 27, 1959-August 11, 2023

After an extended illness, our beloved Brother, Uncle, and Friend passed away and headed to his eternal fishing expedition.

Mike was a lifelong resident of West Seattle, and a lifelong outdoorsman. Mike was an auto mechanic for his entire adult life, starting in high school at Tom’s Automotive in West Seattle and working there for over 30 years. Mike was also actively involved in the West Seattle Sportsmen’s Club; the annual children’s trout fishing was always a highlight for him. He could be seen sitting in a chair and baiting countless hooks for the entire day.

He will be missed by everyone whose life he touched. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Clara Nies. He is survived by his brother Jim, Sister-in-Law Kathleen, and his Nieces, Amanda Nies, Holly Wartella, and Jayme Nies. He is also survived by his great-niece Scarlett and great-nephew Cassius.

There will be a celebration of life on September 24th beginning at noon at the West Seattle American Legion Hall, 3618 SW Alaska Street.

(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)

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Back-to-school Wednesday

September 6, 2023 6:01 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Back-to-school Wednesday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

10 AM: Covering separately but also noting here – SB Delridge Way is blocked between Brandon and Puget because of a gas-leak response.

Earlier:

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, September 6th, the biggest back-to-school day on the calendar.

WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Becoming sunny, high near 70. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:34 am; sunset will be at 7:39 pm.

(Tuesday’s sunset, photographed by John Skerratt)

BACK TO SCHOOL

Schools that haven’t started classes yet start them today – be extra watchful on the streets, sidewalks, and paths:

Seattle Public Schools (1st-12th grades)
Highline Public Schools (1st-12th grades)
Westside School (WSB sponsor)
Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor)
West Seattle Montessori

TRANSIT TODAY

Washington State Ferries – The Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run is on the 2-boat schedule. Check Vessel Watch to see where your ferry is.

Metro – regular schedule; it’s the second weekday since the September “service change” – in West Seattle, Route 55 was suspended, and Routes 50 and 22 have changes.

Water Taxi – regular schedule.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

High Bridge – the main camera:

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

Low-bridge cam:

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

Highway 99: – 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: The @SDOTBridges Twitter/X feed shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities). Thank you!

FOLLOWUP: Seattle Public Schools and Operating Engineers Local 302 reach tentative agreement

September 5, 2023 8:52 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Seattle Public Schools and Operating Engineers Local 302 reach tentative agreement
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Just announced by Seattle Public Schools:

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is pleased to announce that it has reached a tentative agreement with Local 302 International Union of Operating Engineers. The Local 302 represents SPS custodians, culinary services, grounds, security, and alarm monitor teams.

SPS appreciates all the hard work of both bargaining teams to reach a tentative agreement.

We are excited to have the members of Local 302 join us as we welcome our students, families, staff, and community partners for the 2023-24 school year tomorrow.

FOLLOWUP: Genesee Hill speed cushions installed, day before school starts

Thanks to Greg for the tip. The three sets of speed bumps announced earlier this year for SW Genesee, near Genesee Hill Elementary, were installed today, the day before the scheduled start of Seattle Public Schools‘ 2023-2024 classes. Other West Seattle school areas with new traffic-safety installations over the summer include Lafayette Elementary, Pathfinder K-8, and the Denny/Sealth campus.

BIZNOTE: Tony’s Market status

(WSB file photo)

Lots of questions in the past week or so about the status of Tony’s Market, the independent seasonal produce-and-more store under the red, white, and green tent at 35th/Barton. By this weekend, it seemed clear that the market had stopped selling produce for the year, as the merchandise had all been cleared out, but we wanted to reach proprietor Joey Genzale to be sure. Today by phone, he confirmed to WSB that the market is closed for the season, but he says he’ll be back as usual for pre-Halloween pumpkin sales, followed by Christmas trees in November and December. No start date for pumpkin sales yet; we’ll check back.

P.S. There’s now a Mexican-food truck on the lot, according to Ross at nearby West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW; WSB sponsor). We’ll be checking on that soon.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Bank robbery in The Junction

Thanks for the tips. Here’s what we’ve found out about why the Guardian One helicopter was circling The Junction for a while this past hour: A robbery at Sound Credit Union (4730 California SW), which is temporarily closed as a result.

The robber was described as a white man in his 30s, 5’8″, heavy build, black baseball cap and maroon shirt “over a long-sleeved shirt,” glasses, jeans, yellow shoes; a second person possibly acting as a lookout was described as a white man in his 30s with a white bucket or captain’s hat, red or pink face mask, gray shirt with a Playboy logo, jeans, black shoes. They were last seen in the alley behind the west-side businesses on California between Alaska and Edmunds. The dispatcher was told the robber didn’t show a weapon but presented a note threatening harm. (added) This is at least the third time this branch has been held up this year; our archives show previous robberies in February and in April.

FOLLOWUP: Here’s what’s happening at Myers Way east-side encampment as clearing begins

1:05 PM: As reported here, WSDOT announced Thursday that notices had been posted at the northeast-side Myers Way encampment advising the people there that site clearing would start this week. So we went by about an hour ago to see what was happening. In view from the street were predominantly law-enforcement vehicles and officers – both Washington State Patrol and Seattle Police – as well as a few junk-hauling-type trucks and one heavy-duty truck with traffic barrels/cones (and signage).

Also notable since the last time we went by a few days ago, fewer RVs. We’ll be checking with WSDOT later today to see if there’s an update on what was done today and what’s next. The WSDOT announcement Thursday had said the plan for this week was to “begin cleaning and repairing the site, removing excess vegetation, and making other modifications at the site to help prevent resettlement.” The agency also said more than 80 percent of the known occupants of the site – 52, per previous updates – had “been matched with shelter or housing that will work for them.” If you missed the original explanation of how the placement process works, it’s in our report on the most-recent community meeting about the encampment, held in July at Arrowhead Gardens senior-living complex on the other side of Myers Way, where residents say they’ve been beset by crime and safety problems as the now-being-cleared encampment continued to grow in recent months.

P.S. The last major clearing of this site happened five years ago.

ADDED 3:14 PM: Here’s what WSDOT spokesperson James Poling told us after we requested an update: “The site was vacated by 9 a.m. this morning, thus allowing WSDOT crews and contractors to begin site cleanup and restoration work shortly afterward. Contractors had begun towing some abandoned vehicles off the site during lunchtime hours. I would expect to see rearrangement of the concrete blocks along Myers Way sometime in the next 24 hours (pending equipment availability). This site is more than 20 acres on varying terrain, so this cleanup will likely be more than a week(s) rather than days.”

BIZNOTE: Two updates from West Seattle PCC

PCC Community Markets‘ West Seattle store (WSB sponsor) has two accessibility-related updates to share today:

The elevator at West Seattle PCC is back in service. It was a pain point in accessing the store for the last few weeks…

We are also updating to have permanent reserved accessible parking when the parking lot is restriped this coming month.

The store is open 6 am to 11 pm daily at 2749 California SW (corner of SW Stevens).

From music to meetings and much more, here’s what’s up for your West Seattle Tuesday

September 5, 2023 10:03 am
|    Comments Off on From music to meetings and much more, here’s what’s up for your West Seattle Tuesday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Labor Day volleyball at Alki, photographed by James Bratsanos)

Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s our list of possibilities for the hours ahead:

TRANSPORTATION PLAN INFO: Today brings the third of four SDOT informational pop-ups at West Seattle libraries to talk about the newly released draft Seattle Transportation Plan, 12 pm-1 pm at High Point Library (35th/Raymond). Here are other ways to get info/offer feedback.

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm at the air-conditioned Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon): “Are you looking for a new activity to keep your brain sharp and clear? The Senior Center Chess Club welcomes both novice and experienced players. Join us at 1:30 p.m. for lessons, short tutorials, and chess for all levels of expertise.” (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t have your own.

STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN: 6 pm stories and activities for kids at the Delridge P-Patch, weekly throughout the summer. (5078 25th SW)

SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, you can play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).

FREE TRACK RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.

WEST SEATTLE BIKE CONNECTIONS: Talk about the city’s new draft Transportation Plan and more, 6:30 pm in-person meeting at High Point Neighborhood House (6400 Sylvan Way SW).

TOASTMASTERS 832: Online gathering where you can work on your communication/speaking skills, 6:30 pm – our calendar listing explains how to RSVP to get the link.

THE CLAY CAULDRON: 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance or drop in to work on your project(s).

SING! Another local choir starts its new season tonight, with an open invitation to join the Seattle Metropolitan Singers:

FALL SEASON STARTS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th at 7 pm
Senior Center of West Seattle
4217 SW Oregon St.

Rehearsals are every Tuesday from 7 pm-9 pm. The “audition” is just singing with us! Nothing formal. Our fabulous director may change your vocal part based on her thoughts on where you are needed most. ALL TREBLE VOICES WELCOME.

TRIVIA X 4: Four places to play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW); also, 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz 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!

You can peek into the future any time via our event calendar – if you have something to include on it, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

FREE & SCENIC: Grab a spot for Lake Washington Physical Therapy’s West Seattle rooftop workout Saturday

September 5, 2023 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on FREE & SCENIC: Grab a spot for Lake Washington Physical Therapy’s West Seattle rooftop workout Saturday
 |   Health | West Seattle news

This Saturday, on a rooftop deck overlooking Elliott Bay, Lake Washington Physical Therapy in West Seattle (1309 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor) is offering one last free summer outdoor workout with a view! =LWPT’s Mark Bouma says signups are open now, while they last:

It’s our FINAL rooftop class this summer — Sunset Mobility. The class will be on Saturday, Sept 9th, at 6 pm. We are once again collaborating with HIIT Lab, and they will be supplying some Happy Hour refreshments following the class for participants to enjoy on the rooftop.

It will be about a 30-minute full-body mobility class for people of all fitness levels. I’ll be leading the class and sharing some of my favorite movements to improve mobility and balance. It looks like the weather forecast is cooperating and it will be a beautiful evening! Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or towel.

Register HERE!

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Post-holiday Tuesday

September 5, 2023 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Post-holiday Tuesday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, September 5th.

WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Partly sunny, high in the upper 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:33 am; sunset will be at 7:41 pm.

(Sunday’s sunset, photographed by Bruce Gaumond)

BACK TO SCHOOL

Five more schools start classes today – Tilden School (WSB sponsor), Hope Lutheran School, Holy Rosary Catholic School, Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School, and The Bridge School.

TRANSIT TODAY

Washington State Ferries – The Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run is on the 2-boat schedule. Check Vessel Watch to see where your ferry is.

Metro – regular schedule; it’s the first weekday since the September “service change” – in West Seattle, Route 55 was suspended, and Routes 50 and 22 have changes.

Water Taxi – regular schedule.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

High Bridge – the main camera:

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

Low-bridge cam:

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

Highway 99: – 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: The @SDOTBridges Twitter/X feed shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities). Thank you!

BACK-TO-SCHOOL NOTES: Contract talks, not-ready portables, expansion celebration

With Seattle Public Schools scheduled to start Wednesday, we have three notes tonight:

CONTRACT TALKS: We hope to hear more Tuesday about the district’s contract talks with Operating Engineers Local 302, the union for several categories of staff including culinary services, custodians, grounds, security, and alarm monitoring. SPS acknowledged Friday that the contract had expired Thursday but insisted, “It is not unusual to go past the contract end date for these negotiations.” The South Seattle Emerald reported that union reps speaking at last week’s school-board meeting said talks had been under way since spring but the district just made its first money proposal a week earlier. Meantime, the question many are asking is whether teachers would refuse to cross the picket line if this union goes out on strike. There’s been no public statement on that, though it’s been requested that teachers not step in to do the work IUOE members would do. (Tuesday morning semi-update: We asked SPS for the latest. They sent us a statement that is word-for-word what they published on the SPS website Friday. So, no update yet.

NOT-READY PORTABLES: After we reported a week and a half ago that West Seattle High School‘s new portables were in place in the parking lot, a commenter said staff had been told they won’t be ready to occupy for the start of the year.

(WSB photo, last month)

We asked SPS if that was true, and if so, why. Spokesperson Tina Christiansen replied, “According to the senior project manager, it’s an issue with the availability of electrical contractors.”

WEST SEATTLE ELEMENTARY CEREMONY: Last month we showed you the renovations and expansion at West Seattle Elementary School, where classes are resuming after two years at the former Schmitz Park Elementary.

(WSB photo, last month)

WSES will celebrate the project before school on Wednesday morning, combined with their red-carpet rally to welcome the students, starting around 7:15 am

BACK TO SCHOOL: Here’s who starts Tuesday

As we’ve been noting since mid-August, some students are already back in class. Most of those who aren’t yet are about to be. Here’s who starts tomorrow (Tuesday, September 5th):

Tilden School (WSB sponsor)

Hope Lutheran School

Holy Rosary Catholic School

Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School

The Bridge School

Watch out for more people walking and biking, and more traffic in general in school zones.