West Seattle, Washington
03 Thursday
9:43 PM: That’s the first photo we’ve received of tonight’s aurora – Marina Clough reports, “I got a pic of the aurora with my phone! Couldn’t see this with the naked eye; this was around 8:30. It was when the KP index was around 8!” That means a good possibility of the Northern Lights; West Seattle educator/expert skywatcher Alice Enevoldsen has a page full of resources, including the forecast for the next half-hour and advice on how/where to watch.
1:11 AM: Watching the maps, the aurora likelihood seems to have faded, so it was fairly fleeting, By the time Manuel got to the beach, he mostly just was able to photograph other hopeful watchers:
Questions about aurora-watching? Alice will be happy to answer them at her equinox sunset watch Sunday, 6:30 pm, uphill at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW).
The man who revived the once-hot smash-burger joint Burbs Burgers has revealed his West Seattle expansion site. Three weeks ago, in a restaurant-opening roundup, The Seattle Times noted Bersain Gutierrez‘s revival of Burbs and mentioned in passing that he expected to soon expand to West Seattle. We’ve been working since then to find out where – many readers emailed us to ask – and just talked with Gutierrez tonight. He is a former Burbs employee who bought the brand to bring it back. Similar to his first revived Burbs Burgers, which shares space with Last Call in Frelard, he says this one will share space too – with Ounces in North Delridge (3809 Delridge Way SW), which has long offered food from a rotation of trucks. Gutierrez says Burbs will take over the Ounces truck space. hopefully in just a few weeks if permitting goes well.
Why West Seattle? Turns out he’s a WS resident! If you’re not familiar with the Burbs backstory, it was founded in 2020 by Josh Henderson of Skillet (etc.) fame, and had five locations before he closed them all earlier this year. (If you’re not familiar with smash burgers, here’s an explanation. We asked Gutierrez about his most popular burger. “Definitely the Special,” which includes onions, cheese, secret sauce, lettuce, and pickles, on a potato bun. The Burbs fried-chicken sandwich comes in second. He says they’ll have some “free food” events before opening, so watch for word of that. He’s “super excited” to be able to cook up Burbs Burgers in his own neighborhood and expects to operate seven days a week.
(SDOT photo: ‘Bent and twisted mechanical gate arm with damaged linear driver motor, wiring, warning lights, and control panel’)
Two days after a suspected drunk driver crashed into the arm and gate at the edge of the West Seattle low bridge’s east half, the bridge remains closed to drivers, and repairs are expected to last at least “several days,” per an update we just received from SDOT. The crash Saturday night sent the driver and a passenger to the hospital; the bike/foot path on the bridge reopened to users on Sunday night, but the repairs required before it can reopen to drivers are more complex. Here’s tonight’s update from SDOT:
SDOT engineers and maintenance crews continue to make repairs necessary to reopen the Spokane Street Swing Bridge to cars and trucks. Crew members may not be visible onsite all the time because much of the manufacturing and repair work is conducted offsite.
The damaged metal gate at the end of the bridge must be removed and will either be replaced or rebuilt in our mechanical repair shop. The impact critically twisted and bent the main metal tube which is the backbone of the mechanical gate. The electronics, motor, and locking pin linear drive motor inside the metal tube were also damaged in the crash. All these components are essential for safe bridge operations.
Due to the complex and precise nature of the work, crews are unable to repair the gate in its present location. We plan to remove the gate arm tomorrow and take it to our repair shop where the motors and moving parts can be dismantled, evaluated and repaired if possible. At the same time, other crew members will be focusing on repairing the damaged gate control panel and wiring.
As an extra precaution, we are ordering replacement parts in case the gate and or its electrical and mechanical components can’t be repaired, or if a replacement turns out to be the quicker and better option. Many of these mechanical parts are highly specialized and complex components which are not readily available locally and we are still waiting for confirmation from the manufacturer of some of the components.
It is not safe for drivers to use the bridge without a safety gate. Additionally, there are electronic sensors inside the mechanical gates which act as safeguards and prevent the bridge from operating without a functional gate.
We do not know the exact timeline when the repairs will be completed but expect the repairs to take several days. We will continue to provide in-depth updates as repairs continue.
Though drivers can’t use it, the bridge – formally known as the SW Spokane Street Swing Bridge – is able to open for marine traffic. That’s what it was doing when the 25-year-old driver smashed into the gate at high speed on Saturday night.
(WSB photo, looking south at 49th/Hinds)
Last Thursday, thanks to a reader tip, we reported on a new all-way-stop intersection at 49th/Spokane, near the former Schmitz Park Elementary (current temporary home to Alki Elementary), and promised to follow up with SDOT to find out if anything else is planned in the area. Today we got the reply – three intersections in all:
We’re adding all-way stops and painting all legs of the crosswalks at the following three intersections around Schmitz Park Elementary School:
50th Ave SW & SW Spokane St
49th Ave SW & SW Spokane St
49th Ave SW & SW Hinds St
We went to see if the other two had been installed yet. Short answer, no – 49th/Hinds currently has one crosswalk and east-west stop signs but not north/south; 50th/Spokane, right by the campus, is a “T” intersection that has one crosswalk. No installation date for the rest of the work was provided. This is one of the current Safe Routes to School projects, which have also included new stops and speed cushions by Gatewood Elementary.
(Screenshot from SDOT camera looking west)
If you use the Spokane Street Viaduct – the extension of the West Seattle Bridge between State Route 99 and I-5 – you might be wondering about this week’s plan for closures related to the resurfacing project. We just obtained it from project spokesperson Dr. Matthew Howard:
Monday Night – 09/16/2024
EB Left Lanes Closure – 7:00pm to 6:00am
1st Ave S Off Ramp Open
4th Ave S Off Ramp OpenTuesday Night – 09/17/2024
EB Right Lanes Closure – 7:00pm to 6:00am
1st Ave S Off Ramp Open
4th Ave S Off Ramp OpenWednesday Night – 09/18/2024
EB Left Lanes Closure – 7:00pm to 6:00am
1st Ave S Off Ramp Open
4th Ave S Off Ramp Open(updated) Thursday Night – 09/19/2024
EB Right Lanes Closure – 7:00pm to 6:00am
1st Ave S Off Ramp Open
4th Ave S Off Ramp OpenFriday Night Through Monday – 09/20/24 to 09/23/24
WB Full Lane Closures –10:00pm Friday to 4:00pm Saturday
WB S Spokane St Viaduct – Closed from I-5 Interchange to SR 99.
S Columbian Way Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open.
NB I5 Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open.
SB I5 Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to S Columbian Way will remain open.
1st Ave S Off-Ramp – Closed.
1st Ave S On-Ramp – Closed.
Port of Seattle Terminals 5-18/Harbor Island/11th Ave SW Off-Ramp – Closed.
EB S Spokane Street Viaduct – All Lanes OpenEB Left Lanes Closure – 4:30pm Saturday to 6:00pm Saturday
1st Ave Off Ramp Open
4th Ave Off Ramp Closed
EB to NB SR-99 Ramp OPEN.EB Full Closure – 6:00pm Saturday to 5:00am Monday
1st Ave Off Ramp Closed
4th Ave Off Ramp Closed
EB to NB SR-99 Ramp OPEN
Meantime, we’re awaiting an update on the low bridge – closed to drivers since Saturday night because of crash damage – and will publish that separately when we get it.
That’s one of several photos Mike N. sent, showing bare shelves at the Rite Aid store south of The Junction. Other shoppers at Rite Aid and RA-owned Bartell Drugs have noticed dwindling inventory in recent months, wondering if that meant imminent closure. No, according to what the company’s telling customers as it emerges from bankruptcy (which officially happened two weeks ago). Mike also sent this photo:
That note on display in the store mentions restocking, suggesting the shelves will soon be replenished. We contacted Rite Aid’s media team to ask about that. Their response: “We are working diligently with our supplier partners to restock our shelves now that we have successfully emerged. We appreciate our customers’ patience while we begin restocking our shelves with products that will meet the changing needs of our customers.” We also asked if more store closures were planned, beyond the 500+ it’s closed nationwide: “There are no current plans for additional store closures in connection with bankruptcy proceedings or emergence.” Rite Aid is now operating as a private company.
Thanks to Michael for the tip. A second West Seattle RV encampment is posted for clearing starting this week. Six RVs and trailers on Myers Way north of the Joint Training Facility have been orange-tagged, and “No Parking” signs are up along Myers from Olson to 99th [map]. They set the city clearing/cleanup operation dates as starting Thursday (September 19):
That’s one day after the clearing/cleanup work is scheduled to begin at the SW Trenton encampment on the north side of Westwood Village (which is now down to 4 RVs/trailers, from the previous 6, with the sweep looming). The east side of the posted Myers Way area abuts the greenbelt area cleared by the state and city one year ago; we’re checking with the city to see if this is strictly a roadside sweep.
A building in the 3000 block of Alki Avenue SW is experiencing brown water, we’re told by its management. They’ve contacted Seattle Public Utilities – which you always want to do if this happens, 206-386-1800 – and so far they don’t know the cause. (It’s often nearby hydrant testing by Seattle Fire, but it can also be first word of a water break or other problem nearby – unusual activity in a water line stirs up “sediment,” mostly rust, and that leads to the discoloration.)
(Harbor seal, photographed off T-107 Park by Steve Bender)
Ready to change up your Monday routine? Most of what’s on this list from our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar happens weekly!
BABY STORY TIME: Bring little ones up to 2 years old to Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), noon-12:30 pm, for story time!
CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: At 2 pm, councilmembers take turns discussing what’s ahead for the week. Here’s the agenda (which explains how to listen in – no comment period at these meetings).
DOG SWIMMING IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Second of seven days during which your dog is welcome to swim in the Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club pool before it’s drained for the offseason. 4-7 pm, $5 per visit or $25 for the entire week through Sunday. More info in our calendar listing. (11003 31st SW)
FOOD TRUCK IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Also in AH, new location for the rotating weekly food-truck visit, 40th SW & SW 107th.
GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday brings “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too.
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three places to play tonight – 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander); 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: All welcome at free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
MEDITATION IN ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community hosts meditation at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 7-8:30 pm.
MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: The Alley in back of Bonjour Vietnam is open – tonight you can listen to live music from The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
SING TONIGHT! 9 pm start for Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
If you have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar, please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
After summer, before the winter holidays, it’s prime time for nonprofits’ fundraising celebrations. Coming up in less than three weeks, DNDA – which works on art, nature, and affordable housing – invites you to Destination Delridge! Here’s the announcement:
Join us for an unforgettable evening at Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association’s *Destination Delridge* fundraiser! Mark your calendars for October 5th, 6-9 pm, and get ready for a night of fun at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center’s newly renovated Thelma DeWitty theater and dance studio.
This year’s event is a *Casino Night* theme featuring real casino games like Craps, Roulette, Spanish 21, Texas Hold ‘Em, and Blackjack! Enjoy live Jazz music, raffle, live auction and a silent auction with incredible local prizes (think sports tickets and gear, Spirit making classes, NotOccult tattoo sessions, pet and self-care baskets – and so much more!), plus a delicious selection of local foods made by Black-owned businesses, a dessert bar, and an open bar.
We’ve worked hard to make this event accessible to everyone in the community. That’s why we’ve reduced ticket prices to just $50 and are also offering free community tickets (while they last)! All proceeds will support DNDA’s vital work in the neighborhood. So gather your friends and family, and let’s celebrate this beautiful space together!
Head to WWW.DNDA.org/DESTINATION to reserve your spot and be sure to share with your networks. We can’t wait to see you there!
The event venue – which also holds DNDA’s HQ – is at 4408 Delridge Way SW.
6:00 AM: We start with a reminder that the West Seattle low bridge remains closed to drivers (but open to people on bikes or on foot):
To recap, the gate and barrier at the edge of the east half of the low bridge were “severely damaged,” as SDOT describes it, when a suspected DUI driver hit them at high speed Saturday evening (here’s our coverage of the crash). The low bridge has been closed to drivers ever since; the bike/foot path opened Sunday evening, but SDOT says the rest of the repairs will take at least a “few days.” (Read that update, with an important message for bike/foot path users, here.)
This morning’s other notes:
TRANSIT NOTES
Metro buses today – First weekday since the twice-yearly service change on Saturday – West Seattle-area routes with changes are 60, 125, 131, and 132.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route. The “unscheduled third boat” is back.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast: Sunny today, high in the upper 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:48 am, while sunset will be at 7:18 pm. (The fall equinox is next Sunday!)
SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE
*We’ll find out today what’s next for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project.
Other projects:
*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*Beach Drive gas-line work continues.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
South Park Bridge – Looking east (this camera has been malfunctioning lately):
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
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