West Seattle, Washington
18 Friday
(WSB photo, substituted for original phone photo)
For the past two hours we’ve been just outside Terminal 18 on Harbor Island, where protesters and police have been in a standoff since mid-afternoon. It’s a replication of the current Middle East flashpoint, the Israel/Palestine conflict. An Israeli-owned ship, the Zim San Diego, docked at Terminal 18 on Saturday after a week at anchor in Elliott Bay. The protesters, supporters of Palestine, want to prevent the ship from being unloaded. They’ve been marching and chanting in intersections at/near 13th SW/SW Florida just west of T-18.
(WSB photo, substituted for original phone photo)
A sizable deployment of Seattle and Port police warned them repeatedly to get out of the road or face arrest. As of our departure about 15 minutes ago, they had yet to arrest anyone, but as we wrote this, SPD tweeted that they’ve just made 10 arrests. Several vehicles turned around just short of the protest after protesters approached the drivers to talk to them, although police warned the demonstrators not to do that. There were roughly 100 demonstrators when we arrived; the number fluctuated as they switched intersections and at one point sat in the street. Police used the LRAD speaker to warn them; adding to the clamor are several evangelical Christian counter-demonstrators with a loudspeaker. (Added: You can hear them in the background of this short clip when bicycle officers moved in at one point; no arrests resulted that time.)
Other groups of protesters have led similar demonstrations at other West Coast ports including Oakland and Prince Rupert, B.C.
Even if they haven’t come to your neighborhood (yet), you might have seen crews/trucks like this at work in various parts of West Seattle recently. They’re doing sewer-line maintenance without digging up the street, and it’ll continue all summer. After the crews spent two days in our Upper Fauntleroy neighborhood this week, we checked in with Seattle Public Utilities for an update on the overall project. What they’re doing is re-lining sewer pipes, with 60 sites in “southwest Seattle” as part of this stage of the. project, officially known as 2017 Small Diameter Lining Project Contract 1. “For this project, SPU contractor crews will rehabilitate about 4.57 miles of sewer mainline pipes that are 15” in diameter or smaller. Construction on these via cure-in-place pipe, non-excavation repairs takes only a few days or less to complete,” SPU spokesperson Sabrina Register explains, adding that some areas might take longer because of “multiple segments of pipe flagged for rehabilitation.” If they’re going to work in your area, you should get a door hanger and flyer; the ones distributed by contractor Michels in our neighborhood a few days ahead of two work sessions projected 12 hours of work (during which you’re supposed to limit plumbing use), but in both cases the crews were done by mid-afternoon, after about eight hours. Register says the project overall should be complete by mid-September.
1:54 PM: Tomorrow morning, if you’re riding/walking/driving/rolling/running in the 1200 block of Alki Avenue SW, you might notice unusual Seattle Fire Department activity. An “elevated rescue drill” is planned at the Infinity Shore Club (WSB sponsor) condo construction site, according to senior project superintendent Matt Ohlinger. “No traffic impacts, other than a visual distraction,” he says. The drill is scheduled for 8:30 am-noon Friday.
2:48 PM: We asked SFD what this drill will involve. Spokesperson David Cuerpo says, “Engine 32 and Ladder 11 will be conducting a rescue drill at the construction site from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Crews may utilize Ladder 11’s aerial ladder to lower a stokes basket down to a hard-to-access area while additional firefighters work on safely extricating the patient (mannequin).”
SDOT has reiterated that it expects to make a decision by month’s end – “in Q2” is how they’ve phrased it – on whether to build a two-way protected bicycle lane in an almost-half-mile section of the outer southbound lane of West Marginal Way, not far north of the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse. When this was reiterated at last week’s meeting of the West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force, what wasn’t mentioned was that the department had recently presented a new design for the lane. We learned about this while watching this week’s meeting of the Seattle Freight Advisory Board (SFAB), which opposes the plan. The new design was presented on June 4th, when SFAB and Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board members talked about West Marginal Way with SDOT director Sam Zimbabwe. After hearing about it, we asked SDOT for the meeting slides. Here is the updated design:
This one has more about the jersey barrier:
The full slide deck from the June 4th discussion restates SDOT’s contentions about the proposal, including that it will have a “negligible” effect on other vehicles’ travel times, noting that other sections of WMW north of the Longhouse have one southbound lane already. For more backstory on the proposal, see our coverage of the February online meeting about the plan, which – in a nod to the vigorous support/opposition it’s inspired – began with a “moment of meditation and reflection.”
WHAT’S NEXT: Regarding the decision timetable, here’s what an SDOT spokesperson told us this week: “We recognize that there (are) two weeks left in Quarter 2. We are working toward a thoughtful and broadly informed decision on this complex project. We hope to be able to inform community of that decision soon.”
(Busy bee, photographed in Gatewood by Elaine Dale)
A few quick reminders from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar before we get much further into the day:
VACCINATION POP-UP: 2-5 pm, the Seattle Fire Department Mobile Vaccination Team will be at Summit Atlas (9601 35th SW) in Arbor Heights with first/second doses of the Pfizer vaccine available to all. The school invites community members to participate too. No appointment required.
DEMONSTRATION: 4-6 pm at 16th/Holden, organizer Scott leads the twice-weekly sign-waving for racial justice. Signs available if you don’t have your own.
PRIDE PRESENTATION: 6 pm online, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society presents “From Stonewall to Seattle: The History of Pride on the Duwamish Peninsula and Beyond.” Details and registration info here.
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm online, with an agenda including an update from police. Here’s the link for viewing/participating; you can also call in at 206-337-9723, meeting ID 995 1615 6974, passcode 638862.
Got something for the calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Our area has several active service organizations, and one of them is inviting you to visit next week, either in-person or online. Here’s the announcement from the Rotary Club of West Seattle:
Rotary Club of West Seattle — Visitors Day
June 22, 2021
11:30 – 1:00 p.m.The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise. One of the guiding principles is the Four-Way Test, which is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide, or set of values, Rotarians use for their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages, and often Rotarians recite it at club meetings.
Of the things, we think, say or do:
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?The interesting thing about Rotary is that the local clubs govern how to run their club. Each club has a different focus. But one thing they all have in common is that they are a leadership organization, made up of local business, professional and civic leaders. They meet regularly, get to know each other, and through that, are able to get things done in their own community. Watch this myth buster video to help you understand the role of Rotary in your community.
The Rotary Club of West Seattle invites you to Visitors Day on Tuesday, June 22nd at the Alki Masonic Hall (4736 40th Ave SW) from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Come and learn what Rotary is all about and how becoming a member can benefit both your business and personal life. Coffee, tea, and refreshments will be served. If you are vaccinated, join us in person! Otherwise, use this Zoom link here to join us online.
Family and friends will gather next month to remember “Reg” Harris, and are sharing this remembrance with his community:
John Reginald Harris, Jr., MD
1960 – 2021Storyteller, musician, physician, photographer, collector, writer, lover of all things technical; husband, father, son, uncle, and friend were John Reginald Harris, Jr., MD. He made everyone felt listened to, genuinely interested in their story, and could take complicated subjects and explain in easily, comprehensible ways. He leaves behind a legacy worthy of a thousand men.
As an adult, he was known by his middle name, Reg; as a youth, he was little Reggie to his father’s big Reggie. He was born on February 25, 1960 in Richmond, Virginia to John Reginald Harris, Sr. and Catherine Hicks Harris, both of whom proceeded him in death. Reg was released from our world, peacefully, in Bellevue on Mother’s Day, May 9, 2021 under hospice care from the cruel disease of Younger Onset Alzheimer’s, which he had been battling for nearly a decade.
Reg graduated from Jefferson High School in Richmond, Virginia in 1978; graduated with a BS degree, Summa Cum Laude from Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1981; graduated from Medical College of Virginia (part of Virginia Commonwealth) in Richmond, Virginia in 1985; University of Washington Residency, Seattle in 1988. He married the love of his life, Patricia DuBois Harris in 1997 in Wailea, Maui, Hawaii. Reg is also survived by his sons, Cade and Blake (both studying and living in Seattle); in-laws Clint and Elizabeth DuBois (Issaquah), Charlotte DuBois (Bremerton), and nephews Clay and Rowan DuBois; sister Judy B. Harris (Richmond, VA), numerous cousins, family, and friends; also preceded in death by his beloved Sheltie, Jean-Luc.
He finished first in his freshman class (awarded the Phi Beta Kappa, Alain Locke Award) in his BSMD program. After finishing Medical School (inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and awarded Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Merit Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, Leadership and Service) and matching at the University of Washington Residency program, his mother cried about him going as far away as possible from Richmond, Virginia. He loved Seattle and the West Coast. In 1988 he began working at Swedish Medical Center Emergency Department in Seattle. He was an ER doc working nights, and during the days he would work on his music and videos/movies. He started Omniscient Productions to work on his creative ideas in 1992 while still working at the ER. He and Patricia have lived in West Seattle since 1990.
Music was important. He sang in his church youth choir, and later joined Madrigals in high school. He was a DJ in high school and participated in the radio club. He created his own hyper-local neighborhood radio station using CB radios in which he played music, until his parents received a cease-and-desist notification from the FCC for an unauthorized station. He wrote and recorded his music. He played guitar, bass, and keyboard. He loved writing and singing his songs. He would serenade Patricia for hours.
Reg was a collector of numerous things. He loved collecting and using his fountain and ballpoint pens. Letters were written to Patricia using specific pens and nibs. He enjoyed collecting and wearing watches. He made a point of wearing a different watch when Cade and Blake were born, so that they could keep that specific watch. And ask about our DVD, CD, and vinyl record collections.
Photography became a passion as another way to tell stories. He enjoyed taking photos but as the perfectionist and procrastinator, it took time for him to share with those he loved. He was always learning new things, taught himself how to write computer code, and embraced technology. And there always were his stories. He created movies before iMovie and other platforms made it easy. He was an early adopter of Media 100 in the 1990s and was given the Vision Award. He wrote, produced, and created the video and materials to help people navigate personal finances: Beyond Savings. He wrote numerous magazine articles. His beloved Sheltie, Jean-Luc (he was a HUGE Sci-Fi fan) was the star of The Jean-Luc Chronicles series of movies.
Reg always had so many stories running through his head and expressed these through music, video, or print. He kept a journal of his ideas for stories with summaries for each. He often bounced one from another: Ben the Fire Engine for younger kids, The Strange and Exotic Tales of the Messy Pirates who visited after Christmas, Seven Minutes, His Story, The Medical Officer, and so many more. His memory will live on through his stories, photos, and music. We miss and love you always.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, July 8th, at 2 pm at Holy Rosary Church in West Seattle. A Celebration of Life will be held at Good Society Brewery after Mass, approx. 3:15 pm.
Donations to Younger Onset Alzheimer’s Disease or your favorite animal charity in his name.
Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle. To share your fond memories of Reg with his Family, please visit his Tribute Wall at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/John-HarrisJrMD
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
6:05 AM: Good morning! More sunshine in the forecast!
ROAD WORK
Delridge project – The east side of the Delridge/Barton/Henderson intersection is closed as this week’s work continues.
SW Yancy – The SW Yancy closure west of 28th is supposed to end this week.
FERRIES/BUSES
Regular schedule for buses. For ferries, the Southworth dock has maintenance work again tonight, so some late night/early am Triangle Route runs are canceled.
(Watch @kcmetrobus for word of bus cancellations, @wsferries for major WSF changes.)
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
451st morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are the views of other bridges and routes:
Low Bridge: 23rd week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends, when the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available for some categories of drivers.)
Here’s a low-bridge view:
West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
And the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):
For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:
Are draw/swing bridges opening for boats or barges? See the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed. The 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings also are tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.
See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.
Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
With two weeks – at most – to full reopening, here are tonight’s local/state pandemic updates:
ANY CHANCE OF REOPENING EARLIER? During state health officials’ weekly briefing today, Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah said the state is now up to 67.2 percent of those 16+ having received at least one dose of vaccine; if 70 percent is reached before June 30th – requiring 140,000 more people to get a shot – the state could reopen early.
GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING TOMORROW: 10:30 am Thursday, Gov. Jay Inslee gives his next media briefing on the pandemic. You can watch here.
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Seattle-King County Public Health daily-summary dashboard, the cumulative totals:
*111,353 people have tested positive, 111 more than yesterday’s total
*1,610 people have died, 6 fewer than yesterday’s total (PHSKC cites “data corrections”)
*6,292 people have been hospitalized, 7 more than yesterday’s total
One week ago, those totals were 110,717/1,609/6,256.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find all the numbers, county by county, on the state Department of Health dashboard.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: See them, nation by nation, here.
POP-UP IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Thursday afternoon, 2-5 pm, all are welcome at Summit Atlas (9631 35th SW) for a first or second dose of Pfizer vaccine.
GOT INFO? Email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com or phone us, text or voice, at 206-293-6302 – thank you!
Thanks to Brian Hawksford for the photo. That’s a sneak peek through a gate at Colman Pool on the Lincoln Park shore as its reopening approaches – this Saturday at noon. If you’re new, Colman Pool is West Seattle’s only city-owned outdoor pool, and its sole saltwater pool – water is pumped in from Puget Sound, which is steps away. After staying closed last summer, it’s reopening this Saturday, June 19th, and will be open daily through September 6th. The schedule will be the same every day – one-hour public sessions with part of the pool open for lap swimming, part for family swim, with sessions starting at noon, 1:30 pm, 3 pm, 4:30 pm, and 6 pm – more info here.
Five months after we broke the news that permit filings showed Ezell’s Famous Chicken planned to take over the AT&T space in Morgan Junction, that store has closed for a northward move. Driving through Morgan Junction this evening, we spotted “This location permanently closed” notices on the doors at 4205 SW Morgan, across the parking lot from West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor). The notice says the AT&T store is expected to reopen in Jefferson Square around August 1st. As for Ezell’s, the regional fried-chicken chain has yet to formally announce the West Seattle plan, but the construction permit – which, like other documents in the file, names Ezell’s as the new tenant – was granted four weeks ago.
5:55 PM: An investigation is under way after a Gatewood Elementary student reportedly encountered an intruder in a school bathroom. The child was not harmed, their parent tells us. Seattle Public Schools spokesperson Tim Robinson says the intruder, described as a man, was gone by the time school-security and police officers arrived. There’s no further information yet about how he got into the school.
ADDED 9:28 AM THURSDAY: Thanks to the parents who have just forwarded the letter sent to families this morning by principal Kyna Hogg:
I want to make you all aware of a situation that happened yesterday at Gatewood’s campus.
Yesterday, a person who is not a part of the Gatewood school community came onto our campus. Our Custodial Engineer saw the person in the bathroom, asked them to leave, and they complied. I reported the incident to Seattle Public Schools Safety and Security and – out of an abundance of caution – also to the Police, both of whom came to campus to ensure the area was cleared and safe. Seattle Public Schools’ Safety and Security will be on campus for our last two days of school (today and tomorrow) as an added safety precaution.
You might have seen in the West Seattle Blog a report that a child encountered this person; I want to clarify that this information is not correct. Gatewood Elementary School does not currently serve any students in-person on Wednesday, and none of the students that are a part of the privately run childcare on campus encountered the person, either.
10 AM: The district has since forwarded us this letter as well. We have a message out to the original person who contacted us yesterday as mentioned above, but have not received a reply.
3:33 PM: We’ve received multiple questions about police, fire, and the Medical Examiner’s Office at Camp Long this afternoon. We talked with police at the park; they tell us a person was found dead, and it’s believed to be the missing West Seattle man mentioned here last night. Since his car was found at Camp Long, searchers went in with K-9 assistance today, and that’s how the body was found. The cause of death will be determined by the ME, but police say so far they do not suspect foul play.
4:15 PM: Further SPD confirmation is here.
Out of a 43-page slide deck, that’s the one slide that caught our attention when Sound Transit briefed the Seattle City Council Transportation and Utilities Committee this morning. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the West Seattle to Ballard extension is now not expected to be released before fall. Last estimated release timeline (see this December 2020 WSB report) was “mid-(year),” and that already was a slide past the originally projected release this year. When the DEIS comes out, it will trigger a new round of public comment, and will provide an avalanche of new information about the potential paths that could be taken to get light rail across the Duwamish River and to stations at Delridge, Avalon, and The Junction. The topic of the briefing was the “realignment” process, which we’ve been covering – the pursuit of a new plan/timeline for system expansion projects to address what’s currently estimated as a $7.9 billion “affordability gap” (currently mostly because on new cost estimates, rather than revenue shortfalls). The briefing started an hour and 30 minutes into the meeting (recorded by Seattle Channel):
During the briefing, councilmembers repeatedly asked a question that several ST board members also have asked – isn’t it too soon to make a new plan when the post-pandemic revenue picture isn’t clear? ST in response said it has to make decisions soon about $2 billion worth of projects (not including West Seattle-Ballard), but also insisted that a realignment plan would be a “flexible framework” that could be revisited. West Seattle light rail, originally planned to launch in 2030, already has been delayed a year beyond that, even before further delays that might be part of realignment.
While a long-in-the-works development plan proceeds for the north side of SW Orchard just east of Delridge Way, there’s now a new one for the south side of the street.
An early-stage site plan has just been filed with the city for 2051 SW Orchard (the site highlighted yellow in the screengrab above from King County Parcel Viewer). The site plan shows 39 townhouses, with offstreet parking in “shared underground garages.” The prospective development team is currently the most prolific in West Seattle – an entity of STS Construction (WSB sponsor) is listed as the owner (though not yet in county records), with architect Atelier Drome. Since this is an early-stage plan, there’s no timetable yet for feedback, reviews, and public comment.
As for the proposal on the north side of the street – city files indicate the 18-townhouse project, which hasn’t yet finished Design Review, is still being actively pursued. That project has a different owner/architect team.
Even as reopening gets going big time in a few weeks, some summer fun will continue online or hybrid in-person/online as we ease out of pandemic precautions.. This includes some of the activities for West Seattle Junction Summer Fest 2021. Kits and boxes – with proceeds benefiting local businesses – are on sale now; here’s a recap:
Paint and Sip on Thursday, July 8
Join artist Anjl Rodee, owner of BrushCapades, for a virtually guided art lesson using West Seattle as your inspiration point. The 5 pm session will explore Abstract West Seattle while the 7pm session celebrates West Seattle Nature. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can do both! Limited in-person spots available, or follow along online via a private YouTube broadcast. All for only $70 per person, per session. Paint with a friend for the discounted price of $130 for two people in one session.
The Paint and Sip Kit includes:
Reusable Tote Bag
5x good quality brushes
12x tubes paints
1x wooden palette
1x wooden easel
3x 8 x 10 canvas
1x bottle of wine
1x 9oz keepsake wine glass
Exciting surprise
Treats from the Junction
Virtual on in-person instruction from BrushCapadesMusic Trivia contest on Friday, July 9 at 7:30 pm
Hosted by Pegasus Books with trivia MC Rachel Ask Me Questions, this live Zoom event will keep the beat going strong until concerts are back on the agenda! Gather your teams of up to 6 members (multiple households is ok) for a rockin’ good time and a shot at amazing prizes from around the Junction. Plus, special prizes for Best Team Name and Best Zoom Background. Only $25 to enter!Virtual Beer Tasting on Saturday, July 10 at 7 pm
The beer garden gets an upgrade with this online guided tasting of carefully curated beers selected by the fine folks at Elliott Bay Brewing, The Beer Junction and Georgetown Brewing. Your tasting kit also comes with a selection of cheeses, cured meats, and caramel corn from Husky Deli. Plus, keepsake taster glasses and fun surprises! Only $55.Kits for all experiences can be delivered to select zip codes or picked up in the Junction. Don’t miss out on your chance to get in on the fun – order yours now while supplies last!
ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE SMALL BUSINESSES OF THE JUNCTION
There’s a kids’ craft tote, too. You can order any or all of the above via The Junction’s website – just scroll down this page.
Family and friends are remembering Phyllis Harriage and sharing this with her community:
The family of Phyllis Joyce Harriage (Clark) is deeply saddened to announce her death at 81 years old from complications of Parkinson’s disease on June 14, 2021.
Phyllis was born to Leonard and Margaret Clark in West Seattle on September 15, 1939 and graduated from West Seattle High School in 1957. She raised three children with William R. Harriage during their eighteen-year marriage. Phyllis worked as a waitress at the SeaTac Marriott for nearly two decades. Kind, funny, and thoughtful, Phyllis lived her retirement years in the constant company of her beloved family and dogs. She lived in West Seattle until declining health prompted her to move in with family in Tacoma.
Phyllis was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughter Holly (Kevin) and her children, Emelia, Audrey, Christina, and Gabrielle; her daughter Hayley (Steffan) and her children Crystal, Kaitlyn, and Allison; her son Kurt (Paulette) and his children Lauren, Sierra, Priscilla, Jesse, Laticia, and Lorenzo; six great-grandchildren; and her sister Patricia Schaber and her children, Steven and Richard (and his children and grandchildren).
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Tacoma Humane Society.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Transient orcas are in view, north of Blake Island, southbound, “lots of breaching,” per Kersti Muul of Salish Wildlife Watch.
6:05 AM: Good morning! Sunshine in the forecast, so this Tuesday photo by Jerry Simmons might be the last we see of the clouds for a while:
ROAD WORK
Delridge project – The Delridge/Barton/Henderson work has now moved to the east side of the intersection; here’s the rest of this week’s plan.
SW Yancy – The SW Yancy closure west of 28th is supposed to end this week.
FERRIES/BUSES
Regular schedule for buses. For ferries, the Southworth dock has maintenance work and so some late night/early am Triangle Route runs are canceled again tonight.
(Watch @kcmetrobus for word of bus cancellations, @wsferries for major WSF changes.)
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
450th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are the views of other bridges and routes:
Low Bridge: 23rd week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends, when the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available for some categories of drivers.)
Here’s a low-bridge view:
West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
And the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):
For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:
Are draw/swing bridges opening for boats or barges? See the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed. The 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings also are tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.
See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.
Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
Tonight’s local pandemic notes:
MILESTONE: It was announced today that 70 percent of King County residents 16+ having had either two shots of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the one-shot J&J. So in two weeks the county mask directive will end.
STAYING THE COURSE: But the governor is saying no to suggestions that he reopen the state early. .
NEWEST NUMBERS: Checking the daily summary from Seattle-King County Public Health:
*111,242 people have tested positive, 78 new since yesterday
*1,616 people have died, 1 new since yesterday
*6,285 people have been hospitalized, 10 new since yesterday
One week ago, the totals were 110,565/1,607/6,239.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.
NATIONAL/WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 176.6 million cases worldwide, 33.4 million of them in the U.S. – see other nation-by-nation stats by going here.
BRIEFING TOMORROW: State health officials’ weekly briefing is at 8:15 am Wednesday. You can watch live here.
GOT SOMETHING TO REPORT? westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302, text/voice – thank you!
We’ve learned tonight that this missing man, mentioned on Twitter by Seattle Police on Monday afternoon, is from West Seattle:
Missing: Brian Puhl
W, M, 6’04”, 185 lbs, brown hair, blue eyes
Last seen in the Beacon Hill neighborhood.
Possibly driving a 1994 Volvo 940 station wagon.
WA BGX8581
Please call 911 if seen. pic.twitter.com/KTOhE4eQed— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) June 14, 2021
He’s 45 years old. Friends tell us he actually has been missing since parking his car at Camp Long on Friday. If you see him or have information, call 911 or the missing persons unit at 206-684-5582 and refer to case #21-145895.
ADDED WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON: The search has come to a sad end.
6:43 PM: Thanks for the tips. The Seattle City Light map shows a big outage affecting parts of Riverview/Highland Park but mostly stretching further south, into Burien – 6,320 homes and businesses. It started just after 6:30 pm. No word on the cause yet.
7:22 PM: The Myers/Olson light is out, as are many in Burien. Remember that means an all-way stop.
7:26 PM: About a thousand customers – including most if not all of those who were affected in WS – are back on.
7:54 PM: The outage – now stretching southward from Top Hat into Burien – is blamed on “equipment failure.”
8:40 PM: Down to 657 customers. We’ll follow up tomorrow to get a more-specific description of what failed.
9:50 PM: Got the info tonight after all. SCL spokesperson Julie Moore says, “The outage was caused by a broken cross arm on a pole, which brought wires down. Once the cause was located, we were able to restore power to most customers (all but ~650 of the original 6,300). Crews will keep working until the rest of the customers are restored, which we’re estimating could take several hours.”
2:11 AM: City Light says everyone’s back on.
(WSB photos)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Back in April, we reported briefly on tree-cutting along the northwest approach to Schmitz Park. When asked, Seattle Parks told us that it was part of a “restoration project” that also would “make permanent an informal pathway up a steep hillside for safety.”
Now, with construction imminent, neighbors suddenly learned that plan involves building a full-fledged stairway up a slope where they insist there is no “informal pathway” – a stairway that would lead to and from a spot where there isn’t even a sidewalk, the corner of 57th and Stevens [map].
Outreach on the project was minimal, admitted two Parks managers who came to the site Monday afternoon for an outdoor meeting with upset neighbors, but they blamed that on the project proceeding in the early months of the pandemic, when public entities (among others) had to figure out new communications methods.
Michelle Whitfield and Kim Baldwin told the neighbors they were there to “hear your voices.” One clear voice promptly rang out: “Are you able to change the plans?”
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