West Seattle, Washington

19 Friday

42℉

month : 09/2016 302 results

High-school football: West Seattle HS vs. Cleveland
September 30, 2016 8:50 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

West Seattle High School is now 4-1 this football season, after another victory tonight. On the road, the Wildcats beat Cleveland, 57-29. Next week, it’s homecoming, 7 pm Friday, October 7th, vs. Liberty at SW Athletic Complex.

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FIRE VICTIMS UPDATE: No more items needed TFN, but here’s how to donate $
September 30, 2016 5:10 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

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5:10 PM: That’s just one of multiple piles of donated items at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, which has been collecting donations for the Lam-Bow Apartments fire victims, many of whom have been sheltered by the Red Cross at nearby Delridge Community Center. Youngstown is so swamped, in fact, that director David Bestock sends the request: NO MORE FOR NOW, PLEASE – “I think at least until displaced folks find a place to live, we’ve got more than they can handle.”

He just told us as we were about to publish this that Youngstown DOES have enough helping hands for now, but: “Folks who want to help volunteer can contact the WS Helpline volunteer desk at operations@wshelpline.org for ongoing support over the next couple weeks.”

Meantime, we haven’t heard yet from the Seattle Housing Authority (which owns the Lam-Bow) about other ways to help, but keep in mind, for those families, there’ll be long-term needs, so we’ll continue to follow up, next week and beyond.

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ADDED 7:43 PM: Some good news from SHA’s Kerry Coughlin: “Our staff have met individually with families to assess their needs and have identified all vacancy options in our portfolio. We believe we will have everyone rehoused in suitable SHA housing by next week.”

As for donating $, she says they haven’t yet figured out an online option yet BUT if you would like to send a check – there is now a Fire Relief Fund, and the details are here.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Is this your bike? Police want to hear from you ASAP. Also, car prowler(s) steal mountain gear; thieves hit church
September 30, 2016 4:02 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three cases in West Seattle Crime Watch this afternoon. First – is this your bike?

POLICE SEEK BIKE’S OWNER: Southwest Precinct police are looking for this bicycle’s owner – they believe it was left at a crime scene by a repeat offender.

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If it’s yours, please call SPD ASAP at 206-817-6370.

Meantime, two cases we were already just about to report – first, a car prowler got away with a lot of gear:

CLIMBING GEAR STOLEN: From Thomas:

My cars were broken into this morning … parked (in the 4700 block of) SW Dawson.

The thieves got away with away quite a list of valuables, but the summary is as follows:
-3 rock climbing harnesses
-2 climbing ropes (blue/red)
-15 quick draws (black/orange)
-assorted carabiners
-Patagonia duffel (navy blue) with assorted women’s clothing (my partners)
-Black canvas duffel with assorted men’s clothing
-2 pairs rock climbing shoes
-150 liter duffel with Rainier Mountaineering Inc. logo on the side with assorted clothing inside
-110 liter Mountain Hardwear back pack grey/white
-28 liter Mammut pack blue
-10 liter Petzl pack black/grey
-10 liter black diamond pack grey/lime green

I haven’t taken a complete inventory of things I lost, but the items listed are the biggest things (I think). I work as a mountain guide and the things that were stolen are equipment I use for work so the loss is doubly significant as I will need to replace the items in order to work.

CHURCH HIT BY THEFT: Multiple congregation members from Westside Unitarian Universalist in Gatewood called our attention today to this item in the church’s newsletter, which we are republishing with church permission:

Last Sunday the laptop from our AV booth was stolen by two people who entered the building around 2:00 through a door that was propped open for a construction project. Two members saw them and asked about their purpose and the couple gave them a false story about a class they were attending in the building. Please be mindful at all times to not leave valuables unattended. Please help us keep a watchful eye for any suspicious behavior – just let a staff person or church leader know.

One person who saw the thieves says this might be linked to the Senior Center purse theft mentioned here yesterday – we’re still collecting information on that for a followup, but wanted to get these items out in the meantime.

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ROAD-WORK ALERT: Paving on 35th SW in Arbor Heights tomorrow
September 30, 2016 3:47 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

More SDOT paving work on 35th SW – this time, tomorrow in Arbor Heights. Just out of the inbox:

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) advises travelers that crews will be repaving the intersection of 35th Ave SW and SW 100th on Saturday, October 1. This work is weather dependent.

From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 1, travelers can expect the following:

· Crews will be excavating and repaving the intersection of 35th Ave SW and SW 100th.

· Traffic on 35th Ave SW at the intersection will be down to one lane. Flaggers will direct traffic.

· There will be no parking in the work zone.

· Travelers may enter and exit nearby driveways, but may have to wait up to 15 minutes for equipment to clear.

This project is part of SDOT’s 2016 Arterial Major Maintenance (AMM) program. The AMM program maintains our busiest streets by making strategic small scale investments at key locations on city streets.

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West Seattle restaurants: Soprano Antico revealed as name for ex-Zatz Bagels space
September 30, 2016 2:25 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

New information about the restaurant in the works for the former Zatz Bagels space at 2348 California SW in The Admiral District:

As reported here a month ago, the liquor-license application for the space was in the name Kosara, and included West Seattle restaurateur Plamen Stoyanov as one of the proprietors. When reached by WSB’s Linda Ball, he wasn’t ready to divulge details. She’s continued to check, and then this week, checked back again after a new liquor-license application appeared under the name Soprano Antico. Stoyanov says that’s what the restaurant will be named, and that will be a full-service Italian restaurant, with the menu including – but not limited to – pizza, both classic and Neapolitan. (Currently, nearby Pizzeria 22 is the only certified Neapolitan-pizza maker in West Seattle.) He says they’ll deliver “classic” pizza but the Neapolitan pizza will have to be consumed on-site. They’ll be making their own pasta by hand in-house.

Stoyanov also told WSB that this will be his only restaurant – he is no longer the proprietor of Amante Pizza. He says he’s hoping Soprano Antico, with beer, wine, and seating for about 60, will open by early November. “I want to be open even yesterday,” he said. “But things move slowly.” Stoyanov said he plans to hire 10 to 15 employees for starters.

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West Seattle Performing Arts: Welcome, new WSB sponsor!
September 30, 2016 12:40 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Today we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor, West Seattle Performing Arts, now open in The Junction. Here’s what they would like you to know about what they’re offering:

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(Main studio at West Seattle Performing Arts)

West Seattle Performing Arts, owned and operated by West Seattleites Armando and Christine Juarez, offers four decades of experience in the performing arts. They harbor a deep love of education; arts education is their specialty. They are now raising their 3rd generation in West Seattle and are highly motivated to provide the best training in the performing arts they can.

Armando is vice president of the West Seattle Eagles and they have been members of Holy Rosary Parish for 23 years. Christine has served on the dance faculty at Cornish College of the Arts for 23 years, running their national summer dance programming, and she has also directed the dance program for Vashon Center for the Arts on Vashon Island for 20 years. Now: “The time has presented itself for us to work in our own community.”

But, Christine Juarez says, “This is not just a neighborhood studio. We have designed a space that is a pure canvas for artists to study and create. We are offering a Performing Arts School. Faculty in Dance, Theater, Music, and Art are all housed within our vision. We believe in the power of collaboration and our faculty are already excited to create works together. Rock Band vocal and instrumental recording, 3D Costume Design, Guitar, Hip Hop, Theatre Games and Improv, Ballet, Contemporary Modern, Jazz, Tap, Power Barre, Men’s Daybreak Stretch, Wiggle and Groove music for tots – those are only a few of the classes we are offering this fall.” Adult classes are listed here; teen classes (13-17) are listed here; classes for children (18 months-12 years) are listed here.

West Seattle Performing Arts has two open, bright studios and one multi-purpose studio, new dressing rooms, bathrooms, and lobby. The walls don’t need much color because the work of the artists in these studios will color them for us. Lobby walls will show art work; windows into the studios allow observers to peek inside classes.

We offer the best instructors in the Pacific Northwest. We are distinguished by our experienced faculty, who hold degrees and professional experience in their fields. West Seattle Performing Arts offers a national standard of training. Our faculty are wide-ranging not only in
experience and disciplines, but they span color, culture, and an inclusive perspective on life and the arts.

West Seattle Performing Arts is at 4210 SW Edmunds, 206-935-3777, and online at westseattleperformingarts.org. Rolling registration for fall classes is under way.

We thank West Seattle Performing Arts for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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@ Highland Park Action Committee: 16th/Holden ex-substation update, and more:
September 30, 2016 11:11 am
|    Comments Off on @ Highland Park Action Committee: 16th/Holden ex-substation update, and more:
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news

Will the former Seattle City Light substation at 16th/Holden get rezoned as requested? The potential next step was a late addition to the agenda at Wednesday night’s Highland Park Action Committee meeting:

(Aerial-photo graphic via Seattle City Light)

EX-SUBSTATION REZONING? City Councilmember Lisa Herbold was a surprise guest to talk about the latest regarding this community-instigated proposal for the former Dumar substation in the heart of Highland Park’s main business district. As noted here last year, there had been suggestions that it should become commercial to complement the other three corners of the 16th/Holden intersection.

Herbold went through the options in the report she had received after asking that it be evaluated.

Read More

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UPDATE: ‘We stand … because we have respect, but we hold our fists up … to make positive change’: Chief Sealth Black Student Union protest
September 30, 2016 10:10 am
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

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(Added 10:27 pm: WSB photos. More below)

ORIGINAL REPORT, 10:10 AM FRIDAY: For the third consecutive Friday night, a protest against racial oppression is planned during the pre-game anthem tonight at Southwest Athletic Complex. The last two weeks, the focus was on the visiting football players of Garfield High School. Tonight, before the Chief Sealth-Ballard game at SWAC, the protest will be led by the CSIHS Black Student Union, which sent this statement:

We, the members of the Chief Sealth International High School Black Student Union, are tired… We are tired of unarmed black men, women, and children being murdered and receiving no justice. We are tired of seeing our educational system fail our brothers and sisters of color. We are tired of being silenced; we are tired of being racially profiled; we are tired of being massively incarcerated; we are tired of the racial disparities of income, the racial and economic segregation of our neighborhoods; we are tired of being OPPRESSED, and repeatedly disregarded as human beings.

West Seattle, WA : The Chief Sealth International Black Student has joined other groups in solidarity to protesting the national anthem while it is played. On Friday, September 23rd, 2016, the Chief Sealth Black Student Union organized its first national anthem protest at Chief Sealth’s football game against Garfield. During our protest, many spectators from the stands of many different ages and races joined us in facing away from the field and raising our fists in the air. The Chief Sealth Black Student Union plans to continue our protests at home games during football season. Our protest was nonviolent and we intend to keep it that way.

At this upcoming home game against Ballard on Friday, September 30, the Chief Sealth BSU DOES plan to protest the national anthem, along with those who decide to join us.

We will, again, stand with our fists raised, with our backs to the flag. We stand for the national anthem because we have respect, but we hold our fists up to affirm our power to make positive change. We turn our backs on the flag in a plea for justice; to symbolize the way in which we feel our nation has turned its back on us.

This protest is not to disrespect America or the soldiers that are serving and/or have served this country. This protest is to shed light on the fact that African American fathers, mothers, and children are afraid of their loved ones leaving their homes, that Seattle Public Schools has the 5th largest black-white achievement gap in the country and that they have not even attempted to contact Black Student Unions in the district. This is to spark or continue conversations about Terrence Crutcher, Aiyana Jones, Alfred Olango, and all of the other unarmed black men and women who have been killed by the state without cause.

How are we supposed to stand with America, “the land of the free,” when people are afraid for their lives and treated as second class citizens because of their skin color? As the Black Student Union for Chief Sealth we will fight for the rights of black students and individuals not only in West Seattle but for black people across the country. Martin Luther King once said: “We must never give up infinite hope”. We hope that through our actions we can get people to begin a dialogue, and in turn, change the world. We want Black Lives Matter to be something that won’t have to be said because everyone knows that already . Don’t let the news blind you from all facts of the story, and don’t let traditional racist beliefs blind your judgement.

We want to be heard. We refuse to be silenced.

Sincerely,
The Chief Sealth International High School Black Student Union

As mentioned in our daily preview, the game is at 7 pm at SW Athletic Complex, which is across the street from Chief Sealth, at 2801 SW Thistle.

9:23 PM: We’ll be adding photos of the protest – which was joined by some members of both teams – to this story, when we are back at HQ.

ADDED 10:27 PM: In the stands:

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And on the sidelines (photographed via phone) – first Sealth, then Ballard:

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Game coverage will be in a separate story later tonight.

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8 options for your West Seattle Friday
September 30, 2016 9:43 am
|    Comments Off on 8 options for your West Seattle Friday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

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(The view from Upper Alki this past Wednesday night – photographed by JayDee)

The weekend is within view! Here are highlights for today/tonight in West Seattle, from our calendar:

PARKING-LOT SALE: Shorewood Christian School‘s fall parking-lot sale is on until 4 pm today and again 8:30 am-4 pm tomorrow. Details in our calendar listing. (10300 28th SW)

DROP OFF YOUR ART FOR SOUTHWEST LIBRARY SHOWCASE: Today’s the second of three days that you can drop off your visual-art work for showcasing starting Sunday in the 25th annual community showcase at Southwest Library – details in our preview from earlier this week – the branch is open 10 am-6 pm today. Musicians can upload work for the showcase without going to the branch, as explained here. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

‘STAR WARS’ MATINEE: Sneak out and see “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” at 1 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle. $1 members/$2 nonmembers. (SW Oregon/California SW)

(update) CITY COUNCILMEMBER’S IN-DISTRICT OFFICE HOURS CANCELLED: We had added a mention of City Councilmember Lisa Herbold‘s office hours this afternoon/evening, but just got word at 10:55 am that they’re canceled “because of illness.”

Back to our original list:

READING IS OUT OF THIS WORLD: Family event at West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm, free. Details in our calendar listing. (36th SW/SW Snoqualmie)

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Tonight’s home game at Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) is Chief Sealth International High School vs. Ballard, 7 pm … West Seattle HS plays Cleveland at 5 pm at Southeast Athletic Complex (8815 Seward Park Ave. S.) … Tonight’s game at West Seattle Stadium (4432 35th SW) is O’Dea vs. Seattle Prep, 7 pm.

PAUL GERARD: Singer-songwriter at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

3 BANDS AT PARLIAMENT: Live music at Parliament Tavern featuring Sun Thieves, Star Meets Sea, Superedge, 9 pm, 21+, no cover. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

3 BANDS AT SKYLARK: Live music at Skylark Café & Club featuring Ghenes, Greeneedle, and Eclipxica, 9 pm, 21+, $7 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

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Memorial Mass next Friday for Pierre Dorratcague, 1920-2016
September 30, 2016 9:00 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather next week to remember Pierre Dorratcague, 96. Here’s what his family is sharing with the community:

Pierre Dorratcague passed away peacefully on September 25, 2016 at Providence Mt. St. Vincent after visits from his loving family.

He was born in New York City on February 4, 1920 and attended the Brooklyn Technical High School. He received a BA degree and a BS degree in electrical engineering from Columbia University in January 1942. He worked at Western Electric in radar development. Pierre received special permission to go into the Navy as an officer and was commissioned in 1942. He received radar training at Harvard and MIT and was assigned to run an early-warning radar installation in the South Pacific. As the fighting moved north in the Pacific, he was assigned to install and train air crews in operating and reading radar in the planes of a new torpedo bomber squadron.

While training at the air station at Astoria, Oregon, he met his future wife Carolyn King. After a two-month courtship, Pierre proposed just before going overseas on the aircraft carrier USS Randolph. He flew in the squadron commander’s aircraft, operating the radar guiding the squadron. Upon returning home he married Carolyn in Portland on July 25, 1945. After transferring to the reserves, Pierre went to work for Glenn L. Martin Company in Baltimore. In 1949 Pierre moved to Seattle to work for Boeing. He worked on several military programs, including radar systems, missile guidance, and electronics. Pierre ran the countermeasures development and testing in the Air Force’s B1 bomber. He retired from Boeing in 1985. Pierre served in the naval reserves for 30 years and retired with the rank of Captain. He participated in the naval Sea Scouts program and was national president.

He loved playing tennis and competed in the Senior Olympics. Pierre was a charter member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and served as a volunteer for many years. After retirement Pierre and Carolyn travelled extensively in the US and Europe, visiting relatives in France.

Pierre was preceded in death by his parents Dominique and Maria Dorratcague and his grandson Peter Dorratcague. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Carolyn; son Dennis and daughters Adriane Bouker, Michele Prociv, and Nicole Monroe; grandchildren David Dorratcague, Marc Bouker, Carolyn Love, Matthew Prociv, Paul Prociv, Jonathan Prociv, and Dominique Monroe; great-grandchildren Ava Bouker, Alex Prociv, and Elise Dorratcague. Pierre will be tremendously missed. The family appreciates the kindness and care of the staff at Providence Mt. St. Vincent in West Seattle.

A rosary will be held at 3:45 PM October 6 in the chapel at Providence Mount St. Vincent, 4831 35th Ave SW. A Mass will be offered at 11 AM on October 7 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 7000 35th Ave SW. A reception will follow immediately at the Walmesley Center at Our Lady of Guadalupe.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Pierre’s memory may be made to Providence Mount St. Vincent.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates; bridge closure tonight; Viaduct closure still on for Oct. 8-9
September 30, 2016 7:06 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)

7:06 AM: Good morning. No incidents in/from West Seattle right now.

One big reminder for tonight:

BRIDGE CLOSURE: The west end of the West Seattle Bridge will be closed starting right before midnight so that SDOT crews can replace 18 jersey barriers damaged in crashes. SDOT says it should be open again by 9 am Saturday:

The West Seattle Bridge (WSB) will be closed to through traffic in both directions between 35th Ave SW and the Harbor Avenue/Avalon Way exit. Crews will begin closing lanes at 11:30 p.m. Friday with full closure by midnight. A detour will be in place for eastbound and westbound travelers on the WSB. The detour for eastbound traffic is via SW Avalon Way, SW Spokane St and back onto the WSB. The detour for westbound traffic is via the Harbor Avenue/Avalon Way exit to SW Avalon Way to Fauntleroy Way SW.

WEEKEND CITYWIDE ALERTS: Here’s SDOT’s roundup of major happenings around the city this weekend, including the Mariners’ regular-season-ending home series and tonight’s UW-Stanford game at Husky Stadium.

7:20 AM: Road-work notes:

35TH SW NORTH OF ALASKA: The pavement repairs in the northbound lanes between Alaska and Avalon should be done by this afternoon, SDOT told us yesterday.

ADMIRAL WAY WORK DELAYED TO NEXT WEEK: SDOT now says the work west of California won’t start until next Wednesday.

VIADUCT CLOSURE OCTOBER 8-9: The SDOT website still lists next weekend, 6 am-6 pm Saturday and Sunday, October 8th and 9th, for the next Alaskan Way Viaduct maintenance/inspection closure. WSDOT hasn’t announced it yet, though, so we’re checking with them this morning. (UPDATE: Yes, it IS on, WSDOT confirms, for NEXT weekend. Details will be out on Monday.)

7:52 AM – BEAUTY SHOT: Still no traffic trouble so we’re sharing a beautiful sunrise view from the Water Taxi dock at Seacrest this morning, just shared by Rahel O’Mara:

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The Water Taxi remains on its 7-day-a-week schedule for one more month – the 5-day-a-week schedule starts on Monday, October 31st.

11:40 AM: Thanks to the person who texted that unannounced road-repair work is under way on the bridge deck, eastbound around 1st Avenue South – that is apparently backing up the high-rise in a big way. We’re asking SDOT if there’s any ETA on completion.

2:44 PM: If you’re headed southbound on I-5, note that the ramp to the westbound West Seattle Bridge is blocked right now:

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Car break-in; purse theft; 2 bicycles found; more…
September 30, 2016 1:06 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch:

CAR BREAK-IN: From Patrick in the 4700 block of Delridge:

(Early Thursday) someone broke into my car around 4:30 am and stole sunglasses, change, and my house key. Suspect it was a prowler who on the previous night stole items from neighbors. Locks have been changed, but prowler is probably still around. People should be alert.

PURSE THEFT: From Michelle:

Last Monday, September 19 at 9 a.m., my mother dropped her purse on the sidewalk at the intersection of Manning and 41st Ave SW. When she realized it was missing and went back to look for it, it had been stolen. A neighbor reported seeing that a man pulled up in a truck and stole the purse, then drove away. On Thursday, this same man was observed on another neighbor’s porch, where he was reported to be looking around. Please be on the look-out for a white man who drives an older two-tone blue Chevy pick-up truck with a job box in the back. The man has light colored shoulder length hair and a narrow face and appears to be in his early 30s.

If you have any information about this individual, please contact the Seattle Police Department. There is a police report on file. 2016-339779

REPEAT-OFFENDER FOLLOWUP: A new charge is filed against one of the three repeat offenders whose cases we covered in this Tuesday story, with additional information in our Wednesday report on the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting. We mentioned 23-year-old Sean Jeardoe, previously convicted of multiple property crimes in West Seattle, and at the time didn’t know if his most recent arrest, related to a stolen vehicle, had happened here. Then on Thursday, we heard from the vehicle’s owner, who said it was a pickup truck had taken in West Seattle, near 34th and Barton, and that Jeardoe had been arrested with it at a Renton restaurant. Tonight, we found that Jeardoe was one of two people charged with stolen-vehicle possession in the case; the charging papers say someone reported him and a woman “unconscious” in the stolen pickup outside the restaurant. He remains held without bail.

(PROBABLY) STOLEN BICYCLES FOUND: Robert sent these photos:

He explained, “We have had a rash of probably stolen bikes found in the Pigeon Point neighborhood in the past week or two. I am attaching pictures of two of them. Both have flat tires and rusty chains.” If you recognize either, let us know (editor@westseattleblog.com, or comment below) and we’ll connect you.

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35TH SW UPDATES: Kenyon crosswalk work; West Seattle Transportation Coalition briefing
September 29, 2016 10:20 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

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The flashing-beacon signs are in at 35th and Kenyon, the first big step in the work to bring back a marked crosswalk there, nine years after one was removed there. The plan to reinstall one, as requested by local business owners during planning for the 35th SW Safety Project, was confirmed earlier this year.

Just last week, SDOT’s Jim Curtin had told the West Seattle Transportation Coalition that the 35th/Kenyon crosswalk installation was about to start (and he told us today it should be done “within a week or two” depending on weather). He was at the WSTC meeting with updates on the planning for Phase 2, as well as Q&A. He said SDOT is continuing to work on its promised report about the first year since Phase 2 rechannelized 35th to one lane each way plus a center turn lane for most of the stretch between Holly and Roxbury.

For those who contend the rechannelization has driven drivers to side streets, Curtin told the WSTC that the volume on 35th is down a little, most notably just north of Roxbury, which SDOT interprets as an indication that Arbor Heights residents are taking other routes – Roxbury or SW 106th, depending on where they’re going. Delridge volume is down slightly on the south end, up a bit on the north end. And SDOT is observing side-street traffic volumes, Curtin said, to either verify or debunk the contention that people are diverting to residential roads.

On 35th, post-rechannelization, hey’ve had a reduction in crashes involving drivers hitting parked cars, which is “the #1 crash type in the city of Seattle,” no right-turn crashes, a major drop in left-turn collisions, no pedestrian collisions, but rear-end crashes are up, especially on weekends.

That’s expected to be alleviated, he said, by new signal timings, which are being worked on right now – they were mentioned at the August community meeting, and Curtin replied to our followup question today by saying “we’ve gone to longer signal cycles on Saturdays to accommodate higher volumes of vehicular traffic between noon and 6 PM.”

He also told the WSTC that Roxbury signal timings are being worked on, and that left-turn signalization is being looked at for 35th/Barton.

What’s next? As explained in August, they’re still evaluating possible options for Phase 2 – see page 7 of the presentation. SDOT is “slowing down,” Curtin said, because of the decisions to be made about the route for West Seattle’s next “greenway” (have you taken the online survey yet? deadline is Sunday).

No date set yet for the next community discussion, he told us today as part of our followup exchange: “We’re developing the Phase 1 report now but we do not have our next set of meetings planned just yet.”

P.S. The WSTC meeting also included a vote to endorse Sound Transit 3, the Regional Proposition 1 ballot measure you’ll see on your November ballot – 5 WSTC board members for it, 1 abstaining, none against.

WSTC also saw a presentation of the city’s plans for the waterfront, once the tunnel’s open (still skeptical? tunneling is about to hit the halfway mark, WSDOT said today). We don’t have toplines for the latter but we did get the meeting on video and it’s the first presentation, if you want to watch:

The West Seattle Transportation Coalition meets fourth Thursdays, 6:30 pm, at Neighborhood House‘s High Point Center.

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West Seattle restaurants: A la Mode Pie shows off Junction café, 4 days before opening
September 29, 2016 8:58 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

There it is – the “boozy milkshake” menu for A la Mode Pies‘ West Seattle shop, 4 of 5 named from WSB readers’ suggestions. Five months after we brought you first word that A la Mode was expanding to add a location at Junction 47 (SW Alaska just east of California SW), tonight was friends/family/media open house night, 4 days before the Monday opening.

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Pie fries (savory OR sweet), anyone?

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As promised, the baking will happen before your eyes while you’re in the shop.

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We can’t tell you anything about how it all tastes, because we don’t eat or drink on the job – but it looked pretty luscious, like the peanut-butter mousse pie.

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The “pie guy” behind it all is Chris Porter:

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His West Seattle shop isn’t just about dessert, it’s offering a “savory menu” too – salads, soup, quiche for brunch, dinner pies including Shepherd’s Pie, and hand pies from barbecue pork to spinach and feta:

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As announced in August, next Monday (October 3rd) is the official opening day for A la Mode Pies in West Seattle, at 8 am. Hours will be 8 am-10 pm Sundays-Thursdays, 8 am-11 pm Fridays and Saturdays.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Jean Carroll’s big 90th bash @ Senior Center
September 29, 2016 6:13 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Photos by Leda Costa for West Seattle Blog

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A West Seattle legend celebrated a milestone today. The Senior Center of West Seattle threw a party for Jean Carroll‘s 90th birthday. About 60 people were there for a party she pronounced “absolutely marvelous”!

Carol Johnston, former Program Coordinator and Jean Carroll dancing. (Carol Johnston dancing with Jean)

Jean has been a volunteer at the center for 18 years. If you don’t already know her, you might remember her in the spotlight for another reason this past summer – she spoke at the 75th anniversary celebration for Colman Pool (WSB coverage here), where she was one of the first two people to swim before it opened on July 4th, 1941. Ahead, more from today’s party: Read More

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Life-saving lesson: Firefighter Story Times coming up at local libraries
September 29, 2016 4:13 pm
|    Comments Off on Life-saving lesson: Firefighter Story Times coming up at local libraries
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

If there are one or more preschool-age children in your family, next month brings two chances for them to learn life-saving lessons: The Seattle Public Library has just announced its next round of Firefighter Story Times, when crews from local stations come read a special book that helps the little ones learn what to do in case of fire. The two set for local libraries are 11:15 am Wednesday, October 19th, at South Park Library (8604 8th Ave. S.) and Wednesday, October 26th, at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW). All are welcome and ASL interpretation will be available.

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UPDATED – HOW TO HELP: Donation drives for people displaced by Lam-Bow Apartments fire
September 29, 2016 12:44 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(OCTOBER 4TH UPDATE: You can now donate $ online – scroll down for updates)

pumper1
(WSB photo, Tuesday afternoon)

12:44 PM: We finally have additional information on how to help the dozens of people who lost their homes and belongings in Tuesday’s 3-alarm fire at the Lam Bow Apartments.

Many are continuing to be sheltered, with the help of the American Red Cross, at the Delridge Community Center. However, we learned during a visit there on Wednesday, they cannot directly accept donations, so they ask that you please do NOT go there.

Good news is, there are bins right across the street at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), thanks to the teamwork of Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (which owns and operates Youngstown) and the West Seattle Helpline, which has offered some assistance directly to the fire victims, including bus tickets – the type of emergency help that the Helpline is known for.

When we talked with DCC and Red Cross workers helping with the shelter, they stressed that adult items were most needed, but there are some needs for kids and babies too. Here is the list we were given as of late yesterday:

Sweats, shirts 16 XL woman
sweats shirts XXL/ size 40 man
baby clothing 3 months, diapers size 1

(the above is for a family of 3)

shoes blouse pants, women’s size 8, medium, medium
shoes blouse pants for 15 year old girl, size 8
blanket that is NOT wool for someone who is allergic

boys clothing sizes 6+, 8+, 10

underwear for boys, size 4

girls’ underwear sizes 7, 10

socks/underwear for men, sizes M, L, XL
socks, underwear for women, sizes M, L, XL

diapers sizes 1 and 5

blankets and pillows

LONG dresses and skirts for females sizes S, M, L, XL
shirts for women (long sleeves) S, M, L, XL

hygiene products for males and females

pants men’s sizes 32/32 and 34/32

men’s shirts, coats M, L, XL

ADDED: size 28 women’s pants

Note that the 5-week-old baby is a boy

Please donate new, or if gently used, clean items, and again, long sleeved tops and long pants for women.

Youngstown asks that you drop off donations between 10 am and 6:30 pm weekdays.

donationbins
(One of the donation bins at Youngstown – find them inside the west and north entrances)

Also – as mentioned in comments on our Wednesday followup, there is a collection drive at 24-Hour Fitness in Westwood Village, and Sanislo Elementary is collecting some items from its school community during its Multicultural Potluck event tonight.

And you can support the ongoing American Red Cross sheltering service – which they provide to many victims in all types of disasters large and small.

Meantime, SFD has not yet announced the results of its investigation into how the fire started.

ADDED 1:15 PM: Just as we were publishing this update, SFD announced:

The investigation showed the fire started on the exterior of the building. Fire Investigators were unable to determine a specific cause. The damage was estimated at 3.3 million dollars.

ADDED THURSDAY NIGHT: Thanks to the person who texted that West Seattle High School is collecting items for at least one family. They shared this image of a message from a school-community communication list with the requests and how to drop them off.

We expect to have an updated list sometime Friday with more information on how to help, so please check back.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON: Youngstown Arts Center’s David Bestock says in a comment that what they REALLY need is volunteer help to sort through what’s been dropped off. 4408 Delridge Way SW, until 6 pm today.

FRIDAY EVENING: And a new update – NO MORE DONATIONS, please, as explained here. We’ll continue to follow this so that when there’s word of other needs, we can update.

OCTOBER 4TH: Two ways to donate money now:
-Online (see the PayPal link here)
-Via check (here’s how)

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FOLLOWUP: Injured Junction workers improving; state investigating
September 29, 2016 12:31 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

image
(WSB photo from Monday)

Three days after two workers were seriously hurt when a portable crane touched power wires at a Junction construction site (WSB coverage here), they’re both improving. That’s what we’ve heard both from a co-worker and from Harborview Medical Center, which says that both men “continue to improve” – one man is out of intensive care and listed in satisfactory condition, while the other remains in intensive care but has been upgraded to serious condition, from critical. We don’t have any information about possible community contribution drives to help them and their families but the co-worker promised to let me know if there was anything to be made public. Both were on the ground near the crane, whose operator was apparently unhurt, when it touched the wires, according to early word from investigators at the scene on Monday.

Meanwhile, the state Department of Labor and Industries tells WSB that they are investigating two companies because of what happened at the 4505 42nd SW mixed-use-building project site. According to L&I spokesperson Tim Church, the companies are Spartan Concrete, a subcontractor that he says is the employer of the two injured workers, and MarPac Construction, the general contractor. Spartan’s record shows a power-line/crane-safety violation at a jobsite in 2012, marked as “corrected.”

L&I has up to six months to finish its investigation.

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FOLLOWUP: SDOT pushes back Admiral Way Safety Project work to next week
September 29, 2016 12:06 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

admiralprojectmap

Just in from SDOT – the Admiral Way Safety Project work that was supposed to be happening now has been delayed until next week. SDOT’s Dawn Schellenberg just sent word that the construction schedule is now 7 am-5 pm Wednesday, October 5th, and Thursday, October 6th “depending on weather.” The “no-parking” signs in the area are to be updated. On construction dates, the plan remains:

· No parking on both sides of SW Admiral Way between California Ave SW and 63rd Ave SW to keep a travel lane in each direction open

· Existing striping will be removed and new striping will be installed

· Temporary lane closures and lane shifts around the work area; flaggers will be present to direct traffic

· Sidewalks will remain open during work; people biking on the sidewalk must yield to people walking at all times

· People biking should use alternate routes during construction

· Construction equipment, trucks, noise and activity will be in the area for about one week

· Emergency response vehicles will have continual access

The project has been in the works for a year and a half. The final design was announced by e-mail in July.

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Live/work in Delridge? October 8th open house, workshop, resource fair set
September 29, 2016 12:00 pm
|    Comments Off on Live/work in Delridge? October 8th open house, workshop, resource fair set
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from our coverage of the Delridge Projects Workshop at SWTLC in June 2015)

As mentioned in our coverage of last week’s Delridge District Council meeting, the next community workshop /open house about the Delridge Action Plan – multiple potential neighborhood improvements – is set for October 8th. The city has just sent this announcement with new details:

The City of Seattle is collaborating with communities to create a shared vision and Delridge Action Plan to improve the livability of the North Delridge neighborhood.

For two years, the Office of Planning and Community Development has worked with the community on plans to create great community places and improved services. City departments have coordinated work on the action plan with other projects on Delridge Way SW, including transportation safety improvements and better transit service.

The City is holding an open house on October 8 to present the highlights of the plan, gather feedback and additional input. At the workshop, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods is hosting a community resource fair where neighbors can learn and share projects, improvements, resources and initiatives that Delridge community and neighbors are leading.

Open House and Community Resource Fair

9:30 a.m. to Noon, Sat., Oct. 8
Southwest Teen Life Center
2801 SW Thistle Street

Child care, light snacks, and foreign language interpretation will be provided.

To make the street safer and more comfortable for all users, the Delridge Way SW Multimodal Project is considering improvements to the roadway from SW Roxbury St. to the West Seattle Bridge. At the workshop, residents will look at different segments of Delridge Way SW and discuss a range of transportation improvements and the trade-offs between them.

The proposed improvements under consideration were identified based on public input, traffic and collision data, and recommendations from the Seattle Department of Transportation’s (SDOT’s) modal plans. The result will be new street designs that improve safety and mobility for people and goods. Transit service will be improved through RapidRide transit service.

In the Longfellow Creek Watershed, Seattle Public Utility’s (SPU) Natural Drainage Systems (NDS) Partnership Program will build right-of-way stormwater projects to help achieve the water quality goals identified in the Plan to Protect Seattle’s Waterways. Visit SPU’s website to learn more about natural drainage systems.

Over the years, the residents of North Delridge have worked with the City to create neighborhood assets such as the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, Longfellow Creek Legacy Trail, Cottage Grove Park, and affordable housing options. Fifteen years have passed since the Delridge community completed their neighborhood plan.

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West Seattle Thursday: Benefit bake sale; Curriculum Night x 2; Kenney meeting; more…
September 29, 2016 11:31 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Thursday: Benefit bake sale; Curriculum Night x 2; Kenney meeting; more…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

ladder11boot

West Seattle firefighters are in The Junction today as part of Seattle Fire Fighters Union IAFF Local 27‘s annual “Fill the Boot” drive for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. You’ll see them until noon and then 2-5 pm – in our photo above, that’s firefighter Jennifer from Ladder 11. Here’s what else is going on:

DROP OFF YOUR ART FOR SOUTHWEST LIBRARY SHOWCASE: Today’s the first of three days that you are invited to drop off your visual-art work for showcasing starting this weekend in the 25th annual community showcase at Southwest Library – details in our preview from earlier this week. If you’re a musician, you can upload your work right now, as explained here. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

BENEFIT BAKE SALE: During the Delridge Grocery Farm Stand 4-7 pm today (“or until we run out of baked goods”), a Camp Fire group plans a bake sale to raise money for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, in memory of group leader Katie‘s dad. Details in our calendar listing – including an invitation to donate baked goods – just drop them off during the sale! (Delridge Way SW/Puget Boulevard SW)

COOKBOOK SIGNING: Leslie Mackey signs “More from Macrina“ 5-7 pm at Admiral Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor), as part of the ongoing “Kitchen Superstars” series. (41st/42nd/Admiral)

COLLAGE WORKSHOP: With artist Linda McClamrock, 6:15 pm tonight and next Thursday night at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) – our calendar listing has details, including how to sign up if there’s still room. (5612 California SW)

COMMUNITY MEETING AT THE KENNEY: 6:30 pm in the meeting rooms downstairs, community members are invited to talk about The Kenney‘s future, including potential expansion of its independent-living units, as previewed here on Wednesday. (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)

DENNY CURRICULUM NIGHT: Families are invited to find out more about what and how their kids are learning this year, 6:30 pm at Denny International Middle School. (2601 SW Kenyon)

WEST SEATTLE HS CURRICULUM NIGHT: It’s also Curriculum Night for families of students at West Seattle High School, 6:30 pm. (3000 California SW)

‘GHOSTS’: Second week for the first production of ArtsWest Playhouse‘s new season, curtain time 7:30 pm. (4711 California SW)

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FOLLOWUP: 35th SW road repairs continuing into Friday
September 29, 2016 11:03 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

nblanes

Our photo from early this morning looks south toward where the pavement is torn up across both lanes of northbound 35th SW just north of Alaska, as WSB readers first started pointing out during Wednesday’s afternoon/evening commute, when encountering the resulting bottleneck without warning. After publishing an item about it last night, we contacted SDOT this morning to ask about it, as promised, and to find out how long the work will last. The reply, from SDOT spokesperson Sue Romero:

There was a lapse in timing of communicating on this specific project, therefore the work began without notification. In response to complaints from the public about the street, our crews are removing and replacing some concrete panels on 35th between SW Snoqualmie and SW Alaska. The work should be completed tomorrow and all lanes open by Friday afternoon.

So be forewarned, the lane closures will be continuing for the pm commute today – that caused some backup off the westbound bridge yesterday, coupled with a stalled vehicle by the last curve.

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West Seattle development: 5952 California apartments now in Administrative Design Review
September 29, 2016 9:00 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

citymap

9 AM: Back in May, we mentioned an early-stage proposal for 48 apartments north of Morgan Junction at 5952 California SW.

Today’s city-circulated Land Use Information Bulletin includes the official notice that Administrative Design Review is under way – that’s a no-meeting form of Design Review – for the project.

The project is now described as “37 small efficiency units and 4 efficiency dwelling units (41 units total).” As was the case when we made note of it last spring, 5 offstreet-parking spaces are in the plan, and it’s replacing a single-family house plus “garage spaces” behind that are part of an auto-body business.

One wrinkle with this, as of this writing – while you’re invited to comment on this project through October 12th, as explained in the notice, the design packet is not available on the city website as of the moment we’re publishing this. We noticed this last week, even before the formal notice was issued, and called it to the designated planner’s attention, but it hasn’t appeared yet, and the project’s page on the city website – where the notice says you SHOULD be able to view the design packet – says you have to go downtown to look at it. That’s why we’re showing the map from the notice above, rather than a frame from the design packet.

We’ll update if and when that’s fixed and the design is available for online viewing, as is usually the case with projects assigned to Design Review.

9:56 AM: Available now (here).

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