West Seattle, Washington

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month : 09/2017 302 results

YOU CAN HELP: Crowdfunding for Green Acres apartment-fire victims
September 30, 2017 9:45 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from early Friday)

For those asking how to help residents of the units burned in the Green Acres apartment complex fire (WSB coverage here) early Friday – a crowdfunding campaign has just launched. Jilyan Perry, who works less than a block away at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), has organized fundraisers before – two years ago, for Nepal earthquake relief, and she’s in our archives before that as a leader of the cancer-fighting annual Relay for Life. Jilyan tells WSB she’s working on planning a benefit event but wanted “to get the ball rolling” by setting up a GoFundMe page. As reported in our Friday coverage, SFD investigators ruled the fire of “undetermined cause” and estimated damage to units and their contents at half a million dollars.

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BIZNOTES: What’s coming to 2 spaces at Westwood Village
September 30, 2017 9:23 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | Westwood

Catching up on some of the new businesses that are on the way … we start with two Westwood Village notes tonight. The space next to Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor), from which NK Nails moved to take the former Jamba Juice space on the east side of the center, will become a haircut shop called SportClips, according to notices posted on the door. It’s a chain geared toward men – in particular, men who like watching sports on TV, which SportClips promises will be “everywhere” in its shops. The notice on the door says they’re hoping “to open around end of October, beginning of November.” … And on the south side of the center, along Barton, another nationwide company is setting up shop – the long-vacant space that back in 2013 had a Panda Express penciled in is now becoming a branch of ATI Physical Therapy.

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HAPPY 13th! Anniversary party at Click! Design That Fits in the West Seattle Junction
September 30, 2017 6:30 pm
|    Comments Off on HAPPY 13th! Anniversary party at Click! Design That Fits in the West Seattle Junction
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Tonight’s the night you can congratulate Frances and John Smersh on 13 years in business with Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) – originally opened in Admiral, then moved to 4540 California SW in The Junction seven years ago. Tonight’s centerpiece – a pop-up in the Click! loft with creations by Click! team members, including this work by Chayse:

Adia, Elyssa, and Michelle are part of the pop-up, too.

You’ll also find some of Frances’s 2-D work (she’s branched out from jewelry) – look for even more during the next West Seattle Art Walk on October 12th. Tonight’s party is on until 8 pm, with treats and in-store specials as the Smershes celebrate another year of selling cool stuff from furnishings to accessories and beyond (including locally themed items you won’t find anywhere else) as well as art and wearables.

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VIDEO: From ‘Burning Man’ to South Park, see kinetic sculpture ‘Interspecies Communication’
September 30, 2017 4:40 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   South Park | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The rain stopped in time for the welcoming ceremony and performances at Duwamish Waterway Park (7900 10th Ave. S.) in South Park, where you have until 9 tonight to see the Seattle debut of Lelavision‘s kinetic/musical sculpture Interspecies Communication, also seen at Black Rock City (aka the annual “Burning Man” festival in Nevada – video here).

The welcoming featured Duwamish Tribe chair Cecile Hansen

Then those gathered at the park saw Vashon-based Lelavision‘s duo ascend the sculpture, and then descend to continue the event.

Participatory “human murmuration” was to follow, and then what Leah Mann promised would be a big dance party. We’re not sure what’ll be happening if you head over when you see this, but the sculpture itself is a sight to see. According to the Kickstarter page with which money was raised for the project, Lelavision hopes it will eventually find a permanent public home.

P.S. Thanks to Tom, who tipped us off to this!

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DELRIDGE DONATIONS: 3 community organizations get support from VIEWS
September 30, 2017 12:59 pm
|    Comments Off on DELRIDGE DONATIONS: 3 community organizations get support from VIEWS
 |   Delridge | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

That photo shows one of three donation presentations made this week by VIEWS (Visualizing Increased Engagement in West Seattle), whose Pete Spalding – sending photos and news of the donations – describes it as “a non-partisan community organization comprised of local citizens creating programming to educate, engage & mobilize West Seattle citizens to sustain & improve the quality of life & services available across the peninsula.” At center above, accepting a $250 check from VIEWS, are David Bestock and Nafasi Ferrell of the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association, with, from left, Chas Redmond, Ron Angeles, Pete Spalding, and Larry Winkler from VIEWS. “This donation of $250 will be used to help support youth and cultural programming that this organization presents to our Delridge Community,” Pete explained. “It was also given in recognition of the untiring efforts of Nafasi Ferrell, who has assisted VIEWS at Delridge Day the last two years in arranging our entertainment.” The other two recipients:

The Associated Recreation Council (ARC) based at the Delridge Community Center. This donation of $2,000 will be used to support the preschool and teen programs offered at the Delridge Community Center.

Wendy Westover (below left) accepted the check.

And on behalf of the West Seattle Emergency Communication Hubs, Cindi Barker (above right) accepted a $250 donation to help pay for new communication equipment. The VIEWS announcement adds:

Due to scheduling conflicts, VIEWS mainstays Michael Taylor-Judd and Ann Martin were not available for the presentation ceremonies held at the Delridge Community Center.

VIEWS has a history of making donations like these over its history to organizations that are striving to improve and build a better Delridge community. VIEWS organizes the Gathering of Neighbors and Delridge Day festival annually. In addition VIEWS also has hosted city council candidate forums and other community building efforts. If you are interested in the work that VIEWS does and would like to engage with VIEWS, please contact us at wsgathering.org.

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10 ways to spend the rest of your West Seattle Saturday
September 30, 2017 10:10 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Goldfinches visiting photographer Trileigh Tucker’s feeder near Lincoln Park)

Sorry that our list is much later than usual today – we lost some production time to our overnight maintenance work, which is now over and appears to have succeeded (but please let us know if you see anything unusual!). Highlights for the rest of today/tonight:

LAST DAY TO DROP OFF ART FOR SOUTHWEST LIBRARY SHOWCASE: Tomorrow, the show begins – and anyone who has created visual art (up to 3 pieces) to display can be part of it! Full details here. The library’s open until 6 pm tonight. (9010 35th SW)

FOOTBALL: 1 pm at West Seattle Stadium (4432 35th SW), Seattle Lutheran High School hosts Muckleshoot … 5 pm at Memorial Stadium downtown, West Seattle High School plays Ballard.

FALL BEER SHOWCASE: 2-7 pm at Ounces in North Delridge – details in our calendar listing. (3809 Delridge Way SW)

FROM THE PLAYA TO SOUTH PARK: Happening 3-9 pm at Duwamish Waterway Park in South Park, featuring art that appeared at Burning Man:

This Seattle premiere of Lelavision’s new performance work featuring Ela Lamblin’s large scale kinetic and musical sculpture, Interspecies Communication, and Leah Mann’s choreography is a performative ritual that brings together diverse local dance and music groups, as well as, audience participants for a “human murmuration” or group behavior game.

Members of the Duwamish Tribe will welcome people to start the event at 3 pm. (7900 10th Ave. S.)

LANTERN FESTIVAL: 4:30-8:30 pm in the Galleria at Chief Sealth International High School, as previewed here. Schedule includes:

Arts & Crafts (learn how to make a paper lantern), Moon cake sample 4:30-5:30 pm
Lion Dance & Cultural performances 5:30-8:00 pm
Free lantern handout and night walk with the lanterns 8:00-8:15 pm

(2600 SW Thistle)

CLICK! TURNS 13: 5-8 pm, Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) invites you to a party to celebrate 13 years in business. Snacks, drinks, in-store specials! (4540 California SW)

DON’T ASK: Acoustic-electric mix of original music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

JACK WILLIAMS: Historic Kenyon Hall hosts the legendary singer-songwriter and master guitarist, 7:30 pm. Check to see if tickets remain! (7904 35th SW)

WEST END GIRLS – A DRAG EXTRAVAGANZA: 9 pm at The Skylark, the latest showcase curated by Cookie Couture features this all-star cast:

Performances by:
✪ Betty Wetter
✪ Butylene O’Kipple
✪ Cookie Couture
✪ Fraya Love
✪ Honey Bucket
✪ Londyn Bradshaw
✪ Old Witch
✪ & the debut of Dion Dior Black!

Ticket info here. Seating is first-come first-served. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

PARLIAMENT PARTY CONTINUES: 2nd anniversary celebration at Parliament Tavern continues with Afrocop w/Bill Horist tonight, 9 pm-midnight: “An instrumental based groove quartet that explores otherworldly sound states.” $7 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

AND MORE … on our complete-calendar page!

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PHOTOS: Grand fun found at West Seattle Food Bank’s ‘Grand Affair’
September 30, 2017 1:33 am
|    Comments Off on PHOTOS: Grand fun found at West Seattle Food Bank’s ‘Grand Affair’
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand, unless otherwise credited)

Fighting hunger is serious business – but that can be facilitated by fun, like the West Seattle Food Bank‘s games-drinks-and-auction fundraising party “A Grand Affair” in SODO Friday night. The folks who make the Food Bank run were among those mingling (and wrangling) at Westland Distillery – during our stop, we spotted WSFB executive director Fran Yeatts:

Development director Judi Yazzolino (below right) paused for the briefest of instants for a photo with Lora Swift, who by day is West Seattle Junction Association executive director but at “A Grand Affair” was volunteering:

If you haven’t figured it out already, the party was Roaring ’20s-themed, including a “speakeasy”-type entry at the door – below are WSFB’s operations manager Lester Yuh, operations/development assistant Karla Marifjeren, and operations director Steven Curry:

(Photo by Whit Carter)

We also found WSFB board president Ben Viscon (who you likely know as winemaker for Viscon Cellars [WSB sponsor]):

Casino-style games enhanced the fun, with Vegas-style winning shrieks around the tables:

Those who preferred cards might have found themselves with a celebrity dealer, radio personality Jodi Brothers from 95.7 The Jet:

Others you might have recognized included Peel and Press (WSB sponsor) proprietor Dan Austin, pouring special cocktails:

Husky Deli‘s Jack Miller was there too, creating floats with his famous ice cream. And all around the venue, easels carried reminders of how and who the WSFB helps.

It’s not just about food – the Food Bank provides clients of all ages with more than 14,000 books a year, for example. So events like the second annual “Grand Affair” help WSFB nourish minds as well as bodies. Within a few days, we’ll know how much tonight’s event raised and we’ll update this story.

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FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth hosts Franklin @ SWAC
September 29, 2017 11:51 pm
|    Comments Off on FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth hosts Franklin @ SWAC
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

Big win for Chief Sealth International High School tonight at Southwest Athletic Complex, over visiting Franklin HS.

We got to the game at the start of the second quarter, by which time the Seahawks were ahead 19-8. The scoring for the rest of the game was all Sealth.

(Sealth #8, Dontae McMillan)

They had added 10 more points by halftime, 29-8. By the end of the third quarter, Sealth was up 44-8. And the fourth quarter went by without any change, so the final score was 44-8. That put the Seahawks’ record up to 3-2 under first-year head coach Ted Rodriguez.

The Quakers – with far fewer players on their roster – went home still looking for their first win.

Next week, Chief Sealth is on the road, playing Ingraham at NW Athletic Complex, 7 pm Friday (October 6th).

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Car prowl with unique item taken; porch prowler
September 29, 2017 11:06 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes tonight:

CAR PROWL WITH PASSPORT TAKEN: If you find an Ethiopian passport discarded somewhere in our area, it might belong to the victim of a car prowl near California/Harbor today. A cell phone was taken, too.

PORCH PROWLER: Very early this morning in Gatewood, Elizabeth spotted “a male – probably around 5’9″ or so, but too dark to further identify – in a light colored minivan stop in the middle of the 4100 block of Monroe and run to several front porches checking for mail. Appeared to be unaccompanied.”

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SUNDAY: First advisory committee meeting since operator change @ Camp Second Chance
September 29, 2017 9:18 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Myers Way | West Seattle news

City-sanctioned Camp Second Chance on Myers Way has a new operator, LIHI, and for the first time since the change, the encampment’s Community Advisory Committee will meet this Sunday (2 pm, Arrowhead Gardens, 9200 2nd SW, open to the public). While what happens on Myers Way outside the camp is outside the scope of its operator and the committee, it is often a topic of public comment at these meetings, so this week’s developments will be of interest:

That was the scene along Myers Way north of the camp on Thursday morning, when we went there to check out what Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Ron Smith had told the Highland Park Action Committee the night before, that police had cleared the roadside on the east side, a few weeks after doing the same thing on the west side, where fencing followed to set up a walkway, something requested at the previous advisory-committee meeting.

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TUESDAY: Concord International School PTA to air concerns that dual-language program is eroding
September 29, 2017 7:08 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

In the West Seattle/South Park area, Concord International School is the only Seattle Public Schools elementary with a dual-language immersion program.

Some parents are concerned that changes this year are eroding the immersive aspect of the English/Spanish program. And they plan a meeting next Tuesday at South Park Neighborhood Center (6 pm October 3rd, 8201 10th Ave. S., South Park) to explain their concerns.

Among those concerns: Reading and writing are being taught primarily in English. And Concord’s kindergarten has only one dual-language classroom this year.

At a briefing for families last week at Concord, longtime principal Dr. Norma Zavala explained the program’s status but didn’t take Q&A, saying that would be at a later meeting.

She noted overall changes including that Concord has a STEAM curriculum now – science, technology, engineering, art, math, and that while the school’s students were 93 percent qualified for free/reduced-price lunch when she started almost a decade ago, that is down to 75 percent.

Kindergarten enrollment for Concord wasn’t enough for two dual-language classrooms, the principal said, so they have one dual and one “traditional” as the result of a decision that had to be made around kindergarten “jump start” time in August.

There are concerns that the school is not as involved with nearby Marra Farm this year as it has been in the past, but the principal says it’s continuing to partner with Concord teachers.

Regarding the dual-language instruction, she said both Concord and Beacon Hill, another of the district’s five elementaries with dual-language immersion, have a “shift” happening:

Students (native/heritage Spanish and English speakers) will learn to read and write in both English and Spanish from kindergarten. Formal, balanced literacy instruction will happen in English. Literacy in Spanish will be taught through small group instruction and through the content areas (e.g. math, social studies, science). The plan, she said, “supports increasing bilingualism of incoming students” – that’s another change, that students who used to start as native Spanish speakers “are now coming in bilingual.”

The principal said the benefits of concurrent literacy development are expected to include:

*Native Spanish and English speakers learn with and from each other all day

*Literacy skills are taught through content in both languages

*Increased time in Spanish for English native speakers

*Less segregation by language group

She also said the changes are expected to increase support for and collaboration between teachers, better leverage district resources, and increase centralized support for the dual-language program.

Among specific subjects, math for the dual-language students is being taught in Spanish for K through 2nd, both languages for 3rd, and in English for 4th and 5th, though Dr. Zavala said that’s not a change. Writing is being taught in English for all grades, though English Language Learners will continue to get support from bilingual staff, and it will also “be taught through social studies and science in Spanish in dual-language classrooms.”

Reading has a new district-adopted curriculum – for the first time in many years, pointed out School Board director Leslie Harris, who was also in attendance.

Science, with new standards, is being taught in Spanish for the dual-language K-5 classrooms.

Music for all students is being taught in Spanish.

Overall, many areas in K-3rd are “50/50 Spanish-English,” while in 4th and 5th, there’s more English. Dr. Zavala said that in visiting classrooms previously, 4th and 5th graders “were not engaged … were not talking in Spanish.” But they will still be eligible for middle-school Spanish studies and “the Seal of Biliteracy” in high school.

PTA co-president Robin Schwartz says parents are concerned about what they’re hearing from their kids, and have myriad concerns and want answers from the district. That’s what they are hoping will happen at next Tuesday’s meeting, to which they invite not only their fellow Concord parents but anyone else interested in the dual-language program. The elementary level has been the most immersive in our area; it feeds to Denny International Middle School and Chief Sealth International High School in West Seattle, whose program points are explained here.

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VIADUCT CLOSURE NEXT WEEKEND: This one’s a 2-part plan
September 29, 2017 4:05 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

If you missed the brief mention in today’s morning traffic report – WSDOT has scheduled the next twice-yearly Alaskan Way Viaduct inspection closures for next weekend. But this time, it’s a 2-part plan:

–NORTHBOUND Highway 99 between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel is scheduled to be closed all weekend, 11 pm Friday, October 6th, until 5 am Monday, October 9th. In addition to the twice-yearly inspection, parts of this stretch are also scheduled for other projects including utility work.

–SOUTHBOUND Highway 99 between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel is scheduled for closure 5 am to 6 pm each day on Saturday, October 7th, and Sunday, October 8th.

(As always, we’ll be monitoring all this for updates in case the closures end early.)

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YOU CAN HELP: Community campaign to convince SDOT to keep its commitment to full Chief Sealth Walkways project
September 29, 2017 3:24 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | Transportation | West Seattle news | Westwood

Westwood-area community advocates are ramping up their campaign to get the city to restore what it cut out of the Chief Sealth Walkways Improvement Project earlier this year. And they need your help.

As reported here in August, the city cut the community-proposed, grant-funded project in half because a development plan along 25th SW is expected and the developer would be expected to pay for similar improvements. The city acknowledged, though, that the improvements could be “several years” away, but in the meantime, they say, they’re only going to build the 26th SW path.

Community members say the idea of a developer maybe eventually building the 25th SW path is too uncertain and too far off, and want SDOT to recommit to the full project. They are concerned about safety of those who use the undeveloped path – not just nearby students – and the area’s status as a long-running eyesore (as noted on the Find It Fix It Walk last year).

The walkway-project status is on the agenda for next Tuesday’s Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Coalition meeting, and Marianne McCord – who shared the photos – says they are hoping for a show of support (6:15 pm October 3rd, Southwest Library, 9010 35th SW). If you can’t be there, e-mail NSFChiefSealthWalkway@seattle.gov – or, even if you can.

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New scouting group launching in West Seattle
September 29, 2017 1:30 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

West Seattle has many scouting groups with long histories – and now, a new group is getting ready to launch, with two meetings in October. In case you haven’t seen it on our calendar, here’s their announcement:

For anyone who is interested in an inclusive, non-religious scouting experience for all genders, we are starting a group here in West Seattle. We’ll be learning outdoors skills like orienteering, tracks and first aid to name a few. Dues are affordable (scholarships also available) and include uniforms as well as handbooks. We are part of the Baden-Powell Service Association.

We meet twice monthly starting in October, once on a weekday evening and once on a weekend day. The group is divided into Chipmunks (age 2-4), Otters (age 5-7), Timberwolves (age 8-11), Pathfinders (age 12-17), and Rovers (ages 18+).

Our first weekday meeting will be 6-7:15 pm Monday, October 9th at the High Point Library, 3411 SW Raymond. We will be getting to know each other, playing games, and learning about orienteering.

See our calendar listing for a link to the waiver they’re asking attendees to bring. The new group will have its first weekend meeting noon Sunday, October 22nd, at the Lincoln Park North Play Area.

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West Seattle Friday: ‘A Grand Affair’; Parliament Tavern turns 2; Duwamish songs and stories; more…
September 29, 2017 11:44 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Kersti Muul)

Thanks to everyone who sent photos of this morning’s sunrise rainbow! On with the rest of today/tonight – from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

ART SHOW SUBMISSIONS: Second of three days to bring your visual-art creation(s) to Southwest Library for its annual Community Art Showcase, which starts Sunday. Details here. Open until 6 pm tonight. (9010 35th SW)

STERLING KAYAK DEMO: 4-7 pm at Alki Kayak Tours, your chance to demo high-end kayaks with their creator. (1660 Harbor SW)

COCKTAIL PARTY: Starting at 6 pm tonight, drinks, appetizers, and games @ A Grand Affair, raising money to help the West Seattle Food Bank fight hunger – if you don’t already have a ticket, get yours at the door at Westland Distillery in SODO. Lots more info here! (2931 1st Ave. S.)

MEDICINE SONGS FROM THE TIME OF CHIEF SEATTLE: 7 pm at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse, Duwamish teachings with NW Native Storyteller Johnny Moses: “All are invited to share in a deeper understanding of the language and culture of the First People of Seattle, Chief Seattle’s Duwamish Tribe, through traditional local songs and stories.” (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

FOLK MUSIC: Noah Derksen at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

THE GODDESS PROJECT: 7 pm networking, 8 pm screening at Highland Park Improvement Club, “a documentary film amplifying the voices and stories of women across the United States.” Ticket info is in our calendar listing. (1116 SW Holden)

(Photo by Linda Rusch)

FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth International High School hosts Franklin at Southwest Athletic Complex, 7 pm. (2801 SW Thistle)

PARLIAMENT TAVERN TURNS 2: 8 pm to midnight, Parliament Tavern‘s All-Star Review/2nd Anniversary Party:

A party featuring the choicest talent West Seattle has to offer: singer-songwriters, comedians, multi-instrumentalists, spoken word — the entertainment starts early and goes late! We’re gonna be 2!! No cover! Featuring Kurt Einar Armbruster, Spencer Carlson, Brian Cutler, Dandelion, Eiffel Power, Cami Voss McDonald, Oliver Rosenthal, Ian Predo, Don Rauf, David Rodriguez, Runaway Satellite, Brenda Scallon, Timothy Scallon, Sarah Skilling, and South Sound Tug and Barge

Parliament Tavern is a 21+ venue. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

AND THERE’S MORE … go check out our complete-calendar page.

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SITE NOTE: Overnight outage for technical work
September 29, 2017 10:58 am
|    Comments Off on SITE NOTE: Overnight outage for technical work
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online

Heads up in case you’re going to be awake in the very early morning hours tomorrow (aka, very late tonight) – WSB will be down for a while, likely somewhere in the 2-4 am vicinity, for some technical work. It’s totally under-the-hood stuff so you shouldn’t notice anything different once we’re back up, but if you do, please contact us so we can troubleshoot (e-mail is best – editor@westseattleblog.com). And if any breaking news happens during that time (we’ve had two big early-early-morning stories in the past week, so you never know), we’ll get you the info via our social-media channels (here and here). Thanks for your patience!

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Dead seal found at Lincoln Park
September 29, 2017 10:09 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Seal Sitters photo: WDFW team arriving at Lincoln Park on Thursday)

Ian e-mailed us on Thursday to report encountering a Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network volunteer dealing with a dead seal on the beach at Lincoln Park. We contacted Seal Sitters to find out more, and heard back today from Lynn Shimamoto:

On Thursday morning, Seal Sitters hotline operator Gretchen received a report of a dead harbor seal south of Colman Pool. I found the body of a juvenile seal with no obvious signs of injury. I asked our stranding network partners at Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife if they could perform a necropsy. Dyanna Lambourn and Steve Jeffries, both marine-mammal experts at WDFW, agreed to pick up the seal at Lincoln Park. Soon their boat was speeding toward me. They pulled up close to shore, took the seal, and whisked it away for examination at the lab.

Information we collect on this seal will be added to NOAA’s national database. By calling the Seal Sitters hotline at 206-905-SEAL to report a marine mammal on the beach – dead or alive – the public is helping to contribute to the scientific monitoring of this population.

That’s 206-905-7325 – especially if you frequently walk/ride along the shore, consider keeping it in your phone.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates, previews
September 29, 2017 7:25 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates, previews
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:25 AM: Good morning. No incidents currently reported in/from West Seattle. Three notes:

WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES: The fall schedule and fare changes take effect Sunday.

SUNDAY NIGHT WATER TAXI: The West Seattle Water Taxi will run the extended schedule on Sunday because the Seahawks are playing an evening game.

VIADUCT CLOSURE NEXT WEEKEND: Highway 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct is scheduled to be closed much of next weekend (October 7-8) for its annual inspection as well as other work, according to the weekly Construction Lookahead – we’ll be verifying details later today.

10:31 AM: Speaking of the Viaduct, there’s road work right now on the northbound end at Western, and that’s causing a backup. Also a big crash on southbound I-5 by the West Seattle Bridge exit – avoid SB I-5 through downtown entirely for a while.

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VIDEO: 2-alarm apartment fire north of Morgan Junction, no one hurt
September 29, 2017 1:04 am
|      45 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(UPDATED 11:11 AM with new info from SFD, and aftermath photo)

(Added 2:50 am: Video courtesy Monika)

FIRST REPORT, 1:04 AM: Seattle Fire is sending a “full response” to California/Juneau for a report of a possible apartment fire. More as we get it.

(Added: WSB photo)

1:07 AM: The first units on scene report a “working fire” that appears to be on the exterior of the three-story apartment building.

1:13 AM: The log has updated this to 5656 California SW [map], which is the Green Acres complex, the only three-story building at that intersection. Firefighters have water on the fire. A second alarm has been called. Most if not all of California is blocked, too.

1:25 AM: Our crew has arrived and confirms California is blocked. The damage is visible on the southeast side of the building, as you can see in the first photo we’ve added. No word of any injuries so far. Firefighters are still working to check whether the fire spread into the building anywhere.

1:43 AM: Fire’s not out yet but SFD says it’s under control and confirms no injuries are reported. Firefighters have been working on ventilation to deal with the fire reportedly having spread into the attic.

SFD’s public-information officer has arrived. The Red Cross is being called to help the residents.

2 AM: PIO Kristin Tinsley just briefed us and citywide media. (Video of briefing added 2:50 am)

No word on the fire’s cause yet but it’s believed to have started on the first floor and spread up. At least six units are damaged. Fire’s now reported to be out, but SFD is expected to keep a presence at the scene for some time on “fire watch.” Side note: You might recall a big SFD response to the same building almost six months ago – that one turned out to be just a kitchen fire.

2:32 AM: The fire forced pet evacuations as well as people, above, that’s Kona the bulldog, with Kona’s people, whose apartment is one of those damaged. More info later when there are official updates on cause and damage.

11:11 AM: SFD says the cause is “undetermined” and damage totals more than $500,000. We just went back over for this photo:

We should also note that, as SFD mentions, West Seattle Church of the Nazarene across the street (42nd/Juneau) opened its doors early this morning so the evacuated residents had someplace to go.

12:58 PM: More news of helping – C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) is in the same block as the building and says it’s donating tips and has a fundraiser going for the fire victims:

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PHOTOS: First-ever West Seattle Junction Wine Walk the toast of the town
September 28, 2017 10:22 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

It was a beautiful and busy night for the first-ever West Seattle Junction Wine Walk, a perfect pairing of wineries and merchants. The idea was so popular, tickets sold out long before the sipping started. Tonight’s participants included West Seattle wineries – north Morgan Junction’s Viscon Cellars (top photo), whose team poured at CAPERS (where ticketholders began their night) and south Admiral’s Welcome Road Winery , featured at Carmilia’s Boutique (below):

Music mixed with wine at Thunder Road Guitars, whose featured winery was Nine Hats:

Click! Design That Fits – which celebrates its 13th anniversary this Saturday – hosted Treleaven/Red Earth Wines:

Menashe and Sons Jewelers had Coral Wines pouring:

Along with the winery/merchant teams, the Junction Association’s volunteers helped power the night:

Joanie Jacobs coordinated them:

Yes, there will be a second Wine Walk, West Seattle Junction Association executive director Lora Swift tells WSB – next May. (Watch for other opportunities to explore The Junction in the meantime, such as the monthly West Seattle Art Walk on second Thursdays, the West Seattle Farmers’ Market on Sundays, and the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival coming up October 29th!)

Tonight’s other pairings are all listed here. And our customary disclosure – the businesses and wineries mentioned above include WSB sponsors: Viscon Cellars, Welcome Road Winery, Thunder Road Guitars, Click! Design That Fits and Menashe & Sons Jewelers.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Whale-watching at dusk
September 28, 2017 9:13 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Thanks to Kersti Muul for the photo – whale-watchers were out at Constellation Park at dusk, as Southern Resident Killer Whales that had been making their way south all day finally got this far. No telling where they are now, but if they continued southbound, we might see them heading back this way tomorrow … any time you spot a whale, please let us know via our 24/7 hotline, 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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HAPPENING NOW: Play new card game ‘Goatfish’ with its West Seattle creators
September 28, 2017 7:02 pm
|    Comments Off on HAPPENING NOW: Play new card game ‘Goatfish’ with its West Seattle creators
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

At left, that’s Lillian Gray, who created the card game “Goatfish“ with her dad Chad Gray and is at Meeples Games right now with him and others, ready to show it to, and play it with, you. We brought you their story last Sunday night. Since then, the Goatfish Kickstarter crowdfunding page has launched and already surpassed its initial goal, though they are now going for a “stretch” beyond that. Here’s a look at some of the cards:

You are welcome to stop by Meeples (3727 California SW) before 9 pm tonight to test out “Goatfish” and meet its creators.

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: Sound Transit says it’s on track after board vote
September 28, 2017 5:00 pm
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

lightrail(Sound Transit graphic from 2016 WSB coverage)

The Sound Transit board just took another step toward making light rail to West Seattle a reality – first major move since the approval last May of the draft expansion plan. Here’s the news release we just received:

The Sound Transit Board today approved the West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions, establishing a $285.9 million budget for preliminary engineering for the project and giving the green light to move forward with extending light rail to some of the most densely-populated neighborhoods in the region.

Also in a related action, the Board executed a $24.4 million consultant contract with HNTB Corporation to begin project development services.

“With the approval of this important step for the West Seattle and Ballard light rail extensions, Sound Transit moves forward to implement the system expansion plan that voters approved last November,” said Sound Transit Chief Executive Officer Peter Rogoff. “We look forward to working closely with stakeholders and communities to decide on the project details rapidly and bring light rail to more communities on schedule and on budget.”

The West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions are part of the Sound Transit 3 Plan that voters approved last fall. The project includes extending light rail to West Seattle by 2030, building a second downtown tunnel in conjunction with the extension to Ballard, and beginning service to Ballard by 2035. This fall, Sound Transit will initiate technical work on the project, and in early 2018 embark on a community engagement process to reach early consensus on a Preferred Alternative by early 2019.

West Seattle Extension

The project assumes connecting West Seattle to Downtown Seattle via Alaska Street, Fauntleroy Way, Genesee Street, Delridge Way, Spokane Street, and the SODO Busway. The extension also includes a new connection to the existing Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel south of the International District/Chinatown Station, a new rail-only high-rise bridge over the Duwamish Waterway, elevated alignment over SR 99 and the South Spokane Street Viaduct, and an elevated alignment in West Seattle. This extension would serve five station areas.

Ballard Extension

The project would connect Ballard’s Market Street area to Downtown Seattle, then cross Salmon Bay on a new rail-only bridge near the existing Ballard Bridge. The extension would continue south on an elevated guideway through the Interbay corridor along 15th Avenue Northwest and Elliott Avenue West before transitioning to a new Downtown Seattle light rail tunnel. The new tunnel would run through the Uptown and South Lake Union neighborhoods along Westlake Avenue to Sixth and Fifth Avenues before reaching the International District and connecting to the existing Link tracks at South Massachusetts Street. This extension would serve nine station areas.

Sound Transit’s consultant team, HNTB, will be responsible for providing planning, engineering, operational, environmental and community outreach technical services to support the first phase of project development work for the West Seattle and Ballard extensions. Other firms on the HNTB team include Jacobs Engineering, CH2M, EnviroIssues, Fehr & Peers, Hewitt Architects and LMN Architects.

More information about the West Seattle and Ballard project, including how to sign up for project updates, is available at www.soundtransit.org/wsblink.

That page in turn links to several others including this one with current timelines for the planning, design, and construction process.

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