day : 15/04/2015 14 results

He’s been on the job a few weeks, but in case you haven’t met him yet, West Seattle Helpline is officially announcing its new executive director, Chris Langeler:

West Seattle Helpline, a nonprofit social service agency offering emergency assistance for West Seattle residents, is pleased to welcome Chris Langeler as the new Executive Director. Mr. Langeler comes to West Seattle Helpline with years of experience in fundraising, social services, community development, management, and working with underserved individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.

Most recently, he managed the political campaigns for Washington State House of Representatives Speaker Frank Chopp and State Representative Brady Walkinshaw of Seattle during the 2014 election cycle. He is on the Board of Directors for the Delridge Neighborhood Development Association and volunteers at Southwest Youth and Family Services and at High Point Community Center.

Mr. Langeler earned his Master of Science in Community Research & Action at Vanderbilt University in 2013 and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington in 2015. Previously, he served as the Director of Research for the National Mobile Market, an organization dedicated to providing access to affordable, healthy food to food insecure neighborhoods nationwide. Prior to that, he worked in Portland, Oregon at the Boys and Girls Aid Society, a program to support youth transitioning out of the juvenile justice system.

“We are so excited to have Chris on board! With his solid experience and passion for our mission, Chris is going to have a huge impact on West Seattle families in need”, said Brooks Riendl, President of West Seattle Helpline’s Board of Directors.

Helpline’s next big event is the Taste of West Seattle, celebrating its 10th anniversary, coming up May 21st – ticket info is in our preview.

(Photo credit: WSB’s Patrick Sand)

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Make your home more earthquake-resistant: register now for 2 free workshops coming up in West Seattle

April 15, 2015 8:38 pm

| Comments Off on Make your home more earthquake-resistant: register now for 2 free workshops coming up in West Seattle

| Preparedness | Safety | West Seattle news

Want to make your house more earthquake-resistant? Two chances to learn about retrofitting are coming up in West Seattle as part of the Seattle Neighborhoods Actively Prepare (SNAP) program. They’re free, but you do have to register. First one is next Sunday (April 19th), 2-4 pm, at the West Seattle (Admiral) Branch Library – full details here; e-mail snap@seattle.gov if you’re interested. After that, another one is set up for 2-4 pm May 2nd at the High Point Branch Library; same registration address.

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Shell Arctic-drilling equipment @ Terminal 5: Plans for ‘resistance’ and ‘safety zones’

April 15, 2015 7:21 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| Port of Seattle | West Seattle news

With the platform and vessel that Shell hopes to use for Arctic drilling getting closer to Western Washington waters, opponents of their expected stay at Terminal 5 have announced a schedule for protests, while the U.S. Coast Guard has announced “temporary safety zones” as well as a “voluntary First Amendment zone” worked out with potential waterborne protesters.

First, here’s where it all stands:

Two months have passed since the Port of Seattle announced it had signed a lease with Foss for a third of the idle-since-last-summer Terminal 5 expanse in West Seattle, with Foss expecting to host Royal Dutch Shell offshore-drilling equipment that would eventually head to the Arctic if Shell gets final federal approval.

Since then, as reported here and elsewhere, there have been protests, legal action, and preparation, and more in the works.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT TERMINAL 5 NOW: Foss and the port have said preparatory work is already under way.

WHERE ARE SHELL’S DRILL RIGS? The Polar Pioneer, crossing the Pacific on the deck-cargo ship Blue Marlin, is expected in Port Angeles on Friday, with a two-week stay there before moving on to Seattle, reports The Peninsula Daily News. The Greenpeace activists who climbed onto it and camped out for five-plus days came down last Saturday, citing stormy weather; a federal judge in Alaska later granted Shell’s request for a court order against them. Their boat the Greenpeace Esperanza is still tailing the Polar Pioneer/Blue Marlin as far as we know.

The Noble Discoverer, the drilling vessel that was here in 2012 before it (along with the now-scrapped Kulluk) got into trouble in Alaska, is still crossing the Pacific too.

(2012 photo by Long B. Nguyen)
It stopped a week ago in the Marshall Islands port of Majuro, and then was reported to be Hawai’i-bound. Majuro to Honolulu is 2,300 miles; then it’s another 2,600 miles to get here.

OTHER SHELL VESSELS: The Coast Guard’s announcement today mentions the Aiviq:

That’s a photo we took while the Aiviq was here with other Shell-related vessels in 2012 (MarineTraffic.com shows it currently moored in Everett).

PORT COMMISSION: Its public meeting yesterday afternoon at Pier 69 was the first in three meetings that did not include dozens of speakers on the subject of the Terminal 5 lease. Four people did speak, all voicing opposition to the lease and concern about Arctic drilling and climate change. The bulk of the comment period was spent on other Port of Seattle business, primarily plans for a new international-arrivals facility.

COAST GUARD ANNOUNCEMENT: From the full announcement published today, which you can read here:

… A 500-yard safety zone [above] will be in place around the Noble Discoverer, Blue Marlin, Polar Pioneer, Aiviq and other Arctic drilling related vessels while underway. A 100-yard safety zone will be in place around the same vessels while moored or anchored. …

…The Voluntary First Amendment Area [above] is a regulated navigation area in Elliott Bay, developed following discussions with several special interest groups, where the Coast Guard recommends, but does not require, those desiring to express their views on Arctic drilling assemble. It is a no wake area where individuals can congregate without compromising their personal safety or jeopardizing the safe navigation of maritime traffic around them. …

As you can see from the map, that zone will be off the West Seattle shoreline north of T-5. As for when it might be used …

‘RESISTANCE’ PLANNED FOR MAY 16-18: In addition to the already-announced downtown waterfront rally on April 26th, opponents have announced “three days of creative, people-powered resistance to Shell and the climate crisis” for May 16th through 18th, including a kayak flotilla on the first day. Their plan detailed on this website vows to “transform … Terminal 5 and Harbor Island into a festival of resistance that will nonviolently block Shell’s preparations for Arctic drilling.”

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VIDEO: Electrical problem blamed for van fire inside Morgan Junction condo-building garage; no one hurt

April 15, 2015 3:39 pm

| 19 COMMENTS

| West Seattle fires | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(First three photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
3:39 PM: Avoid California SW south of Morgan Junction – a fire response has closed California in the 6900 block (map), south of Fauntleroy. It’s reported to be a car fire inside the garage of an ~~apartment~~ condo complex. Firefighters on the scene report heavy smoke and they’re having trouble getting to the source of the fire.

3:45 PM: Firefighters report they have “water on the fire” now.

3:50 PM: Fire’s still being fought; people in the building have been evacuated.
Though it’s a garage fire, lots of smoke is still coming out, and that’s being seen for a long ways around. No word of any injuries.

The big MVU ventilation unit is on the way to help.

(Updated photo: MVU in action)
4:01 PM: Again, California is blocked between Mills and Willow, lots of SFD. Investigators are on the way, to be ready to go in when it’s safe. Firefighters just reported by radio that they have searched upper floors of the building to make sure everyone got out OK.

(Added: Photo courtesy Diana Phelps)
We haven’t heard yet if the fire has spread beyond the garage at all, but as you can see in our photo, the smoke has been heavy. While it’s been described as apartments, county records show this is actually a 28-unit condominium building called Cinnamon Ridge.

4:20 PM: The MVU is being dismissed. Meantime, Metro has sent an alert that Route 22 is rerouted because of the fire. (Use stops north of Fauntleroy or south of Myrtle.)

We’ve just gotten briefed by SFD spokesperson Kyle Moore, who says: A VW Bus about 70 feet inside the garage is what caught fire. It was just underneath some of the building’s major electrical conduit, so the building has no power right now – they asked City Light to shut it off – and they’re evaluating the situation. A few residents were evaluated for possible smoke inhalation because of smoke in the lobby but no one needed hospitalization, we’re told.

4:50 PM: More units are being dismissed from the scene. We’ll update when the road reopens – for now, if you’re headed this way, you’ll want to access California south of Myrtle via Holden or Thistle from 35th. Meantime, our crew is back at HQ and we’re adding more photos.

5:19 PM: Adding video of SFD briefing mentioned above. California has now reopened both ways.

6:02 PM: Fire’s cause determined, we found out while revisiting the scene and talking to Moore, who had just tweeted it:

California AV SW fire caused by electrical event in VW van. Damage estimate $55k damage pic.twitter.com/qmtxcAlFv2

— Seattle Fire Dept (@SeattleFire) April 16, 2015

The last units are just now leaving the scene. Moore also told us no major damage to other vehicles in the garage because the van’s owner pushed it out of its space for more separation.

11:02 PM: We’ve learned that the building’s residents were advised to stay elsewhere tonight as the building management brings in private crews to assess damage and make repairs, especially to the electrical system. They’re expecting an update from building management tomorrow.

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Lunch with Mayor Murray @ Senior Center of West Seattle tomorrow

April 15, 2015 3:34 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Mayor Murray‘s visiting The Junction tomorrow for the second time in three weeks. This time, he’ll be at the Senior Center of West Seattle, circulating during lunchtime in the upstairs Junction Diner café, noon-12:30 pm. You’re invited, but if you want to have lunch, the Senior Center asks that you call ASAP for a reservation — 206-932-4044, extension 1 – so they know how much food to make – 60 or older, suggested donation of $3; if you’re under 60, $6. The menu: Jambalaya, mustard greens, corn bread, fresh fruit.

P.S. Looking ahead to the following Thursday (April 23rd) – City Councilmembers Tom Rasmussen and (departing) Sally Clark will be at the Senior Center for a forum on senior housing issues including affordability, 12:30 pm-2:30 pm – details on this flyer.

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West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2015 update: Closer!

April 15, 2015 2:25 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

(File WSCGSD photo, Hotwire courtyard)
Quick update on West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2015, coming up 9 am-3 pm Saturday, May 9th, all around the peninsula:

*More than 150 sales registered – individuals, blocks, schools, businesses, clubs, teams …

*Registration deadline is one week from tomorrow (Wednesday night, April 23rd)

*2 announced multi-seller sites, Hotwire Online Coffeehouse and C & P Coffee Company (both WSB sponsors) – please check directly with them for space availability

*Ready to sign up YOUR sale? Please go here!

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Six highlights for the rest of your West Seattle Wednesday

April 15, 2015 12:32 pm

| Comments Off on Six highlights for the rest of your West Seattle Wednesday

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(WSB photo taken at Seacrest this morning, after the West Seattle Water Taxi sailed away)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, six highlights for this afternoon/evening:

‘LITTLE MERMAID’ SINGALONG: The Southwest Branch Library spring-break singalongs for kids/teens continue, 2:30-4:30 pm – details in our listing. (35th/Henderson)

FREE YOGA CLASS: 6 pm at Delridge Community Center – no charge, but please call to register. (4501 Delridge Way SW)

FREE BICYCLE-MAINTENANCE CLINIC: 6:30 pm, Cycle U in West Seattle offers its free monthly clinic in bike maintenance and fixing flats – details here. (3418 Harbor SW)

MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 7 pm at The Kenney (WSB sponsor), MoCA‘s quarterly meeting. The agenda:

7:05 Elections: All meeting participants may vote
New Officers:
Vice President – Jason Wax
Secretary –
New Executive Board Members
SW District Council Representative – Tod Rodman
Executive Board – Cindi Barker and Tod Rodman

7:15 District 1 Candidate messages – 5 minutes each
• Lisa Herbold
• Phillip Tavel
• Tom Koch

7:30 MoCA Minute Updates
• NEW ‘Little Library’ for Morgan Junction Park
• 10 years already!! The Morgan Junction Festival
• Future Morgan Junction Park Expansion & SW Eddy Street
• Hub Drill and Hub-a-thon – April 17, April 18, and May 9
• California Avenue streetscape improvement request

7:35: Special Guest – Dove Alberg – Director, Capital Development and Construction Management, Finance and Administrative Services, City of Seattle.

8:00 Old Business
Morgan cut-through traffic study
Morgan Junction Business Association
New Bike Racks
SW Precinct Advisory Committee
Sidewalk Improvement Grant
Nazarene Church Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Receivership Committee report – Proposed By Laws Changes

8:35 New Business
Report from SW District Council – Design Review Concerns
YMCA Expansion Endorsement
Neighborhood Conservation District proposal
Workshop – Things to know now that you are 50

The meeting rooms are on the lower level of The Kenney. (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)

DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOODS DISTRICT COUNCIL: 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Agenda:

7:05 p.m. Welcome & Introductions

7:15 p.m. North Delridge Action Plan

7:30 p.m. “Aging Your Way: Things to Know Now That You’re 50”

7:40 p.m. Levy to Move Seattle

8:10 p.m. Update on NPSF

8:15 p.m. DNDC Member Additional Updates & Announcements

8:30 p.m. Closing Remarks/Other Items

(4408 Delridge Way SW)

WORDSWEST LITERARY SERIES:This month, “Death and Taxes: The National Poetry Month Special with Kelli Russell Agodon and January Gill O’Neil”:

7-9 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor). Read more about WordsWest here! (5612 California SW)

AND OF COURSE … there’s more on the calendar.

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SDOT walking tours, open house ahead for Roxbury, 35th SW plans

April 15, 2015 10:55 am

| Comments Off on SDOT walking tours, open house ahead for Roxbury, 35th SW plans

| Transportation | West Seattle news

While sending a reminder about tomorrow’s “open house” drop-in info session about the SW Roxbury plan announced last week, SDOT also announced walking tours in May, for the 35th SW project updated last month as well as for Roxbury. Here’s the lineup:

*Tomorrow (3-4:30 pm), Roxbury project open house @ Southwest Library (35th/Henderson)

*May 16th (9 am-noon), 35th SW walking tour (details/meeting place TBA)

*May 20th (evening), Roxbury walking tour (details/meeting place TBA)

Along with our coverage links above, here are SDOT’s project pages:

*SW Roxbury
*35th SW

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West Seattle Whale Watch: Return of the orcas!

April 15, 2015 10:46 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

10:46 AM: According to a text tipster and the Orca Network Facebook page, you just might see orcas between Fauntleroy and Vashon right now – heading slowly southbound, according to observers, but at some point they might turn around, so this is your official heads-up that they’re in the area. Please comment if you see them! (And we ALWAYS appreciate texted tips about so many things – 206-293-6302, any time of the day/night.)

12:24 PM: We didn’t have any luck right around 11 from the Brace Point area – but two commenters have been watching more recently – thanks for the updates!

ADDED 7:44 AM: Some video from Wednesday, posted to YouTube and credited to Alisa Lemire Brooks/Orca Network, identifying these orcas as transients, not residents.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Fake ‘plumber’ scams his way in

April 15, 2015 10:35 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Seattle Police are warning of a bogus “plumber” scamming his way into homes – and says one was in West Seattle:

… In five different cases between January 22nd and April 8th, the suspect has approached women – all between the ages of 76 and 91 – at their homes, claimed to work for Fox Plumbing, and then tried to snake his way inside to steal cash, credit cards, and IDs.

In the first incident, the suspect approached a woman at her home in the 4700 block of 25th Ave SW, said he was working at a neighbor’s home, and needed to check her water. The victim allowed the man inside, where he strolled from room to room, turning on faucets before leaving. The victim became suspicious and called Fox Plumbing, only to learn they did not have anyone working in the area. She then discovered the suspect had stolen cash, credit cards and her ID.

The full story, with incidents elsewhere in the city, is here.

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FOLLOWUP: Potential ‘Summer Streets’ successor on Alki

April 15, 2015 9:00 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(Photo of bicycle-parade participants gathering during 2014 Alki Summer Streets)
One week ago today, we broke the news that SDOT is changing its “Summer Streets“ program this year and, after seven years, scrapping the street festival it had been presenting on Alki Avenue SW after the West Seattle 5K Run/Walk (which **IS** still on for May 17th – it’s a separately organized benefit for the WSHS PTSA). Unless, SDOT told us, someone in the community wants to organize the event. That immediately galvanized some Alki residents including Guy Olson, who’s been an organizer of the bicycle parade during Summer Streets the past two years. He says – keep saving the date! Here’s what they’re working to plan:

We are most likely calling it “Alki Daze.” We are planning on still doing the costumed bicycle parade, hiring Bubbleman, having at least two bands play, and having the first ever bicycle drag race on Alki, all happening on May 17th. This will all be starting around 1:00 pm. I will be blocking off the parking spaces on the 2600 block of Alki, on the south side of the street for bicycle parking. In addition, we will be making this a 2-day event, hence the “Daze.” On May 16th we are going to host a community meet-and-greet at a local bar or restaurant. After that, we are planning a community bonfire.

Guy says they’re also checking into whether any kind of campout might be allowed in the area. We asked him if they’re looking for volunteers, sponsors, etc. – not yet, and no further details, but they wanted to let you know that they’re working on it.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday updates

April 15, 2015 7:36 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning. No incidents in or from West Seattle so far this morning. One update on ongoing work:

UPDATE ON 47TH/ADMIRAL SIGNAL/CROSSWALKS: From SDOT:

Construction is scheduled to begin this week on the south side of 47th Avenue SW and SW Waite Street. We anticipated beginning demolition of the southeast and southwest corners as soon as Monday but the work has been slightly delayed. Residents and businesses can now expect demolition at the southeast corner as soon as (today), April 15, and at the southwest corner on Thursday, April 16. The corners will be impacted for approximately two weeks while crews prepare signal pole foundations and pour new curbs and sidewalk. Access to Alki Mail & Dispatch will be maintained at all times.

Corners may be closed to pedestrians and bicyclists during work. People walking and biking will need to follow marked detours or find an alternate route.

As we’ve previously mentioned, there will be a lull of activity between work at the corners of this intersection and installation of the signal. Construction at the intersection will slow down at the end of April while we wait for the delivery of signal equipment. We will continue to keep you informed as more information is available related to installation and configuration of the new signal.

SPEAKING OF ADMIRAL: Watch for our report on last night’s Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting, with SDOT’s briefing on two projects – adding bicycle lanes between California and 63rd, and reducing neighborhood speed limits in the WSHS vicinity.

10:26 AM: If you’re heading up from Harbor Avenue to California Avenue, a crash is blocking the uphill lane – thanks to the tipster who texted us. Does not appear from the SFD log that there were serious (if any) injuries.

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Have breakfast with West Seattle Rotary & King County Executive Dow Constantine on May 5th

April 15, 2015 6:16 am

| Comments Off on Have breakfast with West Seattle Rotary & King County Executive Dow Constantine on May 5th

| Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

Less than three weeks till your chance to break your breakfast routine and support nonprofits by having breakfast with the Rotary Club of West Seattle and special guest:

King County Executive (and West Seattle Rotarian) Dow Constantine will speak at the West Seattle Rotary Club’s annual Fundraising Breakfast at Salty’s on May 5, 2015, 7-9 am. Go to the club website for more information and to register.

The Rotary Club of West Seattle supports local projects including Pencil Me In For Kids, the Children’s Shopping Spree, Students of the Month, the Kiddie Parade, and the Grand Parade.

(WSB photo of Executive Constantine from March 28th dedication of M/V Sally Fox on Vashon Island)

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West Seattle weather: ‘Amazing clouds’ at sunset

April 15, 2015 12:46 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

The photo above is by “Diver Laura” James, one of several people who sent pics of the phenomenon in Tuesday’s sunset sky. Thanks also to JayDee and to Kerry, who described it, aptly, as: “Amazing clouds over West Seattle tonight!”

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