West Seattle, Washington
20 Friday
12:54 AM: Police are searching right now for a man who is reported to have held someone up at gunpoint in the Alki area. We don’t have many details, but it happened about half an hour ago, according to information broadcast over police frequencies, and the robber was reported to have last been seen in the Whale Tail Park area; police also are searching near Schmitz Park. The only description mentioned so far is “light complexion black man, early to mid-20s, 6 feet tall, thin build, striped shirt.” No information about the victim(s) and whether they were hurt – no medic calls in the Alki area, though.
12:13 PM: The only additional information we have about this so far is that it was reported in the 1100 block of Alki SW, according to an SPD auto-tweet. Unless it appears on SPD Blotter or unless we happen to find a sergeant in the field who can tell us more, we won’t be able to get additional details until Monday.
The official filing period for this year’s elections is over. And for one of the first candidates to jump into the City Council District 1 race, it’s taken a turn at the end:
Amanda Kay Helmick, who’s been running since October, was the only District 1 candidate to declare she would get onto the ballot by collecting signatures instead of paying the $1,199.76 fee. We wanted to photograph that unique moment of the first-ever District 1 campaign, so we covered her visit to the County Elections Department offices in Renton at midday today as she turned in her stack of petitions.
The staff explained they would start verifying the signatures immediately, and offered her the chance to leave a standby check for the filing fee in case she fell short, since the filing deadline was just hours away. She declined, explaining to us in a short interview afterward that she believes a candidate should be put on the ballot by the people, not by money.
Then, late in the day, Helmick told us the Elections Department notified her she had fallen short and did not qualify for the ballot – she turned in 1,318 signatures but fell 26 short. She is asking for a “judicial review,” but for now, she’s not on the list: “I am supremely disappointed,” she told WSB, “but determined to at least see this all the way through.”
The nine candidates who are on the list, according to the unofficial list on the KC Elections website, are:
Pavel Goberman
Chas Redmond
Arturo Robles
Phillip Tavel
Shannon Braddock
Lisa Herbold
Jody Rushmer
Karl Wirsing
Brianna Thomas
Robles, Rushmer, and Wirsing just surfaced in the past week and a half; the other six have been in for a while, starting with Redmond, who declared his candidacy almost a year and a half ago.
Also of local note: County Councilmember Joe McDermott is running unopposed; two more candidates have joined the local School Board (Position 6) race since last night’s candidate forum, and the field is now Suzanne L. Sutton, Nick Esparza, Marty McLaren, and Leslie Harris. (Of the four school-board positions on the ballot this fall, McLaren is the only incumbent running for re-election.) Though the filing period has closed, this all remains “unofficial” until KC Elections finalizes it early next week. The primary election is on August 4th.
(WSB photos: Above, Wildcats applauding their supporters postgame)
We’re under the lights at Southwest Athletic Complex, where the Metro League softball championship game has just ended with Ballard HS taking the tournament title, 3-1 over the West Seattle HS Wildcats.
Tough pitching on both sides; Ballard’s Sage Nicholson (above) got the win, pitching a complete game as did WSHS’s Gabby Wenn (below).
The postseason is just beginning, with districts up next. First time in tournament history that the top two teams have been from public schools, the tournament director has just said.
Thanks to Lisa Brody for the photo and report on a Chief Sealth International High School relay team that won big this afternoon:
Metro-All City Track meet on May 15 at SWAC this afternoon: Lots of excitement and many competitors from Chief Sealth International High School as well as West Seattle High moving on to the District Track Meet next week at SWAC.
I thought I would share this photo of the Chief Sealth Girls 4 X 100m relay team who took first place as Metro League Champions. These same girls also ran in the 4 X 200m relay and took 2nd in that event.
Here they are with the Chief Sealth International High School Track Sprinting Coach, Billy Hairston. From left to right – Chloe Myers, Assa Kaba, Coach Hairston, Imani Carey, and Quinn Wiley.
(Thanks to everyone who’s been sharing high-school sports updates – editor@westseattleblog.com – so we can share the news with the community!)
(Photo by Paul Weatherman)
The Shell drill rig Polar Pioneer has been at Terminal 5 in West Seattle for a day. What had been announced as a “Festival of Resistance” long before its arrival date was known is about to begin. Last night, “kayaktivists” trained in West Seattle waters one last time before the planned protests:
(WSB photo, Thursday night)
Here’s the timeline they have circulated:
SATURDAY
10 am-4:30 pm
Main event: Protest on the water – described by organizers as “Seattle residents, national environmental organizations and local grassroots groups will join a peaceful kayak flotilla in Elliot Bay to protest Shell’s Arctic drilling plans and its contribution to climate change.” Seacrest is listed as the main location for gathering, with later events at Jack Block Park per this timeline:
10 AM – Kayak Check-In and registration begins
11-12:30 Launch Boats
1 PM – On-water procession begins
2 PM – On-stage program begins at Jack Block Park: 2130 Harbor Ave SW
3:30 PM – On-stage program ends and all vessels return to launch sites.
Organizers say larger boats and canoes will launch from Don Armeni Boat Ramp, so that will be busy as well. The canoes will be part of an Idle No More Native-organized companion demonstration; its timeline is in this Facebook event.
(WSB photo, Thursday night)
SUNDAY
While this has been billed as a three-day “Festival of Resistance,” no specific events are announced so far for Sunday – good thing, considering the West Seattle 5K takes up the morning and Alki Avenue will be closed to vehicles.
MONDAY
7 am- ?
Protesters plan to gather by the fishing pier off the east end of the low bridge, and walk from there to “march to Shell’s rigs and nonviolently shut down operations for the day.” We asked the Port of Seattle earlier in the week about any changes it expected for the day. They told us today they had sent this notice to their tenants:
Please be informed that a protest is planned for 7am, Monday May 18, starting near the Spokane St. Fishing Bridge. Their intent, based on the event description, is to block access to our terminals. Both our police and SPD expect a large contingent of protestors. Impacts are expected to be significant. Please plan your morning accordingly. If you experience any problems, or feel you are in danger, please call 911. We are urging protesters to exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully, safely and legally in areas adjacent to our terminals.
Terminal 18’s operator, meantime, has decided to close for the day; SSA sent this notice out, according to the port:
TERMINAL 18 & MATSON – CLOSED ON MONDAY, MAY 18
We have been notified by local authorities that there will be significant protest activity in the area on Monday, May 18, 2015 related to Shell Oil Company and their activities at Terminal 5 in Seattle.
The Shell protesters have indicated that they intend to occupy Harbor Island as part of the protest. For the safety of our employees and all others who conduct business at T18 the decision has been made to close on Monday, May 18. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 19 at 0700.
We asked Seattle Police on Thursday if they had anything they want people to know regarding Saturday and Monday. Short answer, no, though they had a big briefing on Thursday morning. They intend to maintain their jurisdictions, SPD told us, and that includes the US Coast Guard enforcing “safety zones” on the water. We will of course be covering this as it happens, so if you’re not participating or spectating, at least check in to see what’s up down by the water.
The proposal to rechannelize much of 35th SW after years of safety concerns and reduce its speed limit to 30 mph is one of our area’s hottest transportation topics. Your next chance to take your questions directly to the city is on a walking tour tomorrow morning – and you don’t have to walk the whole distance; the city’s graphic, above, shows where they expect to be and when, both for tomorrow’s 35th SW tour and for next Wednesday night’s walking tour of SW Roxbury. In case you can’t read it, here’s the list for tomorrow:
9:00 am – 35th/Avalon
9:30 am – 35th/Dawson
9:45 am – 35th/Juneau
10:15 am – 35th/Morgan
10:45 am – 35th/Holden
11:15 am – 35th/Thistle
11:45 am – 35th/Barton
12:00 pm – 35th/Roxbury
Here’s the official project page with details of what the city’s considering. The design alternatives were unveiled at two meetings in March – our coverage is here and here. Meantime, the West Seattle resident who started a petition opposed to the rechannelization and speed-limit reduction, Bob Neel, sent us the final summary he has sent to SDOT’s project manager Jim Curtin – see it here.
(Photo courtesy Vigor Industrial)
From the what-you’ll-see-at-sea department – this just in from Vigor Industrial: A big floating drydock is due in over the weekend at its Harbor Island location, coming up from Portland. No photo yet (we’re looking for one), but here’s the announcement via a Vigor spokesperson:
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By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
After the city announced Tuesday that Seattle Parks would offer “free” drop-in programs for school-age kids during Seattle Public Schools‘ teacher-walkout closure day next Tuesday, one group of Parks clients learned it will come with a cost to them:
Families with children in Parks-facilities preschools have been told their programs are canceled for that day, and that there will be no refund and no makeup date.
(State-provided map, obtained via Flickr. Pink counties [all of WA] = drought)
You might be wondering how Governor Inslee‘s statewide drought declaration will affect you. Not much in terms of routine water use, according to the city. Here’s what Seattle Public Utilities is saying:
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) said today there are no plans at this time to raise drinking water rates in the event conservation efforts, prompted by a statewide drought, cause a decline in Utility revenues.
Earlier this year, Seattle City Council adopted a two-year plan that holds water rate increases to 1.7 percent for 2016 and 2.7 percent for 2017. SPU Director Ray Hoffman said that unless there is a gigantic drop in water usage, that rate plan will not change.
“Unlike much of the rest of the state, Seattle has been able to hold lots of water in our mountain reservoirs, and we have told our customers they can expect a normal water summer,” Hoffman said.
“As always, we are asking people to use water wisely, but even if our revenues decline dramatically as a result of conservation efforts, the rates adopted for the next two years are protected by a $28 million contingency fund designed to bring predictability and stability to water bills,” Hoffman said.
Seattleites already use less water than most cities in the country. In the unlikely event of a large decline in water usage, SPU’s first action would be to tap into its rate stabilization fund. Beyond that, options for meeting that long-term fixed revenue requirement could include canceling capital improvement projects or raising rates.
Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean you should just use water with abandon. Here are some easy ways to use less.
ORIGINAL REPORT, 12:15 PM: New on SPD Blotter: A 52-year-old man arrested in North Delridge “after he menacingly harassed two women on the street, and tried to bite an officer as she took him into custody.” It all started in the 4000 block of 26th and ended in the 2600 block of SW Yancy, police say. Here’s the full story.
ADDED 12:24 PM: Picking up where the SPDB story left off – we’ve just looked up the suspect on the jail register. He remains behind bars; while his initial bail from last night’s booking shows on the register at $2,000, an online court docket shows that an increase to $50,000 was granted at his bail hearing this morning.
ADDED 12:40 PM: We’ve just learned more about the suspect and are identifying him as he is a registered sex offender – because of a rape conviction – Randy Gene Stark. In 2010, he made regional news for attempted child luring. He’s registered with a downtown address. (Photo from King County sex offender lookup website)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
If you were at the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Georgetowm campus last night, you saw and heard nine candidates in three races as part of a two-section forum. If not – we have it all on video:
That’s the longer section of the forum, co-presented by three local Democratic organizations – the 34th District Democrats of West Seattle/North Highline/Vashon/Maury, and the 11th and 37th DDs – and moderated by
John Burbank. It was the first in this area to feature the candidates for the two “at-large” positions that will be part of the newly reconfigured Seattle City Council (along with seven geographical-district positions) – you’ll see them on your August 4th primary ballot as well as the District 1 (West Seattle South Park) race. Candidates for both positions, 8 and 9, were questioned at the same time, as you’ll see; from left at the table, Lorena Gonzalez (P-9), Bill Bradburd (P-9), Alon Bassok (P-9), John Roderick (P-8), John Persak (P-8), Jon Grant (P-8), Tim Burgess (P-8), and moderator John Burbank at the podium. The candidates in attendance represented all who had filed for Positions 8 and 9 as of the forum’s start, except for Alex Tsimerman (P-9).
Preceding that hour-plus round of questioning was a shorter round featuring the two candidates for Seattle School Board Position 6, representing West Seattle and South Park.
From left, they are Marty McLaren, seeking a second term, and Leslie Harris.
After the jump (if you’re reading from the main WSB page), some notes (primarily on the school-board forum, since it’s geographically specific) if you don’t have time to listen/watch:
(2013 photo: West Seattle Bee Festival parade)
Big weekend ahead. Tomorrow’s third annual West Seattle Bee Festival, at the WS Bee Garden in High Point, is part of it, and a new event has just been announced: The Lunchbox Cookoff. From the Events Committee of the High Point Open Spaces Association, which is presenting the festival:
Chef Chad Brown from Whole Foods Market has created three recipes just for the Bee Festival. He will demonstrated these easy-to-make, delicious, nutritious and fun lunchbox recipes for your family. You can sample his dishes and vote on which one you like the best. Come to the Events Committee table on the north side of Neighborhood House’s High Point Center [6400 Sylvan Way SW]. Get your free ticket for 11:30, 12:00, 12:30 or 1:00 demonstrations. Servings are limited.
Also happening at the Bee Festival:
*Come to the Honey Run at 9
*Make your own bee costume at 10, march in the parade at 11.
*Visit the Information Fair at 11:30 or tour the WS Bee Enclosure at 12.
*Enter the Bee-Ball Tournament or play Field Games at 12.
Find out more at westseattlebeegarden.com; the garden is at 31st/Graham, on the north side of High Point Commons Park.
(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
5:44 AM: We’re launching traffic watch earlier than usual because Northbound 99 is still closed in the stadium zone after an overnight car-motorcycle crash. TV crews there say one lane might be open soon – but for now, you can’t use 99; your options are I-5 or surface streets instead. Buses that use 99 have been diverted. Here’s the “live” camera view:
We’ll of course update. SPD says the crash was caused by a wrong-way driver hitting a motorcycle rider, who has life-threatening injuries.
Also this morning:
(Added: WSB photos. Commute station included WS Bike Connections with info on ‘5-way intersection’)
BIKE TO WORK DAY: It’s Bike To Work Day around Puget Sound, and if you are riding your bicycle this morning, make time to stop at the special “commute station” open until 9 am under the high bridge, co-presented by West Seattle Bike Connections and DIY Bikes.
(At right, Stu Hennessey of DIY Bikes)
More on that here.
Alerts for the next few days:
SATURDAY & MONDAY PROTESTS: Saturday is most likely to bring congestion around Don Armeni Boat Ramp and Seacrest Park with kayakers gathering for an on-the-water demonstration because of the Shell rig Polar Pioneer‘s arrival; Monday, an early-morning on-land demonstration is planned, going from the fishing bridge to Terminal 5, which might affect commute-hour travel on and around the low bridge.
SUNDAY, WEST SEATTLE 5K: The first and biggest run/walk of the season on Alki is happening Sunday morning, 9:20 am, with Alki Avenue closed to vehicles (and heed the “no parking” signs) until 11 am or so. Once again, NO “car-free day” festival afterward, for the first time in many years, so the road will fully reopen afterward.
6:01 AM UPDATE: One lane of northbound 99 is now open.
6:48 AM: Both lanes of NB 99 are now open.
Congrats Mr Nelson for winning Lee McNeil Mentoring Award #stemteacher @seapubschools @westseattleblog @Denny_OST pic.twitter.com/jTHQrlGWMQ
— Patricia J Rangel (@dennydolphinap) May 11, 2015
Congratulations to Denny International Middle School teacher Will Nelson – his colleagues are so proud of his mentoring award, we heard about it as a tweet (above) from assistant principal Patricia Rangel and in the note below from principal Jeff Clark:
Please join me in congratulating Mr. Nelson on winning the Lee McNeil Mentoring Award presented by the Marine Technology Society for his years of mentorship with our underwater robotics program. Way to go, Mr. Nelson! Go Dolphins!
(Telekinesis, one of the bands playing Hood-To-Hood Day in West Seattle)
One week ago, we reported the date, and a few details, for the Hood-To-Hood Challenge victory party that KEXP is throwing in West Seattle – because people here gave more money to the station during that specific donation drive last year than residents of any other local neighborhood. Today, KEXP revealed more about who’s playing and what’s happening:
After winning KEXP’s annual Hood-to-Hood Challenge by a razor-thin margin of $100 in 2014, West Seattle will host KEXP’s Hood-to-Hood Day on Friday, May 29.
KEXP welcomes music lovers from all neighborhoods to join us from noon to 6:00 p.m. for a free live broadcast of The Midday Show with Cheryl Waters and The Afternoon Show with Kevin Cole, featuring live performances by John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats, Australian band Miami Horror, Hop Along, and Telekinesis, plus a free street festival with bands, booths, and a beer garden.
After 6:00 p.m., KEXP DJs will take over bars and restaurants throughout West Seattle, spinning diverse, upbeat sets until the night concludes with a showcase at the Skylark Lounge featuring SISTERS, Fauna Shade, and Bod, as well as the Feedback Lounge with artists TBA.
The street festival will be in The Junction, with California closed to vehicles between Oregon and Alaska for the occasion. Last year was the first time in five years that West Seattle won the Hood-To-Hood Challenge.
ADDED 11:14 PM: A few more details are on KEXP’s website, including the band schedule for the live broadcasts during the day.
One spotlight stop tonight:
Cheryl Robinson is the featured artist at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. See and read about her paintings and ceramics on the official West Seattle Art Walk website. (Click! is at 4540 California SW, and Art Walk is on until 9 pm – see the full venue list/map in today’s daily preview.
One day remains in the official 2015 candidate-filing season – so by this time tomorrow, the field will be more or less set for this fall’s elections. Here’s the list of who’s filed for what so far; in offices of West Seattle note, District 8 County Councilmember Joe McDermott has filed for re-election and has no opponent at this point; in the District 1 (West Seattle/South Park) City Council race, six candidates have filed so far – Pavel Goberman, Chas Redmond, Arturo Robles, Phillip Tavel, Shannon Braddock, and Lisa Herbold; we know Amanda Kay Helmick, who’s been collecting signatures in lieu of the four-digit filing fee, plans to file tomorrow, so that means a field of at least 7 in this race. We’ll update tomorrow. (Side note: As we write this, we’re at South Seattle College‘s Georgetown Campus to cover the forum for at-large Council Positions 8 and 9 and School Board Position 6 – the WS/SP seat in which Marty McLaren and Leslie Harris are the two filers so far – coverage including video, coming up later.)
(Added: Photo by Admiral 935, looking north on California SW as PP passed)
1:29 PM: We’re launching as-it-happens coverage now that the Polar Pioneer is close to Seattle – destination: West Seattle’s Terminal 5 – and media as well as spectators are getting in place. We’re starting at Seacrest, where TV crews are converging, as well as some drilling opponents who say they plan to “unwelcome” PP; they’ve put up red “warning” flags on the pier and some kayakers are in the water.
Also spotted: City Councilmember Mike O’Brien:
Meantime, after slowing to a near-stop for a while across the Sound from Shoreline, Polar Pioneer and its accompanying vessels are on the move again. Updates to come.
1:39 PM: Texter says it’s in view in the distance from Alki Point. We’re setting up near Anchor/Luna Park to see it when it rounds the bend. Photos? editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!
Coming into view by West Point pic.twitter.com/5N19bncQeM
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) May 14, 2015
1:47 PM: Visible now coming up to West Point. (Added)
(Photo by Gary Jones, taken from Alki Point as Polar Pioneer passed West Point)
Kayakers head out past Duwamish Head pic.twitter.com/8nSImk4N58
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) May 14, 2015
Kayakers are off Duwamish Head. As mentioned in our earlier coverage when it left Port Angeles around 1:30 am, the rig has four Foss vessels with it – Andrew Foss, Garth Foss, Lindsey Foss, and Pacific Star – and, since then, has added three Coast Guard vessels.
2 PM: A police boat has taken up position near the navigation marker off Duwamish Head. The kayakers are still floating just offshore. (added) The police boat came over for a closer look at them:
the @seattlepd boat giving kayakers a look-see pic.twitter.com/h6kqxNfIR1
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) May 14, 2015
2:25 PM: It’s in Elliott Bay now, traveling at 7 knots, 13 hours after leaving Port Angeles. Meantime, that’s NOT a TV helicopter circling over us on the Duwamish Head shore, that’s Guardian One.
3:01 PM: We’ve been on Twitter (and live on Periscope) for the past half-hour as the Polar Pioneer passed Duwamish Head. Lots of spectators.
Helicopters overhead, kayakers, Coast Guard, other vessels on the water.
3:16 PM: Co-publisher Patrick Sand has headed east/southeast to Don Armeni, where a protest sign is about to be hoisted or floated. He sent this photo:
(added) Here’s what it looked like – yes, it was tethered:
(added) Chief Seattle’s great-great-grand niece, Duwamish Tribe chair Cecile Hansen, watched with her daughter from Jack Block Park. Thanks to Ann Anderson for this photo:
Ann also shared this one, in which you can see a tribal canoe out with the group on the water:
Speaking of sending photos, thanks to everyone who’s done that – just starting to check them. Polar Pioneer remains stopped in the bay.
@westseattleblog here's a stevedores view pic.twitter.com/ECBrRbEyXg
— Justin Hirsch (@justindhirsch) May 14, 2015
3:44 PM: It’s on the move again, heading south, toward the port. We’ll see if it goes all the way to T-5, where, as we reported yesterday, the city says it would be in violation of the Port’s permit and could be cited.
Polar Pioneer and the #Seattle city skyline. #shellno @westseattleblog pic.twitter.com/BkyMYxSwIW
— Kevin Freitas (@kevinfreitas) May 14, 2015
4:36 PM: Kevin‘s tweeted photo shows the Polar Pioneer as it rounded the bend and headed into the mouth of the Duwamish River, where it’s arrived at T-5:
Polar Pioneer at the dock.@westseattleblog pic.twitter.com/l1PPcv6I13
— Joe Conley (@Kawnliee) May 15, 2015
We’re back at HQ right now getting ready for some evening coverage (unrelated) and will be adding more photos.
(Thanks to Scott for this view from Riverside, looking toward the “low bridge”)
5:08 PM: For some, seeing it might be their first word about all this – we were reminded of that by a phone call. Same way that the shutdown of T-5 last summer surprised some who didn’t make the connection until they saw the vast, empty stretch. But no, it’s NOT here to drill in local waters. It’s scheduled to stay here for a matter of weeks before leaving for the offshore Arctic drilling for which Shell recently won a key federal approval. But first – opponents are continuing with their plans for a “festival of resistance” this Thursday through Saturday. We talked today with Seattle Police to ask about their plans; they acknowledged a briefing this morning but said that on the water it’s Coast Guard jurisdiction, on port land it’s Port Police jurisdiction – they’re just standing by to see if anything happens outside those two areas. We are awaiting the port’s answer to our questions about whether they are planning any different access policies at Jack Block, for example. Meantime – it’s been three months since the Port’s CEO announced the signing of the lease with Foss, which said it in turn had a deal to bring the Shell vessels here.
ADDED EARLY FRIDAY: David Hutchinson photographed the Polar Pioneer, docked, with the latest “kayaktivist training” class, which had headed out from Seacrest earlier in the evening.
That was billed as the last training class before Saturday’s long-scheduled on-the-water protest. More on that later today.
We start with news from along Fauntleroy Way:
FAUNTLEROY/JUNEAU DEMOLITION: Within the past week, the teardowns to make way for the 5915-5917 Fauntleroy Way SW townhouses/rowhouse development have happened.
ANOTHER FAUNTLEROY CORNER ROWHOUSE: Rowhouses are popular on Fauntleroy. An early-stage filing proposes a six-unit rowhouse with five on-site parking spaces for 5601 Fauntleroy Way SW, right across Findlay from a relatively new rowhouse.
And from today’s Land Use Information Bulletin:
2626 ALKI AVENUE APPLICATION: 14 residential units, 5 live-work units, commercial space, and 23 parking spaces comprise this project, which isn’t done with Design Review yet but has filed for its Master Use Permit – that’s why a new city sign has just gone up on the west side of the site. (Here’s our coverage of its second Design Review meeting last July – no date yet for the third and possibly final.)
5608 23RD SW: This Land Use application proposes building a new single-family house in an “environmentally critical area” (ECA).
4564 53RD SW: This notice announces city approval of permission sought to build a three-story house in an ECA.
PUBLIC COMMENT OR APPEAL: The notices linked above all include links to information on how to reach DPD if you’re interested in either of those options.
Topping the list of what else is going on today/tonight – it’s the May edition of West Seattle Art Walk, 6-9 pm. Here’s the map/venue list:
Plan your evening by browsing the artist/venue previews on the official WS Art Walk website.
Four more highlights from the calendar (just a few of MANY things, so please follow that link to browse the full list):
CANDIDATES’ FORUM: Though it’s not IN West Seattle, it’s co-presented by the 34th District Democrats – a candidates’ forum for the two at-large City Council positions (8 and 9) and the local School Board seat (6). Doors at 6:30, forum at 7, on the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Georgetown campus. (6737 Corson Ave. S.)
ALKI ELEMENTARY PTA MEETING: 6:30 pm tonight at Alki Elementary – be there for the budget presentation. (3010 59th SW)
FRANK FEST: The seventh annual celebration of Frank Sinatra, 7 pm at Feedback Lounge. (6451 California SW)
ANGRY HOUSEWIVES: A few tickets remain for tonight’s 7:30 pm performance at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) – did you hear it’s been extended one more week, to the end of the month, too? (4711 California SW)
Today is the second-to-last-day of filing week for this fall’s candidates, so by the end of tomorrow, we’ll have the official list of who’s in the District 1 (West Seattle/South Park) City Council race. Some have already filed, and one person has just announced he’s out: George Capestany. The statement he sent:
Today, George Capestany, active community volunteer, “goat guy,” and longtime West Seattle neighbor, is withdrawing from the race for Seattle City Council, District 1.
“After much thought, have decided to not pursue the seat for City of Seattle, District 1,” said Capestany. “When I began this quest I truly felt that I could win. Tom Rasmussen was a opponent I could really separate from and define a distinct difference in political and economic views. While I still believe West Seattle residents have been left out of virtually everything that goes on at City Hall, I have been impressed by the many good candidates who have filed. And, once the districts take effect, I believe West Seattle will be well served.”
Campaign Treasurer, Ron Sullivan stated, “While many citizens of this community think George would have made an excellent representative in City politics, we respect his decision to end his campaign.”
“I sincerely want to thank all of my supporters for their help and support,” added Capestany.
Capestany had entered the race last November; Councilmember Rasmussen announced his decision not to run in January. Meantime, if you’re interested in tracking who’s filed so far, the countywide list – updated at least twice a day – is here. The voting begins in mid-summer, with the primary election on August 4th.
(WSB file photo)
Looks like the classic annual forecast for Sunday’s West Seattle 5K on Alki – partly sunny, comfortable temperatures. If you haven’t signed up yet, today is your **last chance** to do it the most convenient way – online. Here’s an update from race director Jeff Mensing:
Online registration for the West Seattle 5K Run/Walk ends tonight at midnight. Don’t delay, register today and take advantage of discounted fees. We will also be at the new West Seattle Runner location (2743 California SW) from noon to 6:00 on Saturday for registration and race packet pickup or at the Alki Bathhouse starting at 8:00 am Sunday the 17th. The race starts at 9:20 am.
The West Seattle 5K is presented by, and benefits, the West Seattle High School PTSA; we’re proud to be among the co-sponsors again this year. It’s the biggest 5K of the year on Alki, running/walking in the temporarily closed-to-vehicles street on Alki Avenue, with runners/walkers of all ages every year. See you there!
(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Nothing out of the ordinary in/from West Seattle so far this morning. Alerts/reminders:
BRIDGE WORK: Today is the last announced day of off-peak work on the outer lanes of the bridge.
THIS WEEKEND: Anti-drilling demonstrations on sea and land Saturday are expected to bring crowds to Seacrest, Don Armeni, and Jack Block Park … On Sunday, Alki Avenue will be closed until about 11 am for the West Seattle 5K. More on both later today.
Now, our weekly look back:
TRAFFIC THROWBACK THURSDAY: This week’s featured image is NOT from the Seattle Municipal Archives, much as we love them. It’s courtesy of the Sheppard Family, who granted us permission to use the view of Admiral/California, from the southeast corner looking north:
(Click for a larger view)
While asking WSB contributor Megan Sheppard if we could use the photo, we forgot to ask the year. Guesses?
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