West Seattle, Washington
01 Tuesday
The flyer was sent by a friend of the missing man – who lives in Ballard but has West Seattle ties, including a longtime Seattle Parks job at Delridge Community Center:
Kevin’s friend Andrew tells us the missing man, a lifelong Seattleite, was last seen September 1. His family has already checked hospitals and jails around the region but no luck. They’re casting the net as wide as they can in the hopes he’ll be found.
An apartment fire in High Point on Sunday didn’t bring a huge response, so it didn’t hit our radar, but we’ve since learned it has left two people and two cats dealing with the aftermath. Both people work at Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care (WSB sponsor), which has organized a crowdfunding campaign and request for other help:
Dear West Seattle community,
Hanna Oatts (on the left), our newest Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care employee, recently experienced a major apartment fire that destroyed most of her belongings and has left her and her sweet kitties, Dillinger (16) & Bubba (12), without a home. The fire occurred while good friend Stina Borst (on the right, also an employee of NN!) was catsitting, resulting in a loss of many of her belongings as well. Both humans and kitties are safe and unharmed (but exhausted) and need your support.
Please consider donating what you can via our GoFundMe campaign on their behalf.
Do you, or someone you know, have resources to provide access to any of the following
-Temporary housing
-Kitty fostering
-Possibly, a more permanent long-term lease in the West Seattle, White Center, Burien areas (studio or 1 bedroom apartment preferred)
-Legal assistance, support navigating tenants rights in WA stateIf so, please email hello@neighborhood-naturopathic.com
Thank you for your assistance,
Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care team
Six days after Seattle Public Schools announced two options for closing schools to save money, school closure opposition is intensifying.
‘SAVE OUR STEM’ RALLY: That flyer is being circulated on behalf of Louisa Boren STEM K-8, the Delridge option school that is on both of the proposed closure-option lists. The rally is just before tomorrow’s school board meeting, 3:45 pm Wednesday outside district HQ, the John Stanford Center, at 3rd and Lander in SODO. Organizers ask supporters to bring signs with the SAVE OUR STEM message. (9:30 pm update – As noted in comments as well as at a neighborhood-group meeting we attended tonight, Lafayette, which is on one of the possible-closure lists, is organizing too, and closure opponents have set up this website.)
BOARD MEETING: The school board then meets at 4:15 pm tomorrow inside the Stanford Center. The agenda has a long list of people signed up for the public-comment period (116 just on the waitlist!), as well as business items including an update on the closure proposal (aka “well-resourced schools”). The agenda item for that includes this summary of what’s currently under consideration.
‘ALL TOGETHER FOR SEATTLE SCHOOLS‘: This group is organizing citywide to oppose closures. A West Seattle parent who went to an off-peninsula organizing meeting over the weekend shared a photo and notes:
All Together for Seattle Schools identified two essential paths to save our schools:
1. Say NO to the School District DRAFT
-Oppose budget cuts and school closures.
-Our steadfast goal is to maintain great community schools for all children without compromise.2. Take Legislative Action
-We are mobilizing to demand fully funded schools from representatives, candidates and more.
-Applying pressure on the legislature to secure full funding for our schools is imperative.Key Points:
Current Situation: Closing schools will address only $31 million of a daunting $91 million deficit. The remaining $60 million will need to be cut from the schools that remain open, leading to under-resourced schools, potential teacher layoffs and no guarantee of support for the influx of students moving from closed schools.
Funding Trends: Pre-pandemic, Washington State dedicated 50% of its budget to funding schools. That figure has now decreased to 42%. We must urge legislators to restore full funding.
Timing: The school district is set to vote on school closures this fall, with closures to take effect within a year. The state legislative session begins in January, with budget approval expected by spring. The school district is moving too soon to apply pressure in Olympia.
Community Mobilization:
All Together for Seattle Schools aims to sidestep the efforts to pit schools against each other and instead unify all communities.
-Highlight stories from families, especially those who struggle to attend board meetings and require vital services.
-Distribute fliers outside schools, at farmers markets, and local sports events.
-Network with sympathetic public figures, board members, and local political candidates.
-Involve local businesses that will be affected by reduced community foot traffic.
-Organize families willing to speak to the media.
-Advocate through letters to school boards and state legislators.
-Foster hope and belief that collective action can save our schools.
They’re looking for volunteers to help with all of the above; here’s their contact form.
UPDATE – COMMUNITY-MEETING DATES: The district has yet to send out its promised list of upcoming community meetings on the closure proposals (according to West Seattle’s school board director Gina Topp, 6:30 pm September 25 is the tentative time for this area’s meeting). 9:30 pm update – Thanks to the parent who forwarded what the district sent parents but has not yet posted online nor sent to the media. Here are two meeting times of potential interest to people here:
Online: Tuesday, Sept. 24, 6:30 p.m., Zoom Meeting (Families and staff will soon receive the Zoom meeting link, and the link will be posted on our website.)
Southwest Region: Wednesday, Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m. Genesee Hill Elementary, 5013 SW Dakota St.
(back to original) After those meetings, Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones is expected to settle on a final proposal next month, followed by hearings at schools proposed for closure, and final board action by year’s end.
(SDOT photo)
4:57 PM: An SDOT crew has removed the low-bridge barrier “severely damaged” when a suspected drunk driver hit it at high speed Saturday evening (here’s our report on the crash). As explained yesterday, that was an important next step so they could take it to the repair shop and evaluate it to see whether it can be fixed or needs to be replaced. Once they’ve done that, SDOT will be able to estimate when the bridge can reopen to drivers; bicyclists and pedestrians can use it, but people in motor vehicles can’t. In addition to the barrier, the gate-control panel and wiring were damaged too, and those are being worked on. Since the barrier’s gone, here’s what’s in place across the bridge instead:
(SDOT camera screenshot)
If any other updates emerge tonight, we’ll add them here.
7:28 PM: SDOT has published an update, including this:
If the repairs are not completed before the weekend, crews would continue working on repairs over the weekend and we would reduce the scale of work on the nearby Spokane St Viaduct paving project to make sure that people have access to get on the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge from SODO.
You can read more – and see more photos of the damaged barrier – here.
Also, SPD published a blotter post tonight about the crash – no new information beyond what we’ve already reported here, but some photos taken that night by responders are part of it.
(Beach cleanup in Alaska – photo courtesy Ocean Conservancy)
West Seattle already has a strong cleanup community (A Cleaner Alki is testament to that), and this Saturday an international cleanup effort, coast to coast and pole to pole, is leading an event here and inviting you to participate. From the announcement we received today:
Ocean Conservancy, a national environmental NGO headquartered in Washington, D.C., and with offices in Bellingham and other coastal cities across the country, is partnering with Puget Soundkeeper to bring its flagship International Coastal Cleanup® (ICC) event to Seattle. Volunteers are invited to join the world’s largest beach and waterway cleanup movement at Statue of Liberty Plaza at Alki Beach on September 21, 2024. Breakfast, lunch, and cleanup supplies will be provided. (Register here.)
“Over a garbage truck’s worth of plastics – much of it single-use – enters the ocean every minute, where they accumulate year after year,” said Ocean Conservancy’s Senior Director of Conservation Cleanups, Allison Schutes. “While it’s critical that we turn off the tap of plastics flowing into the environment through prevention measures, we also need to clean up what’s already out there. Every piece of plastic collected and recorded as part of the International Coastal Cleanup informs important research and advocacy and makes a tangible difference for our ocean and the creatures that call it home.”
“We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with Ocean Conservancy on this flagship cleanup at one of the most iconic beaches in the Pacific Northwest,” said Sean Dixon, Executive Director of Puget Soundkeeper, which is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2024. “This year’s event will bring families, neighbors, activists, and community champions out to help safeguard this vital ecosystem. Plastics in our environment are superhighways transporting toxic chemicals into the food web and, especially during salmon migrations, are a literal poison pill for our already endangered and threatened fisheries. Every little piece of trash collected helps save a salmon.”
Partners in Washington state have been participating in Ocean Conservancy’s ICC for 36 years. Since 2019, in the Puget Sound area alone, nearly 9,000 volunteers have removed close to 200,000 individual pieces of trash, weighing a whopping 75,000 pounds. Meanwhile, Washington state has been at the forefront of plastics policy. The state has banned plastic foam foodware, including clamshell containers, plates and cups, as well as single-use foam coolers and packing peanuts; and last year, Governor Jay Inslee signed into law legislation designed to reduce single-use water bottles, other plastic packaging, and plastic foam docks. …
Globally, since the first ICC in 1986, over 18 million volunteers have joined local cleanup efforts big and small to remove over 385 million pounds of trash from beaches and waterways, making it the largest beach and waterway cleanup in the world. At last year’s ICC, over 486,000 volunteers collected nearly 8 million pounds of trash globally, including nearly 2 million cigarette butts, over 1.3 million beverage bottles, and over 850,000 bottle caps. Ocean Conservancy is expecting an even larger turnout in 2024.
Every year, more than 11 million metric tons of plastic waste are estimated to enter the ocean, impacting more than 1,300 species of marine life, including seabirds, sea turtles and marine mammals. Plastics never fully breakdown in the environment and instead, break into smaller and smaller pieces called microplastics. Microplastics are being found everywhere scientists look, from the depths of the Mariana trench to mountain tops, and even our dinner tables, showing up in proteins, salt, and even drinking water.
The cleanup is set for 9 am-noon Saturday (September 21); you can register here.
As we – with your help – continue documenting the coyote resurgence, we publish sighting reports for awareness, not alarm:
The photo is from Michael, who reports: “Coyote spotted walking on 39th Ave from Willow toward Morgan St. [last night]. It seemed healthy but obviously should be avoided.”
South of there, from JP in Gatewood:
A very healthy coyote was in my back yard twice midday 9/16 sniffing air where bunnies graze. I shooed it away from safety of my deck. It was not skittish. My son saw a smaller one later. Sadly, neighbors found a dead cat in their driveway (white paws & tail). It was covered. SW 39th & Othello. Watch out for your roaming cats.
(And it should be noted that coyotes are far from the only threat to small unattended domestic animals.)
We also have a cluster of sightings from last week. One anonymous reader reported, “I saw a coyote at the intersection of Palm and SW Massachusetts (last Tuesday) morning (~6 am).” About that same time, also in North Admiral, Brenda reports a cat was killed in an attack that neighbors attributed to a coyote, though none was seen. That night, near 20th/Holden, Jon reported that he “heard a noise out front and went to look. I knew they were coyotes, maybe 3 to 4 that were attacking something in the bushes. It was loud and they moved to my neighbors’ driveway. I threw a chunk of 2×4 at them and they took off.”
Scaring them off is part of experts’ advice on how to encourage coyotes to keep their distance. Here’s the short version of state Department of Fish and Wildlife recommendations.
(King County Assessor website photo)
After less than six months on the market, the major Admiral Junction commercial building on the northeast corner of California Avenue SW and SW Admiral Way has a new owner. We reported back in March – after Wells Fargo, the building’s then-owner, closed its branch – that the 25,000-square-foot site at 2358 California SW was going up for sale. It was originally listed for $7.6 million and sold last Friday for $6.3 million. The new owner is Mercer Island-based commercial investor/developer Henbart, whose other properties are in neighborhoods including Magnolia, Ballard, and Edmonds. We’re inquiring with the new owner; in the meantime, a source close to the deal says they have no current plans to redevelop the property – zoned for mixed-use development up to 75 feet, as are the parcels on the other three corners of Admiral/California – but are looking for a new tenant for the ex-bank space and “have had a lot of interest.” (Thanks to Jason for the tip about the deal, first reported by the DJC.)
SIDE NOTE: The building kitty-corner across the intersection, where Quality Cleaners closed four years ago, is shown online as still on the market, listed for $1.5 million.
(WSB photo, September 17)
September 17, 2022, was a memorable night in West Seattle – that’s when SDOT reopened the high bridge, two and a half years after safety concerns shut it down with four hours’ warning. Looking ahead to today’s anniversary, we asked SDOT last week (one day before the crash that left the low bridge temporarily closed) about the high bridge’s status and inspection schedule. From SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson:
Since the strengthening work on the West Seattle High Bridge was completed, we have continued to monitor the bridge remotely 24/7 with a structural health monitoring system. The most recent in-person bridge inspection was conducted in July 2024 and did not observe any unexpected anomalies. The findings from both the ongoing electronic monitoring and the latest routine in-person inspection show that the bridge is continuing to behave as predicted and there is no indication that the condition of the bridge has changed since we published this update last year.
Fixing/strengthening the bridge cost $67 million, with $37 million of that covered by the federal government. The repaired bridge is expected to last for its original projected lifespan, until 2060.
(Live traffic cam from the heart of The Junction)
Here’s the list 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.
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. Hot issues this week include what to put on the ballot for funding Seattle’s voter-approved social-housing developer.
DOG SWIMMING IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Third of seven days during which your dog is welcome to swim in the Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club pool before it’s drained for the offseason. 4-7 pm, $5 per visit. More info in our calendar listing. (11003 31st SW)
RAINWISE: If you’re eligible for this program offering rebates to install cisterns and/or raingardens, there’s an online event at 5 pm with more info, including a chance to hear from prospective contractors. Our calendar listing has all the info.
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.
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Monthly board meeting, community members welcome – 6 pm at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) or online; agenda’s in our calendar listing.
SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm tonight, play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).
FREE TRACK RUN: The weekly run continues on into 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).
ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: 7 pm general gathering at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill) – bring a gently used winter coat to donate to the West Seattle Food Bank Clothesline. Agenda includes an update from police (got questions for them?), recap of summer events, preview of what’s ahead this fall.
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. Nathan Hale.
LISTENING PARTY: Early chance to hear Bright Eyes’ new album, 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), with a “very exciting giveaway” – free, all ages.
WEST SEATTLE PFLAG: 7:30 pm in the lounge at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill).
Planning an event? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
It’s fun, it’s free, and it’s open for signups right now (limited space so don’t wait) – here’s the announcement of the next “Write YOUR Story,” starting soon:
Write YOUR Story
Fall 2024
Enrolling nowTheme: We’ve got this! Tales of innovation and make-do
Who is invited? People age 7-11 who like stories
When? Every Wednesday, September 25—December 11, 2024, 4:30—5:30 pm
Where? Upstairs activity room, Curious Kidstuff toy store
4740 California Ave SWWrite YOUR Story, est. 2012, is a free workshop led by local writers for local kids – “We read, we write, and we have a lot of fun.”
For info or to enroll, contact: juliawsea@gmail.com
We will read The Whirlys and the West Wind and “Old Sultan”: two tales that begin in calamity and show how to carry on!
6:50 AM: Texter says 35th/Roxbury signal is malfunctioning.
Earlier:
6:01 AM: We start again with the reminder that the West Seattle low bridge remains closed to drivers (but open to people riding bicycles or walking/running/rolling):
SDOT says it’ll be closed at least several more days for repair of “severe” crash damage to the gate and barrier at the edge of the east half of the low bridge (here’s our coverage of Saturday’s crash). Here’s the latest on the repairs.
This morning’s other notes:
TRANSIT NOTES
Metro buses today – Second weekday since the twice-yearly service change on Saturday – West Seattle-area routes with changes are 60, 125, 131, and 132.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat.” Check for alerts here.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast: Rain on the way, high in the low 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:50 am, while sunset will be at 7:15 pm. (The fall equinox is Sunday!)
SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE
*See this week’s plan for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project by going here. Tonight: Eastbound right lanes closed 7 pm-6 am, 1st and 4th exits open.
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; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*Beach Drive gas-line work continues.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
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!
9:43 PM: That’s the first photo we’ve received of tonight’s aurora – Marina Clough reports, “I got a pic of the aurora with my phone! Couldn’t see this with the naked eye; this was around 8:30. It was when the KP index was around 8!” That means a good possibility of the Northern Lights; West Seattle educator/expert skywatcher Alice Enevoldsen has a page full of resources, including the forecast for the next half-hour and advice on how/where to watch.
1:11 AM: Watching the maps, the aurora likelihood seems to have faded, so it was fairly fleeting, By the time Manuel got to the beach, he mostly just was able to photograph other hopeful watchers:
Questions about aurora-watching? Alice will be happy to answer them at her equinox sunset watch Sunday, 6:30 pm, uphill at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW).
The man who revived the once-hot smash-burger joint Burbs Burgers has revealed his West Seattle expansion site. Three weeks ago, in a restaurant-opening roundup, The Seattle Times noted Bersain Gutierrez‘s revival of Burbs and mentioned in passing that he expected to soon expand to West Seattle. We’ve been working since then to find out where – many readers emailed us to ask – and just talked with Gutierrez tonight. He is a former Burbs employee who bought the brand to bring it back. Similar to his first revived Burbs Burgers, which shares space with Last Call in Frelard, he says this one will share space too – with Ounces in North Delridge (3809 Delridge Way SW), which has long offered food from a rotation of trucks. Gutierrez says Burbs will take over the Ounces truck space. hopefully in just a few weeks if permitting goes well.
Why West Seattle? Turns out he’s a WS resident! If you’re not familiar with the Burbs backstory, it was founded in 2020 by Josh Henderson of Skillet (etc.) fame, and had five locations before he closed them all earlier this year. (If you’re not familiar with smash burgers, here’s an explanation. We asked Gutierrez about his most popular burger. “Definitely the Special,” which includes onions, cheese, secret sauce, lettuce, and pickles, on a potato bun. The Burbs fried-chicken sandwich comes in second. He says they’ll have some “free food” events before opening, so watch for word of that. He’s “super excited” to be able to cook up Burbs Burgers in his own neighborhood and expects to operate seven days a week.
(SDOT photo: ‘Bent and twisted mechanical gate arm with damaged linear driver motor, wiring, warning lights, and control panel’)
Two days after a suspected drunk driver crashed into the arm and gate at the edge of the West Seattle low bridge’s east half, the bridge remains closed to drivers, and repairs are expected to last at least “several days,” per an update we just received from SDOT. The crash Saturday night sent the driver and a passenger to the hospital; the bike/foot path on the bridge reopened to users on Sunday night, but the repairs required before it can reopen to drivers are more complex. Here’s tonight’s update from SDOT:
SDOT engineers and maintenance crews continue to make repairs necessary to reopen the Spokane Street Swing Bridge to cars and trucks. Crew members may not be visible onsite all the time because much of the manufacturing and repair work is conducted offsite.
The damaged metal gate at the end of the bridge must be removed and will either be replaced or rebuilt in our mechanical repair shop. The impact critically twisted and bent the main metal tube which is the backbone of the mechanical gate. The electronics, motor, and locking pin linear drive motor inside the metal tube were also damaged in the crash. All these components are essential for safe bridge operations.
Due to the complex and precise nature of the work, crews are unable to repair the gate in its present location. We plan to remove the gate arm tomorrow and take it to our repair shop where the motors and moving parts can be dismantled, evaluated and repaired if possible. At the same time, other crew members will be focusing on repairing the damaged gate control panel and wiring.
As an extra precaution, we are ordering replacement parts in case the gate and or its electrical and mechanical components can’t be repaired, or if a replacement turns out to be the quicker and better option. Many of these mechanical parts are highly specialized and complex components which are not readily available locally and we are still waiting for confirmation from the manufacturer of some of the components.
It is not safe for drivers to use the bridge without a safety gate. Additionally, there are electronic sensors inside the mechanical gates which act as safeguards and prevent the bridge from operating without a functional gate.
We do not know the exact timeline when the repairs will be completed but expect the repairs to take several days. We will continue to provide in-depth updates as repairs continue.
Though drivers can’t use it, the bridge – formally known as the SW Spokane Street Swing Bridge – is able to open for marine traffic. That’s what it was doing when the 25-year-old driver smashed into the gate at high speed on Saturday night.
(WSB photo, looking south at 49th/Hinds)
Last Thursday, thanks to a reader tip, we reported on a new all-way-stop intersection at 49th/Spokane, near the former Schmitz Park Elementary (current temporary home to Alki Elementary), and promised to follow up with SDOT to find out if anything else is planned in the area. Today we got the reply – three intersections in all:
We’re adding all-way stops and painting all legs of the crosswalks at the following three intersections around Schmitz Park Elementary School:
50th Ave SW & SW Spokane St
49th Ave SW & SW Spokane St
49th Ave SW & SW Hinds St
We went to see if the other two had been installed yet. Short answer, no – 49th/Hinds currently has one crosswalk and east-west stop signs but not north/south; 50th/Spokane, right by the campus, is a “T” intersection that has one crosswalk. No installation date for the rest of the work was provided. This is one of the current Safe Routes to School projects, which have also included new stops and speed cushions by Gatewood Elementary.
(Screenshot from SDOT camera looking west)
If you use the Spokane Street Viaduct – the extension of the West Seattle Bridge between State Route 99 and I-5 – you might be wondering about this week’s plan for closures related to the resurfacing project. We just obtained it from project spokesperson Dr. Matthew Howard:
Monday Night – 09/16/2024
EB Left Lanes Closure – 7:00pm to 6:00am
1st Ave S Off Ramp Open
4th Ave S Off Ramp OpenTuesday Night – 09/17/2024
EB Right Lanes Closure – 7:00pm to 6:00am
1st Ave S Off Ramp Open
4th Ave S Off Ramp OpenWednesday Night – 09/18/2024
EB Left Lanes Closure – 7:00pm to 6:00am
1st Ave S Off Ramp Open
4th Ave S Off Ramp Open(updated) Thursday Night – 09/19/2024
EB Right Lanes Closure – 7:00pm to 6:00am
1st Ave S Off Ramp Open
4th Ave S Off Ramp OpenFriday Night Through Monday – 09/20/24 to 09/23/24
WB Full Lane Closures –10:00pm Friday to 4:00pm Saturday
WB S Spokane St Viaduct – Closed from I-5 Interchange to SR 99.
S Columbian Way Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open.
NB I5 Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open.
SB I5 Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to S Columbian Way will remain open.
1st Ave S Off-Ramp – Closed.
1st Ave S On-Ramp – Closed.
Port of Seattle Terminals 5-18/Harbor Island/11th Ave SW Off-Ramp – Closed.
EB S Spokane Street Viaduct – All Lanes OpenEB Left Lanes Closure – 4:30pm Saturday to 6:00pm Saturday
1st Ave Off Ramp Open
4th Ave Off Ramp Closed
EB to NB SR-99 Ramp OPEN.EB Full Closure – 6:00pm Saturday to 5:00am Monday
1st Ave Off Ramp Closed
4th Ave Off Ramp Closed
EB to NB SR-99 Ramp OPEN
Meantime, we’re awaiting an update on the low bridge – closed to drivers since Saturday night because of crash damage – and will publish that separately when we get it.
That’s one of several photos Mike N. sent, showing bare shelves at the Rite Aid store south of The Junction. Other shoppers at Rite Aid and RA-owned Bartell Drugs have noticed dwindling inventory in recent months, wondering if that meant imminent closure. No, according to what the company’s telling customers as it emerges from bankruptcy (which officially happened two weeks ago). Mike also sent this photo:
That note on display in the store mentions restocking, suggesting the shelves will soon be replenished. We contacted Rite Aid’s media team to ask about that. Their response: “We are working diligently with our supplier partners to restock our shelves now that we have successfully emerged. We appreciate our customers’ patience while we begin restocking our shelves with products that will meet the changing needs of our customers.” We also asked if more store closures were planned, beyond the 500+ it’s closed nationwide: “There are no current plans for additional store closures in connection with bankruptcy proceedings or emergence.” Rite Aid is now operating as a private company.
Thanks to Michael for the tip. A second West Seattle RV encampment is posted for clearing starting this week. Six RVs and trailers on Myers Way north of the Joint Training Facility have been orange-tagged, and “No Parking” signs are up along Myers from Olson to 99th [map]. They set the city clearing/cleanup operation dates as starting Thursday (September 19):
That’s one day after the clearing/cleanup work is scheduled to begin at the SW Trenton encampment on the north side of Westwood Village (which is now down to 4 RVs/trailers, from the previous 6, with the sweep looming). The east side of the posted Myers Way area abuts the greenbelt area cleared by the state and city one year ago; we’re checking with the city to see if this is strictly a roadside sweep.
A building in the 3000 block of Alki Avenue SW is experiencing brown water, we’re told by its management. They’ve contacted Seattle Public Utilities – which you always want to do if this happens, 206-386-1800 – and so far they don’t know the cause. (It’s often nearby hydrant testing by Seattle Fire, but it can also be first word of a water break or other problem nearby – unusual activity in a water line stirs up “sediment,” mostly rust, and that leads to the discoloration.)
(Harbor seal, photographed off T-107 Park by Steve Bender)
Ready to change up your Monday routine? Most of what’s on this 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).
DOG SWIMMING IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Second of seven days during which your dog is welcome to swim in the Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club pool before it’s drained for the offseason. 4-7 pm, $5 per visit or $25 for the entire week through Sunday. More info in our calendar listing. (11003 31st SW)
FOOD TRUCK IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Also in AH, new location for the rotating weekly food-truck visit, 40th SW & SW 107th.
GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday brings “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too.
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three places to play tonight – 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 welcome at 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 hosts 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 TONIGHT! 9 pm start for Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
If you have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar, please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
After summer, before the winter holidays, it’s prime time for nonprofits’ fundraising celebrations. Coming up in less than three weeks, DNDA – which works on art, nature, and affordable housing – invites you to Destination Delridge! Here’s the announcement:
Join us for an unforgettable evening at Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association’s *Destination Delridge* fundraiser! Mark your calendars for October 5th, 6-9 pm, and get ready for a night of fun at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center’s newly renovated Thelma DeWitty theater and dance studio.
This year’s event is a *Casino Night* theme featuring real casino games like Craps, Roulette, Spanish 21, Texas Hold ‘Em, and Blackjack! Enjoy live Jazz music, raffle, live auction and a silent auction with incredible local prizes (think sports tickets and gear, Spirit making classes, NotOccult tattoo sessions, pet and self-care baskets – and so much more!), plus a delicious selection of local foods made by Black-owned businesses, a dessert bar, and an open bar.
We’ve worked hard to make this event accessible to everyone in the community. That’s why we’ve reduced ticket prices to just $50 and are also offering free community tickets (while they last)! All proceeds will support DNDA’s vital work in the neighborhood. So gather your friends and family, and let’s celebrate this beautiful space together!
Head to WWW.DNDA.org/DESTINATION to reserve your spot and be sure to share with your networks. We can’t wait to see you there!
The event venue – which also holds DNDA’s HQ – is at 4408 Delridge Way SW.
6:00 AM: We start with a reminder that the West Seattle low bridge remains closed to drivers (but open to people on bikes or on foot):
To recap, the gate and barrier at the edge of the east half of the low bridge were “severely damaged,” as SDOT describes it, when a suspected DUI driver hit them at high speed Saturday evening (here’s our coverage of the crash). The low bridge has been closed to drivers ever since; the bike/foot path opened Sunday evening, but SDOT says the rest of the repairs will take at least a “few days.” (Read that update, with an important message for bike/foot path users, here.)
This morning’s other notes:
TRANSIT NOTES
Metro buses today – First weekday since the twice-yearly service change on Saturday – West Seattle-area routes with changes are 60, 125, 131, and 132.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route. The “unscheduled third boat” is back.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast: Sunny today, high in the upper 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:48 am, while sunset will be at 7:18 pm. (The fall equinox is next Sunday!)
SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE
*We’ll find out today what’s next for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project.
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; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*Beach Drive gas-line work continues.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
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!
8:52 PM: Police are investigating two armed robberies reported in Delridge minutes apart in the past half-hour – whether they’re related is not yet clear. Here’s the early information via police radio – the first one was a street robbery near Delridge/Findlay; the robber is described as Black, male, late teens, braces, black beanie, Nike jacket, dark shoes. The second one was reported to have happened at the Delridge/Andover Subway shop, with two robbers, described as Black, male, 20s, 6′, thin, both in black masks, one with a black hoodie, one in a red hoodie. A K-9 team is joining at least one of the searches, so people in the area will be hearing some “siren trips” (a required warning). If you have any information, call 911. (The robbery near Delridge/Findlay is SPD incident 24-263019, the one near Delridge/Andover is 24-263022.)
10:14 PM: No luck in the searches here but South Precinct police are now investigating a robbery in which the robbers match the description of the two in the Subway holdup here. They might be associated with a vehicle described as a white RAV-4.
ADDED MONDAY AFTERNOON: Police summaries reveal a few more details:
-The street robbery victim reported being held up at gunpoint after they got off a Metro bus in the 5400 block of Delridge. They said they were rushed by the robber, who pointed a gun at the and demanded their earbuds.
-Four minutes later, the robbery at Subway was reported. Police say the robbers pointed a gun at an employee and demanded money from the till; they also got away with the employee’s wallet containing cash, cards, and ID.
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