day : 08/02/2012 17 results

34th District Democrats: Marriage equality; charter schools; public bank

February 8, 2012 11:51 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

From tonight’s meeting of the area’s largest political organization, the 34th District Democrats, at The Hall at Fauntleroy:

APPLAUDING THE MARRIAGE-EQUALITY VOTE: Chair Tim Nuse opened the meeting – after agenda approval – with what you see in our video clip, a short celebration of the State House vote earlier in the day finalizing State Legislature approval for marriage equality. The district’s three legislators, all Democrats, all were “yes” votes for the legislation, which now awaits the governor’s signature, and a possible referendum challenge.

Other summaries from the meeting, ahead:Read More

New STEM school, more discussed @ Marty McLaren meeting

February 8, 2012 10:07 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

With open enrollment approaching, and an information/input meeting next week about West Seattle’s new elementary school (to be known – for now – as K-5 STEM at Boren), you won’t be surprised to hear that West Seattle’s school-board rep Marty McLaren was asked about it today during her community-conversation meeting at High Point Library. Bottom line – no specifics yet, but go to the meeting. Today’s well-attended gathering touched on a few other topics too:Read More

‘Soul Jambalaya’: Musical celebration this Saturday @ Sealth

February 8, 2012 7:42 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

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

Last year, we called it a “talent feast” – a powerful lineup of music, by musicians of all ages, including Denny International Middle School and Chief Sealth International High School, under the banner “Soul Jambalaya.” This coming Saturday night, it’s happening again, with many performers from last year returning (including reggae veteran Clinton Fearon, seen above in one of our video clips from the 2011 event). Here’s the invitation from award-winning Denny/Sealth music master Marcus Pimpleton:

Please join music students of Chief Sealth International HS and Denny International MS for our annual Black History month celebration. The event takes place Saturday, February 11th, at 7 pm.

This concert affectionately titled Soul Jambalaya is a musical mélange of gospel, jazz, blues, funk, and reggae in celebration of the influence of black people to the musical landscape of America. The night will feature performances by the Total Experience Gospel Choir, Jamaican reggae singer Clinton Fearon, Septimus, The Chief Sealth International High School Jazz I, and the Denny International Middle School Jazz Band.

The event is free and open to the public, but donations will be accepted to offset costs associated with travel costs for the Denny and Sealth Jazz Ensembles. I assure you this will be one of your favorite school events of the year. Clinton Fearon’s voice is so rich and the Total Experience Gospel Choir is stirring.

It’s in the Sealth auditorium at 2600 SW Thistle.

Think summer: West Seattle Summer Fest application time

February 8, 2012 4:50 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from July 2011 Summer Fest)
Never too soon to think about summer. Just five months till the 30th annual West Seattle Summer Fest, according to the WS Junction Association, which says this year’s dates are July 13, 14, 15, announcing this afternoon that this year’s vendor applications are online now.

ADDED THURSDAY MORNING: WSJA’s Susan Melrose notes in comments that the application deadline is May 15th.

‘Historic day,’ says governor, as marriage equality passes Legislature

February 8, 2012 3:53 pm

| 37 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

“This is truly a historic day in Washington state, and one where I couldn’t be more proud. With today’s vote, we tell the nation that Washington state will no longer deny our citizens the opportunity to marry the person they love. We tell every child of same-sex couples that their family is every bit as equal and important as all other families in our state. And we take a major step toward completing a long and important journey to end discrimination based on sexual orientation.”

So said Governor Gregoire in the statement she just issued following the State House’s vote passing the marriage-equality bill, one week after it gained State Senate approval. She is expected to sign it within days. What happens then depends on whether opponents threatening a referendum get enough signatures for one, in which case the law would be on hold pending November election results.

ADDED 6:03 PM: Reaction from West Seattle’s King County Councilmember Joe McDermott:

“I thank the leaders who came before us, those who stood up and demanded equality following the Stonewall Riots of 1969. The community that took shape that night paved the way to today’s historic vote. I commend the courageous leadership our elected officials displayed. But most importantly, I commend the families who live their lives openly across King County and Washington State. This nation was founded on the premise of individual rights. The House of Representatives’ vote today is another step toward a more perfect union. Today is a historic and joyous day. But the fight for full equality under the law continues.”

ADDED 7:15 PM: We’re covering the 34th District Democrats‘ meeting tonight, and it opened with chair Tim Nuse mentioning today’s vote, and the membership responding with a standing ovation.

Followup: Why Fauntleroy/35th stoplight wasn’t fixed sooner

February 8, 2012 3:15 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

(Taken on 35th looking toward Fauntleroy minutes before light was fixed this morning)
An unusual traffic problem made news here earlier today: The stoplight at 35th/Fauntleroy was in flashing-red mode, which slowed eastbound West Seattle Bridge access dramatically till the problem was fixed just before 8 am. By more than one account, the problem had started last night, which gave rise to the question, why wasn’t it fixed before it became a rush-hour chokepoint? We asked SDOT, whose communication director Rick Sheridan just shared the answer:

Though reported overnight, the signal required specialized diagnosis and repair expertise. Until that time, the intersection safely operated as an all-way stop. We had a signals crew with the needed skills troubleshooting the issue just after 7:00 a.m. After a lengthy investigation they found a bad splice in one of the many junction boxes in that area and corrected the problem. Deploying SPD officers to direct traffic when the signal is in “flash” mode is not typical for this type of malfunction.

Seattle Housing Authority boss Tom Tierney to retire this year

February 8, 2012 3:13 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| High Point | West Seattle news

Of interest particularly to those who live in High Point and other developments/buildings managed and/or owned by the Seattle Housing Authority – SHA’s executive director Tom Tierney announced today that he will retire in August, which is when he turns 65. SHA says it’ll announce plans for the successor search “in the coming weeks.” Full announcement here.

Service tomorrow for man killed in Harbor Island shipyard fall

February 8, 2012 2:53 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

We now know more about the man who died after falling from the drillship Kulluk at Vigor Shipyards on Harbor Island last Friday. The Kitsap Sun published a followup last night, identifying him as 39-year-old William “Bull” Ben Shelby of Bremerton. There’s a memorial service for him in Silverdale tomorrow. Though there was no name in our story published Friday, his sister in Iowa added comments on Saturday thanking other commenters for their well-wishes, and adding, “I want to thank the firemen, paramedics and everyone else who worked so hard to try to save my brother’s life. Thank you for trying.”

What the big police response on 47th SW in Admiral was about

February 8, 2012 1:49 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

If you were along 35th SW about two hours ago – as one WSB team member happened to be – you might have wondered why three police cars went roaring northbound with lights and sirens. They, and other units, were bound for a home on 47th SW in North Admiral, and we just got the details from Seattle Police Det. Mark Jamieson in media relations: Someone called 911 to report a suspected burglary, with a screen pried off a window. Officers and burglary detectives responded. They eventually surrounded the house and went inside. Nobody was there. The witness described seeing a white man, 25-30, 5’7″, green stocking cap, blue windbreaker, but no one fitting the description had been found as of our conversation with SPD, which at last report was working to contact the homeowner to see if they could come verify whether anything had been taken. (Coincidentally, as this unfolded, we also had someone at the Southwest Precinct, where its commander Capt. Steve Paulsen spoke to visiting WS Chamber of Commerce members; he talked about the importance of calling 911 when you see something suspicious. More on the lunch event a bit later.)

Traffic alert: Daytime detours next week

February 8, 2012 12:27 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

Heads up on a detour next week that’s part of one of the ongoing projects in the area. From SDOT, the map (click it for a larger image) and announcement:

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) continues performing seismic work on the Fauntleroy Expressway in West Seattle.

Next week, from Monday, February 13th to Friday, February 17, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day, SW Avalon Way will be restricted and the following detour will be in place (please see the attached map):

Northbound motorists traveling on SW Avalon Way will be detoured to eastbound SW Spokane Street. They will then be directed to perform a u-turn at 26th Avenue SW onto westbound SW Spokane Street and then north on Harbor Avenue SW. Northbound trucks and Metro buses traveling on SW Avalon Way will be flagged through the work zone.

During these times southbound traffic on Harbor Avenue SW will experience short delays at SW Spokane Street.

The SW Spokane Street on-ramp to the West Seattle Bridge will remain open.

Police Officers will assist traffic.

Nighttime closures affecting motorists westbound on the West Seattle Bridge and eastbound on Fauntleroy Way SW will still be in effect, as previously announced, from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Monday through early Saturday mornings.

K-5 STEM at Boren: Feb. 15 meeting for new West Seattle school

February 8, 2012 10:08 am

| 20 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

As promised by Seattle Public Schools when we contacted them for the followup published here yesterday, they have shared the letter they’re sending out about the new STEM (science, tech, engineering, math) “option” elementary that will open this fall at the former Boren Junior High School in Delridge. And the letter includes news that the informational/input meeting they promised is set for 7 pm February 15th, one week from tonight, at Schmitz Park Elementary. Full text of the letter, ahead:Read More

Video: Morgan Junction murder suspect pleads not guilty

February 8, 2012 9:44 am

| 23 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

We’re at the King County Courthouse, where Lovett Chambers has just pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the shooting death of (Michael) Travis Hood. His lawyer actually would not allow the suspect to confirm that to be his name (court documents have indicated multiple aliases); she also asked the judge to prohibit photography, contending that identity was still an issue, but – after the prosecutor pointed out that Chambers was identified by multiple witnesses and had the reputed murder weapon in his possession when arrested soon afterward – Judge Theresa Doyle denied that motion, so he was photographed by us and by the three TV news photojournalists who comprised the rest of the media corps today. Aside from the not-guilty plea, the only other action taken was to set February 29th as the next hearing in the case. It’s been two and a half weeks since Chambers’ arrest shortly after the January 21st shooting alongside Morgan Junction Park, two weeks since a first-degree-murder charge was filed. Chambers remains jailed in lieu of $5 million bail; we have video of the hearing and will add it when we’re back at HQ.

11:34 AM: Video added. Note that Chambers was not present for the first few moments of the hearing, while lawyers argued over the defense request to prohibit photography. Also note that the courtroom separates the gallery, media included, from the actual bench and tables where proceedings are held, with thick panes of glass.

Fauntleroy Community Association: Crime, grants, plants…

February 8, 2012 9:40 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

From crime prevention to city grant applications, we have the toplines from last night’s Fauntleroy Community Association meeting, moved up a week since this month, the usual “second Tuesday” scheduling conflicts with Valentine’s Day. Details ahead:Read More

West Seattle traffic alert: Battery Street Tunnel reopened

February 8, 2012 8:48 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Latest “live” picture looking at 99 just north of the bridge; more cameras here)
8:48 AM: New traffic problem: The Battery Street Tunnel is reported by SDOT to be closed in both directions. So that’s bad news for the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Taking the eastbound bridge to the 4th Avenue offramp (our favorite for quick downtown access) should be a good option.

9:01 AM UPDATE: And this is reported cleared – but once again, the backup will take a while to clear.

West Seattle Wednesday: Teen Zumba; CSO project; cruise info; more

February 8, 2012 8:32 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photographed along Harbor Ave. SW by Don Brubeck; shared via the WSB Flickr group pool)

SCHOOL TOURS AT DENNY: Till 9:30 am today, you’re invited to tour Denny International Middle School; all are welcome – no appointment needed.

TALK WITH YOUR SCHOOL BOARD REP: School Board member Marty McLaren‘s community-conversation meeting this month is at High Point Library from 11:15 AM to 1:15 PM. Parents and community members are invited to come with their Seattle Public Schools questions, concerns, and ideas, particularly regarding West Seattle schools. (She welcomes your e-mailed questions in preparation for the meeting: martha.mclaren@seattleschools.org)

(added) FOOD DONATIONS: Via Occupy West Seattle, two people plan to be “outside on the sidewalk at the Admiral PCC this Wednesday, February 8, noon-2:00 p.m. to collect food for the truckers [who are protesting the Port]. We will take the food to the Labor Temple downtown. Swing by PCC on Wednesday to help us, or to donate a can of something (we will be the ones with a red crate!).”

FIND OUT ABOUT CRUISES: AAA West Seattle and Holland America invite you to a free presentation. 5:30 appetizers, 6:00 pm presentation, at Merrill Gardens-West Seattle (WSB sponsor), 4611 35th Ave SW. RSVP requested, 206.933.4101 or 206.933.4106. Members and non members are welcome!

RESTAURANT CHANGE: Today’s the day Spring Hill Restaurant and Bar in The Junction officially becomes Ma’ono Fried Chicken & Whisky (as reported here last month).

TEEN ZUMBA: The Southwest Teen Life Center is now offering a free class is open to anyone between the ages 11-19. Show up dressed and ready to work out. Zumba Classes are every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

SUNRISE HEIGHTS/WESTWOOD UPDATE ON ‘GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE’ PROJECT: King County Wastewater Treatment Division community meeting on the green stormwater infrastructure project to reduce combined-sewer overflows. Meeting’s at Westside School (WSB sponsor), 6:30 pm (details here).

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: Our area’s largest political group meets at 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy.

AT ARTSWEST: Final week for ll Through the Night; curtain time tonight, 7:30 pm.

West Seattle traffic alert: Stoplight trouble at 35th/Fauntleroy

February 8, 2012 7:20 am

| 13 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

7:20 AM: We’ve noticed the 35th/Fauntleroy blinking red (in other words, akin to a four-way-stop sign) now and then in recent days, but this is the first time we’ve heard of it happening during the morning commute – and we’re getting reports it’s backing up access to the bridge. If you use that access point, you might consider heading north on 35th instead, which has an access lane that doesn’t require going through the signal. Or, use the onramps reachable via Admiral or Avalon, or Delridge.

8:01 AM: We saw a city worker on scene about 15 minutes ago. Getting on the bridge via northbound 35th was quick, by the way. Will update whenever we get word it’s fixed.

8:02 AM: Todd says it’s fixed.

8:36 AM: We have sent a crew by for a firsthand look, and they too confirm it’s working now. We have a question out to SDOT inquiring why, since it was broken last night, it wasn’t fixed before morning. Whatever we find out, we’ll add here later.

High-school basketball: Sealth boys’ 1st post-season game

February 8, 2012 7:01 am

| Comments Off on High-school basketball: Sealth boys’ 1st post-season game

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Story and photos by Randall G. Hauk
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”

Bronte Corbray scored 12 of his 26 points tonight in the fourth quarter, while Charlie Smith and Aaron Knox tallied 13 each, but they couldn’t keep Chief Sealth from taking a loss at home, as the Seahawks fell to Eastside Catholic 83-65 on the second day of the Metro League Playoffs.

You could forgive the Seahawks if they entered their home gym Tuesday night with great expectations. They were facing a team they had faced just 11 days prior, winning by 10 on the Crusaders’ home court, the result of which was ultimately a higher seed for Chief Sealth and the home court advantage in last night’s rematch.