West Seattle, Washington
24 Sunday
9:12 PM: Final score’s just in from Spokane – Lummi Nation 66, Seattle Lutheran 47, in the boys’ 1B state basketball tournament. SLHS plays for 3rd place tomorrow at 1 pm; their opponent will be whoever comes up on the short end of the next game, which is Shorewood Christian (from just east of Arbor Heights) vs. Neah Bay. We’ll update when the score’s in on that; you can watch for live updates here.
10:35 PM: And the last game of the night is over – Shorewood Christian also losing its semifinal game, 67-44, to Neah Bay. So tomorrow, it’s Seattle Lutheran vs. Shorewood Christian for third place.
One way to start your weekend in the giving mode: Show up at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) at 9 am tomorrow (Saturday) and join the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s first Adopt-A-Street cleanup of 2015. ANA president David Whiting says Met Market is providing coffee/pastries pre-cleanup and sack lunches afterward as it’s done in the past; tools/bags provided, so just bring yourself to the main entrance at 42nd/Admiral.
Just two days after the Westwood transit hub took centerstage at the Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council meeting, a new illustration of a not-so-new concern presented itself:
(Thursday photo courtesy Joe Szilagyi)
On Thursday, WWRHAH secretary Joe Szilagyi took that photo in the middle of a very recognizable crosswalk on SW Barton between the Roxhill Park bus stop and Westwood Village. He sent the photos to city leaders with this note:
I am writing about the crosswalk from the Rapid Ride terminal site at Westwood Village in West Seattle. At some point overnight or today, a car plowed through the crosswalk and demolished it, while leaving debris all over.
We have asked repeatedly for nearly two years for assistance and budgetary relief to fund proper, full, and safe mitigation for pedestrians crossing here in the form of a controlled crosswalk if possible, and failing that at minimum a user-activated flashing visual beacon. As of yet we have only heard several variations on how this is not feasible, beyond current budget realities, or ‘not proper’ or appropriate for this location due to the nearby streetlights at Barton and 26th for the Westwood Village entrance.
There is a user-controlled full crosswalk one block south on Roxbury adjacent to the intersection of Roxbury and 26th, by the Safeway supermarket. Why is that location appropriate for these controls to service that Rapid Ride C stop, while the full end-of-line terminal a block away on another arterial is not? It’s a miracle that no one was in the crosswalk when this happened.
If this slows traffic down on Barton that is an irrelevant concern to the safety issues. Please advise us with a schedule as soon as possible of when this specific crosswalk’s dangerous conditions will be rectified to the satisfaction of the community.
Please note that we are not asking for assistance or guidance on applying for a grant on our own for this. We are asking for SDOT and the City of Seattle to immediately begin remediation of the dangerous conditions at this location.
We were CC’d on that note, and on several replies so far. Councilmember Tom Rasmussen told Szilagyi that he would ask SDOT to respond. SDOT director Scott Kubly said, “I will have my team work with King County to get the shelter repaired and to evaluate what we can do to improve safety at this location.” One of the people from whom he requested followup, city traffic engineer Dongho Chang, replied this morning that he would get it reviewed, then wrote again this afternoon:
The sign was repaired today. We’ll need to chip out the concrete and install a new post anchor. I had staff review our records and we didn’t have any specific concerns that I was able to find today for the crossing. However, I spent some time observing and walking the area and I have some thoughts that I’d like to have a quick conversation with the community.
We verified before sunset that the sign has indeed been repaired:
(WSB photo taken late today)
But that doesn’t address the ongoing issue. The e-mail chain continued late in the day with WWRHAH co-chair Amanda Kay Helmick pointing out that the safety issue had been discussed with SDOT’s new transit division director Paulo Nunes-Ueno at the last West Seattle Transportation Coalition meeting (WSB coverage here) and that she had a walkaround tour set with him for March 30th. All involved are now deciding whether that is soon enough for an assessment, or whether the timetable needs to be accelerated.
The transit-hub-related issues discussed at WWRHAH’s monthly meeting last Tuesday at the Southwest Branch Library involved more than safety. Helmick had already announced that Metro had committed to sidewalk and lighting improvements; Metro’s Paul Roybal was at the meeting to confirm all that, saying the sidewalk work will go from 26th to 29th on the south side of SW Barton, and ADA improvements will be included. Preliminary engineering work is under way, he said, and a survey crew will be out soon; if all goes well, work could start late in the year (which would be two years after WWRHAH’s original walking tour with Metro and other reps).
Also at the meeting, Metro’s Doug Johnson talked about Metro changes that will take effect June 1st as a result of Proposition 1 money. Area residents remain concerned that the 21 isn’t getting much and the previously slashed 22 isn’t getting anything, with Arbor Heights service still suffering as a result. Johnson said this isn’t the only round of improvements; there will be more in the future. Helmick is gathering comments on how the 21/22 reductions have affected riders.
With some other routes – particularly the RapidRide C Line – getting added service, Helmick asked the Metro reps if that meant more layovers and more buses stacking up at the Westwood hub, where the “Wall of Buses” along Roxhill Park has been notorious. Johnson said drivers will still have breaks there but the buses will be moving more frequently to keep up with schedules, so it won’t be that noticeable.
Also at the meeting, Andy Thompson from Westwood Village’s owners, Madison Marquette. WWRHAH told him the center isn’t as walkable as it could be. He said they’re continuing to look into pedestrian safety concerns and questions, but that overall safety has been improved since the Seattle Police bike patrols began.
WWRHAH also talked Tuesday night about Roxhill Bog, one year after its first big discussion; a new report about its issues – particularly, why the bog isn’t much of a bog any more – is out. We’ll publish that part of the March WWRHAH story this weekend.
The Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council meets first Tuesdays, 6:15 pm, SW Branch Library.
(WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)
7:04 PM: For those asking about the big Seattle Fire response to a possible “fire in building” on 54th Place SW in Alki: The call is being reduced and most of the engines are being dismissed, though, as they’re not finding any sign of fire or even smoke.
7:51 PM: Turns out longtime WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli did go to check it out; we’re adding his photo of the last unit that was left on scene as of quarter past 7 or so, Engine 29 from Admiral. Christopher says he asked the firefighters if it was a case of “food on the stove” and they replied, not even that.
For the second day in a row, some local parents are getting a safety-alert message from school administrators. Last night, it was Madison Middle School after a student was harassed; today, it’s the Denny International Middle School/Chief Sealth International High School community after a different type of incident, just east of the Denny campus. Here’s the letter, obtained from Denny principal Jeff Clark:
Dear Denny and Sealth Scholars and Families,
We want to share with you information right away regarding an incident that occurred in our community this morning.
At approximately 7:30 this morning a seventh-grade Denny scholar was walking on SW Kenyon Street from Delridge to 26th Ave SW via the Longfellow Creek Legacy Trail.
When she arrived at the bridge on the trail, a male of mixed race who appeared to be in his 20s or 30s came into view. She was asked for money and then had a picture was taken of her before she ran to school. When the scholar arrived at school, she did the right thing by reporting this to school staff right away. Denny staff immediately notified the Seattle Police Department, and they are actively investigating.
The safety of our scholars is our top priority. Please help us remind your children to walk in pairs, stay on well-lit and streets that can be seen by others, and to report anything suspicious to a trusted adult (school staff and family member).
More tips and information can be found on the Seattle Police Department website: seattle.gov/police/prevention/child/default.htm.
Sincerely,
Jeff Clark, Principal, Denny International MS
Aida Fraser-Hammer, Principal, Chief Sealth International HS
Thanks to the Denny parent who sent us first word of this.
Today is opening day in West Seattle for Rudy’s Barbershop, which has just become the newest WSB sponsor. Here’s what Rudy’s would like you to know about their business:
Since its Seattle conception in 1993, Rudy’s Barbershop has been committed to providing top-notch haircuts for men and women at an affordable price. Rudy’s offers a one-of-a-kind experience with a curated blend of art, music, and sense of place. Every shop is a cross-generational community center, buzzing with creative energy.
Rudy’s is incredibly excited to announce its newest location in the proud neighborhood of West Seattle, at 4480 Fauntleroy Way SW.
The location will soon feature a large neon sign, urging the community to “GO WEST,” professing the aforementioned pride of the people of West Seattle.
In January, Rudy’s teamed up with West Seattle’s Delridge Community Center to provide free haircuts to the community. Cuts took place in Rudy’s modified barbershop airstream, and with the help of the West Seattle community and other nearby neighborhoods, they raised almost $1,000 for the Delridge Community Center. This money will help them fund after-school programs, community classes, children’s basketball teams, and many other beneficial activities for the people of West Seattle in the future.
No need to wait for an appointment; walk into any Rudy’s Barbershop, any day of the week, 9 am-9 pm, and get a great haircut. Satisfaction guaranteed.
We thank Rudy’s Barbershop for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
While school is usually getting out for the day right about now, the lights will be on late at Chief Sealth International High School, where this is the first day of the first-ever Washington Global Issues Network Conference. Seattle Public Schools superintendent Dr. Larry Nyland helped convene the conference this morning; below, he was photographed speaking with Beacon Hill International School students in attendance (the conference involves students and teachers from many other schools).
Through the afternoon and into the evening, participants are seeing and hearing from keynote speakers and participating in workshops – you can see some of the issues they’re tackling here – environmental, cultural, civic, and more. The first day of the conference continues past 8 pm tonight; participants have a long day tomorrow, too, 8 am-8 pm. (Thanks to teacher Noah Zeichner, organizer along with student leaders, for sharing photos.)
A bittersweet week for the Seattle Lutheran High School community – cheering its basketball team in the state tournament, while mourning longtime athletic director and teacher Bob Dowding. The service and reception to celebrate his life are set for this Sunday afternoon. Here’s the remembrance his loved ones are sharing with the community:
Robert (Bob) Earl Dowding went to his Heavenly home on February 24, 2015, after valiantly battling cancer.
He was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, March 31, 1947, to Gerald and Eva (Rockenbach) Dowding. He attended country schools through 6th grade, after which he attended Palmyra, Nebraska, public schools. He graduated from Palmyra High School where he was active in football, basketball, track, chorus and class plays. Bob attended Sunday School and was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Eagle, Nebraska. He attended Concordia Teachers’ College, Seward, Nebraska, where he majored in secondary education and played football.
After graduating from college, Bob taught 24 years in Southern California, 21 of those years at Orange Lutheran High School, Orange, California. He was one of the original five founding staff members. He served as Athletic Director/teacher and in the beginning set up and coached all-new sports programs. Bob then worked for 20 years at Seattle Lutheran High School as Athletic Director/teacher.
12:20 PM TOPLINE: West Seattle High School wins, 54-45 over Prairie. The girls will play Arlington for state 4th place tomorrow morning, again here at the Tacoma Dome, 8 am. Here’s our Instagram clip of this game’s final seconds:
Top scorers: Emily Fiso 14, Charli Elliott 13, Lydia Giomi 12.
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand. Above, Elliott & Giomi; below, Fiso)
Below, here’s how it unfolded:
*********
10:58 AM: We’re at the Tacoma Dome again this morning, and the West Seattle High School Wildcats have just started their second game in the state 3A girls-basketball championship tournament. After Thursday’s loss, they’re in the round contending for 4th place – this game against Prairie (from southwestern Washington) is a must-win. We’ll be updating as it goes.
11:04 AM UPDATE: Three minutes into the first quarter, it’s Prairie 7, WSHS 6. First Wildcat basket was a three-pointer by Emily Fiso.
11:12 AM UPDATE: End of the first quarter, Prairie 18, WSHS 13. It’s early, but WSHS looks a lot sharper today, though Prairie has a tough smothering defense as did Lynnwood yesterday. The Wildcats are doing better on the boards.
11:18 AM UPDATE: Thanks in large part to hot three-point shooting, Prairie maintains the lead, 21-15 with 4:42 left in the half.
11:27 AM UPDATE: Halftime. Prairie 23, WSHS 22 after an at-the-buzzer basket by the Falcons. (Added: Quick clip of the cheerleaders/band at halftime, via Instagram – go here.)
2nd half starts with Charli Elliott basket, 24-23 WSHS pic.twitter.com/bMxBoTELTm
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) March 6, 2015
11:40 AM UPDATE: With 5:46 to go in the third quarter, suddenly WSHS is up 29-23 including two baskets by Elliott in the first few minutes (see tweeted photo above from the start of the second half).
11:49 AM UPDATE: WSHS still in the lead, 33-29, with three minutes left in the third quarter.
11:54 AM UPDATE: After three quarters, West Seattle is in the lead, 39-35.
12:02 PM UPDATE: WSHS still leading 43-41 with 4:21 to go in the game.
12:10 PM UPDATE: Under 2 minutes to go, and WSHS is ahead 49-43.
12:17 PM UPDATE: Final score – Wildcats win! 54-45
8:10 PM: Over the next hour or so, we’re adding photos, interspersed above, plus some additional game notes/photos below.
Lexi Ioane, above, pulled in 10 rebounds, second only to Giomi’s 14. The Wildcats dominated in rebounding, 61 total, with the Falcons mustering only 35. And their defense was back in the groove.
The main reason Prairie stayed in range until the fourth quarter was three-point shooting, 33 points in all from threes, more than double WSHS’s 15 points from outside (Fiso accounted for four of those five successful distance shots). WSHS, meantime, converted well from the free-throw line – 17 points to just 2 from the line for Prairie. A few more scenes from the game:
(Above, Lani Taylor; below, Annalisa Ursino)
Tomorrow, the team’s spectacular season ends, win or lose. We’ll be in Tacoma again to cover that final game.
Six possibilities for tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WORDS, WRITERS, & WEST SEATTLE: 5-7 pm at Barnes and Noble Westwood Village, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society presents the next monthly edition of Words, Writers, & West Seattle, featuring author Barbara Haines Howett and her novel ‘Ladies of the Borobudur.’ See her video invitation above! (2600 SW Barton)
‘SKATE MOB’ ON ALKI: Be on the lookout, starting at 5 pm at Seacrest, for uniformed/jacketed skaters from Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby, with at least 10 derby skaters getting the word out about next week’s Southgate bout. (1660 Harbor Ave. SW and beyond)
LASAGNA DINNER: 5:30 pm and continuing as long as there’s food to serve, it’s an organic lasagna dinner to benefit the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) Annual Campaign, presented by the Y Preschool. Details in our calendar listing – and we’re told RSVP is no longer required, just show up! (4515 36th SW)
KARAOKE AT CORNER BAR: First Friday of the month means it’s Corner Bar night at Highland Park Improvement Club – and this time around, they’re featuring Baby Ketten Karaoke. Doors open at 6, and Corner Bar is all ages in the early going. Details on the HPIC website. (12th/Holden)
ASTHMA INFORMATION NIGHT: 6:30-8:30 pm, drop by Neighborhood House‘s High Point Center for information, education, and even some fun. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)
‘CHINGLISH’ CONTINUES AT ARTSWEST: Second performance, 7:30 pm, for the new production at ArtsWest Playhouse (WSB sponsor). “Chinglish” is billed as a “laugh-out-loud comedy.” Tickets available online, here. (4711 California SW)
(Rendering by NK Architects)
From last night’s Southwest Design Review Board meeting: The proposed 66-bed Living Care Lifestyles memory-care facility at 4515 41st SW passed Early Design Guidance on the second try, after addressing issues brought up at the first review in December. This means the project will get at least one more look (the process is explained in the notice that preceded this meeting).
Board members and meeting attendees were generally in support of Option #4, observing that it had lost the “suburban” aspects that were criticized in the December review. Steve Fischer from NK Architects said the building had been turned around, with administrative offices, kitchen, and in-house hair salon at the front of the building instead of the back. The courtyard has been redone to start on the second floor. Public comment centered on two points: having the entry at street level rather than sunken, and parking. (Regarding the latter, questions involve what will happen on the street when the project is built with one curb cut where there are now three, and whether a short-term space might be available for family/caregivers/friends dropping off residents; the project itself will have 11 offstreet spaces.)
Board members’ guidance for the project focused on weather protection, especially around the entrance; exterior and street lighting; planned signage; facade materials (the project team says there’ll be brick on all sides); window design to ensure privacy for neighbors on all sides of the 4-story building; landscaping for privacy; how the alley side will be configured. When the project is ready for its next review, the city will post a meeting date; meantime, comments about the project can still be sent to the assigned planner, BreAnne McConkle, at breanne.mcconkie@seattle.gov until the final decision is issued, which won’t be until some time after the next meeting.
Just announced by the organizers of last month’s disruption-shortened West Seattle community conversation with Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole (WSB coverage here, with video): She’ll be back to “continue the conversation” next Wednesday (March 11th). When we spoke with Chief O’Toole right after her February 3rd visit, she promised to return for a second try at West Seattle Q/A, and that’s what this is intended to be. The meeting is set for 6:30-8:30 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle in The Junction (California/Oregon), co-sponsored again by the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network and Southwest Precinct Advisory Council (flyer here).
(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
No alerts so far this morning. One big reminder for next week and beyond:
HIGHWAY 99 LANE CLOSURES: The long-term lane closures just north of downtown are now expected to start next Wednesday. And next Monday night into Tuesday morning, northbound 99 will close completely starting at the Battery Street Tunnel. Details here.
8:32 AM NOTE: Still a relatively quiet commute today!
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