West Seattle, Washington
28 Friday
3:19 PM: Gov. Inslee is speaking right now (watch it live) and just announced that masks will be mandatory statewide as of Friday. Even though the worst outbreak right now is in Eastern Washington, infection rates are concerning on this side of the Cascades too, he says. They’ll be required in most indoor (public) circumstances as well as many outdoor circumstances in which social distancing isn’t always possible. “Until a vaccine is developed, this is going to be our best defense,” he says. There will be exceptions, he adds – children younger than 5, people with hearing challenges, people with certain health problems.
3:32 PM: Secretary of Health John Wiesman says he’s issuing the official order and that it’s how “life will be different” for a while. He’s followed by a doctor who declares, “Masks can save lives.” They protect the wearer and those around them. “We know that this appears to work for lots of respiratory-tract infections.”
3:44 PM: Asked about enforcement, Gov. Inslee says that’s not the point – he expects there will be lots of voluntary compliance because people want to stay healthy and care for their neighbors. He says Yakima – which is dealing with a major outbreak – is already up to about 60 percent mask use. — Violating the rule would be a misdemeanor, Inslee says in response to another question, but it’s “not our desire to see hara-working officers (become the mask police) – they have other things to do.”
4:09 PM: This is about to wrap up; the governor and secretary were joined by Craig Jelinek, president and CEO of Costco, and Faye Guenther, president of UFCW 21. Inslee stressed that this isn’t about your personal choice if you want to risk getting sick or not – it’s about protecting others, such as essential workers (like store clerks) who don’t have a choice – they have to be at work “to feed their families.”
5:47 PM: Here’s the governor’s full announcement.
We just obtained the link for tomorrow’s third meeting of the West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force. It’s at noon Wednesday, and you can see it here. A preview from SDOT:
This week’s meeting will include a brief update on the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge, an introduction to the Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) co-chairs and the questions they are currently exploring, discussion around the Reconnect West Seattle and Neighborhood Traffic Mitigation Proposals that were introduced during the last Community Task Force meeting, and a presentation and discussion around West Seattle Low Bridge access. However, the meeting agenda is subject to change.
Our coverage of the first two meeting is here (#1) and here (#2).
SIDE NOTE: Today marks exactly three months since the bridge’s sudden closure.
(WSB photo, March)
What’s ahead for Washington State Ferries and the communities (like ours) they serve? WSF has just announced your chance to find out, one week from tonight:
Washington State Ferries is hosting an online public meeting to share the latest information about ferry service and to engage people in ferry-served communities from Tacoma to the San Juan Islands. Instead of its usual spring outreach meetings, WSF has moved its community outreach online due to restrictions on large group gatherings and the spread of COVID-19.
On Tuesday, June 30, at 6 p.m., WSF staff will discuss the response to COVID-19, and how it may affect the agency’s finances and service plan. Online participants will be able to ask questions and provide comments during the meeting.
“We are in a difficult time. Not only are our frontline employees working hard for the safety of our passengers, we face many challenges created by the COVID-19 crisis,” said Amy Scarton, head of Washington State Ferries. “We want to hear from the communities we serve, because they are an essential part of our decision making process.”
Members of the public can participate in the meeting from a laptop, desktop or mobile device, but advance registration is required to participate.
June 30 online meeting registration information
· Register online for the 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, meeting at: bit.ly/WSFJuneMeeting2020
· Participants must provide a name and valid email address and have access to a computer or mobile device with an internet connection.
· Once registered, participants will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to log in to the webinar.
The day after the meeting, a recording will be available online for anyone unable to participate.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
After five years, West Seattle and South Park police are about to get a new boss.
As reported here Friday, Capt. Pierre Davis is leaving.
“Big shoes to fill,” says the Southwest Precinct‘s next commander, Capt. Kevin Grossman. We talked with him by phone on Monday.
This won’t be his first time running a precinct. – he was South Precinct commander 2017-2019, and is currently commander of the Special Victims section, which handles cases including sexual assault. His department bio notes that he’s also served as liaison officer to the Seattle Housing Authority, supervisor in the Audit, Policy, and Research section, aide in the Chief’s Office, supervisor in the Office of Police Accountability, watch commander in two precincts, operations lieutenant in the North Precinct, and seven years as a hostage negotiator for.
Highland Park Way SW – particularly the hill between SW Holden and West Marginal Way SW – is a lot busier since the West Seattle Bridge closed (three months ago today). Part of the hill is a bit more usable, thanks to volunteers. Don Brubeck from West Seattle Bike Connections sent the video, with this explanation:
While we’ve been waiting for SDOT and SDON to reveal a glimpse of their neighborhood traffic plans and engage us in discussions about biking and walking improvements for the neighborhoods most affected by the West Seattle Bridge closure, several people from Highland Park Action Committee, West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails Group and West Seattle Bike Connections have being doing DIY improvements on Highland Park Way. We uncovered a long-buried and forgotten sidewalk that links the West Duwamish Trail to the trails in the greenbelt that go up to South Seattle College and other trailheads.
P.S. As previewed here Monday, HPAC is talking about detour traffic tomorrow night.
Those interested in retired civil engineer Bob Ortblad‘s proposal to replace the West Seattle Bridge with an underwater tube tunnel have a chance to see him talk about it this week – but it’s a different day, time, and format from what was previously announced. As noted by commenters, Ortblad’s presentation last week was disrupted. So his Wednesday night event this week is canceled and instead you can see him on a Washington Business Alliance panel Thursday morning:
Future Fit Transportation: West Seattle Duwamish Crossing
Thursday, June 25, 10:00 AMTransportation infrastructure projects that the state embarks on now will need to be cost efficient, more resilient, lower carbon, and take into account a more complex set of challenges including air and water quality.
Join news-making retired civil engineer Bob Ortblad and Former CEO of INCA Engineers Shiv Batra for a discussion on the concept of an Immersed Tube Tunnel as an innovative approach to replacing the West Seattle bridge.
Showcasing innovation and unique ideas is part of the entrepreneurial spirit which guides the Washington Business Alliance. Join us for this webinar and stay connected as we bring you more exciting ideas for the state’s transportation future.
Panelists
David Giuliani: Co-founder: Low Carbon Prosperity Institute and Washington Business Alliance
Bob Ortblad: Civil Engineer, Retired
Shiv Batra: Former CEO of INCA Engineers
Asked if they’d consider this idea, SDOT has said repeatedly that nothing’s been ruled out.
6:03 AM: Good morning – the 92nd morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge.
ROAD WORK
*Demolition is under way on the Delridge Way repaving-and-more project – here’s what’s happening this week.’
*If you travel on Beach Drive, be aware that staging has begun for the Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook seawall project.
TRAFFIC
Heading off-peninsula? First, the cameras for the 5-way intersection, and the restricted-access low bridge just east of it:
The main detour route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – which has up to 14 overnight closures planned next month. Meanwhile, here’s that camera:
The other major bridge across the river is the South Park Bridge (map) – this camera shows the SP-side approach:
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 – Some service has been added back – details here.
Water Taxi – Also restored some service, plus 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.
Two reader reports:
BRAZEN BIKE THEFT: That bicycle was stolen as its owner watched, reports Robert:
My son’s bike was stolen from Schmitz Park Elementary tonight at around 8:20. He was waiting for some friends and put his bike down. A family (dad, mom and 3-4 kids – all under 10) were at the playground The family walked off and then the dad came back and took the bike. He put in the back of his van. My son tried to stop him but no luck.
He gave chase after the van on foot He was calling me and I happened to be a couple blocks away and saw the van with bike in back. I followed but he must have figured it out and took off. I honked a bit and then he really took off so stopped following.
We got several pictures of the van but it appears he took the license plate off. The vehicle was a later model mini van (didn’t get make). Color was silver-ish. The entire back window was taped so might be obvious if you see it. Hoping there is a chance he dumped it as he knew we following him. He drove toward Seaview neighborhood. Or maybe someone saw them at the school and can give a better description?
The bike was a Cannondale Habit 4. A few years old but a nicer mountain bike. He put his Birthday, lawn–mowing money, pressure-washing money toward it, so a tough lesson to learn.
Thanks in advance if you find the bike or see the vehicle.
The police report # is 2020-194353.
CAR PROWLS: Also tonight, this report from Flavia: “I live in the Arroyos neighborhood and had a car break-in at 2:40 in the morning. I am 1 of 3 houses that was hit in the neighborhood. All were car break-ins.”
The first Monday of Phase 2 is ending, and here’s the nightly roundup:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: Here’s today’s daily summary from Public Health – the cumulative totals:
*9,273 people have tested positive, 39 more than yesterday
*584 people have died, unchanged from yesterday
*1,547 people have been hospitalized, 6 more than yesterday
*144,631 people have been tested, 3,157 more than yesterday
One week ago, the totals were 8,797/574/1,521/125,323.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: See them – nation by nation – here.
GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING TOMORROW: 3 pm tomorrow is Gov. Inslee’s next public/media briefing on the state’s COVID-19 response. From the announcement:
The governor will be joined by:
John Wiesman, secretary of health
Craig Jelinek, president and CEO, Costco Wholesale
Faye Guenther, president, UFCW 21
You’ll be able to watch it live here.
GUIDANCE INFORMATION IN ASL: From the state Health Department:
DOH releases American Sign Language (ASL) re-opening guidance videos: The videos, which can be found on the DOH’s ASL landing page, contain guidance for the Safe Start plan, each separate re-opening phase, and requirements for individuals, businesses, and employers.
DRIVE-UP GRADUATION CELEBRATION: One more coming up this week – South Seattle College on Thursday.
GOT SOMETHING TO REPORT? westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302, text/voice – thank you!
(Photo sent by Susanna Niederberger)
The message can be large, like on the skyline (above) or the street (below) ,,,
(Photo sent by Scott, street mural on 18th north of Myrtle)
… or simple, like a sign you hold. You have two chances to do that this week – Scott (who also sent the street-mural photo above) sends this announcement – he and neighbors at Puget Ridge Cohousing are organizing Black Lives Matter sign-waving events at 16th/Holden this Tuesday and Thursday (June 23 and 25), 4-6 pm both days.
The neighborhoods served by HPAC – Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge – are among those for which the city promises a mitigation plan for bridge-detour traffic. HPAC will talk about it – and listen – this Wednesday night. The announcement:
Let’s Talk About Upcoming SDOT Mitigation Projects Process for Our Neighborhoods!
HPAC Community Listening Session – Join Us This Week!Join us this Wednesday, June 24, 7-8 pm .for a community listening session around the increasing West Seattle Bridge detour traffic through our neighborhoods and ideas we have for mitigation projects. We will also share what we know about the upcoming Project Prioritization Process.
We will have at least two members of the West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force who represent our area in attendance to hear from the community.
The meeting is open to all but due to Zoom capacity we will prioritize attendees from Highland Park, South Delridge, Riverview, and Roxhill.
See the HPAC website for information on how to access the meeting.
The photo and report are from Samuel, who says this happened near 10th/Barton:
Our 2014 black Nissan Leaf (license plate BQJ-2625) was just stolen from out in front of our house (within the last 2.5 hours). Case number 20-194155
If you see it, call 911.
(SDOT photo – taking samples off side of bridge)
During last week’s West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force meeting (WSB coverage here), SDOT revealed that analysis so far shows the bridge IS likely fixable – so the biggest question now is whether repairs are feasible, more than whether they’re possible. Just published on SDOT Blog this afternoon is a close-up look at what led to that preliminary determination. From the post:
…Over the past few months, we have been hard at work conducting more than 100 scientific tests to analyze the structural stability of the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge. The tests completed so far have not found indications of problems with the post-tensioning system, comprising the steel strands running through the structure like a skeleton. Problems with this system would mean repairs would be much less likely to succeed.
We are continuing to analyze how long repairs would take, how much they would cost, whether or not repairs would allow traffic to return to previous levels, and how long and in what capacity the bridge could remain open after potential repairs were completed so that we can tell whether or not fixing the bridge is a worthwhile investment. …
We are keeping all options open and are still moving forward with our search for a team to design a replacement for the bridge in case repairs are not a feasible option. Meanwhile, we have begun assembling our construction equipment to stabilize the bridge, which will be a necessary step in every possible scenario.
The full analysis of the structural stability of the bridge should be complete in early July…..
From there, the post takes a deep dive into “a look at how the steel post-tension system works and the types of scientific tests we performed to analyze the structural stability of it.” It imcludes more on the cracks themselves. Again, the full post is here.
P.S. The next Community Task Force meeting is Wednesday at noon; we’re awaiting the link for public viewing and will publish it when we get it.
(WSB photo, Friday)
Lots of questions today about the story we first reported on Friday evening, human remains found off Duwamish Head. As promised, we’ve followed up. First, the biggest question: No information yet on whose remains, or how they died – that’s up to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, and we just checked with them – they told us it may take several days, and they have nothing to report right now. As for Seattle Police, we’ve talked with them too. Their next steps depend on what the ME’s Office determine. But for now, it is a homicide investigation.
We also asked SPD about the TikTok videos that surfaced over the weekend, as discussed in the comment section following our Friday report. Det. Mark Jamieson says SPD “is aware” of the videos, and while they can’t attest to authenticity, he can say that the report does show the initial call was for “a suitcase that smelled really bad,” which is the circumstance presented in the videos (police previously had not mentioned a suitcase, only plastic bags). And yes, as noted in one video, he says, police did not arrive for two hours – they had no officers available to send when the call first came in around 2 pm; they arrived around 4 pm. On TikTok, the teens say the suitcase was on the rocks but then the tide started taking it, and its bagged contents, away.
(Side note: The gruesome nature of the case has attracted attention from around the world; we’ve received calls from a British tabloid and a nationally syndicated TV show.)
(May photo by Jeff Collehour)
After almost two months – with some stored near Jack Block Park (photo above) – bike-share bicycles are returning to service. Here’s the announcement we received:
JUMP bikes are returning to Seattle to help residents and visitors travel more safely via an open-air, socially-distant option. Seattle is the 2nd city in the world where Lime is relaunching JUMP bikes.
In early May, Lime acquired JUMP, which then pulled its bikes from Seattle streets at the time as a result of the deal to integrate the systems operationally. Lime will now redeploy the bikes, and they will continue to be available through the Uber app. The fleet size will start at around 500 e-bikes and grow based upon demand. Pricing is $1 to unlock and 36 cents per minute thereafter. Starting today, JUMP rentals will only be available in the Uber app. JUMP bikes will be added to the Lime app at a later date as a result of ongoing systems integration.
We know the ongoing COVID crisis has made it difficult for folks to get around. Metro ridership has dropped 72%, with very limited capacity on buses due to social distancing protocols. But we know people still have a need for transportation. With the return of bike share service to Seattle, more residents will be able to make critical errands and get to work in a pollution-free and congestion-reducing manner as King County moves to Phase II of COVID recovery.
We have a message out to ask if any of those initial 500 bikes are being placed in West Seattle. Let us know if you see them!
12:48 PM: This has been discussed in comments on our morning traffic post but afternoon is here and it’s still not resolved, so we’re mentioning it: NB Highway 99 is still closed at Des Moines Memorial Drive just south of South Park [map]. Information is scant but witnesses on Twitter say it’s a standoff with a person on the overpass there, and it’s been under way for four hours. So if you’re headed this way from points south, you’ll want an alternate route.
12:53 PM: Moments after we published that, WSDOT sent an alert saying the highway has reopened.
Today, we welcome two new WSB sponsors! Through their community, two West Seattle Contractors discover a common goal.
Chris Spott, owner of Steelhead Residential Construction, LLC, and Drew Foster, owner of Foster DBC, LLC, are both residents of West Seattle. They met in a yoga class in a West Seattle studio and then ran into each other in the same West Seattle branch of HomeStreet Bank. They discovered that their kids went to West Seattle High School together and also discovered they were both in the residential-construction industry.
Chris moved to the neighborhood in 2008. At the time he had worked for a decade with a larger construction company but decided to set off on his own in 2013 and started Steelhead Residential Construction. He has been working on homes throughout the city.
Drew has lived in West Seattle since 1995 and was part owner of Ncompass Construction for 18 years before embarking on his new adventure Foster DBC (Design Build Consult). Drew is a true believer in community and that is what he set out to create with Foster DBC, bringing together a unique community of professionals, gathered and centered on residential construction and remodeling excellence. This idea struck home with Chris, and it’s what brought Drew’s attention to Steelhead.
Steelhead Residential Construction is a small general-contracting company that specializes in residential renovations, remodels, basement apartments, and small additions. Steelhead’s team consists of exceptional carpenters, project managers and partner with a group of experienced subcontractors who take great pride in the quality of their work. Combine this with the design professionals and craftsmen that Drew has worked with along with his experience with Backyard Cottages, you now have a strong basis for that community of professionals working toward an overall goal. That goal is to bring a personal, creative, and honest approach to your desired project. They will pay attention to your ideas, needs, and budget with the intension of providing the most professional and pleasant experience possible for each client.
Their desire is to focus on serving their community of West Seattle. Steelhead Residential Construction and Foster DBC are currently available to look at your projects and help make them a reality. They have taken the proper COVID-19 safety steps to ensure each one of their sites is safe for not only their employees but their clients and the community. You can contact them through their websites – steelheadrc.com and fosterdbc.com.
We thank Steelhead Residential Construction and Foster DBC for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
One more graduation celebration is yet to come – South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) this Thursday:
CAN’T STOP US Celebration
Location: South Seattle College at 6000 16th Ave SW (graduates will enter at Entry 3/South Entrance – see campus map with route)
Date: June 25, 2020
Time: Graduates can drive through anytime between 4 PM – 7 PM
Attendees at the CAN’T STOP US event must:
Wear masks
Follow 6 feet apart social distancing guidelines during photos
Refrain from congregating with others attending
Remain in vehicles except for photo exiting area
Refrain from attending if ill
For additional information contact SouthStudentLife@seattlecolleges.eduWhat to do now:
To participate, please send an RSVP to SouthStudentLife@seattlecolleges.edu to let us know if you plan to drive through this event. A walk-up option is available for students who are mobility impaired or do not have automobiles.
Find more info here.
6:07 AM: Good morning – the 91st morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge.
ROAD WORK
*Demolition begins this week on the Delridge Way repaving-and-more project – here’s what’s happening this week.’
TRAFFIC
Heading off-peninsula? First, the cameras for the 5-way intersection, and the restricted-access low bridge just east of it:
The main detour route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – which has up to 14 overnight closures planned next month. Meanwhile, here’s that camera:
The other major bridge across the river is the South Park Bridge (map) – this camera shows the SP-side approach:
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 – Some service will be added back starting today – details here.
Water Taxi – Also restoring some service today, plus the 773 and 775 shuttles – see the schedule here.
Trouble on the roads/paths? Let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
(Port photos from February T-5 update)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Updates on the Terminal 5 modernization project were part of two recent West Seattle meetings – the Pigeon Point Neighborhood Council and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce.
“The need for T-5 is as relevant as ever,” Port Commissioner Peter Steinbrueck declared while presenting the annual “State of the Port” speech to the Chamber – usually given at an outdoor lunch at Jack Block Park, but presented online this year due to COVID-19.
The PPNC also met online. T-5’s project manager Emma Del Vento told the group that the project’s first-phase construction schedule is running behind.
Wrapping up a relatively quiet weekend, here’s our nightly virus-crisis roundup:
KING COUNTY’S NEWEST NUMBERS: Here are the cumulative totals from the Public Health daily-summary dashboard:
*9,234 people have tested positive, up 69 from yesterday
*584 people have died, down 1 from yesterday (data correction)
*1,541 people have been hospitalized, up 1 from yesterday
*141,474 people have been tested, up 580 from yesterday
One week ago, the totals were 8,751/574/1,520/123,508.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: See them – nation by nation – here.
MORE BUS & WATER TAXI RUNS: Starting tomorrow, “reduced service” will be a bit less reduced.
HOW’S YOUR INDUSTRY/OCCUPATION? The state has released a new report on how the pandemic is affecting industries/occupations. The largest number, the summary says, “is associated with health-care workers and people who provide health-care support.”
DATAPOINT: We asked the city what all those COVID-19 park signs have cost.
GOT SOMETHING TO REPORT? westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302, text/voice – thank you!
(WSB photo from March, MV Doc Maynard at Seacrest)
We’re reminding you tonight that Metro and the King County Water Taxi are restoring some service tomorrow, after months of much-reduced service levels. For the Water Taxi, you can see the new schedule here. You’re reminded that “it’s important to note that social distancing passenger limits are in effect on the water taxi. The typical capacity aboard both Doc Maynard and Sally Fox is 278 passengers. With current COVID restrictions, we’re limited to 86 passengers on each vessel.” The shuttles, Routes 773 and 775, return to service too. As for Metro, here’s what’s coming back. You can also check here for canceled trips. The system is still fare-free, and buses are still running at reduced capacity too.
Just in via text:
Right now! Father’s Day fundraiser Lemonade stand. Proceeds go to Black Lives Matter. Hosted by 8 & 6 year old siblings. Fauntlee Hills. 41st/SW Trenton.
They’ll be there until 6 pm.
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