West Seattle, Washington
01 Tuesday
Announced today by the city – enforcement of the 72-hour parking rule will resume in a week. The announcement says the first priority will be to clear “unoccupied hazardous vehicles that may have been abandoned over the past 19 months.” As for vehicles being used as residences:
Parking enforcement at SDOT will not impound a vehicle with someone living in it unless it poses a specific risk to public health such as inadequate sanitation causing a direct risk of illness or injury, inadequate protection leaving the occupants exposed to the weather, or other environmental, fire, health and safety hazards.
So what might that mean to longrunning RV encampments like the one alongside the Nucor Steel plant on SW Andover?
(WSB photo, this morning)
This week, Nucor management sent us a statement from vice president/general manager Matthew Lyons, expressing frustration with the situation. Here’s what he wrote:
The West Seattle neighborhood where Nucor Steel is located, like countless neighborhoods across the city, is experiencing the difficult work of addressing the needs of unhoused people in our city. At Nucor, safety is our most important core value as a company, including the safety of our teammates and our neighbors in the communities where we operate. We are concerned that an RV encampment on city property along the fence line of our manufacturing plant is presenting a public safety threat to residents of the encampment, our teammates, and surrounding neighbors. For example, Nucor teammates and contractors have been threatened with violence and our facility has been broken into numerous times and items have been stolen. Trespassing is occurring with greater frequency and presents a significant safety hazard to those trespassing and to our teammates as we are a 24-hour, seven day a week manufacturing facility.
We know the homelessness crisis is complex and that those living outside face many challenges. We would like to work with the city of Seattle and local nonprofits who assist people who are unhoused to find housing options for residents of the encampment. We believe the location of this encampment poses a potential safety risk to its residents and Nucor teammates and contractors. It would be in the best interest of people living in the encampment, our business and the West Seattle community for our company, local nonprofits and the city to work together to find a solution.
Along with the statement, we received this letter Lyons had sent to Mayor Jenny Durkan four months ago, going into further details about why the company believes the RV encampment meets city parameters for removal as an urgent hazard. A company spokesperson tells us, “Nucor has made several attempts to contact multiple city officials both before and after the letter was sent in June, but with very limited success.”
Now comes the news that the city is reviving the 72-hour parking rule. While today’s announcement said parking enforcement “will not impound a vehicle with someone living in it” in most situations, does that mean no tickets or warning notices? We took that question to SDOT. Their response reiterated that residential vehicles would have to be deemed hazardous, and added:
The first step of enforcement for any type of vehicle is to leave an official warning notice giving the vehicle owner at least 72 hours to move their vehicle. If it appears that people may be living one of these vehicles, we will provide the occupants information about assistance and support services and resources along with a warning notice, or attach this information to the vehicle.
Vehicles which move to another location voluntarily will not be in violation of the 72-hour rule. If a vehicle needs to be repaired to be driven, we will attempt to be flexible and work with the owner and provide a reasonable amount of time if they are demonstrating a good faith effort to get the vehicle repaired.
We first reported on the Andover RV encampment almost six years ago – at which time some of the vehicles already were displaying orange warning notices.
Jennifer hopes you can help find her stolen car:
It’s a 2009 ford Crown Victoria, matte black Police Interceptor, spotlights each side, crack on window, spider effect across window, “very loud” because its catalytic converter is missing. Plate BZR7825. Taken Thursday morning from 17th/Henderson. If you see it, call 911.
UPDATE: Found “near Highland Park.”
(WSB photo, September)
Back in February, we reported on the EPA‘s plan to make a change in the Duwamish River cleanup plan, allowing higher levels of a particular pollutant, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), a “carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (cPAH).” The higher levels would be allowed because a review process dating back to 2013 had determined the pollutant was less cancer-causing than previously believed. After a public comment period and further review, the EPA is finalizing what it originally proposed. Here’s the one-sheet explanation:
EPA spokesperson Bill Dunbar says, “Due to the reduced risk, EPA Region 10 has revised the allowable levels of cPAH at the Lower Duwamish Waterway. The higher levels will provide the same level of human health protection. The new levels are expected to reduce the areas where waterway sediments require Superfund cleanup by less than five percent. PCBs remain the main source of risk to people’s health from the site. People can be exposed to PCBs if they eat fish and shellfish that spend their lives in the river, or contact sediment during beach play, net-fishing, and clamming. cPAHs do not accumulate in fish but are found in clams. EPA estimates that since 2012, average levels of cPAHs and PCBs in Duwamish Waterway sediments have been reduced by half as a result of early cleanup actions, control of pollution sources, and burial by cleaner sediments from upstream. Future cleanup to reduce PCBs will also reduce cPAHs.”
This change is part of what led the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition to organize a rally for the river just two weeks ago. DRCC executive director Paulina López tells WSB that while the EPA’s decision is troubling, there’s some hope: “Unfortunately, the change EPA approved means that our communities will be exposed to higher levels of carcinogenic PAHs — in our river sediments, and in our fish and shellfish. We do not believe that this is health protective, especially for an Environmental Justice community with multiple, cumulative exposures. We are encouraged, however, that the impact of EPA’s change will be minimized as a result of our City, County and Port’s stated commitment to stay the course and clean up all of the cPAHs as originally ordered by the 2014 cleanup decision. DRCC will still call on our local governments to stand by this commitment and we look forward to working with them to secure EPA’s cooperation and support. to protect our communities, our fishers, our habitat. “
For the second time in a week, there’s been confirmed gunfire near 47th/Charlestown. We reported on the previous incident last week, shortly after it happened the night of September 30th; police say two residences and one car were hit by bullets that night. Neighbors called 911 again last night and this morning about suspected gunfire, but police have only confirmed gunfire in last night’s incident: They got that call around 7 pm last night (Thursday, October 7th). Two casings were found. Neighbors’ reports varied, according to the police narrative – one person saw people running out of an apartment after the shots; another person saw a silver SUV speeding away; another person saw a motorcycle speeding away. No property damage or injuries reported.
This morning’s call was in the 6:30-7 am vicinity. The police-report narrative says callers reported hearing one loud noise followed by “possible rapid fire.” One caller said they saw smoke in front of an apartment building. The officer who was dispatched found a “suspicious” car with no plates and noted “a strong odor of burnt black powder consistent with fireworks …” plus, along and beneath the car, “cardboard wadding consistent with fireworks that had been exploded.” Neither the car – whose VIN traced to an owner in Tukwila – nor anything else was damaged.
(Photo courtesy Three Little Birds)
Two West Seattle Junction kids-consignment businesses are merging. Here’s their announcement:
This fall Kid Friendly Footwear is flying north… but only up the block, coming to nest inside West Seattle’s biggest kids’ consignment boutique, Three Little Birds. The two beloved indie children’s shops will combine to create a world of truly exceptional family shopping, in the heart of The Junction.
Kid Friendly Footwear is known for an amazing hand-picked collection of shoes, boots, and sandals for new walkers, big kids, and everyone in between. Shoppers specially bring their growing kids from all over Western Washington. Our experienced staff finds the best fit with time-tested methods, and know the brands and features families are looking for.
Best sellers include:
Hyperfunctional Tsukihoshi styles from Japan (washable & waterproof)
Cozy, waterproof Baby Bogs boots
Rugged KEEN shoes & sandals–a Northwest original
Other favorite brands include Bogs, Stride Rite, Hatley, Kamik & more. Kid Friendly Footwear also outfits kids with gear for all seasons: waterproof rain jackets & one-piece suits, waterproof gloves & mittens, and SPF sun & swim gear.Kid Friendly Footwear at Three Little Birds, an inspired collaboration! How did we get here?
In 2008, Sarah took over Again & A Gain, West Seattle’s kids’ consignment hub since 1995. In the humble shop at 4832 California Ave SW, she founded Kid Friendly Footwear and over 13 years grew it into a Seattle destination for kids’ shoes, boots, sandals, and gear for all seasons. The star-studded Google reviews say it all.
Jennifer founded Three Little Birds in 2014, starting in Morgan Junction and finally landing at 4736 California Ave SW. She transformed the spacious spot into a charming, popular children’s consignment boutique that families flock to.
Then 2020 happened. With more people staying close to home and spending their dollars online, the long pandemic year was tough on neighborhood independents. So Sarah and Jennifer got creative. The two women — with a shared commitment to community and independent small business — hatched a savvy plan.
Shops of a feather flock together, and Sarah’s mission to outfit our kids with Earth-friendly leather-free footwear is amplified and elevated by Jennifer’s innovative spirit and style. And both have terrific, experienced staff members. We’re excited to team up to make Kid Friendly Footwear at Three Little Birds an exciting, inviting West Seattle shopping experience.
Kid Friendly Footwear is destination shopping for families from West Seattle and all around Western Washington. Babies have taken their first steps here, and thousands of happy feet have found their perfect fit. The tradition continues at Three Little Birds, where Kid Friendly’s famous customer service, shoe-fitting expertise, and playful touch will find their new home.
Kid Friendly Footwear at Three Little Birds will continue to offer environmentally conscious footwear from beloved brands. We only expect our collection to get bigger and better in our new location! And since reduce, reuse, recycle is our Earth-friendly mission, shoppers can count on a tempting selection of choice resale items. Longtime Again & Again consigners, have no worries: Your store credit will be honored at Three Little Birds.
Come shop at either location through October 31 as we complete this exciting transition. Both Jennifer and Sarah are grateful for the community’s consistent support of independent, women-owned businesses. Watch for our opening celebration, and stop by Three Little Birds during the Junction Harvest Fest for a sneak peek!
Kid Friendly Footwear at Three Little Birds (starting 11/1/21)
4736 California Ave SW – 206-946-6591Kid Friendly Footwear at Again & Again (through 10/31/21)
4832 California Ave SW
Both Three Little Birds and Kid Friendly Footwear continue to offer online shopping, too.
Want a free flower basket? The Junction’s seasonal hanging baskets have just been taken down and West Seattle Junction Association executive director Lora Radford just sent the photo – she says the unclaimed baskets are available for pickup in Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska) while they last.
(Lincoln Park driftwood – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
KING COUNTY COVID BRIEFING: At noon online, King County Public Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin will present an update on, and answer media questions about, the pandemic. (A recording will be available later at publichealthinsider.com.)
FOOTBALL: Both local high-school teams are playing home games tonight at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – 5 pm, Chief Sealth International High School vs. Cleveland, followed by (around 7:45 pm) West Seattle High School vs. Lakeside. Also happening in West Seattle: 7 pm game at WS Stadium (4432 35th SW) between Eastside Catholic and O’Dea.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm doors, 8 pm show – Glass Beaches, Dream Logic, Your Man. 21+. More info here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE BEACH: 8 pm at J&J Public House (2808 Alki SW), live music led by Grammy winner Andrew Gouché. $10 cover.
LIVE MUSIC AT DRUNKY’S: 8 pm doors, 9 pm show, $10 cover at Drunky Two Shoes BBQ (9655 16th SW) in White Center.
The next school dine-out fundraiser sent in for the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar is this Sunday. If you mention Lincoln Park Co-op Preschool when ordering takeout that day (October 10th) from MOD Pizza at Westwood Village, they’ll get a share of the proceeds from your order. The restaurant is open 10:30 mm-10 pm, on the south side of the shopping center (2800 SW Barton).
6:02 AM: Good morning! No classes today for Seattle Public Schools – teacher in-service day.
WEATHER
Mixed forecast today, with a high around 60.
ROAD WORK – TODAY & THIS WEEKEND
26th SW – Now closed southbound between Roxbury and Barton.
15th SW – Also as part of the King County-led work on the RapidRide project, southbound 15th is scheduled to be closed at Roxbury for underground utility work.
Highway 99 tunnel – Closed both ways for maintenance 10 pm tonight until 8 am Sunday.
West Marginal Way – Work is scheduled to continue both days this weekend at the Duwamish Longhouse crossing/signal site,
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES
Metro’s fall “service change” took effect Saturday, with various West Seattle changes, including the return of Routes 22 and 113. Also note the rerouting in RapidRide H Line work zones – on 26th and 15th SW in particular. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of canceled trips.
For ferries and water taxis; Check WSF schedules for the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route, announced late last night as planning a “reduced 2-boat schedule” today due to crew shortage. Also – reminder that there will be NO West Seattle Water Taxi service this Saturday and Sunday, Watch @wsferries for ferry updates.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
563rd morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are views of other bridges and routes:
Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)
West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):
For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:
Are movable bridges opening for boats or barges? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed will tell you. (1st Ave. South Bridge openings also are tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.)
See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.
Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network sent the photo, explaining that it shows ‘a young harbor seal pup recently responded to by Seal Sitters and transported to SR3 with potential respiratory issues.” This was one of “14 different live harbor seal pups including 2 today” to which Seal Sitters has responded since July 1st; in all, they’ve responded to 47 calls about live and dead marine mammals, sometimes with multiple responses for one animal “that may haul out at different locations or on different dates.” To report a marine mammal to SSMMSN, call 206-905-SEAL. (And keep your distance – photos like these are taken from a distance with long lenses,)
Thanks for the tips. Several readers have messaged us this evening with word that The Swinery in South Admiral has launched a crowdfunding campaign. Co-proprietor Kim Leveille explains:
My husband and I own the Swinery in West Seattle, and we need your help. We’ve suffered tremendously during the last 2 years with the bridge closure, Covid-19 and to add insult to injury, this summer during the heat wave, we endured the loss of our freezer, 2 coolers and all of our hard work, which has devastated our bottom line.
We now have only 1 part-time employee, and we are killing ourselves trying to meet demand. This money would cover our repair costs and to help pay the salary of one more part-time employee. We are heading into the holiday season and need help.
The Swinery has been in West Seattle since 2009 and is a staple in the community which we call home. Please consider helping us out so we can move forward, prosper and remain your local Mom & Pop shop.
(Image from Google Maps/Street View)
… That jet noise this past half-hour was another flyover, second one in less than a month. Haven’t found an official description yet but enough witness accounts to verify. The Seahawks are home for Thursday night football vs. the Los Angeles Rams.
Thanks for the tips about a police response in the 1200 block of Alki Avenue SW early this morning. We’ve obtained the police-report narrative, and here’s what the investigating officer(s) who wrote it say happened: A monitoring service first reported that a video-alarm system showed a break-in at the site around 3:20 am, someone “using a grinder to cut through the front-gate lock, forcing entry.” The company “sounded the alarm and the suspect left.” Less than an hour later, two people showed up at the site, and one went in. Police arrived five minutes later, saw a pickup truck driving away, and pulled it over. Construction equipment was visible in the pickup’s open bed, the report says. After the two suspects were advised of their rights, police say, one admitted to the burglary and the other admitted to being the getaway driver. A construction-company rep identified a nail gun and work lights in the pickup as belonging to the job site. The suspects – both men, ages 44 and 52 – were booked into the King County Jail.
Another high-profile role for West Seattle-residing former mayor Greg Nickels, who currently co-chairs the West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force. He is one of four people appointed to the Seattle Redistricting Commission, which will be redrawing council-district maps with the new information from the 2020 Census. (This is separate from the processes under way to redraw State Legislature and U.S. House district maps, recently noted here.) The city is spotlighting the commission membership as the group’s first meeting approaches next week. Nickels is one of two members appointed by Mayor Jenny Durkan, along with philanthropy professional Neelima Shah; earlier this year, the City Council appointed public-policy professional EJ Juárez (also a West Seattleite) and administrative-law judge Rory O’Sullivan. The commission will have a fifth member, appointed by these four. From the announcement, here’s what the five will do:
The Commission shall appoint a Districting Master to draw a districting plan for the City, develop a draft districts proposal based on that plan, facilitate a process of public comment on that proposal, and ultimately vote upon approval of that proposal for transmission to the State of Washington. The Redistricting Commission may employ experts, consultants, and attorneys as necessary to accomplish its goals and will submit financial statements and an official record of all relevant information considered to the City Clerk.
All meetings of the Redistricting Commission are open to the public. The Commission’s first meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 13 from 12-1:30 pm. The meeting will be held virtually and can be accessed at seattle.webex.com/seattle/j.php?MTID=mbaa607e36b5f148a3abd5504cef2e5ee.
The City Council is currently made up of seven people elected by district and two elected at large (by the entire city). West Seattle and South Park comprise District 1.
(WSB photo, 2019)
Volunteers are watching Fauntleroy Creek for signs of returning spawners. Another tradition this time of year: Drumming to welcome the coho home. In case you haven’t already seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s the announcement from creek steward Judy Pickens:
Bring your mask and a drum of any kind to this annual all-ages event hosted by the Fauntleroy Watershed Council. We’ll keep our distance as we drum and sing to call coho spawners into Fauntleroy Creek. 4539 SW Director Place (near upper SW Director and Fauntleroy Way SW , across from the ferry terminal); drumming will guide you into the circle. Heavy rain cancels.
Here’s our recent report on what else the Watershed Council does – and how you can help.
P.S. As noted in comments, we left out the important part – when. 4 pm Sunday, October 10th.
(Photo sent by Al)
Here’s our list for today/tonight:
OPEN JAM THURSDAYS: 6 pm at Best of Hands Barrelhouse (35th/Webster) – come play!
POETRY READING: Award-winning poet and West Seattle native Teresa K. Miller is launching a new book with an online reading at 6 pm – details are in our preview.
CITY ATTORNEY CANDIDATE FORUM: The League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County is presenting a forum tonight at 6 pm, online, with Seattle City Attorney candidates Ann Davison and Nicole Thomas-Kennedy. Register here for the viewing link.
BOARD GAME NIGHT: 6:30-10 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), drop in and play!
COUNTY EXECUTIVE CANDIDATE FORUM: The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council is presenting incumbent Dow Constantine and State Sen. Joe Nguyen at 7 pm, online. Viewing/call-in info is here.
BATTLESTAR KALAKALA: Funk, soul, Afrobeat at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 9 pm.
Something we’re missing for today/tonight? Text our hotline – 206-293-6302 – thank you!
The White Center Food Bank, which also serves part of south West Seattle, has a new executive director, though she’s not new to the WCFB. Here’s the announcement we received this morning:
The White Center Food Bank Board of Directors has announced Carmen Smith as the new Executive Director of the organization.
Carmen joined us in February 2017 as Community Outreach Manager where she worked her way up through organization development and community engagement division before moving into an Associate Executive Director and then Interim Executive Director for the last several months. Carmen comes to us with a robust background in food equity. From her experience working with international hunger relief organizations to grassroots nonprofits in food justice, she knows that relationships are the most vital part of any organization. Carmen has her Master’s in Public Administration from the Maxwell School. As the Executive Director, she brings this understanding to nurture invaluable partnerships for the White Center Food Bank. The WCFB is amidst several projects, including finding a new location, Carmen’s leadership in this important work has already proven invaluable.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, please join us in welcoming Carmen to her new role as the Executive Director. Her passion and dedication to the work at hand is obvious and inspiring.” said Gabbi Gonzales, White Center Food Bank Board President.
(Photo from whitecenterfoodbank.org)
6:07 AM: Good morning!
WEATHER
Sunshine and 50s predicted today.
ROAD WORK
26th SW – Now closed southbound between Roxbury and Barton.
15th SW – Also as part of the King County-led work on the RapidRide project, southbound 15th is scheduled to be closed at Roxbury for underground utility work again today.
TRANSIT
The fall “service change” took effect Saturday, with various West Seattle changes, including the return of Routes 22 and 113. Also note the rerouting in RapidRide H Line work zones – on 26th and 15th SW in particular. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of canceled trips.
For ferries and water taxis, regular schedule today. Reminder that there will be NO West Seattle Water Taxi service this Saturday and Sunday, Watch @wsferries for ferry updates.
NOTE FOR TOMORROW
No classes Friday for Seattle Public Schools.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
562nd morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are views of other bridges and routes:
Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)
West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):
For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:
Are movable bridges opening for boats or barges? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed will tell you. (1st Ave. South Bridge openings also are tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.)
See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.
Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
Charges are now filed in two West Seattle cases on which we’ve reported in the past week:
(WSB photo, last Friday)
SWAT STANDOFF CASE: Last Friday, we reported on an 8-hour standoff in the 9400 block of 36th SW between SWAT officers and a man accused of pointing weapons at neighbors and then officers. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged 69-year-old David D. Brown with one count of felony harassment. From the charging documents:
The defendant was reported by witnesses to have been wandering the neighborhood with what appeared to be a rifle, yelling for his neighbors to come outside and confront him. He then went inside and obtained what appeared to be a handgun. Upon the arrival of law enforcement, the defendant proceeded to point the perceived handgun at three Seattle Police Officers while yelling obscenities. The defendant proceeded to re-enter his yard and it took additional SWAT officers several hours to detain the defendant. During this time the defendant fired a pellet rifle at the officers and their vehicles and swung a hammer and part of a metal cane at them.
The documents note that “At least 48 SPD personnel ultimately ended up responding to this call.” Also noted: Brown has no criminal history, and the two “guns” found in the residence turned out to be a Daisy BB rifle and “what appeared to be a vintage double-barrel handgun that was brown and black in color (with) writing on its top that read something to the effect of
replicas by parris’ (made of) wood and what appeared to be metal.” Brown’s bail was set at $100,000, and he remains in jail tonight.
STOLEN-CAR-RAMMING CASE: On Saturday, police arrested a man they say stole a delivery driver’s car on Capitol Hill and drove it to southeast West Seattle, ramming it into the cars of officers who tried to stop him, as well as damaging a gas-station/mini-mart building in the 7800 block of Detroit SW. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged 22-year-old Benjamin I. Triplett with motor-vehicle theft, attempting to elude police, second-degree malicious mischief, and violating a domestic-violence court order. The order resulted from his recent conviction for assaulting the woman found in the car with him at the time of Saturday’s incident. Triplett also remains in jail, bail set at $35,000.
Another long-planned Seattle Parks project is about to get started. Here’s the announcement we received late today:
Seattle Parks and Recreation awarded the construction contract for the Westcrest Park Off-leash Area Drainage Improvements project to OMA Construction Inc. The contractor will mobilize and set up construction fencing the week of October 18.
The main off-leash area and the north parking lot will be fully closed during construction. In response to community input in 2019, SPR will construct a temporary off-leash area to the north of the existing site and west of the small/shy dog area in a space that is currently lawn. It will be set up prior to closure of the existing off-leash area for public use. The existing shy/small dog area will remain open. People interested in accessing the temporary off-leash area can access it through the south parking lot.
We anticipate reopening the parking lot and improved off-leash area in spring 2022. After construction, the contractor will restore the temporary OLA back to lawn.
Over the past few years, the maintenance project has grown from a simple drainage improvement project to a $505,000 project that will address drainage, access, and erosion. Funding is provided by the Seattle Park District Major Maintenance and Asset Management Fund. For more information, please visit seattle.gov/parks/about-us/projects/westcrest-park-drainage-improvements. If you have questions about the project please contact the project manager, Janice Liang at Janice.Liang@seattle.gov.
While not mentioned in the announcement or on the project page, the city told us back in May that the closed play structure would be replaced as part of this project.
We don’t know any of the backstory on this – random cosplay? early Halloween party? – but thanks to Marc Milrod for the photo!
Though this year’s West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival is again scaled down from the full pre-pandemic in-the-street celebration, one activity will be back this year – business-district trick-or-treating.
While the West Seattle Farmers’ Market continues in its usual spot on Sunday, October 31st, 10 am-2 pm, participating businesses will offer trick-or-treating along the sidewalks during that same time period. The West Seattle Junction Association plans additional candy stations, too.
While the ore-pandemic tradition of Harvest Festival activities and games on a bonus block of open street will NOT be back this year, WSJA is again offering you a chance to support local businesses by ordering tote bags – kid and adult versions are available here until they sell out. WSJA thanks tote-bag buyers from previous pandemic-era festivals – so far those sales have “infused $95,000 back into the local Junction businesses in 2020-21,” the organization says.
P.S. Harvest Fest plans also include a Scavenger Hunt and Trivia Night – details on the official webpage.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Metro‘s conversion of Route 120 to RapidRide H Line is still a year away, but “major construction” is complete on SDOT‘s share of the preparations along Delridge Way.
As the year-plus of work wraps up, many questions have arisen. So we spent an hour talking with SDOT reps CJ Holt – the project manager (with whom we talked multiple times during the planning phase) – and Madison Linkenmeyer from the communications team.
First, the backstory: The H Line plan has been in the works for 5+ years (our archives include this 2016 survey floating same early rechannelization concepts, and some street changes – like the medians – have been advocated by community leaders for even longer).
WHAT’S LEFT TO DO? They’re in the “punch list” phase right now, identifying whether there are issues to address. A little work remains on signals, streetlights, and signage. The biggest “body of work” still left to do involves the landscaping – 140 trees will be planted, in the medians and elsewhere.
ABOUT THE LANDSCAPING: They’re trying to get the 140 trees planted “in the next month or two,” but there’s no specific start date yet – they’re working right now on procuring the trees.
Regarding landscape maintenance:
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