day : 09/11/2017 12 results

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The Triangle Route Task Force is at a crossroads – should it continue or wrap up?

It was created early this year with the expectations its members would commit a year to tackling some of the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route’s challenges.

But now Washington State Ferries says it’s time to tackle a big one – revamping the Triangle Route’s schedules – and thinking the task force might want to hang around and help.

That was one big topic at tonight’s meeting, which started 15 minutes late because the ferries were running late, not because of a Fauntleroy backup like the ones that have caused so much past trouble, but because of what WSF alerts described as an “offloading problem” on Vashon.

First – the group’s executive “sponsor” from WSF is now John Vezina, because the scope of its work has moved away from how things work at the dock. Several other WSF managers were present today; facilitating again was WSF’s Hadley Rodero, supported by Justin Fujioka, also from the WSF Communications team.

CHANGING THE SCHEDULE: The WSF reps now say this will happen – it wasn’t voiced in such certain terms earlier this year. The numbers reviewed included these:

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SINGING FOR THE SEAHAWKS: Our Lady of Guadalupe students to perform at next game

November 9, 2017 8:37 pm

| Comments Off on SINGING FOR THE SEAHAWKS: Our Lady of Guadalupe students to perform at next game

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

Those are the 4th and 5th grade singers from Our Lady of Guadalupe in West Seattle, singing “God Bless America” – which they’ll be singing at CenturyLink Field at halftime of the Seahawks’ next game, their November 20th Monday Night Football game against Atlanta. The news comes from Brian Callanan, who says OLG’s music director Ann Sager announced that the team had invited the chorus to sing “to honor our veterans.” So if you’re going to that game, be sure to cheer extra loud for a musical “home team”!

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HAPPENING NOW: West Seattle Art Walk, November 2017

November 9, 2017 7:31 pm

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| West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

It’s grand-opening night on the West Seattle Art Walk! Above center is Maari Falsetto, celebrating the grand opening of her new Sunrise Heights business Inner Alchemy (7354 35th SW). Below left, Christian Harris from Sea-Town Real Estate (2701 California SW; WSB sponsor) is having a grand opening for his newly expanded business, too, featuring Ben Calhoun‘s art:

And in The Junction, we stopped by Hotwire Coffee (4410 California SW):

Above are Todd Martin and Victoria Kelly. Hotwire is featuring holiday cards and gifts through the holiday season. (Added) Also in The Junction – Taylor Reed is at Wallflower Custom Framing (4735 42nd SW):

Lots of other places to stop and shop/browse/admire, too – see the rundown here – and be sure your calendar has a reminder for the big holiday Art Walk next month, December 14th!

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CONGRATULATIONS! Chief Sealth International High School athletes’ college signings, awards

November 9, 2017 5:10 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

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

(From left: Mackenna Cameron, Elijah Jackson, Quinn Wiley. Photo courtesy of Kristin Arvidson)

Big news about Chief Sealth International High School athletes! First, three seniors have signed for college, and a ceremony preceded last night’s fall-sports banquet – the report is from Colin Slingsby:

November 8th was the early National Letter of Intent (NLI) signing day for seniors across the country. Chief Sealth International High School celebrated three senior student-athletes on their signing day prior to the fall sports banquet. In a high school sports climate where many elite athletes transfer schools, these three seniors proved that great results can be attained by staying loyal to their community; all three attended the complete pathway of Denny International Middle School and Chief Sealth International High School, and last night were able to proudly announce their collegiate destinations.

Elijah Jackson signed his NLI to play basketball at Eastern Washington University. Throughout high school, Elijah has been a two sport athlete excelling in both track and basketball. Elijah placed in the top 8 in three events in the state track meet last spring. He was voted all-league honorable mention in the last basketball season.

Quinn Wiley signed her NLI to run track at San Diego State University. Also a four year varsity soccer player, Quinn has been a standout on the Chief Sealth track team for four years, qualifying for state both in relays and individual events. She’s also been a regional qualifier as a participant in her elite summer track program.

Mackenna Cameron signed her NLI to join the women’s crew team at the University of Washington, a perennial national contender in crew. Mackenna came to the sport late, and through participating in the summer rowing program at Green Lake found her unique talent for the sport.

Congratulations to these three outstanding Chief Sealth student-athletes!

Also last night, Nicole Sipila from the Chief Sealth PTSA reports, individual seniors were honored:

Also, congrats to the below Seniors for excellence in their respective sports.

Derek Huynh for Golf, Logan Jackson for Football, Zhen Williams for X-Country, Chandra Burnham for Swimming, Chloe Myers for Soccer and Samra Tino for Volleyball

P.S. Speaking of the PTSA, their Sealth fundraising auction is coming up in a little over a week – November 18th – more info here.

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Lincoln Park South Play Area: Survey’s online now; meeting set for November 29

November 9, 2017 3:09 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB photo, July 12th)

Four months after safety concerns shut down the play structure at Lincoln Park‘s South Play Area, the rebuilding project is getting into gear. Today, Seattle Parks sent word of an online survey – it’s for all park users, not just families whose kids use the play area – and details on the November 29th meeting (mentioned in our Morgan Community Association coverage last month): 6 pm at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW). That meeting will be “to learn about the project and provide input on play equipment and the overall design for the play area”; a followup meeting to see the resulting design is set for January 24th.

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HALA UPZONING: See how/whether your neighborhood would change in the ‘preferred alternative’ for Mandatory Housing Affordability

November 9, 2017 1:55 pm

| 35 COMMENTS

| Development | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

Though the mayor who proposed it is out of office and a new mayor takes over in less than three weeks, the citywide upzoning for the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda‘s Mandatory Housing Affordability component is going full speed ahead. That was the message delivered by Mayor Tim Burgess and City Councilmember Rob Johnson at a noontime event that went forward as planned, outdoors in a Capitol Hill pocket park, despite steady rain.

The event was timed to be concurrent with today’s release of the city’s “preferred alternative” maps for the proposed upzoning – as part of the final Environmental Impact Statement for MHA, which adds more development capacity – an extra story in many multifamily areas – in exchange for requiring that either part of the redevelopment be set aside as “affordable housing” or that the developer/builder pay a stipulated fee to the city, which will use the money to fund “affordable” projects.

A key concern of MHA skeptics has been that more if not most developers will just pay the fee, and that won’t guarantee affordable housing anywhere near the new development. We asked about that at the Capitol Hill event; the mayor said they actually prefer the fee option because the city gets more affordable housing for its money.

So here’s what you need to know, for starters:

*As mentioned in our early-morning preview, here’s the clickable/zoomable map you can use to explore what’s proposed in specific neighborhoods, all the way down to your own address

*While this is from the “final” EIS, it is NOT a final plan. The mayor’s office will send legislation to the City Council by year’s end, and then a months-long review process will follow, with opportunities for public comment, and a Council vote not expected until next summer. In fact, two local events are already scheduled, though they are months away:
–Open house about the MHA maps, 6 pm May 9, 2018, at Louisa Boren STEM K-8
–Council District 1 public hearing about MHA upzoning, June 5, 2018, at Chief Sealth International High School

*The full EIS is broken down into sections linked from this page. That includes this section, with the not-clickable maps.

There’s much more to say about this, but right now, community members are closely reviewing what’s just been made public, and how it compares to what was proposed previously. We have a lot more reviewing to do, too, and we also will add video from today’s announcement when it’s ready. (Added 4:36 pm: Here it is:)

After the jump, the city’s official news release:

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BRIDGE CLOSURE ALERT: Fauntleroy Expressway end of West Seattle Bridge to be closed late Friday night-early Saturday

November 9, 2017 1:37 pm

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| Transportation | West Seattle news

Just announced by SDOT:

SDOT advises travelers that crews will close a portion of the West Seattle Bridge (Fauntleroy Expressway) in both directions to replace jersey barriers on Friday night, November 10 through Saturday morning, November 11.

From 11:59 p.m. on Friday, November 10, through 7 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, travelers can expect:

*Both directions of the West Seattle Bridge (Fauntleroy Expressway) will be closed between 35th Ave SW and SW Admiral Way

*Signed detours will be posted:

*Eastbound traffic will be detoured via SW Avalon Way to SW Spokane St to the West Seattle Bridge

*Westbound traffic will be detoured via Harbor Ave SW to SW Avalon Way

The West Seattle Bridge is scheduled to reopen by 7 a.m. on Saturday.

As mentioned previously in our traffic/transportation coverage, overnight Friday night-Saturday morning also will bring a closure of the Battery Street Tunnel at the north end of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, because of paving-related work above the tunnel.

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FYI from SPD: Level 3 sex offender moves to Delridge

November 9, 2017 11:41 am

| 18 COMMENTS

| Crime | Delridge | Safety | West Seattle news

Just in from Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Burbridge, one of the occasional notifications that a Level 3 sex offender has moved into the area:

In an effort to keep you informed and to reduce future victimization, we want to let you know that recently one Level 3 registered sex offender has moved into a SW Precinct neighborhood.

Please see the below message from Michelle McRae from the Seattle Police Department Sex Offender Detail Unit.

——————————————————–

Elijah Vincent is a level 3 registered sex offender who has recently moved to the 5600 block of Delridge Way SW in Seattle and is currently under Department of Corrections supervision.

Detective Foster is the detective responsible for verifying his address as long as he is living there.

To learn more about this offender and for additional safety tips please visit the website at www.waspc.org and search by his name. [Editor’s note: You will find his photo and background here.]

If you have any questions please contact me. Thank you

Michelle McRae
Seattle Police Department
Sex Offender Detail Unit
ph – (206) 684-5581
michelle.mcrae@seattle.gov

————————————

(From Jennifer Burbridge:) Level 3 sex offenders pose the highest risk to re-offend. It is normal to feel upset, angry and worried about a registered sex offender living in your community. The Community Notification Act of 1990 requires sex offenders to register in the community where they live. The law also allows local law enforcement to make the public aware about Level 2 and Level 3 offenders. As all of these offenders have completed their sentence, they are free to live where they wish. Experts believe sex offenders are less likely to re-offend if they live and work in an environment free of harassment. Any actions taken against the listed sex offenders could result in arrest and prosecution, as it is against the law to use this information in any to threaten, intimidate or harass registered sex offenders. The SPD Sex Offender detectives will check on these offenders every 3 months to verify our information. You can use 9-1-1 to report any and all suspicious activity.

Please call me to schedule a Block Watch meeting if your block is interested. My office phone at the precinct is (206) 256-6820.

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West Seattle Thursday: HALA, WS Art Walk, Triangle Task Force, Chief Sealth IHS info night, district meeting @ WSHS, more…

November 9, 2017 11:04 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Northern Flicker, photographed by Mark Wangerin, whose work is now on display at the West Seattle YMCA)

Big things happening in – and/or affecting – West Seattle for the rest of today:

HALA ‘PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE’ GOES PUBLIC: As previewed here very early this morning, the city is going public at noon with the “preferred alternative” for citywide upzoning. That’s part of the Final Environmental Impact Statement. Mayor Burgess plans a media briefing at noon (on Capitol Hill, but we’re planning to be there, and we’ll have a followup report this afternoon). You can already preview what’s proposed (or not) for any specific address via the new map that’s gone live in advance.

TRIANGLE TASK FORCE: The citizens’ advisory committee that’s been reviewing potential changes to improve service on the Washington State Ferries “Triangle” route – Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth – meets today, 4:30-7 pm at Fauntleroy Church. Public welcome. (9140 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: It’s the second Thursday and that means West Seattle Art Walk night! The venue map/list:

(Click to see larger image)

As previewed here last night, highlights include the Sea-Town Real Estate (2701 California SW; WSB sponsor) grand-opening party, a food drive at John L. Scott in The Junction, artists at The Building in Gatewood, and more – lots of highlights in this preview on the official WSAW website.

CHIEF SEALTH IHS INFORMATIONAL NIGHT: Considering going to Chief Sealth International High School next year? 6 pm, you’re invited to come see the school, meet the staff, and find out about the programs. More info here. (2600 SW Thistle)

CONCORD INTERNATIONAL ELEMENTARY FOLLOW-UP MEETING: 6 pm at Concord International Elementary in South Park, it’s a followup meeting to last month’s community forum (WSB coverage here) airing concerns including changes to the Dual-Language Immersion Program and kindergarten overcrowding. Public welcome. (723 S. Concord)

STUDENT ASSIGNMENT PLAN/HIGH-SCHOOL BOUNDARIES: 6:30-8 pm at West Seattle High School, it’s one of five citywide open houses with information on potential upcoming changes, as detailed in our calendar listing. Drop in to find out more. (3000 California SW)

STAR WARS MEETS SHAKESPEARE: 7:30 pm at the West Seattle High School Theater, it’s the next performance of the WSHS student production “William Shakespeare’s The Star Wars Verily, A New Hope.” Ticket info’s in our calendar listing. (3000 California SW)

LOTS MORE ON THE CALENDAR … just go here!

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NEED THANKSGIVING HELP? 9 days until Eastridge Church’s turkey/groceries giveaway

November 9, 2017 9:17 am

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| Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

If you haven’t already seen it in our calendar – Eastridge Church in The Junction is once again offering its annual turkey-and-groceries giveaway. Starting at 9 am Saturday, November 18th, outside its building at 39th SW/SW Oregon [map], hundreds of free turkeys and bags of groceries will be available, as well as coats, gloves, and Bibles. First-come first-served, no questions asked, no demonstration of need required. (If you know someone on the Eastside who could benefit, they’re also doing the same thing, as usual, at their Issaquah campus – more details on the Eastridge website.)

P.S. This will also be in our soon-to-be-published WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, a comprehensive and frequently updated list that covers Thanksgiving through New Year’s. If you have anything we should include – donation drive, open house, bazaar, decorations displays, services, concerts, etc. – please e-mail the info to editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you! (And thanks to everyone who already has!)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Pre-holiday Thursday watch

November 9, 2017 7:03 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

7:03 AM: No incidents reported so far in or from West Seattle.

REMINDERS FOR TOMORROW: The King County Water Taxi will be out of service Friday in observance of Veterans Day; also, no school tomorrow, and many other closures … Tomorrow night, the Battery Street Tunnel will be closed both ways, 11:59 pm Friday to 6 am Saturday, during paving work above the tunnel.

7:12 AM: Just in from Metro:

Transit Alert – Route 56 to downtown Seattle due to leave 61st Av SW & Alki Av SW at 7:19 AM will not operate this morning.

— King County Metro🚌 (@kcmetrobus) November 9, 2017

A Route 55 bus also was skipped half an hour ago.

9:27 AM: Relatively uneventful commute. But we also keep watch throughout the day/night, so if you see/hear about a problem your West Seattle neighbors should be aware of, please let us know (if/when you can safely/legally use your phone) – 206-293-6302.

One other transportation-related note: The Washington State Ferries Triangle Task Force meets 4:30-7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW).

And we end on a cheery note – it’s a transit-related tweet from Jeremy:

This am in West Seattle, Alaska Junction: two tweens exit 55 & dash across California, ukulele strumming, singing — in tune — at top of lungs.

— Jeremy Kahn (@trochee) November 9, 2017

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HALA UPZONING: City’s proposal out today in final Environmental Impact Statement

November 9, 2017 12:41 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| Development | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

(UPDATED 10:13 AM with link to interactive map showing what’s proposed where)

FIRST REPORT, 12:41 AM: Today’s the day for the next milestone in the city plan to upzone for the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda (HALA) Mandatory Housing Affordability component. The final Environmental Impact Statement is being published today, and with it, the city’s “preferred alternative” for upzoning around the city, adding development capacity and requiring either affordable housing as part of a project, or a fee to go into a fund to build it elsewhere. Mayor Tim Burgess and City Councilmember Rob Johnson are scheduled to formally announce the proposed plan in a Capitol Hill park at noon.

Though the media advisory for that announcement didn’t mention the EIS – just the release of an “affordability and growth plan” – the Daily Journal of Commerce‘s city notices published at midnight include this one, “Notice of Availability of Final Environmental Impact Statement, Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA).” The final EIS document is not online yet – should be within a few hours – but once it is, we’ll see the city’s “preferred alternative.” (and we’ll have a separate update). The “preferred alternative” will be a precursor to legislation that the notice says will be sent by the mayor to the City Council by year’s end (either by Burgess, who’s in office until November 28th, or Jenny Durkan, who takes office after that). Then, the notice says, “The City Council expects to take public comment and deliberate on the proposal for several months, and is expected to act on the proposal in summer of 2018.”

P.S. The EIS itself does not have a comment period – it’s the result of previous rounds of comment (including the one for the draft version, released five months ago) – but today’s publication does open a period in which it can be appealed, with November 27th as the deadline.

8:54 AM: Now that the city’s notice is out on its own website, the link it points to says the Final EIS will be available at noon (concurrent with the aforementioned mayoral event), although there are different links atop the notice (for PDFs that don’t seem to be downloading, thus far).

10:13 AM: Kevin from SCC Insight (who provides tireless, thorough City Council coverage) points out in comments that the interactive map that goes with the Final EIS is already live – if you are interested in a specific address, you can use the map to zoom in on it.

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