‘Immediate decisions are on hold’ about Fauntleroy YMCA’s future; January 19 community meeting planned

| Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

We’ve been working today on fact-finding regarding rumors about the future of the Fauntleroy YMCA, co-housed for more than a century with the Fauntleroy UCC church at 9140 California SW. We’ve spoken with leadership at both the Y and the church and have now received official statements from both. First, here is what the church is saying:

The YMCA of Greater Seattle very recently informed Fauntleroy Church of budgetary concerns that are affecting its Fauntleroy location.

At the request of the church and with respect to the 100-year partnership of the Y, the church, and the Fauntleroy community, immediate decisions are on hold while discussion is under way about how this partnership might continue.

Senior Minister Leah Atkinson Bilinski noted that, “In the years I have been here, I have witnessed the deep love Fauntleroy residents have for what has so long been the center of community engagement – the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, Fauntleroy Church, and the Fauntleroy Y. We do not wish to lose the Fauntleroy Y, and from initial conversation, we understand that the Y also does not wish to lose its connection or legacy in this community. As conversation continues, the Y has assured us that it will seek community input. We also plan to do so and have already briefed Fauntleroy Community Association President Mike Dey.”

And here’s the YMCA’s statement:

The Fauntleroy YMCA is open and operating as usual. We appreciate your patience and thoughtful messages.

Right now, we find ourselves at a crossroads with how we use our space at the Fauntleroy YMCA in a fiscally responsible and mission-impactful way – and we need our community’s input and support. We look forward to working with the Fauntleroy church and our community as we explore options. We will not make any hurried final decisions, especially considering our nearly 100-year legacy of serving the Fauntleroy community. We are currently in the process of reaching out to members for their collaboration and support.

January is the kickoff of our annual membership drive, leading into our Annual Fund Drive in February. Now is the perfect time for community to lean in to help revitalize our operations at the Fauntleroy Y. Please encourage your friends to join us on the road to our Annual Fund Drive kick-off as they begin their New Year’s resolution to take care of their health. Get involved with our upcoming fundraising campaign by emailing us at cking@seattleymca.org or by donating today to help us get started!

If you have any other thoughts or ideas, we would love to hear them. Please email us at pr@seattleymca.org.

The Fauntleroy YMCA has long been co-managed with the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) in The Triangle. According to the Y’s website, the Fauntleroy location is currently open three mornings a week. Along with the Y, the Fauntleroy Church campus is also home to a preschool that is not affiliated with the church or Y.

ADDED 3:55 PM: The YMCA also just announced a community meeting:

We will also host a town hall on January 19 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Fauntleroy Church community gathering hall. We invite you to join us in an open dialogue about the Fauntleroy Y’s future, ask questions, and share your ideas and collaborative concepts for the space and how we can best serve the community sustainably.

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Wintertime Blue Angel sighting ahead

January 4, 2024 1:53 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| Blue Angels | West Seattle news

(August 2023 photo by David Hutchinson)

Yes, that’s Blue Angel, singular, though our file photo shows them all. Just a heads-up, especially for the eastern West Seattle residents/workers who have eyes on Boeing Field, that one of the U.S. Navy demonstration team’s jets will be visiting next Monday (January 8). It’s the annual wintertime visit to look ahead to the Seafair Air Show (this year’s dates are August 3-5). The jet’s expected arrival on Monday is 3:45 pm, though a Seafair spokesperson notes that time is approximate.

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FOLLOWUP: Alki Point ‘Healthy Street’ parking plan

January 4, 2024 12:22 pm

| 146 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

(SDOT photo – new signage for Alki Point ‘Healthy Street’)

One month ago, we reported on the new design for the permanent features of the Alki Point “Healthy Street” – Beach Drive northwest of 63rd, and Alki Avenue west of 63rd. Much ensuing discussion focused on the parking situation. This week, SDOT sent a newsletter recapping the design plans and adding the finalized parking stats for those concerned:

# of ADA parking spaces: 3
# of speed humps: 3
# of parking we’re removing (on Beach Dr SW from 3300 Beach Dr SW to 64th Ave SW): approx. 61 spaces
# of parking spaces available (on Beach Dr SW from 3300 Beach Dr SW to 64th Ave SW): approx. 48 spaces
# of parking we’re removing (Cul-de-sac area: raised crosswalk to 64th Pl SW): approx. 6

SDOT adds, “Existing public parking has also been identified in the area for possible re-striping, improved signage, or other updates to better indicate its availability for visitors.” Construction of the permanent features is expected to happen this spring.

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Silent Book Club at 11 locations, Westside School virtual info night, more for your West Seattle Thursday

January 4, 2024 10:03 am

| Comments Off on Silent Book Club at 11 locations, Westside School virtual info night, more for your West Seattle Thursday

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Early-morning fishing at Seacrest Pier – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

From reading to running, here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

PRESCHOOLER STORY TIME: 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), every Thursday morning!

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

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Llama Fusion.

FREE ECO-ARTS CLASS: 4-7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – drop in!

VISCON CELLARS: The winery’s tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle. Starting tonight at 7, this is also a site for tonight’s Silent Book Club (see below).

ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, starting at 5 pm. Timed tickets and info here.

WESTSIDE SCHOOL VIRTUAL INFORMATION NIGHT: 6-7:15 pm, online info night for prospective preschool through 4th-grade families to find out more about Westside School (WSB sponsor) – our calendar listing explains how to RSVP.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: 6:30 pm, meet at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for a 3-mile run through the neighborhood.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at Future Primitive Beer Bar (2536 Alki SW) at 6:30 pm for a 3-mile run – more in our calendar listing.

BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday you can listen to the blues.

SILENT BOOK CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: 11 locations for tonight’s gathering, from West Seattle Grounds in the north to Dubsea Coffee in the south – they’re all listed (along with some specials) in our calendar listing. 7-9 pm, choose where you want to be, BYOB(ook), and enjoy!

YOGA, BREATH WORK, GONG BATH, MORE: 7 pm at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35.

Planning something that should be on our calendar and in daily preview lists like this? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Colder weather’s on the way. Help somebody stay warm!

January 4, 2024 9:04 am

| 1 COMMENT

| How to help | West Seattle news

If you have a new or little-used coat, or other warm clothing, that you can donate, the holiday drive at Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (WSB sponsor) has been extended a few more days – here’s the update we received:

This has been a stellar year for donations, and we want to thank all of you for helping our community in need.

We are wrapping up this year’s collection this Friday. This is your last chance to bring us your gently used warm weather clothes to 3435 California Ave SW.

For further information, contact the State Farm office at 206-932-1878.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Thursday info

January 4, 2024 6:00 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Thursday info

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, January 4th.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

More rain in the forecast, high in the upper 40s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:57 am, and the sun will set at 4:31 pm.

TRANSIT NOTES

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you’re wondering where the boat is.

Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.

Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route. Check alerts for changes, and use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.

ROAD WORK

As previewed here, pole installation for the permanent Highland Park Way/Holden signal is expected to result in lane closures again today.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

(The video options on SDOT’s camera map still don’t work; SDOT told us they’re working on it, but they don’t know when the feeds will be fixed.)

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

High Bridge – the main camera:

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

Low Bridge:

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

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:

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

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if applicable). Thank you!

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Hearings for two of three teens charged in Alki/Beach Drive carjacking/robbery attempts

January 3, 2024 11:59 pm

| 14 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two weeks after three teenage boys were arrested following three Alki/Beach Drive robbery/carjacking attempts and a police chase, two had detention reviews today. The one we labeled suspect #1, the 14-year-old allegedly driving the stolen car while leading police on that chase, will stay in juvenile detention at the Youth Services Center. The other 14-year-old, suspect #2, is now on electronic home monitoring. Today’s hearing for suspect #3, who is 16, was postponed until next Monday; his detention status will be reviewed then. Each of the three is charged with one count of first-degree attempted robbery and one count of second-degree robbery, plus one auto-theft-related charge. The robbery and attempts were reported to 911 within the span of eight minutes just before 10 pm on December 18th – first 2800 block of Alki, then 59th/Admiral, then the 5700 block of Beach Drive.

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BASKETBALL: West Seattle High School’s varsity teams host Eastside Catholic

January 3, 2024 9:54 pm

| Comments Off on BASKETBALL: West Seattle High School’s varsity teams host Eastside Catholic

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Though school was out for two weeks, high-school basketball teams kept playing, and now the regular season has a month to go. Tonight West Seattle High School hosted Eastside Catholic. We went to WSHS for the varsity games.

(WSB photos. #10, freshman Seneca Lucas)

The Wildcat girls opened with a win, 43-32, after a strong fourth quarter.

(WSHS #21, junior Alyssa Neumann, and #4, senior Carmen Cruz)

They’re now 6-5 on the season.

(WSHS #20, junior Colby Timmons)

Head coach Darnell Taylor‘s team plays at Seattle Prep next, 4:30 pm Saturday.

After the girls’ game concluded, the WSHS and ECHS boys took to the court.

(WSHS #23, senior Pawlose Aschalew)

In this one, Eastside Catholic, which arrived undefeated, stayed that way, winning 78-63.

(WSHS #3, senior Bo Gionet)

The Wildcat boys’ season record is now at 6-5.

(WSHS #0, junior Alex Pierce, #13, senior Nathan Schiavo, #2, sophomore Sully Janiwade)

Head coach Dan Kriley‘s team also plays at Seattle Prep on Saturday, 6 pm.

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BIZNOTES: ‘Dry January’ at Beer Junction; HomeStreet spotlights ArtsWest; new clinic

January 3, 2024 5:49 pm

| Comments Off on BIZNOTES: ‘Dry January’ at Beer Junction; HomeStreet spotlights ArtsWest; new clinic

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Three more business notes:

‘DRY JANUARY’: The Beer Junction proprietor Corey Leitch sent this announcement:

If you’re taking the month off from full-strength booze you can still come and hang at The Beer Junction! We’ve got two full fridges full of non-alcoholic treats for you to sip and enjoy while you spend time outside the house.

Beers from Athletic, Bravus, Self Care, Best Day and so many more, plus NA ciders, cocktails, CBD sodas and a great selection of soft drinks. Doing Dry January doesn’t mean you can’t go out and enjoy a drink with your friends or decompress after a long day. Come in and have a drink with us this month!

P.S. – we always have this huge selection of NA drinks, year round, in case that’s always your thing!

HOMESTREET WRAPS UP ARTSWEST SPOTLIGHT: Every month, HomeStreet Bank (4022 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) spotlights another local business or organization – this past month, it was ArtsWest (also a WSB sponsor), so managing director Inji Kamel (below right, with HomeStreet’s Joyce Leslie) stopped by today:

There’s a drawing each month at the bank for a prize from the spotlight business/organization; Inji drew the winner today – prize this time is two tickets to any of ArtsWest’s remaining plays this season. (Next up is “Born With Teeth,” opening February 1.)

NEW CLINIC: Dr. Laura Jewett, DPT, emailed us to announce her new business, West Seattle Pelvic Health & Physical Therapy. Dr. Jewett explains, “It’s located inside Dragonfly Yoga at 3270 California Ave. SW.” You can read more about her and the clinic here.

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UPDATE: Water-rescue response off Lincoln Park, canceled

January 3, 2024 4:04 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS breaking news

4:04 PM: Seattle Fire has a “water rescue response” headed to Lincoln Park for a report of a possible paddleboarder in trouble off the north side of the park. Updates to come.

4:07 PM: Responders say they’re seeing two kitesurfers off shore who do not appear to be in distress.

4:13 PM: SFD and Coast Guard boats are arriving in the area to doublecheck, but so far there continue to be no sign of anyone in trouble, and the two kitesurfers who are visible are coming in to shore at Lowman Beach.

4:19 PM: Responders have verified that the kitesurfers are OK and no one else was out on the water, so the response is now being canceled.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Here’s what we’ve found out about Burien carjacking suspect arrested in West Seattle

January 3, 2024 3:20 pm

| 18 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, December 29)

Last Friday, we covered a two-scene West Seattle incident that had started with a carjacking in Burien. The stolen vehicle, the Chevrolet Suburban shown above, had been tracked to Alki; when King County Sheriff’s Office deputies/Burien Police moved in, the driver and an accomplice took off. The driver was arrested at Harbor/Spokane after getting out of the car when it was stopped at the light; the juvenile left inside got behind the wheel and took off, crashing into a semitruck at West Marginal/2nd SW a short time later. The juvenile was taken to the hospital in critical condition and we don’t yet know his status, but we did get information today about the suspect who was arrested. He is 20 years old and in the King County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail; tomorrow is the deadline for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to rush-file charges. According to documents from his bail hearing, he is a White Center resident who got out of jail a year ago after being sentenced for stabbing a mini-mart clerk in the Northgate area. Those documents say he stabbed the clerk twice in November 2021 after being told to leave the mini-mart because he wasn’t wearing a mask (a few TV reports ensued). According to the documents from the 2021 case, police found him because a security-camera image was circulated and officers recognized him from previous contacts; they got a warrant and arrested him at the North Seattle apartment where he was living at the time. After a year in jail, he pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and was sentenced to nine months, less time than he had already served, so he was released.

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FOLLOWUP: White Center Food Bank invites you to January 12 grand-opening party at new HQ

January 3, 2024 1:21 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | White Center

(December photo courtesy WCFB)

We’ve been reporting on the progress at the new location of the White Center Food Bank (which also serves part of West Seattle). Now, you’re invited to the new WCFB headquarters’ grand-opening party:

Join White Center Food Bank (WCFB) for one of the most significant miles in our organization’s history: The GRAND OPENING of our new home! With the support of our community, we now own a newly remodeled, centrally located facility right in the heart of downtown White Center.

The Grand Opening Party features delicious food & drinks from White Center restaurants Gõ Seattle Grab & Go & El Catrín, amazing speakers, and great music.

This celebratory event not only introduces the community to the expansive features of the new space but also serves as an opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate this remarkable achievement for the White Center community.

Date: Friday, Jan 12
Time: 5-7 PM
Event Location: White Center Food Bank, 10016 16th Ave SW

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.”- Carmen Smith, Executive Director.

To RSVP and learn more, click here.

WCFB had to move out of its longtime location at 8th SW and SW 108th because of a new affordable-housing/community “hub” project that is set to be built there. They’re set to open the new HQ for business next Monday.

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BIZNOTE: New owner, new location for Bend N Move

January 3, 2024 11:57 am

| 12 COMMENTS

| Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Beth Dayo)

The new year is bringing changes large and small for the local fitness-business scene. Here’s the first announcement we’ve received for 2024:

Bend N Move owner Tamara Gillest has sold her Yoga studio to Beth Dayo, former owner of Be Pilates. Beth has combined Pilates, Yoga, and Meditation into the business and moved the location (from its previous spot at 2735 California SW in Admiral) down to 3850-A Delridge Way SW. Pilates, Yoga and Meditation are now at the bottom of Pigeon Point, a short drive down Admiral for previous Admiral Neighborhood clients.

For now, the newly relocated studio will be known as Bend N Move powered by Life in the Body (the name of Dayo’s previous business).

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District 1 Community Network, Get Fit info night, basketball, more for your West Seattle Wednesday

January 3, 2024 10:15 am

| Comments Off on District 1 Community Network, Get Fit info night, basketball, more for your West Seattle Wednesday

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Highland Park Way/Holden pole installation, overseen by ‘Where’s the Party?’ jay – photo by Kay Kirkpatrick)

Here’s the daily preview, mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar:

TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Repair it instead of replacing it! Weekly event, 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).

BASKETBALL: Four varsity home games tonight. At West Seattle High School (3000 California SW), girls (5:45 pm) and boys (7:30 pm) both play Eastside Catholic; at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle), girls (5:45 pm) play Ballard, boys (7:30 pm) play Lakeside.

FREE GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for the weekly free group run, 6:15 pm.

GET FIT INFO NIGHT: Also at West Seattle Runner, 6:30 pm, it’s info night for the free Get Fit “couch to half-marathon” training program – bring your questions! Or email lori@westseattlerunner.com to ask (and/or sign up).

TRIVIA x 6: Six places to play tonight. At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) offers trivia … there’s 7 pm trivia at West Seattle Brewing (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW) … 7 pm trivia at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW, White Center) … Trivia starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 8 pm … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).

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

DISTRICT 1 COMMUNITY NETWORK: Online meeting of community advocates from around District 1, 7 pm, all welcome – attendance link (video or phone) and agenda info can be found in our calendar listing.

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

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

If you’re planning a presentation, meeting, performance, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, etc., and it’s open to the community, please send us info for West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Your next chance to run into the water at Alki with a crowd

January 3, 2024 9:22 am

| Comments Off on Your next chance to run into the water at Alki with a crowd

| How to help | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, 2020 Polar Plunge)

Loved the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim? Do it again as part of a fundraiser for Special Olympics Washington! The Polar Plunge is returning to Alki Beach next month. It’s a “winter beach party,” highlighted by the “plunge,” with food, drinks, and music, starting at 10 am Saturday, February 24th. Costume contest too! Registration is open now for individuals and teams – you can go here to sign up. This is one of four Polar Plunges that Special Olympics Washington is presenting this winter – the others are January 13th in the Tri-Cities, March 1st in Wenatchee, and Marh 9th in Anacortes.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Wednesday notes

January 3, 2024 6:03 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Wednesday notes

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Wednesday, January 3rd.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Cloudy, more rain possible, high near 50. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:57 am, and the sun will set at 4:30 pm.

TRANSIT NOTES

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you’re wondering where the boat is.

Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.

Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route. Check alerts for changes, and use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.

ROAD WORK

As previewed here, pole installation for the permanent Highland Park Way/Holden signal is expected to result in lane closures today and tomorrow.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

(The video options on SDOT’s camera map still don’t work; SDOT tells us they’re working on it, but they don’t know how long it’ll take.)

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

High Bridge – the main camera:

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

Low Bridge:

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

Highway 99: – 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: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if applicable). Thank you!

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ROAD-WORK ALERT: Highland Park Way/Holden signal-pole installation ahead

January 2, 2024 9:22 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WSB photo, March 2020)

Almost four years ago – days after the West Seattle Bridge’s sudden shutdown – SDOT hurriedly put up a “temporary” traffic signal at Highland Park Way and Holden, after that already-busy intersection was quickly overrun with detour traffic. SDOT promised the signal eventually would become permanent, since a “safety project” was in the works for that intersection anyway. This week, one of the final steps – pole installation. Here’s the alert:

This week, we will install new metal traffic signal poles at the Highland Park Way SW and SW Holden St intersection. This is part of the process to replace the existing temporary traffic signal with a more durable, permanent one.

When

This work is scheduled for Wednesday, January 3 and Thursday, January 4 from 7 AM – 4 PM. This timeframe could shift based on weather and crew availability.

What to Expect

Alternating traffic lanes will be closed during installation, but there will always be one lane open for cars to get through. There may also be temporary sidewalk closures. This is not particularly noisy work, but if you live or work in the area, you may hear construction equipment running and some beeping when crews are backing up equipment.

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VIDEO: Seattle City Council’s new lineup, with District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka, officially starts work

January 2, 2024 5:20 pm

| 58 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(WSB photo: District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka, with daughter Maeve administering oath of office)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Hopes and expectations were running high as the new edition of the Seattle City Council gathered for its first meeting, before a full house that gave councilmembers a standing ovation, cheering loudly as they entered the chambers.

(WSB photo)

First task in the 2 1/2-hour meeting: They chose a new president – the only nominee, elected unanimously, was citywide Councilmember Sara Nelson, who is midway through her first term.

(WSB photo)

Then came the ceremonial swearing-in ceremonies for, and speeches by, the seven newly elected/reelected district councilmembers, in district numerical order, so District 1’s Rob Saka was first, with the oath given by his 9-year-old daughter Maeve, a Fairmount Park Elementary student, who concluded, “Congratulations, Daddy!” In his subsequent speech, he thanked his wife Alicia and their three kids for being “with him every step of the way,” as well as his father. He shared the personal story many heard during the campaign – with an emphasis on “resilience and unity.” He said those are the factors that led him to enlist in the U.S. Air Force, and why he became a lawyer. He acknowledge “immense” challenges facing the council, including public safety and housing, as well as the nuts and bolts “basics” of government (potholes, etc.). He says he wants to be the “king of potholes” if that’s what it takes – “the little things in life matter.” He also declared this is a “once-in-a-generation opportunity … to reshape the culture here at City Hall.” He made some of the same points in our brief interview with him before the meeting:

If you don’t have time to listen to the interview, a key question we asked Councilmember Saka was how he plans to stay in touch with constituents; he said he’ll continue the “robust” weekly newsletters that his predecessor Lisa Herbold began, and he also plans to keep his promise to open a district office. He also has hired his first two staffers – chief of staff Elaine Ikoma Ko and district relations/scheduler Leyla Gheisar. (Find the office contact info here.)

Committee chairs were announced during the meeting; Saka will chair the Transportation Committee. That was not a major topic during Saka’s campaigning, but for public safety, which was, the committee chair role is going to new District 7 Councilmember Robert Kettle.

There will be some major transportation-related issues this year, though, as senior Councilmember Tammy Morales noted while speaking as president pro tem during the opening moments of the meeting. She observed that the “challenging year ahead” for the council will include “enormous tasks” such as the next transportation-levy proposal as well as a new comprehensive plan, new Seattle Police Officers Guild contract, and a potential $250 million budget deficit.

Nelson, in her first speech as council president, vowed to “work to do the most good for the greatest number of people.” She also said the council needs to “double down on our oversight role.” She described her “grand vision as council president” as “simple good governance.” She also expressed a preference for the in-person format that filled the chambers.

(City-provided photo)

As Saka noted in his interview with us, the first big task for the council is to choose its ninth member – the citywide Position 8 had been held by Teresa Mosqueda (a North Delridge resident), but she is now resigning to take her new job as King County Councilmember, for which she’ll be sworn in soon. They have just under three weeks to do that; the appointed councilmember will serve until someone is elected this fall to finish what will then be the remaining year of Mosqueda’s term. Here’s the webpage with information on the process.

With public comment and some routine business added to all that, the new council’s first meeting concluded at about 4:30 pm, with new president Nelson declaring, “We got this, everybody!”

ADDED: Here’s the Seattle Channel meeting video – if you watch from that page, it includes links to jump ahead to specific times, such as Councilmember Saka’s swearing-in and speech.

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