West Seattle, Washington
06 Monday
Just got a text reporting brown water in Alki. No Seattle Public Utilities work mapped in West Seattle – either emergency or planned – so it’s likely hydrant testing stirring up sediment (rust) in the lines again. We also have seen SFD doing some of that testing in south Gatewood today, near 35th/Thistle. Even if you’re sure that’s what’s happening with your water, ALWAYS report it to SPU’s 24-hour hotline, 206-386-1800. The discoloration is not toxic but can stain your laundry, so you’ll want to be sure the water runs clear before you wash anything.
(SDOT camera at 35th/Holden, south end of newest corridor proposal)
One week after the end of public feedback on his initial $1.35 billion proposal for the new transportation levy, Mayor Harrell has just announced the revised plan. He’s added another $100 million, so it’s now a $1.45 billion, nine-year levy. But the list of potential West Seattle projects in the overview has been scaled back since that previous announcement (here’s our West Seattle-focused report from April).
Perhaps the biggest West Seattle change is a reduction for what’s envisioned for a “corridor” project on 35th SW – instead of the previously mentioned project (including repaving) from Morgan to Alaska, the revised levy only mentions Morgan to Holden. The revised levy document also no longer mentions Fauntleroy Way SW (the Triangle section was originally in the now-expiring Levy to Move Seattle, then shelved in case light rail needed that corridor). The one West Seattle holdover from the first proposal is at Olson, toward the end of the Roxbury corridor:
Olson Pl SW / 1st Ave S: 2nd Ave SW to SW Cloverdale St — Street reconstruction with a widened sidewalk or trail and treatments to keep vehicles from skidding on wet pavement.
We note two additions: On the list of potential sidewalk projects, the new proposal adds SW Brandon between 26th and 30th, something that’s been on the North Delridge wish list forever. And a “transit corridor performance project” is proposed for the block of SW Oregon between California and 44th.
The reduction in named West Seattle projects doesn’t necessarily mean this area is getting less investment – there are many categories in which the plan doesn’t go into detail (we asked about specifics previously and SDOT said those were yet to come). You can read the city’s overview of the new proposal here, and more details here. Now it goes to the City Council, with District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka leading the review as chair of the Transportation Committee and the all-councilmembers Select Committee focusing on the levy, starting next Tuesday morning (here’s the agenda).
(Salty’s, scene of tonight’s SWSHS gala, and the Water Taxi, running late tonight, seen in Theresa Arbow-O’Connor’s photo)
Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: Again today, get food at/from Blue Moon Burgers (2504 Alki SW) and tell them you’re supporting Madison Middle School; part of the proceeds will go to Madison students via the ASB.
WATER TAXI EXTENDED HOURS: Third Friday for the Water Taxi’s spring/summer hours, which add Friday and Saturday later-evening service each week.
STAY & PLAY INDOOR GYM: Free drop-in play, 10-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.
LIBRARY CLOSURE: The Seattle Public Library‘s temporary closure days continue; the West Seattle (Admiral) branch will not be open, but it’s regular hours today for our area’s other libraries.
(added) JUNCTION FC MERCH POP-UP & FORMER SOUNDER APPEARANCE: At Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW):
Friday, May 3rd from 4-7 pm
Calling all soccer fans! Former Sounder Román Torres will be at Ounces, Friday, May 3rd from 4-7 pm, along with West Seattle’s new semi-pro soccer team, Junction FC, for a very special Preseason Pop-up! Come get Junction FC Merch for their inaugural season, support your local team, drink beer to win FREE game tickets & merch, and say hello to Román! (He might even sign something.)
GRAND OPENING: 4-7 pm, it’s a “grand opening happy hour” at Tattoo Pizzazz (6021 California SW).
VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room/wine bar open tonight for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
ART RECEPTION: Feathers in the Wind pop-up, upstairs at Alki Arts (6030 California SW) with six local artists showing and selling their work all weekend!
SWSHS GALA: Not too late to get tickets for the Southwest Seattle Historical Society gala at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor), 6 pm – a fun night with speakers, an auction, dinner, more!
LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: The Hinges and Spiders from Uranus at 6 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: Art Frankel and Gordon Assadi on violin, 7 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: West Seattle’s own Not Dead Yet is back., followed by Good Lettuce and the Hall Passes. Doors at 7 pm, show at 8. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SHOWCASE AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.
‘MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM’ AT CSIHS: 7:30 pm, opening night for the Chief Sealth Drama Club/Bayfest Youth Theatre production of Shakespeare‘s classic. Our calendar listing includes ticket info. (2600 SW Thistle)
DJ NIGHT AT REVELRY ROOM: Music 9 pm-1 am on Fridays! (4547 California SW)
MAKE IT LOUD! Skate to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), 9 pm-midnight, this week featuring Test Frenzy, (blouseusa)band, noisepoetnobody. $18 cover + $5 skate rental
LATE-NIGHT SINGING: 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Still planning your garden and/or containers for the heart of the growing/blooming season? Friends of Roxhill Elementary has a fundraiser going right now:
Spring is here! We are partnering again with Flower Power Fundraising to sell flower bulbs, kitchen garden herbs, sprouts, seeds, and more to bring some joy to your home garden or window sill this spring and raise money for our school.
Check out our fundraising website:
http://friendsofroxhill.fpfundraising.comShare the link with your friends, neighbors, co-workers and relatives across the country. They have a variety of plants for every climate.
Friends of Roxhill Elementary receives 50% of the profits from every order. Orders are shipped directly to the person placing the order (there is a $6.99 shipping fee).
Order deadline is May 15, 2024. Thank you for supporting Roxhill Elementary!
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, May 3.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Increasing clouds, rain possible later, high in the mid-60s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:47 am; sunset will be at 8:25 pm.
ROAD-WORK ALERT
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project continues at Delridge/Oregon, which is narrowed as a result:
WEEKEND ALERTS:
Saturday morning: The two right lanes of the northbound First Avenue South Bridge will be closed 5:30-11:30 am for maintenance
Sunday morning: The westbound West Seattle Bridge will be closed to 4-wheel traffic for the Emerald City Ride, approximately 5-9 am, and the riders will be traveling a route around West Seattle – with rest stops at Alki and at South Seattle College – before heading back to the starting point in SODO via the low bridge.
TRANSIT NOTES
Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. (Since it’s Friday, that means late-evening runs, too.) Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.
Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Check WSF alerts for last-minute changes. Use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Low bridge: Open.
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
High Bridge – As noted above, westbound lanes will be closed 5-9 am Sunday for the Emerald City Ride. Meantime, here’s the main camera:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
1st Ave. S. Bridge:
Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic. (We’re aware that the low bridge hasn’t shown up in this feed since the recent closure, and we’re awaiting SDOT’s explanation.)
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Two reader reports of coyote sightings in West Seattle:
GATEWOOD: The photo is from Joe, who reports:
Thought I would share a recent coyote sighting in the Gatewood neighborhood (40th SW & Morgan St.) This was from Wed. night 5/1 @ 11:28 PM. This is actually the second sighting at the same location in less than a week, FWIW.
THE JUNCTION: This report is from Shaunte G:
Saw coyote run down 42nd from Edmunds headed south at 10:15 pm. I was walking my two chihuahuas and had to tell him off us, as he tried hiding behind a car waiting for us to walk by and then tried to position himself behind us. Informed others walking their dogs as well, since he seemed fairly bold.
We share coyote sightings for awareness, not alarm. And for education – find out what to do if you encounter one by reading the state’s fact sheet.
ORIGINAL THURSDAY NIGHT REPORT: Another stolen van – this one, reported by Shawn:
Unfortunately I’m writing to request help in locating my Westy. She’s a 1984 Volkswagen Westfalia camper van. Beige with a different-color left front corner. She has an ARB awning on the right side and black rims. Washington plates BGK2325. It was stolen by the Trader Joe’s from around 5 pm to 7 pm today. Her name is Gertie.
No police report # yet but call 911 if you see it.
3:49 PM FRIDAY: After all the sightings reported in comments (thank you!), Shawn just emailed to say Gertie has been found.
Latest brown-water report came in late this afternoon from RB at California/Juneau, just north of Morgan Junction. No incidents so far today on the Seattle Public Utilities water-trouble map, so this too may well have been hydrant testing. As always, we remind you to report water anomalies to SPU 24/7, via 206-386-1800.
The map for this year’s West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day (Saturday, May 11) is almost ready! We’re expecting to publish the map, plus the link to the printable guide, on Saturday morning (5/4) as promised (though formatting more than 500 entries has taken extra time!). Starting Saturday morning, by 9 am, look for the link here on WSB and at westseattlegaragesale.com. If you have seen a map anywhere else before then, it’s NOT this year’s map and should be clearly marked with whatever year it’s from.
Two reminders from our last update:
-If you have a few things to sell but nowhere to sell them, two registered WSCGSD sites have offered spaces for small sellers – Hotwire Coffee and West Seattle Eagles. We don’t know the status of whether they’ve maxed out signups or not, so please check directly with them.
-If your nonprofit is interested in post-Garage Sale Day donations of certain kinds of items, please let us know ASAP so we can list it on that particular page of our WSCGSD site.
Official WSCGSD hours on Saturday, May 11, are 9 am to 3 pm, but some sellers will start earlier and/or end later, while at least 10 sellers are adding extra days – all that info will be in their listings, on the map and in the guide. And watch here for previews starting this Saturday, especially mini-lists we usually make of which sale numbers are offering certain popular items (toys, tools, etc.).
Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Westside Awards – here’s the announcement sent by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce:
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce presents the annual Westside Awards, honoring three local businesses and one individual who demonstrates results-oriented leadership, a cornerstone of a thriving economic region.
2024 Westside Award Winners are:
• Westside Business of the Year: Alki Beach Academy
• Westside Emerging Business of the Year: Southpaw Barbershop
• Westside Not for Profit of the Year: A Cleaner Alki
• Westsider of the Year: Mike Kreiger, Teacher and Coach, Madison Middle SchoolAward winners and all nominees will be recognized at the Annual Westside Awards Breakfast on Wednesday, May 22, 7:30 am-9 am, at The Hall at Fauntleroy.
At the Awards Breakfast, Fred Rivera, Executive Vice President, Corporate Secretary, and General Counsel of the Seattle Mariners, will lead a keynote fireside chat moderated by Brian Callanan, Loop the ‘Lupe, discussing how dedication and collaboration are pivotal in shaping operations within the Mariners organization, from celebrating successes to integrating new members into a culture focused on teamwork and recognizing individual contributions.
Early Bird Pricing for tickets is $55 per person through May 3rd, and $65 per person May 4th onward. Get your tickets at https://loom.ly/PJNQ0qU or wschamber.com.
Below are this year’s Westside Award nominees (from community suggestions solicited earlier this year), also from the Chamber’s announcement:
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Almost two months have gone by since the city announced the draft of changes to the 20-year plan for Seattle’s future, officially known as its comprehensive plan, currently going by the name One Seattle Plan. (Here’s our first report on it, from March 9th.)
If you have something to say about the draft plan, you have four more days (go here). If you don’t know enough about it to comment, you’re invited to an online informational meeting at 6 pm tonight (here’s the connection information) – and you might be interested in what more than 70 people heard at a West Seattle briefing earlier this week. (Here’s the slide deck used, if you want to cut right to that.)
The briefing was arranged by City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s office after Chief of Staff Elaine Ikoma Ko – who spoke at the meeting – learned that the community groups in Admiral, Alki, and Fauntleroy felt under-informed about the plan, though there was a West Seattle open house a month ago (WSB coverage here). This meeting Monday night at Admiral Church wasn’t a public hearing and wasn’t meant to be a formal comment opportunity, either – just informational.
Nonetheless, some in attendance offered their thoughts, especially learning about the new state law that will be incorporated into the comprehensive plan, requiring many jurisdictions – including Seattle – to allow up to four dwelling units on any lot (six, if two of them are “affordable”). That seemed to be a surprise to many, though current zoning allows three units, with the changes a few years back to open the door for attached and detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs and DADUs) on every lot.
Michael Hubner, the city Office of Planning and Community Development manager who’s leading the plan-revision project, affirmed that its spotlight feature is “confronting our housing challenges,” with Seattle’s population potentially hitting a million people in the next 20 years, which would be a 25 percent increase from the current number. He was joined at the briefing by OPCD’s Brennon Staley.
Hubner also noted that while those in attendance might have not noticed, this is the third year of the comprehensive-plan revision process – a meeting was held in late 2022 at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), for example. The end of the process is in sight – the final plan will be sent to the City Council for action by the end of the year.
What’s open for public review, Hubner explained, is a trio of documents – the draft plan itself, zoning changes for areas currently zoned “neighborhood residential” (called “single-family” until a council-approved change more than two years ago, and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the plan.
Hubner reviewed the five types of places outlined in the draft plan – regional center, urban center, neighborhood center, urban neighborhood, manufacturing/industrial center. It’s a “more understandable hierarchy,” he said. Here’s the District 1 version of the map:
District 1 would have no “regional center.” Its current “urban villages” would become “urban centers,” and the West Seattle Junction’s boundary would expand eastward to Avalon (where a light-rail station is planned) – that expansion is one of the things on which the city is “actively seeking feedback.”
The “neighborhood centers” (noted in our first report in March) don’t have boundaries firmed up yet, but each would have a core and expand outward 800 feet – covering “one to three blocks” – from there, with “denser housing and a mix of uses.” Hubner said that in comments, they want to hear “are these the right locations? What do you think about the concept? Want to see more of these, less of these, or?”
As for “urban neighborhoods” – that covers most of the rest of the city. Along with the “four units allowable on every lot” – not required, but allowed – “corner stores” (small stores or restaurants) would be allowed too, and lots might be eligible for six housing units if two were guaranteed to be “affordable,” though the city reps said they doubted that would be common.
One attendee observed that would likely lead to mostly multi-story development, and “what does that do for people with limited mobility? It’s discriminatory.” Staley noted that “stacked flats” – which would mean one-level living even for those on upper floors – might be built too.
Then it was time for Q&A, which some turned into comments.
One person complained about what he saw as too much parking being built into residential developments. The city reps noted that indeed, the city currently has some parking minimums but no maximums, and maybe that could eventually change.
Some zoning might allow more density in “frequent transit” areas, so one person wanted to know how that’s defined. “15 minutes (frequency) all day long and some weekend service.” And yes, bus service will be ‘restructured” when light rail opens the West Seattle extension (currently expected in late 2032).
West Seattle’s lack of a hospital, often brought up in planning discussions, was mentioned. The plan doesn’t really do anything to change that. Hubner said it was an “interesting question,” though.
What about the increased density putting a strain on infrastructure? Utilities have their own plans for what’s needed in the decades ahead, was the reply, but they’re meeting with those entities too.
What about areas that already have neighborhood plans – how did those factor into this? Hubner replied that essentially, they won’t – they’re mostly outdated anyway, in the city’s view. “In most cases, decades old.” But, he added, they do hope to do more “area” (neighborhood) planning “in the future.” (Asked later about what kind of weight is given to neighborhood groups’ comments on the plan, the reply was that it’s important for the comments to describe how many people had input and how it was collected.)
More density doesn’t necessarily lead to more affordable housing if it’s not required to be affordable, one person commented, observing that an old half-million-dollar house tends to be replaced with three million-dollar units. The city reps said their philosophy is that density will ease the housing crunch “by increasing supply and diversity of types of housing.” Staley said, “Nothing is affordable right now.” It was also noted that the Mandatory Housing Affordability program – requiring developers to either include affordable units or pay into a fund that the city uses to bankroll it elsewhere – is coming up for a review too.
One attendee asked if the city has a number about how many housing units D-1 has now and how many this might lead to. No number handy, they replied, but the Draft EIS analyzes option.
Other attendees voiced concerns about a shortage of green space, and the tree-cutting that increased density will lead to. “The Great Seattle Tree Cull” is how one described it. Staley said, “Definitely a tradeoff, more housing means less space for trees.” He reiterated that the state is requiring allowing four units per lot so the city has no choice, “but we welcome comments on how to (address the tree concerns).”
Since one rendering shown featured four-story buildings, an attendee worried about the future of views. Hubner said the four-story buildings would be the result of including affordable units and, again, they doubted developers would do that in most areas.
WHAT’S NEXT? As mentioned above, there’s an online meeting tonight, and next Monday – May 6 – is the deadline for comment in this stage of the process. (Here’s how and where to comment.) In October, Hubner said, a “detailed zoning proposal with maps” will be made available for comment, the final plan will go to the City Council by year’s end, and then the “zoning legislation” will follow early next year.
(March photo courtesy Luna Park Café owner John Bennett)
When Luna Park Café celebrated its 35th anniversary in March, owner John Bennett told us they hoped to add dinner this spring. Now, he says, it’s about to happen:
Luna will start opening for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays starting tomorrow. Serving great burgers, sandwiches, salads, vegetarian, and vegan dishes. Expanded cocktail menu, beer specials and new mock-tail options, including our famous boozy shakes!
The café is at 2918 SW Avalon Way. Dinner hours will be 3-9 pm.
(Seen at California/Oregon on Wednesday)
Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: Today and tomorrow, get food at/from Blue Moon Burgers (2504 Alki SW) and tell them you’re supporting Madison Middle School; part of the proceeds will go to Madison students via the ASB.
ONLINE AUCTION: Day 4 of bidding in the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s weeklong auction, as previewed here – open to all!
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Now open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
NAVIGATING MEDICARE: Signing up, or switching? Info event at 11 am at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).
(added) FISHER SCONE WAGON AT MET MARKET: Thanks to Meagan for the tip. 12:30-5:30 pm, the Fisher Scone Wagon brings a bit of the State Fair to Admiral Metropolitan Market (41st/42nd/Admiral).
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com for info on where they’re playing today.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room/wine bar now open Thursdays-Saturdays 1 pm-6 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm class at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Porky T’s BBQ.
FREE ECO-ARTS CLASS: 5-7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – you’re invited to drop in!
VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle.
TAE KWON DO: First May 2024 class for the West Seattle Tae Kwon Do Club is 6 pm at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at Good Society (California/Lander) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run.
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: 6:30 pm, meet at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for a 3-mile run through the neighborhood. (Walking option, too!)
BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday you can listen to the blues.
SILENT BOOK CLUB: 7 pm, at a variety of venues all around West Seattle – just go read! The list is in our calendar listing.
PARENTING TALK: Learn how to communicate more effectively with your preteens! 7 pm at Alki Elementary @ Schmitz Park (5000 SW Spokane), presented by the Alki PTA – ticket link is in our calendar listing.
PIANO BAR: Monthly event is tonight, 7 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).
THURSDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: Burger Planet (9614 14th SW) in White Center now has Thursday night trivia at 7 pm – prizes!
Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in daily preview lists like this one? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
ORIGINAL THURSDAY REPORT: Reported by Pierre via email:
!997/98 Chevy Express 1500 Conversion Van:
Plate # BYD-6191, dark blue with wave graphics on both sides. Handicap placard was on rearview mirror when stolen, approximately between 12 am and 4 am [Wednesday]. Has 2 large windows on driver side and one on the other. Michelin raised white letter tires on after market rims with custom air valves and short bug shield on hood. Vehicle was taken from 5000 block of California SW. Heavy trailer hitch. SPD report # 24-118026.
Call 911 if you see it.
ADDED SATURDAY: Here’s a photo:
Again this year, Gatewood Elementary is planning a community event, and welcoming teenage and tween-age volunteers to help make it happen. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:
Volunteer opportunity for Seattle Public School middle and high school students to earn service hours:
Gatewood Elementary is hosting the 2nd Annual Gatewood Gator Fair on Saturday, June 1st, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., and is looking for volunteers to set-up and break down the event, run carnival games, help out at booths, etc.
The event is rain or shine and the community is invited.
Volunteer shifts are: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., 1- 3:30 p.m.
Sign up at signupgenius.com/go/10C0B48A8A629A1F4C34-48659222-gator#
Questions? GatewoodGatorFair@gmail.com
School address: 4320 SW Myrtle Street. Parking in the neighborhoodPublic transportation: Rapid Ride C line stop is Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Myrtle St.
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, May 2.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunny today, high in the low 60s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:49 am; sunset will be at 8:23 pm.
ROAD-WORK ALERT
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project continues at Delridge/Oregon, which is narrowed as a result:
TRANSIT NOTES
Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.
Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Check WSF alerts for last-minute changes. Use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Low bridge: Open.
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
High Bridge – Reminder, westbound lanes will be closed 5-9 am Sunday for the Emerald City Ride. Meantime, here’s the main camera:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
1st Ave. S. Bridge:
Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic. (We’re aware that the low bridge hasn’t shown up in this feed since the recent closure, and we’re checking on that with SDOT.)
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
After 911 calls reporting what sounded like gunfire in the Westcrest Park area, police have just confirmed it – with an officer telling dispatch they’ve found “some casings” near the park’s southern entrance. For those not familiar with the area, this is about a mile east of the earlier gunfire scene; no way to know yet whether it’s related. Officers also have told dispatch that a witness reported seeing a white 4-door Honda Accord pull into the park entrance, with one person getting out, firing a gun into the park, then getting back in the car.
6:17 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a rescue response to 35th/Thistle after a report of a flipped-car crash. Updates to come.
(Added: WSB photo)
6:20 PM: Firefighters say it’s a “small SUV on its side” with one person inside.
6:23 PM: The person in the vehicle is unhurt, firefighters say, and she’s out safely. They’re reducing the response. Our crew says it’s on the northbound side just north of Thistle.
6:56 PM: We just checked back after leaving the other breaking-news scene – as of a few minutes ago, 35th was still blocked at this scene.
7:35 PM: After a texted tip (thank you!), we just went down the hill to verify – the scene has cleared.
(Added: WSB photos)
6:12 PM: Police are arriving at 20th/Barton, where they’ve reported finding “about 30 shell casings” after 911 calls about gunfire in the area. They also have just taken one possible suspect into custody. Another possible suspect was seen “southbound from Delridge and Henderson.” Updates to come.
6:15 PM: The Guardian One helicopter has arrived to help look. No word of any injuries.
6:20 PM: Now SFD is being called to Delridge/Henderson to treat a person who thinks they might have been “grazed” by a bullet. Also, a second possible suspect has been detained, officers have told dispatch.
6:25 PM: According to police radio, others might be involved and at large – officers have reviewed video that they say shows a black older Mercedes-Benz with no plates that was apparently involved, with four people inside.
6:30 PM: Officers have told dispatch that one of the people they detained is being released because they were not involved. They’re still searching for others. A K-9 team is joining.
6:44 PM: Our crew has arrived in the area and reports that in addition to the casings at 20th/Barton, which has been taped off, there’s another taped-off area nearby in which vehicles are visible with bullet holes.
6:55 PM: Guardian One has left for now because they’ve searched as thoroughly from the air as they can, pending new leads (but may return on a moment’s notice). The investigation on the ground is still very active. Police told us that despite the “possible grazing” report, they don’t have any word of injuries.
7:20 PM: Police continuing to search for evidence and suspects just told dispatch they’ve found two guns in the 9000 block of 21st SW. They’re described as an “AK” type gun and a Glock handgun. They confirmed over the radio with other officers that those types of casings have been found.
8:52 PM: No further updates. We likely won’t be able to confirm until tomorrow whether the person who was detained and not released was ultimately arrested. Meantime, at least one of the cars with bullet holes – the white Chrysler – was going to be impounded as “evidence,” according to radio exchanges.
ADDED FRIDAY: SPD tells us: “Several individuals were detained at different times/locations; all were interviewed and released. No suspects in custody currently.” So, no arrests. Also: “One of the involved parties sustained a minor injury, was treated by SFD, but the cause is not confirmed.”
Tote bag, souvenir glass, and the chance to try a wide variety of local wines! That’s what you get with your ticket to the West Seattle Junction Association‘s next Wine Walk, 5-9 pm Friday, May 17. It’s usually sold out in advance but this time they’ve expanded the number of participating businesses and wineries – 30 wineries, 26 businesses! – and therefore the number of tickets available, so we’re mentioning it today to let you know that some tickets are still waiting to be snapped up! You can go here to see the list of wineries (which includes WSB sponsors Viscon Cellars and Spruce Hill Winery) and to buy your ticket (good for 14 tastes). Then on Wine Walk night, check in when you’re ready to start, and go to the venues of your choice!
Two years ago, we told you about a natural-gas pipeline replacement project that was at the time scheduled to start soon along a mile-long stretch of Beach Drive and two connecting streets. After what Puget Sound Energy describes as permitting delays, it’s finally about to begin.
Thanks to the area resident who recently told us the project notice was being distributed. We’ve since obtained it from PSE (see it here) – here are the key points:
PSE and InfraSource crews will be replacing portions of the existing underground natural gas main. We’re committed to completing our work safely and efficiently, and our crews will do their best to reduce impacts to you and your neighbors.
Project details
Who: Natural gas crews from PSE and InfraSource
What: Replacing a portion of the underground natural gas main
When: Expected to begin the week of May 13, and last for approximately six months.
Typical work hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Beach Drive Southwest, 48TH Avenue Southwest, and Lincoln Park Way SouthwestWhat you can expect
There will likely be noise from trucks and heavy machinery
Traffic control flaggers and signs will guide vehicles and pedestrians safely through the project area
o Beach Drive Southwest,48th Avenue Southwest,and Lincoln Park Way Southwest will be reduced down to one lane near the work area
o A portion of the sidewalk on Beach Drive Southwest,48th Avenue Southwest,and Lincoln Park Way Southwest will be closed. Detour signs will be posted
Some street parking will be impacted. “No parking” signs will be placed in the area prior to work beginning
We will work to maintain access to driveways whenever possible, in coordination with impacted neighbors
Some customers along the project route may experience a temporary interruption of natural gas. We’ll
notify impacted customers prior to beginning work requiring an interruption in service. For customers who will have their service interrupted, work inside customer homes may be required to re-light appliances after the service interruption. Please call 888-225-5773 for more information
After the construction is complete, you’ll notice temporary patches in the road and/or sidewalk. These temporary patches will remain until a restoration contractor crew returns to complete the final restoration. The restoration schedule is dependent upon weather, permitting and crew availability
We asked PSE about the work phasing; a spokesperson replied, “Crews will start on the north end and move south. PSE will be replacing an older section of infrastructure in order to continue to provide safe and reliable natural gas service to customers. The project will replace the gas main along Beach DR SW to SW Canada Dr.” Here’s another map sketching out what they’re doing and where. As noted above, the project is expected to last about six months (double the estimate given two years ago).
Texter reports it’s happening where they are and wonders if anyone else is affected. We keep track of these things because there’s no other publicly viewable record, but be sure to report it to Seattle Public Utilities at 206-386-1800. The cause is usually – but not always – hydrant testing, as SFD recently reiterated here, but sometimes it’s first word of a main break or other problem (nothing on the SPU water-outage map right now, though).
Thanks to Mary for the photo taken before the morning clouds cleared. As discussed here, the reason for the concentration of boats off west-facing West Seattle is that recreational fishing season is open for lingcod.
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