West Seattle, Washington
21 Saturday
(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)
6:52 AM: Good morning! Last Friday before fall (which officially begins early Monday).
METRO SERVICE CHANGE TOMORROW: Here’s what’s changing for West Seattle routes.
ORCA HALF ON SUNDAY: 1,300 people are running in the Orca Half, from Lincoln Park to Don Armeni, on Sunday. No road closures, but runners will be in the “parking lanes” at some points. Also, if you know anyone coming from outside West Seattle, note that there’s a special 7:30 am Water Taxi sailing from downtown.
(Spyhopping orca in Elliott Bay, photographed by Eric Lemar)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
A day that began with orcas in view off West Seattle ended with a discussion about protecting them, locally and worldwide.
The Whale Trail presented author Erich Hoyt, as he launches a tour to promote a new edition of his seminal book “Orca: The Whale Called Killer.”
And after he spoke to a rapt audience at The Hall at Fauntleroy, attendees got a bonus – some observations from local orca researcher Mark Sears, who spent three hours on Puget Sound this morning with the Southern Resident Killer Whales.
The night began with an introduction from Donna Sandstrom, the West Seattleite who founded The Whale Trail in 2008, just three years after the SRKWs were declared endangered. Its purpose is to make it easier to watch them from shore and also – via TWT’s interpretive signs – to “tell their story when they’re not around.” It started with 16 signs, and now stretches from British Columbia to California: “Now you can follow The Whale Trail from San Juan Capistrano to Prince Rupert, BC.” (And soon, she disclosed later, Mexico, too!) “Shore-based whale watching is now more than ever “a strategic act of conservation.” That’s one of the hot topics addressed by the Governor’s Task Force, of which Sandstrom is a member.
She said reading Hoyt’s book was her initiation into fascination with the whales and a desire to help them.
(“Live” image, webcam at Fauntleroy dock)
Sent by Washington State Ferries, a two-part update on the Triangle Route (Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth):
The Fall 2019 sailing schedule begins on Sunday, Sept. 29. Because the 124-vehicle KITTITAS that is typically assigned to the Triangle route will be undergoing maintenance at this time, the 90-vehicle SEALTH will substitute on the route for approximately the first month of the Fall schedule.
In addition, the SEALTH is required to undergo a U.S. Coast Guard-mandated inspection by Nov. 2, which means the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route will operate on a 2-boat schedule during the last week of October.
As always, there are many factors involved in WSF’s decisions around vessel assignments and service impacts. With only 22 boats in the fleet and one designated service relief vessel, vessel assignments and maintenance periods are subject to change. WSF’s Customer Service team will send out alerts with the latest information and will provide customers with updates as needed. …
Future Triangle Route community engagement opportunities
The new triangle route schedule that began in March is working well. We’re able to more fully fill vessels leaving Fauntleroy in the afternoon and over the past months our on-time-performance has steadily improved. Now that the first busy summer season with the new schedule is coming to an end, we will be looking at performance and sharing more information this fall about how it’s working.
Also in the next few months, WSF will begin planning and the environmental process for the replacement of the Fauntleroy Ferry terminal. This project will include robust community outreach and many opportunities to provide input. Currently, construction of the new terminal is programmed to begin in 2025-2027. Stay tuned for information on public meetings as we kick off this project.
(Added: Reader photo from early this morning)
We got a few questions today about what appeared to be a warrant service in High Point early this morning. Tonight this SPD post confirms that’s indeed what it was:
Major Crimes Task Force Detectives are making our neighborhoods safer by seizing heroin, methampheatmine, and fentanyl from a suspected drug dealer.
During the course of an ongoing criminal investigation, and with the assistance of SWAT officers, Major Crimes Task Force detectives served a search warrant this morning in the 6300 block of 34th Avenue SW.
Officers arrested their target, a 47-year-old man, and booked him into King County Jail.
In addition to securing a bottle of liquid fentanyl, detectives collected 64.7 grams of heroin and 5.7 grams of methamphetamine.
This remains an active and ongoing criminal investigation.
The suspect remains in jail. We’re looking into his record.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Post-summer hiatus is over for the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council. Here’s what happened at WSCPC’s meeting Tuesday at the Southwest Precinct:
POLICE UPDATES: Precinct Commander Capt. Pierre Davis and Operations Commander Lt. Steve Strand were there. Capt. Davis said “summer was very good for us – fairly quiet – we had a big game plan going into it – with emphasis patrols … in South Park and on Alki. It was fruitful.” That was with the help of added resources including help from the Traffic Unit. “They put a dent in a lot of the activity early on. … We’re hoping to resurrect that again next year.”
Community input is key to making extra resources possible, he stressed. If you don’t report crimes/concerns, they can’t do anything about it, much less push for extra resources from citywide units. “Please …let us know what in the heck’s going on.”
That also can lead to community partnership, too; Capt. Davis said Westwood Village has a Business Block Watch going (following the trailblazing one in The Junction).
(NASA image)
Millions of people are expected to participate in tomorrow’s Global Climate Strike to shine a brighter spotlight on climate change. In Seattle, the main events are a gathering at Capitol Hill’s Cal Anderson Park 9 am-noon, followed by a march to City Hall, where a 1 pm rally is planned. West Seattleite Maren Costa tells WSB she will be among the speakers, and encourages participation: “We need everyone to join… We need as many people on the streets as we can!” She’s planning to bring her kids, 11 and 13. We’ve also just heard from Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor) science teacher Kristin Moore about EWMS’s plan to participate; students will walk from the campus to SW Roxbury for sign-holding on both sides of the street. She shared this letter sent to EWMS families:
Dear Explorer West Families,
As you all know, Explorer West has a long history of teaching students to be environmental stewards, and the school’s mission to prepare young people for a sustainable future has never been as critical as it is today. Our changing climate is one of the gravest issues our children face. In science and social studies classes, our students have learned about the greenhouse effect and how the burning of fossil fuels is warming the planet. Students at Explorer West and around the globe sense the urgency and want to be a part of the solution.
Tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 20, youth from all 50 states and 150 countries will participate in a Global Climate Strike, drawing attention to the urgent need to move from burning fossil fuels to renewable alternatives with a focus on equity, reparations, and climate justice. We are excited to offer our students the opportunity to find their voices and participate in this event during the school day.
Students will have two options for the advisory period from 11:45 to 12:30 on Friday. Many students have expressed a keen interest in making signs and demonstrating along Roxbury around the corner from school. Teachers will accompany these students to keep them safe. Students can also opt to remain at school during that time to learn more about climate change. Although students will not be missing any of their regular classes, they will get to feel the power that comes from being one of many.
We have heard from a couple students that they had plans to attend the larger gathering at Cal Anderson Park tomorrow. We are excited for them, and just ask that you let the school know ahead of time about their absence, as you would for any other reason.
The faculty is proud to empower students in this way tomorrow, and we know this is only a first step. In the weeks and months ahead, we will engage our community in discussions and actions designed to limit our own carbon emissions and support the search for solutions. We invite you to partner with us.
Warmly,
Barbara, and the Explorer West faculty and staff
Anyone else participating tomorrow, either here or downtown? Let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(King County Assessor photo)
Just filed with the city today, an early-stage plan to build four townhouses in a rowhouse building on a site that currently holds a church. The Admiral District site at 4409 SW College is currently home to a Jehovah’s Witnesses‘ Kingdom Hall, though the denomination’s website does not show a schedule of meetings. The site was rezoned from single family to lowrise in the city’s HALA Mandatory Housing Affordability upzoning. The site plan (PDF) only shows these four rowhouses on about half the church’s 12,000-square-foot parcel, which could mean something more for the rest of the site, but nothing is on file yet.
Today we’re welcoming Korn Dentistry as a new WSB sponsor. Here’s what they would like you to know about what they do:
Welcome to Dr. Korn’s dental office! We are a family practice that serves the West Seattle area. Located in the little blue house on the corner of California and Genesee, Dr. Korn took over this general dental practice after Dr. William Raleigh retired in 2017.
The team at Korn Dentistry is dedicated to providing patients with the highest standard of dental care. We take pride in giving patients quality dental treatments while being as transparent as possible with our estimates.
Dr. Korn has a long history of volunteering within the community he is serving. In 2014, he won “Volunteer of the Year” by the Seattle-King County Dental Foundation for his excellent surgical work as a volunteer at the Swedish Community Specialty Clinic. Due to his past experience, Dr. Korn is able to provide West Seattle not only with fillings, crowns, and cleanings, but also with extractions, implants, and cosmetic dentistry.
In dentistry, Dr. Korn is able to make a lasting impression on the health, wellness, and happiness of the people around him. Our team is waiting to meet you! Call to schedule your appointment today! 206-935-5210
We thank Korn Dentistry for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
(WSB file photo)
Almost fall but the fun’s not over. Holy Rosary School‘s WestFest happens tomorrow and Saturday! We’ve just received an update with the entertainment lineup:
Starting this Friday, September 20 at 6 pm, Holy Rosary School’s WestFest begins! This is a community event and everyone’s invited! Come experience great music, eat delicious food, and crazy fun kid rides! There is so much to do and see, including BINGO, a classic cake walk with scrumptious prizes, a kids’ talent show, and carnival-style games galore. Grab a brew at the beer garden and enjoy the day – there is truly something for everyone at WestFest!
WestFest Hours
Friday, September 20 from 6 pm-10 pm
Saturday, September 21 from 10 am-10 pnStage Lineup:
Friday 9-20
-Janet Mudge and The CurMudgeons 4:30-6
-The Diabolical Jazz Conspiracy 6-8
-DAD 8-10Saturday 9-21
-Toddler Time w/ Officer Lumpy 10:30-12
-Magic Show with Maritess Zurbano Woman Hypnotist 12:30-1:15
-Mode School of Music 2-3
-Fairy Magic (Magic Show) 3-4
-Church hour Quiet 5-6
-Service Animal 6-7
-West Seattle Big Band 7-10
Holy Rosary is at 42nd SW/SW Genesee; most of the festival happens on the north side of the campus.
(WSB photo)
We went to Arbor Heights last night for that photo from Dog Days, which continue today, one of 7 events on the highlight list for today/tonight:
TAKE YOUR DOG SWIMMING, DAY 4: 1-3 pm (geared toward dog walkers) and 5-7 pm at Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club, it’s the fourth day of this year’s Dog Days. Dogs only, not people! The club does this every year as a swim-team fundraiser after human-swimming season ends. (11003 31st SW)
HEALTH WORKSHOP: At Aegis Living of West Seattle, 6 pm workshop focusing on breast and ovarian health. Complimentary appetizers and drinks. (4700 SW Admiral Way)
WEST SEATTLE TIMEBANK: Interested in finding out more about timebanking? Come to this month’s gathering, 6:30 pm at the Senior Center/Sisson Building. (4217 SW Oregon)
THE WHALE TRAIL PRESENTS ‘ORCA’ AUTHOR: As previewed here – and as seen whale-watching last night – “Orca: The Whale Called Killer” author Erich Hoyt speaks tonight at The Hall at Fauntleroy, presented by The Whale Trail. 7 pm. Tickets here or at the door. (9131 California SW)
DESIGN REVIEW: A 32-unit rowhouse project at 3257 Harbor Avenue SW (and three adjacent addresses) goes before the Southwest Design Review Board at 6:30 tonight, 2 1/2 years after its previous review. Our preview includes the project’s design packets. Public comment will be part of the meeting at the Senior Center/Sisson Building. (4217 SW Oregon)
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm meeting at Alki UCC with agenda including Alki Community Center‘s future and the West Seattle Art Walk‘s expansion. (6115 SW Hinds)
BELLY DANCING: Jet City RAQS tonight at The Skylark, 7 pm. No cover. All ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MUCH MORE HAPPENING … see our full calendar here.
9:38 AM: Donna Sandstrom from The Whale Trail says seven resident orcas are in view right now from Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza. They’ve been in the area for a while again this morning – here’s a photo Danny McMillin took:
10:08 AM: Whale watchers at Alki:
(That’s Donna in blue/pink at center.)
Tonight (Thursday, September 19th) The Whale Trail presents author Erich Hoyt at The Hall at Fauntleroy (details here). He’s here just in time for whale-watching – Kersti Muul sent the Wednesday sunset photos, explaining, “The Southern Resident Killer Whales were welcomed in grand style to West Seattle with a beautiful sunset providing backlit blows and a visit from Erich Hoyt and his daughter. Donna [Sandstrom, Whale Trail executive director] is in the picture next to her Whale Trail sign watching them go by. What a magical evening and a great intro to Erich’s book tour. The three-mile-away breach was still spectacular… just sharing the same air as them is humbling.”
Wednesday was the second consecutive day the SRKWs ventured into central Puget Sound.
“Cities are becoming the safety net for America.”
That was part of the reason Mayor Jenny Durkan cited for a sweeping new proposal to change compensation for Uber and Lyft drivers and raise per-ride taxes.
Durkan and Deputy Mayor Shefali Ranganathan discussed it with reporters in a briefing at midday today, embargoed until tonight, to be further discussed at an event tomorrow. We were among the roomful of journalists invited to City Hall for today’s briefing, told in advance only that it would be about a proposal involving “a new proposal for workers, housing, and transit,” so we went downtown to find out more.
One big component: The city currently taxes the companies 24 cents a ride. That would be tripled to 75 cents, with the revenues mostly going to three things:
-Cover the $56 million funding gap for the Center City Connector streetcar (which District 1 Councilmember Lisa Herbold refers to as the “shopping shuttle”)
-Raise $52 million to help build 500 units of affordable-to-workers (defined as people making $15-$25/hour) housing “near transit” (within a 10-minute walk of what the city defines as “frequent”) in the next five years
-Raise $17 million to open and run a “resolution center” for Uber/Lyft drivers, who the city says are often “deactivated” without explanation
The mayor also contended it’s fair to get more out of ride-share companies because they’re using the city’s public right-of-way and curbspace to run their businesses.
It should be noted, while Uber and Lyft are the only ride-share companies affected by the proposal, others could be affected too if they crossed the baseline of one million rides per quarter that start and/or end in Seattle.
Might the increased tax be passed on to ride-share users? Maybe, allowed the mayor, but in other places (such as New York) where costs went up, ridership didn’t go down, she said.
What will be the minimum wage for drivers, who are currently treated as independent contractors? A study, to launch shortly, will sort that out, in time to launch it in July 2020. Currently, Ranganathan said, drivers’ pay averages out to less than $11/hour, while the city’s current minimum wage is $16/hour. Drivers are only compensated for the time passengers are in their vehicles, but studies show, she said, that they spend more than a third of each hour waiting for their next assignment. The mayor declared, “No business should benefit by not treating its workers fairly.”
This will all be part of the mayor’s budget proposal, which goes public in its entirety next Monday. That means it’ll have to go through council hearings and votes before becoming official. First public hearing on the budget is set for 5:30 pm October 3 at City Hall.
–Tracy Record, WSB editor
(WSB photos/video)
You’re probably accustomed to seeing Seattle Public Utilities trucks like that one in the storm season, making the rounds clearing drains; SPU has 22 of them. But they also can be used in the life-threatening emergencies known as trench rescues. Today, SPU and Seattle Fire Department crews trained side by side at the Joint Training Facility in southeast West Seattle to be ready for those rare rescues.
The SPU truck can help SFD clear out a dirt deluge and get to victims quicker, explains Rescue 1’s Captain Brian Maier:
Even though trench-rescue calls are rare, this training is done every year to keep skills fresh. A trench was actually dug in the upper reaches of the JTF (which is at 9501 Myers Way S.).
West Seattle had a trench fatality just three years ago. (That case led to a criminal charge; a review of online files shows the case is currently before the state Supreme Court.)
Thanks for the tip. Police are on upper Fauntleroy Way across from the ferry dock, awaiting the Medical Examiner, after a man was found dead on a bench in what’s known as “Captain’s Park.” A neighbor told us it first looked like he was taking a nap – and then a passerby realized otherwise, so 911 was called. SFD verified the death and tells us the man was “about 60.” Police did find ID on him but the officer at the scene had no further comment. We don’t have any other details except that it’s not being treated as a crime scene.
(Rendering, packets by Fischer Architects)
Two and a half years after the first Southwest Design Review Board look at 3257 Harbor SW and its adjacent sites, the project goes back before the board tomorrow (Thursday, September 19th). The “North Parcels” are proposed for 15 rowhouse units and 15 offstreet parking spaces, the “South Parcels” for 17/17. Here are the design packets:
Public comment will be accepted at the meeting, which starts at 6:30 pm Thursday at the Senior Center/Sisson Building (4217 SW Oregon). Some already has been received in writing/email, as summarized by assigned city planner Sean Conrad in this pre-meeting memo (PDF). This isn’t the first proposal for the site – back in 2014, a ~90-unit proposal went part of the way through Design Review.
For a second day, Kersti Muul tips us, Southern Resident Killer Whales are in central Puget Sound and headed our way. She says they’ve just been reported off Carkeek Park and are traveling southbound “at a good clip.” No guarantee they’ll make it this far – Kersti says they turned around yesterday before getting this far south – but we’re always committed to giving you a heads-up when we get an alert! Let us know if you see them.
From Denny International Middle School nurse Alison Enochs:
Visiting Nurses Association is holding a clinic especially for staff and community members (all are welcome over the age of 4, especially students – students must come with their parents).
Where: Denny Cafeteria (Galleria) park in the lot outside Denny and you can walk straight down to the Galleria Doors (go past the Main office doors to get there)
2601 SW Kenyon St. – 206-252-9000
Time: 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm September 25th
Cost: They take all insurance including Apple Health and Medicare. Any student will receive the shot for free if they do not have insurance.
In case you missed the weekend mention – one more reminder that most Seattle Parks facilities, including community centers and pools, will be closed tomorrow (Thursday, September 19th) for staff training.
(WSB photo, this morning)
Back in June, we reported on the Luna Park coffeehouse The Shack trying to cope with the road work out front. 3+ months later, it’s still open, but up for sale. After a reader tip (thanks, Taylor) we found the listing and contacted proprietor Angela Cough via email for comment. She confirms, “Yes, we have put the Shack up for sale … it’s so sad too – we love this little place. But we’re paying for payroll out of our pockets right now, and can’t continue to do it with the unknown outcome, post project completion.”
She continues: “When we purchased the Shack, it was a failing business. Folks didn’t know – but it was about to close back in March, 2017 when we took over to see what we could do. After working a year on getting a remodel done (it may not look like it, but that funky interior is all second-use/recycled, custom-built out of materials old & new to match the eclectic nature of that building) we re-launched the Shack with what folks were used to getting there for some 18 years with the previous Java Bean: Eggels.”
After that, the business’s recovery continued, with 50 percent year-to-year growth, Cough said – “UNTIL – construction. We had been talking to Seattle Department of Transportation since May, 2017 – about their plans for Avalon Way – which was disguised as a ‘re-paving’ project.” (It’s also rechannelization as well as, at 35th/Avalon, and some infrastructure updates such as the water-main work at 35th/Avalon.)
They talked with the city multiple times over two year, Cough says, “to discuss our thoughts on what should or should not be implemented and how it would devastate our businesses to a) lose precious parking, b) displace residential parking for bike lanes and zoned parking c) shut down Avalon during the summer months – the list goes on. But they effectively presented a plan for ‘input’ in May of 2017, and that plan, regardless of community and business input, has largely stayed exactly the same. As everyone knows too – they shut down Avalon during the summer, so there goes any chance to continuing building and trying to stockpile any cash if at all, like many businesses like ours do.”
Right after construction started last spring, Cough says, our transaction volume dropped 50%. It ‘recovered’ to an average of 30% loss, and is still behind. In early June I emailed Lisa Herbold and representatives of SDOT regarding our concern for our business as well as businesses in general, as city-wide improvements continue. I suggested strongly, that if the City wants to change the narrative surrounding small business (the narrative IMHO is not good right now), that it should consider setting aside 1% for Small Business Revenue Stability to make sure that shops like ours, suffering from physical barriers to access due to City Construction, could weather the storm. If we can set aside 1% for Art, we should be able to set aside 1% for Small Business, right? It’s not a handout – it’s the right thing to do and a reasonable part of the budget that should be available for use when planning for city improvements.” There are some grants, but nothing Cough and her business would qualify for.
But construction will eventually end, and Cough says The Shack is “a great business for someone who wants to owner/operate something and have an opportunity to build a small business that is manageable both in operation and physical size.” Her other businesses – Flying Apron and Hotwire Coffee, both in The Junction, will continue.(And Shack Coffeehouse, while up for sale, is still open.)
(Golden-crowned Kinglet, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
From the West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON MOVIE: At the Senior Center of West Seattle, 1 pm: “You and Me.” $1 members, $2 nonmembers, popcorn included. (4217 SW Oregon)
LADY JAYE OPENS: As previewed here Sunday, the new Junction restaurant/bar opens at 3 pm today. (4523 California SW)
HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN FARM STAND: Fresh produce sold by the people who grow it next to the stand! 4-7 pm. (32nd SW/SW Juneau)
GROUP RUN + SHOE DEMO: Tonight at 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor): “Come and demo Saucony shoes for the group run. Nick from Saucony will be here with Guides, Rides and Omni, so we will have every type of runner supported! Try the shoes for your group run or take them for a shorter spin on the track afterward.” (2743 California SW)
CHIEF SEALTH IHS PTSA: 7 pm, the PTSA‘s first meeting of the new school year. (2600 SW Thistle)
DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOODS DISTRICT COUNCIL: 7 pm at Neighborhood House High Point, focused on what’s up in east West Seattle. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)
‘TWO DEGREES’: Another chance to see Blue Hour Theatre Group‘s production at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 8 pm. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
THE SUFFERING F-HEADS: Live at Parliament Tavern, 9 pm. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
SEE WHAT ELSE IS UP … via our complete calendar.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)
7:06 AM: Good morning! Here’s the biggest traffic news:
UPDATE: S Dearborn St between SR 99 and 1st Ave S has reopened. pic.twitter.com/iWIj4kWaN0
— SDOT Traffic (@SDOTtraffic) September 18, 2019
WSDOT announced yesterday that the demolition of a section of Alaskan Way Viaduct there had gone faster than expected and it would reopen early. But NB buses’ reroute is expected to continue through Saturday as scheduled.
From Carole:
My neighbor’s car was stolen from our condo garage, 3700 block of California, on Monday 9/16. Sometime between 3 pm and 1:30 am. 2006 teal Acura TSX, license AMR3549. Decal on back: “Any functioning adult 2020.” She asks that you please post on the blog in case anyone sees it.
If you see it, please call 911 (and then let us know!).
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