West Seattle, Washington
21 Saturday
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, and other previews, here’s what’s happening on your last bridgeless Saturday:
TRAFFIC ALERTS: Of course SDOT‘s main job is preparing to reopen the West Seattle Bridge – exact time not announced – and this work is happening today:
Leading up to reopening on Sunday and afterward, we’ll have various SDOT work crews near the bridge and along the detour routes. They will be removing a lot of signs, like the detour route signs and low bridge restriction signs. They’ll also be removing traffic control items like barricades, barrels, and digital messaging boards.
As part of the Reconnect West Seattle program, in addition to ongoing street maintenance and safety improvements, we will be completing a few projects this weekend.
-We began paving parts of SW Admiral Way last week, and we will continue paving through this Saturday.
-On Saturday and Sunday, we’ll be replacing concrete panels at the 16th Ave SW and SW Webster St intersection.Work is expected to begin as early as 7 AM and conclude by 4 PM. Please expect delays, drive safely in work zones, and follow directions from signs and flaggers. Traffic will be maintained in both directions as we complete the work.
METRO SERVICE CHANGE: This is the day that service revisions kick in – including some West Seattle cuts – but buses won’t return to the high bridge until Monday.
ORCA HALF: This half-marathon starts in waves from Lincoln Park at 7:30 am and ends at Don Armeni Boat Ramp – no street closures. Added early Water Taxi run pre-race.
UPDATED COVID BOOSTERS: Pliable‘s clinic at Neighborhood House High Point (6400 Sylvan Way SW) is 8 am-2 pm, walk-ins accommodated if supplies permit.
SECOND-TIME SALE: 9 am-4 pm, it’s the first and biggest day of Fauntleroy Church‘s big rummage sale, previewed here. (9140 California SW)
HIGHLAND PARK PTA SALE: Even more rummage-saling, this time to support a school! 10 am-2 pm (1012 SW Trenton).
GARAGE/YARD SALES: See (and post) listings in the WSB Community Forums.
WEST SEATTLE ART HOP & SHOP: 10 am-5 pm, a tour of artist studios and other venues where you can see and buy art! First-ever – the latest info is here, including map links.
PIGEON POINT CRAFT FAIR FESTIVAL: One of the stops on the Art Hop map is a big event all by itself – more than two dozen crafter/vendors at Pathfinder K-8 School (1901 SW Genesee) on Pigeon Point.
MORNING MUSIC AT C & P: 10:30 am-noon, Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) – which is also a stop on the Art Hop & Shop map.
SPRAYPARK: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) will be open 11 am-8 pm, second-to-last day of the season.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Noon-4 pm, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society museum on Alki is open (61st/Stevens).
CELEBRATING LOU MAGOR: Noon-4 pm at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), an open house to celebrate the life and legacy of the historic hall’s longtime champion, who died in April 2021.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Open to visitors noon-3 pm, as noted here. (2234 SW Orchard)
WINE TIME: The Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) tasting room – selling wine by the glass or bottle – is open 1-6 pm. (5910 California SW)
BRIDGE PRE-REOPENING PARTY: 2-9:30 pm, celebrate at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), with Hawaiian food, desserts, a 2-6 pm pop-up market, kids’ activities including a bounce house, more, including the now-famous “Reunited” collaborative beer.
(added) HUSKIES WATCH PARTY, WITH HALFTIME GUEST: Received this morning, an open invitation to a watch party for the Huskies-Michigan State game starting at 4 pm at The Bridge (6301 California SW); the party hosts are inviting Seattle Municipal Court Judge candidate Pooja Vaddadi to speak at halftime.
EVENING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Roo Forrest and Friends, 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), no cover, all ages.
MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: Dead Sonics, Mantle Collapse, Midnight Marauders, doors at 7 pm, show at 8. $10. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Something to add, for today/tonight or beyond? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
The West Seattle High School Wildcats are now 3-0 on the season, after a big win over Cleveland at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex on Friday night.
We were there in the early going, as WSHS started piling up the points on their way to a 41-0 victory.
(WSHS #12, senior Mason Kallinger)
Next week they play the annual Huling Bowl cross-peninsula game against Chief Sealth IHS, 7:30 pm Friday (September 23) at NCSWAC (2801 SW Thistle).
(WSB photos. Chief Sealth #4, junior Isaac Martinez)
The rain cleared early but it was a tough night on the field at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex for the Chief Sealth International High School Seahawks facing Franklin.
(Chief Sealth #8, junior Ocean Freeman, and Franklin’s Cash Brody vie for the ball)
Tonight Chief Sealth was unable to get on the board, losing 23-0.
They’re now 1-2. Next week it’s the annual crosstown Huling Bowl game as Chief Sealth takes on West Seattle, 7:30 pm Friday (September 23rd).
Another big chance to shop this weekend – the Fauntleroy Church Second-Time Sale is ready to go! We stopped by today for a preview. Lots of kid stuff, of course:
You can even buy this quilt made by the Fauntleroy Piece Makers:
That’s Pat with the quilt, which is going for $100. Housewares, tools, jewelry, more … the church is at 9140 California SW and the sale runs 9 am-4 pm tomorrow (Saturday, September 17th) and 11:30 am-2 pm Sunday.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Acknowledgments, applause, even a poem were part of an hourlong event this afternoon on Harbor Island commemorating the impending West Seattle Bridge reopening and acknowledging those involved in the repair project.
It seemed that almost everyone who had some role in what’s transpired since the sudden shutdown March 23, 2020, was there, including former Mayor Jenny Durkan and former SDOT director Sam Zimbabwe. They didn’t speak, though; newly confirmed SDOT director Greg Spotts took the podium first, for a land acknowledgment that mentioned the Muckleshoot and Suquamish tribes and their “Duwamish ancestors,” followed by a Native prayer, and then speeches. Here’s the video:
(WSB video)
Here’s the group shot of everyone who spoke:
Mayor Bruce Harrell said the most important thing he could offer was to “thank the people whose lives were impacted,” thanking everyone for their patience and acknowledging the “inconvenience” of the last two and a half years.
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell followed, noting that on Sunday, “the nightmare of this congestion [for detouring] is going to end.” She observed that freight was affected too, and talked about the federal funding that covered more than half the cost of repairs (as noted here last night).
U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, describing herself as a “proud resident of West Seattle,” said she also is proud of the “patience, grit, and determination” people have shown during the 2 1/2 bridgeless years.
Seattle’s Civic Poet Jourdan Imani Keith read a poem composed for the occasion, musing what the bridge might say if it could speak, and reminding all that it has a name (the Jeanette Williams Memorial Bridge, after the city councilmember who secured funding for it 40-plus years ago).
City Councilmember Lisa Herbold spoke of the “stark effects” of the closure and the dramatic change in traffic patterns. She recalled former mayor Durkan’s “big decision” to proceed with repairs rather than replacement.
Port of Seattle Commissioner Hamdi Mohamed – mentioning her West Seattle roots as a Chief Sealth International High School graduate and South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Running Start student, recapped the port’s partnership on low-bridge access.
Two labor leaders, Monty Anderson of Seattle Building Trades and Katie Garrow of MLK Labor, spoke about their members’ contributions to the repair work. Garrow also served on the West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force, whose co-chairs followed her at the microphone: Paulina López of the Duwamish River Community Coalition spoke of relief that the Duwamish Valley (South Park and Georgetown) would soon be free of the extra air pollution brought by detour traffic, and hope that people will come back to the area for other reasons, like dining and shopping; Greg Nickels, former Seattle mayor, reminded everyone that Sunday will be the 910th day since the bridge closed, saying two of his grandchildren have been born in that time. He also spoke of a family member having to use the low bridge to get to cancer treatments, something made possible because the WSBCTF pushed for people undergoing “life-saving treatments” to be added to the list of those who could get permission to use the low bridge during restricted times.
In post-speeches Q&A, we asked if anyone at the city would apologize for the bridge shutdown having to happen at all. Mayor Harrell fielded that one, saying he would “apologize on behalf of the city,” asking for “grace” because “leaders … are human; they make mistakes.”
Along those lines, the citizens coalition West Seattle Bridge NOW sent this statement about the event:
We’re relieved that everyone who’s been impacted by the bridge closure can finally get moving again. But a cause for celebration? Not so much. When the bridge closed without warning two and a half years ago Mayor Jenny Durkan declared an emergency. Then what happened? Bureaucracy as usual. While we sat stuck in traffic, with travel times to get almost anywhere outside of West Seattle doubled, tripled or worse, the city took its sweet time exploring replacement options and finally settled on repairs after community pushback. There was nothing about this process that suggested any increased urgency or accelerated timeline.
We think instead of celebrating, our elected leaders should take stock of why we had to wait two and a half years for a critical transportation link to be restored. West Seattle has already paid the price for the City and SDOT choosing to respond to a transportation emergency with the usual process. In a city rife with bridges with maintenance backlogs we only hope that no other community has to endure what we have for the past 30 months.
The West Seattle Bridge closure should serve as a cautionary tale. We’d love to see a press conference where elected leaders share lessons learned from the closure and what’s being done to avoid a similar debacle. That way we can all feel like our two and a half year traffic jam at least helped prevent the next one.
Other statements issued after today’s event include:
–SDOT’s news release
–City Councilmembers Lisa Herbold and Alex Pedersen (who chairs the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee)
–Sen. Cantwell
As for the bridge itself – the backdrop for this afternoon’s event at Terminal 18 Park – SDOT still isn’t saying exactly when on Sunday it will reopen. Some fencing/signage removal is under way – but SDOT stresses that the bridge is not open yet.
SIDE NOTE: Some people on their way to the event were delayed because, almost predictably, the Duwamish bridges had to open for ship traffic. We waited at the 1st Ave. So. Bridge and by the time we got to the event site, the same vessel was going through the low bridge, a bulk carrier:
That’s one of two seals that Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network dealt with on West Seattle beaches this past week. Seal Sitters MMSN’s David Hutchinson sent the photo and updates, with a reminder for beachgoers:
So far this has been a slow season for Seal Sitters, however the coming fall months typically can be a busy time of year. Young newly weaned harbor seal pups are heading out on their own and will even haul out to rest on our heavily used urban beaches.
This past weekend, Seal Sitters responded to a report of a dead harbor seal at Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook. With the assistance of staff and interns from our partner SR3 (SeaLife Response, Rehabilitation and Research), the 4-foot-long carcass was recovered and transported to their facility in Des Moines. A necropsy confirmed that this animal was the victim of a boat strike.
On a happier note, on Monday Seal Sitter volunteers watched over a young harbor seal pup on a beach along Harbor Avenue. This pup, shown in the photo, was able to rest for a few hours before returning to the water due to a rising tide.
As always, if you come across a live or dead marine mammal on West Seattle beaches, please contact Seal Sitters’ hotline at 206-905-7325.
Some of what’s happened in the past two and a half years of West Seattle Bridge closure will change when it reopens – no more low-bridge restrictions, for example. Some things will stay – like all those new speed humps/cushions installed in various neighborhoods. But at least one major matter remains unsettled: The fate of Seattle Fire Ladder 13 and Medic 26.
(WSB photo: Ladder 13 at a West Seattle fire response in July)
A few months after the bridge closed, those two units were activated from SFD reserves and added to West Seattle/South Park to supplement what’s already based at the six area fire stations – Ladder 13 was added to Station 37 in Sunrise Heights, Medic 26 was added to Station 26 in South Park. The additions doubled the local availability of those two types of apparatus – previously the only ladder truck and medic unit in the area were Ladder 11 and Medic 32 at Station 32 in the Junction/Triangle area. We don’t know the total cost of basing those resources here, but in the original May 2020 announcement, SFD said that just for the remainder of that year, “funding required for staffing the two new units, apparatus maintenance and fuel, and room accommodations at the fire stations [would be] approximately $2.5 million.” Whether they’ll be deactivated – meaning that in responses where an extra truck or medic unit is needed, they’d be sent from outside the area – has yet to be decided.
A source suggested that Fire Chief Harold Scoggins supports keeping them here, so we asked SFD first; spokesperson Kristin Tinsley would say only that “The future of Ladder 13 and Medic 26 will be determined in the budgetary process.” That process begins shortly, with the mayor presenting a proposed budget and the City Council starting months of reviewing it, culminating with finalization of a budget in November. So we asked West Seattle/South Park Councilmember Lisa Herbold – who also chairs the Public Safety and Human Services Committee, which among other things deals with fire/police issues. She meets regularly with Chief Scoggins and told us that in August, “I brought the issue up with him as well and requested that both be maintained. It was apparent to me in that conversation that the Chief understands the clear need for these resources to be maintained.” Right now, SFD confirms, the two units are funded through the end of this year, so they’ll stay at least a few months beyond the bridge reopening. If you have comments for the mayor about this or anything else as he drafts a budget, contact info is here; council contact info is here.
No, that’s not a bee. Photographer Ann Anderson explains, “Syrphid Flies, while closely resembling bees, are bee imposters. Less than .5” long, and often known as ‘flower flies’; they do not sting, are important pollinators and help control pests – especially aphids.” Now you know! On with what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
BLOCK DROP: DIY cleanup equipment is available at Anchor Park (59th/Stevens) until 6 pm – that’s also where you can drop off what you clean up, as part of closing the Block Drop loop!
MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS SALE: As previewed, the big clearance sale at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska, WSB sponsor) is wrapping up, open today 11 am-6 pm.
SPRAYPARK OPEN: Third-to-last day for Highland Park Spraypark at 1100 SW Cloverdale, 11 am-8 pm, too.
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Today/tonight brings another doubleheader for the Chief Sealth International High School Seahawks and the West Seattle High School Wildcats, playing at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – CSIHS plays Franklin at 4:30 pm, WSHS plays Cleveland at 7:30 pm.
SPICE GIRLS TRIBUTE: 5 pm at Easy Street Records (California/Alaska), commemorating the 26th anniversary of the Spice Girls‘ first album.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Joel Egan performs at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm.
SPELLING BEE AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, as announced last month, Friday nights bring Spelldown After Dark – an adult spelling bee. Check to see if there’s room for participants/spectators! (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Have something to add to our Event Calendar? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Ann Marie emailed about that stolen pickup truck, which belongs to her neighbor, a firefighter who discovered it missing when she went out to leave for work this morning. Ann adds, “It’s a stick shift, and quite distinctive as it’s older and louder when the engines is on. It has a WA firefighter plate, 09607.”
UPDATE: The car was found less than 10 blocks from where it was stolen.
Spaces remain for a free rooftop workshop overlooking Elliott Bay at Lake Washington Physical Therapy (WSB sponsor)’s West Seattle building – but you need to sign up now! From LWPT’s Mark Bouma:
We are hosting our final FREE rooftop class of the summer this Sunday, Sept 18th at 9 am. We are collaborating with HIIT Lab and West Seattle Runner to provide a running workshop for novice and advanced runners. We’ll be covering key performance tests for runners, training considerations, and guidelines on how to return to running following an injury. West Seattle Runner will discuss how to find the best running shoe for your foot type and will have the latest shoe models for attendees to try on.
This flyer has a QR code for registering, or you can use this link – when they’re maxed out, it’ll close.
(WSB photo, Thursday afternoon)
6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, September 16th, last weekday without the West Seattle Bridge.
WEATHER
Mostly cloudy, chance of showers, high around 65 .
BUSES, FERRIES, WATER TAXI
Metro buses are on their regular weekday schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts. Remember that tomorrow is the next twice-yearly service change – here’s our look at planned West Seattle trip cuts. Metro plans to return buses to the high bridge on Monday.
Ferries: WSF continues the 2-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.
The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.
ROAD WORK THIS WEEKEND
Here’s what SDOT has announced:
Leading up to reopening on Sunday and afterward, we’ll have various SDOT work crews near the bridge and along the detour routes. They will be removing a lot of signs, like the detour route signs and low bridge restriction signs. They’ll also be removing traffic control items like barricades, barrels, and digital messaging boards.
As part of the Reconnect West Seattle program, in addition to ongoing street maintenance and safety improvements, we will be completing a few projects this weekend.
*We began paving parts of SW Admiral Way last week, and we will continue paving through this Saturday.
*On Saturday and Sunday, we’ll be replacing concrete panels at the 16th Ave SW and SW Webster St intersection.Work is expected to begin as early as 7 AM and conclude by 4 PM. Please expect delays, drive safely in work zones, and follow directions from signs and flaggers. Traffic will be maintained in both directions as we complete the work.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
908th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. 2 days until SDOT expects to reopen it – on this Sunday, September 18th. (Still no announcement yet of what time the reopening is expected on Sunday.)
Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use until the high bridge reopens; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings.
1st Avenue South Bridge:
South Park Bridge:
Highland Park Way/West Marginal Way
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are tweeted by @wsdot_traffic.
All currently functional city traffic cams can be seen here, many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
(WSB photos)
Ernie Norgard is such a good neighbor, his neighbors in an area west of The Junction got together tonight to wish him a happy birthday.
It’s a milestone birthday – Ernie is turning 90 tomorrow.
Sue, who told us about tonight’s celebration, explained, “He’s a inspiration & a helpful kind man who does yard work for some lucky neighbors (including me)!” Check out this mowing/edging job:
Ernie has lived in West Seattle his entire life, Sue tells us.
(Countdown sign outside O’Neill Plumbing [WSB sponsor] HQ in Morgan Junction)
As reported here earlier, SDOT says the repaired West Seattle Bridge aced its “load testing” and remains on track to reopen Sunday after two and a half years. Here are some other miscellaneous bridge-related notes.
WHAT DID YOU PAY? The pie chart above is courtesy of U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell‘s office, breaking down the bridge-project price tag in a news release sent in advance of an event tomorrow at which she and other elected officials will discuss the reopening. “Of the project’s $66.94 million repair costs more than half – $37.65 million – came from federal funding sources,” Cantwell’s news release notes.
ABOUT THE WEBCAMS: The SDOT webcams on the high bridge stayed up for much of the closure – until the sign structures were replaced; they’ve been down since then. We asked if they would return in time for the reopening; SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson says, “Our traffic operations center has been working on restoring traffic cameras around the West Seattle area. If everything goes according to plan, they hope to have the West Seattle bridge deck cameras operational by the time the bridge opens.” A few others around the area have been down a while too, such as Highland Park Way/Holden, and those are also on SDOT’s list.
DELRIDGE LIBRARY BRIDGE WISHES: Beatriz Pascual-Wallace at Delridge Library sent this photo and report:
Just for fun: Delridge Library invited patrons and staff to share the first place they will go when the bridge reopens. These are the responses so far. Where will you go first???
(We asked about the PCC mention – she explained that was from someone who lives off-peninsula.)
BREWING THE BRIDGE BEER: As mentioned last week, local brewers teamed up to brew a special beer to celebrate West Seattle “reuniting” with the rest of the city, and you’ll be able to try it starting Sunday. The collaborators put together a short promotional video and sent us the link:
OTHER CELEBRATORY EVENTS: The West Seattle Junction Association says the week following the bridge reopening will be full of specials at local businesses and some other ways to commemorate the “reunion” – among the special events the first full weekend with the bridge are the Wine Walk on Friday, September 23rd, and the 8-Bit Brass Band performing at California/Alaska at 5:30 pm Saturday, September 24th.
With the help of that video, Seattle Fire investigators have now ruled at least one of Morgan Junction’s recent fires as arson. As reported last night, the video shows the start of last Sunday night’s fire along an alley off the 4300 block of SW Graham. We had been asking SFD about the recent fires and noted that the video had emerged. SFD spokesperson Kristin Tinsley told WSB today, “The video has been shared with both SFD fire investigators and SPD for any follow-up that may occur. From this footage, SFD fire investigators have made the determination that the fire on 9/11 was intentionally set.” But that’s the only one ruled as arson so far; Tinsley says the Monday fire at California/Eddy is “not being investigated as suspicious after all,” and last night in the 6500 block of California SW, though the initial dispatch was labeled “dumpster fire,” she says “no evidence of a fire was found by responding firefighters.” She also recommends that the property owners on Graham file police reports if they haven’t already – the block had Saturday and Tuesday fires as well as the one on Sunday shown in the video (for which a police report has been filed, 22-920094). We also asked her if there’s anything people can do to try to protect their property from fires, intentionally set or otherwise; she recommended this link on the SFD website.
4:48 PM: Thanks for the tips (and to Michael for the photo). Genesee between Avalon and Delridge is blocked by a jackknifed semi truck.
5:30 PM: Metro has issued reroute alerts for buses that usually use that section of Genesee.
5:50 PM: Next photo is from Mike, showing the other side:
6:09 PM: As of a few minutes ago, Mike says it’s not cleared yet.
7:05 PM: Cleared.
(New WSB photo: West Seattle Bridge as seen around 4:30 pm today from east Admiral hillside)
The countdown to the West Seattle Bridge reopening Sunday will continue uninterrupted. SDOT has just sent word that the load-test results have been analyzed, and the bridge passed the test:
Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) has completed the analysis of strength tests conducted earlier this week on the West Seattle Bridge, and the bridge has passed its final safety test. This data confirms the bridge is strong, safe, and ready to reopen on Sunday, September 18. …
Earlier this week, SDOT conducted load testing on the bridge to confirm that it is structurally sound and able to reopen thanks to the repairs that have been completed over the past two and a half years. This testing process involved driving a dozen 80,000-pound trucks on the bridge deck, then actively measuring the bridge’s response to the added weight using sensors.
SDOT is confident that the repaired bridge will stand strong for decades to come, fulfilling its original intended lifespan.
The bridge is stronger and safer now that we have added nearly 60 miles of steel cable “backbone” to the bridge, 100,000 square feet of carbon fiber wrapping, and 240 gallons of epoxy to fill cracks in the bridge’s concrete.
The bridge now includes an extensive, sophisticated bridge monitoring system that can detect subtle movements or any growth of existing cracks. The safety system runs 24/7 and automatically alerts engineers immediately of any issues that would require further inspection.
Still no announcement of exactly when on Sunday the bridge will reopen after the 2 1/2-year shutdown. We have other reopening-related notes to bring you a little later today but wanted to get this announcement out immediately.
Two of Westwood Village’s vacant spaces have tenants on the way, one seasonal:
SPIRIT HALLOWEEN: Thanks to David for the first tip on this. The new banner heralds the seasonal Halloween store on the way to the former Bed Bath and Beyond space, vacant now for seven months. We’re inquiring with the company as to when they plan to open – the space still appears empty right now. We found a note on the door indicating they’re hiring. (Added: The website says “September.”)
GNC: The vitamin/supplement chain used to have a store in Jefferson Square. Now it’s coming to Westwood Village, according to city permit filings.
The site plan shows GNC to be planned for space B14, which is between the Xfinity store and the upcoming Pet Supplies Plus. The center used to have a vitamins/supplements store, Fresh Vitamins, which closed in 2018.
(WSB photo, this morning)
We’ve had a few-details mention of this in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for a while but now the city has just sent the full announcement:
Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) and the Morgan Junction Community Association invite the community to celebrate the renovation of Lowman Beach Park! Please join us on Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 10 a.m. to noon at 7017 Beach Dr. SW. The morning will be fun and filled with opportunities to learn more about the beach restoration and the animals that depend on it.
During the event, Seattle Parks and Recreation Environmental Education Team and the Seattle Aquarium will have naturalists on site to help the community explore the beach. Additional activities include stand-up paddle boards and tips for successful paddling from Alki Kayak Tours and an opportunity to learn from Whale Trail volunteers about the trail and the marine mammals that live along the trail. The celebration will offer an opportunity to meet your neighbors, explore the new beach, enjoy refreshments and West Seattle’s Original Bakery donuts.
This shoreline restoration project work began when the south half of the seawall failed in the mid-1990s. This recent project removed the remainder of the seawall and created an approximately 7000 sq. ft unobstructed shoreline benefitting the natural environment, the park and the visitors who can access the beach in a much easier way. The remnant of Pelly Creek that previously flowed under the seawall was daylighted as part of the project. The completion of this project now offers a shoreline park with a swing set, an open lawn area and a gradual transition a vegetated upland habitat to the nearshore habitat which together restore ecological functions, habitat connections, and allow the beach to develop and move more naturally.
SPR awarded the construction contract to Mike McClung Construction and work began in the fall of 2021. Construction was funded in part with grants from the State of Washington through the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account and the King County Flood Control District through the Cooperative Watershed Management fund.
The project fences came down, fully reopening the park to the public, in late June.
Three reports in West Seattle Crime Watch so far today:
CAR THIEF HITS VICTIM: This appeared in Tweets By Beat as a “carjacking” but here’s what police say they found out happened, according to the police-report narrative we’ve obtained. They were called to California/Walker around 4:15 am for a report of a stolen white pickup truck. The officer looked around the area for the stolen vehicle and then went to the original scene, discovering someone “lying on the concrete in a parking lot, bleeding from the back of his head.” The victim’s son said he and his father were out searching for the pickup (stolen “earlier in the evening”) after tracking it via an Apple Air tag. They found it and opened a door to confront the thief, who, the report says, “immediately put the vehicle in reverse to flee the area.” The victim was “hit by the open driver-side door as the vehicle sped in reverse. (The victim) was slammed to the concrete and one of his shoes flew off his foot. The vehicle fled northbound through the alleyway.” The thief, now also wanted for hit-run, was described as a Black man, early 30s, 6′ tall, heavy build, wearing a blue sweatshirt. If you have any information on this case, the SPD # is 22-246364.
GUNFIRE INVESTIGATION: Last night before 10 pm, people called 911 to report hearing gunshots near 18th SW and SW Roxbury. Officers found “evidence of a shooting in the roadway,” according to the summary, and also found that an “occupied residence” had been hit by gunfire. No injuries were reported. The gunshots might have come from a vehicle, as, police were told, “A vehicle was seen speeding away SB on 18th SW but was unidentifiable.”
STOLEN WAGON: Reader report from David: “Last evening our beloved Veer Cruiser Wagon was stolen from our front porch off Spokane and 44th.” David is filing a police report; we’ll add the number when it’s available. (Added) Here’s what the wagon looks like.
5:37 PM UPDATE: David says he went looking for the stolen wagon and got it back: “Just took a little drive on Avalon, near the encampments cause I thought it was worth a shot. Saw a guy pushing a Veer Cruiser Wagon across the street. Confronted him and he gave it back to me. Sometimes the good guys do win. There were also some confidential financial documents in there that were probably stolen from a car at some point. I have them and will return them to [the person named in them].” We asked where exactly on Avalon; he said where it meets Spokane, under the bridge.
Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip – she said what’s likely a baleen whale has been seen in Elliott Bay, fairly close to Don Armeni Boat Ramp at last report. (Humpbacks and grays are the most-commonly seen baleen whales around here.)
(Late-summer flowers, photographed by Caity Gerhardt)
Here’s what’s up in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SPRAYPARK OPEN: The extended season continues through Sunday for Highland Park Spraypark at 1100 SW Cloverdale, open as usual, 11 am-8 pm.
HISTORY HOUR: New series of presentations at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), 11 am, starting with “The Murals of West Seattle.”
DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: At Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), part of the proceeds 4-10 pm tonight benefit Lincoln Park Co-op Preschool – be sure to mention you’re there to support the preschool!
POSTCARDS TO VOTERS: 5:30-7 pm pop-up at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), gathering for by-mail political action.
ULTIMATE AT WALT HUNDLEY: 6 pm, Thursday night summertime Ultimate pickup games have moved to Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle).
POLICE CHIEF FORUM: 6 pm online, the three finalists for Seattle Police Chief answer questions in a live forum. You can watch via Seattle Channel.
BOARD GAME NIGHT: Go play at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), starting at 6:30 pm.
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Attend tonight’s monthly meeting in person or online, 7 pm, at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).
BENBOW GOES COUNTRY: Thursday “Nashville Nights“ continue at the Benbow Room (4210 SW Admiral Way), 9 pm. 21+.
Have something to add to our calendar? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather in November to celebrate the life of Sandra Lynne “Sandy” Adams. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with her community now:
Good things come in small packages, they say. And on freezing cold Wednesday, February 9, 1938, something especially good arrived. Sandra Lynne Chase entered the world in Butte, MT, and began 84 years of delighting, supporting and celebrating people.
Sandy loved West Seattle, and West Seattle loved her. It was her hometown, where she went to school, and where she would settle with her soul mate and husband, Jim Guenther.
Sandy loved people and people were inspired by it. She helped promote and manage innovations at Boeing, then working with Tom Forsythe of the King County Council, and as Deputy Director of King County Public Works. One example: she took an active role in transforming Johnson Pit 30, a former quarry, into a world-recognized art and recreation space.
West Seattle held her heart, and she served the community in many ways, including the West Seattle Chamber, leading the West Seattle Flower Show, and helping ArtsWest Theater become a nationally respected catalyst for new talent and stories.
Sandy was appreciated including recognition by Southwest Youth and Families and as Volunteer Extraordinaire of the theater. She shied away from credit , preferring that energies go into building community. She requested that any donations in her name go to the Resurgence Capital Program at ArtsWest.
She will especially be missed by her large family, including husband Jim Guenther, children Kurt (Deb), Kelly (Katie), and Gayla, and by her five grandchildren and also by the many interns she mentored over the years. Sandy’s smile will forever be missed around the family dinner table where she enjoyed so much life and love and playing Mexican Train.
Her Celebration of Life will be at 3 pm November 5th at ArtsWest.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6:03 AM: Good morning. The final \countdown to the West Seattle Bridge reopening continues as we start Thursday, September 15th.
WEATHER
AM clouds, PM sun, high in the upper 60s predicted .
BACK-TO-SCHOOL
*Seattle Public Schools are open for the second day of the strike-delayed year. Reminder – five West Seattle schools have speed-enforcement cameras, as listed here.
BUSES, FERRIES, WATER TAXI
Metro buses are on their regular weekday schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts. Remember that Saturday is the next twice-yearly service change – here’s our look at planned West Seattle trip cuts. Metro plans to return to the high bridge on Monday.
Ferries: WSF continues the 2-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.
The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
907th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. 3 days until SDOT expects to reopen it – on this Sunday, September 18th. Watch WSB for reopening updates all week. (As of this morning, no announcement yet of what time the reopening is expected on Sunday.)
Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use until the high bridge reopens; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings.
1st Avenue South Bridge:
South Park Bridge:
Highland Park Way/West Marginal Way
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are tweeted by @wsdot_traffic.
All currently functional city traffic cams can be seen here, many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
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