Sales-tax increase for art, science, cultural education & access proposed by County Executive Dow Constantine

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics | WS culture/arts

Arts, science, and cultural education and access in King County would get a $67 million a year boost if a sales-tax increase proposed by King County Executive Dow Constantine is passed by voters.

Today he sent the County Council a proposal for the August ballot, seeking to increase the county sales tax by a tenth of a cent per dollar spent. The measure dubbed “Access for All” would generate an estimated $469 million over the seven-year life of the proposal. From today’s announcement:

… The funding will focus on four primary areas:

Education for Kids: Students at all 19 King County school districts will see a dramatic increase in free access to curriculum-related art, science and heritages programs, both in-class and at cultural sites, with an emphasis on underserved students. Twenty percent of Access for All funding will ensure access for public school students, including transportation for students and in-class programming.

Equity and Inclusion: Recognizing that philanthropic funding for arts, heritage and science has historically been distributed inequitably, Access for All will intentionally provide higher levels of funding to community-based organizations that serve communities of opportunity. An Equity Advisory Committee will be established to evaluate progress toward achieving equity goals and outcomes.

Opening Doors for All: Families and seniors who earn a lower income will receive free or low-cost admission to nearly 40 major arts, science and heritage organizations, including Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Aquarium, Pacific Science Center, Museum of Flight and others. Everyone in King County will have the opportunity to experience diverse performances and programs.

Investing in Local Communities: Cultural organizations such as heritage museums, organizations that serves communities that are underserved, botanical gardens, children theaters and music training programs, and local art and science groups throughout King County will be able to use the additional funding to meet their specific programming needs and provide enhanced cultural activities.

Funds will be collected by King County and awarded by 4Culture through public panels and contracts for service that call for each recipient to provide continual, measurable public benefits. Every organization that receives public funding through Access for All will provide ongoing documentation of program benchmarks, visitors serviced, and community impact. Their reports, site visits, audits, and program evaluations will be available to the public.

King County Council Chair Joe McDermott, who represents our area on the council, is listed as a co-sponsor of the legislation to create the ballot measure. You can read the legislation in its entirety on the county website, here. No date yet for a County Council vote on sending it to the ballot.

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HAPPENING NOW: West Seattle Art Walk, March 2017 edition

March 9, 2017 6:49 pm

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| West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

Until 9 pm, this month’s West Seattle Art Walk is on!

That’s photographer Colton Jacobs at VAIN (4513 California SW; WSB sponsor) in The Junction, where you’re invited to a “cocktail reception” for his show until 9 pm. Less than a block north, photographer Karen Mason-Blair and musician Ayron Jones are featured at John L. Scott Real Estate (4445 California SW), also until 9:

You might have seen Jones in West Seattle before – including Summer Concerts at Hiawatha in summer 2015. Our crew’s third stop in The Junction also features photography:

Amy Douglas is at Click! Design That Fits (4540 California SW; WSB sponsor) for Art Walk. You can see the full venue list/map for tonight in the daily preview we published this morning; other highlights are featured on the Art Walk website.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Car theft; stolen keys; found 1-speed bicycle, and fishing-related items

March 9, 2017 4:31 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Crime | West Seattle news

Four reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

CAR STOLEN: Some types of crime are on the decline in West Seattle, but, police have said at recent community meetings, auto theft is not. Here’s a reader report from Nicole:

My 2000 white Honda CRV was stolen from my house (in the 3000 block of) 38th Ave SW in the middle of the night last night. It has a Seahawks license plate and a Seahawks 12 sticker.

The plate number is BCW4412.

CAR PROWL FOLLOWUP: We published Sara‘s car-prowl report yesterday, and now she’s discovered one particular stolen item that she hopes you will be able to watch for:

After getting a thorough look through the car – it looks like they took my work keys. There are quite a few keys on on an Oregon lanyard (black with green and yellow writing). This won’t help them get into anything as they are for an internal office.

The theft happened near 35th SW/SW Dakota.

Now, FOUND items that likely were stolen from somebody:

FOUND BICYCLE: Mike reports, “Found a beautiful 1-speed Raleigh bicycle in Pigeon Point. Hoping to return to the owner.” Let us know if you’re missing a bicycle that might match that description.

FOUND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS: From Paul:

I found a tackle box, fishing bag, and brown jacket on the corner of Edmunds and 51st last night while walking my dog. It seemed really out of place and may be related to the prowler reported two nights ago in the alley on 48th and 49th.

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Questions for your state legislators? ‘Telephone town hall’ on March 15th

March 9, 2017 3:33 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Next Wednesday night (March 15th) your phone might ring – and it’ll be your state legislators calling. 34th Legislative District State Sen. Sharon Nelson and Reps. Eileen Cody and Joe Fitzgibbon are holding a “telephone town hall” 6 pm-7 pm that night. Thousands of numbers will be auto-dialed to offer the chance to participate, but if you don’t get the call, today’s announcement says, you can call in by dialing 877-229-8493 and using ID Code 116287. Or, two live-streaming links are promised to be available: Here or here. With the Legislature handling hot topics such as school funding right now, they’re inviting you to join and ask about the issues that matter to you.

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FOLLOWUP: Two answers for questions about EC Hughes-Roxhill move

March 9, 2017 2:53 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

We should know soon who will get Seattle Public Schools‘ ~$9 million contract to modernize EC Hughes Elementary (7740 34th SW) before it becomes the new home of Roxhill Elementary in a year and a half: Bids for the project are due next week (March 15th, per the district website, delayed from the original deadline of today).

In the meantime, we followed up on two questions that emerged again when the Roxhill PTSA met at, and toured, EC Hughes last month (WSB coverage here).

Both answers were sought and provided via SPS spokesperson Tom Redman. The shortest one – what will happen to Roxhill after the move? “We have not yet determined the future use of the Roxhill School building.”

Second – we asked about the process for determining what EC Hughes will be called when the Roxhill program is there (or whether it had already been determined):

We will address the naming issue in the near future. A good example is the recent change of the Schmitz Park Elementary program name to Genesee Hill Elementary, and thus, taking the name of the building to which the program moved. As with Genesee Hill, Superintendent Nyland will make the final decision after conferring with the Roxhill principal and the Executive Director of Schools for the West Seattle region.

According to the SPS history of EC Hughes, it was in operation as an elementary until 1989. It then became a surplus/interim site, temporary home to several schools during construction/renovation projects. Independent Westside School (WSB sponsor) leased it for five years until moving into its own permanent home in Arbor Heights in fall 2015.

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St. Patrick’s Day 2017: ‘Early’ events – Saturday parade, dinner; Sunday party/lunch

March 9, 2017 1:48 pm

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| Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle news

Since St. Patrick’s Day is on Friday this year – one week from tomorrow – many celebrations are a bit early, happening this weekend, like these three:

(WSB photo: WSHS students in 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade)

LOCAL STUDENTS IN ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE DOWNTOWN: Saturday (March 11th) at 12:30 pm, three schools have bands in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade downtown. First, the parade overview:

At 12:20 pm, the Irish flag is raised in front of the King County Administration Building, followed by trumpeters playing the Irish and US National Anthems. Then at 12:30 pm, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshals and the Honorary Parade Grand Marshal lead Seattle’s 46th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade up 4th Avenue, traveling north from James St to the reviewing stand at Westlake Park. From there participants are invited to travel for free via the Monorail to the Seattle Center for closing ceremonies at the Irish Festival in the Armory at 2:30 pm.

According to the parade running order, the marching bands from Chief Sealth International High School, West Seattle High School, and Denny International Middle School are participating. (Any other West Seattleites in the parade? Please let us know so we can mention you too!)

LIONS CLUB ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER: Keep wearing the green into Saturday night, when the West Seattle Lions Club invites you to its annual “dinner and karaoke extravaganza” at the Senior Center/Sisson Building (4217 SW Oregon). $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for children under 12. “Dinner includes traditional St. Patrick’s Day fare. Adult beverages available at cost.” RSVP requested – call Cheryl, 206-909-6427.

TIBBETTS UMC ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY: Then on Sunday, 11:30 am-1 pm, Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) invites you to a St. Patrick’s Day party/lunch in the Fellowship Hall (3940 41st SW): “We welcome all to this free and fun gathering that includes a warm meal and crafts. We will be serving homemade potato chowder. We’ll have crafting supplies on hand for all ages to inspire creativity.”

And other St. Patrick’s Day festivities are set for next week – see the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar.

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Sound Painting Solutions: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor!

March 9, 2017 12:15 pm

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| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Spring is near and that brings thoughts of home maintenance/improvement. Today we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor, Sound Painting Solutions. Here’s what they would like you to know about what they do:

Sound Painting Solutions is a West Seattle-based painting business serving both residential and commercial customers all over the region. Our services include interior painting, exterior painting, deck staining, and pressure washing. We are a fully licensed, bonded, and insured painting contractor (WA Registration No. SOUNDPS880OS).

Our owner and founder, Jeff DuPont, is a third-generation painter. Jeff, along with his fiancée and cofounder Lindsey Mueller, had a vision of creating a painting company founded on the principles of superior customer service, open and honest communication, and quality workmanship. Our dedication to this goal is reflected in our many reviews on sites like Yelp, Google, Facebook, and Houzz. Our reputation in the community provides our customers with the peace of mind they seek in a painting contractor.

We thoroughly prepare all painting surfaces and work with premium-quality Benjamin Moore paints and stains to deliver rich colors and beautiful, lasting finishes on both the inside and outside of your home.

Sound Painting Solutions is a proud member of the PDCA (Painting and Decorating Contractors of America), a national association dedicated to promoting success in the painting industry through ethics, education, and excellence. We are committed to meeting all workmanship, ethical, and safety standards set forth by the PDCA. We are also Lead-Safe certified by the EPA to safely work on homes built prior to 1978, which applies to many homes in West Seattle and the region overall.

Contact us today to discuss your painting needs and schedule a free quote. We perform jobs both large and small, and even offer a “Painter for a Day” flat-rate special for smaller projects. We may be reached by our website contact form, by email at info@soundpaintingsolutions.com, or by phone at 253-642-7041. We can’t wait to hear from you!

We thank Sound Painting Solutions for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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UPDATE: SFD response for reported natural-gas leaks in Upper Alki, Beach Drive areas

March 9, 2017 11:18 am

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| West Seattle news | WS breaking news

FIRST REPORT, 11:18 AM: You’ll want to avoid Bonair Drive SW between Alki and North Admiral for a while. Seattle Fire crews are in the 2100 block of Bonair [map] checking out a possible natural-gas leak. So far, per scanner, firefighters are saying it does not appear to be a major gas line and they’re not evacuating anyone, but they are calling for Puget Sound Energy.

11:21 AM: Another one reported now, with two SFD units redirected and PSE notified – this time in the 4200 block of Chilberg [map], north of Me-Kwa-Mooks Park.

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Puget Ridge crash sends man to hospital

March 9, 2017 10:57 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

Thanks to Jenny for the tip. This crash near 17th SW/SW Graham on Puget Ridge [map] sent a man to the hospital this morning and left behind a trail of damage including this shed. Emergency crews had just cleared the scene when we arrived so we don’t have any other information on the circumstances, but we have been able to find out from SFD that the driver was taken to a hospital by private ambulance for “injuries related to the crash.”

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Art Walk and more for your West Seattle Thursday

March 9, 2017 9:31 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Great Blue Heron at Alki during Tuesday’s sunset, photographed by David Hutchinson)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

‘ACTIVE DADS’ PLAYGROUP’: Free playgroup on Thursday morning geared toward dads, babies, and kids, 10 am-noon, at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center. All welcome. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

SPEED NETWORKING WITH THE CHAMBER: 11:30 am West Seattle Chamber of Commerce lunch meeting at The Kenney is devoted to “Speed Networking” with other local businesspeople. Check ASAP to see if there’s still room. (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)

ART IN SOCIAL JUSTICE SYMPOSIUM: 1-4 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, first day of a two-day symposium – details here. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

HELP DECIDE WHICH STREET/PARK PROPOSALS GET VOTED ON: The next phase in the Your Voice, Your Choice process, which has included 211 proposals for improving streets/parks in West Seattle, involves joining the “development team” to figure out which ones should go out to a vote – and if you choose to do that, there’s a 5:30 pm meeting at Southwest Library tonight – details and links in our most-recent story.

MARCH ART WALK: 6-9 pm tonight at venues around West Seattle. Here’s the venue list/map for this quarter:

During WSAW, stop by Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) and see the work of painter Lindsay Peyton … Stop by VAIN (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, where photographer Colton Jacobs and his work will be featured at a cocktail reception, 6-9 pm … At Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor), the “featured artist is Amy Douglas, whose multi-layered, hand-pulled screen prints commemorate several iconic buildings from Seattle’s past.” … John L. Scott (4445 California SW) is “showcasing the iconic photographs of local legend Karen Mason-Blair, and featuring live music by Ayron Jones. 6-9 pm” … (added 1:36 pm) And here’s the megapreview from the official WS Art Walk website!

THINKING OF STARTING A BUSINESS? Free seminar at Delridge Library, 6-8 pm – details here. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

SHELBY EARL: The singer described as having “the most heartbreakingly beautiful voice in Seattle” is live in-store at Easy Street Records tonight at 7 pm. Free. (California SW/SW Alaska)

‘MILK LIKE SUGAR’: 7:30 pm curtain tonight at ArtsWest Playhouse in The Junction. (4711 California SW)

THE DEEP CUTS WITH DJ KINGBLIND: Starting at 8 pm Thursdays at Maharajah Cuisine of India in The Junction. (4542 California SW)

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UPDATE: Why police were at Chief Sealth International High School

March 9, 2017 8:31 am

| 17 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police | West Seattle schools

8:31 AM: Thanks for the texts. We’re on our way to check on a report of police at/near Chief Sealth International High School and a shelter-in-place situation. SPD has tweeted that it is an “apparent false report of weapons.” More to come.

8:41 AM: Our crew is at the school (photo added above) and have talked to police who confirm so far they haven’t found anyone or anything. This is close to the start of classes and aside from the police presence, activity appears normal – people coming and going, students being dropped off.

8:46 AM: Shelter-in-place has been lifted and police are leaving, our crew reports. Police say that the unfounded report was made by telephone.

ADDED 1:40 PM: Here’s the letter sent to Sealth and Denny families, in English and Spanish, signed by Sealth principal Aida Fraser-Hammer and Denny principal Jeff Clark:

Dear Denny and Sealth Scholars and Families:

We want to update you and share information regarding a situation that occurred early this morning.

At approximately 8:15am, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) received a 911 phone call reporting that there were shots fired at the Denny/Sealth campus. SPD responded immediately and contacted our schools. Although both schools reported that there was no unusual activity, in an abundance of caution both Denny and Sealth went into a brief shelter in place while the police investigated the situation. At this time, SPD believes this was a fictitious or “prank” call and they are continuing their investigation to determine the source of the call.

We are very proud of how our staff and scholars responded to the situation. Prank calls can sometimes increase scholars’ level of concern about their safety – staff are available to provide support as needed.

As always, maintaining the safety of the students and staff on our campus is our top priority. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. Thanks for your ongoing support.

En Español:

Estimadas Familias y Alumnos de Denny y Sealth,

Queremos actualizarle y compartir información sobre una situación que ocurrió temprano esta mañana.

Aproximadamente a las 8:15 am, el Departamento de Policía de Seattle (SPD) recibió una llamada telefónica al 911 informando que hubo disparos en el campus de Denny / Sealth. SPD respondió de inmediato y se puso en contacto con nuestras escuelas. Aunque ambas escuelas informaron que no había ninguna actividad inusual, como una medida de precaución, Denny y Sealth entraron en un breve estado de refugio mientras la policía investigaba la situación. En este momento, SPD cree que esto era una llamada ficticia o una “broma” y continúan su investigación para determinar la fuente de la llamada.

Estamos muy orgullosos de cómo nuestro personal y estudiantes respondieron a la situación. Las llamadas de broma a veces pueden aumentar el nivel de preocupación de los estudiantes en cuanto a su seguridad – el personal está disponible para brindar apoyo cuando es necesario.

Como siempre, mantener la seguridad de los estudiantes y el personal en nuestro campus es nuestra máxima prioridad. Por favor, no dude en ponerse en contacto con nosotros con cualquier pregunta o preocupación. Gracias por su apoyo continuo.

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