West Seattle, Washington
06 Wednesday
11:44 PM: A “full response” is headed to a possible house fire in the 7700 block of 8th SW [map]. Initial description is that it’s believed to be an electrical fire in the basement.
11:48 PM: Per scanner, first crews to arrive report “light smoke.”
11:51 PM: It’s been assessed as an electrical problem but no flames; most of the SFD crews are being dismissed.
(Tuesday photo by Kersti Muul)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
West Seattle-based, West Coast-spanning The Whale Trail chose an auspicious week for its annual winter gathering: It began with two opportunities to watch Southern Resident Killer Whales passing our shores, southbound Monday and northbound Tuesday.
The message of the gathering this past Tuesday night at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor): It’s not too late for the resident orca population to rebound, despite being near a historic low.
Whale Trail founder Donna Sandstrom noted this is the third year they’ve had a “winter gathering,” four years since launching the ongoing series of Orca Talks. “Our tagline is connect, protect, inspire,” and she wanted everyone to feel inspired to take action, particularly toward protection – more on that later.
The first to speak were two photographers whose work you’ve seen here – Trileigh Tucker and Kersti Muul. The night’s lineup also included West Seattle-based researcher Mark Sears, often in a research boat when the resident orcas are in the area, and Lynne Barre from NOAA.
Continuing to spotlight Christmas lights nightly … the Wenn family’s residence is still shining brightest on the well-lit 4000 block of Fauntleroy Way SW alongside the west end of the West Seattle Bridge. Many famous characters to appreciate, too, including this timely trio:
Thanks for the ongoing tips (editor@westseattleblog.com) – with a pic if you have one, and if not, we’ll check it out as we did with this one.
Thanks for the tips about that crash on the southeast corner of 42nd/Admiral this past hour, before the downpour that’s moving through now. WSB’s Christopher Boffoli photographed it and also reported an incident a bit further west on the other side of Admiral. Both led to some slowdowns but we’ve since been through the area and can report the scenes are now cleared. Police told Christopher no one was seriously hurt.
While you’re out shopping in The Junction tomorrow, check out these girls’ benefit bake sale:
The photo of Brownie Troop 40596 members is from Karen Crane, who says they met earlier this week to make those signs for their bake sale tomorrow (Saturday), with all proceeds going to Wellspring Family Services. The girls also have volunteered at Wellspring as part of their service project. You’ll find them outside Menashe & Sons Jewelers (4532 California SW; WSB sponsor) 1-3 pm Saturday, with homemade baked goods: “We would love to see our WS community come get a sweet treat, while supporting a great cause!”
Santa Claus has arrived at HomeStreet Bank (4022 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) for photos until 6 pm! Cocoa and cookies too – drop in for holiday cheer; it’s also a donation drive for the West Seattle Food Bank, so bring along nonperishable food for the bin. Tomorrow, Santa’s photo stops include My Three Little Birds (6959 California SW; WSB sponsor) 11 am-2 pm, and on Saturday night, the Menashe Family Lights (5605 Beach Drive), 6 pm-10 pm, also a WSFB food-donation drive.
Though he didn’t get that Texas job he was reported to be seeking, SDOT director Scott Kubly has resigned anyway, Mayor Jenny Durkan‘s office announced this afternoon. The announcement includes word of an interim successor, another high-level city official’s departure, and a list of some who are staying on:
Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced several officials who will serve in her administration including department leaders focused on housing, homelessness, civil rights, transportation, and economic opportunity.
“From housing to homelessness to transportation, our City faces a number of urgent challenges. Our residents and businesses expect our officials to make progress and deliver results, and this administration will be accountable to the people we serve,” said Mayor Durkan.
Following the resignation of Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) Director Scott Kubly, Mayor Durkan named Goran Sparrman as Interim Director, effective January 5, 2018. Sparrman was previously the Interim Director and Deputy Director of SDOT as well as the former Director of Transportation at the City of Bellevue and at Portland’s Bureau of Traffic Management. Durkan will launch a national search process to find a candidate for the permanent position.
“I want to thank Scott for his service to Seattle and wish him well as he pursues new opportunities. In a time of unprecedented growth, Scott set the stage for a significant increase in multi-modal investments in our city, which will have an impact for decades to come. Goran is well-respected leader and has immense experience as an engineer, manager, and planner in our region – I know he will execute over the months to come on my top transportation priorities,” said Mayor Durkan. “Our region has been trying to catch up to its transportation needs for decades, and the next few years will be critical for creating more safe, efficient, and well-connected transportation choices that make it easier and safer for residents to get around on foot, by bike and via mass transit. With a number of significant projects in the pipeline, the next leader must be well positioned to deliver on investments, improve bus service, effectively implement light rail expansion, and prioritize our maintenance backlog.
With the resignation of Patricia Lally, the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, Mayor Durkan announced Mariko Lockhart will serve as the Interim Director of the Office for Civil Rights effective January 3, 2018. Lockhart currently leads the 100,000 Opportunities Initiative – Demonstration Cities for the Aspen Forum on Community Solutions. She previously served as the Director of the City of Seattle’s Youth Violence Prevention Initiative.
“Patricia has fought for civil rights for decades and know she will continue her work to advance social justice,” said Mayor Durkan. “Our City can and must do better to address institutional and structural racism in our government. I have worked with Mariko and know she is committed to addressing true equity across education, affordability, and the criminal justice system.”
Additionally, Mayor Durkan announced several officials focused on housing, homelessness, and economic opportunity who will continue to serve in their roles including:
Dwane Chappelle, Director of the Department of Education and Early Learning
Fred Podesta, Director of Finance and Administrative Services
Catherine Lester, Director of the Seattle Human Services Department
Rebecca Lovell, Acting Director of the Office of Economic Development
Steve Walker, Director of the Office of Housing
Cuc Vu, Director of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs“My administration is committed to tackling the affordability crisis from all angles. As we create more affordable housing, implement the Seattle Promise College Tuition program, and move more people off the streets and into permanent housing, these leaders are committed to working together to find innovative long-term solutions,” concluded Mayor Durkan.
Last week, Mayor Durkan announced a number of public safety and utility officials who would serve in her administration.
Kubly was appointed by then-Mayor Ed Murray three and a half years ago.
Two West Seattle development notes:
SOUTH DELRIDGE LOT PROPOSAL: That vacant lot at 9419 17th SW, long-ago home to a fire-damaged house that was demolished several years back, has an early-stage development proposal: “2 new mixed use buildings, consisting of 8 individual commercial/residential units.” The site is zoned for mixed-use development up to 40 feet; that would increase to 55 feet under the HALA MHA “preferred alternative.”
FIRST DESIGN REVIEW MEETING OF THE NEW YEAR: The Southwest Design Review Board‘s calendar has been empty for a while but the first meeting of 2018 has just been penciled in: 6:30 pm January 18th, the board will take its second and possibly final look at 4417 42nd SW, a 4-story, 62-unit (58 apartments plus 4 live-works), 26-underground-parking-space project. It got Early Design Guidance approval in May. (This too is zoned for 40 feet but proposed for 55′ under HALA MHA.)
As far as we know, the Holy Rosary School tree lot is the only school-benefiting Christmas tree lot in West Seattle – and part of the proceeds go to other nonprofits (emergency-assistance-providing West Seattle Helpline, domestic-violence-survivors-assisting Hickman House, hunger-fighting West Seattle Food Bank), too. The volunteers who run the lot asked us to remind you that Sunday is its last day! Hours for the remainder of the run are 3:30-10 pm today, 9 am=10 pm Saturday, 9 am-9 pm Sunday. It’s on the north side of the campus, off 42nd SW between Genesee and Dakota. (If you can’t tree-shop until after Sunday, our full local lot list is in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.)
While we have been featuring holiday lights again this year, Mary sent that photo and said the neighbor who decorates the traffic circle at 17th/Cloverdale is worthy of recognition too. Absolutely! (To suggest a spotlight on decorations and/or lights, editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!) Now, on to what’s happening for your Friday, two lists – first, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
DUWAMISH NATIVE ARTS AND CRAFTS MARKET: This holiday season there’s a second session of the Duwamish Native Arts and Crafts Market! Today’s the first day, 10 am-6 pm at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
SANTA PHOTOS AND FOOD DRIVE: Santa is scheduled to visit HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor), 3-6 pm. Hot chocolate and cookies, too! Photos free with food donation. (4022 SW Alaska)
HANUKKAH GAMES PARTY: Tonight the community is invited to celebrate at Kol HaNeshamah, with games, food, and more. 6:30 pm. Full details in our calendar listing. Then you’re invited to stay for the next FRED Talks event – 9 pm – details on the KHN website. (6115 SW Hinds)
HOLIDAY FILMS AND SINGALONG: Doors open at 6:30 pm at South Park Hall:
Brian Edwards is a local film collector who lights up Admiral Bird every Saturday night with his 16mm films. He lugs in his projector and screen for the mere satisfaction of sharing his collection with the public. Everyone is welcome and there isn’t any fee to come on in and enjoy the kitsch appeal of film. On December 15th we are taking this experience over to South Park Hall. He is going to team up with Tim Scallion, a one-man band, to create this special night. We will show films and have group sing alongs. There will be popcorn (free for the first 10 people), beer, pork sliders, doughnuts, hot cider and coffee. The doors open at 6:30, show starts at 7 pm; tickets are $12, kids 5 + under are free.
(1253 S. Cloverdale)
WE 3 CAROLERS’ FOOD-BANKS BENEFIT We 3 Carolers present holiday music to support the White Center and West Seattle Food Banks, 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company. (5612 California SW)
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: The live radio-play edition is the holiday show this year for Twelfth Night Productions – final weekend! 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall. Buy your ticket(s) online at this Brown Paper Tickets link, or at the venue box office. (7904 35th SW)
CHORAL CONCERT Seattle Girls Choir Prime Voci presents Carmina Angelorum, “Songs of the Angels,” 8 pm at Holy Rosary. Details and ticket info here. (42nd/Genesee)
A CAPPELLA CONCERT: 3rd annual Northwest A Cappella Seasonal Showcase, 7 pm doors, 8 pm show, at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.
The Contemporary A Cappella Musicians’ Institute is excited to present the 3rd annual Northwest A Cappella Seasonal Showcase! Come celebrate the season at this family friendly holiday showcase as some of the PNW’s most entertaining contemporary a cappella groups take the stage!
The 2017 Northwest A Cappella Seasonal Showcase will feature:
PLUtonic Acappella
GIRL BAND
B-Side Book Club A Cappella
Online presale $12, at the door $15. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
ADDED – BENEFIT FOR HOLLY: 8:30 pm, a local woman fighting cancer will be the beneficiary of a big event at Admiral Pub. Her name is Holly, so this is definitely going here on the holiday list. The flyer, from Jennifer:
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And from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE: 1st-anniversary open house for Resting Waters, 2-8 pm. Refreshments and prizes! (9208 35th SW)
TALK WITH YOUR CITY COUNCILMEMBER: 2-6 pm “district office hours” for Councilmember Lisa Herbold at South Park Community Center. Walk-ins welcome. (8319 8th Avenue S.)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: The Driftwood Walkers, Smoking Bill, Fortress of the Bear, 8 pm. $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT PARLIAMENT TAVERN: “A night of party rock” with The Loveless Building, Emergency Volcano Evacuation Route, The Blooms. 9 pm. $5. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
Got something for the calendar and/or Holiday Guide? editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!
Huge thanks to everyone who’s shared news of holiday happenings for this year’s WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – and with a little over two weeks remaining until New Year’s, we wanted to remind you that we’re still updating daily, and that includes churches’ Christmas (etc.) services as well as New Year’s celebrations – bar parties and beyond. Those are just two of the categories – and there’s even more in the guide – so if there’s anything holiday-ish that you haven’t let us know about yet (including last-minute shopping hours for Christmas Eve!), please e-mail info to editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:59 AM: Good morning and welcome to Friday. No incidents in/from West Seattle so far this morning.
SCHOOL’S OUT EARLY: Seattle Public Schools get out one hour early today, to start their two-week winter break.
7:52 AM: Thanks for the text. Though SFD quickly cleared from a crash on Harbor Ave, traffic is being diverted up California Way.
8:29 AM: No updates on that and no cameras in the area, so we’re heading over to see if it cleared. That remains the only incident reported so far this morning.
8:47 AM: Harbor/California is clear.
For the eighth year, Denny International Middle School‘s Posada celebration brought holiday family fun – from a piñata, to music by Banda Vagos:
(Added) Here’s a sample of their big sound – in our video clip:
Denny principal Jeff Clark was in his Dolphins-blue suit as he provided piñata assistance:
Today (Friday) is the last day of school before winter break for Denny and other Seattle Public Schools – with one-hour early release.
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