West Seattle, Washington
14 Thursday
That’s the winning art chosen for this year’s West Seattle Garden Tour poster. Here’s the announcement from tour organizers:
The West Seattle Garden Tour received nearly 30 art submissions in response to this year’s artist competition. We are pleased to announce West Seattle artist Cynthia Turner as the winner for her piece entitled “Wild, Wild Flowers.” Her original artwork using a medium of cut paper, gel medium, acrylic on canvas board, will be auctioned on the day of the tour (July 17) to benefit WSGT’s 2016 designated beneficiaries. Cynthia’s art work along with several other ‘honorable mentions’ will also be on display during the June 2016 West Seattle Art Walk.
From Turner’s artist statement: “Using my personal ethos of using mostly up-cycled and re-purposed materials, as well working within the West Seattle Garden Tour’s theme of ‘The Art of Gardening,’ I set out to make a piece that was slightly mid-century in feel, using paper that I found or already had on hand. With this piece, I tried to create a feeling of a wild garden that was designed by nature and happenstance, yet is also clean and graphic.” Read more about Turner and her work here; find out more about this year’s tour here.
The city’s moving toward a new proposal for dogs in Seattle parks – and this Thursday night, the Seattle Parks Board of Commissioners will hear how Parks leadership is leaning.
That briefing document prepared for the Parks Board hints at what might be in the proposed People, Dogs, and Parks Strategic Plan, due out soon for public comment. It’s been a subject of discussion in several community meetings we’ve covered recently, starting with the Delridge District Council‘s meeting last November.
For one, the document says Superintendent Jesús Aguirre is NOT expected to call for “unfenced, (certain) hours-only” offleash periods in parks. It also says he’ll recommend limiting the number of dogs that can be brought to a park to three per person. And he’ll recommend that development of additional off-leash areas go “through regular new park development and/or existing park redevelopment processes.”
One more note from the briefing paper: “Beginning this month, there will be a two-person team, one Animal Control staff and one Parks and
Recreation staff, patrolling parks with the sole purpose of enforcing leash and scoop laws.”
The draft plan is now expected to be made public next month, with public meetings in April and May, and a final plan in June. Meantime, the board meeting this Thursday starts at 6:30 pm at Parks HQ downtown (100 Dexter Ave. N.).
ORIGINAL REPORT, 12:47 PM TUESDAY: Just in from WSDOT – it’s “conditionally lifted” the suspension order for its Highway 99 tunnel contractor, and the tunneling machine is digging again. Here’s the announcement:
Seattle Tunnel Partners has received conditional permission to resume tunneling operations on the SR 99 Tunnel Project. STP resumed mining today after WSDOT conditionally lifted the “suspension for cause” that halted mining and barging-related activities last month following two safety incidents.
As part of the conditions for lifting the suspension for cause, STP will be permitted to tunnel forward and install approximately 25 concrete tunnel rings. During this time, they must demonstrate that they have implemented a number of changes to ensure they can safely continue mining. These changes include:
Updated tunnel work and quality plans, including calculations of the amount of soil removed during excavation of each tunnel ring.
Realignment of key personnel within their quality assurance program.
New quality assurance protocols.
New personnel at key positions within the tunneling operation.
Restructured daily tunneling meetings that include additional participants and protocols.WSDOT made the decision to conditionally lift the suspension for cause after its team of tunneling experts evaluated documentation submitted by STP over the past several weeks. While mining can resume, barging activities are still restricted pending submittal of additional documentation.
(Photo by Andi Szilagyi)
11:20 AM: Avoid California/Alaska – a jackknifed truck is blocking most of the intersection. No injuries. Police have arrived to direct traffic.
11:24 UPDATE: The camera view now shows the truck has moved a bit and is now blocking one northbound lane, north of the intersection.
11:36 AM: A tow truck has just arrived.
11:44 AM: Scratch that – it’s actually Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, which will be taking a report, and is hoping to get the truck moved further along within the next quarter-hour or so:
(Photo by Dan Ciske)
Thanks to everyone who sent photos of this morning’s beautiful moonset – the “Snow Moon” that rose right after sunset last night went down right around sunrise today; we’re featuring four views (remember, you can click a photo to open a larger view in “lightbox” mode). Should be another gorgeous moonrise tonight – just after 7 pm, according to the WSB West Seattle Weather page. Here’s what else is ahead tonight:
CHIEF SEALTH IHS SHOWCASE: 6-7 pm, as previewed here last weekend. All welcome as Chief Sealth International High School showcases its programs, both academics and athletics. (2600 SW Thistle)
BLACK HISTORY MONTH DINNER: Right across the street from the school, the CSIHS Black Student Union is presenting an all-community Black History Month dinner at Southwest Teen Life Center tonight, 6-7:30 pm. Details here. (2801 SW Thistle)
(Photo by John Kalinoski)
CRIME, SAFETY, TRANSPARENCY: Southwest Precinct police will brief the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network at 6:30 tonight about the latest crime/safety concerns around the peninsula – and WSBWCN leaders have booked a special guest: SPD’s new director of transparency and privacy, Mary Perry. All welcome – you don’t have to be part of a Block Watch to attend. (2300 SW Webster)
(Photo by Lynn Hall)
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HOUSING LEVY? Later this year, you’ll be asked to vote on an expanded Seattle Housing Levy that the mayor says is a key part of this year’s work to alleviate the housing-affordability crisis. Hours after he went public with his first proposal, it was discussed at a meeting in West Seattle – where participants asked city reps to come back for a longer discussion/briefing. Tonight’s the night. If you have comments/questions, the place to be is the Senior Center of West Seattle, 6:30-8 pm. (California SW/SW Oregon)
(Photo by Chris Frankovich)
WEST SEATTLE CROCHET AND KNIT CIRCLE: Don’t just sit home with your yarn … bring it to Uptown Espresso in The Junction for this weekly meetup, open to all, regardless of skill level. Starts at 7 pm. (California/Erskine/Edmunds)
MORE NIGHTLIFE: Music, trivia, karaoke – see the times/places on our complete calendar.
For years, West Seattle families whose children qualify for the district’s top-level advanced-learning program, APP, had to send them off-peninsula to be part of that program, as it was only delivered at non-West Seattle schools. Then last year, Fairmount Park Elementary opened, and included what the district now calls the Highly Capable Cohort. Next year, Madison Middle School will serve HCC students, expanding this into a local “pathway,” and this Thursday night is a chance for local families to learn more about it. In case you haven’t already heard about it via school or via our calendar:
Thursday, February 25th, 7-8:30 pm
Next year Madison Middle School will become an HCC (Highly Capable Cohort formerly known as APP) pathway option school, an exciting next step in West Seattle’s advanced learning options that began with the opening of Fairmount Park Elementary last year.
This event provides an opportunity to learn more about the new middle school pathway in West Seattle and the preparations underway for its successful launch in the fall. Topics include course offerings, class structure, and the options following middle school, along with any questions you may have. Speakers will include representatives from the Advanced Learning Office, Madison administration and faculty, and both West Seattle High School and Chief Sealth International High School.
Madison is at 3429 45th SW.
(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:34 AM: No traffic incidents in/from West Seattle so far. It’s clear and chilly, though, and if you have a vehicle parked outdoors, you might have to scrape your windshield.
7:06 AM: Note for tonight – Seattle Sounders FC home game (vs. Club America), 7 pm, so even if you’re not going to the game, be aware the stadium zone in SODO will be busy.
8:01 AM: SDOT has fixed what is usually the fourth camera in our traffic-watch stack above – the view of the Fauntleroy approach to the bridge. If your view is still stuck on February 19th, try refreshing – we’ve doublechecked and it should now be showing a current (and busy!) view.
MIDNIGHT: Via scanner: Police are checking out multiple reports of possible gunshots heard in North Delridge. They haven’t found any evidence of gunfire yet (shell casings or property damage). If you heard them but hadn’t called 911, please do, because that helps them zero in on what might have happened and where.
12:41 AM: Still no indication any evidence was found. If you spot anything in the morning, call it in.
TRENDS: Last week’s SPD SeaStat citywide briefing slide deck included a map of where gunfire was confirmed in the previous four weeks. It shows five incidents in the SW Precinct – including South Park – between January 19th and February 15th. (That cutoff date was just before last week’s two incidents in Highland Park, outside the 7-11 on February 16th and outside a house in the 7900 block of 16th SW on February 18th.)
Thanks to Alki photographer David Hutchinson for the view of tonight’s “Snow Moon” full-moonrise, looking east to downtown, from Duwamish Head in West Seattle. Might be a nice morning moonset, a few minutes before ~7 am sunrise, per the chart you can find any time on the WSB West Seattle Weather page.
(From draft Seattle 2035 Comprehensive Plan)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Will Seattle finally ask voters in White Center and the rest of still-unincorporated North Highline to let themselves be annexed?
The answer to that question now rests with the fate of a bill making its way through the Legislature, approved by the State Senate in late January, heard in a State House committee last Friday, and headed for an executive-session discussion in another committee this Wednesday: SSB 5964.
It boosts the amount of state sales tax that can be diverted to the city to cover the cost of annexing (read the full text here).
An update on the bill was part of a briefing the Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council received from the city’s longtime point person on annexation, Kenny Pittman. He spoke during WWRHAH’s February meeting, which was focused on the status of the Westwood-Highland Park Residential Urban Village and how neighboring White Center might play into it if annexation happens.
While the city waits to see if the bill gets final legislative approval this year, the annexation proposal is on hold with the King County Boundary Review Board, which would have to give its blessing before the proposal could go before voters, as would the Seattle City Council, which has had major turnover – four of its nine members – since giving approval to an early step in the process last summer.
With the city updating its Comprehensive Plan now, via the Seattle 2035 process, WWRHAH is not content to just let this all play out and then wonder how Westwood and White Center might become part of some sort of coherent planning process later. So this month’s discussion was intended as something of a jump-start. WWRHAH, explained co-chair Amanda Kay Helmick, wants to create a joint plan that includes White Center: “Something for people to vote on!”
That underscore: If there’s a chance White Center and vicinity might become part of Seattle within a few years, why wouldn’t planning already be under way, since the city is close to launching its vision for the next 20 years?
The answer seemed to be, in part, that the planning still might be inadequate on this side of the city/county line.
(Photo courtesy Alice Britt)
New this spring: The first-ever Westside Plant and Garden Art Extravaganza! Just out of the WSB inbox, here’s the announcement:
West Seattle garden-related merchants, clubs, & other organizations are invited to be part of the Westside Plant & Garden Art Extravaganza.
The event, sponsored by the Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation, will be held on Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1, 2016, and will feature:
*perennial, vegetable, herb & berry plants perfect for NW gardens,
*garden art created by local artists,
*advice from local garden experts,
*information on sustainable gardening practices & ways of sharing our garden bounty with those in need.
*representatives from local garden-related community organizations, businesses, & clubsThis event promises to be an enjoyable opportunity for gardening enthusiasts as well a terrific way for local merchants and organizations to promote their products, activities, services and upcoming events. Displays, brochures and portfolios, as well as live or digital demonstrations are encouraged. All participants will also be showcased on the Garden Extravaganza website, soon to be published.
Booths/tables are available both inside and outside for either one or both days. There is no charge for businesses or organizations providing information only; however, there is a $75 booth fee for artists who wish to sell their work at the event.
To secure a booth/table at the the event, please contact Alice Britt at alicebritt@comcast.net as soon as possible. Space will be allocated on a first-come basis.
WSUU is at 7141 California SW.
If this isn’t already on your calendar (it’s on ours!): This Wednesday night (February 24th), the Seattle Symphony performs a free community concert at Chief Sealth International High School‘s auditorium – and you can see the Sealth and West Seattle High School orchestras too! CSIHS’s orchestra performs at 6:15 pm, WSHS at 6:30, and the Seattle Symphony at 7, featuring a side-by-side performance with the West Seattle Community Orchestra on “Finlandia” by Sibelius. Again, everybody’s invited, no admission charge; the Denny-Sealth Performing Arts support group plans a benefit bake sale in the lobby. CSIHS is at 2600 SW Thistle.
If you’re not in line yourself by then – you’ll see one at Easy Street Records starting at 5 this Friday night, because of this:
This Friday, 6pm, @macklemore @RyanLewis signing @EasyStRecords! First 100 to preorder new album guaranteed entry! https://t.co/N6Mmkey374
— Easy Street Records (@EasyStRecords) February 22, 2016
The WSB archives remind us that Macklemore and Ryan Lewis drew a crowd for a signing at ESR in 2011, more than a year before their huge hit “Thrift Shop”:
(WSB photo, April 2011)
Friday is the official release date for the new album “This Unruly Mess I’ve Made.” More on the ESR website.
The question came in via the WSB Forums as well as via e-mail: Why were trees planted, and then removed, at the city-owned triangle in North Admiral that recently served as the temporary location of Fire Station 29?
(WSB photo from late Sunday afternoon)
Here’s what we’ve found out: SDOT urban foresters chose and planted the trees without knowing a key part of the site’s backstory – what was discussed with neighbors last year about the site’s future, after a last-minute city turnabout put the temporary station there in the first place.
SDOT’s Shane Dewald responded to our inquiry today:
Seattle Department of Transportation Urban Forestry staff are so often asked to plant more conifers in the street ROW. We strive to do so when we have adequate space to accommodate them in a manner that is compatible with public safety standards for sight distance. The California/ Hill / Ferry site appeared to be well suited for conifers, which were planted based on species selection and placement by a Forester for my office – before he or I were aware of the strong community interest in the use of this site as open space, or the extent of outreach that had conducted before the recent temporary use as a fire station (including the proposed layout of new trees in the plan that I have attached to this message).
SDOT was immediately contacted and we met on site with a neighbor representing the community interests and aware that the conifers were not compatible with the use of the site. We understood from our meeting that the conifers should be removed and replaced with deciduous trees for consistency with the restoration plan discussed during an outreach effort by FAS prior to the temporary use for fire station 29. Though SDOT asked if there might be a possibility that one of the conifers could remain, we were asked to find a new location for them all.
So what’s next for the restoration? Dewald says SDOT wondered about fruit-bearing trees, but the neighborhood wants to see “non-fruit bearing deciduous street trees … for minimum maintenance and optimum compatibility with the community use of the site.” They have a “hybrid variety of Tupelo” available, “tolerant of urban conditions, has relatively small leaves with an open growth habit that allows sun to filter through etc. If this tree sounds like a good option, I expect the installation of the new trees can be done as early as this Thursday!” But – given what’s happened so far – they’re checking with the neighborhood spokesperson first.
Today we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor, My Three Little Birds in Morgan Junction! New local sponsors are invited to explain what they’re all about – so here’s what My Three Little Birds would like you to know:
My Three Little Birds is a high-quality resale boutique that has an eye for fashion-forward kids’ clothing, local artists and designers, handmade goods, and unique toys from all over the globe, that everyone can afford. They opened in West Seattle’s Morgan Junction in April of 2014, after owner and local mom Jennifer Young was inspired by her three young daughters to create a beautiful and well-organized space where families can shop comfortably, kids can play freely, and the community can come together.
As their anniversary approaches, My Three Little Birds is growing up and looking to expand, by launching what they believe to be Seattle’s first online resale store catering to upscale children’s clothing, toys, and accessories. They are working in conjunction with Community Sourced Capital, a local company that helps established small businesses expand and grow. It is a unique type of crowdfunding, in that all donors are reimbursed for 100% of their contribution. All supporters can look forward to the thank-you party if this campaign is successful! The minimum target for the My Three Little Birds Campaign is $8,000, and they have a long way to go to reach their maximum of $15,000. If you wish to help fund and support this small business in the fast-growing community we live in, please go here for more information.
What has been most amazing about My Three Little Birds‘ 2 years as a part of the West Seattle retail community is how they have been able to impact their neighborhood in new and exciting ways each year, one connection at a time. Active with the Morgan Community Association, they have sponsored the kids’ area at the Morgan Junction Festival for the last 2 years, and will be there again this summer. They have also enjoyed sponsoring the Harvest Festival and 4th of July Kids’ Parade. An active member of a local group of small-businesswomen aptly named “Ladies Who Do Business,” Jennifer enjoys sharing ideas with other local businesswomen and offering support where she can. The play area has been an ideal location for their Spanish Song and Story Times, Costume Swaps, Kindermusik, Craft Days, Santa Photos, and more. The quarterly Ladies Night Extravaganzas have created a fun following of local women looking for a much-needed night out filled with shopping and mingling with friends.
My Three Little Birds is at 6959 California SW, 206-946-6591, and online at mythreelittlebirds.net. Their message in closing: “Thank you to our family, friends, co-workers, and customers for your continued love and support for our store and our family. We are grateful for all you have done to help this little business along the way. We love West Seattle and are honored to be sponsoring the West Seattle Blog.”
We thank My Three Little Birds for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
(Rendering by architecture firm Ryan Rhodes Designs)
When we mentioned earlier this month that the “streamlined design review” comment period had opened for four 2-townhouse buidings at 9043 18th SW [map], there was one glitch – the design packet hadn’t been posted online, so anyone interested in commenting couldn’t see it for themselves. We contacted the project’s assigned city planner, Magda Hogness, to ask if that would be fixed; she replied to say it’s there now, and because of the delay, the comment period has been extended a week (that would make the deadline March 3rd). You can see the packet on the city website by going here. “Streamlined” means no public meeting, so this is your one chance to have a say. The project has eight parking spaces along an alley behind the buildings instead of built into the three-story townhouses themselves. It’s going onto a site comprised of two lots, one vacant, one with an old house set for demolition (if it hasn’t been torn down already). To comment, e-mail magda.hogness@seattle.gov and include the city’s project number in the subject line – #3020870.
(Photo by Jon Shields, taken from Duwamish Head)
Welcome to the first day of the last full week of February! Highlights for today/tonight:
TEEN ARTISTS IN ACTION: 4-5:30 pm, the new art club resumes at Southwest Library, working today with chalk. More here. (35th SW/SW Henderson)
‘SNOW MOON’: That’s the official name for tonight’s full moon, and it rises at 6:01 pm:
(Photo of the weekend’s almost-full moon, by Greg Snyder)
You can get the moonrise/moonset and sunrise/sunset times any time on the WSB West Seattle Weather page, by the way.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST GAME LEAGUE: 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor) – just show up and play, as explained here. (3727 California SW)
FAMILY STORY TIME: 6:30-7 pm at High Point Library, kids of all ages are welcome for this free half-hour of stories, songs, and rhymes. (35th SW/SW Raymond)
MONDAY TRIVIA: 7:30 pm at The Skylark, free and all ages, prizes – “an audio round, a picture round, three themed rounds and a random round with questions from several different categories.” (3803 Delridge Way SW)
PUB QUIZ: 8-10 pm at Shadowland in The Junction. (California SW/SW Oregon)
LOOK INTO THE FUTURE … via our complete calendar.
(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:03 AM: Good morning! We start with an alert for sometime today, at 15th and Holden in Highland Park:
Traffic on SW Holden Street near the intersection of 15th Avenue SW and SW Holden Street may be impacted for up to an hour on Monday, Feb. 22, while the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) conducts electrical work to activate the newly installed pedestrian crossing signals at the intersection. Seattle Police will be present at the work zone to maintain two-way traffic during this work, which will take place between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pedestrian and bicycle access will remain open.
As the full alert on the city website notes, this is part of the Delridge-Highland Park Neighborhood Greenway project. Its website also notes work starting this week on a stairway along the route, and includes progress reports and photos from other spots.
WATER TAXI FYI: If you’re interested in previewing this year’s spring/summer schedule, which takes effect in early April, it’s now posted on the Water Taxi website.
Out of the WSB inbox, from Josie:
I just wanted to report that my electric bike (IZIP) was stolen from outside my apartment building on Alki (it was locked up) this weekend (3000 block of 60th Ave. SW). It’s cream-colored and looks unique because it’s an electric bike (it has a motor). Here’s what it looks like.
If you see it, call police.
NEXT CRIME/SAFETY MEETING: Another reminder that the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meets Tuesday, 6:30 pm at the precinct (2300 SW Webster), and it’s your next chance to hear from and bring neighborhood concerns to local police leadership. Plus, SPD’s new director of transparency and privacy will be the special guest.
(Photo courtesy Bureau of Fearless Ideas)
It’s a world now where many if not most of us write more than we speak. That makes writing skills more valuable than ever – so if you can help local students improve theirs, this is for you:
The Greater Seattle Bureau of Fearless Ideas is the world-famous, volunteer-powered, Greenwood-based nonprofit writing and tutoring center that’s been serving kids across the Puget Sound area for the past decade. Our next mission: establishing a satellite bureau in White Center — a move that has us looking to build our volunteer ranks in the West Seattle and White Center areas. This winter and spring bring a number of volunteer opportunities at West Seattle schools, with bureau agents conducting writing workshops with students at Big Picture Middle School, Denny International Middle School, and Chief Sealth International High School. Have a few hours a week for 6-8 weeks to help the younger generation become better writers and communicators? Email David Schmader at david@fearlessideas.org. (And check out all things bureau-related at fearlessideas.org.)
Thanks to Lynn Ogdon-Perrine for the update on the Chief Sealth International High School wrestlers who went to the state tournament in Tacoma this weekend: Daron Camacho (left) placed third in the 195 class, Joe Kereti (right) placed eighth in the 220 class. With them in the photo (by Buiford Martin) is Coach Maurice Dolberry. Full results are here.
While on the other side of the bay earlier this afternoon, we detoured to Ballard for a look at the city’s first of two “safe lots” for people living in RVs or other vehicles, since the other one is set for our area.
It opened this past Friday at 24th NW and Shilshole, north of the old Yankee Diner restaurant, east of a shipyard. Like the future “safe lot” in Highland Park (W. Marginal Way SW and Highland Park Way), it is ringed in canvas-covered fencing. A padlocked chain held the fencing closed on the south side, off a parking lot that’s not part of the “safe lot.”
Four RVs were visible; the lot is supposed to be able to hold at least 30. Two portable toilets were in view on the east side of the lot, along with two tents (regional-media coverage says one is a kitchen tent). No one was in view outside the RVs or anywhere else when we looked around the periphery, so there was no one to ask about how things are going.
Last projected opening date for the Highland Park lot, with room for about a dozen RVs, is still at least about two weeks away, per discussion at last Wednesday’s Delridge District Council meeting. We went by the HP site again at midday today; nothing changed except that the fallen-down fence has been picked up and bolstered with sandbags.
After two reports about this, we’re wondering if it’s happening anywhere else – first DG reported that on Friday, along California SW in Gatewood, they “came home to nails placed at the end of our driveway. They appear purposely placed there, and luckily we saw it before we entered the driveway. They were on the left side (right where the tire would drive in on the left side).” We don’t know their block number, but then today, also from Gatewood, Heather e-mailed to say, “I’ve been finding piles of big tacks/nails scattered in the alley that runs parallel to California between maybe Elmgrove and Rose. Who knows if it’s an accident or malicious, but they’re new and shiny and easy to see. I thought maybe drivers and dog-walkers should be warned.”
| 7 COMMENTS