day : 09/02/2016 11 results

High-school basketball playoffs: Both Chief Sealth teams win

February 9, 2016 11:28 pm

| Comments Off on High-school basketball playoffs: Both Chief Sealth teams win

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

The second night of the Metro League high-school basketball playoffs is over, and both Chief Sealth International High School teams won tonight: Girls 57-51 over (and at) Eastside Catholic; boys 52-48 over Roosevelt at home.

Next up for the Seahawk squads: Both play again tomorrow – boys vs. Franklin, 7:30 pm Wednesday at Garfield (400 23rd Ave.); girls vs. Rainier Beach, 5:45 pm at Ballard (1418 NW 65th).

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Remembering Kay Messina, 1939-2016

February 9, 2016 10:10 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Family and friends will gather later this week in memory of Kay Messina, and are sharing this remembrance now:

Free from the clutches of Alzheimer’s disease, Kay’s spirit is free to soar again.

Born to Leo “Skipper” and Helen Kelly, Katherine Margaret “Kay” was raised as one of seven brothers and sisters in Anaconda, MT. After college, Kay moved to the big city (Seattle) to work as a medical records administrator. There she met the love of her life, Ben Messina. They married in 1963 and had three boys, Michael, Tony, and Mateo.

For the next 53 years, Kay loved, laughed, and sang her way through raising a family, pursuing a career, building lasting friendships, and generally demonstrating how a life well-lived should be. Together with Ben she enjoyed plays, dinners, friends, glasses of wine, and traveling far and wide. Their journeys included exploring their roots in Ireland and Italy, and making trips home to Montana for the annual family gatherings that continue to this day.

Kay raised her boys with love, grace, and good humor. She showed them the power of love in the devotion she and Ben shared, as well as the value of community in the friendships they made, and their 50-year membership with Our Lady of Guadalupe parish. In her career, she worked with health-care facilities around the region, including a long association with Mt. St. Vincent, where she spent her final days in their care.

Kay was fortunate to have married an engineer. As Alzheimer’s progressed, Ben was able to continually develop solutions that would allow to her to remain at home for much longer than most. For that, we are forever grateful. In addition to her family and friends’ memories of her twinkling Irish eyes, Kay leaves behind Ben, her beloved husband of 53 years; sons Michael (Yvette), Tony (Dawn), and Mateo (Tammy); and eight grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Mt. St. Vincent or Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. An evening vigil will be held Thursday 2/11/16 at 7:00, and a funeral mass on Friday 2/12/16 at 11:00, both at Our Lady of Guadalupe. Please visit www.emmickfunerals.com to share your memories of Kay.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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ELECTION RESULTS: Seattle Public Schools levies winning approval

February 9, 2016 8:14 pm

| 38 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics | West Seattle schools

8:14 PM: The one-and-only Election Night vote count is just in. Both Seattle Public Schools levies are passing with more than 70 percent approval:

OPERATIONS LEVY (PROP 1) – 71 percent approval

BTA LEVY (PROP 2) – 71 percent approval

As of tonight, fewer than 1 in 4 ballots had been returned, according to county statistics. Next vote count by 4:30 pm tomorrow.

9:15 PM: In its news release hailing the vote trend, the district included these bullet-point explanations of what the levies will pay for:

The Operations Levy represents more than 25 percent of Seattle Public Schools’ general fund operating budget and supports educational programs and services not fully funded by the state. It pays for;
· A portion of teacher, instructional assistant and support staff salaries

· Textbooks, classroom supplies, safety and building security,

· Special education and bilingual services,

· Professional development and training,

· Bus transportation,

· Student activities such as athletics, music, arts, extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.

The Buildings, Technology and Academics IV Capital Levy support the district’s long-range plans to;
· Upgrade and renovate aging school facilities and address enrollment growth.

· Three school buildings will be reopened to address capacity needs due to growing enrollment.

· Buildings projects including renovations, major maintenance, and health and safety improvements.

· Technology classroom equipment and instructional support to enhance student learning.

· Academics projects to meet the educational requirements and needs of students.

· Athletics improvements to upgrade fields.

Operations is a 3-year levy, BTA a 6-year levy. One of the “three school buildings (to) be reopened” is EC Hughes Elementary in Sunrise Heights, which the district has said will be the new home of the school that’s now at Roxhill Elementary.

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PHOTOS: West Seattle sunset, after the fog

February 9, 2016 6:40 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Photo by James Bratsanos)

Thanks for the photos!

(Photo by Lynn Hall)

(Photo by John Bartell)

Along with those views of tonight’s colorful sunset, here’s a bonus view of how the day began:

(Photo by Joann Manke)

We appreciate the photos – editor@westseattleblog.com, or if it’s breaking news, text 206-293-6302 – we have a Flickr group, too!

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Myers Parcels in southeast West Seattle: Sale decision closer; comment deadline set

February 9, 2016 4:18 pm

| 18 COMMENTS

| Myers Way | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

The city has made its next move toward potentially selling off most of the undeveloped land in the southeasternmost corner of West Seattle that’s known as the Myers Parcels.

It’s circulating this document declaring almost one and a half million square feet as surplus – three parcels on both sides of Myers, as shown above – and asking for your thoughts on what to do with it. (There’s a page for each parcel/address – 9501 Myers here, 9600 Myers here, 9701 Myers here.)

This has been in the works for years; one year ago, we reported on a citizen campaign gearing up in hopes of saving at least part of the site as parkland. But the city says its departments have evaluated it and weren’t interested.

The site is part of a former gravel pit purchased by the city in 2003, with part of the land becoming the Joint Training Facility. A commercial sale for part of the leftover land fell through, but the parcels remain zoned for “C2” commercial development up to 6 stories. When we wrote last year’s update, the city told us it had millions of dollars left to pay off on the land via a “bridge loan”; since then, the mayor announced last November that $5 million from the sale of unspecified property at the site would go toward the city’s efforts to help people without homes. (That money was being advanced via a different type of loan to be paid off with sale proceeds.)

A sale would require City Council approval. And first, the city is asking for your thoughts on the property’s future. The notice suggests directing those comments to Daniel Bretzke at daniel.bretzke@seattle.gov or by postal mail at City of Seattle – FAS, P.O. Box 94689, Seattle 98124-4689.

P.S. Thanks to the reader who tipped us about this after receiving a notice from the city, which hadn’t been sent to media.

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FOLLOWUP: West Seattle Transportation Coalition has questions for you

February 9, 2016 2:14 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

In our coverage of the West Seattle Transportation Coalition‘s recent “call to action” meeting about Sound Transit light rail for West Seattle, we mentioned the group planned to put together a survey/poll with questions they hoped would be answered by as many West Seattleites as possible.

It’s ready now. First, WSTC explains it:

In November 2016, we will be asked to vote on “Sound Transit 3,” also called “ST3”. This vote will help shape the future of light rail to the peninsula. On December 4th, 2015, Sound Transit presented various options to the Sound Transit Board. In response, the WSTC sent (this) letter to the Sound Transit Board, the Mayor and City Council.

On January 28th, 2016, the WSTC held a Call to Action to gauge peninsula residents’ reactions to ST proposed ST3 expansion plans. West Seattle Blog coverage of the meeting can be found here.

The WSTC would like YOUR feedback on a survey to help us refine the position we should advocate for. We will be submitting the feedback to Sound Transit’s Board and other elected officials that govern Sound Transit.

Here’s the survey link: Answer the questions here. There’s some urgency, as ST will decide on its plan this spring, asking voters to approve paying for it in a ballot measure this November.

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YOU’RE INVITED! Chief Sealth students’ Page to Stage poetry performance

February 9, 2016 1:12 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Chief Sealth International High School language-arts teacher Heather Griffin shares the photo from this morning – featuring students rehearsing for a performance to which she tells us you’re invited, this Thursday night:

Ninth-grade students at Chief Sealth International High School are participating in the 16th Annual Page to Stage drama-based instruction conducted by Book-It Repertory Theatre. Students have been studying poetry in their Language Arts classes, and have used that work to create a final performance for you to see on Thursday, February 11th, at 7 p.m. We welcome the community to join us in this dynamic interpretation of student-written poems at the Chief Sealth International Auditorium.

Sealth is at 2600 SW Thistle.

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Sunrise Heights-born Squatch Crunch granola making West Seattle retail debut today

February 9, 2016 11:34 am

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Due to go on sale in West Seattle today: The first product of a “cottage industry” business born in a Sunrise Heights apartment.

(WSB photo, outside Squatch Crunch HQ on sunny Monday afternoon)

Mari Bingham and Patrick Kelly are making and selling a three-flavor handcrafted small-batch granola line called Squatch Crunch. Today, it’s due to debut on the shelves at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor).

It’s local through and through, not just because it’s made here and riffs the brand name off a regional icon. The proprietors, now West Seattleites who are partnered in life as well as business, are both local: She’s from Bainbridge, he’s from Juanita; both have family around the region.

The three mixes, all gluten-free and vegan, have regional names – Sodo, Montlake, and Palouse. And the highlighted ingredients include subtle callouts back to related sports teams – Sodo, blue and green (with blueberries, pistachios, and pepitas); Montlake, purple and gold (featuring blueberries, apricots, and pecans); Palouse, red and white (with cranberries, raspberries, and coconut chunks). You’ll find them in 12-ounce bags for starters, with other sizes and flavors likely to follow.

Mari’s been making granola at home for a decade. She has a tech background, and Patrick has studied meteorology (you might know him from weather-related discussions in WSB comment sections) They just cooked up the business idea around Thanksgiving, and it’s rapidly scaling – available first via a market in Greenwood and at Gatewood B&B (which is operated by Mari’s sister), now adding other outlets, starting with Thriftway. Local outlets, of course, they stress, with local sourcing/suppliers for as many ingredients and other components as possible, all the way down to the bags and labels.

You can follow their business on Facebook and Twitter at squatchcrunch.

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West Seattle Tuesday: Election Day, and more

February 9, 2016 9:58 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by James Bratsanos)

The fog is lifting, the sun’s emerging, and it’s time for a look ahead, via the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

LAST CHANCE TO VOTE ON SCHOOL LEVIES: It’s Election Day, which means “last chance to vote day.” Two Seattle Public Schools levies are on the ballot for this “special election,” and you can turn in your ballot without a stamp if you drop it at one of the vans that’ll be in our area 10 am-8 pm – West Seattle Stadium (4432 35th SW) or Greenbridge Library (9720 8th SW):

(Added 1:14 pm – WSB photo of Joe and Mary at Greenbridge van, which had 49 ballots by noon:)

Otherwise, mail it but be sure it’ll be postmarked today, and be sure it has a stamp.

CRAWFISH FOR FAT TUESDAY: As previewed here on Monday, Circa in The Admiral District plans a crawfish boil “out back” noon-5 pm. (2605 California SW)

DREAM DINNERS OPEN HOUSE: The open house involves a deal for new Dream Dinners (WSB sponsor) customers – book one of three sessions to assemble your dinners – 4:30 pm, 5:45 pm, 7 pm – go here to see for the booking links. (4701 41st SW)

(Photo by Don Brubeck)

ENDOLYNE TRIANGLE MEETING: 6 pm in the large conference room at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, come hear from SDOT about traffic changes proposed for the Endolyne Triangle area by Fauntleroy’s business district. (9131 California SW)

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Right after that meeting, around 7 pm, it’s the FCA’s regular board meeting, also at the schoolhouse, with agenda items including planning for next month’s membership meeting/Food Fest. (9131 California SW)

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Meet the new leadership during tonight’s meeting, 7 pm at The Sanctuary at Admiral. (42nd SW/SW Lander)

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Postseason game tonight at Chief Sealth International High School, with the CSIHS boys hosting Roosevelt at 7 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)

WEST SEATTLE CROCHET AND KNIT CIRCLE: 7 pm at Uptown Espresso in The Junction, all welcome, regardless of skill level. (California/Edmunds/Erskine)

TUESDAY TRIVIA: Tonight at 8 pm, show what you know during trivia time at Parliament Tavern in The Admiral District. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

SINGER/SONGWRITER NIGHT: 9 pm at Shadowland in The Junction. (California SW/SW Oregon)

SEE IT ALL … today’s complete lineup, and days/weeks/months into the future, here.

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Reader reports: Suspicious ‘solicitor’; attempted break-in

February 9, 2016 9:04 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| Crime | Door-to-door alert | West Seattle news

Two reader reports this morning, both from neighbors wondering if anyone else had similar incidents/sightings:

SUSPICIOUS ‘SOLICITOR’: From Tina this morning:

I woke up to someone walking through my yard to my back door and knocking ever so lightly. When I came to the door and asked what he wanted (through the door) he looked around and asked if I needed any additional fencing or landscaping. He said he lived on my street (37th, near Fauntleroy) and was a “good handyman”. Unless he is new, I don’t recognize this man. He said he would leave his card – he didn’t leave anything. He was a white male, short light brown hair, around 5’10” who arrived on a bike (left at the front steps), visible tattoos on front of his neck – just above his shirt collar. He clearly saw the car in the drive and still knocked. Please be vigilant if you see anyone in your neighbor’s yard. Also, has anyone else seen or heard from this person?

ATTEMPTED BREAK-IN: From Cait:

Sunday morning around 4:45 am we had someone attempt to kick in our garage door in North Shorewood (104th between 25th and 26th)– five heavy kicks to the door and pry marks on the door jam. VERY loud. My husband got up to see the person pass in front of our window and into our side yard but was not able to see him clearly. The person stayed out of our line of sight for a while, either talking to himself or on the phone in our side yard, again talking loudly. He was saying “I’m sorry” and “I don’t know where I am”. We were able to see him pass in front of our window again – but only saw him from the back, about 5’8”, medium build, jeans and a black sweatshirt. No other description available. Police were not able to find anyone in the area upon search. He did not attempt to break into our cars parked in front of the house. We think this may be someone casing properties – we have two large dogs, the largest of which is out of the house at the moment. But our other dog barking did not deter him. Wondering if anyone else in the area might have heard this incident as well.

P.S. The next crime/safety meeting will be this month’s West Seattle Crime Prevention Council gathering, one week from tonight – Tuesday, February 16th, 7 pm, Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster).

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday watch; crash near Fauntleroy bridge entrance

February 9, 2016 6:34 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:34 AM: Good morning! No incidents in, or from, West Seattle so far.

NIGHTTIME TRAFFIC ALERT: As reported here last night, work on the Fauntleroy/Alaska has resumed, and a block of Fauntleroy was closed overnight. We’ll update later today when we hear back from the project team regarding what’s next.

TONIGHT – TALK WITH SDOT ABOUT THE ENDOLYNE TRIANGLE: 6 pm tonight in the large conference room at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), the Fauntleroy Community Association presents a community meeting with SDOT about proposed traffic changes in the Endolyne Triangle.

7:20 AM: Texter reports a crash at the Fauntleroy entrance to the bridge, with scattered debris, no emergency personnel on scene yet. We’re heading over to look.

7:34 AM: SDOT has since confirmed the crash. Fauntleroy is slow going even before you get to Alaska, so if you’re leaving any time soon, you might consider waiting.

8:04 AM: As you can see in the fourth camera view above, the crashed car is still there.

8:15 AM: And SDOT reports it’s cleared; the camera view shows the damaged vehicle is indeed now gone.

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