West Seattle, Washington

15 Friday

42℉

month : 03/2016 320 results

West Seattle development notes, from Admiral to Westwood
March 29, 2016 4:14 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

Four West Seattle development notes this afternoon:

MORE EARLY DETAILS ON PCC-SITE PROPOSAL: When we most recently reported on the early-stage plan for 2749 California SW – current site of the PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor) West Seattle store, purchased by Madison Development Group a year ago – little information was available. But a new document in city files has a few more tentative details: According to the “pre-submittal” form, the proposal is currently envisioned for 92 residential units, 145 parking spaces, and 24,000 square feet that are described as “grocery/retail.” Will that be PCC? When we last checked with Madison, they did not have a tenant signed; PCC told us they expected to be in West Seattle for a long time, whether at this location or elsewhere, but had nothing to say yet either. Stay tuned for updates.

AEGIS LIVING PROJECT UPDATE: Also in Admiral – the land-use permit for the Aegis Living project at 4700 SW Admiral Way cleared a major hurdle this week, with the key decision detailed here. We checked today with Aegis regarding its plans for demolition of the three-years-empty former Life Care Center; spokesperson Charlotte Starck says they are expecting the demolition permit in June. As reported in our coverage of this month’s Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting, police say the property is now part of a trespassing-crackdown program that gives SPD the ability to boot people found there. Meantime, this week’s approval opens a period for appeals – deadline is April 11th; this city page explains how to file one.

4528 44TH SW COMMUNITY MEETING: We stopped by the Senior Center of West Seattle on Monday evening to ask a few questions at the project team’s “drop-in community meeting,” part of the community outreach they needed to do while the permit’s being finalized for the 6-story, ~58-unit building. Toplines: They’re expecting to get started around the end of April. The work shouldn’t affect the alley behind nearby businesses, except when they’re getting deliveries, which they will try to schedule to avoid conflicts. Their staging area should be limited to the paid-parking lot closest to the building’s south side, steering clear of the Wells Fargo lot south of that.

4 PROJECTS UPCOMING AT DESIGN REVIEW: The Southwest Design Review Board hasn’t met this month because the city hasn’t scheduled any projects for review. Starting next week, that changes. We reported two weeks ago about the project reviews scheduled for 6058 35th SW (6:30 pm April 7th) and 1606 California SW (6:30 pm April 21st). Now a second review has been added for April 21st – at 8 pm, the board will have its third Early Design Guidance review for six-story, 84-unit 4532 42nd SW, which you might recall is the site where a big tree was cut after the last review, despite the board’s interest in seeing it remain. And a May 5th review is scheduled (6:30 pm) for a proposed 40-apartment building at 9030 35th SW in Westwood, coming back to the SWDRB eight years after its first review.

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West Seattle 5K 2016: Discount deadline days away
March 29, 2016 1:50 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle 5K 2016: Discount deadline days away
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Pets, kids, everyone welcome! WSB photo from 2015 West Seattle 5K)

Today’s sunshine is a reminder that this year’s big spring/summer events are getting closer all the time – including the eighth annual West Seattle 5K, the season-opening run/walk on Alki, coming up May 22nd. Race director Jeff Mensing sends a reminder that the early-registration-discount deadline is this Thursday night (March 31st), so if you’re thinking about taking part this year, you might as well sign up now. Not only do you get a discount – you’ll also be registered to win a pair of running shoes. Race proceeds support West Seattle High School students and staff; we’re among the race sponsors again this year. You can sign up right here, right now.

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Sound Transit 3, Metro long-range plan @ West Seattle Transportation Coalition
March 29, 2016 11:28 am
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(ST3 draft-plan map section with proposed West Seattle light rail)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Today – five days after the draft Sound Transit 3 plan went public – the monthlong comment period officially begins.

That will include a community meeting at 5:30 pm April 26th at West Seattle High School, it’s just been confirmed.

And more information is being added today – fleshing out what was outlined last Thursday – to the official Sound Transit 3 website.

Of course, commenting informally started the moment the plan was circulated that afternoon.

Hours after the announcement downtown, it was a hot topic at the March meeting of the West Seattle Transportation Coalition – though not until about two hours in – and while group members had opinions, the question of an official position wasn’t settled. (The agenda also included the Metro Long-Range Plan – more on that in the second half of this report.)

Read More

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Ferry food’s about to change: New concessionaire chosen
March 29, 2016 11:12 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Washington State Ferries is changing concessionaires for its food and beverages, including on-board galley service. Eight firms made proposals; Connecticut-based Centerplate was chosen. WSF’s announcement says features of the new contract include:

·Consistent hours of service across the system, with additional service in the San Juan Islands.

·Creative, fresh and healthful product offerings, including local brands such as Hempler’s beef and ham, Uli’s sausage, Beecher’s cheese, and Stimson Estate Cellars wine.

·Creative concepts for using existing spaces, such as opening additional coffee and beer kiosks on the Jumbo Mark II class ferries.

·Promotions and incentives, such as commuter-reward programs.

Centerplate also provides concessions at Safeco Field and Tacoma Dome, WSF’s announcement notes. The transition from current concessionaires is expected to be completed by mid-June.

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West Seattle Tuesday: Food, music, yarn…
March 29, 2016 10:03 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Tuesday: Food, music, yarn…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

frankovichsunset
(Monday sunset, by Chris Frankovich)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

DREAM DINNERS FREEZER SALE: This is one of two times a year when you can stop by Dream Dinners-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) and pick up pre-assembled entrees, sides, desserts, etc. Today’s day 1, 4:30-7 pm – details in our listing. DD is on the street-level eastern exterior of Jefferson Square. (4701 41st SW, Suite 110)

BILLY JOE AND THE RC’S: Live at Parliament Tavern, no cover, 7-9 pm. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

YARN FANS, UNITE: The West Seattle Crochet and Knit Circle welcomes all, 7-9 pm at Uptown Espresso in The Junction. (California/Edmunds/Erskine)

SINGER-SONGWRITER SHOWCASE: Weekly showcase at Shadowland in The Junction, 9-11 pm. (4458 California SW)

LOOK INTO THE FUTURE … with a quick trip to see our complete calendar.

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West Seattle wildlife: Owl attack on Harbor Avenue
March 29, 2016 9:00 am
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

It’s been years since our last reader report about an owl attack. This morning, Rose e-mailed this report of what happened while she jogged along Harbor Avenue:

On my run this morning at about 5:20 am on Harbor Ave SW just a bit south of the 7-11 [map] I was attacked by an owl. It is literally that one stretch of Harbor that if you scream no one hears you!

It clawed my head and it looked like it was considering another swipe.

I run that stretch of road every day and have never seen an owl there. So I want folks to be alert that one was there this morning.

ps – it did break my skin and there was a little blood but I am okay. and I was able to finish my run.

Our archived reports include encounters on Bonair in 2010 and in 2011, and, later in 2011, in Lincoln Park. And web searches reveal more than a few reports from elsewhere in the city. The state’s “Living With Wildlife” one-sheet about owls offers explanation as well as advice.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday updates
March 29, 2016 6:16 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday updates
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

6:16 AM: Good morning – no incidents so far in/from West Seattle and vicinity. As noted yesterday, it’s spring-break week for some private schools (primarily faith-based).

8:26 AM: Work has started on the Avalon/Yancy/30th Safety Project. We just went past; 30th is closed at Avalon – no effect on Avalon so far, though.

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BASEBALL: West Seattle HS undefeated in league play, now selling M’s tickets as fundraiser
March 28, 2016 11:56 pm
|    Comments Off on BASEBALL: West Seattle HS undefeated in league play, now selling M’s tickets as fundraiser
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports
Carson Wright

Carson Wright

West Seattle High School‘s varsity baseball team is undefeated in league play, reports Caryn Johnson, after today’s 4-2 win over Nathan Hale HS:

It was a beautiful afternoon for baseball. The Wildcats hosted the Raiders of Nathan Hale at Hiawatha. Starting pitcher for West Seattle was junior #17, Carson Wright [photo above]. He pitched 5 strong innings and had a great defense backing him up all the way through the game. He got into a bind in the bottom of the 2nd inning, but the Wildcats turned a nice double play to end the inning, not allowing any runs to come across. Carson would go on to strike out 2 and only give up 2 runs. Sophomore Anthony Coats would come in to close the game and pitched two innings of shut-out baseball.

West Seattle didn’t have as many hits as Hale, but they all came at key moments. They played “small ball” to manufacture enough runs to top Hale. Anthony Coats led the team with two hits and two RBI’s. Nathan Villegas and Nathan Johnson also contributed to the score with one RBI each.

Also remember that the West Seattle High School baseball team is selling Mariners tickets as a fundraiser to the June 28th Mariners vs Pirates game. Email – wshsmarinerstickets@gmail.com to purchase and help support the team. Selling tickets also qualifies the team to continue participating in the High School Baseball Classic at Safeco Field. More details on this upcoming game to come.

Meanwhile, the Wildcats next play Eastside Catholic, at EC, 3:30 pm Wednesday.

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BIZNOTE: Kathy’s Studio of Dance closing; West Seattle Performing Arts taking over
March 28, 2016 8:09 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

kathy

A local icon is retiring, and closing her business – the namesake and proprietor of Kathy’s Studio of Dance in The Junction. For more than 30 years, young West Seattleites have taken dance lessons and performed at the studio (4217 SW Edmunds) led by Kathryn Lahey, aka “Miss Kathy.” Since getting a tip about her announcement, we’ve spoken with her a couple of times, and she thought the best way to report would be to share the letter she sent to families:

It is with a very heavy heart and much sadness that I announce that after 39 years I will be retiring and closing Kathy’s Studio of Dance. After our Recital in June, the studio will close. This was a very difficult decision for me to make but the dance world is changing and I am no longer up for the challenge. I started my studio with the idea that anyone should be able to dance – no matter their size, talent or ability to pay. I wanted a professional studio that taught children and adults of all ages- structure, discipline and team work. This was how all the dance studios were back when I started 39 years ago. This worked for many years but times have changed and I need to leave the education of dance to those who are young, fresh and are able to change with the new dance world.

I am happy to announce that a new dance school will be opening in our place. I did not want to leave my dancers, teachers or staff without a possible place to continue their love for dance. Mrs.Christine Juarez will be opening her school WEST SEATTLE PERFORMING ARTS here in our location after we finish our Recital. She will be contacting my students about her program in the near future. This new school will be different than ours as the way I ran my studio is obsolete and not viable in this new generation of dancers. The new dance school will have Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern/Contemporary, Tumbling, Acting, Theater and many other exciting classes in the PERFORMING ARTS. Mrs. Juarez has taught at my studio in the past; my daughter took classes from her for many years. When my daughter took classes from her, it was with Mrs. Juarez’s mentoring that helped her receive a scholarship to NY to dance and be on Starpower’s “POWER PAK.” Mrs. Juarez has been on the staff at Cornish College of the Arts for over 20 years. I highly respect and admire Christine Juarez and cannot think of a better person to pass my students to. Some of our current teachers may even teach at this new dance school.

I thank all of you for your years of loyalty, support and dedication. I have enjoyed the many years of working with the children of Seattle. All I ever wanted to do since I was in 5th grade is be a Dance Teacher. Thank you for allowing me to do that. I was blessed to be part of all your lives.

The show will go on as always. I hope to make it our best show ever. How can we go wrong when it’s DISNEY!

Very truly yours – IN DANCE,

Miss Kathy

This is a business sale, not a property sale; the building’s ownership is not changing. (Side note: It’s not one of the buildings that the recent West Seattle Junction Historical Survey deemed potentially eligible for landmark status, though – see page 13 here – it’s one of the oldest buildings in The Junction.)

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FOLLOWUP: Where East Admiral tree-cutting investigation stands; City Attorney’s Office says ‘could be a felony’
March 28, 2016 4:00 pm
|      269 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Environment | West Seattle news

IMG_2684
(Saturday WSB photo by Tracy Record – south end of area where trees were cut)

4 PM: We’ve obtained new information today about the investigation of more than 100 trees cut on city-owned Duwamish Head Greenbelt slopes in East Admiral. First report came from The Seattle Times late Friday night; we published a much-commented followup on Saturday (including maps showing exactly where it happened). Today – first weekday since this all came to light, though it happened weeks ago – we contacted the City Attorney’s Office with some questions. City Attorney Pete Holmes had gone out to the site on Saturday and met with City Councilmember Lisa Herbold. Holmes’ spokesperson Kimberly Mills has just sent the replies to our questions, which included, how did the city find out about it, where does the investigation stand, and even, what ARE those metal tags on the stumps for? Mills writes:

A neighbor in the area contacted SDOT arborist Nolan Sundquist in January to alert him to some number of trees being cut.

Early last month a private attorney for two of the area homeowners wrote the Parks Department, seeking a way to, in my words, make things right with the City. We do not know who actually cut the trees or how many homeowners were in the group seeking their services.

That letter was forwarded on Feb. 14 to our Torts Section, which hired a private company to determine what it would take to reforest the area (which is about 1.5 acres (two-thirds SDOT and one third Parks).

(Saturday WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)
The tags were placed by (the company).

We also asked if there’s an SPD report number for this. Not yet, Mills replied, but says Holmes “has asked that the matter be investigated.” She quotes him as adding, “We’re going to make sure the City is made whole as well as try to deter future conduct,” and calling the area “incredibly fragile.”

Mills notes that “the estimated damages are in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, which is way out of our misdemeanor ballpark. This could be a felony.” If you have information that might help in the investigation, call SPD’s non-emergency number, 206-625-5011.

P.S. If you saw helicopter activity over east West Seattle earlier – it’s related to this, as TV helicopters took their first chance for aerial views of the damage.

ADDED 5 PM: Just out of the WSB inbox:

I am sharing this statement on behalf of a client who, along with other neighbors, hired a landscaping business to top and prune some trees to improve the view from their respective residences. After limited discussions with the contractors, my client returned from an out-of-town trip to find the scene shown in the news reports: To our clients’ surprise and dismay, several trees were cut at or near the base, as opposed to just limited pruning work.

I was retained soon thereafter, with instructions to disclose this work to the City, offer to restore any damage caused by the work, and coordinate full restoration of the site with the City. We hired an experienced urban forester (who used to work with the City on this exact type of site restoration) to advise on an appropriate scope of work to restore the site. We reported the cutting work to the City in a letter dated February 5, 2016. We shared our urban forester’s conceptual restoration proposal with the City Attorney’s office on March 9, 2016, and offered to provide a detailed restoration plan (complete with tree size, species, placement and ongoing care obligations) from our client’s urban forester when the City was ready to review it.

We understand the City is still evaluating its options, as well as what work will be necessary to restore the damage to this site. We believe the work affected far fewer than the 150 trees and the “one acre” of City-owned land that has been cited in the news reports. I believe this is because the City’s current damage assessment for this hillside includes another area of cutting (immediately to the south on the other side of some blackberry bushes) that was not done by our client’s contractors. In any event, our client remains ready, willing, and able to work with the City to restore the area affected by their contractors’ work.

In sum, these neighbors made a mistake by authorizing this work. They have the utmost respect for City Parks and its property, and commit to make every effort to make this right. After discussing this matter in detail with the urban forester they retained, my clients are optimistic that the site can be fully restored.

Clayton P. Graham
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Message to a toy thief; mystery purse and shoes; more…
March 28, 2016 2:53 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Today’s West Seattle Crime Watch roundup starts with a message to (and picture of) a toy thief:

TOYS TAKEN: The message accompanying that photo:

To the fine gentleman in the tan Kia Sorrento who stole all of my kids’ toys from my front porch on Atlas Place at 11:30 am on Sunday morning: Just a quick suggestion before you play with the red fire truck in particular – give it a good scrubbing. My neighbor’s pomeranian recently mistook it for a fire hydrant.”

ARE THESE YOURS? Sarah‘s car was prowled – and somebody else’s stuff was left behind:

Hi, I came home last night around midnight and found my car door open, with someone else’s black purse and a pair of shoes in the front seat. I assume I interrupted a car prowler who ran off when my uber pulled up. I’d like to try returning the items to their owners, I live on 24th and Cloverdale and assume they came from nearby.

Missing a purse and/or shoes? Let us know.

Also over the weekend:

7-11 ROBBED: Another armed robbery at the South Delridge 7-11. We just talked with SPD to get a few more details, after seeing it on the Tweets by Beat log. It happened around quarter till midnight on Saturday night; the clerk at the store was held up by a man and woman with a gun. They made off with cash and cigarettes. A K-9 team helped officers search but they didn’t find the robbers.

And a followup:

STOLEN CAR FOUND: A comment on our Friday report about a car theft in The Triangle says it was found over the weekend in Federal Way.

We hope you *never* have anything to share for Crime Watch – but if something does happen, once you have reported it to police (911 if it just happened or is happening now), please let us know so we can keep your neighbors all around the peninsula informed – police-report/scanner info is not as readily available as you’d think so you’re the best source – 206-293-6302, text/voice 24/7, or editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!

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West Seattle restaurants: Raccolto coming to north end of The Junction
March 28, 2016 12:48 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

More restaurant news today – this time, on the north end of The Junction.

IMG_4093

Coming to that 1,647-square-foot space in the Blueprint building at 4147 California SW is Raccolto, which “will focus on house-made pasta, seafood, and vegetables,” according to its brand-new website. The proprietors have two restaurants in Madrona, led by Chef Brian Clevenger – Vendemmia and East Anchor Seafood. Raccolto is expected to open this summer. (Thanks to Jack for sending the Eater link that had first word of this.)

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6 events for the rest of your West Seattle Monday
March 28, 2016 11:56 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Dunlin0316-16

First – thanks as always to Mark Wangerin for awesome bird photos. These three, above and interspersed below, feature a flock of dunlin that he says “has been resting and feeding south of the Alki Lighthouse.” Two of the photos have a few other seabirds mixed in with the dunlin. Meantime – Monday’s usually a quiet day on our event calendar, so you don’t need wings to get to these afternoon/evening events:

FREE TAX-PREP HELP: 3-7 pm at Delridge Library, courtesy of the AARP – but you need an appointment; our calendar listing explains how to get one. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

Dunlin0316-31

QUESTIONS ABOUT 4528 44TH SW PROJECT? 4-6 pm today is the drop-in, open-house-style meeting presented by the development team to answer any questions about soon-to-start construction of the six-story, 58-microapartment project. All welcome. Upstairs at the Senior Center of West Seattle. (4217 SW Oregon)

COMMUNITY ORCHARD MEETUP/WORK PARTY: 4-6 pm, stop by the Community Orchard of West Seattle on the north side of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus – find out more about COWS and, if you can, pitch in to help! (6000 16th SW)

Dunlin0316-45

FAMILY STORY TIME: High Point Library welcomes families with kids of all ages, 6:30 pm, to enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes with the children’s librarian. As are all library events, this is free. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

MOVIE MONDAY: Double feature at Parliament Tavern, 7 pm, free: “Jason and the Argonauts” and “The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad.” (4210 SW Admiral Way)

AFTER HOURS AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm, Justin Huertas and Kirsten DeLohr Helland guest-star in “an intimate and lively night of song and laughter with Artistic Director Mathew Wright on piano.” More info here. (4711 California SW)

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West Seattle restaurants: Slices on Alki closing, WS Brewing moving in
March 28, 2016 9:18 am
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

More changes in the Alki Beach food-and-drink world. Just received this morning from the owners of Slices on Alki:

Dear West Seattle Community,

After 7 remarkable years, we have decided to sell Slices and simplify our lives. It has been an honor and pleasure getting to know all of you and your families. We have enjoyed watching your kids grow up and we are now having a blast with our little Eleanor!

Thank you for all of your friendship, support and of course, your business. We wish you all the best and though we will miss seeing you for pizza we will be next door at Ampersand Cafe, so stop by and say hello!

In the meantime, please help us welcoming West Seattle Brewing Co. to the neighborhood! They plan on continuing to serve pizza as well as their beer, brewed right up on Fauntleroy. We know they are excited to be in the neighborhood, so cheers to another great summer and THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts!

Slices last day open will be Thursday, March 31st.

(all Slices gift certificates will still be honored at West Seattle Brewing Co. or may be redeemed at Ampersand Cafe)

West Seattle Brewing Co.

On behalf of our ever-growing WSBC family; community, supporters &our team alike, we are indeed thrilled to have a presence and to soon be pouring pints on the beach! We’re not only grateful for the opportunity and privilege, but even further, couldn’t be happier to be sharing walls with such excellent West Seattleites in Daryl, Marisa, Eleanor, their crew and especially with such a complimentary business model that Ampersand is to our own. That all being said, 10 taps of West Seattle’s finest craft beer and hand-crafted pies coming mid-April! Looking forward to sharing all that is Summer on Alki with all of you!

From All of Us at WSBC,
Slainte!
“the Beer Must Flow!”

We just followed up by phone with Slices/Ampersand co-proprietor Marisa. We asked what hours Slices will be open for its final days/nights – she says dinner only tonight, 3-7 pm, then 11 am-7 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, and for Thursday’s finale. We’re also checking on the exact name WS Brewing will use for the new location, and will update with that.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday updates; first weekday for new C Line route
March 28, 2016 6:03 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

6:03 AM: Good morning – we start with these reminders:

FIRST WEEKDAY OF C LINE’S NEW ROUTE: Metro’s service change on Saturday was the start of a new route for the C Line (see the map here), breaking it away from the D Line and sending it to South Lake Union. Here’s more info on that and the other Metro changes.

AVALON/YANCY/30TH/ANDOVER: SDOT announced late last week that this pedestrian-safety project could start as soon as today.

9:02 AM: Robert observed in comments that traffic seemed lighter this morning and wondered who might be out on spring break. Spot check of calendars confirms parochial schools are out this week; Seattle and Vashon public-school districts aren’t out until the week of April 11th, but Highline is out next week.

11:29 AM: We went by Yancy/Avalon (etc.) to check on that project. No work yet – but they’re clearly staging, as workers were clustered around one corner, conferring, with paperwork. Dry weather is expected as the week proceeds. Also noticed while we were out, City Light work on Alki Avenue just east of Alki Point.

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FOLLOWUP: Timeline slides for SW Admiral Safety Project
March 27, 2016 9:18 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

swaw_map
(SDOT map of project zone)

Six months ago, when SDOT held a second open house, by community request, for the SW Admiral Way Safety Project, the resulting “final design” was expected shortly thereafter, “implementation” was expected by year’s end, and “evaluation” was expected this year.

The year’s one-fourth over, and the design hasn’t even gone public yet. That was pointed out at this month’s Alki Community Council meeting, when one attendee said she hadn’t been able to get the SDOT project manager to answer her questions about where the project stood.

If the project name doesn’t bring an image to mind, it’s the reconfiguration >originally proposed almost a year ago for Admiral Way west of California SW. It was first shown to the Admiral Neighborhood Association in April 2015, with added bicycle lanes, narrowed general-purpose lanes, and some parking removal. After subsequently contentious-at-times reaction – especially regarding the revelation that initial decisions had been made based on wintertime parking usage, not summertime – the project was modified a bit and brought back to the community in fall (along with summertime parking data).

With half a year now past since the September meeting, and after hearing the frustration voiced at the ACC meeting, we contacted SDOT to ask for a status update. Project spokesperson Dawn Schellenberger replied, “We are in the process of revising the design and do not yet have a final design nor implementation date.” The online information has changed slightly since we contacted her – the timeline box now says “implementation” in spring this year and “evaluation” in spring of next year – but no word on what will be proposed for in the next design revision.

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Weekend scene: Southwest Little League Jamboree
March 27, 2016 7:29 pm
|    Comments Off on Weekend scene: Southwest Little League Jamboree
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

anthem
Another youth-sports season is under way in our area – this time, Southwest Little League. The photos and report are from Erin Hauk:

The Southwest Little League kicked off the 2016 season on Saturday with the annual Jamboree at Mel Olsen Stadium in Steve Cox Memorial Park. SWLL President Terri Robison [above] welcomed families and introduced the teams while coaches and players paraded on to the infield for the national anthem.

paradeontofield
SWLL serves West Seattle south of SW Juneau and east of 35th SW, through White Center and into North Burien (see the boundaries on this page).

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UPDATE: Crash on West Marginal Way SW sends driver to hospital
March 27, 2016 5:34 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

image
(Added: WSB photo)

5:34 PM: Thanks to the caller who just let us know about a crash on West Marginal Way SW. It’s in the 3800 block, according to the SFD log, just south of the bridge; the caller says it appears the driver hit a tree on the southbound side, and a private ambulance is on scene. We’re on our way to check it out.

6:02 PM: The wrecked car is wrapped around a tree and not in travel lanes; police say the driver had gotten himself out before they arrived, and was taken to a hospital to be checked out. Besides totaling the car, he took out a few traffic signs.

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West Seattle weekend scene: Pow Wow in Highland Park
March 27, 2016 5:17 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle weekend scene: Pow Wow in Highland Park
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

For the third year, Highland Park Elementary was the scene of drumming, singing, and dancing during the Nik-So-Ko-Waaks Pow Wow. Friday night’s event was highlighted by the Grand Entry, shown in our short clip above, featuring HPES students as “head young lady” and “head young man.” Food and vendors were also part of the gathering, which an organizer explained was created to ensure that city-dwelling Native children would have the chance to experience a traditional Native gathering.

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West Seattle schools: 11th grader serves as ‘principal for the day’ at Sealth
March 27, 2016 4:42 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle schools: 11th grader serves as ‘principal for the day’ at Sealth
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Tuesday’s principal-for-the-day Alyssa Ruiz and principal Aida Fraser-Hammer)

One of the more unusual prizes donated for Chief Sealth International High School‘s recent auction was the chance to be “principal for a day.” This past week, a Sealth junior claimed the prize. The story and photos are from Sealth principal Aida Fraser-Hammer:

On Tuesday 3/22/2016, Chief Sealth International High School had a new principal at its helm. She is 11th grader Alyssa Ruiz who was principal for the day. Principal Fraser-Hammer’s job was auctioned off at the PTSA Passport to Excellence Dinner and Auction. The successful bidder for this item donated it to Sealth’s LINK Crew, a leadership group for 11th and 12th graders.

Alyssa spent her day as Principal visiting classrooms, talking to teachers, counselors and students about the educational process. She also supervised the lunchroom and halls during passing periods. Her most memorable experience as principal was attending the Race and Equity meeting which started at 7:00AM. She was amazed that teachers and administrators actually got together to talk about how to address issues of school climate and equitable access to all. Alyssa ended her day as Principal at an Open House for the Academies of Finance and Hospitality & Tourism which ended at 7:30. This was indeed a long day for Alyssa but she is happy to have spent the day in the role as Principal at Chief Sealth International High School.

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VIDEO: This year’s ‘If These Walls Could Talk’ tour site chosen – The Kenney
March 27, 2016 1:30 pm
|    Comments Off on VIDEO: This year’s ‘If These Walls Could Talk’ tour site chosen – The Kenney
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

The Southwest Seattle Historical Society has announced the location of this year’s “If These Walls Could Talk” home tour – The Kenney:

Join the Southwest Seattle Historical Society​ on Saturday, June 25, 2016, for a tour that focuses on rarely-seen and -shared background on how this inspiring institution got its start 107 years ago in the woods north of Lincoln Park and along the Fauntleroy streetcar line.

In the video above, Stuart and Michele Kenney, the great-great-great-nephew and -niece of Samuel and Jessie Kenney, founders of The Kenney, invite you to the tour, which will run from 3 to 5 p.m.

Admission is by donation: $10 for historical-society members and $15 for non-members.

Featured will be display panels on the history of The Kenney, its founders, its prominent residents over the years, and much more.

Stay tuned for more details. (An invitation-only VIP opportunity will be available earlier in the day. If you are interested, please e-mail Clay Eals, executive director, at clay.eals@loghousemuseum.info.)​

P.S. If you missed the mention in our daily preview, the SWSHS’s Log House Museum is closed today for Easter, but will be back to its full regular hours/days next week – noon-4 pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

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West Seattle coyotes: Upper Alki sighting
March 27, 2016 12:04 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

coyotemary
The photo and report are from Mary:

Last night when I got home there was a coyote eating something in my backyard. I beat on the windows and scared it away (for a minute) before it returned to get the meal it had left behind. Unfortunately, it looks like he may have gotten a neighborhood pet, like a tortoiseshell-color cat. Since it was getting dark then, I will check the yard today for any collars or identifying information. Please encourage your readers to keep their pets inside. This coyote is much bigger than the others that seem to visit my back yard on a weekly basis. If anyone has ideas on what can be put down to keep them away, I’d love to know what would do it. I live on the Alki hillside on Lander.

The state’s main advice in the coyote chapter of its “Living With Wildlife” series is to reduce food sources – don’t leave pet food out, let alone pets – as well as scaring them away if you see them, not just with noise, but even with throwing rocks or sticks if within range.

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West Seattle Sunday: Easter 2016, & more
March 27, 2016 7:41 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Sunday: Easter 2016, & more
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

lynnaerial

Good morning! (Thanks to Lynn Hall for the photo, looking west and showing Duwamish Head and Alki Point.) From the WSB Easter Etc. page and regular year-round calendar:

EASTER SERVICES/EVENTS: Churches’ schedules are listed (if sent to us) and linked from the WSB Easter Etc. page – some are having brunches and/or Easter egg hunts too.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm as always. Special feature: “Bring the family … and find one out of a dozen toy eggs dispersed around the farmers’ booths and redeem a special prize from the market manager!” Here’s the fresh list. (44th/Alaska)

AVALON GLASSWORKS: Blowing glass as usual on Easter Sunday, 11 am-5 pm – info here. (2914 SW Avalon Way)

PLAY GAMES! Meeples Games (WSB sponsor) is open, with six game groups on the schedule today (see the right side of the Meeples home page), or – just drop in to enjoy games, beverages, food, etc. (3727 California SW, upstairs)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM IS CLOSED … back to regular noon-4 pm Sunday hours next week.

EGG DECORATING: At Mind Unwind/Treehouse Lounge, 1-6 pm, all ages, all supplies included, $10/half-dozen, $15 dozen. (2206 California SW)

SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY BRANCHES ARE OPEN … regular hours today, 1 pm-5 pm.

OTHER CLOSURES/CHANGES: We don’t make a list for Easter – just for the big holidays toward year’s end – but do be aware that you’ll likely find a few businesses closed; check before you go.

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