West Seattle, Washington
20 Wednesday
Next Wednesday (October 11th), Hate-Free Delridge invites the community to join in this demonstration:
Hate-Free Delridge will be demonstrating for DACA – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
Come join us – on the pedestrian overpass on Delridge Way between Genesee and Oregon Streets 5 to 6 PM, Wednesday, October 11.
We want to publicly support our neighbors and friends and stand together as a community.
There will be signs – or you can bring your own, for example:
Defend DACA
Not One More Deportation
Dreamers Are Not Criminals
I Stand with My Immigrant Neighbors
Keep Families Together
No One Is Illegal
DACA is a program that has held off deportation for hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. before age 16 and that President Trump has said he wants to end. Hate-Free Delridge organized a “standing for peace” demonstration on the same overpass back in August (WSB coverage here).
For the second time this week, the principals of Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School have sent families a letter about an incident involving students walking near the campuses. Thanks to Denny principal Jeff Clark and several Sealth parents for forwarding it minutes ago:
Dear Denny/Sealth families:
It has been an exciting start to school, and with our scholars’ growing independence – particularly when they are out in the community – there may be situations that challenge their personal safety.
We want to take this opportunity to let you know that we are working with scholars to ensure they maximize their personal safety and their comfort with reporting potentially unsafe behavior. We also want to highlight an incident where students saw an inappropriate and disturbing behavior, and correctly reported it to school staff.
Today, two 11th-grade scholars were returning to Chief Sealth from Westwood Village. They were near the intersection of Cloverdale and 26th Avenue SW when they noticed an adult male exposing himself. The students immediately reported the situation to staff. Administration took immediate action and the Seattle Police Department were notified. We are very proud of how our students responded to this situation and want to encourage all our scholars to report appropriately.
At school, we continue to differentiate “reporting” from “tattle-telling.” Reporting is a responsibility when someone is hurt, in danger or in an unsafe situation. We are providing a link to some additional information that might be helpful during these discussions: http://www.seattle.gov/police/community-policing/youth-safety-tips
Please be assured that the safety and security of our students is a top priority at both Sealth International School and Denny International School. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The letter was signed by Clark and by Sealth principal Aida Fraser-Hammer.
26th SW is the path along which the city still plans walkway improvements, while 25th SW – where students reported being approached inappropriately back on Monday – is the area where they’ve been canceled pending a future development.
(Added – reader photo via text (thank you!): Councilmember Harris-Talley taking the oath of office)
City Councilmembers have chosen Kirsten Harris-Talley to fill the temporary Position 8 (citywide) vacancy left when Tim Burgess became interim mayor, and she has just been sworn in. Harris-Talley is a Hillman City resident whose background you can read here. She will serve until the results of next month’s election – with Teresa Mosqueda and Jon Grant running for the permanent position – are certified.
From Jen Giomi at West Seattle Cooperative Preschools:
Finally, Arbor Heights Cooperative Preschool has found its new home! After 3 years of looking for a new location in the South end of town, it has landed at Mount View Presbyterian Church, 10806 12th Ave SW. Arbor Heights has preschool classes for children 2-5 years of age, which include parenting education through South Seattle College.
The preschool was housed at Hillcrest Presbyterian Church before that church sold its Arbor Heights campus to Westside School (WSB sponsor).
P.S. The Cooperative Preschools are again the beneficiaries of the West Seattle Monster Dash, which is just three weeks away – Saturday, October 28th, at Lincoln Park – full details and online signup here.
(“Wally,” a 2016 Fauntleroy Creek coho photographed by Mark Ahlness)
Another call today for salmon-creek volunteers in West Seattle – this time, it’s Fauntleroy Creek that can use your help watching for spawners starting later this month. From creek steward Judy Pickens:
Salmon Watch 2017 will start on Sunday, October 15, on Fauntleroy Creek and new volunteers are welcome. Watchers monitor the lower creek after daytime high tide to record any spawner activity. Sign up as often as you want, with training during your first watch. Contact Judy Pickens at judy_pickens@msn.com for details.
Seven coho were counted last year – which was seven more than the year before.
P.S. Whether or not you plan to volunteer as a watcher, you’re invited to the fish-ladder overlook (upper Fauntleroy Way and Director, across from the ferry dock) for drumming to welcome the salmon home at 5 pm October 22nd.
10:45 AM: The second suspect arrested in last month’s deadly shooting of Edixon Velasquez outside his Westwood home is now charged. King County prosecutors have charged 19-year-old Abel Linares with first-degree murder and asked that his bail be quadrupled to $1 million. More…
11:03 AM: The charging papers don’t add much to the details we published yesterday from the probable-cause documents – they reiterate that Linares was in a “dating relationship” with the first suspect arrested, 21-year-old Anna Kasparova, an ex-girlfriend of the 25-year-old victim. But the new documents say multiple people told investigators that Linares said he had shot Velasquez. His arraignment is set for October 19th.
(Moonset photo by James Bratsanos)
Thanks for all the sunrise and full-moon photos, four of which are interspersed with our highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for today/tonight:
WEST SEATTLE LUG CO-SPONSORS CONFERENCE: Not in West Seattle but co-sponsored by the West Seattle Linux Users’ Group – this is happening today (just under way) and tomorrow:
The West Seattle LUG (Linux User Group) is proud to be a Community Sponsor of the 2017 Seattle GNU/Linux Conference.
SeaGL is a grassroots technical conference dedicated to spreading awareness and knowledge about the GNU/Linux community and free/libre/open-source software/hardware. The goal for SeaGL is to produce an event which is as enjoyable and informative for those who spend their days maintaining hundreds of servers as it is for a student who has only just started exploring technology options.
Seattle GNU/Linux Conference is October 6 & 7 at Seattle Central College. There is no cost for attendance, and your right to privacy is respected.
Find out more at seagl.org – and find out more about #WSeaLUG at wsealug.net.
(Moonset photo by Kersti Muul)
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTER @ SCC: It’s Friends and Family Day at the TRiO Educational Opportunity Center on the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, 11 am-3 pm. Details in our calendar listing.(6000 16th SW)
WORDS, WRITERS, WEST SEATTLE: 5-7 pm at Barnes and Noble/Westwood Village, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society-presented author series features Steven Bender. Free – just drop in! (2600 SW Barton)
FRIDAY NIGHT SKATE: We’ve updated our Alki Community Center Friday night skating link with info from the center, including the dates it’s not happening, but tonight it’s ON! 5:45 pm-7:45 pm; details here. (5817 SW Stevens)
(Sunrise photo by Jim Borrow)
CORNER BAR IN HIGHLAND PARK: 6 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club, it’s the monthly pop-up bar, with music! Bluegrass/Americana performed live by Rusty Hinges – plus DJ Dr. Lehl. All ages until 9 pm. (1116 SW Holden)
FOOTBALL: West Seattle High School‘s homecoming game is at 7 pm vs. Nathan Hale (Southwest Athletic Complex; 2801 SW Thistle) … Tonight’s game at West Seattle Stadium (4432 35th SW) is Seattle Prep vs. Roosevelt, also 7 pm.
(Reader photo, taken from Highland Park)
NOT DEAD YET: The West Seattle band celebrates its 8th anniversary on tonight’s bill at The Skylark. $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
PREVIEW THE WEEKEND … on our complete-calendar page!
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:20 AM: We start with an emergency response at Delridge and Thistle. Texter said a pedestrian was hurt. Two of the three SFD units sent, including the medic unit, already have been dismissed, so apparently no major injuries.
VIADUCT CLOSURE REMINDER: The first part of the inspection-and-more closure starts tonight at 11 – northbound between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel – and is scheduled to continue all weekend. The southbound closure is scheduled for 5 am-6 pm Saturday and same hours Sunday.
6:42 AM: The last SFD unit at Delridge and Thistle has now cleared the scene.
9:04 AM: The heart of the commute has concluded with no further problems reported. Thanks again for the alerts – you can reach us any time (but not while you’re driving!) via text or voice at 206-293-6302 with traffic alerts or other breaking news. We will be tracking the Highway 99/Viaduct closure all weekend and will update with any changes, including early reopening(s), as well as an extra-close watch on alternate routes.
By Marika Lee
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The main presentation at last night’s Southwest District Council meeting was by a visitor from the other side of the city, circulating a petition to support funding for aging Seattle Parks facilities citywide.
“It is a modest increase in property taxes but we feel with the money that is going to be generated over the next three years, if used properly, will provide some tangible benefits,” said Tim Motzer, who spoke to SWDC about the petition sponsored by the Lake City Neighborhood Alliance.
The petition is urging the Board of Commissioners of the Seattle Park District – in other words, the Seattle City Council – to maintain the current park district assessment rate of 27.5 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for the remaining three years of the Park District’s six-year spending plan. That would increase tax collections in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
“We can generate about $26 million and that revenue along with other sources from the city would allow us to fully fund the eight community centers,” said Motzer, a retired Parks worker.
After IAFF Local 27 – the Seattle firefighters’ union – sent word of seven firefighters starting a fundraising long-distance bicycle ride tomorrow, we asked if any of the firefighters on the ride are based in West Seattle, and found out that one is! First, the announcement:
Fire fighters from all over Washington State are helping actor Gary Sinise, (Lt. Dan Taylor from the movie Forrest Gump), raise funds and awareness for the Gary Sinise Foundation. One of the foundation’s programs, known as “R.I.S.E.,” builds “smart homes” that accommodate the specific injuries of severely wounded military service men and women returning from war.
This team of fire fighters would like to announce their “Fire Fighter’s Ride 4 R.I.S.E.” bicycle benefit ride starting prior to the Seattle Fire Department annual Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Ceremony on October 6th at 08:00 AM located at Occidental Park near Pioneer Square in Seattle and ending in Los Angeles on October 29th. This event will include 24 stops at predetermined cities in WA, OR, and CA, where they will participate in dinners and benefit auctions to raise additional funds and awareness for the program.
To date, the Gary Sinise Foundation has built 39 “smart” homes for Veterans and will have 60 homes completed by the end of the year. Two of the veterans receiving “Smart Homes” from the Gary Sinise Foundation are from the state of Washington.
There are 7 fire fighters riding the entire 1500+ miles from Seattle to Los Angeles with additional riders joining them along the route to support our severely wounded veterans in their quest to have a normal lifestyle.
Check out the foundation and donate (here).
IAFF Local 27’s Tina Clere responded to our followup inquiry and tells WSB that one of the seven firefighters is based at Station 29 in North Admiral, Tim O’Mahony.
ORIGINAL REPORT, 7:43 PM THURSDAY: Tonight we received a few inquiries about a report that a West Seattle High School student made a threat in a classroom during the school day. We contacted district spokesperson Kim Schmanke to ask if she had any information about this, and she just sent us the letter that WSHS principal Brian Vance sent to families tonight:
Dear West Seattle High School families,
Late in the school day, one of our students made a threatening statement. Upon learning about the comments, we contacted the district’s Safety and Security office and the Seattle Police Department.
We contacted the families whose students overheard the comments before sending a school-wide communication.
Please know that we take safety in our buildings very seriously; the well-being of our students is our top priority.
I realize any talk of violence is a cause for concern and we will continue to investigate to assure you that we are committed to doing everything we can to keep our students safe at school.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I will be happy to speak with parents and guardians directly.
ADDED 8:03 PM: We asked if /how the student had been disciplined. Schmanke replied, “My understanding is we cannot disclose the specifics but yes, appropriate protocols were followed regarding the student.”
ADDED 8 AM FRIDAY: Thanks to the parent who forwarded us a second letter that they say was sent this morning:
Dear West Seattle High School families,
I wanted to follow up from my email last night regarding the threat that was made by one of our students yesterday afternoon. I received several emails with a variety of concerns. Unfortunately, I cannot share every detail from our investigation but I wanted to at least clarify a couple of things.
· The student who made the threat was identified immediately and will not be at school while we continue our investigation.
· In an abundance of caution, there will be additional security at school today.
· Both district security and Seattle Police Department are aware of the situation and are helping with our investigation.
· We are planning a normal school day today and plan to move forward with all the homecoming activities this weekend.
· If your student needs to talk with someone, our counselors will be available to do so.
As I said last night, please know that we take safety in our buildings very seriously; the well-being of our students is our top priority. I realize any talk of violence is a cause for concern and we will continue to investigate to assure you that we are committed to doing everything we can to keep our students safe at school. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Brian Vance, Principal
West Seattle High School
Both suspects jailed in connection with the September 19th Westwood shooting death of 25-year-old Edixon Velasquez had hearings today:
BAIL HEARING FOR ALLEGED SHOOTER: Bail is now set at $250,000 for the 19-year-old man whose arrest was announced on Wednesday. Probable-cause documents from this afternoon’s jailhouse hearing say that police learned he was in a “dating relationship” with 21-year-old Anna Kasparova, an ex-girlfriend of the victim who is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly luring him out of his home to be shot to death. According to the documents, after Kasparova’s arrest, the male suspect confessed to an acquaintance of his that he was the man who shot Velasquez. That’s all today’s paperwork says; we may find out more after his second scheduled appearance tomorrow, by which time we also should know if he will be charged. The only record we’ve found for him is a misdemeanor theft case that’s pending in Auburn, which is where he was arrested, though documents list his “last known address” as Bonney Lake.
ARRAIGNMENT FOR ANNA KASPAROVA: The first suspect arrested in the case appeared in King County Superior Court this morning for her arraignment. According to the document filed after the brief hearing, she pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to return to court in two weeks for a case-scheduling hearing. Her bail remains set at $1 million. Charging documents filed last month say she told Velasquez she needed to see him, then asked him to come out of his house and help her park her car; security video from a neighbor shows that she got out of the car and appeared to “take cover,” prosecutors say, before a man walked up to the car, pulled Velasquez out, shot him and fled. The video is reported to show Kasparova then walking up, looking down at Velasquez lying on the ground, then getting into her car and driving away, never calling for help. She was arrested the next day at her mother’s house in Burien.
(Salmon photographed in Longfellow Creek in November 2016 by Alex)
It’s almost salmon-spawning season, and two West Seattle creeks will be watched. One needs your help. Puget Soundkeeper‘s announcement explains:
Puget Soundkeeper is searching for dedicated volunteers to survey the coho salmon that return to Longfellow Creek in West Seattle. Salmon surveys are a great way to observe one of nature’s most amazing migrations and experience scientific field work. The data we collect from these surveys help us understand the effects of toxic runoff on one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic species and determine the best methods to protect them in the future!
·The nature of this work is geared toward adults only.
Surveying is a weekly commitment that takes approximately 1 hour to complete. The salmon run begins in mid-October and finishes mid-December, during which there will be a survey every day. Volunteers will be divided into teams of 2-3 people and assigned a weekday to conduct their survey.
We’re looking for adventurous volunteers! Surveying requires handling fish carcasses found in the creek (with gloves) and dissecting the female salmon to check for eggs.
Volunteers should be in good physical condition. Surveying in Longfellow Creek requires climbing up and down steep muddy embankments and wading through shallow water on uneven terrain.
Surveying is conducted in varying weather conditions. If conditions are dangerous (e.g. a downpour), we will cancel on that day. Otherwise, we survey rain or shine.
Volunteers will be provided with surveying kits and waders (unless you have your own pair). Data collected during the survey will be uploaded by the volunteers into Puget Soundkeeper’s database.
Volunteers will attend an orientation meeting on Tuesday, October 10th from 6:30-8:30pm at Chaco Canyon Organic Café in West Seattle (3770 SW Alaska St).
More info – and the registration form – can be found here.
(Before and after photos of South Park Hall, courtesy of its new proprietors)
Back in January, we told you about West Seattleite John Bennett‘s purchase, with business partners, of neglected commercial spaces in the heart of South Park. Perhaps the crown jewel of those spaces was the 1920s-era South Park Hall, a large second-floor space including a stage, a kitchen, and lots of room. Bennett told us at the time that they hoped to keep it an event venue – and that’s exactly what transpired. We heard this week from the two other West Seattle entrepreneurs who have made that happen, Heidi Herr and Corina Luckenbach, who you might know from Admiral Bird – and now, as proprietors of South Park Hall. They are offering a $100/hour introductory rental rate through November; the space holds 175 people and has A/V capability as well as the aforementioned kitchen and small stage, plus a bar and renovated restrooms. Luckenbach says, “We are super proud of what we were able to do and to keep it looking as original as possible.” The newly renovated venue (1253 S. Cloverdale) has a website with lots of info at southparkhall.com.
(WSB photo from September 24th)
The grand total is in from the most recent Recycle Roundup in Fauntleroy. Judy Pickens sends the report:
A total of 370 vehicles bearing 13.5 tons of recyclables passed through the Fauntleroy Church parking lot during the Sept. 24 Recycle Roundup. This take brings to 204 tons the amount collected from West Seattle households for responsible recycling since twice-yearly roundups began in 2010. The church’s Green Committee will host the spring roundup on Sunday, April 22.
That’s up almost 50 percent from last fall’s 9.25-ton dropoff day.
P.S. If you can’t wait until spring – the West Seattle Junction Association‘s recycle/reuse event is coming up a week from Saturday – 9 am-1 pm October 14th!
(Photo by James Bratsanos)
If you were up early – you might have seen that magnificent moonset! If not, thanks to those who sent the photos we’re sharing along with highlights for today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
OPERA PREVIEW CONCERT: Free – one hour of music and stories previewing “The Barber of Seville.” 2-3 pm at Kenyon Hall. All ages welcome! (7904 35th SW)
CITY BUDGET HEARING: Tonight at City Hall, the City Council listens to public comment about the newly proposed budget. Here are our notes from just after it was introduced. 5:30 pm. (600 4th Ave.)
‘ANGST: BREAKING THE STIGMA AROUND ANXIETY’: New documentary about a common mental-health problem – free screening tonight at Seattle Lutheran High School, 6:30 pm. Open to all; recommended for age 12 and up. More info in our calendar listing. (4100 SW Genesee)
MYERS WAY HOMELESSNESS: That’s the central topic of tonight’s North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting, with scheduled guests including the city’s director of homelessness George Scarola and King County Sheriff John Urquhart. All welcome. 7 pm at North Highline Fire District HQ. (1243 SW 112th)
READ THE KORAN IN 4 WEEKS: First Lutheran Church of West Seattle pastor Rev. Ron Marshall‘s long-running four-week course starts a new series tonight, 7 pm – details in our calendar listing – check to see if there’s room. (4105 California SW)
COMEDY NIGHT: 8:30 pm – right after Thursday Night Football – with Komodo Comedy at Hawks Nest West on Alki. (2806 Alki SW)
(Closer look at the moonset, photographed by Kersti Muul)
MOONRISE/MOONSET FOR TONIGHT/TOMORROW: 7:07 pm moonrise tonight, 8:08 am moonset tomorrow.
LOTS MORE ON THE CALENDAR! See the full list for today – and beyond – by going here.
New plan this year for trick-or-treating in The Admiral District – merchants will welcome trick-or-treaters on Halloween – Tuesday, October 31st:
Admiral District merchants of West Seattle are proud to announce the return of the annual “Trick-or-Treating” event for 2017. This year the Admiral District “Trick or Treating” event will occur on Halloween, giving families the opportunity to trick or treat in a safe environment on the holiday itself. This long-standing Admiral neighborhood tradition has grown in popularity each year, and continues to be a West Seattle family favorite.
Trick or treating in the Admiral District is 100% volunteer-supported by the businesses operating near the intersection of Admiral and California Ave SW. Each year, local businesses give back to the community by providing a safe place for trick-or-treating. Find your favorite costume, grab the kids, and come out on Tuesday October 31st to join in on this popular West Seattle event!
Participating merchants will display the sign you see atop this story.
P.S. The annual WSB Halloween guide – not just Halloween itself, but also the special events leading up to it – will go live this weekend; if your organization/business/etc. has a public Halloween/harvest/fall-festival-type event, please send us the information ASAP if you haven’t already – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:02 AM: No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far.
WEEKEND VIADUCT/99 CLOSURE: It starts tomorrow night – Highway 99 will close in two phases, for the regular twice-yearly Alaskan Way Viaduct inspection closure, plus work related to the tunnel project. First, from 11 pm Friday to 5 am Monday, northbound 99 is scheduled to close between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel. Then, 5 am to 6 pm Saturday and 5 am to 6 pm Sunday, the southbound lanes of the same stretch are set to close. (If anything reopens ahead of schedule, as always, we’ll update.)
7:18 AM: SDOT reports a crash partly blocking the right lane on the eastbound West Seattle Bridge at midspan. Apparently no injuries, as SFD has not been sent. (Watch the top-right camera for updates.)
7:37 AM: That incident has now cleared.
8:15 AM: SDOT reports a crash at Delridge/Holden.
(Concord International School PTA members at meeting they organized regarding dual-language-program concerns)
Story and photos by Marika Lee
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
One parent said he didn’t learn of changes at his son’s school, Concord International Elementary, from the school or the district, but by asking his son what he did at school in Spanish that day. His son’s reply: “Nothing.”
That was just one of the experiences shared at Tuesday night’s community meeting in South Park to voice concerns about the changes to the Spanish/English dual-language program at Concord.
Another Concord parent, Paulina Lopez, said at the meeting organized by the Concord PTA, “I have always been very strong on bilingualism. That is why I chose Concord. It came to my surprise that there were changes. One reason was because I wasn’t aware of the changes when the year started.”
As reported here last Friday, with the changes, reading and writing are being taught primarily in English.
Four reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
ARBOR HEIGHTS BURGLARY: Thanks to Greg for word of what happened in his neighborhood late this afternoon: A burglar got away on a motorcycle after breaking into a house at 39th SW and SW 104th. Neighbors told him they noticed a blue motorcycle parked in front of the house, engine running. When they went to check it out, a man came out of the house in a jacket, gloves, and black motorcycle helmet with visor, plus three backpacks. He took off quickly. Police were called. If you have any information, Tweets by Beat says the incident number is 17-369164.
BURGLAR ON VIDEO: Duncan shared two video clips and this report:
We had a prowler Sunday night who broke into our house on the 63xx block of 41st Ave SW while we were sleeping around 1:30 am. We believe he was looking for a place to sleep because nothing was taken and because we know there have been squatters in the two vacant houses behind us. Attached are two videos that were captured by our security cameras. If anyone recognizes him, I would encourage them to reach out to the police.
The incident number is 17-366067.
STOLEN CAR: Mary Jane hopes you will be on the lookout for her car, stolen sometime overnight Monday night into Tuesday morning on Bonair Place SW in the Alki area. It’s a white 2008 Mercury Milan with tinted windows, license plates BCK4159. SPD incident number 17-367388. (UPDATE: The car’s been found.)
PUNCTURED GAS TANKS: Thanks to Jeff for this FYI – a gas-station clerk told him two customers this week have come in with punctured gas tanks, which they didn’t know about until they started their fillups. Anybody else?
Start your weekend at one of West Seattle’s special spots! Here’s the invitation:
You’re Invited! A Garden Party for Dragonfly Park
Join the Friends of Dragonfly Park on Saturday, October 7, from 9 am-12 pm, to get the gardens ready for winter. The main tasks will be laying burlap and spreading sheet mulch.
Seattle Parks and Recreation will provide all of the tools, gloves, and materials. Folks may want to bring a dust mask if they’re sensitive. The Dragonfly Park is located on 28th Ave SW between Yancy and Adams [map].
If you’d like to meet your neighbors, help protect the watershed (a healthy park = a healthy creek!) and spend a little time outside before the winter sets in, head on over on Saturday morning between 9 and noon. Can’t attend this weekend, but want to keep up? (Go here) for news and neighborly camaraderie.
The group is tracking volunteer hours in order to apply for a city grant to purchase new plants and shrubs in the spring. Every little bit counts, so swing by and say hi.
If you know of a group or business might like to contribute financially or with volunteer hours, reach out to Laura Bruco at lauramaybruco@gmail.com. She’d love to hear from you.
A Little History
If you’re a dog lover or a nature lover, you may already know about Dragonfly Park. Back in the ’90s, Seattle artist Lorna Jordan designed dragonfly-shaped gardens and a metal pavilion shaped like a dragonfly, with a winding path leading down to Longfellow Creek. It’s still a magical little pocket park, but over the past decade this North Delridge neighborhood gem has fallen into disrepair. Until now.
A group of 60+ neighbors in the North Delridge / Luna Park area has teamed up with Seattle Parks and Recreation to restore the gardens to their earlier grandeur. Previous garden parties have focused on pruning, weeding and deadheading, as well as prepping the beds for this weekend’s sheet mulch.
After this weekend’s party, the Friends will focus on planning and fundraising for new plantings to go in next year. Phil Renfrow, Senior Gardener with Seattle Parks and Recreation, is leading the updated design efforts, with a focus on sustainability. The group is hoping that Lorna Jordan will speak at the park during an event in November.
SDOT has just announced the final design for the Fauntleroy Boulevard project will include a left-turn break at 37th SW:
See the full final design on SDOT’s website, and in a smaller version below:
From the SDOT announcement:
Throughout the design process, we’ve been committed to improving mobility on Fauntleroy Way SW for all users – people who walk, bike, and drive. The final design includes two lanes of traffic in each direction on Fauntleroy Way, as we have today, with new sidewalks and crosswalks, a protected bike lane, traffic signal revisions to improve flow, landscaping improvements and more. Read more about the final design on our webpage.
Based on technical analysis and input from the community, we have incorporated into the final design a 2-way left-turn break in the median near 37th Ave SW, while maintaining the traffic calming effects of the landscaped center median. You can read the full summary of public feedback about this design change here.
Next steps
Construction of the Fauntleroy Boulevard Project is currently anticipated to begin as soon as early 2018. This fall, we’ll begin pre-construction outreach, including sharing more information about traffic routing during construction.
This announcement went out one day after we asked SDOT specific questions about where the project stood, including the “traffic routing during construction” question – so apparently they have yet to decide whether to go with the longer construction schedule, which would involve keeping one lane open each way on Fauntleroy during the project, or the shorter schedule, which would involve making that stretch of Fauntleroy temporarily one way. The answers to our questions, which came in concurrently a short time ago along with this general announcement, also included the note from SDOT spokesperson Norm Mah that “We’re continuing to coordinate with Sound Transit on our collective project timelines.” That was also mentioned by City Councilmember Lisa Herbold in her weekly update last Friday.
(WSB photo from September 19th)
2:11 PM: Just announced by Seattle Police, a second arrest in connection with last month’s deadly shooting of Edixon Velasquez outside his home on 31st SW in Westwood:
A 19-year-old male was arrested this afternoon in Auburn by the Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force. The suspect will be booked into the King County Jail after he has been interviewed by detectives. This remains an active and on-going investigation.
The first suspect arrested, Velasquez’s 21-year-old ex-girlfriend Anna Kasparova, remains jailed in lieu of $1,000,000 bail, charged with first-degree murder and scheduled for arraignment later this week. More to come…
3:06 PM: The task force is associated with the US Marshal’s Office, whose regional spokesperson tells us that investigators learned that the suspect “was associated with” a resident of an Auburn mobile-home park, and found him with others in the mobile home, then arrested him “without incident.” Still working to find out more.
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