West Seattle, Washington
03 Thursday
Back in 2010, we talked with Carol Kelly (pictured at right with her daughters) about the 75th anniversary of Spud Fish and Chips on Alki. At that point, Carol had been working at Spud for half that time. Now she’s about to celebrate her own milestone there, and you’re invited to the party. On Tuesday afternoon (October 11), 2-4 pm, Alki Spud will celebrate Carol’s 50 years at the restaurant! Alki Spud’s ownership (whose other endeavor you might recognize, Ivar’s) shared these fun facts about her time there:
Under her management, Alki has served:
More than 5.3 million customers.
She has filleted, battered, and breaded more than 937,000 pounds of fish.
She has wrapped more than 4 million lineal feet of SPUD wrapping paper with the bubbling-cod cartoon around orders.
SPUD has soaked, cut, and fried more than 2.3 million pounds of SPUDs to accompany its orders
She has served more than 3.5 million cups of Coke.
Carol’s two daughters were both working with her at Alki Spud (2666 Alki SW) when we took the 2010 photo; Ashley has stayed with the company and is now general manager of Ivar’s Acres of Clams restaurant, while Victoria left Spud in 2020, by which time she’d become assistant manager. But everyone is “family” to Carol Kelly, the owners note, so she’d be thrilled to see you Tuesday afternoon. (There will be cake!)
(More early-fall flowers, seen in Gatewood)
Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
‘ONE DAY FOR WEST SEATTLE’: Today’s the day for the all-day fundraising marathon presented by the West Seattle Booster Club, as previewed here. Details are in this one-sheet; the donation link is here.
BLOCK DROP: DIY cleanup equipment is available at Ercolini Park (SW Alaska and 48th SW) until 6 pm – that’s also where you can drop off what you clean up, as part of closing the Block Drop loop!
SOUTHWEST ART SHOWCASE: See the community show at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), which is open until 6 pm today.
WATCHING THE MARINERS: Looking for someplace in West Seattle to watch today’s 1 pm playoff game with the M’s at Toronto? Thanks to everyone who responded when we asked that question. Here are the results. Any others? Still time to let us know so we can add:
The Bridge (6301 California SW)
Arthur’s (2311 California SW)
Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SWO
The Benbow Room (4210 SW Admiral Way)
The Admiral Pub (2306 California SW)
The Beer Junction (4511 California SW)
The Westy (7908 35th SW)
Prost West Seattle (3407 California SW)
Circa (2605 California SW)
West Wings (2329 California SW)
Christo’s on Alki (2508 Alki SW)
OKTOBERFEST AT OUNCES: First day of an all-weekend celebration, 3-10 pm – full details here. (3809 Delridge Way SW)
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: The West Seattle High School Wildcats host Lakeside at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 4:30 pm – homecoming game! – followed by the Chief Sealth International High School Seahawks playing Cleveland, also at NCSWAC, 7:30 pm. Admission is $4 students/senior citizens, $6 adults, cash only.
LIVE AT EASY STREET: 6 pm at Easy Street Records (California/Alaska), see Enumclaw performs live, free, all ages.
MUSIC AT C & P: 7-9 pm, Guitar Gil performs at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW), free, all ages.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Doors at 7, music at 8, with Fast Nasties, Wiley Foxes, Juliet Tango. $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
BINGO AT ADMIRAL PUB: West Seattle’s “sassiest bingo party” starts at 7 pm. (2306 California SW)
AT ARTSWEST: The ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) play “Swimming While Drowning” continues the second week of its run, 7:30 pm curtain. Tickets are available online.
COMEDY: New monthly show at Great American Diner (4752 California SW), 8 pm, produced by Cozy Comedy (featured in this WSB story).
Have something to add to our Event Calendar? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends are remembering Shanna Warren-Platt and sharing this remembrance with the community:
Shanna Warren-Platt, 63, of Seattle, passed away September 28th, 2022.
She was born in Amoret, MO on April 17th, 1959 to parents Lucille (née Warren) Platt and James Platt. A friendly and studious child, Shanna was known for her love of exploring and animals. Shortly after graduating Miami High School, Shanna moved to Washington state, where she would go on to summit Mt. Rainier.
Shanna graduated from Antioch University Seattle with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and then later a Certificate in Human Resources from the University of Washington, Seattle Campus. Shanna had a career as Manager of Cash Services, Seattle Branch for the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Shanna was a natural leader, a good listener, and described by those who worked with her as a “force of nature.”
She had a passion for hiking, travel, cooking, her children, friends and pets. As a friend she was up for anything and loved to go on trips, especially around the state of Washington. Local travel could never be considered complete without her loyal dog companions. Her pets, aside from children, provided some of the greatest joy in her life. She once said she likes to be part of a pack.
She is survived by her children, Miles and Natasha Thornton, and her siblings, Elaine Eidson, Jim Platt, and Steven Platt. Most of all, Shanna leaves behind a legacy of generosity, honesty, and kindness. She was, truly, a gift to all who knew her.
To share condolences and memories, please visit: www.EmmickFunerals.com/obituary/Shanna-Warren-Platt
(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)
Southbound orcas were reported off Bainbridge Island, says Kersti Muul, so they may be in view from west-facing West Seattle shores. Let us know if you see them!
8:50 AM: Thanks to Mel for the tip. One lane is closed on southbound 509 in the Glendale area for what’s only described as “police activity.”
————–
Earlier:
6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, October 7th. Go, Mariners!
WEATHER
Here’s the forecast – a lot like Thursday, some clouds, some sun, high in the 70s.
TRANSIT INFO
Metro buses are on their regular schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.
No changes in ferries (check here for alerts/updates) or West Seattle Water Taxi service. Note that the Water Taxi will be on a Sunday schedule this Monday for the Indigenous Peoples Day holiday.
ROAD WORK – INCLUDING THIS WEEKEND
-There’s some work toward the east end of Sylvan Way, but not the big SPU project – that’s now expected to start next week.
-In South Park, a drainage project is closing S. Holden St. between W. Marginal Way S. and 5th Ave S. weekdays through October 14th.
-Weekend alerts from SDOT:
As part of the Reconnect West Seattle Program, this weekend we will be implementing six Vision Zero projects, aimed to improve intersection visibility. Work is anticipated on Saturday and Sunday from 7 AM to 3 PM. We will be mostly working from the parking lane and will maintain traffic in all directions through these intersections. Please anticipate minor delays while traveling through the area.
We will be painting and posting curb bulbs at the following locations:
8th Ave S and S Rose St
8th Ave S and S Southern St
7th Ave S and S Donovan St
2nd Ave SW and Olson Pl SW
35th Ave SW and SW Brandon St
8th Ave SW and SW Barton St
BRIDGES
High Bridge – here’s the camera that’s atop the span.
Low Bridge: Open to anyone who wants to use it.
1st Ave. S. Bridge: The view, for those finding it more convenient.
Highway 99: Whichever bridge you’re using to get to 99, here’s the northbound side at Lander.
All currently functional city traffic cams can be seen here (new URL), many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see trouble on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
A block in Seaview could easily be renamed Pondview. This is why:
(WSB photos)
That’s the 3,200-gallon pond that occupies much of the front yard at Jeff and Melinda Pond‘s house.
Yes, Pond is their surname as well as their passion. The pond is a neighborhood attraction, created more than a decade ago. It’s home to these colorful koi.
The koi are not alone in the pond – it’s home to more than a dozen frogs, too (all of whom were in hiding during our recent visit). The pond held dozens of goldfish, too, but Jeff said almost a hundred goldfish were recently removed and rehomed. So the koi are currently rulers of the pond:
They are popular. Jeff and Melinda say it goes beyond passerby curiosity – day-care groups make regular visits, and enjoy story time by the pond – Little Free Libraries are just outside the fence to encourage story time for everyone:
Wildlife visit too. Bald eagles, great blue herons, a barred owl, and raccoons have all been seen. But so far nobody’s managed to pull off a major raid. The particulars of keeping koi are fascinating – we asked what happens in winter; Jeff says the fish – which can live for half a century – basically go into hibernation.
Do they have names? Mostly no, though their daughter has named a few, including “Mr. Fishy.” They have a smaller “sick tank” if any of the fish get ill and have to be separated from the others. But mostly, the pond is a peaceful refuge for Jeff, who works for Boeing and says his time at work can be “chaotic.”
The neighborhood is an extra-special place for Melinda, who grew up next door. Now they’re raising a family – and fish. And since the pond has attracted so much interest, they’ve set up this social-media page where you can get updates and ask questions. You’ll also be pointed to that page if you use the QR code that’s on a sign out front. You’re welcome to visit in person too – viewing from outside the fence – on 44th SW between Findlay and Juneau – just look for the flags!
Seattle Public Utilities says its delayed closure of the eastern end of Sylvan Way is now expected to start next week:
Starting as soon as October 10, SPU contractor crews will begin installing drainage improvements at Sylvan Way SW between SW Orchard St and Delridge Way SW as part of the Longfellow Natural Drainage System (NDS) project.
To perform this work safely and effectively, Sylvan Way SW between Home Depot’s eastern access and SW Orchard St will be temporarily closed to traffic.
This closure is expected to last approximately four weeks. The road will be closed to traffic 24-hour/day, with local access allowed to driveways east of the closure on Sylvan Way SW. Signage and flaggers will be on site to direct traffic.
The eastbound bus stop on Sylvan Way near the intersection of Sylvan Way and SW Orchard St will be closed for the duration of the road closure.
Here’s the construction notice with full details.
Just in from Public Health-Seattle & King County:
A rabid bat was found by the sidewalk adjacent to the Duwamish Head Condominiums (1140 Alki Ave SW [map]) on September 18 – 19, 2022, near Alki Beach Pier [Luna/Anchor Park] in West Seattle.
Anyone who might have had contact with this bat (even if not bitten) could be at risk and should seek medical evaluation immediately or call Public Health at 206-296-4774 to determine if rabies-preventative treatment is necessary.
Rabies is life-threatening but is treatable if caught early and treated before any symptoms develop.
The bat was first identified the evening of September 18. Seattle Animal Shelter was notified of the bat on September 19, 2022. A Seattle Animal Shelter officer picked up the bat, which was still living, on the same day. The bat was taken to PAWS Animal Shelter in Lynnwood, where it died on September 30. Public Health was notified of the bat on October 5. Public Health tested the bat for rabies and received a positive test on October 6.
To date, Public Health has identified at least four people who may have been exposed to the bat and all are being evaluated by Public Health. Public Health is also working to notify residents of the Duwamish Head Condominiums of the potential risk.
Who is at risk
Any person or animal that touched or had contact with the bat or its saliva could be at risk of getting rabies, which is almost always fatal once symptoms begin. Fortunately, rabies can be prevented if treatment is given before symptoms appear.
“Rabies is treatable if caught before symptoms appear, so identifying anyone who has had contact with the bat as soon as possible is important,” said Elysia Gonzales, Medical Epidemiologist at Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Contact includes touching a bat, being bitten, scratched, or any other bare skin contact with a bat or its saliva.”
Rabies and pets
If your pet might have been exposed to this bat, contact your veterinarian immediately. Dogs, cats, ferrets, and horses should be current on their rabies vaccine but will need to be revaccinated if they had contact with a bat.
More about rabies
Rabies is dangerous, but treatable if caught early before any symptoms develop:
If someone has had contact with a bat, treatment can prevent infection. This treatment should be given as soon as possible.
Rabies is a viral disease of the central nervous system that is almost always fatal once symptoms begin.
The virus is found in the saliva of an animal with rabies and is usually transmitted by a bite or scratch. Because rabies is a life threatening disease, medical advice must be sought promptly if a bat comes into contact with humans or animals.If you find a bat:
=If you find a bat inside your house, call Public Health at 206-296-4774 to discuss the situation and to determine whether the bat needs to be tested for rabies. Public Health tests bats for rabies at no charge under certain circumstances.
-Live bats should be captured and might need to be tested for rabies if:
-If the bat had direct contact with a person’s bare skin or with a pet OR
-If a person wakes up to a bat in the room in which they were sleeping
-Use a shovel or gloves to put a dead bat in a box for testing. Do not throw it away!
-Open windows and allow bats to leave your home if they have not come into contact with a person or pets. Close doors to other parts of your home and secure pets away from the location of the bat.
For more information about how to safely capture a bat in your home and how to safely avoid bats, visit: kingcounty.gov/bats
You can also learn more about bats here; that one-sheet says fewer than one in 20,000 bats has rabies.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes:
STOLEN PICKUP: Amanda reports this pickup truck has been stolen again:
2002 F-250. It was parked in front of the bowling alley between 1 and 2 pm on Thursday the 6th. Plate (corrected) C52723N.
We’re awaiting the report number. (UPDATE: It’s 22-268812.)
MEETING POSTPONED AGAIN: For the second time, Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner has announced the postponement of a planned community meeting with police:
I am deeply sorry to have to do this again, but we are very excited to announce that the next SW Precinct Crime Prevention Council Meeting will be held in-person at the SW Precinct!! For the first time since 2020, we are looking forward to welcoming our community back into our community room. The meeting was scheduled for next Thursday, but we will be postponing until the community room is available.
We’ll update when there’s a new date.
(Southwest Seattle Historical Society photo)
History fans are going to have to wait until November for their next look into our area’s past. Just got word that the Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s Log House Museum is closed to the public for the rest of October because the city-landmark building is getting a new roof.
Seattle City Light crews will be doing “contact voltage” testing in West Seattle over the next few weeks, SCL spokesperson Jenn Strang tells WSB. She explains, “This is an annual testing event for excess voltage and is conducted overnight. Contact voltage can occur on the surface of metal streetlight structures, street signs, or other fixtures that can become energized. There should be no disturbance to residents or businesses, but some people may notice the truck …” This is vital testing, as contact voltage can be deadly. You can find out more about this testing – and what to do if you suspect a contact-voltage problem – by going here.
SHOPLIFT-TURNED-ROBBERY: This happened just before 9:30 Tuesday night. Here’s how the police summary tells the story:
Officers and Westwood Village Emphasis Units responded to the Ross Dress for Less at Westwood Village for a report of an armed robbery. Loss Prevention Officers reported they had attempted to contact a suspected shoplifter who had gathered 300-400 dollars-worth of apparel. This suspect began to leave through the “employees only” area that led to an emergency exit. LPOs contacted him, at which time he pulled a handgun and pointed it at them, telling them to “back off,” which allowed him to run from the business, get into his vehicle and flee the area. An area check was negative.
Two recent case filings from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office:
BUS ASSAULTS: These charges are from an incident this past May, in which police responded to a report of someone using a cane to hit multiple people aboard a Metro bus near Westwood Village. 58-year-old Hazem Abdulhadi is charged with two counts of assault, one third-degree and one fourth-degree, for hitting a 17-year-old girl in the abdomen as she was boarding the bus and then hitting a 69-year-old Metro supervisor in the arm after he arrived to try to help before transit deputies got there. The charging documents say Abdulhadi’s attacks were recorded on security video and were unprovoked. He was arrested and spent 24 hours and in jail; charges were filed four and a half months later.
HIT-AND-RUN: This stems back to an incident in December 2020. Prosecutors say 37-year-old Carl D. Lee was driving a stolen SUV, and did not have a valid driver license, when he hit a 36-year-old man crossing the street at 32nd/Raymond early on a Sunday morning. The victim’s injuries included getting several teeth knocked out. Police found the damaged car one block away about a day and a half later. After impounding the vehicle, a search yielded a clue to who had been driving it – Lee’s documents from a recent Harborview Medical Center discharge. The documents charging Lee with one count of felony hit and run do not fully explain the lag in the case – the police detective’s report is dated January of this year; the charges were filed in late September. He is not currently in custody, according to the King County jail register.
One day, more than a dozen programs. That’s what Friday’s “One Day for West Seattle” fundraiser is all about. The West Seattle Booster Club is looking to collect community support in a one-day burst of donations, as explained in the announcement:
One Day for West Seattle is a 24-hour online campaign with the goal of uniting West Seattle families, friends, alumni, and community members to join in celebration of WSHS Athletics through philanthropic giving.
This year, the West Seattle Booster Club is rallying the Wildcat community with the goal of raising $5,000 for each sponsored program in 24 hours.
All funds donated to each program will stay within that specific program. Financial donations will be used for the purchase of: equipment, student travel, uniforms, warmups, tournaments, meet entry fees, team meals and hotels.
During the “One Day for West Seattle” event, donors can visit https://westseattleboosterclub.org/donate to designate their gifts to the specific teams or clubs they are passionate about supporting.
More details – and a list of beneficiary programs – is in this one-sheet.
(Bunny in Lincoln Park, photographed by Emily Carlston)
Time to look at what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
BLOCK DROP: Today you’ll find DIY cleanup equipment at California Place Park (California/Hill in North Admiral), now until 6 pm.
UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE: At 11 am, independent health-insurance broker Patrice Lewis presents information about Medicare at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).
SOUTHWEST ART SHOWCASE: See the community show at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), which is open noon-8 pm today.
LIGHT-RAIL STATION SITE TOUR: l-4 pm, the Seattle Design Commission‘s regular meeting will be a tour of station sites for the West Seattle light-rail extension – details here.
ULTIMATE AT WALT HUNDLEY: 6 pm, Thursday night summertime Ultimate pickup games have moved to Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle).
BOARD GAME NIGHT: Go play at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), starting at 6:30 pm.
CANDIDATES’ FORUM: The 7 pm online meeting of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council includes a forum with the two candidates for the open State House seat in the 34th District, which includes West Seattle – Emily Alvarado and Leah Griffin. Video/phone info is in our calendar listing.
‘SWIMMING WHILE DROWNING;: Second week begins for the ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) play “Swimming While Drowning,” 7:30 pm curtain. Tickets are available online.
BATTLESTAR KALAKALA: First Thursday is funk night at The Skylark, 9 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
BENBOW’S COUNTRY NIGHT: 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 Saturday for a reception celebrating the life of Al Radelich. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with his community:
ALBERT ANTHONY RADELICH
1932-2022Al passed away July 23, 2022 at the age of 90.
He was born May 21, 1932 to John and Theresa Radelich in Tacoma. He started working hard at an early age. He was a commercial fisherman, owned his own cleaning business, and worked for The Gear Works for 46 years, retiring at the age of 71.
Al was in the US Army for 2 years during the Korean conflict. He got his draft notice on the day he got married to Jennie Morovich, a marriage that lasted 68 years. Al’s loves were his family, son Steve [Bonnie], daughter Dianna, grandchildren Mario [Katy], Tony, Gina, Nadya, and Layla, great-grandchildren Charlie, Scarlet, Hailey, Camille, and his one and only Jennie.
His favorite hobbies were fishing and taking care of his koi pond that he built in his backyard. Al loved the holidays, especially Christmas and putting lights up all around the house. He enjoyed songs from the ’40s and ’50s and was an amazing dancer. Al was famous for his barbecuing (even in the snow) with a good glass of Scotch. There was a private memorial for Al with his immediate family, done at Mutiny Bay on Whidbey Island, a place where they vacationed every year for 40 years.
We invite all friends and relatives to join us for a reception to celebrate Al's life at Our Lady Of Guadalupe hall, 7000 35th Ave SW, on October 8th at 12:30 pm. Remembrances may be made to Medic One, 11747 NE 1st Street, Suite 310, Bellevue, WA 98005 or Seattle Children’s Hospital. Please visit his online obituary here.
(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)
6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, October 6th.
WEATHER
Here’s the forecast – sunshine expected, high back up in the 70s.
TRANSIT INFO
Metro buses are on their regular schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.
No changes in ferries (check here for alerts/updates) or West Seattle Water Taxi service. Note that the Water Taxi will be on a Sunday schedule this Monday for the Indigenous Peoples Day holiday.
ROAD WORK
-Mel reports that the Sylvan Way project by Home Depot is finally under way.
-In South Park, a drainage project is closing S. Holden St. between W. Marginal Way S. and 5th Ave S. weekdays through October 14th.
BRIDGES
High Bridge – here’s the camera that’s atop the span.
Low Bridge: Open to anyone who wants to use it.
1st Ave. S. Bridge: The view, those finding it more convenient.
Highway 99: Whichever bridge you’re using to get to 99, here’s the northbound side at Lander.
All currently functional city traffic cams can be seen here (new URL), many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see trouble on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
ORIGINAL WEDNESDAY REPORT: Friday, the Mariners play a two-decades-in-the-making game – their first playoff game since 2001. It’s happening in Toronto, so most of the cheering will be from 2,500 miles away. Wondering where you can do that cheering in West Seattle? First place we heard about is The Bridge (6301 California SW), opening early – at noon – on Friday to get ready for the 1 pm game. Where else in West Seattle? We’ll be looking around but we’d really appreciate your help too – if you know of other venues, please mention in the comment section or via email at westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
ADDED THURSDAY NIGHT: Along with The Bridge, these establishments have announced they’re opening early so you can watch The Game:
Arthur’s (2311 California SW)
Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SWO
The Benbow Room (4210 SW Admiral Way)
The Admiral Pub (2306 California SW)
The Beer Junction (4511 California SW)
The Westy (7908 35th SW)
Prost West Seattle (3407 California SW)
FRIDAY NOTE – ADDING MORE HERE
7:07 PM WEDNESDAY: We’ve been reporting for a decade on the site north of Morgan Junction Park that was bought by the city in 2014 and “landbanked” as a future addition to the park. As noted here over the summer, the actual park development won’t have funding until the next Park District cycle. (The city was working on design just before the pandemic – and then the project got shelved.) The site has been awaiting soil remediation from its past incarnation as a dry cleaners. In the meantime, you’ve probably noticed the guerrilla mini-skatepark that’s turned up on the previously long-idle site. Tonight we heard from supporters of skating at the site who are gathering petition signatures to ask the city to let them keep using it that way while the site awaits development. If you’re interested in supporting their campaign, the petition page is here. (Photo from August, sent by CJ)
ADDED 11:12 AM THURSDAY: We asked Seattle Parks about the situation. Here’s the response:
Unfortunately, this site is not safe for public use of any type and we’ll have to remove any skate equipment and re-lock the site. SPR has submitted for a grading permit (6924009-GR) to remove the hazardous material left over from the former dry cleaner. Included in the removal of HAZMAT will be some landscape improvements. We anticipate completing this work and opening the site to the public Spring 2023.
There was a substance poured on the ramp; this was not done by SPR staff.
5:24 PM: The big Seattle Fire response at 30th/Juneau is for a reported gas leak. Updates to come.
5:35 PM: Firefighters are checking the air in nearby residences to determine safety.
5:38 PM: They’re reducing the response to a few units, while waiting for the leak to be handled. Puget Sound Energy is on the scene.
5:42 PM: SFD reports that PSE has secured the leak.
As Mayor Bruce Harrell said in his budget speech, the city intends to be closely involved in planning for the West Seattle/Ballard Extensions of Sound Transit light rail – and one of the city entities keeping an eye on the project will be touring part of the planned route tomorrow (Thursday, October 6). Thanks to West Seattle community advocate Deb Barker for the tip on the Seattle Design Commission‘s plan to spend its regular meeting on this tour. The SDC is an advisory group and its meetings are open to the public. From the agenda:
SDC WSBLE Tour of Delridge, Avalon, and Alaska Junction Light Rail Station locations
1:00 pm
Alaska Junction Station Location
Location: SE corner of SW Alaska St and 42nd Ave SW2:00 pm
Avalon Station
Location: 35th Ave SW and SW Dakota St (one block north of station location)3:00 pm
Yancy Guideway
Location: Corner of SW Yancy, SW Andover, and 32nd Ave SW3:30 pm
Delridge Station
Location: NW corner of Delridge Way SW and SW Andover St
You can catch up with them at one or more of the stops.
We’ve reported before on The Heron’s Nest, land between Puget Park and West Marginal Way SW that’s in the process of being restored and repatriated to the Duwamish Tribe. The nonprofit that’s been working on this is inviting you to a benefit celebration at the site this Saturday night – when the weather should be perfect for an outdoor event:
Saturday, October 8th: Fundraiser & Auction:
4-9 pm – Join us at The Heron’s Nest (4818 Puget Way SW)
Welcoming to the space by Ken Workman of Duwamish Tribal Council
Silent Auction, Raffle Prizes, Coast Salish Stories by Pamela Bond, Documentary Trailer Screening (Road to Recognition), Live performances, Dinner, Drinks, and more!$50 tickets include two meal tickets, two 21+ drink tickets, two raffle tickets
Tickets are available online here.
(Three ‘massing’ options, from design packet by SHW)
In July, we reported on a plan for microapartments at 9059 (corrected) 16th SW, where the existing vacant building was gutted by fire a year ago and then listed for sale. The proposal, which also covers a parcel to the north, is going through Administrative Design Review, which means no public meetings, though there’s still an opportunity for community comment. The city website describes the plan as 4 stories with 67 apartments. The design packet by architecture firm SHW is here; it notes that the building is proposed with 67 bicycle-parking spaces and no offstreet motor-vehicle parking. The review is in the Early Design Guidance stage of the process, so you can comment on its size/shape/placement on the site by emailing assigned city planner Carly Guillory at carly,guillory@seattle.gov.
12:18 PM: Thanks for the tips. We’re told at least two schools – Genesee Hill and West Seattle (at the former Schmitz Park) Elementaries – sheltered in place for a while earlier today because of a police response in the area. One reader saw the officers in the 51st/Charlestown vicinity.
(Photo via email)
SPD describes it only as a “person in crisis” situation. If we learn anything further, we’ll update.
2:09 PM: A parent forwarded the letter sent to GH families by principal Liz Dunn:
This morning Genesee Hill Elementary went into a brief shelter-in-place while there was police activity near our school.
At 11 a.m., we were alerted by the Seattle Police Department (SPD) that they were responding to a report of an individual who may have been suicidal in the area.
The Genesee Hill teachers and staff quickly got the students off the playground and back into their classrooms. The police did a thorough search of the area. According to SPD, the individual was taken into care. The lockdown was lifted at 11:10 a.m.
This incident occurred off school property and at no time was student safety compromised. Students may have witnessed the increased police presence as the SPD responded to the situation.
Please know that I take safety in our buildings very seriously. The well-being of Genesee Hill students is my top concern. I am proud of how our students and staff responded to this incident. District procedures were followed, and the situation was resolved quickly and safe
(A reminder that if you or anyone you know is experiencing thoughts of self-harm, there’s a new three-digit hotline – 988.
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