West Seattle, Washington
13 Thursday
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
When last we checked in on “The Hum,” after a spate of complaints around Labor Day weekend followed mostly by quietude except for news-media outlets around the region/country/world picking up on it (seriously!), the city had started to investigate, while two researchers were heading out to the Duwamish River to see if the midshipman fish might be to blame (as reported by KING 5 last Thursday night).
So, is it the fish’s fault?
Says the lead researcher, Joseph Sisneros from the University of Washington, who went out that night with a graduate student to investigate:
No.
We contacted him today to follow up on what they had done and found:
We placed a hydrophone (underwater microphone) in the Duwamish river (eastside of West Seattle), Alki Beach (northside of West Seattle in Elliott Bay) and near Lincoln Park (west side of West Seattle in Puget Sound). We did not hear any calls that night; we were out until about 11:30 pm. Thus, we have no evidence or data that the midshipman is present in West Seattle waters right now.
We were very interested that night in discovering new nest sites for these fish to study close to home/university. The mating season for the midshipman is typically late spring to summer. September is rather late in the summer but not necessary unheard of for the midshipman mate call to be heard, since in California, midshipman nests have been found sub-tidally during the fall months. For your information, the midshipman fish is a common fish found from Alaska to southern California. Very abundant on the west of the US.
After hearing about the strange reports of the hum in West Seattle, we were intrigued that perhaps the midshipman might be heard near shore if the calls were possibly transmitted via tanker or boat hulls. There was a famous story from Sausalito, CA in the 1980s when the mating calls of midshipman were heard to resonate through the houseboat hulls and drove the resident community crazy. There were all kinds of theories back then what the strange hum could be. Later the local fish biologist determined it was the midshipman’s mating call that was the source of the hum.
With that said, it would be impossible for the resonating hum to be transmitted very far inland into West Seattle, especially to places in the center of West Seattle where some of the “hums” have been reported on the West Seattle Blog! My guess is the sounds that are being heard are man-made.
So then, what are/were they? We checked back today with Bryan Stevens, spokesperson for the city’s Department of Planning and Development, which has jurisdiction over noise complaints/investigations. His update:
No new information at this point. Staff have been looking over possible construction projects in the area, but haven’t found anything that would have occurred in that vicinity or during the noted timeframe. Usually we hear from someone that can narrow it down to at least a couple blocks, but the comments we’ve received up to this point have been much more broad. That coupled with the limited duration of the noise (once a month maybe) will make this a difficult one to resolve.
So if you hear it again – note as much descriptive information as you can, record it if you can, and contact the city’s noise inspectors: (206) 684-7843 or (206) 615-1760.
The environmental-advocacy group People for Puget Sound says it’s not able to raise the money it needs to stay afloat, so it’s shutting down. Here’s the announcement from its website today. Its many years of work has included various initiatives involving West Seattle, such as the biennial Duwamish Alive! cleanups. The group’s executive director Tom Bancroft – who took over when founder Kathy Fletcher retired a year ago – says some of its programs will be taken over by other groups, including EarthCorps and the Washington Environmental Council.
(8/14 note: To check whether a business is still a current WSB sponsor, please go here)
Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Seattle Wellness Programs. Here’s what they would like you to know about their practice: Dr. Elissa Mullen, a board-certified naturopath, is dedicated to helping patients enhance and improve their health. Her patients appreciate her attention to detail, continuous research for the newest treatment options, and constant monitoring of medical conditions to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Patients rely on Dr. Mullen for her experience and services. She has a consulting practice in several states with nine companies for weight loss and sleep apnea; she has extensive knowledge of the biochemistry of metabolism and weight loss; she is nationally recognized as a specialist in MS and other autoimmune diseases and the use of LDN (low-dose naltrexone); she is contracted with most insurance companies. More than 75 percent of Dr. Mullen’s new patients come from current patient referral – patients tell their friends/colleagues that with her guidance, they have changed their health and their lives.
Over the past 6 years, Dr. Mullen has been actively involved in West Seattle Rotary, actively participating in the Eradicate Polio Campaign, Children’s Holiday Shopping Spree, West Seattle Kiddie Parade and 5K Float Dodger. Dr. Mullen is also an accomplished vocalist performing in Breath of Aire and Musica Sacra Chamber Chorale. You’ll find her online here – you can even book an appointment online! – and on Facebook here, and by phone at 206-388-2929.
We thank Dr. Elissa Mullen of Seattle Wellness Programs for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
(Seattle Parks file photo)
2:34 PM: After 17 years, the wooden “castle” at Roxhill Playground is now closed forever – awaiting renovation of the playground site and construction of its successor. That word comes from Mat McBride, who is leading the “community build” plan for the new structure – which, like the old castle, will be made by Leathers and Associates. McBride says West Seattle-based Grindline, which is both building the adjoining Roxhill Skatespot and preparing the playground site for the new structure, will dismantle the old one soon; its plaques, he says, have been saved. The dates for the volunteer “community build” are now set for October 17th-21st, according to McBride, and you’re invited: “Still lots of opportunity to roll up sleeves for this park and community.” He is starting a website about and for the project – see it here; there’s history for starters, with information coming soon about other aspects including signing up to help build the new “castle.”
4:05 PM UPDATE: The dismantling already has begun; we went over for a photo and found that the north side of the play area had been taken apart, though the main part of the old “castle” is still standing:
Since the Alki Statue of Liberty has been a touchstone on 9/11 ever since that first night-after in 2001, we visited late this morning to look for tributes. On the side visible from the street, a few bouquets had been placed, plus a small creation from stones; on the water side, a note, and stones arranged in the shape of a heart:
The note is a prayer, reading in part, “Help us to live with love rather than hate. Help us to forgive.” Meantime, we’ll check back this evening. While there was an organized, well-attended vigil last year (WSB coverage here) on the 10th anniversary of the deadly East Coast attacks, we haven’t heard of any official plans this year (please let us know if you have).
(WSB photo from 2011 Holy Rosary WestFest)
Good thing the sunshine’s not over yet because the late-summer fun isn’t either. In addition to the West Seattle Junction Car Show (co-sponsored by WSB) 8 am-4 pm Sunday, the weekend also brings Holy Rosary School‘s annual WestFest – on the 42nd/Genesee campus, 6-10 pm Friday and 10 am-10 pm Saturday.
We are gearing up to host the season’s premier event for the West Seattle community; come see great local music and talent, eat delicious food, dob a round of bingo, race down the rides, try your luck at the cake walk, climb a rock wall, play games galore, and so much more. There’s a beer garden for adults too — there is truly something for all ages!
Bring your young children early Saturday morning, from 10 am to noon, for “Toddler Time” at WestFest. Avoid the crowds and lines! They’ll enjoy better access to the blow-up rides and games with kids close to their age and ability.
Wristbands for Blow-up Rides
Take unlimited turns on our wide selection of rollicking rides on Friday, 9/14 and Saturday, 9/15 with an activity wristband. Bands are available at for purchase at WestFest on Friday (9/14) for $10 and Saturday (9/15) for $15, or $25 for both days. To allow everyone a safe and fun experience, unsafe or disrespectful behavior on or around the rides may result in loss of ride privileges, up to and including loss of wristband.Admission to the Cake Walk and Kids’ Games are not included with the wristbands. Blow-up rides are $1 each without a band.
The official WestFest website is here.
(WSDOT photo, via Flickr)
Our day-by-day list of road closures for the week includes one this weekend for part of northbound 99 just north of the West Seattle Bridge. Today, WSDOT confirms it’s so they can get the new northbound Highway 99 bridge open by Monday morning – which means more room for vehicles on that section of 99. Here’s the official announcement:
This weekend the Washington State Department of Transportation will close another chapter in the replacement of the State Route 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct.
WSDOT crews will close a section of northbound SR 99 through SODO Friday night to put the finishing touches on the new highway that replaces the viaduct’s south end. Unlike the double-deck viaduct, this new section of SR 99 features twin, side-by-side bridges. By 5 a.m. Monday, Sept.17, northbound traffic will use the newly completed east-side bridge, while southbound traffic remains on the west-side bridge, which was completed in October 2011.
9:03 AM: Police are blocking at least part of the area because of a crash that’s hurt at least one person. More shortly.
9:14 PM UPDATE: From co-publisher Patrick Sand at the scene, someone crossing 35th was hit by a vehicle. Since they’re being transported by private ambulance, injuries aren’t life-threatening. Eastbound Thistle and southbound 35th are most affected. Photo added.
(Seals off the western WS shore this morning, photo by J&R)
Besides the chill in the air, another sign of fall: One night, five community meetings. They are among the highlights on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:
TONIGHT’S TRAFFIC ALERT: Another southbound overnight closure of 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct.
‘SCHOOL YOUR PARENTS’: Students, parents, and caregivers are all invited to the High Point Library (35th/Raymond) 4-7 pm to find out how it can play into school-year success as well as family fun. The calendar listing has details.
FIDO MAKES A SPLASH: Again today (and daily through Saturday), Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club opens its pool to dogs only, since human-swimming season is over. 5-7 pm. Details here.
CITY HEARING ON LOWMAN BEACH SEWER-OVERFLOW PROJECT: The million-gallon tank planned across the street from Lowman Beach Park is a county project, but it can’t proceed without city permits. Before deciding on those permits, the city Department of Planning and Development has a hearing tonight to take public comments. 6:30 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW). Here’s the official notice, which notes that you can provide your comments by spoken or written word.
WEST SEATTLE SEE DOGS: Find out about raising a future-guide-dog puppy! 6:30 pm, The Kenney (WSB sponsor; 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW) – check out the story of the club’s latest graduate.
DESC DELRIDGE SUPPORTIVE HOUSING ADVISORY GROUP: Concerned about safety, once the 66-unit housing complex is up and running? That’s on the agenda tonight, along with updates on when construction will begin, and the retail space expected to be occupied by the Delridge Produce Cooperative. 6:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).
ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Live in the Admiral area? Come meet your community council and see what’s ahead for fall – 7 pm, Admiral Church lower-level meeting room (California/Hill).
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Monthly board meeting, including a look ahead to the 10th annual Fauntleroy Fall Festival (October 14th). 7 pm, Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW).
NIGHTLIFE: Tuesday Tune-Up time at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), 6:30-8:30 pm … Trivia That Rocks at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 8 pm … Baby Ketten Karaoke at Skylark Café and Club, 9 pm …
FIRST REPORT, 7:31 AM: If you’re following the SODO arena story, you are probably more than well aware of reports late last night that City Councilmembers and arena backers reached a deal (here’s what our partners at the Seattle Times wrote). This morning, word’s just in that three councilmembers plan “an announcement” at 9:30 am – if you want to watch live, they’re planning to stream it online (here’s the link). The councilmembers (President Sally Clark, Tim Burgess, Mike O’Brien) were among the eight who sent the arena contingent a letter in late July expressing concerns about the proposed deal.
ADDED 9:58 AM: The briefing’s still under way, but the city has already sent a news release summarizing what’s happened – including the proposed creation of a Port Overlay District – and two links to related documents, including an FAQ. We’ve added those after the jump (also added, 10:31 am, King County Executive Dow Constantine‘s comments):Read More
A friendly reminder that we’re thrilled to publish wedding announcements (free) – here’s a brand-new one:
Marlena Blonsky and Whitney Young are happy to announce their marriage on Saturday, September 8th.
The West Seattle residents happily exchanged vows and rings in front of friends and family in sunny Sequim.
They are so excited for this new chapter in their lives and can’t wait to make their marriage legal (hopefully) in December with the passage of Referendum 74.
Marlena says they’re honeymooning in Alaska next week, and adds, “We crowd-sourced lots of materials for our wedding from the Forums on West Seattle Blog, including Mason Jars, mini antique liquor bottles for decorations, and chalkboards.”
Sunday, bring your classic (1979 or earlier) car, truck, motorcycle, or moped to the fifth annual West Seattle Junction Car Show – details here – or, if you don’t want to enter, plan to come wander the (closed) streets in the heart of The Junction, 8 am-4 pm. It’s free to see, but fundraising raffle tickets are sold to help Pencil Me In For Kids – which buys school supplies for kids in need – and here’s where you can help BEFORE the show: Organizer Michael Hoffman from Liberty Bell Print and Design is still looking for more donated raffle prizes. Just about anything, he says, but gift certificates are popular (especially for massages!), so if you have something to donate, to help kids, please call Michael at 206-935-1212 or Liz at 206-935-0904.
After an intense round of public comment – which ended with heckling from people who wanted it extended – the City Council voted unanimously today to pass emergency rules targeting a particular form of so-called “tall skinny house” development. Here’s the news release:
The Seattle City Council today approved legislation that puts interim controls in place on small lot development in Seattle.
While the City has generally been supportive of urban infill development, some single family development approved under current lot size exceptions, has resulted in structures that are out of character with surrounding conditions and inconsistent with the policy intent for infill development. Interim measures were adopted today to allow adequate time for analysis and discussion of permanent standards.
4:30 PM: Police are investigating a report of two cars with people inside shooting at each other in the 26th and Hudson vicinity, according to Det. Renée Witt. Still working on more details. So far no report of anyone being hit/hurt. A search is under way. We’ve asked police for detailed descriptions; so far, via the scanner, we have one car described as a white Taurus/Monte Carlo type of car.
4:38 PM UPDATE: Roads are blocked in the area while police search.
4:47 PM UPDATE: WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand reports from the scene that police are checking on a red Cadillac near 26th and Hudson with a bullet hole through the windshield. They told him they believe it to be one of the cars that was involved. (Photos added)
From SDOT, a road-work alert for a busy intersection on the east edge of The Triangle:
Pedestrian improvements are coming to the intersection of 35th Avenue SW and SW Alaskan Street. Beginning tomorrow, September 11, SDOT paving crews will begin installing upgraded curb ramps. The crews will work on one corner at a time, closing the curb lanes at the corner and providing a sidewalk detour. The crews will work from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and plan to complete the work by September 21. SDOT will also install an upgraded pedestrian signal push button for crossing 35th Avenue SW at this location for people who are visually impaired.
The #1 question we’ve been asked in recent months finally has some answers.
It’s been more than a year since first word that an “experienced restaurateur” purchased the former Bohemian space at 3405 California SW.
Our efforts to get more information about the buyer and the plan for the space started then. Eventually, we learned it was the same ownership as Bick’s Broadview Grill in Greenwood. Then we published a short update last January, when a name for the West Seattle space turned up in online files for business and liquor licensing: West City Sardine Kitchen.
Our efforts to contact the ownership continued, since people kept messaging us asking what’s up with the space and what kind of restaurant will it be. Phone messages, site visits, notes under the door. Most recently, when a permit application for a sign turned up online, with the sign described on the DPD page as “Westcity Kitchen,” we contacted Western Neon, which was listed on the permit application. They confirmed the name but said they couldn’t discuss it further without the owner’s permission.
The community interest has continued, with various WSB’ers even sending us tips if they spotted someone working in the space. But every time we went over, either the worker(s) were gone, or (once) we found a worker who said they had no details to discuss since they were just there to work.
Then finally today, our postal-mail box yielded a letter, on letterhead for Saltoro in Greenwood. Ahead, the transcription:Read More
Even before marijuana legalization goes to voters in our state via Initiative 502 on the November 6th ballot, the City of Seattle is pursuing new rules regarding where marijuana could be grown, processed, and dispensed in the city. They’ve published the proposal and are taking comments through October 1st. Read on for a news release explaining the proposal:Read More
From West Seattleite Brandie Ahlgren, founder of CityDog Magazine, we get word today of the winner from CityDog’s recent Cover Model Search photo sessions at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor; here’s our August coverage): Penny the Dalmatian! She is now in the final running for a future cover spot on CityDog. Brandie also shares the link for photos of all the dogs photographed at Thriftway – see them here. If you didn’t make it to that session, CityDog invites you to their final two stops – at Fremont Oktoberfest and FidoFEST, both September 23rd (details here).
Two Morgan Junction development-related notes this morning:
(WSB photo from this past June)
SHORT STOP SITE: Though it’s still on the market as a “development site” – as first reported here in June – there’s a chance the Short Stop/cleaners property at 6311 California SW might be purchased by Seattle Parks. It’s immediately north of Morgan Junction Park, and the city had long been “looking to purchase property in the Morgan Junction Urban Village with funds allocated through the Neighborhood Park Acquisition program,” according to the Morgan Community Association. This Thursday (September 13), 6-8 pm, interested community members are welcome to join MoCA and Parks’ Chip Nevins for a meeting that’ll start in the back room of Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor; 6451 California SW) and head over to the site. MoCA’s announcement also notes that in case this purchase is made, “Input from neighbors is sought on what should be done with the property in between purchase and the actual development of the park space, which may be several years in the future.” (11:23 am P.S.: Parks confirms it’s in negotiations for the site.)
ANOTHER ‘ROW’ PROJECT: In July, we reported on two “row house” townhouse developments in the works in West Seattle, including Morgan 5 in Morgan Junction, at California/Myrtle. Those are being developed by Isola; now, JBC Real Estate has sent word of one in Morgan Junction for which they have just broken ground, right behind the McDonald’s at California/Holly. It’s a six-unit project called “Holly Row.” JBC’s Jon Coombes also has a 4-unit Alki project on the drawing board, at 60th and Stevens.
Welcome to what is, among other things, the first full week of the new school year. From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:
TONIGHT’S TRAFFIC ALERT: From our day-by-day/night-by-night list, another 9 pm-5 am closure of southbound 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct is on the schedule for tonight.
JACK BLOCK PARK CLOSURE: Participants in a law-enforcement conference are using the park today/tonight for a run and barbecue, as first reported here last week.
‘ONE HOUSE PER LOT’ RULE? This afternoon during their 2 pm meeting, City Councilmembers take up a proposal that would put an emergency moratorium on “incompatible buildings on undersized single-family … lots,” explained in this Seattle Times (WSB partner) report. Agenda here (with link to proposed ordinance).
PORTRAIT-DRAWING CLASS: With Jeanne Hedington at the Senior Center of West Seattle, 2:30 pm, first in a series – registration info is in the calendar listing.
IRISH DANCE CLASSES: New beginners’ series starting 4 pm Mondays at the West Seattle VFW Hall – info here.
DOGPADDLING – FOR DOGS: Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club opens its pool to dogs, 5-7 pm, first of six daily sessions before shutting the pool down for the year; details here.
GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL STARTS AT ALKI COMMUNITY CENTER: 5:30 pm, for girls 10-17 – details here.
NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: The NDNC invites you to its monthly meeting, 6:30 tonight at Delridge Library (Delridge/Brandon). Preview the agenda here.
NIGHTLIFE: Pub-quiz night at Shadowland, 8 pm … DJ Milky Burgess at West 5‘s weekly “Flat Earth Society” DJ session, 9 pm …
More on the calendar!
(WSB photo from September 2011)
Got a dog that loves to swim? Here’s her/his big chance! From Cori:
It is that time again, Arbor Heights Swim & Tennis club is closed for the season but before we go, we are opening the pool to dogs this week.
M-F 5-7 pm and Sat 10 am-1 pm
$10 donation to cover the cost of removing dog hair from the filter system, money left over goes to support teams. Also available for $20/dog – a pass that is good for the week.
Dogs must be healthy, up to date on vaccinations and very well socialized. Owners are responsible for their pet. Do not bring more dogs than you can control. Thank you!
Might still be cloudy today by swim time, but the rest of the week looks summery. AHSTC is at 11003 31st SW.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Today is the start of the first full week of classes at Westside School (WSB sponsor) under the leadership of new head of school Kate Mulligan.
In honor of her previous home and school in Hawaii, Mulligan was feted on the last day of the traditionally short first week with an island-themed assembly, featuring Sunshine From Polynesia:
The faculty got into the act too:
By the time Westside’s students walked in last Wednesday, Mulligan already had been on the job for two months. We talked with her before the year began.
For tonight and beyond, this week’s edition of the day-by-day/night-by-night traffic-alert list for routes to and from West Seattle, as taken from the most recent SDOT announcement and the newest WSDOT list:
SUNDAY 9/9 (tonight)
*Alaskan Way Viaduct/99 – Southbound lanes closed till 5 am Monday, between Battery Street Tunnel and West Seattle Bridge
MONDAY 9/10
*Alaskan Way Viaduct/99 – Southbound lanes closed 9 pm Monday to 5 am Tuesday, between Battery Street Tunnel and West Seattle Bridge
*Spokane Street Viaduct – From SDOT: “Two westbound lanes of the Spokane Street Viaduct will be closed … between I-5 and SR 99 from 11 pm-5 am … The northbound I-5 off-ramp and the Columbian (Way) ramp to westbound Spokane Street Viaduct will also both be closed.”
TUESDAY 9/11
*Alaskan Way Viaduct/99 – Southbound lanes closed 9 pm Tuesday to 5 am Wednesday, between Battery Street Tunnel and West Seattle Bridge
*Spokane Street Viaduct – From SDOT: “Two westbound lanes of the Spokane Street Viaduct will be closed … between I-5 and SR 99 from 11 pm-5 am … The northbound I-5 off-ramp and the Columbian (Way) ramp to westbound Spokane Street Viaduct will also both be closed.”
WEDNESDAY 9/12
*Alaskan Way Viaduct/99 – Southbound lanes closed 9 pm Wednesday to 5 am Thursday, between Battery Street Tunnel and West Seattle Bridge
*Spokane Street Viaduct – From SDOT: “The eastbound lanes of the Spokane Street Viaduct will be closed each night at the off-ramp to northbound SR99 … 10 pm-5 am. Traffic on the West Seattle Bridge will be detoured to northbound SR99. Traffic wishing to continue further east will be diverted to the lower Spokane roadway in West Seattle.”
THURSDAY 9/13
*Alaskan Way Viaduct/99 – Southbound lanes closed 9 pm Thursday to 5 am Friday
*Spokane Street Viaduct – From SDOT: “The eastbound lanes of the Spokane Street Viaduct will be closed each night at the off-ramp to northbound SR99 … 10 pm-5 am. Traffic on the West Seattle Bridge will be detoured to northbound SR99. Traffic wishing to continue further east will be diverted to the lower Spokane roadway in West Seattle.”
FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY 9/14-9/16
*Alaskan Way Viaduct/99 – (Monday update) 11 pm Friday-5 am Monday, “Northbound SR 99 will be closed between South Royal Brougham Way and the West Seattle Bridge” per WSDOT.
*Spokane Street Viaduct – Aside from ongoing 1st Avenue S. exit closure (it’s reopening Wednesday morning 9/19), nothing scheduled
*NON-HIGHWAY NOTE: California SW and Alaska SW will be closed in the heart of The Junction all day Sunday for the West Seattle Junction Car Show – see you there!
| 58 COMMENTS