West Seattle, Washington
26 Thursday
While air pollution is on everyone’s minds, remember that while some causes – like the wildfire smoke – are very visible yet very temporary, there are other ongoing, often hard-to-see sources. This weekend there’s an update on an ongoing air- and water-quality situation along the Duwamish River – involving one of the many industrial sites along the waterfront, Seattle Iron & Metals in Georgetown. Puget Soundkeeper sent this update:
Puget Soundkeeper (Soundkeeper) and Seattle Iron & Metals Corp. (SIMC) filed an amended consent decree in the US District Court after SIMC failed to meet pollution-control deadlines established in an initial settlement filed last year.
To protect the health and welfare of Duwamish Valley residents impacted by air and water pollution from SIMC’s operations, Soundkeeper and SIMC negotiated a new agreement which requires SIMC to pay an additional $90,000 to community organizations to fund local restoration and pollution mitigation work. This payment is in addition to the $200,000 SIMC was required to pay under the original consent decree.
“It is important that Seattle Iron and Metals be held accountable for its commitments to control its pollution,” said Josh Osborne-Klein, Puget Soundkeeper Interim Staff Attorney. “For far too long, this facility has been contributing to the disproportionate environmental burden carried by Duwamish Valley residents.”
“Especially today, given the unacceptable levels of air quality in the Duwamish Valley, we are grateful that our Coalition member, Puget Soundkeeper, has ensured that penalties will be placed on Seattle Iron and Metals,” said Robin Schwartz, South Park resident and Advocacy Manager for the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition. “Our community, and especially our youth and children, deserve healthy air to breathe. Going forward, it is our hope that SIMC meets its air pollution control deadlines as required, and that people living in the Valley can coexist healthfully with industry.”
While SIMC completed some of the water pollution control measures required in the initial agreement, SIMC failed to apply for permits for the air pollution control equipment needed to decrease its pollution discharges by December 2018. This failure resulted in significant delays in installing the required air pollution control equipment.
Permitting for the new air pollution control equipment is already underway, but is anticipated to take several months to complete. The new agreement imposes the following deadlines for completion of the air pollution controls, tied to the date of permit issuance:
o Trommel enclosure: Within 21 weeks of permit issuance. Estimated completion in April 2021.
o Wind fences: Within 23 weeks of permit issuance. Estimated completion in November 2021.
o Shredder enclosure: Within 63 weeks of permit issuance. Estimated completion in August 2022.
The new agreement also includes significant penalties against SIMC if it fails to comply with the new deadlines.
In addition, the amended consent decree prohibits SIMC from operating its shredder equipment – a major source of air pollution – on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and federal holidays during the dry season until the new air pollution control equipment is operational. SIMC is also obligated to perform continuous dust emissions monitoring under the direction of an air pollution expert for two additional years after the air pollution controls are operational to determine their effectiveness, and take additional corrective actions if the expert determines the controls are not effective in reducing dust concentrations.
The new agreement requires SIMC to continue stormwater monitoring and maintain stormwater treatment facilities implemented under the original consent decree. Other requirements in the original consent decree are still in force. See prior press release for summary.
Immediate and expansive improvements are needed as local residents continue to be disproportionately affected by the pollution from SIMC’s facility, compounded by the impacts of the West Seattle Bridge closure and the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2013 report that examined a range of disproportionate health exposures and impacts affecting people in the Duwamish Valley revealed that the 98108 zip code (where SIMC is located) has some of the worst air quality in the region. Driven by community health concerns, the initial settlement required dust controls intended to reduce the disproportionate burden on residents who rightfully deserve a clean and healthy living space.
The Duwamish River also supports significant wildlife populations, including endangered Chinook salmon.
For backstory, go here – that’s our report from early last year on a community briefing about the settlement.
Two reader reports:
ROCK INCIDENT: We got multiple reports from Gatewood about someone in a car throwing a rock at a letter carrier on Saturday, as shown toward the end of the short video above, sent by Keith. One of the other witnesses, Carter, reported retrieving the rock afterward and saying it “could have done major damage.” So far as we know, the letter carrier was not hurt.
ABANDONED MOTORCYCLE: We’ve received word of two sightings in the past three days of this motorcycle near Longfellow Creek, which suggests it’s been dumped there:
That photo is from Jeff; there’s a plate on the motorcycle, starting with 2E. We’ve already checked with the person who emailed about a similar motorcycle stolen in Top Hat recently; not theirs. Police also have been notified.
Three Port of Seattle notes:
PARK NAMES: After the month-long name-nominating process for its parks on the Duwamish River, the port plans an online event at noon Tuesday (September 15th) to announce the three finalists for each park, and what happens next. Here’s how to watch/listen.
HOW TO REPORT A PARK PROBLEM: Bob recently emailed a photo of extensive tagging at a Jack Block Park restroom building. We checked with the port regarding how to report something like that. Spokesperson Peter McGraw says using the contact form on this webpage is best for vandalism/trash.
MORE CRANES TO BE MOVED: As previously reported, three cranes were recently moved from West Seattle’s Terminal 5 to Tacoma (one on August 26th, two on September 5th). If you’re on the north-facing West Seattle shore, you might see two more cranes go by late in the week – two are being removed from T-46 downtown, to be scrapped. McGraw gave us this schedule:
9/14: Monday…barge arrives and will build temporary rails for transporting the cranes on the barge.
9/16: Wednesday…load first crane on to barge
9/17: Thursday…load second crane into barge
9/18: Friday…barge to sail.
(Not sure where T-46 is? See a port map here.)
(WSB photo)
12:28 PM: Just dispatched: Seattle Fire rescue-extrication response for a crash at 32hd/Trenton [map]. Two vehicles are reported to be involved, one flipped with a person trapped inside. Police are already there and say the trapped passenger is conscious. Updates to come.
12:34 PM: SFD says the trapped passenger has been extricated.
12:43 PM: Photo added. No serious injuries reported so far. Police say they are investigating whether this might be the result of one of the drivers running through a stop sign.
Two weeks into the school year, Seattle Lutheran High School on the north edge of The Junction will be welcoming some of its students back on campus starting tomorrow. From SLHS executive director Dave Meyer:
We are one of very few high schools in the state that are beginning in-building classes. The only independent high school in West Seattle is beginning in-person instruction on Monday, Sept. 14. Our students will be in person on Monday (Sept. 14) and Tuesday (Sept. 15) and then working toward an in-person schedule for 4 days a week.
With our unique size, this is possible, and our families also have the option to stay virtual because each family has a unique story.
Monday (Sept. 14) and Tuesday (Sept. 15)
Arrival times:
Freshmen/Sophomores – 8:15 am-8:30 am
Juniors/ Seniors – 8:30 am-8:45 am
Classes begin at 8:45 am
SLHS has ~130 students.
(Saturday photo by Tami Lenzie)
Another smoky day – with the air-quality alert still in effect – but relief is on the way sometime tomorrow, they say. Meantime, here’s our Sunday list, starting with West Seattle church services (mostly online, with a few in-person additions):
ADMIRAL UCC: The worship service for today is here.
ALKI UCC: 10 am online service via Zoom – info and link on church’s home page.
ALL SOULS SEATTLE: Updated worship info is here – today is a drive-thru “Communion Sunday.”
BETHANY COMMUNITY CHURCH: Livestreaming for West Seattle here at 9:30 am.
CALVARY CHAPEL: Today’s service audio is here, plus 10 am in-person service, 6 pm online all-church prayer and 7 pm online evening worship (info on home page).
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS: West Seattle Ward has Sunday services via Zoom at 10 am, one hour long, all welcome. They last an hour. Here’s the link.
EASTRIDGE CHURCH: Livestreaming here at 9 am and 11 am.
FAUNTLEROY UCC: Service will be streamed at 10 am on the church’s YouTube channel.
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH OF WEST SEATTLE: Today’s online liturgy is here.
GRACE CHURCH: Livestreaming here, 10:30 am.
HALLOWS CHURCH: Streaming at 10 am via the church’s YouTube channel.
HOLY ROSARY CATHOLIC CHURCH: Livestreaming at 8:30 am and 10:30 am here. Also, “in-person” attendance by pre-registration for both those Sunday Masses (as well as 5 pm Saturdays); preregister here.
HOPE LUTHERAN: Today’s worship service and children’s story are viewable here.
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH: Livestreaming at 10 am, here. (To attend in-person Saturday Masses, register here.)
PEACE LUTHERAN: Livestreaming at 10:30 am on YouTube.
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH: 9 am, first parking-lot service in church/school lots – decorate your vehicle – bulletin is here, with info including the radio frequency. ONLINE: 10 am Kidz Club, 11:15 am Worship from the Sanctuary, both via YouTube (that bulletin is here).
TIBBETTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (WSB sponsor): The video service for today is here.
TRINITY CHURCH: Livestreaming here, 10 am. (In-person services too; registration required.)
WEST SEATTLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH: The video service for today is viewable here.
WEST SEATTLE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE: Livestreaming here, 11 am.
WEST SIDE PRESBYTERIAN Livestreaming at 10 am on the church’s YouTube channel. (In-person prayer services during the week start Tuesday – info here.)
WESTSIDE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION: Livestreaming at 10:30 am – information on today’s service is here.
WESTWOOD CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY: Online (and in-person) worship at 11 am; info here.
Any other churches to add? Please email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Also today/tonight (subject to last-minute change, but this is what we know as of early today):
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Yes, the market says it’s ON despite the smoke. (And did you know they recently got approval to increase the capacity a bit, meaning less waiting in line?) 10 am-2 pm. Scroll down the page at this link to find the vendor list and map for this week. (Enter at California/Alaska)
DONATION DRIVE: 10 am-3 pm Sunday outside Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds):
Starting this month, Alki UCC is inviting our generous neighbors to bring donations of school supplies and men’s casual/work clothing as well as non-perishable food.
We’re accepting all school supplies for all grades on behalf of one or more local schools to be distributed when students are back at in-person learning. Suggestions include backpacks, #2 pencils, black and blue ink pens, crayons, lined paper, glue, small scissors, colored pens, writing notebooks and colored paper.
Donations of clean, new or used men’s casual/work clothing are distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network’s hot lunch program for people experiencing homelessness, The Welcome Table. There is a constant and growing demand for denim apparel, khaki’s, hoodies, tee shirts, sweatshirts, clean underwear, socks, shoes and all kinds of outerwear for the fall and winter. Please … NO dress shirts, sport coats or suits.
Food donations are distributed through the White Center Food Bank. All contributions benefit our vulnerable neighbors in need.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 11 am-4 pm – need a tool to fix or improve something? (4408 Delridge Way SW)
(added) CAMP SECOND CHANCE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: 2 pm online. If you have questions or concerns about West Seattle’s only city-sanctioned tiny-house encampment, or if you want to hear updates firsthand, be there. Link here; password 9701; access code 858 5523 4269; or, call 253-215-8782.
FREE TO-GO DINNER: White Center Community Dinner Church will serve to-go meals at 5 pm, outside, near the Bartell Drugs parking lot in White Center, SW Roxbury St. & 15th Ave. SW (9600 15th Ave SW)
CLOSURES/CHANGES: West Seattle Nursery planned to be closed today. Marination ma kai‘s outdoor seating is closed. (added) Second Gear Sports is closed again today: “We are remaining closed today, Sunday, due to continued air quality and the inability for customers to safely be outside our store while waiting for reduction in occupancy.” Their anniversary sale will be extended into next week.
Any other closures or changes? Let us know – text 206-293-6302 – thank you!
In the middle of a weekend with two big reasons to stay home, here are tonight’s virus-crisis notes:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: Here are the cumulative totals from Public Health‘s daily-summary dashboard:
*20,800 people have tested positive, 101 more than yesterday
*743 people have died, unchanged from yesterday
*2,294 people have been hospitalized, unchanged from yesterday
*396,731 people have been tested, 7,272 more than yesterday
One week ago, those totals were 20,165/734/2,259/379,793.
WEST SEATTLE TREND: Here’s our weekly check of this stat, with numbers accessible in two-week increments via the “geography over time” tab on the daily-summary dashboard, checking the West Seattle and Delridge “health reporting areas.” In the past 2 weeks, 41 positive test results were reported; 43 in the 2 weeks before that; 62 in the two weeks before that.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 28.7 million people have tested positive, and more than 920,000 have died. Most cases: U.S., India, Brazil, Russia, Peru (India has moved up to #2 in the past week). See the breakdown, nation by nation, here.
DONATION DRIVE TOMORROW: 10 am-3 pm Sunday outside Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds):
Starting this month, Alki UCC is inviting our generous neighbors to bring donations of school supplies and men’s casual/work clothing as well as non-perishable food.
We’re accepting all school supplies for all grades on behalf of one or more local schools to be distributed when students are back at in-person learning. Suggestions include backpacks, #2 pencils, black and blue ink pens, crayons, lined paper, glue, small scissors, colored pens, writing notebooks and colored paper.
Donations of clean, new or used men’s casual/work clothing are distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network’s hot lunch program for people experiencing homelessness, The Welcome Table. There is a constant and growing demand for denim apparel, khaki’s, hoodies, tee shirts, sweatshirts, clean underwear, socks, shoes and all kinds of outerwear for the fall and winter. Please … NO dress shirts, sport coats or suits.
Food donations are distributed through the White Center Food Bank. All contributions benefit our vulnerable neighbors in need.
FIRST DRIVE-IN CHURCH SERVICE TOMORROW: Despite the smoke, St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church plans to go ahead with what so far as we know will be West Seattle’s first COVID-era drive-in church service, 9 am tomorrow.
GOT SOMETHING TO REPORT? westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302, text/voice – thank you!
It’s a night for notes. We have three from the West Seattle food world:
SKYLARK @ THRIFTWAY: The Skylark in North Delridge is one of the restaurants that’s also been selling “provisions.” And now it’s branched out beyond its own premises. You can get The Skylark’s smoked meats at West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor) – bacon in the store’s Meat & Seafood Department, smoked chicken and porkstrami in the Morgan St. Grill (deli). You can, of course, also still dine in (patio too) at, or take out/get delivery from Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
IL NIDO: The instant-legend restaurant at the Alki Homestead (2717 61st SW) closed in mid-summer after pursuing the provisions/market model for a while. Now it’s planning to reopen, dine-in only, September 22nd. Seattle Met‘s Allecia Vermillion broke the story.
ELLIOTT BAY BREWING: Though you probably won’t want to use it until early next week, EBB in The Junction now has an outdoor seating area!
(Photo via @westseattlejunction on Instagram)
#1 – The one-week-delayed (because of the holiday) Camp Second Chance Community Advisory Committee meeting is tomorrow (Sunday, September 13th), 2 pm, online. If you have questions or concerns about West Seattle’s only city-sanctioned tiny-house encampment, or if you want to hear updates firsthand, be there. Link here; password 9701; access code 858 5523 4269; or, call 253-215-8782.
#2 – No West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting this month, says WSCPC president Richard Miller, because precinct leaders are unavailable. (The meeting otherwise would be this Tuesday; instead, next meeting is October 20th.)
Thanks to Brenda for sending this:
With all the smoke and people staying inside today, I wanted to share another online event that is happening this evening. The Ethiopian Community in Seattle is having a virtual event tonight to replace their annual gala. Yesterday was Ethiopian New Year; Ethiopians follow the Coptic calendar, which is 7 years behind the Julian calendar, making it the year 2013.
There will be entertainment, and admission to the event is free. We have a sizable Ethiopian population in West Seattle so wanted to pass this along.
The event link is here. If you choose to donate, you can do that here.
Our toplines from the Fauntleroy Community Association‘s monthly meeting this past Tuesday:
BRIDGE DETOUR TRAFFIC: The SW Barton route to/from the Fauntleroy ferry dock is a lot busier since the West Seattle Bridge closed almost six months ago. The FCA is working on a letter to City Councilmember Lisa Herbold and SDOT‘s bridge-project leader Heather Marx, asking them to come take a look in person and see what can be done about it. The group is also collecting photos and video to show the problem.
FERRY WATCH: No major news, but anecdotally, long lines are making a comeback in Fauntleroy, though Washington State Ferries says traffic is still off a third from this time last year.
POLICE: Operations Lt. Sina Ebinger from the Southwest Precinct said one of the crime trends they’re keeping a close watch on is gunfire, with several reports in West Seattle so far this month. Regarding the department-wide shift of 100 officers to patrol, she said the SWP will likely lose its Community Police Team members in the redeployment, so the long-running projects/issues they’ve been working on will have to be rethought.
ON THE MOVE: FCA tracks new community arrivals and says 100+ people have moved into Fauntleroy this past quarter.
The Fauntleroy Community Association board meets second Tuesdays, 7 pm; community members are welcome – watch fauntleroy.net for info. And check out the newest quarterly “Neighbors” newsletter!
On a day when you might be looking for diversion … how about some history? Local preservationist/entrepreneur John Bennett texted us that photo, saying he just bought this at an estate sale. So far, we’ve found a bit of information about Helen’s Hol’N One Donuts – while this says 4454 California SW, the city lists the building as 4452 California SW – most recently a real-estate office. The building dates to 1956; this site says the donut shop was there 1957-1960, with proprietor Helen Allen then operating Helen’s Fine Foods with husband Earl.
Young writer(s) in the house? Need college money? This year’s VFW essay competition – three categories, for 3rd graders through high-school seniors – might be of interest:
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2713 in West Seattle announces this year’s VFW essay contests:
Voice of Democracy scholarship competition: Students in grades 9-12 must write and record an essay on “Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?” Each state first-place winner receives a four-day trip to Washington, D.C., and the chance for their share in scholarships. The first-place national winner receives a $30,000 college scholarship. Local Post 2713 awards: $500 – 1st place; $400 – 2nd place; $250 – 3rd place.
Patriot’s Pen is for grades 6-8. The national first-place winner wins $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. The essay theme is: “What Is Patriotism to Me?” Local Post 2713 awards: $150 – 1st place; $100 – 2nd place; $75 – 3rd place.
Both programs are approved by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
Also: A VFW Washington State Department competition for students in Grades 3-5. The theme is: “Why Should We Honor Veterans?” Local Post 2713 awards: $100 – 1st place; $75 – 2nd place; $50 – 3rd place.
This program is completely voluntary; a student (including homeschooled) does not have to go through their school to participate. Interested students and teachers should contact Bill Dwyer, wcajmg@gmail.com, telephone (206) 419-3998 after 5 pm, or Ben Skwiercz, bens@halcyon.com, telephone (425) 941-4651.
Local Post winners compete at the District level in December, and District winners advance to the state.
All entries must be in to Farwell Roosevelt VFW Post 2713 by Oct. 31, 2020 at 3601 SW Alaska Street, Seattle, WA 98126.
Also note that you can get entry forms and rules by following the links above, or find information/links for all three categories here.
Just got word of one more online event today with West Seattle involvement: The first of two days for the Northwest Green Home Tour, all online this year. It’s continuing until 1 pm today, showcasing both new houses and remodels, and again 9 am-1 pm tomorrow. Word comes from WSB sponsor West Seattle Realty, which is presenting one of today’s “stops,” the Tsuga Townhome project. Ticket options (including a free pass for the hours the tour is “live”) are here.
(Friday sunset photo by Crystal C.)
The air-quality alert remains in effect – with wildfire smoke still lingering, “unhealthy to locally hazardous air quality conditions will persist into Saturday,” warns the National Weather Service. We have a few reminders for today, starting with what’s being affected by the smoke.
(Looking toward downtown from Jack Block Park – photo by David Hutchinson)
Seattle city parks, playfields, boat ramps, beaches, and golf courses are all closed through the weekend, as announced Friday. Also, Seattle Public Library curbside service is canceled again today – if you had an appointment, it’ll be rescheduled.
(6:15 pm Friday from Alki Avenue – photo by John Saalwaechter)
You’re advised to stay indoors as much as you can. But if you choose to go out, two local small businesses are having anniversary sales today:
(6:30 pm from Fauntlee Hills – photo by Michael Burke)
PAPER BOAT BOOKSELLERS: Celebrating anniversary #1; today, 10 percent off your book purchase. (6040 California SW)
(10:21 am update – SGS is closing today because of the smoke and will extend the sale into the week depending on whether they’re open or closed tomorrow) SECOND GEAR SPORTS: Celebrating anniversary #7 with a sale through Monday. (6529 California SW)
(Luna/Anchor Park area – photo by Jan Pendergrass)
Looking for entertainment?
LIVE THEATER TONIGHT: As previewed here earlier this week, “Everyone Wants to Love Your Beating Heart,” directed by West Seattleite Kelly McMahon,is live online at 7 pm – get your ticket here.
(From Sunset Avenue – photo by Greg Snyder)
SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES: Today, 6:43 am and 7:26 pm.
(Photo by Chris Frankovich)
ADDED 10:21 AM: The Vietnamese Cultural Center is closed today because of the smoke.
ADDED 2:53 PM: As noted by a commenter, West Seattle Nursery is also closed today.
28 weeks ago tonight, King County announced its first case of COVID-19. Here’s what’s new:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily summary:
*20,699 people have tested positive, 259 more than yesterday
*743 people have died, 2 more than yesterday
*2,294 people have been hospitalized, 11 more than yesterday
*389,459 people have been tested, 2,521 more than yesterday
One week ago, those totals were 20,073/732/2,249/376,642.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 28.3 million cases, 913,000+ deaths – see the nation-by-nation numbers here.
STATEWIDE SITUATION REPORT: Some good big-picture news in this report released by the state today:
Today the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released the latest statewide situation report, which reflects an overall decline in COVID-19 activity as of late August. The report also highlights encouraging signs that keeping our distance, limiting gathering size and wearing face coverings are working to slow the spread of the disease.
Report findings include:
The reproductive number (how many new people each COVID-19 patient will infect) was close to one in western Washington and above one in eastern Washington as of August 28. The best estimate of the reproductive number at that time was 0.86 in western Washington and 1.22 in eastern Washington. The goal is a number well below one, which would mean COVID-19 transmission is declining.
We’re seeing decreases in case counts in both eastern and western Washington since the start of August. These decreases are occurring across all age groups. We are starting to see similar trends in hospitalizations and deaths, which take longer to reflect changing levels of disease activity than case counts.
Whitman County is a notable exception, with a sharp spike in cases starting August 19. While many of these cases are linked to an outbreak among young adults, we may see a repeat of previous patterns where increased disease activity among younger populations starts to spread into older and more vulnerable groups.Patterns of decline look different from county to county. The report compares these trends in Yakima county, which has seen steady declines since a peak in early June; Benton and Franklin counties, where initial declines after similar outbreaks have plateaued and transmission may be increasing; and King County, where cases have been decreasing steadily since early July.
People are interacting more safely than we were earlier in the pandemic, and it’s making a difference. The report includes a model that isolates the effect of mobility changes from non-mobility related changes on COVID-19 transmission. The comparison suggests that while we are more mobile than we were in April, we are interacting more safely—taking precautions like wearing face coverings, restricting gathering size and keeping high-risk environments closed. We must continue these precautions to keep transmission decreasing.
Read the full report here.
TESTING: If you need it, remember that the city’s new West Seattle site (2801 SW Thistle, at the south end of the Southwest Athletic Complex lot) is open Saturdays too. Find the appointment link on this page.
HELPING: Volunteers at the Greater Seattle Filipino Seventh-day Adventist Church spent their morning handing out free boxes of food:
GOT INFO OR PHOTOS? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302 – thank you!
(SDOT photo)
As noted in our morning traffic report, the Admiral Way sinkhole is now filled. SDOT had said that crews were doing exploratory work first to see if they could find the cause. So, did they? We followed up today, and here’s what SDOT’s Kari Tupper responded:
Our crews restored two utility cuts and repaired the void (sinkhole) in the 5300 block of SW Admiral Way this week. Several teams of SDOT staff and Seattle Public Utilities coordinated efforts to make this happen relatively quickly. We have completed the paving.
We were not able to pinpoint the source (cause) of the void during our work. These issues can be difficult to diagnose. Crews ran a CCTV camera through pipes and also did other diagnostic tests of water and sewer lines but did not find any water leaks or structural issues with the pipes at this time. It’s possible that groundwater is the source of the issue at this site. We may continue to perform additional testing and/or work at the site in the future and will keep you posted.
We first reported on the sinkhole more than two weeks ago; SDOT covered it temporarily with a steel plate while planning further exploration/repairs. It’s not the first one in that area.
(Sue Lindblom of Illusions Hair Design and Deena Knapton, Staples manager, with some of the donated supplies)
Thanks to everyone who helped out with this year’s Pencil Me In For Kids school-supply drive! Tonight, a report on its community-powered success:
As school started, Pencil Me In For Kids (PMIFK) swung into action. Members of the Rotary Club of West Seattle delivered boxes and boxes of pencils, markers, colored pencils and other basic supplies to six West Seattle elementary schools this week.
Monies for the purchase of the materials came from numerous sources including the Rotary Club of West Seattle. Individuals made donations via Fauntleroy Church and Illusions Hair Design.
Staples of Westwood Village accepted donations of items at their store for the last several months and offered at cost prices to PMIFK. This allowed PMIFK to purchase items valued at almost $10,000 for less than $4,000. Staples has been an active partner for several years.
PMIFK was started in 1994 by Sue Lindblom of Illusions Hair Design. The founding concept was that grade school is the time to build self-esteem and that it’s important to fit. Hence the organization provides supplies for at-need children. Learn more about PMIFK here.
As we reported a month ago, an online donation fund was part of PMIFK this year too.
6:30 PM: Thanks for the tips. Some residents near 35th/Avalon are out of power; the Seattle City Light outage map notes “bird/animal” and indeed, one person who messaged us said a bird flew into a wire. The map says three customers are affected, though an entire building/business can count as one customer, so there may be a higher number of people affected. The traffic signal at 35th/Avalon was working when we went through shortly after it happened, so no trouble on that front.
8:44 PM: The outage is now mapped as affecting 66 customers.
As previously mentioned, it’s a new format for this year’s Taste of West Seattle – the first since previous beneficiary West Seattle Helpline merged with the West Seattle Food Bank – instead of one event, it’s five days of special menu items at participating food and drink establishments! The latest list of participants is in this update from WSFB:
Enjoy food and drink from your favorite local participating establishments September 20th-24th and support your neighbors!
Presented by Metropolitan Market, the 2020 Taste of West Seattle will have participating eateries and drinkeries donating a percentage of sales of special Taste Menu items back to the West Seattle Food Bank to support our neighbors. From Sunday, September 20th to Thursday, September 24th you can dine in or get takeout and enjoy delicious food and drink from some of West Seattle’s favorite spots!
Eat, drink, support local, and have fun! All participating eateries will be listed on a Taste Passport (available at participating eateries). The more stamps you get on your Passport by ordering from participating businesses, the more drawings you are entered to win. After the Taste of West Seattle ends, mail your Passport to the West Seattle Food Bank or drop it off at participating eateries by October 16th to be entered to win. The grand prize is a pair of round-trip tickets on Alaska Airlines!
The Taste of West Seattle has always been about bringing neighbors together, promoting local eateries and drinkeries, and strengthening our wonderful West Seattle community. Now, more than ever, we see the importance of coming together (safely) to support each other.
We hope you join us for the Taste of West Seattle!
Deliciousness Provided by:
Baked.
Bakery Nouveau
Be’s Restaurant
Best of Hands Barrelhouse
Capitol Cider
C & P Coffee Company
Easy Street Records & Cafe
Elliott Bay Brewing Co.
Grillbird Teriyaki
Husky Deli
Indu!ge Desserts LLC
Itto’s Tapas
Lady Jaye
Ma’ono
Mission Cantina
Nos Nos Coffee House
Ounces Taproom & Beer Garden
Pecos Pit Bar-B-Que
Peel & Press
Pot Pie Factory, Inc.
Talarico’s Pizzeria
The Bridge
The Good Society Brewery & Public House
The Westy
Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering and Events
West 5
West Seattle Cellars
…and more!
Not only does WSFB keep neighbors in need from going hungry, it also does the work the Helpline used to do, including emergency assistance to keep people from becoming homeless. If you can’t participate in the Taste (which is co-sponsored by WSB), you can help WSFB by going here.
Three incidents to report:
ARSON INVESTIGATION: This is happening right now at California/Charlestown; SFD has been investigating, and police have just been dispatched. A worker from a nearby business texted this moments before we hard that dispatch:
Fire call in alley between California and 44th off Charlestown. Someone lit the fence on fire. The fire was started with a beer bottle and paper then put it on the fence. Our front desk staff ran out there w the fire extinguisher to help put it out. Description of person who lit the fire in case you see her… Heavy female with green jacket and shorts – 5 ft 1-3 in and 150-175 lbs
Call 911 if you have any information.
GARAGE BREAK-IN: From Brandon: “The garage at The Verge Condos on Harbor Ave SW was broken into. Someone went into the storage area with an electric or gas-powered metal cutter. Sliced through the main lock and then went one by one cutting through each of the storage units. And then a window was broken out of a car in garage.”
(added 3:09 pm) CAR PROWL: From Iris:
Reporting a car prowler on the 8400 block of 17th Ave SW around 11:30 PM Sep 9, 2020
A woman with a ponytail opens our car door. Prior to doing that she calls out “Jessie” to her companion.
Nothing of extreme value was taken, thankfully.
As the Delridge project to pave the way for RapidRide H Line – launching this time next year – continues, here’s what’s ahead. SDOT‘s project staff says these are the highlights for the next week:
On Monday, September 14 we are returning to the Longfellow Creek Green Space neighborhood near 24th Ave SW/SW Graham St to complete some utility work. This will cause some temporary access restrictions to the neighborhood for approximately one week.
On Monday and Tuesday, we will be working overnight with Seattle Public Utilities at SW Brandon St and Delridge Way SW to complete some pipe work. Night work will occur on both nights and working hours are between 7 PM and 6 AM.
We have an upcoming major roadway closure at SW Oregon St and Delridge Way SW. Beginning as early as the morning of Friday, September 18 we will be closing SW Oregon St to thru-traffic for the weekend. People wishing to access Delridge Way SW from Pigeon Point will need to detour to SW Andover St via 21st Ave SW.
This closure is also scheduled to occur the following weekend between Friday, September 25 and Monday, September 28
This work is weather-dependent and may change.
Those are just the highlights – here’s the full list of what’s planned in the week ahead.
(Photo by Ann Adachi, who says that’s usually a view of downtown, from near Admiral Way Viewpoint)
As smoky as it is now, authorities warn it’s going to get worse; Notes so far today:
HEALTH WARNING: Just in from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency:
Heavy smoke from Oregon has entered our region making air quality UNHEALTHY. Air quality may continue to worsen to VERY UNHEALTHY by Friday afternoon. We expect UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS to UNHEALTHY air this weekend into early next week. We will continue to update as conditions change.
Fire marshals in our four-county area of King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties have issued fire safety burn bans prohibiting outdoor burning including recreational fires.
Current air quality conditions are UNHEALTHY for everyone, but may reach VERY UNHEALTHY for everyone by this afternoon.
While air quality is UNHEALTHY, everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. If air quality reaches VERY UNHEALTHY, everyone may experience more serious health effects.
Right now, everyone should take precautions, especially infants, children, and people over 65, or those that are pregnant, have heart or lung diseases (such as asthma or COPD), respiratory infections, diabetes, stroke survivors, and those suffering from COVID-19.
City and county officials are having a news conference at 11:30 am; we’ll report separately on anything that emerges.
11:41 AM UPDATE: Mayor Durkan has just announced that all parks, playfields, boat ramps, and beaches are closed until Sunday, and urges everyone to stay indoors.
12:13 PM: Golf courses too.
Mayor Durkan has closed all Seattle parks, boat ramps, athletic fields, public golf courses & beaches through end of Sunday 9/13 due to unhealthy air quality from wildfire smoke. Normal reopening times on Monday morning are expected, unless air quality takes a turn for the worse.
— Seattle Parks (@SeattleParks) September 11, 2020
For people experiencing homelessness, one additional shelter is opening, in SODO, with capacity for 77 people, starting at 3 pm. (1045 6th Ave. S.)
1:16 PM: Here’s the news release with details of what was discussed in the briefing.
(Back to original post) Cancellations so far because of the air quality:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE COVID-19 TESTING: The Friday testing was canceled for today.
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY CURBSIDE SERVICE: This has been canceled for today.
(added 3:04 pm) DELRIDGE BLM VIGIL: The weekly vigil on the Delridge/Oregon overpass is canceled. Organizer Nancy emailed, “It’s with a heavy heart I’m writing to cancel this week’s vigil because of the extremely poor air quality due to smoke.”
Any other cancellations or changes, today or through the weekend, please let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!
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