West Seattle, Washington
11 Monday
7:41 PM: 54 customers (households, since it’s in a residential area) in Gatewood are out of power right now, according to the Seattle City Light outage map (screengrab above). It’s currently estimating restoration around 10:30 tonight, but take note, that’s usually more guesstimate than estimate. The map lists “bird/animal” as the cause.
1:23 AM: City Light’s map shows the outage is over.
(7:24 PM UPDATE: Southbound 99 has reopened)
There is an incident blocking all lanes of East Marginal Way SB just south of Spokane St. Use Alt routes pic.twitter.com/ivmFKEWfY9
— seattledot (@seattledot) June 10, 2014
(Above, SDOT tweet with traffic-cam screen grab shortly after crash happened)
ORIGINAL REPORT, 3:16 PM: Southbound 99 is closed most of the way from downtown southward because of a crash that happened south of West Seattle. With commute time approaching, we’ll be tracking this. The crash was at East Marginal/S. Nevada (map); the detours on SB 99 are just north of the southbound Battery Street Tunnel, and again at Atlantic in the stadium zone (for people who get onto 99 from Western). SFD says three people were hurt – one critically, one seriously, one less seriously. More to come.
ADDED 3:33 PM: The southbound alternate routes will be slow going too – here’s the “live” camera looking at 1st Avenue South in SODO:
Here’s a SODO view of 4th Avenue:
3:44 PM: SPD tweets that this will be a factor throughout the evening commute:
Marginal Wy south bound will remain closed around the collision for approximately 3 hours. Use other routes to enter/exit town.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) June 10, 2014
Metro says, “Routes 21 Express, 55, 56, 57, 113, 120, 121, 122, 123, 125 and the RapidRide C Line (are) currently rerouted off of the southbound Alaskan Way Viaduct and not serving the stop on westbound Columbia St at 2nd Av. Use the temporary stop southbound on 3rd Av just north of Columbia St, until further notice.”
4:39 PM: Check the comments for updates from people on buses, etc. One thing also comes to mind if you are pondering an alternate route – If you can get to Beacon Hill, you can get to the West Seattle Bridge that way, too.
5:19 PM: And of course there’s the West Seattle Water Taxi from Pier 50 downtown. After a question via text (206-293-6302 any time), we asked on Twitter, and the county Transportation Department replied that there’s still plenty of room. Meantime, SPD says the closure could go as late as 7 pm.
5:46 PM: Here’s the closest camera to the crash scene:
Also keep in mind that it’s the Mariners vs. the Yankees at Safeco Field at 7 pm tonight, so the south side of downtown was going to be busy even before all this.
6:34 PM: No update yet – as you can see on the camera just above, the crash scene has not yet been cleared.
7:10 PM: It’s almost ready to reopen, says SDOT:
The incident on E Marginal Way s/o S Spokane St has cleared. SPD getting ready to clear traffic.
— seattledot (@seattledot) June 11, 2014
7:24 PM: The cameras show southbound 99 is open again – here for example is the view from the north end of the remaining elevated Viaduct:
Thanks to everyone for sharing information these past few hours!
Last year, the signal boxes – this year, the retaining wall. The newest newsletter from Youngstown Cultural Arts Center notes that the arrival of summer means a new public-art project involving local youth in the Work Readiness Arts Program, which last year resulted in colorful sea-life designs on otherwise drab and vandal-targeted signal boxes (see video above):
This year, volunteers and students will work with artists Louis Chinn and Tess Gamez to design and paint the 210-foot retaining wall across from the Delridge Skatepark, adding depth, color and art along the busy thoroughfare. The goal is to create a mural that honors the rich history of the Delridge area, and celebrates the bright future being created as a community.
Youngstown has launched an online survey asking for suggested themes and elements for the mural – you can share your ideas here.
(Iris, photographed by “old desolate,” shared via WSB Flickr pool)
Last big night of neighborhood meetings before many groups take summer breaks. So go get involved! Three meetings – including one for ALL of West Seattle – are part of our highlights list for the rest of today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FABIO AT METROPOLITAN MARKET: He’s back! A year and a half after his last visit, model turned nutrition guru Fabio is at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) in Admiral this afternoon, 3-7 pm. (42nd/41st/Admiral)
SENDOFF FOR ARBOR HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY: Tonight, 6-8 pm, you’re invited to the goodbye party at soon-to-be-demolished-and-replaced Arbor Heights Elementary School, as previewed here. (3701 SW 104th)
STORYTELLING: Storytellers’ workshop and open-microphone event at Chaco Canyon Organic Café, starting at 6 pm – details in our listing. (38th/Alaska)
WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: So, what about Bertha? The rest of 99? Washington State Ferries? Other state transportation facilities/projects affecting our area? WSDOT secretary Lynn Peterson is tonight’s guest, as previewed on the WSTC website. 6:30 pm, Neighborhood House’s High Point Center. (6400 Sylvan Way)
ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: 7 pm, The Sanctuary at Admiral. Summer events are in tonight’s spotlight – including the Summer Concerts at Hiawatha plan (presented by ANA, co-sponsored again this year by WSB) and the 4th of July Kids’ Parade (here’s our update from last weekend). All welcome. (42nd/Lander)
FREE COMMUNITY/NEIGHBORHOOD LEGAL CLINIC: Appointments start at 7 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) – see our calendar listing for info on how to make one. (California/Oregon)
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, with the announced agenda for FCA including “discussion of boats at Cove Park, an upcoming community survey, lifetime FCA memberships, the handrail at Fauntleroy School, motorcycle noise, the Fauntleroy Food Fest, abandoned City Light substations, and traffic issues.” (9131 California SW)
P.S. As always, you’ll find even more, including nightlife listings, if you take a quick look at the calendar.
P.P.S., 12:46 PM: Added:
The South Seattle College Culinary Council is excited to announce our inaugural Pop-up Restaurant Fundraiser! All proceeds will go toward improving and benefiting South’s Culinary Program.
The featured guest chef for this special evening will be Executive Chef Brandon LaVielle of Emerald Cove Catering. Brandon is a graduate of the SSCC Culinary Program and has over 10 years of industry experience. Brandon has created an amazing menu featuring fresh and local ingredients. We have also collaborated with the Northwest Wine Academy to offer complimentary tastings from wines they will be presenting at the NWWA Annual Spring Release on June 12-14, 2014. Come join us for an incredible evening of food, wine, and networking benefiting a great cause!
WHEN:Tuesday, June 10, 6:30 pm
WHERE:Alhadeff Grill, South Seattle College, 6000 16th Avenue SWCAPACITY:We are limiting the number of guests to the first 30 who RSVP.
PRICE:$50.00
RSVP REQUIRED: Go here
Melodie VanHouten and her team at HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) in The Junction are hosting WestSide Baby‘s “Stuff the Bus” event this summer (Sunday, July 20th) but you don’t have to wait that long to donate diapers for WS Baby – the need is great year-round, and they’re accepting diaper donations at the branch right now. Drop ’em off Mondays-Saturdays at 41st/Alaska.
P.S. According to the WS Baby online wish list, newborn-size diapers and pullups 3T-4T and 4T-5T are what they need most right now.
Just in from SDOT:
Crews from the Seattle Department of Transportation will work today through Thursday on seasonal maintenance of landscaping under the Southwest Spokane Street Bridge (the lower, swing bridge to West Seattle) along the bike trail. Bicyclists will be required to dismount and walk through areas where the crews are working.
Tomorrow, June 11, crews plan to close one lane on Klickitat Avenue Southwest which provides access to Harbor Island. The closure will allow landscape crews to work safely in roadway medians.
Friends and family of Joe Ceccarelli will gather this Saturday to remember him. They’re sharing this announcement to invite all those who knew him to be there:
Joseph A. Ceccarelli, longtime resident of West Seattle, died unexpectedly of pneumonia on May 7, 2014, at the age of 50. Joe had many friends in the community and will be missed. There will be a memorial service at Arbor Heights Community Church (10213 41st Ave SW) on Saturday, June 14th, at 2 pm.
(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
(L-R, Raegan Jarvis, LaVera Shields, WSHS music director Ethan Thomas, Chris Newcombe)
Thanks to Elizabeth Shields for sharing the news (and photo):
Congratulations to West Seattle High School sophomores LaVera Shields and Raegan Jarvis, recipients of the Newcombe Foundation Instrument Grant.
The Newcombe Foundation believes every child should have the ability to learn how to play a musical instrument as a tool to foster creativity and extended learning. Chris Newcombe, founder of the Newcombe Foundation, believes the Instrument Grant allows students to benefit from the many intellectual, social, and educational advantages that a background in the arts can provide for them. LaVera Shields is the recipient of a new trumpet and Raegan Jarvis is the recipient of a new viola. Both girls were very excited and honored to receive the brand-new instruments. They are looking forward to playing their new instruments in the upcoming WSHS Band spring concerts at 7:00 p.m. June 11, 2014.
That’s tomorrow! P.S. Read more about Chris Newcombe (a student himself!) and his foundation here.
(FOR COVERAGE OF THE P.M. SOUTHBOUND HIGHWAY 99 CLOSURE, PLEASE GO HERE)
(WS Bridge and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
So far this morning, the trouble appears to be outside the city – nothing in the way of your in-city commute.
In transportation news, Mike Lindblom at The Seattle Times (WSB partner) follows up on the County Council’s showdown over putting later rounds of Metro cuts on hold. The 5-4 vote delaying or potentially canceling the second through fourth rounds of cuts drew County Executive Dow Constantine‘s first-ever veto almost immediately. Here’s the story. (The deepest West Seattle cuts, deleting four routes, are in the fourth round, originally scheduled for September 2015.)
Congratulations to the West Seattle Girls’ Softball 15U champs, the Cheetahs, who won the division championship last night at Fairmount Playfield, 8-6 over the Tamales. Above, Cheetahs catcher Caitlin crossing home plate; below, that’s Tamales player Sofia (left) waiting to high-five Jaeley as she comes in.
Cheetahs pitcher Kaley:
And Tamales pitcher Erin:
The WSGS league includes some Vashon Island players, and we’re told a group came over from Vashon to see the game. While the WSGS season, which starts in April, is ending this month, registration will start up again early next year for girls 8 through 15 – keep an eye on WestSeattleGirlsSoftball.com. (Thanks to Juan Hernandez for the tip about the big game!)
The City Council approved it, the mayor signed it, but the minimum-wage-raising plan isn’t a done deal yet, with counterproposals aiming at the ballot and at least one opponent aiming for court. It’s the big topic at this Wednesday’s monthly meeting of the 34th District Democrats, with Councilmember Kshama Sawant among the guests. Also on the agenda, another big issue: Gun laws, and whether to endorse the background-check ballot measure, Initiative 594. See the rest of the agenda here; all are welcome at the meeting (though only members can vote), 7 pm Wednesday (June 11th), The Hall at Fauntleroy.
After mentioning the Emmy Award won by “Diver Laura” James, we learned another West Seattleite was a winner at Saturday night’s Northwest Emmys event: Double congratulations go to two-Emmy-winner Brian Callanan from Seattle Channel, one for his program-hosting work there, one for Interactivity as part of the team for a SC show about the income-inequality issue (in which he says participants included Jack Miller from Husky Deli). The full list of Saturday night’s winners is here.
Just announced, with one month (plus two days) to go – the West Seattle Summer Fest 2014 music lineup! Here’s the full news release:
Mid-July in The Junction can only mean one thing — it’s time to close the streets for a weekend-long celebration that puts all other Seattle neighborhood parties to shame. West Seattle Summer Fest is pleased to announce The Helio Sequence and The Moondoggies as the headlining musical performances for this year’s festival, taking place Friday, July 11 through Sunday, July 13 at the junction of California Avenue SW and SW Alaska Street.
Now in its 32nd year, the sidewalk-sale-turned-family-friendly-fest features a diverse musical lineup booked by Cellar Door Management (Shadowland’s Ben Jenkins and Troy Nelson from The Young Evils/KEXP).
In addition to The Helio Sequence and The Moondoggies, this year’s performers include local veterans Carrie Akre and Stag, hearth music combo Squirrel Butter, the mid-century instrumental pop of Rat City Brass, and hard-hitting rock and rollers Hobosexual, Dude York and the Spinning Whips, and the other-worldly synth sounds of Vox Mod.
FRIDAY
1:00 PM – Squirrel Butter
2:00 PM – Rat City Brass
3:00 PM – Sweet Jesus
4:00 PM – Killer Ghost
5:00 PM – Magic Mirrors
6:00 PM – Country Lips
7:00 PM – Hobosexual
8:00 PM – Yada Yada Blues Band
SATURDAY
12:00 PM – Two Story Zori
1:00 PM – Sundae + Mr. Goessel
2:00 PM – Fysah and the Soul Acoustic
3:00 PM – Vaudeville Etiquette
4:00 PM – Charms
5:00 PM – The Fabulous Downey Brothers
6:00 PM – Spinning Whips
7:00 PM – Dude York
7:40 PM – Vox Mod
8:00 PM – The Moondoggies
9:00 PM – Vox Mod
9:30 PM – The Helio Sequence
SUNDAY
2:00 PM – Carrie Akre
3:00 PM – Stag
4:00 PM – The Darci Carlson Band
5:00 PM – The Foghorns
6:00 PM – Billy Dwayne and the Creepers
Summer Fest is presented by the West Seattle Junction Association. WSB is proud to be among the co-sponsors again this year.
After three years, the Irish pub/restaurant mini-chain A Terrible Beauty has closed its West Seattle location at California/Edmunds.
When it opened in spring 2011, it was the second location, following the original A Terrible Beauty in Renton; it was later followed by a Lake Union ATB, and its owners recently announced they are adding a new brand in the same Lake Union building, The Big Country Lakeside Saloon and Kitchen. ATB’s website no longer mentions the West Seattle location, and the WS Facebook page appears to have been deleted; when we looked at it over the weekend, checking out the first reader tip that closure was looming, we noted a mention that ATB-WS had recently cut back on weekday hours, saying that nearby construction was affecting business. The closure was confirmed by someone who came to the door at the shuttered restaurant a short time ago, though he declined further comment.
ATB lasted longer in the corner space than its predecessors Table 35 (10 months) and Ama Ama (21 months). What’s next? We’ll be working to find out.
Today we welcome one of our newest WSB sponsors, Greenbridge Café, now open for breakfast and lunch 6 days a week. New sponsors get the chance to tell you about themselves, and here’s what the café would like you to know:
Greenbridge Café is owned and operated by Chef Blanca Rodriguez (formerly with the Nordstrom Cafés and current owner of Pimienta Bar & Grill in Federal Way.
Greenbridge Café is a neighborhood gem using fresh, local ingredients for its delicious selection of gourmet sandwiches and soups. They have a wonderful assortment of hot foods, fresh-baked goods, and coffee or tea for breakfast. Lunches include an assortment of fresh gourmet sandwiches on assorted rustic, artisan breads and soups all made with local Northwest ingredients. (See the menu by going here.)
The Greenbridge Café philosophy is to support the community by providing a warm and friendly atmosphere for our customers. This is the perfect place to get out of the office for lunch with your peers or stop in for some delicious food and catch up with a good friend. Have a business meeting or celebration? Let us know and we’ll reserve seating for you.
Please stop by! We look forward to serving you! Current hours are 8 am-4 pm Mondays-Fridays and 10 am-4 pm Saturdays, at 9901 8th Avenue SW – 206-762-3447.
We thank Greenbridge Café 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.
2:09 PM: If you’re noticing a heavy police presence in Highland Park right now, here’s what’s going on (per scanner, though we have a crew arriving in the area): A car reported as stolen crashed through a fence on 11th SW; at least one person ran from the car and was caught by a citizen on 12th SW. Some confusion over the latter location ensued, briefly, but has been resolved.
2:31 PM UPDATE: Adding photo of the crashed car – which, from the plate and appearance, is this one tweeted by SPD just this morning:
DARK BLUE 1994 HONDA ACCORD STATION WAGON, APJ4280 WA ***DO NOT MAKE CONTACT CALL 911***
— Seattle Police (@getyourcarback) June 9, 2014
(No word so far whether it was stolen in WS or elsewhere.)
The suspect was taken to the Southwest Precinct.
We start this round of West Seattle Crime Watch reports with details on a daytime strong-arm robbery last Thursday in the 5200 block of Jacobsen (map). uphill from Beach Drive. Ashley writes:
I have been out of town and while I was gone my housesitter and best friend was walking up Jacobsen and was assaulted.
It was Thursday at 4:30 pm and there were plenty of people around. The car drove by her, and she noticed the girls looking at her. Then they pulled over (which she didn’t notice because she had headphones in). Then one of them grabbed her hand that her phone was in and stole her phone while another one pulled her back by her hair. She tried to fight for her phone and in the struggle she was pretty scratched up.
Then the girls drove away quickly and a few people that were nearby helped my friend by letting her use their phone to call the police, and walking her home.
Ashley says her friend described the car as a tan mid-’90s Pathfinder and got its plate number (starting with AHN). We are checking with police to see if that led them to any suspects.
Ahead: Quick notes on two car thefts, two cases involving lawn mowers, and what we have learned about a weekend Junction incident that several people asked about:
Some site-clearing work is under way today at 4515 41st SW, the official address of three lots proposed for a memory-care facility (last updated here in November), and that led us to check the online files for new information. Indeed, new details are available: The project team, led by Nicholson Kovalchick Architects, has told the city that they’re planning a four-story building with 48 units for 66 residents and 15 underground parking spaces, to be accessible from 41st SW, since the alley to the east is 20 feet higher than the street. The city has told them that the project will require Design Review (no meeting on the schedule yet) and will have to follow the West Seattle design guidelines put into place by the city last December. It’s in a “lowrise” zone but won’t be affected by the future “lowrise code corrections,” which haven’t been finalized yet. Living Care Lifestyles‘ sign is still up at the site, though its website doesn’t mention this project yet.
Want the West Seattle world to see your dynamic dog, majestic mutt, precious pooch, clever canine (we could go one) … ? The Morgan Junction Community Festival (co-sponsored by WSB) on June 21st is the place – because the “Bark of Morgan” dog show and parade is back:
The Morgan Community Association (MoCA) is pleased to announce the return of the “Bark of Morgan” Dog Show at the Morgan Junction Community Festival, set for June 21, 2014.
Leashed dogs and their humans are invited to join in the Pooch Parade and enter up to two of the Dog Contests.
Pooch Parade: To participate in the Pooch Parade, dogs with their humans must line up in the Morgan Junction Park (located at the corner of California Ave SW and SW Eddy Street) by 2:00 pm. We’ll parade through the Morgan Junction Community Festival grounds to the Beveridge Place Pub Main Stage. Costumes are optional.
Dog Contests: At the end of the parade, dog contests will begin at the Beveridge Place Pub Main Stage. Starting at 2:30 pm, the “Bark of Morgan” Master of Ceremonies will announce each contest, and will select the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners based on audience applause. The contests are:
1) Best Voice – Does your dog have that special howl, bark or musical number? Then we want to hear it.
2) Best Dog/Human Look-Alike – Do you and your pooch look similar? Do you dress alike? Well??
3) Smallest Dog – Can your dog fit inside a purse? You may have this contest in the bag!
4) Best Dog Trick – Before you and your dog head off to ‘ America ’s Got Talent,’ here’s the chance to show off your tricks….
The festival is happening in and around Morgan Junction Park on Saturday, June 21st – see the schedule here, and if you can spare some volunteer time, that info is here.
(Osprey and snack/meal, photographed by Chris Frankovich; click image to see larger view)
Happy Monday! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
OUTDOOR-MEETING SEASON OPENER: The North Delridge Neighborhood Council started having its summertime meetings outdoors a few years ago, and that’s why you’ll find NDNC at Cottage Grove Park tonight at 6:30, as previewed here. (26th/Brandon)
GOT FOOD? West Seattle Food Bank has a request (via Facebook):
We’re really getting low on canned goods for our Home Delivery Program. We deliver 170 grocery bags weekly to homebound elderly and disabled. If you wish to donate canned food (tuna, soups, canned fruit & vegetables, beans, etc.) please drop off at the food bank, Monday – Friday 9 am – 3 pm.
(35th/Morgan)
EVENING BOOK GROUPS: Two monthly book groups – no previous membership needed! – meet at local libraries tonight at 6:45 pm – at Southwest Branch Library, “The Condition” is this month’s book, group info here; at West Seattle Branch Library, “A Gate at the Stairs” is this month’s book, group info here.
ST. PETERSBURG MEN’S ENSEMBLE: From Russia, with music! This highly regarded group is performing sacred and traditional vocal music at 7 pm at Peace Lutheran Church in Gatewood; free-will offering. (39th/Thistle)
NIGHTLIFE! Tonight’s highlights include trivia/pub quiz at multiple locations – see the listings on our calendar.
Big week for soccer, as the World Cup starts Thursday. For local high-school-soccer athletes, the season has ended, but there’s a postscript: Congratulations to the local high-school-soccer players who made the Metro all-conference list this year! The Chief Sealth International High School and West Seattle High School athletes on the list are:
All-Metro Sound Division
FIRST TEAM
M Devin Offord, Sr., Chief Sealth
M Yael Pina, Jr., Chief Sealth
D Lorenzo Waller, Jr., Chief Sealth
GK Sam Orlin, Jr., Chief SealthSECOND TEAM
F Justin Alvarez, Jr., Chief Sealth
F Alazar Gilay, Sr., West Seattle
M Max Sadow, Jr., West Seattle
D Joseph Wally, So., Chief Sealth
D Brian McMonigle, So., West Seattle
D Cole Nofsinger, So., West Seattle
D Riley Germundson, So., Chief Sealth
GK Akil Kasin, Fr., West Seattle.HONORABLE MENTION
Chief Sealth — Daniel Herrera, Carlos Cardoza
West Seattle — Logan Schiller, Conner Elder, Thomas Mensing, Carter Mensing, Johnston Means
(Thanks to Tim McMonigle for sharing the list – see the full conference list on SeattleTimes.com.)
(WS Bridge and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
No problems reported so far, but there’s some rain around the region slowing traffic a bit.
NOTES: Remember that Metro’s June “service change” took effect on Saturday, and that brought some afternoon changes to Route 21. Also re: Metro, today the County Council takes up potential changes to the service-cuts plan, as explained in this Seattle Times (WSB partner) report. … If you drive Highway 99, you’ll notice the southbound lanes’ new configuration south of the elevated section, the result of this past weekend’s closure; a northbound closure is scheduled for the weekend after next. And if you have questions about 99 or other state projects, come to the West Seattle Transportation Coalition‘s meeting tomorrow (Tuesday, June 10th, 6:30 pm, Neighborhood House’s High Point Center) to hear from state Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson.
9:18 AM: If you’re a late-morning commuter and use northbound I-5, emergency crews have been handling a crash in the Ship Canal Bridge/45th vicinity for about 20 minutes now, and it’s closed a couple lanes.
The photo’s from Don Brubeck, president of West Seattle Bike Connections, which mustered more than half a dozen volunteers this weekend to “widen” the bike trail this along Spokane St. east of Avalon/Harbor by cutting back blackberry tangles and other weeds. If you commute by bike, you’ll see their work tomorrow.
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