West Seattle, Washington

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month : 10/2016 308 results

‘Problem-solving project’ ahead for West Seattle Junction transit-hub area
October 6, 2016 1:35 pm
|      43 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

honchos

Story by Tracy Record
Photos by Patrick Sand
West Seattle Blog co-publishers

Metro Transit Police promise to “put together a problem-solving project” for the transit hub in the heart of the West Seattle Junction.

That was one result of a meeting/walking tour this morning that also included reps from Metro Transit itself, Seattle Police, the city Department of Human Services (HSD), the West Seattle Junction Association (WSJA) and some of its merchants, the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, and the WS Chamber of Commerce.

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The gathering was intended to seek solutions to concerns including safety and sanitation issues surrounding the bus shelters on both sides of SW Alaska between California SW and 44th SW. Recent police responses to the area even included a death investigation in late August (not a criminal case; the police report indicated witnesses had seen the victim become ill after drinking heavily earlier that morning). Read More

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FOLLOWUP: Big thanks, and big gift, from West Seattle Car Show co-presenters
October 6, 2016 1:17 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(L-R, Dave Winters from Swedish Automotive; Todd Ainsworth from WS Autoworks; Howard Andersen, Automotive Technology Instructor; Duncan Burgess, SSC Technical Dean; Doug Clapper and Todd Jones, Automotive Technology Instructors)

Not only is South Seattle College the home of the West Seattle Car Show, it’s also the beneficiary! We just got final word of how this year’s show is helping SSC’s Automotive Tech program:

Swedish Automotive and West Seattle Autoworks would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to their fellow West Seattle businesses, community members, volunteers, car show registrants, and other generous corporate sponsors for supporting the 2016 West Seattle Car Show. Because of that support, we were able to donate $3221.29 to the Automotive Technology Program at South Seattle College! That is $1304.85 more than last year’s donation of $1916.44.

West Seattle is fortunate to have a place such as South Seattle College and we look forward to working with them next year.

Didn’t make it to this year’s show? Here’s our coverage.

P.S. Swedish Automotive, West Seattle Autoworks, and South Seattle College are all WSB sponsors, and we have been a WS Car Show co-sponsor since its start.

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UPDATE: West Seattle will be tower-crane-less after this one comes down
October 6, 2016 11:02 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

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(Photo by Eddie, substituted at 3:58 pm)

11:02 AM: West Seattle’s last tower crane – for now, anyway – is coming down.

The Whittaker – almost 400 apartments @ 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW – at one point had two. The first one was removed some months back. Today and tomorrow, the portable crane in our top photo is bringing down the second one after 15 months, the last one at any West Seattle project.

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(This photo and next by WSB’s Patrick Sand)

There’s still plenty of construction activity in West Seattle, but no others, currently, of the size that requires a crane. The Whittaker is seven stories; WS zoning maxes out at 8, for now. It’ll be a while before the next project of that height gets going – there’s one planned right across the street, at the former Capitol Loans pawn-shop site, and a 6-story project at 4532 42nd SW, just north of Capco Plaza.

Our archives of recent tower-crane presence in West Seattle go back to at least 2007, when we chronicled the arrival of the crane for Capco Plaza at 41st/42nd/Alaska, just a block west of The Whittaker; there was a year-long gap when the Capco crane came down in February 2009, until the crane for Link in The Triangle arrived in January 2010.

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History aside, while The Whittaker’s crane-removal operation is under way today and tomorrow, 40th SW is closed to traffic between SW Alaska and SW Edmunds. That includes the Seattle Fire units from temporary Station 32 – we saw them staged along Alaska by Bank of America earlier this morning.

The Whittaker has two buildings – the south, at Fauntleroy/Edmunds, will open first. The north is the one that will include a Whole Foods Market; we just checked in with WF a few days ago, and a spokesperson reiterated that they’re on track to open in fall of next year.

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West Seattle Thursday: ‘Screenagers,’ taco benefit, Moondoggies, more…
October 6, 2016 10:30 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Thursday: ‘Screenagers,’ taco benefit, Moondoggies, more…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

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(Cloud formations over the Olympics on Wednesday – photo by Lynn Hall)

Half a dozen highlights for tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

‘SCREENAGERS’: This week’s social-media “creepy clown” scares/threats might be a good peg for discussion related to this film focused on the challenges faced by plugged-in tweens/teens and their families. All welcome at free showing in the Seattle Lutheran High School gym, 6:30 pm. (4100 SW Genesee)

TACOS FOR FOOTBALL: 5-9 pm at Pecado Bueno, the West Seattle Booster Club presents an all-you-can-eat taco bar, with food proceeds benefiting the WSHS football program. $15 for adults, $10 for 12 and under. (4540 California SW)

WSHS VS. SEALTH VOLLEYBALL: As previewed here last night, Chief Sealth International High School visits West Seattle High School for volleyball tonight – 7 pm at the WSHS Gym. (3000 California SW)

THE MOONDOGGIES: Celebrating their 10th anniversary with a live, free in-store show at Easy Street Records, 7 pm. (California SW/SW Alaska)

READ THE KORAN IN 4 WEEKS: First Lutheran Church of West Seattle Pastor Ron Marshall‘s long-running course starts its next four-week series tonight, 7 pm. Registration info is in our calendar listing. (4105 California SW)

‘HIDDEN GEMS OF MODERN MUSIC’: That’s what chamber ensemble Cursive promises to play tonight at Kenyon Hall, 7:30 pm. Details in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)

MORE! See all the listings on our complete calendar.

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FOLLOWUP: City grants ‘special exception’ land-use permit to build house where huge Admiral tree stands
October 6, 2016 9:05 am
|      31 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(June WSB photo)

Four months ago, we reported on an Admiral neighborhood’s hopes of saving a huge Ponderosa Pine tree that is on a site where its new owner wants to build a house.

Getting a land-use permit for the proposal at 3036 39th SW [map] was dependent on getting a “special exception” from the city, allowing a house on a lot smaller than 3,200 square feet..

Today’s Land Use Information Bulletin includes this notice of the city’s decision to grant the exception.

You can read the full decision here; it doesn’t address the tree, except to say “The site includes an Exceptional Tree as defined in SMC 25.11. Removal of the tree has been identified in building permit application 6513178. Removal of the tree will be reviewed under the building permit application.” The decision does refer back to a letter the city issued to the owner early this year, with a preliminary version of the decision finalized here, saying “The City has determined that the property qualifies as a
separate legal building site under exceptions to the minimum lot area requirement set forth in SMC 23.44.010.B.1 (opinion letter dated January 5, 2016).”

At the time of our June report, the parcel’s owner Cliff Low told WSB, “We are building an undersized 2-story home. The tree will need to be removed in that a home could not be built there without removing it.” An arborist’s report puts the tree’s trunk diameter at three and a half feet, well past what the city defines as “exceptional.”

Today’s decision is appealable, with a deadline of October 20th. Neighbors anticipating the decision have been crowdfunding to challenge it, saying city rules will require them to spend at least $3,000. They had obtained this opinion from a law firm contending that the city’s interpretation erred and was based on something a prior site owner had done 86 years ago.

Again, this is not the final word on the tree’s fate, pending a potential appeal, and the building-permit decision. Online files (see the “documents” tab) show the case already has drawn almost 100 public comments; it first came to our attention via this post in the WSB Forums.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday updates; weekend Viaduct closure
October 6, 2016 6:52 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:52 AM: We’re checking on a police/fire response at 34th/Myrtle, logged as a medic call. Meanwhile, today’s alerts/reminders:

WEEKEND VIADUCT CLOSURE: 6 am-6 pm Saturday and Sunday is the schedule for Highway 99’s twice-yearly inspection. WSDOT’s alert says the Highway 520 bridge will also be closed.

ROAD-WORK ALERTS:

–Paving scheduled today and tomorrow on 39th SW between SW Oregon and Fauntleroy Way in The Junction

—Admiral Way Safety Project work is scheduled

7:06 AM: Police had cleared the 34th/Myrtle call but we caught the last SFD crew there. They told us the call involved a person in crisis, taken to Harborview. The area’s now clear.

7:40 AM: Out checking on the road work. Confirmed that Beach Drive SW repaving is done, 61st to Charlestown. On Admiral, line removal has been done between 47th and the left-turn “pocket” that will remain. Crews are working right now on the lines at the west end of the project, 62nd-63rd.

8:08 AM No crews at 39th SW yet.

8:27 AM: Couple other things sighted: Hudson is blocked just west of Fauntleroy, while a crew digs up the road. And 40th SW is blocked between Alaska and Edmunds – looks like a portable crane has arrived to take down The Whittaker’s remaining tower crane (we’ll update when we have verified that).

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9:18 AM: As Justin pointed out in comments, and as we have since verified at the scene, this is indeed crane removal, which could continue into tomorrow.

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BIZNOTES: Anniversary celebrations for Click! Design That Fits, Second Gear Sports
October 5, 2016 9:27 pm
|    Comments Off on BIZNOTES: Anniversary celebrations for Click! Design That Fits, Second Gear Sports
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Congratulations to two independent West Seattle businesses (both WSB sponsors) that are celebrating anniversaries this weekend. Here’s what’s in it for you:

12 YEARS FOR CLICK! DESIGN THAT FITS: On Saturday (October 8th), Click! Design That Fits will mark a dozen years in business – six years in The Junction after six years in The Admiral District. Click! co-proprietor John Smersh says the party will include “in-store specials, drawings for gift cards, snacks and beverages, and something fun and new this year: A pop-up shop of works by our talented Click! staff!” Drop by and help Click! celebrate, 5-8 pm Saturday – see the Click! website for even more info. (4540 California SW)

3 YEARS FOR SECOND GEAR SPORTS: Saturday and Sunday, it’s a two-day party and “garage sale” for Second Gear Sports in Morgan Junction:

We’ll have discounts, treats, and a local donation opportunity. If you scored great deals at last year’s garage sale, get ready to do it again at this once-a-year event!

Some highlights include:
-Enjoy Starbucks coffee, cupcakes from West Seattle’s own Stuffed Cakes on Saturday, and Top Pot doughnuts on Sunday
-Donate a “backpack program”* item to our West Seattle Food Bank bin, and we’ll give you an extra 10% off already-great deals and discounts
-Special discounts throughout the store and bins marked at $1 and $5

Second Gear Sports recently remodeled, with more gear to serve your needs. Come check it out! We also have a new vehicle for pickup and delivery service — ask us about it! There’s something new every day, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

*WS Food Bank hands out backpacks with the following items so kids can have food stability on weekends:
– Shelf stable soy, almond or cow’s milk
– Juice boxes or cans
– Applesauce/fruit cups (unsweetened)
– Whole grain cereal/oatmeal
– Canned tuna or peanut butter snack packs
– Cup O’ Noodle/Ramen
– Individual meals (soup, Spaghetti O’s, ravioli, etc.)
– Healthy snacks (granola bars, 100% fruit leather, raisins, pretzels, dried fruits)

The party/garage sale runs 10 am-6 pm on Saturday and 11 am-5 pm on Sunday. Second Gear Sports is at 6529 California SW.

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High-school volleyball’s crosstown matchup: Chief Sealth, WSHS play Thursday
October 5, 2016 8:26 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

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(WSB photos by Leda Costa)

Big crosstown match tomorrow in local high-school sports – West Seattle High School hosts Chief Sealth International High School in volleyball! To promote the clash of crosstown rivals, the Seahawks and Wildcats joined forces for a fun photo-op one recent sunny afternoon – staging a symbolic tug of war at Southwest Athletic Complex. With their school right across the street, the Seahawks, coached by Lorna Considine, were joined by mascot Sammy:

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And here are the Wildcats, coached by Staci Stringer:
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The Thursday varsity match starts at 7 pm at the West Seattle High School gym (3000 California SW), preceded by the junior-varsity faceoff at 5:30.

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Seattle Public Schools to change schedules again next year: New survey asks – how?
October 5, 2016 6:53 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Though Seattle Public Schools just changed school schedules this year, another change is ahead next year. And it’s just launched a survey asking you how you want to see that change made. First, here’s what the change is about:

As part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement process, SEA and SPS agreed to add 20 minutes to the school day in 2017-18 and provide one hour per week of teacher collaboration time.

As the district plans to make this schedule adjustment, we want to hear from families and stakeholders on how the additional time should be added and how and when to schedule the collaboration time.

The district sees six options for making the changes – they’re all listed on this page of the district website. You can officially make your choice via the online survey that you will find here – answering once for each child you have in SPS – or via paper copies of the surveys that are being distributed at schools. Deadline for replying is October 21st, two weeks from this Friday.

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WEST SEATTLE FLUSH, PHASE 2: Where SPU is going next
October 5, 2016 4:03 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news


(Click map for full-size PDF version)

The second phase of Seattle Public Utilities‘ West Seattle water-main flushing is about to start; the map above shows where the water pipes already have been flushed, and where the utility is going to be flushing starting this Sunday night.

If you missed the run-up to phase 1, SPU reminds you that it “is performing this work to help maintain water quality and reduce the occurrence of discolored water that some West Seattle customers have been experiencing. Flushing won’t eliminate discolored water, but it will help decrease it.” The “sediment” that leads to discolored water, SPU explains, comes from a rust buildup. (We had first word of the flushing plan back in March; the work began in April.)

Phase 2, according to the SPU notice sent to residents in the work zone (see the entire notice here), will involve work Sundays through Thursdays, 10 pm-5 am, over the next four to six weeks. Signs will go up in advance at hydrants that will be opened as part of the flushing. (This WSB story shows how the process works and what’s done at the work zones.)

SPU also notes, “When crews are flushing nearby, customers will experience discolored water, which should clear quickly once crews are done flushing the water main. Running the cold water for a few minutes can also help clear the discoloration.” If you have discolored water that doesn’t clear quickly, or any other water-quality problem, SPU’s 24-hour emergency line is 206-386-1800.

P.S. Here’s a deeper dive into your water’s backstory.

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@ Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council: Find It, Fix It followup & more
October 5, 2016 1:40 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | West Seattle news | Westwood

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Two months after the Westwood-Roxhill Find It, Fix It Walk with Mayor Murray and a platoon of city employees, has anything been “fixed”? That was the biggest item – and the final one – on the agenda for this month’s Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council meeting.

FIND IT, FIX IT FOLLOWUP: Lemmis Stephens and Laura Jenkins, working with the city via AmeriCorps, came to WWRHAH for the followup. Here’s the report they brought:

Jenkins pointed out that pages 7-9 show which projects were awarded grants – one of the neighbor groups, at 22nd and Henderson, will have one more work party this Saturday, and, as reported here a week and a half ago, have been paid a visit by overgrowth-munching goats: Read More

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HOW TO HELP: Online donations set up for Lam-Bow Apartments fire victims
October 5, 2016 11:41 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

11:41 AM: Eight days after the 3-alarm Lam-Bow Apartments fire on Delridge, the 40+ people who lost their residences are putting their lives back together. Some have asked about an online fund to donate money to the fire victims, and that’s finally been set up. We noticed it on the Seattle Housing Authority home page late last night. It goes to the same fund to which you can send checks, as announced last week. Here’s how to donate:

-Online (see the PayPal link here)

-Via check (here’s how)

As for material items, we haven’t heard of any current needs, after the outpouring last week left community liaisons most in need of volunteer help to get the donations sorted, especially at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.

ADDED 1:23 PM: SHA reiterates in an update that no material items are needed right now but check back to see if rehoused residents have furniture needs in the future. This information also was sent:

SHA has had contact with all 19 households affected by the fire to assess their housing and other needs. Some families are already moved into new apartments with SHA, some are in the process and others are considering options. All families will have received offers of, or be moved into, replacement subsidized housing by the end of this week. Out of the 19 households:

5 households have moved into apartments

4 households have accepted apartments and are in the process of leasing

1 elderly household has decided to live with family members permanently

1 household has decided to permanently move out of SHA housing

All other households have had their needs assessed and are in the process of being provided with housing options.

All families with children are able to keep their children in the same school. School transportation is currently being provided to all children housed at the shelter.

SHA included this update on the burned building (one of two buildings that comprise the Lam-Bow complex):

The Seattle Fire Department has concluded its investigation of the fire and has determined the fire started on the building’s exterior but were unable to determine a specific cause. The building has been assessed by a structural engineer and it has been deemed unsafe to enter. SHA has secured the perimeter of the building and is providing 24-hour security.

Andersen Construction is providing pro-bono work on the building, removing damaged materials from the roof and third floor and shoring up the building for safety. It is unknown if the building is salvageable or if it will be completely rebuilt. Further structural investigation is required before anyone can enter for further assessment. It is not known at this time if or when it will be deemed safe for residents to enter to possibly retrieve any salvageable belongings.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen car; vehicle break-ins; next WSCPC meeting
October 5, 2016 10:26 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle Crime Watch notes this morning:

CAR STOLEN: Sometime overnight, before 7:15 this morning, a navy-blue 1998 Nissan Maxima was stolen on SW Concord in Fauntleroy. Plate ALN 6403, red “zone 3” sticker on back window. Call 911 if you see it.

CAR BREAK-INS: We haven’t heard directly from any victim(s) yet, but Wendy reports this:

I was walking this morning happened upon a few cars with their trunks and doors wide open on 46th between Erskine and Findlay. Good reminder to not leave anything in your car and lock ’em up!

NEXT WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL MEETING: Just announced by WSCPC president Richard Miller, the 7 pm meeting on Tuesday, October 18th, will include guest Rex D. Caldwell, Operations Division Manager, Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center, with a presentation on the past, present, and future of law enforcement training. All are welcome at the meeting, which also includes local police with updates on crime trends, and a chance to talk about your neighborhood crime/safety concerns. It’ll be at the SW Precinct as usual, 2300 SW Webster.

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West Seattle Wednesday: WSHS PTSA; SW District Council; music; more!
October 5, 2016 9:22 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

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(Golden-crowned kinglet, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and archives:

BABY STORY TIME: 4- to 12-month-old in the family? This is for you! 11:30 am at High Point Library. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

GET OUT OF THE HOME OFFICE/COFFEE SHOP … and meet other local solopreneurs/small-bizpeople/etc. at the weekly lunchtime meetup at West Seattle’s only coworking center, WS Office Junction. Noon-1 pm, bring your lunch, see who else shows up. (6040 California SW)

CITY COUNCIL’S FIRST BUDGET HEARING: Something you want the Council to change in the mayor’s budget proposal? Or, NOT change? Take to the microphone at City Hall during the first public hearing of this year’s budget process. 5:30 pm. Here’s our preview from last night. Free child care available. (600 4th Ave.)

WSHS GOLF TEAM BENEFIT: If you dine at Chipotle in The Junction 5:30-10 pm tonight, tell the cashier you’re supporting West Seattle High School Golf, and half the proceeds will go to the WS Booster Club in support of the golf team. (4730 California SW)

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: Whether or not the mayor’s plan to slash support for neighborhood-district councils gets City Council approval, the Southwest District Council, with reps from groups around western West Seattle, has voted to go on. How will that work? They plan to talk about it at 6:30 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle. (SW Oregon/California SW)

FIRST WSHS PTSA MEETING: The first general West Seattle High School PTSA meeting of the year starts at 7 pm tonight in the school library:

Please come to our first PTSA General Meeting of the year! Meet your WSHS PTSA board members, hear from your WSHS Principal team, and learn about the re-visioning of high school to better educate our students. Think about stepping up to chair our West Seattle 5K fundraiser, be a PTSA vice president, or legislative liaison. Questions? Visit our web page for contact information and more.

(3000 California SW)

JIM PAGE: The singer-songwriter performs live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

DUOPHONICS: Live music at Parliament Tavern, 7:30 pm. 21+, no cover. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

EVEN MORE for today, tonight, beyond … just browse the complete calendar, here!

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Another FYI note: From Highland Park Elementary
October 5, 2016 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on Another FYI note: From Highland Park Elementary
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

There’s NO indication this is linked to the “creepy clown threat” outbreak, but a Highland Park Elementary parent shared this with us and we’re republishing so that nearby residents can help keep watch too:

Hello Highland Park Families,

Today [Tuesday] at recess some Highland Park Students reported seeing a suspicious person on the playfield adjacent to our playground. This person was not seen by any adults, and we contacted our security department. Security came to our campus and stayed until dismissal. All students were safe at all times, we just wanted you to be aware of the report.

Thank you,

Chris Cronas
Principal, HPE

We get some but not all alerts from the district and schools’administrators, so we very much appreciate forwarded info like this if you don’t see a timely mention on WSB after receiving something of potentially wider interest – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch; road-work alerts; weekend Viaduct closure
October 5, 2016 6:59 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:59 AM: Good morning! We start again with alerts and reminders:

WEEKEND VIADUCT CLOSURE REMINDER: Highway 99’s twice-yearly inspection is planned for 6 am-6 pm Saturday and Sunday, and WSDOT’s alert points out the Highway 520 bridge will be closed too, which means I-5 will likely have some challenges through downtown.

ROAD-WORK ALERTS:

–Beach Drive SW, south of 61st SW: Last scheduled day of paving.

–Tomorrow and Friday, paving is planned on 39th SW between SW Oregon and Fauntleroy Way.

—Surface Spokane work east of the low bridge continues.

7:23 AM: Thanks to Gina for also reminding us that this is the rescheduled start date for SDOT’s Admiral Way Safety Project, though, as noted in the rescheduling announcement last week, it’s weather-dependent, so that could slide.

9:22 AM: Another crash at Olson/Cambridge, same general area as Sunday. (Thanks for the text alert!)

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CITY BUDGET: Council hearing Wednesday night; plus, see the resolution that would cut support for neighborhood-district councils
October 4, 2016 10:51 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Got a strong sentiment about what you do, or don’t, want the city to do with your money? Tomorrow is a big night to step up and speak your mind, as the City Council‘s first budget hearing happens Wednesday night. It’s at City Hall downtown, but traditionally, people come from all over Seattle for a moment in the spotlight as they voice their thoughts about the budget.

One issue of particular interest to community advocates: The resolution that would formalize what Mayor Murray announced in July – his hopes of cutting off city support for neighborhood-district councils (of which West Seattle has two), moving much of it to a new citywide Community Involvement Commission. Below, you can read the resolution that spells out how that group would be formed, among other things – one member from each of the seven City Council districts, seven more members to be appointed by the mayor, and two to be chosen by the commission, with mayoral and council approval required:

This is one of many budget topics the council is likely to hear about Wednesday night. The entire 841-page proposed-budget document is here; what the council wants to hear most at this stage, as explained by our area’s Councilmember Lisa Herbold (read her budget-process explainer/timeline here), is what you would like them to change, or NOT change, in the mayor’s proposal. We featured a few other toplines the day it was made public.

HEARING INFO: The hearing starts at 5:30 Wednesday at City Hall downtown (600 4th Ave.). Child care will be available – scroll down this page to see where to go and when.

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UPDATE: ‘Creepy clown’ threats hit local schools; district, administrators send alerts
October 4, 2016 7:14 pm
|      47 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(UPDATED WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON with message to Denny/Sealth families)

ORIGINAL TUESDAY NIGHT REPORT: Seattle Public Schools says it’s working with police to investigate social-media posts related to a nationwide wave of school threats that accompany photos of clowns. The district sent this message late today (thanks to the parents who forwarded it to us):

The Seattle School District has been contacted by a number of individuals concerned about an ongoing national social media trend related to “Scary Clowns.” There have been a few local news stories related to this and some of our students have received pictures of clowns. We are communicating to families to remind you and your student that if they see suspicious individuals while at school, please have them inform their teacher or principal immediately. We also ask you to report any threatening social media activity that involves Seattle Public Schools or our students to your school or the district’s Safety and Security Office at (206) 252-0707. This office is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

We take safety seriously, and the security of our students is a top priority. We are working closely with Seattle Police Department to investigate all concerns related to this social media trend.

West Seattle High School is among the schools dealing with this – its families got this message from principal Ruth Medsker:

Hello families-

You may be hearing from your students and or the media about threats to West Seattle High School involving “creepy clowns.” This is part of a national social media trend that has impacted schools and districts nationwide. Within the last 48 hours it has come to the Pacific Northwest. Many schools, including West Seattle, are named in various Instagram and Facebook posts. It was brought to our attention this morning by district security and our students.

West Seattle High School administration notified police and currently there is an open investigation. Police have increased patrols in the community.

Please talk with your student about media safety and encourage them to report anything that makes them feel unsafe.

On the national level, this all goes back at least a month, according to one East Coast news publication.

ADDED 2:34 PM WEDNESDAY: The district message above has been sent today to Denny International Middle School and Chief Sealth International High School families, according to Denny principal Jeff Clark, and prefaced with this:

Good Afternoon Denny and Sealth Scholars and Families,

Below is a message that was sent out to all families in Seattle Public Schools last night to address the concern of “Scary Clowns” that is happening across the country through social media. Here at Denny and Sealth, we have also been checking into these social media rumors about clowns. To ease any anxiety, we wanted to let you know that we are not aware of any threatening posts related to either of our schools at this time.

Sincerely,

Jeff Clark, Principal
Denny International Middle School

Aida Fraser-Hammer, Principal
Chief Sealth International High School

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DUWAMISH ALIVE! Choose where you’ll be helping
October 4, 2016 5:34 pm
|    Comments Off on DUWAMISH ALIVE! Choose where you’ll be helping
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

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(Young helpers during last spring’s Duwamish Alive!)

Recent events have reminded us how intensely people feel about greenspaces. Twice a year, Duwamish Alive! offers a chance for you to show you care with a few hours of hands-on effort in forests and other greenspaces in the Duwamish River’s watershed, as well as on the river itself. With the fall edition coming up on Saturday, October 22nd, here’s a semi-early alert so you can sign up to spend a few hours at the site where you would like to make a difference. Follow the link above to the DA website, where you will find the location list.

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UPDATE: Flipped-vehicle crash on eastbound Roxbury
October 4, 2016 3:59 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

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Thanks to the texter who sent that photo of a car that flipped on the eastbound side of Roxbury near 5th. They say traffic is backed up “to about 12th” – so avoid the area for a while. As you can see from the responding agencies, this is on the county side. Since a private ambulance is responding, it appears no one suffered life-threatening injuries. Metro says Routes 60 and 113 are rerouted on the eastbound side as a result:

4:54 PM: Metro says the buses are back to their regular routing.

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FOLLOWUP: North Lincoln Park play area construction ‘on target’
October 4, 2016 3:13 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: North Lincoln Park play area construction ‘on target’
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

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(Seattle Parks photo)

Kid(s) in your family waiting for the renovated north Lincoln Park play area to reopen? Won’t be long, according to an update today from Seattle Parks. In a post on the blog-format Parkways website, focusing on Park District-funded play-area projects around the city, there’s a detailed update concluding with: “We are thrilled to report that we are still on target to open at the end of October!” Work on the $600,000 project began two months ago.

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Another way to help Lam-Bow Apartments fire victims: Benefit basketball clinic
October 4, 2016 1:02 pm
|    Comments Off on Another way to help Lam-Bow Apartments fire victims: Benefit basketball clinic
 |   How to help | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

One week after the 3-alarm fire at the Lam-Bow Apartments on Delridge, we’ve just received word of a benefit event next week, on October 14th, when classes are out for Seattle Public Schools and the independent schools that follow its calendar. Just out of the WSB inbox:

Watts Basketball is passionate about helping the community making a difference in kids and families lives. As some of you know, there was a fire in West Seattle last week that affected the lives of many families in our community. To help those families in need, we are having a school’s-out clinic at Delridge Community Center on Friday, October 14th from 9 am-3 pm for grades 3rd-8th. There is a $65 registration/donation fee and the profits will be donated to the “Lam-Bow Fire Relief Fund”. Here are ways that you can donate:

· Register for the school’s-out camp: Go here
· Come in person and make a donation “Check payable to the Lam Bow Fire Relief”

We would also appreciate any high-school kids coming in and volunteering to help out with the camp as well.

Let’s make a difference in our community!

The fire on September 27th did $3.3 million damage to more than 20 apartments in the Seattle Housing Authority-owned building and the belongings of the 44 people who lived in those apartments. SHA’s website has a page with donation information, where checks can be sent to the aforementioned fund; the community groups that have been collecting material donations say that volunteer sorting help is what they still need most (check in with Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).

Deron Woods

Watts Basketball
901 Occidental Ave S. Suite 206, Seattle, WA 98101
Personal 425-606-1665 | Office 206-467-1383

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FLU SHOTS: Clinics next week at Chief Sealth IHS, West Seattle HS
October 4, 2016 11:10 am
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 |   Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Fall’s here and flu season looms. If you haven’t had a flu shot yet, you might be eligible for these clinics – thanks to Chief Sealth International High School nurse Alison Enochs for the info:

2 WEST SEATTLE FLU SHOT CLINICS OFFERED BY THE VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION

Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle)
Monday, October 10, 3:00 to 5:30

West Seattle High School (3000 California Ave SW)
Tuesday October 11, 3:00 to 6:00

Flu Shots are available to all SPS employees, students and their families (children four years of age and older).

PARENTAL CONSENT NEEDED FOR ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18.
PLEASE HELP US KEEP OUR SCHOOLS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY HEALTHY

*ALL PARTICIPANTS NEED TO SHOW AN INSURANCE CARD.

*VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION WILL BILL INSURANCE (not able to accept Cigna or Kaiser)

*STUDENTS UNDER AGE 18 WITHOUT INSURANCE WILL RECEIVE A FREE VACCINATION

*COST FOR ADULTS WITHOUT INSURANCE IS $30

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