day : 07/04/2017 14 results

Looking for somewhere to garden? City says 2 West Seattle P-Patches have openings

April 7, 2017 11:08 pm

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| Gardening | West Seattle news

If you’re looking for somewhere to garden – a P-Patch spot might be waiting for you. The city just published a list today of community gardens that have spots open, and two of them are in West Seattle – Westcrest Park in Highland Park and Longfellow Creek in Westwood. Interested? Contact Angela Vega-Johnson at angela.vega-johnson@seattle.gov or call 206-617-1787.

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FOLLOWUP: No 35th SW repaving until 2023? Herbold asks Kubly to reconsider

April 7, 2017 7:41 pm

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| Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, March 29th)

Remember our report last week about the rutted state of much of 35th SW, touched off by a reader tip about that particular hole on the northbound side, north of SW Webster? At the time, SDOT reiterated that 35th SW is not scheduled for major repaving work until 2023. City Councilmember Lisa Herbold‘s staff, meantime, told us that she was asking SDOT to move that up, and working on a letter to SDOT director Scott Kubly to formalize the request. That letter has now been sent – read it here, or below:

The letter is featured in her weekly e-mail/online update, in which Herbold elaborates:

I’ve received numerous complaints about the condition of the pavement since taking office at the start of 2016, and experienced the poor condition of the road in my travels. Complaints have increased recently.

The letter … details some of what I’ve heard from West Seattle residents, and requests, “please consider this letter a request to examine and repair potholes on 35th Avenue SW from Roxbury to Alaska. I’d appreciate an answer to this request as soon as possible.” In the longer term, the letter requests SDOT:

To reconsider their 2016-2024 paving plan, which lists 35th from Roxbury to Morgan as a planned paving project for 2023;

To provide the current pavement condition rating of 35th, according to the standards of SDOT’s Pavement Management webpage;

Provide the estimated cost for the paving work on 35th, and

Whether they have an update to the 2013 Arterial Pavement Condition map included in the 2015 SDOT Asset Management Status and Condition Report (see Figure VII, page 68 of the report, page 74 of the pdf), which shows a significant portion of 35th as dark red, the worst rating.

I appreciated SDOT’s quick response saying that “…later this month our crews will be doing a concerted effort to address potholes caused by the wet and cold winter. 35th Ave SW is on their plan as a route to be targeted.”

SDOT also indicated they would be in touch later on my larger request re: modifying the pavement plan, and acknowledged that they have begun looking at the implications, as well as my request to re-evaluate the corridor.

We had asked SDOT last week if at least some short stretches were scheduled for spot paving this year, but they had no specifics of what areas might get that attention – for example, it was repaved between Cambridge and Barton just before the rechannelization in fall 2015.

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Driver taken to hospital after crashing into parked RV

April 7, 2017 6:38 pm

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| Highland Park | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(WSB photo)

Thanks for the texted tip: A man was taken to the hospital after that crash at 13th SW and SW Henderson in Highland Park. Police say he is the driver of the black car and suffered injuries including a broken leg after crashing into the parked RV on the north side of SW Henderson. The cause remains under investigation; the weather is rainy as well as windy and was a full-on downpour while we were at the scene.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Wind takes out tree at Hiawatha; branch crunches fence

April 7, 2017 4:52 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

4:52 PM: Thanks to Susan for sending the tip about this while we still had a crew in Admiral, post-fire … SW Lander is blocked at 42nd SW on the north side of Hiawatha Community Center/Park while Seattle Parks crews take down a storm-damaged tree that’s near the sidewalk, by the tennis courts. This is the first notable storm damage we’ve heard of in West Seattle today; more photos to come. The National Weather Service has, meantime, extended the wind advisory to 1 am.

5:40 PM: Above, our photo of the crew working on the tree; below, nearby resident Sacha sent a wider look:

And from North Admiral, Amy sent the next photo, a fence crunched by a big falling branch:

Because the rain-saturated ground potentially has destabilized trees that are still standing, you’re advised not to go walking/running in treed areas like park while the wind is still gusting.

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UPDATE: ‘Full response’ in North Admiral, turns out to be kitchen fire

April 7, 2017 3:52 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(Added: WSB photo)

3:52 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a full-size response to the 4500 block of SW Hill in North Admiral [map] for a possible house fire. More to come.

3:55 PM: First unit arriving reports some smoke. This is about two blocks west of California SW so should not have major traffic effects outside the neighborhood streets.

4:03 PM: Haven’t heard a full update yet, and our crew is still en route, but some units are already being dismissed.

4:20 PM: Photo added. SFD says it was a kitchen fire, no injuries.

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VIDEO: ‘A sign is everything’ – and now the Duwamish has four

April 7, 2017 3:39 pm

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| West Seattle history | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photos and video by Patrick Sand and Tracy Record)

“A sign might not seem like a big deal, but a sign is everything.” That’s how Southwest Seattle Historical Society executive director Clay Eals kicked off a media briefing this morning next to the sign you see above – one of four now in place on the low and high West Seattle Bridges, marking the waterway they span, which carries the name of our area’s First People.

That’s our video of the entire event, held along the bicycle/pedestrian path on the “low bridge” alongside its control tower. Eals explained that the signage was first suggested about a year ago at the launch of a photography book called “Once and Future River” and was shepherded by City Councilmember Lisa Herbold. She did not attend this morning’s briefing, but Eals was joined on the bridge by two well-known members of the Duwamish Tribe. Ken Workman, member of the Duwamish Tribal Council, is great-great-great-great-grandson of Chief Seattle, and noted that the sign is over the stretch of the river where his family once had a longhouse:

James Rasmussen is coordinator of the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition:

Both acknowledged and hailed the significance of the signage – a small yet mighty form of recognition, even as the tribe continues battling for federal recognition of its existence and treaty rights, which Workman said is a matter once again in Bureau of Indian Affairs review. Rasmussen also talked about the ongoing river cleanup, with which the DRCC is deeply involved, and voiced concern about how the new administration in Washington, D.C., will affect the cleanup. It’s half-done, he said, and that’s no time to stop. He is currently most concerned about the Pollutant Loading Assessment in the watershed, which is suddenly looking for help with “modeling” – “the project right now is basically stopped” without that help, he explained, and in need of more funding.

P.S. You can take personal action to help the Duwamish River, two weeks from tomorrow – it’s the spring edition of the Duwamish Alive! planting/cleanup events held concurrently at many spots along the river and in its watershed, 10 am-2 pm April 22nd – go here to find out how to help.

P.P.S. Though he didn’t take a turn at the podium, the “Once and Future River” photographer Tom Reese was at the briefing too:

Rasmussen also contributed an afterword to the book, which is available through UW Press.

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VIDEO: Northwest Hope and Healing raises $225,000 at STYLE ’17 – to keep helping

April 7, 2017 2:25 pm

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| Health | How to help | West Seattle news

2:25 PM: If you weren’t at last night’s STYLE ’17 fashion-show fundraiser for Northwest Hope and Healing, that video will give you a sense of what it was like, as the West Seattleite-founded-and-led nonprofit raised $205,000 to help cancer patients with the everyday expenses that unfortunately don’t stop for those who are in the fight of their lives. That’s West Seattleite Kristina Dahl, NWHH executive director, at the start of the video, which was produced by West Seattleite Edgar Riebe of Captive Eye Media. The models are all survivors, and as you can see in the clips, they have a lot of fun.

This was the 15th year for STYLE, held for the first time at Block41 in Belltown; NWHH also raises money with the annual summertime Alki Beach 5K – watch here for info on this year’s event soon – and in the meantime, you can help NWHH any time by going here.

5:05 PM UPDATE: NWHH’s Dahl just told us the tally is now past $225,000: “We could not have done it without the support of our incredible community, and we are grateful to every single attendee, donor, volunteer … and of course our amazing models.”

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BASEBALL: West Seattle High School home vs. Roosevelt this afternoon

April 7, 2017 2:00 pm

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| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Also happening this afternoon (weather permitting), West Seattle High School‘s varsity baseball team has a home game at Hiawatha (2700 California SW) vs. Roosevelt, 4 pm, after a win last night:

Thanks to Sheree Fantz-Gut for the photo of junior Anthony Coats on the mound, and the report that he pitched a complete game in the Wildcats’ 2-1 Thursday night win over Rainier Beach HS, the second WSHS win of the season. Here’s the schedule and season-so-far results.

She also reminds us that the team is selling $18 tickets to the June 24th Mariners vs. Astros evening game – here’s the flyer; e-mail WSHSMarinerstickets@gmail.com to buy yours.

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BRIDGE ALERT: Barrier work on West Seattle Bridge’s westbound west end

April 7, 2017 1:38 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news

Thanks for the tip and photo – barrier work is happening right now, SDOT confirms, on the westbound West Seattle Bridge, at the bend before the last stretch toward Fauntleroy. Traffic was at a full stop for a while and should be getting moving again shortly.

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What’s up for your West Seattle Friday

April 7, 2017 11:28 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Here’s what’s happening for the rest of your Friday:

ULTA BEAUTY SOFT-OPENS: Though next weekend is the official grand-opening ceremony, we just confirmed that Westwood Village’s new Ulta Beauty store is open for business as of 10 this morning. (Thanks to Donna of nearby Giannoni’s Pizza for the tip.)

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER TURNS 7: As mentioned in this biznote, today is the first day of a three-day 7th-anniversary celebration at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), with free injury assessments 12:30 pm-2:30 pm, among other reasons to stop by. (2743 California SW)

WORDS, WRITERS, WEST SEATTLE: The monthly author series presented by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society continues 5-7 pm at Westwood Village Barnes & Noble with Judy Bentley, author of “Hiking Washington’s History,” whose video invitation shows you one of the spots she wrote about:

As always, this is a free drop-in event. (2800 SW Barton)

CORNER BAR: Highland Park Improvement Club‘s first-Friday fun is tonight, starting at 6 pm. Music is by DJ Dr. Lehr, with surf rock. (12th SW/SW Holden)

FISH DINNER: Final community dinner of fish, fries, and cole slaw (mac and cheese is an option too) at Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Walmesley Center, 6-8 pm, details in our calendar listing. (35th SW/SW Myrtle)

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

‘BONNIE & CLYDE,’ FINAL PERFORMANCE: Haven’t seen the Tony-nominated musical at West Seattle High School? One more chance, tonight!

(Curt Gerston Photography)

Curtain time for the WSHS Drama Club/Music Department presentation is 7:30 pm, in the WSHS Theater. (3000 California SW)

PREVIEW THE WEEKEND … via our complete calendar!

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BIZNOTES: Anniversary celebrations for West Seattle Runner, Fresh Flours

April 7, 2017 10:28 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

From Admiral to South Delridge, two West Seattle businesses are celebrating anniversaries this weekend:

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Today through Sunday, this longtime WSB sponsor (2743 California SW) is celebrating seven years in business with special events as well as giveaways and treats. Today, 12:30 pm-2:30 pm, free injury assessments with Dr. Nate Moore. The lineup for Saturday is here – including a special evening celebration with live music! – and the Sunday plan is here. (Throwback – here’s our February 2010 story with proprietors Lori and Tim announcing their plan.)

FRESH FLOURS BAKERY: The bakery and coffee shop in South Delridge celebrates its one-year anniversary on Sunday and they “invite everyone to celebrate it with us with free heart cookies and dollar-off drinks!” Haven’t been to Fresh Flours yet? 9410 Delridge Way SW. (Throwback – here’s our April 2016 story with proprietors Etsuko and Keiji as FF prepared to open.)

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YOU CAN HELP! Fairmount Ravine, Westwood neighborhood TLC tomorrow

April 7, 2017 9:00 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| How to help | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Before we get to previews for today, two reminders for tomorrow that a great way to start your weekend is to give a little of your time to help a local neighborhood shine. We have cleanups north and south, and every single extra person makes a big difference:

(Photo from 2013 Fairmount Ravine event)

25TH ANNUAL FAIRMOUNT RAVINE CLEANUP: As previewed here, this is not just a cleanup, but also some TLC for trees – ivy removal. 8:30-10:30 am Saturday; meet at Fairmount and Forest, at the top (south end) of the ravine [map]. We are told the Southwest Precinct Community Police Team will be helping this year too.

25TH AND TRENTON: The South Delridge Community Group and Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council are teaming up at this site [map] and will be happy to see you join them here for one quick hour of work, 10 am-11 am Saturday.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday watch

April 7, 2017 7:42 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

7:42 AM: Checking in for the final stretch of the Friday morning commute. No incidents in/from West Seattle. The National Weather Service has downgraded the weather alert a bit to a “wind advisory,” expecting 25-35 mph wind with possible gusts to 55 mph, in effect 9 am-10 pm but with the highest likelihood of windiness not until this afternoon.

LOW-BRIDGE ALERT: After about 8:30, if you’re eastbound on the low bridge bike/pedestrian path, watch out for the gathering related to the new Duwamish Waterway signs, as previewed here last night.

SPRING BREAK: Many local schools will be closed next week for spring break.

8:23 AM: If you will be using SB 99 north of downtown this weekend – WSDOT reminds us of this Sunday closure on the southbound side:

Crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will close a half-mile stretch of southbound State Route 99/Aurora Avenue North near South Lake Union this Sunday, April 9, to complete work needed to reopen Harrison Street.

All southbound lanes of the highway between Valley Street and the south end of the Battery Street Tunnel will be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The northbound lanes will remain open.

During the closure, crews will restripe access to and from of Harrison Street – which has been closed due to SR 99 tunnel construction. When the work is complete, drivers will have access to and from SR 99/Aurora Avenue North at Harrison Street.

The forecast looks promising, but the work is weather-dependent and could be rescheduled if needed.

And we should also mention one more time that the West Seattle Water Taxi starts its seven-day-a-week schedule on Monday.

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West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2017: 30+ sales on the map so far!

April 7, 2017 12:59 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Thanks to everyone who’s already signed up to be a seller on West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2017 on Saturday, May 13th! After one full day of registration, more than 30 sales are already on the list, from points all over the peninsula. WSCGSD is one big day with sales of all sizes, mapped online (clickably) and in a printable/PDF version, published well in advance to provide plenty of planning time. So far we have moving sales – including two sellers who say they’re leaving the country – a P-Patch plant sale, nonprofit benefit sales, one sale declaring itself EPIC, even one “sale” that admits it’s mostly a giveaway. If you’re having a sale, sign up as soon as you’re ready by going here! (Be ready with your up-to-20-words EPIC sale description first. If you’re opening early and/or staying open late, or adding a day, be sure to mention it there.)