West Seattle, Washington
14 Thursday
Two reader reports involving theft:
STOLEN MAIL FOUND: The report was sent by Peggy:
A pile of stolen, pilfered, destroyed mail was found on 28th Ave SW near Roxbury on Mon the 23rd, after PO hours, so was turned in to the Westwood PO [Tuesday]. All addresses were to 30th Ave SW. so if important mail hasn’t arrived, contact the PO.
STOLEN MOTORCYCLE STILL MISSING: Nine days after Mario‘s motorcycle was stolen, he’s hoping someone’s seen it:
Stolen 2023 Yamaha YZFR7 – plate 3K0469 – last seen in West Seattle (Fauntleroy/Alaska) on Sep. 17th around 7:30 am. Has rear fender delete, mirror eliminators, black brushed metallic wrap on most of the fairings as well as wind screen.
We’ll add the police report # when we get it.
Thanks to William for the photo of a crash scene on the east side of California/Findlay, blocking Findlay. No SFD dispatch so apparently no injuries. No other info about the circumstances but we’re publishing this in case you see the knocked-over hydrant and wonder what happened.
(WSB photo, seen Tuesday along California SW north of The Junction)
Big day ahead. Here’s our reminder list of what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you can always preview the days and weeks ahead – we add to it frequently):
CITY BUDGET BRIEFING: Happening right now (started at 9:30), the City Council, meeting as the Select Budget Committee, is getting its first official briefing on Mayor Harrell‘s budget proposal. Documents are linked to the agenda here; live stream is via Seattle Channel.
NEW LIBRARY HOURS: The fall schedule begins today for Seattle Public Library branches.
TODDLER STORY TIME AT THE LIBRARY: 3 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
HOMEWORK HELP: 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), volunteers can help K-12 students with their homework.
SOUND TRANSIT DROP-IN MEETING #1: 4:30 to 6:30 pm, Sound Transit reps will be at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) for the first of three drop-in meetings to answer questions about the West Seattle light-rail project, now that its Final Environmental Impact Statement is out and the ST Board has to finalize routing and station locations. ST tells us this is strictly drop-in, no presentation planned, no open-mic commenting, etc.
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION WITH SCHOOL BOARD REP GINA TOPP: Want to talk about the school-closure proposals that are now being “retooled”? Or something else related to Seattle Public Schools? Our area’s elected board director Gina Topp will be at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW) 5-6 pm for Q&A/conversation.
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix it, don’t toss it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES’ ONLINE MEETING #2: Second and final chance for Q&A at the fall systemwide community meeting, held online at 6 pm. RSVP here to get the link. (Here’s our report on the first session Tuesday afternoon.)
WESTSIDE BABY ‘BEYOND THE BASICS’: The nonprofit’s White Center hub (10002 14th SW) is where you can attend tonight’s annual benefit to help WS Baby help local babies and children, 6 pm. Check for tickets here.
FREE GROUP RUN: All runners, all levels, are welcome to join the weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) group run – meet at the shop by 6:15 pm.
TRIVIA x 4: Four trivia options tonight: At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) offers trivia … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)
DONAVON FRANKENREITER, LIVE: Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) hosts an in-store show and signing. Free but advance purchase of his new record is required. 7 pm.
PIANO NIGHT AT OTTER ON THE ROCKS: All requests! 7 pm. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
MUSIC BINGO X 2: One night, two games! Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm … At Three 9 Lounge (39th/Oregon), you can play MINGO music bingo, hosted by Mingo Maniac, at 7:30 pm Wednesdays.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: The spotlight is yours! 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Planning an open house, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, show, meeting, presentation, etc., that’s open to the community? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(File photo from another organization’s flamingo-flock fundraiser)
We’re spotlighting another school fundraiser this morning: Bridge School Cooperative Elementary is raising money via flamingo flocking through the end of October.
Surprise your loved ones with a bright pink family of flamingos to decorate their yard or door.
Our flamingo wranglers (aka volunteers) will ensure a flock of pink flamingoes flies sneakily to the home of your friend, family member, or Bridge School buddy!
Send one, or send many!
The flamingo averse amongst us can even pay to protect their home from an invasion of flamingos (insurance) or have them sent on their way sooner than their usual migration pattern (early removal).
More details about how it works – plus the link for sending a flock – can be found here.
8:53 AM: Crash reported at 42nd/106th in Arbor Heights – driver hit a utility pole. Intersection blocked westbound.
9:22 AM: Thanks to the reader who texted the photo. The driver is reported to have left the scene (though bleeding); the car checked out as “clear” (not stolen).
11:55 AM: However … checking the SPD X log, we now see the call classified as auto-theft-related.
1:13 PM: SPD confirms to us the car turned out to be stolen, and the driver hasn’t been found.
Earlier:
6:02 AM: Good morning. It’s Wednesday, September 25.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Rainy, breezy, high in the mid-60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:01 am, while sunset will be at 6:59 pm.
SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE
*No work tonight on the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project – the next scheduled lane closures are Thursday night (September 26).
Other projects:
*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides next month; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
TRANSIT
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat,” now available on weekends too. Check for alerts here.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Two notes as Sound Transit moves toward finalizing the plan for West Seattle’s light-rail route and station locations:
DROP-IN MEETINGS: With the official release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement, Sound Transit announced three drop-in meetings, two in West Seattle. The first is tomorrow (Wednesday, September 25), 4:30-6:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW); the second is next Tuesday (October 1), 4:30-6:30 pm at Alki Masonic Center (4736 40th SW). We verified two things today with ST spokesperson Rachelle Cunningham: First, no presentation is planned for these meetings – they are 100 percent drop-in and circulate around the room. Second, both will feature exactly the same material (we had wondered if the Delridge meeting would be focused on the Delridge station/segment, for example). If you can’t get to either of those, there’s also a drop-in session in SODO 11 am-1 pm October 2 (Studio B612, 1915 First Ave. S.).
PRO-LIGHT RAIL NEIGHBOR’S VISION: The board has to decide – perhaps in just one month – which of multiple routes the line would travel. Some community members are getting in one more push for their preferences. In our report on last week’s ST Executive Committee meeting, we mentioned that a West Seattle property owner told the committee she favored Delridge 6A over 6B. We didn’t get into why. The property owner, Beth Boomgard-Zagrodnik, has since provided us with a written version of the vision behind what she voiced:
I did say that Del-6A option makes more sense than the currently “preferred” Del-6B from an impacts comparison perspective; but the more relevant dimension of the comment is that Del-6B leaves a parcel of 12 single family homes materially impacted, but not acquired in the dregs our current neighborhood (on 85K combined sqft) at Andover and 32nd SW [map].
Here is the rendering from the FEIS of the view south on 32nd from Andover. My driveways are shown on the right next to my neighbor’s mailbox. (Marilyn Kennell‘s (of Rethink the Link) house is also not acquired and is next to the Monkey Puzzle tree on the opposite side of the tracks for reference.) This proposal does not relate to that south side of the proposed track.
Here is the view of the 12 parcels from the FEIS. I have augmented the picture with triangles (red are the homes owned by my neighbors and the blue ones owned by Joe and I / our small business). These homes are in a 5-min walkshed of the Avalon Station and I believe it is worth exploring if there is a better use for this land than keeping it as single-family homes, low-density, car-centric – particularly given how dramatically the neighborhood will change with construction / operation.
Here is the image from the FEIS with pink homes being acquired and empty parcels mapping to above triangles.
I reached out to Homestead Community Land Trust for over a year to begin exploring how I might advocate for a better outcome for my neighborhood and a more pragmatic development vision for the Avalon Station – starting with the two lots we own. We continue to jointly explore avenues to both advocate to Sound Transit, City of Seattle, County, State and community housing organizations and paint a vision for what could be on these parcels.
Specifically, Joe and I are advocating for:
-the timely delivery of the light rail extension to West Seattle (a unique perspective in the verbal public comments [at the committee meeting])
-for Sound Transit to consider acquiring some or all of the triangle lots as a part of the acquisition process should the prefered alternative (Del-6b) proceed.If acquired, we would encourage ST to then sell or transfer the combined parcels to the city / private affordable housing developers / community groups (like Homestead) as they have done with other parcels elsewhere in the system build out for transit-oriented affordable housing development.
OR
for the City to accelerate and increase the level of upzoning associated with these parcels to LR-2 and then working with a community land trust or similar organization to acquire some or all of the parcels to build transit-oriented affordable housing.
Should Sound Transit acquire the parcels, this land could be used for construction staging or immediately – instead of almost 20 years after the fact as was the case in the Rainier Valley – be transferred to transit-oriented affordable housing developers to redevelop the parcels, increasing the availability of affordable housing in the immediate walkshed of the Avalon Station in line with the construction timelines. This means Sound Transit would directly help increase the number of affordable housing units in the project vicinity – serving as a true development agency, not just one that provides transit. Moreover, should Mayor Harrell be bolder in the One Seattle Plan regarding zoning in the neighborhood, there is opportunity for tremendous transit-oriented, affordable density on this combined parcel.
Boomgard-Zagrodnik said her family and neighbors were scheduled to meet this week with Sound Transit. Time is running out to influence the board’s upcoming decision – a recommendation is expected to be presented to the System Expansion Committee on October 10, and the full board’s vote is penciled in for just two weeks after that, on October 24. Meantime, the board’s next meeting is 1:30-4:30 pm this Thursday (September 26), with a presentation on the West Seattle Final EIS, as well as a public comment periood; the agenda explains how to participate.
Three Crime Watch notes:
CARJACKING ATTEMPT REPORTED: If you noticed police in The Junction this past hour, they were investigating a reported carjacking attempt. According to police radio, it was reported near California/Oregon, where the victim was assaulted by two people who tried to steal his car. They eventually left without the car and walked toward a bus stop. One of the attackers was a woman, and police are questioning a possible suspect; they have not found the male attacker, described only as white, in his 30s, white shirt, blue jeans. We’ll follow up with police later, once this is all sorted out.
ADDED WEDNESDAY 1 PM: We’ve obtained the police summary:
On September 24 at about 7:00 p.m., Seattle police responded to the report of an attempted robbery. The victim, a 22-year-old man, was doing a delivery near California Ave SW/SW Oregon St. The victim returned to his vehicle and saw a male in the driver’s seat, and a female in the back seat. The victim got inside his vehicle and attempted to grab the keys out of the ignition. The male suspect punched the victim a couple of times trying to steal his vehicle. The suspects fled from the vehicle on foot. SPD arrived and contacted a possible suspect at California Ave SW/SW Alaska St, but the victim [could not identify her]. The male suspect wasn’t located.
GAS THEFT: Reported by Joanna:
39th and Admiral on 9/24/24 at approx 5 am according to Ring footage, vandals drilled a hole in the gas tank of an F-150 parked on the street and siphoned the gas out. Luckily gas was smelled and investigated by neighbors before the owners drove the truck. A homemade funnel was found discarded near the intersection at Admiral.
RELEASED: Back in mid-July, we reported on the arrest of a 33-year-old man suspected in Highland Park burglary attempts (including one caught on video). Tonight, the man who was arrested, Vernon Jackson, is out of jail after two and a half months. Court records show he eventually was charged in Municipal Court and pleaded guilty to trespassing and property destruction as part of a plea bargain in which three other misdemeanors were dismissed. With those pleas, today he was sentenced to time in jail equal to what he already had served, and was released after the hearing.
Washington State Ferries has been hosting two systemwide community meetings a year. This year, they added a third; if you missed the first session today, an identical session is set for 6 pm tomorrow.
We monitored the first one at noon today to get toplines from the WSF executives’ presentation and hear what people were asking about.
Toward the start, WSF’s Hadley Rodero, facilitating, polled the 125+ attendees to see what routes they generally use. Mukilteo-Clinton was the top response, at 29 percent, followed by Seattle-Bremerton at 18 percent, with Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth at only 8 percent, so there weren’t a lot of questions about the Triangle Route. But here’s what caught our attention otherwise:
STAFF SHORTAGE EBBING? System boss Steve Nevey decclared, “We’re well on our way to resolving our personnel issues.” Exactly how they’re doing that was described throughout the meeting in a variety of ways large and small, all the way to hosting high-school students to try to impress on them that it’s “cool” to work on a ferry. The system had 13 engine-room interns this year, noted WSF’s Nicole McIntosh, saying that 9 of them became employees.
VESSEL SHORTAGE: That will take longer to resolve, but they’re working toward finding a builder for new ferries, with about 12 companies around the country indicating initial interest, and the review of “pre-qualification” submissions imminent. Paying for them might become an issue if Initiative 2117 – repealing the state’s Climate Commitment Act – is passed in the general election; one attendee asked in Q&A if the CCA funded any of the new ferries and Nevey said about 25 percent of the cost was expected to come from that source. Another attendee asked about the “bonus boat” (aka “ghost boat”) on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth and asked why that “unscheduled” third boat couldn’t just be plugged into the full three-boat Triangle Route schedule. WSF’s John Vezina explained that the Triangle Route schedule is meant for three Issaquah-class boats, and the “bonus boat” is usually smaller, so it wouldn’t be able to keep up, and instead is being used – seven days a week as of last weekend – to help the other two stay on schedule.
FAUNTLEROY TERMINAL PROJECT: No new information, but WSF’s David Sowers briefly recapped where the project planning stands:
Once a preferred alternative is chosen early next year, the next stage of the planning/design process will take about a year and a half, he said.
RELIABILITY: Systemwide, reliability rose a bit January through August this year compared to last, reported Nevey (no route-by-route breakouts, though):
The presentations took just under half an hour, and the Q&A ran a full hour – mostly issues unrelated to the Triangle Route, so we aren’t noting them here, except for one point of interest: Asked when the ferries might offer wi-fi again, the answer was that they’re “investigating” it, after an unsuccessful test run long ago – Starlink is one of the systems they’re looking at.
Again, you have another chance to listen – and to ask questions – at 6 pm tomorrow (Wednesday, September 25); register here for the link.
Three West Seattle business notes this afternoon:
HOMEBUYING CLASS: Has the interest-rate cut put you in the real-estate market? West Seattle Realty (WSB sponsor) is offering a free class Thursday night (September 26) at 7 pm with what you need to know. Questions they’ll address will include: “How’s the market? When’s the right time to buy? Is it a Buyer’s or Seller’s market? I’ve heard Buyer’s Agency has changed. What does that mean for me? Do I need a buyer’s broker (agent)?” and more. It’s at their office/event space in Admiral, 2715 California SW. They’re requesting RSVPs at info@westseattlerealty.com – more info here.
FUTURE RESTAURANT’S NAME CHANGE: The former Taqueria Guaymas space at 4719 California SW has been vacant for three years, with its owners, the Virk family, saying they planned to open a restaurant there (Sam Virk owns Maharaja Cuisine of India a short distance north). They originally applied for a liquor license under the name Indochin Wok and confirmed to us more than two years ago that would be its name. This week there’s a new liquor-license application under the name Indio Fusion Restaurant and Bar. We have a message out to see if this means they’re planning to open soon.
COFFEE REOPENING: After two month of renovation work, the Starbucks drive-thru at Avalon/Fauntleroy reopened today.
Lots of regional chatter about fireballs in the sky overnight. West Seattle photographer Kevin Freitas caught one on his skywatching camera – here’s a screenshot, followed by video:
The American Meteor Society‘s outlook for this week suggests three prime sources of potential meteor activity right now.
(Reader photo after Harbor Avenue shootings in June)
“The lawlessness on Alki and Harbor Avenue … has to stop.”
District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka made that declaration at this morning’s meeting of the council’s Public Safety Committee, as he proposed an addition to the bill authorizing a Seattle Police surveillance-camera pilot program currently only intended for other areas of the city (explained here). Members of the committee – for which Saka serves as vice-chair – also heard from Alki/Harbor residents including Steve Pumphrey, who spoke of the “clear and present danger” of ongoing disorder in the beach area, including unsolved shooting deaths such as the killing of 22-year-old Luis Solis Lara in June; gunfire that night also pierced the walls and windows of nearby residences including his (photo above). Committee members unanimously approved Saka’s amendment, which added this language (updated 8:18 pm with second sentence added in final version of amendment):
The Seattle Police Department shall, as part of the planned outcome evaluation of the Closed-Circuit Television Camera Systems pilot project, conduct a study reporting on the appropriateness, feasibility, and cost of additional potential future Closed-Circuit Television Camera deployments in areas of the city beyond those in the current pilot project, including but not limited to the Alki and Harbor Avenue areas of West Seattle. This study shall also evaluate the potential use of Closed-Circuit Television Cameras for a range of public safety concerns beyond those specific crimes identified in the SIR for purposes of the pilot.
That potential camera program is different from the possible cameras discussed by the previous council in relation to street racing, authorized but to date not funded. Today’s amendment authorizes only a study, not (yet) cameras, which the pilot will only place in four areas – downtown, Aurora, Belltown, and Chinatown/ID. The proposal goes to the full council for final approval. (Seattle Channel has just posted video of this morning’s meeting here.)
BACKSTORY: The camera-study commitment comes three months after Saka hosted an Alki community meeting about the public-safety crisis; most of the action taken since then has involved speed-cushion installation.
Jane‘s e-bike was stolen overnight in the north Morgan Junction area:
My Rad Runner Plus was stolen from in front of my condo — 44th Ave between Juneau and Raymond St. My neighbor had this video of the thieves taking it at 4:18 am:
It was locked to itself and didn’t have the battery on it. My condo isn’t visible from the street. At any rate, it’s a silver Rad Runner Plus, with brown saddle bags, seats, handlebars.
It had a green rubber monster attached to the kid’s grab bar on the back for my son. I also just had hydraulic brakes installed for added safety. My son and I are heartbroken and would love any help the community can provide in locating our bike.
Police report # is 24-271836.
(Photo by Janelle Otterholt)
Here’s our reminder list of highlights for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from our Event Calendar, where you can look days, weeks, months ahead:
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Long-distance advocacy via handwritten postcards to be sent to voters in other states – drop in 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all welcome.
WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES COMMUNITY MEETING: Noon online, the first of two sessions for WSF’s fall systemwide community meetings. Go here to get the link to attend.
CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Regular weekly full City Council meeting, 2 pm in council chambers at City Hall downtown. The agenda document explains how to comment, either remotely or in person. Watch live via Seattle Channel. Today’s action items include a boundary change for the West Seattle Junction Association‘s jurisdiction.
HIGH-SCHOOL SOCCER: The Chief Sealth IHS girls play at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 4:30 pm, vs. Annie Wright.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $10 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm tonight, play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).
FREE TRACK RUN: First weekly run of fall – all runners welcome! Meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.”
MAKE POTTERY: 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).
BENEFIT SHOW: Amity Band and Friends at Tim’s Tavern (9655 16th SW), raising money for Enigma ASD Services. $15 suggested donations.
BINGO AT THE SKYLARK: Play – free! – Tuesday nights bring Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
OPEN MIC: Your night to shine at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way), 7 pm. (21+)
TRIVIA X 4: Four trivia options Tuesday nights – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) has Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
HIGH-SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL: Chief Sealth IHS plays at home, 7 pm (2600 SW Thistle), vs. Garfield.
LISTENING PARTY: Early chance to hear Billy Strings’ new album, 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) – free, all ages.
Planning an event? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
West Seattle High School has received a national honor from Special Olympics for its Unified Sports program (which brings together student athletes with and without disabilities). We received the announcement from WSHS’s Unified Sports coordinator Rachel Myers:
WSHS is being recognized as a Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion School.
WSHS demonstrates their commitment to inclusion and shown determination in achieving the collective goal of creating a truly “Unified Generation” of young adults who embrace differences and lead social change! We could not have done this without the hard work and support of our alumni and current WSHS students and staff! We are excited and honored to join the 1,014 schools across the country and the FIRST SPS school to receive this level of recognition!
Here is the official letter from Special Olympics North America and Special Olympics International.
This is a HUGE accomplishment for our school, district, and community! We will be receiving a banner to celebrate this accomplishment at a ceremony in the Spring at WSHS!
Myers explains that “Schools that receive this recognition have demonstrated the commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 national standards of excellence. These standards were developed by a national panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community.”
8:41 AM: Texter says police are blocking SW Henderson between 18th and 20th. The SPD log indicates a response involving a stolen vehicle.
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, September 24.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s weather is expected to be somewhat summery before a fall storm arrives tomorrow: Mostly sunny, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:59 am, while sunset will be at 7:01 pm.
SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE
*No work tonight on the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project – the next scheduled lane closures are Thursday night (September 26).
Other projects:
*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides next month; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
TRANSIT
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat,” now available on weekends too. Check for alerts here.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
South Park Bridge – Looking east (this camera has been malfunctioning lately):
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
For the first time since May, the Admiral Neighborhood Association had a general gathering, with president Joanie Jacobs facilitating. Here’s what was discussed during last Tuesday’s meeting at Admiral Church:
AUTO THEFT DOWN & OTHER POLICE UPDATES: Officer German Barreto, the precinct’s community liaison, brought updates. Two crime categories have gone up in Admiral year to year – burglaries, aggravated assaults – and auto thefts are down. For shots-fired incidents, he mentioned the September 6 Alki shootout and an incident in the 2100 block of Harbor SW. One attendee asked for more context about the increase in aggravated assaults; Officer Barreto didn’t have specific incident info as to whether they were random or not. Another question was about the collision that injured a pedestrian at 42nd/Admiral; he had no updates on that. What’s behind the drop in auto theft? The increase was in no small part due to the Kia/Hyundai social-media-how-to trend, so the decrease seems to be because those models’ owners are figuring out how to thwart that, he said. What’s up with officer hiring? Barreto said, “I’m hearing we are getting people” but no specific stats. The nature of the work keeps evolving, he observed, and “about 90 percent is knowing how to talk to people.” How about the CARE responders? asked Jacobs. They’re supposed to go citywide at some point, Barreto noted. He also reminded people, regarding the other part of CARE, the 911 center – don’t EVER call the SPD non-emergency number. The 911 center operates differently now that it’s civilianized, he said, leading to “a problem” with police not getting dispatched to things they should be – “if there’s something that you see, and they try to send you to the non-emergency number, hang up and call back (on 911)” he said. And do call, it was stressed, to get everything on record. “And if you call 911 and don’t get the service you want to, email” to point that out. Also “be sure you get an event number or case number” when you call 911. Also, if you want to be contacted by an officer, you can ask for them to call you instead of coming to your door – though sometimes that might mean your phone rings a few hours later.
Updates on two major ongoing road-work projects:
THIS WEEK’S SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT PLAN: The resurfacing project continues. No work tonight, Tuesday night, or Wednesday night, SDOT says. Then:
Thursday Night (September 26)
EB Left Lanes Closure – 7:00 pm to 6:00 am
1st Ave S Off-Ramp Open
4th Ave S Off-Ramp Open
Eastbound bridge to Northbound SR-99 Ramp OpenFriday Night to Monday Morning (September 27-30)
Eastbound Full Lanes Closure – 7:00 pm to 5:00 am
1st Ave S Off-Ramp Closed
4th Ave S Off-Ramp Closed
Eastbound bridge to Northbound SR-99 Ramp Open
As for last weekend’s confusion over the SSV’s status, SDOT says they’d confirmed with the contractor Friday afternoon that work was planned all weekend – but “The contractor wrapped up their work on the westbound lanes earlier than expected.” (So much earlier that readers reported all lanes open by 9 am Saturday.)
ADMIRAL WAY BRIDGE: The next stage of the seismic-strengthening project will switch both lanes of traffic to the north side of the bridge, and SDOT says that is expected “on the week of October 18,” exact changeover date to be set when it’s a lot closer. Fairmount Avenue beneath the bridge remains fully closed until the project is complete, likely early next year/
Tomorrow, Seattle Public Schools was supposed to start a round of community meetings, including one in West Seattle on Wednesday, to talk about the recently announced school-closure proposals – for which most School Board directors had harsh words last week, at a meeting preceded by an anti-closure protest. Late today, the district sent families a new announcement: The meetings are canceled, announced superintendent Dr. Brent Jones, saying, “We are retooling our plans …’ Here’s his message in its entirety (thanks to the parent who forwarded it):
I am taking more time to reflect on plans to bring a consolidation recommendation this October. As a result, I am canceling the upcoming community meetings. A new schedule of engagement sessions will be released soon.
I understand the closure of schools is a very serious topic. After receiving thoughtful feedback from many of you, it is clear we need more time to carefully consider our next steps.
I am working closely with my leadership team to revise our strategy and ensure any decisions we make are sustainable and prioritize the well-being of our students, staff, and families, working together to meet our goals.
We will soon provide new opportunities for community engagement, focused on gathering your ideas and working together to resolve our challenges.
I want to assure you we are taking your concerns seriously. What we proposed last week were initial approaches, which we are now reworking. While our financial challenges are real and it’s our fiscal responsibility to resolve them, it is very clear we need more time to listen and earn your trust as we resolve our structural deficit and revisit our timeline.
I am sorry our proposed options created anxiety for many families who rely on the key programs and innovations within our schools. We are retooling our plans to address these concerns.
It is no secret we are facing tough times. We face a budget deficit that has gone on far too long. Over the past seven years alone, our enrollment has dropped by 4,000 students. Despite this, we still operate nearly the same number of school buildings, and we don’t expect enrollment numbers to rebound for many years. Like many school districts in Washington, the funding we receive from the state has failed to keep up with the costs of providing a quality education to Seattle’s students.
This has been a challenging time, especially the last few weeks, and our school system’s issues will take all of us to solve–in our city and in our legislature.
We stand committed to working alongside you throughout this process. We appreciate your partnership as we strive for equitable and thoughtful solutions that will strengthen the future of our schools and students.
West Seattle/South Park school-board director Gina Topp had moved her community-conversation meeting on Wednesday so as not to conflict with the district meeting. We’re checking with her to see if she’s sticking with the revised time for her meeting, and if she has any other comment.
(Photos by Tom Trulin: Mark Sears [in yellow] led volunteers in relocating drift logs mired in vegetation near Fauntleroy Creek)
As noted here last week, it’s almost salmon-spawning season – and Fauntleroy Creek is ready for fish, thanks in part to some helping hands. Creek steward Judy Pickens sent this report:
How many volunteers does it take to ensure coho spawners can get into Fauntleroy Creek from saltwater? Eight got the job done on Saturday (September 21).
Pilings that support the ferry dock in Fauntleroy Cove trap drift logs, and vegetation can further impact the jam. State Fish and Wildlife permits the Fauntleroy Watershed Council to open a route for spawners when tidal action isn’t enough to clear the way. Mark Sears led the work party and will continue to monitor the area through spawning season.
The annual drumming on Sunday, October 13, to call in spawners (details here) will launch this year’s salmon watch, which will run until mid-November. Last year, watchers recorded a healthy crop of 34 coho spawners; since 1994, the count has ranged from 0 to 274. If/when watchers start to see spawners, West Seattle Blog will announce a weekend open creek for anyone to come have a look.
(WSB photo, Westwood mailbox’s usual spot)
Thanks to the reader who tipped us that the Westwood Village Post Office‘s drive-up/ride-up mailbox is gone again. Since the Junction Post Office has been without its drive-up/ride-up mailbox for 10 months, that means right now – with another mail-in election approaching – West Seattle is without this type of mailbox. We asked USPS‘s regional spokesperson Kim Frum what happened to the WWV box and whether the Junction box is ever coming back. First, she said, “The box at the Westwood Post Office was removed for repairs. As soon as the box is fixed it will be reinstalled. Our maintenance team estimates it should be no more than a week until it is back in place.” (What kind of repairs, she didn’t say, but we’re asking on followup.) Regarding the Junction box, gone since it was stolen last November: “The box at the West Seattle Post Office had a replacement ordered, however, it was the wrong design. A new box was requested, and the office is currently waiting for it to arrive from the manufacturer. Once the box is delivered, maintenance will install the lock, the sticker with posted collection times, and replace it at its location at the West Seattle office as soon as possible.” Both drive-up/ride-up mailboxes had somewhat decreased in utility since they were replaced earlier in 2023 with smaller mailboxes that were described at the time as more secure.
It’s fall, and everything has revved way up (if it ever slowed down in the first place). Figuring out “what’s for dinner?” is a challenge. Dream Dinners West Seattle (longtime WSB sponsor) has solutions. You can see for yourself by reserving a spot at their Test Kitchen Party this Saturday – here’s the announcement:
Join us for our Fall Test Kitchen Party.
Try a sample of our new fall recipes, share your feedback, get a free gift, and win fun prizes! Plus, we will have exclusive event offers you won’t want to miss.
DATE: September 28th
TIME: 11 AM – 1 PM
LOCATION: 4701 41st Ave SW, ste 110 [east side of outer Jefferson Square]
BRING A FRIEND: Get $10 off on your next order when you bring a guest who is new to Dream Dinners (offer must be used by 11/30/24).RSVP by texting 206-938-5999
And for Dream Dinners’ customers both new and returning, some updates:
What’s New?
Only 3-dinner minimum
Delivery within 15 miles of West Seattle Store
No monthly subscriptions or fees
Convenient walk-in shopping from our freezer
Multiple pickup locations available
Get delivery to your neighborhood with just 5 friends!
New to Dream Dinners? Here’s how it works.
More city work on SW Trenton by Westwood Village today. This time, it’s speed-cushion installation. We reported last month that SDOT planned to install four sets of speed cushions on Trenton between 25th and 29th, as part of the Safe Routes to School program (with the Chief Sealth International High School/Denny International Middle School campus a block north). Crews are working today, east to west; we happened onto them as they were finishing the easternmost cushions and moving westward.
(First sunrise of fall – Sunday morning photo by Jerry Simmons)
Here’s the highlight list from our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar happens weekly!
BABY STORY TIME: Bring little ones up to 2 years old to Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), noon-12:30 pm, for story time!
CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: At 2 pm, councilmembers take turns discussing what’s ahead for the week. Here’s the agenda (which explains how to listen in – no comment period at these meetings).
FOOD TRUCK IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Neighbors want you to know there’s a new location for the rotating weekly food-truck visit, 4000 block of SW 107th.
GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday brings “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
HAVE FUN GETTING READY: 6:30 pm, Alice Kuder of Just In Case is leading another of her free Ready Freddie Prep Parties at Whisky West (6451 California SW) – RSVP here to be sure there’s room
D&D: Weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too.
COMEDY! Start your week with laughs during monthly comedy night at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way), 7 pm. Our calendar listing includes the lineup and ticket link.
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three places to play as the week begins – 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander); 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: All are invited to free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
MEDITATION IN ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community also hosts Monday night meditation at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 7-8:30 pm.
MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: The Alley in back of Bonjour Vietnam is open – tonight you can listen to live music from The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
SING! 9 pm start for Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
AT THE BEACH: As of tonight, Alki Beach Park is back to “regular” closing time, and beach-fire season is over.
If you have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar, please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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