West Seattle, Washington
28 Tuesday
School-fundraiser season continues, and we’ve received another invitation to share with you:
Grab your beads, raise a glass … and then your paddle! Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School is hosting a Mardi Gras fundraising auction Saturday, March 7th, and tickets are on sale now!
Come enjoy a Cajun-inspired three-course dinner, drinks, and bid on some very exciting items, including Club-level Seahawks tickets, a Las Vegas getaway for two, a family weekend stay at Great Wolf Lodge, and much, much more!!
This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and 100% of the proceeds will be used to support our young scholars. Holy Family strives to provide our diverse scholars with a faith-based, dual-language education, rooted in academic excellence, to create students that are productive, global citizens.
Tickets are limited, so order now! This is an event you won’t want to miss!
When: Saturday, March 7th, doors open at 4:30pm
Where: Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School, 9615 20th Ave SW (at Roxbury)For more information, please email at auction@holyfamilybilingual.org or 206-767-6640. Look forward to seeing you there!
(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)
7:06 AM: Good morning. No incidents/alerts so far in our area, aside from the continuing 2-boat schedule on the Triangle Route.
When service resumes this morning on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth state-ferry route, it’ll be on the 2-boat schedule – M/V Kittitas is having “mechanical issues” that need attention, WSF says. See the 2-boat schedule here.
We received multiple reports – and police dispatchers reported multiple calls – of possible gunfire near 16th/Roxbury, Police are checking the area but so far haven’t found any evidence (casings, witnesses, etc.).
(Reader photo: Solstice Park fireworks debris, July 2018)
Though fireworks are illegal in Seattle, they’re rampant, particularly on the Fourth of July.
They’re particularly easy to get here, since West Seattle is next door to unincorporated King County, where they’re legal on the Fourth and sold for almost a week leading uo to the holiday.
Many on both sides of the line have long called for the county to join its biggest cities in banning fireworks too. The calls intensified after a deadly fire last year. King County Council Vice Chair Joe McDermott, whose district includes West Seattle and White Center, says he supports a ban. Today he told WSB that he’s been working on the ban proposal with both the county permitting division and King County Executive Dow Constantine, and that he expects Constantine to send the proposal to the council next week.
Even if a ban passed quickly, though, state law requires a year before it could take effect, so there would be at least one more year of legal fireworks. When this all came up for discussion last September at a North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting in White Center, 34th District Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon talked about legislation to change that.
Now, he’s introduced it – HB 2307, “to allow local governments to ban fireworks immediately” – and tells WSB it’s progressing in the House. Our area’s senior state Representative, Eileen Cody, is a co-sponsor. The Local Government Committee took action to advance it last Friday, two days after a hearing.
To comment on that bill, you can go here. As for the proposed county ban, we’ll publish a followup when it’s introduced.
In three weeks, ballots hit the mail for our state’s March 10th presidential primary, which, this time, counts. If you’re thinking about voting Democratic, the 34th District Democrats want you to know they have just added a section to their website with info about how the primary and caucuses will work this year. They’re not endorsing a candidate, so this isn’t info about candidates – just about the process, which starts with the March 10th primary and April 26th legislative-district-level caucus. The Secretary of State’s office also has an FAQ about the primary, plus the official list of who’ll be on the ballot.
Last week, the Port of Seattle announced plans for pile-driving on the Terminal 5 project in West Seattle this Sunday, February 2nd. That’s now been pushed back a week, to February 9th. Same hours, 9 am to 5 pm. And Saturday pile-driving continues each weekend TFN, as work continues to make up for a month and a half lost because of a problem with timber pile breakage.
Family and friends will gather this Saturday to remember Jana L. Layman. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing:
Jana Lee Layman passed unexpectedly at 41 on January 13, 2020.
She was born on September 22, 1978 in Seattle, attended Alki Elementary, West Seattle High School (1997 grad), and Northwest College of Art (Poulsbo, 2001 grad) with a BFA. She was full of joy, adventure, and fun-loving. Her family, faith, and love of nature (especially the Puget Sound beach) was the focus of her vibrant, colorful artwork – ceramic, oil painting, watercolor, etc.
Among many jobs, she was an art teacher at Shorewood Christian School, a teacher at Salvation Army, Pottery instructor at the Alki Bathhouse, and a Nanny. Hobbies included synchronized swimming, family road trips to National Parks, and singing on the worship team at church. Two mission trips to Mexico with West Side Presbyterian Church Youth influenced her faith greatly.
She was loving, accepting of everyone, and a friend to all. Her faith in God lifted her through many health problems and hardships; she genuinely valued her many friend and was committed to their lives. She is survived by her beloved young children, Serena (10) and Joshua (9), who were the center of her life, and her mother Linda A. Layman, brother Adam G. Layman, and grandmother Lois Snyder, and many other close family members and dear friends, including Jonathan. She was both an organ donor recipient and an organ donor.
The memorial service will be held at Trinity Church, 7551 35th Ave SW, on Saturday, February 1, at noon. In lieu of flowers, and if you wish, a donation may be made at hls.hopeseattle.org/support-for-ablin-family/
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Since passing U.S. Navy ships and military aircraft often attract attention in our area, we’re publishing this FYI notice sent to us and other regional media today:
Northwest Navy bases will participate in an annual anti-terrorism force protection exercise called Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2020 (CS/SC 20) February 3-14.
Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions within local communities and to normal base operations, but there may be times when the exercise causes increased traffic around bases or delays in base access due to temporary gate closures or other security-related activities.
Area residents may also see or hear security and other first responder activities associated with the exercise, including potentially seeing training smoke, hearing small explosive sounds, or observing increased vessel activity on the water near an installation. The simulations are part of the training exercise and pose no safety risk. Advanced coordination has taken place with local law enforcement and first responders.
The safety and security of our people, equipment and facilities is a top priority. This important annual exercise is designed to ensure Navy personnel are at peak readiness to deter and respond to potential security threats.
This regularly scheduled exercise is not in response to any specific threat, but it is based on realistic scenarios designed to increase readiness. It is Navy policy not to discuss the specifics of Force Protection; therefore, the details of the exercise will not be released.
Exercise CS/SC 20 is conducted by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Commander, Navy Installations Command on all Navy installations located in the continental United States.
The Navy routinely conducts this type of security and other emergency response exercises to ensure readiness and improve coordination, communication and collaboration with other agencies during emergency situations.
If you’re new around here – Naval Base Kitsap is the nearest U.S. Navy base.
Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Members of the West Seattle High School community gathered to participate in an “Undoing Racism and Teaching Equity to Teens” educational workshop led by Families of Color Seattle (FOCS).
The workshop, held in the WSHS library last Wednesday night as part of the WSHS PTSA general meeting, was part of the school’s No Place for Hate program by the Anti-Defamation League, with a goal to “help establish and maintain a school environment where all students can thrive.” It’s being launched three months after a “school-wide positive response” was promised following incidents in which students were disciplined for “racist language and symbols.”
After a brief WSHS PTSA meeting to start the evening, the program was introduced by (pictured from left-to-right above) WSHS principal Brian Vance, along with WSHS Racial Equity Team members Angela Ferda, Amber Donaldson, Jennifer Hall, and Annie Zhou.
Vance noted that due to snow cancellations the prior week, WSHS had to postpone its original January 15 kickoff of the No Place for Hate program — they will now be introducing it to students and families on February 5 (during Black Lives Matter in School Week from February 3-7). At the core of the program is the following pledge that will be signed by students:
From Pat:
My maroon (red) 1988 Honda Accord 4-door sedan (WA Collectors Vehicle License Plate 4079A) was stolen this morning from in front of our house in the 2700 block of 48th Ave SW. The car was locked and had a steering wheel club lock in place, but I guess the thief was skilled. Anyway, the car has been reported as stolen to the SPD and they took a report this morning (Incident 2020-032350).
If you see it, call 911.
(Northern Flicker, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FREE DROP-IN TAX HELP: It’s that season again. You can visit the Delridge Library, 2-7 pm today, as explained here. (5423 Delridge Way SW)
TILDEN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: As previewed here, you’re invited to visit Tilden School (WSB sponsor) 6:30-8 pm tonight to meet staff and find out more about this independent elementary school.. (4105 California SW)
ZEN MEDITATION: 7 pm at Fauntleroy UCC, hosted by Puget Sound Zen. All welcome, whether or not you’ve meditated before – details in our calendar listing.
3 TRIVIA/QUIZ NIGHTS: Monday nights bring a trio of options:
*Best of Hands Barrelhouse (7500 35th SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm, $2/person, 21+
*The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 7:30 pm, free, all ages
*Parliament Tavern (4210 SW Admiral Way), 8 pm, $2/person, 21+
WHAT ELSE IS UP TODAY, TONIGHT, BEYOND? Find out by browsing the full Event Calendar!
(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)
6:58 AM: Good morning. No incidents/alerts in our area so far.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The West Seattle Transportation Coalition‘s first meeting of the year included two guests – one expected, one not. We start with the latter:
T-5 ‘QUIET ZONE’ & OTHER RAILROAD-RELATED ISSUES: The surprise guest was West Seattle residient Megan McIntyre from BNSF. She covers 11 states.
First, she noted, SDOT‘s Lander grade separation – to get Lander Street in SODO up over the tracks – is expected to wrap up in July.
Next: More details on the Terminal 5 “quiet zone.”
From Jim:
I Found a decent-looking mountain bike, single speed, today on the corner of Hinds and 42nd Ave SW. It looks to be stripped of the gear crank, brake cables, and seat.
If you are missing your bike, please contact WSB and I can get it back to you.
Our contact info is here.
(February 2019 photo by Andrew Malinak)
The post-holidays stretch of winter tends to be a little light on big events, but one is now just under four weeks away: The Seattle Polar Plunge at Alki, with an all-day beer and food-truck festival, happening Saturday, February 22nd, benefiting Special Olympics of Washington. The Plunge is at 1 pm; the beer tent and food trucks open at 11 am. You can sign up to plunge alone or as part of a team – all the info, and the registration link, can be found here. Beer and food are separate, but you can get advance tickets for the beer festival at a discount by going here.
A surprise show at California/Alaska a little more than an hour ago – that’s Filthy FemCorps, the band with the self-description “a hot bag full of fierce women who aren’t afraid to be weird, genuine, raw, sweaty, confident, honest, loving, and real.” They pop up now and then, here and there – same spot 10 months ago, in fact – but you can also catch them at pre-announced events, like the annual street-band celebration HONK! Fest West.
3:40 PM: A reader in Gatewood reports a water outage and says SPU is working on a break in Morgan Junction – might not be fixed until mid-evening.
5:02 PM: Photo added – the crew is working on California SW south of Fauntleroy.
School-enrollment season continues, and we have multiple events listed in our West Seattle Event Calendar. This week’s events include these two evening open houses:
TILDEN SCHOOL: This independent K-5 school on the north edge of The Junction, a WSB sponsor, welcomes you 6:30-8 pm Monday (January 27th): “We invite interested families to our first open house of the school year; tour the classrooms, and chat with the teachers and specialists who make Tilden extraordinary.” Tilden is at 4105 California SW, the corner of Dakota, “located in (but not affiliated with) the First Lutheran Church of West Seattle – their back door is our front door! Enter on west side of building, across from the south end of the parking lot.”
DENNY INTERNATIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL: Prospective new families are invited to visit the school this Thursday night (January 30th), starting at 6:30 pm: “Following the presentation, guests will have the opportunity to meet teachers and staff.” Denny is at 2601 SW Kenyon.
OTHER OPEN HOUSES/TOURS: The items above are from schools that sent us their listings; our calendar also includes the Seattle Public Schools list of elementary/K-8 open houses and tours, with more happening this week.
From Seattle Parks‘ Lifelong Recreation program:
If you are an adult aged 50+ in West Seattle, Lifelong Recreation (Seattle Parks and Recreation’s senior program) has some great programs coming up! Scholarships are available for all programs.
New class looking for more participants like you! Relaxation Meditation
Explore a personal journey of relaxation and stress relief using easy and effortless meditation techniques. Each week you be guided to step into the gift of silent awareness and walk out feeling a little lighter! Classes run on Tuesdays, 10-11 am, through March 17. $50 for the series.
Join us on a pleasant and informative trip to our state capitol in Olympia. Receive a guided tour of the Legislative Building beginning at noon, then enjoy free time to explore the inviting, spacious grounds. Thursday, January 30 from 9:30 am-3:30 pm, $31 (online registration ended, but call to check for spots)
Field trip to Seattle Art Museum: Aaron Fowler Exhibit and Others
Join us to see works of great new art! Fowler’s large-scale sculptural assemblages (using found materials) are showcased around the world and are infused with personal meaning that call attention to a range of complex concerns, issues, and ideas- American history, identity issues and black experiences. Pick-ups from Hiawatha and High Point Community Centers, lunch fee on your own. Thursday, February 6 from 10 am-2:30 pm, $11
Field trip to Seattle Repertory Theater: “The Children”
Love theater but hate driving and parking downtown? Join us in for a matinee performance of of this potent, witty drama which is a recent Broadway hit and has been nominated for a Tony Award. Thursday, February 27 from 9:15 am-3:15 pm, $25
We also have several other great classes, such as Zumba, yoga, Tai Chi, book clubs, walking groups, pickleball, and so much more! For more info, browse our brochure, or the online catalog. For more information about programs or scholarships in West Seattle, please contact Masha at 206-256-5403 or masha.shtern@seattle.gov
(White-crowned Sparrow, photographed by Anne de Vore)
Happy Sunday! Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
OPEN HOUSE: Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School (WSB sponsor) welcomes prospective families. (3401 SW Myrtle)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, see what’s fresh at the market in the street in the heart of The Junction. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)
THE NOT-ITS: 10:30 am, Kindiependent Music Series show at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, with The Not-Its. (9131 California SW)
STORYTELLING FESTIVAL: Up for a ferry ride? 1 pm at Vashon Theater, the 13th annual Storytelling Festival presented by the Vashon Wilderness Program. More info in our calendar listing. (17723 Vashon Highway)
G-CLEFTONES: Live music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. No cover. All ages. (5612 California SW)
‘THE REVOLUTIONISTS’: 3 pm matinée at ArtsWest – comedy by Lauren Gunderson, directed by Kelly Kitchens. Check for tickets here. (4711 California SW)
SEAFOOD FEST: 5-8 pm at Alki Masonic Center in The Junction, a seafood feast to raise money for scholarships. Check first to see if there’s still room – contact info is in our calendar listing. (4736 40th SW)
AT KENYON HALL: All-gospel show – the Kathy Kallick Band with Cliff Perry and Laurel Bliss, 7:30 pm. Ticket info here. (7904 35th SW)
THERE’S MORE ... browse the full the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar.
21st SW just north of SW Myrtle, by Sanislo Elementary [map], was blocked as of a little while ago by a fallen tree, reports Angela, who says her father saw it happen while out walking their dog. She asked who to report it to. If a road is blocked, it’s an emergency, and 911 is appropriate. SDOT also has a 24-hour dispatch at 206-386-1218.
Live, work, shop, and/or play in the Morgan Junction area? Check out what the Morgan Community Association talked about on Wednesday night:
FIGHTING CRIME: Though package-deiivery lockers are a potential solution to porch thefts, Cindi Barker discovered they are in short supply in West Seattle. So they’re asking Amazon for one in the Morgan area, for starters.
MORGAN JUNCTION PARK EXPANSION: A Parks rep for this project will be at the April MoCA meeting. A focus right now is the soil-remediation plan for the site, which should be ready by month’s end.
(Bubbleman at 2019 Morgan Junction Community Festival)
MORGAN JUNCTION COMMUNITY FESTIVAL: “It’s a go!” This year’s festival is set for June 20, 2020, and MoCA’s looking for volunteers to help make it happen.
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Like Admiral, Morgan Junction is joining the WS Art Walk. MoCA’s Tamsen Spengler announced that a coordinator’s been found and they’re signing up businesses to participate, starting in the second quarter.
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