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NEW YEAR’S EVE: ‘Kid Party’ moves to bigger location
December 20, 2017 9:25 am
|    Comments Off on NEW YEAR’S EVE: ‘Kid Party’ moves to bigger location
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Haven’t locked in your New Year’s Eve plans yet? We’re continuing to add to the list in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, which already includes ideas from bar parties to the annual Emerald City Wanderers walk, and here’s the newest addition:

A big new venue for the “Kid Party” that jammed the Admiral Bird last year. Co-proprietors Corina and Heidi now also run historic, renovated South Park Hall, just over the ridge (1253 S. Cloverdale), and they’re moving the “Kid Party” there this year. 7-9 pm, with the East Coast ball drop on a big screen, plus a hot-cocoa bar for the kids, “adult drinks” for their chaperones, pulled-pork sliders, mac and cheese, dancing, activity tables … Tickets are available in advance online for $10/person, or $15 at the door.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch, last full day of fall
December 20, 2017 7:06 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch, last full day of fall
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:06 AM: Good morning. No incidents reported in or from West Seattle so far.

In Pierce County, southbound I-5 remains closed at the train-derailment scene, WSDOT says, with cleanup continuing and repairs to be made.

7:25 AM: Still incident-free. We should mention this is the last full day of fall; winter solstice is Thursday at 8:28 am, and Thursday night brings Alice Enevoldsen‘s winter-solstice sunset watch in West Seattle.

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From West Seattle to ‘untouched’ Ometepe: How a couple with local ties founded a nonprofit 4,200 miles away
December 19, 2017 9:13 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(Photos courtesy Guias Unidos. Above, Ometepe, seen from a ferry)

By Linda Ball
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Near the southern border of Nicaragua lies Lake Nicaragua, the largest freshwater lake in Central America. Its size is formidable – the largest lake in Central America and 19th in the world. Within the lake is Ometepe [map], a peanut-shaped island that is home to around 40,000 people and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

“It’s one of those untouched places,” said Kate Zylland. “Why do we have to pick apart everything?”

She and her husband, Jeff Zylland, veteran guides, founded a nonprofit on Ometepe, Guias Unidos. She is 4,200 miles northwest right now, in West Seattle, taking care of her ailing mom. He is on Ometepe, working to ink a rental deal on a building to serve as Guias Unidos’ headquarters and resource center.

Both have other relatives in the West Seattle/White Center area. But Ometepe holds their hearts. The Zyllands first visited in 2011. They fell in love with the island because it is a place that hasn’t been destroyed. Kate said there are petroglyphs on the slopes of Maderas volcano. Not much is known about them, but the island may have been inhabited as early as 2000 BC.

The couple has led an unconventional life. Read More

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TONIGHT’S LIGHTS: Looking up!
December 19, 2017 7:33 pm
|    Comments Off on TONIGHT’S LIGHTS: Looking up!
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Thanks to Don Brubeck for tonight’s Christmas-lights photo, which is from Alki Avenue SW and illustrates an observation we wanted to share – houses aren’t the only places you’ll find festive lights – apartments and condos can put on a show too. Besides Alki/Harbor Avenues, we also recommend the buildings on the east side of California SW south of SW Holly in south Morgan Junction.

Got lights to suggest, with or without a photo? editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

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About those alarms at Madison MS, West Seattle HS early today
December 19, 2017 7:02 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

As pointed out by a few people who e-mailed us, automatic fire alarms went off at two local schools early today, almost simultaneously – the Seattle Fire real-time 911 log notes Madison Middle School at 12:50 am, West Seattle High School at 12:51 am. Both were false alarms – no fire or damage. We asked SFD what if anything was discovered; in both cases, spokesperson Kristin Tinsley said, “the water flow alarm was triggered.” Last time that happened, more than a year ago, affecting three schools including these two, a water-system anomaly was suspected, but we checked with Seattle Public Utilities and they say it wasn’t them.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police find stolen car; vehicle break-in; abandoned bicycle
December 19, 2017 4:34 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | Crime | Fauntleroy | Highland Park | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch:

STOLEN CAR FOUND: Thanks for the text about a sizable police presence at 16th and Henderson this past hour. Officers were questioning someone after finding a stolen car.

Two reader reports:

CAR PROWL: From Cheryl:

Wanted to let you know that I filed a police report on 12/12 regarding a break in of my car parked in front of my apartment building (in the 3500 block of) SW Ocean View Drive, Arbor Heights. They took several personal items including leather gloves (which were in a compartment), my phone holder, CDs (in the trunk) and my handicap parking permit (in the side compartment of my door). Other silly items taken as well.

ABANDONED BICYCLE: Lisa says this has been on a Fauntleroy corner for almost two weeks:

Yours? Let us know.

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FOLLOWUP: New timeline for sidewalk, trees by Fairmount Playfield
December 19, 2017 3:34 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo)

In a comment on our report last week about two West Seattle sidewalk projects delayed until next spring, there was a question about another one that hadn’t happened when SDOT had said it would: Extending the concrete sidewalk along Fauntleroy Way SW by Fairmount Playfield.

In summer 2016, when the city replaced half the sidewalk with concrete and half with asphalt, SDOT told us that the asphalt section would be redone in concrete this year. The year’s almost over, and it’s still asphalt. That reminded us that the trees blamed for the original sidewalk damage, removed in 2014, were supposed to have been replaced, and haven’t been. So we followed up with SDOT this week. Spokesperson Norm Mah says the sidewalk work is now planned for summer 2018; he says SDOT worked with nearby Fairmount Park Elementary to plan that schedule, since Fauntleroy Way SW alongside the playfield is a bus zone for the school. And he says the replacement trees are to follow, next fall.

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UPDATE: Port of Seattle’s new executive director is retired Rear Adm. Stephen Metruck
December 19, 2017 1:51 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Port of Seattle | West Seattle news

UPDATED 1:51 PM: Just approved as the new Port of Seattle executive director, during today’s ongoing Port Commission meeting (here’s the live stream): Retired Rear Admiral Stephen P. Metruck. He retired from the U.S. Coast Guard last year after 34 years. His background includes three years as the USCG’s captain of Sector Seattle, 2005-2008. The executive director position is the top appointed leadership position at the Port, renamed after the departure of former CEO Ted Fick. The commission vote was unanimous.

ADDED 1:58 PM: Metruck will start work February 1st and be paid $350,000 a year, according to the official port news release we’ve just obtained: Read More

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BIZNOTE: Westwood Village Carter’s store closing in January
December 19, 2017 11:38 am
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | Westwood

If you’re looking for babies/children’s clothing at big discounts, a closing sale is on at the Westwood Village Carter’s store, which tells us it’s closing January 8th or when it’s out of inventory, whichever comes first. The impending shutdown isn’t entirely a surprise – back in October, when we reported on two businesses opening at WWV, a commenter noted that it appeared the Carter’s store space was for lease. We weren’t able to confirm closing plans at the time, and it fell off our followup list, but today, after Jon forwarded us an e-mail newsletter containing the one-line alert “Your Carter’s at Westwood Village is closing soon!”, we renewed our efforts and got the confirmation. Management says they have already stopped receiving new items, so it’s a clearance sale of what’s on hand. The store opened in April 2014. No word yet on what’s next for the space, which has been offered either alone or as a potential combination with the two empty spaces north of it.

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West Seattle Tuesday: Dine Out to Make a Difference, lights, music, reading, more!
December 19, 2017 10:52 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Tuesday: Dine Out to Make a Difference, lights, music, reading, more!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Anna’s Hummingbird, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Here are highlights from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and Event Calendar on this blustery Tuesday:

DINE OUT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE: 11 am-8 pm today, dine at Marination ma kai at Seacrest Pier and part of the proceeds will benefit five West Seattle schools – Concord International, Highland Park, Roxhill, Sanislo, West Seattle elementaries – as previewed here. (1660 Harbor SW)

COOKIE DECORATING: Come to Pecos Pit-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) from 4-7 pm for a kids’ holiday-cookie-decorating party! (Under 13.) Bring a non-perishable food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank and you’ll get a free side. (35th SW/SW Fauntleroy)

LEARN TO PLAY CHESS: 4:30-5:30 pm at High Point Library. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

HANUKKAH: This is the last of the Festival of Lights’ 8 nights.

WORKSHOP FOR RENTERS: Bilingual workshop with Solid Ground, 5-7 pm at South Park Library.

LIGHT SHOW: Third and final night for the new Alki holiday-lights show presented by the Uehara-Bingen family. “The show runs ~25 minutes, is totally kid-friendly, and totally free! Just come on by and get ready to have a blast!”

“Arrive at 6:15 pm, show starts at 6:30 pm.” (1736 Alki SW)

EVENING BOOK GROUP: 6:30 pm at High Point Library – the holiday season is a great time to read. This month’s book is “Excellent Women” by Barbara Pym. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

SOUTH SOUND TUG & BARGE HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR: West Seattle band’s holiday show at Parliament Tavern, 8-11 pm. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

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HOLIDAY CLOSURES: Seattle, King County libraries closed Sunday, Monday
December 19, 2017 9:34 am
|    Comments Off on HOLIDAY CLOSURES: Seattle, King County libraries closed Sunday, Monday
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

As we make our way through the pre-holiday week, we’re rounding up information on holiday closures, and thought you might want to know that Seattle Public Library branches will be closed Sunday (Christmas Eve) as well as Monday (Christmas Day). King County Library System branches, too. Closure info will be in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide for reference, as will info on what’s open (our holiday restaurant list, for example) – and any info you have is appreciated – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT/WEATHER TODAY: Windy Tuesday watch
December 19, 2017 6:52 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

6:52 AM: Good morning! The National Weather Service’s wind advisory for our area is in effect through 4 pm, with gusts up to 45 mph possible. … No traffic incidents in/from West Seattle so far. … The south Pierce County SB I-5 closure at the scene of Monday’s train derailment continues, according to WSDOT.

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1 West Seattle organization shares in mayor’s $100 million affordable-housing announcement
December 18, 2017 10:32 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

West Seattle is getting one percent of the $100 million in affordable-housing investments announced today by Mayor Jenny Durkan.

The lone local recipient on the list is Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association. As explained in the full announcement, part of the $100 million goes to new construction and part goes to preservation, and the latter is where DNDA comes in. Though the specific amounts weren’t mentioned in the announcement, we followed up for the specifics, and Office of Housing spokesperson Robin Koskey tells us DNDA was awarded $1,000,394. That will be invested in 70 apartments that are part of DNDA’s portfolio:

So what will the money buy? We asked DNDA executive director David Bestock. He tells WSB, “Rehab at these 4 properties” — Centerwood, Delridge Heights, Holden Manor, and Cooper School – “will include site improvements, exterior systems, interior maintenance, and specific to Cooper, abatement of foundation settling. We are thrilled to have the support of (the Office of Housing) to improve and preserve our affordable housing properties for residents of Delridge. This is a huge win for our residents, for our organization, and for our neighborhood.”

The funding announced today, for DNDA and the other organizations, comes from several sources, including the Housing Levy approved by voters last year, incentive-zoning payments, the sale of surplus properties, and $29 million in bonds approved by the City Council (in a plan sponsored by West Seattle/South Park Councilmember Lisa Herbold).

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COMMUNITY GIVING: Arrowhead Gardens residents bring the gift of warmth to Camp Second Chance
December 18, 2017 8:19 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Myers Way | West Seattle news

(Photos by Leda Costa for WSB)

Every year for seven years now, residents of the Arrowhead Gardens senior-apartment complex collect socks as holiday-season gifts for people in need. This afternoon, they brought their gifts to folks living just blocks away, at the city-sanctioned encampment Camp Second Chance. In the photo above are the AG sock-drive coordinator Diane Radischat, CSC manager Eric, AG’s CSC liaison Nancy, and CSC resident Melissa. Here’s a look at some of what the neighbors brought over:

Diane tells WSB that the first three years, the Arrowhead Gardens residents gave the gift of warmth to residents of the Nickelsville encampment, then for three years to Union Gospel Mission, and this is the first year that the beneficiaries are their neighbors at Camp Second Chance.

“I believe our total is around 1650 to 1700 pairs of socks … plus many hats, gloves, scarves and toiletries,” Diane says, adding that she and her neighbors donate clothing to the camp on an ongoing basis, too.

P.S. Camp Second Chance is hosting a community holiday party on Saturday afternoon, 2-5 pm, all welcome – full details in our calendar listing.

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TONIGHT’S LIGHTS: 30th SW in Westwood
December 18, 2017 7:30 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news | Westwood

(WSB photo)

Tonight’s featured Christmas lights are in Westwood, on the east side of 30th SW, south of Barton – one recent night we noted multiple festive displays on 30th between there and SW Roxbury, and made a note to go back for a photo when we could. This particular house is notable for multiple trees of lights in the yard – hard for the photo to do justice; we had to angle the camera a bit to get everything in. Thanks again to everyone who’s been suggesting displays (editor@westseattleblog.com); more tomorrow, and if you haven’t seen the big displays yet, you can find them any time in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.

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TRAFFIC ALERTS: Eastbound bridge crash; ferry delays; southbound I-5 updates; more
December 18, 2017 5:44 pm
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC ALERTS: Eastbound bridge crash; ferry delays; southbound I-5 updates; more
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

5:44 PM: Traffic notes for the outbound commute:

EASTBOUND WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE CRASH: A crash on the eastbound bridge by the 1st Avenue S. exit has blocked two lanes. (6:40 pm update – SDOT just tweeted that the scene is now clear.)

FERRY DELAYS: WSF warned earlier in the day that the southbound I-5 closure at the Pierce County train derailment scene might increase usage of the ferry system. That appears to have happened – the Fauntleroy wait right now is 90 minutes, unusual for a Monday evening.

AT THE DERAILMENT SCENE: Southbound I-5 in south Pierce County is expected to be closed at least through tomorrow morning at the derailment scene. Here’s an update from The News Tribune.

6:45 PM – 15TH/HOLDEN CRASH: Though SFD has cleared the scene on this, indicating no serious injuries, Bryan sent the photo and said police were directing traffic as of about 15 minutes ago:

7:35 PM: SFD is headed to a crash reported on NB 99 by the Battery Street Tunnel.

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Wondering what’s up with PCC Community Markets’ West Seattle site?
December 18, 2017 4:00 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

It’s the most-common question in the WSB inbox right now: What’s up with the “PCC project”?

It’s been almost seven months since the May 31st closure of PCC Community Markets‘ (WSB sponsor) West Seattle store, shut down so it could be demolished and replaced by a mixed-use building with a new store and 100+ apartments. But the site remains virtually idle.

(If you need a refresher: PCC doesn’t own the site; it’s a tenant. Madison Development Group bought the site from PCC’s former landlord in 2015 and pursued the redevelopment plan.

Some PCC fans tell us they’ve been shopping at other stores and asking staffers what they know, and hearing various things, so they wanted an official update. So here’s what we can tell you, from checking around and reading documents in city files:

-PCC says it’s still on target for a 2019 West Seattle reopening.

-Two key permits for the project – demolition and excavation – were issued November 8th, according to the city’s online files. But the main construction permit is still making its way through the city system, exactly one year after the official application was filed.

-While the site would be upzoned from 40′ to 55′ under the HALA upzoning proposal that the City Council will consider next year, we asked the project designers, Hewitt, if that was leading to any changes, and principal Julia Nagele replied, “No HALA increases are anticipated for the project. The design team is simply waiting on the City to finish their permit review process.”

-What we don’t know is if there’s a projected start date. The construction-management plan on file says “late 2017,” with a tower crane expected on site in spring 2018. We have messages out to leadership at Madison and will add anything we hear back from them.

-For PCC fans who are looking forward to shopping at its future Burien store (15840 1st Ave. S.), while in the meantime ordering delivery and/or going to other stores like not-too-far Columbia City – a PCC spokesperson tells us the Burien opening is expected in spring.

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AMTRAK DERAILMENT: If you can donate blood, it’s needed
December 18, 2017 1:46 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

The holiday season is already a time of year when blood supplies run low – and today’s deadly derailment of an Amtrak Cascades train in Pierce County has increased the need, so Bloodworks Northwest has sent a media alert asking anyone who can donate to consider helping:

… Supplies for some blood types are at critical levels – just one or two day supply, compared to a normal four-day inventory. There is a special need for O-type blood, AB plasma and platelets. Since blood can be broken down into components, every donation can potentially help three people. …

The Bloodworks website has all the info you need about donating – plus, we already have one previously scheduled West Seattle mobile blood drive on the WSB Event Calendar, coming up this Saturday at Westwood Village – here’s how to make an appointment for that drive.

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West Seattle New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge 2018 is on – with a twist
December 18, 2017 12:42 pm
|      123 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

polar-plunge(2017 photo by Robert Spears)

For everyone who has been asking – yes, the annual West Seattle New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge at Alki Beach is on – with something extra, as just announced by longtime organizer Mark Ufkes:

Yes, the West Seattle Alki Polar Bear Plunge is on again. We line up along the beach in front of Duke’s on Alki, hold hands, and with a countdown, we all run into the water together. Over 500 of us did it last year. We plunge into the water at 10 am sharp January 1, 2018. Don’t be late. Bring water shoes, a towel, a warm change of clothes, and your hopes and dreams for the new year.

This year’s event is a great way to wash away the complexities of the first year of a Trump Administration. And the cold, crisp 47-degree Puget Sound water will wash us with an understanding of why Trump and the mostly white, Republican men who run Congress, after attacking President Obama on a daily basis for eight years about the deficit, would add $1.5 trillion to the deficit during an economic boom to give tax benefits to mostly the wealthy in society, while taking away our net neutrality and reducing lands preserved in our national monuments.

Wear Pink Into the Water: After 62 years of life, and as a white man, I have come to the conclusion that white men (mostly Republicans) are not capable of running our federal government in an honest, equitable manner. Therefore, I will be wearing pink into the water to acknowledge the reality that we need to elect women into every position in the U.S. Congress and fully hand over the reins of federal government power to women. We all know that they will do a better job.

See you January 1 at 10 am!

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HOLIDAY GIVING: Special shopping spree in West Seattle
December 18, 2017 11:16 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police | Westwood

A double-take this morning for some Westwood Village Target shoppers, as the store entrance filled with uniformed police around 9 am. No need to worry, they explained – Southwest Precinct police were there for one of the company’s annual Shop With a Cop events.

~20 West Seattle and South Park students were chosen for the program, with the help of local nonprofits, who also had volunteers there to help.

Target donated gift cards and there was one prerequisite – along with choosing items, kids were asked to include a present for a family member or friend.

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4 for your West Seattle Monday
December 18, 2017 10:36 am
|    Comments Off on 4 for your West Seattle Monday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Recent photo by Long Bach Nguyen, looking southeast over The Junction to Mount Rainier)

From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide (thanks to everyone who continues sending events for now through New Year’s!) and Event Calendar:

AFTERNOON BOOK GROUP: 2 pm at Southwest Library. This month’s book is “The Light in the Ruins” by Chris Bohjalian. All welcome! (9010 35th SW)

KIDS’ CAFE: Every day this week at High Point Library, kids/youth 1-18 can get food for free, 2:45-3:30 pm. (35th/Raymond)

MEATLESS MONDAY: Cooking class with chef/author Kim O’Donnel at the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor), 4 pm. (36th/Snoqualmie)

FEUERZANGENBOWLE: At Prost! West Seattle, “Join us every Monday throughout December at 7 pm for a festive German Holiday tradition called Feuerzangenbowle. We soak a sugar cone in German Rum, light it on fire, which drips molten sugar into our house-made Glühwein. It’s delicious and it benefits a local cause! Half of all Glühwein proceeds will go to the West Seattle Food Bank.” (3407 California SW)

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Memorial planned next month for Virginia K. Metz, 1949-2017
December 18, 2017 9:18 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather next month to remember Virginia K. Metz, and this remembrance is being shared with the community now:

Virginia K. Metz (née Strasevicius), age 68, passed away in Seattle on Monday, October 2nd. She was born January 22nd, 1949, in Hechingen, Germany to Helen and Stanley, and grew up in Chicago’s Marquette Park. She is survived by her brother Stanley, sister Mary, sons Alec and Andrew, their father Russell, daughters-in-law Tuyatsetseg and Margaret, and grandchildren Thomas and Sylvia.

Virginia worked for over two decades as a dedicated social worker in numerous Seattle schools, including for many years at West Seattle High School. She was a kind, intelligent, and incredibly funny individual, and will be greatly missed.

A celebration of her life will be held in West Seattle on January 20th. If you knew Virginia and would like to attend, please email her son, Andrew, at Andrew.E.Metz@gmail.com.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT/WEATHER TODAY: Monday watch
December 18, 2017 7:00 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts | West Seattle weather

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7 AM: Good morning! It’s the week before Christmas, and school’s out. No incidents in/from West Seattle reported so far.

WEATHER: Rainy this morning. It gets much colder later this week and as @WestSeaWx pointed out early today, there’s a possibility of snow in a few days – late Thursday/early Friday.

7:35 AM: WSDOT reports a crash on NB I-5 near Seneca.

8:11 AM: Crash reported at Admiral/Olga.

9:05 AM: If you monitor regional news, you have likely heard about the Amtrak derailment that has closed I-5 in south Pierce County. Washington State Ferries is warning that its system traffic might increase as people divert.

10:19 AM: The current closure is southbound and per WSP expected to continue through the day.

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