West Seattle, Washington
18 Friday
Three things to know from Thursday’s Sound Transit board meeting:
‘RECORD OF DECISION’ DELAY: We reported earlier this week on the Federal Transit Administration‘s new date for a “Record of Decision“ on the West Seattle Link Extension project, a milestone that allows the project to move into final design. This is what interim CEO Goran Sparrman told the board, in a ST-provided transcription:
We recently got word that the federal Record of Decision, which we anticipated at the end of this month, will likely be delayed 30-60 days to allow time for the Federal Transit Administration to work with the Office of the General Counsel at the White House to review and ensure consistency with recent Executive Orders. We understand that this added process step is not exclusive to the WSLE project and is being applied broadly at this time. We will continue to work diligently with FTA on next steps and look forward to providing you and the public updates as we have them.
BOARD APPROVES EARLY ACQUISITION: Board members approved the resolution authorizing “early acquisitions” in the 3800 block of Delridge Way SW (here’s our story from last weekend). That will pave the way for more North Delridge businesses including Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor), nonprofit Mode Music and Performing Arts, The Skylark, and Ounces to work with ST regarding relocation assistance.
COST SAVINGS: The board got a technical-detail-heavy update from deputy CEO of megaprojects Terri Mestas and West Seattle project director Brad Owen regarding potential cost-savings measures – systemwide as well as on WSLE – mostly involving “design optimization.” Here’s the slide deck. They promised more cost specifics next quarter, but in the meantime, some of what they’ve identified includes:
-Precast (constructed offsite) components of guideways for elevated segments
-Seven “station prototypes” that could be used on projects throughout the system
-Measures to reduce station footprints
-Measures to reduce wetland impacts
Until those upcoming specifics are available, there’s no new overall cost estimate – though a possible WSLE savings of a third of a billion dollars is shown on one slide – but one board member, Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell, said she’s still worried about “off-ramps” for the West Seattle project, given the “sticker shock” of the most recent estimates. Mestas told her that once they hire a design firm – expected this spring – that team, for example, could do “limited design work” that would help zero in on cost savings.
Watch for the video of Thursday’s board meeting to appear here. EVENING UPDATE: It’s viewable here.
(WSB photo by Anne Higuera)
You’ve still got time – until noon – to get to Admiral Chevron (northwest corner of Admiral and California) to say farewell to Harold Chacon, the jovial employee who is retiring after more than a quarter-century at the station, moving back to Puerto Rico to be with his mom. Today is Harold’s last day at the station, and he’ll head to Puerto Rico in about a month.
(Added: Harold with station owner Marc Gartin – photo by Clay Eals)
People have been streaming in to wish him well, and a small crowd was waiting for the cake, brought in by the station owner, who gave Harold a big hug. (See this recent WSB story for more about Harold.)
(Looking toward foggy Harbor Island/West Seattle from downtown – photo by Alyssa Baker)
Friday is here! Here’s what’s up today/tonight, mostly from the West Seattle Event Calendar:
HAGOSA’S HOUSE: Scheduled opening day for this new coffee shop, until 7 pm – here’s our story from earlier this week. (4800 Delridge Way SW)
FAREWELL, HAROLD: Drop by Admiral Chevron (northwest corner of California/Admiral) 10 am-noon and bid farewell to longtime staffer Harold Chacon – this WSB story explains.
STAY ‘N’ PLAY: 10 am-11:30 am, weekly free drop-in playtime at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).
BLACK HISTORY ART EXHIBIT: Visit the Washington State Black Legacy Institute‘s first major exhibit, 11 am-6 pm. (2656 42nd SW)
FREE TAX HELP: Drop-in help at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), 11 am-4 pm, appointments recommended.
BABY STORY TIME: Noon-12:30 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: Fridays at 12:15 pm – info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
GIRL SCOUT COOKIE BOOTHS: This year’s Girl Scout Cookie in-person sales start today! Go here to look for a cookie booth near you – multiple troops are selling at various spots in West Seattle.
MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: This new community space and beverage business is opening at 4 pm after 3:30 pm ribboncutting – see this WSB story. (9444 Delridge Way SW)
STUDENT POETRY SALON: Be at West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 5 pm for a poetry salon with Madison Middle School students.
POP-UP SOCIAL: 34th District Democrats are hosting this in Burien tonight, 5:30-8 pm, Logan Brewing Company (Burien, 510 SW 151st).
SWEET SWEET MUSIC: Concert and dessert at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 7 pm, ukuleles, choir, more. $15/door.
LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Deep Sea Diver album release show and signing, 7 pm, free/all ages. (4559 California SW).
‘COVENANT’: Final weekend for the current play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm, tickets here.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: School of Rock bands, doors at 6 pm and music at 7 pm, details here, $10 advance, $15 door, all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Lady Coco tonight! (4547 California SW)
MAKE IT LOUD: Skating to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), doors at 9 pm, $18 cover, $5 skates, 21+. Tonight’s slate: Very Serious, Mutual Stoke, Pink Team.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Two local nonprofits asked us to share the news that they’re putting up spaces for lease:
DESC’S DELRIDGE SPACE: When Cascadia Fresh Market closed last month, DESC wasn’t sure immediately what they’d do with the ground-floor commercial space at Cottage Grove Commons (5444 Delridge Way SW). Now they’ve put it up for lease, with these details:
Size: 2,423 sq. ft.
About the Space: Located on the ground floor of DESC’s Cottage Grove Commons in West Seattle, this versatile 2,423-square-foot commercial space offers an open layout with a main area, restroom, and utility room. Previously used as a small grocery store, the space is ideal for office, retail, or other commercial uses.
Permitted Uses: Office, retail, or general commercial activities. (Prohibited: liquor
stores, adult stores.)Utilities: Landlord covers water, gas, electricity, and sewer. Tenant is responsible for other utilities, including garbage, internet, and security services.
Contact for More Info: Brandon Lawton, DESC Capital Project Manager blawton@desc.org | 253-283-1932
WESTSIDE BABY: This White Center-headquartered nonprofit has some spare space too – here’s that announcement:
Are you or your organization looking for office space or do you know someone who is? WestSide Baby has administrative office space available to sublet at our White Center Hub (10002 14th Ave SW)! We hope to prioritize partners and organizations with aligned missions, but are open to talking to other businesses in our community, as well. Contact our Executive Director Allie Lindsay Johnson for more information and to schedule a tour: allie@westsidebaby.org
9:59 AM: More trouble with the low bridge.
10:57 AM: Open to traffic again.
Earlier:
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, February 28, 2025
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Mostly sunny, high in the upper 50s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 6:50 am and 5:53 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi – Also on a regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V
ROAD WORK NOTES
-Admiral Way Bridge lane configuration is expected to change again by or during this weekend.
-The 35th SW sinkhole near Edmunds will continue narrowing the road until utility work is complete.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
In case you missed tonight’s vivid almost-spring sunset, we have three views. Above and below are from WSB contributing photographer Dave Gershgorn:
And this one is a reader photo sent by Kay Kendall:
Thanks to all who contribute photos, from sunset scenes to breaking news – westseattleblog@gmail.com if it’s not urgent, 206-293-6302 if it is!
Springtime youth sports are revving up – here are some invitations we’ve been asked to share with you:
GIRLS’ LACROSSE: Clinics are coming up this Sunday, according to parent Mike, who says that 7th-8th-grade girls are especially welcome due to openings in the season ahead – here’s the info (note there are clinics for boys too). Signup link for girls in those groups – 14U – is here.
BASKETBALL: Two organizations have events coming up this weekend:
Be a part of Hoops4Life Sunday Basketball Small Group Training at West Seattle High School! Great value small group instruction. The first Spring Session begins Sunday, March 2 and goes through Sunday, April 6. Sessions are at 11:00 and 12:15. Register here: hoops4life206.com/small-group-training
Also, the No Limits Academy has tryouts this Saturday:
Our mission statement: At No Limits Academy, we are passionate about developing the next generation of basketball athletes. Our developmental basketball program is designed to provide a nurturing and empowering environment for young athletes to hone their skills, build character, and help with the mental aspect of the game. We are a year-round basketball program that has travel teams, camps, personal training, and group training.
You can find out more at nolimitsacademyseattle.com.
(WSB photos by Jason Grotelueschen)
Chief Sealth International High School‘s athletics program had a lot to celebrate at last night’s Winter Sports Banquet!
First, a signing ceremony celebrating CSIHS’s flag-football star Eleana Lee, who’s already been honored with the new Maxwell Award as the best player in the state, and was Metro League MVP. The sport isn’t offered at every school, noted coach Kyler Gaither, but she’s signed with the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes. Her proud family was there to celebrate, too:
Sealth athletic director Ernest Policarpio gave a recap of the school’s winter success, including the achievements by a girls’ wrestling program that, as he described it, has become a “dynasty” with 6 Metro championships he recounted other championships and state contenders too:
The Seahawk Awards were presented to one outstanding student-athlete in each sport, recognized as outstanding scholars as well as for their leadership on the field or court.
Those winners are (including the seven in our photo): Ryan Nguyen for boys’ swim/dive, Owen Wright for boys’ wrestling, Keimani Proctor-Mills for girls’ basketball, Chase Valdez for boys’ basketball, Evie Nelson for girls’ bowling, Petra Sheppard for girls’ wrestling, Eleana Lee for flag football, Ryan Tran for cheer.
Also presented: the new “Above and Beyond” Awards:
These went to Micah Policarpio for boys’ wrestling, where he took second in state; Xavier Nguyen, also a wrestler, who took third in state; Lucy Self, girls’ wrestling, who took third in state; Gianna Moore, gymnastics, who competed at state; Dominic Milanese, boys’ swimming; and Karen Chiem, flag football.
Next up for local high-school athletes – the spring sports season, starting in March!
3:10 PM: Thanks for the tips! Orcas are back in Elliott Bay. Kersti Muul says they’ve been seen “deep in the bay” from Seacrest, while another tip says they’ve been in view from Jack Block Park. Let us know if you see them! P.S. Kersti says a humpback whale that’s been in the area today is in the bay too.
4:58 PM: Thanks to David Hutchinson for sending that photo as the orcas departed the bay.
(Added: Screenshot from low-bridge camera, with trucks waiting at 1:23 pm)
Thanks for the tip! Right after a texter told us the low bridge (aka Spokane Street Swing Bridge) appeared to be having trouble, SDOT issued a traffic alert confirming it. So far, they’re citing “technical issues.”
2:18 PM: Live camera shows the bridge is open again.
ADDED: SDOT’s explanation:
We were doing test openings to help us understand and resolve ongoing technical issues related to the damage which occurred when a vehicle drove through the warning gates and hit a moving barricade in September 2024.
(Fry in Fauntleroy Creek – photo by Dave Gershgorn)
By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog
Three Fauntleroy Creek events this week signal that winter is on the wane:
– “Home hatch” coho started emerging to feed in the creek.
– Skunk-cabbage blossoms started dotting the streambank.
– Teachers started signing up for salmon releases.
(Skunk cabbage along Fauntleroy Creek – photo by Dave Gershgorn)
Two weeks ago, volunteers began monitoring the lower creek for evidence that eggs left in November by a record number of spawners (347) had survived. Yesterday (2/26) they sighted 15 active fry darting around in the water.
Last fall, spawners hid their eggs under a blanket of loose gravel for protection. After a few weeks, the eggs hatched into alevin equipped with a yolk sac to sustain them until they were mature enough to emerge from the gravel and forage for themselves. In a year’s time, they will have grown into 4”-5” smolts, ready to leave the creek for two years in saltwater.
This same transformation is playing out across West Seattle as students in the Salmon in the Schools program rear their own coho. Come May, Fauntleroy Watershed Council volunteers will host 18 field trips to Fauntleroy Park, where students will release their fry and explore habitat.
Three reader reports:
STOLEN RED CR-V: Sent by Kerry:
My car was stolen last night between midnight and 7 am from the alley off California SW and SW Findlay to the west. Red Honda CR-V with back quarter panel on passenger side dented and held up with a zip tie. License plate AOZ7418
(Update) Police report # 25-53976. Meantime, call 911 if you find it. UPDATE: Found where commenter (see below) spotted it,
PACKAGE TAKEN: Sent by Peter – the image is a screengrab from video of his package being taken:
Want to give a heads-up on a package thief north of Holy Rosary, by 42nd and Dakota. 5:03 pm Wednesday.
The temporary report number on this case is T00024941.
DUMPED, POSSIBLY STOLEN: John discovered this while out for a walk in Sunrise Heights:
… I came across an item which I think is likely stolen and dumped on a parking strip. It’s a black clothes carrier that was folded over; when I unfolded it and looked inside there were two tiers of clothes inside.
Possibly yours? Email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com and we’ll connect you.
(Beaver photographed on Alki/Harbor shore by Steven Rice earlier this week)
From our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s the highlight list for today/tonight (are we missing anything? please let us know!):
BLACK HISTORY MONTH ART EXHIBIT: 11 am-6 pm, visitors welcome at the Washington State Black Legacy Institute (2656 42nd SW) in The Admiral District.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: It’s almost spring! The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to find out where they’re playing today.
SOUND TRANSIT BOARD: 1:30 pm meeting is scheduled to include a vote on another West Seattle “early acquisition” of property for the project. The agenda explains how to comment/attend, in-person or remotely.
EDUCATOR EVENT AT LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: 4-5:30 pm, educators are invited to the home of West Seattle’s history, as previewed here. (61st/Stevens)
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of three regular Thursday night events tonight here – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Thai-U-Up.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Also an every-Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Also tonight, run 3 miles, or walk a shorter path, in the neighborhood near HPCS with the Run Club, leaving from the store at 6:30 pm – info here.
VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s friendly, cozy tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle!
WESTIES RUN CLUB: This group’s 6 pm weekly Thursday run departs from Future Primitive Beer Bar on Alki (2536 Alki SW).
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: One more way to get moving! Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
LIVE MUSIC IN THE JUNCTION: 6-9 pm, Patrick Rifflin performs Thursdays at Pegasus Pizza in The Junction (4520 California SW).
MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: 7 pm at Two Fingers Social (9011 Delridge Way SW), “Tremors in the Blood” is the book they’ll discuss this time.
TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet, hosted by Good Old-Fashioned Local Trivia (9614 14th SW).
PARENT EDUCATION EVENT: 7 pm at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Brockey Center (south end of campus, 6000 16th SW), parents are invited to learn about the concept of “Power With, Not Power Over” as their children grow and try to find their way. Details and ticket info are in our calendar listing; benefit for West Seattle Cooperative Preschools.
‘COVENANT’ AT ARTSWEST: “Covenant” starts its final weekend, 7:30 pm. Ticket link is in our calendar listing. (4711 California SW)
DJ NIGHT: The weekend starts early at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Kingblind & Teenage Rampage, starting at 8 pm.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather March 9 in memory of Joyce Koeppen. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community now:
Longtime educator Joyce Koeppen passed away February 10, 2025 in Tacoma. A devoted wife, mother, daughter, and sister, Joyce is survived by her two children, Betty Kim Lierman and Todd Koeppen; three grandchildren, Brennan, Madelaine, and Josiah; and her sister, Cathy Hibberd.
Born in Idaho, Joyce grew up farming in the fields, milking cows, and riding horses. She loved to sing and sang pretty much continuously in the fields, bringing in the cows, doing dishes, or whatever. While she was raising her children, music was such a big part of their day that they thought everybody wrote songs. But once she returned to work, she found that the responsibilities of a working mom were such that she gradually stopped singing altogether.
After graduating from the College of Idaho (and a one-year stint as the lone female law student in her class at Willamette University), Joyce became a teacher. It was supposed to be for just a few years until she gained a financial footing, but she soon found out she LOVED teaching. Joyce was a natural teacher who ultimately spent nearly 30 years teaching English, History, Spanish, and Drama in the Glide and Roseburg school districts (both in Oregon). As her career reached its end, she was asked by the Oregon public-school system to help write the curriculum that would lead Oregon schools into the next century. After retiring from teaching, she taught computer literacy to seniors and Bible studies in a few churches.
A lifelong lover of community theater (acting and directing), Joyce received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Anne Frank’s mom in “The Diary of Anne Frank.” She founded the drama program at Glide High School and helped many students fall in love with the stage.
Joyce was also a survivor! She survived three bouts of Rheumatic Fever, several bouts of cancers, as well as a number of other serious health issues. She enjoyed referring to herself as an over-achiever as she somehow survived breast cancer four times, despite being “only born with two boobs.”
Joyce loved sharing all sorts of knowledge with her children and grandchildren, like how to raise many types of animals; flower and vegetable gardening; and her love of crafts: sewing, knitting, embroidery, quilting, and canning. Mostly, though, she enjoyed singing and spending time with her family, movie nights, and game nights. She spent her time in Washington gardening, traveling, caring for dogs, attending theater events, and most importantly, playing with her grandkids. She will be sorely missed.
Joyce’s memorial service will be Sunday, March 9, 1 pm, at Journey Church Tacoma (1801 N. Pearl St) in Tacoma.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, February 27, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Mostly sunny with a slight chance of am rain, high in the upper 50s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 6:52 am and 5:51 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi – Also on a regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Feaven Berhe knows everything won’t be perfect when she soft-opens her North Delridge coffee shop Hagosa’s House this Friday.
But she is excited to start getting the community feedback that will propel her toward that ideal.
“Learning as we go,” she smiles, as we chat in the space formerly known as Pearls, in the 4800 Delridge Way SW building owned for more than a decade and a half by her dad Solomon Tesfu (in the photo above with Feaven) and mom Genet Berhane. To transform it into Hagosa’s House, they’ve brightened the interior in a big way.
As we first reported last week, family is at the heart of Hagosa’s House, which Feaven named for her grandmother.
Her parents are Eritrean immigrants, and their influence will pervade the new café too. Unique features will include Eritrean-style coffee ceremonies, which include roasting the beans just before the coffee is prepared. It’s another way to bring people together, Feaven says, and a way to enjoy the coffee aroma even before it’s brewed. This art on the café’s north wall depicts a coffee ceremony:
Speaking of roasting, Boon Boona will be the coffee source for Hagosa’s House. Feaven says her intentionality guides as much of what she’s offering as possible – with local providers like Harried and Hungry in Georgetown for the sandwiches and salads they’ll offer, and Macrina for the pastries. Again, this is where she plans to start simple and “see what people like.”
And Feaven is excited to be launching this new phase of her life in West Seattle, where she grew up – she even went to elementary school at Sanislo, just up the hill. Her previous career focus was as a “data person” – now she gets to turn the focus on her own enterprise.
Future plans include offering beer and wine – a liquor license will be sought in a few months – and events, maybe poetry and music. “We’re hoping to be here for the community,” Feaven emphasizes. “I love people” – and she’s ready to open a place where they’ll gather to enjoy each other’s company – and “good coffee.”
Hagosa’s House will be open 7 am to 7 pm daily – to start with – at least until and unless the community’s response and feedback suggest otherwise. “Is perfection achievable?” Feaven muses. “We’ll get as close as we can!”
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Last night we told you about the City Auditor’s report on the state of Seattle park restrooms. This afternoon, that report was presented by the Auditor to the City Council’s Parks, Public Utilities, and Technology Committee, with response from Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR). The audit details the challenges of providing restrooms that are clean, safe, and open, while reacting to unprecedented levels of vandalism and low staffing levels.
“It’s not an easy thing to keep 129 park restrooms in good working order,” acknowledged Auditor David G Jones. Cleaning has been a challenge, but vandalism has really affected operations, closing restrooms regularly for repairs. “Some restrooms are getting hit harder and more often than others.” He noted that right now 20 restrooms account for 60% of the maintenance. Councilmember Maritza Rivera wondered why there’s been such an increase in vandalism, while Councilmember Robert Kettle asked if there might be ways to use design to deter damage.
Parks Superintendent AP Diaz acknowledged the toll of ongoing damage and arsons, and then offered up some of the ways that it could be reduced. Among other things, he said restroom attendants are now being considered. They would staff high-volume restrooms that are frequently damaged, like Cal Anderson. “We believe that might be a solution for these hotspot areas.”
As they look to replace one park restroom this year following arson, Diaz said Parks staff are looking at approaches like Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design that Councilmember Kettle mentioned when they design the replacement building. They’re looking at lighting, whether the building is obscured behind trees, etc. “Are there some aesthetic things we can do to improve it?” asked Diaz. He said that it’s essential to focus on design that will discourage vandalism, or “you’re just setting yourself up” for more. Parks is also looking to use more resilient and fire-resistant materials, along with stronger hardware.
(Mural by Juliana Kang Robinson, installed on Walt Hundley Playfield restroom building last September)
Councilmember Rivera mentioned a grant in 2023 that funded murals on 18 park restrooms, and asked if that had decreased tagging at those locations. Parks said it had made a noticeable difference. “That’s something we should grow,” agreed Diaz. “My dream would be to continue that.” But he also said SPR needs “help from the public by treating these places with respect.” Committee Chair Joy Hollingsworth concurred. “It’s on us and the community as well. It takes all of us, not just our parks department.”
Overall, Parks’ response to the audit and plans to improve operations did not draw any criticism from the Councilmembers, but the committee is expecting to receive a full update on progress from Seattle Parks and Recreation a year from now.
See the full briefing and discussion in the Seattle Channel meeting video here.
Another update from SDOT on what’s next for the Admiral Way Bridge seismic-strengthening project:
Admiral Way SW will return to one lane in each direction this weekend. Over the next several months, there may sometimes be brief periods in which more lanes are open as crews shift between working on different parts of the bridge.
We are continuing to make good progress on construction. Here are some photos showing the work in progress:
Those photos are from the underside of the bridge, over Fairmount Ravine, where Fairmount Avenue remains fully closed to traffic until the project is done, now projected for summer.
Christine sent this followup to one of the downed trees noted here during Tuesday’s windstorm coverage, at Walnut and Manning:
Last night, I heard a chainsaw so I walked down to the latest Walnut Ave SW fallen tree. A man was cutting up the tree into firewood size logs.
He said he was on the way home to Gig Harbor and he had the chainsaw in his car from the wind events over there.
I think he had the help of the young neighbor who lives across from the house that almost had a tree fall on it. Very very nice. People could drive around the circle today.
SDOT will need to take down the tree and Seattle City Light will need to fix the wiring.
4:29 PM: Thanks to Steven Rice for the photo! Seen from West Seattle late this morning, a submarine and NOAA ship Oscar Dyson, an “ultra-quiet fisheries survey vessel” currently at Terminal 46 downtown. (That’s West Point Lighthouse in the photo.)
ADDED THURSDAY MORNING: We sent a note to the Oscar Dyson’s general email address, asking about their Seattle visit, and Commander Emily Rose replied, “The ship is in Seattle for a few more days before heading back to Kodiak after completing some repairs in the Puget Sound area.”
Reader report from Rebecca:
Today around 11:45 am, 36th and Myrtle. Just hanging out, drinking from the puddle. Crows were dive bombing (it)…
That’s right by Myrtle Reservoir Park. Meantime, our standard disclaimer – we publish coyote sightings for awareness, not alarm; here’s expert advice on coexistence.
Thanks for the tip. Curiosity has run high about how the change of administrations in Washington, D.C., could affect local services that rely on federal funding, and now we have one sign: The federal “Record of Decision” for Sound Transit‘s West Seattle Link Extension has been delayed, again. The original timeline was that it could have happened as soon as a month after the ST Board made its final decision back in October about West Seattle light-rail routing and station locations; then the Federal Transit Authority‘s online dashboard showed a new date for the Record of Decision, due in late February, aka right about now – but a reader just pointed us to the federal website link showing it’s just changed again, to late April.
We have questions out to Sound Transit, including how, or whether, that affects work being done now on the project; the project website notes that when it’s issued, for example, final design can begin.
As we reported four days ago, the ST Board’s monthly meeting tomorrow is scheduled to include a vote on expanding the list of properties for which it’s pursuing early acquisition; the additions to the list would include the North Delridge buildings that house Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor), Mode Music and Performing Arts, The Skylark, and Ounces, all on the site designated for the Delridge light-rail station. We also reported last week on Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, an ST Board member, issuing an executive order setting up city actions that might speed up the construction timeline.
12:13 PM: As Kersti Muul observes, we’ve had transient orcas in the area for the better part of three weeks. And now they’re back in view, currently southbound across the Seattle/Bainbridge ferry lanes, she tells us. Let us know if you see them! (And we always appreciate photos.)
5:17 PM: As noted in comments, a big group is now northbound from north Blake Island.
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