West Seattle, Washington
10 Tuesday
Once upon a time, the city had said they hoped the new 1st Avenue South on- and off-ramp for the westbound Spokane Street Viaduct – the now-being-widened section of the West Seattle Bridge between I-5 and Highway 99 – would be open by this fall, maybe even before the Alaskan Way Viaduct‘s closure last month. It wasn’t. So many then asked, when WILL it open? We asked SDOT, and were told the contractor was coming up with a revised schedule. Now, that’s in, and our answer has finally arrived from SDOT spokesperson Rick Sheridan:
While the overall project is nearly 90 percent complete, our Spokane Street Viaduct contractor has not finished constructing the First Avenue S on-/off-ramps due to delays in receiving critical construction materials. Their steel subcontractor has yet to deliver specialized steel girders needed to complete the ramp.
When the girders finally arrive from the fabricator, it will take at least two months to complete the ramps. At that point in the construction schedule, we will need to transfer traffic to the viaduct’s new roadway to resurface the existing deck and cannot safely allow use of the on-ramp. Due to this, SDOT does not anticipate opening the ramps fully until the overall project is completed in July 2012.
We understand that the loss of this access point does create inconveniences for West Seattle residents and businesses. Alternate routes such as accessing the high rise bridge via I-5 or SR-99, the lower Spokane Street Swing Bridge or the First Ave S Bridge will continue to serve as good options for reaching West Seattle. The overall project remains on budget and scheduled for completion by summer 2012.
If that timeframe holds, it will be 26 months after the closure of the old 1st Avenue South onramp to the westbound bridge; just before that closure, we were told the ramp would take “at least 16 months” to build.
One week from tomorrow, the City Council’s Committee on the Built Environment will again take up the proposal for West Seattle Triangle rezoning – primarily upzoning part of the area to 85-foot height, and a significant part of the Triangle itself to “neighborhood commercial.” The committee was briefed last week (WSB coverage here). Based on that discussion, some changes to the proposal are expected, and we’ll publish an update when they’re available, though it probably won’t be till early next week. The committee meeting is set for 9 am Wednesday, November 30, in City Council chambers downtown.
(We recorded both parts of the governor’s visit on video & will add here in their entirety when uploaded)
2:29 PM: “Speak your mind, and speak up!” South Seattle Community College‘s communications director Candace Oehler exhorted a room full of students just before Governor Chris Gregoire entered a moment ago. She is here to talk about her supplemental budget – which is not a pretty picture for education around the state, including post-secondary. We’ll be covering this as it happens. (Added: Video of what she said in the classroom, unedited, in its entirety:)
“Anything you say to me is important,” the governor herself told them moments afterward. “I can’t tell you how many countless hours I have put in … digesting a state budget as complex as ours during the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.” She’s explaining to them first that most of the budget is “off-limits” – $8.7 billion out of $30 billion to solve the budget gap. “There are really only four places in state government where you can cut,” she says, and asks if the students know where. “Higher education” is the first answer. “Social services,” the next. Then, “public safety.” Someone offers “Transportation” – but that’s off-limits, she says. “Health care” finally emerges as the fourth. It’s a shame, she says, since graduation rates are up, schools are full – including ones like SSCC where people can get training — and this is a time when optimally, in a recession, we should be investing in that, she says.
2:37 PM: She also talks about cutting health care – where already there have been cuts, with the Basic Health Plan now at less than half the enrollment of just a few years ago. She then explains that what she calls an “F-minus failure by Congress” hit the state “like a ton of bricks” in August, with “an immediate $1.4 billion shortfall” – and “they’re doing it to us again … but this time we’re a little more resilient.” This comes as positive economic signs have emerged, she says, in fields such as aerospaces, life sciences, and energy, in our state. But small business is struggling, she says, because it relies on consumer confidence – which just isn’t there. “Now we’re waiting to see what’s in Europe – if Greece defaults, Italy defaults, triggering a banking crisis in Europe,” that will be a crisis here, with possibly another $2 billion shortfall.
Now she moves on to what she sees as a budget solution – raising taxes. “Some will tell you this is not the time” to do that, she says, but “I can’t stomach (the budget) cuts.” She says she is upset about the prospect of having to cut school years, and release prisoners early. “I can’t see letting folks out and not supervising them, to include sex predators,” she says. And she says she doesn’t want to cut long-term care. Overall, she says, she’s looked at “185 revenue options,” including “tax loopholes,” while realizing “there’s an argument not to cut, for every one of them.” She said she saw the tax proposal as the only way to “stand up to the problem” – and thinks she might be the first in history to send a bill to the Legislature asking them to “take it to the people.” She notes that the sales tax hasn’t been raised in the state since 1983. State taxes take a lower share of your income than they did back then, and yet, no other levels of government “is doing our job,” she says, talking about how she plans to campaign for the sales-tax increase next spring.
2:47 PM: Now, questions from the students: “How are you telling people in Olympia who might be saying ‘we’re not going to raise taxes’ about the impact on students, and others?” she was asked, beginning her reply “We’ve already cut (more than $10 billion). … We’re in an election year and we’re going to hear a lot of election rhetoric. … (Candidates) will say ‘Surely there’s a better way, another revenue source’ … So what you’re going to hear in the coming weeks is that we need more recreational gaming, gambling, off the (reservations).” Others, she says, will suggest a capital-gains tax. But that will require building an infrastructure at the Department of Revenue, which’ll take a couple of years, she says – “I don’t have the time.” She says basically any counterproposal you can throw at her, she’s thought of. And she slings a few angry words at “the other Washington,” saying “they’re putting partisan politics above the good of the public.”
Next question isn’t clearly audible but brings her to discussing higher education – “It’s (one of the few places in the budget) where there’s a way to raise revenue” – tuition increases. However, she says, that’s not feasible any more – “We can’t make it so that only the affluent can afford to go to college in Washington state.”
Back to the sales tax: “This idea that if you raise it a half-cent you’ll lose all these jobs … Guess which state raised it a penny a year ago? Arizona! They haven’t lost a boatload of jobs.” The governor goes on to say, “We’re unique! … Who’s our #1 trading partner? China! … You’re competing against students sitting in a classroom today in China, and Japan, and Korea. That’s who you’re going to compete with. With all due respect, they’re not cutting their budgets. They’re not cutting education, they’re investing in education. … Cutting the dickens out of education is not in your best interests and not in the state’s.” In response to a question from a student that was more a statement in support, she observed the problem with much of today’s unemployment – even when the economy recovers, many of today’s lost jobs won’t exist any longer, due to automation, efficiencies, and other factors. Hiring right now is depressed for reasons, she says, including – as a student answered her question – a lack of capital, because the banks aren’t making it available. “They’re real jittery about what’s going on in Europe … They’re sitting on no less than $2 trillion in cash.”
3:01 PM: How many would vote for raising more revenue than the $500 million she proposed? asks the governor. Most students in the room raise their hands. “I gotta try … (it’s) my best shot, and I don’t know if I’m gonna win,” she says. Shortly afterward, one student suggests that an income tax would be the solution. She reminds him that voters said no to the “income tax for higher-income individuals” proposal just last year. She also notes, though, that ours is one of only six states without an income tax, and has an “antiquated tax system.” She says ours is a “1935 tax system based on manufacturing.” Now she’s wrapping up: “We’re going to get out of this recession,” she promises. (is going to take media questions in a separate room next – we’re off to that.)
POSTSCRIPT: Community-colleges system chancellor (and former SSCC president) Jill Wakefield was on hand too, seen above with SSCC president Gary Oertli. Will add the video of the governor’s brief meeting with media.
Seattle Fire is sending a full response to a home in the 5600 block of 35th SW. According to the scanner, the first report came in as a lamp fire that “extended to a wall.” First firefighters to arrive didn’t see smoke or flames, but they are investigating; some of the units originally dispatched are being canceled.
The newly passed city budget includes a $250,000 allocation to start planning a “Green Boulevard” along Fauntleroy Way in The Triangle. But that might not be the only “boulevard” in West Seattle’s future. Two City Councilmembers and key SDOT staffers joined the most recent meeting of the Delridge Neighborhoods District Council to hear a community pitch for potential “boulevard” treatment of Delridge Way SW:
(From left, Tracy Martinez and Carol George)
Story and photos by Jen Boyer
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
While walking around Green Lake last April, two stay-at-home moms had an idea that would send their lives in a new direction. What if they took those adorable hand-sewn felt hair clips one of the moms makes for her daughter and marketed them to the world?
What started as a “what if” turned into a whole new brand of fun, functional and eco-friendly kids accessories in just six months – Little Doodahs.
West Seattle resident Tracy Martinez and Queen Anne resident Carol George met years ago through their husbands, who were college buddies. When they had their children, they each decided to leave their 9 to 5 jobs and stay home full time.
(Photo by Paul Swortz via the WSB Flickr group pool – Harbor Ave sunrise from last week)
The calendar’s quieting down as the holiday approaches, but we have a few things to share:
SCHOOL REMINDER: Seattle Public Schools elementaries have no classes this week – parent/teacher conferences Monday-Wednesday, followed by the Thanksgiving 4-day break.
TURKEYS NEEDED: White Center Food Bank is hoping for more turkeys! They’re already running out of the hundreds collected so far. Here’s our update from Monday; they’re open till 6 tonight at 8th/108th.
LAST DAY FOR JAVA BEAN FOOD DRIVE: Java Bean Organic Coffee House, at 2920 SW Avalon Way, is wrapping up its 21st annual Food Drive for Northwest Harvest, collecting food on site such as stuffing mix, canned yams, cranberries, peanut butter and baby food.
FIRST DAY FOR COAT DRIVE: “Coats for Kids, Pizza for Parkas” charity drive benefiting the Atlantic Street Center starts today at Pizzeria 22 in the Admiral District. Owner Cary says, “We are accepting new or slightly used coats for ages infant to 18 years old. Those who donate will receive a coupon for one free Margherita Pizza. The offer is also good at all Via Tribunali’s and Cornuto Pizzeria as well. We hope to collect at least 200 jackets for those in need.”
**More giving opportunities are listed on the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info page**
GOVERNOR IN WEST SEATTLE: Gov. Gregoire visits South Seattle Community College to talk about how her proposed “supplemental budget” affects education funding, 2:30 pm. (For those who have asked, it’s NOT open to the public. But we’ll be covering it.)
OPEN MIKE: Skylark Café and Club open-mike night hosted by Tekla & Brian of local band BLVD PARK, acoustic-only. Poetry and comedy are encouraged as well as all flavors of acoustic music!
TRIVIA TIME: Rock music/pop culture trivia at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 8 pm
(Latest “live” picture of the northbound Viaduct, looking south from the tunnel vicinity)
7:02 AM: Just got first word of trouble that might affect your commute: Greg e-mailed to say the Battery Street Tunnel on northbound 99 was closed as of 6:20 am. KING 5 traffic reporter Tracy Taylor reports a crash in that area. The traffic cam view doesn’t look too backed up at this point, but we’ll keep watch till 9 or so – and if you encounter trouble, let us know (when you can do so safely, of course!). As for the weather: The wind advisory is no longer in effect, but rain is supposed to continue through the day, so that’s what we’ll be tracking today.
7:42 AM: The Battery Street Tunnel problem is gone, per comments, but via FB, Sage notes from on board a bus – “Verrry slow getting onto the bridge from Avalon on the 21 right now. Looking ugly.”
55 families will have a happier Thanksgiving, thanks to students, staff, and parents at Madison Middle School. Students collected 1,100 pounds of canned food – more than half a ton! – in a science-department competition, and a staff/parents fundraising drive brought in $3,000 to buy turkey, vegetables, fruit, rice, milk, eggs, and other items.
That resulted in baskets for 45 Madison families and grocery-store gift cards for 10 more, while 25 Madison students sorted the cans and put together the baskets:
Thanks to Madison parent Anne for sharing the story, including school nurse Samara Hoag‘s summary: “We are happy to help our families have a nice holiday.” (P.S. West Seattle’s food banks can still use last-minute holiday help – more on that later this morning after we check in with them.)
Tonight, the Seattle School Board held another “work session” about capacity management – how to relieve school overcrowding now, and how to plan for the future. This is in preparation for another round of public meetings, including one here in West Seattle next Monday. The presentation assembled for the work session is already online. It includes the latest list of potential options for how current West Seattle elementary-school overcrowding could be relieved, the idea of reopening the former Hughes Elementary – leased and renovated a year ago by private Westside School (WSB sponsor)’s new home – is suddenly off the list; only the shuttered Boren Junior High and Fairmount Park Elementary are mentioned, the former as soon as next fall, the latter possibly by fall 2013 as a Science/Tech/Engineering/Math “option school.” The new document lays out what’s possible, school by school – including maybe even moving fifth graders from two crowded schools into the nearest middle school. More after the jump:Read More
Admiral Theater boss Dinah Brein says, “It’s that time again……time to decide the annual Free Admiral Theater Xmas Movie. We’ve already shown Elf, A Christmas Story and Jim Carrey’s A Christmas Carol. We want something both kid friendly and adult friendly.” Got any suggestions? E-mail her at admiraltheater@gmail.com. They’ll also take up a collection for charity that night, too; the movie will be screened one night the week before Christmas.
6:16 PM: We’re at Southwest Community Center, awaiting the start of the final stop on the citywide tour for Mayor Mike McGinn‘s “road safety summit” (explained here). Seattle Channel is not livecasting this, a rare occurrence; we’ll publish updates as it goes. The mayor’s just about to step to the podium. We’d estimate the crowd at more than 50.
6:24 PM: The mayor says Councilmember Tom Rasmussen will join the meeting shortly. “What prompted me to put together the road-safety summit is, it’s become clear to me … people feel very strongly about how we use our roads, how we share our roads, how others use the roads … I’ve heard bicyclists complain about drivers, drivers complain about bicyclists” (and so on), he opens. “No matter how you get around,” there are “tragic deaths” on our city’s roads. He tells the story of the Greenwood crash that left a teenage boy injured for life. He says engineering, education, enforcement, and empathy are needed to address the problem. Yes, we can change, he insists, citing the dramatic shift in how smoking in public is treated – 30 years ago, this room might have been full of people smoking, ashtrays on the tables in front of them, and that is now illegal and unheard of. “We CAN change,” he says. But he says, “I don’t have all the answers” – he believes the community does.
6:32 PM: Dr. David Fleming, who runs Seattle-King County Public Health, takes the podium. He says traffic injuries and fatalities are a public-health issue. He says car fatalities have dropped 25 percent in recent years, but bicycle and pedestrian fatalities have stayed about the same. He explains why he uses the term “traffic crashes” versus “traffic accidents” – because crashes are not things about which nothing can be done. (Editor’s note – that’s part of our style guide, too.) “Fundamentally, these deaths are the result of actions that are under our control, and that we can do something about, and that’s why we are here tonight,” Dr. Fleming says. There’s not “one solution,” he cautioned, but instead, a “more robust toolbox” should and could be developed. He adds another “E” to the list above – “expectation,” with everyone engaging in the behaviors that will make a difference. And yet “defensive driving” matters, he says, since you need to anticipate that someone else might not meet your “expectation.”
The end result of efforts to change and improve, he says, could be “safe and vibrant streets.”
6:41 PM: Rick Sheridan, SDOT communications director, now at the podium, explaining what people at tables are being asked to do for the next 15 minutes or so, before reporting back to the full group.
(Our as-it-happened coverage, after the jump)Read More
Alki Cooperative Preschool paid a visit to Fauntleroy Creek this afternoon, with volunteers including Judy Pickens and Dennis Hinton (that’s him in the hat) helping the kids and their chaperones get a peek at one of the five coho-salmon spawners that have now been seen at the creek in the past several days. We couldn’t get a clear enough look for a photo, but Dennis shared this one of a male and female spawning pair spotted earlier:
Last year, volunteer salmon-watchers didn’t see any spawners at all, so this year is already a success in comparison. 2009 saw 18, the year before that only 2; since the Fauntleroy Watershed Council started keeping track in 2000, the record remains 167 in 2001. (P.S. You can watch for the fish by going to the Fauntleroy Creek overlook at upper Fauntleroy Way and SW Director, directly across the street – and up the embankment – from the Fauntleroy ferry terminal entrance. It’s one of those “hidden gems”!)
Local food banks are providing holiday food through Wednesday – and yet the need outstrips the supply. Though White Center Food Bank took in hundreds of turkeys on Saturday, Ann Kendall just sent word:
It looks like we are going to run out of turkeys – we’re only on day 1 of holiday distribution and things are getting sparse. In some years people have deferred on the turkeys but this year they are in high demand. We will be at the food bank to accept donations tonight until 6pm, Tuesday from 9-6 and 9-7 on Wednesday. Phone 206-762-2848 at the food bank.
WC Food Bank – which also serves southern West Seattle – is at 8th/108th. And if you can’t make it there but can donate a turkey, West Seattle Food Bank (35th/Morgan) is accepting turkeys till 7 tonight.
From Seattle Police – timely advice to reduce the chance you’ll become a holiday-season crime victim: What to do/not to do when you’re away OR at home – all the way down reminders about Christmas lights and charity solicitations. Check out Crime Prevention Coordinator Mark Solomon‘s latest newsletter here (PDF).
We’ve just learned that another high-profile West Seattle case has been resolved with a guilty plea. This one is the attack last May that left a 65-year-old Fairmount Springs woman seriously hurt and brought law-enforcement and political leaders to the neighborhood days later. The victim turned up on a neighbor’s doorstep early one morning with injuries including more than 20 broken bones, but how she had been hurt was not initially clear.
In early July, with the help of DNA evidence, police arrested a man who lived in the same home to which the victim had fled, 49-year-old Monty Richardson. Court documents say he broke into the victim’s home, dragged her into her basement, tried to strangle her, and beat, kicked, and jumped on her till she lost consciousness. Richardson pleaded guilty last Thursday to first-degree burglary and second-degree assault, with the third charge against him, unlawful imprisonment, dismissed. Prosecutors will recommend a sentence of 2 1/2 years on the first count, 1 year and 2 months on the second (to run concurrently with the first). According to court documents, he is entering the guilty plea as a so-called Alford plea – he does not admit guilt on either charge but believes the evidence is likely to lead to a conviction.
Richardson is scheduled to be sentenced December 2nd by King County Superior Court Judge Bruce Heller.
(Photo courtesy West Seattle Nursery)
West Seattle’s first Christmas trees of the season have arrived. West Seattle Nursery received its first shipment on Sundays – Noble Firs – and kindly gave us permission to use a photo. Christmas-tree availability is part of what we’re updating again this year on the WSB West Seattle Holidays page – who’s got them, where and when. (WSN’s Marcia Bruno tells us that the “natural nobles” arrive sometime today, and also that their tree prices will be lower this year, since they got a better deal from suppliers. We also just got word of a new tree lot in progress, heading out to check on that!) The Holidays page is updated multiple times daily with the newest holiday information. Right now, you’ll find Thanksgiving info at the top, including Thursday’s free dinners and workouts, supermarket hours, and (a WSB tradition) where to find coffee on the holiday.
Thanks very much to everyone who has already sent holiday event listings and other holiday-related info, and we renew the request for YOU to send anything and everything that might be relevant to the Holidays page – bazaars, sales, concerts, parties open to the public, Santa photos, Christmas ships, Hometown Holidays, gift-wrapping events, businesses’ holiday hours (including restaurants/coffee shops open Thanksgiving, Christmas, and/or New Year’s Day), and places/people that could use YOUR help this holiday season (from donation drives to giving trees to ongoing nonprofit wishlists). E-mail is our favorite way to get info (editor@westseattleblog.com) but we have other options listed here if that’s more convenient for you. Thanks and happy holidays!
Governor Gregoire just announced a statewide mini-tour tomorrow to talk about her “supplemental budget” – and one of the stops is here in West Seattle. She’ll be at South Seattle Community College at 2:30 pm tomorrow “to meet with students at South Seattle Community College, discuss potential education cuts in supplemental budget,” according to the announcement. For details on the “supplemental budget,” including a potential sales-tax increase, here’s a story from our partners at the Seattle Times.
Almost six months after reopening following a hiatus – West Seattle-based shelter program Family Promise of Seattle says it’s closing again, and this time it’s permanent.
After getting an e-mail announcement, we called to talk with executive director Norman Schwamberg, and he tells us the board determined “there just wasn’t sufficient money to continue operation and not really any hope in the foreseeable future to (generate money) to reopen with” – so they’re giving notice to their West Seattle day center’s landlord (the church next door) and will start clearing out.
Family Promise is a unique nationally franchised program: Rather than operate a physical shelter, they partner with local churches who provide shelter and meals for families, while FP administration helps the families find services and look for employment – that’s where the day center comes in. It opened here in 2008. Schwamberg says they’re looking for other nonprofits that can accept the items they’ll have to clear out of the day center. The last family they’re sheltering will likely move on today; he says they’re finishing the intake process with another organization.
Last August, FP closed after running out of money, but said they would reopen if they could raise $90,000 – enough money for a half-year of operations. They got it done, and reopened in June, but that half-year is almost over, and no source of sustainable funding emerged along the way.
This morning the forecast didn’t look that unusual for our area – some rain, some breeziness – but now things are starting to ratchet up. The National Weather Service has just issued a WInd Advisory for Seattle and environs, 7 tonight through noon tomorrow; see it here. Gusts up to 45 mph are possible, the NWS says. As for rain – weather analyst Cliff Mass has just published his analysis of the impending storm, and he says: “Even Seattle will get nearly 4-5 inches if this forecast verifies.” (See his summary – maps and all – here.) Remember we now have a permanent collection of weather tools – current conditions, forecast, tides, etc. – on the WSB Weather page.
(Latest “live” picture of the northbound Viaduct, looking south from the tunnel vicinity)
Multiple reports that the bridge is much worse than usual this morning – and we’ve finally seen one possible explanation for current trouble: Via Twitter, SDOT says there’s a stalled vehicle blocking lanes on northbound 99 at the Battery Street Tunnel. Not much help if you’re already out in the middle of it but if you tend to commute later, maybe best not to leave for a while.
(Westcrest Park photo by Flickr member mriggen, from the WSB Flickr group pool)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
SCHOOL’S OUT ALREADY FOR MANY: Most Seattle Public Schools elementary and K-8 schools have no classes this week because of parent/teacher conferences, but as the district calendar points out, it varies by school, so check with yours if you’re not sure.
CAN YOU SPARE A TURKEY (OR TWO)? The West Seattle Food Bank is open to accept donations of frozen turkeys, and other holiday food, 9 am-7 pm today, 35th/Morgan. Lots of other ways to offer holiday help in West Seattle are listed on our WS Holidays page.
CITY COUNCIL BUDGET VOTE: If there’s anything you’ve been watching – today’s the day the council takes its final vote, and one last round of potential changes is linked from the agenda for their 10:30 am meeting.
MENCHIE’S FROZEN YOGURT OPENS: New store’s first day of business after a “friends and family” open last night (WSB coverage here), 2620 California SW, 11 am.
LIFE’S JOURNEYS: Conversation group, 1-2:30 pm at West Seattle Senior Center. This group will explore the territory we find ourselves in when involved in a significant transition. Are you in a changing time—re: relationships, housing, health, mobility, losses, retirement, etc? Are you looking for ways to make new connections? We will share our stories, give and receive support, and learn coping skills and strategies for saying goodby to what was and welcome what may become. Facilitated by Laurie Becharas, Licensed Marriage and Family therapist, and D’vorah Kost, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Cost: $20/month, donation. No one turned away for inability to pay.
WHAT’S THE HIGHEST-PRIORITY SAFETY PROBLEM TO SOLVE ON SEATTLE ROADS? That’s one of three questions you’ll be asked tonight during the mayor and council’s Road Safety Summit West Seattle session, 6 pm, Southwest Community Center, details here.
This is the third coyote sighting in a row reported as a pair. This one’s from Todd:
I wanted to let people in my neighborhood know about a pair of coyotes my wife and I encountered tonight while walking our dog around Riverview Playfield. They were near the tennis courts and playground when I spotted the pair and they were watching us. We stopped and then one of them started running toward us and stopped about 30 yards away. I got between our dog and them and walked toward them with arms up and yelling – trying to scare them away – but the one in front only backed off about 20 feet, then stopped to watch us again. We altered our route and I saw the aggressive one pick up a large branch in its mouth and head downhill. They both reappeared about 30 seconds later and watched us walk away. They showed very little fear and they were fairly large – maybe 50-60 lbs.
Trying to scare away is what experts recommend – it’s supposed to at least keep the coyotes guessing.
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