West Seattle, Washington
03 Friday
Right now the eastbound bridge looks more like morning-commute traffic than afternoon (non)traffic. Paul sent word there’s a 2-car crash at the southbound I-5 offramp; it’s not on the 911 log, but that likely just means no one was hurt. So if you have to head eastbound – try another way, or wait a while. The image above is the latest from the city’s bridge-cam, pointed east.
And now some quick updates, as the 7:30 pm shutdown, and start of south-end demolition, approach…
(Note: That’s the latest image from the NORTH end, not the end that’s coming down)
AND THE WINNERS ARE ... WSDOT just announced that the Rat City Rollergirls and motorcycle stunt team Seattle Cossacks have won the contest to do something unusual with 30 minutes alone on the downtown section of The Viaduct tomorrow (that’s NOT the section being demolished). Meantime, everyone’s invited to the commemorative walk 9:30 am-12:30 pm Saturday, accessing The Viaduct from the construction area north of 1051 First Avenue South.
EXTRA WATER TAXI RUN TOMORROW NIGHT: For the big WSU game on Saturday, the West Seattle Water Taxi is adding an 11 pm run from downtown to WS (and then heading back from Seacrest to downtown at 11:10 pm before docking for the night).
NO FLASHING ‘VIADUCT CLOSED’ SIGNS: SDOT spokesperson Rick Sheridan just sent word of this:
SDOT will not be activating the flashing beacons on the “Alaskan Way Viaduct Closed – When Flashing” signs during the upcoming nine-day closure.
These beacons are battery powered and designed for short term use. A closure of this length would deplete the batteries after several days and, if the lights were not functioning, give the impression the viaduct was open.
We have both permanent and temporary dynamic message signs positioned near these beacon sites. Those dynamic reader boards will have accurate info about the viaduct’s status..
PORT TO PARTIALLY OPEN NEW TRAIN-TRACKS BYPASS: If you drive the West Seattle Bridge, you’ve seen this construction project under way off to the south side of the 99 exit for months. Just in time for the Viaduct closure, it’s being opened partway, says Port of Seattle spokesperson Charla Skaggs:
The Port of Seattle will open the south-bound portion of the East Marginal Way Grade Separation Project to ease congestion during the nine-day closure of the Alaskan Way Viaduct. This new connection will provide access to southbound SR-99 from both southbound East Marginal Way and eastbound lower Spokane Street. The attached graphic provides a visual aid for how the grade separation will facilitate smoother traffic flow.
In addition, a traffic signal has been installed at the intersection of lower Spokane Street and East Marginal Way.
WHERE POLICE WILL BE: Speaking of traffic signals – during the live chat we co-hosted with KING 5 traffic reporter Tracy Taylor earlier this afternoon (you can read the archived chat here), she answered a question about which intersections police planned to staff with officers, at least for starters:
Am Commute 6a-10a
4th and Spokane
1st and Spokane
1st and Atlantic
Denny and Queen Anne
99 and Denny
Atlantic and Alaskan wayPm Commute 3p-7p
Hanford and east marginal
Atlantic and Alaskan
Alaskan and Yesler
Alaskan and Marion
5th and spring
The city promises that if new trouble spots emerge during the weekdays, they’ll move resources.
BICYCLE RIDE: Just announced by Stu Hennessey of Alki Bike and Board – he’s leading a ride on Monday, designed for those who are NOT regular bicycle commuters:
This ride is provided to assist new riders and riders that have not ridden to downtown from West Seattle recently. Safety in numbers and route selection. Hopefully this experience will convince more commuters that the bicycle always is the healthier and more convenient choice. Ride meets at Alki Bike and Board 2606 California Ave. S.W. in the Admiral District at 7 am and will go into Pioneer Square. Information and route help to further destinations will be available. More information 206 938 3322
For all our previous Via-closure (and other matters Viaduct) coverage, here’s the archive.
(Added 12:53 pm: Video of some of the seized drugs, guns)
Our partner site White Center Now had first word yesterday of the big raids focused on two WC sites described as “hubs” for crime – and contributor Deanie Schwarz is covering the new information today, with federal, state, county, and other authorities briefing the media at Steve Cox Memorial Park.
(Photo by Courtney Blethen Riffkin, SEATTLE TIMES/Republished with permission)
Here’s the latest, with word of dozens of people arrested, dozens of guns seized, and confiscated drugs. We’ll be adding more details there throughout the afternoon.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Though the chat ended just after noon, it’s archived as-it-happened, below)
Right now, WSB and KING 5 invite you to this live online chat about the Viaduct closure that starts at 7:30 pm tonight and is scheduled to continue till 5 am Monday. Got a last-minute question? KING 5’s Tracy Taylor and your WSB editor here (Tracy Record) are both on hand to try to help. Join in! P.S. You have to click the “play” button to see the chat – and to see how to join in.
12:31 PM NOTE: Thanks to everyone who participated (we recognized some WSB’ers)! Now we’ll look ahead to tonight, the weekend, and Monday … with continuous coverage, am and pm commutes, plus traffic bulletins whenever something happens that you need to know about. If it’s easier for you to access Facebook/Twitter when you’re out and about, be sure you’re following us there too – “like” the WSB Facebook page by going here, follow WSB on Twitter here.
Yes, there’s more happening than Viadoom/Viacrunch/Viaclosure/etc. That starts at 7:30 tonight. But here’s what else is up, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
VIADUCT CHAT: For closure coverage, we’re teaming up with our friends at KING 5 to add a little extra oomph (hey, they have a chopper, we don’t). First collaboration: 11 am today, live online chat led by KING’s traffic reporter Tracy Taylor, with your editor here assisting. We should have the chat box here on WSB once it starts, but if we don’t, you’ll definitely be able to participate here.
WALK-A-THON: Lafayette Elementary‘s annual fundraiser is happening today throughout the school day, and you’re welcome to drop by the (newly renovated!) playground to show your support.
TAKE A HIKE! Monthly free guided eco-hike with the Nature Consortium, 1 pm, 14th/Holly trailhead, RSVP to nancy@naturec.org
SKI/SNOWBOARD SWAP – DROPOFF DAY: Ski/snowboard swap this weekend at Mountain to Sound Outfitters, 4-7 pm today, full details here.
FALL FESTIVAL: Free event tonight at High Point Community Center (6920 34th Ave SW), 6-8 pm. Ages 3 and older. Everyone in the family is invited to join in on an evening of fun! Kids will enjoy a variety of “frightfully fun” skill challenging games and activities. This event is created in a way that provides thrills without unnecessary fright for walking toddlers up to eleven years old. If able, we request a donation of a non-perishable food item to be donated to the West Seattle Food Bank.
HALOWEEN CARNIVAL: Free event at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW), Ages 12 and under. Get dressed up and join us for evening of family fun featuring games and sweet treats. The Balloon Buffoon will be in attendance, twisting his award-winning balloon animals. 6-8 pm.
MORE EARLY HALLOWEEN FUN: A Spooky Good Time at the West Seattle Family YMCA, 4515 36th Ave. SW, 6:30-8 pm.A free, exciting evening with the Y’s own Mad Scientist, who will delight the whole family with his spooky experiments! There will be kid-friendly, hands-on activities for all ages.
FILM FESTIVAL: Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (WSB sponsor)’s second of three days with screenings at the Admiral Theater in West Seattle – schedule here; first film at 6 pm.
WINE TASTING: Weekly wine tasting at bin 41 – from 6-7:30 pm: Pinot Noir is the one varietal that fascinates so many winemakers around the globe. We are always fascinated how the varietal can taste so different from different regions. This tasting will feature an array of Pinot Noir from around the world.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: High school football – West Seattle HS hosts Chief Sealth (WS Stadium), 7 pm in the Huling Bowl, with pre- and during-game festivities (here’s our earlier preview) – bring a WS Food Bank donation! Also tonight, Seattle Lutheran vs. Chief Leschi, 7:30 pm at Southwest Athletic Complex in WS
OPENING NIGHT FOR WINTERNACHT: Tonight at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Cabiri’s fifth-annual Ghost Game production. More details in our preview from earlier this week.
Now that transit is REALLY top-of-mind, at least for a week and a half … Have an idea about a better way for Metro to serve West Seattle? Maybe the long-desired east-west improvements? 
Metro has long been promising that this fall would bring official public discussions about how to “restructure” its route system once RapidRide starts next year … and the dates for those discussions are finally set, as first announced at this week’s Morgan Community Association meeting. If you have something to say about improving Metro’s routes in West Seattle, plan to be at Chief Sealth International High School on Wednesday, November 9th and/or Madison Middle School on Thursday, November 17th, both 6:30-8:30 pm meetings. You will be able to comment online too – keep an eye on the Metro “Have a Say” site.
King County Councilmember Joe McDermott‘s shuttle to the West Seattle Water Taxi dock finally rolled up to its Junction stop around 7:57 am – and with that, he was the last to head out on what at least one Twitter account dubbed Viarace … his friendly competition with fellow WS-residing politicians County Executive Dow Constantine and City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, to see who would get downtown first. Rasmussen left first, on his bike; Constantine caught a bus – earlier one than he was supposed to, apparently – and that left McDermott to await the shuttle. You may already have seen some of this on TV, as it was a major media event, with the three mobbed by cameras as they alternately joked around and offered serious reminders of your commute options.
All part of the runup to the nine-day, ten-night Alaskan Way Viaduct closure that starts at 7:30 pm tonight – with demolition work beginning on the Viaduct’s south end shortly thereafter – more to come (including video of the 3 “viaracers”)!
8:39 AM UPDATE: The arrivals are in order of departure. Per @newsguysully on Twitter, bicyclist Rasmussen first – in just about half an hour – and bus rider Constantine second. McDermott tracked his commute by Facebook – last update from the Water Taxi: “Beautiful cruise across Elliott Bay! This is a commute!”
8:48 AM UPDATE: And McDermott’s latest status, about a minute ago: “Now arriving City Hall” (an uphill walk a few blocks from Pier 50). He said pre-trip that he’ll be on the Water Taxi Monday too.
ADDED FRIDAY AFTERNOON: King County put together this video recap:
Lots of big events last night, including a discussion of Southwest Community Center‘s future – hanging under the cloud of a city-budget proposal to change it into a Teen Life Center and Neighborhood Service Center. We weren’t able to get to that meeting, but Kathleen Lonergan was. She and her children participate in the Family Learning Center programs that have been growing at SWCC this year, and her first note to us led to this WSB story about the programs and participants’ concerns. Last night, she e-mailed us from the meeting; we asked if she would consider sharing a report, and this is the result:
Upward of 40 community members were there which, according to SWCC staff, compares very favorably to the number of folks who have shown up at the other CC meetings in W. Seattle. Upper-level Parks and Rec staff in attendance included Deputy Superintendent Eric Friedli, Recreation Division Director Sue Goodwin, and South Recreation Manager Maureen O’Neill.
It opened with a short presentation by a representative of the Department of Neighborhoods, who detailed the plan to move the NSC from Delridge into SWCC. She was sharply questioned by several community members about security concerns, and was asked what security measures were in place to ensure the safety of people in the center, given that the NSC takes in a significant volume of cash each day. She said the security would resemble that at a bank, and would in fact enhance the safety of the environment at SWCC. There will be panic buttons and video cameras installed in the NSC, and the staff will be protected by a thick glass window.
When pressed about whether this glass would be “bullet-proof,” her response was to say that “no glass is completely bullet-proof” and to stress that the DON has never had a violent incident at any of its NSCs.
(WSDOT photo from Flickr – more demolition equipment arrives at the Viaduct’s south end)
This is it. Tomorrow’s the night … the nine-day, ten-night closure of the Alaskan Way Viaduct begins at 7:30 pm Friday. Unless some other huge news story (heaven forbid) happens in Western Washington, you can expect tomorrow’s news to be All Viaduct, All The Time in advance (for example, WSDOT has assigned a media liaison to be available for interviews at 4:30 am – 15 hours before the closure, but TV morning news will be all over it). Today’s other Vianews highlights:
*The Port of Seattle has made some changes to reduce traffic around the area where many Viaductless drivers will be attempting to get from the “low bridge” to downtown (or beyond). Seattle Times’ transportation reporter Mike Lindblom details them in this story. (As we have reported previously, some relief also may come during afternoon commute, when the “low bridge” is supposed to stay “down” 3-6 pm next Monday-Friday except for “emergencies,” and Burlington Northern has promised to reduce “train-building” in the East Marginal/Hanford area, where that practice often cuts off traffic trying to get from the SODO detour to the “low bridge.”)
*Also mentioned briefly in Mike’s story – announced in a news release earlier today – the city is suspending the $32 flat rate for taxis from downtown to Sea-Tac during the closure period, saying metered rides will “ensure cab drivers are fairly compensated for what are expected to be longer trips due to traffic delays.”
*In response to a question from the last meeting of the South Portal Working Group, WSDOT sent out an update this afternoon saying basically that it can’t guarantee GPS traffic-navigation companies will have maps accurately depicting Viaductlessness. It’s provided the information, the agency says, but it can’t guarantee any of the companies are using it. WSDOT is hopeful, though, that many companies WILL redraw their maps to reflect the Highway 99 construction bypass that will be in place post-closure … but it might take up to six months!
*Still have Viaduct-closure questions? We’re partnering with KING 5 during Viadoom, Viaduct Crunch, whatever you want to call it, for some coverage teamwork, including a live online chat at 11 am Friday – we expect to embed the chat here on WSB, and you’ll find it on the KING site here. Their traffic reporter Tracy Taylor will host the chat; your editor here (Tracy Record) will be part of it to help answer questions.
(Photo by Kevin McClintic)
This weekend’s a great time for activities that don’t require crossing the Duwamish Waterway (and of course we all know why). So here’s one: The encampment that calls itself “Nickelsville,” which has been back at its original Highland Park Way/West Marginal Way Southwest site since mid-May, needs a little help. One of its regular community volunteers explains:
A few anonymous folks had 10 yards of gravel delivered to Nickelsville on Tuesday. By thickly covering common areas and pathways with gravel, the residents and donors, will not have to worry about the slippery mud that comes with our Fall/Winter Rains, plus the residents’ shoes and clothes will stay cleaner, as well as their tents. Another 10 yards (28,000 lbs) is going to be delivered tomorrow and we are hoping we can get some West Seattle Community members to come down to help haul, move, spread, etc., the gravel. If interested folks were able to bring shovels, buckets, a wheelbarrow, rakes for spreading, etc., it would make the project go even faster. And monetary donations to purchase even more gravel are greatly appreciated.
If you can help in person, 1-3 pm Saturday is the time frame. If you’re not sure how to find Nickelsville, or if you have another question, contact Joanne at joanne@brayden.org or 206-938-0361. If you are interested in donating money, there’s a collection box at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor; 4410 California SW).
By Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Don’t just patch up Delridge Way SW – transform it.
That’s the idea behind a discussion that took up most of last night’s Delridge Neighborhoods District Council meeting. The reps from eastern West Seattle groups and organizations were planning for November, when Seattle City Councilmembers Sally Bagshaw and Tom Rasmussen, as well as representatives from the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will join DNDC to discuss roadway improvements to Delridge Way.
A long list of Seattle Police Aggressive Drivers Response Team activities – almost all in West Seattle – is on SPD Blotter tonight, from school zones to major arterials to the West Seattle Bridge, including someone going almost double the speed limit on Admiral Way. See for yourself, here.
If you’re considering remodeling or rebuilding – there’s something new about this month’s edition of the free workshop offered by Ventana Construction (WSB sponsor) … it’s happening on a weekend afternoon instead of a weeknight, for those who just haven’t been able to get to it before. Not only will Ventana team members be there, so will an architect (from Goforth-Gill Architects). It’s at 2 pm Saturday at 5458 California SW; RSVP by calling 206-932-3009.
Just a reminder, since this was announced only yesterday: TONIGHT, 10 pm-5 am, the westbound Spokane Street Viaduct – that’s the West Seattle Bridge between I-5 and Highway 99 – is scheduled to be closed for work related to the ongoing widening project. That means you will not be able to access the West Seattle Bridge from I-5 or Beacon Hill.
Right around lunchtime today, the King County Water Taxi “alert” list got an alarming message saying that the sidewalk by the WT’s downtown dock, Pier 50, would be closed for work starting … immediately:
Water Taxi-riding WSB’ers e-mailed us (and posted in the WSB Forum) saying essentially: “WHAT?” We checked with King County Councilmember Joe McDermott‘s office, since he also chairs the Ferry District board. It was news to them too. BOTTOM LINE: We’ve just heard from Michelle Allison on the McDermott team, and she says the work has been postponed till November – AFTER the Viaduct closure. (The “alert” list subsequently received this:)
Meantime, our daily Viaduct updates have been delayed due to breaking news this afternoon (including some in White Center), but check back here later this evening! And remember, the closure starts at **7:30 pm** tomorrow – so it will NOT affect the Friday morning/evening rush hours.
The man suspected of exposing himself to children in several spots around the city including Alki is now charged, and his bail has been raised. The update from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office:
A 29-year-old man arrested for exposing himself to children in Seattle was charged this afternoon with one count of Child Molestation Second Degree and five counts of Indecent Exposure. Jesse K. Drugger is scheduled for arraignment on the charges on November 3 at 8:30 a.m. at the King County Courthouse, courtroom 1201. Prosecutors requested and the court approved a bail increase to $250,000 from $100,000. The defendant remains in jail.
We have just received the charging documents and will add any additional information they yield.
(Photos by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
ORIGINAL 2:25 PM REPORT: Police have rushed to the Washington Federal branch at California/Fauntleroy in Morgan Junction after a robbery report. According to what we are hearing on the scanner, the suspects are described as two men, apparently wearing Halloween masks. There are two reports that the getaway car might be black – a witness near the kitty-corner Thriftway saw men carrying at least one pillowcase jump into a car there and take off. Police are on the lookout all over West Seattle and the city, and also reportedly trying to determine if it’s part of a recent series (we haven’t had any here in WS lately).
2:44 PM UPDATE: Added a photo from WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli, who’s at the scene, and says Seattle Police have given him a few other details – the robbers were white, male, and wearing hoodies, as well as the aforementioned “Halloween masks.” Police confirm they are looking for a black getaway car. Scanner traffic says the robbers were believed to be armed with a shotgun and a handgun.
3:32 PM UPDATE: No word of any arrests so far. A few more details from Christopher at the scene: “The bank manager confirms the branch is closed for the rest of the day and as patrons have been showing up, they’ve been directed to use other branches. SPD detectives are on scene and are reviewing camera footage. They’re also taking pictures in the alley north of the bank location.” We asked him if they had been told what the robbers’ reported “Halloween masks” looked like. One description so far: Possibly a George W. Bush mask.
Just in from Seattle Public Schools: Madison Middle School and Alki Elementary are two of five district schools just announced as winners of the “School of Distinction” award, signifying “outstanding academic improvement and math,” according to the official district announcement. It’s the fourth consecutive award for Madison, whose principal Henterson Carlisle mentioned the three previous awards in his introduction to the School Board candidates’ forum on Tuesday night and said they were hoping to make it four in a row – now they have. There’ll be a ceremony in the schools’ honor, but the date’s not set yet. In all, 99 schools around the state won the award.
A new development in the Alki home-invasion robbery we first told you about early yesterday: Seattle Police have released this image of one of the suspected robbers. They say it’s from an ATM here in West Seattle, captured as the suspect used a credit card stolen in the robbery. If you have any idea who this is, or any other information about the robbery, call the Seattle Police Robbery Unit at 206-684-5535. The SPD Blotter update on this adds: “Anonymous calls are welcome.”
A woman in her 20s was just taken to the hospital by private ambulance after her bicycle collided with a car near Genesee/California at the north end of The Junction. Though it was originally dispatched as a potentially major medical call, Seattle Fire spokesperson Kyle Moore says the rider has only minor injuries. WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli found out from police at the scene that the woman was riding southbound on California when a driver parked in front of a building on California opened his car door into her path, and she went over the handlebars.
(Click for full-size PDF of sign graphic)
So you’re on a ferry, looking out the window, or standing on the open deck, and suddenly – hey! What’s that over there? The question might be easier to answer now that West Seattle-based The Whale Trail has informational signs onboard Washington State Ferries. There are two signs on each ferry and one in each terminal. They show/describe orcas, gray whales, Dall’s porpoises, harbor seals, and California sea lions, and include QR codes you can use to get to The Whale Trail’s website from your mobile device. According to Whale Trail founder Donna Sandstrom, the Seattle Aquarium donated the graphic-design services, and the state Department of Fish and Wildlife printed the signs. (Read the official news release here.)
Thanks to WSB contributor Keri DeTore for the photo of Delridge’s Dragonfly Pavilion in that sunshine we enjoyed earlier this week … nowhere to be found at the moment. But we can always dream. In the meantime, things to consider for today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
LEARNING WHILE HELPING: From Matt Evans at West Seattle Academy/WS Montessori (WSB sponsor): Students are doing park cleanups at Lincoln Park and Alki today. “The clean-ups are an extension of our Leadership class in the middle school, and the result of a class brainstorm about how we can give back to our community. We will be armed with trash bags and rubber gloves to help make Lincoln Park and Alki litter-free, so if you see our students at either location today, show them your appreciation with a ‘Thanks!’.”
ROXHILL SKATESPOT’S DOWNTOWN REVIEW: Seattle Design Commission looks at Roxhill Skatespot, 1 pm, Boards and Commissions Room at City Hall.
WSHS SPIRIT DINNER AND AUCTION: West Seattle High School Athletics are the beneficiary for tonight’s gala sponsored by the PTSA and WSHS Foundation, The Hall at Fauntleroy, doors open at 5:30 pm for silent auction/appetizers/drinks, dinner is at 7, live auction/dessert dash/raffle at 7:30 pm. Call to see if tickets are still available – 206-252-0476 or e-mail rjlee@seattleschools.org.
LESBIAN AND GAY FILM FESTIVAL IN WEST SEATTLE: Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (WSB sponsor)’s first of three days with screenings at the Admiral Theater in West Seattle – schedule here – first screening tonight is at 6 pm.
LOWMAN BEACH SEWER-OVERFLOW PROJECT: The Murray (that’s the pump station at Lowman Beach) Combined Sewer Overflow project will be updated at a community meeting, 6:30 pm, Fauntleroy Church fellowship hall (9140 California SW).
GIRL SCOUT INFO NIGHT: Girl Scouts have another free family information night in West Seattle – this time it’s at WS (Admiral) Library, 6:30 pm.
For more information, please visit GirlScoutsWW.org or call 425-614-1126
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Monthly meeting at Alki UCC Church Parlor, 6215 SW Hinds, 7 pm – topics include landslide mitigation (see recent WSB story) and community-center changes.
SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY CENTER’S FUTURE: If the budget-cut proposal to change Southwest Community Center into a Teen Life Center and Neighborhood Service Center goes through, what programs and hours should the center keep? City-led discussion tonight, 7 pm (details here)
In addition to the Huling Bowl football game at 7 pm Friday – with pre- and during-game festivities detailed in last night’s story – there’s one more West Seattle High School–Chief Sealth International High School game of note that night: Volleyball! After Sealth’s win at Nathan Hale in five sets last night, the stage is set for them to face WSHS in a division-championship tiebreaker game – both went 11-1 in division play – at 5:45 pm Friday at Holy Names High School (728 21st Ave. East; admission free).
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