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ELECTION 2023: Mayor proposes billion-dollar renewal/expansion of Seattle Housing Levy
March 30, 2023 4:46 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

So far this year, you’ll be voting on a $1.25 billion behavioral-health levy in April and the half-billion-dollar renewal of the Veterans, Seniors, Human Services Levy in August. Those are both countywide proposals. Now, one from the city – Mayor Bruce Harrell has gone public with his $970 million proposal to renew/expand the Seattle Housing Levy, aiming for the November ballot. The city has had a housing levy since 1986; the one that’s expiring now was passed in 2016 and was for $290 million, less than a third the size of the new plan. From the mayor’s office, here’s how this version would break out:

Rental Housing Production & Preservation: $707 million

Creates and preserves affordable rental housing, including Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), for seniors, people exiting homelessness, working families with children, people with disabilities, and other low-income households.

Operating, Maintenance, and Services (OMS): $122 million

Ensures safe, sustainable operations at in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) and creates a new wage stabilization fund for workers in PSH buildings.

Homeownership: $51 million

Creates new permanently affordable for-sale homes, provides down-payment assistance for low-income homebuyers, and stabilizes low-income homeowners through emergency home repair grants and foreclosure prevention assistance.

Prevention & Housing Stabilization: $30 million

Provides short-term rent assistance and housing stability services to help low-income households avoid eviction or homelessness.

Program Administration: $60 million

Ensures continuous and effective administration of all Housing Levy-funded programs by covering costs associated with project selection and contracting, development underwriting, construction monitoring, project performance and compliance, fiscal management, program policies and reporting.

Tax rate: $0.45/$1,000 assessed value

Cost to median Seattle homeowners: $383/year or $31.92/month (based on assessed value of $855,136)

The City Council will review the levy proposal in a series of meetings before deciding whether to put it on the November ballot.

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MISSING CHILD: Have you seen her?
March 30, 2023 2:43 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

That’s Justin‘s 11-year-old daughter, who he says was last seen at 8 this morning and could be in West Seattle “or near the airport possibly.” She was wearing a tan hoodie, black sweats, and was with a skateboard and gray duffel bag. 360-522-1796 is the number to call if you have information. You also can call 911 and refer to SPD incident number 23-86137.

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DEVELOPMENT: Comment time for 8-story apartment building at 3010 SW Avalon Way
March 30, 2023 1:59 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

Almost a year and a half after 3010 SW Avalon Way cleared the first phase of Design Review, the project has taken the next step – applying for land-use approval. That opens a new two-week comment period, as announced in today’s city-circulated Land Use Information Bulletin. The official city description of the project is “an 8-story, 87-unit apartment building” with 4 offstreet-parking spaces for cars/trucks (the project will include bicycle parking). The site originally held two old houses, as noted when we first reported on an early-stage plan in 2019. Today’s notice explains how to send the city a comment on the project; there also will be another opportunity to comment whenever a meeting is scheduled for the second and final Design Review phase.

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FOLLOWUP: As M/V Cathlamet returns to service, 8 months after Fauntleroy collision, WSF reveals its investigation findings
March 30, 2023 11:27 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Safety | West Seattle news

(Photo by Mark Dale, July 28, 2022)

11:27 AM: The state ferry damaged when it hit a structure known as a “dolphin” at the Fauntleroy dock last July (WSB coverage here) is about to return to service. Washington State Ferries\ spokesperson Ian Sterling tells us, “Cathlamet is undergoing sea trials today and tomorrow. If all goes well, it will return to service this weekend for a short stint filling in on the Edmonds/Kingston route. Then it’s expected to move to the Triangle in about a week.” This news comes as WSF says its own investigation into the collision is complete, and that it lays blame for the collision on “human error and a failure to follow existing procedures.” But the federal investigation into the Cathlamet incident is not yet over. From today’s WSF announcement:

… In the case of the Cathlamet, where the vessel struck offshore pilings on July 28, 2022, causing an estimated $7.7 million in damage to both the ferry and the piling structure, WSF immediately initiated an internal investigation to determine cause and to ensure something similar does not happen again. That investigation is now complete. Separate United States Coast Guard and NTSB investigations into the incident are ongoing. The USCG is the lead agency in the overall investigation and has not yet provided a timeline or date their findings would be released.

The WSF internal investigation found that human error and a failure to follow existing procedures led to the incident. That investigation and recommendations are here.

An experienced captain was at the controls of the Cathlamet as it made its way to Fauntleroy on the morning of July 28 when the vessel, off course at approximately 17 mph, struck the pilings.

The captain resigned the following day and has not provided an explanation as to what happened. Ultimately the captain is responsible for the safe operation of the vessel while in command. A contributing factor was existing landing procedures were not followed by the captain ensuring a witness is present on the bridge and that the witness is engaged and aware of their duties. The quartermaster was present in the wheelhouse but was engaged with reading work-related materials when the incident occurred.

WSF operations sent a safety notice reinforcing landing procedures immediately following the event. As a result of the internal investigation additional policies and training are under development and ‘black box’ data recorders have been installed aboard the Cathlamet. These recorders will now become standard equipment on WSF vessels with installation occurring fleet-wide over the coming months. WSF will also enhance and improve upon Bridge Resource Management (BRM) standards and practices, continue growth and development of operational route focus groups, and consider the implementation of psychometric wellness checks with WSF captains, like current cruise ship practices.

WSF remains in constant contact with federal investigators and further changes may be implemented upon Coast Guard recommendations.

We’ll be reading the WSF investigation report and will update this report with notes of interest.

4:09 PM: The report redacts all names, so in some spots the narrative of what happened before/during/after the incident is a little hard to follow. It notes that another captain from a different shift was on board and took control after the ferry hit the dolphin – which led to a “brief” grounding – and backed the boat away to bring it in to the dock. The report confirms only one injury – minor – and one vehicle damaged. It also says everyone tested negative for drugs/alcohol, and that no mechanical issues were found. The captain – who resigned and retired the next day – had been with WSF since 1985, as a captain since 1995, and had a disciplinary action in 2018 for a “dependability concern” that was followed by a three-day suspension in 2021. After the incident, he refused to answer questions, saying that was “on the advice of my attorney.” Regarding changes prompted by the incident, WSF says that a type of training in “standards for vessel-bridge watchkeeping” had been eliminated some years back to save money, but will be reinstated starting this year. The report also notes that WSF vessels should have Voyage Data Recorders that they currently do not have.

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The list for March’s final West Seattle Thursday
March 30, 2023 10:35 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Western Trillium, photographed at Fauntleroy Park by Rosalie Miller)

Here’s what else is happening in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayers@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today.

TRACK MEET: Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) hosts another track meet this afternoon, and volunteers are welcome (as explained in our calendar listing) – show up around 2:30 pm.

FREE INDOOR PLAYSPACE: 2-6-year-olds welcome 3:30-5 pm at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW).

THURSDAY FOOD-TRUCK POP-UP: 4-8 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), the Carver Kitchen Shawarma truck will be visiting.

MURAL CELEBRATION: You’re invited to JaK’s Grill in The Junction at 6 pm for a mural-signing event – artist B Anthony Nelson has created an 8′ by 14′ mural titled “Birth of the Junctions,” described as “Created entirely in black and white, showcasing an original West Seattle streetcar from the early twentieth century.”

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Meet up at Highland Park Corner Store at 6:30 pm Thursdays for a ~3-mile run.

LIVE MUSIC: Piano with Chris Crow at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way), 7 pm.

‘LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS’: West Seattle High School‘s spring musical continues tonight at 7:30 pm! Our calendar listing has details and ticket info. (3000 California SW)

If you have something to add to our calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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FYI: Helicopter flyover for Mariners’ opening day (updated with practice-run video)
March 30, 2023 9:49 am
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Helicopter | West Seattle news

9:49 AM: As mentioned in our morning traffic watch, it’s opening day for the Seattle Mariners, with their first game of the season starting just after 7 pm at T-Mobile Park. We’ve also just learned that you might notice U.S. Army helicopters in the area this afternoon and evening because of a planned flyover. The 16th Combat Aviation Brigade from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (south of Tacoma) says that four of its AH-64E Apache helicopters (from Alpha Troop, 4-6 Air Cavalry Squadron), are set for the flyover around 7, preceded by up to three practice runs around 3:20 pm. The 16th CAB says their path will be north-south, so they might not be as noticeable over West Seattle this time.

ADDED 5:08 PM: Thanks to Carolyn Newman for practice-run video of the four helicopters:

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday notes
March 30, 2023 6:03 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, March 30th.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The forecast for today: Partly sunny, high in the 50s, showers possible tonight. Sunrise 6:52 am, sunset 7:36 pm.

OPENING DAY

If you travel through SODO, be aware that it’s Opening Day for the Mariners, playing Cleveland at home, 7:10 pm.

TRANSIT

Metro – Regular schedule, but trip cancellations remain possible. Also: New survey launched, concurrent with more than a dozen other transit services around the country.

Water Taxi – Regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule; check here for alerts/updates and see Vessel Watch for boats’ locations.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the camera at the top:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge – looking southwestward toward it:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:

Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if needed) – 206-293-6302.

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BASEBALL: Chief Sealth IHS vs. Eastside Catholic
March 29, 2023 11:59 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photos. Above, senior Jake Daily)

Chief Sealth International High School lost for just the second time so far this season when Eastside Catholic visited Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex on Wednesday night. In their only home game of the week, the Seahawks fell 7-0.

(Starting pitcher, senior Wyatt Trujillo)

Chief Sealth is now 8-2 for the season. On Friday afternoon, they’ll play at Garfield; next home game at NCSWAC is Friday, April 7th, 4 pm, vs. Sammamish.

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BIZNOTE: New West Seattle Junction bar Revelry Room opening this weekend
March 29, 2023 9:04 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

(Tony Larson and Derek Moon – photo courtesy Revelry Room)

West Seattle entrepreneurs Derek Moon and Tony Larson are putting the finishing touches on the bar they’re opening behind the new home of Moon’s Jet City Labs at 4547 California SW – Revelry Room. We stopped by this morning to talk with Moon about their plan for what was previously speakeasy-style In The Heart. He said they’ve just gotten the last pre-opening approval, so it’s full speed ahead for opening night Saturday (April 1st).

(WSB photos from here down)

The space has many woodwork touches, against the walls, in the center, and at the bar, which has been moved back from its previous location, for more room to work the beverage magic.

Among the unique features at Revelry Room, they plan to highlight Black-owned spirits, wine, and beer providers. The cocktails will be “nice but not super-pretentious,” Moon says, prepared with a process that won’t leave you waiting long once your order’s in. “Elegant but approachable,” he says. And of course the atmosphere is meant to live up to the bar’s name – fun. That’s what the retro mural, across the south wall, still awaiting its final additions, which will depict – what else? – “revelry – the vibe we’re going for in this space”:

On the north wall, a screen can roll down – that might also bring in streams from whatever’s happening in Jet City Labs’ event/pop-up space in front, Moon explains.

There are plans for live entertainment, too – a DJ space in a corner, for example. Moon is hoping to showcase upcoming artists and entrepreneurs. Some guest-chef food pop-ups too, as they’ve had in the space during open-house previews the past few Sundays. Regular fare will include tamales and snacks like cheese curds and jerky. The event space out front has been in action for a while – you might have stopped by during the West Seattle Art Walk, for one – and now it’s time for Revelry Room to join the party. Look for the door off the alley. Hours wil be 4 pm-midnight Sundays-Thursdays, 4 pm-2 am Fridays and Saturdays.

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WEST SEATTLE SUNSET: Golden start, pink conclusion
March 29, 2023 8:04 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Tonight’s sunset colors haven’t even fully faded yet, and already we have some photos in from the sky show – thank you! This one started golden, as shown in Michael Burke‘s photo above and James Bratsanos‘s photo below:

From there, the colors morphed to pink. (Photo below added 10:59 PM – by Theresa Arbow O’Connor:)

This followed a day when the high hit 61 amid a generous serving of sunshine – but by this time tomorrow, we might be seeing some rain. We’re only at two-thirds of what we should have by this time of year, so that’s not necessarily bad.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Mailboxes ransacked; car targeted again; stray bullet found
March 29, 2023 6:06 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three notes:

MAILBOXES RANSACKED: Reader report from Eric in Seaview:

This morning I discovered that the mailboxes at 47th SW and [cross-street omitted] had been ransacked. Mail was strewn into bushes and nearby yards. I collected it, sorted it out, put it back in the correct mailboxes, and closed them up.

CAR TARGETED AGAIN: Noah‘s white 1991 Subaru Justy was stolen and recovered last month. Today, it almost happened again:

Someone just attempted to steal it again … I have pictures of them and the vehicle they drove, which was a wxr I believe with the front bumper missing.

This happened at 7:30 am in the 5600 block of California SW. The theft attempt is on video, here and here.

FOUND BULLET: We noticed a police call from Tuesday evening coded “found gun/shell casings” in the 3200 block of 63rd SW in Alki, and asked about it today. Not much info in the report, SPD tells us – an “unspent bullet” was found by “a passerby” and turned in to police, who planned to submitit into evidencr.

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BIZNOTE: HomeStreet Bank’s local-business spotlights bring winning results
March 29, 2023 4:01 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

HomeStreet Bank-West Seattle (4022 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) has been spotlighting local businesses and organizations on a monthly rotation, and this morning the two most recent spotlighted entrepreneurs met up for a fun reason. Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce has been featured at the branch this month, and the winner of a recent raffle for a gift box of sauces was the owner of West Seattle Bowl, HomeStreet’s previous spotlight business. So we took this photo when WS Bowl’s Mike Gubsch stopped by the branch this morning to get his prize from Papa Tony’s namesake proprietor Tony Wilson. (Shown with them are the HomeStreet branch’s assistant manager Joyce Leslie and manager Bob Livingston.) Papa Tony’s West Seattle-made sauces, by the way, are now in 32 stores – including Wildwood Market, Highland Park Corner Store, and PCC West Seattle (WSB sponsor) – as well as available on Sundays at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market! Next month, HomeStreet plans to spotlight the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, and you’ll be able to enter a raffle for tickets to its upcoming gala.

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Get reacquainted with the West Seattle Tool Library on Fix-It Wednesdays
March 29, 2023 2:32 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news

Among the events on today’s WSB preview list – the weekly Fix-It Workshop at the West Seattle Tool Library. If you haven’t been to the tool library lately – or ever – this nonprofit would like to (re)introduce itself to you:

Do you have tools, small appliances, home electronics that are in need of repair? Get help from the knowledgeable tool librarians at the West Seattle Tool Library every Wednesday from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm. Use the tools and facilities of the shop and pick the librarians’ brains to get your damaged equipment back to work. Availability is first-come-first-served. The weekly Fix-It-Wednesday workshop is provided free of charge, though donations are appreciated!

What is a tool library?

A tool library is a type of Library of Things where you can find the tools you need for projects around your home and in your community. Tool libraries have a variety of power tools, hand tools, seasonal equipment, and more. The WSTL has over 3,000 tools! Tool libraries help to support the maker movement, sustainability, and community involvement.

What else does the West Seattle Tool Library offer?

The WSTL has librarians to help you select the right tool for the job, an on-site workshop for those projects that don’t fit in your space, and a laser engraver for cutting and engraving wood, cardboard, most plastics, leather, fabric and more!

The West Seattle Tool Library depends on donations from community members to provide this amazing resource. Check out the West Seattle Tool Library online or swing by for a visit and some inspiration.

Location:

West Seattle Tool Library
in Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
4408 Delridge Way SW

Learn more:

info@wstools.org
wstools.org

The WS Tool Library was launched in 2010 with community donations, and as noted above, is still powered by them today.

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: West Seattle Arcade progress
March 29, 2023 12:25 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Elyssa Cichy)

You can’t have an arcade without claw machines! That delivery to the space at 2758 Alki Avenue SW is just part of what’s been arriving at the future home of West Seattle Arcade. It’s been 2 1/2 months since we first told you about the plan for the long-vacant space formerly home to food businesses. After multiple reader requests for an update, we checked in with proprietor Elyssa Cichy. She tells WSB, “We don’t have an opening date yet, but we are making good progress on the city of Seattle permitting, so we’re still hoping for a Spring opening. We have already started to set up birthday-party space and some cool games including racing games, dance games, pinballs, and more!”

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New executive director for WestSide Baby
March 29, 2023 11:53 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

WestSide Baby, the West Seattleite-founded and White Center-headquartered nonprofit, has announced a new executive director. Michelle Hankinson will succeed Sarah Cody Roth, who left earlier this year after three years in that role. The announcement says Hankinson has spent almost 15 years working at nonprofits, most recently at Childhaven as Senior Director of Early Support Services for Infants and Toddlers and Healthy Start, with roles before that including serving as executive director of Renton Area Youth Services, which merged with Childhaven. WestSide Baby is best known for helping families deal with diaper need, but that’s just part of the work the nonprofit and its volunteers and supporters have dune on behalf of the youngest members of the community. WS Baby started out primarily serving West Seattle, White Center, and vicinity, but has expanded its reach in recent years into other parts of King County.

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WEST SEATTLE WEDNESDAY: Here’s what’s happening
March 29, 2023 10:00 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Mount Baker, seen from Alki – photographed by David Hutchinson)

Here’s the lineup for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS: 10 am-4 pm, third and final day with Easter Bunny photo opportunities at My Three Little Birds (4736 California SW).

FREE INDOOR PLAYSPACE: Toddler Gym weekday afternoons at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW), ages 2-6, 3:30-5 pm.

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW).

TRIVIA x 6: At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) now offers trivia … at 7 pm, you can play trivia at the West Seattle Brewing Mothership (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW); Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 8 pm; there’s 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska); trivia starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW); at 8:30 pm, trivia at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).

LIVE MUSIC AT LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)

MUSIC BINGO: Play weekly at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

(added) BASEBALL: Chief Sealth International High School hosts Eastside Catholic at 7 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

‘LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS’: West Seattle High School‘s spring musical continues tonight at 7:30 pm. Our calendar listing has details and ticket info. (3000 California SW)

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Your chance to take the stage! 7:30 pm signups @ West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – no cover to watch. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

KARAOKE AT BENBOW ROOM: 9 pm-2 am – info in our calendar listing. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

Planning an event – presentation, meeting, performance, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, or … – that could be featured on West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar? Tell us about it! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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CONGRATULATIONS! Successful season for Chief Sealth IHS Mock Trial team
March 29, 2023 9:09 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Shown above is the Chief Sealth International High School Mock Trial team, whose adviser Rebecca Neil sent the photo with this report of a successful season just concluded:

Thank you to everyone who supported the Mock Trial team this year. Our official season is now over and I’m thrilled to share that your Chief Sealth Mock Trial team finished in 3rd place in their division!

In addition to our team standings, several individuals were recognized district-wide: Gisele Newsom (10th grade) took first place for outstanding attorney and Avery Gilmore (12th grade) took second place for outstanding witness. Megan Ly (11th grade), Isabel Lyshol (11th grade), and Casmir Oliver (11th grade) all received one or more nominations for best witness as well.

We have had a busy season. In addition to countless hours of research, writing, and practice the team had the opportunity to observe official court proceedings and meet with Judge Nicole Gaines Phelps, participated in scrimmages in Shoreline and at the King County Courthouse downtown, and to travel to Vancouver, WA to compete in six rounds of competition over the course of two days at the Clark County Courthouse.

I’d like to thank our long-standing attorney coaches, Brian Beattie and Lisa Mulligan, for their ongoing support, patience, and good humor. We’ve also been thrilled to welcome Anna Newsom as an attorney coach and Elissa Ferguson as a faculty adviser this season. The number of hours that this team has dedicated to supporting our students is impossible to calculate.

While the official YMCA season is over, we will be competing in the Empire Mock Trial Sapphire League spring season, with a new case to be released on April 1st. We’ll be using this time to hone our skills and practice in anticipation of next year. If you know of any students who would like to give mock trial a try without the commitment of a full season, please feel free to reach out via email at rlneil@seattleschools.org

We could not have accomplished any of this without the support of the West Seattle community. Thank you for the countless ways that you have supported and encouraged our team this year. If you’d like to make a donation to support our ongoing efforts, you can do so here: tinyurl.com/CSMTdonate

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Wednesday begins
March 29, 2023 6:04 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:04 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, March 29th.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The forecast for today: Mostly sunny, high near 60. Sunrise 6:54 am, sunset 7:35 pm.

TRANSIT

Metro – Regular schedule, but trip cancellations remain possible.

Water Taxi – Regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule; check here for alerts/updates and see Vessel Watch for boats’ locations.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the camera at the top:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge – looking southwestward toward it:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:

Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if needed) – 206-293-6302.

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FOLLOWUP: Narrower focus for SW Holden Natural Drainage Systems project
March 28, 2023 11:49 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Highland Park | West Seattle news

As previewed here, a team from Seattle Public Utilities was out at 17th/Holden this afternoon, talking to people in the neighborhood about the SW Holden Natural Drainage Systems project. It’s intended to be both a stormwater-filtering project and also a traffic-calming plan, as the city considers that stretch of Holden wider than it should be for a “neighborhood street.” Dropping in to see what’s new as the plan reaches 30 percent design, we learned they’re now just focusing on the south side of Holden:

That’s for two reasons, the project team said – one, the stormwater from the north side already goes into a system that takes it to the treatment plant, while the south side goes toward Longfellow Creek, so the “natural drainage system” filtering will carry an environmental benefit. Second, the Seattle Fire Department – which has Station 11 just a block away, at 16th/Holden – voiced concerns about narrowing the street too much and making it unusable as a main response route. So at the 17th/Holden intersection, the road will be narrowed to 25 feet from the current 36 feet. Some parking will be lost on the south side, while it’ll be retained on the north side. They’ll also be adding ramps for crossing at 17th/Holden as well as 16th/Holden.

We asked about the ex-substation parcel on the southwest corner of 16th/Holden; the curbcut there will be removed as part of the project, which would have to happen even if/when the site is redeveloped, because the entry would have to be off the alley on its west side.

The plan also will drain more water from the southeast side of the 16th/Holden intersection than originally envisioned, sending it to the “natural drainage” via two “inlets.”

All this is currently under review by SDOT, according to the project team; once that department gives its approval, they’ll move on to the 60 percent design phase, which also will require review and approval. Construction is tentatively expected to start sometime nect year.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Prowler steals items after burglary attempt
March 28, 2023 9:58 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Genesee Hill | West Seattle news

That security video is from a reader who says this happened early today on Genesee Hill:

Near the 54th and Genesee neighborhood. On 03/28/2023, at approximately midnight, unknown W/M entered the back yard and then hastily exited upon seeing security cameras. Unknown suspect returned at 0058 hrs. and attempted to gain access to the residence via the back door. Door was locked, entry was not obtained. Suspect then disabled the security cameras and cut the Comcast cable wires. Suspect was able to gain entry to a yard shed and steal an Echo backpack blower and an outdoor clock. Police report filed. # 23-84087.


.

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THEATER: Three more chances to see ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at WSHS
March 28, 2023 8:29 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

If you haven’t already seen it – or if you want to see it again – you have three more chances to enjoy “Little Shop of Horrors” at West Seattle High School, starting tomorrow (Wednesday) night. Here’s the synopsis:

The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” – after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out-of-this-world origins and intent toward global domination.

Also forwarded in email from readers, this review from WSHS’s student news publication, hailing the “powerhouse vocals” of Lucy Warren as Audrey II – catch a clip of her singing here. Showtimes Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are at 7:30 pm; you can get tickets in advance here – including an online option (choose the “virtual tickets” option at the top of that page). WSHS is at 3000 California SW – to get to the theater, enter through the courtyard off the south end of the school’s parking lot.

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Milestone for new levy-funded public-safety radio system, with one side effect
March 28, 2023 6:26 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Gatewood | West Seattle news

Back in 2019-2020, we reported on the construction of that public-safety radio tower in Myrtle Reservoir Park, built alongside the older one it replaced, which has since been removed. It’s part of a radio-network upgrade that dates back to a nine-year, quarter-billion-dollar levy passed by voters in 2015. Today brought a milestone for the system, known as the Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN) – Seattle Police and Fire radio communications made the analog-to-digital switch this morning. That caught some scanner listeners off guard (ourselves included, as well as at least some of the popular online services), when the usual channels suddenly went silent. We’re now in the process of upgrading our equipment – so for a few days, we REALLY appreciate texts about sightings of sizable SPD responses (206-293-6302). It’s not just SFD and SPD – other agencies around the county are using PSERN as well. PSERN’s website says the upgrade is intended to “provide improved coverage, capacity, and reliability, as well as incorporate limited conventional VHF and UHF interoperability capabilities, primarily in the mountains, for connection to other response agencies, such as search and rescue.” As we reported in 2019, the Myrtle Reservoir Park tower is one of more than 60 comprising the network; the old tower on the site was part of PSERN’s predecessor, the King County Emergency Communication System.

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WEST SEATTLE LIBRARIES: Story Times returning
March 28, 2023 4:19 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news

Thanks to Lauren for the tip, via this photo – those with little ones will be able to take them to local Seattle Public Library branches for in-person Story Times starting next week:

This is so new, it’s not even on the SPL online calendar yet. But we’ll be adding the dates to the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar shortly.

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