West Seattle, Washington
05 Thursday
While the transformation of Metro Route 120 into the RapidRide H Line is three years away, major decisions are being made now, and this is the time to bring up concerns to SDOT and Metro, both leading the project because city dollars are helping pay for it. Since the new planning phase revved up last month, the West Seattle Transportation Coalition (WSB coverage here) and Delridge Neighborhoods District Council (WSB coverage here) have hosted discussions/briefings. And this week, it’s the centerpiece of the Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council agenda (6:15 pm Tuesday, Southwest Library). The WWRHAH agenda says the discussion with SDOT/Metro reps will include “mobility issues surrounding the Westwood Village ‘transit hub’ and the Westwood/Highland Park Urban Village.” All are welcome; the library’s on the southeast corner of 35th SW and SW Henderson.
Last weekend, we brought you West Seattle climate activist Aji Piper‘s keynote presentation at the Washington Global Issues Network conference at Chief Sealth International High School. As he told more than 100 student attendees, his activism was galvanized by involvement in Plant for the Planet. The group has now launched monthly meetings in West Seattle, and here’s an announcement of how local youth can get involved, from parent co-coordinator Marco Deppe:
With the growth of Plant for the Planet in Seattle and enough Climate Justice Ambassadors in the South, we have officially kicked off our monthly West Seattle meetings. Every 3rd Friday we’ll meet at 7 PM at the Puget Ridge Co-housing Common House.
So the next West Seattle Plant for the Planet meeting will be on Friday, April 21st at 7 PM. Children who would like to be active to get our planet back to a stable climate and their parents are always welcome to join. Please RSVP by email to pftp-west-seattle@googlegroups.com. Every child who wants to join officially can attend a one day, free academy: One is coming up on April 8th in Marysville [sign up here].
Here’s what the group did during its March meeting. Meantime, as for the April 21st meeting, it’s at 7020 18th SW.
(April 2, 2013, WSB photo by Nick Adams)
SUNDAY NIGHT: If you’re on Highway 99 tunnel watch – the tunneling machine is now down to a double-digit distance, 89 feet as of this morning. WSDOT still is not officially predicting what day will bring the “Bertha breakthrough,” but at this rate (it’s gone 38 feet since Friday), it’s likely to be this week. They’ve said that it will happen in two phases – the machine will reach the wall of the disassembly pit and stop, while WSDOT and Seattle Tunnel Partners explain what happens next. Then, likely on the following day, the machine will be set into motion for a several-hours-long breakthrough process. They continue to promise a live camera will be available, since the pit is in a construction zone and a public viewing area isn’t feasible.
P.S. Checking the archives, we note that today is the 4th anniversary of the tunneling machine’s arrival via ship from Japan.
MONDAY AFTERNOON: So much news today that we haven’t had time to publish an update yet, but WSDOT is expecting breakthrough sometime Tuesday – here’s the latest; full update a bit later.
(Part of the 2016 cleanup haul; photo courtesy John Lang)
The annual Fairmount Ravine community cleanup and forest-restoration event is the longest-running event of its kind that we’ve heard of, at least in our decade of publishing WSB. This year’s edition is coming up next Saturday, and it’s the first one organized by Matt Algieri, after John Lang‘s many years of coordination. If you run, ride, walk, or drive through the ravine – consider starting next Saturday by helping out, even if you can only spare an hour:
Fairmount Ravine Preservation Group will sponsor the 25th Annual Spring Cleanup and Reforestation of Fairmount Ravine, Saturday, April 8th at 8:30 am. Meet at top of the ravine (Forest St. and Fairmount Ave.). Wear long, rugged clothing, boots and gloves. Bring a pruning saw or large loppers if interested in removing ivy from trees. Delicious beverages and food from our local merchants will be provided.
We extend a special invitation to those who use the ravine to access the waterfront; please donate an hour or two of your time to keep this greenbelt healthy and pristine. Plus, we will have a lot of fun and meet our neighbors. More info – call Matt at 206 747-4167.
Warmer, drier weather brings out more people. Some, unfortunately, are criminals, which is why we have another West Seattle Crime Watch report so soon after the last one. If you see a possible crime in progress, call 911 and you might be able to help bust someone responsible for multiple incidents.
Here are 3 new reader reports:
NEW PARENTS’ CAR STOLEN, WITH STROLLER: From Chris:
On Sunday morning, April 2nd, a gold 2009 Subaru Forester with YTG-862 plates was stolen from the 4000 block of 41st Ave SW near Holy Rosary School. The car had 2 bike racks on top of it and a brand new [in the box] stroller for our 21-day-old baby. Please call 911 if you see the car.
SAME CARPORT, DIFFERENT PROWLERS ON CAMERA: Just a few days ago, we shared video from David of prowlers in his carport near 48th and Hudson. Today, at 6:45 am, “when there are likely lots of people up and about,” he got somebody different on camera:
Here’s a cropped framegrab with the best closeup:
Let police know if you have a tip on who that might be.
SUPERMARKET LOT SMASH-AND-GRAB: This happened Saturday afternoon in the parking lot at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor):
My car window was smashed in at the Met Market parking lot. On April 1st, 2017 around 4:15 p.m. It was a gray 2010 Prius. Canvas tote was stolen containg my dark brown leather day planner and headset and white mesh makeup bag among other miscellaneous items. Would love to have it returned if found or any info regarding the breakin.
The victim says the tote did NOT contain a wallet or anything else of value to anyone but her – given the calendar in the day planner. As police often warn, the criminals act so fast, they don’t stop to check whether it’s really worth their time – it’s grab first, look later. And they can go almost unnoticed, even in a busy supermarket parking lot in the middle of the afternoon. This too has been reported to police.
While we work on some more news stories this Sunday, another unique look at West Seattle, offshore – this time, the newest 360-degree underwater video shared by “Diver Laura” James. She focuses on what are known as the I-Beams, off Seacrest.
(Yellow-Rumped Warbler, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
April’s first Sunday includes these highlights:
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, in the street, in The Junction. Now that it’s spring, you can expect the selection of produce to grow every week! (California SW, between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Perfect day to visit the home of West Seattle history. Noon-4 pm. (61st & Stevens)
CATSINO: 2-6 pm at Beveridge Place Pub, fun annual fundraiser with casino-style games, benefiting animal-advocacy groups. (6413 California SW)
STAR WARS DESTINY/SPIRIT OF REBELLION: Preview event at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor), 4 pm – details here; check to see if there’s still room! (3727 California SW)
CLAMOR! A MUSICAL INSURGENCY: As previewed here on Saturday, this multi-artist slate is a benefit for the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project: “Music is the medium — Resistance is the message!” Doors open at 5:30, music starts at 6:30. All ages. $10 suggested donation. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
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