West Seattle, Washington
18 Monday
9:04 AM: Thanks to Sam for the heads-up – SDOT crews are doing tree work on Sylvan Way and that has resulted in a lane reduction.
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=6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Wednesday, September 21st, third weekday with the reopened West Seattle Bridge.
WEATHER
Here’s the forecast – sunny, high in the low 70s.
TRANSIT INFO
Metro buses are back on the high bridge, and today is their third weekday since changes made with the twice-yearly service change; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.
No changes in ferries (check here for alerts/updates) or West Seattle Water Taxi service.
BRIDGES
High Bridge – here’s the reactivated camera atop the span.
Low Bridge: All restrictions were dropped with the high bridge’s reopening, so it’s open to anyone who wants to use it.
Highway 99: Whichever bridge you’re using to get to it, here’s a look at northbound traffic on 99 at Lander.
All currently functional city traffic cams can be seen here, many 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.
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
Key topics from the Fauntleroy Community Association‘s September meeting:
GREAT PUMPKIN SEARCH: This is happening October 8th – new format – and volunteer help would be appreciated. Here’s the announcement the FCA is circulating:
You can look forward to “The Great Pumpkin Search,” presented by the Fauntleroy Community Association. This fun event for the whole family will be on Saturday, October 8, from 2 to 5 pm. The Association will have a booth set up in the square across from Endolyne Joe’s. The pumpkins will be hidden in the streets that spoke out from that square. There will be little pumpkins easy to find for the wee ones and larger pumpkins harder to find for the grownups. As a bonus, there will be a few prize pumpkins to find. All of this is on a first come, first serve basis. We also encourage you to take a picture if you find pumpkins and post them on social media and tag it #FCAPumpkinSearch. Just like the Spring Egg Hunt, we would love volunteers to hide the pumpkins, but the area will be more concentrated around the square. If interested, please call or email Candace Blue, 206-401-8406, leeblue2@hotmail.com.
FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL: Coming up two weeks after that, this year’s Fauntleroy Fall Festival. Organizer Reed Haggerty said that while they’re bringing it back in-person this year, it won’t be exactly what you remember from before the pandemic, because costs have risen so much. While The Falconer will be back with birds, the petting zoo won’t. They’re also still in discussions on what can be done regarding features such as the climbing wall/bouncy toys. But many festival-favorite activities will return for sure – salmon-hat-making, pumpkin-painting, etc. Festival date is Sunday, October 23rd, 2-5 pm.
FERRY DOCK REPLACEMENT: Tomorrow (Wednesday, September 21st) brings the first Community Advisory Group meeting for the dock-replacement project since May. The FCA point person on Washington State Ferries issues, Frank Immel, said not much had been happening over the summer, but he expects narrowed-down replacement options to be presented at Wednesday’s 6 pm online meeting. (Here’s how to watch.) Also related to the dock project, FCA president Mike Dey said community advocates are still circulating petitions asking the City Council to hold to a 1990s resolution against expanding the dock’s footprint. The FCA recently supported a booth at the Farmers’ Market soliciting support.
NEXT FCA MEETING: The Fauntleroy Community Association meets second Tuesdays, 7 pm, most months, in-person at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) and online. Watch fauntleroy.net for information between meetings.
One West Seattle case in the latest major-incident summaries from SPD. Police say this happened around 3 pm Monday afternoon in the 4500 block of 38th SW. The victim was selling items on OfferUp; he got a taker who said she would come to West Seattle to buy the items he was selling, Shortly after arrival, she looked at the items and, the report says, “had the victim follow her out to her car to get money.” She had an accomplice who subsequently “pulled out a handgun and stole the items the victim was selling.” The report adds, “She is described as a short female with black hair and blue strips in it” but doesn’t offer a description of the other robber; both got away. If you have any information for police, the incident number is 2022-250770.
(Early site plan)
We first reported back in March that a former Seattle City Light substation site in Morgan Junction was under consideration as a future electric-vehicle-charging site. SCL says the plan is now finalized and the first phase of work at the site is expected to start this weekend. The site is at 4118 SW Morgan, 4,520 square feet of land taken out of substation service back in 2014. Contaminated soil has to be removed from the site, and in order to do that, SCL says it has to remove trees and other vegetation, which is the work that’ll be done first. It’s explained in this letter sent to nearby residents/businesses. SCL spokesperson Jenn Strang says the trees will be replaced “two for one” as per city policy. Other landscaping will be done, she said, with a “pollinator aesthetic.” The charging site is planned for eight “fast chargers,” so up to eight vehicles could use it simultaneously (and they’ll be paying to use it). But even though the site prep is being done now, according to Strang, actual construction of the charging station isn’t expected before the middle of next year. The site will be fenced in the interim. You can read more about the project here; that page also has contact info if you have questions, and Strang says SCL will have a rep at next month’s Morgan Community Association meeting (October 19th) to talk about it.
Derek at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex wonders if anyone is missing this motorcycle, He says it’s been there, apparently abandoned, for more than four days.
If it’s yours – or you know the owner – let us know and we’ll connect you.
1:08 PM: Mayor Harrell is speaking at City Hall and just announced that Adrian Diaz will become the permanent chief of SPD. He was one of three finalists for the job, as announced two weeks ago, and has been interim chief for two years. … Crime and gun violence, accountability, department culture, safe neighborhoods are what Harrell says he wants Chief Diaz to focus on. More to come.
1:25 PM: The mayor says he admires Diaz’s “tenacity” and that he believes he’d be “the strongest, most effective leader.” Diaz said he’s committed to “restore safety citywide.” He also promised “reconciliation” on many levels. Here’s the official city announcement, which notes that City Council confirmation is required for the appointment to be finalized. … Senior Deputy Mayor Monisha Harrell added in Q&A that another major plus for Diaz was that despite knowing that the job he’s had for the past two years was not necessarily permanent, he “came in to make change.” He says those changes have included reducing officers’ use of force by almost half. … In response to another question, Diaz talked about changes in how they’re recruiting, which have resulted in a more diverse group of new hires – almost 50 percent POC. He said they have increased resources for recruiting and outreach, too.
1:48 PM: The announcement event is over. We’ll add the video above when it’s available. (2:57 pm update – video added above.)
Orcas are reported to be in our area again – transient killer whales (though we’re close to the time of year when the Southern Residents usually arrive). Kersti Muul reports the orcas are in view from Constellation Park, northbound, after previously having been seek off Blake Island. Let us know if you see them!
That’s the Fauntleroy Church/YMCA lot – empty when we photographed it Monday evening but sure to be bustling Saturday (September 24th), the next twice-yearly Recycle Roundup. The church partners with 1 Green Planet to offer you free dropoff recycling for a variety of items – here’s the list of what they will and won’t accept this time. Just show up between 9 am and 3 pm (the earlier the better so the volunteers don’t have to deal with a late rush); the church is at 9140 California SW. And yes, though it’s usually been on Sundays, this time the Recycle Roundup is on Saturday.
Two days until fall (6:03 pm Thursday is the equinox moment); today’s late-summer flower photo is from Puget Ridge Edible Park, by Linda McKelvey. Now on to what’s happening in West Seattle for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
BLOCK DROP DIY CLEANUP: Until 6 pm today, Lincoln Park‘s north play area will be the pickup/dropoff spot for equipment and bags for your DIY cleanup.
POSTCARDS TO VOTERS: Celebrate National Voter Registration Day by participating in the 10:30 am politics-at-a-distance volunteers’ weekly gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
CHESS CLUB: Play at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), 1:30 pm. Beginners welcome!
CITY COUNCIL: 2 pm, the weekly full-council is happening online and in-person – here’s the agenda, with information on how to comment.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Longstanding weekly 4:30-6 pm sign-waving demonstration at 16th/Holden. Signs available if you don’t have your own. (Organizer Scott says they’ll continue in this spot for a while even though it’s not high-traffic any more.)
STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN: Bring your little one(s) for a story followed by a garden activity, at the Delridge P-Patch, 6 pm (5078 25th SW).
CAMP SECOND CHANCE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COUNCIL: All are welcome at the 6 pm online meeting to get updates on and ask questions about the tiny-house encampment on the Myers Way Parcels – here’s how to connect.
SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, go play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).
FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Meeples Games (3727 California SW) welcomes families 6-8 pm to this weekly hosted game-playing night.
ROLLERSKATING BOOT CAMP: First session with Rainier Roller Riot at 6:15 pm at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW).
OPEN MIC: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).
TRIVIA X 3: Three of the venues where you can play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7:30 and 8:30 pm at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska).
BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: Play bingo with Cookie Couture at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm. Free, all ages!
You can always see more on our calendar – and if you have something to add for the future, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
9:05 AM: After last night’s vote on the tentative agreement between the Seattle Education Association and Seattle Public Schools, the union has just announced that members ratified it, so the strike is officially over. “We are thrilled,” said union vice president Uti Hawkins. After five days on the picket line, teachers voted last week to suspend the strike after the agreement was reached, but it wasn’t finalized until this vote. The union says two-thirds of its 6,000-person membership voted. The agreement actually involved three contracts; the certificated (teachers) contract was ratified with 71 percent approval. “We won a lot,” says union president Jennifer Matter, while saying the fight is now for better state education funding, especially getting the state to lift caps on special-education funding. More details to come.
9:45 AM: Other notes from the SEA media briefing just held online: The other ratification percentages were 82 percent for SAEOPS (office professionals), 66 percent for paraprofessionals. SEA hasn’t sent a contract document or highlights yet, but here’s the document SPS released with key points from the three-year deal. We asked what the union leaders considered the biggest wins. Hawkins said it was increased school-library funding, following “a 10-year battle.” Matter added that special-education caseload relief was another major win – currently if more students are added to the caseload, there’s a three-month wait for the district to address it, and now that will be reduced to two weeks. The union’s Center for Racial Equity director Joaquin Rodriguez added one more, improvements in paraprofessionals’ access to technology.
Family and friends will gather Friday (September 23rd) to remember Sandra L. Dahl. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with her community:
Sandra Lee Dahl was born on April 30, 1937, and remained a lifelong resident of West Seattle. She graduated from West Seattle High School in 1955, and enrolled at the University of Washington without any clarity regarding a career path. After prayer, she felt led to become a teacher. She struggled through, and hated, every minute of her studies, but, upon graduation from college in 1959, she felt immediately at home the moment she stepped into her first classroom.
Sandra lovingly taught for 39 years in the Seattle Public Schools, first at Frank B. Cooper Elementary School, then at Lowell Elementary School, and finally Lafayette Elementary School. Her classrooms included disabled, disadvantaged, and English-as-second-language students long before integration in the public schools was common. Third grade was her favorite.
Sandra’s teaching extended into her church life as well. An active member of West Side Presbyterian Church, she dedicated decades to teaching adult Sunday School classes, and in-home women’s Bible studies. In her retirement, she tended 2-year-olds in the nursery during Mothers of Preschoolers meetings, and even took the time to prepare simple lessons for the toddlers she would be watching.
Sandra was a faithful and gracious steward of what she had been given. She offered up her gifts and talents generously. An accomplished organist, she led worship for countless Sunday services, weddings, funerals, choir rehearsals, and for the children in Vacation Bible School each Summer. She was also a consummate hostess, opening her home to friends and family members, for missionaries on sabbatical, for baby and wedding showers, and for elaborate choir and holiday parties.
Sandra never married, nor had children, but she poured her heart into hundreds of children throughout the course of her life, be it her students, the kids at church, little ones belonging to family and friends, or the sponsored children whose pictures she kept on the refrigerator.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents Roger and Mattie Dahl and her sister Sharon Bishop. She is survived and will be greatly missed by her nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends.
Sandra went on to receive her Heavenly reward on August 27, 2022 at 85 years old. Her gentle nature and resolute spirit served to magnify the Lord in all she did. She left the world a better place for having been here.
All are welcome to attend a memorial service celebrating Sandra’s life
Friday, September 23, 1:00 pm
West Side Presbyterian Church
3601 California Ave SW
Those unable to attend in person may watch the livestream on YouTube.Share your memories of Sandra here.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
(Scroll down for updates on this morning’s traffic)
6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, September 20th, second weekday with the reopened West Seattle Bridge. Traffic was light on the first morning, so for one more time today, we’re live-chronicling the am commute. As we start, no problems reported, so here’s the basic daily info:
WEATHER
Here’s the forecast – sunny, breezy, high in the low 70s. (P.S. That haze is a bit more wildfire smoke blowing in from Eastern Washington.)
TRANSIT INFO
Metro buses are back on the high bridge, and today also is their second weekday since changes made with the twice-yearly service change; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.
No changes in ferries (check here for alerts/updates) or West Seattle Water Taxi service.
BRIDGES
High Bridge – here’s the reactivated camera atop the span.
Low Bridge: All restrictions were dropped with the high bridge’s reopening, so it’s open to anyone who wants to use it.
Highway 99: Whichever bridge you’re using to get to it, here’s a look at northbound traffic on 99 at Lander.
All currently functional city traffic cams can be seen here, many 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.
6:29 AM UPDATE: Still problem-free. Volume on the bridge looks a bit heavier than this time Monday.
6:59 AM UPDATE: The bridge remains wide open. Northbound East Marginal south of the West Seattle Bridge is the busiest route we’re seeing on city cameras right now.
7:29 AM UPDATE: Still light bridge traffic, and no area problems reported. Northbound I-5 and 99 are slowest south of the bridge.
7:59 AM UPDATE: No change – bridge is still lightly traveled. Low bridge just closed for marine traffic.
8:29 AM UPDATE: Low bridge has reopened to surface traffic. (Closure lasted 13 minutes.) All still quiet.
8:59 AM UPDATE: Still light.
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
Tomorrow marks one week since Greg Spotts was confirmed as SDOT‘s new director. (Here’s the video of the City Council meeting at which that happened.) He’s already been holding community conversations, after extending this invitation to schedule them. And this Thursday (September 22nd), we’ve just learned, he’ll talk with the West Seattle Transportation Coalition – and you, if you attend the online meeting. It starts at 6:30 pm Thursday, all are welcome, and the info for participating (by computer or phone) is in our calendar listing.
On Sunday we reported on a power outage that left 74 customers out of power for about eight hours in North Admiral. Today, we talked with Seattle City Light‘s Jenn Strang about what happened. Strang says it took longer to fix because the crew first had to sleuth what had gone wrong, and while the original suspicion was a “bad fuse,” it turned out to be a “failed underground elbow.” (An elbow is a type of onnector.) She added that underground problems are often tougher to trace than others.
Six reports in Crime Watch:
BULLET THROUGH WINDOW: Just before 11:30 Friday night, according to a police-report summary, officers were called to a residence in the 2700 block of Alki Avenue SW for a report of a shot fired through a window. The single round was found embedded in an interior wall, according to the summary. It’s believed to have been fired from a vehicle. No injuries reported.
UNLAWFUL GUN POSSESSION: Just before 8:30 Sunday morning, SPD and SFD were called to a report of an unconscious person inside a car on Harbor Island. The report summary says SFD got there first and alerted SPD to a handgun seen by the car’s occupant. The person was found to be a convicted felon, and the gun was stolen, so they were arrested and booked into jail.
STOLEN CAR: Riley sent this reader report: “We had a vehicle stolen in front of our property at the 3900 block of Morgan around 5 am on Sunday. The attached photo is a stock photo but identical. There is no defining appearances to set it out from others. Lic #485XFZ. 2008 Acura TL type S. Police report number 2022-249779.”
ANOTHER STOLEN CAR: Dan sent this reader report and photo from just south of West Seattle:
North of 11th and 100th: Stolen Silver 2015 Hyundai Elantra, license plate number CBB2126. Our neighbor was able to provide doorbell cam footage of two individuals scouting, entering, and driving away with the vehicle around 2:45 am this morning. Any eyes our neighbors could provide or any advice on getting word out would be greatly appreciated.
POLICE CAR HIT BY DRIVER OF STOLEN CAR: Shortly after 3 am Sunday near Delridge/Juneau, someone driving a stolen car emerged from a driveway “at a high rate of speed,” according to the SPD summary, and hit a police car headed for the precinct. Despite major damage, the car was driven away from the scene, then abandoned nearby, and two people bolted. The police car was damaged badly enough that it couldn’t be driven, but the officer was not hurt.
HIT AND RUN: Reader report:
Hit and run at the intersection of Walnut Ave SW and Hinds midday on Sunday, Sept. 18. ‘Seeking a greenish van that crashed into a small car with 2 people inside, pushed it into the telephone pole (above), and drove away without stopping. The hit and run driver’s car (pictured below in the distance north of fire hydrant) is an old Toyota Sienna with a stripe around it.
The people who got hit had their airbags blow up and both people were shook up. Their car is in bad shape. If you see the greenish van, take a photo of the license plate number, AND REPORT TO THE POLICE. SPD incident # 22-249758.
Just got last-minute word from Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner that the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting scheduled for tonight – first one in almost a year and a half – has now been postponed to 6 pm Thursday, October 13th.
(Photo sent by Toni – mural/signage by Andrew Miller)
Maybe you noticed the new coat of paint on the former West 5 building in The Junction (4539 California SW), which as reported here in June is being transformed into Camp West – and now includes the mural-style signage above. We’ve received a few inquiries about its progress. So we asked Patrick Haight, a member of the Camp West ownership team, how it’s going. He says the exterior “was painted to match our color scheme inside,” adding that kitchen equipment and coolers are in place – after a longer wait than they had expected after placing orders in late May/early June – while tables and booths are arriving soon. “The supply chain and available inventory has been challenging. However, we are just being patient in wanting the right equipment to meet our needs. An October opening is where our timeline stands, barring no more delays. We are optimistic and excited to get our Camp West Seattle up and running.” As noted in our June report, it’s a sibling establishment to Tacoma’s Camp Bar.
The fall season of the West Seattle Community Orchestras is approaching – and there’s big news in the WSCO announcement:
West Seattle Community Orchestras (WSCO) invites you to participate in the Fall 2022 session!
West Seattle’s very own community music organization once again is boasting three full orchestras! Registration is now open (see below).
The big news: Our Debut Orchestra now welcomes wind players and percussionists! After existing as a strings-only group due to COVID precautions, our entry-level group will once again include winds (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba) and percussion. Students grades 4 through 12 are especially welcome — and participate FREE! (Adults pay a modest fee.) A few loaner instruments are available to those in need.
Of course, our Concert and Symphony orchestras will be back. Both groups include students and adults. WSCO is hoping to have many wind players and percussionists participate. Also on the agenda again are classes for student and adult beginners wishing to learn to play a violin, viola, cello, or string bass.
WSCO is delighted to have our conducting and teaching staff returning for the new season. They have selected great repertoire, including symphonic classics as well as holiday favorites.
More info is available on the website, but here’s a brief rundown:
— Registration is open through Sept. 25: wscorchestras.org/register
— Tues., Sept. 27: Audition night at Fauntleroy Church. (These are informal auditions, meant to help determine which group is right for you.) A specific time slot will be emailed to you.
— Tues., Oct. 4: Rehearsals begin. (Fauntleroy Church or Chief Sealth International High School)
— More info, email info@wscorchestras.org
Please pass the word to all, but especially to students! We hope to see many newbies of all ages join the many who have participated for years in this great organization!
(Photo sent by Mardi Clements)
Thanks for the tips. Almost two months after the ferry Cathlamet crashed into an offshore component of the Fauntleroy ferry dock known as a “dolphin,” repairs are starting. After getting word that this crane had arrived off the terminal early this morning, we asked Washington State Ferries spokesperson Ian Sterling about it. His reply:
This is the barge that does annual maintenance work on most of our terminals. It was in Vashon last week and prior to that in Bremerton. The contractor is American Construction and in Fauntleroy they are to do not only annual maintenance, but to proceed with first temporary and then later permanent repairs to the left outer dolphin. They intend to start the demolition of the damaged piles and remove the concrete pile cap. New piles and a new cap are expected to be installed at a later date this fall/winter. They will also be doing regular maintenance and repairs not related to the Cathlamet. These include repair to the right outer dolphin and replacing rub timbers on both wingwalls. Work is expected to take about a week and it’s not expected to have much impact to the traveling public.
The Cathlamet, meantime, is undergoing repairs at a drydock in Everett.
Three days until fall … so we’re featuring more late-summer flowers; the photo above is from Amanda. And now, on to today’s notes, mostly from listings on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
BLOCK DROP: None today, but plan to join in one Sunday morning at Roxhill Park.
SPRAYPARK CLOSED: Reminder that the season has now ended for Highland Park Spraypark.
MEET WITH POLICE: After almost a year and a half, West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meetings resume so community members can hear from and talk with police. 6 pm online – connection information is in our calendar listing. Postponed until October 13th
COMMUNITY SUP PADDLE: 6-8 pm with Alki Kayak Tours (1660 Harbor SW) – details here.
CRAFTING AND CREATIVITY NIGHT: 6-10 pm at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), explained in our calendar listing.
NEED TO LAUGH? Tonight is Comedy Night at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way), 7 pm.
MEDITATION: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation event at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm.
PLAY TRIVIA! Three scheduled options tonight for trivia players – 7 pm at Best of Hands (35th/Webster), 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Have something to add to our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather Wednesday (September 21st) to remember Mike Madura. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:
Michael Dominic Madura passed away on May 14th, 2022, from heart failure; he was 68 years old.
Mike was born to Victor and Marjorie Madura in Fort Collins, Colorado on July 10th, 1953; Mike was the third of eight children. That same year, Vic and Marge moved their family to Seattle, where Vic, an Electrical Engineer, accepted a job at the Boeing Company. Mike, along with his siblings, attended Holy Family Catholic School in Seattle. After grade school, Mike attended Saint Edwards Seminary, in Kenmore, Washington; he later attended South Seattle Community College, completing an AAS in Electronics, and shortly thereafter, accepted a position at the Boeing Company.
Mike had a passion for electronics, restoring and repairing vintage tube radios and TVs, and installing an occasional car stereo, or two – Mike loved his electronic gadgetry. He also enjoyed decorating for the holidays, especially Halloween, creating motion activated spooky characters to entertain the trick-or-treaters; Mike had a wonderful sense of humor.
Mike was also a devout Catholic, always wishing he had completed his vocation at the Seminary so that he could’ve become a priest. He enjoyed long weekends on spiritual retreats, reconnecting with Christ, and the religion he so loved.
Mike is survived by six of his siblings: Frank Madura, Patricia Madura, Timothy Madura, Susan (Madura) Brown, John Madura, and Joseph Madura.
A funeral mass will be held for Mike at Holy Family Parish on Wednesday, September 21st, at 11:00 AM.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
If you’re commuting by Water Taxi or ferry today – you might have a bonus: At least 4 orcas in Elliott Bay, southbound, reports Kersti Muul.
(Scroll down for updates on today’s traffic)
6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Monday, September 19th, first weekday with the reopened West Seattle Bridge. The format for the daily traffic notes is obviously evolving with this big change. Today, we’ll be live-chronicling the first commute with the bridge. As we start, no problems reported, so here’s some basic daily info:
WEATHER
Here’s the forecast – sunny, high in the low 70s.
TRANSIT INFO
Metro buses are back on the high bridge, and today also is their first weekday since Saturday’s twice-yearly service change; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.
No changes in ferries (Check here for alerts/updates) or West Seattle Water Taxi service today.
BRIDGES
High Bridge – here’s the reactivated camera atop the span.
Low Bridge: All restrictions are now lifted, so it’s open to anyone who wants to use it.
We’ll add other cameras as the morning goes. All currently functional city traffic cams can be seen here, many 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.
6:26 AM: The helicopter near the bridge is just the shared-TV chopper, covering the same thing we are – first bridge-open morning. So far, bridge traffic remains very light.
7 AM: All still quiet, on the bridge and other routes. If you’re heading for 1st Avenue through downtown, be aware that traffic is being affected by a fire near 1st/Cherry in Pioneer Square.
7:30 AM: The bridge is busier but no backups. Same goes for other routes (including the ex-detours) covered by cameras. We’re heading out for a ground-level look around.
8 AM: Bridge = still lightly traveled. … Our crew’s just back from a trip through Highland Park, down West Marginal, up Spokane to Avalon, no backups in sight.
8:07 AM: First West Seattle problem of the morning – crash reported at 26th/Roxbury.
8:27 AM: Not major – blocking a turn lane. No major injuries:
Back to the bridge – still no slowdowns/backups.
9 AM: Looks like Morning 1 is traffic-jam-free. But Tuesdays anecdotally always seemed busier, so we’ll do this again tomorrow.
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
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