5:26 PM: Thanks for the tips and photos (the one above was sent by Garrett). Many questions about that big plume of black smoke visible looking east from West Seattle. It is from a fire call in SODO, 3800 block of 9th Avenue S. Not a huge callout – the address on the log checks to a commercial site [map], but the address on the log is not always accurate, so we are waiting to hear from SFD. (Radio communication so far has mentioned a “debris pile.”)

7:58 PM: SFD spokesperson Kristin Tinsley tells us that “this was a fire that involved a RV, a pick-up truck type camper (without the truck), a tent, and debris. Four adults were displaced. American Red Cross was notified. The cause is under investigation.”

(Photo by Stephen B Calvert, via Wikimedia)

11:29 AM: Thanks to the WSB readers who have pointed this out: On the other side of the continent, a concrete bridge spanning a river has been closed because of cracking, and there are warnings that it’s in risk of collapse. This bridge is even newer than the closed-since-March West Seattle Bridge. It’s the southbound span of the Roosevelt Bridge, a mile-long, state-owned bridge that carries U.S. Highway 1 across the St. Lucie River in Stuart, Florida [map], and this webpage suggests it has a lot in common with our bridge – it’s a concrete “box girder” bridge, for example. Local media there report some concrete has fallen but the nature and risk of the crack is still under investigation; they also report the bridge was last inspected two years ago, with no problems found. It was built in the mid-’90s. The cracked span is closed to traffic, so the separate northbound span is currently handling both directions. P.S. This bridge also, like ours, replaced a drawbridge, and had a somewhat tumultuous backstory.

5:49 PM: Now both sides/spans of the Florida bridge are closed TFN.

8:23 PM: A couple other datapoints we found – the Florida bridge has about half the over-water clearance of ours, 65 feet, and more volume – 120,000 vehicles a day.

One of the things we’ll be missing during this season of pre-empted parades: Marching bands. So this made us smile when it arrived in the WSB inbox today. The school isn’t in West Seattle, but the band director points out his local tie:

My name is John Aguilar, Director of Bands at Robert Eagle Staff Middle School in Seattle, WA and a PROUD alumnus of Chief Sealth International High School (class of 2012).

I just wanted to share with you a virtual performance that my students did recently of “Juice” by Lizzo. As you know, we have been out of school for two months now, and along with that comes numerous concerts/festivals/competitions/parades that the students will no longer get to experience this school year. It is with that in mind that my students decided to come together “virtually” during these uncertain times, as we try to send the message that music truly is one of the best medicines for the soul and that we can still make music together, although physically apart. I am writing to see if you can help us share our message in hopes of inspiring the community through our music. I hope you enjoy!

Robert Eagle Staff MS is in North Seattle, and opened in fall 2017.

Several people emailed us Tuesday to point out this story – a construction milestone for a new bridge in Genoa, Italy, replacing one that collapsed 20 months ago (as shown in this video, which also shows the demolition of what remained of the old bridge):

Wrote Elisabetta Povoledo in the New York Times story on the bridge nearing completion and the disaster that brought down its predecessor:

When it was built, in the 1960s, the Morandi bridge was widely celebrated for its artistry and innovative engineering. Its collapse 20 months ago, when a section of roadway fell 150 feet onto a riverbed, became a source of national embarrassment.

An investigation into the causes of the collapse revealed shortcomings in the day-to-day maintenance and in public oversight of Italy’s aging infrastructure. The disaster left Genoa effectively split into two, throwing the lives of its residents into disarray.

The new bridge is being paid for by the private company that operated the failed bridge and many such road facilities in Italy; the project was overseen by the mayor of Genoa. This short video report says the main part of the construction took just 7 months:

There are undoubtedly many differences between the situation there and here; the most important one is that our bridge’s damage was caught before catastrophe, while the collapse in Genoa killed more than 40 people. Also, we don’t even know yet if our bridge will or will not need immediate replacement. But what attracted the attention of those who emailed us was more the Genoa timeframe. Wrote one, “If Italy can do it, why can’t we?”

P.S. If you can’t see the New York Times link, try this paywall-free story from The Guardian,

(Thursday photo by Gary Jones)

Lots of questions on Thursday about that smoke visible from West Seattle, looking across Puget Sound to the Olympic Mountains’ foothills. Some were sure it was an early wildfire, but we and others searched for info, to no avail. We finally inquired with the Olympic National Forest and got a reply this morning: Pile-burning, from clearing of private land.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON: Several West Seattle parents who send children to Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien have called our attention to a controversy that’s been embroiling that school’s community this weekend. Kennedy announced the sudden “voluntary” resignation of two teachers, both of whom, supporters say, are gay. Parents have organized a crowdfunding page for the teachers; Paul Danforth, an English teacher (who is also a Kennedy graduate, according to the school website), and Michelle Beattie, who taught health and coached soccer. The GoFundMe page set up to help them includes this introduction:

Two beloved and extraordinary teachers at Kennedy Catholic High School “voluntarily resigned” on February 13, 2020 because of their sexual orientation and desire to live authentically (and legally) married to their partners.

In addition to the sadness felt by their community of supporters, Paul and Michelle are both now without jobs or incomes. In the middle of a school year it will be difficult for either of them to find employment immediately.

The school’s email announcement on Friday, forwarded to us by one of the parents who received it, says only:

Please see the following statement provided to us to share with our community.

“Two teachers, Paul Danforth and Michelle Beattie, have voluntarily resigned their positions at Kennedy Catholic High School. They are highly capable, gifted, and qualified teachers, who have served our community with dedication and humility. Their loss will be felt deeply by their students and the entire community. We are thankful to Paul and Michelle for their years of service.”

The statement ended by referring questions/comments to the Archdiocese of Seattle. Its downtown HQ is where some concerned Kennedy parents are planning a protest at 9 am Tuesday, according to posts on a Facebook group set up to show support for the teachers. Other posts mention plans for a student walkout and community show of support that day (school is out tomorrow for Presidents Day).

The teachers themselves have not yet commented publicly so far as we have seen; a post in the aforementioned Facebook group said they were at the school earlier today to collect their belongings.

Similar controversies have erupted elsewhere in the country. The news publication National Catholic Reporter published this overview of the issue last year. It included a citation of this stat: Two-thirds of U.S. Catholics now support same-sex marriage.

ADDED MONDAY NIGHT: Tuesday’s protests are planned for 9 am at the Archdiocese offices and 1 pm at the school, which sent parents another email today acknowledging those plans (as well as a student walkout) and warned that community members and parents won’t be allowed inside the school, but will be allowed to gather at 1 pm “in front of the building.” We’ll be among those there to cover it.

Since passing U.S. Navy ships and military aircraft often attract attention in our area, we’re publishing this FYI notice sent to us and other regional media today:

Northwest Navy bases will participate in an annual anti-terrorism force protection exercise called Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2020 (CS/SC 20) February 3-14.

Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions within local communities and to normal base operations, but there may be times when the exercise causes increased traffic around bases or delays in base access due to temporary gate closures or other security-related activities.

Area residents may also see or hear security and other first responder activities associated with the exercise, including potentially seeing training smoke, hearing small explosive sounds, or observing increased vessel activity on the water near an installation. The simulations are part of the training exercise and pose no safety risk. Advanced coordination has taken place with local law enforcement and first responders.

The safety and security of our people, equipment and facilities is a top priority. This important annual exercise is designed to ensure Navy personnel are at peak readiness to deter and respond to potential security threats.

This regularly scheduled exercise is not in response to any specific threat, but it is based on realistic scenarios designed to increase readiness. It is Navy policy not to discuss the specifics of Force Protection; therefore, the details of the exercise will not be released.

Exercise CS/SC 20 is conducted by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Commander, Navy Installations Command on all Navy installations located in the continental United States.

The Navy routinely conducts this type of security and other emergency response exercises to ensure readiness and improve coordination, communication and collaboration with other agencies during emergency situations.

If you’re new around here – Naval Base Kitsap is the nearest U.S. Navy base.

3:44 PM: A texter points out that if you will be riding Metro back here from downtown this pm, this might affect you – road closures/bus reroutes because of a shooting involving SPD and KCSO at 3rd and Blanchard.

5:28 PM: As noted by commenters, a second shooting incident has since happened downtown. This one is reported by SFD to involve “multiple patients,” near 3rd and Pine.

5:39 PM: Six patients, according to emergency-radio discussion. Meantime, from SDOT:

6:07 PM: A reader texted that photo of NB buses queued at 3rd/Seneca. No recent update from Metro.

6:10 PM: Metro has now sent an update: “Buses in downtown Seattle continue to be rerouted off 3 Av btwn Wall St/University St & off Blanchard St west of 5 Av.”

6:18 PM: Short media briefing from police chief and fire chief: As noted above, 6 victims. 1 dead. 5 in critical condition. No one in custody. … Back to the issue of getting out of downtown, one person on Twitter tells us the Water Taxi has been busier than usual. It has one more run from downtown to West Seattle tonight, at 6:45 pm.

7:05 PM: As mentioned in comments, the Water Taxi has added runs: “To help alleviate congestion in the downtown Seattle area, the West Seattle Water Taxi will be adding additional sailings from Pier 50 to Seacrest park in West Seattle tonight.” No further details but if you’re still stuck downtown, consider heading for the pier.

7:20 PM: Update from the Water Taxi, last run from downtown will be 7:30 pm.

9:35 PM: Buses are still detoured, Metro says. Meantime, SPD has just published a short summary of the first shooting this afternoon, the one involving officers and deputies.

10:13 PM: And now SPD has published this summary of the 3rd/Pine shooting, with 1 dead and six others injured.

THURSDAY MORNING NOTE: Metro says bus routing did return to normal early this am.

Are you – or do you know – a homeless/at-risk veteran? Help is available at the Seattle Stand Down on the Georgetown campus of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) later this week. The announcement:

Homeless and at-risk Veterans and their families will be offered a “hand up” at the ninth annual Seattle Stand Down on Thursday, Dec. 12 and Friday, Dec. 13, 2019 at the Georgetown Campus of South Seattle College (located at 6737 Corson Avenue South). The Seattle Stand Down is a one-stop shop for resources and services available to Veterans who currently lack permanent housing or simply need a “hand up” in order to prevent homelessness.

Representatives from local businesses, non-profits, educational institutions and all levels of government will be on hand with volunteers to provide medical screenings, eye exams, dental services, legal aid, employment opportunities, housing assistance, case management referrals, haircuts, personal hygiene items and meals. Providers offer services specifically for women Veterans including health care, advocacy, counseling, employment and personal care.

Services and resources will be provided on campus at several locations, including the Gene Colin Education Hall – Bldg C, 6737 Corson Avenue South. Parking passes will be made available to veterans receiving services.

The event is put on by The Seattle Stand Down, a volunteer team of veterans dedicated to supporting veterans experiencing homelessness.

There’s more info here, including transportation details – free transit as well as parking.

1:55 PM: If you have to head north of downtown any time in the next few hours, you’ll want to avoid Highway 99. It’s closed north of the Aurora Bridge because of a deadly crash involving a flipped car. Initial emergency-radio reports – and a text from a WSB reader who was there right after it happened – were that one person was dead at the scene, at least one other with life-threatening injuries.

4:09 PM: NB traffic is still being diverted, at last report onto Bridge Way. The Seattle Times reports the incident involved a woman driving onto a sidewalk and hitting 4 pedestrians, one of whom was killed.

6:15 PM: NB Aurora remains closed. SPD has published this update on the case, saying the driver will be booked into jail for investigation of vehicular homicide.

6:27 PM: SDOT has just announced the scene is clear.

(Added: Photos by Monica Zaborac)

11:48 AM: Got a couple questions about this – sorry we didn’t hear about it in advance, but if you too saw it and wondered, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, just arrived in Seattle. They’re visiting the Museum of Flight today. (Thanks to the commenter who saved us research time post-flyover!)

12:03 PM: The Museum of Flight tweeted video of the arrival:

We mentioned this in today’s preview since it was audible here last year too. But in case you missed that: The fireworks you’re hearing are from the Bremerton Bridge Blast show, fired off the Manette Bridge in east Bremerton [map]. P.S. Here’s the full statewide list of who’s having fireworks shows, where, and when.

5:28 PM: From the “in case you wondered too” file – yes, that’s smoke – apparently from a wildfire southwest of here. It’s near Crosby in Kitsap County (here’s a map). The Bear Creek Fire was at 22 acres as of 5 pm – not huge but big enough to be noticeable.

8:20 PM: DNR says it’s made big progress and that it has a line around 90 percent of the fire.

Heads up – the Mariners‘ opening-day game tomorrow will be preceded by a flyover. The M’s media advisory for the game says an EA-18G Growler from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island will fly over the stadium at 3:55 pm, and adds, “The flight path will be from south to north.” (Game time vs. the Red Sox is 4:10 pm.)