West Seattle, Washington
19 Tuesday
(WSB file photo)
This year’s West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting on December 3rd will be more festive than ever, with a Night Market on SW Alaska next to Junction Plaza Park. Local retailers and artists are invited to apply NOW to be part of it. The invitation:
As part of Hometown Holidays, new this year is a street night market that will be a part of the tree lighting. Running from 4 pm to 8 pm, the night market sets the shopping stage for the holidays.
As this is the first year, we’ll be keeping it to 12 booths. Cost is an affordable $50 per booth. It’s a great opportunity for retailers to showcase their holiday offerings. You’ll need to bring a 10×10 tent, table and chairs. We’ll take care of lighting up your booth.
To be considered for the night market you must have a City of Seattle business license. The night market is designed for retailers, artists, and crafts. No food items.
If you would like to be a part of the night market, click on this link to register.
You can see the layout plan here (PDF).
Seattle Public Utilities won’t be out in Arbor Heights tonight flushing water mains after all. Its testing of a new flushing technology – previewed here a week ago – ended early. We checked in today with SPU’s Ingrid Goodwin, who told us:
We’re all done flushing utilizing the new method. We flushed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and intended to flush today and tomorrow, but we ran through all of the machine’s filters, so we had to stop.
The first two days we were able to flush two miles of pipe and remove a lot of sediment that had built up in the water mains. The water mains that we flushed were installed in the late 1940s.
We will begin analyzing the pilot results next week. But it appears it was a successful outcome and we avoided sending thousands of gallons of water down the storm drain.
While the flushing was under way earlier this week in the Genesee/Charlestown Hill area, we heard from one resident who reported a prolonged bout of brown water. Goodwin says, “We did receive calls from about a dozen customers who experienced temporary discolored water due to the flushing. Our crews performed some additional spot flushing to help clear the discoloration.” That’s been a risk of conventional flushing too, which has been under way off and on for several months now as SPU works to clear sediment (basically, rust) from the lines.
4:54 PM: We’re now en route to another police response people have been texting us about, a search near Olson/Myers. We know a K-9 team is part of it but don’t know yet who they’re searching for or why.
5:11 PM: This is no longer affecting traffic. Two police cars are on the shoulder by the exit from W. Marginal Way S. A damaged car was being towed from Cloverdale over 509.
5:39 PM: A neighbor tells us a suspect was taken into custody on 3rd SW on the other side of the steep, wooded hillside where we saw police cars, and that police say the case involved a stolen car and hit-run.
4:26 PM: Thanks for the text – police/fire response at Avalon Way and Orleans (map) because of a crash, and at this time of day, that could be trouble. We’re en route to look.
4:39 PM UPDATE: Just went by. Crashed car and police car are in eastbound lane of Manning by the Luna Park commercial building. A tow truck is on the southbound Avalon shoulder.
4:46 PM: The scene has just cleared. Police tell us the driver of the car that had to be towed is being checked for a possible broken ankle; the other driver was not hurt.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The night after the Democratic Party lost the White House, you might have guessed a local party meeting would be funereal.
Sadness, however, was only one of the sentiments and emotions displayed at last night’s 34th District Democrats meeting. Also: Resolve, fury, pragmatism, and optimism, among others.
It started early. The Pledge of Allegiance always opens 34th DDs meetings, and this time, at the end, someone added: “HOPEFULLY, justice for all.”
Shortly thereafter, chair Marcee Stone-Vekich, after saying, “I can’t give you any kind of speech right now… I’ve got nothing to say,” managed to offer her thoughts: “I never in a million years thought it was possible for this particular person to become the president-elect. So what I do know is that we need to gather, we need to organize, and if we need to, we need to take to the streets like the hundreds who did so in our city tonight, New York, Chicago, all over the country, and that may be what it takes. This has an impact on people’s daily lives. My daughter .. is a Type 1 diabetic. She is 28 years old. If Obamacare goes out the window, what do you do? … I am comforted that you are here and hopeful that we can move forward.” Read More
1:08 PM: Thanks to Jackie for that new photo of “Westley,” the West Seattle deer, who resurfaced today. Last sighting we heard about was on Election Night toward the west end of Alki Beach Park. So far this morning, the reports are from south Beach Drive and Lincoln Park. It’s now been a week and a half since “Westley” turned up in West Seattle (on Pigeon Point), and if you’ve missed our previous coverage (scroll through the WSB Wildlife archive), please note that wildlife/animal-welfare authorities ask you to keep your distance – getting too close could scare him, and also could put you into danger, as deer can lash out powerfully if they feel they are in danger. If you wonder “why doesn’t someone capture and relocate him?” Seattle Animal Shelter and the state Department of Fish and Wildlife both say that would be more of a threat to him than letting him be. So please, for as long as he’s in this area, please be extra careful – he’s crossed many streets – just in case he crosses your path.
1:33 PM: Thanks to Lezlie Jane for forwarding this photo by Jonny Layefsky:
Lezlie says it was taken on Beach Drive around 11:30 am.
We’ve received several questions about a police response at California/Alaska in The Junction. Went over to check; police were dealing with a person in crisis, who will be taken – via the private ambulance in our photo – to Harborview Medical Center for evaluation.
SDOT is circulating what’s titled the “Delridge RapidRide Expansion Survey.” But it’s not just about buses. It asks you to take a look at Delridge, section by section, featuring the graphics you see below, which show how it’s configured now:
The survey asks about your priorities for each of those sections along Delridge Way – including transit, walking, biking, and/or parking. Here’s how the survey is introduced in e-mail from SDOT’s Dawn Schellenberg:
We’re working with our partners at King County Metro to deliver 7 new RapidRide corridors by 2024 to advance the Levy to Move Seattle’s promise of 72% of Seattle residents with 10-minute all-day transit service within a 10-minute walk of their homes.
Delridge Way SW is one of the corridors on which we’d like to make bus service better. We also have an opportunity to make it safer and more comfortable for people walking, biking, driving and delivering goods. Please take a moment to fill out our survey and share your thoughts about how the street could be designed and potential related trade-offs. The survey replicates information shared at an October Delridge Workshop, in case you were unable to make it. Please complete the survey by December 4, 2016.
If you haven’t already received it – find the survey here. (P.S. We covered the “workshop” referenced by SDOT, here.)
(Wednesday photo @ Lincoln Park by Anjanette Nelson-Wally, who says “the view helped me feel hopeful”)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FAMILY STORY TIME: Bring your preschooler/toddler(s) to Southwest Library, 10:30 am. (35th SW/SW Henderson)
WEST SEATTLE GARDEN CLUB HOLIDAY LUNCHEON: 11 am-2 pm at Fauntleroy Church. Details in our calendar listing, including who to call (quick!) to see if there’s still room! (9140 California SW)
SECOND THURSDAY OUT! 6 pm, starting at the Senior Center of West Seattle: “inviting the LGBTQ community and their friends and neighbors for social hour at the Center followed by dining out at Lee’s Asian Restaurant next door to the Center. Everyone is welcome to attend – no membership or sign up is required.” (4217 SW Oregon)
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: 6-9 pm. Here’s some of what you’ll find on this month’s Art Walk:
*Click! Design That Fits (4540 California SW; WSB sponsor) – first-ever Jewelry Invitational
*Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) – photos by Graycie Viscon; wine-tasting fee waived for Art Walk participants
*Twilight Gallery and Boutique (4306 SW Alaska) – opening reception for “Intelligent Life” by Laura Allen
*Wallflower Custom Framing (4735 42nd SW) – Trees, by Tim McGuire
*Brace Point Pottery (4208 SW 100th) – visit the southernmost stop on the Art Walk map, in Arbor Heights
OPEN MICROPHONE AT C & P: Musicians/singers of all ages are welcome at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)
(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)
7:11 AM: No incidents in/from West Seattle right now. Foggy in some spots, though!
Here’s a look ahead to the holiday tomorrow:
VETERANS DAY ON FRIDAY: Schools will be closed … Metro will be running “reduced weekday” service … No West Seattle Water Taxi service. … Washington State Ferries has announced that on Friday at 11:11 am, it “will honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces by observing a moment of silence on all ferries underway at that time. Following the moment of silence, the ferries will blow their whistles in unison to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans.”
This Saturday, you can be among the first to drink limited-release, philanthropic Beer Church IPA, according to the announcement of its release party during the 18th annual Beer Church Turkey Bowl in West Seattle:
On Saturday, November 12th, Georgetown Brewing releases Beer Church India Pale Ale, a beer brewed in collaboration with three other Seattle-area breweries. Proceeds from the sale of the beer benefit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Northwest Chapter.
Beer Church IPA was brewed by Georgetown Brewing Company in collaboration with Airways Brewing, Big Al Brewing, Two Beers Brewing, and Beer Church, a Seattle-based organization that finds easy ways for beer drinkers to contribute to worthwhile causes. This is the sixth year that Beer Church has organized and promoted this annual project.
The beer will be released at Beer Church Turkey Bowl, an annual fundraiser now celebrating its 18th anniversary. The sold out bowling party takes place at West Seattle Bowl on Saturday, November 12 at 6:00 P.M. The public is welcome to attend the event, participate in the silent auction and raffle, and enjoy the beer.
Following the official release, Beer Church India Pale Ale will be available at each of the participating breweries’ taprooms, as well as select local restaurants and pubs. Keep an eye on beerchurch.com for a list of locations that will tap this draft-only beer. … Ingredients for Beer Church India Pale Ale were donated by Great Western Malting Company of Vancouver, Washington and YCH Hops of Yakima, Washington. Georgetown Brewing donated its facilities and other resources, while the collaborating breweries helped develop the recipe and contributed to the brewing of the beer.
“This is just another example of the generosity of the local beer and brewing industry,” said Kendall Jones, the President and Founder of Beer Church. “The breweries were happy and excited to support the effort, but beyond that, without the support of YCH Hops and Great Western Malting, none of this would be possible. Their contributions are, literally, the backbone of the beer. Their involvement plays a key role in the fundraising component of the project.”
Beer Church India Pale Ale uses three different hop varieties to create its unabashedly hop-forward character. Along with Ekuanot™ hops, the recipe includes two newly developed, experimental hop varieties that have yet to be named (currently designated as HBC 344 and HBC 522). All of the beer’s hop flavors are supported and balanced by the use of 2-Row Malted Barley and White Wheat Malt. Beer Church IPA clocks in at 6.3 percent Alcohol by Volume (ABV) with the hops providing pine-citrus, tropical, and herbal flavors. It is a bright golden beer with a dry body and light mouthfeel.
West Seattle Bowl is at 39th SW and SW Oregon on the east edge of The Junction.
The photo and report were sent by Brenda:
She explains, “We stumbled upon an awesome refuge tonight at Endolyne Joe’s, celebrating their Canada menu. It was nice to get away for a couple hours and enjoy some poutine!” The Toronto menu itself is not an election reaction – it was launched almost a month ago; Endolyne Joe’s (a WSB sponsor) has special regional menus that change every few months.
“Nice chatting with you, neighbor.” That friendly goodbye, said as one participant left the “peace gathering” at Myrtle Reservoir Park tonight, summarized what it was all about – neighbors gathering with neighbors. We stopped by around 45 minutes into it, and at least 50 people were there.
It was informal – candlelight, pizza, children running around and playing. And a lot of talk. One person told another that she was worried some ongoing issues won’t be resolved in her lifetime. And certainly, nothing was going to be resolved in one night. But Mary Ellen Cunningham told us she had the idea for the gathering, while having trouble sleeping last night.
Sarah, who sent us first word of the gathering this afternoon, tells us tonight, “Thanks to all who came out to the peace gathering tonight – I know many were encouraged simply by your presence.” She adds that a mailing list is being set up “regarding further gatherings and ways to come together as a community,” so if you’re interested, please e-mail westseattlegathering@gmail.com to be included.
The family of West Seattle High School Athletics star Nate Pryor – parents Maria and Tony, and sister Shoshana – looked on proudly late today as he signed his National Letter of Intent – he’ll be playing basketball on a full scholarship at Seattle University. WSHS head basketball coach Keffrey Fazio was beaming too:
And so were teammates:
Pryor is a senior point guard; you can see his stats here. He verbally committed to Seattle U last year, and now it’s official.
Also from the WSB inbox this afternoon:
Thought we needed a little positivity today. I collected some donations from my coworkers at Circa to take to a tent community down on E. Marginal Way.
Blankets, socks, clothes, towels, food, coats and toiletries. 💛💛💛 Taking them down now … with my husband and 9 year-old.
2:10 PM: Just out of the WSB inbox from Sarah, who describes this as a “peace gathering”:
Join us tonight at 5 pm at Reservoir Park on 35th & Myrtle for a time of being together as a community. This isn’t about joining to stand against our new president or the people who voted for him. It’s about joining together to stand FOR love, FOR justice, FOR equality, and to give a space for those who are grieving and afraid.
Bring warm jackets, picnic dinner, candles, games or instruments. We look forward to seeing you there.
3:02 PM: Sarah adds that this is a family-friendly gathering
5:42 PM: We are stopping by the event right now. Several dozen people of all ages are here, on the north side of the park by the play area.
10:23 AM: About 200 students from West Seattle High School have walked out of their classes and are headed south on California SW toward The Junction.
(Added: Reader video from Molly – profane language alert)
It’s been described to us as a reaction to last night’s election results.
10:50 AM: The group has reached The Junction. A TV helicopter has picked up on this so if you are hearing/seeing a helicopter, that is what is going on.
11:15 AM: Sorry about the site slowness – this has caused a huge traffic surge.
The group rallied at the Jefferson Square corner plaza (photos above and below) and then headed back to WSHS, where we’re told they’ll be talking with principal Ruth Medsker.
What participants were telling us is, what happened last night does not represent the future that they want, the America that they believe they belong to and belong in, and they will work to embody the values they want to see represented.
Organizer Max Lemke (photo below) told his classmates that they need to be better people, so that there is hope for their future. Love will trump hate, he told them.
(added) One woman passing by, describing herself as a “proud grandma,” high-fived some of the students:
11:48 AM: At the school, the principal took the students into the theater so they would have a place to talk. She said she understood they were angry and wanted to express it. Media were not allowed in.
ADDED 5:11 PM: Seattle Public Schools spokesperson Luke Duecy says, “During today’s student protest march at WSHS, students who walked out of school were marked absent and will need to make up any work missed. No students will be disciplined. Instead, staff talked with students about their desire to express themselves and they supported students’ emotional needs. No teachers walked with students. Two vice principals did for safety and security reasons. Some parents also joined.”
While it is not directly related to the WSHS protest, we also are including a statement Seattle Public Schools has issued in the election’s aftermath:
Seattle Public Schools serves a rich and diverse school community. Our students speak 143 languages/dialects and come from 147 countries. Media coverage of the candidates’ positions on immigration, ethnicity, gender, and religion permeated our students’ lives over the last year. Even our youngest students were aware of the polarizing rhetoric. Today, we have heard directly from families who are feeling anxious and concerned.
The election outcome doesn’t change or influence the district’s direction, priorities, mission, or values. Seattle Public Schools continues to remain dedicated to providing positive school climates that promote student learning and development.
We are committed to building school communities where all students, families and staff are safe, respected and engaged. We will not tolerate bullying, intimidation or any other actions that sustain and advance prejudice and bigotry. Our commitment to the wellbeing of each and every student is stronger than ever.
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
‘INTERVIEW DAY’ AT THE MOUNT: Until 7 pm today, interviews and tours are offered during a job fair at Providence Mount St. Vincent. (4831 35th SW)
CITY COUNCIL BUDGET COMMITTEE: The business of local government goes on, and right now, the City Council’s Budget Committee is talking again about councilmembers’ proposed changes to the mayor’s budget – as they continue to get to the point where any chances have to leave the budget balanced, meaning changes that add cost also have to spell out where the money will come from. The proposals are linked to the agenda, which you’ll find here; the meeting is live on Seattle Channel, online or Cable 21.
WESTWOOD-HIGHLAND PARK HALA REZONING WORKSHOP: We’ve been reporting on the proposed rezoning in “urban villages” as part of the city’s Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda (HALA). West Seattle has four UVs, and the first “community design workshop” for one of them, Westwood-Highland Park, is tonight. From the city calendar listing:
The goal of this workshop is to help inform City Council about your community’s vision of how our Urban Villages should look, feel, and function in support of important citywide goals for increased affordability, design quality, and housing options in neighborhoods throughout the city.
We welcome a lively interchange of ideas and opinions on the recently proposed zoning changes for your neighborhood, including where the boundary for urban villages should be drawn, what mix of zones best support the context and conditions of local areas, and how to encourage more housing options and elements of livability (including neighborhood amenities such as frequent and reliable transit, community-serving businesses, parks and schools).
The workshop is in the library at Chief Sealth International High School, 6 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)
DENNY INTERNATIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL PTSA: 7 pm in the Denny library, it’s the PTSA’s “family meeting,” with information about updates and opportunities. (2601 SW Kenyon)
34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy. See this month’s agenda here. (9131 California SW)
AMERICAN LEGION POST 160: 8 pm monthly meeting at Post 160. (3618 SW Alaska)
LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC: The Loose Heels, 8 pm at Parliament Tavern. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
(WSB photo, November 2015)
As we continue looking ahead to holiday events, Eastridge Church confirms that it will again be giving away turkeys and groceries on the Saturday before Thanksgiving at its two campuses, including West Seattle:
Are you thinking about the holidays?
Thinking that you could use a little help? We would like to help you!
Eastridge Church will be giving away a total of 1,500 (between our 2 campuses) 10-12 pound turkeys, potatoes, vegetables, gravy packet and stuffing FREE to families!
The locations of our campuses are:
4500 39th Avenue SW in Seattle
24205 SE Issaquah Fall City Rd in IssaquahWe will start at 9:00 am on Saturday, November 19th and continue until they are all gone!
This is always a no-questions-asked event.
(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)
6:57 AM: We start with a crash at 6th and Roxbury that initially drew a “heavy rescue” response, though some of the units already have been canceled.
7:05 AM: All but two SFD units have been canceled from that crash, and it does not appear anyone’s being transported by medic unit.
7:10 AM: SDOT says three of the four lanes are blocked at the scene and traffic is alternating through the remaining lane. If you usually use Roxbury in that area, try another route, or wait a while. SFD, however, has fully cleared the scene.
8:02 AM All lanes are open again, per SDOT.
From Mayor Ed Murray via e-mail:
Regardless of tonight’s national results, tomorrow Seattle will remain a city guided by the values of equality, inclusion and openness. Tomorrow we will continue to support women, we will welcome as neighbors our Muslim brothers and sisters, and tomorrow Black Lives will still matter. Our City will remain strong because of our diversity, not in spite of it.
In Seattle, our results show a city ready to lead in building a more equitable and progressive future.
As we look forward, we will challenge our people to live up to our values, to ensure we build on the foundation that was laid tonight and that we foster the equitable, inclusive world we envision.
Just in case you heard them and wondered – we have heard reports of apparent fireworks set off in multiple neighborhoods, from Arbor Heights to North Delridge, just as the presidential election was called for Donald Trump, who has just given his first speech as President-elect.
(Voter dropping off ballot at High Point box in final hour. WSB photo by Leda Costa)
8:35 PM: While the presidential race tops the night, ballots in our area had more than three dozen local/regional/state races of note. King County Elections has NOT YET released its one count for tonight, citing “a delay.” But some other counties are reporting, so here are links to the biggies – including statewide issues. We will add summaries once King County is in.
8:53 PM: King County results are out in a “plain text” format only – you can search through them here.
9:04 PM: King County results are fully reflected in the links below.
10:32 PM: King County says it’ll be updating results again at 1:30 am.
1:35 AM: The county site has indeed updated results again.
SOUND TRANSIT 3 (3 counties) – results here – 1:51 am, 55% yes
U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 7 – results here – 1:51 am, Jayapal ahead with 57%
U.S. SENATOR – results here – 1:51 am, Murray ahead with 61%
GOVERNOR – results here – 1:51 am, Inslee ahead with 56%
LT. GOVERNOR – results here – 1:51 am, Habib leading with 56%
STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION – results here – 1:51 am, Reykdal ahead with 51%
SECRETARY OF STATE – results here – 1:51 am, Wyman ahead with 53%
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC LANDS – results here – 1:51 am, Franz ahead with 55%
STATE BALLOT MEASURES – results here – 1:51 am, 1433 passing with 60%, 1464 failing (53% no), 1491 passing with 71%, 1501 passing with 72%, I-732 failing (58% no), I-735 passing 64%. In Advisory Vote 14 and 15, “repealed” is ahead; proposed constitutional amendment, “approved” is ahead.
**All statewide-office results here**
34TH DISTRICT LEGISLATORS – results here
SEATTLE INITIATIVE 124 – 77% voting to approve
**All King County-only numbers are here**
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