West Seattle, Washington
11 Monday
Thanks for the texted tips and photo. SDOT has installed more school-zone traffic calming, this time adding an all-way stop at 49th SW and SW Spokane, near the former Schmitz Park Elementary (currently in its second of three years as temporary home to Alki Elementary). Tipsters thought we’d want to let you know, as this might take some people by surprise. We found it mentioned as a “current project” on the same SDOT webpage where we found a mention of the speed cushions installed last week on California SW near Gatewood Elementary. The mention says simply, “Install all way stops near Schmitz Park – SPS interim site (expected in 2024 or 2025).” We’ll check again with SDOT on any others with imminent installation.
4:24 PM: Avoid Highland Park Way east of West Marginal for a while. As shown in the traffic-camera screenshot above, there are crashes on both sides of the street near 2nd SW – the eastbound one involves a school bus, but officers have told dispatch there were no children on board. No serious injuries reported in either crash.
4:51 PM: The eastbound crash has cleared and the live-camera view shows the westbound one should clear soon, with a tow truck on scene.
Thanks to Kersti Muul for tips that transient killer whales are in the area again today. A short time ago, she texted that “T65A5, the lone guy, is close to Alki Point SB,” which potentially means at least one whale in view from west-facing West Seattle. Let us know if you see any!
As happened in 2022 with the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Sound Transit has published the Final EIS for West Seattle light rail ahead of its official release date (September 20). We’ve been watching the ST site for the likelihood this would happen (as explained in 2022, “early” publication relates to the Federal Register); thanks to Joe for the tip that it happened since our last check early today. We haven’t started reading it but are publishing links for those ready to dive right in. You can start here – that page has links to more than 50 chapters and appenndices. If you want to skip right to the key points, you can start with the 44-page Executive Summary, find that here. This is all a prelude to the Sound Transit Board making its final decision on routing and station locations; the date for that is not yet set.
ADDED 1:30 PM: If you’re interested in seeing more renderings (the one we featured atop this story was from the Executive Summary), tipster Joe reminds us that the 268-page Visual and Technical Aesthetics section is where you’ll find them – go here and scroll ahead to page 73 (titled Attachment N.2A: Key Observation Point Analysis). You’ll find dozens of images, such as this one showing what the light-rail line’s new dedicated bridge might look like:
More to come. Meantime, we also should remind you that ST has announced in-person informational sessions for September 25 and October 1 in West Seattle, October 2 in SODO – details here.
11:59 AM: Above, that’s what the southwest corner of 16th/Holden looks like today, a 9,425-square-foot former Seattle City Light substation originally declared as “surplus” more than a decade ago … and below is a “massing” rendering of its potential future with newly chosen prospective “affordable homeownership” developer Homestead Community Land Trust.
The city Office of Housing has just announced that it’s chosen Homestead CLT – which is also working on the Admiral Church project – to develop “permanently affordable” homes on the site. We’ve been following this process; most recently, the city told us in June that two developers were in the running, and one would be chosen by summer’s end. From the city announcement:
The City of Seattle’s Office of Housing (OH) is proud to announce a significant investment of up to $3 million in the future of affordable homeownership in West Seattle. This funding will be awarded to Homestead Community Land Trust (Homestead CLT) for the redevelopment of the former Dumar Substation site at 1605 SW Holden Street and will support the creation of 21 permanently affordable homes, marking a critical step forward in the City’s ongoing efforts to provide affordable housing options for low-income families.
Homestead CLT, partnering with the Cultural Space Agency, submitted a winning proposal through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process that not only increases the supply of affordable homeownership units but also integrates ground-floor commercial space to enhance community vibrancy.
Homestead CLT’s proposal garnered strong community backing, with local organizations like the Highland Park Action Committee and the Highland Park Improvement Club voicing their support. Once complete, the development will feature a four-story building with a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom homes, all of which will be available to buyers earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). In addition to providing affordable homeownership opportunities, the development will also include ground-floor commercial space.
The commercial space is something that community groups long had advocated for, as well as supporting zoning at the site – at an intersection with businesses on two corners and a fire station at the third – so it could support a project like this. We’re following up with Homestead regarding timeline and what happens next.
ADDED 1:03 PM: Here’s the response we received from Homestead CLT’s CEO Kathleen Hosfeld:
First, I want to give big props to [former City Councilmember] Lisa Herbold, because making sure this property was set aside for affordable housing was one of her top priorities before she left office. This was something I’d been hearing about for years directly from community leaders, and she got it done. Let’s make sure we give credit where it’s due.
In terms of opportunities for community engagement….The City has already engaged in a lot of outreach to determine what people want for this site. We don’t want to contribute to “process fatigue” by asking community to keep repeating the same feedback they’ve given before. But we typically host one or more community open house opportunities for engagement on projects before we submit our permit application. We intend to submit the permit application in May of 2025. We have not yet scheduled those events.
We hope to have full funding for the project by the end of 2025 and start construction in early 2026. However, if we are not fully funded, the timeline may get pushed to start construction in 2027.
By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Leaders from the Morgan Junction All-Wheels Association (MJAWA) met online to discuss the latest plans for an all-wheeled “skate dot” space (for activities like skating, scooters, and biking) in the south part of Morgan Junction Park when its expansion is built. The team also shared that they had reached a major goal with regard to volunteer hours (more on that below).
The meeting last week was facilitated by Matt Johnston and other MJAWA members, and the most recent design concepts (such as the screenshot above) were presented by team members including James Klinedinst, project manager for Grindline Skateparks (headquartered in West Seattle). The complete set of designs are summarized in this PDF, focused on the roughly 1,500-square-foot skating area within the larger park.
We start today’s highlight list with tonight’s biggest event:
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: It’s the second Thursday of the month, which means West Seattle Art Walk night! From North Admiral to Morgan Junction, you are invited to visit dozens of businesses offering art and/or music and/or food/drink specials. Here’s the list:
You can preview specific venues and participating artists here; most receptions run 5 pm-8 pm. Among the highlights is one we’ve already previewed, the West Seattle Art Tour preview at NOR Design and Construction (5953 California SW, 5-8 pm).
Also during tonight’s Art Walk, the September Art of Music! Three free mini-concerts scheduled for 6-7:45 pm – the Toujaise Flute Duo (have you seen them playing in the park?) at (LOCATION CHANGE) Great American Diner in The Junction (4752 California SW), Trevor Ras at Welcome Road Winery in South Admiral (3804 California SW), and McPage & Powell at Pine Lake Cellars (5405 California SW).
Here’s the rest of our list for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Shop late-summer-and-beyond plants at the center, open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Annuals, perennials, sun, shade, natives, edibles, ground covers … wide variety!
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com for info on where they’re playing today.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room/wine bar open Thursdays-Saturdays 1 pm-6 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Food too – stop by to sip and nosh!
STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm yoga class at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s C. Davis Texas BBQ at HPCS.
(updated) HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Two home contests on the schedule – in girls’ soccer, Chief Sealth IHS hosts Nathan Hale, 4:30 pm at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), and in volleyball – the West Seattle High School Wildcats host Lakeside, varsity at 7 pm (3000 California SW).
UNDER-21 OPEN MIC: Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) presents this special monthly Open Mic next door at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), signups at 5 pm, performances at 6 pm. This month’s optional theme: Beatles songs!
VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle, as well as participating in tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk!
B.J. BULLERT @ WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: West Seattle historian, author, and documentary filmmaker B.J. Bullert has the spotlight tonight in the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s monthly speaker series, online at 6 pm. Our calendar listing has the link you can use to register to attend.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for a group walk in Lincoln Park – details in our calendar listing.
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: 6:30 pm, meet at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for a 3-mile run through the neighborhood. (Walking option, too!)
BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday it’s blues night.
TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).
‘GUARDS AT THE TAJ’: Opening night for the new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm.
Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, September 12.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast: Cloudy, possible pm showers, high in upper 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:43 am, while sunset will be at 7:26 pm.
SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE
*Again tonight, work on the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project is focused on the westbound side – the two left lanes are scheduled to be closed 8 pm to 7 am, then no work Friday-Sunday nights.
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.
TRANSIT NOTES
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.
Metro buses today – Regular schedules. Note that the twice-yearly service change is this Saturday, September 14 – Routes 60, 125, 131, and 132 are the ones in our area that will see changes.
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route. The “unscheduled third boat” should be back.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:
High Bridge – The Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low bridge: Here’s the main view:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
South Park Bridge – Looking east:
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.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.
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!
(WSB photos)
As hundreds of mourners gathered tonight on Alki Beach to mourn former West Seattleite Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, our state’s two U.S. senators echoed her family in calling for an American investigation into her killing. Israeli soldiers shot and killed her as she participated in a demonstration in the West Bank last Thursday. Friends from the UW, where she graduated just a few months ago, were among those celebrating her life tonight on the beach where she is reported to have recently celebrated her 26th birthday.
Earlier in the day, U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell both sent letters to the White House (here’s Cantwell’s letter; here’s Murray’s letter, co-signed by U.S. House Rep. Pramila Jayapal).
Israel is reported to have said its soldiers likely killed Ms. Eygi “unintentionally.” Her family has said in a statement that they are “deeply offended” by that claim. A statement from them was read by a friend at tonight’s memorial, remembering Ms. Eygi as a loving, caring person.
Also speaking tonight on Alki were friends of hers from pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the UW this past spring, describing her as a shining influence on their activism. Some mourners flew white kites:
Ms. Eygi attended West Seattle High School, but not all the way to graduation. Readers have remembered her from Alki Elementary and Madison Middle School as well.
As reported here last month, Seattle Public Schools promised to set up a “hub” starting this week with information about the next steps in its plan to close/consolidate schools to save money. More than a “hub,” the district has just announced “two plan options” for potential closures – and two schools, Louisa Boren STEM K-8 and Sanislo Elementary, are on both potential closure lists. From the district announcement:
Like many districts, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is facing declining enrollment and budget challenges. As a result, many of our schools are struggling to provide the resources our students deserve. To address this, we are working to ensure our schools are the right size and have the resources needed for preschool through 5th-grade students to succeed.
We are considering two plan options:
Proposed Option A: Operates 52 attendance-area elementary schools. This option closes 21 elementary and K-8 schools. [Saves $31 million]
Proposed Option B: Operates 56 schools, including attendance-area elementary and one K-8 school per region. This option closes 17 schools. [Saves $25.5 million]
On our website, you can explore the details of each plan, including which schools are being considered for consolidation in each region.
Here’s how Option A would affect West Seattle/South Park:
Southwest and West Seattle: Option A
Southwest Operating Schools: Alki, Genesee Hill, Fairmount Park, Pathfinder, Gatewood, West Seattle, Roxhill, Highland Park, Concord, Arbor Heights
Closing: Lafayette, Boren STEM K-8, Sanislo
School Type Changes: Pathfinder K-8 becomes an attendance area K-5 school
Here’s how Option B would affect West Seattle/South Park:
Southwest and West Seattle Option B
Southwest Schools that Remain Open: Alki, Genesee Hill, Fairmount Park, Lafayette, Pathfinder K-8 (option), Gatewood, West Seattle Elementary, Roxhill, Highland Park, Concord, Arbor Heights
Closing: Louisa Boren K-8, Sanislo
The links to each option take you to pages that also include draft maps of how boundaries would be revised as a result. Meantime, the district stresses that these are draft plans, not final
WHAT’S NEXT: The district’s announcement lists these dates:
Sept. 24: Online information sessions to provide an overview of both options.
Sept. 25-Oct. 8: In-person meetings in each region for families, staff, and community. Separate SPS staff meetings will also be held.
Mid to Late October: Superintendent announces the preliminary recommendation.
November: Public hearings on each proposed school closure.
December: Final School Board vote before winter break.
We’re now reading through the rest of the new online “hub” to look for other details such as where students from the schools considered for closure would be moved to.
ADDED 5:35 PM: Here are the draft maps showing the elementary “attendance areas” that would be the result of each option – first, the Option A map (including an attendance area for Pathfinder if it became a regular neighborhood elementary):
Second, the Option B map:
If you are a Seattle Public Schools elementary family, even if your school is not on either possible closure list, it’s important that you browse the “live” maps (both linked above) – because there are attendance area changes proposed for other schools, too. Click and zoom way in on the striped areas to see what’s proposed (or if you’re just interested in your specific address, use the search tool provided for that).
ADDED 9:40 PM: In addition to the upcoming meetings and hearings (dates TBA), you can send feedback via this form. The next School Board meeting, 4:15 pm September 18, also will have the usual public-comment period.
This weekend brings a unique chance to enjoy choral excellence in West Seattle, with the Evergreen Ensemble performing one of its season-opening concerts here. The preview is from artistic director David Hendrix:
Our upcoming concert is on Sunday, September 15, at 3:00 pm at Holy Rosary Catholic Church and features a performance of the GRAMMY®-nominated piece, the Liturgy of St John Chrysostom, by American composer Benedict Sheehan. Drawing on the tradition of the great Russian liturgy settings by Rachmaninoff, Gretchaninov, and Tchaikovsky, this landmark work from Benedict is majestic, intimate, grand, mystical, and everything in between. The performance includes 33 of the finest professional ensemble singers from the Seattle area and beyond, and will feature basso profundo Glenn Miller and solo performances from bass Jason Thoms, baritone Harrison Hintzsche, and alto Sarra Sharif Doyle.
The Evergreen Ensemble is sponsoring WSB this week to be sure you hear about the concert – and to offer a ticket deal, 30 percent off. Buy your ticket(s) here and use the code LITURGY30.
Following up on a stellar 2023 season that took them all the way to the state tournament, the West Seattle High School volleyball team has opened its 2024 season with a win. Megan Behrbaum from WSHS Volleyball sent the photo and report, and an invitation to come cheer for them at their home opener Thursday:
Last night the varsity WSHS volleyball team won their season opener against Roosevelt in an away game [3-1]. Our first home game is this Thursday. We play against Lakeside in our gym. Game starts around 7 pm and follows the JV game (starts at 5:30 pm).
Thursday’s theme is beach, so we welcome everyone to root on the Wildcats in their best beach attire.
The school is at 3000 California SW; the gym is on the southwest side of campus. Here’s the home schedule for the full season.
The Seattle Public Library has announced its fall schedule, which increases its systemwide open hours by six percent – 77 more hours, from 1,283 hours per week to 1,360 hours per week. None of those added hours will be in West Seattle; we compared the fall schedules for local branches to the current schedules – (corrected) two branches have changes.
LIBRARY OPEN HOURS BEGINNING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 25, Library locations will operate according to the schedules listed below, which will also be posted at the Library’s Hours and Locations page. When branches are scheduled to be closed, their book returns will remain open and patron holds will be extended.
Delridge Branch - no change
Mon 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tue 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wed Noon to 8 p.m.
Thu Noon to 8 p.m.
Fri 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sun ClosedHigh Point Branch – Wednesday/Thursday hours change
Mon 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tue 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wed Noon to 8 p.m. (currently 10 am-6 pm)
Thu Noon to 8 p.m. (currently 10 am-8 pm)
Fri 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Southwest Branch – no change
Mon 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tue Noon to 8 p.m.
Wed Noon to 8 p.m.
Thu 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fri 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sat Closed
Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.West Seattle Branch – (corrected) Wednesday hours shift
Mon 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tue Noon to 8 p.m.
Wed 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thu 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fri Closed
Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more info on the state of SPL, including an update on the aftermath of the summer-long tech crisis, you can watch the briefing during the City Council’s Libraries, Neighborhoods, Education Committee meeting tomorrow (Thursday, September 12) at 9:30 am – here’s the agenda. (And here’s the slide deck, mostly about the tech crisis.)
(Juvenile red-tailed hawk, descending from its perch on a tree high above photographer James Tilley’s backyard)
Some major events tonight, so even though we’re running late today, can’t skip the reminder list of what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you can always preview the hours, days, and weeks ahead – we’re adding to it frequently):
TODDLER STORY TIME AT THE LIBRARY: 3 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix it, don’t toss it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: This month’s meeting is online and begins with a 5:30 pm pre-meeting program focused on Project 2025. Go here to register to get the link to attend.
MEMORIAL FOR AYSENUR EZGI EYGI: As previously announced, a gathering is planned tonight at Alki to celebrate the life the former West Seattleite killed last week at a protest in the West Bank. (57th/Alki)
FREE GROUP RUN: All runners, all levels, are welcome to join the weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) group run – meet at the shop by 6:15 pm.
TRIVIA x 4: Four places where you play tonight: At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) offers trivia … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).
TALK WITH POLICE AND YOUR CITY COUNCILMEMBER: The quarterly Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council meeting at 6:30 pm at the precinct (2300 SW Webster) is open to all. Bring questions and concerns. Guest speaker: District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka.
AUTHOR EVENT: Q&A with West Seattle romance author Annie Marcus, celebrating her new book “Small Town Romance,” 6:30 pm at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)
YOGA IN THE PARK: Two West Seattle teachers lead this outdoor-yoga event at Myrtle Reservoir Park (35th/Myrtle), 6:30 pm – follow the link for ticket info.
POETRY AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: PoetryBridge at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm.
PIANO NIGHT: All requests! 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).
MUSIC BINGO X 2: One night, two options! Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm … At Three 9 Lounge (39th/Oregon), you can play MINGO music bingo at 7:30 pm Wednesdays, hosted by Mingo Maniac.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: The spotlight is yours! 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
THEATER: Preview night for “Guards at the Taj,” new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm – tickets here.
Planning an open house, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, show, meeting, presentation, etc., that’s open to the community? Please send us info so we can get it onto West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(Reader photo sent by AP)
9:59 AM: Apologies that we were’t able to report this in real time – a flipped-car crash toward the top of the Admiral Way hill [map]; thanks to those who sent photos. The log shows one engine responded just before 8 am – the driver was already out, so no “rescue extrication” response was needed. No medic unit dispatched either, indicating no major injuries; we’re following up with SFD for specifics.
(Reader photo, texted)
11:10 AM: SFD tells us its crews checked out a 3-year-old girl and 28-year-old woman, neither seriously hurt.
The start of the school year always brings changes and challenges – new teachers, new classmates, new lessons – but for one high-school junior from West Seattle, this school year finds him in a new country, with a new family (temporarily). Boden Hammerstad‘s proud mom Joelle Hammerstad shares the announcement of his adventure:
Boden Hammerstad, a student from Seattle, has been awarded a Future Leaders Exchange Abroad (FLEX Abroad) scholarship for 2024-2025. Boden will live with a host family and study in Tbilisi, Georgia, for the academic year.
Boden is one of only 20 students selected competitively from across the United States who were selected by the U.S. Department of State to participate in the FLEX Abroad program. The merit-based award covers the full cost of an academic year abroad, providing Boden a full academic and cultural immersion experience including living with a host family in Georgia, attending a Georgian high school, and helping him develop the skills necessary to be a leader in the global community. The FLEX Abroad program is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Through Boden’s participation in FLEX Abroad, he will be at the forefront of citizen diplomacy, serving as a “youth ambassador” in his host country, enhancing cross-cultural understanding and deepening trust by building lasting relationships with his host family and peers, and engaging in volunteer service and leadership training to help his host community. Through the FLEX Abroad experience, Boden will develop the skills to share American values, find new ways for America to compete effectively in the global marketplace, and contribute to a more peaceful world.
The FLEX program was first authorized by the U.S. Congress in 1992, as an effort to increase dialogue and mutual understanding between people of the United States and people of Eurasia. Initially created as a program for international high school students to live and study in the United States, the FLEX program was expanded in 2021 to include FLEX Abroad for American high school students to study overseas. FLEX Abroad provides opportunities for Americans to study for one academic year in Georgia, Kazakhstan, Romania, or Poland.
FLEX Abroad is administered by American Councils for International Education, an international nonprofit that strives to create access to educational opportunities for individuals and institutions across the globe. A leader in international education, academic exchange, language acquisition and assessment, and research, American Councils prepares individuals and institutions to succeed in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world.
For more information about FLEX Abroad, visit discoverflex.org/flex-abroad – scholarship applications are open now. For more information about hosting a FLEX international exchange student, visit discoverflex.org/host-families-and-schools.
Joelle says Boden left for Georgia on September 1 and will be back in June. Next year, he’ll attend The Downtown School, where he went last year. “He didn’t have any career goals associated with international diplomacy or leadership when he heard about the program, but the whole concept really captured his imagination — so he went for it,” she explains.
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, September 11.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast: More showers possible, maybe even pm thunderstorms, high around 65. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:42 am, while sunset will be at 7:28 pm.
SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE
*This week, work on the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project is focused on the westbound side – nightly closures of the two left lanes are planned, 8 pm to 7 am.
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.
TRANSIT NOTES
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.
Metro buses today – Regular schedules. Note that the twice-yearly service change is this Saturday, September 14 – Routes 60, 125, 131, and 132 are the ones in our area that will see changes.
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route. The “unscheduled third boat” should be back.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:
High Bridge – The Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low bridge: Here’s the main view:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
South Park Bridge – Looking east:
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.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.
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!
Eight weeks from tonight, voting ends and vote-counting begins. You’re well-aware that the races to be decided include president, governor, and one City Council seat. You probably recall that the renewed/expanded Seattle Transportation Levy will be on your ballot too. But did you know you’ll be asked to approve or reject four statewide initiatives too? Today the campaign against one of them, I-2117, came to West Seattle. From the state voters’-guide website, here’s how it will appear on your ballot:
Initiative 2117 would repeal the state’s Climate Commitment Act, which seeks to result in a 95 percent reduction in carbon emissions within the next quarter century. Its provisions raise money to help with environment-related programs, and that’s what today’s news conference was about. The “No on 2117” campaign gathered supporters at Southwest Youth and Family Services, the nonprofit headquartered just east of Delridge Playfield, to talk about how approval of 2117 would take away funding that they say is needed by schools as well as nonprofits like SWYFS to upgrade their indoor-air systems. We recorded the 15-minute briefing by SWYFS’s new executive director Essence Russ, Seattle teacher Andrew Echols, and pulmonologist Dr. Vin Gupta:
As Russ explained in response to our question at the end, and as local State House Rep. (and House Majority Leader) Joe Fitzgibbon affirmed, SWYFS is in line for $273,000 in Climate Commitment Act funding to help cover the cost of an HVAC overhaul. That’s one of several local commitments shown on this map – others in our area include electric-vehicle charging stations in various areas and a utility-meter upgrade at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor).
Those gathered in support of the speakers at today’s event included local advocates and even former SWYFS executive director Steve Daschle, who left the organization last year after 35 years.
THE OTHER SIDE: 2117 backers’ main argument is a contention that the Climate Commitment Act has been a “hidden gas tax” and repealing it will save people money.
In late July, Highland Park Improvement Club trustees hosted a farewell gathering to say goodbye to their century-old building, on what was supposed to be the eve of its demolition, next phase of their rebuilding project after a fire three years ago. They explained to those gathered that a few late-breaking bumps in the permit process meant the teardown wasn’t imminent after all.
Six weeks later, the old building is still standing. So we asked HPIC trustees about the status. Here’s the explanation we received from Kay Kirkpatrick:
As you know, we were initially shooting for demo early in August, but we ran into a couple of delays with permitting, scheduling and the like. We also found out that we had asbestos elements in the old building, so we needed to get an abatement plan in place for that. So our target is now mid-Sept to get the hazardous materials removed, then our demo contractor can do the big job – pulling down the burned hall. The current plan is to get all this completed before the end of the month of September.
Bottom line, you should see work at the 12th/Holden site soon. They’re also still fundraising for the new building.
6:07 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a “scenes of violence” response to the Westwood area for a report that a woman has been stabbed. SFD is staging near 30th/Trenton but police are also responding to a scene on Cloverdale, and have a possible suspect detained.
6:12 PM: We don’t yet know exactly where it happened; circumstances sound relatively chaotic. Police are also checking on a report of a fight near the 26th/Trenton RV encampment.
(Added: WSB photos)
6:23 PM: Our crew reports a woman being treated on Trenton and is headed over to the 24th/Cloverdale scene where a man is reported to have a stab wound to the knee. No life-threatening wounds reported; the weapon is described as scissors. The circumstances now are being referred to as “domestic violence.”
6:33 PM: That’s also what a police sergeant tells us at the scene, adding that the man in custody, suspected of attacking the injured woman, is the man with a leg wound.
ADDED: SFD said both were in stable condition when taken to Harborview; the man is 26, the woman 24.
FIRST REPORT, 4:22 PM: Highline Public Schools – the district serving communities including White Center and Burien – will be closed again tomorrow. It’s the third day without classes since the district disclosed it was dealing with “unauthorized activity” in its technology systems. Highline is an out-of-district draw for its Raisbeck Aviation High School and Maritime High School, so the closure’s effects reach beyond the district’s borders. Today’s announcement is here.
7:41 PM: As noted by K in a comment, Highline says it’s expecting to reopen schools on Thursday because they’ve “taken steps to allow us to restore certain segments of our digital network in a secure manner.” Details of how they’ll reopen are on the district website.
(SDOT camera image from shortly after crash)
A year and a half after two 18-year-olds died when a wrong-way, high-speed DUI driver hit them on the West Seattle Bridge, their killer is awaiting sentencing. After a reader question today, we checked on the status of 37-year-old Delfino Lopez-Morales, charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and one count of reckless driving two and a half months after the crash, and discovered he pleaded guilty to all charges last month. He is scheduled to be sentenced in November for killing Khalea Thoeuk and Riley Danard, both from Snohomish County and on their way to Alki shortly after 12 am March 22, 2023, to celebrate Riley’s birthday, when Lopez-Morales hit them head-on going 100 mph. Three hours after the crash, he tested at a blood-alcohol level of .14, nearly twice the legal limit, and was shown to have recently consumed THC as well. He was in the hospital for weeks after the crash, and charges were filed before he was moved to jail. Case documents from his plea agreement say the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will recommend 11 years, 4 months in prison – the top of the standard sentencing range for vehicular homicide – followed by one year in jail for the reckless-driving count, plus 18 months probation. Documents say Lopez-Morales, who had been living with his disabled father in the Westwood area, was not licensed to drive; his record only shows a citation for driving without insurance in 2016; the pickup truck in which he hit the victims was borrowed from a friend. King County Superior Court Judge Angela Kaake will sentence him at 1 pm November 1.
Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip: Groups of transient orcas are approaching Brace Point, spread out, northbound. Let us know if you see them!
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