West Seattle, Washington
29 Saturday
(WSB photo, this morning)
While stabilization work continues under the West Seattle Bridge, there’s something you can do here on the ground right now – tell the city how you can, and can’t, get around without it. The Reconnect West Seattle mobility survey is open until Friday (July 31st), as are the “prioritization” lists of potential projects in four areas affected by detour traffic. The main survey is here; the neighborhood-prioritization surveys are here (Highland Park/Riverview/South Delridge/Roxhill), here (South Park), here (Georgetown), and here (SODO). Prefer a paper ballot? Call 206-400-7511 or email westseattlebridge@seattle.gov.
P.S. Questions? SDOT’s “virtual office hours” noon-1 pm tomorrow and 6:30-7:30 pm Thursday might be able to help – details for connecting are on this page.
(Port of Seattle image. 2019: Yellow-shaded area is where a new cruise terminal was envisioned)
Thanks for the tips! The Port of Seattle announced today that it’s officially canceling its plan to seek a partner to build out a new cruise-ship terminal at T-46 on the downtown waterfrpnt. As the announcement notes, the plan already was on hold:
In April 2020, the Port of Seattle suspended its planning for a new cruise terminal to serve the Alaska market, citing a need to better understand the short and long-term cruise industry market impacts from COVID-19 before continuing its project investment in additional cruise facilities. As a result of this current analysis, the Port will cancel its request for industry proposals for a joint investment to build and operate a proposed new cruise terminal at the preferred location of Terminal 46. …
Cruise has become an integral leading business line for the Port of Seattle and an important part of the region’s maritime and regional economies. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Port of Seattle was forecasting a record year for 2020 with 233 cruise vessels scheduled to sail from Seattle. With an estimated 1.3 million revenue passengers expected to travel to and from our terminals this season, cruise supports 5,500 jobs, and provides nearly $900 million in economic activity for the region. …
Prior analysis of the cruise market and cruise ship deployment supported the need for a fourth berth to meet the demand for Port of Seattle cruise services. A cruise terminal requires a deep-water berth, a building to process passengers, a ground transportation area, long-term parking for cruise passengers, associated utilities, and connection to the local transportation system.
The Port of Seattle and Northwest Seaport Alliance will continue with prior projects to make Terminal 46 more sustainable and durable for long-term general maritime use, including installing stormwater treatment infrastructure and rehabilitating the dock. Vessel berthing and maritime support will continue on the terminal. The Port will prepare a recommendation for the Cruise Terminal Project when there is greater certainty about demand for Port of Seattle cruise services.
Read the full announcement here. Last fall, the port had projected the now-canceled project for completion in 2023.
The Terminal 5 modernization project in West Seattle, meantime, continues full-speed ahead, confirms port spokesperson Peter McGraw, with its north cargo berth expected to be ready next spring,
(WSB photos)
It’s almost as if Bob Henry has an audience! As we reported Monday, the muralist is at work this week on the north side of 4727 44th SW in The Junction, re-hanging the restored panels that comprise the “Press Day” mural. Today, we got a look at part of the restoration:
It’s been more than two years since the restoration project began.
This is one of nine surviving murals of the original 11 created in the late ’80s/early ’90s – one, “Midnight Call,” was removed four years ago; another was re-created at a new location near the demolished building that originally held it. Crowdfunding is supplementing the philanthropy and grants to pay for the restoration.
4 development-related notes today:
REMINDER – CONCRETE POUR AT 1250 ALKI: As previewed here, traffic is down to one lane, alternating, past the 1250 Alki SW condo project today.
Thanks to Lynn Hall (top photo) and Stewart L. (second photo) for sending pics of the big pouring operation that’s under way.
Meantime – another redevelopment site has gone up for sale:
MICROAPARTMENT PROJECT SITE FOR SALE: The 22-microapartment plan for 4807 41st SW – just south of Jefferson Square – got key approvals last year. Now, though, it’s on the market as a “planned/permitted” development site, listed for just under $1.5 million.
TOWNHOUSE PROPOSAL: From the most-recent city Public Notices Summary, eight townhouses on two adjacent sites, 9238 20th SW and 9240 20th SW, are in Streamlined Design Review – click the addresses for the notices. Deadline for comments: August 10th.
NEW CITY MAP: The city has upgraded its Shaping Seattle map, which you can use to find out more about building/land-use activity. It’s explained here.
Thanks for all the tips on this: We don’t know yet if it’s related, but a widespread Comcast/Xfinity outage is reported – we’ve heard from affected customers from Alki to North Delridge to The Junction to Morgan Junction to South Delridge, so far.
9:44 AM: More than 200 customers in the West Seattle Junction have lost electricity – the Seattle City Light outage map shows it as multiple outages, but they all started within the past half-hour. Thanks to Amy Lee Derenthal at the Senior Center of West Seattle (which is affected) for first word. Updates to come.
10:11 AM: We’re told via text that a few businesses north of SW Oregon – Lady Di and Greentree – are among those affected. This by the way is exactly a week after another Junction outage affected hundreds, lasting five hours for some.
11:30 AM: The outage is now shown at 419 customers, and “equipment failure” is attributed as the cause.
3:37 PM: We checked in with City Light, which hasn’t much to say: “We have a Seattle City Light crew currently on-site investigating the outage right now. They are trying to determine the root cause for the outage.”
5:59 PM: An update from SCL: “The crew is investigating both overhead and underground lines. They are still trying to determine the cause for the outage. The crew plans to restore power in sections in an effort to isolate where the outage is located. Depending on how extensive the problem is, it may take the crew more time to fully restore service.”
8:05 PM: SCL says everyone was back on as of about 15 minutes ago. Still awaiting word on the cause.
8:24 PM: SCL spokesperson Jenny Levesque tells WSB, “The outage was due to a limiter failure; it serves to limit current on the pole. The crew had to do testing to isolate and repair the issue.”
In memory of Ken Stafford, this remembrance is being shared with the community:
Walking his dog on Alki. More specifically, carrying his treasured dog all over our city, from Alki to Ballard, to Lake Washington and back. That was Ken Stafford, an original Alki gem.
Kenny was born on July 14, 1949 and left this world on July 15th, 2020. He graduated from West Seattle High School in 1967 where his band started up and continued to play at old nightspots like the Embers, Alki Tavern, and the Jigsaw. His biggest thrill was performing a tribute to Elvis, his idol.
After a stint in the Navy, Kenny continued to live, and walk, and always enjoy the Alki Beach neighborhood. Now, those that knew him, will miss him and are pretty sure he is up there playing great music, probably Elvis songs. Rest in peace, my friend.
A remembrance for Ken will be held at a later date.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
6:16 AM: It’s Tuesday, the 127th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.
ROAD WORK/CLOSURES
*The Delridge RapidRide H Line project continues major work along Delridge Way – here’s what is happening this week.
*Today, expect alternating one-lane traffic by the 1250 Alki SW project.
*Another 1st Ave. S. Bridge northbound closure is scheduled tonight, 10 pm-5 am.
CHECK THE TRAFFIC BEFORE YOU GO
Here’s the 5-way intersection camera (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
Here’s the restricted-daytime-access (open to all 9 pm-5 am) low bridge:
The main detour route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) . Here’s that camera:
The other major bridge across the river is the South Park Bridge (map). The camera is back:
Going through South Park? Don’t speed.
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed for info about any of those bridges opening for marine traffic.
You can see all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.
TRANSIT
Metro – Still reduced service and distancing – details here.
Water Taxi – Back to its “winter” schedule, with the 773 and 775 shuttles – see the schedule here.
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
This one’s a few hours late, as we were out of the house on breaking news, but here’s what’s new in the virus crisis:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: Here’s today’s daily summary from Public Health – the cumulative totals:
*14.619 people have tested positive, 186 more than yesterday’s total
*643 people have died, 3 more than yesterday’s total
*1,896 people have been hospitalized, 5 more than yesterday’s total
*279,762 people have been tested, 8,461 more than yesterday’s total
One week ago, the totals were 13,339/635/1,806/247,689.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: See them – nation by nation – here.
NEED FOOD? The pandemic economic crunch continues. So does help to prevent hunger. Free boxes of food are available at Food Lifeline‘s South Park-area HQ on Wednesday and Friday this week, 2 pm-5 pm (815 S. 96th).
GOT SOMETHING TO REPORT? westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302, text/voice – thank you!
9:52 PM: Thanks for the tips. We are at Madison MS, where a group of protesters is headed south, in vehicles and on foot, after rallying. We are trying to find out if this is the same group that’s been going to City Councilmembers’ houses late at night. Updates to come.
10:13 PM: The protesters are headed toward The Junction, where Council President Lorena González lives, though we don’t know if that’s where they were headed.
We asked about their destination as they were leaving Madison, but they would not answer, and told our photographer to leave. We drove ahead of what we guessed would be their route. They have chanted “Whose lives matter? Black lives matter” and calls for Mayor Jenny Durkan to resign.
10:28 PM: They’re now on California passing Genesee, SB. We count about 40 on foot, plus vehicles.
10:36 PM: As they continue down California, one man broke away to yell at an apartment building that everyone should call the council about Wed’s big budget meeting. (SPD-related proposals will be on the agenda).
10:42 PM: The group has turned off California and is now in the councilmember’s neighborhood.
11:27 PM: González just spent about half an hour talking with and listening to the group. “Thank you for bringing the action to me.” she told them.
11:50 PM: Now that we are back at HQ, we are adding photos and a few more notes. González expressed support for the group, reiterated that SPD cuts will be on the table when the council meets Wednesday as the Select Budget Committee, and said this is the time for community members to let councilmembers know what they want to see. She also urged involvement in the participatory budget process next year.
ADDED WEDNESDAY NIGHT: A reader provided this video of most of the dialogue between Councilmember González and the protesters:
A little over one month until school starts … remotely … for Seattle Public Schools students and staff. You have a chance this Friday to talk with/hear from Leslie Harris, who represents West Seattle and South Park on the SPS Board of Directors. The 6:30 pm meeting July 31st sponsored by the Seattle Council PTSA will be online, and you have to register in advance to get the meeting link – you can do that here.
From today’s City Council meeting, late today – the plan to renew extra bus funding via the Seattle Transportation Benefit District (STBD) is officially headed to the November ballot. The six-year measure that’s expiring this year is a .1% sales tax and a car-tab fee; because of I-976, the renewal just has a sales tax. While there was a proposal to double it to .2%, councilmembers decided on .15% (that means 15 cents on every taxable $100 you spend). They also decided to keep it as a 6-year plan, though there had been a proposal to shorten it to 4 years. With the increase in the proposd tax rate, District 1 Councilmember Lisa Herbold proposed an amendment to increase the “emerging needs” amount expected to help pay for extra West Seattle transit while the bridge is out – that will now be a $9 million fund rather than $6 million, commensurate with the increase in the proposed tax rate. A majority of councilmembers approved that amendment; the final proposal passed unanimously.
5:26 PM: Thanks for the tips and photos (the one above was sent by Garrett). Many questions about that big plume of black smoke visible looking east from West Seattle. It is from a fire call in SODO, 3800 block of 9th Avenue S. Not a huge callout – the address on the log checks to a commercial site [map], but the address on the log is not always accurate, so we are waiting to hear from SFD. (Radio communication so far has mentioned a “debris pile.”)
7:58 PM: SFD spokesperson Kristin Tinsley tells us that “this was a fire that involved a RV, a pick-up truck type camper (without the truck), a tent, and debris. Four adults were displaced. American Red Cross was notified. The cause is under investigation.”
4:29 PM: The 4 pm temperature at Sea-Tac hit 92 – and this is the hottest day of the year so far, first day in the 90s since a little over a year ago. The National Weather Service‘s Heat Advisory alert continues until 8 pm, and after that, things should start cooling a bit, and tomorrow shouldn’t get past the low 80s.
ADDED 5:06 PM: Now 93. (Dahlia photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
(2002 photo by Mark Sears)
Just announced by The Whale Trail executive director Donna Sandstrom:
We’re hosting our first virtual Orca Talk! We think the world needs a hopeful story right now. What better story than Springer’s?
Springer (A73) is an orphaned orca who was spotted near Seattle in January 2002—lost, alone, and 300 miles away from home. Six months later she was rescued, rehabilitated, and returned to her pod. Today she is thriving, tending her two calves.It’s the first—and so far only—successful orca rehabilitation and reunion in history.
Please join us for a special Zoom presentation of Springer’s story, as told by members of her team. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion/Q&A. Panelists will include Bob Lohn, Joe Scordino, Kathy Fletcher, Suzie Hall (OrcaLab), and others. Prepare to be inspired!
What: Celebrate Springer 2020! Presentation and Q&A
When: Thursday, July 30th, 7 PM to 8:15 PM PST
Cost: Free! (Donations gladly accepted.)Preregistration is required. Sign up here.
After registering, attendees will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Space is limited – sign up now!
(2018 photo by Caitlin Birdsall, OceanWise)
P.S. Springer, Spirit and Storm recently returned to Johnstone Strait and were filmed at the rubbing beaches by OrcaLab on Explore.org. Watch a clip here and live cameras here.
(WSB photo, August 2019)
Almost a year ago, we reported on the next West Seattle Junction mural to be restored, “Press Day,” on the north side of 4727 44h SW. This time, the process is different – this mural is on wooden panels that were removed so muralist Bob Henry could work on them. Today, he’s back to start re-hanging the restored panels.
(This photo & next, courtesy of West Seattle Junction Association)
First – scaffolding goes up. Then, the panels.
West Seattle Junction Association executive director Lora Radford tells WSB the process is expected to last all week. It’s one of the murals created ~30 years ago as a celebration of local history; restoration is funded by philanthropy, grants, and community contributions (the crowdfunding page is here).
Two reports so far today:
ANOTHER CAR DAMAGED BY GUNFIRE: If you heard gunshots early Saturday in the Gatewood/Morgan Junction area – here’s what the police report we obtained today says it turned out to be:
(Saturday morning) I was dispatched to (the 7000 block of) California AV SW, unit to investigate the report of property damage in the form of bullet holes in (victim’s) vehicle that occurred overnight.
I contacted (the victim) in the alley behind his building (east of California AV SW) where his vehicle was parked, backed in to a parking spot perpendicular to the alley. It was immediately obvious that the front and hood of his vehicle was riddled with fresh bullet holes. (He) stated that he approaches his vehicle from behind so he noticed a large wet spot running away from his vehicle but did not notice anything was wrong until he attempted to start his vehicle and “a bunch of warning lights went off” and it would not start.
(We) located 8- spent 9mm Blazer brass shell casings scattered around the alleyway in front of (the) vehicle. We also located 8 separate bullet holes in the front bumper, grill, and hood of (the) vehicle. There were vehicles parked directly on both sides of the’s vehicle as well as in many other spots of the parking strip. None of the other had any damage to them. (The victim) stated that he had just bought the vehicle approximately a month ago and just moved into this apartment building approximately a week and a half prior and did not know of anyone in his personal or professional life that would do something like this. I agreed with that the incident did seem to be targeted toward him or at least his vehicle specifically. A check with SPD dispatch showed a shots fired call with multiple callers from the east of this address at approximately 0048 Hrs this morning (2020-222259). Officers responded and did not locate anything.
No indication whether it might be related to last week’s incidents; police said the weapon in those appeared to have been a shotgun.
STOLEN BACKPACK: Tina hopes you can help find her child’s backpack, stolen Sunday at Lowman Beach Park and containing some items of hers as well: “The backpack is black with Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog. We were at the beach just past all of the houses at the very end of the road.” If yu see an abandoned backpack like that, let us know and we’ll connect you.
P.S. Thanks to the person who found Linda‘s stolen documents and got them back to her after seeing the report here!
10:12 AM: As of early this morning, a second work platform is in place under the four-months-closed West Seattle Bridge. The first one went up a week ago; in a meeting Thursday, SDOT managers mentioned another one was set to be moved into place today, so we went out to check. It’s east of the first one, and it’s for crews with stabilization contractor Kraemer North America. As explained by SOOT here, “The platforms will allow the team to safely access the exterior of the bridge girders to work on measures intended to slow cracking – this includes wrapping sections with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (and) adding external post-tensioning tendons, and releasing the bearings at Pier 18.”
4:55 PM: SDOT points out in its announcement of today’s installation, the “two” platforms are actually four. Here’s how they’ll be used:
The work platforms will be under the bridge for at least 3 months while we do repair work, and then crews will repeat the same process to gently lower them down to barges waiting to receive them below.
SDOT is now entering the next phase of stabilization work. Over the next few months, crews will use the work platforms for bridge access to perform stabilization measures including:
First, we will inject epoxy to seal the cracks in order to protect the bridge’s skeleton of steal post-tensioning cables holding up the concrete.
We will wrap sensitive sections of the bridge with carbon fiber reinforced polymer to strengthen the bridge much like putting a cast on a broken bone.
Then we will install additional steel post-tensioning cables inside the hollow portion of the bridge to help hold up the bridge, like adding braces for extra support.
Next, we will repair the locked bearings at Pier 18 which are preventing the bridge from reacting to normal daily stresses as intended.
Finally, we will go back and install additional carbon fiber wrapping and post-tensioning cables for further strengthening and support.
In memory of Barbara A. McGlothern, her family and friends are sharing this remembrance with the community:
BARBARA ANN McGLOTHERN
Born January 26, 1933, in Michigan to David Hazlett and Dorothy (Ritchie) Hazlett. Passed peacefully July 20, 2020. Raised in Omak, and graduated with the Omak High School Class of 1951. Attended Western Washington University, where she met Richard McGlothern and wed in 1953.
Preceded in death by her parents David and Dorothy Hazlett, and her brother David Hazlett. Survived by children: Michael McGlothern and Aleece (Nokes) McGlothern, Cynthia McGlothern, Kerry (McGlothern) Casteel, Robert McGlothern and Jenny (Gwinn) McGlothern. Grandchildren: Matthew McGlothern, Jenny (McGlothern) Schild and Eric Schild, Katy (Casteel) Brown and Justin Brown, Tracy Casteel, Margaret McGlothern, and Simon McGlothern, and great-grandchildren: Blaire Brown, Benjamin Brown, and Bowie Schild.
Barbara was intelligent, thoughtful and had a great sense of humor. She loved her work at the University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, and retired from Washington State University Cooperative Extension. She enjoyed retirement, traveling to numerous countries, and volunteering with several organizations.
She had a passion for opera, reading, art, music, dogs, horses, and horse racing; sometimes she’d even
place a small bet! Her backyard was her oasis, where she loved to relax and read or visit with friends.
She always offered tea and a homemade treat.She was woven into the fabric of her beloved West Seattle community. She was an active member of the Admiral Congregational United Church of Christ.
Our family would like to extend deep gratitude to those at Sunshine Care for their loving care and attention to our Mother in the last couple of years. She was loved by so many and will be missed dearly.
A virtual Memorial will be held August 8, 2020; for details, see Emmick Family Funeral Services at
www.emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Barbara-McGlothern
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
6:07 AM: It’s Monday, the 126th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.
ROAD WORK/CLOSURES
*The Delridge RapidRide H Line project continues in three zones along Delridge Way – here’s what to expect this week.
*Another 1st Ave. S. Bridge northbound closure is scheduled tonight, 10 pm-5 am.
*Tomorrow, expect alternating one-lane traffic by the 1250 Alki SW project.
CHECK THE TRAFFIC BEFORE YOU GO
Here’s the 5-way intersection camera (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
Here’s the restricted-daytime-access (open to all 9 pm-5 am) low bridge:
The main detour route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) . Here’s that camera:
The other major bridge across the river is the South Park Bridge (map). The camera is back:
Going through South Park? Don’t speed.
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed for info about any of those bridges opening for marine traffic.
You can see all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.
TRANSIT
Metro – Still reduced service and distancing – details here.
Water Taxi – Back to its “winter” schedule, with the 773 and 775 shuttles – see the schedule here.
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
Wrapping up the last weekend of July, here are tonight’s virus-crisis updates:
KING COUNTY’S NEWEST NUMBERS: First, the cumulative totals from the Public Health daily-summary dashboard:
*14,433 people have tested positive, up 178 from yesterday
*640 people have died, unchanged from yesterday
*1,891 people have been hospitalized, up 14 from yesterday
*271,301 people have been tested, up 562 from yesterday
One week ago, the totals were 13,159/632/1,803/242,860.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 16.2 million cases and more than 647,000 deaths – see the nation-by-nation breakdown here.
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS: The federally funded extra $600 is expiring, and what, if anything, will replace it isn’t clear yet, but Congress is supposed to work on it tomorrow.
FOOD FOR KIDS/TEENS: Seattle Public Schools continues meal distribution at its designated sites 11 am-1 pm weekdays, as well as distribution by bus – full details here.
GOT SOMETHING TO REPORT? westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302, text/voice – thank you!
(Photo sent by Stewart L.)
Heads up if you travel on Alki Avenue in the Duwamish Head area – the construction project at 1250 Alki SW has sent word of a traffic alert for Tuesday:
1250 Alki Ave will be placing its structural foundation on Tuesday, July 28th.
Starting early in the morning, all vehicular traffic within ¼ mile on either side of the project will be reduced to one, alternating lane.
Wait time should be minimal (less than 5 min) through the morning hours, but traffic typically increases around 10:00 AM, and could lead to a few additional minutes through the early afternoon.
SINGLE LANE CLOSURE OF ALKI AVE
Traffic control signage will be set up early on the morning of the 28th.
The Eastbound lane will be closed and all vehicular traffic (in both directions) will use the lane on the north side.
The North side lane will be controlled by a team of Uniformed Police officers and a traffic control team. They will use an alternating pattern to control vehicular traffic past the project.
Extended working hours
Concrete placement will begin between 5:45 – 6:00 AN. We anticipate the concrete placement will last approximately 8-9 hours and the completion will be around 6:00 PM.
7:07 PM: Avoid 42nd/Alaska for a while. SFD and SPD have responded to a crash; one car is up on the sidewalk by the Jefferson Square sign. The driver wasn’t hurt but knocked over the USPS mailbox. The scene will clear after the car’s towed.
7:29 PM: SFD has cleared from the scene but the traffic camera shows police are still directing traffic.
7:59 PM: Scene’s now clear.
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