West Seattle, Washington
07 Tuesday
Thanks to Kevin Freitas for the photo and to everyone who messaged about a big emergency response at Terminal 5. We missed hearing the dispatch so inquired with SFD – spokesperson David Cuerpo replied:
Firefighters responded … for a loaded excavator that tipped over on a dock, partially landing in the water (the stick/bucket part of the excavator). The driver of the excavator was able to self-extricate prior to SFD arrival (the driver never fell in water), and was transported in stable condition via AMR to Harborview. He is an approx. 60-year-old male. When the excavator tipped over, an adult male on a nearby vessel fell in the water, and was able to exit on his own. He is wet, but uninjured. Rescue boat 5 and Fireboat 2 were taking turns in managing traffic in the waterway…
(WSB photos)
Thanks to the texter who sent word that the Vietnamese restaurant Hoang Kim (9418 Delridge Way SW) has closed. We went over for a look – here’s the note on the window:
Hoang Kim had been there for about two years, taking over what had been 88 Restarant. In a social media post about its closure, Hoang Kim said, “Hope to see you all again at a new better location!”
Three West Seattle Crime Watch reports:
ANOTHER AUDI THEFT: Audis seem to be a favorite target of local car thieves lately. From Derek:
Our car was stolen late evening the 2nd or early morning the 3rd, before 4:00 am.
1985 Audi 4000S quattro. Blue with gray/black interior. Dents and dings on every panel. Washington plate AFV7909. Taken from the 6500 block of 18th Ave SW. Police incident number 2020-002643.
APARTMENT-GARAGE CAR PROWLS: An anonymous reader sent word that the “Junction 47 apartments on the corner of Alaska and California has had three mass car break-ins in the secure garage in the last two months, two of which involved vandalism of and theft from the cars (smashed windows and stolen items).” The most recent, police confirm, was overnight New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day, with three vehicles prowled. Incident # 2020-000414.
ALKI CAR PROWL: The image and report are from Allen, who says this happened in the 3600 block of 61st SW:
12/31/2019 @ 8:16 am. Man in 20s. Dark jacket, hoody underneath. small backpack and white tennis shoes with reflectors above heel area and zig-zag black manufacture markings on side of shoes. Entered unlocked car in carport stole tire chains and misc. items after getting in thru backseat to trunk. Left carrying dark bag containing chains south on 61st Ave. SW. @ 8:19 am. Police report: T19014832 [temporary tracking #] if you can help identify thief.
Thanks to Anne from longtime WSB sponsor Ventana Construction for the lovely view of Lincoln Park on this partly sunny Friday morning. Four highlights for the hours ahead:
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is a great place to visit on the last day of winter break. Regular hours are noon-4 pm Thursdays-Sundays. (61st/Stevens)
BASKETBALL: Big night for high-school home games. Chief Sealth International High School hosts Lakeside, girls’ varsity at 7, boys at 8:30 (2600 SW Thistle); West Seattle High School hosts Garfield, girls’ varsity at 7, boys at 8:30. (3000 California SW)
SIGGIE THE VINTAGE MAN: CD-release show at Pacific Room (WSB sponsor) on Alki, 8 pm. Cover info here. (2808 Alki SW)
VIDEO PREMIERE PARTY: 8 pm at The Skylark, “The Light” video premiere from Jim Marcotte Music, along with performances from his band, Xolie Morra & The Strangekind, and Jesse Gallaway. $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
10:38 AM: Thanks to Mike Monteleone for the photo! Those Seattle City Light crews are working “in alley between 35th and 36th near Fauntleroy.” That’s the trouble spot that took out traffic signals and eventually 282 residential and business customers nearby. We’d been covering it in this morning’s traffic watch, but since the commute’s over, we’re publishing this followup, where we’ll add any updates, including the restoration of power.
10:44 AM: Moments after we published this, Kathy told us the power had just come back on. We had a crew on the way to check 35th/Avalon anyway – and they’ve just verified it’s all restored.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)
5:36 AM: Good morning. Starting early after multiple reports that the signal at 35th/Fauntleroy is out; one report says a power line’s down in a nearby alley. Remember that a broken signal = all-way stop!
5:40 AM: We also have an email report that 35th/Avalon, Fauntleroy/Avalon signals are out too.
5:54 AM: That report was from Kory, who says SPD is directing traffic at 35th/Fauntleroy.
6:07 AM: Seth says the signals are still out.
6:46 AM: Kory reports the outage has spread to nearby businesses including Alki Lumber, Taco Time, Starbucks. It’s showing on City Light’s map as well (but was not previously), with almost 300 customers out:
Per scanner, police are also directing traffic now at 35th/Avalon.
9:06 AM: Teo crash reports – west end of WB West Seattle Bridge and NB 1st Ave S Bridge.
10:50 AM: As we’ve updated in a separate story, the outage is over.
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(from original report) Meantime, today’s reminders/FYIs:
35TH/ALASKA INTERSECTION CLOSURE: SDOT says this will start at 9 am. The full detour plan is here. Bus changes are linked here. While the closure is scheduled to last until “early Monday,” as usual we’ll be checking Sunday for signs of early reopening and will update if that happens.
WATER TAXI CHANGE: Starting today, the smaller Spirit of Kingston will handle the West Seattle run on Friday mornings TFN.
IF YOU USE LIGHT RAIL … some changes start today.
Going back to before last year’s vote on the Seattle Public Library levy, much discussion focused on its inclusion of a plan to end overdue-material fines. That just kicked in, but it’s not the only change that’s taking effect. From the library’s announcement:
… The Library continues to urge residents to return their library items. It will send reminders via email, text and phone. Patrons will receive notices to remind them when materials are due, as well as when they are past due. Patrons will still be responsible for paying replacement fees for lost or damaged items. Outstanding fees for lost and damaged items will not be waived. …
As part of the new policy:
· Patrons will now be able to renew items up to three times if no one else is waiting for them
· The Library will change its notification schedule to help borrowers remember to return their items, and patrons can now sign up for text-message reminders
· Patrons who do not return an item within 14 days after it’s due will have their Library account suspended until they’ve returned the item or paid the replacement fee
· The Library will consider an item lost if it is not returned after 31 days past its due date, and a replacement fee will be added to the account
· Patrons can find details on the new policies at spl.org/NoLateFines
The change means the reinstatement of about 51,000 accounts, SPL says. Meantime, the levy also is adding hours of operation, starting this Sunday, when all branches will open an hour earlier, noon instead of 1 pm. Delridge Library also soon will be open on Fridays because of levy funding, which is expanding hours at High Point and South Park too.
9:32 PM: In case you wondered about the sirens too: A mid-size Seattle Fire response has arrived in the 2200 block of Sunset Avenue, checking out smoke inside the house. So far, radio exchanges indicate, they’re focusing on a “malfunctioning heater” as the likely source.
9:36 PM: The response is being downsized.
9:54 PM: The last unit has left and the call is closed.
David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network sent the photo and an update on the most-recent dead sea lion found on the West Seattle shore:
Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network would like to thank those of you who have been contacting our Hotline and reporting on the most recent dead California sea lion to wash ashore in West Seattle. Our volunteers have been keeping track of its location since it was first reported much farther south on private property along Beach Drive on Christmas Day. After a brief stop at the Emma Schmitz Overlook, the carcass is now on the beach at Constellation Park. Seal Sitters has posted an informational sign at the site.
Removal is not a simple process. Seal Sitters has been coordinating with Seattle Parks, SR3 and NOAA on the best way to deal with the situation. Burial on site is not an option, and towing offshore and sinking requires a permit from the Environmental Protection Agency. We have the beginnings of a plan in place which would include an examination and the taking of samples by Casey Mclean of SR3. Seattle Parks & Recreation will be handling the final disposal.
Reports that the animal has been shot are not confirmed at this time. Until a limited necropsy has been performed, there is no sure way of determining cause of death, much less if it was due to shooting. That said, any time a robust sea lion shows up dead, there is suspicion the animal has been possibly shot.
Once again, thanks and be sure to report any new sightings of a marine mammal, alive or dead, on West Seattle beaches to Seal Sitters Hotline (206-905-7325)
When the Seattle City Council starts its year next Monday, they’ll take care of some internal business, from swearing-in ceremonies to new committee assignments. That means some changes in committee names, too. The new lineup – barring any last-minute changes before a vote on Monday – is here (along with a description of each committee’s responsibilities).
District 1 (West Seattle/South Park) Councilmember Lisa Herbold, about to start her second 4-year term, has a big change – she’ll chair the Public Safety and Human Services Committee. She’ll be vice chair of the Finance and Housing Committee, chaired by Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda. Herbold will also be a member of the Transportation and Utilities Committee, chaired by new Councilmember Alex Pedersen, and of the Public Assets and Native Communities Committee, chaired by re-elected Councilmember Debora Juarez, as well as serving as an alternate member of the Community Economic Development Committee, chaired by new Councilmember Tammy Morales. (The other three committees are Governance and Education, chaired by Councilmember Lorena González; Land Use and Neighborhoods, chaired by new Councilmember Dan Strauss; and Sustainability and Renters’ Rights, chaired by re-elected Councilmember Kshama Sawant.) Also of note: That’s one fewer committee than the current lineup. This will all get finalized – plus, the council will choose its new president – 2 pm Monday at City Hall downtown.
(Spirit of Kingston – WSB file photo)
For the rest of the winter, the King County Water Taxi‘s backup boat Spirit of Kingston will have a regular spot – Friday mornings on the West Seattle route. KCDOT spokesperson Torie Rynning tells WSB that this starts tomorrow, January 3rd. The regular West Seattle boat, Doc Maynard, will in turn handle the Vashon run on Friday mornings. Rynning cites three reasons for the change:
*Allows the Spirit of Kingston to not sit idle
*Doc Maynard can “get some exercise” on the longer trip to Vashon
*More routine maintenance can be conducted on the Sally Fox
SoK has a little more than half the DM’s passenger capacity, and a lower bicycle capacity too. The 7-day-a-week spring/summer schedule starts March 23rd on the West Seattle run; Vashon service is 5 days a week year-round. (Update: Rynning adds that this might continue past the start of the 7-day schedule.)
Now that we’ve turned the corner into a new year, baseball season is in view! Registration just opened for West Seattle Baseball – here’s the announcement:
Please head to the homepage of our website (westseattlebaseball.com) and click on the big registration banner to register. If you have questions that are not answered by the FAQs and matrix on the home page, please contact our Registrar (lisa.lou.smith@gmail.com).
Registration is open until the middle of February, but the cost goes up $10 on February 1, so don’t delay!
12:41 PM: We confirmed this on Tuesday but in case you were in pre-holiday checkout mode, here’s the full SDOT plan for the second 35th/Alaska intersection closure, starting tomorrow (Friday, January 3rd) morning at 9:
The second closure is scheduled for this weekend from Friday, January 3 at 9 AM to early on Monday, January 6:
*This intersection closure is scheduled to begin at 9 AM to minimize night work noise for near neighbors as we demolish, excavate, and rebuild the road
*We will have a noise variance to complete this work in time to reopen the intersection on Monday morning; you can expect the loudest work around 6 AM on Saturday morning as crews form concrete for the new intersection
*We will send an update once we have scheduled the third intersection closure
To rebuild the concrete roadway, we will be closing the intersection of 35th Ave SW and SW Alaska St for up to 3 weekends. We plan to do this work over the weekend to minimize noise and traffic impacts as much as possible. Please note that this work is highly weather dependent and is subject to change if weather is wetter or colder than anticipated.
During these closures, please use the recommended posted detour (see map below) or alternative forms of transportation, and do not use side streets and residential streets to avoid the closures.
You can also expect:
*Coordination with King County Metro on bus stops and routes; check Metro Rider Alerts for the most up-to-date information
*Loud noise, dust and vibrations
*No parking signs at SW Snoqualmie St and 36th Ave SW to accommodate nearby businesses and local traffic
*35th Ave SW to be local access only from SW Edmunds St to SW Morgan St
*If you live on the east side of 35th Ave SW, you will only be able to turn left on to 35th Ave SW, south toward SW Morgan St
*If you live on the west side of 35th Ave SW, you will only be able to turn right on to 35th Ave SW, south toward SW Morgan St
*Uniformed police officers to be present to direct traffic
When the intersection of 35th Ave SW and SW Alaska St is closed, the following detours will be in place:
If you live off 35th Ave SW between SW Morgan St and SW Alaska St, please be patient as you approach our Uniformed Police Office at SW Morgan St. Inform them that you live in the area and they will allow local access to continue. We will be detouring all other traffic.
7:51 PM: Metro has JUST posted its reroutes online. They’re all linked here.
(Anna’s Hummingbird, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
As the world slowly revs back up post-holidays, here’s what’s on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for this afternoon/evening:
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is back on its regular schedule post-holidays, noon-4 pm Thursdays-Sundays. (61st/Stevens)
WEST SEATTLE TAE-KWON-DO CLUB: First class of 2020 at High Point Community Center, 6:20 pm. Ages 15 and up welcome; info in our calendar listing. (6920 34th SW)
TRIANGULAR JAZZTET: Live at Pacific Room (WSB sponsor) on Alki, 6-9 pm. No cover. All ages. (2808 Alki SW)
BILL DAVIE: Acoustic guitarist/vocalist live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. No cover. All ages. (5612 California SW)
GOT A SHOW/EVENT/CLASS/ETC. IN THE NEW YEAR? Send us the info as soon as you have it!
Charlotte emailed to report having seen someone vandalizing vehicles parked on 14th SW north of SW Roxbury – hitting them last night around 5:30 pm with some kind of object. She called police but the vandal ran off. She wrote, “Thought this would be helpful Information for people on that street as I saw their cars had dents where I saw the person hit them.” She went through the area again this morning and says some of those dents are clearly visible in doors.
Here’s one of your first chances for community involvement in the new year! The announcement:
The District 1 Community Network is a meeting open to all community groups and interested individuals who would like to work together on topics of interest within District 1.
Date: Wednesday, January 8
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center (4705 W Marginal Way SW)Featured topics:
Transportation Electrification discussion with Seattle City Light
Review results of D1CN’s community survey
Sneak peek of D1CN website
And more!
District 1 encompasses West Seattle and South Park.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)
7:17 AM: Good morning!
TRANSIT ALERTS: Just tweeted by Metro:
Transit Alert – Route 57 to downtown Seattle due to leave the Alaska Junction at 7:26 AM will not operate this morning.
— King County Metro 🏈🚏 🚌🚎⛴🚐 (@kcmetrobus) January 2, 2020
Transit Alert – Route 56 to downtown Seattle due to leave 61st Av SW & Alki Av SW at 7:16 AM will not operate this morning.
— King County Metro 🏈🚏 🚌🚎⛴🚐 (@kcmetrobus) January 2, 2020
REMINDER: SDOT plans to close the 35th/Alaska intersection this weekend, starting at 9 am Friday.
(WSB photo of project site, September 2018)
Doing some followup work in city files, we discovered a West Seattle development site with a significant plan change since we last reported on it. In September 2018, we noted an early-stage proposal for 30 townhouses at 3101 SW Bradford [map], a site in the upper Luna Park area, bordering the West Seattle Bridge. The file shows a new site plan (PDF) submitted this past November, for an 8-story building with approximately 100 apartments. 55 offstreet-parking spaces for cars, 88 for bicycles. The architect of record on the site plan is Studio 19.
(WSB photos)
That Roxhill Park play-area swing set is damaged and taped off because of his crash. We got there just as the car was about to be towed away. Police tell us the driver went forward when she meant to go in reverse. No injuries reported.
We’ll be checking with Seattle Parks about repair plans.
4:03 PM: Multiple texts about a police response in The Junction this past half-hour, near California/Erskine. It was dispatched as an assault, a man beating a woman. We don’t know whether they were acquainted or strangers but the victim is being taken to the hospital and one suspect is in custody.
6:01 PM: SFD spokesperson Kristin Tinsley tells WSB that the victim they treated was actually “an approximately 38-year-old male who stepped in to try to stop an assault. He was stable and had plans to go to hospital in personal vehicle.”
ADDED MONDAY EVENING: The 39-year-old man arrested Wednesday remains in jail; bail was set today at $10,000
“What a great way to start the year!” That’s one of the comments we heard as people dried off and warmed up after this morning’s Alki Polar Bear Swim, which for most lasted less than a minute, as you can see in our two videos recorded at different spots along the beach. It was an occasion for much photography – before, after, during:
Then there was the matter of what you choose to wear into the water:
Organizer Mark Ufkes, as usual, sported a megaphone for the countdown:
Immediately afterward, the sun emerged, and snow-covered Olympics peaks did too:
Briefly outshining the sun, a Christmas-tree inferno in one of the fire pits:
The air and water temperature were about the same at swim time this year – 50 degrees.
P.S. If you’re looking for an excuse to go back into the water off Alki BEFORE the 2021 New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim, mark your calendar for the February 22 Special Olympics Polar Plunge fundraiser.
Tuesday, a WSB commenter posted a photo of The West Seattle Turkey, saying they had spotted it in the Springline garage in south Admiral. This morning, we got the photo above via email from a resident saying they too had seen it, plus another reader pointed out a social media post expressing concern The Turkey is “stuck” in that garage. We went over and looked at the ungated retail-visitor side of the garage, also peering into the gated residential side, no sign of it, but are hoping it is OK – let us know if you have updated info on its status.
(Reader photo from Bruce)
Good morning and welcome to 2020. Notes for the holiday:
TRANSPORTATION INFO:
*Metro is on the Sunday schedule
*No Water Taxi service
*Sound Transit light rail and buses on the Sunday schedule
*Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run is on its regular weekday schedule
*No charge for parking today on city streets in neighborhoods with pay stations
*Traffic cameras: West Seattle-relevant ones here; citywide views are available via this SDOT map
OTHER INFO:
*No trash/recycling/etc. pickup today – Wednesday pickups will happen Thursday; Thursday pickups on Friday, Friday pickups on Saturday
*Seattle Parks closures for today
*Seattle Public Libraries are closed today
*The Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center is closed today
*The Admiral Theater (2343 California SW) is open this afternoon/evening – schedule here
NO CLOSED/OPEN LIST
*We’ve found that far fewer businesses close New Year’s Day than Thanksgiving/Christmas.
EVENTS TODAY
*Alki Polar Bear Swim, 10 am on the beach at 58th SW – here’s the announcement
*5K/10K walk + special Nia class … see our Holiday Guide.
If you see/hear news, please text/call 206-293-6302 – we appreciate your tips 24/7/365 – this year 366!)
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