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16 notes for your first West Seattle Friday of fall!
September 27, 2024 10:26 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Time to review 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 (go there any time to look beyond same-day):

CITY COUNCIL BUDGET MEETING: Happening all day – see our preview.

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

OKTOBERFEST AT THE BEER JUNCTION: Open noon-11 pm – today’s the first day of this year’s Oktoberfest celebration. (4511 California SW)

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

WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION WINE WALK SOLD OUT: If you didn’t get your tickets, you’re out of luck this time, but watch here (and here on WSB too) for word of next year’s first Wine Walk!

VISCON CELLARS: Not going on the Wine Walk? Venture south of The Junction, where this 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: Doubleheader tonight – West Seattle HS hosts Lincoln at 4:30 pm, Chief Sealth IHS hosts Ingraham at 7:30 pm, both games at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

POTTERING CLASS SOLD OUT: Check here for Lora‘s other upcoming classes.

COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: 7 pm, singer-songwriter Dan Lundin at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), no cover, all ages.

AT THE SKYLARK: Fian, Cuvier, Sun Mother, doors at 7 pm, music at 8 pm, $10 cover, 21+. (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.

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

MAKE IT LOUD: Tonight’s bands at Southgate Roller Rink are Marmalade, Jamn, Jaws of Brooklyn. 9 pm doors, $18 cover, $5 skates, 21+. (9646 17th SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, check here to see who’s spinning tonight! (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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BUDGET: How much will the city spend in 2025-2026? Council gets department-by-department presentations starting today
September 27, 2024 8:59 am
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Those two Seattle Channel videos show City Councilmembers getting an overview of Mayor Harrell‘s $8.3 billion 2025-2026 budget proposal on Wednesday. Starting at 9:30 this morning, they move into the next phase, department-by-department presentations of budget highlights. We’ve been scanning the budget (the entire 735-page document is here) for items of note, particularly West Seattle-specific, and here’s what we’ve found so far:

The majority of references to “West Seattle” are in the context of planning for light rail, since the city is involved with station-area planning. This includes mentions in the individual budgets for SDOT, the Office of Planning and Community Development, and the Office of Sustainability and Environment. Then there’s a mention of the West Seattle Golf Course in the Parks and Recreation budget, which includes an increase in the total amount to be spent on the city’s four golf courses ($18 million next year, up from $14 million this year). The only mentions of “Delridge” also are in the context of light-rail station planning.

We also looked for “Southwest” references, and those were primarily in the Seattle Police proposal. The Southwest Precinct, which serves West Seattle and South Park, has a general fund allocation of $15 million this year, and that would rise to $17 million next year. The document doesn’t break down where the increase is going; staffing would stay the same, 102 full-time equivalents (FTEs), as usual the smallest staff of the precincts.

Obviously it doesn’t take a West Seattle-specific mention for our area to be affected. Individual departments also have released toplines, and the items we noted included a proposal for graffiti response to move from Seattle Public Utilities to Seattle Parks and Recreation (whose toplines are here including proposed fee increases for next year), and a proposal for the Department of Neighborhoods to offer fewer community grants. The SDOT budget overview notes that the department’s plan only addresses general-fund spending, not the funding that would result if the Transportation Levy renewal/expansion is approved by voters in November.

If you’re interested in specific departments’ plans, here’s the schedule for department-by-department presentations:

TODAY (agenda): Arts and Culture (slide deck), Economic Development (slide deck), Planning and Community Development (slide deck), Construction and Inspections (slide deck)

MONDAY (September 30): Sustainability and Environment, Parks and Recreation, SDOT, Education and Early Learning

TUESDAY (October 1): CARE, Police, Human Services

WEDNESDAY (October 2): Housing, Finance and Administrative Services, Human Resources, IT

Councilmember Dan Strauss is this year’s budget chair; he warned his colleagues that these would be full-day meetings (starting at 9:30 pm, with lunch breaks in the 1-2 pm vicinity). Other council committee meetings are pre-empted by budget meetings. You can see agendas here and watch meetings live (or archived) via Seattle Channel. Budget documents are all here, including individual-department breakouts.

TIMELINE: The council’s budget review and decisions will unfold over the next two months, with a final decision scheduled for November 21. Official public hearings are planned for October 16 and November 12. The council’s explanation of how you can participate in the budget process is here.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Friday notes + weekend alerts
September 27, 2024 6:00 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, September 27.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Clearing, high in the mid-60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:03 am, while sunset will be at 6:55 pm.

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT & 1ST AVE. S. BRIDGE THIS WEEKEND

*Eastbound lanes are scheduled to close all weekend for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project – but be aware that the schedule has changed without warning on past weekends, so check cameras before you leave. We’ll also do our best to catch if/whe work ends early so we can update

*Also this weekend, the 1st Avenue South Bridge has southbound lane closures both mornings, 6 am-noon.

*Regionally, here’s what’s happening.

ONGOING ROAD WORK

*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides next month; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

*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. Late-night runs since it’s Friday.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat,” now available on weekends too. Check for alerts here.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

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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SPORTS: West Seattle HS volleyball team undefeated, leading division
September 26, 2024 11:59 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Another victory for West Seattle High School volleyball has them now leading the Metro League Mountain Division. Here’s the team’s report on tonight’s contest:

Tonight WS varsity volleyball beat Seattle Prep in five hard-fought sets. With our win tonight, WS varsity volleyball leads the Metro 3A Mountain division. Thanks to all the students and families that came out to cheer on the team. Our next home game is this Saturday afternoon at 2 pm against Eastside Catholic.

So far this season, the team is 4-0.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Curvy clouds
September 26, 2024 10:42 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Thanks to Helle Jensen for the photo taken from North Delridge just before sunset. According to @westseawx, they’re a type of undulatus clouds.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: 2024 West Seattle Eco-Fair will spotlight action you can take – plus Jeff Renner
September 26, 2024 8:32 pm
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 |   Environment | High Point | How to help | West Seattle news

Think global, act local. You’ve probably heard that many times. It especially rings true for things you can do to help the environment – for example, catching rainwater with a cistern, like the one above that we saw last night outside Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. It was installed via RainWise, one of the programs and organizations you can learn about at this year’s West Seattle Eco-Fair, set for 10 am-2 pm Saturday (September 28) at Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Walmesley Center (35th/Myrtle). The fair also will feature a talk at noon by retired KING 5 TV meteorologist Jeff Renner; organizers say he’ll discuss “the impact that climate change and other environmental issues are likely to have globally and in the Pacific Northwest, and what he believes we are called to do in response.” The Eco-Fair is presented by the Care for Creation Ministry of Holy Rosary and OLG Catholic parishes, with assistance from Peace Lutheran Church and other congregations. Here’s the list of exhibitors – which might be even longer by Saturday, we’re told:

A Cleaner Alki
Climate Reality Project — King County
Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition
Earth Ministry
Nordstrom BEAUTYCYCLE
Plant Amnesty
RainWise
Ridge to River Project
West Seattle Bike Connections
West Seattle Food Bank
Wolf Haven International

Admission is free and everyone’s welcome. One of the organizers, Vince Stricherz, adds, “Our hope is to make this an ongoing event with an organizational base that grows well beyond our two Catholic parishes to involve other churches and possibly even civic groups. The environmental issues we see today aren’t going away any time soon, so we hope to keep everyone in West Seattle connected with good information and ideas of how they can make a difference.”

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Car-top carrier stolen
September 26, 2024 6:40 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

A reader sent this from southwest Morgan Junction:

On Wednesday night we (my 9-year-old and I) came upon this guy attaching my rooftop carrier to his own car. Stolen from top of my car with a tool that he left at scene. Fauntleroy at Holly SW. He was late 20s/early 30s with a woman in the car too. Sped away in a very loud Mercedes, all-black super-tinted. No front plate, rear was obscured in image.

Police report # is 24-940633.

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ALERT: Water-safety warning after Harbor Avenue facility malfunction leads to 58,000-gallon overflow into Duwamish River
September 26, 2024 5:10 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

Stay out of the water near the west mouth of the Duwamish River. That’s the health alert from Public Health Seattle and King County because of a combined-sewer overflow reported by the King County Wastewater Treatment Division:

As rainfall hit the region, the King County Wastewater Treatment Division had an unpermitted overflow of combined wastewater and stormwater near the Duwamish West Waterway on Wednesday night, Sept. 25.

At around 7:50 p.m., the Harbor Avenue Regulator Station at 3432 Harbor Ave. SW in West Seattle malfunctioned and released a mixture of stormwater and wastewater from a <strong>combined sewer overflow (CSO) outfall near Chelan Avenue Southwest, an industrial area by the Port of Seattle’s Terminal 5. CSO outfalls are specific relief points into nearby bodies of water to prevent backups into homes and businesses. The regulator station, which controls flow between sewer lines, has resumed normal operations. We are looking into the cause of the equipment malfunction.

The overflow stopped within 12 minutes as levels in the system went down. Early estimates show approximately 58,000 gallons of combined flow were released into the Duwamish Waterway. This water typically contains about 90% stormwater and 10% wastewater.

We reported the overflow to the Washington State Department of Ecology and are notifying nearby businesses. We are also working with Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC) and are following its guidance. As a precaution, PHSKC advises the public to avoid contact with the water in the Duwamish West Waterway and Elliott Bay (east of Jack Block Park View Point) for seven days (until Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 8:05 p.m.).

A county document (page 10) explains what the regulator station does: “The Harbor Avenue regulator station regulates flow from the north and northeast areas of West Seattle into Delridge trunk. Wastewater flows directly through the station into the trunk. High flows can also be sent to West Seattle pump station.”

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SPD, CARE and leadership updates @ Alki Community Council
September 26, 2024 3:53 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The Alki Community Council met online last week for their September meeting, with an abbreviated agenda as the group winds up its summer activities and prepares for the fall.  

The meeting was facilitated by president Charlotte Starck, and began with an introduction of the group’s two newest leaders: Kevin Kramer (Board Chair of Operations) and Robyn Fritz (Board Chair of Parks).  Kramer has a background in technology and operations, and will help the council ramp up their efforts in those areas. Fritz will help foster the council’s partnerships with Seattle Parks, and she joked that she is best known for walking her dog in the area, and meeting people (including Parks representatives) in that way. 

Next on the agenda was a police update from SPD’s Southwest Precinct, with Officer German Barreto and Captain Krista Bair (who became the precinct’s leader in June) both in attendance.  They discussed recent events such as the RV sweeps near Westwood Village, the Alki shootout on September 6 and an incident on the 2100 block of Harbor SW. Barreto gave an overall update similar to what he presented at last week’s meeting at the Admiral Neighborhood Association, and emphasized that citizens should call 911 (not the SPD non-emergency number) if they see anything suspicious. Bair talked about the challenges related to “encampment sweeps” on the peninsula, and commended Barreto for his ongoing work on that. For Alki specifically, Bair also noted that she recently talked to a long-time Alki resident who said that while increased traffic and “cruising” has always caused added issues on Alki in the summertime, in recent years the activities have often been more “destructive” and invasive in the summer months, and Bair agreed that it takes a strong partnership between the community and the police in order to make things better. 

The next portion of the regular meeting was an update from Sean Blackwell from the city’s CARE Department (Community Assisted Response and Engagement), which includes a team of community crisis responders as well as a 911 call center, as we’ve reported previously. The department’s leader, Chief Amy (Smith) Barden, had attended and participated in the Alki council’s May meeting, and Blackwell provided some additional context in last week’s meeting regarding the department’s mission. He said that the team has their own mobile units and can respond promptly to calls, and because team members have expertise in social work and community engagement, they can be a resource to free up time for SPD officers to handle more urgent calls. Blackwell said that in the time since the team launched in October 2023, it has handled 767 call events (with an average of 40 minutes per visit), with 37% of those resulting in the team transporting someone to get needed services.  The team started with 6 officers, and based on current plans will be expanding to 18 officers and 9 response vehicles, eventually serving West Seattle (their current focus is downtown). 

To close out the regular meeting, attendee and neighbor Barb Richter gave a quick update on the Alki Point Healthy Street revision that was installed last June, saying that it’s been successful in reducing speeding and other issues, giving residents and visitors “a safe place to walk, ride and roll.” She acknowledged that there have been some concerns about parking (some of which we reported on in August, as it relates to the northern portion of the street) but she said that in her observation, legal parking was readily available during the summer months. 

Following some closing remarks, the ACC group then transitioned into a virtual “executive board working session” to discuss organizational growth, strategy and other updates.

The Alki Community Council can be contacted at hello@alkicommunitycouncil.org. The group meets on the third Thursday of each month, with upcoming meetings as follows:

  • Oct 17 at 7 pm – hybrid format, Zoom and onsite at Alki UCC
  • Nov 21 at 7pm – hybrid format, Zoom and onsite at Alki UCC
  • December – No member meeting
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WEEKEND PREVIEW: West Seattle’s community Alzheimer’s walk set for Saturday
September 26, 2024 2:07 pm
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 |   Health | West Seattle news

Again this year, on the same day as the Seattle Walk to End Alzheimer’s downtown, West Seattle caregivers are organizing an informal walk here on the peninsula. Here’s the invitation!

Saturday…September 28…10:00 am…Holden and 39th

For those who don’t want to go to the big walk (at Seattle Center), the Alzheimer’s Caregivers’ Support Group has a local walk and welcomes anyone affected by the disease. We will meet at 39th Ave SW and SW Holden and walk together…usually under an hour and at a very social pace.

It’s FREE and FRIENDLY…wear purple if you have it.

No need to RSVP – just show up! (Here’s a map to 39th/Holden.)

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COUNTDOWN: 1 month until West Seattle Monster Dash 2024. Sign up now for less $!
September 26, 2024 12:01 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Halloween | How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB photo, Monster Dash’s mascot in 2023)

Fall’s fun costumed 5K, the West Seattle Monster Dash, is exactly one month away. Organizers just sent the announcement, and we notice that you have only a few more days to sign up at lower rates. The Monster Dash – set for Saturday, October 26, at Lincoln Park – is a fundraiser for West Seattle’s Cooperative Preschool program. As organizers describe it, “This event is a costumed 5k trail run/walk, Kids Dash, and Kids Zone featuring games, activities, and prizes. Paid registration includes a T-shirt featuring our iconic Monster (all races) and bib with timing chip (5K only).” The 5K starts at 9:30 am, and the Kids’ Dash at 10:30 am. Adult and youth 5K registration is at the lowest price if you sign up before next Tuesday (October 1) – to register, go here. The Monster Dash (in its lucky 13th year!) is also still welcoming sponsors – go here.

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Barbecue with jazz, volleyball, new book club, homebuying class, more for the rest of your West Seattle Thursday
September 26, 2024 10:30 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Great Blue Heron, photographed near Salty’s by David Hutchinson)

If you haven’t already checked the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are the highlights for the rest of today/tonight:

SEATTLE PARKS CLOSURES: Many programs and facilities – including Southwest Pool – are closed today for staff training.

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Shop fall 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!

WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: A presentation on the newly published West Seattle Link Final Environmental Impact Statement is on the agenda for the Sound Transit Board meeting at 1:30 pm, as is a motion addressing planning how to deal with the project’s ballooning costs. Here’s the agenda, with info on how to comment and how to watch online.

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 making its last visit to HPCS – and bringing a jazz band!

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!

HIGH-SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL: One home contest on the schedule – the West Seattle High School Wildcats host Seattle Prep, JV and JVC at 5:30 pm, Varsity at 7. Fans are invited to dress in white. (3000 California SW)

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for a group walk in Lincoln Park – details in our calendar listing.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm weekly run from The Good Society (California & Lander).

GET READY! Free emergency-preparedness party with Just In Case – 6:30 pm at Whisky West (6451 California SW); our calendar listing has the RSVP link.

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!)

HOME-BUYING CLASS: As previewed here, West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor) invites you to a free class tonight for prospective homebuyers. RSVP appreciated (info@westseattlerealty.com) but not required.

BOOK CLUB LAUNCH: Morbidly Curious Book Club‘s West Seattle chapter launches tonight at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW), 7 pm. .

TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).

‘GUARDS AT THE TAJ’: Third week for the “dark comedy” 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!

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: What’s before the Sound Transit Board today; what we saw at ‘drop-in session’ last night
September 26, 2024 9:32 am
|      99 COMMENTS
 |   Sound Transit | West Seattle news

Two notes related to the West Seattle Link Extension light-rail project:

BOARD MEETING: The routing/station-location decision is expected at next month’s Sound Transit Board meeting, but two related items are on the agenda for the board’s 1:30 pm meeting this afternoon. One is a presentation about the newly released Final Environmental Impact Statement. The other addresses its revelation that the projected cost is now as high as $7.1 billion; at last week’s Executive Committee meeting, board chair King County Executive Dow Constantine mentioned he’d be making a motion for a “workplan” to address that. The motion was available on the ST website yesterday but the list of documents for today’s board meeting seems to be temporarily unavailable, so we’re requesting the motion via email to link here in case that doesn’t get fixed quickly. (Update: Here it is.) The agenda explains how to attend this afternoon’s meeting, either in-person or online.

DROP-IN SESSION #1: We got to Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in the final half-hour of last night’s two-hour drop-in session offered for people with questions about the Final EIS. ST says next Tuesday’s session in The Junction will offer the same components, so we made note of those during our visit. First, of course, easels:

Of the ~20 boards on easels and tabletops, only a few focus on specific segments of the route. Most are more big-picture, such as showing the West Seattle spur’s place in the regional network, both when it opens in 2032 and when the Ballard extension opens in 2039:

You can browse a hard copy of the Final EIS:

And if you have questions about the property-acquisition process, there was a table for that:

Since the release of the Final EIS did not trigger the same type of formal comment period as the Draft EIS in 2022, this meeting isn’t geared toward commenting, although ST’s Rachelle Cunningham told us whatever’s received will be shown to the board. We saw scattered sticky notes:

The two remaining drop-in sessions – no presentations, just the opportunity to view materials like these and ask questions one-on-one – are set for Tuesday, Oct. 1, 4:30-6:30 pm at Alki Masonic Center (4736 40th SW), with Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation available, and Wednesday, Oct. 2, 11 am-1 pm at Gallery B612 (1915 First Ave. S. in SODO).

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Thursday info
September 26, 2024 6:03 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, September 26.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Partly sunny, chance of pm showers, high in the mid-60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:02 am, while sunset will be at 6:57 pm.

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE

*Work IS scheduled tonight on the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project – the two left eastbound lanes are scheduled to close 7 pm tonight to 6 am Friday, with all eastbound offramps remaining open. (Then all three EB lanes are scheduled to close all weekend.)

*Speaking of the weekend, the 1st Avenue South Bridge has southbound lane closures both mornings.

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, until the project switches sides next month; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

*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,” now available on weekends too. Check for alerts here.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

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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SCHOOL CLOSURES? Two days after superintendent announces ‘retooling,’ West Seattle’s board director listens to overflow crowd
September 25, 2024 10:03 pm
|      45 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

If anyone in the overflow crowd at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library tonight was just there hoping to hear new information from West Seattle/South Park school board director Gina Topp about the “retooling” of Seattle Public Schools’ closure proposals, they went home disappointed.

“Anyone who watched [last week’s] board meeting knows as much as I do,” Topp insisted, when asked if the district was still trying to come up with a plan that would take effect at the start of next school year. “The timeline is very confusing … I’m not sure what to expect at our next meeting.” (That’s two weeks away, on October 9.) She said she could only speculate that superintendent Dr. Brent Jones had heard the uproar and was “readjusting for us.”

Topp’s meeting lasted only 45 minutes due to library policy about ending events 15 minutes before closing time (today happened to be the first day of the fall-season 6 pm closing time for this branch on Wednesdays). But she spent almost all of it listening. Most of the parents, teachers, and students who spoke identified themselves as affiliated with one of the West Seattle schools facing possible closure/changes in at least one of the two “options” the superintendent had originally announced – Louisa Boren STEM K-8, Sanislo Elementary, Lafayette Elementary, Pathfinder K-8.

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UPDATE: Man shot and killed in West Seattle Triangle
September 25, 2024 3:57 pm
|      44 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Triangle | West Seattle news

(Added: WSB photo)

3:57 PM: Police and fire are responding to a reported shooting in the 4600 block of 36th SW [vicinity map]. The victim is reported to be a man, with multiple gunshot wounds. The person who shot him is described as a Black man, late 20s to early 30s, all black clothing, white face mask, last seen running toward SW Snoqualmie. The victim is reported to be at the commissary kitchens across from the YMCA, though we don’t yet know if that’s where he was shot. Updates to come.

4:06 PM: The victim is reported to be in his (updated) 30s and conscious. SFD medics are treating him.

4:14 PM: He’ll be taken to Harborview Medical Center; medics say he was shot four times. The description of the shooter has been updated to add thin, tall, black hoodie and jeans, blue surgical mask.

4:25 PM: Our crew has confirmed the shooting happened inside the building at Distinguished Foods, which houses multiple small food businesses. We don’t know what if any relationship the victim has to any of them. Meantime, readers have pointed out that the West Seattle YMCA across the street went into lockdown as a precaution.

5:40 PM: Awaiting media briefing. SFD says the victim was in serious condition when transported.

7:11 PM: Finally just got media briefing. Sgt. Patrick Michaud says the victim has died. Description of his killer is the same as we mentioned above. The shooting happened in the building. We’ll upload full video of the briefing as soon as our crew is back at HQ.

7:41 PM: Here’s what else Sgt. Michaud told us (video added):

The (updated) 29-year-old victim was an employee of one of the businesses in the building, though he didn’t know which one. They’re not sure yet if this was random or targeted; there were other people in the room when the killer came in – entering through “the back kitchen door,” which was open – and shot the victim. The killer left on foot but as for whether he then got into a vehicle and left the area, they have “conflicting information,” with “several different car descriptions” – he said detectives are reviewing video from buildings in the area to find more clues. They have not found the gun that was used. If you have any information, call the SPD tipline at 206-233-5000.

12:36 AM: Thanks to the texter and commenter who report that the last police at the scene left before midnight and 36th reopened.

SIDE NOTE: This is the fourth homicide of 2024 in West Seattle, after 15-year-old Mobarak Adam‘s shooting death at Southwest Pool/Teen Center in January, 22-year-old Luis Solis Lara‘s shooting death on Duwamish Head in June, and 53-year-old William Tappe‘s beating death in the east Junction area in June. No arrests to date in either of the first two; in the third, as we first reported when the case came to light belatedly in July, 30-year-old Kyle Castillo is charged and out on $2 million bail.

THURSDAY 3:38 PM: The King County Medical Examiner’s Office identifies the victim as 32-year-old Laupule Talaga. (added) A commenter points out that one of the businesses that rents space at Distinguished Foods, Seattle Soul Kitchen, has posted on social media that the victim was an employee of theirs, a father of three, and that they believe he was targeted.

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FOLLOWUP: See video of new Southern Resident Killer Whale baby and its mom
September 25, 2024 3:55 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

One week ago, we reported on the new baby born to the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales. Baby L128 and mom L90 were still in the San Juans at last report. Today, a science team that recorded drone video of them, under research permit #21348, has made that video available to media, so we are publishing it. The team included SeaDoc Society, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and NOAA Fisheries, and the video is from September 15. The calf could have been as young as two days old, by estimate of the Center for Whale Research, when this was recorded.

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UPDATE: Eastbound West Seattle Bridge briefly closed at Fauntleroy entrance
September 25, 2024 3:20 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

3:20 PM: If you have to head to the eastbound bridge via Fauntleroy, wait a while or try a different access point further east; the Fauntleroy entrance is temporarily closed while SDOT crews rearrange barriers knocked into the eastbound lanes by an earlier westbound spinout. (The crash scene is clear, no injuries reported.)

3:26 PM: Crews got the job done quickly and the bridge entrance has reopened.

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WEEKEND TRAFFIC ALERT: 1st Avenue South Bridge lane closures too
September 25, 2024 1:56 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

With another scheduled Spokane Street Viaduct half-closure this weekend, a newly announced plan for weekend lane closures on the 1st Avenue South Bridge could have extra impact, so we’re mentioning it today. This is a state-owned bridge, so the announcement comes from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) – routine bridge inspections are planned both mornings this weekend, Saturday, September 28, and Sunday, September 29. On Saturday, 6 am-noon, crews will close the two right southbound lanes of the 1st Ave. S. Bridge; on Sunday, also 6 am-noon, crews will close the left southbound lane. The weekend SSV closure is planned for eastbound lanes, so there shouldn’t be much overlap, but we’re sending out the early FYI just in case.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: ‘Pile of stolen mail’ found; stolen motorcycle missing
September 25, 2024 11:55 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports involving theft:

STOLEN MAIL FOUND: The report was sent by Peggy:

A pile of stolen, pilfered, destroyed mail was found on 28th Ave SW near Roxbury on Mon the 23rd, after PO hours, so was turned in to the Westwood PO [Tuesday]. All addresses were to 30th Ave SW. so if important mail hasn’t arrived, contact the PO.

STOLEN MOTORCYCLE STILL MISSING: Nine days after Mario‘s motorcycle was stolen, he’s hoping someone’s seen it:

Stolen 2023 Yamaha YZFR7 – plate 3K0469 – last seen in West Seattle (Fauntleroy/Alaska) on Sep. 17th around 7:30 am. Has rear fender delete, mirror eliminators, black brushed metallic wrap on most of the fairings as well as wind screen.

We’ll add the police report # when we get it.

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READER REPORT: Crash takes out hydrant at California/Findlay
September 25, 2024 11:15 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

Thanks to William for the photo of a crash scene on the east side of California/Findlay, blocking Findlay. No SFD dispatch so apparently no injuries. No other info about the circumstances but we’re publishing this in case you see the knocked-over hydrant and wonder what happened.

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Talk with your school-board rep, light-rail meeting #1, ferry meeting #2, music, more for your West Seattle Wednesday
September 25, 2024 9:45 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(WSB photo, seen Tuesday along California SW north of The Junction)

Big day ahead. Here’s our reminder list of what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you can always preview the days and weeks ahead – we add to it frequently):

CITY BUDGET BRIEFING: Happening right now (started at 9:30), the City Council, meeting as the Select Budget Committee, is getting its first official briefing on Mayor Harrell‘s budget proposal. Documents are linked to the agenda here; live stream is via Seattle Channel.

NEW LIBRARY HOURS: The fall schedule begins today for Seattle Public Library branches.

TODDLER STORY TIME AT THE LIBRARY: 3 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).

HOMEWORK HELP: 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), volunteers can help K-12 students with their homework.

SOUND TRANSIT DROP-IN MEETING #1: 4:30 to 6:30 pm, Sound Transit reps will be at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) for the first of three drop-in meetings to answer questions about the West Seattle light-rail project, now that its Final Environmental Impact Statement is out and the ST Board has to finalize routing and station locations. ST tells us this is strictly drop-in, no presentation planned, no open-mic commenting, etc.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION WITH SCHOOL BOARD REP GINA TOPP: Want to talk about the school-closure proposals that are now being “retooled”? Or something else related to Seattle Public Schools? Our area’s elected board director Gina Topp will be at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW) 5-6 pm for Q&A/conversation.

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).

WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES’ ONLINE MEETING #2: Second and final chance for Q&A at the fall systemwide community meeting, held online at 6 pm. RSVP here to get the link. (Here’s our report on the first session Tuesday afternoon.)

WESTSIDE BABY ‘BEYOND THE BASICS’: The nonprofit’s White Center hub (10002 14th SW) is where you can attend tonight’s annual benefit to help WS Baby help local babies and children, 6 pm. Check for tickets here.

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 trivia options 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).

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

DONAVON FRANKENREITER, LIVE: Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) hosts an in-store show and signing. Free but advance purchase of his new record is required. 7 pm.

PIANO NIGHT AT OTTER ON THE ROCKS: All requests! 7 pm. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

MUSIC BINGO X 2: One night, two games! Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm … At Three 9 Lounge (39th/Oregon), you can play MINGO music bingo, hosted by Mingo Maniac, at 7:30 pm Wednesdays.

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: The spotlight is yours! 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

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 add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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THINK PINK: Bridge School Cooperative Elementary’s flamingo-flock fundraiser
September 25, 2024 9:02 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(File photo from another organization’s flamingo-flock fundraiser)

We’re spotlighting another school fundraiser this morning: Bridge School Cooperative Elementary is raising money via flamingo flocking through the end of October.

Surprise your loved ones with a bright pink family of flamingos to decorate their yard or door.

Our flamingo wranglers (aka volunteers) will ensure a flock of pink flamingoes flies sneakily to the home of your friend, family member, or Bridge School buddy!

Send one, or send many!

The flamingo averse amongst us can even pay to protect their home from an invasion of flamingos (insurance) or have them sent on their way sooner than their usual migration pattern (early removal).

More details about how it works – plus the link for sending a flock – can be found here.

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