day : 20/09/2024 11 results

(Myers Way, Thursday evening, post-resolution)

“Resolution” is the word the city currently uses rather than “sweep”; workers from multiple departments resolved two RV-dominated encampments in West Seattle this week, so we followed up for the statistics that are usually available afterward. We requested and received this information from the mayor’s office, to which the Unified Care Team reports:

SW Trenton north of Westwood Village, cleared on Wednesday (September 18):
-35 people were contacted (over three weeks – they weren’t all living at the site); 7 accepted offers of shelter; 6 RVs and 3 vehicles were at the site, 3 towed; 4,200 pounds of debris removed

Myers Way near the Joint Training Facility, cleared on Thursday (September 19):
-11 people were contacted; 2 accepted offers of shelter; 18 RVs and vehicles were at the site, 2 towed; 11,400 pounds of debris removed

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FYI: What you might see Saturday on Elliott Bay

September 20, 2024 7:59 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

FYI for Elliott Bay-watchers, and anybody visiting Alki, on Saturday – King County Water Taxi spokesperson Al Sanders tells us that the WT and the U.S. Coast Guard “will be holding their annual joint training exercise from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. across Elliott Bay. One of our vessels is going to be ‘boarded’ by the Coast Guard throughout the day.” So if you see unusual activity on Saturday (September 21) involving one of the Water Taxi vessels, now you know.

ADDED SATURDAY: The drill activity ranged outside the bay, too – Chris Frankovich sent this photo shortly after 3 pm:

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In case you’re wondering about the helicopter

September 20, 2024 7:31 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Helicopter | West Seattle news

Guardian One – our area’s only law-enforcement helicopter – has been out doing loops, first over White Center, then over Westwood, then north of The Junction. Here’s a screenshot from Flightradar24:

No major related incidents that we know of, so far, but some people have texted us, wondering, so we’re mentioning it. (Currently the helicopter’s flying along Alki.)

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Spokane Street Viaduct plan for this weekend changes

September 20, 2024 4:55 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Screenshot from traffic camera, looking westward over Spokane Street Viaduct)

ORIGINAL REPORT, 4:55 PM FRIDAY: Even though the low bridge HAS reopened to all traffic, SDOT says there WILL be a change in the previously announced plan for lane closures on the Spokane Street Viaduct (the extension of the West Seattle Bridge between 99 and I-5) this weekend, as the resurfacing project continues. Here’s the new plan:

Friday Night Through Monday – 09/20/24 to 09/23/24
NO EB CLOSURES AT ALL
WB Full Lane Closures – 10:00 pm Friday to 5:00 am Monday

Here’s what that means, for that time period:

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 I-5 Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open.
SB I-5 Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to S Columbian Way will remain open.
1st Ave S Off-Ramp – Closed (from WB SSV).
1st Ave S On-Ramp – Closed (to WB SSV).
Port of Seattle Terminals 5-18/Harbor Island/11th Ave SW Off-Ramp – Closed.

EB S Spokane Street Viaduct – All Lanes Open

No estimate yet of how much longer the project will last, but we keep asking.

11:32 AM SATURDAY: Though readers mentioned the I-5 ramps were closed early today, others have since pointed out that right now, there are NO lane closures. We’re trying to reach SDOT to find out what the plan is for the rest of the weekend.

4:23 PM SATURDAY: SDOT has tweeted that the work zone is “clear,” so it appears that means no more closures this weekend.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: West Seattle low bridge now open to all traffic

September 20, 2024 2:56 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Screenshot from low-bridge traffic camera)

2:56 PM: Just in from SDOT – the West Seattle low bridge just reopened to all traffic, almost six days after a suspected drunk driver crashed into a gate/barrier at high speed, damaging “the mechanical gate, lock mechanism, gate control panel, and sensors,” per SDOT. The low bridge’s foot/bike path reopened to users Sunday night, one day after the crash, but the mechanisms involved in safe operation of the rest of the bridge took five days longer. NOTE: Since the low bridge is open, SDOT’s announcement says, “Work on the South Spokane Street Viaduct will continue as planned with lane closures in both directions throughout the weekend.” (Details on that are here.)

4:42 PM: The SSV plan is changing independent of the low bridge reopening – no EB closures, full WB closure 10 pm tonight to 5 am Monday.

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COUNTDOWN: One week until West Seattle Junction Fall Wine Walk!

September 20, 2024 2:20 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

The West Seattle Junction Association‘s Wine Walks always sell out – so if you’re interested in next Friday’s Wine Walk but not yet in possession of a ticket, snap one up now! We just talked with WSJA leaders, and three-quarters of the September 27 tickets already have been spoken for. Haven’t been on a Wine Walk? 27 venues in The Junction are hosting 29 wineries (listed here), so you get to visit local businesses while enjoying local wine. (Including three WSB sponsors – Viscon Cellars hosted at CAPERS, Spruce Hill Winery hosted at Rush Hour, and the new location of Emerald Water Anglers hosting Wandering Wolf.) First you check in – starting at 5 pm – at your choice of two spots, Jet City Labs or Row House, and then you have until 9 pm to do your Wine Walk-ing. Tickets are $37, including 14 tastings, a bottle tote bag for purchases, and a logo-decorated wine glass for all of your sips. This is a fundraiser for WSJA, the nonprofit that, with the support of Junction businesses, produces a long list of events throughout the year and oversees business-district beautification and safety efforts too. Go here to get your ticket(s)! P.S. For bottle-buyers, we’re told there’ll be a “valet” spot again this time where you can store purchases while you’re still Wine-Walk’ing.

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WHALES: Orcas coming into view off West Seattle

September 20, 2024 1:31 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

Ready for some Friday afternoon whale-watching? Kersti Muul reports via text that “orcas have exited Colvos Passage [west side of Vashon] and are heading up the east side of Blake, so will be visible from West Seattle. They are traveling quickly, with long down times, and may be hard to spot!” Let us know if you do see them.

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It’s almost the season to see salmon! Watchers wanted for this year’s Fauntleroy Creek count

September 20, 2024 11:47 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| Fauntleroy | How to help | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Spawning pair, photographed in 2021 by Tom Trulin)

This year’s Fauntleroy Creek salmon watch is set to start on October 13, reports creek steward Judy Pickens, adding that they’d appreciate some additional volunteer watchers:

More than a dozen volunteers are on deck to document spawning season in Fauntleroy Creek but a few more would be welcome. Last year, watchers came out in the cold and wet to count 34 coho spawners.

The watch will start Sunday, October 13, and go into mid-November, depending on the fish. Watchers take half-hour shifts at the fish ladder in the lower creek (across from the ferry terminal). A veteran watcher will train. Email your interest by September 27 to info@fauntleroywatershed.org.

October 13 is also the day of the annual all-ages drumming to call in spawners. Barring serious rain, this free event will start at 4:00 pm near the fish ladder. Find details HERE.

Though watchers only saw 34 spawners last year, in both 2021 and 2022, they counted more than 200.

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Huling Bowl, WestFest, pool for pups, more for your West Seattle Friday

September 20, 2024 10:30 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by James Tilley: Orange-crowned warbler with blackberries)

Here’s our reminder list of what’s happening in West Seattle and vicinity for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you can always preview what’s coming up beyond same-day):

STAY ‘N’ PLAY RETURNS: Free weekly drop-in indoor play is back at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd), until 11:30 am.

SSC GARDEN CENTER: With fall just days away, season-appropriate plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, now until 3 pm. Plus, until 2:30 pm, while you’re there, you can visit The Otter Pup for coffee, ice cream, and other treats!

LISTENING EVENT WITH FREE PIZZA: Easy Street Records listening event for Father John Misty‘s new music, 1 pm – RSVP here. (4559 California SW)

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM: 1-6 pm, open in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).

DOG SWIMMING IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Second-to-last day that 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. More info in our calendar listing. (11003 31st SW)

VISCON CELLARS: The tasting room/wine bar is open for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

FOOTBALL: This year’s crosstown rivalry game, West Seattle HS vs. Chief Sealth IHS in the Huling Bowl, is set for 6 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

WESTFEST: Holy Rosary School‘s fall community festival starts tonight, 6-10 pm. Entertainment, kids’ rides, carnival-style games, food booths, bingo. Entertainment lineup is in our calendar listing. (Behind the school, off 42nd SW between SW Genesee and SW Dakota)

AT KENYON HALL: Signups at 6 pm, music at 6:30 pm, for Kenyon Hall‘s monthly open-mic showcase. (7904 35th SW)

COFFEEHOUSE COMEDY: Midnight Mystery Theater at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm.

AT THE SKYLARK: Emerald City Kings’ Ball festival continues, doors at 7 pm, performances at 8 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.

OUTDOOR MOVIE: 7:30 pm “Hugo” at Maarten Park (42nd/Juneau), free, with popcorn!

‘GUARDS AT THE TAJ’: Second weekend for this “dark comedy” at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm.

MAKE IT LOUD: Tonight’s bands at Southgate Roller Rink are Gaytheist, Old Iron, Benzo. 9 pm doors, $18 cover, $5 skates, 21+. (9646 17th SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Vitamin D! (4547 California SW)

JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).

Anything missing? If you have something else to add to our event lists and calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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YOU CAN HELP: New wish list from West Seattle’s only shelter

September 20, 2024 9:00 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| How to help | Triangle | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

Volunteers and donations power the Westside Neighbors Shelter in The Triangle, and some of the latter are running low. Here are the items that shelter operator Keith Hughes says are most needed right now:

Granulated Sugar – 5# or 10# bags prefered
Coffee Mate powdered coffee creamer
Ground coffee – 2# / 3# cans – Folgers is fine.
Herbal Tea Bags
Krusteaz Pancake Mix – Family size (5# /10# bags)
Pancake syrup
Cornbread mix
Vegetable oil – plain and simple, nothing fancy
Paper towels
Toilet paper
Kitchen dishwashing soap
Laundry detergent soap pods

8 am-11 am daily is the best time to drop off donations at the shelter at 3618 SW Alaska – the building that also houses the West Seattle Veteran Center and American Legion Post 160.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Friday + weekend notes, as low-bridge closure continues

September 20, 2024 6:00 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: This is the sixth day that the West Seattle low bridge is closed to drivers (but open to people riding bicycles or walking/running/rolling) because of crash damage:

Here’s the newest info on the repairs. If the low bridge doesn’t reopen by the weekend, that’ll affect one of our area’s ongoing road projects:

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE

*The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project has a weekend closure plan – as reported here – but that plan may change if the low bridge remains closed to drivers. We’ll update when SDOT decides. (5:03 pm update: The low bridge reopened this afternoon; here’s the SSV plan for this weekend.)

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. We’re awaiting a project-status update

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

TRANSIT

Metro buses today – Regular schedule

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat,” which adds weekend availability starting this Sunday. Check for alerts here.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s forecast: Becoming sunny, high in the mid-60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:54 am, while sunset will be at 7:09 pm. (The fall equinox is Sunday – Alice‘s sunset watch is Sunday night.)

(Thursday night sunset, photographed by Suzanne Krom)

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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