West Seattle, Washington
14 Sunday
(WSB photo, 2015)
Nine years ago, we took that photo of West Seattle Cellars proprietors Jan Martindale and Tom DiStefano as the shop at 6026 California SW marked its 20th anniversary. With one year to go until its 30th, WSC is about to start its “next chapter” with new owners. First, here’s the announcement made today:
As most of our customers know, we are approaching retirement age. Over the last year we’ve given a lot of thought to how we could secure the future of West Seattle Cellars as the only full-service wine shop in West Seattle. So we are very happy to announce that, on April 1, we will pass ownership of the shop to our friends, neighbors, and club members Jessica DiAsio and Bryce Fink, who live very close to the shop. Jessica and Bryce are excited about the opportunity to serve the West Seattle community with the same high standards of selection and service that our shop has demonstrated since its founding in 1995. …
We want to assure our customers that no immediate changes are planned. Tom will continue to be in the shop for the foreseeable future, helping in the selection of wines and assisting customers in finding the right wines. The wine tastings and wine clubs will continue in the same format. Gift certificates will continue to be honored, and all the wines that we are holding in the shop for customers will still be available. Just as our dear late partner Bear learned from Matt, the founder of the shop, and we learned from Bear, we look forward to passing on our knowledge and experience to Bryce and Jessica.
We’d like to express our deepest gratitude to all our wonderful customers, who have loyally supported us for over 24 years. We hope you’ll continue to support West Seattle Cellars as Jessica and Bryce open the next chapter in our story.
Tom, Jan, and the late Bear Silverstein took over the shop almost five years after Matt Mabus opened it “on April 1, 1995 in the little building our office shares with the message studio,” Tom reminisces. “We (Bear, Jan and myself) took over on January 1, 2000 with no announcement, and we moved into our current shop on December 7, 2005. We had no idea we would own the shop for over 24 years. When Jan and I took over on December 2, 2006, after Bear’s first stroke, we didn’t even know if the shop would survive.” We asked him for standout memories: “There are so many: great tastings and classes, wines that made a difference in customers lives, the outpouring of support during the pandemic and beyond. But the memory that will stay with me the longest is the day that Bear died, January 14, 2010, and the partners and close friends gathering in his memory that night after the public tasting.” Though not as an owner, Tom expects to work in the shop “for the first couple of years of the next chapter,” so there’s still a chance for him to make a few more memories.
4:33 PM: So far we have two reports from Gatewood this afternoon about discolored tap water. No emergencies are showing on the Seattle Public Utilities water map, which means hydrant testing is a possibility – that tends to stir up sediment (rust) in the pipes, and as we reported recently, this is the start of the busy season for testing. If brown water happens to you, be sure to contact SPU’s 24/7 hotline at 206-386-1800 to let them know, even if you think someone else in your neighborhood already has. (And don’t do laundry until you’re sure the water’s running clear!)
8:27 PM: As noted in comments, SPU confirmed hydrants were being tested.
That photo was sent Sunday by PM of Highland Park, one of several readers who’ve pointed out that the new Westcrest Park play equipment looks almost ready to go, though it’s still fenced off. We checked in with Seattle Parks today about its official status; spokesperson Karen O’Connor replied, “The contractor is ahead of schedule on this project. We anticipate opening sometime in the next two weeks after all final inspections are completed.” The same contractor is also working on the Lincoln Park South Play Area, so we’re asking where that’s at. Both play areas had been closed for years because of safety concerns before the replacement projects finally got going this year.
When we saw West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) branch executive Cleveland King at last week’s Fauntleroy Community Association annual membership meeting, he told us they’re getting close to a plan for expanding hours at the Fauntleroy Y – a request by many members after news first broke of the location’s possible closure. But as Y leaders said at the January “town hall,” they need community help to ensure its future. Tomorrow is your next chance to pitch in:
A reader just sent that photo of a flyer with the updated times for tomorrow’s gathering of everyone who can help, even if you didn’t get to the lightly attended first meeting. The committees were originally announced as focusing on fundraising, planning, and volunteering.
(Photo sent by Andreea)
Readers have been asking about the status of the new restaurant moving into the ex-Pegasus space at 2768 Alki Avenue SW, now that signage is up. Lotus on the Beach is hoping to open in a week or so – but that depends on the results of inspections this week, they tell us. The new restaurant is opening with the same ownership as Alki Phở & Bar, which opened almost two years ago just a few doors west. They described what they plan to offer at Lotus on the Beach as “a hybrid of traditional and Asian fusion inspired dishes. Some Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese inspired traditional dishes, and hopefully Korean and Japanese in the future. We also would like to emphasize our own original craft cocktails, as well as our take on some classics.” They’ve been remodeling the interior, too – you can get a sneak peek here.
West Seattle High School students are getting ready to open its spring production, “Mean Girls: The Musical” with three performances this week and three more next week. And community businesses are hosting fundraisers in the two nights before opening night. First, here’s the announcement about the production:
(Photo courtesy Westside Drama)
As Cady (Elena Smith) gets ready to take down the group’s apex predator Regina George (Olivia Walum), she’s faced with wild challenges from friends and foes. With the help of her outcast friends Janis (Lucy Warren) and Damian (Mason Nguyen), she must learn how to stay true to herself while navigating The Plastics (Ava Gem Anderson, Fiona Armstrong) and the most cutthroat jungle of all: high school.
We invite you to join us for a wacky, irreverent (and at times inappropriate for very young audience members) journey into the modern American high-school social landscape. Like the movie, this musical is rated PG-13 for language, sexual references and general teenage romantic themes.
The Westside Drama program was created in 2003 with their first production, “Grease.” Since then the program has grown to include three shows per year: a fall drama play, a winter student-directed production, and a spring musical. Recent productions include “The Laramie Project,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” and “Almost Maine.” To date, the WSHS Drama program has staged more than 50 shows and counting.
The program strives to produce high-quality, technically complex, artistically relevant shows, never forgetting the goals of educational theater: to give students opportunities to build self-confidence, develop their teamwork skills, learn responsibility and accountability, and, ultimately, explore the human condition – all while working towards a common goal with their classmates. On stage or backstage, important skills are learned every time a show is produced.
This particular production is full of notable talent on stage and off. It features a live band directed by Ethan Thomas, WSHS music director. “Mean Girls” is directed by Joe Lambright, a drama and social studies teacher at West Seattle High School.
“Mean Girls: The Musical” will be presented at 7 pm in the school theater (3000 California SW) Thursday-Saturday this week (March 28-30) and Wednesday-Friday next week (April 3-5). You can buy tickets online by going here. You can also support the production via one or both of these fundraisers this week: Dine out at Circa (2605 California SW) 9 am-10 pm tomorrow (Tuesday, March 26); order a special drink (21+ only) at Corner Pocket (California & Alaska) 6-8 pm Wednesday (April 27).
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here are highlights for the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
HOLY WEEK CONTINUES: Our list of services, at churches that have sent us their schedules, is here.
EXTENDED DEADLINE FOR ROXHILL YEARBOOK ADS: Your local business can help your local school – with an ad in the Roxhill Elementary yearbook! The deadline’s been extended to today – details are here.
BABY STORY TIME: Bring wee ones up to 2 years old to Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), noon-12:30 pm, for story time!
CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: 2 pm at City Hall, the weekly meeting in which councilmembers talk about their plans for the week ahead. Here’s the agenda. Watch live via Seattle Channel.
TODDLER GYM PLAYTIME: Free indoor drop-in playspace 3-5 pm at the Salvation Army Center. (9050 16th SW).
GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday brings “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Open D&D starts at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), all welcome, first-time players too. $5.
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Four places to play tonight – music quiz at 6:30 and 7:30 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander); 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
HIGH-SCHOOL BASEBALL: One home game on the schedule – Chief Sealth IHS hosts Nathan Hale, 7 pm, Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: All welcome to join free weekly Zen sitting/meditation at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
MEDITATION ON ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community welcomes you to Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) for meditation. 7 pm.
MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Live music with The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
KARAOKE: 9 pm is the start time for Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar and/or Holiday Guide? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, March 25.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Mostly cloudy, with rain likely, high in the low 50s. Sunrise will be at 7:00 am, sunset at 7:30 pm.
(Sunday sunset at Alki – photo by Jen Popp)
TRANSIT NOTES
Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here. Reminder – the twice-yearly “service change” happens on Saturday (March 30); here’s our breakout of West Seattle changes.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.
Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Check WSF alerts for changes. Use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
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:
Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are 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 a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotlinr (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!
(Image from 2020 video of Lincoln Park’s kelp forest by “Diver Laura” James)
By Sean Golonka
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
There is more than one large forest at Lincoln Park. But for people visiting the West Seattle treasure, the
“other” forest cannot be seen on a typical hike.
Take a walk along the park’s north shore and you may see signs of the other forest — brown bulbs and blades intermingling with the surface of the water — but to really explore it, you’ll likely need diving gear.
Beneath the water off Lincoln Park sits a large kelp bed, one that is thriving relative to other similar kelp and eelgrass beds around Puget Sound. Much like how the forest on the land at Lincoln Park is filled with various creatures, the kelp bed is a marine habitat that’s home to myriad species of aquatic animals.
Lincoln Park’s kelp forest is part of the thousands of acres of kelp and eelgrass beds that have long served as vital aquatic ecosystems across the waters in and around Puget Sound and Washington’s other coasts. But, like the state’s forests above ground, these underwater forests have been shrinking for decades.
Even as Lincoln Park’s kelp bed has stood out as a success story, with the small forest that runs along the park’s north shore remaining present in recent years, similar beds in other parts of central Puget Sound, including those outside Bainbridge Island and Vashon Island, have significantly dwindled or disappeared entirely.
Spurred by these plants’ steep losses — historical studies indicate that floating kelp has disappeared from approximately 80% of shorelines in central and south Puget Sound over the past 100-plus years — local groups and state leaders are taking action to reverse course.
Big fun this afternoon on the playground behind Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, where egg-hunt season began with one presented by the Fauntleroy Community Association. First volunteers – led by coordinator Candace Blue – hid eggs:
Then it was time to let the kids 4 and under have the first chance to find some:
FCA also presents a pumpkin search in the fall – at a somewhat more leisurely pace.
West Seattle has more than half a dozen other egg hunts yet to come next weekend – here’s our updated list.
West Seattle has a strong running culture, with multiple groups, but none that can claim the milestone that the West Seattle Running Club has reached – founder Dave Howard sent this in celebration of its 30th anniversary!
What started with a simple love for running celebrates 30 years of tying up laces, gathering at the Alki Statue of Liberty, and embarking on what has become three decades of the West Seattle Running Club. In 1994, Founder and President Dave Howard greeted 12 people that March evening. 12 strangers before that night. 12 people who were interested in something more; because in the Pacific Northwest, motivation to run alone in the cold and rain can often be hard to find.
This isn’t just a milestone anniversary of people meeting each week to run. This is a celebration of all the memories and extraordinary moments that have come from this club: More than 300 people have run with the club, marriages happened from people meeting via the club (including the Founder/President), and life-long friendships were formed.
30 years strong, and still going. Whether people are marathon runners or walkers, there’s a place for everyone in the West Seattle Running Club.
The club is a social and casual running club for all levels. Members provide support and encouragement to each other in achieving running goals and having fun along the way.
If you want to get serious about a running goal, whether it’s crossing the finish line of a 5K or qualifying for Boston, here’s how being a part of West Seattle Running Club can help:
-Running will become part of your weekly routine.
-You can share goals and achievements with genuinely interested other people.
-You’ll be more motivated to train in all seasons.
-You’ll meet other people who will love to talk about running and compare gadgets.
-You’ll be inspired to set new goals.
-You’ll learn new training routes.
-You can compare notes and get tips from experienced runners, and you’ll be able to share your experience with others.
-You’ll have support at races.
-You’ll have new cross-training buddies.Check our website for information on when and where to run with us: westseattlerunningclub.org
“I used to run alone. Now I run with a second family.” ~ Dave Howard
On this first weekend of spring, we have a dozen more reader-contributed bird photos to share! Thank you very much to all the photographers who send their finds. Above, from Mark MacDonald, a Common Goldeneye and Horned Grebe off Lincoln Park. Below, a Red-necked Grebe seen by Matthew Olson off Duwamish Head:
Marina Clough spotted this Cormorant on a piling:
Steve Bender described this Mallard as a “dancing duck”:
Near Lincoln Park, Sarah Chadd photographed two Downy Woodpeckers drawn by a feeder:
Jon Anderson caught two Band-tailed Pigeons hanging out:
Another duo – Eagles soaring over Alki, photographed by James Bratsanos:
One more Eagle – though it’s a distant view, the location caught David Feit‘s attention, at 35th/Morgan:
Back to trees – Samantha Wren sent this photo of a Black-capped Chickadee in White Center:
Jamie Kinney found this Varied Thrush in his back yard (you can hear its call via this short video):
And two Sparrows from Erin B. Jackson – Golden-crowned and White-crowned:
Thanks again to the photographers – and a reminder, we also publish bird photos with some of our daily event lists on WSB every morning, so if you’re a bird-photo fan, be sure to check those too! westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best way to send us photos; for breaking news, texting our hotline at 206-293-6302 is OK too!
12:36 PM: First Crime Watch reader report of the day, from Jennifer:
Someone broke into our car that was parked in front of our house close to Stevens and 36th Ave SW, either last night or early this morning. They took my son’s wallet and all his baseball gear, which was in the trunk. There wasn’t much in the wallet, but the baseball gear was important to him. Hopefully, the thieves may not find that useful and disposed of it. It was in a large navy blue duffel bag.
If you think you’ve found it, let us know and we’ll connect you.
1:18 PM: Second Crime Watch report of the day – Megan‘s stolen car:
My car was stolen last night sometime between Sat 8:30 pm and Sun 10:45 am.
I live (in the 3600 block of California SW). It was in a locked and gated garage. It is a 2018 blue Kia Forte, license plate BMH6881. Has a UW sticker on side window. Lahaina Crossfit sticker on rear window. And Green Bay Packers license plate brackets front and back. Police number is 24-080233.
Call 911 if you find it.
11:36 AM: Just texted by Kersti Muul: “Group of transients popping out of Colvos passage now NB toward Southworth.” (Colvos is the waterway along the west side of Vashon.)
1:26 PM: In addition to her update in a comment below, Kersti texted: “We had 2 grey whales near Restoration Point SB a while ago – likely still in the area.” (Restoration Point is on Bainbridge, right across the Sound from Alki – here’s a map.)
2:16 PM: Kersti says the orcas have gone into Elliott Bay.
ADDED 5:40 PM: Thanks for the photos! James Tilley says the orcas engaged in a “breachfest” near Anchor/Luna Park:
David Hutchinson caught one too:
Robert Spears noticed lots of boat activity in the area:
(added) One more photo! This one’s from Dan Ciske:
Thanks to everyone who sent photos of this morning’s moonset,seen over the Olympics before 7 am. Here are some of them! The top photo was texted anonymously; next one is from Stephanie Bruno on Atlas Place:
From Michael Burke in Fauntlee Hills:
And from Patricia, just before it went out of view:
Again, big thanks! Best way to send us photos if you can is westseattleblog@gmail.com – texting to 206-293-6302 also works, especially if it’s urgent (breaking news).
P.S. The current moon phase is part of the info on our West Seattle Weather page (recently added at a reader’s suggestion).
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s our list of what’s up today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
PALM SUNDAY SERVICES: Holy Week begins, and we have a list of services at West Seattle churches that have emailed us their schedules (not too late to add – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!).
WEST SEATTLE LITTLE LEAGUE JAMBOREE: Continuing 8:30 am-6 pm today at Bar-S Fields (64th/Admiral) on Alki Point – West Seattle Little League teams are playing in the season-opening Jamboree, as previewed here. (Find the game schedule here.)
MINI-POLAR PLUNGE: 9 am every Sunday, you’re welcome to join a group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: The market is open 10 am-2 pm as usual on California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon, offering early-spring vegetables and fruit, plus cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from cider to kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, candy, more! Here’s today’s vendor list.
KINDIE WEST CONCERT SERIES: First show today at 10:30 am at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), Brian Vogan and His Good Buddies!
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need to borrow something for a home project? Visit the WSTL 11 am-4 pm. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at 9 am at rotating locations – today it’s Dough Joy Donuts (4310 SW Oregon).
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOC. EGG HUNT: The hunting happens in two waves at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse‘s playground (9131 California SW) – be there at 1 pm – kids 4 and under go first.
ART SHOW AT NEPANTLA: Fourth weekend for Lucha Libre-themed show at South Delridge’s Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery (9414 Delridge Way SW). Open today noon-6 pm.
LEARN TO SAVE LIVES: Free training in overdose response and prevention, 1 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) – details in our preview.
ART SHOW AT NEPENTHE: Meet the artist! Open house for art show by Autumn Tranquilino, happening 2-5 pm at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW).
CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: Meet up at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3 pm – our calendar listing includes this month’s topic and other details!
FREE YOGA CLASS: 5 pm at Dragonfly (3270 California SW) – details and signup link are in our calendar listing.
ALSO AT DRAGONFLY: Sound bath, 7 pm, $40.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Wrap up your weekend with music by the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8-10 pm.
Are you planning something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basics – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Among the photos on the east wall of the great gathering room at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse and Cultural Center in West Seattle, one stands out – a large portrait of the eldest daughter of Chief Si’ahl (Seattle), known as Princess Angeline, though her real name was Kikisoblu. The tribe gathers supporters each year for a tea social that is also a tribute to her, and that event filled the Longhouse today.
Titling the event the SovereignTEA was one way of reminding supporters about its ongoing fight to regain federal recognition.
There was no major update on the long-running legal battle today, but it was mentioned in some of the short speeches from Duwamish leaders. First, chair Cecile Hansen cheerily welcomed the sold-out crowd:
Duwamish Tribal Council member Paul Nelson had words of gratitude for community members continuing to support “justice for the Duwamish”:
Later, he told the story of Princess Angeline’s determination to stay in the city rather than moving out to a reservation; Seattle, the city named for her father, was the city where she lived and died. One of the chief’s descendants, Ken Workman, also spoke today:
Final words were offered by Edie Nelson, with a hope that Duwamish Tribe recognition – and true sovereignty – “will come soon.”
The Longhouse/Cultural Center hosts other public events throughout the year; next month, for example, a Spring Native Art Market is planned for the weekend of April 27-28.
It happens on the streets, it happens inside homes and businesses, it happens at schools: Drug overdoses are taking lives that could have been saved. If you have two hours to spend learning what to do for someone who is overdosing, we just found out about a free workshop Sunday afternoon at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW). The Washington Recovery Alliance is presenting it, 1 pm-3 pm tomorrow: “Patrons will gain knowledge, practice, and resources on how to identify and respond to a drug overdose. The trainer will also discuss local overdose trends, harm reduction & recovery resources, and provide naloxone at no cost.” Registration is optional, but you can do that here.
7:33 PM: This day that began with a beached SUV at Lincoln Park is concluding with a beached sailboat at Alki. Thanks to the reader who sent the photos with a tip about the SFD/SPD response by land and sea. It’s toward the west end of Alki (off the 3000 block).
So far as we can tell from emergency-radio exchanges, the person who was aboard the boat is unhurt, just stuck. The tide is going out right now, with low tide just after 11 pm, and the next high tide isn’t until 5:42 am tomorrow.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: The boat’s still there. This update was sent by Andrew:
Talked to the fellow inside the boat and he said it was getting dark, he was trying to lower his sails, he was too close to shore (duh), and the wind got him. Wonder when the tide will be high enough to get him floating again…
According to the chart, next high tide is just after 5:30 pm, though it won’t be as high as the one this morning just after 5:30 am.
(Course map, from Emerald City Ride website)
While we’re talking about the West Seattle Bridge, here’s a reminder – you can see it up close and personal from a bicycle in just six weeks. We first told you two weeks ago about the Cascade Bicycle Club‘s Emerald City Ride, which will close the westbound side of the high bridge for a few hours on Sunday morning, May 5, so riders can cross as part of a route that starts and ends in SODO, with other West Seattle streets along the way. (See the course map here. The full ride is 20 miles, but there are shorter options.) Cascade is sponsoring WSB right now to advertise the ride, with registration still open – go here to sign up! Register by April 11 to get your packet by mail instead of having to pick it up.
(West Seattle Bridge cracks in March 2020, from sdotblog.seattle.gov)
This is a notable date in West Seattle history: Four years ago today, just before 3 pm on March 23, 2020, the city announced it would shut down the high-rise West Seattle Bridge indefinitely because of safety concerns, and did so a few hours later. (Here’s our as-it-happened report on the announcement.) The bridge didn’t reopen until two and a half years later, on September 17, 2022; a pivotal moment along the way was on November 19, 2020, when then-Mayor Jenny Durkan announced the bridge would be repaired, not replaced.
Looking ahead to today’s anniversary, we asked SDOT a few questions. When was the bridge last inspected? It got an in-person inspection back in January, responded SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson, and inspectors found “no notable new developments.” And it remains under continuous electronic monitoring, he adds: “There have not been any new developments since we published our one-year monitoring report this past September saying that the West Seattle Bridge remains safe and strong. The bridge is continuously monitored by an extensive and sophisticated structural-health monitoring system which allows us to detect subtle movements or any growth of existing cracks. This monitoring system runs 24/7 and automatically alerts engineers immediately of any issues that would require further inspection.” (You can read the September update here; it in turn links to this 10-page report.)
Next up, as we first reported earlier this week, is a big project for the bridge’s eastern half, the Spokane Street Viaduct, a separate structure that was not involved in the 2020-2022 closure: Resurfacing its eastbound (corrected: south) side. Bergerson says, “Construction will likely begin this summer and occur over several weekends. Once we select a contractor, we will work with them to schedule the exact dates and notify the public beforehand.” Since the project just went out to bid, it’ll be at least May before that happens.
Thanks to West Seattle/Georgetown/South Park entrepreneur John Bennett for sending the tip and the photo: A one-of-a-kind South Park business is having a going-out-of-business sale today and tomorrow. It’s the Big Top Curiosity Shop “antiques and oddities” store at 8507 14th Avenue South, right by the south end of the South Park Bridge. Open until 8 pm today, noon-6 pm tomorrow. As for why they’re closing, they’re also referring to this as the “lost our lease sale.”
11:42 AM: Just texted by Kersti Muul: “Group of orcas near Seattle to Bainbridge ferry lanes … Direction unknown.” Let us know if you see them!
12:09 PM: Kersti says the orcas are now off the north tip of Vashon Island, southbound, but not yet clearly showing which path they’ll choose to continue southward (west channel or east channel).
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