day : 29/06/2016 12 results

West Seattle sunset: 5 days until the Fourth

June 29, 2016 10:03 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Now that it’s Wednesday night, can’t help looking ahead to the holiday – just five days until Independence Day (next Monday, July 4th). Our special page with holiday info and events is up now, too – if you haven’t already seen it linked from our spotlight boxes or navigation bar, here it is. But tonight, the sunset put on an early show! Thanks to JayDee for the photo above – and the King County Sheriff’s Office Guardian One crew for the one below:

Tonight's sunset with the Fauntleroy ferry from over White Center. @wsferries @whitecenternow @westseattleblog pic.twitter.com/gdrnK8UFyi

— KCSOAirsupport (@KCSOAirsupport) June 30, 2016

(That was their view as they were leaving the WC/North Burien/Shorewood area after this search.)

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From White Center Now: Helicopter search in south White Center/Shorewood

June 29, 2016 8:38 pm

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| Helicopter | West Seattle news | White Center

Thanks for the e-mails and texts about this – in case you were checking here, just wanted to let you know that we’re covering the search via White Center Now.

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THURSDAY: Sell? Keep? Build? Preserve? Have your say on Myers Way

June 29, 2016 7:45 pm

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| Myers Way | West Seattle news

(Click to see full-size PDF)

Right about this time tomorrow – on what is likely to be another beautiful summer night – the city’s Joint Training Facility in southeastern West Seattle will be open to the public, a rare thing, for what might be the only community meeting about the fate of the land to its south, the Myers Way Parcels (lately labeled on some city documents as the Myers Way Properties).

Community advocates asked for this meeting, to provide a chance to hear as many voices as possible, and it’s likely the last meeting of its kind before the properties’ future lands in the hands of the City Council. As reported here in recent years, its fate has long been undetermined – the city had to buy all of it in order to get the land for the JTF, then declared the rest surplus, but a deal to sell it for commercial development fell through. Now, as reported here June 15th, preliminary recommendations suggest keeping some of it to expand the JTF, selling part of it for commercial development, and selling the rest of it to a concern that would preserve that section as greenspace.

The city has already determined that it’s not suitable to be developed for housing, because of a lack of infrastructure as well as some toxic contamination, but the mayor decreed last year that $5 million of the prospective sale proceeds would help pay for the city’s efforts to help people experiencing homelessness. Meantime, at least two community groups (here and here) have recently asked the city to delay a decision for reasons including the potential annexation of North Highline next door (NH residents are not expected to be asked to vote on that before November 2017). What do you think should be done? Whatever your answer, showing up to speak up has the most impact – the meeting is set for 6:30-8 pm; here again is the official notice, which includes information on how to comment if you can’t be there.

P.S. Among the many documents linked from the city website is this 109-page summary of some of the comments received as of earlier this month.

ADDED THURSDAY: A final city reminder about this meeting includes an addition we didn’t have word of previously – a 5:30 pm guided tour of part of the Myers Way Parcels, pre-meeting. All welcome.

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UPDATE: Crash cleared on eastbound West Seattle Bridge

June 29, 2016 6:07 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Screengrab from SDOT video feed)

6:07 PM: SDOT reports two eastbound lanes are blocked on the high bridge by a crash. Seattle Fire is responding too.

6:25 PM: This is actually just west of the 4th Avenue exit, according to the live feed on the SDOT Travelers’ Information page. The SFD response “closed” fairly quickly, so apparently no major injuries.

6:50 PM: SDOT tweet and video feed both confirm the crash scene is cleared. (Thanks again to the tipsters who checked in to make sure we’d heard.)

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First day of 2016 for High Point Market Garden Farm Stand

June 29, 2016 5:32 pm

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| Health | High Point | West Seattle news

Until 7 pm, you can stop by the High Point Market Garden Farm Stand at 32nd SW and SW Juneau and be among the first to shop there this year!

The HPMG is a mini-farm right next to the stand, tended by local residents, and what they’re selling was picked right there. As previewed here on Tuesday, you also can buy produce grown a little farther away via the mobile farm stand ROAR, which is visiting during Farm Stand hours again this year.

If you can’t make it there today, stop by any Wednesday through the end of September, 4-7 pm.

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FOLLOWUP: Lora Swift to serve as interim West Seattle Junction Association interim director

June 29, 2016 4:40 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(Susan Melrose, Jenelle Clark, Lora Swift, photographed today by WSB’s Patrick Sand)

We first reported one month ago that West Seattle Junction Association executive director Susan Melrose is leaving after almost a decade. Today, an update on what happens next – here’s what Melrose just announced to WSJA members and other associates:

The Junction Association’s Board of Directors asked me to offer a staffing update to our community. I’m pleased to share that the staffing plan will leave the organization in very good hands.

As you already know, I have taken a new position and will be leaving the organization after Summer Fest. Additionally, Jenelle has decided to take a position with a different organization. Jenelle has been a tremendous asset to WSJA and has improved many aspects of the organization. The board is very appreciative of her efforts and dedication, and I know that sentiment is shared throughout our business community. Jenelle will also be with WSJA through Summer Fest.

The Board of Directors created an Interim Director position. I am thrilled to report that Lora Swift was offered the job, and she accepted! For those who do not know Lora, she owns Hotwire Coffeehouse, previously served on the board for many years, founded the Art Walk, chaired the Outdoor Movies series, and more. Lora has a tremendous depth of knowledge about the organization, and she’s looking forward keeping WSJA moving forward. She will start on July 1 and will work 24 hours/week. Lora will focus on keeping the BIA running smoothly and advancing select bodies of work.

The Board will continue to determine next steps in a securing permanent staffing plan and you’ll be kept abreast as developments occur.

I look forward to my 10th Summer Fest with the organization! Jenelle, Lora and I will all be on hand to make sure that this event is a great success for both Junction businesses and the neighborhood.

West Seattle Summer Fest (co-sponsored again this year by WSB) starts one week from Friday – this year’s dates are July 8, 9, and 10th.

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YOU CAN HELP! WestSide Baby launches this year’s ‘Stuff The Bus’ Diaper Drive

June 29, 2016 2:36 pm

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| How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

As June wraps up, we’re looking into July, which is always packed wall-to-wall with good things in West Seattle. Among them: WestSide Baby‘s annual Stuff The Bus diaper drive. This morning, WS Baby’s executive director Nancy Woodland put the “drive” in “diaper drive” by bringing THE official bus into the lot at HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) in The Junction to celebrate HomeStreet’s $5,000 donation to jump-start this year’s drive. With Woodland below is HomeStreet’s West Seattle vice president and branch manager Melodie Van Houten. HomeStreet also is a presenting sponsor of Stuff the Bus.

While July 24th is the big day to bring boxes and bags of diapers to the bus in HomeStreet’s lot at 41st and Alaska, the entire month is full of more than 50 diaper drives held by local businesses and individuals, to help stock up WS Baby with more than 300,000 diapers. One way you can donate early in the month: Bring diapers to the West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade in Admiral next Monday (10 am, starting at 44th/Sunset, winding through neighborhoods to Hamilton Viewpoint Park). Also look for ongoing drives (we know there’s one year-round at WSB sponsor C & P Coffee Company, 5612 California SW).

WS Baby points out that:

There are more than 10,000 children under the age of three living in poverty in King County. These children will need 22 million diapers per year. Unfortunately, many families are forced to choose between buying diapers and paying bills, as diapers are not covered by any government aid programs, including food stamps.

Last year alone, WestSide Baby helped more than 31,000 local children, while partnering with more than 120 established social service agencies. Meantime, look for the bus around town in July, including its always-festive appearance in the West Seattle Grand Parade (11 am Saturday, July 23rd, down California SW from Lander to Edmunds).

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Seen on 16th SW: No, it’s NOT a school-zone speed-cam preview

June 29, 2016 2:07 pm

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| Transportation | West Seattle news

If you’ve noticed that sign on 16th SW near SW Myrtle – as did Alan, who sent us the photo – no, it’s NOT foreshadowing a future school-zone speed camera. Not a fixed installation, anyway. We checked with SDOT, whose spokesperson Sue Romero replied, “The 7000 block of 16th Ave SW is a pre-existing site for SPD to use mobile photo enforcement cameras to enforce the school zone speed limit. While there are no plans for near-term enforcement work, as a pre-existing site it needs proper signage for any future speed enforcement by SPD. The original sign is missing and this new sign is merely a replacement.” As far as we can tell from consulting both Google Street View and memory, the previous sign did not mention photo enforcement. The “mobile” version of that, by the way, was inaugurated in 2008 in West Seattle near Gatewood Elementary – where there are now fixed cameras (the other fixed cameras in WS are on Roxbury by Roxhill Elementary and Holy Family School, and on Delridge by Louisa Boren STEM K-8). The speed van also works on 35th SW near Our Lady of Guadalupe, where you’ve probably noticed signs similar to this one, though there’s no permanent camera installation.

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FREE: Self-defense & bullyproofing seminars at Elite BJJ of Seattle

June 29, 2016 11:42 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Sonia Sillan from Elite BJJ of Seattle (WSB sponsor) in North Delridge wants you to know they still have some room in these two free seminars coming up:

WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE SEMINAR: This Saturday (July 2nd), a free two-hour seminar starting at 11 am: “Our goal is to leave you with more knowledge, feeling more empowered, and understanding of what self-defense really means (both mentally and physically).” More info here; go here ASAP to RSVP; open to all women/girls 10 and up.

KIDS’ BULLYPROOF SEMINAR: Two free sessions on Sunday, July 10th, ages 6-8 at 11 am, ages 9-12 at 1 pm: “Our approach is a very simple and fundamental one, focusing on empowering the student. It isn’t about telling on the bully; that can in fact make matters worse. It’s about having the confidence to believe in yourself and stand up to other kids.” More info here; RSVP ASAP by going here. Note – parents must attend too.

P.S. While the seminars are truly free, Coach Sonia adds this:

Elite BJJ of Seattle supports New Beginnings-Ending Domestic Violence and would like to ask for donations for their needs. Their mission is to empower survivors and mobilizes community awareness and action to end domestic violence, and they provide housing and support to victims and their families, but they can’t do it alone. If you are able, please donate anything from the following list:
– full size toiletries
– twin size bedding
– school supplies
– gift cards (QFC, Safeway, etc)
– school supplies
– check donation of any amount made out to New Beginnings

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West Seattle Wednesday: Food, fun, dancing, discussion, more…

June 29, 2016 10:03 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Male white-crowned sparrow, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, where you’ll find even more for today/tonight/beyond:

STORY TIMES: Today’s Seattle Public Library story times in our area are at 10:30 am: Preschool Story Time at West Seattle (Admiral) Branch (2306 42nd SW) and Rainbow/Toddler Story Time at Southwest Branch. (35th/Henderson)

SUMMER FOOD INVASION: Summertime is not necessarily a happy time for kids and teens in need. Regardless of what’s going on at home, during the school year, they can get breakfast and lunch at school. Then comes summer, and hunger can follow. Today’s Summer Food Invasion launch event at Roxhill Park, 11:30 am-3 pm, is meant to get the word out that there ARE places kids can go for guaranteed meals during the summer. Starting with this big event today, “FREE lunch and a snack will be provided to every child under the age of 18, as well as FREE fun and games, like a radio station dance party, galaxy bowling, a moon bounce, and much more.” More info here. (29th and Barton)

HIAWATHA WADING POOL’S OPENING DAY: Forecast calls for clearing skies and temps in the 70s later today, so, according to the Wading Pool Hotline (we just checked), this WILL be opening day for Hiawatha Wading Pool (Walnut/Lander), noon-6:30 pm. EC Hughes and Lincoln Park wading pools also are open, as is Highland Park Spraypark. See the brochure for full hours and locations on all of the above.

ENTREPRENEUR MEETUP: Being an entrepreneur is fun but challenging and sometimes exhausting. Commiserate and celebrate with people walking the same path during this meetup at West Seattle’s only coworking center, Office Junction (WSB sponsor), noon-1:15 pm. (6040 California SW)

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN FARM STAND: As previewed on Tuesday, this is opening day for the farm stand selling produce grown steps away. 4-7 pm; more info here. (32nd SW/SW Juneau)

DISCUSS JUNCTION CRIME/SAFETY ISSUES: Southwest Precinct researcher Jennifer Burbridge invites Junction-area residents to a “focus group” to talk about police, crime, and safety, 6-7 pm at the precinct. (2300 SW Webster)

HOKA GROUP RUN AND EARLY INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION: 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), details here – including how to RSVP. (2743 California SW)

IRISH SET DANCING: Lesson at 6:30, dancing at 7 pm, all welcome, at Kenyon Hall – details in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)

WEST SEATTLE NIGHTLIFE: Music and more! See the listings on our complete calendar.

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West Seattle scene: ‘Kind Club’ launches

June 29, 2016 9:30 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Maybe you saw them in Morgan Junction on Tuesday? Local volunteer and entrepreneur Lashanna Williams sent the photo from the first smile-inspiring field trip of The Kind Club. She says they were out in the neighborhood “giving out flowers, wishing people a good day, and waving some positive signs to the people driving by!” It’s for young women ages 8-11, explained here, and she says they have room for new members to join before the second meeting in two weeks.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday updates; bridge closures continue

June 29, 2016 6:59 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(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)

6:59 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far.

PAVING PROJECTS: Two notes – first, the SW 106th work in Arbor Heights is scheduled to continue today. Second, we discovered last night thanks to reader Marty2 that the paving on 8th the next two days is apparently in South Park on 8th S., NOT Highland Park on 8th SW as announced by SDOT.

BRIDGE CLOSURE: The Fauntleroy Expressway work continues, with the west end of the bridge again scheduled for closure 9 pm-5 am. (And remember that TOMORROW night – Thursday, June 30th – it will start with a 7 pm closure of the eastbound onramp from Spokane St.)

IN SODO: Mariners’ home stand continues; they’re hosting Pittsburgh again tonight at 7:10 pm.

9:13 AM: Tipster reports a “fender-bender” blocking eastbound Admiral Way between California and 42nd.

9:18 AM: If you’re seeing crane activity in the 4800 block of California, it’s for installations of a communications antenna atop the building at 4815. Thanks to Carrie for that tip.

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