(5:19 PM NOTE: The video window now has the mayor’s speech as archived by Seattle Channel.)

ORIGINAL REPORT, 2:03 PM: Click “play” above and you’ll see, via Seattle Channel, the live feed from City Hall downtown as the City Council begins its weekly full-council meeting by hosting Mayor Murray’s presentation of the city budget proposal for 2017-2018.

While listening, we’re going through the just-released budget documents and will add highlights to this story.

First, Department of Transportation (SDOT):

*$440 million budget proposed for 2017, $561 million for 2018
*Not many West Seattle specifics, but the Fauntleroy Boulevard project is in for $7 million in 2018, so it looks like that’s the year projected for construction

In his speech, the mayor also called out the Lander Street Overpass project in SODO, of interest to many here, as it gets closer to full funding. (An “online open house” continues this week.)

Next, public safety.

Here’s the Seattle Police Department breakout. Overall, the budget says SPD would “hire 72 new officers [35 in 2017, 37 in 2018] and hire 25 new 911 communication center staff” for the entire city.

*Southwest Precinct (West Seattle/South Park) mentions: The patrol budget actually drops a bit over the next two years (as do the other precinct budgets). The number of full-time equivalents at the SW Precinct stays the same, at 124.

Here’s the Seattle Fire Department breakout. Its primary challenge is to keep up with attrition: ” As in previous years, the proposed budget adds funding for 35 additional recruits, for a total of 60 new recruits in 2017. The additional recruits, once trained, will fill existing positions that have been vacated as a result of retirements or other attrition.”

Since we’re on a peninsula, this excerpt from the SFD budget is notable:

Another programmatic area in which the Fire Department is making improvements this year is water rescues. SFD owns two large fire boats and several smaller rescue boats that are used primarily for fighting marine fires. Responses to water rescues are limited given that the City has one fireboat crew and one technical rescue/dive team. To address this, SFD proposes piloting a Surface Water Rescue Program to provide a greater level of water rescue capability. The proposed Surface Water Rescue Program will train up to 40 firefighters as technician level rescue swimmers and deploy them city-wide, allowing them to respond more quickly to water rescues.

3 PM: The mayor’s speech has just ended. Some had wondered whether protesters would disrupt it, as had happened to the City Council last week, but many would-be attendees were kept out of the chambers. Councilmember Kshama Sawant made a motion at the meeting’s start to let more people in, but the motion did not pass.

Speaking of participation – we have now started reviewing the Department of Neighborhoods‘ budget breakout.

This includes components of the mayor’s plan to cut city support for Neighborhood District Councils, hailed in a city document just a few years ago as a “nationally significant model of grassroots democracy, being Seattle’s only advisory committees whose members are entirely selected at the grass roots, rather than appointed top-down by elected officials or City agencies.”

This is further addressed:

Expanding Outreach and Engagement

In 2016, through Executive Order 2016-06, the Mayor tasked DON with leading an effort to implement equitable outreach and engagement plans and practices across all City offices and departments. Also in 2016, DON added two positions that will now be made permanent: one to oversee the re-envisioning of DON’s Outreach and Engagement Division and lead Citywide response efforts, and another to work with other departments to coordinate and leverage opportunities for effective outreach and engagement efforts.

DON is also reallocating and deploying resources, including staff, within the department to prioritize the
application of the community outreach and engagement principles that reflect the Mayor’s vision of inclusive participation. This vision is articulated in Executive Order 2016-06 and the proposed resolution on equitable community involvement practices submitted to the City Council as part of the Mayor’s 2017-2018 Proposed Budget. As part of this effort, DON will reallocate nine Neighborhood District Coordinator positions to meet this scope of work and the department’s business needs.

Those positions, which have provided city-staff support to the 13 district councils (two of which are in West Seattle – Southwest and Delridge), are still funded in the budget plan at a level similar to what’s budgeted now. Part of the “reallocation” is detailed in one budget line item:

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will fund positions in DON for outreach and engagement. Two existing Neighborhood District Coordinator positions will be reallocated to Strategic Advisor 1 positions. These positions will work closely with SDOT and the Office of Economic Development on improving outreach and engagement to neighborhoods and communities affected by large-scale infrastructure improvement projects.

4:19 PM: This mass e-mail from Neighborhoods director Kathy Nyland has more detail on the “reallocation.”

5:19 PM: The archived Seattle Channel video of the mayor’s speech has now replaced what had been the “live” video window above. Also – if you missed it in earlier stories – Councilmember Lisa Herbold‘s explanation of how the budget process goes from here, with specific dates, is in her newest online update.

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County Executive’s budget: Water Taxi property-tax increase for ‘stable funding’; Guardian 1 may be permanently grounded

September 26, 2016 12:59 pm

| 33 COMMENTS

| Helicopter | King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

(Sunday photo by Robert Spears)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

So far we’ve found two big items of interest in King County Executive Dow Constantine‘s two-year budget proposal, made public this morning.

*The King County Water Taxi, serving West Seattle and Vashon, would have a “stable source” of funding – 1.25 cents per $1,000 valuation. The levy was reduced in 2009 and “reserves” have been used since then, but, says the budget book, “those reserves are now exhausted.”

*The King County Air Support Unit, including this area’s only law-enforcement helicopter Guardian One, will be shut down by 2018 unless, Constantine says, there’s tax reform. In 2017 it would be limited to search-and-rescue operations in King County; in 2018, it would be shut down entirely.

First, the Water Taxi toplines, from the 753-page full budget document:

*The county currently has been taxing for the passenger-ferry service at a third of a cent per $1,000 of assessed property valuation. That funding has been supplemented by reserves that the budget says have run out. Constantine proposes increasing the tax rate to 1.25 cents per $1,000 starting next year because the service is “no longer able to draw on reserves to stay afloat.” (Math = $2/year now if your property is assessed at $600,000; just under $8/year with the increase.) Without that increase, next year wouldrun $3 million short. The gap already has been narrowed, the budget book points out, by “efficiencies” enabling the new boats to be operated with a crew of 3 rather than 4.

(added 6:53 pm) King County DOT spokesperson Jeff Switzer sent this clarification:

Taxes won’t be going up as a result of this budget.

The collected property tax amount will stay the same, meaning the county will reduce the property tax collected for Metro by just over $9 million, and the property tax collected for Water Taxi (Marine) will be increased by just over $9 million. No net dollar increase in property tax collections for marine/transit.

The budget calls for another fare increase in 2018, 50 cents for adults, to continue its every-two-year increases.

And one more major Water Taxi note – while there’s no money for it in this two-year budget, there is a line item to “plan, design, and construct a new West Seattle (Water Taxi) terminal during the 2019-2010 budget cycle,” noting that Seacrest has always been meant as just a “temporary” terminal.

*Next, the helicopter elimination, which is just one of several major public-safety cuts in the county executive’s budget, explained in the news release about the budget, with a call for “local tax reform”:

… King County’s General Fund primarily supports criminal justice and other functions required by the state. About 59 percent of net General Fund revenues come from property taxes. The balance is comprised of sales tax and other sources.

In 2007, legislators reinstated Tim Eyman’s I-747, which had been tossed out by the state Supreme Court. The law arbitrarily limited revenue growth in most property taxes to 1 percent annually. The value of new construction is added to the tax base, which amounts to about 0.5 percent to 2.0 percent depending on the economy.

Because property tax is limited below the rate of population growth and inflation, the General Fund is chronically stressed. Last year, about 37,000 people moved to King County, adding to the demands for transit, behavioral and mental health programs, public safety, and other services.

Over the last few months, Executive Constantine worked with the Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget, county departments, and elected officials to balance the $1.6 billion General Fund budget. Through a mix of revenue changes, efficiencies, and spending reductions, Executive Constantine resolved a $22.4 million shortfall.

Program cuts and service reductions in this budget include:

*Reductions in the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

*Closing the work release facility and electronic home detention programs by Jan. 1, 2018.

*Eliminating inmate booking at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent as of Jan. 1, 2018.

*Eliminating the King County Sheriff’s Office air support and marine units by Jan. 1, 2018.

“We will do everything we can to mitigate the impact of these cuts, but let there be no mistake — unless the Legislature fixes the problem, these reductions will only get worse over time,” said Executive Constantine. “And local governments across the state face the identical situation.”

While Guardian One is operated by King County, it is the only helicopter available for regional law-enforcement agencies including Seattle Police.

We’re still reading the county budget and will report on anything else of direct local interest. It now will go through a review-and-comment process in the weeks ahead – find the details here. Our area’s County Councilmember is Joe McDermott, so if you have something to say about these issues or others in the budget, you can e-mail him at joe.mcdermott@kingcounty.gov.

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UPDATE: 2 workers in critical condition after crane touches wires at West Seattle construction site; power outage nearby

September 26, 2016 10:38 am

| 36 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(UPDATED 2:48 PM with victims’ condition)

10:38 AM: Big SFD medical response for an incident at the 42nd and Oregon construction site. 2 workers are reported injured, and an electrical problem was involved. Avoid the area.

10:51 AM: Road closure update – SW Oregon is closed east of California.

Police tell us the incident involved some part of a crane reportedly making contact with the power line that runs north-south along the alley.

11:04 AM: SFD’s Lt. Harold Webb tells us one worker was taken to the hospital in critical condition, one in serious. They were on the ground near the crane when it happened. The crane operator is being evaluated to see if medical treatment is needed. (The helicopter overhead is TV.)

11:31 AM: As noted in comments, this has affected power to some others in the area. The Senior Center, just west of the construction site, has lost part of its power, we’re told. Seattle City Light was dispatched to the scene early on.

The project that is under way at the site, just north of one of the West Seattle Junction Association parking lots, is 4505 42nd SW, a seven-story mixed-use building with apartments, “lodging” units, and retail. Work has been under way at the site since June.

SIDE NOTE: Just last year, a similar type of mobile crane caught fire after touching wires during a residential project near 47th and Andover; no one was hurt.

11:57 AM: Just went back to the scene. SW Oregon is still closed between California and 42nd. Work was halted at the construction site immediately after the incident.

The aforementioned parking lot south of the construction site is open. No further word about the workers or their conditions; we’ll be checking with Harborview a bit later.

12:23 PM: More power outages nearby, particularly south of Oregon – the City Light map now reflects them.

2:48 PM: Harborview Medical Center tells us both men are in critical condition.

3:48 PM: As noted in a separate update, the businesses/residences that lost power nearby have just gotten it back.

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West Seattle Monday: Debate-watching, WSHS sports-transportation meeting, more

September 26, 2016 10:03 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Harbor seal seen at Don Armeni, briefly, early Sunday evening – photographed by Robert Spears)

Tonight’s biggest event is happening thousands of miles away:

WATCHING THE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE IN WEST SEATTLE: Hosting a viewing party for tonight’s first presidential-candidates debate (in Hempstead, NY, starting at 6 pm our time), or at least putting it up onscreen at your establishment/venue? Not too late to get onto our list, which has five options as of the moment we’re publishing this. Let us know in a comment here or via editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!

Here’s what else is up:

BACK TO SCHOOL: Day 1 of the fall semester at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor).

DONATE A PINT, GET A PINT: West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) is hosting a Bloodworks NW donation drive today, 1-7 pm, and offering a free pint of ice cream as an incentive to everyone who registers to donate. Can’t tell from the Bloodworks website if any spots are available, so call 800-398-7888 to inquire if you’re not signed up already. (4201 SW Morgan)

CITY BUDGET: As explained here, the mayor presents his budget today, and then the City Council review kicks off. Watch at 2 pm via seattlechannel.org.

STRATEGIZING SOLUTIONS FOR TEAM TRANSPORTATION TROUBLE: As previewed here last week, a meeting at West Seattle High School tonight, 7 pm in the library, will be a strategy session for taking concerns to the School Board about transportation changes that have resulted in athletes having to miss multiple classes on away days. Others around the city affected by this are invited too; details in our calendar listing. (3000 California SW)

(Sunday night’s sunset from Lincoln Park, photographed by Cameron Oliva)

MUSIC @ WEST SEATTLE BREWING: Mondays 8 pm-11 pm, Cracker Factory performs live at West Seattle Brewing Company in The Triangle. (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW)

MORE … on our complete-calendar page!

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YOUR MONEY: Mayor’s budget goes public today; here’s how to have a say

September 26, 2016 9:13 am

| Comments Off on YOUR MONEY: Mayor’s budget goes public today; here’s how to have a say

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Before we get to what’s happening in West Seattle today/tonight – a reminder that the city-budget process moves out into the public arena starting this afternoon. At 2 pm, the City Council’s regular weekly full-council meeting starts with Mayor Murray’s budget speech. And that’s when his plan will go public – not just a long list of dollar amounts, but also a road map to what he’s proposing to do regarding a variety of issues and projects. For example, as noted in our coverage of last Wednesday’s Delridge District Council meeting, the budget is where he would have to officially execute his proposal to cut off city support for district councils.

What the mayor delivers today will have City Council-led changes by the time it goes to a final vote on November 21st. And this will be the first budget process since the City Council was changed to seven district reps and two at-large, so that’s a new dynamic in the mix. Our area’s City Councilmember Lisa Herbold included a timeline of the process in her latest online update – see it here. The first major public hearing – “an opportunity to request that Councilmembers sponsor changes (or not make changes) to the Mayor’s proposed budget,” as Herbold explains it – is next week, 5:30 pm Wednesday, October 5th, at City Hall. Her timeline explains other key points for commenting. (Her e-mail address is lisa.herbold@seattle.gov.)

You can watch the mayor’s budget speech today at 2 pm via Seattle Channel, online or cable channel 21. We’ll be covering it for the local specifics, of course, so check here for those.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Fall’s first Monday

September 26, 2016 6:54 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Fall’s first Monday

| 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)

6:54 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported so far in or from West Seattle.

THIS WEEK’S ALERTS
*Spokane St. project continues east of the low bridge
*South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) starts the fall quarter today
*Seattle Public Schools will be out two hours early on Wednesday
*West Seattle Bridge west-end closure next Saturday morning for jersey-barrier replacement

8:05 AM: Still no incidents to report.

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Seattle Summer Parkways on Alki, report #2: Street scenes

September 26, 2016 1:01 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Photos by Leda Costa for West Seattle Blog

We showed you what was happening at Seattle Summer Parkways on Alki as it happened along two waterfront miles on Sunday. Now, through the photos of WSB contributing photographer Leda Costa, a closer look at who was there having fun. Above, the bouncy obstacle course brought in by Seattle Parks; below, the Pan family, jumping rope:

Ahead, 12 more scenes from what really was a summery afternoon, despite it having been the third full day of fall: Read More

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Driver damages day-care doors in Highland Park

September 25, 2016 10:18 pm

| Comments Off on Driver damages day-care doors in Highland Park

| West Seattle news

Thanks to the texter who tipped us to this: What looked on the 911 log like a relatively routine car-crash call earlier tonight was something more – a driver ran into the doors of one of the two buildings that Ages in Stages has at 9th and Trenton in Highland Park. But the doors are all that was damaged, the owners told us when we went over a little while ago, and they will be open tomorrow – this happened at the building on the northwest corner of the intersection, while their building on the northeast corner is unharmed. The driver, meantime, was taken to a hospital by private ambulance.

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VIDEO: West Seattle’s Tibbetts UMC among 300+ venues for Concert to End Gun Violence in America

September 25, 2016 8:59 pm

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| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

“It’s been a rough week,” began singer Lady A, going on to urge people to show kindness to each other, before she sang “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” a cappella, to open the Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) event this afternoon that was part of the nationwide Concert to End Gun Violence in America. (Our apologies for the lack of tripod.) Tibbetts’ choir, directed by Elizabeth Nye, followed by singing the 23rd Psalm:

Tibbetts’ pastor Rev. Joanne Carlson Brown opened with a blessing acknowledging that the issue is experienced in many different ways.

The Seattle Flash Choir, Victor Puentes Jr., and Christy McWilson & The West Seattle 2 also performed at the Tibbetts concert, organized by Cindy Jacobs, one of more than 300 concerts across the nation today. The biggest was in New York City, headlined by music stars including West Seattleite Eddie Vedder.

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UPDATE: Fireworks lead to SFD callout in 8800 block 13th SW

September 25, 2016 7:02 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

7:02 PM: Big SFD call for a possible house fire on 13th SW near Trenton [map]. We are on the way.

7:20 PM: SFD’s call closed before we got there but here’s what we learned from neighbors and police on the scene: Some people drove up and set off a box of fireworks that went off, with sparks and smoke, in multiple directions. That’s what led to the fire call. Multiple small fires were sparked but put out quickly by neighbors.

7:34 PM: Added above – our photo of the fireworks tossed from a car. The neighbors say the cap was left behind too.

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UPDATE: West Seattle presidential-debate watching parties

September 25, 2016 6:42 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

6:42 PM: If you know of an open-to-the-public viewing party for the first presidential debate tomorrow, we’d love to hear about it – we’ve been asked multiple times today! Bar, restaurant, political group, whomever/wherever, as long as it’s in West Seattle, White Center, or South Park. E-mail us at editor@westseattleblog.com or comment below – thank you.

9:40 PM: Here’s what we have so far:

Admiral Bird (California/Admiral)

The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), pre-trivia

House party in North Admiral that is also a campaign fundraiser for Secretary of State candidate Tina Podlodowski and Lands Commissioner candidate Hilary Franz, suggested donation $100/person – if interested, e-mail katherine@katherinebobman.com for details/RSVP

9:57 PM: Another one just in:

Parliament Tavern (4210 SW Admiral Way): “We’ll have the two parties represented on the big screen, but the REAL party falls smack during happy hour, which will carry through the end of the debate! $4 draft micros! $4 wells! $2.50 Rainier’s and PBR tallboys!”

ADDED MONDAY MORNING: OutWest Bar (California/Brandon) too.

Anyplace else? We’ll keep adding whatever comes in. (The debate is set for 6-7:30 pm Monday, our time, by the way.)

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen pickup truck; hit-and-run; car prowl

September 25, 2016 4:00 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch today:

STOLEN PICKUP TRUCK: Keep watch for Caleb‘s truck:

Stolen from south side of West Seattle Corporate Center lot (Delridge/Andover)
2011 Red Dodge Ram 2500
Black wheels
Has a leveling kit
Black Top Bed Cover
5th wheel hitch
IBEW Sticker on the back window

Call 911 if you see it.

HIT & RUN IN ALKI: 56th and Lander is where Julie reports this happened: “Between 6:30 am and 8 am Sunday 9/25 morning, our blue 4-door pickup was hit while parked on the street. If you have any information, we would greatly appreciate your help. Police report filed.”

CAR PROWL IN MORGAN JUNCTION: From Gina:

I just wanted to let everyone know our car got broken into last night or this morning. We live in an apartment complex with a covered carport on California Ave in Morgan Junction and we came to our car with the contents of our glovebox strewn about. Luckily, we had no valuables in the car and there was no property damage. We’re grateful they left our national parks pass and discovery pass. However, I wanted to let my neighbors to keep their eyes out! Even though we didn’t lose anything, we are reporting it to the police.

REMINDER – WEST SEATTLE BLOCK WATCH CAPTAINS NETWORK ON TUESDAY: You don’t have to be a Block Watch Captain or even a Block Watch member to attend the WSBWCN meeting 6:30 pm Tuesday (September 27th) at the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster). A special guest from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will talk about her work including prosecution of repeat property-crime offenders.

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HAPPENING NOW: Playing in the street (and preparing for disaster) during Seattle Summer Parkways on Alki

September 25, 2016 12:51 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

12:51 PM: So far during Seattle Summer Parkways on Alki, which continues until 4 pm, we’ve seen a shark and a whale …

The rendering of the 39-foot humpback whale that stranded and died in Fauntleroy two months ago is part of the marine-mammal chalk art outside the Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network‘s booth in the 61st/Alki activity zone; the shark was a decoration on one of the cargo/family bicycles that headed out at 11 am for the Seattle Disaster Relief Trials, a fun combination of preparedness exercise and bicycle ride.

Participants are practicing skills that might be needed in case of catastrophe – earthquake, for example. “Cars can’t get through, we can,” was the scenario offered by organizer Morgan as she took the stage to launch the ride. Participants headed off to spots as far away as White Center, visiting up to four of West Seattle’s Emergency Communication Hubs along the way. Thanks to Jon for this photo from the Ercolini Park hub west of The Junction, where the “shark” bike was checking in:

Toting items (even containers of water) was part of the exercise. (added) And via Twitter, here’s another hub stop for that distinctive bike and rider:

Riders pick up 20# food bags @ Delridge P-Patch. #Disasterbikes aren't boring! #seattledrt2016 #whenallelsefails @seattleacs @familybikesea pic.twitter.com/riRw5unSk1

— Seattle ACS (@SeattleACS) September 25, 2016

Meantime, back at the beach, City Councilmember Lisa Herbold and SDOT director Scott Kubly were there to help launch today’s event (the mayor canceled a few days ago) but decided against speeches since, as she put it, things were proceeding relatively casually:

Also at the 61st/Alki hub, Seattle Public Library‘s two-wheeled branch:

Not pictured – a mini-tent where little ones can sit and read. Meantime, a short distance east on Alki, the Seattle Humane MaxMobile arrived with adoptable pets including kittens (who did NOT want to pose, so we have the wide view of the van):

That’s about as far as we got before having to leave Alki for a bit – but we’re headed back now to explore the rest of the route. Again, if you’ve missed all the advance alerts, Alki SW is open to walking/biking and other non-motorized transportation, both ways between 56th and 63rd, and east of 56th to Don Armeni, the inland lane is open to cars (etc.) one way westbound, while the water-side lane is for other forms of transportation, until 4 pm.

ADDED 1:38 PM: Just stopped by Don Armeni for another marine-mammal sighting – Mike the inflatable Southern Resident Killer Whale, is now ready for visitors. He’s with The Whale Trail team.

ADDED 2:19 PM: If you’re here and you haven’t stopped by City Scoop yet, to answer some questions and get free ice cream, you have until 3 pm. The tents are right by Alki Bathhouse – here’s the view from the second floor at Spud across the street:

Or maybe you are torn between hanging out in the sunshine and watching the Seahawks/49ers game on TV. Guess what – you can do both!

Alki resident Guy Olson set up the “living room in the street” – TV and all – between Marine and 59th. Meantime, at 58th SW, Seattle Parks has a play zone for kids including a bouncy obstacle course:

Also, face painting and chalk art! And that’s near Coastal, the Alki boutique, which has a lemonade stand out front, raising money for Camp Korey.

2:45 PM: Music at Summer Parkways – the Barrelhouse Jive Band onstage at 61st/Alki:

The Barrelhouse Jive Cats play Seattle Summer Parkways pic.twitter.com/kreLDgwbqQ

— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) September 25, 2016

The clip is from WSB contributing photographer Leda Costa – our second report on Summer Parkways will include her views from today. Again, this is on until 4 pm … most activities between 56th and 63rd on Alki, but an “activity hub” remains at Don Armeni, too.

3:40 PM: Twenty more minutes to get out and play in the street along Alki. You can of course ride your bike at the beach any time, but today has been extra fun with cool people like these:

Since they were running a bike "rodeo" @SeattleParkways, @DonBrubeck & Kathy Dunn @WSeaBikeConnect dressed up in Western garb. pic.twitter.com/Oe4Qs8ERui

— Seattle Greenways (@SNGreenways) September 25, 2016

As mentioned above, we’ll have a second report with scenes of the day, later on. And we’ll update here when we get word Alki/Harbor Aves. are back to all traffic both ways – the official posted closure is until 5 pm, so there’s time for breakdown and cleanup.

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HAPPENING NOW: Fauntleroy ‘Recycle Roundup,’ until 3 pm

September 25, 2016 12:05 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

Just stopped by Fauntleroy Church to see how the fall Recycle Roundup is going. You have until 3 pm to drop off recyclables for free – provided they’re on this (long) list of what 1 Green Planet is taking this time. Most memorable item we spotted during a quick look – a vintage copper “Combination” GE refrigerator/freezer.

The church is at 9140 California SW (you can’t get there directly from the main stretch of California – if you head west on Barton from 35th, the road becomes California for a short stretch before the Endolyne business district). It’s busy right now (a few minutes past noon) but they have enough help to keep everyone moving through quickly.

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Admiral Theater renovations: See what they’re uncovering

September 25, 2016 11:02 am

| Comments Off on Admiral Theater renovations: See what they’re uncovering

| Admiral Theater | West Seattle news

(Photos courtesy Admiral Theater/Southwest Seattle Historical Society)

One week into the renovation work at the Admiral Theater, here’s the first look inside, courtesy of theater staff and the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. The photos above and below show parts of a mural that had been hidden since the theater was split into two auditoriums decades ago.

See and read more on the SWSHS website. When the work’s all done, the Admiral will have four screens. Right now, it has one – the western auditorium is open while work goes on next door.

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HAPPENING NOW: Orca Half runners headed for Lincoln Park

September 25, 2016 10:00 am

| Comments Off on HAPPENING NOW: Orca Half runners headed for Lincoln Park

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

10 AM: The first-ever Orca Half (as in half-marathon) is happening right now, as the kickoff to today’s Seattle Summer Parkways “car-free” event on Alki. More than 400 runners are headed outbound to Lincoln Park and back to Don Armeni Boat Ramp, where they started in two groups shortly after 9:30.

This means the road changes are on, too. Our photo is from Harbor Avenue at the bottom of the California Way hill, by Seacrest – if you are westbound on Harbor, you will be diverted uphill, because that’s where the water-side biking/running/walking-only lane begins. And once you get to 56th/Alki, the entire road is off-limits to cars (etc.) until 63rd. We’ll have as-it-happens coverage from Alki once everything gets going there around 11 am.

ADDED 10:37 AM: At least one runner had a mini-cheering section:

These are the finishers’ medals, waiting back at the start/finish line:

You’ll also see The Whale Trail – beneficiary of the run – there, with Mike the inflatable orca (who was still getting deployed when we left).

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West Seattle Sunday: Summer Parkways on Alki; Recycle Roundup in Fauntleroy; more…

September 25, 2016 7:48 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by David Hutchinson – two California sea lions whose barking entertained onlookers at Duwamish Head)

Good morning and welcome to a big Sunday!

TRAFFIC ALERTS: 8 am-5 pm, traffic and parking restrictions along Alki and Harbor Avenues because of Seattle Summer Parkways (activity info below); from 56th SW east to Don Armeni, the inland lane will remain open to motorized traffic so residents can get to and from their homes; from 56th to 63rd, the road is open to people walking, running, biking … Also remember that Harbor Island detours continue, so if you’re headed to the Seahawks game or any place else across the bay, you will want to use the high bridge (or the Water Taxi!), not the low bridge.

Now, what’s happening:

RECYCLE ROUNDUP: 9 am-3 pm, Fauntleroy Church‘s Green Committee hosts 1 Green Planet in the church parking lot, so you can drop off recyclables that you just can’t put out at curbside. Be sure they are on this list of what’s accepted (which includes some reminders of what’s not), however. And please go as early as you can – the last hour tends to get stacked up. (9140 California SW)

ORCA HALF: 9:30 am, the first-ever running of this half-marathon will start from Don Armeni Boat Ramp, as an early kickoff to Seattle Summer Parkways. Runners will head toward Lincoln Park, and back. (1222 Harbor SW)

SEATTLE SUMMER PARKWAYS ON ALKI: 11 am-4 pm, the newest edition of the city-organized “car-free day” event invites you to come walk, ride your bike, dance, play games, enjoy music, participate in dozens of activities – the newest list is in our preview from last night. (Alki/Harbor Aves. from 63rd SW to Don Armeni)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS MARKET: 10 am-2 pm in The Junction, see what’s fresh for this first weekend of fall! (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

DISASTER RELIEF CARGO BIKE TRIALS: 11 am, departing from Summer Parkways, it’s a bicycle ride and a disaster-preparedness exercise all in one. Four of West Seattle’s Emergency Communication Hubs will be “activated” for the event – Alki, Morgan Junction, Ercolini Park, North Delridge – as explained here. (61st/Alki and beyond)

CITY SCOOP: Free ice cream while you share your thoughts with the city, 1-3 pm during Seattle Summer Parkways – look for the tent near the main stage. (61st/Alki)

‘HANSEL AND GRETEL’ PREVIEW: 2 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, a free preview lecture looks ahead to the Seattle Opera production of “Hansel and Gretel.” (2306 42nd SW)

CONCERT TO END GUN VIOLENCE: 3 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), you are invited to one of the 300+ concerts across the country united in the cause of ending gun violence. Details in our calendar listing. Free; donations accepted for Everytown. (3940 41st SW)

CHORO TOCANDO: Live Brazilian music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)

ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: Last Sunday of the month brings the free all-ages open-microphone event at The Skylark, signup at 3, music 4-7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

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Hate-Free Delridge party, report #2: So many showed up, they ran out of name tags

September 25, 2016 1:46 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

By Linda Ball
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The organizers of Hate Free Delridge ran out of name tags after 200 were handed out, and the people kept coming for the group’s first big event Saturday at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.

They all came out to stand up against hate, meet new neighbors, make new friends, and share food, music, and art together.

Hate Free Delridge is a grass-roots organization that evolved as a result of July’s hate crime targeting a Pigeon Point family with mixed-race children. Saturday’s crowd was diverse not only in ethnicities but also geographically – while HFD organizers are primarily from Puget Ridge and Pigeon Point, people showed up from other West Seattle neighborhoods too.

Erica Moore lives in The Admiral District, where she saw a flyer for the event at Alki Bike and Board, owned by Stu Hennessey, one of the founders of Hate Free Delridge. Moore, who is African-American, said she has dealt with discrimination herself, but she has learned to handle it with goodness and grace. She echoed Pavan Vangipuram’s opening words that the way to fight fire is with water.

Vangipuram, who is with OneAmerica, and is also a founder of Hate Free Delridge, opened the program with a recap of what led to HFD’s formation.

He encouraged everyone to talk to someone they don’t know during the evening. Hennessey was the MC of the program, keeping things moving along. He had everyone stand up and meet someone they’ve never met in their life, which worked so well that the conversations around the room drowned him out.

Martha Ortiz, of Mexican heritage, said she was at the event to support the Black Lives Matter movement and all oppressed people. Her daughter Rebecca Garcia was also there with her children. “I have two kids, too,” Garcia said. “It could have been my family – they’re mixed.” Her daughter Laura Garcia, 11, was busy making balloon animals for anyone who wanted one:

The entire family lives in the Puget Ridge neighborhood. With them was Sandra Aguilar, originally from Mexico, now residing in Yakima. Aguilar has been in the U.S. for 20 years.

“In Yakima, we’re addressing these issues, too, about privilege and hate,” she said. “I’m faced with the fact of more separation of cultures in Yakima, but there are a lot of people working to change that.” She came to support the group, and to perform with Garcia. Together, they are a musical group called Once Minutos (11 minutes), performing in Seattle, Wenatchee and Yakima.

Reba Schneider, who lives near Westwood Village, grew up in the Leschi area, which she described as having been in transition at the time, from being a mostly Jewish community to an African-American neighborhood. She said that laid the groundwork for her interest in and value of diversity. Her great-grandparents had lived in West Seattle, so that was what drew her to this area later.

Attendees dined on an absolutely incredible free dinner of homemade tapas, followed by dessert. Most of the food was donated, and then prepared by a small army of volunteer kitchen wizards.

The music flowed:

Also, children had their faces painted, and everyone had the chance to sign a large banner or write a Haiku poem based on the theme “My Stand Against Hate.”

Among those penning poems, City Councilmember Lisa Herbold:

Who knew that a nasty note could lead to all of this community goodness? Next up for Hate Free Delridge will be a vigil to stand up against hate, 6 pm October 15th at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza.

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SUNDAY: The latest list of what you’ll find during Seattle Summer Parkways on Alki

September 24, 2016 10:49 pm

| Comments Off on SUNDAY: The latest list of what you’ll find during Seattle Summer Parkways on Alki

| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

One last reminder … from Don Armeni Boat Ramp to 63rd/Alki, Seattle Summer Parkways will stretch along two miles of Alki and Harbor Avenues tomorrow (Sunday, September 25th), with the Orca Half (marathon) starting it all at 9:30 am, and then the main activity schedule 11 am-4 pm. See the map above for traffic/parking changes, and the updated schedule/activity/partner list below (with additions beyond what’s on the SSP website). One major difference from past years’ events is the addition of an activity hub at Don Armeni, as well as the central activity areas in the heart of Alki Beach. Meantime, the forecast still looks great!

SCHEDULE

9:30 AM Orca Half Marathon begins at Don Armeni Boat Ramp.
11 AM Kick off Summer Parkways with bike decorating & Kids Bike Parade from FamilyBike Seattle
11 AM-4 PM Disaster Relief Trials
12-3 PM West Seattle Summer Walking Tour with Feet First. Meet at Don Armeni Boat Ramp.
1-2 PM Behind the scenes bicycle tour of Summer Parkways with the event organizers. Meet at Don Armeni Boat Ramp, where free Pronto bike rentals will be available.
1-3 PM Free Ice Cream at CityScoop near 61st SW & Alki Ave SW.
Live music all day on our main stage at 61st SW and Alki Ave SW.

MAIN STAGE SCHEDULE (61st Ave SW and Alki Ave SW)

11:00AM – Disaster Relief Trials Launch
11:15AM – Scott Kubly and Others Open the Event
12:00PM – Zumba Kids with Jeannette
1:00PM – Ephrata Takes the Stage to Play Dreamy Shoegaze
2:00PM – Barellhouse Jive Cats

ACTIVITIES

*The Orca Half Marathon

*Visit Mike, NOAA’s life-size inflatable orca whale (modeled after J-26) at Don Armeni Park. Learn more about orcas, shore-based whalewatching at educational signs along the route, courtesy of The Whale Trail.

*Relax under the City’s big tent, eat free ice cream and talk to folks from various City Departments at CityScoop from 1pm – 3 pm near 61st Ave SW

*Kick off the event with bike decorating & Kids Bike Parade with FamilyBike Seattle

*Education and Creative Art Projects with the Seal Sitters

*Make it your way with topping bar at Anchor End Pretzel Sandwiches

*Food for the Soul from Neema’s Southern Comfort Foods

*Let its show, you love the dough! with Mini The Doughnut

*Children’s games and gutter protection exhibitions from Harry Helmet

*Bike Bingo from Cascade Bicycle Club

*Books on Bikes from Seattle Public Library

*Bike decorating and Kidical Mass kids bike parade with Family Bike Expo

*Live music from Ephrata

*Adaptive Bike Exhibition & games with Outdoors For All

*Bike Rodeo for kids with West Seattle Bike Connections

*Adopt a new best friend from the Seattle Humane Society MaxMobile on site!

*Bubbles & Balloons at The Seattle Barkery handcrafted dog treats & coffee for humans

*Seattle Department of Transportation Public Space Management

*Learn about HALA from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods

*Free bike rentals from Pronto Cycle Share, located at the water taxi dock and at 62nd Ave SW and Alki Ave SW

*Plan your next adventure and learn about the tiny lifestyle with Homegrown Trailers

*Dance, move and have fun at Zumba Kids with Jeannette

*Lotion and body butter demonstrations from NALI Natural Body Care Products

*Connecting students to local and global community programs: FIUTS

*Delicious food from Off The Rez food truck

*Learn more about Seattle Annual Music and Jazz Cruise

*Rent a custom bike for the day and cruise with Pedal Anywhere

*Speak with experts about finances for free with Voya Financial Advisors

*Find a cool T-shirt at Northington T-shirts

*Explore and book your next travel destination with Destinations Unleashed Paycation Travel!

*Check out a Seattle Bike Polo match

*Break off a piece of all natural KRAVE Jerky

*Food and drink specials all day, plus a killer happy hour at El Chupacabra!

*Bike repair, giveaways, demos and music from Westside Bicycle at Don Armeni Park

*Drop in for a 15 minute POP Pilates classes every hour on the hour starting at 12p.m. from FitGirls NW

*Taco-eating contest

*Killer Bike Show!

*Learn about how you can get involved in supporting Seattle’s homeless population with Shorewood Foursquare Church’s Northwest Light Under the Bridge Ministry

*Pick up your Alki beachwear at Coastal Surf Boutique’s sidewalk sale

*Get some free bubbles and learn about how neighbors share time and talents with West Seattle Timebank

*Seattle Parks & Recreation will offer Karate Demos, a Bouncy Obstacle Course, Free Face Painting and Hula Demos

*The Alki Art Fair will have an art show in the Alki Bathhouse

*Behind the Scenes Bicycle Tour of West Seattle Summer Parkways with the event organizers 1-2PM beginning at Don Armeni Park.