West Seattle, Washington
23 Saturday
Two readers emailed this afternoon about bicycle thefts:
BLUE CANNONDALE: Reported by Alyssa:
STOLEN FROM 42nd AND GRAHAM – BLUE CANNONDALE gravel bike with PINK pedals
I believe sometime last night 9/20 or this morning 9/21 someone came into my gated yard and took my Cannondale, BLUE bike with PINK pedals. This would have been obstructed from view from the road and someone would have been having to look through my wood fence to see it. I had set it out for a bike ride today with my son. I’m devastated – I know it’s just a bike, but it’s one of my favorite activities to share with my son.
Please be on the lookout! It’s a unique-looking bike. I’m a single mom and can’t afford to replace it at this time.
Police report [temporary] no. T00011594
Or text/call me at 425-623-7903 if seen!
ADDED: As discussed in comments, the bike thief is shown on home-security video (second clip in the series).
GREEN RADRUNNER 3: Jacob says he was at home when someone stole his e-bike from his garage in Fauntleroy earlier this afternoon:
Wanted to give a heads-up that on 9/21 @ 1:30 pm, a lady walked by our home (in the 4000 block of) SW Director, hopped in our green RadRunner 3 e-bike and headed toward the ferry. My neighbor watched it all happen, jumped in the car to chase, but she was gone. I notified the police as the bike was worth ~$2k. This was broad daylight, on Barton street. Garage was open from doing yard work and we were home and in/out of house. Only knew because my neighbor saw it happen.
We’ll add the police report when we get it. (ADDED: It’s 24-268956.)
Until 5 pm, you can visit any or all of 14 West Seattle places where art is made and/or shown. The West Seattle Art Tour is a much-more behind-the-scenes experience than the monthly West Seattle Art Walk. We’re just back from one stop – we went to Gatewood to see the artists featured today at The Building (4316 SW Othello), a former church school converted into artist studios:
Upstairs, you’ll find Rebecca Woodhouse, who’s had a studio at The Building for almost three years. You can also talk with Nichole DeMent, a mixed-media-encaustic artist who’s been creating there for 10+ years, and Stephen Rock, who works in “a variety of processes”:
With more than 50 artists participating at the 14 Art Tour stops, some are hosting visiting artists as well as resident artists. At The Building, Kelly Marshall – a mixed-media painter from Queen Anne – is visiting today:
Throughout The Building, there’s art on the walls and along the stairways, making it a great stop for wandering (the upstairs west-facing windows have Puget Sound views, too). But the 13 other stops have their charms – we chose this one for proximity to HQ, but as the map shows, you have options from Admiral to Roxhill. Find maps and the artist list here; the free Art Tour continues until 5 pm today.
After a morning rush, there’s plenty of capacity and no waiting at Fauntleroy Church‘s fall 2024 Recycle Roundup, continuing in the church lot until 3 pm.
The church’s Recycle Roundup partner 1 Green Planet had a truck coming in for a pickup when we were there, so there’s no chance they’ll run out of room.
The service is free, but if you are able to make a monetary donation to support the effort, volunteers will gratefully accept it. Meantime, whatever you have – as long as it’s on the official list, just bring it down and drop it off – 1 Green Planet workers will take it off your hands.
The church is at 9140 California SW – here’s a map.
As mentioned in the previous story, a car was stolen overnight in the same neighborhood where another presumably stolen car was dumped. Now we have the info on the car that was taken: Aaron says it’s a 2014 Kia Soul resembling this stock photo; it was taken from Walnut Avenue SW: “The license plate is BMV1261 and the police case number is 24–268655. It has a Coachella Firebird sticker on the back windshield.” If you see it, call 911.
Looking for this car? Tom sent the photo:
There is a Hyundai Tucson with 90-day tags and the engine still running at Walnut and Hinds (on Hinds). Window is smashed so it looks stolen. Other neighbor’s car was stolen on the block too.
We’re expecting info from that neighbor and will post separately when received. We’re told the same area had multiple car prowls overnight too.
(Photo by Eugene Lee – along Beach Drive during Friday sunset)
Our weekend begins! Here’s what to know for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, starting with three reminders:
SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT: Resurfacing work continues on the Spokane Street Viaduct (continuation of West Seattle Bridge between 99 and I-5), so the westbound lanes are closed all weekend, and that means you can’t get to the WS Bridge from I-5 – full list of ramp effects here. (10:28 AM: As commenters have pointed out and live camera verifies, there are NO closures right now despite the SDOT announcement. We know crews were working late last night, so what we’re trying to find out now is whether they finished early or plan to resume later. UPDATE: SDOT verifies that it’s open for the rest of the weekend.)
LOW BRIDGE FULLY OPEN: If you lost track of this, one more reminder that the low bridge reopened to drivers on Friday afternoon and is now open to all modes of travel.
ELLIOTT BAY DRILL: As noted here last night, the Water Taxi is part of a U.S. Coast Guard drill scheduled for 9 am-3 pm today.
Now the events:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.
HIGHLAND PARK ELEMENTARY/PATHFINDER SALE – GIVE OR TAKE: This is a two-part event – 8 am to 10 am, stop by to donate items; 9 am-3 pm, stop by to take items (and donate money in exchange if you can) – benefiting Highland Park Elementary PTA and Pathfinder K-8 PTSA, happening at 11th SW & SW Cloverdale. Bake sale too!
OTHER GARAGE SALES TODAY: See what’s listed in the WSB Community Forums!
RECYCLE ROUNDUP: Don’t want to/can’t sell or donate it? Can’t recycle it at the curb? Today might be your big chance to get it out of your life – the free dropoff Recycle Roundup is 9 am-3 pm outside Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) – our calendar listing shows what they will and won’t accept this time.
TWO COMMUNITY CLEANUPS: 9 am at Alki Beach and 10 am at High Point — just show up and clean up!
HEAVILY MEDITATED: 9 am at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), free community meditation – RSVP here.
BIG BLUE TRUCK: The Northwest Center‘s donation-dropoff truck (WSB sponsor) is back in West Seattle, every weekend. You’ll find it outside WaFd Bank (4102 California SW). Our calendar listing has info on what items the truck will accept. 9 am-5 pm.
GUIDED HIKE IN THE WEST DUWAMISH GREENBELT: Your monthly chance to explore a green gem in West Seattle, guided by people who know and love it – meet at Pathfinder K-8 (1901 SW Genesee) by 9:30 am.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: West Seattle has TWO farmers’ markets every weekend! Start your market shopping with this one – your weekly Saturday opportunity to go get fresh food from growers and makers – 10 am-2 pm, the market’s fourth season offers produce, plants, condiments, prepared food, more, continuing weekly through late October! (9421 18th SW; WSB sponsor)
WESTFEST: Holy Rosary School‘s fall community festival, 10 am-10 pm. Entertainment, kids’ rides, carnival-style games, food booths, bingo. Entertainment lineup is in our calendar listing. (Behind the school, off 42nd SW between SW Genesee and SW Dakota)
WEST SEATTLE ART TOUR: 10 am-5 pm, 50 artists are waiting to meet you during this annual celebration, showing and selling their work at 14 locations around the peninsula. Free self-guided tour – plan your stops here.
AUTUMN EQUINOX TEA CEREMONY: 10 am in Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), hosted by Linh Le; check to see if tickets remain.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: You’re invited to join others taking a walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy), 10 am.
SSC GARDEN CENTER, WITH THE OTTER PUP: Summer gardening season isn’t over yet! Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm. Plus: The Otter Pup is open by the center, with coffee, ice cream, and other treats!
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.
MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
OPEN HOUSE: Village Green West Seattle (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor) welcomes you, 11 am-1 pm, to see what senior living is like
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
‘CONNECTING IN GRIEF’ DAY RETREAT: 11 am-5 pm retreat at Camp Long (5200 35th SW) with three grief guides, explained here (along with cost and registration information).
SECOND USE FALL FEST: The salvage firm in SODO wants to invite West Seattleites over to its celebration – sale, games, free food, more. (3223 6th Ave. S.)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the new West Duwamish Greenbelt exhibit! (61st/Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is also open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
DOG SWIMMING IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Last day that your dog is welcome to swim in the Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club pool before it’s drained for the offseason. 12:30-5 pm, $5. More info in our calendar listing. (11003 31st SW)
(added) PEACE PICNIC: 1-4 pm potluck in the park – details in our calendar listing. (4570 W. Marginal Way SW)
COCKTAIL CLASS: 1 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way) – check before going to see if tickets remain.
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
\NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: The tasting room/wine bar is open 1-6 pm with student-produced wines and “affordable eats” at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
AT THE SKYLARK: Third night for Emerald City Kings’ Ball, 8 pm, 21+ – tonight is competition night. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
RAY SKJELBRED AT KENYON HALL: Doors 7 pm, music 7:30 pm – get your ticket(s) here. (7904 35th SW)
GUARDS AT THE TAJ: “Dark comedy” in its seond weekend at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm – get tickets here.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Tomas. (4547 California SW)
JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).
KARAOKE AT THE PIZZERIA: Saturday nights, you can sing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.
West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event is welcome to a spot on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
The 2024 Huling Bowl crosstown-competition football game is in the books, and this year at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, Chief Sealth International High School is going home with the trophy. On Friday night, the Seahawks won the annual faceoff with West Seattle High School, 24-7. Often the pageantry and energy is more fun than the football; tonight, the stands were packed:
Chief Sealth, Friday night’s home team at NCSWAC – where both teams play their home games – ran onto the field through a “Best in the West” banner:
Sealth is home team (both play home games here) pic.twitter.com/9vfjWp7M0a
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) September 21, 2024
Both schools’ bands played, including a drumline battle:
As for the football, things were kind of slow in the first half. On Sealth’s first major drive, they had to settle for a field goal, kicked by #34, junior Ogi Petronijevic, with 5:49 left in the first quarter:
Wildcats’ #13, junior LJ Moody, had an impressive series of runs after that, but West Seattle’s move down the field ended with Sealth’s #21, junior Marshawn Tovia-Ford, sacking West Seattle’s #12, sophomore Desmond Parkinson. The Seahawks carried their momentum into the second quarter, with #23, junior Xander Gomez, scoring a touchdown at 9:00.
The kick was good and Sealth was up 10-0. Less than three minutes later, the Wildcats nabbed their only TD of the gae, by #23, senior Myles Mutchler.
#34, junior Scott Bremen, got the extra point, and that was the end of West Seattle’s scoring for the game. Their next drive was thwarted by a penalty – announced as offensive pass interference – that set them back to 1st and 25. After Sealth took over the ball a few minutes later, defensive pass interference was called. 10-7 was still the score at halftime. The Seahawks added two touchdowns in the faster-moving second half, #12, junior MJ Filitaula, at 5:13 in the third quarter:
In the fourth quarter, WSHS made some progress with 6-plus minutes to go, when a comeback from a 10-point deficit wouldn’t have been implausible, but then Sealth’s #21 intercepted a pass and ran in the last TD, late in the game:
Big change from last year’s down-to-the-wire WSHS victory. The victory brings Sealth this year’s bragging rights and custody of the trophy, walked out by athletic directors Ernest Policarpio of CSIHS and Corey Sorenson of WSHS:
The celebration afterward brought parents and fans to the sidelines for photo ops:
Winning coach Daron Camacho was all smiles:
Sightings earlier:
Above is a group of Sealth alums including members of the Huling family, for which the annual game is named (see our 2012 report for the backstory). Below, the schools’ principals, Ray Morales and Brian Vance:
NEXT GAMES: Both teams play at NCSWAC again next Friday night (September 27), but not against each other. West Seattle (0-3) plays Lincoln at 4:30 pm Friday; Chief Sealth (3-0) plays Ingraham at 7:30 pm.
(Myers Way, Thursday evening, post-resolution)
“Resolution” is the word the city currently uses rather than “sweep”; workers from multiple departments resolved two RV-dominated encampments in West Seattle this week, so we followed up for the statistics that are usually available afterward. We requested and received this information from the mayor’s office, to which the Unified Care Team reports:
SW Trenton north of Westwood Village, cleared on Wednesday (September 18):
-35 people were contacted (over three weeks – they weren’t all living at the site); 7 accepted offers of shelter; 6 RVs and 3 vehicles were at the site, 3 towed; 4,200 pounds of debris removed
Myers Way near the Joint Training Facility, cleared on Thursday (September 19):
-11 people were contacted; 2 accepted offers of shelter; 18 RVs and vehicles were at the site, 2 towed; 11,400 pounds of debris removed
FYI for Elliott Bay-watchers, and anybody visiting Alki, on Saturday – King County Water Taxi spokesperson Al Sanders tells us that the WT and the U.S. Coast Guard “will be holding their annual joint training exercise from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. across Elliott Bay. One of our vessels is going to be ‘boarded’ by the Coast Guard throughout the day.” So if you see unusual activity on Saturday (September 21) involving one of the Water Taxi vessels, now you know.
ADDED SATURDAY: The drill activity ranged outside the bay, too – Chris Frankovich sent this photo shortly after 3 pm:
Guardian One – our area’s only law-enforcement helicopter – has been out doing loops, first over White Center, then over Westwood, then north of The Junction. Here’s a screenshot from Flightradar24:
No major related incidents that we know of, so far, but some people have texted us, wondering, so we’re mentioning it. (Currently the helicopter’s flying along Alki.)
(Screenshot from traffic camera, looking westward over Spokane Street Viaduct)
ORIGINAL REPORT, 4:55 PM FRIDAY: Even though the low bridge HAS reopened to all traffic, SDOT says there WILL be a change in the previously announced plan for lane closures on the Spokane Street Viaduct (the extension of the West Seattle Bridge between 99 and I-5) this weekend, as the resurfacing project continues. Here’s the new plan:
Friday Night Through Monday – 09/20/24 to 09/23/24
NO EB CLOSURES AT ALL
WB Full Lane Closures – 10:00 pm Friday to 5:00 am Monday
Here’s what that means, for that time period:
WB S Spokane St Viaduct – Closed from I-5 Interchange to SR 99.
S Columbian Way Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open.
NB I-5 Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open.
SB I-5 Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to S Columbian Way will remain open.
1st Ave S Off-Ramp – Closed (from WB SSV).
1st Ave S On-Ramp – Closed (to WB SSV).
Port of Seattle Terminals 5-18/Harbor Island/11th Ave SW Off-Ramp – Closed.EB S Spokane Street Viaduct – All Lanes Open
No estimate yet of how much longer the project will last, but we keep asking.
11:32 AM SATURDAY: Though readers mentioned the I-5 ramps were closed early today, others have since pointed out that right now, there are NO lane closures. We’re trying to reach SDOT to find out what the plan is for the rest of the weekend.
4:23 PM SATURDAY: SDOT has tweeted that the work zone is “clear,” so it appears that means no more closures this weekend.
(Screenshot from low-bridge traffic camera)
2:56 PM: Just in from SDOT – the West Seattle low bridge just reopened to all traffic, almost six days after a suspected drunk driver crashed into a gate/barrier at high speed, damaging “the mechanical gate, lock mechanism, gate control panel, and sensors,” per SDOT. The low bridge’s foot/bike path reopened to users Sunday night, one day after the crash, but the mechanisms involved in safe operation of the rest of the bridge took five days longer. NOTE: Since the low bridge is open, SDOT’s announcement says, “Work on the South Spokane Street Viaduct will continue as planned with lane closures in both directions throughout the weekend.” (Details on that are here.)
4:42 PM: The SSV plan is changing independent of the low bridge reopening – no EB closures, full WB closure 10 pm tonight to 5 am Monday.
The West Seattle Junction Association‘s Wine Walks always sell out – so if you’re interested in next Friday’s Wine Walk but not yet in possession of a ticket, snap one up now! We just talked with WSJA leaders, and three-quarters of the September 27 tickets already have been spoken for. Haven’t been on a Wine Walk? 27 venues in The Junction are hosting 29 wineries (listed here), so you get to visit local businesses while enjoying local wine. (Including three WSB sponsors – Viscon Cellars hosted at CAPERS, Spruce Hill Winery hosted at Rush Hour, and the new location of Emerald Water Anglers hosting Wandering Wolf.) First you check in – starting at 5 pm – at your choice of two spots, Jet City Labs or Row House, and then you have until 9 pm to do your Wine Walk-ing. Tickets are $37, including 14 tastings, a bottle tote bag for purchases, and a logo-decorated wine glass for all of your sips. This is a fundraiser for WSJA, the nonprofit that, with the support of Junction businesses, produces a long list of events throughout the year and oversees business-district beautification and safety efforts too. Go here to get your ticket(s)! P.S. For bottle-buyers, we’re told there’ll be a “valet” spot again this time where you can store purchases while you’re still Wine-Walk’ing.
Ready for some Friday afternoon whale-watching? Kersti Muul reports via text that “orcas have exited Colvos Passage [west side of Vashon] and are heading up the east side of Blake, so will be visible from West Seattle. They are traveling quickly, with long down times, and may be hard to spot!” Let us know if you do see them.
(Spawning pair, photographed in 2021 by Tom Trulin)
This year’s Fauntleroy Creek salmon watch is set to start on October 13, reports creek steward Judy Pickens, adding that they’d appreciate some additional volunteer watchers:
More than a dozen volunteers are on deck to document spawning season in Fauntleroy Creek but a few more would be welcome. Last year, watchers came out in the cold and wet to count 34 coho spawners.
The watch will start Sunday, October 13, and go into mid-November, depending on the fish. Watchers take half-hour shifts at the fish ladder in the lower creek (across from the ferry terminal). A veteran watcher will train. Email your interest by September 27 to info@fauntleroywatershed.org.
October 13 is also the day of the annual all-ages drumming to call in spawners. Barring serious rain, this free event will start at 4:00 pm near the fish ladder. Find details HERE.
Though watchers only saw 34 spawners last year, in both 2021 and 2022, they counted more than 200.
(Photo by James Tilley: Orange-crowned warbler with blackberries)
Here’s our reminder list of what’s happening in West Seattle and vicinity for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you can always preview what’s coming up beyond same-day):
STAY ‘N’ PLAY RETURNS: Free weekly drop-in indoor play is back at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd), until 11:30 am.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: With fall just days away, season-appropriate plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, now until 3 pm. Plus, until 2:30 pm, while you’re there, you can visit The Otter Pup for coffee, ice cream, and other treats!
LISTENING EVENT WITH FREE PIZZA: Easy Street Records listening event for Father John Misty‘s new music, 1 pm – RSVP here. (4559 California SW)
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM: 1-6 pm, open in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).
DOG SWIMMING IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Second-to-last day that your dog is welcome to swim in the Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club pool before it’s drained for the offseason. 4-7 pm, $5 per visit. More info in our calendar listing. (11003 31st SW)
VISCON CELLARS: The tasting room/wine bar is open for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
FOOTBALL: This year’s crosstown rivalry game, West Seattle HS vs. Chief Sealth IHS in the Huling Bowl, is set for 6 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
WESTFEST: Holy Rosary School‘s fall community festival starts tonight, 6-10 pm. Entertainment, kids’ rides, carnival-style games, food booths, bingo. Entertainment lineup is in our calendar listing. (Behind the school, off 42nd SW between SW Genesee and SW Dakota)
AT KENYON HALL: Signups at 6 pm, music at 6:30 pm, for Kenyon Hall‘s monthly open-mic showcase. (7904 35th SW)
COFFEEHOUSE COMEDY: Midnight Mystery Theater at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm.
AT THE SKYLARK: Emerald City Kings’ Ball festival continues, doors at 7 pm, performances at 8 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.
OUTDOOR MOVIE: 7:30 pm “Hugo” at Maarten Park (42nd/Juneau), free, with popcorn!
‘GUARDS AT THE TAJ’: Second weekend for this “dark comedy” at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm.
MAKE IT LOUD: Tonight’s bands at Southgate Roller Rink are Gaytheist, Old Iron, Benzo. 9 pm doors, $18 cover, $5 skates, 21+. (9646 17th SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Vitamin D! (4547 California SW)
JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).
Anything missing? If you have something else to add to our event lists and calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB file photo)
Volunteers and donations power the Westside Neighbors Shelter in The Triangle, and some of the latter are running low. Here are the items that shelter operator Keith Hughes says are most needed right now:
Granulated Sugar – 5# or 10# bags prefered
Coffee Mate powdered coffee creamer
Ground coffee – 2# / 3# cans – Folgers is fine.
Herbal Tea Bags
Krusteaz Pancake Mix – Family size (5# /10# bags)
Pancake syrup
Cornbread mix
Vegetable oil – plain and simple, nothing fancy
Paper towels
Toilet paper
Kitchen dishwashing soap
Laundry detergent soap pods
8 am-11 am daily is the best time to drop off donations at the shelter at 3618 SW Alaska – the building that also houses the West Seattle Veteran Center and American Legion Post 160.
6:00 AM: This is the sixth day that the West Seattle low bridge is closed to drivers (but open to people riding bicycles or walking/running/rolling) because of crash damage:
Here’s the newest info on the repairs. If the low bridge doesn’t reopen by the weekend, that’ll affect one of our area’s ongoing road projects:
SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE
*The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project has a weekend closure plan – as reported here – but that plan may change if the low bridge remains closed to drivers. We’ll update when SDOT decides. (5:03 pm update: The low bridge reopened this afternoon; here’s the SSV plan for this weekend.)
Other projects:
*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge. We’re awaiting a project-status update
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
TRANSIT
Metro buses today – Regular schedule
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat,” which adds weekend availability starting this Sunday. Check for alerts here.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast: Becoming sunny, high in the mid-60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:54 am, while sunset will be at 7:09 pm. (The fall equinox is Sunday – Alice‘s sunset watch is Sunday night.)
(Thursday night sunset, photographed by Suzanne Krom)
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:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
South Park Bridge – Looking east (this camera has been malfunctioning lately):
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; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that 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
In June 2016, the Sound Transit Board voted to go to the ballot with the ST3 plan, including light rail to West Seattle by 2030. At the time, the WS extension was bundled with the Ballard extension, and the cost of both was estimated to total $7.1 billion.
Eight years later, that’s the new high-end estimate for West Seattle light rail alone (Ballard is proceeding on a different track).
Revised cost estimates arrive as the board is on the verge of finalizing a route and station locations for the West Seattle extension. The Final Environmental Impact Statement is out, and the board’s Executive Committee was told today that a project recommendation is expected to emerge from the System Expansion Committee in just three weeks. But will it resemble the “preferred alternative” that’s been studied, given the new potential price tag?
ST’s new deputy CEO for megaproject delivery, Terri Mestas, spoke calmly about the “cost evolution” as she and West Seattle project leader Jason Hampton presented their update at the committee meeting. Mestas listed a wide variety of factors for the higher estimate, from the methodology used in estimating to the higher cost of materials such as concrete to “market conditions” such as a “limited labor and contractor pool.”
In addition, “process delays” and “pandemic impacts” figured into it too, Mestas said.
This was a briefing, not a prelude to a vote, so the committee members’ discussion was limited to some early takes. The committee’s chair, King County Executive Dow Constantine – observing that he’s the only board member who lives in West Seattle – said he’s “disappointed” by the new estimate. But, he stressed, it’s “important not to be paralyzed or overwhelmed” by the number, to get the project “designed and shovel-ready,” while moving ahead “in financially prudent ways.” He said he’s drafting a motion for next week’s full board meeting to “inform” their forthcoming financial decisions. Constantine opened his remarks with a defense of West Seattle light rail – which he led the fight to get into the ST3 ballot measure in 2016 – saying the peninsula needs “redundancy,” and citing a recent (unattributed) poll as showing that 72 percent of peninsula residents want light rail.
Committee member Claudia Balducci, a King County Councilmember from the eastside, invoked a modified version of the Serenity Prayer in her comments, saying it’s important to “understand what we can and can’t change … let’s get to work on what we can influence.”
Committee member Bruce Dammeier, Pierce County Executive, called the estimate “very concerning … we should all be concerned about the impact on the rest of the system … there may be some very difficult decisions ahead of us.” He also urged that the focus stay on “delivering ridership” rather than “the nicest stations” and other discretionary elements.
Speaking of ridership, West Seattle project leader Hampton recapped those projections during his part of the briefing, which was meant to hit key points of the Final EIS, not just the cost estimates:
Hampton noted that the high-end Junction estimate is what they’d expect to see there if the Avalon station is dropped – which remains a possibility – and that the Delridge ridership would in large part be people transferring from buses. He also briefly recapped the routing/station-location alternatives studied for the Final EIS; you can see those pages in the full slide deck.
Two routing-specific comments were heard from community members at the start of the meeting. First, a business owner at Jefferson Square – currently expected to be demolished for construction of the Junction station – said a coalition had come together around proposing that the location be moved a short distance east to the Bank of America site instead. Next, a property owner in the Avalon area, Beth Boomgard-Zagrodnik, said the DEL6A option makes more sense than the currently “preferred” DEL6B. She was followed by John Niles of Smarter Transit – whose Sound Transit-skeptic group held a West Seattle event two months ago – saying the WS project’s metrics are “unsustainable.” The numbers are “screaming ‘do not build’,” he contended. Marilyn Kennell, whose home is in the project’s potential path, said terms of the original 2016 vote allowed for reconsideration, and repeated calls for a West Seattle town hall – “We need a conversation.” And two other West Seattleites, Kim Schwarzkopf and Lucy Barefoot, urged that the project simply not be built.
Earlier in the meeting, there was a glimmer of hope on the financial front, when interim CEO Goran Sparrman (whose time in that role has just been extended into next year) talked about “reforms” he said had been recommended by ST’s Technical Advisory Group. He said they hope to apply some of them to the West Seattle project “as part of a suite of cost-control measures.”
So here’s the timeline they’re working on for decisionmaking – a routing/station-location recommendation on October 10, a board vote as soon as October 24:
But, as clarified in response to a question from Dammeier during committee members’ discussion, voting on “the project to be built” isn’t the same thing as allocating money for it – that would happen about two years later, Constantine and Mestas clarified. How much money will be needed – that depends on those “difficult” decisions in the weeks ahead. In the big picture, here’s the expected timeline for design and construction:
In ST3, West Seattle light rail was projected for a 2030 launch; in 2020, that was pushed to 2031; it moved to 2032 one year later, when ST “realigned” its multi-project schedule because of dramatically increasing costs.
REMINDER: Though the Final EIS has been available since last week, its official publication date is tomorrow (Friday, September 20), and ST plans a series of informational meetings starting next Wednesday:
When: Wednesday, Sept. 25, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW, West Seattle
Spanish, Vietnamese, and Somali interpretation will be provided.When: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Alki Masonic Center, 4736 40th Ave SW, West Seattle
Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation will be provided.When: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Gallery B612, 1915 First Ave. S, SODO
Three Crime Watch notes tonight:
APARTMENT MAILBOX BREAK-INS: Emailed by an anonymous reader:
Security Cameras at Olympic Manor Apartments, 3504 SW Webster St., caught this individual prying open mailboxes at 5:30 am Thursday 9/19.
Incident reported to SPD, tracking number T00011409.
CAR PROWLER: Emailed by CJ:
(The blurred face is how the video was when we received it.) CJ says, “Caught this guy on camera trying car doors Monday 9/16 at about 6 am in the 6700 block of Heights.”
‘PROLIFIC OFFENDER’ FOLLOWUP: Three weeks ago, we reported on the latest arrest of 31-year-old Casey Carlstedt, who’s been mentioned here several times over the past seven years and has been described by authorities as a “prolific offender.” In late August, he was arrested after a foot pursuit near The Junction, and booked into jail, eventually charged with violating a protection order and obstructing an officer. He was in jail at the Regional Justice Center in Kent until last Thursday, when he was released into the custody of a company that provides behavioral-health and addiction-treatment services in Eastern Washington, so he could enter inpatient treatment. Court documents say this was over the objections of the City Attorney’s Office, which is prosecuting the latest cases against him. His next scheduled hearing is in early November.
(WSB photos)
The doors are about to open for general admission to The Taste of West Seattle, and we’re told tickets are still available at the door, so ditch your dinner plans and come to The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW) to enjoy tastes and sips from dozens of local purveyors – all to benefit the West Seattle Food Bank. What’s in our photo is just one of the two big event rooms where you can circulate between tables and try everything. Among the participating purveyors, Nola’s Events (WSB sponsor), serving sweet and savory flatbread options:
Another WSB sponsor that’s here, Mioposto (serving up tiramisu):
And Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) is pouring:
“Papa Tony” (of Hot Sauce fame) is serving up caramelized-onion pasta:
Here’s what Cactus> is offering:
Seattle Sorbets had the scoop:
Mission Cantina came from Admiral:
And Fauntleroy’s own Birdhouse:
In The Hall’s downstairs room, along with some of the food/drink offerings, you’ll also find featured musicians Correo Aéreo:
If you want to support the WSFB a bit extra, you can buy a raffle ticket, and/or play the Wine Game downstairs:
The Taste of West Seattle is on until 8 pm, but you’ll want to get here before 7:30. $75 admission, 21+ only. You can vote for your favorite tastes/sips, too. And it all goes toward not only the food-insecurity work done by WSFB, but also their other work, including emergency assistance to keep people from becoming homeless, and the Clothesline, offering clothing to people in need.
ADDED: WSFB’s Robbin Peterson shared the list of winners:
Alki’s Fire Tacos won two votes – for “savory” and “beverage.” Also:
–Viscon Cellars for “pour”
–Falafel Salam for “veggie”
–Dolcetta for “sweet”
It’s budget season for government agencies, which is why you’re hearing more than usual about money matters. One of today’s announcements would bring a countywide property-tax increase to save King County’s endangered public-health clinics and to fund maintenance at Harborview Medical Center, our region’s trauma hospital. This proposal does not need voter approval; it’s made possible by what the announcement from King County Executive Dow Constantine calls “a modified county hospital property tax authority approved by the state Legislature earlier this year.” It would cost 8.5 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value – that’s $72 a year for a house at the median King County valuation of $850,000. Here’s what the announcement says that money would go for:
It will raise $25 million, about 3 cents, for Public Health — Seattle & King County to sustain clinic operations in 2025 and provide essential health services to the most vulnerable. It will also raise $25 million for operations supporting those most in need at HMC. Roughly 2 cents of the tax total will raise $19 million for major infrastructure improvement projects at HMC in 2025. The remaining amount covers administrative costs to implement operations and contributes to the fund’s rainy-day reserve.
Clinic funding had been coming from the general fund, which faces a nine-digit shortfall. The county’s clinics serve 80,000 people; the nearest one is in the Greenbridge area of White Center, focusing on services for mothers and babies.
(Workers on low bridge this morning, photos sent by Eddie)
Five days after a suspected drunk driver crashed into a gate/barrier on the West Seattle low bridge, SDOT is not yet sure when the bridge will be able to reopen to drivers.
But, as these photos show, crews are working on repairs – here’s the latest SDOT update:
Our engineers and maintenance crews have been making ongoing progress on repairing the damaged gate.
Earlier this week we separated the gate arm into two segments and took the damaged arm segment to our repair shop. We then removed the internal machinery and repaired or replaced each component as needed.
(SDOT photo)
We received the replacement steel housing yesterday and technicians worked throughout the day to complete the necessary modifications to make it compatible. We modified the steel housing with new cutouts and support brackets and then installed the interior machinery including the gate’s motor, linear actuator (the component that extends to lock the gate in place), sensors, and wiring.
Today we will begin reattaching the repaired arm segment to the segment that was not damaged in the crash. After the gate is physically reattached there will still be a lot of electrical work to complete, such as rewiring the components, fixing damaged connections, and re-installing the sensors and switches.
We will not know for sure whether the repairs have been successful until we’ve completed the reassembly and the entire system is tested. There are electronic sensors inside the mechanical gate arm that act as safeguards and prevent the bridge from operating without a functional gate. If there is damage to the mechanical or electrical components that we did not observe during the disassembly, we will likely discover it during this testing.
Each step we complete will bring us more confidence about our progress and when we can reopen the bridge to cars and trucks.
As previously noted, if the low bridge isn’t ready to fully reopen by the weekend, SDOT will modify the plan for Spokane Street Viaduct work. Meantime, the low bridge’s side path remains open to biking, walking/running, and rolling, and the bridge is able to swing open for ship traffic.
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