West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
Marination‘s famous food truck was parked outside their new Marination ma kai bricks-and-mortar location at West Seattle’s Seacrest Boathouse – as Marination’s proprietors Kamala Saxton and Roz Edison hosted an invitation-only sneak peek inside the almost-ready-to-open eats-and-drinks place. Well, not just inside …
… the downtown-view patio was in use too. Ahead, more of the sneak peek, including the sample menus they circulated:
Read More
Just a few days till Metro launches RapidRide in West Seattle, implements changes on other routes, and ends the Ride-Free Zone downtown. Big changes for bus riders (as detailed here), and it was clear from WSB comment discussions that many had questions, so we asked Metro to participate in a Q/A, and they agreed. In case you haven’t seen it in the WSB Forums – where we invited people to post questions during a three-hour window yesterday – some of the answers are in. Metro included the original questions in the document with the responses, so we converted it all into a PDF, and you can see it here. (Once the remaining responses are in, we’ll put it into a bit more of a conventional story format.)
Just last night – as reported in our recap – the West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network heard that mail theft seemed to be on the rise. Kathleen reports it happened in Highland Park just this morning, to a neighbor of hers around 12th and Kenyon:
Some jerk is going around RIGHT NOW stealing mail from flags-up outgoing mailboxes! My elderly neighbor just got hers taken.
We asked about a description, and received one this afternoon:
I finally got a possible description of the suspect: small-size pickup truck, light in color-maybe gray or cream, nicely dressed white male, slacks, shirt.
Here’s what the U.S. Postal Service says about preventing, and reporting, mail theft.
Two quick followups, shared by community members:
That’s the brand-new slide at Sanislo Elementary, in a photo shared by Lynette Jeung from the Sanislo PTA. Vandals blew up the left side on the 4th of July, as we reported the next day; the district metal shop confirmed to the PTA about three weeks later that it would make a replacement, and Lynette tells WSB, “Needless to say, the kids are enjoying having their slide back. We appreciate everyone’s support and concern during this time.”
Next, a police car on Delridge means good news for the new opened K-5 STEM at Boren:
As reported here earlier this month, there are “School Zone 20 mph” signs along Delridge Way SW by the school, but no flashing “school zone” beacons, and parents have been standing out in front of the school with signs of their own to try to convince passing drivers to slow down. So today, according to April, who shared the photo, the Aggressive Driver Response Team came out to add some extra muscle.
Seattle Police calls it “a police scanner without the static.” 
Not exactly, but it does provide newer incident information than they have been previously providing: Automated Twitter accounts with incident types and street name/block numbers for each patrol “beat” around the city. The area served by the Southwest Precinct, West Seattle/South Park, has six: William 1, William 2, William 3, Frank 1, Frank 2, and Frank 3. Here’s a map; the W’s are basically west West Seattle; the F’s are basically east West Seattle. Here’s the announcement; here are the direct links:
William 1: @seattlepdw1
William 2: @seattlepdw2
William 3: @seattlepdw3
Frank 1: @seattlepdf1
Frank 2: @seattlepdf2
Frank 3: @seattlepdf3
Note SPD’s explanation about the information you’ll find on the feeds, and what you won’t:
There are a few caveats: in order to protect crime victims, officers, and the integrity of crime scenes, calls will appear on the Twitter feeds one hour after a dispatcher sends the call to an officer. The feeds also do not include information about domestic violence calls, sexual assaults, and other certain types of crimes.
In case you don’t want to check Twitter (you CAN use those links even without an account), we’ll incorporate these into the West Seattle Crime Watch page, among other potential uses here on WSB, as soon as possible. We’ll also watch the feeds too – but, especially since this is NOT real time and NOT all-encompassing, we will continue to appreciate your tips about what you see and hear and/or are wondering about – 206-293-6302, text or voice, 24/7 (other ways to reach us are here).
Right now, there is one West Seattle resident on the Seattle City Council – Tom Rasmussen. However, he, like each of the other 8 councilmembers, represents the entire city – since they all are elected “at large.” Every so often, a proposal to change that comes up, and a new one is to be unveiled tomorrow: Seattle Districts Now plans a media event Thursday morning in the U-District to formally announce its campaign, which it says already has the support of 90 “community leaders” citywide. Its proposed city-charter amendment – which would require about 31,000 signatures to get before voters next year – would create seven districts, each electing one representative, and two at-large members. Our partners at The Seattle Times have drawn up a map of the proposed districts; all of West Seattle would comprise one district.
Just north of the Fauntleroy ferry dock, work at the Barton Pump Station upgrade project is about to intensify – with what project spokesperson Annie Kolb-Nelson calls some “pretty major equipment” arriving starting tomorrow. It’s equipment needed for “jet grouting,” which this project is using instead of pile driving “because it’s quieter and better for working around other underground utilities,” she says. The work over the next few months will affect the ferry dock, too, with some lane closures. Full details are on this flyer. Kolb-Nelson reminds those concerned that “people with questions or concerns during business hours can contact Kristine Cramer directly at 206-263-3184 or e-mail kristine.cramer@kingcounty.gov. We also have a 24-hour project hotline, which is 206-296-2999.”
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
A late-night round of sleuthing may help settle the question of what’s behind “The Hum,” which returned Monday night after two-plus weeks – at least, the latest version of it.
If you’ve heard it – listen to see if this is what you are hearing, and note the ship stack visible as we zoom in toward the end:
We shot that video (most useful for audio purposes) from West Marginal Way SW last night, not far south of Highland Park Way, after a late-night round of sleuthing involving Highland Park community advocates plus managers/staffers from a different company – NOT where the video/audio came from – who were trying to determine for once or for all if their operations were to blame.
(Barred owl in Lincoln Park, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
Happy Wednesday! Today’s highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:
VIADUCT CLOSURE TONIGHT: Southbound 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct, overnight, from 9 pm-5 am.
35TH SW ROAD WORK IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Scheduled to start today, per SDOT. Here’s their reminder – traffic could be down to 1 lane at a time.
BABY IN THE HOUSE? CHECK OUT ‘EARLY DAYS’: Today’s the weekly session of a new drop-in support group, Early Days, meeting at Nurturing Expressions (WSB sponsor; 4746 44th SW) in The Junction, noon-2 pm. Details here.
EARLY DISMISSAL: Today is the school year’s first districtwide early-dismissal day (two hours early) for Seattle Public Schools.
PUMPKIN-PIE FUNDRAISER – ANOTHER CHANCE TO ORDER: As she’s been doing every Wednesday, Diane Niemi will be at the West Seattle Eagles‘ HQ in The Junction to take preorders for the “Heritage Pumpkin Pies” she’s making for Thanksgiving – raising money for Alzheimer’s/dementia research. Don’t wait till it’s too late – stop by 2-8 pm (more info here).
SOMALI STORY TIME: At the High Point Library (35th/Raymond), 5 pm.
PATHFINDER K-8 PTSA: First meeting of the year, 6:30 pm – details here.
‘THE HUM’ AND MORE AT HPAC: Highland Park Action Committee resumes its monthly meetings now that fall arrives, and you’re invited to the Highland Park Improvement Club at 12th/Holden, 7 pm (or come early for a potluck at 6:30). The agenda includes the city’s forthcoming project to reduce combined-sewer overflows in eastern West Seattle – possibly including “roadside raingardens” in South Delridge/Highland Park, as well as the newest information about “The Hum” (WSB followup in the works for later this morning, too) and Nickelsville.
POETRY AND STORYTELLING AT C&P: 7 pm, Poetrybridge‘s monthly event at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 5612 California SW.
COAL TRAINS: From Fauntleroy Church‘s Green Committee:
The environmental debate about coal trains moving through the Duwamish corridor comes to West Seattle Wednesday, Sept. 26, with a free 7 PM forum in Fellowship Hall at Fauntleroy Church. Panelists from Climate Solutions, the Sierra Club, and Earth Ministry. Details: www.fauntleroyucc.org.
These are just a few highlights – there’s more for today/tonight (and far beyond) on our calendar!
Like most community groups, the West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network has reconvened, 
now that summer’s over, and had a fairly low-key meeting last night at the Southwest Precinct. Without a featured guest on the agenda, the spotlight was on members’ recaps of how the summer went. Relatively quiet, most agreed, aside from some car prowls and thefts including bicycles. SWP Operations Lt. Pierre Davis (standing, photo left) said that matched the official stats. One trend that some participants said seemed to be back on the rise is mail theft; WSBWCN leadership will consider bringing in a guest speaker to tackle the topic. Some also wondered if city grants might be available to bring locked mailboxes to areas where theft is a problem. Reminders of upcoming events: Thursday night, the Safe Communities city-facilitated conversation at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 7 pm (more info here), and Saturday, National Drug Take-Back Day – drop your expired/no-longer-needed medications off at the precinct, 10 am-2 pm (more info here).
West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network meets on 4th Tuesdays; watch for updates on their website, here.
Preparedness is for all ages – and that’s the lesson learned at Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor) today. Students took to the field this morning for an earthquake simulation, complete with role-playing. Some students practiced first-aid, others practiced being patients, and John Zilke from the Burien Fire Department even came to help oversee (he’s at left in the photo below, with science teacher Kristin Moore):
For Explorer West, it was all hands on deck – in the field – including head of school Evan Hundley:
The drill is an EW tradition (here’s our report on the 2010 edition).
SIDE NOTE: The city has a variety of preparedness classes coming up in West Seattle – see the schedule here.
The first two views – yoga on the beach at sunset – are from WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams, at Lowman Beach.
Shelly Aaron leads sunset yoga there on Tuesdays, according to Nick.
After sunset, the sky yielded an unusual sight, photographed and shared by Dan E:
Tomorrow’s forecast looks good – possibly some morning fog, then more sunshine.
When the family of 94-year-old Faye Franks announced this summer that she had passed away on July 10th, the date for her memorial wasn’t set – but now it is, and they are inviting those who knew her to come to the “memorial service to celebrate her long life” this Saturday (September 29) at 2 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), 3940 41st SW. Her family adds that “memorials may be sent to Tibbetts UMC or to Seabeck Conference Center, 15395 Seabeck Highway NW, Seabeck, WA 98380.”
We spotlight volunteer opportunities now and then, and tonight, we have an announcement from Merrill Gardens at Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor) – where activity director Stephany Wong is looking for people to help their residents have fun!
We are currently looking for volunteers to help us with our fun and exciting activities program. Currently we could use your help with calling bingo, current events, fireside readings, music and entertainment, art classes, walking club, going on outings with a group and so much more.
Please contact Stephany Wong at the Admiral Heights Merrill Gardens for more information on how you can be a part of our fun community. 206-938-3964 or admiralheights@mgmail.org
Tomorrow’s scheduled to be day 1 of the 35th SW project between Roxbury and 100th in Arbor Heights, according to SDOT, which says the entire project should last about a month. It includes changes to the 35th/Roxbury signal, as well as sidewalk work between 97th and 100th, as first reported here 2 1/2 weeks ago.
After two years, The Wing Dome is closing its West Seattle location after this weekend. Three WSB’ers sent tips on this last night (thank you!) and today, company spokesperson Katie Wilkinson confirms it via e-mail:
It has been our pleasure for Wing Dome to be part of the West Seattle community for the past few years. Unfortunately the performance of this location has been impacted by difficult economic conditions, and we are saddened to announce the decision to close our restaurant in the Junction. On a positive note, we have been successful in relocating most of our team members to other locations in our family of restaurants. We have enjoyed serving the West Seattle community and are grateful for the support. Sunday, September 30, will be our last day of operation.
We remain committed to growth opportunities for Wing Dome when and where they make sense. Our other Wing Dome locations continue to thrive including a recently completed remodel of our interior and patio at Greenwood and expansion that has doubled the size of our space in Kirkland.
The Junction Wing Dome opened in October 2010, in space that had previously been part of the CAPERS retail store, which continues to operate in a smaller space to the south.
West Seattle Crime Watch has quieted down a bit, according to both inbox in-flow and a check of the police-activity map. Danielle, however, shares a two-part alert for her neighborhood (and advice for everyone):
I wanted to give those who live near 8th & Roxbury a heads-up that in the last two weeks we have had a car prowler on our block as well as a mail thief.
Car Prowler – A car prowler was seen at approx. 10:30PM on a week night approx. two weeks ago peeking in the windows of my husband’s work vehicle that was parked on the street. The police were called but my husband, who is extra weary of prowlers after his work vehicle was stolen from our street last fall, yelled at the prowler who left the scene on foot before police arrived. He was tall, thin, and wearing a hooded sweatshirt with jeans. I urge everyone to park their vehicles in driveways and garages.
Mail thief – We discovered (Monday) that a check we placed in our mailbox on 09/06 was removed from our mailbox, washed with a new name and check amount, and cashed at a local check cashing center. We are in the process of working with the bank to file all of the necessary paperwork.
One more reminder that, as mentioned in today’s daily preview, the West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network is back in action tonight, 6:30 pm at the Southwest Precinct, and you don’t have to be a captain to come attend and talk/hear about community crime prevention/trends.
Remember the city mentioning during the Waste Management strike that it was tallying missed collections for a possible fine against WM? The fine has just been announced – $1.24 million – and that’ll result in a $10 credit on residential bills. The Seattle Times (WSB partner) has details.
This Saturday, bus service to/from/in West Seattle changes in a big way, with the debut of RapidRide and the restructuring of the route system. 
Over the weekend, we mentioned here that we had asked Metro about a Q/A opportunity for those who still have questions about the route changes and/or RapidRide – “how will Route X work?” or “why does the map show Y?” type questions. They agreed. But since nobody here voiced interest in a live chat, here’s what we’re going to do instead, with Metro’s help:
TODAY, between 10 am and 1 pm, we will open a special topic on the WSB Forums for questions. We’ll add the link to this item when it’s live. Post your question there – and we’ll forward to Metro for answers, which will be posted publicly in the next day or two. Your question may help others, so that’s why we thought a public Q/A would be good. (If you are not registered for the WSB Forums, go here first to sign up. Then check the Forum, or this page, after 10 am for the place to post your Q.)
ADDED, 10 AM: Here’s where to post your question in the forum, by 1 pm.
(PM-commute bicyclists on the low bridge; photo by Don Brubeck, shared via the WSB Flickr group. The state is counting bicyclists and pedestrians this week.)
TONIGHT’S TRAFFIC ALERT: Southbound 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct is scheduled to be closed 9 pm-5 am, as reinforcement work continues on the stretch that’s over the future deep-bore-tunnel path.
RESOURCE FAIR FOR SENIORS: 10 am at the Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon) – details here.
TODDLER MUSIC CLASSES: Starting up at Alki Community Center, 11:40 am – find out more here.
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION WITH WEST SEATTLE’S SCHOOL BOARD REP: Marty McLaren‘s first discussion event of the season, 1:15-3:15 pm at Delridge Library (Brandon/Delridge).
PEPS ORIENTATION: New or expectant parent? Come find out about this support group, 1:30 pm at Bright Horizons (38th between Fauntleroy/Alaska). No pre-registration required – just show up (babies welcome too).
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS: With groups for young and not-as-young, beginners and experts, the West Seattle Community Orchestras (WSB sponsor) are back in session as of tonight’s rehearsals, and welcoming new members. They rehearse at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle), at the times listed on their home page.
BLOCKWATCH CAPTAINS NETWORK: Fighting/preventing crime in your neighborhood? You don’t have to be a captain – or even have to have a Block Watch (yet) – to attend, as the West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network resumes its monthly meetings, 6:30-8 pm at the Southwest Precinct (Webster west of Delridge). Tonight’s focus is on what happened over the summer and is happening now in local neighborhoods, as explained in the WSBWCN preview.
TRAIN A GUIDE PUPPY! The West Seattle See Dogs meet tonight at The Kenney (WSB sponsor), 6:30 pm – details in the calendar listing.
WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL’S FIRST PTSA MEETING OF THE YEAR: 7 pm in the WSHS Library (3000 California SW). From president Tracy Burrows:
:All parents, students, teachers and community members are welcome to attend.
Principal Ruth Medsker will report on the opening of the school year, and don’t miss our special program: “Start Talking Now” with speakers Gwen Fraser from the Attorney General’s Office and Pastor Serena Wastman, who both have years of first-hand experience on how to engage your teen on issues related to reducing underage drinking and drug abuse. High-school years can be turbulent for our youth, so come find out about warning signs, appropriate interventions, and how you can be part of a positive solution.City Councilmember Tim Burgess will give a brief talk on how the Families and Ed Levy supports West Seattle High School. We’ll also be giving an update on planning for the November 15th Fall Harvest Auction, which promises to be an entertaining and fun event dedicated to building community and supporting our students. Make plans to attend now! You can drop off auction donations at the meeting, including donations of wine for the “Wine Frenzy.”
NIGHTLIFE: Jason Sees at Locol, 7:30 pm … Trivia That Rocks at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 8 pm … Baby Ketten Karaoke at 9 at Skylark Café and Club … Starlight singer-songwriter showcase at Shadowland, 8 pm …
More on the calendar!
(UPDATED TUESDAY AFTERNOON with the completed text summary)
(WSB video of tonight’s meeting in its entirety, unedited)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
In West Seattle tonight, parents with a school that’s not mentioned in the BEX IV levy plan gave district officials almost as much of an earful as parents with a school that is.
Parents from the new K-5 STEM at Boren option elementary wanted to know what the plan is for their permanent home – district answer, in short: there still isn’t one – and also took the occasion to voice complaints about a lack of supplies and incomplete facilities, saying it will be difficult to believe promises the district makes for the future, if they are breaking other ones now.
But the biggest contingent was from Arbor Heights Elementary, most dressed in yellow, some holding signs, recounting health, safety, and climate-control challenges on the campus, and pleading for the promised rebuild to be moved up.
Right now, it’s not scheduled to be completed until fall 2019 – toward the end of the levy’s lifespan.
Before getting to Q/A and attendee comments, district managers went through multiple levels of background explanation, including why BEX IV is a levy and not a bond measure. (All the explanatory documents are linked here.) Unlike previous BEX IV-related meetings, this time they added information about the ballot measure that will also be on the February ballot.
District communications manager Tom Redman emceed the meeting; the presentation was led by assistant superintendent Pegi McEvoy, with district capital projects/planning director Lucy Morello also participating, and brief appearances later by interim assistant superintendent Bob Boesche and executive director of school operations Phil Brockman. Also pointed out, though they did not speak, were School Board members Marty McLaren (who represents West Seattle) and Sherry Carr, and this area’s executive director of schools Carmela Dellino (whose former school Roxhill Elementary was not mentioned at all, though it is in relatively bad shape).
The feedback from this meeting and two others around the city will be taken into account for one more draft of the levy, to be presented at a school-board work session next month. We have much more to add to the story of what happened tonight (check back by midmorning Tuesday) – but are publishing this short version first, along with video of the entire meeting (above).
ADDED 12:53 PM: The rest of the story, ahead: Read More
(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
It wasn’t just a crosstown showdown, but also a match between unbeaten-in-conference rivals, when West Seattle High School visited Chief Sealth International HS for varsity volleyball tonight. (In the top photo, Sealth’s Zoe Haywood tapped the ball over West Seattle defenders, from left, Maddie Collins – who had 30 assists for WSHS – Devon Fox, and Eastyn Baleto.) The home crowd was intense…
… but WSHS came away with the win, 3-0; more photos and game info to be added later tonight!
5:26 AM: As promised, more scenes from the game, ahead:
(UPDATED TUESDAY with city response)
7:27 PM: For the first time since our reports on “The Hum” two weeks ago (here, here, and here), we are getting multiple reports that people are hearing it again – so far mostly from eastern West Seattle. Two things, while we check it out: 1. If it’s loud enough where you are, try to record it, and be sure to note the time and place. 2. Be sure to contact the city tomorrow, as per their request in our previous coverage (the phone numbers are at the bottom of this story) – or if they have voicemail, you can even try tonight.
1:05 AM: After continued reports through the evening, plus video/audio clips (see the comments), we set out to see what we could find. Here are the results:
–11:45, heard it in the distance from 30th/Holden. The same rising/falling, oscillating type of sound we heard on Julie’s clip from Highland Park earlier this month. From there, we headed toward Highland Park, since that’s where many reports are from.
–11:55, pulled over on Holden around 11th. Apartments on both sides; only thing we heard, some guys squabbling.
–12:02, while driving along the industrial stretch of West Marginal Way SW north of Highland Park Drive, we heard some industrial noise in the distance north of the parks, past the bus yard – more scraping than humming.
–12:08, pulled over on southbound West Marginal across from Lafarge. Something was definitely in operation. It was a steady noise, though, rather than the rising/falling/oscillating sound heard in the distance, and did not seem particularly overpowering; did not have a dB meter handy. We recorded it for about a minute (sorry about the ticking of our emergency flashers):
(Yes, there’s some aircraft noise mixed in toward the start, too.)
–12:15, pulled over alongside Riverview Playfield, 12th and Othello vicinity. We could hear it toward the east, and pulled out the camera again (no visuals showing because aiming it toward an unlit playfield revealed only darkness):
There, it seemed to have more of the coming-and-going quality heard in the distance. We’ll be checking back with the city later today, among others.
8:14 AM UPDATE: Still more reports have come in via e-mail and the WSB Facebook page and Twitter feed, as well as comments here. We will be checking with the city later. Meantime, the Highland Park Action Committee has added “The Hum” to its agenda for tomorrow night’s monthly meeting – 7 pm Wednesday, HP Improvement Club, 12th/Holden.
5:25 PM UPDATE: We expect to have a longer followup later tonight, but, as discussed in comments, we talked with Lafarge management earlier today – they’re looking for help in providing for once and for all whether it is or isn’t them – and then we checked with the city, whose spokesperson Bryan Stevens replied:
On September 14 DPD inspected Lafarge both during the day, while all of their equipment was up and running, and in the evening around 10pm. Tests immediately across the street found the noise levels were in compliance with the noise ordinance.
Later in the evening hours that same day, an inspector also visited a dozen different sites in West Seattle and took noise measurements. The sites were located from Roxbury to Camp Long and California to 9th Ave SW. All of the noise readings were in compliance with the limits of the noise ordinance. The noise posted in the blog was not detected in any of these locations.
This morning we have received a few more complaints about noise heard last night. We’ll follow up on any leads, but the sporadic nature of the noise makes tracking the source very difficult.
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