day : 03/09/2015 12 results

SAFETY: FCA installs mirror at Marine View/45th/Roxbury

Traffic-safety issues are high on the priority list for the Fauntleroy Community Association, and FCA shares the photo with word of one more safety feature in place. From Gordon Wiehler: “The FCA installed a convex mirror at Roxbury, Marine View SW and 45th Ave SW to better see what’s coming down the hill, typically at high speed.”

P.S. The FCA is another of the community councils that’s getting back to regular meeting schedules now that summer’s ending. Its board meets at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) next Tuesday, September 8th, at 7 pm.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Westbound Roxbury blocked at 22nd after crash

9:36 PM: Police have WB Roxbury blocked just east of 22nd after a crash. We’re at the scene now gathering information.

9:41 PM: Police tell us two cars collided, and a woman riding in one of them was taken to the hospital. Her injuries were not life-threatening, so the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad won’t be called out. They’re waiting for tow trucks, but expecting that’ll be at least half an hour.

FOLLOWUP: Seattle Education Association members vote to strike if no deal

(Added, reader-contributed video: Ben Evans recorded Thursday night’s vote at Benaroya)

8:19 PM: The Seattle Education Association – which represents educators in Seattle Public Schools – says its members have voted to strike if an agreement isn’t reached. It was by a unanimous voice vote, according to our partners at The Seattle Times. The two sides are scheduled to resume talks tomorrow, with a mediator. More to come.

ADDED 8:37 PM: Here’s the official news release just e-mailed by SEA:

By an unprecedented thunderous unanimous vote, Seattle educators have voted to strike beginning the first day of school, Sept. 9, if the Seattle School Board fails to negotiate a tentative contract agreement before then.

“The Seattle School Board has rejected most of our proposals around competitive pay, reasonable testing, guaranteed recess, student equity and workloads,” said Phyllis Campano, a special education teacher who serves as Seattle Education Association vice president and bargaining chair. “Through their inaction, their lack of serious proposals and their refusal to publicly explain their positions, Seattle School Board members have shown they neither respect nor value us as professional educators.”

SEA President Jonathan Knapp said negotiators from the SEA and the Seattle School District are meeting with state mediators Friday morning.

“Seattle teachers and support staff are unified and resolute in working for a fair contract,” he said. “And we’re willing to do what it takes to get one. The Seattle School Board must get down to work and move on these crucial issue so our students can start school on time.”

Although negotiations began in May, and educators set an Aug. 24 deadline for a contract settlement, major unresolved issues haven’t changed:

*Professional pay: We need to attract and keep caring, qualified educators in Seattle, which is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. We’ve gone six years with no state COLA and five years with no state increase in funding for educator health care.

*Guaranteed student recess: Recess time varies wildly across the district, and we believe all students benefit from a guaranteed amount of time for play and exercise.

*Fair teacher and staff evaluations: Educators should be evaluated fairly and consistently, and the focus should be on providing the support all educators need to be successful.

*Reasonable testing: Too much standardized testing is stealing time away from classroom learning.

*ESA workload relief: Educational staff associates provide students with crucial services and support, but their current workloads mean many students aren’t getting the help they need.

*Office professional workload relief: Office professionals do crucial work and play many roles – and they should be compensated for the extra work they do.

*Student equity around discipline and the opportunity gap: We need to focus on equity issues across Seattle, not just in six schools.

*The administration’s proposal to make teachers work more for free: It is unrealistic to expect teachers to work more hours without additional pay, and the district administration has been unable to explain how their proposal would help students.

SEA represents about 5,000 teachers, instructional assistants, paraprofessionals, nurses, counselors, substitute teachers and office professionals who educate 52,000 students in the Seattle School District.

10:06 PM: And the district has sent a news release as well:

Seattle Education Association (SEA) members have voted to authorize a strike tonight, potentially delaying the start of school. SEA members took the action after a collective bargaining agreement could not be reached between the union and the Seattle Public Schools (SPS).

SEA represents the district’s educators, substitutes, paraprofessionals, instructional assistants and office professionals. The current contract with SEA expired Tuesday. A vote to authorize a strike is not declaring a strike. The union is not allowed to declare a strike until 72 hours after the vote to authorize. Securing an agreeable contract for union members is highly important to both SPS and SEA.

SPS and SEA have a shared goal of providing a quality education for our 53,000 students. The district is optimistic an agreement can be reached, and those students can start their school year. A mediator will meet with both sides Friday to assist in the negotiation process and the district is hopeful that an agreement can be made to start school as scheduled, on September 9.

“Our goal is a contract which honors, respects and pays oureducators and provides more instructional time for all students, including those children who desperately need more time with outstanding teachers in order to succeed,” said Superintendent Larry Nyland. Seattle remains behind other districts statewide in the amount of daily instructional time for students, approximately six hours and ten minutes.

SPS has proposed a 13% salary increase over three years for SEA members, including a state Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Since 2007, the district has increased salaries for teachers by 23%, exceeding the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 19% over the same time period.

The start of school could potentially be delayed. The district is working with the City of Seattle on child care options, including Seattle Parks and Recreation and the possibility of some SPS daycares remaining open. Athletics events will operate as scheduled, unless otherwise announced.

FOLLOWUP: Extra comment time for 14-house proposal

Three weeks after we wrote about that 14-house development proposal at 3601 Fauntleroy Way SW – on an East Admiral slope – the public-comment period has been extended. Thanks to Diane and MJ for the tips on that. September 10th is the new deadline for comments on the project, which was first proposed eight years ago; you can read the comments already sent to the city by going here and entering project #3007882. That’s the same number to use to send your own comments in via PRC@seattle.gov.

ROAD-WORK ALERTS: 2 for next week, Arbor Heights microsurfacing & 49th SW sewer repairs

Two road-work alerts for next week, to keep in mind before you check out for the long holiday weekend:

ARBOR HEIGHTS MICROSURFACING RESCHEDULED: The work originally scheduled for this week was postponed because of the stormy weather – and now, SDOT says it’s set the new dates, next Wednesday and Thursday, September 9th and 10th. However, they can’t just do it all as originally scheduled because SW 104th Street, now home to the new Westside School campus, is part of the project area, so they’re working on a specific plan for 104th. Otherwise, the rest of the area is getting neighborhood notifications of the new schedule today. We’ll have an update when the 104th plan is finalized and added in.

49TH SW CLOSURE: From Seattle Public Utilities:

Seattle Public Utilities will repair the sewer line near the intersection of 49th Avenue SW and SW Edmunds Street. This work will require closing 49th Avenue SW to through traffic between SW Alaska Street and SW Edmunds Street. Local access will be available with the assistance of a traffic flagger. Contractor crews plan to start work the week of September 8. Work will take up to five business days to complete with hours of 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The lanes will remain closed for the duration of work hours and will be opened to traffic after non-work hours. Metro bus 37 will run as normal.

@ Southwest District Council: Terminal 5 comment deadline nears, as does an Admiral Way Safety Project update

Summer’s ending, and community/district councils are resuming their regular meeting schedules. That means our coverage is back in gear too. No substitute to being at your nearest community meeting yourself – but we’ll do our best to keep you up to date otherwise. Here’s what happened at last night’s Southwest District Council meeting (besides the two notes we’ve already published, regarding the Junction Plaza Park art project and Port of Seattle boat tour):

NEW ADMIRAL WAY SAFETY PROJECT PROPOSAL: SWDC co-chair David Whiting, president of the Admiral Neighborhood Association, announced that SDOT will be at next week’s ANA meeting with an update on revisions to the SW Admiral Way Safety Project, first outlined at ANA’s April meeting (WSB coverage here). While SDOT does plan a standalone meeting this month, Whiting said, this will be the first chance for the community to take a look at changes made (as SDOT director Scott Kubly hinted at in July) after vigorous community feedback earlier this year, as well as new parking/traffic studies by SDOT. ANA meets at The Sanctuary at Admiral (42nd SW & SW Lander), 7 pm Tuesday (September 8th).

TERMINAL 5 COMMENT DEADLINE TOMORROW: Friday’s the last day you can comment on the Port of Seattle‘s proposal for the shut-down-last-year cargo terminal on the east side of West Seattle, pointed out Jim Wojciechowski from the group of neighbors who put up the “Yes! Environmental Impact Statement” signs around the area.


(Port of Seattle graphic/photo)

“They’re not calling it an expansion, but it’s an expansion.” As we reported last month, a new comment period was opened because the city system lost a month’s worth of comments submitted via an online form.

Wojciechowski recapped that the port project would involve, among other things, thousands of pilings and 12 new cranes bigger than the ones you see now. He says Terminal 18 to the east on Harbor Island would be perfect for the big-ship handling, but the port is insistent on using Terminal 5. “What we’re asking them to do is do it right, but they’re giving no indication of any concessions to the neighborhood – they just are going to do what they want to do.”

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VIDEO: Most-attended Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series, ever! Admiral Neighborhood Association shares highlights & thanks

September 3, 2015 1:51 pm
|    Comments Off on VIDEO: Most-attended Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series, ever! Admiral Neighborhood Association shares highlights & thanks
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

One week ago tonight, the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series wrapped up this year’s six-show series – one that will go in the record books as its most-attended year yet! From ANA president David Whiting:

The Admiral Neighborhood Association would like to thank all of our sponsors that contributed to make the Hiawatha Summer Concerts possible. We especially want to acknowledge Metropolitan Market, who, in addition to their support, handed out treats at every one of the six concerts. A tip of our hats to Walter Harley and Christian Heilman, our sound engineers this summer, and Mark Jaroslaw, our videographer [concert highlights above]. These concerts simply wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of all of the following sponsors:

GOLD SPONSOR
Metropolitan Market

SILVER SPONSORS
Associated Recreation Council
The Johnson Team/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Curious Kidstuff
Menchie’s Admiral
Seattle Parks and Recreation
Weitzel Construction
West Seattle Blog

BRONZE SPONSORS
Alki Mail and Dispatch
Brent Amacher State Farm Insurance
Bob and Dawn Brown
Custom Crating
Elliott Bay Brewery
Head to Toe Day Spa
Little Gym of West Seattle
Kayle Shulenberger, Speech Pathologist
Stuffed Cakes
Thunder Road Guitars
West Seattle Fit Moms
Wiseman Appliance

More than 4,300 people (our highest total audience count ever!) listened and danced to music at one or more of the six concerts. If you enjoy community activities like this, your community council needs to hear from you. Most of them take the month of August off, and reconvene their monthly meetings in September. West Seattle Blog announces all West Seattle community councils’ meetings and their activities. This Saturday at 9:00 am, ANA will conduct our quarterly Adopt-A-Street Cleanup, convening at Metropolitan Market, and our next meeting is 7:00 pm, Tuesday, September 8th, at The Sanctuary at Admiral.

We’re proud to have been a sponsor every year since ANA launched the series in 2009 – this was year seven!

National Day of Service: Volunteer to help fix up West Seattle’s American Legion and VFW posts

September 3, 2015 11:44 am
|    Comments Off on National Day of Service: Volunteer to help fix up West Seattle’s American Legion and VFW posts
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Every year, we’re asked about volunteering opportunities for the National Day of Service. Here’s one just out of the WSB inbox – sign up now:

On Saturday 9/12 from 9 am to 3 pm The Mission Continues Seattle 1st Platoon will be supporting American Legion Post 160 and VFW Post 2713 to help restore their buildings while bringing the community together in support of The National Day of Service on 9/11. The community is encouraged to volunteer and to register here for the service project in West Seattle next Saturday.

The Mission Continues Service Platoons are teams of veterans working together with local community organizations to address tough challenges like homelessness & disadvantaged youth. We empower veterans to find a new unit: Members work together not only to solve community challenges, but also to support one another in navigating the reintegration into civilian life. Through a unique model that provides reciprocal benefit for the veteran and the local community, The Mission Continues: • Focuses veterans’ spirit of service through volunteerism • Mobilizes a network of supporters • And, through service helps solve tough challenges facing veterans and communities. By empowering veterans to serve at home, we seek to change the national conversation so that this generation leaves a positive legacy of service & personal success.

The project locations, Posts 160 and 2713, are right across the street from each other on SW Alaska in The Triangle.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Two more car break-ins

Two car break-ins in this West Seattle Crime Watch report:

IN HIGHLAND PARK … That break-in happened in an instant while a parent was at Ages In Stages Child Care in the 8600 block of 9th SW last week picking up her child. We’d been hoping for a closer look at the thief, from the surveillance camera, but apparently this is all they have, so we’re showing it at least as a reminder that this can happen so fast. The victim’s husband says, “The guy broke the window and took off with a phone and a purse within seconds. Looks like he knew exactly what he was doing . . targeting drop-off cars at the daycare . . and he was very quick. I’ve actually been able to track down a few purchases that they made with my wife’s stolen card. I contacted the store managers, and they may have video . . I’m still tracking that down.”

IN HIGH POINT … The photo and report are from Drew on High Point Drive:

My wife’s car was broken into via the passenger window; looks like they basically just wedged the window down to unlock the car. Didn’t take much more than an iPhone charger and some sunglasses, which is good considering the sound system was left intact.

From the SPD reports map, here’s where car prowls were reported in the past week:

West Seattle Thursday: Design Review; Delridge Grocery farm stand; folk music; more…

September 3, 2015 9:27 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Thursday: Design Review; Delridge Grocery farm stand; folk music; more…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Someone looking southward from aboard a Kenmore Air floatplane texted us that view of West Seattle the other day. If you text a pic – 206-293-6302 – let us know who to credit! Anyway, if you’re heading out for the holiday weekend, have a great time. We’ll be right here covering the news, as always. And the scheduled happenings too. From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for today/tonight:

PORT COMMISSION CO-PRESIDENT TALKS TO CHAMBER: 11:30 am at Jack Block Park, the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s monthly luncheon features Port Commission co-president Courtney Gregoire speaking about the “State of the Port.” Online reservations have closed but the event page on the Chamber website has info on how to check if there’s still room. (2130 Harbor SW)

PLAY GAMES! No fewer than SEVEN events listed for today/tonight on the right side of the home page for Meeples Games (current sponsor of the WSB calendar page, so you can click the ad atop that page any time to see what’s going on). If you love games – go see what’s up. (3727 California SW)

DELRIDGE GROCERY FARM STAND: 4-7 pm, join the Delridge Grocery Coop (WSB sponsor) for this week’s fresh-from-the-farm produce stand! (5455 Delridge Way SW)

4528 44TH SW @ DESIGN REVIEW: 6:30 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle, this microhousing project goes back before the Southwest Design Review Board. See the design “packet” in the preview published here on Wednesday. The meeting includes the opportunity for public comments. (SW Oregon & California SW)

LIVE FOLK MUSIC: 9 pm at The Skylark – see our calendar listing for details. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Pre-holiday-weekend Thursday updates; ‘Throwback’ view; bus cancellations

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
7:34 AM: Good morning! No incidents so far in our area or on the major outbound routes.

BACK TO SCHOOL: The local parochial schools are all back in session as of yesterday. And if you travel south of West Seattle, note that today is the first day of classes for Highline Public Schools (White Center and beyond).

SEAHAWKS GAME TONIGHT: The West Seattle Water Taxi will have extended service for tonight’s pre-season home game vs. the Raiders.

LABOR DAY TRANSIT PREVIEW: Monday (September 7th) is the holiday, and Metro will be on a Sunday schedule. So will the WS Water Taxi run.

ADDED 8:23 AM – ‘TRAFFIC THROWBACK THURSDAY’: Still relatively quiet. So how about a “Traffic Throwback Thursday” view from the Seattle Municipal Archives?


Click the photo to go to a city webpage with a larger view. The SMA says that building, photographed in 1914, was at 4525 44th SW – which would put it right across the street from the microhousing project the SW Design Review Board is looking at tonight.

ADDED 8:46 AM: Thanks to Doug for tweeting that a vehicle’s broken down on the bridge by the 99 offramp – but it’s off to the side, so not much trouble, so far.

ADDED 4:45 PM: Today’s two bus cancellation announcements:

Earlier:

West Seattle scene: Pencil Me In For Kids back-to-school party

It’s one of the most fun nights of (almost-)fall for Rotary Club of West Seattle members … the back-to-school sorting party for Pencil Me In For Kids, their signature charity distributing donated school supplies to local students. As Rotarians and friends gathered Wednesday night in a Westwood backyard, they knew that every local elementary has kids getting a boost from PMIFK (that was noted at this week’s Rotary meeting). Member or not, you can help too, through PMIFK – here’s how.