West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
That was the scene earlier this evening at the West Seattle VFW Hall in The Triangle, as parent volunteers got ready for tomorrow’s annual Kids’ Sale benefiting West Seattle Cooperative Preschools. The fundraiser sale of baby/kids gear, clothing, toys, furniture, etc., has extra urgency this year – the popular cooperative-preschool program has had to supplement the program funding provided by South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), because of the state higher-education-funding challenges. And that just gets them through the spring – the state-funding picture for next year isn’t even under discussion in Olympia yet. So every dollar raised by the Saturday sale will have extra impact this year for the popular preschool program, which educates parents as well as kids. It’s a consignment sale, so donors are getting a share of the proceeds too, and the dropoffs are what volunteers were arranging when we stopped by tonight. The VFW Hall is at 3601 SW Alaska, and sale hours tomorrow are 9 am to 1 pm; admission is by $1/person donation. More info here!
The family of Dr. Dale F. Rudd is sharing this remembrance with the community:
Dr. Dale F. Rudd, 83, professor and research scientist who spent his retirement years in West Seattle:
Many in West Seattle likely remember Dale as the friendly and always upbeat elderly man in the fedora who was a regular walker in the Seaview and Beach Drive neighborhood. He passed on in February after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s, leaving behind his beloved wife, Sandra, and two children, Karen and David.
Dale was born and raised in a Scandinavian-American family in Minneapolis Minnesota. He received his BS with distinction and Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota. He taught at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he met and married his Sandra, before joining the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. At the University of Wisconsin, he was the Donald C. Slichter Professor of Engineering Research and became internationally known for his influential work in process engineering and computer systems. University of California Vice President and Provost C. Judson King called Rudd’s research “truly pioneering and important.”
Rudd co-wrote numerous university textbooks, including the first textbook in process engineering, and was elected to the National Academy of Engineering and the Washington State Academy of Sciences. He won many awards, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, Outstanding Educator in America, Byron Bird Award for Excellence in Research Publication and the Benjamin Smith Reynolds Award, and was a visiting professor at the University of Queensland in Australia.
Despite his professional accomplishments, his friends and family knew him as a kind, humble man, with a dry sense of humor and always positive view of life, who enjoyed woodworking, canoeing and the outdoors, and spending time with his family and dogs.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
(Photos courtesy Fauntleroy Watershed Council)
By Dennis Hinton
Special to West Seattle Blog
If you value natural areas in West Seattle and want to keep them healthy and safe, you may now make a tax-deductible donation toward ongoing stewardship of two of them: Fauntleroy Creek and Fauntleroy Park.
Initial goal for the new Fauntleroy Watershed Stewardship Fund is $30,000.
The Fauntleroy Watershed Council has arranged for EarthCorps, a 501(c)3 international environmental training program headquartered in Seattle, to receive one-time and monthly donations to the fund. Gifts will help pay for work along the creek and in the park that otherwise would not be funded.
“We’ve made a lot of progress since 1989 in restoring natural features of the neighborhood, primarily
with $2 million in public and foundation funding,” said Judy Pickens, a member of the council’s executive committee. “In recent years, grants have become so scarce that we’re in danger of losing these gains.”
Of particular concern is maintaining the safety of areas used as both classroom and lab by the nearly
11,000 students who have visited the creek and park since 1995 to learn about clean water, a healthy
environment, and salmon-friendly habitat.
Pickens noted that governmental priorities have shifted just when the effects of climate change are becoming evident. Peak flows in the creek are now seven times what they were in 2007, putting pressure on weirs designed decades ago for milder conditions. Also, summer droughts have become the norm, threatening vegetation that holds soil and cools the water for salmon and other aquatic life.
The $30,000 would fund permits, design, supplies, and EarthCorps labor to upgrade weirs and vegetation in the lower creek to withstand heavy flows and improve bank stability, spawner access, and student safety over the long term.
“The work that’s now needed is often too hazardous for volunteers or it requires the expertise and equipment of contractors,” explained Peggy Cummings, one of two volunteer forest stewards for the watershed. “This fund gives residents a tangible way to continue to be involved.”
You can donate:
-Online. Go to the donation page at earthcorps.org, select “This gift is in honor or memory of someone,” and write “Fauntleroy Watershed Stewardship”
-By postal mail. Write “Fauntleroy Watershed Stewardship” on the memo line of your check and mail to Development Office, EarthCorps, 6310 NE 74th St., #201E, Seattle, WA 98115.
-In person. Give your check to any member of the council’s executive committee: Judy Pickens
(judy_pickens@msn.com; 206-938-4203), Peggy Cummings (peggyc@seanet.com; 206-369-4830), or Dennis Hinton (denhinton@msn.com; 206-937-1410).
For a full prospectus, stop by the council’s table at the March 20 Fauntleroy Food Fest or visit www.fauntleroywatershed.org/donate.html, where you’ll also find the 2017 watershed annual report.
Mayor Jenny Durkan will be back in West Seattle for another “town hall” meeting less than two weeks after her first one. This one, though, has a very specific theme, as just announced by the mayor’s office:
Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan will host a town hall at Chief Sealth International High School with Seattle and Puget Sound-area students, educators, parents, community leaders and public health officials to discuss reducing gun violence in Seattle and around our country.
“Seattle residents must be safe in their neighborhoods, homes, and schools. Schools are meant for joy and learning – they are not meant for lock downs and mass shootings. Our young people are standing up to reduce gun violence, and we should listen,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan.
The event, “Town Hall on Students Stopping Gun Violence,” will feature questions from students and will be moderated by KING 5’s Natalie Brand and KUOW’s Ross Reynolds. Seattle can join the conversation by tweeting their questions using #SEAGunViolence.
This is planned for 6:30-7:30 pm Thursday (March 8th) in the auditorium at Sealth (2600 SW Thistle).
1:39 PM FRIDAY: From Kami:
My husband’s car was stolen yesterday morning from right in front of our house on 38th Avenue SW & SW Andover Street in West Seattle. 2007 black Audi A4 Quattro. There is a dent in the front right bumper.
Call 911 if you see it.
MONDAY UPDATE: Kami says it was found in Shoreline.
(Waterfowl at the White Center bog, photographed by Gill Loring)
Our highlights are a little late today because of this morning’s big news. But they’re all happening tonight anyway, so you have hours to decide, if one (or more) isn’t already in your plan:
DESTINATION DELRIDGE: 6 pm reception, followed by dinner and dancing, at Metropolist in SODO, raising money for the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association. More info in our calendar listing – check to see if tickets remain! (2931 1st Ave. S.)
CORNER BAR: 6 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club, it’s the monthly pop-up bar/community celebration. The Jelly Rollers will play a few sets between 7:30 and 11; DJ Dr. Lehl is on hand too; food and drink available for purchase. All ages. (1116 SW Holden)
WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL SWING DANCE/DINNER: 6:30 pm in the West Seattle High School Commons, dine and dance with student musicians and chefs and the West Seattle Big Band, in this annual fun(draiser)! Ticket info in our preview. (3000 California SW)
SOUL JAMBALAYA: As previewed here, tonight’s the night for the 8th annual edition of this musical celebration, featuring student musicians as well as amazing performers with gospel, blues, jazz, funk, and reggae. 7 pm at the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium. Free; donations accepted for student music education. (2600 SW Thistle)
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS SHOW: Tom Esch performs at The Skylark tonight, with part of the proceeds going to suicide prevention/mental-health awareness, as explained in our calendar listing. Doors at 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
IN THE FINAL FOUR: As we reported last night, the West Seattle High School girls are in the state 3A semifinals!
(Photo from Thursday night’s quarterfinal game, by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
They play Gig Harbor at the Tacoma Dome tonight at 9 pm for a berth in Saturday’s championship game. Want to go cheer them on? Ticket info is on the right side of the bracket page. (2727 E. D St, Tacoma)
WHAT ELSE IS UP? Go here to see.
(Added: WSB photo taken this morning)
8:56 AM: Two months after we first reported that the site of C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) had been put up for sale by its longtime landlord – C & P has just announced that its subsequent push to purchase the property was a success.
(WSB file photo)
From proprietors Cameron and Pete Moores:
Dear West Seattle and Beyond,
It is with the most profound gratitude that we can say we have raised the funds needed to purchase and preserve the coffee house.
Thousands of us stood together to say that community matters, and that a true community space like the coffee house is worth saving. That same spirit and kindness has always made C & P what it is.
All those who gave through the GoFundMe or by other means directly contributed to our effort to save C & P. From the countless friends and Neighbors who gave hundreds to the Fairmount Park student who shyly slid a dollar across the bar; every donation mattered. Please know with pride that we couldn’t have done it without you. We look forward to building friendships and community with you for many years to come.
This effort would not have been possible without the advice and expertise of so many from our community. Although resolute, Cam and I were over our heads many times during this process. Our motto was; “They don’t know the amateurs they’re dealing with!” Although there are too many to thank here, we would like to especially acknowledge our lawyers Eric and Brock, John Babauta and HomeStreet Bank, and our dear friend and broker Roger Steiner of RSVP real estate. Thanks also to our incredible C & P crew for putting up with us during this process. We couldn’t have done it without all of you.
Kindness has always been the cornerstone of C & P. For 15 years we have opened our doors and welcomed a neighborhood in. But it wasn’t until the place was in Jeopardy that Cam and I truly learned what community means. Your kindness and commitment has shown us clearly that the coffee house is more than four walls. It is a place where neighbors meet and strangers become friends. It is a place where music and poetry and art are essential. It is a place where social justice is expected and fought for. It is a warm cozy room on a cold day. It is a home. It is YOUR home.
With much love and gratitude.
Cam and Pete
The crowdfunding campaign that helped enable the purchase was launched less than a week after first word the property was on the market. Days later, the listing showed the owner had accepted another prospective buyer’s offer, but C & P said their lease gave them right of first refusal, and they continued working to muster their own offer. They founded C & P 15 years ago, and along with serving coffee and other beverages, it is an event venue and community center – hosting hundreds of gatherings, performances, fundraisers, and more.
ADDED 10:12 AM: We went over to the shop and got the photo of Cameron that we’ve added above. She says they cannot comment yet on details of the deal.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported in or from West Seattle so far this Friday.
WEEKEND REMINDER – 99 CLOSURE SUNDAY MORNING: The Battery Street Tunnel and part of Highway 99 north of it will be closed for several hours Sunday morning during the Hot Chocolate Run.
7:30 AM: Crash reported at 25th/Barton.
7:38 AM: Transit alert – the 8 am Route 116 from Fauntleroy “will not operate” today.
8:59 AM: If you are headed into downtown, protesters are blocking 4th Avenue at James.
9:58 AM: The “no new youth jail” protest is continuing and that’s also affecting traffic on I-5 and I-90, per SDOT/WSDOT. A reader stuck in downtown traffic sent this photo:
The Seattle Times reports on the reason for the demonstration.
11:02 AM: Per SPD via Twitter and scanner, the protesters left 4th/James and headed north on 4th, currently approaching the Westlake area.
2:44 PM: As of less than half an hour ago, SPD tweeted that the demonstrators had moved out of the road at 5th and Stewart and all downtown streets should be reopening.
9:24 PM: We and many others reported earlier this week on the uproar over 6617, the public-records-access bill approved overwhelmingly and mega-quickly by state legislators. Gov. Inslee was urged to veto it, despite it being seemingly veto-proof – and he just did, saying that he did so by request of legislators. Among those signing letters requesting the veto, two local reps who voted for the bill.
9:55 PM: The governor’s veto message is here; the House Democrats’ letter (signed by 34th District Reps. Eileen Cody and Joe Fitzgibbon) is here. The heart of it, from the latter letter, is a promise to “start again” with a collaborative “public process” over the next 9 months to “make recommendations to the 2019 Legislature.”
Another Gayles basket, 42-33 WSHS with 3 mins to go pic.twitter.com/dg3NI9oFqV
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) March 2, 2018
(WSB video: Fourth-quarter basket by tonight’s top WSHS scorer, #11 Jasmine Gayles)
FIRST REPORT, 8:38 PM: The West Seattle High School girls just won their first game in this year’s state 3A basketball-championship tournament at the Tacoma Dome – 46 to 40 over Seattle Prep – and that means they play in the semifinals here Friday night at 9 pm, vs. the winner of the Bethel-Gig Harbor game that starts here shortly. Photos, more video, and details after we get back to HQ.
THE REST OF THE STORY, 11:59 PM: Gig Harbor won, so that’s who West Seattle will face on Friday night. But before we consider that further – here’s how tonight’s Wildcats win unfolded. One thing about them – they aren’t a team built around one standout; they have three stars shining amid a galaxy of talented teammates. On any given night this year, it’s been #11 Jasmine Gayles, #32 Meghan Fiso, and/or #20 Grace Sarver piling on the points and/or pulling down the rebounds. Tonight, Gayles was atop the stats.
But that was after Fiso scored West Seattle’s first 8 points, two of them on 3-pointers, including this one:
10-4 West Seattle lead midway thru 1st quarter. Fiso has 8 of those points including this pic.twitter.com/ZviH8BKWnG
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) March 2, 2018
Gayles contributed the next six, and WSHS was out to a 14-6 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Wildcats had beaten the Panthers in both their previous two meetings of the season, and they didn’t seem terribly bothered by them now.
Foul shots by #4 Kelsey Lenzie padded that lead out to 10 points as the second quarter began. But then, the Prep players gained their footing, and cut the West Seattle lead to two points by mid-quarter. A few minutes later, they regained the lead, 19-18, though Sarver took it away with a three at 1:20 left in the half, after #34 Anissa Babitu pulled a steal.
The problem at that point was that they were being outrebounded. Prep managed to add three points before the buzzer sounded for halftime, and the Panthers held a 22-21 edge.
The Wildcats reclaimed the lead in the first minute of the second half, thanks to a Fiso field goal. The teams traded the lead for a few minutes, and then this Gayles basket put West Seattle ahead for good:
27-26 West Seattle midwsy thru 3rd Q on this Gayles basket pic.twitter.com/DPtoJuvALg
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) March 2, 2018
Last West Seattle scoring of the third quarter was a basket by #21 Julianna Horne, extending the lead to 36-28.
A Prep three-pointer made a dent in that – but that still sent the Wildcats into the final quarter with a 36-31 advantage, and they seemed clearly in control. #5 Rilcy Newsome was in the game with two minutes to go and kept the momentum high, including a basket and some key rebounds:
Things got momentarily nerve-wracking when Prep got within four points at just under a minute to go – which in basketball can be an eternity. They of course had no choice but to gamble on fouls to try for possession, and the gamble cost them two more points from WSHS foul shots … and that’s where the game ended, West Seattle 46, Seattle Prep 40, smiles all around, including head coach Darnell Taylor:
If you’re interested in cheering them on at the Tacoma Dome at 9 pm Friday, ticket info is on the right side of the brackets page.
P.S. This is the second year in a row that WSHS has had a team in the semifinals – last year, the West Seattle boys took third place at state.
If you have a gun in your residence, the Southwest Precinct has a free cable lock if you need one. Here’s the reminder sent today:
Due to recent incidents nationwide, the Seattle Police Department’s Southwest Precinct would like to remind our community about firearm safety, specifically when it comes to proper and safe storage of firearms and ammunition.
The SW Precinct has free firearm cable locks for interested community members! And we would also be happy to speak with you about firearm safety, safe storage, and general questions.
If you are interested in firearm cable locks, or in speaking with the Seattle Police Department about firearm safety, please contact Jennifer Danner, the SW Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, at Jennifer.Danner@seattle.gov or 206-256-6820.
P.S. If you missed her presentation on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design at this week’s West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting – we covered it here.
This shot will give you a better idea of where the car 🔥 is in relation to the West Seattle Bridge (the overpass above).
If you need to get to WS or points south, SR 99 looks clear past the stadiums. pic.twitter.com/UPGxZDj3Yo
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) March 2, 2018
6:44 PM: What’s described on the SFD log as a vehicle fire near the West Seattle Bridge interchangehas all lanes of southbound I-5 closed right now – so if you’re headed this way, don’t take SB 5. More to come.
7:17 PM: Now one lane open, still way backed up.
7:26 PM: Two left lanes are now open.
8:04 PM: All lanes now open, but the southbound backup is several miles.
Updates on two cases that aren’t related but coincidentally both involved suspects arrested outside local 7-11s, with sizable-enough police responses that readers texted us. First, the man arrested Tuesday outside the Highland Park 7-11:
He is 23-year-old Tylor P. Saeteurn, a resident of Pacific, now charged with two counts of attempted residential burglary. One relates to the incident that preceded his arrest, after police were called by a neighbor reporting a burglary attempt at a house in the 1200 block of SW Othello. The other is related to a break-in on Monday in which he and another person are accused of trying to break into a house in the 10100 block of Rainier Avenue South. The residents were home at the time, and one of them chased the would-be burglars, catching the unnamed second suspect, who then allegedly bit the victim’s finger. Charging documents say that house had security video that recorded the burglars and the white Escalade in which Saeteurn was stopped on Tuesday. Prosecutors also say he told police he commits burglary to fuel his drug habit and that he had used meth and heroin both days. Saeteurn currently is awaiting trial on a charge of possessing a stolen vehicle and has a criminal history including two domestic-violence cases. He remains in the King County Jail in lieu of $60,000 bail – $50,000 in this case, $10,000 for a warrant because he had skipped a hearing in the stolen-vehicle case.
Second, the case of the man arrested by Bellevue Police (including SWAT officers) last Friday night, outside the California/Charlestown 7-11:
He is 28-year-old Nicholas R. Six, who is listed on court documents as having an address in South Admiral. He is charged with robbery and stolen-property trafficking in connection with a robbery at an apartment in Bellevue on January 14th. The charging documents say that his girlfriend, who is also charged, set up the victim by going to his apartment on the pretense of prostitution, and then texted two accomplices, allegedly including Six. Two men, both masked, one with a gun, then broke in and with the girlfriend robbed the victim of about $3,000 in cash and valuables. The court documents say investigators identified Six through a trail that included social-media messages, cell-phone records, and video involving the pawning of one of the stolen items, a gold necklace, at Bellevue Rare Coins in The Junction, as well as a jailhouse phone call made by the girlfriend after she was arrested on unrelated warrants. Court documents say Sixs criminal history includes DUI, assault, theft, and drugs, and that he “has a substance abuse problem.” He remains jailed in lieu of $225,000 bail.
Just received this afternoon from Denny International Middle School principal Jeff Clark, a letter he and Chief Sealth International High School principal Aida Fraser-Hammer sent to families:
We want to share information regarding an incident that occurred yesterday. We are sending you this letter to update you and to assure you that we are always doing everything we can to support our scholars.
Late yesterday afternoon, it was reported that a Denny scholar made a threat toward the school. School administrators immediately took action to assess the situation and reported to the Seattle Police Department (SPD) and the District Safety and Security Office. The parents of scholar who made the threat have been contacted, and the scholar is being disciplined consistent with district procedures and provided additional social/emotional support. SPD has concluded its investigation and determined that it was not a credible threat.
As you are aware, our adolescents have complex social dynamics. Ensuring that our youth know appropriate behavioral expectations and that all scholars are safe is our goal. Our staff continues to discuss personal safety with scholars. We will continue to follow up about the importance of SPD’s campaign regarding “See Something, Say Something” in order to maximize safety. We are very proud of how our scholars and families responded to this incident and reported their concerns appropriately.
At school, we differentiate “reporting” from “tattle-telling.” Reporting is a responsibility when someone is hurt, in danger or in an unsafe situation. I am providing a link to some additional information that might be helpful during these discussions with your families: http://www.seattle.gov/police/community-policing/youth-safety-tips.
Please be assured that the safety and security of our scholars will always be our top priority. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We’re checking with police to see if any additional information is available.
Two biznotes this afternoon:
SAMILA & CO. OUTLET BOUTIQUE: Starting today, a new “outlet” boutique is open in the commercial space in the live-work building at 4306 SW Walker Street – behind the California SW-facing brick building best known for Mioposto. It’s an “outlet” outpost of Samila & Co., based in Redmond, which offers evening gowns, cocktail dresses, and bridal wear.
Everything is off the rack. Our flagship store price range is $300-$800, so this will be a reflection of the those type of dresses at outlet prices starting at $99 and up and sizes 0-18. We are a pretty seasonal business and a destination store and fastly approaching prom season!
Though Samila is calling this a “pop-up,” it will have regular hours – but check the website, as the company tells us that what you see there now will likely change. Samila and Co. owns the space instead of leasing it, they told WSB, and is hoping to be there long-term.
PEP BOYS SIGNAGE: If you are a customer of Elliott Tire on Fauntleroy Way SW in The Triangle, you have probably already heard that the 10-store chain was sold last year to Pep Boys. When we stopped in recently to ask about it, we were told the transition was official in December but they were still waiting for signage. Thanks to the tipster who told us this afternoon that it is now up:
Elliott Tire was founded in 1978. After taking over the chain, Pep Boys now has 20 locations in this state, almost a thousand nationwide.
(Added: King County photo)
Another ceremonial groundbreaking today – this one, just outside West Seattle, at the sprawling site that used to hold several business buildings, including a Taco Time and service station, just east of the north end of the 1st Avenue South Bridge [map]. The announcement from King County:
King County Executive Dow Constantine today led the groundbreaking ceremony for a major infrastructure project that will protect the water quality of the Duwamish River and the surrounding community.
(Rendering of now-under-construction Georgetown Wet Weather Treatment Station)
The Georgetown Wet Weather Treatment Station will treat up to 70 million gallons of polluted stormwater runoff that currently flows into the Duwamish River during severe rainstorms. It is the first of eight capstone projects that will complete King County’s four-decade work to control the combined sewer overflow that still occurs in parts of Seattle where sewer lines were installed in the early to mid-20th century.
“Today, we start work on a major King County infrastructure project that will protect the Duwamish River from stormwater pollution for the next century,” said Executive Constantine. “This is a key part of our broader effort to protect Puget Sound, restore salmon habitat, and honor treaty rights.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency selected it as one of a dozen projects nationwide that qualifies for low-interest loans through its highly competitive Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act Program. King County’s project in Georgetown is eligible for $134.5 million in loan funding, which would cover nearly half of the cost and potentially save sewer ratepayers up to $34 million.
“EPA’s new infrastructure finance and loan program aims to accelerate local investments in regionally significant and innovative water infrastructure projects,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Chris Hladick. “King County’s wet weather treatment station will build on EPA’s renewed efforts to update our nation’s water infrastructure. Completing this project will help restore and protect the Duwamish River and Puget Sound, which are among EPA’s top priorities in the Pacific Northwest.”
King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division conducted extensive community outreach throughout design phase to ensure the $262 million project reflects the local character. The sustainable design includes a green roof and cisterns to filter and collect stormwater. King County will also plant trees to improve air quality in the Georgetown neighborhood, which has one of the highest asthma rates in Seattle.
The treatment station will also provide a space for school programs and environmental education.
The five-year construction project will also generate family-wage jobs in the community. It is one of three King County construction projects that are part of a pilot program, Priority Hire, which requires contractors to train and hire construction workers living in local ZIP codes with high levels of poverty and unemployment.
In 2017 and 2018, King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division is leading more than $400 million in major capital programs that will build and upgrade existing infrastructure. The projects will create more than 900 family-wage construction jobs.
The WTD has had stormwater-related projects in West Seattle in recent years – most notably the Murray Wet Weather Facility across the street from Lowman Beach, completed last year.
(WSB photo from Taste of West Seattle 2017)
It’s the most delicious nonprofit-benefiting event of the year, and an enjoyably efficient way to sample dozens of local food and beverage purveyors – the Taste of West Seattle, presented by and benefiting West Seattle Helpline. As of today, tickets are on sale for this year’s ToWS, which is happening May 24th at The Hall at Fauntleroy. And Helpline is still signing up vendors and sponsors, too. The announcement!
The West Seattle Helpline is THRILLED to announce that Metropolitan Market is back as our presenting sponsor for Taste 2018! Metropolitan Market has been a supporter of the West Seattle Helpline since our organization was founded and we are so thankful for their steadfast support.
This local, community-based food fair is the largest event of its kind in West Seattle. This year’s Taste will feature food and drink from more than 50 different restaurants, breweries, wineries, coffee shops, bakeries, chocolatiers, and more – all from right here in West Seattle!
All proceeds from the event go directly to the West Seattle Helpline’s emergency assistance programs. These services stabilize and support low-income individuals and families in West Seattle and White Center who are recovering from a crisis or unexpected hardship.
The Taste has drawn a sell-out crowd of more than 500 people for the past seven years. Make sure to get your tickets before they sell out!
Also:
Sign up to participate as a West Seattle food/drink vendor – go here
Become a sponsor of the Taste of West Seattle 2018 – go here
The event runs from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm (VIP entry at 6:00 pm; General Admission at 6:30 pm). See our coverage from last year’s Taste of West Seattle here.
Exciting day at Gatewood Elementary even before classes started for this morning – the whole school gathered for a ceremony to break ground on the first phase the school’s playfield-improvement project. Gatewood principal Kyna Hogg led students and staff in the “roller-coaster cheer”:
This is a community-led project that’s long been in the works, as we’ve previously reported. The project co-chair, parent Linnea Westerlind, shared some updates:
– We have raised $52,212 as a community since the fall, which is added to the $100,000 matching grant we received from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. Other major contributors include the Gatewood Elementary PTA, Seattle Public Schools and Nucor Steel Seattle. More than 100 students, parents, grandparents, neighbors and community members donated to support the project.
– We are breaking ground this week on the major work for the project, which will include the new irrigated grass field, running/walking track and nature-inspired areas with swales and mounds.
– Construction costs are about 20% higher than we anticipated, so we are still raising money this spring and next year to complete the entire project, which we hope will include trees, shrubs, boulders and logs, as well as a “Gator” play sculpture.
You can donate online – and see the playfield plan! – at gatewoodplayfield.org, or drop off cash/check donations at the school office (4320 SW Myrtle).
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: Accord Contractors, the lowest bidder, will start work as soon as the permit is granted – “any day now,” Westerlind says. Work is expected to last about six weeks, during which time the playfield will be fenced off; the rest of the playground will remain open, including the two play structures.
Five options for tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and our coverage archives:
ALKI ELEMENTARY PTA: 6:30 pm meeting includes voting on the school yearbook cover-art contest. (3010 59th SW)
DESIGN REVIEW DOUBLEHEADER: Two projects go before the Southwest Design Review Board tonight at the Senior Center/Sisson Building. First, 3015 63rd SW, the Alki apartment project previewed here in January, proposed for 11 units and 19 offstreet parking spaces. See the design packet here – including three “massing” options.
This is the Early Design Guidance review, which means a focus on size and shape of the building rather than a deep dive into design details; it starts at 6:30 pm. Then at 8 pm, the board gets its second and potentially final look at 9049 20th SW in South Delridge:
It’s outlined on the city website as a proposal “to expand a building currently under construction. Expansion includes an increase of the building footprint and an additional 3 stories. The proposed uses are 22 apartments, 6 small efficiency dwelling units and 7,777 sq. ft. of office on the ground floor. Parking for 35 vehicles to be provided off-site at 9051 20th Ave SW.” See the design packet here. Both sessions will have public-comment periods. (4217 SW Oregon)
QUESTIONS ABOUT GANG ACTIVITY? You might be interested in one of the guests at tonight’s North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting in White Center, King County Sheriff’s Office Det. Joe Gagliardi. NHUAC will also hear from a representative of LIHI, which operates city-sanctioned Camp Second Chance on Myers Way, and from the Disabled American Veterans, who have a center on Delridge. All welcome, 7 pm at North Highline Fire District HQ. (1243 SW 112th)
WSHS GIRLS AT STATE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT: Over the next three days, the state’s 3A girls-basketball championship will be decided. The West Seattle High School girls’ first game is tonight, 7:15 pm at the Tacoma Dome vs. Seattle Prep. The public is welcome to cheer them on; admission prices are on the right side of the bracket page. (2727 E. D St, Tacoma)
OPENING NIGHT FOR ‘HIR’: The ArtsWest/Intiman joint production of the comedy “Hir” by Taylor Mac opens at ArtsWest tonight, directed by Jennifer Zeyl, 7:30 pm. Production and ticket info here. (4711 California SW)
SEE WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING … via our complete calendar.
Now that this is less than a week away – in case you haven’t already heard, the city library system has a one-day closure coming up next Wednesday:
All locations of The Seattle Public Library and the book drops at Central Library will be closed Wednesday, March 7 for a staff in-service day. Regular operating hours will resume Thursday, March 8.
West Seattle has four library branches, and South Park’s library is just a bit to the east. The map and list of all SPL locations citywide is here.
If a student in your household is looking ahead to the SAT, you might be interested in a preparation course to be taught in West Seattle, starting later this month, at Seattle Lutheran High School, provided there’s enough interest. Deadline for registration is one week away – Thursday, March 8th. Go here for full details, including the schedule, and the online registration form.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:04 AM: Good morning and welcome to March 2018. Just checked around – no incidents reported in/from West Seattle.
WATER TAXI FARE INCREASE: Today’s the day it takes effect – details here.
METRO CHANGES AHEAD: March 10th is the next “service change” date and it’ll bring changes and additions on some West Seattle-serving routes – here’s that info.
99 CLOSED SUNDAY MORNING: Reminder that the Battery Street Tunnel and part of Highway 99 north of it will be closed Sunday morning during the Hot Chocolate Run.
7:34 AM: Transit alert – Metro just tweeted that the 8 am Route 116 from Fauntleroy ‘will not operate this morning.’
8:03 AM: As mentioned in a comment, there’s a stalled vehicle blocking a lane on the offramp from EB West Seattle Bridge to 1st.
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