West Seattle, Washington
17 Tuesday
Tomorrow, like today, will start with protesting – but this time it has nothing to do with offshore oil drilling. Tomorrow is the day Seattle Public Schools are closing because of their teachers’ one-day walkout.
We first reported the plan two weeks ago; we also reported the plan by Chief Sealth International High School teachers and other staffers to have an “informational” event outside the school 8 am-10 am tomorrow. Now we know that almost every high school in the city – including Sealth and West Seattle High School – will have informational picketing to start the day, with teachers from other schools joining in. Mandy Cook, a teacher at Schmitz Park Elementary, was first to tell us about this, saying she’ll be at WSHS: “As teachers, we want to inform our parents as to why we are not teaching their children that day.” She shared the flyer we’ve embedded above; as it notes, parents, students, and community members are welcome to join in. The morning events will be followed by a march and rally downtown.
P.S. WSHS special-education teacher Jennifer Hall shared her letter to the school’s PTSA board, explaining the walkout. Read it, ahead:
The monthly WordsWest Literary Series has already highlighted many talented local writers – but this month’s edition really has something they can crow about: A rare West Seattle appearance by best-selling author Lyanda Lynn Haupt. She and poet Allen Braden are reading this Wednesday (May 20th) at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) in the next WordsWest event, as announced:
From backyard bestiaries to the farms of White Swan, nature slays us. From the intelligence of crows to the many chambers of a cow’s heart, we learn to look again at the commonplace life that surrounds us. For the May 20th, 2015 edition of WordsWest Literary Series, Washington poet Allen Braden and West Seattle naturalist Lyanda Lynn Haupt, will join us for a night of natural highs. This month WordsWest is again very grateful for a grant from Poets & Writers that allows us to pay our writers for their time and talent.
Allen Braden is the author of A Wreath of Down and Drops of Blood (University of Georgia) and Elegy in the Passive Voice (University of Alaska/Fairbanks). His poems have been anthologized in The Bedford Introduction to Literature, Poetry: An Introduction, Best New Poets and Spreading the Word: Editors on Poetry. He teaches at Tacoma Community College.
Lyanda Lynn Haupt is a naturalist, eco-philosopher, and speaker whose writing is at the forefront of the movement to connect people with nature in their everyday lives. Her most recent book is The Urban Bestiary: Encountering the Everyday Wild (Little, Brown 2013). Her previous books include Crow Planet: Essential Wisdom from the Urban Wilderness (Little, Brown 2009), awarded the 2010 Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award; Rare Encounters with Ordinary Birds (Sasquatch 2001), winner of the 2002 Washington State Book Award; and Pilgrim on the Great Bird Continent: The Importance of Everything and Other Lessons from Darwin’s Lost Notebooks (Little, Brown 2006).
Every third Wednesday, 7 pm, at C & P Coffee Company, WordsWest hosts literary events that range from readings by published local and national authors, to craft discussions and guided writing explorations for every experience level. Each month a community member from a local, independent business shares his or her favorite poem as part of the Favorite Poem Project. On May 20th, we welcome Eric Jordan of The Office Junction. WordsWest is curated by West Seattle writers Katy E. Ellis, Susan Rich, and Harold Taw.
C & P is at 5612 California SW.
(ADDED 12:11 PM: WSDOT slide deck as presented to City Council this morning)
10:35 AM: The damage to the Highway 99 tunneling machine is “more extensive” than expected, but not more extensive than they were expecting to fix. That’s how it was just announced by WSDOT’s Todd Trepanier during the scheduled periodic Highway 99/tunnel project briefing for the City Council. For as long as the briefing continues, we’ve embedded it above (click the “play” button to access the live Seattle Channel stream). Trepanier specifically mentions machine sealing that’s been “stripped away.” Trepanier says Seattle Tunnel Partners hasn’t said what caused it, and doesn’t have to, under terms of the design/build contract, but councilmembers are pressing the point.
10:42 AM: First among them is Councilmember Mike O’Brien, who wants to know the schedule and says he’s nervous every day the Alaskan Way Viaduct stays open. Trepanier says that the contractor has told them they’ll have a revised schedule next month. Councilmember Tom Rasmussen asks if there’s some deadline for this to get going again; Trepanier says they want the contractor to “take the time that (they) need” but adds on followup that the contract does include deadlines with monetary consequences. Those deadline dates are not close, though, Trepanier says. He tries to move along but O’Brien asks again, do they have any idea what went wrong? Trepanier replies no, that’s between the contractor and the machine’s manufacturer. He continues showing images of the damage (no slide deck provided yet). “If everything is going wrong like this right now, how do we know (it’s OK) before it gets back in the ground (and resumes tunneling)?” asks Councilmember Sally Bagshaw.
Next, it’s on to a report about ground settlement in the area. One report has reached the conclusion that the drawdown of an aquifer by the “dewatering” for the access pit caused November’s settlement. But that has stabilized, Trepanier goes on to say. “That type of settlement is no longer going to continue,” they believe. In all, he adds, three reports related to the settlement are out – and they don’t all agree with each other regarding other points. One specific area, he adds, is believed to be an area “where there’s always been a problem” predating the dewatering.
11:03 AM: Trepanier is showing charts with details of which engineering firm says what. This part of the briefing has lasted much longer than the one about the specific damage has been found in the tunnel machine. After a few minutes of details, he recaps that they disagree with the city over what’s to blame for the Pioneer Square water main that needs to be replaced – “it’s always been a problem” in their view, before the tunnel-project dewatering. He also says that they haven’t found noteworthy structural damage in the area. He also says the aquifer related to the dewatering should eventually have a “rebound effect … when the pump shutoff takes place.”
11:21 AM: WSDOT moves on to an update on what other work is being done while the tunnel machine is being fixed. On this side, the South Operations Building is taking shape, he notes. And WSDOT is writing its response to the city’s evaluation of the Viaduct, Trepanier adds.
11:29 AM: Briefing is over. We’re taking down the live-video window; we’re expecting the slide deck from WSDOT in a bit and will add that when it’s available.
11:43 AM: WSDOT has published its own summary, here.
12:11 PM: And now we’ve received the slide deck, and added it atop this story.
Two notes this morning in the District 1 (West Seattle/South Park) City Council race:
CANDIDATES’ FORUM TONIGHT: Be at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) tonight for the District 1 forum presented by Westside Interfaith Network and League of Women Voters-Seattle/King County. They describe the format as moderated with some opportunity for audience questions. Doors open at 6 pm, forum at 6:30 pm.
HELMICK SIGNATURES UPDATE: As reported here Friday night, seven months of campaigning might have come to a dead end for Amanda Kay Helmick, who was determined to get onto the ballot via gathering signatures. 1,200 valid signatures are required to make the ballot in lieu of that same number of dollars; Helmick was the only District 1 hopeful going that route. Hours after we covered her taking petitions to the King County Elections office in Renton at noontime Friday, she was notified she’d fallen short by 26. Helmick has since obtained a list of the 147 names that KC Elections had ruled invalid and as of late last night said she had “already found 10 people on the list that are completely unaware and shocked about their status. I have posted the list on my website in case others want to see their status and have it rectified. If someone’s name is on THIS LIST, King County Voter Services has challenged their right to vote. The names were found to be non-registered voters in District 1.” She has posted on her website’s home page what anyone who finds her/himself on that list is asked to do.
WHO’S IN: If anyone has withdrawn or anything else major has changed since filing closed on Friday afternoon, King County Elections will be updating this page at some time later today. But in the meantime, the District 1 race has nine candidates (listed this time in surname-reverse-alphabetical order): Karl Wirsing, Brianna Thomas, Phillip Tavel, Jody Rushmer, Arturo Robles, Chas Redmond, Lisa Herbold, Pavel Goberman, Shannon Braddock.
(SCROLL DOWN for updates)
(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
6:03 AM: We’re starting the morning with the usual traffic watch, including updates on how/whether the anti-drilling protest – previewed here – is affecting things, until/unless it becomes big enough to break out into a separate story. (It’s not scheduled to start until 7 am.) Updates to come.
At the protest gathering spot. Also saw bike officers heading toward T-5 entrance pic.twitter.com/q1gXP436N8
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) May 18, 2015
6:37 AM: We dropped off our crew about 15 minutes ago. No commute/low bridge effects so far. Only a few dozen people in view (and as expected, a full contingent of regional media). Police are at the gathering point and while headed eastbound, we saw bicycle officers heading from the Chelan Café vicinity northwest toward the T-5 entrance. Again, if you’re noticing helicopter(s), at this point it’s TV, related to this. Our crew, by the way, has learned the plan – subject to change – is to march over the low bridge toward T-5 starting around 7:30. (In our tweeted photo above, note the portable barricades; during the December 2011 Occupy protest there, police blocked the road with them at one point.)
7:02 AM: The aerial view just shown on KING matches what our crew reports from the ground – about 100 people so far. No other traffic trouble spots so far – sunny morning, so don’t forget your shades.
7:11 AM: Until/unless major traffic effects start, we’re just posting photos to our Twitter feed – go here if interested. Bicycle riders should note that this is having some effects on the path there.
7:20 AM: March is about to begin. From our crew at scene: Police plan to close WESTBOUND LOW BRIDGE while it proceeds so it can move more quickly. EASTBOUND LOW BRIDGE TO REMAIN OPEN. Per scanner, police estimate about 500 demonstrators.
7:27 AM: Entire bridge closed after all (LOW bridge) while protesters head for T-5. Will update when that changes. Here’s a “live” SDOT camera showing the low bridge:
7:43 AM: Per scanner, police are reopening the low bridge now that the protesters have all crossed. Again, this is not affecting the high bridge or other routes. You can check the Chelan/Marginal camera in our top grouping to see what’s happening at the west end of the low bridge.
7:51 AM: Protest march now at Terminal 5, which is NOT on a major traffic route. SDOT confirms low bridge is open again:
Demonstration update: @SeattlePD has reopened the lower Spokane St Swing Bridge in both directions to traffic.
— seattledot (@seattledot) May 18, 2015
8 AM: No traffic effects currently unless you are trying to get onto T-5, which hasn’t been busy since it was officially closed last July.
8:06 AM: Adding photo of demonstrators milling at T-5.
What happens next, we don’t know yet – police are there, and also standing by in case the group decides to march back across the low bridge, though that was NOT in the plan published in advance – there had been an intent voiced to shut T-5 down all day if they could. Meantime, the commute overall remains normal – no incidents in/from this area.
8:21 AM: Looking ahead to tomorrow – remember that Seattle Public Schools will be closed Tuesday for the one-day teacher walkout to protest legislative lack of action on school funding. Teachers are planning morning gatherings at WSHS and Chief Sealth; more on all this in a separate story later.
9:20 AM: Back from picking up our crew and also checking out T-5 from a different angle:
Meantime, view of #PolarPioneer through the fence at Jack Block Park pic.twitter.com/5POBdECmwD
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) May 18, 2015
No word of any arrests in connection with the protest but police remain deployed and alert; one drove over to check us out while we were peering through the barb-wire-topped T-5 fence at the end of the driveway into Jack Block Park. We’ll continue to monitor this through the day and will have a separate story later with some of the morning’s scenes, but otherwise, we’re on to other news.
Members of the West Seattle High School Band and Orchestra, directed by Ethan Thomas, are wrapping up an extended-weekend trip to California – thanks to Band Booster President Steve White for the report and photos:
Our first stop after arriving at LAX (on Friday) was at the LA Farmers’ Market – where both the orchestra and band (above) performed.
We (then were) on our way to a local college for a clinic and some music instruction, then a group dinner at Medieval Times.
Saturday was spent at Disneyland, with a recording session in the evening, where the students experienced recording a soundtrack for a movie clip.
Sunday there were performances in the park by both groups [orchestra above] and more free time at the park.
Monday morning, both groups will take a tour of Hollywood and the Dolby Theater, then spend the afternoon at the Santa Monica Pier before returning home.
Find out more about the WSHS music program on its website – where we see via the calendar that you’ll get the chance to hear the student musicians at their spring concert June 4th.
(Polar Pioneer at T-5, photographed from the West Seattle Water Taxi on Friday by JayDee)
Three full days after the arrival of the Polar Pioneer oil rig at Terminal 5, the next promised protest is Monday morning, so we’re publishing a reminder one more time that it might affect low-bridge travelers. The demonstration scheduled to start at 7 am Monday follows the Saturday “flotilla” protest; no citations or arrests were reported from that, but this could be different. As noted here on Thursday, groups opposed to Shell’s offshore-drilling plan for the Arctic say they will gather by the fishing bridge on Spokane St. just east of the low bridge. Today’s version of the media advisory says activists “will flood Terminal 5 and Harbor Island on Monday, stopping work on Shell’s Arctic drilling rig. Organizers with the sHell No! Action Council expect this to be the largest act of environmental civil disobedience Seattle has seen in recent years …” (Also mentioned in our Thursday report, the operators of Terminal 18, east of T-5, decided to be closed tomorrow just in case.)
No route is shown from the gathering point, but getting to T-5 from the fishing pier would require crossing the low bridge. We’ll have a crew on the scene starting early and will have updates here – traffic coverage is a WSB emphasis every weekday morning, whatever’s happening on the roads and paths.
P.S. The regional media says they’ll be on this too, so don’t be surprised to see/hear helicopter(s).
SECOND ALKI STREET ROBBERY: Someone was held up at gunpoint in the 2700 block of Alki SW after 4 am today, according to both this SPD auto-tweet and what we’ve since found out was heard on police radio at the time. We won’t be able to get the report until tomorrow, so we have no other details, but that would be the second street robbery of the weekend in the Alki area, after this one early Saturday.
CAR PROWL: Via the WSB Forums, Greg reports a car prowl early today near 42nd/Brandon, west of Fairmount Park, with a GPS and binoculars taken.
STOLEN? OR LOST? Amy found this case near 9th/Elmgrove in Highland Park:
She suspects it was stolen and dumped. Know anyone who’s missing something like this, whether by theft or some other means?
Just last night, a humpback whale surprised some lucky onlookers along the West Seattle shore. No photos, but we did get one when orcas made a similarly unexpected pass-by in the Wednesday mist. Just two reminders that marine mammals are all around us – and you can do a lot to help them survive their travels through these busy, also-much-used-by-humans waters. That’s the theme of a new event coming up two weeks from today, as announced by Seal Sitters, which is presenting it along with more than a dozen other organizations/groups:
Did you know that a record number of humpback and gray whales – at least 30 – were entangled in fishing gear, mostly for crabbing, in 2014?
Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network will host “Flipper Fest,” a free educational outreach event, on Sunday, May 31st, at the Alki Bathhouse (2701 Alki Ave SW) from 1-5 pm. Make sure to stop by and learn from the experts about the marine mammals of Washington – from tiny harbor-seal pups to giant humpback whales.
The event will feature 15 organizations with interactive exhibits on pinnipeds (seals and sea lions), cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), and invertebrates (sea stars, sea snails, etc). Meet the biologists, researchers, educators, and volunteers who protect marine life.
Importantly, there will be displays on the devastating effects of marine debris and pollution in our waters. Did you know that a record number of humpback and gray whales – at least 30 – were entangled in fishing gear, mostly for crabbing, in 2014? Already, in 2015, we are on a tragic record-setting pace. As of April, at least 25 entanglements had been reported off California alone. The line securing crab traps to buoys cuts deep through a whale’s blubber, causing serious injury or death.
At Flipper Fest, you’ll learn how to secure your crab pot to lessen drifting, derelict pots that endanger whales and often entrap and kill other sea life. It’s just one of the many ways we can keep our waters safer for those who call Puget Sound home. Visit the “Marine Debris and Pollution” exhibits at Flipper Fest to find out how you can help. At the “Cetacean Station” exhibits, you can talk to Cascadia Research about their first-hand, dangerous – and, often, lifesaving – whale disentanglements over the past years. For a photo, go to our blubberblog post.
You’ll find out why you need to be extra careful exploring the beach rocks at low tide, so you don’t destroy habitat for invertebrates like hermit crabs – or accidentally scrunch them or their young. Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalists will be at the event all afternoon to answer your questions about this fascinating miniature world. You’ll leave knowing why it’s never a good idea to pick up or relocate these extraordinary critters.
Local businesses have donated some fantastic raffle prizes – everything from food to kayaking to area attractions. Whale-sized thanks to these businesses for their generosity! Tickets are $1 and will benefit Seal Sitters’ educational outreach and marine mammal stranding work. Drawings will be held at 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30 (you need not be present to win). There will be a special free drawing for kids attending Flipper Fest, with a chance to win a “Share the Shore” t-shirt, seal boogie board or ocean backpack.
Kids will enjoy lots of art activities, including the creation of marine-themed artwork from plastic bottle caps collected by our volunteers. There will be a face painter and, weather permitting, a life-size inflatable orca on site.
We hope to see you and your friends there! Not only is there a lot to learn, we predict you’ll have some fun doing so and leave “Flipper Fest” empowered with ways you, too, can help protect marine life.
For more information, including a complete listing of participants, raffle prizes and weekly features on the upcoming event, visit Seal Sitters’ blubberblog.
The show must go on. Well, in this case, the parade must go on. The video above shows the start of today’s Costumed Bicycle Parade. It’s happened the past two years during the Summer Streets – aka “Car-Free Day” – festival that the city’s organized after the West Seattle 5K. But this year, as we first reported last month – the city scrapped Summer Streets. Partly in its place – without closing the streets – local neighbors organized Alki Daze, including what became the third annual Costumed Bicycle Parade. Among the ringleaders – Guy Olson:
In addition to the parade, Alki Daze also included other events last night and this afternoon. But the parade, which we counted at 150 strong by the time it got a few blocks down Alki, was the big event:
Participants brought a wide range of bikes *and* a wide range of outfits:
Also there, Kathy from West Seattle Bike Connections, advocating for Bicycle Sundays on Alki, and Stu from Alki Bike and Board and DIY Bikes, helping with bike safety checks.
The city has said it’s reworking the Summer Streets concept – but no announcement was yet. Meantime, grass-roots events like this bike parade roll on.
On a day that began with hundreds of people running to benefit West Seattle High School students … we have news about the students who run *for* WSHS. Thanks to Linda Rackner for the photo and report:
The following West Seattle High School track athletes are moving on to compete at the District level this week at Southwest Athletic Complex. They competed at Metros this last week.
GIRLS
Lani Taylor – 110 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters & 4×400 Relay
Lexi Ioane – Shot Put, Discus
Maggie Cooper – 300 M Hurdles, Pole Vault, 4x 400 Relay
Saoirse Cumming
Annie Means – 4×400 Relay
Gabrielle Rackner – 4×400 Relay
Riely McCullough – (alternate for 4 x 400 Relay)BOYS
Chris Nunez – (4×100 & 4×400 Relay)
Cass Elliott – (300 m Hurdles, 4×100 & 4×400 Relay)
Noah Evans – (4 x 400 Relay)
Chaaka Trahan – (110 m Hurdles, 300m Hurdles, Long Jump)
John Ursino – (4×100 Relay)
Nuradine Abdi – (alternate 4 x 400 Relay)
Miles Hairston – (alternate for 4×400 Relay)
Linda Rackner
Senior Director, Marketing & Sales
In addition to the highlights lineup published early today, we have two additions, both related to anniversaries:
MEEPLES GAMES’ FIRST ANNIVERSARY: What a year it’s been for Meeples Games, on the second floor of Charlestown Center (California/Charlestown), including being honored as the best Emerging Business in the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s Westside Awards (WSB coverage here). If you were to pick the perfect time to stop by and help celebrate, Meeples’ proprietor Laura Schneider says they’re cutting the anniversary cake at 3 pm.
(1940 Fauntleroy School photo from Seattle Public Schools‘ thumbnail history)
FAUNTLEROY SCHOOLHOUSE’S CENTENNIAL ART OPEN HOUSE: 4-7 pm today, at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse:
We will be hosting a Centennial Art Open House to raise monies for (the schoolhouse’s) 100th Birthday in May 2017. We have art pieces from local West Seattle artist such as, Art Wolfe, Sue Madill, Warren Pope, Greg Bartol, Jimmy Gersen, Patty McPhee,Chris Bath, Linda McClamrock, Nancy Gilbert, Holly Margell,Kathy Johnson, Gail Ann Wodzin and jewelry by Abi Haggerty! Lite hors d’oeuvres by Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering and Events. Come share your story, pictures and memorabilia with other alumni. See you there!
Of course, you don’t have to have been a schoolhouse alum to attend. It’s all happening at 9131 California SW.
Alki Avenue SW is reopening now that everyone’s finished the 7th annual West Seattle 5K, with more than 800 people of all ages (and a few dogs!) running and walking along the beach to raise money for the WSHS PTSA. Above, our Instagram clip of the start; we’ll add our traditional “everyone leaving the starting line” video once it’s uploaded. (Added – Here it is:)
Now, what happened as the participants started coming in:
FIRST FINISHERS
Males –
Tyler Eidsmoe (above), 26, 16:31
Ben Sauvage, 45, 16:40
Kyle Smits, 36, 17:03
Females –
Kelly McKean (above), 37, 18:56
Megan Newton, 28, 19:54
Kylen Fountain, 26, 20:02
1:57 PM: We’re adding photos now. But first – here are the results, the full list of names and times for all 692 timed finishers.
Though the WS5K isn’t the only race in the region on this particular date, it’s the only one that’s about this community. WSHS principal Ruth Medsker, for example, ran to support her students:
Race announcer Eric Radovich gave extra shoutouts to the local businesses that are longtime WS5K sponsors. That included us, and two that also happen to be WSB sponsors – first, West Seattle Runner, this area’s only store devoted to running, whose proprietors Lori McConnell and Tim McConnell were on the run too – here’s Lori:
WS Runner has marked its 5th anniversary and moved to a new location (2743 California SW) since last WS5K. Second longtime WS5K sponsor that’s on our team too, Metropolitan Market:
On the sidelines, we also caught up with race participants Stefan and Christine from WSB sponsor West Seattle Office Junction, this area’s only co-working center:
(At center in our photo, between Christine and Stefan, is Christine’s husband Marco.) The 5K takes a lot of volunteer power, and that includes WSHS students:
Back on the race course, some of the very youngest participants found it extremely relaxing:
We saw a lot of somewhat older kids, meantime, who gave it their all:
Some runners brought along their furry friends:
Still adding photos …
Until about 11 am, Alki Avenue SW is closed for the annual West Seattle 5K. We’re here to cover the race, which is scheduled to start just after quarter past 9; organizers say 800 are signed up so far. If you’re parked anywhere on Alki SW in the race zone, move your car ASAP, as we’ve seen tow trucks as well as parking-enforcement officers. Race coverage to come in a separate story.
Another bicycle stolen in the Admiral area, and this time the thieves took the rack, too:
My daughter’s bike was U-locked to the bike rack at 41st and Admiral (Friday) night. As of (Saturday) morning, rack and bike were gone: The bike is a silver-grey Cannondale CAAD 8 with blue tape on the handlebars. The theft has been reported to the police.
Today starts with a big event that might affect you even if you’re not participating:
WEST SEATTLE 5K: Alki Avenue will be closed from 63rd eastward to Duwamish Head from about 8 am to 11 am for the annual West Seattle 5K Run/Walk, presented by the West Seattle High School PTSA as a fundraiser for student needs (with co-sponsors including WSB). Even if you’re not registered yet, just come down to the Alki Bathhouse and sign up pre-race, starting around 8. The runners/walkers take off shortly after 9 am. (61st/Alki)
As mentioned here previously, NO “Summer Streets” (Car-Free Day) festival afterward – the city scrapped it – but community members have organized fun stuff for:
ALKI DAZE: From the Facebook event page – 1 pm costumed bike parade – meet at 63rd/Alki; 2 pm patio party in the 2600 block of Alki SW (live music with Slow Dance, Darci Carlson, Project Wonder Bread); 3 pm, same area, “bicycle drag race.”
Also happening today:
TLC FOR LP: Friends of Lincoln Park would love to see you there – meet at 9 am at the Fauntleroy/Rose kiosk. Work-party details here.
WEST SEATTLE AMATEUR RADIO CLUB: Interested in joining? The monthly breakfast meeting today, 9:30 am at Young’s Restaurant in South Delridge, is a great place to check out the WSARC. Details here – and did you read this story? (9413 16th SW)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm in The Junction. 4th-to-last time you’ll find the market in its current location, since June 14th is when it moves into the street! (44th/Alaska)
DUWAMISH NATIVE FOODS, NOW AND THEN: Noon-4 pm at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse in West Seattle, including a cultural program 1-2 pm and shared meal 3-4 pm – details here. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
‘BETTER PLANNING FOR NONPROFITS’: Free class at Admiral Congregational Church, 12:30 pm – more info here. (California/Hill)
MEET ‘SEATTLE READS’ AUTHOR PETER HELLER: 4 pm at Southwest Branch Library, you can meet author Peter Heller, who wrote “The Painter,” this year’s Seattle Reads book – info here. (35th/Henderson)
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
Without bees … we’d “bee” in big trouble. While kids decades ago grew up mostly scared of getting stung by a bee, today’s kids are learning about their irreplaceable role in the ecosystem, and celebrating them with events like this one … the parade at today’s third annual West Seattle Bee Festival.
Kids and pets were invited to parade around High Point Commons Park.
Costumes, as you’ve probably guessed, were encouraged. They weren’t limited to the littlest paraders.
The parade was part of a five-hour festival centered around the West Seattle Bee Garden on the north side of the park.
If you missed the festival, you’re welcome to stop by the garden some other time.
It’s at 31st and Graham and will have special features this summer such as Tuesday morning storytimes starting June 16th. Don’t miss the flowers! Today’s parade celebrated those too.
In Westwood today, a spring ritual for the Barton Street P-Patch – the wood-burning masonry oven was fired up for a round of community bagel-baking.
The garden is in its fourth full growing season, and some of what’s grown is donated, too:
It’s one of eight community P-Patches in West Seattle, according to this city-created map.
(UPDATED 9:54 PM with added photos – scroll down)
2:02 PM: That’s just one section of the anti-Arctic-offshore-drilling “flotilla” that’s amassed in Elliott Bay this afternoon. Even if you haven’t been down by the water, you’ve probably noticed the helicopter flyover, circling North Admiral to the bay and back. Hundreds of people with kayaks and canoes started arriving before 9 am, organizing in groups along the Harbor Avenue shore; the traffic peaked a couple hours ago but will pick up again when this is over in late afternoon. An onshore program is scheduled at Jack Block Park, where this portable video sign has been showing a live feed of the kayakers, as well as this logo:
A barge off Seacrest, dubbed “The People’s Platform,” is expected to be showing “projections” in the evening. Here’s an aerial we just received from local photographer/pilot Long Bach Nguyen:
Meantime, on sea and land, police have been very conspicuously in view, from this bicycle pedal-by …
… to a patrol boat on the water and two mast-equipped command vehicles parked with an overview of JB Park and Terminal 5:
Two command vehicles visible from the Jack Block Park road pic.twitter.com/HJBteN8nK6
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) May 16, 2015
T-5 is where the drill platform Polar Pioneer has been docked since Thursday, but no word of any arrests or clashes. The date for today’s protest, as well as a demonstration on land Monday, was announced weeks ago, even before it was known when the PP would arrive; the drillship Noble Discoverer, which Shell also expects to use in the Arctic, remained docked in Everett at last report.
2:10 PM: Our crew at Jack Block says the flotilla participants are paddling by now, getting closer to the Polar Pioneer:
From our partners at The Seattle Times, via Twitter:
‘Paddle in #Seattle’ protesters gather against #Shell oil rig. (Mark Harrison / ST)
Story:
http://t.co/glrr6C8cit pic.twitter.com/u3tJIgm2Hv
— Seattle Times Photo (@SeaTimesPhoto) May 16, 2015
2:56 PM: Our crew says the flotilla is heading back out of the Duwamish River (Terminal 5 is at its mouth) and toward Jack Block Park.
3:25 PM: What was supposed to be a program of speakers at Jack Block scheduled for around 2 pm hasn’t started yet. So if you’re trying to keep track of when the outbound traffic might start in the area – all bets are off.
4:43 PM: Big outbound traffic as of about 4 pm, us included. More photos later.
ADDED 9:54 PM: As promised – more photos of the sights from and near Jack Block Park over the course of the day, now that we’ve had time to go through what we have – starting with Native canoes that joined the flotilla:
Part of the U.S. Coast Guard’s presence:
One person we recognized in the flotilla – Sustainable West Seattle co-founder Bill Reiswig:
One other view, for geographic context – Long B. Nguyen shot this in the early going today – it shows where Polar Pioneer is, in relation to Jack Block Park (Seacrest is not far off the right edge of the image, which you can click for a larger view):
While this has been promoted as a three-day “Festival of Resistance,” we don’t know of anything tomorrow; Monday morning is the on-land demonstration near the low bridge, scheduled to start around 7 am – so it could affect the morning commute – our most recent mention is here.
On Bike To Work Day, someone stole a bicycle from a West Seattleite who says she bikes to work often. Jane sent the photo and report:
My bike was stolen from in front of the Admiral Way Bartell Drugs on Friday, May 15. The cable lock was cut. It is a grey Raleigh (picture attached) with a rack attachment, very new. I would very much appreciate contact if seen, as I bike to work nearly every day.
As with other stolen vehicles – if you see it, please contact police.
P.S. Tuesday is the next West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting, 7 pm at Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster). Local crime trends and neighborhood concerns will be a centerpiece of the meeting, as always, but guests are booked too – former gang members who “will present their gang experiences and what it took for them to leave the gangs.”
FIRST REPORT, 9:36 AM: As of just after 9 am, the SDOT-organized walking tour of the 35th SW Safety Project zone is under way. Above, project manager Jim Curtin, who started the tour with one assistant and three members of the public. At the outbound 35th/Avalon RapidRide, he explained that the section of 35th in that area is NOT proposed for rechannelization or other major changes. He was asked how the mixed-use development across the street will change conditions in that area:
Curtin mentioned, as has been reported here, that it includes a slopeside stairway to help connect the 35th/Avalon area (which is the gateway to West Seattle Stadium, WS Golf Course, and Camp Long) with the growing residential/business area to the west in The Triangle and The Junction. The transit stop, currently relocated to the south, will be “improved,” he said. Then after a few minutes, the group headed southbound, where we spotted them a few minutes later outside the stadium entrance:
You can catch up with the tour for a moment, an hour, whatever interests you. The stops and times are listed here, continuing until they reach 35th/Roxbury at noon. And if you don’t get to catch up with any of this – Curtin reiterated at the start that SDOT will come back to the community with the next version of the proposal, next month. You can send comments/observations/questions to him at jim.curtin@seattle.gov.
11:07 AM: We checked in on the walking tour again at 35th and Morgan, one spot where SDOT had said during the recent community meetings that they were still deciding what would be best to do to avoid significantly delaying traffic here:
The 35th SW walking tour is at 35th/Morgan a little early. Now five participants and 2 @seattledot pic.twitter.com/TDrp5Zq8yZ
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) May 16, 2015
Curtin said the plan for this intersection so far includes “tweaking the signal phasing.” Nearby residents who joined in at this stop mentioned parking near the intersection that could be reviewed for removal.
P.S. We’ve been experimenting with the new Twitter-linked “live” app Periscope lately and went live at this stop for a few minutes – if you use Twitter, check it out (or, if you don’t want to use Twitter but do decide to use the Periscope app, just follow us there!).
12:22 PM: The tour concluded right on time – we stopped by to check in as they arrived at 35th and Roxbury:
Last stop for the 35th SW walking tour: At Roxbury. Talking about the sidewalks planned south of Rox. pic.twitter.com/9KucePqKxs
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) May 16, 2015
Curtin told the final few participants that “Option A” is looking the most promising, especially “south of Oregon,” and that the community meeting will likely be in mid-June.
(Western Tanager, photographed by Trileigh Tucker near Lincoln Park)
Busy, busy Saturday ahead. From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEST SEATTLE HI-YU COMMUNITY BREAKFAST: It’s a busy Saturday. Whatever you’re doing, start it at the VFW Hall, 8 am-11 am, for breakfast and the talent exhibition that’s being judged as part of choosing the new Hi-Yu Senior Court Queen. (3601 SW Alaska)
WEST SEATTLE BEE FESTIVAL: Starts with the 9 am Honey Run at 30th/Juneau, and includes the 11 am parade in High Point Commons Park – more details here and here. (Various High Point locations)
35TH SW SAFETY PROJECT WALKING TOUR: Questions/concerns/comments about what the city is proposing for 35th SW? Talk with SDOT during all or part of this morning’s walking tour, which starts at 9 am at 35th/Avalon and offers other meetup points all the way to noon at 35th/Roxbury- see our Friday preview.
SPRING BOOK SALE: 10 am-2 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), “a wonderful display of books for all ages.” (3940 41st SW)
HELP SAVE SEATTLE’S APPLES: 10 am-1 pm, CityFruit, and local fruit trees, need you – as explained here. (8845 34th SW)
‘FESTIVAL OF RESISTANCE’: 10 am-4:30 pm activities at and off Seacrest and Jack Block Parks, organized by opponents of Arctic offshore drilling in relation to Shell vessels using Terminal 5. Details in our Friday update. (P.S. The barge just off the area with a trailer and solar panels is part of it, with “projections” expected by dusk on what organizers are calling The People’s Platform.)
TAKE A WALK TO SHAPE A TOUR: 10:30 am-noon, second of three Alki-area walks to help shape a future all-encompassing walking tour – your input will help make that tour terrific. Meet at the SW Seattle Historical Society’s Log House Museum. (61st/Stevens)
CITY MOUSE TURNS 5: Happy 5th Anniversary to City Mouse Studio and Store in The Junction – celebration with special events and deals 11 am-2 pm. (4218 SW Alaska)
BENEFIT BARBECUE AT THRIFTWAY: 11 am-4 pm, today’s West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) benefit barbecue lunch – only $5 – raises money for Northwest Harvest. Bratwurst with grilled peppers and onions, drink, and chips included. Look for the grill tent outside the store. (4201 SW Morgan)
FIRE IT UP … at the Barton St. P-Patch in Westwood, 11 am-3 pm, help get the garden ready for spring and enjoy fresh treats from the P-Patch’s oven. Details here. (34th/Barton)
FRIENDSHOP POP-UP: 11:30 am-3:30 pm – here’s what it’s all about. West Seattle (Admiral) Library steps. (2306 42nd SW)
WEST SEATTLE 5K REGISTRATION/PACKET PICKUP: Noon-6 pm today, register for tomorrow’s West Seattle 5K or, if you’re already signed up, pick up your packet, at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) – beat the last-minute pre-race rush! (2743 California SW)
ONE-DAY NATIVE ART SHOW: 1-4 pm at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse in West Seattle, “Contemporary and Traditional Native Fine Arts of the Future” with John Romero. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
ALKI DAZE: The community-organized celebration starts tonight with a meet-and-greet at Alki Huddle, 6 pm, followed by a beach bonfire at 8 pm – here’s our preview.
ROO FORREST AND FRIENDS: 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) – live music. (5612 California SW)
MORE on the calendar (and note that Highland Park Uncorked and tonight’s performance of “Angry Housewives” are sold out!) … here.
“Irrational” is one word the Port of Seattle is using to describe the city Department of Planning and Development interpretation suggesting Shell oil rigs can’t use Terminal 5 without a new permit. That’s part of what the port argues in its official appeal of the interpretation, which we found in the city Hearing Examiner‘s files, hours after it was posted there late Friday:
The filing came 24 hours after Shell’s platform Polar Pioneer arrived at Terminal 5 – where it was photographed from the air on Friday by West Seattle photographer/pilot Long Bach Nguyen:
And it came three days after a 5-hour Port Commission meeting ended with two motions passed, the second of which directed port staff to file an appeal (WSB coverage here). The port tenant that’s hosting Shell, Foss Maritime, has already filed its appeal, as first reported here hours after that meeting. The verbiage in the port’s document is notably sharper, especially in its opening assertion that “the effect of the interpretation, if affirmed on appeal, will be to make unlawful the moorage of many different kinds of vessels, including … tugboats … marine-construction vessels … cruise vessels … icebreakers … ships of state … research vessels … diving vessels … oil-spill-response vessels … seismic vessels … Seattle Fire Department fireboats.”
The appeal later also suggests that since the port is a steward of its marine environment and that hosting many different types of vessels is a key component of that, the appeal could be environmentally damaging and therefore is subject to review under the State Environmental Policy Act. Appeals typically will go before the Hearing Examiner, but usually not for a few months until their filing; we’re not seeing a date on the docket yet. Meantime, the city told WSB on Wednesday that the appeal process wouldn’t keep it from citing the port if it chose to.
| 3 COMMENTS