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day : 09/02/2018 13 results

VIDEO: March for Peace spotlights hope and love for ‘the new South Park’
February 9, 2018 10:31 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | South Park | West Seattle news

Tonight’s March for Peace in South Park was not a march to protest, complain, or oppose, organizers stressed as more than 100 people gathered outside the SP Library before it began. It was to envision what neighbors want South Park to be, to have.

The catalyzing event was what neighbors want South Park to NOT have … violence. Two nights ago, a 16-year-old boy was critically injured by a shooter who has yet to be caught. That was one week after a shooting that injured two men. The two incidents are unrelated, police told us, yet both left people in South Park determined not to go back to the way things were long ago. With that determination, hope, and love, “this is the new South Park,” organizers declared.

With bicycle officers riding alongside, and police at every cross-street, marchers walked on eastbound Cloverdale and southbound 14th.

They carried signs, some made outside the library minutes before the march began.

And when their silence was finally broken, as the march ended at the service station near the scene of Wednesday’s shooting at 14th/Trenton, first it was by music, some softly singing along to “Lean on Me”:


Then, there were words of support, urging the youth in the crowd to know everyone was there to support them – and there were many young participants there to hear the message:

Also there, dignitaries who took care not to hold the spotlight for long, if at all. Mayor Jenny Durkan and Police Chief Carmen Best had a few words before the march began.

City Councilmember Lisa Herbold did not take the microphone

Nor did Councilmember Lorena González:

Both councilmembers have worked to advocate for increased safety resources for South Park; Herbold wrote about it again in her weekly online update hours before the march. But first – a young man remains in the hospital, and before the gathering ended, organizers requested prayers and thoughts for his recovery.

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BASKETBALL: Must-win playoff games Saturday for both West Seattle HS teams
February 9, 2018 8:36 pm
|    Comments Off on BASKETBALL: Must-win playoff games Saturday for both West Seattle HS teams
 |   West Seattle news

The times and teams are set for the West Seattle High School basketball teams’ district-playoff games tomorrow. Both are at WSHS, so if you can go cheer them on, you don’t have to go far. And both are loser-out games, so a loss would be season-ending. The girls play Mercer Island at 3 pm; the boys play Lake Washington at 5 pm. WSHS is at 3000 California SW.

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FOLLOWUP: C & P Coffee situation, one month later
February 9, 2018 7:20 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: C & P Coffee situation, one month later
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

It’s been a full month now since first word that the 5612 California SW site of C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) had been put up for sale. Days later, proprietors Cameron and Pete Moores – who have been leasing the Craftsman house on the site for 15 years, not only selling beverages but also running it as what many consider a community center – launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise some of the money needed to buy it. And though their landlord tentatively accepted another offer, they said they had right of first refusal. At that time, a deadline was mentioned. We’ve been checking in with the Moores, including a conversation with Cameron today, and she says that deadline is no longer in play. Other than that, she says, there’s nothing to report – they’re still working toward a purchase, and there are “many moving pieces” in the situation. She stresses that they are endlessly thankful for all the community support. (That includes the upcoming “heartbombing” event organized by Historic Seattle next Tuesday.)

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About the police response in Gatewood
February 9, 2018 5:51 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Thanks for the tip about what looked like a major police response at a home on SW Portland west of California SW. We went over to check and found out that the reason we hadn’t heard anything was that it’s not a Seattle Police response – these are Tacoma Police officers, including a K-9 team. They would tell us only that they’re at the house serving a warrant.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: One vehicle stolen, another found
February 9, 2018 5:29 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch, a new vehicle-theft report today, plus confirmation that a truck stolen earlier this week has been found.

STOLEN: The 2003 red and silver Subaru Baja shown above, from Seaview, near 45th/Raymond, around 3 am today. Plate BV402O3F. Dent on the front of the hood. Call 911 if you see it.

FOUND: Back on Tuesday, we published Kevin‘s report that his red Ford F-150 truck had been stolen northeast of The Junction. Commenter Marcus subsequently reported finding it, and Kevin sent us an update that it was found in the 9000 block of 30th SW, “ransacked but OK … “They left a jumpstart, nail clipper, and a tow adapter in the truck. Stole a GPS and some change.”

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SCHOOL-BUS STRIKE: ‘Tentative agreement’ announced by First Student and Teamsters Local 174
February 9, 2018 2:50 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Friday morning photo sent by driver Al)

On Day 7 of the school-bus drivers’ strike, there’s word it may be over. Just in via e-mail, what’s described as a “a joint statement” from the drivers’ employer and union:

After meeting with a federal mediator, Teamsters Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks and First Student Senior Director Kim Mingo released the following statement regarding transportation for Seattle Public Schools:

“We are pleased to announce that First Student and Teamsters Local 174 leadership have come to terms on a fully-recommended tentative agreement.

We are confident that this contract will be ratified by union membership. The vote will take place tomorrow, Saturday, February 10 at 10:00 AM. Upon ratification, yellow bus service will resume on Monday.

The agreement provides an expanded benefits package and comprehensive health care coverage for our Seattle Public Schools yellow bus drivers and families. We feel strongly that this deal meets the goals set by all parties in these negotiations.

First Student labor negotiators and Local 174 leaders have maintained open lines of communication throughout this process. Though this tentative agreement took longer than we had hoped, what brings us all together is our shared commitment to provide safe and reliable transportation for Seattle Public Schools students and families.”

No further details – we’ll add anything more we find out. The same statement is published on Local 174’s website.

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DONE EARLY: Fauntleroy/Wildwood intersection has reopened
February 9, 2018 2:23 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

2:23 PM: The project that was supposed to close the Fauntleroy/Wildwood intersection for two weeks is done in less than one. The intersection is open again, and crews are removing the no-parking signs on the SW Trenton detour route. No official alert updates yet; we’ll update when that happens. The work involved replacing concrete road panels, plus a curb ramp.

4:48 PM: Metro has since sent a rider alert via text and tweet that it has resumed its regular route in the area.

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WEST SEATTLE RESTAURANTS: Opening day for MOD Pizza
February 9, 2018 1:42 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(WSB photos)

First, the ribboncutting … then, the pizza-making!

As first reported here last week and previewed this morning in our daily highlights list, it’s Opening Day for MOD Pizza at The Whittaker (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor). The Seattle-born chain offers you the opportunity to pick your toppings, and charges you the same, however many or few you choose. It also is donating opening-day pizza proceeds to FareStart, a job-training program that MOD says has a 90 percent hire rate within 90 days of graduation. Below are Megan Hampson and Molly Hancock from FareStart, with West Seattle Chamber of Commerce board chair Pete Spalding:

MOD West Seattle will be open 10:30 am-11 pm Fridays and Saturdays, 10:30 am-10 pm Sundays-Thursdays. And they chose an apropos date to open – it’s National Pizza Day.

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: Here’s what happened at Stakeholder Advisory Group’s first session
February 9, 2018 11:56 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(Sound Transit’s West Seattle-to-Ballard ‘representative’ map – draft ‘alignment’)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Your first official, Sound Transit-convened way to have a say on West Seattle light rail is now four days away.

But first – another of the two groups that are also meant to represent you in the process has just had its first meeting, last night at Union Station downtown.

What’s formally known as the Stakeholder Advisory Group for the West Seattle-Ballard Link Extensions spent two and a half hours together for introductions, presentations, declarations, and questions.

The full list (as approved/appointed by the Elected Leadership Group), made public the previous day, includes these six who live and/or work in West Seattle:
–Deb Barker (who is a board member with West Seattle Transportation Coalition as well as president of the Morgan Community Association)
–Willard Brown (executive with the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association)
–Hamilton Gardiner (West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, not in attendance)
–Brian King (introduced himself as a Delridge resident and daily bicyclist)
–Greg Nickels (Admiral resident best known as Seattle’s 51st mayor)
–Walter Reese (executive at the Nucor steel mill in West Seattle)

“This is a moment that’s been years if not decades in the making,” opened Sound Transit’s Don Billen. Next to him were Elected Leadership Group co-chairs County Council President Joe McDermott (a West Seattleite) and City Councilmember Mike O’Brien.

Read More

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West Seattle Friday: Restaurant opening; treats for reading volunteers; wine and chocolate; art; more!
February 9, 2018 9:45 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Spotted towhee, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Headed for the weekend – and here’s what’s ahead for the rest of your Friday:

MOD PIZZA GRAND OPENING: Noon today, it’s West Seattle’s next restaurant opening, MOD Pizza at The Whittaker (WSB sponsor), right after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11;50 am. The first 52 guests will be offered a free pizza or salad. After that, 100 percent of all pizza sales for opening day will be donated to FareStart. (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW)

READING PARTNERS OPEN HOUSE: 2:30-3:30 pm at Highland Park Elementary, come find out what it’s like to volunteer to read with local kids! Treats for everyone who stops by. (1012 SW Trenton)

WINE AND CHOCOLATE: With Valentine’s Day coming up, Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) is again pairing three of its award-winning wines with three chocolate truffles from Pioneer Square-based Intrigue Chocolate – this time with truffle bars, mini-truffle sets, and assorted chocolate bars. You can get in on this at the Viscon Cellars tasting room tonight and tomorrow. The tasting room is open 5-9 pm Fridays and 2-7 pm Saturdays. (5910 California SW)

FIVE BUCK BAND: ’60s, ’70s music with a sprinkling of contemporary, at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

ART LOUNGE: 7 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club – tonight, paint with live models! 21+. (1116 SW Holden)

SILENT MARCH FOR PEACE: As previewed last night, neighbors in South Park plan a silent march tonight at 7:30 from the SP Library to the scene where a 16-year-old was shot earlier this week. (8604 8th Ave. S.)

THE ESOTERICS: 8 pm at Holy Rosary, The Esoterics present “dēlectō” – their first concert of 2018. Details and ticket info in our calendar listing. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)

AT THE SKYLARK: Live music at The Skylark in North Delridge, featuring The Fabulous Downey Brothers, Smomid, Limanjaya, and Donald Crunk. 8 pm. $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

PREVIEW YOUR WEEKEND … via our complete calendar.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates
February 9, 2018 7:16 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

7:16 AM: Good morning. No incidents reported in/from West Seattle.

Three notes:

SCHOOL-BUS STRIKE: Day 7.

FAUNTLEROY/WILDWOOD CLOSURE: The pavement/curb ramp project closure continues south of the Fauntleroy ferry terminal, as do the C Line/Route 116 reroutes.

SIGN INSTALLATION ON SB 99 THIS WEEKEND: Look for lane closures as the missing signs just before the bridge/Harbor Island exits are replaced.

9:09 AM: Yet another no-incidents-reported heart of the morning commute … but any time 24/7 that you see something your neighbors should know about, please – when you can do so safely/legally – text or call our hotline, 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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VIDEO: Students’ Page-to-Stage poetry performances @ Chief Sealth IHS
February 9, 2018 1:28 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Again this year, we were at Chief Sealth International High School for ninth-graders’ Page-to-Stage poetry performances – group performances of 19 poems, in the four clips below:

As explained in the program for Thursday night’s performances:

The project is a collaboration with classroom teachers Heather Griffin, Gentle McGaughey, Luke Azinger, and Andy Tuller. This semester half of the 9th-grade classes wrote original poetry focusing on a variety of poetic devices. After the writing process, the poems were given to the remainig 9th graders in Ms. Griffin’s, Mr. Azinger’s, and Mr. Tuller’s classes. There, Book-It teaching artists worked with (the) students to analyze and adapt the student poems into scripts for the stage. The adaptations followed the Book-It style of creating dynamic tableaux, and adapting the poems using skills such as vocal expression, repetition, and choral lines. The result is what you will see here … these groups collaborated to create live plays out of the poems – taking them from page to stage.

This is the program’s 18th year at CSIHS; this year’s Book-It teaching artists were Jillian Johnson and Kelly Kitchens.

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SCHOOL-BUS STRIKE UPDATE: Day 7 for First Student drivers’ walkout; talks continuing, union says
February 9, 2018 12:38 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Thursday morning photo sent by striking driver Al – he reports this family came to the picket line to show support)

12:38 AM: While school-bus company First Student and drivers union Teamsters Local 174 were reported to be meeting Thursday, there’s no word of a resolution to the drivers’ strike yet, so today – Friday (February 9th) – will be Day 7. No one who’s on the front lines of the strike, including Seattle Public Schools – which contracts with First Student for yellow-bus service – issued an official statement on Thursday. Of note, after today, there are five more school days before the district’s weeklong mid-winter break starts on February 19th.

12:37 PM: The union posted an update this morning saying the two sides talked late into the night Thursday and were expected back at the table today.

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