October 2020

The ballot collection box on Alaska Street in the West Seattle Junction was apparently contaminated with feces on Saturday afternoon. King County Elections officials were notified via Twitter and responded quickly. They said, "Ballots are fine, box is good to go. Still watch your step as the team didn’t have materials with them to clean up the sidewalk... It's important to us that voters are able to access ballot drop boxes and vote early Our team was able to get out there and clean it all up. No ballots were harmed! We'll have teams out today emptying drop boxes and supporting voters with any issues they report."

Drop boxes are emptied daily in teams of two trained King County Elections staff with a comprehensive set of security procedures. As we get closer to Election Day, pick-ups become even more frequent and all locations will be staffed on Mon. and Tues. of Election Week.

District 1 City Councilmember Lisa Herbold shared updates on what she learned during "in-between" meeting on Wednesday of the West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force and a preview of what will be shared on Monday and next Wednesday during the regular meeting.

At the meeting of the West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force on Wednesday, we received three important updates from SDOT regarding the decision on whether to repair or replace the West Seattle Bridge.

information from Seattle Department of Transportation

Traffic impacts to build a new concrete bus stop platform at West Marginal Way SW and Highland Park Way SW intersection

This weekend, October 17-18, SDOT crews are building a new concrete bus stop platform at the northwest corner of the West Marginal Way SW and Highland Park Way SW intersection. This new bus stop platform is being installed in advance of Metro moving its existing bus stop at the intersection from the northeast corner to the northwest corner.

The traveling public can expect delays during this work from approximately 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM both Saturday and Sunday. 

Information from Seattle Department of Transportation

The Seattle Department of Transportation is continuing its High-Rise Bridge stabilization efforts.

Stabilizing the High-Rise Bridge is necessary to preserve public safety and the integrity of the bridge so all options remain on the table for a repair or replace decision. Stabilization puts us on the right path if repair is determined to be the best option and helps prevent further crack growth. Stabilization is also necessary for safe demolition if we choose to replace the bridge. 

Kraemer North America, our contractor for the stabilization work, is working every week, Monday through Saturday from 6 AM to 4:30 PM, to stabilize the bridge. 

Friday Oct. 16 marked first appearance for Matthew Hazelbrook, who was arrested in a West Seattle animal cruelty investigation.

His home and yard contained cages with more than two dozen animals and 77 skeletons. He was arrested on the 15th. 

information from Highline Public Schools 

Sometimes unsung heroes get a song written about them—or at least an award that is a perfect fit. Highline School Board Director Aaron Garcia received an award for his volunteer work and support of the White Center community. The award was presented at the Southwest Youth & Family Services (SWYFS) Gala last Saturday, October 10. 

The Admiral Theater in its namesake district has been through many changes in its long history but perhaps none more challenging than the pandemic. It dates back to nearly the time of the last one in 1919 when it was called the Portola Theater. Now after having been closed to the public since shortly after the pandemic began, they are set to open, along with their sister theater in the University District the Varsity.

Here's their announcement:

Historic Admiral and Varsity Theatres are excited to have you back! We're opening next Friday, October 16! 

Please wear a mask while in the auditorium and until you're seated at a safe distance from other patrons. You may remove your mask to eat concessions while in your seat.

The Lincoln Park parking lots, both north and south lots, closed due to the pandemic to limit social gatherings are set to re-open by Oct. 19.

The West Seattle Stadium parking lot remains open.

The parking lot at the Don Armeni Boat Launch remains open but only for vehicles with boat trailers.

The Golden Gardens South lot is OPEN (just north of boat launch parking lot) The remainder of the lots will reopen by Oct. 19. Note the Off Leash Area has ADA parking ONLY.

The full list of Seattle Parks parking lot status is here.

SPR and SPD will continue to deploy staff to encourage social distancing at highly frequented parks.  

King County Parks Family Spooky Town Grab and Go is coming up on Saturday, October 24th from 2-5pm at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd st 98146.)