West Seattle, Washington
08 Tuesday
10:54 PM: Closing time at Alki tonight looked a lot like last night in one way – quiet, no fires, not-so-summery weather. But in another way, it was different: No police. As reported here this morning, red tape strangled the plan for three officers on overtime to help Seattle Parks at closing time Thursdays-Fridays-Saturdays, with Parks covering the cost, after just one night (here’s our Thursday night coverage). Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Kevin Grossman said today, “I learned yesterday that any movement of funds from one city agency (e.g., Parks) to another (e.g., SPD) requires city council approval. So until that issue is resolved, the dedicated Alki emphasis patrols will be paused. This is a disappointing development — both for my officers and for the neighborhood.” So what happens now? We immediately inquired with both Councilmember Lisa Herbold‘s office and Parks. Herbold legislative assistant Newell Aldrich told us in the morning they were “looking into it” and then at day’s end sent this update: “We haven’t got answers from Parks to our questions; they’ve indicated the answers are more complicated than they anticipated. They are working on getting us answers.” So it appears the ball is in Parks’ court right now (we haven’t heard back from them yet at all). Meantime, Capt. Grossman added that he has “directed that our available on-duty resources conduct patrols on Alki when not otherwise committed”; no officers were in sight as we drove the length of Alki, including Don Armeni, before and after the 9:30 pm closing time tonight. There was a Parks vehicle on the promenade, headed west right at 9:30, but it then headed out of the park; by then, light rain was falling.
2:24 AM: Commenters say the fires started later in the night tonight. Here’s a photo sent by a reader:
23 weeks ago tonight, King County’s first confirmed case of COVID-19 was announced. Tonight’s roundup starts as usual with the numbers:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily summary:
*16,272 people have tested positive, 134 more than yesterday
*670 people have died, 7 more than yesterday
*2,018 people have been hospitalized, 12 more than yesterday
*321,806 people have been tested, 2,880 more than yesterday
One week ago, those totals were 15,197/647/1,948/294,823.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 19.2 million cases, 719,000+ deaths – see the nation-by-nation numbers here.
STATEWIDE SITUATION REPORT: The state Department of Health issued this overview of where things stand statewide. Its announcemnt notes, “The report suggests areas of improvement are likely driven by behavior changes like wearing face coverings and staying six feet apart when away from home.”
NEED FOOD? Free lunches will be offered noon-1 pm tomorrow at West Side Presbyterian Church (3601 California SW).
DONATION DRIVE: (corrected day) This Sunday, 10 am-3 pm, food and more will be accepted outside Alki UCC. The announcement:
Collections will be taken outside our building at 6115 SW Hinds; social distancing observed
Feeding hungry kids is our focus this summer. In addition to regular contributions of non-perishable food and other items, special requests include fruit cups and rollups, Gogurt, peanut butter and jelly, protein bars, mac and cheese, cereal, noodles and pasta sauce.
Toilet paper, diapers (all sizes), Similac formula, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer and baby wipes are always welcome.
Donations are distributed through the White Center Food Bank.
GOT INFO OR PHOTOS? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302 – thank you!
The annual Taste of West Seattle was already in for one big change before the pandemic arrived – its presenting nonprofit, the West Seattle Helpline, merged with the West Seattle Food Bank earlier this year. But the WSFB has found a way to make it happen. Here’s the announcement:
The West Seattle Food Bank has updated the 2020 Taste of West Seattle to celebrate the community while keeping each other healthy and safe.
The Taste has always been about bringing neighbors together, promoting local restaurants/businesses, and, ultimately, strengthening the West Seattle community. Now, more than ever, we see the importance of coming together (while staying physically distant) and supporting local businesses.
We are excited to announce that this year’s Taste of West Seattle will be a Taste Tour of West Seattle, where participating businesses donate 10% of sales on special Taste Menu items to the West Seattle Food Bank. From Sunday, September 20th to Thursday, September 24th neighbors can dine in or get take-out and enjoy delicious meals from West Seattle’s favorite eateries including restaurants, bakeries, wineries, breweries, and know that their money is supporting their local favorites and the West Seattle Food Bank mission to end hunger and homelessness.
If you are a eatery interested in participating or a business interested in sponsoring, please email development@wshelpline.org
Updates when it gets closer!
5:41 PM: Thanks for the tip: SFD is dispatching to a reported 2-car crash at 36th/Barton. Texter tells us this area has seen a “tremendous increase in traffic since the bridge closure.”
(Reader photo)
6 PM: One damaged car is on the scene blocking the westbound lane. Police are investigating this as a hit-and-run.
6:33 PM: Just went back through; scene is cleared.
ADDED SATURDAY: We’ve heard from the victim’s brother: “He says all he saw was a ‘flash of silver, maybe an SUV, airbags and smoke, then someone was opening my door.’ The offending car was gone. We want to see if anyone in the neighborhood might have cameras that point to that intersection, or perhaps drivers that May have witnessed the incident. He can be reached at Pete 206.383.7185.”
The report is from Sam:
Our 2004 Prius had its catalytic converter stolen Monday or Tuesday night. We finally got it into Alki Auto this morning to diagnose it. And we were one of three vehicles they got today with stolen catalytic converters. Seems like this isn’t going away anytime soon.
Checking our Crime Watch archives, this type of theft has been going on for the entire 12+-year span we’ve been publishing West Seattle news – thieves are after the metal content.
As reported last year, the project to remove the failing seawall on the north side of Lowman Beach Park will also remove the park’s tennis court.
As noted at July’s Morgan Community Association meeting, community members are proposing a new racket-sport court elsewhere in the park, and they have announced a “virtual open house” for later this month. It’ll be at 6:30 pm Wednesday, August 26th.
Details for participating in the meeting are on this flyer.
2:25 PM: Thanks for the tips. Big Seattle Fire response for a “major natural-gas leak” in west Admiral, 3300 block of 48th SW. They’re calling for traffic control on Admiral, though this is a few blocks south. Updates to come.
2:31 PM: SFD log has just made a big correction – this is actually in the 2300 block of 48th SW, so it’s NORTH of Admiral Way [map]. SFD just reported to dispatch that the leak has been shut off. The response is being downsized.
2:57 PM: Our crew is at the scene and confirmed that no one was hurt and the response is winding down. We’re told a construction crew breached the line, and they’re the ones who called it in. (added) Same area, by the way, as this 2-alarm fire in April.
In addition to the two projects noted in our morning roundup – the SW Genesee closure west of Delridge and the SW Alaska closure west of California – the city has just sent word of even more work this weekend. Here’s the announcement:
This weekend (August 8-9), SDOT crews will be working throughout West Seattle, including at the 16th Ave SW and SW Holden St intersection.
At the 16th Ave SW and SW Holden St intersection, SDOT will be putting in new turn pockets so drivers can make protected left turns to go east and west on SW Holden St. To limit the cut-through traffic on 20th Ave SW, SDOT will be installing new signs to better identify the arterial streets near the intersection. In addition, SDOT will also be making signal timing adjustments to help people get through the intersection better.
SDOT will also be tree trimming on West Marginal Way, Sylvan Way SW, and SW Orchard St. This tree trimming work will improve roadway and sign visibility for people commuting.
During all of this work, there will be temporary lane closures, traffic control, flaggers, and uniform police officers working in the street. Please plan ahead for additional travel time and delays if you are going through any of these areas. Thank you for your patience while SDOT makes these improvements.
Since this isn’t time specific – please let us know when you see the crews, if you can, but NOT while you’re driving or pedaling … when you get to where you’re going! We’re always reachable, text/voice, at 206-293-6302.
(SPU-provided images)
The photo above shows the site of Seattle Public Utilities Pump Station 38 in the 1400 block of Alki SW [map]. An overhaul is in the works next year, with an art installation as part of it:
That’s the initial concept by artist Sarah Thompson Moore, who’s been commissioned for the work. This flyer has details, explaining that the inspiration is an old topographic map of Alki.
Right now, SPU is looking for feedback on both the art concept and the project itself, which is currently being designed. The project website explains, “SPU will convert the current pump station from an airlift type station to a more standard pump station. This conversion will improve service reliability, improve system performance, and reduce maintenance requirements and costs.” According to this overview, construction is expected to start early next year and could last up to a year; SPU tells us the project is estimated at $1.2 million, with the art project coming in around $50,000. You can answer the feedback survey by going here, by next Friday (August 14).
(Blue-Eyed Darner dragonfly, photographed in West Seattle by Mark Wangerin)
Notes for the rest of today/tonight:
COVID-19 TESTING: Until 1 pm, weekly testing in the north lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).
NEW FOOD TRUCK SITE: Tat’s Truck has announced a move as of today:
We are now setting up at our commissary kitchen on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for lunch and dinner service. Plenty of parking and tables and chairs to eat onsite!
New location: 3808 18th Ave SW (off W Marginal under the bridge)
Dates: Every Fri-Sat-Sun 11:00 am – 6:30 pm unless scheduled elsewhere. Check website.
DEMONSTRATION: As announced:
Please join us to show support for Black and Brown friends, family, and neighbors, to #SayTheirNames, and to remember that people are encountering injustice every day. We welcome people to come and discuss why people support Black Lives Matter, and to discuss what defunding the police means and what it might look like.
What: BLM and #SayTheirNames
When: Friday, August 7th, from 5:30-6:30 pm
Where: Pedestrian overpass on Delridge at the Delridge Community Center/Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, south of Genesee St.
Please remember to wear your masks!
6:16 AM: It’s Friday, the 137th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.
ROAD WORK/CLOSURES
*As part of the RapidRide H Line project, SW Genesee will close between 25th and Delridge starting at 9 am today and continuing all weekend. Access east of Avalon will be “local only.” Metro Route 50 will be rerouted – here are the details.
*More West Seattle Junction road work tomorrow, repairing pavement on SW Alaska west of California.
*No 1st Ave. S. Bridge northbound closure tonight – that work is expected to resume Sunday night.
CHECK THE TRAFFIC BEFORE YOU GO
Here’s the 5-way intersection camera (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
Here’s the restricted-daytime-access (open to all 9 pm-5 am) low bridge:
The main detour route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) . Here’s that camera:
The other major bridge across the river is the South Park Bridge (map). Here’s that camera:
Going through South Park? Don’t speed.
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed for info about any of those bridges opening for marine traffic.
You can see all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.
TRANSIT
Metro – Still reduced service and distancing – details here.
Water Taxi – On its “winter” schedule, with the 773 and 775 shuttles – see the schedule here.
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
“This virus is still with us,” reminded the governor in a media briefing today, in case you’ve forgotten. Now, tonight’s toplines:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily-summary dashboard, the cumulative totals:
*16,138 people have tested positive, up 192 from yesterday
*663 people have died, up 6 from yesterday
*2,006 people have been hospitalized, up 14 from yesterday
*318,926 people have been tested, up 6,758 from yesterday
One week ago, those totals were 15,039/647/1,946/256,588.
ONE MORE LOCAL DEATH: 98136 has long been the only West Seattle zip code with just 1 reported COVID-19 death. Now, the county map shows a second.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them, county by county, on the state Department of Health page,.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 19 million cases worldwide, and the U.S. is at almost 4.9 million. See the nation-by-nation breakout here.
LONG-TERM-CARE FACILITIES: These were the focus of Gov. Inslee’s media briefing today; see it here. He announced a new plan for these facilities, including visitation rules – here’s the summary.
TESTING FRIDAY, NEW HOURS: The weekly South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) COVID-19 testing starts earlier as of tomorrow – 7 am to 1 pm Fridays.
NEED FOOD? 2-5 pm Friday, free boxes of food are available at Food Lifeline (815 S. 96th).
GOT PHOTOS/TIPS? 206-293-6302, text or voice, or westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
10:55 PM: We went to Alki to check on the extra police announced for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, starting tonight. They had a quiet, chilly night for their first run backing up Parks crews at the 9:30 pm closing time. We got there around 9:10, when the officers and Parks crews made a sweep to warn the few beachgoers on hand that closing time was approaching.
Though illegal beach fires have been a huge problem for weeks, none were in evidence when we got there. When 9:30 closing time arrived, the two vehicles headed eastbound:
Alki is officially closed. Almost no one here anyway. Sgt. tells us a couple fires were extinguished earlier. pic.twitter.com/wb45u0Oo1V
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) August 7, 2020
We also checked Don Armeni around 9:45, and officers were there too, with a congregation of cars that looked to be gearing up to leave. The extra officers are only slated to be on duty until 11; we’ll be listening to see what happens after that.
ADDED FRIDAY MORNING: Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Kevin Grossman says they’ve run into complications – interagency funding transfers apparently require City Council approval – and will “pause” the new patrol until that’s worked out. We’re following up on this with both council and Parks to see what’s being done about this and how soon.
11:38 AM: Councilmember Herbold’s office tells WSB they’re “looking into it.”
(WSB photos)
Above are artists Kay Kirkpatrick, Judith Camann, and Kelly Lyles, who – along with Monica Cavagnaro – have just unveiled Highland Park Improvement Club‘s first “outdoor sandwich-board art display.”
They describe “Drive By and Sign Hi” as a “Burma Shave Ad-inspired recycled creation … a multimedia, multicultural, multilingual piece created to amaze and amuse your WS Bridge Detour route drive.”
It’s on the north side of busier-than-ever SW Holden, right outside HPIC (between 11th and 12th SW), and expected to be up into September.
That’s West Seattle High School senior Jonah Elbaum, and if you listen to 88.5 KNKX between 8 and 9 pm tonight, you’ll hear him as a guest jazz DJ! His mom Mindy Elbaum explains, “His band director Ethan Thomas reached out asking if Jonah would be interested in hosting the monthly student DJ segment on KNKX School of Jazz with Abe Beeson. Typically students go in studio to record but because of the pandemic, Jonah recorded from his kitchen table!”
We’ve been reporting on the West Seattle Bridge T-shirt design contest, presented by the West Seattle Junction Association, which says almost 7,000 people voted, and has just announced the winners, from among 63 entries!
NOAH BELL-CRUZ
Greetings from Accidental Island
MIKE SHAUGHNESSY / BRADI JONES
Mind the Gap
REBECCA DAHLIN
So Close Yet So Far
Congratulations to all! You can pre-order yours – and/or see the list of Junction merchants where you’ll be able to buy them starting in about a month – by going here.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
No matter where you are on the topic of transforming public safety, you likely have been talking a lot about it lately.
And it dominated last night’s meeting of the District 1 Community Network (D1CN), with featured guests from the Seattle Police Department’s Southwest Precinct – new commander Capt. Kevin Grossman, new operations Lt. Sina Ebinger, and Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner.
D1CN is a coalition of West Seattle/South Park community-organization reps and other interested area residents; among the groups/organizations represented last night were the Seattle Emergency Communication Hubs, West Seattle Be Prepared, Pigeon Point Neighborhood Council, West Seattle Bike Connections, Morgan Community Association, West Seattle Transportation Coalition, South Park Neighborhood Association, West Seattle Timebank, Admiral Neighborhood Association, Duwamish Valley Safe Streets, VIEWS, Alki Community Council, and Fauntleroy Community Association.
POLICE SPOTLIGHT: Capt. Grossman spoke first, introducing himself and his priorities (see our June interview) – including gunfire (12 incidents in West Seattle in the past month, no injuries aside from the Alki shooting last Sunday, 28 year to date, up a bit from 24 at this point last year), auto thefts (Seattle is #22 in the nation); up a bit this year in West Seattle but overall crime and violent crime are both down more than 10 percent in our area, with the captain acknowledging COVID and the bridge closure play a role. Burglary is his other priority – he says there’s a current cluster in the Junction but overall they’re down 22 percent year to date.
After a three-month closure, Copper Coin (2329 California SW) has announced it’s reopening at 4 pm today. As heralded by posters on its windows during much of the closure, the restaurant has done some overhauling – declaring on its website that it “has been reimagined to fit our new environment,” including contact-free ordering for both takeout and dine-in (which includes outdoor seating). The restaurant also promises a “redesigned burger-focused menu (that) keeps us committed to exceptional quality ingredients while adding the versatility of a menu that can be enjoyed anywhere.” Hours are listed as Wednesdays-Sundays, 4 pm-8 pm.
If you see a seal on the beach – keep your distance, for their sake. David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network sent this report and photos after another rescue:
Seal Sitters MMSN responded Wednesday to the second orphaned harbor seal pup in the last 2 weeks. This thin pup was first reported in the morning on private property along Beach Drive SW. He returned to the water early in the afternoon and just after 5 PM, Seal Sitters’ Hotline received a call about a pup on Alki Beach at 55th Ave SW. Spot comparison photos confirmed that this was the same animal.
A perimeter was set up to keep people back and First Responders monitored the tiny pup while answering the many questions from folks out enjoying the sunny day. The pup stayed ashore only briefly, but returned to the beach around 7 PM. He was observed at that time to be very lethargic with tremors. Phone calls were placed to NOAA’s regional stranding coordinator to see what options were available to rescue the pup from this dangerous location and stabilize overnight. When the incoming tide began to roll the weakened pup in the surf, he was removed from the water by the Seal Sitters’ First Responder and placed above the high tide line. NOTE: Only authorized members of NOAA’s Marine Mammal Stranding Network are allowed to handle seal pups.
Casey Mclean, SR3 Executive Director and Veterinary Nurse, agreed to come for an evaluation and removal from the beach. The pup weighed 8 kg (17.6 lbs). His glucose level was very low, he was dehydrated and was suffering from hypothermia. A small umbilical stump was noted and age estimated at a week or so. Casey began some preliminary treatment including starting fluids. If this pup survives, it is hoped that he can be transferred to one of the scarce rehabilitation spots that are available.
Harbor seal birthing season is from late June through September in our area of Puget Sound. These pups would normally spend from 4-6 weeks nursing before having to face life on their own. About 50% don’t make it through their first year.
Seal Sitters would like to thank the individuals who reported this struggling animal to our Hotline. We have had to adjust some of our normal procedures because of the COVID-19 restrictions, but will be doing our best to respond to your calls.
Based on the urban location, it is highly likely this newborn seal was abandoned due to human activity. Always stay back when you see a seal pup on the beach and call Seal Sitters’ Hotline at 206-905-7325 (SEAL).
Here’s the report on last month’s rescue.
Thanks to Kersti Muul for the report – transient orcas are southbound off Eagle Harbor (Bainbridge Island), “more east in the channel.” Let us know if you see them!
Two West Seattle Junction notes today:
EX-JAN’S BEAUTY SUPPLY: We received email from the firm that manages 4517 California SW – where Jan’s Beauty Supply closed last summer after 36 years – saying the space has a tenant. “The owners have taken their time on this vacancy to find the right tenant. We are pleased to let you know we have signed up a new tenant for that space that we all hope will be there for many years to come. It is an electric bike shop and they plan to open on October 1. The store is not revealing its name quite yet.” (We haven’t yet found anything in public records hinting at it, either.) ADDED: As noted in a comment, the storefront has signage up saying it’s the new home of Seattle E-Bike.
ANOTHER SPACE FOR RENT: Thanks to everyone who emailed about the note posted in the window at 4310 SW Oregon, saying the Christian Science Reading Room there is closed as of last Friday. A sign has since gone up saying the space is up for rent.
10:08 AM: At City Hall right now, three city councilmembers, including West Seattle/South Park’s Lisa Herbold, are holding a news conference explaining the police-budget plan. The council’s president, Lorena González, is speaking first. “We as a council are unified” and want to talk with the mayor and chief, she says, adding that she’s sent a letter offering chances to meet with them.
10:15 AM: Herbold speaks now. “Reimagining” does in fact begin with ideas that “may not at first seem realistic,” she contends. She talks about the importance of activists’ and advocates’ involvement. The goal is to “reduce the footprint of armed police officers'” response to calls, she says, noting that 56 percent of 911 calls are of types that could be handled in other ways. She and González both renewed their call for SPD to cut positions “out of order” rather than the standard “last hired, first fired.”
10:21 AM: Councilmember Tammy Morales, saying her district is home to people who are “overpoliced,” is speaking now. “The mayor and police chief have sought to undermine our credibility,” she declares. Like the other two, she also emphasizes that the public-safety reinvention is part of something going on nationwide – a “racial reckoning … (which) is here and we can’t let it slip away without dramatic, impactful change, even if it makes us uncomfortable. … This council is working hard to restructure community safety … We invite the mayor to walk alongside us, or step out of the way.”
10:31 AM: They’re in Q&A now. One question involves what will be done about homelessness response with the plan to eliminate the Navigation Team. Organizations that are already working in social services will do the work – with increased outreach – they reply, while adding that other programs such as other departments’ trash collection will not be affected.”The Navigation Team … has a dismal success rate … in comparison to our third-party providers,” González says.
11:17 AM: The briefing has ended. We’ll substitute the archived video above when it’s available.
12:27 PM: You can now see that video above or here. Meantime, SPD has announced that it “will be launching a Re-envisioning Public Safety website, outlining what SPD is doing to engage the community and working toward change,” with a media event at 2:30 this afternoon.
(Rendering from Ankrom Moisan)
The Southwest Design Review Board‘s first online meeting happens at 4 pm today, earlier than previously announced, but the agenda is the same – the 7-story, 277-unit mixed-use project proposed for 4406 36th SW, one of two buildings comprising the Sweeney family’s first proposal for their West Seattle Triangle holdings, including the site of their legacy business, Alki Lumber. (The other building, 4440 Fauntleroy Way SW, will be reviewed at 4 pm August 20th.) Information on how to watch/listen to today’s meeting is here – registration required – along with information on how to comment on the project. The design packet for today’s meeting is here; our recent preview is here.
| 54 COMMENTS