West Seattle, Washington
19 Thursday
That’s the video from Tuesday afternoon’s City Council Sustainability and Transportation Committee meeting. The committee – actually, just chair Mike O’Brien, as no other councilmembers showed up – took up two proposals we’ve reported on before, both involving energy. One would ban natural-gas piping in new construction (here’s our previous report); the other would tax heating oil (here’s our original report and followup).
In 45 minutes of public comment at the start of the meeting, the gas proposal was the main topic. Most of the speakers opposed it and/or asked O’Brien to at least “slow down” and launch a discussion of its potential effects. He promised to do that, and didn’t put the proposal up for a vote, so it will have to come back to the committee at an unspecified future date. He did discuss some research he had asked council staff to do; one point of interest that they reported – Seattle City Light felt it could generate enough electricity to cover the increased use, but would need to beef up transmission/distribution capacity.
As for the oil tax – announced by the mayor in early August – O’Brien voted to advance that to a full council vote, with some amendments. It would tax heating oil 23.6 cents a gallon starting on July 1, 2020, with much of the money going to help cover the costs of conversion to electric heat.
First the festival – then the gifts! The photos and report were received tonight from VIEWS:
Visualizing Increased Engagement in West Seattle (VIEWS) is a non-partisan community organization comprised of local citizens creating programming to educate, engage, and mobilize West Seattle citizens to sustain and improve the quality of life and services available across the peninsula.
Each year after the annual Delridge Day festival, which VIEWS organizes and produces, donations are made to local non-profits. This year’s recipients were presented with checks to recognize their efforts in our community as well. Below, Pete Spalding, Chas Redmond, Ann Martin, and Larry Winkler presented a check for $350 to Tamsen Spengler with the West Seattle Timebank:
Steve Daschle with Southwest Youth and Family Services was presented a check for $500 to go toward the capital campaign at SWYFS.
Ron Angeles (also with VIEWS) joined us to present the check to David Bestock for $500 to help with DNDA’s youth programming.
Twelfth Night Productions was also a recipient this year. Here Jane Taylor, Mary Springer, and Rick Springer accept a check for $350:
Our biggest beneficiary again this year is the Delridge Community Center’s Associated Recreation Council. Daryl Look accepted the check for $1,850 to help underwrite scholarships for neighborhood youth to be able to fully participate in after school and evening programming:
Michael Taylor-Judd of VIEWS was “behind the camera” for the photos above, Pete adds.
Live and/or work in eastern West Seattle? Jump into community involvement tomorrow (Wednesday) night as the Delridge Neighborhood District Council reconvenes. Reps from groups and organizations around the area comprise the DNDC, but all are welcome. It’s the only community group we know of that opens with hearty cheers for everyone in attendance! The meeting’s set for 7 pm Wednesday at Neighborhood House High Point (6400 Sylvan Way SW).
(Photo courtesy IAFF Local 27)
Seattle Fire Fighters Union IAFF Local 27, along with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, are getting ready for the annual Fill the Boot fundraising campaign with the goal “to help kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related muscle-debilitating diseases live longer.” They’ve been working together for more than 60 years. Firefighters will be collecting donations 9 am-5 pm each day September 24-27 at five locations around the city including, in West Seattle, California/Alaska. The citywide fundraising target this year is $100,000.
More road-work news – SDOT promised a midweek update on the Avalon/35th repaving-and-more project, and here it is. It includes the dates for the second weekend-long Avalon/35th intersection:
Due to the wet weather this week, crews are now planning to pave SW Avalon Way from SW Spokane St to 35th Ave SW (Zones A-C) as soon as September 23 and 24. This work is weather dependent and subject to change. See below for more information about work happening this week!
Crews are currently preparing for final asphalt paving in Zones A – C (SW Spokane St to 35th Ave SW). Paving will take place overnight on September 23 and 24. You can expect:
*Paving to begin at 7 PM each night and continue through 7 AM the following morning
*On Monday, September 23 crews anticipate paving the west half of the street starting at SW Spokane St and traveling south to 35th Ave SW
*On Tuesday, September 24 crews anticipate paving the east half of the street starting at SW Spokane St and traveling south to 35th Ave SW
*On Tuesday, September 24 crews will be paving the intersection of SW Spokane St and SW Avalon Way. Expect limited access to the on- and off-ramps to the West Seattle Bridge starting as early as 7 PM. Please use alternative routes to enter and exit the West Seattle Bridge. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic.
*Driveway and side street closures overnight while the pavement cures. Driveways and side streets will be closed overnight as we pave. Fresh pavement takes about 3 to 4 hours to allow the pavement to cure.
*Please park on nearby side streets and plan to utilize other arterials such as SW Genesee St, Delridge Way SW, and Fauntleroy Way SW if you have concerns about accessing your vehicle during nighttime work
*Crews will re-open driveways and side streets once the pavement cures
*Please stay off the road for the duration of the night for your safety and to ensure the road cures properly and does not need repaving
*No parking signs; please read the permits on the signs for effective no parking dates
*Loud noise, dust and vibrations due to truck traffic and heavy machinery
*During paving, please do not cross or walk pets across SW Avalon Way. Asphalt is very hot and harmful to people and animals.
*A single lane of traffic to be maintained in each direction
*Emergency vehicle access will be maintained
We anticipate installing temporary striping once the final asphalt paving is complete. We will return in spring 2020 to install the final striping with the new road design.
Zone C and Zone D (SW Avalon Way from Fauntleroy Way SW to just east of 35th Ave SW)
As soon as the week of September 23 crews are preparing to complete concrete paving on the south side of SW Avalon Way in part of Zone C and Zone D. Please note:
Driveways will be closed on the southeast side of SW Avalon Way east of 35th Ave SW as early as Monday, September 23 through Wednesday, September 25 for concrete pouring. Driveways will be closed for up to 72 hours. Crews will reopen driveways once the concrete has cured. Crews anticipate working west of 35th Ave SW on SW Avalon Way as early as the week of September 30.
35th Ave SW and SW Avalon Way Intersection:
To continue rebuilding the concrete roadway, we will be closing the intersection of 35th Ave SW and SW Avalon Way for a second time. The 35th Ave SW and Avalon Way SW intersection must be rebuilt to extend the useful life of the road, make utility upgrades, and make improvements for people walking, bicycling, driving, and riding the bus. Closing the intersection will allow us to complete this work as quickly and safely as possible. This intersection closure is weather dependent and subject to change.
The intersection will be closed from Friday, October 4 at 9 AM to Monday, October 7 to 6 AM, as long as weather allows. If the weather is bad the weekend of October 4, we will postpone the intersection work to the following weekend, Friday, October 11 through Monday, October 14.
We will coordinate with King County Metro on bus stops and routes. Check Metro Rider Alerts for the most up-to-date information.
No parking signs on 37th Ave SW and 38th Ave SW to accommodate metro buses and detour traffic. Please follow posted detour routes.
Just in from WSDOT, that video and this update:
Demolition crews made quick work removing the section of the Alaskan Way Viaduct above South Dearborn Street, one of the structure’s last remaining sections. As a result, the intersection of South Dearborn Street and First Avenue South will reopen Wednesday, Sept. 18 by 6 a.m. – much earlier than initially planned. By tomorrow morning First Avenue South will once again have two lanes in each direction and northbound Railroad Way South will also reopen. The video shows the work that took less than a week to complete.
What’s next?
Starting at 4 a.m. tomorrow morning, Alaskan Way will be narrowed to one lane in each direction near Marion Street so demolition teams can take down the one remaining span of viaduct along Seattle’s waterfront.
Later this week, crews will stripe a bus-only lane on northbound SR 99 between South Spokane Street and South Dearborn Street. This lane existed during SR 99 tunnel construction and helps ensure reliable trips for King County Metro buses carrying about 30,000 passengers a day into downtown. The bus lane is scheduled to be in place by Sunday, Sept. 22 but the work is weather dependent. King County Metro’s northbound buses will remain on temporary reroute until start of service on Sunday, Sept. 22.
Today we welcome Brandon Kelley, real-estate specialist, from John L. Scott, as a new WSB sponsor. Here’s what he wants you to know about what he does:
Brandon brings a unique perspective to buying and selling homes. Prior to becoming an agent, he worked for several years in banking, escrow, and titles. That experience lets him work with buyers and sellers at each step of the process. Brandon says he thinks of it as a holistic approach that lets him build better relationships with clients, as he’s more closely connected to them from start to finish.
One of his recent sales was this home in the Admiral District:
He said, “I sold this stunning home located at 3227 39th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116. With high demand in the neighborhood, the home went pending in a week, and we smoothly closed the transaction completely in only 30 days! I am your local home specialist in purchasing and selling. The real estate market is hyperlocal, seasonal, and temperamental — in other words, it can change on a dime. Technology has made information more accessible to everyone, but it can be difficult to keep up with recent events that affect home values. The benefits of working with a licensed real estate professional go far beyond what a mobile app, online video, or website can do. I provide my clients with information on market seasonality and information relevant to what is happening in their specific neighborhood. This customized analysis includes recent comparable sales that factor into an offer and acceptance strategy.”
Call 360-386-2128 or email brandonk@johnlscott.com for a free market analysis on your home. Brandon is available 7 days a week.
We thank Brandon Kelley 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.
In West Seattle Crime Watch, two incidents, plus reminders:
WATER-COOLER BURGLAR: From the police report files, a burglary in the 3300 block of 31st SW on Saturday morning:
(Victim) states he was in bed when he heard his back door open. (Victim) states he had left it unlocked and was staying in the basement due to renovations of the residence. (Burglar) stuck his head in the open door and when (Victim) yelled out, (suspect) fled in unknown direction.
(Victim) states a 5 gallon water cooler was on the table next to the door (suspect) opened and is now missing.
Police searched the area but didn’t find anyone.
PORCH TAMPERING: The video is from Brandon near 35th/Alaska:
This guy was at my door, went through my mailbox, then took apart my device. He never came into the home as far as I can tell.
MEETING REMINDERS: As featured in today’s highlights, West Seattle Crime Prevention Council at 7 pm tonight; then on Saturday, the kickoff for Paws on Patrol, 10 am. Both are at the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster).
(Photo by Benjamin Egan)
One week ago, we featured reader photos of The West Seattle Turkey in the daily highlights and declared it #TurkeyTuesday. More have come in since then – so let’s do it again!
TAKE YOUR DOG SWIMMING, DAY 2: 1-3 pm (geared toward dog walkers) and 5-7 pm at Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club, it’s the second swim in this year’s Dog Days. Dogs only, not you. The club does this every year as a swim-team fundraiser after people-swimming season ends. (11003 31st SW)
FOR RUNNERS: Tonight at 6 pm at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor):
Come for a complimentary 1 on 1 injury assessment with Dr. Nate Moore from Seattle Sports Chiropractic and Rehab. Who would benefit?
*Runners, walkers, any athletes who are noticing tension, pain, restricted movement in any part of the body.
*Those who are sidelined with an injury.
*Those who have questions about whether to address an ache or pain.
(2743 California SW)
(Photo by Benjamin Egan)
WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: Bring your concerns/questions to local police, hear about local crime trends, plus a special guest from the Attorney General’s Office will talk about ID theft. All welcome. 7 pm at Southwest Precinct. (2300 SW Webster)
WESTSIDE DANCE CLASSES: New series of classes starting tonight at Senior Center of West Seattle, 7 pm. (4217 SW Oregon)
(Photo by Karen Sarafin)
OPEN MICS: Jazz open mic at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm; open mic with Joey V at Parliament Tavern (4210 SW Admiral Way), 9 pm.
If you’ve got good rain gear and binoculars – or a window with a good view of the water – you can look for a dozen or so orcas headed this way. Kersti Muul says they were southbound off Richmond Beach at last report. And they’re likely Southern Resident Killer Whales. Let us know if you spot them!
Family and friends will gather Saturday to celebrate the life of Jorge “Mike” Milliron. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:
Jorge Michael Milliron, born January 24, 1958 in Seattle to Raynette and George Milliron.
He preferred to go by Mike, attended Madison Middle School and West Seattle High School. When he was younger, he loved to spend time on Alki Beach and work on cars.
Mike passed away peacefully at home on September 9, 2019 after a 3 year battle with Emphysema and COPD.
Mike is survived by his wife Maureen, daughters Ambrosia and Candice, and son-in-law Micheal.
The family is having a memorial service on September 21, 2019 at 11 am; location is Luna Park/Old Anchor on Alki. If you knew Mike, join them in celebrating his life.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@wsb.blackfin.biz)
(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)
6:54 AM: Good morning! No alerts or incidents so far this morning.
7:49 AM: Crash reported at 31st/Raymond.
10:47 AM: Crash is blocking the E3 busway in SODO and Metro says Route 50 might experience delays as a result.
(WSB photo)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Our area has an Aviation High School – so why not a Maritime High School?
Seattle Port Commissioner Fred Felleman talked up the value of jobs in the maritime industry, and the need to educate people about that, as part of his speech to the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce last Thursday. It was the Chamber’s annual “State of the Port” lunch meeting, outdoors at port-owned Jack Block Park.
We recorded his humor-peppered remarks, which in part reflected on his first four-year term on the commission, coming to a close as he runs for a second. (See the video here.)
He noted the park’s proximity to West Seattle’s Terminal 5, and recalled the controversy in which it was mired while he was running four years ago, as T-5 hosted vessels intended for Shell‘s Arctic oil drilling.
Those are some of the two-dozen-plus people who participated in last year’s Artist Showcase at Southwest Library, an annual tradition. This year’s showcase is weeks away, so here’s the announcement that it’s time to get your entry/entries ready!
Calling all West Seattle artists! It’s time for the Southwest Library‘s 28th annual Artist Showcase. Artists may submit up to three unique works of art for this non-juried exhibition to celebrate West Seattle’s creative talent.
Entries may be submitted at the Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) from Thursday, October 3rd through Saturday, October 5th. Be sure to stop by the artists’ reception at 2 pm Sunday, October 6th to meet the artists and view all the fabulous work! Art will be on display at the library through the month of October.
The library will also be hosting two art programs to celebrate: a drop-in Family Art Day on Saturday 10/5 at 2 pm and Fill the Frame, a painting-exploration class for teens and adults on Sunday, 10/27. Please call 206-684-7455 for more details.
The walkthrough on the west side of California SW midblock between SW Edmunds and SW Alaska will be the site of a one-of-a-kind volunteer work party next Saturday. As announced by the West Seattle Junction Association:
Saturday, September 21st 9 am – 12 Noon
Volunteer opportunity! Be a part of the transformation of the walk-thru and a piece of mural history. Help turn the walk-thru from a uninteresting passageway into the new Mural Alley!
The Junction is renovating the walk-thru, transforming it into a positive space full of local art.
Renovations include:
Pressure washing
Cleaning the walls
Removing staples and flyers
Painting a backdrop
Installing the 5 community murals painted during 2019 Summer FestGloves, tools, and cleaning supplies provided.
Meet at 9 am in front of the walk-thru on California Ave by Northwest Art and Frame.
The new “Mural Alley” will be dedicated during the next West Seattle Art Walk (October 10th).
P.S. Always lots of volunteer opportunities with The Junction – see the list here.
(WSB photo from May)
10 years ago – months after the fire that ravaged its interior – the Alki Homestead/Fir Lodge (2717 61st SW) appeared on an “endangered properties” list. But now it’s been rescued, restored, and reopened, and it’s won an award. Kathy Blackwell, president of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society board, reports Historic Seattle will be honoring the landmark at its Preservation Celebration this Thursday. It’s the winner of the Beth Chave Community Investment Award. One of its owners, Matt Schilling, will be there to accept the award; he and his father Dennis Schilling led the work to restore it after buying the historic log structure four and a half years ago.
(Photo courtesy SWSHS)
SWSHS nominated the project for the award; see the nomination here. As you probably know, the refurbished and reopened Homestead has been home to the restaurant Il Nido since May.
Almost three months ago, SDOT announced a Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ) would be created in the West Seattle Junction area, as the result of the second community request in a decade. This means that parking in the RPZ area will have time limits except for residents with permits (which cost $65 for two years unless you qualify as low-income, in which case it’s $10), as explained in this FAQ (PDF). Today, we’ve received an SDOT update on the two next steps toward the RPZ officially taking effect:
This week, we’re mailing letters to all residents within Zone 35 with information on how to purchase permits. Residents within Zone 35 can begin applying for permits per the instructions in the letter. Zone 35 signs will be installed during the first two weeks of November.
The permits do not guarantee parking in the RPZ; they only exempt the permitholder from the time limits. Lots more info is on the project website. Paid street parking was ruled out, but as announced, and shown on the map above, the three main mostly-business blocks of California SW in The Junction will now have parking time limits until 8 pm most days, instead of the current 6 pm, and a few other blocks will have new limits too.
Fall doesn’t officially arrive until next Monday (equinox moment at 12:50 am September 23rd) but tomorrow’s weather will be autumn-ish – south wind up to 30 mph in the afternoon, not major but potentially strong enough to cause some trouble, especially this time of year with leaves still on the trees. Rain will precede the wind, so check your nearest storm drain(s) too.
(Hummingbird sipping from salvia, photographed by Susan Romanenghi)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, as the last week of summer begins
GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE: Noon-6 pm mobile blood drive outside Admiral Safeway – walk-ups welcome but note that it’s closed 2-3 pm for a break. (2622 California SW)
TAKE YOUR DOG SWIMMING! 5-7 pm at Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club, it’s the first swim in this year’s Dog Days. Dogs only, not you. The club does this every year as a swim-team fundraiser after people-swimming season ends, before the offseason pool cleaning. (11003 31st SW)
SOUTH DELRIDGE DEVELOPMENT MEETING: The Early Community Outreach for Design Review meeting for 9 townhouse/rowhouse units at 9402 18th SW is at the White Center Library, 6 pm. If you can’t get there, a survey about the project remains open, too. (1409 SW 107th)
MONDAY NIGHT MEDITATION: The series continues tonight at Sound Yoga (WSB sponsor), 7 pm; drop-ins welcome – info here. (5639 California SW)
QUIZFIX TRIVIA: At The Skylark, free, all ages, with prizes! 7:30 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
From Angie:
My parked car was hit (Sunday) while I was at work in West Seattle. It was hit on Glenn and Oregon. According to a neighbor who walking their dog around 2 pm, it was like this.
It happened between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm. Maybe someone saw something and could help find the person responsible for damaging my car.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)
6:52 AM: Good morning!
DEARBORN CLOSURE CONTINUES: The closure of Dearborn at 1st for demolition of a remaining section of the Alaskan Way Viaduct is scheduled to continue all week. If you are traveling on NB 99 and exiting just before the tunnel, you continue onto Alaskan Way; NB buses are rerouted too. Also note that 1st Avenue is narrowed near the demolition zone.
(WSB photos)
Meet “Cletus” the one-ton smoker, out on the deck behind Lady Jaye, which (as we reported earlier this week) opens this Wednesday (September 18th). When we first reported on the plan for this new Junction venue (in the ex-Pecado Bueno space at 4523 California SW), they mentioned the intention to spotlight smoked meats and cocktails. They meant it. Co-founder Evan Carter tells the story of needing a forklift to get the smoker into place. We met Evan and the other three co-founders during a preview visit this afternoon:
Evan’s at left. L-R with him are Sara Rosales, Tyler Palagi, Charlie Garrison (all formerly of Radiator Whiskey). They have spent the last few months remaking the space into their new restaurant/bar.
The “dark, warm wood” focus is inside and out; the patio is part covered, part not, and retains the fire pit that predated Lady Jaye. Some art too, including this:
So what’s on the menu, you ask? A specialty will be the “Forever Smoked Turkey Drum,” with ancho barbecue sauce and lime crema. Smoked chicken, too. And a sandwich with smoked bologna. It’s not all for carnivores, though. Evan explains they’re smoking veggies, too. And the opening menu’s selection of salads includes shaved summer squash as well as a salad with burrata cheese, green beans, and crostini.
As for the beverages, they’re focusing on whiskey and agave. But the menu also includes beer (draft as well as bottle/can) and wine plus seltzers/spritzers.
Lady Jaye is all ages and will seat about 60 inside (including the bar, where you can have the “full dinner experience”), ~35 on the patio. They’ll be open 3-midnight for starters, adding weekend brunch soon.
8:27 PM: Thanks to Vanessa for sending the photo and tip! BedHead Coffee opens at 6 am tomorrow (Monday, September 16th) on the southeast corner of 16th/Holden in Highland Park, according to the sign in its window. This is the same spot where DutchBoy Coffee closed in May.
MONDAY MORNING UPDATE: Just stopped by; BedHead is indeed open and proprietor Michelle says she’ll be open 6 am-2 pm Mondays-Saturdays.
(UPDATE: That’s changed to 6:30 am-2:30 pm Tuesdays-Fridays, 8:30 am-2:30 pm Saturdays.)
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