West Seattle, Washington
21 Thursday
6:01 AM: Good morning. It’s Monday, October 24th.
WEATHER
On-and-off rain expected today, high in the 50s, breezy afternoon/evening. We’ve had almost three-quarters of an inch of rain so far, but that’s close to two inches below what’s normal for October.
ROAD WORK AND RELATED NOTES
-As noted last night, the California/Findlay pedestrian signal is now activated.
-The east end of Sylvan Way remains closed for a drainage project.
-Two-week closure of the outer southbound lane on West Marginal Way between 17th SW and the Duwamish Longhouse continues, to collect data for the protected-bike-lane project
TRANSIT INFO
Metro buses are on their regular schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.
Still a 2-boat schedule for WSF’s Triangle Route (check here for alerts/updates).
The West Seattle Water Taxi is now on its fall/winter schedule (still daily, all dayparts, but no late Friday/Saturday runs).
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end.
Low Bridge: Open to all.
1st Ave. S. Bridge: The alternate route.
Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see trouble on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
Last month, new SDOT director Greg Spotts talked with the West Seattle Transportation Coalition (WSB coverage here); now, he’s scheduled as the spotlight guest for this month’s meeting of HPAC, the community council for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge. Got a question about which way the transportation policy in the city is going? This is your chance to ask – or just to listen to what he has to say, with so many transportation issues having emerged or intensified in the HPAC neighborhoods during the bridge closure. The meeting will be held online at 7 pm Wednesday (October 26th); video/call-in info is on the HPAC website, along with details of what else is on the agenda. All welcome.
WEDNESDAY UPDATE: HPAC says Spotts had to cancel due to a conflict.
(WSB photo from 2019 West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival)
Next weekend will be part of a four-day Halloween celebration, Friday through Monday, and the biggest event of all will be on Sunday (October 30th) in The Junction – the return of the full-fledged Harvest Fest. In the first pandemic year, 2020, the West Seattle Junction Association assembled and sold Harvest Fest boxes so families could enjoy seasonal fun at home; last year, The Junction hosted in-person trick-or-treating. This year, all the festival fun is back – costume parade, trick-or-treating, activities, chili cookoff, pie-eating contest – and new fun has been added, including a cornhole tournament, mainstage music, and square dancing. The West Seattle Farmers’ Market will still be happening at its regular time in its regular location – California SW between Oregon and Alaska – and the street closures will expand to California between Alaska and Edmunds and Alaska between 42nd and 44th. The festival hours will be 11 am-5 pm Sunday (the Farmers’ Market is 10 am-2 pm as usual). If you’re interested in the cornhole tournament – prizes! – team registration is still open last we heard; use this form. For everything else, just show up (all the spots in the pie-eating contest are taken, by the way). Even more Harvest Fest details are in our most-recent preview. (And you can plan your whole Hallo-weekend with our West Seattle Halloween Guide!)
Back on Thursday, we reported that SDOT hoped to have crews out this weekend working on the changes to California/Findlay that are accompanying its new pedestrian-activated “half-signal.” This morning we saw those crews at work; tonight, we noticed the signal is now activated. It cycled through a red-light period as we approached; we’ll be checking with SDOT tomorrow to see if it’s fully operational. The “paint and post” curb bump-outs are installed, as our photo shows, but the concrete median on the south side of the intersection is yet to come.
2:16 PM: Until 5 pm – you’re invited to the return of the Fauntleroy Fall Festival, free fall fun on both sides of the 9100 block of California SW, inside and outside Fauntleroy Church/YMCA and Fauntleroy Schoolhouse/Hall at Fauntleroy.
The activities list is here; the event schedule (for performances and competitions) is here. Photos and more to come!
2:40 PM: Those are three of the decorated cakes for which you can vote in the cake-decorating contest on the lower back level of The Hall at Fauntleroy; at 3 pm, you can compete in the cake walk. Just outside the room where that’s happening, it’s a fall photo booth with West Seattle photographer Holli Margell – lots of families stopping for that.
And steps to the west, The Falconer is here with amazing birds.
Over in the lot outside Fauntleroy Church/YMCA, the festival traditions include pumpkin-painting:
Birdhouse-building:
And making salmon hats – celebrating the return of coho to Fauntleroy Creek (any time now!):
Sun’s out right now, too. More to come!
3:15 PM: A first-time feature, bunny-petting (replacing the “petting zoo” of years past), is a hit – you’ll find it in the “lower playground” area behind The Hall at Fauntleroy:
Nearby, The Don’t Ask Band is playing:
The Don't Ask Band pic.twitter.com/vSfAOOpJkw
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) October 23, 2022
There’ll be live music inside The Hall shortly too, with the West Seattle Big Band scheduled at 3:30 pm.
West Seattle Big Band! pic.twitter.com/SyLK29ncXb
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) October 23, 2022
3:48 PM: And there they are, playing timeless tunes. Back out in the church/Y lot, it’s a great day to climb:
Or to talk with some of the community organizations that are there – including the Fauntleroy Community Association, debuting this new banner:
One more hour to go – we’ll add more photos later!
ADDED SUNDAY EVENING: Also seen at the festival, Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network, educating festivalgoers about wildlife on and off our shores:
If you see a marine mammal on a West Seattle shore, alive or not, or one offshore that appears to be in distress, call Seal Sitters’ hotline at 206-905-7325. … From the Emergency Communication Hubs, the Fauntleroy area’s new volunteer hub captain Chris Jaramillo was at the festival:
The hubs are places you’d go to get and share information if disaster strikes and the usual methods are unavailable out of service – check this map to find the location of the hub closest to you (and if there’s not one nearby, get involved and start one!).
P.S. Speaking of getting involved, many people did that to make today’s volunteer-staffed, donation-funded festival, led by coordinator Reed Haggerty, a successful comeback. Like many events, the festival was on pandemic hiatus in 2020; last year, a drive-up/ride-up version was offered.
Two days after reports of brown water in The Junction and Alki, it’s back, according to staff at Uptown Espresso (California/Edmunds), who say they’re closing early as a result and have heard of other businesses experiencing the problem. They’re on hold with Seattle Public Utilities at 206-386-1800 trying to report the problem. We have yet to get details from SPU on what exactly the problem was – one resident on Friday reported being told it was a break, but none ever appeared on the SPU water-outage map, and commenters said they were told it was related to “construction.”
ADDED: Carrie sent this photo of what turned up in her water:
We’ll be following up again with SPU on Monday.
Those are some of the two-dozen-plus vendor booths surrounding the meadow at High Point Commons Park (3201 SW Graham, south of the Bee Garden) this afternoon, first time the Makers’ Art Market has set up in this location. Each booth holds a different artist/creator/small business. We talked to three during our brief visit – Emily and Cole screen-print their Thic Boyz insulation items in their West Seattle garage:
Sally‘s business Beyond the Curls offers organic and vegan hair-care products, as well as accessories:
And Dr. Kari Logan is selling a variety of her Mae Botanicals body-care items
Other vendors (see the list here) have a variety of products including ceramics, cards, and jewelry. Early holiday shopping? Year-round gift-giving? Treating yourself? Whatever the reason, you can go browse and buy until 5 pm today.
Before this afternoon’s festival, the first fall-fun community event in Fauntleroy this year was the Great Pumpkin Search, three hours on October 8th during which attendees searched for pumpkins hidden in and around the Endolyne business district. This was presented by the Fauntleroy Community Association and coordinated by Candace Blue, who emailed to share photos and public acknowledgments for everyone who joined forces to make this volunteer-powered event happen:
We all had such a great time, including Fauntleroy Community Association members and the hunters – children, adults, and even dogs. All 200 pumpkins were found and the special gifts were treasured. This event will definitely be a happening next year. A special thanks goes to:
Susan Lantz-Dey, who assisted every day, managed the booth and painted the booth signs
Frank Immel, who set up the booth and then stayed the whole day to assist
Bill Wellington, who let us borrow his tables
The pumpkin hiders – Paulette Eister, Claudia Levi, Catherine Bailey, Loren and MacKenzie Tapia with my 3-year-old grandson Philip, and my husband Scott Wiesemann (who also scouted all day to let us know where pumpkins were left)
Avalon Glassworks for donating a beautiful glass pumpkin
The businesses in the triangle – Endolyne Joe’s, El Camino (thanks for the bags when we ran out), and Wildwood Market
The entities that (promoted) the event – The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the West Seattle Blog, the Fauntleroy Community Association newsletter, and the Fauntleroy Community Association website
It takes a village and you all pulled through. Thank you so much!
7:11 AM: Most units sent on a “full response” to 30th SW near Raymond have been dismissed, We’re on our way over to see if we can find out what the original call was about.
7:22 AM: We’re told by police and fire at the scene that this involves a man who was threatening to set a fire in a domestic-violence situation. The suspect has been arrested. Both SPD and SFD continue to investigate.
11 AM: SFD says one person suffered minor injuries, a woman in her late 40s who was treated at the scene.
Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Halloween Guide, here’s what’s up today:
TRAFFIC ALERTS: SDOT says it’ll close the southbound outside lane of West Marginal Way SW between 17th SW and the Duwamish Longhouse for two weeks starting today to collect traffic data before building the planned protected bike lane … The Highland Park Way hill had unannounced repaving on Saturday, so work might be continuing there today…. Added 11 am: Crews are working at California/Findlay too, painting some of the intersection changes we’ve been reporting on.
VACCINATIONS: Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW) has a community clinic today for flu shots (9 am-3 pm, info here) and COVID shots (10 am-2 pm, info here). … Also, Community School of West Seattle (9450 22nd SW) hosts a COVID-vaccination clinic 1-6 pm; info is in our calendar listing.
CHURCHES WITH ONLINE SERVICES: We’re continuing to list these – see today’s list here.
(WSB photo from West Seattle Ski Swap day 1)
WEST SEATTLE SKI SWAP, DAY 2: 10 am-4 pm at the VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska), it’s the second and final day of your chance to get geared up for the snow-sports season ahead – skis, boards, apparel, accessories. Presented by Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor).
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market offers fall produce as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages, more. Here’s today’s vendor list. California SW between Oregon and Alaska.
PAINTED PUMPKINS AT THE MARKET: Look for students from the Chief Sealth International HS Key Club in the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle booth on the west side of the market – they’re expected to be back today selling painted pumpkins as a fundraiser.
MAKERS’ MARKET IN HIGH POINT: Dozens of local vendors will be at High Point Commons Park (3201 SW Graham) noon-5 pm for the Makers’ Art Market‘s first time there.
PRESCHOOL FUNDRAISER @ OUNCES: Noon-8 pm, visit Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) and tell them you’re there for Alki Co-op Preschool; a percentage of proceeds will be donated.
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: The monthlong display of community-contributed art runs one more week at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), open noon-5 pm today.
FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL: Paint a pumpkin, build a birdhouse, see raptors and pet bunnies, make a salmon hat, listen to music, much more! 2-5 pm, the full festival is back for the first time since pre-pandemic. Fun for all ages, on the grounds of Fauntleroy Church/YMCA and The Hall at Fauntleroy/Schoolhouse, across the street from each other in the 9100 block of California SW. Our preview includes the activity list, the performance/event schedule, and a map! All free except for concessions, funded by donations and powered by volunteers.
AT ARTSWEST: The ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) play “Swimming While Drowning” concludes its run, 3 pm curtain. Tickets are available online.
GET READY FOR DIA DE LOS MUERTOS: 3 pm online event, explained here, which is also where you can get tickets (free).
‘MUSIC AND MYSTERY’: A concert and book presentation with Gerald Elias, violinist and author, at Camp Long (5200 35th SW), 3 pm. Our calendar listing has info on the event and how to get tickets.
NEED FOOD? White Center Community Dinner Church serves a free meal (take-away available) at 5 pm Sundays at the Salvation Army Center in South Delridge (9050 16th SW).
SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.
SUNDAY NIGHT KARAOKE: 9 pm to 1:30 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
Have an event to list for our calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Two weeks ago tonight, Bill More was out celebrating the Mariners‘ comeback playoff victory when something happened while he was riding an electric scooter. He was found seriously injured in the Jefferson Square area around quarter till six and rushed to the hospital. There, he was diagnosed with injuries including 8 broken ribs, a punctured lung, and head injuries. He has been in the hospital ever since, and facing a long road to recovery. Bill is a longtime custom furniture designer and craftsman who had recently moved to West Seattle with his wife Sarah More. Friends have been crowdfunding for them; one of those friends, Casey, contacted us, and says, “Anyone who knows Bill knows that he is a hilarious, intelligent, and fun guy who has a great love for his wife and nieces and nephews. Bill loves living in Seattle and exploring the city and the outdoors including hiking and kayaking. We are hoping and praying that he will recover and be able to return to doing the things he loves.” Casey says that after two weeks, Bill was moved today from the ICU and into Critical Care – “his brain injury has been classified as severe. He remains confused about what is going on and what happened to him. He has regained movement on his left side, which is really fortunate.” What exactly happened that night, she says, they’re not sure – “It only adds to the tragedy to not know exactly what happened” – but they do know Bill and his wife need help with expenses as he heals; anyone interested in helping can go here.
Thanks to Jerry Simmons for tonight’s Halloween-decorations photos – he says these sightings are from the Fairmount neighborhood:
Also of note tonight, the people who created the West Seattle Yuletide music-synched light show in years past have announced that they are doing a Halloween show this year! It will be nightly from next Thursday (October 27th) through Halloween, 6-9:30 pm, on 38th SW between Genesee and Dakota – more info in our calendar listing. This is in the event list of our West Seattle Halloween Guide, too. We have several more to add tonight – not too late to send additions if you have a Halloween/Dia de Muertos event – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(SDOT image via Twitter)
4:51 PM: Thanks for the tip. Two lanes on the West Seattle Bridge are blocked by a crash in the same spot as this morning’s bus crash, westbound side by the onramp from SB 99.
5:15 PM: SDOT says this crash has cleared.
3:07 PM: Thanks for the tip! Just before 3 pm, nearly 200 customers north of Westwood Village lost power, according to the Seattle City Light map. No word on the cause yet.
4:22 PM UPDATE: The number of customers still out is down to 144. The map now attributes the outage to “equipment failure.”
7:59 PM: The map is back to showing 191 out again.
(WSB photos)
By the time this weekend’s West Seattle Ski Swap opened this morning at the VFW Post 2713 Hall in The Triangle, more than 700 people had consigned 2,500+ items for sale. Many were skis, of course – somebody even brought in brand-new K2s – but, as Riley from Ski Swap-presenting Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) showed us, some are one of a kind:
(That’s a full-length coat.) Lots of interest, too – big line to get in, in the early going:
Today is the first of two days for the West Seattle Ski Swap, which (aside from the pandemic hiatus) is a decade-plus-old tradition. It’s open at 3601 SW Alaska (right across the street from M2SO’s storefront) until 5 pm today, then again 10 am-4 pm tomorrow (Sunday, October 23).
Kai and Jay from Chief Sealth International High School are among the Key Club students collecting donations for the West Seattle Food Bank at three local grocery stores until noon today. With them at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) is Shari Sewell from the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle; other sites are PCC (WSB sponsor) and Metropolitan Market.
P.S. If you missed today’s drive, here are ways to donate any time!
(SDOT image via Twitter)
9:10 AM: Thanks for the tips. Westbound traffic on the West Seattle Bridge is backing up because of a crash that has left a Metro bus sideways across two lanes of the bridge, just west of Highway 99.
9:34 AM: All westbound lanes are now blocked, as well as the ramp from southbound 99 to the bridge, with a Metro tow truck on scene. We’re checking with SFD re: injuries.
9:56 AM: They’ve just pulled the damaged bus to the side and reopened the westbound bridge to traffic. The onramp from 99 still appears blocked (per the live-video camera on the SDOT map).
10:50 AM: The bus was just towed and now the onramp has reopened too.
1:31 PM: SFD tells WSB that the bus driver, a ~50-year-old man, was taken to the hospital via AMR ambulance, in stable condition when transported.
2:16 PM: Here’s what Metro spokesperson Jeff Switzer tells WSB about the crash: “Based on preliminary information, a Route 50 bus was traveling from First Avenue South to the westbound West Seattle Bridge about 8:50 a.m. when, as they were merging, they corrected to avoid a vehicle and collided with the bridge right-hand barrier. The bus driver reportedly has minor hand and leg injuries. Initial reports were that there were four riders on board at the time had no reported injuries and were picked up by a passing RapidRide C Line bus. Seattle Police and Seattle Fire responded. I’ve since been in touch with two passengers who were seeking evaluation for what sound like minor injuries.”
(Photo sent by Al)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, our Halloween Guide, and other previews, here are events and notes for your Saturday:
HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 9:30-11:30 am, “join us for an informative event and get to know Holy Rosary.” The school is at 42nd/Genesee. (Update: Registration not required for the open house day-of, just show up!)
WEST SEATTLE SKI SWAP, DAY 1: 10 am-5 pm at the VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska), it’s the first day of your chance to get geared up for the snow-sports season ahead – skis, boards, apparel, accessories. Presented by Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor).
CONNECTING TO LONGFELLOW CREEK: Visit and learn more about this salmon-bearing stream that runs the length of eastern West Seattle, 10 am-noon at Dragonfly Pavilion (4111 26th SW). Drop in any time, and/or join a guided walk at 11 am.
SOUTH DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, it’s your next chance to get fresh produce and other food at this twice-monthly market (9421 18th SW) centered on BIPOC farmers and makers.
COVID VACCINATION CLINIC: 10 am-2 pm, pop-up clinic at the South Delridge Farmers’ Market (9421 18th SW).
TLC FOR NANTES PARK: Join the Seattle Nantes Sister City Association in some fall help for the pocket park in west Admiral, 10 am-2 pm or whatever time you can spare, as explained in our calendar listing. (5062 SW Admiral Way)
MORNING MUSIC AT C & P: 10:30 am-noon, Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
FREE WRITING GROUP CANCELED TODAY: The group won’t meet today because of illness.
WORK, PLAY, & ACTUAL HAPPINESS: A “journaling & discussion event for women balancing a lot and feeling it all” at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), 11 am, $20 tickets available here.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Open to visitors noon-3 pm, as noted here. (2234 SW Orchard)
WINE TIME: The tasting room at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) – selling wine by the glass or bottle – is open 1-6 pm. (5910 California SW)
1ST ANNIVERSARY AT GOOD SISTER: 12:30-5 pm, visit Good Sister (5901 California SW) for its first-anniversary sale.
strong>10TH ANNIVERSARY AT VIRAGO: 3-8 pm, join Virago Gallery in The Junction (4537 California SW) for its 10th anniversary party, including treats and discounts.
4TH ANNIVERSARY AT SEATTLE YARN: (corrected time) 5-8 pm, celebrate 4 years – and, belatedly, the bridge reopening – at Seattle Yarn (5633 California SW), with cake.
2 AERIAL/POLE-DANCING SHOWS: 5:30 and 8 pm performances of “Our Villain Era” by Ascendance Pole & Aerial Arts at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), ticket links and more here.
MAGIC: Free family magic show at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 6:30 pm performance added after 8 pm booked up. Reservations required; see our calendar listing for how to checl if spots are left.
MONKEYPOX VACCINATION EVENT: 7-10 pm at Arthur’s in The Admiral District (2311 California SW), all who meet the eligibility criteria for monkeypox vaccine are welcome to this walk-in clinic – no appointment necessary. First or second shot can be administered. P.S. As originally announced, COVID vaccinations also are available at this event.
‘NIGHTFALL ORPHANAGE’: 7 pm-10 pm, second weekend for this Halloween haunt. (4544 51st Place SW)
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Live music with West Seattle’s own Wartux plus Wasabi Samba and Violent Beauregard at The Skylark, doors at 7 pm, show at 8. $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
‘SWIMMING WHILE DROWNING’: The current ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) play “Swimming While Drowning” has its second-to-last performance at 7:30 pm curtain. Tickets are available online.
GATEWOOD HALLOWEEN SHOW: 7:30 and 8 pm at 37th and Austin, as shown in our calendar listing.
DRAG SHOW AT ADMIRAL PUB: Join Queen Andrew and VJ Lacefront for drag, drinks, and dancing, starting at 9 pm. (2306 California SW)
DRAG SHOW AT BOX BAR: “Out at the Box: Frights and Delights” drag show at Box Bar (5401 California SW), 9:30 pm, no cover (performer tips encouraged).
Something to add, for today/tonight or beyond? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Tonight we have full details of what’s happening at the Fauntleroy Fall Festival on Sunday (2-5 pm)! Here’s the activity list:
And here’s the schedule of time-specific performances and events:
Among the highlights – a performance by Endolyne Children’s Choir:
Endolyne Children’s Choir is thrilled to celebrate fall and the return of the Fauntleroy Fall Festival this year on Sunday. Led by director Megan Callaghan Booth and staff instructor Maya Adams, all choir levels will perform and show off what they’ve been working on since the start of the fall session.
ECC is a no-audition, secular choir welcoming all singers in grades K-12. There are 21 West Seattle schools represented in our choir. Come join us and enjoy all the free activities that the festival has in store!
The photo above shows the choir performing exactly where you’ll find them at 2 pm Sunday, inside Fauntleroy Church, one of the festival venues – all on both sides of the 9100 block of California SW, as shown on the official map. Everything’s free at the festival except food/beverage concessions. See you there!
Ten nights until Halloween, and we’re back to showcasing West Seattle decorations. The photo above is perhaps the least scary scene in David‘s Delridge yard, judging by the video he sent with this announcement:
Halloween frights return for 2022 at 5206 23rd Ave SW.
We are one block east of Delridge Way and SW Brandon St. Just past the new home construction.
The 29th, 30th, and 31st will have lights, sounds and ghosts. Full-size treats on Halloween.
This is one of the displays featured in our West Seattle Halloween Guide, and we’re continuing to add more – if you have decorations or an event to tell us about, send info (and photos if available) to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
3 notes in West Seattle Crime Watch:
SHOPLIFTS-TURNED-ROBBERIES: Two incidents to report under this category – one happened this afternoon, with a 37-year-old man arrested after allegedly brandishing a knife when someone attempted to stop him from shoplifting at the Westwood Village Ross Dress for Less. According to police-radio discussion, he also was sought for an earlier theft incident at High Point Walgreens. He’s in the King County Jail tonight, sixth booking in five months … A different man is wanted for robbery after a shoplifting incident Thursday at Westwood Village Target ended the same way, with a knife pulled out when store security tried to stop him, according to police. An initial partial description broadcast over police radio: Asian man in his mid-20s, green jacket, white Honda Civic with no plates or possibly a temporary plate, last seen southbound toward Roxbury.
ON-RAMP WIRE THEFT: Today WSDOT tweeted the story of a daylight wire theft on the onramp from northbound I-5 to the West Seattle Bridge:
At about 1:30 p.m. Monday, one of our signals techs spotted someone pulling wire out of conduit and a junction box mounted on the side of the NB I-5 ramp to West Seattle Bridge. It didn’t look legit so he had a colleague film & called 911.
State Patrol arrived and, with help from the video evidence, arrested the person. While the person had on a hard hat and vest, it was obvious to our worker it wasn’t a real operation. How? A legit signals operation will have warning signs, cones or barrels, a truck with markings and multiple people on site. None of those things were there in this case. So please be on the lookout and if you see something suspicious, call 911 to report it!
You can see the video by viewing the first tweet in the thread here.
TAILGATE THEFT: The photo and report are from Lisa:
I’d like to share that my truck was targeted overnight, and the tailgate was stolen off of it (picture below). It happened on Holden & 17th and a police report has been filed. This is just the most recent incident with our vehicles. A couple of months ago, the driver’s window was shattered. A few months before that, the rear window of our other car was demolished by someone throwing rocks.
It’s just so frustrating.
The report was filed online and they’re still awaiting the number; we’ll add it here when available. (Saturday update: 2022-922713.)
Is a tiny-house encampment emergency shelter or housing?
That question has posed some problems for Camp Second Chance, according to discussion at this week’s monthly meeting of CSC’s Community Advisory Committee.
Camp staff said they’d been trying to kick out one person who had refused to follow requirements for staying at CSC – including chores and working with case managers – and who also had parked several derelict vehicles in and around the 9701 Myers Way South site. Two of them were towed hours before Tuesday night’s online meeting. “Four or five” others had been tagged by Parking Enforcement. The person had been the reason for three of the five 911 calls made by the camp in the past month (the other two were medical), said CSC manager Scott Harris, but he has holed up in a tiny house and refuses to leave. That’s where the question of “shelter or housing” came in – Harris said police were contending the camp was housing and so trying to remove the person would be a form of eviction. We’ve asked the city’s homelessness-response spokesperson for clarification on what tiny-house encampments are considered to be, and are still awaiting the answer.
Other updates:
CSC currently has 73 people – all its tiny houses are occupied, and any that become open are immediately filled. Case manager Marjorie Johnson said 17 of them are awaiting permanent housing at the buildings now owned/operated by LIHI, which also runs CSC and other tiny-house encampments. Ten are awaiting units at Dockside in Green Lake, four have applied to Boylston on Capitol Hill, and three elsewhere. Johnson hopes they will all be housed by the end of November. The day before the meeting, two people who had been at the camp since 2019 left for Dockside, and she said that was such a happy departure that she cried. She also finally has help – newly hired case manager Jenn Hunt was introduced.
Longtime CAC member Grace Stiller said her program Weed Warriors is continuing its work at the Myers Way Parcels – the city-owned land that includes CSC’s site – and again will have grant-funded stipends for campers to join in the restoration work.
The camp’s shower trailer is not yet connected to the sewer system, apparently because of a design issue with the trailer. They’re also working to get the trailer electrified, as the fire marshal frowns on the current use of propane.
NEXT MEETING: Online, 6 pm November 8th. All are welcome – this is a city-mandated forum for questions or concerns about CSC.
-Tracy Record, WSB editor
Just received two reports of discolored water today in West Seattle – one in Alki, one in The Junction. The person who texted the latter report said they had reported it to Seattle Public Utilities, which has just told them a water-main break is to blame – it’s not shown on the map yet, so we’re following up. If you are experiencing the problem, now or any other time, the SPU number to call is 206-386-1800 – that can help them figure out what’s happening and where. Here’s the general SPU advice about discolored water.
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