day : 27/10/2016 11 results

Thanks to Travis for the photo and the report from tonight’s biggest event on Pigeon Point, a yearly tradition: “This is just a handful of the over 50 pumpkins carved at the annual Pathfinder K-8 Pumpkin Carving Night. Special thanks to our principal David Dockendorf and to the school for giving such a great forum to get together and for being wonderful people.”

(What’s next as Halloween approaches? Check out our guide – where Friday fun starts with all West Seattle kids 5 and under invited to trick-or-treat at Holy Rosary!)

PHOTOS: First-ever Indigenous Peoples’ Day assembly @ Chief Sealth International High School

October 27, 2016 7:35 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Photos by Leda Costa for West Seattle Blog

(Dominique Salinas [Jicarilla Apache/Navajo] and Marcos Arellano Martinez [Mexivo, Otomi] performing a Deer Dance, with Diana Romero [far left] on drums.)

Neighboring Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School have the largest Native population of any school in Seattle Public Schools, according to Sealth principal Aida Fraser-Hammer, who hosted the schools’ first Indigenous Peoples’ Day assembly today.

Leda Costa was there for WSB – more of her photos, ahead: Read More

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VIDEO: Washington State Ferries’ leader in Fauntleroy to listen

October 27, 2016 5:14 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

5:14 PM: Just under way in The Hall at Fauntleroy (west side, not the side closest to the street) – Washington State Ferries officials, including the woman at the top – WSDOT Assistant Secretary Lynne Griffith – are gathered to listen to concerns about the “triangle route,” Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth.

“We are not here with a predetermined solution in mind,” Griffith says – they are hoping to hear ideas for solving some of the route’s problems, including the massive traffic backups that happened multiple times this past summer. After opening remarks (update: low-res video added, above), the staffers are taking up positions around the room so that participants can circulate. You’re welcome to stop in any time before 6:30 pm; The Hall is at 9131 California SW, not far from the Fauntleroy dock. WSF already has had two meetings near the other terminals on the route, so this is the third of three. Whatever they hear at this meeting will be transcribed and published on the WSF website as a first step; then a task force “blend(ed) across the three communities” will be formed as a second step “to work through the problems,” according to Griffith.

5:21 PM: We counted 22 people here for starters; more are trickling in.

34th District State Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon (photo added above) is also here, as is a representative for 34th District State Sen. Sharon Nelson.

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FOLLOWUP: November 18th deadline to comment on West Seattle Junction bus-shelter removal

October 27, 2016 3:59 pm

| 18 COMMENTS

| Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

3:59 PM: That’s the new notice that you’ll find soon in the bus shelters on the west end of the south side of SW Alaska in the Junction transit hub, just east of 44th SW – if it’s not posted already. The notice offers a more-detailed explanation of the plan to remove the two westernmost shelters on that side of the street, and invites comments, with a deadline of November 18th.

The shelter-removal plan first came to light when notices went up last weekend; as we reported on Saturday, it was the first major result of a walking tour/meeting on October 6th, following concerns about those shelters being magnets for loitering, drinking, and other illegal behavior. In our Monday followup, West Seattle Junction Association director Lora Swift detailed other steps that are being taken to try to improve safety and security in the area, and Metro promised it would “press ‘pause'” on the removal plan so there could be a formal comment process, and that’s what’s starting today.

Metro also has answered a couple remaining questions we asked earlier this week. First, about the decisionmaking process on shelter removal and who has the final say:

Metro regularly evaluates issues with Metro bus shelters and makes decisions on the installation and removal of bus shelters, as ridership and circumstances change at bus stops. The Transit Route Facilities group within the Service Development section, takes the lead on evaluating these issues and makes the decision on installation or removal of bus shelters.

We also asked if other hubs in the Metro system had had shelters removed for similar issues: “Shelters have been removed from other high ridership bus stops due to chronic security issues that are unresolvable despite Metro’s best efforts. One example, is 2nd Avenue S & S Washington Street where the Metro bus shelter was removed due to chronic misuse of the shelter.”

Meantime, if you have something to say about the prospective removal of these shelters, e-mail dale.cummings@kingcounty.gov or call 206-553-3000.

4:30 PM UPDATE: Our crew just went to The Junction to check, and verified that the new notice IS up:

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HIGH POINT LIBRARY REMODELING: Closure ahead, but first, Q&A open house

October 27, 2016 2:20 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| High Point | West Seattle news

(High Point Library photo by Architectsea via Wikimedia)

We recently noticed a building-permit application for unspecified work at High Point Library and asked SPL what’s planned. Today, we finally have the official word of the remodeling plan, which will require some closure time later this fall – read on for details plus announcement of an open house for your Q&A in a week and a half:

The High Point Branch, 3411 SW Raymond St., 206-684-7454, is tentatively set to temporarily close effective Monday, Dec. 5 for refurbishing. The book drop also will close.

During the closure, the Library plans to hold several programs at alternate locations and to open the nearby Delridge Branch, 5423 Delridge Way SW, 206-733-9125, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays. Alternate services will be confirmed after a firm closure date is set.

The 7,200-square-foot High Point Branch opened in June 2004, thanks to the 1998 voter-approved “Libraries for All” bond measure that renewed and revitalized libraries across the city.

After 12 years of use, the branch needs new carpet. While the branch is closed for that work, the Library also will add seating and electrical outlets, expand the holds area, and expand the children’s area to provide a more welcoming space for families. Acoustical panels in the meeting room will be added to reduce the sound of street traffic. Improvements are based on branch usage and projected service needs.

Patrons are invited to learn more about the improvements at an open house at the branch from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7. City Librarian Marcellus Turner and other Library staff members will be on hand to answer questions and explain alternate services.

While the branch is closed, patrons may choose any other Library location as a pickup location for items placed on hold and may return materials to any branch. If patrons don’t select an alternate branch by Friday, Nov. 25, their holds will be sent to the Southwest Branch, 9010 35th Ave. SW,  206-684-7455.

The construction project is currently out to bid. The Library expects to confirm the closing date in mid-November after bids have been reviewed. The refurbished branch is expected to reopen in January; a reopening date will be set once construction work is underway.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Vehicle thefts; vandalized railings

October 27, 2016 1:12 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

CAR STOLEN TODAY: This white 1985 IROC was stolen from the 9400 block of 8th SW early this morning:

Washington plates ALW8548. Please call 911 if you see it.

CAR STOLEN LAST WEEKEND: Ford F150 truck, red, 2006. Stolen from 55th SW between Charlestown and Dakota. We don’t have the plate on this, but if you see this type of truck seemingly abandoned, please call 911 in case it’s the one.

VANDAL ON CAMERA: At 10 pm last Sunday night, a resident in the 3000 block of SW Avalon Way caught surveillance video of someone “bending walkway rails in front of our home for no good reason.” The actual bending is a little distant in their front-door-camera video but the vandal then walked past the door – we asked for a frame grab:

The vandal had a shaved-sides haircut and was wearing a blue jacket and black jeans. This too has been reported to police, who told the victim that “these crimes typically have a pattern,” so if anything similar happened to you, please be sure to file a report.

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MISSING BANNERS: Seal Sitters seeking 2 that blew away

October 27, 2016 11:34 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

David Hutchinson from Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network sends the photo and this request/reminder:

Each year, Seal Sitters’ “Share the Shore” banners are installed along Alki Avenue SW. This is timed to correspond with our busiest months of responses to harbor-seal pups using our West Seattle beaches – September & October. Unfortunately, during our recent windstorm, two of the banners blew down and have not been found. If anyone comes across one of these banners, please give our hotline a call and we will arrange to pick it up.

Just a reminder – young harbor seals are still in the area and use our local beaches throughout the year. If you see one – or any marine mammal – on the beach, please keep back, keep people and pets away, and call Seal Sitters’ hotline at 206-905-7325.

You can read the Seal Sitters’ latest update on responses, from this past weekend, here.

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Memorial service Friday for Marcia Chesterfield, 1937-2016

October 27, 2016 11:14 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are sharing this remembrance of Marcia M. Chesterfield, 79:

Marcia Mage (Chesterfield), beloved daughter of Max and Adele Mage, died at home with her family beside her on Tuesday, October 11, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born in Seattle in 1937, she attended West Seattle High School, where she met her future husband of 62 years. They raised their family in West Seattle and later became longtime residents of the Shelter Bay community in La Conner.

Marcia was beloved for her cheerfulness and kindness and she devoted herself to a life of service and caring for others. She is survived by her husband John Chesterfield, sons Bob (Diana) and Paul, daughter Leanne (Stephen) Chesterfield Pike, grandchildren, Shanah Pike Walter, Robert Pike, Sarah Pike, Jacob Chesterfield and siblings, Mark (Barbara), Mage, Julia (Terry) Gangon and Merritt Mage.

Services are tomorrow (Friday, October 28) at West Side Presbyterian Church in West Seattle, at 1 pm.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Hospice of the Northwest.

(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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From pumpkins to a play, & more for your West Seattle Thursday

October 27, 2016 9:27 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

First, from the WSB West Seattle Halloween (etc.) Guide, which has dozens of events happening between now and next Tuesday:

(WSB photo from a past Pumpkinpalooza)

TODDLER PUMPKINPALOOZA: At High Point Community Center, 10 am–noon. “Join the High Point Community Center staff and enjoy age-appropriate Halloween games, booths, face painting, arts and crafts activities, and snacks.” $5. (6920 34th SW)

HPES DIA DE LOS MUERTOS: “Please join the Highland Park community for our Dia de los Muertos Celebration from 5:30 to 7:30 in the Highland Park Elementary School Cafeteria. This is a potluck event, so bring your favorite dish to share. There will be music, food, dancing, arts and crafts, and many more fun activities.” (1012 SW Trenton)

GLOW IN THE DARK PARTY: Tonight at Delridge Community Center, 6-7:30 pm. Free! “For ages 12 and under: Come dressed in your best glow-in-the-dark costume, or any costume, and try the glow-in-the-dark ring toss, tic-tac-toe, bowling, and other fun games.” (4501 Delridge Way SW)

LIGHT SHOW BEGINS:: First night of the Halloween Light Show by the folks who bring you West Seattle Yuletide. 5-10 pm nightly through Halloween (probably a little later on October 29th and 31st). New zombies this year: “Larry and Skully will be joining the Wicked Witch of the West, our dancing skeleton, Skelington. And this year our talking pumpkin will be joined by a trio of back-up singers.” (38th SW between Genesee and Dakota)

DESSERT THEATER: First of five nights to see The Cabiri in “Ghost Game X: For Life Eternal” dessert-theater cabaret at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 7:30 pm. Tickets, showtimes, details in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

And non-Halloween (etc.) events from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

STATE FERRIES MEETING: Something to say or ask about the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route of Washington State Ferries? Tonight is your chance, 5-6:30 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy. (9131 California SW)

ADMIRAL REZONING: Tonight’s Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda Focus Group meeting at City Hall involves the group looking at “medium-density urban villages,” including Admiral – this group’s first meeting since the draft maps for potential Mandatory Housing Affordability rezoning were released last week (WSB coverage here). Public welcome, with a comment period toward meeting’s end – 6-8 pm. (600 4th Ave. downtown)

WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center, with an agenda including a presentation about the city’s “Drive Clean” and electric-vehicle initiatives as well as discussions of ongoing issues including the planned bus-shelter removals on the southeast corner of 44th/Alaska in The Junction. All welcome. (6400 Sylvan Way)

WSHS PLAY’S OPENING NIGHT: The West Seattle High School Drama Club‘s “Bright Room Called Day” opens at 7:30 pm in the WSHS Theater – here’s a photo from dress rehearsal:

Full details, including ticket info, in our calendar listing. (3000 California SW)

MUCH MORE FOR TODAY/TONIGHT/BEYOND – just take a quick look at our complete calendar.

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UPDATE: Motorcycle rider to hospital after 35th/Juneau collision

October 27, 2016 8:07 am

| 27 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS breaking news

8:07 AM: Breaking this out from morning traffic watch: A motorcycle-minivan crash on the west side of the 35th/Juneau intersection has sent the rider to the hospital with serious injuries. Juneau is blocked west of 35th. A woman and baby in the minivan were unhurt. A Good Samaritan stayed with the rider until help arrived and, we’re told, became a victim herself when someone ran off with her backpack.

8:46 AM: Just went past the scene again on the way back to HQ from checking out something else. Juneau is no longer closed west of 35th. The minivan had not yet been towed, so that might cause some delays on the southbound side of 35th at some point soon. We will be contacting Harborview this morning to see if we can find out how the rider is doing.

1:39 PM: So far we haven’t been able to get information from Harborview (without the rider’s name), but I SFD spokesperson Capt. Shata Stephenson tells us the rider is “approximately 19 years old) and that her injuries were NOT life-threatening.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday updates; ferry meeting tonight & other alerts

October 27, 2016 7:03 am

| 1 COMMENT

| 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)

7:03 AM: Good morning! No incidents in/from West Seattle right now. Though the rain finally stopped, you might still find some standing water, such as “under the Delridge onramp” per a text we just received.

Alerts for tonight:

SOUNDERS FC MATCH & EXTENDED WATER TAXI SERVICE: As announced earlier this week, the West Seattle Water Taxi will be on an extended schedule this evening for the Sounders FC playoff match (7 pm at CenturyLink vs. Sporting KC).

FERRY MEETING: 5-6:30 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW), Washington State Ferries continues its weeklong series of meetings to listen to concerns about the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route. (Added midmorning) Format: The meeting will start with Assistant Transportation Secretary Lynne Griffith, who leads WSF, speaking for several minutes “recognizing the issues on the route and the need for public input,” and then, WSF tells us, “The following hour will be open house-format listening sessions. During this time, members of our executive team will host three listening stations, where attendees can post ideas, concerns, and questions on maps of each terminal. These notes are what we will collect, assemble, and report back, from the meetings. We’ll close out the meeting with a group Q&A so folks can ask questions or share insights about what they’ve heard from neighbors.”

WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way), WSTC’s agenda includes the city’s Drive Clean and Electric Vehicle initiatives, as well as the plan to remove two Junction bus shelters, the city budget, and the newest SODO arena proposal.

Special-event reminders (from the WSB West Seattle Halloween [etc.] Guide):

ADMIRAL TRICK-OR-TREATING FRIDAY: Take extra care in The Admiral District 3-6 pm tomorrow, when hundreds of kids and their families will be trick-or-treating in the business district.

JUNCTION HARVEST FESTIVAL SUNDAY: 10 am-2 pm Sunday, the usual street closures expand for this year’s Harvest Festival – California between Edmunds and Oregon, Alaska between 42nd and 44th.

7:48 AM: Just got word of a crash at 35th/Juneau. Car/motorcycle. We are approaching – looks like it’s on the southbound side, blocking outside lane.

8:08 AM: We have published a separate story about the crash and are now on the way to check out the water under the Delridge intersection.

8:25 AM: That appears to be clear now.

8:43 AM: Downtown note – we’ve received Metro alerts about delays downtown because of a crash at 3rd and James (all we know is that it was a “heavy rescue” call). Also, Juneau has reopened west of 35th – we went by that crash scene again on the way back to HQ; the minivan had not yet been towed.

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