West Seattle, Washington
23 Saturday
(WSB file photo)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
This weekend’s Alki Art Fair is more than a once-a-year event: It’s the festival’s 20th anniversary.
“Come to the beach and help us celebrate!” is your invitation from Giovannina Souers, during our conversation today about the AAF’s milestone. She’s the president of the Alki Art Fair board, and has been involved from the start.
In 1997, she had a pottery studio elsewhere in West Seattle, when a painter from the Alki Bathhouse “came in and said, ‘we’re thinking about having an arts event on the beach, and looking for artists – we want it to be interactive.’ … So I grabbed a couple wheels, and some students, and went down, did a few demonstrations and sold our things.” She says it was “informal,” maybe about 15 different artists/booths, demonstration-based, “the artists were there, doing and selling their art on the beach.”
The next year, she was hired to create a pottery studio at the Bathhouse, and helped put on the art fair the next few years. “We kind of grew it and turned it into more of a fair to sell work, and fun kids’ activities … it just kind of grew from there.”
One major growth point was when music was added after a few years, in the early 2000s.
Thanks to everyone who sent views of tonight’s sunset! The one above is from Alki, courtesy of Donna Benaroya. Looks like we’re in for a warm weekend, some clouds, mostly sun. Alki is among the neighborhoods hosting big events this weekend – the 20th-anniversary Alki Art Fair this Saturday and Sunday – and we have a preview coming up later tonight.
(WSB photo from February)
From Councilmember Lisa Herbold‘s newest e-mail update, word that the City Council is considering “supplemental budget” funding for landslide mitigation including three problem sites in West Seattle. One (above) is at the site of last February’s Highland Park Way-closing slide: $60,000 “to install a rock buttress between West Marginal Way SW and SW Holden Street.” Herbold’s update says this will “minimize longterm erosion and sloughing.” This was also discussed during the Highland Park Find It Fix It Walk back in May, which followed Herbold “rais(ing) questions about the Seattle Department of Transportation’s (SDOT’s) practices for managing landslide risks and whether SDOT should be doing more proactive work to minimize the risk of slides rather than responding with repair work after slides occur.” She continues:
What I found is that 17 years ago, in 2000, SDOT performed a risk assessment for slope hazards for landslides on arterial streets in the City. This evaluation was based on a set scoring matrix, and SDOT uses that ranking to prioritize our proactive landslide mitigation program.
The assessment used eight design factors to determine the priority of 73 known potential landslide locations along arterial streets. The criteria were:
Hazard condition of slope
Traffic volume
Street, pavement, and adjacent retaining facility condition
Street or sidewalk access impacts, including Metro, primary emergency routes, and ability to implement detours
Adjacent to community centers, schools, city utilities
Slope modification history that may decrease slope stability
Partnership opportunities with other planned projects to decrease costs
Adjacent to private facilities
Of the 73 locations, 24 were rated a high priority. Since 2000, SDOT has budgeted approximately $500K per year for landslide mitigation. With those funds we have been slowly moving through mitigation efforts for those locations. In 17 years, only seven of twenty-four high priority location have had proactive mitigation work done, because the majority of the allocated funds each year end up being needed for responding to slides after they have occurred in other lower priority locations.The City Budget Office agreed with me that this a significant problem. I worked with SDOT and the City Budget Office to identify 2017 funds as well as a spending plan over the six-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to complete the work. Longer-term funding will be addressed during the 2018 budget process beginning in September.
In the short term, the 2nd quarter supplemental budget proposed by the City Budget Office, and discussed by the Affordable Housing, Neighborhoods, and Finance Committee this week, increases funding for addressing landslides by $1.37 million.
The aforementioned Highland Park site is one of three West Seattle sites; another is at Cambridge and California, $540,000 for a retaining wall at the site of a slide we covered back in January.
(WSB photo from January)
Herbold quotes SDOT:
This slide impacts access for thirteen homes along California Ave SW, north of SW Cambridge St. The slide also damaged two homes below. There is no alternative access point for the properties. SPU completed the initial stabilization and cleanup efforts, since there was also a water main break. We are currently monitoring the slide, and have limited the access to one lane only. If there is additional movement, we may need to eliminate vehicle access to the homes, and limit access to pedestrian only. The responsibility of the initial response and restoration is likely split between SPU and SDOT, since there was both a slide and water main break, and it is impossible to tell which caused which.
The current proposal for repair is to install a wall and pedestrian connection between Cambridge and California. There was an informal trail / path that existing prior to the slide.
And the third site is the 10200 block of 47th SW, where $350,000 would be spent to stabilize a slope hit by a slide. Herbold’s update quotes SDOT:
There continues to be soil movement undermining the roadway at this location. The current solution would be a 50′ long 8′ high permanent soldier pile wall consistent with the adjacent wall. If not completed we will likely need to close the roadway for safety and prevent access to approximately 20 residences. There is no alternative access point for the properties. The closure would affect 20 homes including those on Maplewood Place SW, with potential impact to the apartments block at 10203 47th Ave SW.
Outside West Seattle, the supplemental-budget item also proposes $400,000 for a slope along Rainier Avenue S. and $20,000 for a “rock buttress” along Perkins Lane W.
Thanks to Andrew for the tip – orcas were just north of Alki Point, southbound, as of about 15 minutes ago. Let us know if you see them!
Highland Park Elementary students will NOT lose their volunteer reading tutors after all, thanks to community contributors plus one generous ongoing supporter of the Reading Partners program. Here’s the update from Dina Johnson, the volunteer tutor and community advocate who has been working for more than a month to get the word out:
Just received this from Linda Givler, admin of the “Save Highland Park Reading partners” GoFundMe Page:
~~~~~~~
The GoFundMe campaign to save the Reading Partners program at Highland Park Elementary School has ended. The page will be left up for a few days to allow everyone to see the latest update.Together we were able to raise $12,787 in 30 days. I think that is amazing, even though it is short of the $30,000 necessary to continue the program.
ALL IS NOT LOST. An ongoing supporter of the RP program in Seattle, who has chosen to stay anonymous, has designated their annual contribution to make up the difference and allow the Highland Park Reading Partners program to continue this coming school year.
We are very, very fortunate that a Reading Partners supporter has stepped up to help save our Reading Partners program at Highland Park. I know you will all be as excited as I am to continue helping our wonderful little readers next school year.
This was truly a group effort. Thanks to everyone…
Now it is time to celebrate.
~~~~~
(Dina’s P.S.) I’m giddy with delight (and amazement!) We proved that people CARE about schoolchildren in our little corner of Seattle!
The King County Council voted today to send the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services property-tax levy to the November 7th ballot, after reducing the rate from 12 cents per $1,000 of assessed value to 10 cents, which is double the rate of the levy this one will replace. Here’s what the official county announcement says the money would go for:
Veterans: To plan, provide, administer and evaluate a wide range of regional health and human services and capital facilities for veterans and military servicemembers and their respective families.
Seniors and caregivers: To plan, provide, administer and evaluate a wide range of regional health and human services and capital facilities for seniors and their caregivers or to promote healthy aging in King County.
Vulnerable Populations: To plan, provide, administer and evaluate a wide range of regional health and human services and capital facilities for vulnerable populations.
You can read the documents related to the legislation – co-sponsored by our area’s County Councilmember Joe McDermott, who is also the council’s chair – by going here; the actual bill finalized today is here.
That may look like an ordinary street – but Saturday evening, SW Snoqualmie just south of 36th SW [map], next to the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor), will transform into its secret identity as a “Festival Street” for the first West Seattle Outdoor Movies event of the season – the first full season in this new location.
The movie: “Rogue One,” which made history as the first standalone “Star Wars Story” movie outside the trilogies.
The time: You can arrive as early as 6:30 pm. From the official WSOM website:
•First 50 kids (or all those young at heart) will get light sabers.
•7-8 pm, bust out your cameras for those stormtrooper selfies (Garrison Titan will be here)
•Food truck for the night: Macho Burgers (vegetarian, gluten-free options available)Live performances by School of Rock West Seattle.
Star Wars quiz by our own West Seattle ‘Mean Old Man’ with a Jedi Jeopardy lighting round.
Concessions and raffles too; all proceeds go to charity. This week’s raffle proceeds will benefit WestSide Baby, West Seattle Food Bank, White Center Food Bank, and West Seattle Helpline.
Sponsored by ActivSpace In West Seattle, Elliott Bay Brewing Company, LaVida Massage of West Seattle, School of Rock WS, West Seattle Christian Church, West Seattle Farmers Market, and West Seattle Blog
Brought to you by the West Seattle Junction Association and West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA.
The movie starts at dusk – we can safely say that’ll be after 9 pm. But with all the aforementioned excitement, you won’t want to arrive at the last minute anyway. This is the first of the season’s six movies, every Saturday night through August 26th; see the lineup on the WSOM website.
12:12 PM: If you’re headed to/from the Fauntleroy ferry dock from the south, or to/from the Endolyne business district in Fauntleroy, heads-up – SFD and SPD are responding to a two-car crash at 45th and Wildwood [map]. We’re on the way to check it out.
12:21 PM: Our crew reports there are no serious injuries and the vehicles already have been moved off to the side, so once police and fire clear out, things will be back to normal.
(Edmunds side of The Foundry – rendering by Mithun)
On the same day that 4722 Fauntleroy Way SW goes to the Southwest Design Review Board, its future neighbor “The Foundry,” at 4754 Fauntleroy, has received key city approvals. The notice is the only major one for West Seattle in today’s Land Use Information Bulletin. The project on the ex-pawn-shop site at Fauntleroy/Edmunds will include 108 apartments, 10 live-work units, and 103 underground parking spaces. The notice (see it here) explains the decisions – determination of environmental non-significant, and finalization of its design review (here’s our coverage of the final meeting last April). It also sets August 3rd as the deadline for appeals.
Always something unusual to see at sea – Lynn Hall just sent that photo of a sighting in Elliott Bay this morning. The “YRBM-30” on the side leads us here – apparently a Navy barge. Meantime, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
CANOES TO DEPART: We haven’t been able to get back to Alki to check since covering the arrival on Wednesday afternoon, but we were told while there that the Tribal Journeys canoes were expected to leave sometime after 10 am today, headed northwest to their next stop, with the Suquamish Tribe, at 3 pm.
JUBILEE DAYS CARNIVAL: Rides, games, and carnival food/drinks at Steve Cox Memorial Park as part of the White Center Jubilee Days festival. 3-11 pm tonight. (1321 SW 102nd)
MAHONIA PROJECT WORK PARTY: 4-6 pm at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, a unique work party could use your help – details here. (6000 16th SW)
SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA, WEEK 1: As previewed here on Wednesday, a three-artist showcase starts off this year’s Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, with co-sponsors including WSB. Free; BYO chair and/or blanket. On the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center, 6:30 pm. (2700 California SW, but on the Walnut side)
MAYORAL FORUM: Five candidates for mayor are expected at the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s forum tonight at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Jenny Durkan has a “conflict,” according to e-mail forwarded to us by a reader who asked her campaign if she would be there in light of having not shown for last Saturday’s forum. (Update) WSCC tells us they’re still expecting all of the other five who RSVP’d – Jessyn Farrell, Bob Hasegawa, Michael McGinn, Cary Moon, and Nikkita Oliver, who is a West Seattle resident. (Update 2, 2 pm) The Chamber tells us that Farrell has dropped out too – reportedly a fundraiser conflict, while Durkan’s conflict, we’ve since learned, is what’s billed as a “get out the vote” event with high-profile supporters downtown. (back to original text) 6:15 pm mingling, 6:45 pm forum. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
GET READY TO RUN! Want to get more fitness into your life? Find out about a free, fun program tonight at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor):
Get Fit West Seattle is a free program put on by West Seattle Runner. Come to the info night THURSDAY JULY 20th at 6:30 pm to learn more about how you can run your first half marathon! This is a program for beginners, as we will start with ONE MILE on Saturday August 5th! From there, you will train to do your first half marathon in November, the Amica Seattle Half Marathon. Come and get your questions answered and learn about the plan. This is a free program which includes a training plan, injury prevention clinic, and running 101 clinic and lots of great camraderie. (if you can’t attend the meeting, you can still join, just email: lori@westseattlerunner.com)
(2743 California SW)
DESIGN REVIEW FOR 4722 FAUNTLEROY WAY SW: 6:30 pm at the Sisson Building/Senior Center, the Southwest Design Review Board gets its first look at the new project for the site where CVS canceled its plan for a drugstore – described on the city website as:
A 7-story building containing 233 residential units, 17 live-work units, and 10,000 sq. ft. of commercial space. Parking to be provided for 250 vehicles within the structure. (And) a four-story building containing one live-work unit and 49 residential units.
Here’s the design packet. The meeting will include an opportunity for public comment. (4217 SW Oregon)
WEST SEATTLE TIMEBANK: 6:30 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle, an event for both members and those who want to find out more about WSTB. (4217 SW Oregon)
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm at Alki UCC, with an agenda including:
1) Summer Safety & Neighborhood Night Out
2) Alki Noise Survey Update
3) Alki Art Fair – Volunteers needed
(6115 SW Hinds)
BELLY-DANCE SHOWCASE: The monthly Alauda showcase is tonight at The Skylark, 7:30 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
AMA TRIO: “A Latin American, Afro Sephardic, Eastern European Gypsy Circus Chamber Music Band!” performing at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)
AND EVEN MORE … listed on our complete-calendar page for tonight (and beyond).
(Photo by Long Bach Nguyen, looking south from Alki Point during -1.4 tide on July 9th)
The low-low tides are back, starting with -1.6 right now and receding to low tides below minus-3 feet both days this weekend (here’s a chart). On Saturday (July 22nd), the Seattle Aquarium beach-naturalist program is offering a “Deaf Community Beach Walk,” with sign-language interpretation available 10 am- 1pm, as well as beach naturalists, on the shore at Lincoln Park. Look for the signs.
(HERE’S THE REVAMPED SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:06 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported so far in or from West Seattle.
SATURDAY REMINDERS: Road closures and parking restrictions start early Saturday morning West Seattle Grand Parade this Saturday, July 22nd (and the Float Dodger 5K preceding it), primarily California between Admiral and Edmunds, but also some side streets to the west and east for staging. Bus reroutes are listed on the Metro alerts page.
MAYORAL FORUM TONIGHT: The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s forum with six mayoral candidates tonight is billed as focusing on transportation and business issues. All are welcome, 6:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).
8:05 AM: Crash at 35th/Webster. No serious injuries – SFD response closed fast.
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