July 2020

West Seattle Bridge work platforms being installed on July 20-21 and 27-28

The U.S Coast Guard has provided notice to those who might be sailing through the Duwamish River in the weeks ahead about the installation of the lifting/access/work platforms beneath the West Seattle Bridge.

 Special Bridge notice

Information from the US Coast Guard

In order to facilitate repairs of the West Seattle Freeway Bridge (LLNR 16870.2) across the Duwamish West Waterway at mile 0.35, SDOT and Kraemer North America will be installing work access platforms on the underneath side of the bridge which will impact mariners.

The access platforms will be installed by hoisting them from barges which will require the barges to block the waterways directly below the bridge on the 20 - 21, and 27 - 28 Jul 2020 from 0530 to 0930.

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How the Duwamish River defined Seattle — and could again
IN A NEW HISTORY, AUTHOR BJ CUMMINGS EXPLAINS HOW SEATTLE WAS BUILT ON THE WATERWAY AT THE EXPENSE OF NEARBY COMMUNITIES AND THE RIVER ITSELF.

By Mandy Godwin / Crosscut.com

Firs published June 30, 2020 - Republished with permission

It’s no secret that Seattle’s only real river is also one of the country’s most polluted. During the 20th century, the once-meandering Duwamish River was straightened and turned into an  industrial and shipping hub. It also became a dumping ground for toxic wastewater, stormwater runoff, and industry chemicals.

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Mayor Durkan declares City Emergency for West Seattle Bridge; Action provides access to state and federal funding
Technical Advisory Panel gives a nod to long term repair option

 

Mayor Jenny Durkan has signed an emergency proclamation declaring the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge a city emergency (see below), which is a critical step in opening the door to future state and federal assistance while also allowing the City to expedite contracts and services related to the project.  

In a letter to Community Task Force members Bill Laborde, Senior Policy Advisor, SDOT Director’s Office said:

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Chinese video app Tik Tok unresponsive to requests to remove discovery of murder victims

The discovery of the dismembered bodies of Austin "Cash" Wenner and Jessica Lewis appeared in a video clip on the Chinese owned video app Tik Tok.

Teen agers at the beach near Duwamish Head in West Seattle located a suitcase which contained the couple’s limbs and other body parts, and phoned police. They had been shooting a video for TikTok, and had been mysteriously directed to the scene by an unidentified party.

The video now appears to be in violation of Tik Tok's stated policy to not maintain videos that are related to homicide. Despite that, and repeated attempts to get the video removed, Tik Tok has said nothing. Their site provides no direct way to contact the company which is owned by ByteDance.

Gina Jaschke, aunt of Jessica Lewis has attempted to get the video removed but there has been no response.

In a note to media outlets, Jaschke wrote:

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Free masks for Burien residents to help reduce spread of COVID-19

information from the City of Burien

The City of Burien is distributing 16,000 free cloth face coverings (masks) to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Burien. The masks are from a supply of 25 million masks distributed by King County government to cities across the county.

Families can pick up two free masks per family member at the following locations and times. Call (206) 241-4647 if you have questions.

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Richard C. Alger

Richard C. Alger, known to most by “Rick,” passed away June 26, 2020 at the age of 76, with his family by his side.  He was a long-time resident of West Seattle, and was the son of Frank Alger, the original owner of Spud Fish and Chips. He and his wife Terrie continued running the business on Alki Beach. Rick most recently had been enjoying his retirement with his wife Terrie, and best friends in Belfair, Washington. Rick loved to go fishing on the river, crabbing, digging clams, playing in his boat, and having fish fry’s with all his neighbors and friends on the shores of Hood Canal.