day : 29/09/2017 12 results

FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth hosts Franklin @ SWAC

September 29, 2017 11:51 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

Big win for Chief Sealth International High School tonight at Southwest Athletic Complex, over visiting Franklin HS.

We got to the game at the start of the second quarter, by which time the Seahawks were ahead 19-8. The scoring for the rest of the game was all Sealth.

(Sealth #8, Dontae McMillan)

They had added 10 more points by halftime, 29-8. By the end of the third quarter, Sealth was up 44-8. And the fourth quarter went by without any change, so the final score was 44-8. That put the Seahawks’ record up to 3-2 under first-year head coach Ted Rodriguez.

The Quakers – with far fewer players on their roster – went home still looking for their first win.

Next week, Chief Sealth is on the road, playing Ingraham at NW Athletic Complex, 7 pm Friday (October 6th).

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Car prowl with unique item taken; porch prowler

September 29, 2017 11:06 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes tonight:

CAR PROWL WITH PASSPORT TAKEN: If you find an Ethiopian passport discarded somewhere in our area, it might belong to the victim of a car prowl near California/Harbor today. A cell phone was taken, too.

PORCH PROWLER: Very early this morning in Gatewood, Elizabeth spotted “a male – probably around 5’9″ or so, but too dark to further identify – in a light colored minivan stop in the middle of the 4100 block of Monroe and run to several front porches checking for mail. Appeared to be unaccompanied.”

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SUNDAY: First advisory committee meeting since operator change @ Camp Second Chance

September 29, 2017 9:18 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Myers Way | West Seattle news

City-sanctioned Camp Second Chance on Myers Way has a new operator, LIHI, and for the first time since the change, the encampment’s Community Advisory Committee will meet this Sunday (2 pm, Arrowhead Gardens, 9200 2nd SW, open to the public). While what happens on Myers Way outside the camp is outside the scope of its operator and the committee, it is often a topic of public comment at these meetings, so this week’s developments will be of interest:

That was the scene along Myers Way north of the camp on Thursday morning, when we went there to check out what Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Ron Smith had told the Highland Park Action Committee the night before, that police had cleared the roadside on the east side, a few weeks after doing the same thing on the west side, where fencing followed to set up a walkway, something requested at the previous advisory-committee meeting.

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TUESDAY: Concord International School PTA to air concerns that dual-language program is eroding

September 29, 2017 7:08 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

In the West Seattle/South Park area, Concord International School is the only Seattle Public Schools elementary with a dual-language immersion program.

Some parents are concerned that changes this year are eroding the immersive aspect of the English/Spanish program. And they plan a meeting next Tuesday at South Park Neighborhood Center (6 pm October 3rd, 8201 10th Ave. S., South Park) to explain their concerns.

Among those concerns: Reading and writing are being taught primarily in English. And Concord’s kindergarten has only one dual-language classroom this year.

At a briefing for families last week at Concord, longtime principal Dr. Norma Zavala explained the program’s status but didn’t take Q&A, saying that would be at a later meeting.

She noted overall changes including that Concord has a STEAM curriculum now – science, technology, engineering, art, math, and that while the school’s students were 93 percent qualified for free/reduced-price lunch when she started almost a decade ago, that is down to 75 percent.

Kindergarten enrollment for Concord wasn’t enough for two dual-language classrooms, the principal said, so they have one dual and one “traditional” as the result of a decision that had to be made around kindergarten “jump start” time in August.

There are concerns that the school is not as involved with nearby Marra Farm this year as it has been in the past, but the principal says it’s continuing to partner with Concord teachers.

Regarding the dual-language instruction, she said both Concord and Beacon Hill, another of the district’s five elementaries with dual-language immersion, have a “shift” happening:

Students (native/heritage Spanish and English speakers) will learn to read and write in both English and Spanish from kindergarten. Formal, balanced literacy instruction will happen in English. Literacy in Spanish will be taught through small group instruction and through the content areas (e.g. math, social studies, science). The plan, she said, “supports increasing bilingualism of incoming students” – that’s another change, that students who used to start as native Spanish speakers “are now coming in bilingual.”

The principal said the benefits of concurrent literacy development are expected to include:

*Native Spanish and English speakers learn with and from each other all day

*Literacy skills are taught through content in both languages

*Increased time in Spanish for English native speakers

*Less segregation by language group

She also said the changes are expected to increase support for and collaboration between teachers, better leverage district resources, and increase centralized support for the dual-language program.

Among specific subjects, math for the dual-language students is being taught in Spanish for K through 2nd, both languages for 3rd, and in English for 4th and 5th, though Dr. Zavala said that’s not a change. Writing is being taught in English for all grades, though English Language Learners will continue to get support from bilingual staff, and it will also “be taught through social studies and science in Spanish in dual-language classrooms.”

Reading has a new district-adopted curriculum – for the first time in many years, pointed out School Board director Leslie Harris, who was also in attendance.

Science, with new standards, is being taught in Spanish for the dual-language K-5 classrooms.

Music for all students is being taught in Spanish.

Overall, many areas in K-3rd are “50/50 Spanish-English,” while in 4th and 5th, there’s more English. Dr. Zavala said that in visiting classrooms previously, 4th and 5th graders “were not engaged … were not talking in Spanish.” But they will still be eligible for middle-school Spanish studies and “the Seal of Biliteracy” in high school.

PTA co-president Robin Schwartz says parents are concerned about what they’re hearing from their kids, and have myriad concerns and want answers from the district. That’s what they are hoping will happen at next Tuesday’s meeting, to which they invite not only their fellow Concord parents but anyone else interested in the dual-language program. The elementary level has been the most immersive in our area; it feeds to Denny International Middle School and Chief Sealth International High School in West Seattle, whose program points are explained here.

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VIADUCT CLOSURE NEXT WEEKEND: This one’s a 2-part plan

September 29, 2017 4:05 pm

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| Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

If you missed the brief mention in today’s morning traffic report – WSDOT has scheduled the next twice-yearly Alaskan Way Viaduct inspection closures for next weekend. But this time, it’s a 2-part plan:

–NORTHBOUND Highway 99 between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel is scheduled to be closed all weekend, 11 pm Friday, October 6th, until 5 am Monday, October 9th. In addition to the twice-yearly inspection, parts of this stretch are also scheduled for other projects including utility work.

–SOUTHBOUND Highway 99 between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel is scheduled for closure 5 am to 6 pm each day on Saturday, October 7th, and Sunday, October 8th.

(As always, we’ll be monitoring all this for updates in case the closures end early.)

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YOU CAN HELP: Community campaign to convince SDOT to keep its commitment to full Chief Sealth Walkways project

September 29, 2017 3:24 pm

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| How to help | Transportation | West Seattle news | Westwood

Westwood-area community advocates are ramping up their campaign to get the city to restore what it cut out of the Chief Sealth Walkways Improvement Project earlier this year. And they need your help.

As reported here in August, the city cut the community-proposed, grant-funded project in half because a development plan along 25th SW is expected and the developer would be expected to pay for similar improvements. The city acknowledged, though, that the improvements could be “several years” away, but in the meantime, they say, they’re only going to build the 26th SW path.

Community members say the idea of a developer maybe eventually building the 25th SW path is too uncertain and too far off, and want SDOT to recommit to the full project. They are concerned about safety of those who use the undeveloped path – not just nearby students – and the area’s status as a long-running eyesore (as noted on the Find It Fix It Walk last year).

The walkway-project status is on the agenda for next Tuesday’s Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Coalition meeting, and Marianne McCord – who shared the photos – says they are hoping for a show of support (6:15 pm October 3rd, Southwest Library, 9010 35th SW). If you can’t be there, e-mail NSFChiefSealthWalkway@seattle.gov – or, even if you can.

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New scouting group launching in West Seattle

September 29, 2017 1:30 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

West Seattle has many scouting groups with long histories – and now, a new group is getting ready to launch, with two meetings in October. In case you haven’t seen it on our calendar, here’s their announcement:

For anyone who is interested in an inclusive, non-religious scouting experience for all genders, we are starting a group here in West Seattle. We’ll be learning outdoors skills like orienteering, tracks and first aid to name a few. Dues are affordable (scholarships also available) and include uniforms as well as handbooks. We are part of the Baden-Powell Service Association.

We meet twice monthly starting in October, once on a weekday evening and once on a weekend day. The group is divided into Chipmunks (age 2-4), Otters (age 5-7), Timberwolves (age 8-11), Pathfinders (age 12-17), and Rovers (ages 18+).

Our first weekday meeting will be 6-7:15 pm Monday, October 9th at the High Point Library, 3411 SW Raymond. We will be getting to know each other, playing games, and learning about orienteering.

See our calendar listing for a link to the waiver they’re asking attendees to bring. The new group will have its first weekend meeting noon Sunday, October 22nd, at the Lincoln Park North Play Area.

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West Seattle Friday: ‘A Grand Affair’; Parliament Tavern turns 2; Duwamish songs and stories; more…

September 29, 2017 11:44 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Kersti Muul)

Thanks to everyone who sent photos of this morning’s sunrise rainbow! On with the rest of today/tonight – from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

ART SHOW SUBMISSIONS: Second of three days to bring your visual-art creation(s) to Southwest Library for its annual Community Art Showcase, which starts Sunday. Details here. Open until 6 pm tonight. (9010 35th SW)

STERLING KAYAK DEMO: 4-7 pm at Alki Kayak Tours, your chance to demo high-end kayaks with their creator. (1660 Harbor SW)

COCKTAIL PARTY: Starting at 6 pm tonight, drinks, appetizers, and games @ A Grand Affair, raising money to help the West Seattle Food Bank fight hunger – if you don’t already have a ticket, get yours at the door at Westland Distillery in SODO. Lots more info here! (2931 1st Ave. S.)

MEDICINE SONGS FROM THE TIME OF CHIEF SEATTLE: 7 pm at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse, Duwamish teachings with NW Native Storyteller Johnny Moses: “All are invited to share in a deeper understanding of the language and culture of the First People of Seattle, Chief Seattle’s Duwamish Tribe, through traditional local songs and stories.” (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

FOLK MUSIC: Noah Derksen at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

THE GODDESS PROJECT: 7 pm networking, 8 pm screening at Highland Park Improvement Club, “a documentary film amplifying the voices and stories of women across the United States.” Ticket info is in our calendar listing. (1116 SW Holden)

(Photo by Linda Rusch)

FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth International High School hosts Franklin at Southwest Athletic Complex, 7 pm. (2801 SW Thistle)

PARLIAMENT TAVERN TURNS 2: 8 pm to midnight, Parliament Tavern‘s All-Star Review/2nd Anniversary Party:

A party featuring the choicest talent West Seattle has to offer: singer-songwriters, comedians, multi-instrumentalists, spoken word — the entertainment starts early and goes late! We’re gonna be 2!! No cover! Featuring Kurt Einar Armbruster, Spencer Carlson, Brian Cutler, Dandelion, Eiffel Power, Cami Voss McDonald, Oliver Rosenthal, Ian Predo, Don Rauf, David Rodriguez, Runaway Satellite, Brenda Scallon, Timothy Scallon, Sarah Skilling, and South Sound Tug and Barge

Parliament Tavern is a 21+ venue. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

AND THERE’S MORE … go check out our complete-calendar page.

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SITE NOTE: Overnight outage for technical work

September 29, 2017 10:58 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle online

Heads up in case you’re going to be awake in the very early morning hours tomorrow (aka, very late tonight) – WSB will be down for a while, likely somewhere in the 2-4 am vicinity, for some technical work. It’s totally under-the-hood stuff so you shouldn’t notice anything different once we’re back up, but if you do, please contact us so we can troubleshoot (e-mail is best – editor@westseattleblog.com). And if any breaking news happens during that time (we’ve had two big early-early-morning stories in the past week, so you never know), we’ll get you the info via our social-media channels (here and here). Thanks for your patience!

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Dead seal found at Lincoln Park

September 29, 2017 10:09 am

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| West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Seal Sitters photo: WDFW team arriving at Lincoln Park on Thursday)

Ian e-mailed us on Thursday to report encountering a Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network volunteer dealing with a dead seal on the beach at Lincoln Park. We contacted Seal Sitters to find out more, and heard back today from Lynn Shimamoto:

On Thursday morning, Seal Sitters hotline operator Gretchen received a report of a dead harbor seal south of Colman Pool. I found the body of a juvenile seal with no obvious signs of injury. I asked our stranding network partners at Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife if they could perform a necropsy. Dyanna Lambourn and Steve Jeffries, both marine-mammal experts at WDFW, agreed to pick up the seal at Lincoln Park. Soon their boat was speeding toward me. They pulled up close to shore, took the seal, and whisked it away for examination at the lab.

Information we collect on this seal will be added to NOAA’s national database. By calling the Seal Sitters hotline at 206-905-SEAL to report a marine mammal on the beach – dead or alive – the public is helping to contribute to the scientific monitoring of this population.

That’s 206-905-7325 – especially if you frequently walk/ride along the shore, consider keeping it in your phone.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates, previews

September 29, 2017 7:25 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

7:25 AM: Good morning. No incidents currently reported in/from West Seattle. Three notes:

WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES: The fall schedule and fare changes take effect Sunday.

SUNDAY NIGHT WATER TAXI: The West Seattle Water Taxi will run the extended schedule on Sunday because the Seahawks are playing an evening game.

VIADUCT CLOSURE NEXT WEEKEND: Highway 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct is scheduled to be closed much of next weekend (October 7-8) for its annual inspection as well as other work, according to the weekly Construction Lookahead – we’ll be verifying details later today.

10:31 AM: Speaking of the Viaduct, there’s road work right now on the northbound end at Western, and that’s causing a backup. Also a big crash on southbound I-5 by the West Seattle Bridge exit – avoid SB I-5 through downtown entirely for a while.

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VIDEO: 2-alarm apartment fire north of Morgan Junction, no one hurt

September 29, 2017 1:04 am

| 45 COMMENTS

| West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(UPDATED 11:11 AM with new info from SFD, and aftermath photo)

(Added 2:50 am: Video courtesy Monika)

FIRST REPORT, 1:04 AM: Seattle Fire is sending a “full response” to California/Juneau for a report of a possible apartment fire. More as we get it.

(Added: WSB photo)

1:07 AM: The first units on scene report a “working fire” that appears to be on the exterior of the three-story apartment building.

1:13 AM: The log has updated this to 5656 California SW [map], which is the Green Acres complex, the only three-story building at that intersection. Firefighters have water on the fire. A second alarm has been called. Most if not all of California is blocked, too.

1:25 AM: Our crew has arrived and confirms California is blocked. The damage is visible on the southeast side of the building, as you can see in the first photo we’ve added. No word of any injuries so far. Firefighters are still working to check whether the fire spread into the building anywhere.

1:43 AM: Fire’s not out yet but SFD says it’s under control and confirms no injuries are reported. Firefighters have been working on ventilation to deal with the fire reportedly having spread into the attic.

SFD’s public-information officer has arrived. The Red Cross is being called to help the residents.

2 AM: PIO Kristin Tinsley just briefed us and citywide media. (Video of briefing added 2:50 am)

No word on the fire’s cause yet but it’s believed to have started on the first floor and spread up. At least six units are damaged. Fire’s now reported to be out, but SFD is expected to keep a presence at the scene for some time on “fire watch.” Side note: You might recall a big SFD response to the same building almost six months ago – that one turned out to be just a kitchen fire.

2:32 AM: The fire forced pet evacuations as well as people, above, that’s Kona the bulldog, with Kona’s people, whose apartment is one of those damaged. More info later when there are official updates on cause and damage.

11:11 AM: SFD says the cause is “undetermined” and damage totals more than $500,000. We just went back over for this photo:

We should also note that, as SFD mentions, West Seattle Church of the Nazarene across the street (42nd/Juneau) opened its doors early this morning so the evacuated residents had someplace to go.

12:58 PM: More news of helping – C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) is in the same block as the building and says it’s donating tips and has a fundraiser going for the fire victims: