West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
Two election notes tonight:
PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY TOMORROW: If you’re voting in our state’s presidential primary, tomorrow’s the voting deadline. While the state Republican Party will use its votes to allocate delegates for the national convention, the state Democratic Party is only using the caucus process, so the primary votes are just for show. You can mail your ballot as long as it gets postmarked with tomorrow’s date, or you can drop it off – no postage needed – at one of the county’s dropoff spots, including the dropoff van making its last appearance at West Seattle Stadium:
Joseph and Third, who said they’d received 175 ballots by our 3 pm visit, reminded us that by the August election, West Seattle’s new permanent ballot dropbox will be in place at High Point Library. In the meantime, the ballot van will be at the stadium (4432 35th SW) 10 am-8 pm tomorrow, in the northwest corner of the parking lot. If you’re in south West Seattle or White Center, your closest dropoff van is on 8th SW in Greenbridge, about a block south of Roxbury; that too will be a thing of the past after tomorrow, as White Center also gets a permanent dropbox, at the new library (1409 SW 107th) that opened last Saturday.
AUGUST PRIMARY: Filing for the August primary is over, and here’s the list of who’ll be on ballots for state and federal offices in our state. Both 34th District State House Representatives have challengers this time (names are linked to the campaign sites/pages we found):
State Rep. Position 1
Eileen Cody (incumbent Democrat)
Brendan Kolding (Democrat)
Matthew Benson (Republican)
State Rep. Position 2
Joe Fitzgibbon (incumbent Democrat)
Andrew Pilloud (Republican)
Benson and Pilloud are the first Republicans to run in the 34th District since 2010, when Ray Carter challenged Cody while declaring his party preference “Reluctantly Republican”; in 2014, Cody was unopposed, while Kolding ran against Fitzgibbon; in 2012, Cody had a Democratic opponent, while Fitzgibbon was unopposed.
Also of local note, West Seattleite KumRoon “Mr. Mak” Maksirisombat (his ballot listing includes the nickname), a teacher at Chief Sealth International High School, is one of the nine candidates in the running for state Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The state primary election is August 2nd.
Thanks to Laura Martin for the photos and video from the West Seattle High School Band, Orchestra, and Flag Squad trip to Victoria, B.C., for Victoria Day celebrations. The Band and Flag Squad marched today in the 118th Victoria Day Parade, where she says the mid-parade dance routine delighted the crowd:
And on Saturday and Sunday, Laura (a parent chaperone) reports, they performed “in various venues in downtown Victoria (including) in front of the Parliament Building as part of the ‘Parade of Bands” event, showcasing high school bands from Washington and British Columbia.” Here’s a collage:
Victoria Day is a Canadian holiday in honor of Queen Victoria, always on the last Monday before May 25th; she was born on May 24, 1819.
P.S. You can also see a short video clip from today’s parade here.
(January 2015 photo of Terminal 5 by Long Bach Nguyen)
Two years ago, the Port of Seattle took a major step in its plan to “modernize” West Seattle’s Terminal 5, weeks before shutting it down as a cargo terminal. And now, it’s time for the next step: The draft Environmental Impact Statement is ready for your review and comments. This is the report that wouldn’t have happened without a group of T-5 neighbors pushing for it; at first, the port didn’t think an EIS would be needed, but the neighbors begged to differ, and launched a petition drive. The port subsequently announced last fall that discussions with potential tenants revealed the scope of operations would require an EIS after all – and now, a one-month comment period has opened, as previewed at recent community meetings we covered. Here’s the port’s official announcement:
The Port of Seattle and the Northwest Seaport Alliance are proposing modifications to marine cargo facilities at Terminal 5.
The Port of Seattle, as lead agency under the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA), is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the project, which includes berth deepening, dock strengthening, and power upgrades to handle larger cranes.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) is a marine cargo operating partnership of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma governed jointly by the commissions of the two ports.
“The Northwest Seaport Alliance needs to make Terminal 5 ‘Big Ship Ready’ to remain competitive in today’s global economy,” said NWSA co-chair and Port of Tacoma Commission President Connie Bacon.
“Modernizing Terminal 5 will allow us to keep good paying middle class jobs in our region. We encourage the public to weigh in over the next 30 days with their comments about the proposed improvements—either online at your convenience or by attending one of our public hearings,” said NWSA co-chair and Port of Seattle Commission President John Creighton.
The environmental review will evaluate potential impacts to earth, air, water, plants, animals, energy and natural resources, environmental health, noise, aesthetics (including light and glare), historic and cultural resources, transportation and public services.
Public comments on the Draft EIS will be accepted from May 23 to June 21, will be included in the SEPA record and may result in corrections, additions or clarification to the Draft EIS.
For tips on commenting, visit the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Citizen’s Guide to SEPA Review and Commenting.
The Draft EIS is available online at three locations:
portseattle.org/Environmental/Environmental-Documents/SEPA-NEPA/Pages/default.aspx
nwseaportalliance.com/about/strategic-plan/t5.
Printed copies of the DEIS will be available at the Seattle Central Library, Delridge Library, South Park Branch Library and the West Seattle Library.
Printed copies also will be available at Port of Seattle offices, 2711 Alaskan Way, Seattle, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday – Friday, through June 21.
If you would like to receive a copy of the DEIS please contact Brenda Thomas at 206-787-3382, or email: SEPA.p@portseattle.org.
For more information on the proposed improvements and to comment online, visit t5eis.publicmeeting.info.
Comments can also be emailed to: SEPA.p@portseattle.org – please include your mailing address for a response. The other primary ways to comment are listed below:
The Port of Seattle is also hosting two public hearings for people to share comments on the Draft EIS:
Tuesday, June 7
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Georgetown Campus, South Seattle College
6737 Corson Ave. So.Thursday, June 9
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Alki Masonic Center
4736 40th Ave. SWIf you need the assistance of an interpreter at one of the public hearing events, or want to receive a response to a question in your native language, please call the port’s language help line:
Para español, llame al (206) 787-3797 y marque 1.
Để sử dụng tiếng Việt, gọi số (206) 787-3797 và nhấn phím 2
Soomaali, wac (206) 787-3797, kadib riix 3.
សម្រាប់ភាសាខ្មែរ សូមហៅទូរសព្ទមកលេខ (206) 787-3797 ហើយចុចលេខ 4។
For other languages, call (206) 787-3797 and press 5.
We’ll be reading the draft EIS tonight; followups to come.
A few more details this afternoon about two incidents mentioned here late Saturday/early Sunday, after we asked Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Ron Smith about both:
DELRIDGE SHOOTING: As reported here early Sunday, a man showed up at Harborview Medical Center saying he had been shot near his residence in the 4700 block of Delridge Way SW. Lt. Smith says the victim drives a “party bus” and reported parking it near his residence, then being approached by someone while walking home, and getting into an argument. During the clash, he told police, the other man pulled out a gun and shot him in the left thigh. No arrest so far.
HIGH POINT GUNFIRE: We originally reported on this late Saturday night. Multiple 911 callers reported hearing gunshots; police quickly traced it to the 6500 block of Sylvan Way SW, and linked it to an earlier 911 call in which someone said their neighbor had threatened to shoot them. Near the residence where that happened, Lt. Smith says, they found 14 shell casings from what might have been two different 9mm guns. No injuries; no arrests so far.
If you are – or know someone who is – between ages 11 and 25, this week brings your/their chance to help make a big decision – voting on how to spend almost three-quarters of a million dollars in the city budget.
It’s voting time in the city’s first-ever Participatory Budgeting process, dubbed “Youth Voice, Youth Choice.” While online voting has just gone live, a special feature of this is the chance to vote in person – and it’s happening in places where the participants are likely to be found.
North Delridge resident Nancy Folsom e-mailed to say she will have ballots with her on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, starting at 3:30 pm, at Delridge Skatepark (Delridge/Genesee).
Then, from the city, youth-engagement strategic adviser Jenny Frankl sent this message:
As you might recall, there were a series of Idea Assemblies held in February, where Youth Voice, Youth Choice collected 530+ ideas for projects. Since that time, a group of youth budget delegates have been culling that list and have now narrowed that list down to 19 project proposals. Youth ages 11 – 25 are being asked to select their top 7 projects out of this list of 19 during Vote Week (which is currently underway!). There are two ways to vote: Youth can vote online @ bit.ly/youthvoicevote or via a paper ballot. In West Seattle, some in-person polling stations have been set up in various locations:
· Chief Sealth IHS, through their Social Studies classes
· Southwest Youth & Family Services (contact Fernanda Hernandez, fhernandez@swyfs.org, for exact times)
· Delridge Skatepark [see above]
· High Point Youth Program
· High Point Youth Tutoring Program
· West Seattle branches of the Seattle Public Library
Anyone who needs a paper ballot or is interested in participation by youth with whom they work – contact Jenny at jenny.frankl@seattle.gov or 206-396-0200.
P.S. If you’re not eligible to vote but interested in what projects are on the ballot – go here and choose the “preview” (non-voting) option.
Just announced – the plan for this year’s celebration of West Seattle’s latest win in KEXP’s Hood-to-Hood Challenge neighborhood-vs.-neighborhood fundraising competition. This time, it’s not a Junction street party like last year, though a Junction venue is part of it:
After winning KEXP’s annual Hood-to-Hood Challenge in 2015, West Seattle will host KEXP’s Hood-to-Hood Day on Sunday, June 5th. KEXP welcomes music lovers from all neighborhoods to join us at Youngstown from noon to 6:00 PM for a live broadcast of DJ Quilty and DJ Stevie Zoom, featuring live performances by Greys, Acapulco Lips, and special guests, plus a free street festival with bands, food trucks, and a beer garden in collaboration with Redhook.
This event is FREE, all ages, and open to the public!
After the live broadcast, Skylark Cafe will host a West Seattle Music Showcase and the music continues at Shadowland’s Hood to Hood After Party with DJ Troy Nelson.
KEXP Hood to Hood Live Broadcast
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center hosted by DJ Quilty and DJ Stevie Zoom
Noon to 6:00 PM
12:30 PM: Live set by Greys
3:30 PM: Live set by Acapulco Lips
5:00 PM: Live set by special guestsKEXP Hood to Hood Live Music Showcase
Skylark Cafe Hosted by Troy Nelson
3803 Delridge Way SW
Seattle, WA 98106
6:30pm- 9:00pm
21+, $5 door
Featuring:
Detective Agency
Dre’zy & Too Smoove
special guestsHood to Hood After Party
Shadowland DJ set by Troy Nelson
4458 California Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98116
9:00pm
21+
Featuring: DJ Troy Nelson
Today’s city-circulated Land Use Information Bulletin includes two development proposals we’ve covered before, totaling 32 houses to be built:
MADRONA GLEN – 2768 SW HOLDEN: That’s the newest address of record for the 18-house Madrona Glen proposal for a 1 1/2-acre site between Holden and Webster, west of the Navos campus.
Today’s notice announces a public hearing before the city Hearing Examiner at 9 am June 27th, in the examiner’s chambers at the Seattle Municipal Tower downtown, on whether to approve the actual subdivision of the land that’s involved – splitting three parcels into 18. The city Department of Construction and Inspection (formerly Planning and Development) is recommending approval, but this hearing is a required step before finalizing it. The project already has long since received other key approvals, including this one we reported in September 2014, with the address of record at that time 2646 SW Holden. The project first resurfaced in late 2013, after going dormant for more than a year. Meantime, as also previously noted here, the site’s been up for sale for a while – but this version of the listing says a sale is pending.
P.S. If you can’t make it to the hearing downtown, the notice explains other ways to comment.
3601 FAUNTLEROY AVENUE SW: This 14-house project in East Admiral has received two key land-use approvals, according to the notice in today’s LUIB – a determination of environmental non-significance, along with approval of “administrative conditional use to allow clustered housing in a steep-slope critical area.”
The announcement of these approvals opens an appeal period that runs until June 6th unless an extension is requested; here’s how to file an appeal. We last reported on this project in late summer of 2015, noting that it had been in the works for 8 years by then.
Our featured photo today is a Spotted Sandpiper, yet another beautiful bird photographed by Mark Wangerin, who explained: “Yesterday morning I went in search of a Kingfisher burrow along the banks of the Duwamish. After a while a pair of Spotted Sandpipers flew by. I made a ‘nest’ for myself in the bushes and waited, all told, for about 2 hours. Pairs came in “waves,” and freely fed right in front of me. What fun!” Speaking of fun, here’s YOUR chance to get out on the shore, first of our three highlighted calendar listings for today/tonight:
LOW TIDE, WITH BEACH NATURALISTS: Right now, it’s the first day of the year that Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists are out to help you learn about our shores during low tides. Today it’s out to -1.4 feet at 12:38 pm, so you’ll find the naturalists at Constellation Park (south of Alki Point) and Lincoln Park (near Colman Pool) from now until 1:30 pm – details in our calendar listing.
TINKERLAB COMMONS 6-7:30 pm at Delridge Library, drop in to check out “a weekly all-ages program that introduces science, technology, engineering and math concepts through play, experimentation, and discovery.” Tonight, stop-motion animation is the focus. Free, of course. (5423 Delridge Way SW)
TWILIGHT ZONE-A-THON: “Movie Monday” at Parliament Tavern in The Admiral District tonight features episodes of “The Twilight Zone” plus the movie. No cover. 7-11 pm. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
MUCH MORE … for today/tonight/beyond, on our complete calendar.
(Bird’s-eye view “schematic” of proposed tennis center)
It’s been almost a year since we first reported on the community campaign to convert the Seattle Public Schools-owned tennis courts west of Southwest Pool into an indoor tennis center.
Next step, according to Lisa Corbin, who’s leading the project, is a community meeting – first of two – set for 6 pm Tuesday, June 7th, at Chief Sealth International High School. She says the meeting will include “early results from the feasibility study” funded by a city grant. Here’s the official flyer for the meeting. Still many steps remaining along the road to whether the tennis center could become a reality, but if you’re interested in the project, being at the meeting is the best way to find out what’s next.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:58 AM: No incidents so far this morning in/from West Seattle. We’re reminding you that week 2 of overnight partial bridge closures for the Fauntleroy Expressway earthquake-safety-cushion re-replacement project is under way; as our report mentioned last night, the detours include an additional ramp closure at least through tonight.
IN THE STADIUM ZONE TONIGHT: Mariners are back home, hosting Oakland at 7 pm.
7:50 AM: Some northbound I-5 slowing reported because of a broken-down vehicle in the right lane just north of the bridge.
1:11 PM: Update – we originally suggested the baseball game would mean a later closure of the west end of the bridge for the Fauntleroy Expressway work, but SDOT tells us the attendance is expected to be below the 20,000 threshold for that, so tonight’s closure starts at the usual time, 9 pm.
1:44 PM: Something to be aware of for tomorrow night, if you’ll be heading back this way from the Eastside. The announcement is from WSDOT:
Drivers heading across Lake Washington on westbound Interstate 90 to southbound I-5 should be plan ahead for a slightly longer trip Tuesday night, May 24.
From 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation and Sound Transit will close the ramp from westbound I-90 to southbound I-5. Drivers should follow the signed detour via northbound I-5 and James Street.
During the ramp closure crews will conduct work to preserve and strengthen existing concrete panels on both directions of I-90 between I-5 and Lake Washington. The work is part of the Washington State Department of Transportation and Sound Transit’s I-90 Two-Way Transit and HOV Operations project which preserves the three general purpose lanes while adding all-day carpool lanes to I-90 and direct access ramps for transit, carpools, and vanpools. In mid-2017, Sound Transit contractors will begin work on the I-90 express lanes to operate exclusively for light rail as part of the East Link light rail project. The 14-mile East Link project, set to open in 2023, includes 10 new stations connecting Seattle, Mercer Island, Bellevue and Overlake.
More congratulations for local student athletes! Thanks to Kristen Joy for sharing this report and photo:
Saturday at Renton Stadium, the Holy Rosary 8th Grade Girls and the 8th Grade Boys each won their respective team championship at the 2016 CYO Team Championship competing against 15 Catholic schools from the Seattle area. This is the first 8th-grade championships for Coach Shelley Neal and the mighty Gators!
In the photo are Holy Rosary 8th Grade Track Team Champs: Emma V., Natalie M., Soleil P., Cassidy W., Alena S., Elena K., Ethan G., Leighton J., James M., Sal C., Audrey P., Aidan M., Joseph D., Jonathan G., (not present, Anna P.)
Thanks to KB for sharing photos and words of gratitude for those who helped out on Sunday at Dakota Place Park north of The Junction:
Many hands make light work, as demonstrated by the folks who turned out today in record numbers for the Dakota Place Park Spring Cleanup.
A HUGE THANK-YOU to all of you who volunteered! Your effort and positivity made the cleanup highly productive and fun.
Special thanks to all the Tilden students who volunteered today and who volunteer during school hours — you’re never too young to positively impact your community!
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