West Seattle, Washington
01 Saturday
10:12 AM: As previewed last night, Mayor Bruce Harrell has just announced his nominee for Seattle Parks and Recreation superintendent: Anthony-Paul “AP” Diaz, currently executive officer for the parks department in Los Angeles. That’s his second major appointment from L.A., after recently confirmed SDOT director Greg Spotts. The announcement is still under way on the Seattle Channel. Here’s the bio page for Diaz on the L.A. city webpage. According to his bio, Diaz has been with the City of Los Angeles for more than 20 years and served as the L.A. parks department’s general counsel before taking on the executive officer role.
10:30 AM: During the announcement event at Yesler Terrace Park, Diaz said he considers parks to be “essential infrastructure.” He also offered a new phrase “Seattle Shine” that the mayor jovially said he’ll adopt, and said he often likes to say, “Parks make life better.” Councilmember Andrew Lewis, who heads the council committee that oversees parks, said Diaz is someone capable of working with community as well as the council toward parks being a “focal point … the true gems of our community.” Diaz succeeds Christopher Williams, who is now completing his third turn as acting superintendent and spoke briefly during today’s event too.
1:45 PM: Here’s the official news release. It doesn’t mention what the job pays, so we are asking that on followup. …Update: $252,000.
We continue to regularly update the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar with myriad local events, and this one requires reservations for a limited number of free tickets, so here’s an early heads-up: At 8 pm (corrected) Saturday, October 22nd, Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) will host a family-geared Halloween magic show with magician Raymond W.
Tickets are free, and you’re asked to bring a nonperishable food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank if you can. Space is limited so registrations are being accepted now via email – check availability via seattlemagicshow@gmail.com. Find out more about Magician Raymond at seattlemagicshow.com.
6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, September 29th.
WEATHER
Here’s the forecast – chance of rain, high in the upper 60s.
TRANSIT INFO
Metro buses are on their regular schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.
No changes in ferries (check here for alerts/updates) or West Seattle Water Taxi service (which will continue at all-day/every-day levels through fall and winter).
ROAD WORK
–Seattle Public Utilities is scheduled to soon close Sylvan Way between Home Depot’s eastern access and SW Orchard for a “natural drainage” project that will take about two weeks. This notice explains. (As of Wednesday afternoon, this hadn’t started yet.)
-In South Park, a drainage project is closing S Holden St between W. Marginal Way S. and 5th Ave S. weekdays through October 14th.
-Just south of the city-limit line, King County is scheduled to continue repaving Myers Way between 99th and 108th.
BRIDGES
High Bridge – here’s the lone reactivated camera atop the span.
Low Bridge: Open to anyone who wants to use it (note: where the camera is turned is under SDOT control).
1st Ave. S. Bridge: For those still finding it more convenient.
Highway 99: Whichever bridge you’re using to get to it, here’s a look at northbound traffic on 99 at Lander.
All currently functional city traffic cams can be seen here (new URL), many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see trouble on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
One week ago, we reported on a protest at Terminal 5 that led the Northwest Seaport Alliance to close the dock for the day. Climate activists – whose chanting was heard in north West Seattle neighborhoods – were calling attention to the continued lack of shore-power use at T-5, even though it was built with that capability. Early in the year, NWSA told us it was still the subject of labor negotiations. That’s apparently been the continued holdup, almost nine months after the terminal’s first modernized berth opened. City Councilmember Lisa Herbold had a followup in her most-recent weekly newsletter, mentioning an agreement in those negotiations, but the update wasn’t clear on whether ships subsequently had plugged in. Not yet, NWSA spokesperson Melanie Stambaugh subsequently told WSB: “The NWSA has been made aware that an interim agreement has been reached for shore power use at Terminal 5. No vessels have plugged in (yet), however, we expect the first vessel to plug into the shore power at T5 starting in October.” So far the first ship on T-5’s October schedule is due in a week from Friday.
Another of the few major high-level vacancies remaining in Mayor Bruce Harrell‘s administration is about to be filled. Tomorrow (Thursday, September 29th), the mayor will announce his nominee for Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent. Former West Seattleite Christopher Williams has been serving – for the third time – as acting superintendent, since the (second) departure of Jesús Aguirre at the start of Harrell’s term. The announcement is planned at 10 am tomorrow and will be livestreamed via Seattle Channel.
Four reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
SHOPLIFT-TURNED-ROBBERY: A 47-year-old man is in the King County Jail for investigation of robbery after an incident at Jefferson Square Safeway last night. Police say he went into the store just before 10 pm “brandishing a table knife” and “attempted to steal food items without paying before being confronted by loss prevention (who were) able to disarm the suspect and retrieve items after a scuffle.” The suspect was arrested shortly thereafter and was also found to have a warrant from a fourth-degree-assault case.
STOLEN E-BIKE: Sarah says WSB readers helped her get a stolen bike back two years ago. Now her orange and blue RadMission e-bike has been stolen.
It was stolen outside her workplace in the 4500 block of California SW earlier this week. It’s her “only mode of transportation,” Sarah says, and she’d “greatly appreciate” getting it back. (We’ll add the police-incident # when we get it.)
HIT-AND-RUN: Nancy says her Volvo was damaged by a hit-run driver at 2 pm Monday in the Les Schwab-West Seattle parking lot at Fauntleroy/Alaska. She says the culprit vehicle is a blue Prius that would have “new passenger-side damage to the front end.” Her Volvo, a silver 2017 model, was left with damage to three rear driver’s-side panels. If you have any information, the SPD incident # is 2022-257855.
Those renderings were on easels at an event we covered for partner site White Center Now last Sunday, the White Center Food Bank‘s farewell party at their soon-to-be-ex-location (8th SW/SW 108th). Sometime early next year, they’ll have to vacate as that property is being redeveloped into affordable housing and a “community hub.” We’ve reported previously on the WCFB’s search for a new site, and the search is finally over – today they’re officially announcing the new location and the capital campaign to get it ready:
After years of searching for their new home, White Center Food Bank (WCFB) purchased a building in the heart of
downtown White Center (10016-10024 16th Ave SW). This location will provide ample space for WCFB to grow and is centrally located along several major bus lines. However, substantial renovations and other upgrades are necessary to make the food bank’s new home welcoming and hospitable to everyone.To raise the 6 million dollars necessary for this project, on September 25 WCFB launched their capital campaign with a group of customers, donors, staff, and board celebrating together. “This is a community effort and we know that by bringing our neighbors together, we can find a way to keep our community fed,” says WCFB Development and Communications Director, Jefferson Rose.
White Center Food Bank is looking beyond the old models of service and working to develop new ways to nourish the community with equity, accessibility, and dignity as their guiding principles. The new White Center Food Bank will be more than just a place where people can get food. It will be a welcoming community hub located directly in the heart of the changing and growing downtown White Center.
This new facility will bring together an incredible array of community programming, hosted both by the food bank and partner organizations. WCFB wants people from all walks of life to enter through our doors together, so that everyone feels comfortable receiving food whenever they need it.
“We’re excited for this next chapter to better serve the community and revitalize this part of the neighborhood. We hope that our supporters will continue to show up alongside us to ensure our community thrives,” says Carmen Smith, Executive Director.
To learn more, check out an informational video, renderings, and more here.
The WCFB’s service area includes south West Seattle as well as White Center and vicinity.
3:25 PM: What’s described as “emergency road work” on Columbia Street downtown – the “transit pathway” street – is causing delays on West Seattle-serving bus routes RapidRide C, 21, 55, 56, 57, 113, 120, 121, and 125. We’re checking to see how long it’s supposed to last.
4:46 PM: Another alert for bus riders, and other modes too – all but one lane is closed on 1st Avenue South just south of Safeco Field after a person was hit and killed. Metro says Route 21 is rerouting in that area.
5:26 PM: Updates on both:
-Detectives have finished investigating at the 1st Ave. S. scene and the street has reopened.
-On Columbia, here’s what SDOT spokesperson Mariam Ali tells us: “There was a failed utility vault in the eastbound (bus lane). Crews are working to fix the issue. There is one-way traffic westbound only. Eastbound lane is closed to Metro. The Metro supervisor is onsite and has rerouted Metro bus. We are estimating that the eastbound lane will reopen (around 7 pm).”
7:34 PM: Update from SDOT’s Ethan Bergerson: “SDOT Crews have installed a steel plate to cover the failed utility vault, which is owned by Verizon, until more permanent repairs can be made. The eastbound transit lane is now open to buses.” He added this photo:
1:56 PM: Thanks for the tips. Police are at Don Armeni Boat Ramp because of what you can barely see in this photo – a submerged vehicle. From talking to police, and from area resident Stewart L., we’re told this was a mishap with a vehicle and trailer rolling into the water in the process of launching a boat. The boat’s OK; the vehicle and trailer are submerged. A tow truck is there but the driver says he needs a different truck to make the retrieval, so that won’t be happening for a while. No injuries reported.
3:20 PM: Commenter Kalo reports the vehicle (a pickup) and trailer are now out.
4:06 PM: Thanks to K for posting that photo in a comment below.
Two South Admiral businesses are celebrating this Saturday:
(Elizabeth, Marva, Amy, Heidi @ Dragonfly)
DRAGONFLY YOGA PILATES DANCE: Back in June, we mentioned Amy Sennett-Starner‘s plan to open a studio at 3270 California SW, above Alair Gift Shop. Now almost four months and one name change later, her studio is open as Dragonfly Yoga Pilates Dance, with a grand-opening celebration on Saturday (October 1st) – ribbon-cutting at 8:40 am, first class at 9 am, refreshments after class.
INNER ALCHEMY CRYSTAL SHOP: Also on Saturday, this shop at 3043 California SW is having a grand reopening celebration, starting with a ribbon-cutting at noon, and raffle prizes and treats until 6 pm. Proprietor Maari Falsetto says regular hours after that will be Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, noon-6 pm.
(Seen from Brace Point – photo by Dave Buchert)
Here’s what’s happening for the rest of your Wednesday, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, inbox, and previews:
ART EXHIBIT: Second of three days you can see portraits by Jeff Benesi at West Side Presbyterian Church (3601 California SW). Open for viewing until 1 pm.
BLOCK DROP: Today you’ll find DIY cleanup equipment at Fauntleroy’s Endolyne Junction (45th/Wildwood).
DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: Get food from/at MOD Pizza at Westwood Village (2800 SW Barton) today, 10:30 am-10 pm, and help Friends of Roxhill Elementary – here’s how.
BRING IN YOUR ART: Today’s the first of three days in which everyone is welcome to bring artwork to the Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) for this year’s Southwest Artist Showcase, which starts Sunday. Branch hours today are noon-8 pm.
LIVE AT OTTER ON THE ROCKS: Jazz Night, with piano and bass, starting at 6:30 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).
LIVE AT LOCOL: Locöl Barley & Vine (7902 35th SW) spotlights live music 6:30-8:30 pm Wednesdays, no cover, 21+, rotating artists.
WORDSWEST RE-REUNION, WITH PIE: Four kinds of pie are promised – and spotlights on the newest books by two writers, Katy E. Ellis and Susan Rich – as the WordsWest Literary Series curators (Ellis, Rich, and Harold Taw) “re-reunite” at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). ICYMI, here’s our preview chat with Rich and Ellis.
HPAC RECONVENES: The community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge meets online at 7 pm, and all are welcome – agenda and attendance info is on the HPAC website.
MUSIC BINGO: Play weekly at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
TRIVIA x 4: 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 7:30 pm; trivia starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW); at 8:30 pm, trivia is back at Talarico’s (4718 California SW) with Phil T.
ARTSWEST PREVIEW NIGHT: Pay-what-you-can preview of the new ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) play “Swimming While Drowning,” 7:30 pm curtain. Tickets are available online.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: 7:30 pm signups @ West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – no cover to watch. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Have an event – one-time or recurring – to add to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(Spawning pair, photographed last year by Tom Trulin)
Will this be another amazing year for salmon spawners returning to Fauntleroy Creek? The first people to know will be the volunteers watching for them. You could be one of them – creek steward Judy Pickens sent this announcement:
Fauntleroy Creek salmon watch to start October 16
If getting cold and wet is a small price to pay for a front-row seat on spawning season in Fauntleroy Creek, now’s the time to sign up for Salmon Watch 2022. Last year, 15 volunteers counted a near-record 244 spawners.
The watch will start Sunday, October 16, and go until about Thanksgiving. Watchers will document coho spawners in the lower creek, near the fish ladder (across from the ferry terminal). A veteran watcher will provide training during your first shift. For details, contact Judy Pickens at judy_pickens@msn.com.
October 16 is also the day of the annual all-ages drumming to call in spawners. Barring serious rain, it will start at 4:00 pm near the intersection of SW Director and upper Fauntleroy Way (across from the ferry terminal). The sound of a drum will guide you down a driveway to the site right on the creek.
6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Wednesday, September 28th.
WEATHER
Here’s the forecast – rain expected, high in the mid-60s.
TRANSIT INFO
Metro buses are on their regular schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.
No changes in ferries (check here for alerts/updates) or West Seattle Water Taxi service (which will continue at all-day/every-day levels through fall and winter).
ROAD WORK
–Seattle Public Utilities will close Sylvan Way between Home Depot’s eastern access and SW Orchard for a “natural drainage” project that will take about two weeks. This notice explains. (We didn’t get to check Tuesday if it had started yet.)
-Just south of the city-limit line, King County is scheduled to continue repaving Myers Way between 99th and 108th.
BRIDGES
High Bridge – here’s the lone reactivated camera atop the span.
Low Bridge: Open to anyone who wants to use it.
1st Ave. S. Bridge: For those still finding it more convenient.
Highway 99: Whichever bridge you’re using to get to it, here’s a look at northbound traffic on 99 at Lander.
All currently functional city traffic cams can be seen here, many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see trouble on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
The photo and report are from Margot Newman:
Paddleboarders successfully circumnavigated Vashon Island in one day! Is this a “world record??” Has it been done? :)
West Seattleites:
Alec Newman
Pat NinburgSeattleites:
Nick Moore
Severin KnutsenLeft Point Beals, Vashon Island at 07:00. (East side) Headed south to portage at junction of Vashon and Maury. Headed around south end (past Tahlequah) then up west side. Got off boards for brief lunch break at Lisabeula Park on west side. Headed north until hit north end. Crossed ferry path, then along east side to return to Point Beals. Arrived at 16:45,
Only got off boards twice – to portage and for lunch/ bathroom break at Lisabeula.
Careful navigation of the waters, including reading current and wind, was paramount to their success. All four paddlers are Puget Sound Pilots and have extensive knowledge in navigation, current, wind, etc.
(WSB photo, 2018 West Seattle Monster Dash)
The full-fledged West Seattle Monster Dash 5K & Kids’ Dash – a fun(draiser) for West Seattle Cooperative Preschools – is returning this year, and you can sign up at a discount rate through Friday! Here’s the announcement:
Join us this year as the 11th Annual Monster Dash returns IN PERSON to West Seattle’s beautiful Lincoln Park! This race is a costumed 5k trail run/walk and kids dash. Registration includes a t-shirt featuring our iconic Monster.
Monster Dash 5K and Kids Dash
October 29, 2022, 9 am – noon
Lincoln Park, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW
Register: runsignup.com/Race/WA/Seattle/WestSeattleMonsterDashEarly Bird Pricing (through Friday, September 30th)
$35 Adult 5K Registration (Age 17 & over)
$20 Youth 5K Registration (Age 16 & under)
$15 Kids/Little Dashes Registration (Age 10 & under)All funds raised benefit our Parent Advisory Council initiatives across our program, including outreach, equity, and tuition assistance.
Summer’s over and community groups that went on summer hiatus are reconvening. Next one: HPAC – the community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, South Delridge – meets Wednesday (September 28th) night online. Transportation (farewell, bridge-detour traffic) and safety – an SPD rep is expected to be there – are hot topics. So is the West Duwamish Wet Weather Storage Facility that’s being planned in the area. All are welcome – more details, and the info for attending by video/phone – can be found here.
That’s the budget speech Mayor Bruce Harrell gave earlier this afternoon, with our area’s big shoutout coming when he talked about transportation spending and noted the reopening of the West Seattle Bridge. From the audience assembled at SDOT’s Charles Street yard, District 1 City Councilmember Lisa Herbold yelled out, “You can’t have One Seattle without West Seattle!” echoing what the mayor said a week and a half ago when politicians gathered for pre-reopening speeches.
But transportation was not at the top of the list in the mayor’s speech, marking his release of a budget proposal for 2023-2024. What was: Public safety, followed by homelessness. Those two topics took up a big chunk of the speech. He promised major investments in police and fire, as well as money toward “diversifying 911 response” and a third public-safety department aimed at that goal. He also announced he’d be undoing a controversial move made before he was elected – taking Parking Enforcement Officers out of SPD and moving them to SDOT. You might recall that the move was so bungled, millions of dollars in tickets had to be voided. As for SPD staffing, the budget summary expresses a hope that the trend of losing officers can be stopped and reversed, to post a net gain over the next two years.
One thing that’s not in the public-safety section of the proposal, according to a summary we received: Continued funding for SFD Ladder 13 and Medic 26, added in West Seattle/South Park for the bridge closure. We reported earlier this month on the fact they only had guaranteed funding through year’s end. So the only way to keep them now would be a council amendment to the budget; Herbold said in her most-recent weekly update that she’ll propose one if necessary.
Regarding tackling homelessness, the mayor declared: “Lack of housing is the source of homelessness.” He promised to get more housing built – saying he’s proposing an added quarter-billion dollars toward affordable housing – and to remove red tape that slows the construction-permitting process. He also said the city would increase its funding for the Regional Homelessness Authority by 13 percent, including more than $2 million for new tiny-house villages and $5 million for residential-vehicle “safe lots.” The Unified Care Team, a multidepartmental group that has worked on outreach, cleanup, and sweeps, will be turned into geographically based teams, Harrell said.
When he got to transportation, Harrell spoke about electrifying the city fleet and supporting the Vision Zero program (which new SDOT director Greg Spotts has said he’s thoroughly reviewing). Besides a mention of the bridge and the importance of infrastructure, he also said the city will step up its work related to the West Seattle-Ballard Link Extensions light-rail program, hiring “a team” including engineers. One note of interest for those who live in West Seattle’s two Residential Parking Zones:
The proposed budget is also making changes to the Restricted Parking Zone fees. The fees will increase from $65 per two years to $95 per two years, along with other fee changes for guest passes and temporary passes. Low-income passes will remain the same.
Other key budget points are in the news release from the mayor’s office, including links to “fact sheets” in areas of emphasis. A more detailed budget summary is here; the full “budget book” is here. Various city departments are all publishing their own takes on what’s in it for them; you can find those aggregated here.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Starting tomorrow, the City Council reviews and amends the mayor’s plan over the next two months. Councilmember Herbold’s most-recent weekly update summarizes how that’ll work and how you can get involved, including key dates – scroll to the last section here.
One reader report in West Seattle Crime Watch today, from Kellene, property manager of a townhouse complex in the 5400 block of Delridge Way SW:
We have had a mail thief stealing our tenants’ mail. He has hit our mailboxes 8 times in the last month and we have filed reports with the police department and the postmaster general. He rides a bike and comes through in the early hours of the morning between 4:00 and 5:30 am. We are asking for help from the West Seattle neighborhood, to be on the lookout for this thief, and help in identifying this guy. We also want to help community members watch their own mailboxes.
The Police report #’s are 2022-917855, 2022-920590, and 2022-920959.
(WSB file photo of closed Route 37 stop)
When Metro announced plans for its fall “service change” earlier this month, it did not include the revival of West Seattle’s Route 37, suspended in March 2020. Readers wondered if it’s gone forever, so we followed up with Metro spokesperson Jeff Switzer, who replied, “No final decision regarding the future of Route 37 has yet been made. Metro will continue to work with community and stakeholders to consider options for growing Metro service as resources become available and following adopted policy.” He added a side note of interest: “Any permanent route deletions or other major changes to Metro service are subject to approval by the King County Council.” Metro has revived other suspended routes, notably West Seattle’s Route 22, which was brought back last year.
Here’s what’s happening in West Seattle for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
BLOCK DROP DIY CLEANUP: Until 6 pm today, Cormorant Cove Park (3700 block of Beach Drive SW) will be the pickup/dropoff spot for equipment and bags for your DIY cleanup.
(Photo from last week, courtesy Postcards to Voters organizers)
POSTCARDS TO VOTERS: A local way to take national action – participating in the 10:30 am weekly gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
COVID VACCINATION POP-UP: Noon-5 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
MAYOR’S FIRST BUDGET: You can watch Mayor Bruce Harrell present his first budget proposal, noon via Seattle Channel.
CHESS CLUB: Play at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), 1:30 pm. Beginners welcome!
CITY COUNCIL: 2 pm, the weekly full-council meeting is happening online and in-person – here’s the agenda, with information on how to comment.
(added) SPORTS: Chief Sealth IHS and West Seattle HS girls’ soccer teams face off at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex at 4:30 pm. (2801 SW Thistle)
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Longstanding weekly 4:30-6 pm sign-waving demonstration at 16th/Holden. Signs available if you don’t have your own. (Organizer Scott says they’ll continue in this spot for a while even though it’s not high-traffic any more.)
ART EXHIBIT AT WEST SIDE PRESBYTERIAN: That’s one of the paintings by local artist Jeff Benesi that you can see at West Side Presbyterian (3601 California SW) today 5-8 pm or Wednesday/Thursday 9 am-1 pm each day. The exhibit is titled “There is Always a Light: Faces of Hope & Struggle.”
AUDITIONS: The West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ auditions start at 5:30 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) – details in our calendar listing.
STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN: Bring your little one(s) for a story followed by a garden activity, at the Delridge P-Patch, 6 pm (5078 25th SW).
SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, go play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).
FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Meeples Games (3727 California SW) welcomes families 6-8 pm to this weekly hosted game-playing night.
TRIVIA X 3: Three of the venues where you can play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7:30 and 8:30 pm at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska).
BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: Play bingo with Cookie Couture at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm. Free, all ages!
You can always see more on our calendar – and if you have something to add for the future, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Local businesses continue to celebrate the reopening of the West Seattle Bridge, and there’s one more “Reunited” celebration this Saturday (October 1st):
Like the bridge, Dream Dinners West Seattle (a longtime WSB sponsor) is a time-saver, enabling you to serve home-cooked meals while dramatically reducing the prep time. If you haven’t been to their West Seattle storefront before, it’s on the east side of outer Jefferson Square at the corner of 41st SW and SW Alaska. Stop by between 11 am and 1 pm Saturday to get in on the deals and fun.
6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, September 27th.
WEATHER
Here’s the forecast – sunny, hazy, high in the mid-70s. (Monday set a record for the date, with a high of 82 at Sea-Tac.)
TRANSIT INFO
Metro buses are on their regular schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.
No changes in ferries (check here for alerts/updates) or West Seattle Water Taxi service (which will continue at all-day/every-day levels through fall and winter).
ROAD WORK
-Any day now, Seattle Public Utilities will close Sylvan Way between Home Depot’s eastern access and SW Orchard, as SPU works on a “natural drainage” project that will take about two weeks. This notice explains. (We checked late Monday morning; work hadn’t yet begun.)
-Just south of the city-limit line, King County is scheduled to continue repaving Myers Way between 99th and 108th.
BRIDGES
High Bridge – here’s the lone reactivated camera atop the span.
Low Bridge: Open to anyone who wants to use it.
1st Ave. S. Bridge: For those still finding it more convenient.
Highway 99: Whichever bridge you’re using to get to it, here’s a look at northbound traffic on 99 at Lander.
All currently functional city traffic cams can be seen here, many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see trouble on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
Margie Haywood called it the kind of gathering her Jefferson Square business Work and Play Lounge “was created for … to bring people together.” This morning, the people brought together at Work and Play Lounge included the mayor of Seattle, a Tacoma city councilmember, the leaders of two regional Chambers of Commerce, the city of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development director, and executives from Comcast – whose small-business-grant program Comcast RISE is what the event was all about.
The grants are for small businesses owned by women and/or people of color. Haywood’s business – whose opening we covered last year – was one of 100 regionally receiving $10,000 each in the last round, and now it’s almost time for a new round of applications. That was explained in a series of speeches, including Haywood’s account of how the no-strings-attached grant may have saved her business, which is now about to expand and add a Queen Anne location.
Haywood also spoke of overcoming “outrageous barriers” and described the joy she felt at news of the grant, “the first money I ever received from any institution.” OED director Markham McIntyre (at right in group photo) noted that “access to capital” is a top concern for entrepreneurs. Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce CEO Rachel Smith (left in photo) said women- and POC-owned businesses had been hit particularly hard during the pandemic, so grants like this can be a lifeline. Tacoma Councilmember Keith Blocker (third from left in photo) agreed, “Our shared goal is to help these businesses.”
Comcast vice president for external affairs Marianne Bichsel (third from right) concluded with details on the application process for the next round of grants: They’ll accept applications October 3rd (next Monday) through October 16th. You can find eligibility and application info here. This is one of five metro areas around the country where Comcast is offering the RISE program, which also offers a by-application marketing/tech-resources program. For their purposes, “Seattle” includes King and Pierce counties, which is why Councilmember Blocker and Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber CEO Andrea Reay (second from left) were there too.
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