West Seattle, Washington
18 Thursday
3:18 PM: M/V Kitsap is out of service, and that’s led to some cancellations on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth state-ferry route. No ETA for its return. Check the alert page for updates.
6:24 PM: WSF says it’s expecting Kitsap to be out at least though tomorow so it “will operate the three-boat schedule with vessels #1 and #2.”
That “ghost bike” memorial has just been installed along SW Wildwood in Fauntleroy, where a Vashon bicyclist died Monday morning after the driver of a box truck hit her (WSB coverage here). We learned more about her from a family spokesperson who was there with her friends from the Rainbow Riders bicycling group. The spokesperson told us,”this was a huge preventable loss” and that, “the street needs to be safer. When any bike rider dies, you know it could have been you.” We’re expecting to have more information soon. Also, the group Critical Mass is planning a memorial ride for her, to this ghost bike and another one for a rider killed in the Central District, starting at 6:30 pm Friday, June 26, from Westlake Park downtown.
3:38 PM: The King County Medical Examiner has just publicly identified the rider as 76-year-old Maridee Bonadea.
(WSB photos)
8:09 AM: We’re separating this coverage from the morning traffic updates, as police are reporting this was fatal: A bicycle rider has died in what is reported as a collision with a truck at 47th SW and SW Wildwood in Fauntleroy, south of the ferry dock.
8:32 AM: The investigation will likely close Wildwood – the street between SW Fauntleroy and Barton/California – for quite some time. Our crew has just arrived in the area; adding photos.
8:48 AM: Police confirm to us that the truck above is the one involved. (WSB policy is that we do not show bodies, covered or otherwise; the victim and their bicycle remain in the street in front of by the truck.)
9 AM: This is the first West Seattle crash in which a bicycle rider died since the Arbor Heights collision that killed Steve Hulsman two and a half years ago. Not counting bridge incidents, the last fatal West Seattle crash of any kind was the one-car collision in Seaview in October 2024 that killed driver Riley Kestner.
9:50 AM: No additional information so far but we’ll be following up throughout the day. Note that the C Line is rerouted.
11:14 AM: Metro says that reroute has ended, which suggests the scene has cleared; we’ll go down the hill to check shortly.
NOON: Confirmed, reopened.
1:06 PM: We asked SPD for information a few hours ago. Here’s the summary that we just received:
At 7:59 a.m., dispatch received reports of a collision involving a bicyclist and a box truck near 47th Avenue and Southwest Wildwood Place. Officers and Seattle Fire Department medics arrived and found an adult female on the ground with injuries. Unfortunately, the woman succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Officers cordoned off the area and the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad (TCIS) arrived to investigate. The 60-year-old driver of the box truck remained on scene and cooperated with the investigators.
The investigation revealed the woman was traveling eastbound on Southwest Wildwood Place on her bike. She veered off and struck a parked car; she then corrected and turned into a box truck traveling east and was hit.
The truck driver was evaluated at the scene and showed no signs of impairment.
This continues to be an ongoing investigation.
We also have a witness account, from a nearby resident who CC’d us on a message to the city asking that parking on Wildwood be removed:
’m writing as a neighbor who witnessed the horrific and preventable killing of a community member biking on 47th and Wildwood this morning. I’m incredibly heartbroken, for them, their family, friends, and the entire community. To save future community members, please remove all street parking on Wildwood.
The bicyclist was trapped between the parked cars on Wildwood and the Vashon Trucking truck. They swerved into the parked cars to avoid the truck, but bounced off of them and were crushed by the truck.
This is a central thoroughfare that connects the WSDOT ferry system with SDOT Streets. I understand installing bike lanes, especially protected continuous bike lanes, is a long term project due to the funding and staffing priorities of the Mayor and City Council. In the short term, please remove all street parking on Wildwood SW to ensure no more community members are killed.
SDOT has told us in the past that they evaluate the locations of deadly incidents to see if there are any changes that would increase safety. So we’re asking them about any immediate plans to look at this location.
6:33 PM: SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson has replied to our question: “We were deeply saddened to learn that a woman died this morning while riding her bicycle. Seattle Police Department is currently leading the investigation into this death. SDOT’s standard practice is to conduct an initial site review shortly after fatal collisions.” He’s not sure yet how soon that will be but promises to let us know. Also tonight, we went back to the crash site to look for any roadside memorial and found these:
As we’ve noted previously, Washington State Ferries is celebrating its 75th anniversary all month, and this afternoon is the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route’s chance for a party. A DJ from C89.5 Radio – the dance-music FM station – is spinning for a dance party on the deck of M/V Kittitas.
DJ Johnny Monsoon is in the sun, providing the beats. Passengers are providing the party spirit:
The C89.5 contingent even included general manager June Fox:
We’re told they’re on board for the 4:30 westward sailing, not just 3:30 as previously announced, so if you’re getting on a Triangle Route in the next hour or so, you might just get to join the party. Swag too!
ORIGINAL 4:46 PM WEDNESDAY REPORT: Thanks for the tips. An SFD medical response at the Fauntleroy ferry dock resulted in a police dispatch for a death investigation, and we’ve just obtained information from SFD spokesperson Kaila Lafferty, who tells WSB:
At 3:09 p.m., our rescue boat and a fireboat were dispatched to the 4800 block of SW Barton St., near the Fauntleroy Ferry Dock, to investigate a report of a person in the water. They arrived and pulled a patient from the water onto the rescue boat. Life-saving efforts were attempted, but the patient was unfortunately pronounced deceased. The patient was an approximately 66-year-old man. Law enforcement and the King County Medical Examiner’s Office are investigating.
A person waiting for the ferry tells us Cove Park north of the dock is still cordoned off.
ADDED FRIDAY AFTERNOON: Today’s Medical Examiner list includes the outcome of the investigation. The ME ruled that the man died from drowning and ruled his death a case of suicide (as was unofficially suspected Wednesday, but we wait for the official information in cases like this).
If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of self-harm, the 988 hotline is available 24/7.
The first of two Fauntleroy Creek culvert-replacement projects, under 45th SW north of SW Wildwood, will move into “early work” later this month, according to a Seattle Public Utilities announcement today, but the major work – which will close part of 45th SW for up to two years – isn’t set to start early next year. Here’s today’s announcement:
Construction is expected to start late June 2026 for the 45th Ave SW Culvert Replacement Project! This project is part of Seattle Public Utilities’ Fauntleroy Creek Culverts Replacement Program.
The primary goal of this project is to reduce the risk of culvert failure and impacts to public safety and the environment. The project will also provide fish passage through the culvert.
Early work for this project will begin in late June 2026, and continue into September 2026, when crews start relocating overhead power lines along 45th Ave SW. Starting early in 2027 and continuing through 2028, the culvert replacement under 45th Ave SW will have a greater impact on the community as crews remove the existing culvert and replace it with a larger, fish-passable culvert.
Here are some construction impacts to expect:
-There will be temporary parking restrictions near the project site for the duration of construction along 45th Ave SW.
-Pedestrian access will be maintained when it is safe to do so; at other times, detours will be required.
-Noise, vibrations, dust, and lights typical of construction workProject duration and working hours:
-Approximately 2 years from 2026 to 2028
-Construction and maintenance hours
In general, you can expect construction work: 7 AM – 10 PM on weekdays and 9 AM – 10 PM on weekends and holidays
For more information about noise, see Seattle Noise Ordinances
-Temporary road closure of 45th Ave SW between SW Wildwood Pl and SW Director Pl for up to 2 years starting in early 2027.
The second project, replacing the California SW culvert (see map above), isn’t set to start before 2028. If you’re in the area and missed the Q/A meetings that have been held, here’s our coverage of one from last fall.
(Photo by Tom Trulin – Monitor Dennis Hinton with a healthy coho smolt)
By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog
Volunteers have just capped a busy spring of comings and goings by coho salmon in West Seattle creeks.
Because culvert construction has temporarily closed upper Fauntleroy Creek to Salmon in the Schools releases, volunteers organized by the Fauntleroy Watershed Council supported nine groups that put 634 fry into lower Fauntleroy Creek and another nine groups that put 920 fry into Longfellow Creek. A total of 686 preschoolers through high schoolers released fish and explored habitat.
(Photo by Julia Chase – “Bug Man” Pete Draughon showing some of the aquatic insects juvenile coho will find to eat)
Spring is also when coho smolts leave freshwater for their two years in saltwater. To count these “teenage” fish, volunteers checked net traps in upper and lower Fauntleroy Creek at least twice daily from mid March to mid May. They documented 16 healthy smolts, for a five-year average of 24.
“These comings and goings attracted new volunteers and proved that we could meet new challenges,” said fish guy Dennis Hinton. “Thanks to Shannon Ninburg, we maintained ties to schools temporarily releasing in Longfellow and, by welcoming our first group of neurodivergent students, we increased our ability to support all kids who want to get out in nature.”
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
(reader photo)
Thanks for the tips and photo! A “For Rent” sign is now up in the papered windows of the ex-bakery space most recently occupied by Bel Gatto (9253 45th Ave SW), and the long-time location of The Original Bakery at the Wildwood/Endolyne crossroads.
Last year at this time, the Pilates studio in the same building, Lagom Studios (4507 SW Wildwood Place), planned to expand into the bakery area, adding group classes and saunas. In the interim, Lagom Studios took over the space to the west of their studio, adding enough Pilates equipment for group classes.
“It ended up being perfect,” Lagom owner Melina Moore told us this morning. Moore says she realized it was also enough space for her business, particularly when the permitting process and requirements for the ex-bakery went well beyond what she had expected. She withdrew her permit request in late March.
That’s where leasing agent Kirsten DeWitt came into the picture. “We’re now looking for a fresh, new tenant. It could be office space, retail, anything that would be successful.” DeWitt says the 2,000 square foot space is empty of all the restaurant equipment and freshly drywalled, with one restroom. “It’s a blank slate.” The lease will be a base rate plus triple net. “Five years would be ideal,” she says. So far she says she’s received calls from people looking for spaces for coffee shops or restaurants, but they are “trying to stay away from that,” in deference to Endolyne Joe’s next door.
The owner of Joe’s, CHOW Foods, ran Bel Gatto for less than a year, blaming newly mandated wage and payroll costs for making the cafe and bakery unprofitable when it closed in early 2025. That leaves the open question about how to make a business like a bakery pencil out there. Still, the Original Bakery closed in 2023 as a successful neighborhood staple after more than 80 years in business, when owner Bernie Alonzo retired.
Moore of Lagom is excited to continue having her business on a thriving corner, even though giving up the bakery space means she will not be able to offer saunas, as she had planned. She says things worked out as well as they could have. “It’s already connected to my original space.” Moore says the exposed brick walls and tall ceilings have a more expansive feel, which is perfect for what she offers: Pilates, Reiki, sound baths, tea ceremonies and other special events. “Clients love this space too, it’s super airy.”
If you have room in your garden or yard, perhaps you can give a healthy plant a new home this Saturday!
The Fauntleroy Community Association maintains box planters near 45th and Wildwood near and across the street from Endolyne Joe’s restaurant. This Saturday, May 23rd is the spring “planter party” – volunteers will refresh 27 planters with summer color. Some of the plants have grown too big for the planter boxes and are available to anyone who would like them. To help these boxes thrive in the future we are asking for people to pay what they can for the plants on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The plants are big, healthy and would make great additions to your landscape. There are some great bargains including:
2-Oriental arborvitae
1-Lawson cypress
4-Juncus Grass
2-Longstalk sedge grass
1-Euphorbia wulfenii
1+- variegated carex grasses
3-Evergold sedge grass
1-Wilma cypress
1-Juncus reed grassIf you’re interested, bring your shovel and tools at 9:00 am on Saturday morning so you can dig them out before the volunteer crew shows up at 10. Available plants will be tagged in red. These are big plants, so come prepared.
5:56 PM: Thanks for the tip! Seattle City Light says 319 customers in the Brace Point area lost power just before 5:30 pm. That’s the same area where SCL has been working for months on a long-delayed project to replace equipment including buried cables that have factored into past outages. No word yet what’s to blame this time.
1:25 AM MONDAY: Still out, per SCL’s map.
(Diana Spence explained how volunteers use net traps to count coho smolts leaving the creek for saltwater)
It’s the time of spring when students participating in Salmon in the Schools release their school-raised baby salmon into local creeks. One school was joined this week by an elected official. The report is from Judy Pickens of the Fauntleroy Watershed Council, with photos by Dave Gershgorn:
On Wednesday (5/13) 49 kids from the Fauntleroy Children’s Center came in waves to lower Fauntleroy Creek to release 160 coho fry they had been rearing since late December. City Councilmember Rob Saka joined them in putting fish in the water and exploring creek habitat.
(City Councilmember Rob Saka named the coho fry Dennis Hinton dipped for him after his children)
(Volunteers briefed Councilmember Saka about culverts and current concerns in the watershed)
Because culvert construction will be starting soon in the middle reach of the creek, West Seattle schools are not able to release fry as usual this spring and next in Fauntleroy Park.
(Julia Stavnitski pointed out stonefly exoskeletons left behind on a tree near the water
Instead, volunteers with the Fauntleroy Watershed Council are hosting nearly 300 children and teens in the lower creek. Another 450+ students from nine schools are releasing in Longfellow Creek.
We covered one of those release events last month.
By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The Fauntleroy Community Association board met on Tuesday night for their May meeting at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, chaired by FCA president Frank Immel.
Meeting summary below:
SPD UPDATE: Crime prevention specialist Matt Brown and community service officer Jamie Heslin from the Southwest Precinct were in attendance to give an update. Brown started with some year-to-date statistics for 2026, compared to 2025: City-wide crime is down 2 percent, and crime in SW Precinct (West Seattle and South Park) is down 9 percent. For Fauntleroy in particular, Brown said crime is up 34% but the relative numbers are not large (42 incidents YTD compared to 33 last year), with the majority of those incidents being property crimes (only 2 reports of violent crime). Similar to last month’s update, Brown advised neighbors to stay vigilant with securing homes, garages etc to minimize opportunistic theft. For “shots fired” incidents, calls are down 12 percent precinct-wide, with 30 total, 2 of which were in Fauntleroy.
FCA’s Dave Follis noted that on his block, a car was recently stolen (likely with a “Flipper Zero” electronic device) and still hasn’t been recovered, but video evidence has been submitted to SPD. FCA’s Alan Grainger said that he and his neighbors have noticed a significant increase in door-to-door soliciting, to which Brown suggested that although it’s tempting to ignore such visitors and not answer the door, it’s actually preferable to safely acknowledge (through the door or via electronic doorbell speaker) that you’re home, to deter rare instances of “casing.”
Heslin noted that although an SPD “resource fair” had been planned in the near future for the Westside Neighbors Shelter location, it’s being postponed to the fall because the shelter is still closed for renovations. She also said that their staff has been working on encampment outreach in areas such as 18th and Delridge.
Both officers said that SPD and other city agencies will be “all hands on-deck” preparing for and supporting the FIFA World Cup matches and associated events in Seattle in June and July. Finally, Brown noted that SPD’s Jennifer Satterwhite has returned from maternity leave, and Brown is helping with that transition.
FAUNTLEROY/ROSE CROSSING: As we reported last week, representatives from SDOT met with community members (including several from FCA) at Southwest Library to discuss plans for a new crossing near Lincoln Park and the ferry dock at Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Rose Street [map].
FCA members noted that there were mixed views discussed at the meeting, with some in favor of the design but with many attendees raising concerns about a proposed “raised median” as well as unique local considerations (notably U-turn behavior and neighborhood cut-throughs). There were also some concerns about the validity of SDOT’s traffic volume data because of the timing during which it was collected (three mid-day weekdays in October) which could result in the average number of cars being too low to accommodate for peak traffic (such as busy commute times, and Friday afternoons in the summer).
Immel noted that SDOT has indicated that this is a “fast track” project, with the plan being finalized this summer and construction likely beginning by the end of the year, which would likely coincide with another project in the area that involved new traffic signals at the ferry dock (details were discussed in FCA’s April meeting). He said that plans to ask SDOT’s Ching Chan (who was in attendance for last week’s meeting at the library) for an update regarding next-steps and details. He added that Chan had said that SDOT does want to move ahead, but that community input and feedback will factor into the final decisions and plans.
FERRY & TERMINAL: Immel said there wasn’t much new to report in this area, aside from what was already discussed regarding the ferry traffic. He said there had been some recent maintenance completed, with a road plate on a ramp that was wobbling, but was fixed last week. For the traffic signal, work could likely still begin after September 8 to add required underground power connections so the new light can be installed later this year. Dock expansion construction itself likely won’t begin earlier than 2028. One attendee noted that they had heard that a house adjacent to the ferry dock was surveyed by Washington State Ferries staff this week, but the intent of that action was unclear (acquisition? environmental or right-of-way analysis?)
FCA BUSINESS: A sizable portion of the meeting was spent discussing FCA board business and operations, including:
The meeting adjourned a few minutes early, with most members planning to trek around the corner to take part in the final hour of the Fauntleroy Fall Festival fundraiser (which we previewed here) at Endolyne Joe’s.
The FCA Board meets ten times per year on the second Tuesday of each month, at 6 pm in the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse board room. Meetings are open to the public.
Now until 8:15 pm, you can take your chances on fun gift baskets as part of the Fauntleroy Fall Festival fundraiser at Endolyne Joe’s (9261 45th SW) – including a Mariners-themed Game Day basket:
And baskets for beer fans:
Just look for Ben, Reed, and their young assistant:
You can get in on the drawing until 8:15, and you can dine at the restaurant until 9, with part of the proceeds benefiting the festival, which is set for October 18 this year.
(WSB photo, 2025 Fauntleroy Fall Festival)
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack … if you dine at Endolyne Joe’s tomorrow (Tuesday, May 12), you’ll be supporting the Fauntleroy Fall Festival.The restaurant at 9261 45th SW is open 8 am to 9 pm; if you go at dinner time (5 pm or later), look for the festival organizers auctioning gift baskets as part of the fundraiser. The festival is happening on Sunday, October 18, and runs entirely on donations and volunteer power, so this helps the free fall fun continue.
(WSB photo, April 25)
Imagine if we had some way to weigh the tonnage of items involved in West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day! Currently we don’t … but we do have the total today from the most recent Fauntleroy Church Recycle Roundup, courtesy of Judy Pickens:
Recyclables collected during the spring Recycle Roundup hosted by Fauntleroy Church pushed total tonnage since these free community events began in 2010 to 400. During the April 25 event, just over 550 households and businesses brought 14.58 tons to be returned to the resource stream by zero-waste recycler 1 Green Planet. The fall roundup is set for Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 am-3 pm in the church parking lot (9140 California Ave. SW).
The roundup is a free dropoff event and the list of what they will and won’t accept will be out weeks in advance so you can plan.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
About 30 people gathered at Southwest Library Wednesday night to talk about SDOT‘s plan for a new crossing at Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Rose Street [map].
Most expressed the opinion that SDOT’s concept for the crossing – at the spot where the city removed a painted crosswalk 19 years ago – is overkill.
Most of the concerns centered on the raised median that is planned between the ferry holding lane alongside Lincoln Park and the southbound travel lane of Fauntleroy Way, though there was not a universal agreement on what might be better.
SDOT reps, including chief safety officer Venu Nemani, explained that this is a Transit Spot Improvement project, since the RapidRide C Line stops north of the intersection on the northbound side. They didn’t make a presentation, but rather talked to attendees, seated around the periphery of the room, until breaking into two groups to stand around tables with the sketched-out design, same one unveiled last fall:
At the start, Frank Immel of the Fauntleroy Community Association – which joined the Morgan Community Association in organizing the meeting – implored attendees not to “beat up” the SDOT reps, pointing out that while government is often criticized for “not doing anything,” this is a situation in which they responded to community concerns by “doing something.”
SDOT’s Ching Chan noted that this is a rare RapidRide stop without crossing improvements, and described this as a fairly simple project, “quick and low-cost,” and saying there hadn’t been “heavy engagement” with the community because this is about safety “and for SDOT safety is non-negotiable.”
Nemani said traffic data to help with decisionmaking about the intersection was gathered in fall of 2024. That became a point of criticism for some, saying that wouldn’t have been an accurate sampling of how busy the area can get with summertime ferry usage, park usage, etc.
Regardless of traffic-volume accuracy, Nemani noted that many drivers were going well over the 25 mph speed limit. Some area residents seized on that as a concern, worrying that some will zip right through what’s meant to be the holding lane when it’s not full, endangering the pedestrians on the new median, waiting to cross. “Ferry people” rushing to get to the dock were cited numerous times as a source of concern.
And that, Immel observed, is what makes this location different from other places in the city with raised-median crossings – this is the only residential neighborhood in the city with ferry traffic.
Some advocated for the other options Nemani said had been considered – a traffic signal activated by pedestrians, like the one a few blocks south on Fauntleroy, or flashing beacons without a median. He said analysis of the situation in light of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control suggested it didn’t rise to the need for one of those other options. Then why did other intersections on Fauntleroy have pedestrian-activated signals? he was asked. He said repeatedly that he couldn’t speak for why past SDOT employees made the decisions they did.
Another thing about the median, he noted – it’ll enable more poles to be mounted with the flashing beacons, so the intersection will have more of them. (And if you’re wondering about parking, he said it will lead to the loss of eight spots along Fauntleroy.) For those worried that some drivers would use side streets to avoid this area, Nemani said they could add traffic-calming features to side streets to dissuade or at least mitigate that.
The concerns kept coming: What about the ferry-bound drivers who approach from the south and make U-turns to get into the line? What if a broken-down vehicle blocks the lane between the curb and the median? One person insisted, “The median is not necessary at all.” The meeting ended without a summary, but those on hand had received an hour and a half – 50 percent longer than the meeting’s expected length – to air their fears.
WHAT’S NEXT? Chan told us the feedback will be considered in their final decisionmaking. As for who has the final say, she said Nemani’s input would certainly carry weight. The plan would likely be finalized by midsummer and they hope to start construction by year’s end. We also asked about the project budget; though the cost wouldn’t be clear until they know exactly what they’re building, SDOT’s Aidan Bernal told us that right now the budget is ~$250,000.
In 2007, SDOT removed a marked crosswalk on Fauntleroy Way at SW Rose Street, mid-Lincoln Park.
Community members long lobbied to bring back a safer crossing, and SDOT long said they couldn’t/wouldn’t.
Then the department relented, and last year unveiled a design that was far more complex than a crosswalk, including a raised median between the ferry holding (outside southbound) lane and travel lanes. Here’s what they showed at the time:
(SDOT-provided 2025 renderings above and below; see PDF versions here)
The Fauntleroy Community Association and Morgan Community Association have voiced concerns about the design, a regular discussion topic at recent meetings, and want to know what you think, so they have just announced a community forum with SDOT for this Wednesday (May 6), 5:30 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
Washington State Ferries has been saying it expected the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run to return to three-boat service in “late April.” It’s missing that by just a couple days; WSF announced today that full service will resume on the route this Saturday, May 2.
Work on the trestle of the Fauntleroy ferry dock was scheduled for just this week, but Washington State Ferries sent word today that it’ll go through next week:
Thanks for your patience as we carry out the repair work on the transfer span at the Fauntleroy ferry terminal. The repair work is going well, but it is expected to take a bit longer. Crews expect to wrap up on Friday, May 8. Work hours remain the same.
WSF says the work does not require a barge or crane.
Three Washington State Ferries notes:
TECH TROUBLE TODAY: WSF reports a “network outage” affecting ticket sales right now:
A network outage is affecting point-of-sale systems and the online ticket store. Fares are being processed offline at terminals. This may cause longer transaction times and delays through the tollbooths. Customers are encouraged to allow extra travel time.
2:59 PM UPDATE: WSF says this is fixed.
FARE, PASS CHANGES FRIDAY: Speaking of tickets, on Friday, May 1, WSF will implement these three changes:
-Passenger and vehicle ticket prices will increase by an average of 3%. The Washington State Transportation Commission approved these changes last summer.
-A 35% peak season surcharge for single-ride vehicle and motorcycle fares will begin May 1 and last through Sept. 30. It does not apply to passenger and multi-ride tickets.
-We’ll start a pilot to extend the expiration date for multi-ride passes. For multi-ride passes purchased on or after May 1, they will be valid for 120 days, up from the current 90 days.
PET POLICY UPDATE AND MORE AT SPRING ONLINE COMMUNITY MEETINGS: We’ve been tracking the pilot program to loosen pet policies aboard ferries, and WSF announced today it’ll update that policy at its spring community meetings, which are scheduled online at noon and 6 pm on Tuesday, May 26. You can register now for whichever time spot you prefer; both meetings routinely have lots of time for Q&A, submitted either in advance or during the meeting. Registration links are in our calendar listing.
(WSB photos)
Though volunteers tell us drivers were lined up down the street when the spring Fauntleroy Church Recycle Roundup began at 9 am today, there’s no waiting now, and traffic is expected to be steady through the duration of the dropoff event, until 3 pm (don’t wait until the last minute, though, unless you can’t get there any sooner).
That’s just some of what people have brought – here’s the official list of what they’re accepting, and not accepting, this time.
1 Green Planet is the longtime recycling partner with the church, which is at 9040 California SW. Dropoffs are free but volunteers are happy to accept monetary donations if you can chip in to support this twice-yearly event (next one, by the way, is set for [corrected date] Saturday, October 3).
(Volunteer Ann Dunbar helped students measure a torso in centimeters)
Story by Judy Pickens
Photos by Tom Trulin
Special to West Seattle Blog
Students from the Urban Nature Preschool got a taste of scientific research on Thursday when they did the annual survey of stonefly exoskeletons in lower Fauntleroy Creek.
As nymphs, stoneflies are a major food source for juvenile coho. Mature stoneflies crawl out of the water in the spring and leave their exoskeletons behind as they take flight, and students have been counting and measuring them since 2000. Their findings are a way to track both quantity of food available to the fish and how clean the water is.
(Finding exoskeletons on bridges required close examination)
With the school’s outdoor focus, the four-year-olds already knew a lot about the creek and, with support from teachers and volunteers, they were up to the challenge of following study protocol. Three teams closely examined trees and bridges while a fourth measured torsos as adults recorded the numbers.
(Volunteer Ann Dunbar helped students measure a torso in centimeters)
After teams reported their findings, volunteer Alana Khayat added the numbers to line graphs so students could see how they compared to findings since 2015.
Washington State Ferries sent this alert for work starting on the dock (trestle) Monday:
A Washington State Ferries maintenance crew will be onsite at the Fauntleroy ferry terminal starting Monday, April 27, to carry out much-needed repairs on the vehicle transfer span (the overwater bridge linking the ferry with the slip).
A transition plate on the span is the source of the noise you’ve been hearing. Unfortunately, the repair itself will be loud. Work hours for the crew will be limited to 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. They will not work on the weekend. Work is expected to take about a week.
This is not a safety issue with the transfer span but is a necessary repair. The timing was chosen to minimize disruptions to ferry service during the busy morning and evening commutes. There could be delays during the work as only one lane will be available for vehicle loading and unloading.
Thank you for your patience as we work to fix the cause of the noise.
We asked if this work will involve a barge/mobile crane as is sometimes the case with dock repairs; WSF says no, this will be done entirely with shore-based equipment/crew.
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