West Seattle, Washington

23 Tuesday

65℉

month : 04/2018 306 results

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Car prowler on video; hit-and-run; Paul Story sentenced; higher bail for Gregory Thompson
April 25, 2018 11:28 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Four West Seattle Crime Watch notes:

CAR PROWLER IN SUNRISE HEIGHTS: Above is reader video of a prowler trying the handles on cars parked along the alley between 34th and 35th off SW Othello. The sender reports, “I’m usually really good about locking my door but I forgot to on this night. He rummaged through my things but I’m fairly certain my dog started barking, so he left. It appears nothing was taken. He just threw my glove compartment items around my car.” After sending this, he sent an addendum: “I forgot that I had a … conversion kit for my car. It’s KETSUN brand for 2015 Hyundai Accent (either 9003 or 9005 bulbs); the kit came in a case with a big brand sticker, 2 bulbs, 2 ballasts, and a mounting kit.” If you have any info, the police report number is 18-903453.

HIT-AND-RUN IN THE JUNCTION: From Jeff:

My perfectly good Wednesday afternoon was ruined, when a car sped past and cut me off, tearing their rear bumper nearly off in the process. This happened around 5:45 pm tonight in front of Shadowland (just north of Oregon on California. Right where the right lane merges to the left to one-lane). Car sped up to get around me on my right, and while he did make it, his driver’s side rear bumper caught an air intake and the front wheel well. I pulled over but he was already speeding off, dragging his bumper behind him. Tried to catch up but King County Metro and the lights had other ideas.

Jeff says the suspect’s car was a black Scion Xb, but he didn’t get the plate; missing rear window, covered with plastic. “Now also missing rear bumper.” Jeff’s car is a white late-model Lexus 4-door sedan. Police incident # is 18-146007.

Now, two followups:

PAUL STORY SENTENCED: We last wrote a year ago about Paul D. Story, charged in the boathouse break-in after which police pulled him out of the water to arrest him. He had been in and out of jail twice since then, most recently booked in October of last year. Since then, he struck a plea bargain, pleading guilty to residential burglary and third-degree assault. Today he was sentenced to a jail term that equaled time already served, plus a residential Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative program for three to seven months, starting immediately; the register shows he was released this afternoon and court documents say he was supposed to go immediately into the custody of the service administering the program.

GREGORY THOMPSON’S BAIL INCREASED: We reported earlier this week on the arrest of Gregory Thompson of Puget Ridge, wanted on warrants for failing to appear in two drug cases. His bail has now been increased to more than $110,000, and the jail register shows he is under investigation for a possible new charge of unlawful gun possession, because of the gun found after he was arrested at Westwood Village.

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West Seattle High School’s Career Tech and Art students show their work
April 25, 2018 9:28 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle High School’s Career Tech and Art students show their work
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

From left, Galtero, Judah, and Kevon were three of the 100 students showing off projects at last night’s West Seattle High School showcase for Career Tech and Art students. Other student art that caught our photographer’s eye:

This was made with the 3-D printer Maker-Bot Replicator, we’re told:

Speaking of robots …

We also talked with students whose work ranged from nursing studies to developing a video game younger kids could play. The showcase was open to the community:

As noted in the event announcement, “WSHS’s academic programs feature teaching and learning with hands-on, project-based instruction. CAD design, woodworking, culinary, IT, auto mechanics, ceramics, photography, music, health, and human services programs.”

P.S. Just two months left in the school year … June 22nd is the final day for Seattle Public Schools.

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Seattle Public Schools Board finalizes hiring of Denise Juneau as new superintendent
April 25, 2018 8:00 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

The big headline from tonight’s Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors meeting: The board has finalized an agreement with Denise Juneau, its choice to be the district’s next superintendent. Here’s the agenda document, with highlights:

This is a 3-year agreement with annual options for extension. State law limits superintendent contracts to three years. Significant terms of the contract include the following:

• A base annual salary of $295,000.

• Performance compensation in the amount of $15,000. For the 2018-19 contract year this bonus will be earned upon successful adoption by the Board of a District Strategic Plan and a Superintendent performance evaluation structure. In future years, other goals may be identified to determine eligibility for the performance compensation amount.

• Retention compensation in the one-time amount of $30,000, which is payable in July 2023 upon five continuous years of service as superintendent.

• A Tax Sheltered Annuity Plan contribution by the District on June 30 of each year in the amount of 4% of base salary, which equals $11,800 for the first year in June 2019.

• A $700 per month vehicle allowance, which includes local travel expenses.

• The payment of reasonable moving expenses.

• A provision for employee benefits and leave days.

• During the initial transition prior to July 1, 2018, the payment for up to 15 days of contract work at a per diem rate.

• An agreement by the superintendent to maintain a residence within the City limits of Seattle within 6 months of signing the agreement.

Here’s a clip of her post-vote speech, tweeted by SPS:


Juneau is a former Montana state superintendent of public instruction and has been self-employed as a consultant since running for Congress last year. Seattle’s outgoing superintendent Dr. Larry Nyland made $276,000+ when first hired four years ago.

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UPDATE: About the police response at Don Armeni Boat Ramp
April 25, 2018 7:12 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(WSB photo)

7:12 PM: If you’re out on the West Seattle waterfront and wondering about all the police – all we have is from the scanner so far: This was dispatched as a report of possible gunfire involving someone in at least one vehicle. That has not been confirmed, and there is no word of anyone being hurt. Police are in the Don Armeni Boat Ramp vicinity right now trying to sort it all out.

7:23 PM: We are in the vicinity – the police response and the usual warm-night Alki-bound traffic are combining for some congestion.

(Texted photo)

Again via scanner, police have not found any confirmation of, or witnesses who saw, gunfire, so this might break up soon.

7:35 PM: Though one person was briefly detained, he’s been released as there is no evidence any crime was committed, police tell us. They also have cleared that person’s vehicle off to the side so Harbor will be open to traffic again.

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About the helicopter over Harbor Island earlier
April 25, 2018 6:55 pm
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 |   Helicopter | West Seattle news

Some questions about helicopter activity over Harbor Island earlier. Seattle Fire had a hazmat response at Terminal 18 on the northeast side for what was described as a “small corrosive spill.” The call closed out earlier this hour.

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FOLLOWUP: What else we’ve found out about Alki Beach’s new fire rings
April 25, 2018 4:41 pm
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Monday photo courtesy Vlad Oustimovitch)

The arrival this past Monday of new, lockable fire rings at Alki Beach Park – replacing all seven of the old ones – raised some questions, and now we’ve received answers from Seattle Parks spokesperson Christina Hirsch:

*Policies for when they’re unlocked and locked? “The exact hours/procedures for locking the lids is being determined with staff. Currently, the lids are unlocked. We will post hours and procedure information on our website in the next couple of weeks once the information has been finalized.”

*Why were the old ones replaced? The closable lid “helps to put out the fire,” Hirsch says, adding “we also ask that folks douse their fire with water.” They hope the lockability “will help prevent fires on off-hours and prevent bonfires during burn bans.” And the previous ones “were old, rusty and beginning to fall apart.”

*How much did the new ones cost? “The new pits were designed and created in-house and are like the pits we installed at Golden Gardens Park. Each pit costs approximately $1,500 (not including delivery and installation).”

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LIGHT RAIL: ‘Pigeon Ridge,’ ‘Oregon Street’ concepts survive Sound Transit Stakeholder Advisory Group’s Level 1 review
April 25, 2018 2:16 pm
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   Sound Transit | Transportation | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

They’ve been working for months on a light-rail extension we won’t see for years, but had just minutes to decide which rough-draft alternative concepts should move forward and which shouldn’t.

That’s how it went last night during the Sound Transit West Seattle/Ballard light-rail extension Stakeholder Advisory Group meeting at ST’s downtown boardroom.

The process already has been billed as hurried so that the 2030 target for opening West Seattle’s ST3-decreed line can be met or maybe even exceeded, but this stop along the route was the most rushed of all we’ve covered so far.

The meeting had begun with facilitator Diane Adams telling the group (see its membership here) being told, “Tonight you won’t need to make a ‘preferred alternative’ determination,” followed by ST executive Cathal Ridge adding, “We would at least like to make some progress down that road.”

That they did – but with little time for detailed deliberation. Here’s the bottom line for the West Seattle segment, after the tables’ discussion toward night’s end:

Sorry for the fuzzy image – the checklist slide was created on the spot, so there’s no digital version, but here’s the pre-yay/nay version of the same list so you can read and compare:

And here are the maps from last week showing details on each:

Here’s how those decisions were reached (again, the group had to decide yay/nays on the other parts of the West Seattle/Ballard extensions too, but for obvious reasons, we are mostly just reporting WS details):

Read More

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YOU CAN HELP! Midpoint for Illusions Hair Design’s weeklong West Seattle Helpline socks/underwear drive
April 25, 2018 1:51 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP! Midpoint for Illusions Hair Design’s weeklong West Seattle Helpline socks/underwear drive
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Above are Monica and Anna with the box you’ll find in the lobby at Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) this week. As we’ve mentioned a time or two, they’re collecting new socks and underwear – for women, men, and kids, all sizes – for the West Seattle Helpline. Whatever you can give, just bring it to Illusions until 8:30 pm tonight, 9:30 am-6 pm tomorrow, 9 am-6 pm Friday. They’re between The Junction and Morgan Junction, at 5619 California SW.

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DEVELOPMENT FOLLOWUPS: 4508 California SW; 3084 Avalon Way; The Kenney
April 25, 2018 11:59 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Development | The Kenney | West Seattle news

Three quick development followups:

MORE DETAILS ON JUNCTION PROJECT: On March 30th, we brought you first word of an early-stage plan for a mixed-use project at 4508 California SW. We spoke briefly with property owner Leon Capelouto, who had no additional details to share. Since then, a document that’s appeared in city files provides a few details – a rough outline for 70 residential units, 34 parking spaces, 5,450 “commercial and back of house” square feet, which compares to the 4,690 square feet of commercial space in the buildings that would be demolished. The project remains in the early, pre-application stage.

MORE DETAILS ON AVALON PROJECT: In November, we reported on an apartment building proposed for 3084 SW Avalon Way – at the time, documents did not indicate the size or unit count. The project will be going through Administrative Design Review – no meeting, but there will be a call for public comment – and the city project page says it’s planned for 7 stories and 35 apartments, with no offstreet parking.

PROJECT AT THE KENNEY: Thanks to Mike and Colby for pointing out the signs that have gone up around the perimeter of The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW):

It’s been a year and a half since the retirement center’s management/ownership previewed their scaled-back plans for redevelopment. The notice now is for part of the plan – five townhouses in two buildings on the south side of the site. We inquired with The Kenney to find out more; spokesperson Angela Johnston replied, “The new development will include several townhomes that will be offered to people age 62+. As part of The Kenney model, those residents will pay a one-time entrance fee and a monthly fee (similar to rent), which will include a variety of services and amenities. They will essentially have the best of both worlds – living independently in a single-family home, while reaping the benefits of community life with their peers.” And she says they expect to have a timeline and more details soon about other “renovations and programming changes that are happening throughout The Kenney campus.” Meantime, the signs’ appearance and official application for the townhouse construction indicates an official comment period should be opening soon – watch the Land Use Information Bulletin. (ADDED THURSDAY: And indeed, the notice is in today’s LUIB – the comment period is open through May 9th.)

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West Seattle Wednesday: See what’s up besides the sun
April 25, 2018 10:19 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Wednesday: See what’s up besides the sun
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to Lynn Hall for the scene from Tuesday night’s sunset. With another sunny/70s day ahead, sunset-watching should be excellent again tonight – here’s what to do before then:

TWO COMPUTER CLASSES: Seattle Public Library staff teaches two classes at the Senior Center of West Seattle this afternoon:

1-2:30 pm. Computer Basics 2. Work successfully in the Windows environment by learning the most common Windows features, including toolbars, the scroll bar, and text boxes. This class includes a brief intro to Word and Internet Explorer.

3-4:30 pm. Online Self Defense. Browse the internet with safety and security in mind. Learn how to protect your computer and personal information. Topics include anti-virus software, scams/phishing, passwords, and online shopping.

(4217 SW Oregon)

AFTERNOON MOVIE: 1 pm, “Jeopardy” from 1953 is what you’ll see at the Senior Center of West Seattle. $1 members, $2 nonmembers, free popcorn! (4217 SW Oregon)

KIDS’ CAFE AFTERSCHOOL MEALS: Just a reminder about one of our longrunning calendar items – 2:45-3:30 pm at High Point Library, youth 18 and under can get free food, no questions asked. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE: Stop in and talk about Highland Park! Low-key “open-house format” HPAC meeting format this month at historic Highland Park Improvement Club, 7-8:30 pm. (1116 SW Holden)

ARROYOS CITY LIGHT PROJECT OPEN HOUSE: Work starts soon to replace cables and conduit, so if you have questions, Seattle City Light will be at Southwest Library tonight for a 5:30-7 pm open house so you can get answers. (9010 35th SW)

WHAT ELSE, YOU ASK? Just visit our full calendar to see.

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YOU CAN HELP: Chief Sealth IHS looking for programmers, engineers to volunteer for TEALS program
April 25, 2018 9:43 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

microsoftguy1
(WSB photo, November 2016: TEALS founder Kevin Wang and U.S. Sen. Patty Murray at left, visiting CSIHS)

Work in tech? Able to share some time with students? Chief Sealth International High School principal Aida Fraser-Hammer has a request for you:

Chief Sealth International High School is extremely excited to announce that we are entering another year of partnership with the Technology Education And Literacy in Schools (TEALS) Program which provides support to students who want to explore computer science in the classroom. We are now planning for the 2018 – 2019 school year and as in years past, we are reaching out to the West Seattle Community in search of software programmers or engineers willing to share their programming skills with our students. Volunteers are needed in the classroom as team-teachers 2 days per week for the next school year. No teaching experience is necessary; all training and additional supports will be provided by the TEALS program.

TEALS volunteers have enjoyed a successful partnership with Sealth by exposing students to challenging coursework which has been extremely successful in getting students hooked into computer programming and interested in pursuing higher education in the field of computer science. Volunteer training is provided during the summer and involvement in the classroom varies. Volunteers can team-teach or simply help out in the Computer Science classroom. They commit to two days per week during the 1st period of the day which allows them to maintain their regular work schedule.

Past volunteers have provided classroom support to students and have enjoyed helping teach CS in the classroom. Others have actually used the opportunity as a testing ground to explore a career in teaching.

Sealth students started exploring Python in the 2nd semester last year, and although Python mastery is absolutely not a requirement for volunteers, we would be particularly excited if any Python pros would like to help us for next year. Interested CS professionals are encouraged to explore more at the volunteer section of the TEALS website or contact Sealth teacher Luke Azinger (206-252-8550) for more information.

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West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2018: 2 1/2 weeks away; registration deadline tomorrow night
April 25, 2018 9:25 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2018: 2 1/2 weeks away; registration deadline tomorrow night
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Another update on West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2018 – only two and a half weeks until the big day of sales all around the peninsula, all sizes, all neighborhoods, Saturday, May 12th! Thanks to everyone who has registered so far – 265+ sales and counting. If you’ve been waiting to sign up yours, you’re almost out of time; the registration deadline is TOMORROW NIGHT (Thursday, April 26th, 11 pm). You’ll find the signup form here. Important note for sellers – please be sure you got a PayPal receipt as well as our confirmation note – several are showing as having not completed that step of the process, and so we don’t know whether that means you changed your mind or just had trouble with the system. If you didn’t, please send a note to westseattleblog@gmail.com and we can send you a special link. As soon as signups conclude tomorrow night, we get to work making the map and list so everyone can access the clickable and printable versions one week before sale day, both here and at westseattlegaragesale.com.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch
April 25, 2018 7:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

7:01 AM: Good morning and welcome to sunny Wednesday. No incidents in/from West Seattle, and no local traffic alerts so far.

7:31 AM: Thanks for the tip about a crash at 40th/Alaska; SDOT says it has already cleared.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 35th SW arrest; car prowls, dumped items
April 24, 2018 10:54 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 35th SW arrest; car prowls, dumped items
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two notes before the night’s out:

ARREST ON 35TH SW: We received some questions about an incident around 7 pm tonight on 35th SW – police were reported to have arrested a man at gunpoint. We didn’t hear about it until afterward but asked at the precinct. They told us it was a “person in crisis” situation – the man had a knife and was walking in and out of the road. He was taken into custody without anyone being hurt.

CAR PROWLS FOLLOWED BY DUMPED ITEMS: The photo and report are from Tony:

We live on the 3400 block of 44th Ave SW. Two nights ago someone car-prowled their way down 44th Ave sw. Our car was hit but fortunately we had nothing of value inside. Anyways while on a walk this evening my wife and I spotted what looked like possibly some ditched belongings potentially from the car prowl due to proximity and location. On 44th just South of Charlestown St on the east side of the street was this small pile. I’m mainly writing due to the fact there were two sets of what looked to be car keys which I know can be expensive and potentially hard to replace.

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BIZNOTE: Junction bank says farewell to longtime leader
April 24, 2018 8:20 pm
|    Comments Off on BIZNOTE: Junction bank says farewell to longtime leader
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

The Junction branch of Chase wanted you to know their longtime leader is moving on:

We at the West Seattle Chase Bank Branch would like to inform our customers and the community that after thirteen years, our powerhouse manager, Dawn Park, will be taking on a new role in the company. Sadly, her last day will be April 25th.

Dawn, thank you for being a great leader and congratulations on your new adventure. You will be missed.

That’s tomorrow; hours are 9 am-6 pm.

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BASEBALL: WSHS vs. Sealth rematch Saturday. First – the Wildcats’ home-finale win
April 24, 2018 6:40 pm
|    Comments Off on BASEBALL: WSHS vs. Sealth rematch Saturday. First – the Wildcats’ home-finale win
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Next stop for the West Seattle High School varsity baseball team: Postseason! Thanks to Porter Hammer for the report and photos on the regular-season finale Monday at Hiawatha:

The West Seattle High School baseball team finished the regular season strong with a 10-9 victory over a tough Bishop Blanchet team.

(Senior players from left to right, with Head Coach Bryan Tupper: Nathan Villegas, Alex Pastrana, Kit Lui, Coach Tupper, Anthony Coates, Jordan Berridge, Jaquan Buchanan, Leland Gropper)

This was the final regular season game for 7 West Seattle High seniors, and they were honored at the end of the game with their families.

Senior player Kit Lui (above) got the start on the mound, and went 4 strong innings.

Junior Matt Morin came in for 1.1 innings of great relief, and Junior Ruben Gut (above) pitched 1.2 innings and sealed the victory with a strikeout to end the game.

Junior Kai Osaka (above) had an incredible game, going 4 for 4 with 4 RBIs. Kai had two doubles, including a bases-clearing 3 RBI double in the bottom of the 4th inning. He also initiated 2 key double plays on defense.

Jackson Sullivan, Anthony Coates, and Kit Lui all finished with 2 hits each.

It was a strong finish for first-year Head Coach Bryan Tupper‘s team, and next year is very promising as the JV team is particularly loaded with talent. They also got the win, 7-6 versus the Bishop Blanchet JV team, with freshman Nate Rasmussen pitching 6 innings.

West Seattle now moves on to the playoffs, with a loser-out game versus rival Chief Sealth International High School this Saturday at 10am at the Southwest Athletic Complex baseball field just north of Westwood Village. West Seattle versus Sealth is usually a well-attended and fierce matchup, so don’t miss it! The loser is done for the season, and the winner continues on in the playoffs. See you at the SWAC, 10 am Saturday!

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JUNCTION PARKING: ‘Free’ lot tax-bill update; SDOT briefing Thursday
April 24, 2018 4:21 pm
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Two notes about West Seattle Junction parking, starting with an update on the “free” lots:

(Aerial view of The Junction and its lots, photographed by Long Bach Nguyen)

‘FREE’ LOTS’ TAX SITUATION: We first told you in early March about a dilemma facing the West Seattle Junction Association in its continuing rental of the lots where WSJA provides free parking. In short, WSJA was facing paying an almost-doubled tax bill, because its lease with Trusteed Properties, which owns the lots, passes the tax cost entirely on to WSJA in its rent. So a case was being made to the King County Assessor’s Office to lower the rate, at least for the near future. WSJA executive director Lora Swift tells WSB that the assessor will recommend to the county Board of Equalization that the bill be lowered – at least for this tax year and next. It’s not final yet, and it would still mean a higher tax bill for The Junction, which will have to fundraise to cover the added cost – details to come on how you can help – but, as Swift puts it, the break will be “just enough to give us a breather” and plan for the future.

JuNO TALKS PARKING THURSDAY: Completely separate from the privately owned “free” lots, the status of street parking in The Junction is on the agenda for the Junction Neighborhood Organization this Thursday (April 26th), 6:30 pm at the Senior Center/Sisson Building (4217 SW Oregon). This is a followup to the briefing that SDOT presented to WSJA two months ago (WSB coverage here), at which time SDOT reps said this briefing would also include an update on the status of a potential RPZ in some Junction-area neighborhoods. See JuNO’s agenda preview in our calendar listing.

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Whisky West: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor!
April 24, 2018 3:01 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | WS beverages

Today we’re welcoming one of our newest WSB sponsors, Whisky West in Morgan Junction! Here’s what they would like you to know about their business:

Whisky West is a local, family-owned business, operated by Colin and Donna Pickering, who have called West Seattle home for years. After owning and running the Whisky Bar in Seattle’s Belltown, they decided to open a new location a little closer to home.

Whisky West, conveniently located just north of the corner of Fauntleroy Way and California Avenue SW, specializes in whisky, craft cocktails, and good bar food. Colin hails from northern England, where the cuisine has a distinct British flair. Fish & chips, scotch eggs, and meat pies are all standard fare. Whisky is by far not the only standard; the bar boasts 20 rotating beer taps and an exquisite bottle program. Whisky West is proud to feature trivia, whisky tastings, and the occasional music.

As a family-owned place so close to home, the Pickerings’ main goal is to have a comfortable, laid-back place for anyone to hang out and unwind. While there are well-executed craft cocktails on the menu, the bar and staff are not pretentious; it’s the perfect place to stay, and have fun with old friends and new.

The space has changed a lot over the years, from its humble beginnings as a local hardware store to the more recent Feedback Lounge. Since the Pickerings took over the spot, opening in July 2016, the inside has changed considerably, adding lots of light, large windows that can open to the great outdoors in summer, to the warm wood covering the bar, perfect for cozying up in winter. With a local charm and down-home feel, we hope to make you part of the family for years to come!

We thank Whisky West for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Gatewood crash
April 24, 2018 2:30 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Gatewood | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Nasty-looking crash at 41st SW/SW Elmgrove in Gatewood a short time ago – but we are told no major injuries and no one will have to taken to the hospital. We’re mentioning it because 41st SW is a busier side street than most, including part of the 22 Metro bus route.

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SEEN ON SHORE: ‘Very large’ shark washes up south of Fauntleroy ferry dock
April 24, 2018 2:13 pm
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

Sara sent the photo, saying that “very large” shark washed up on the beach not too far south of the Fauntleroy ferry dock over the weekend. She reported it to the state Fish and Wildlife Department; after sending them the photo, she said, they thought it might be a soupfin shark. Any other guesses?

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If you’re trying to send us email …
April 24, 2018 1:35 pm
|    Comments Off on If you’re trying to send us email …
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online

We mentioned last month that our email-serving company was having trouble. While we are working on moving to a different company (not so easy with the huge amount of email we have stored over the past decade-plus), the problem has worsened – not just for us, but for other customers – and our main account has been all but inaccessible when it’s most important, during the day and early evening hours.

Luckily we have a backup Gmail account that works well, so for now, if you’re sending us anything, please send it to (or at least CC it to) westseattleblog@gmail.com.

We hope to have this problem resolved soon. (Side note – this is NOT affecting the WSB website itself, which we moved last year to a different company that’s done an excellent job of keeping it up, running, and responsive, even in times of breaking-news overload.) Our apologies and thanks, as always.

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Next step for Delridge Triangle safety and accessibility: Community to seek matching-fund grant
April 24, 2018 11:49 am
|    Comments Off on Next step for Delridge Triangle safety and accessibility: Community to seek matching-fund grant
 |   Delridge | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy WWRHAH)

At right in the photo above is the space that’s been dubbed the Delridge Triangle, where community members have been working to make the space safer and more accessible for everyone. They’re about to take the next step, and hoping you want to come along and collaborate! The announcement is from Kim Barnes:

WWRHAH.org, in partnership with the South Delridge Community Group, is pleased to announce the Your Voice, Your Choice 2017 award improvements will start this summer! As the scope of these improvements is finalized by SDOT, the Friends of the Delridge Triangle are now ready to move forward with the next step to create a safe and useable community space for everyone with help from the 2018 Neighborhood Matching Fund.

The SDOT-managed “parklet,” located at 9201 Delridge Way and framed by Barton Street SW at 18th Ave SW, will leverage the grant application in two phases: Phase one will focus on the selection and hire of a landscape architect to create a stepped redesign plan and budget to build out the space. The chosen firm will meet with the community Fall/Winter 2018 to reimagine the Triangle by applying the desired outcomes generated from the 2017 in workshop SDOT. You can see the [WSB] coverage of the 2017 meeting with an overview of the desired outcomes: “From Problems to Possibilities.”)

Our first=round table application meeting will take place on April 30th, from 6:30-8 pm at 2 Fingers Social, 9211 Delridge Way SW. Kids are welcome until 8 pm so all are welcome. Get to know your neighbors and learn about the background, desired outcomes and opportunities at a mini community social at 6:30 pm. Specific application questions will then be fielded to the appointed fund coordinator from 7-8 pm. Please join in to hear how we can work together to make the Triangle safe and accessible for the neighborhood! For more information, contact Kim Barnes at: WWRHAHCommunityCoalition@gmail.com

We reported on the 2017 Your Voice, Your Choice winners last August.

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West Seattle Tuesday: Light rail; crime & safety; two dine-out fundraisers; more!
April 24, 2018 10:12 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Tuesday: Light rail; crime & safety; two dine-out fundraisers; more!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Caspian Terns are back, reports Mark Wangerin, sharing this photo)

What you can do today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

DINE OUT AT JOE’S TO KEEP FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL FREE: 8 am-10 pm, dine at Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor) and part of the proceeds benefit the Fauntleroy Fall Festival (never been? here’s our coverage from last year). Raffle baskets, too. (9261 45th SW)

NIA MOVING TO HEAL: New class starts at High Point Community Center today, 11:45 am – details here. (6920 34th SW)

HELP THE HELPLINE @ ILLUSIONS: Donation drive continues today at Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) for the West Seattle Helpline:

***NEW*** Socks & Underwear for Men, Women & Kids! The West Seattle Helpline is in GREAT NEED of ALL sizes! These are staple items that they find are in high demand year round. During regular business hours, you can drop off any ***NEW*** socks &/or underwear into our special dropbox in our salon lobby!

Today’s hours at Illusions are noon-8:30 pm. (5619 California SW)

DINE OUT FOR ALKI ELEMENTARY: 4-8 pm at Marination Ma Kai, part of the proceeds go to the Alki Elementary PTA: “This is Alki’s first Dine Out of the year and the first at Marination in over 2 years! Let’s show our community how Alki SHOWS UP and supports local businesses while rubbing elbows with Alki families and supporting Alki PTA and the students of Alki Elementary! Hope to see you there!” (1660 Harbor SW)

LIGHT-RAIL DECISIONMAKING ROLLS ON: The Stakeholder Advisory Group for the Sound Transit West Seattle/Ballard light-rail extensions meets again today, just one week after the last meeting due to scheduling quirks, as the process of getting to a “preferred alternative” for the route and station locations continues. Public welcome, though there’s no spoken comment opportunity. 5-8 pm at ST’s Ruth Fisher Boardroom on the south side of downtown. (401 S. Jackson)

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SHOWCASE: As previewed here Monday, you’re invited, 6-8 pm, to see students in the Career Tech Education and Art Department showcase what they’ve been working on. In the Commons at WSHS. (3000 California SW)

ARBOR HEIGHTS SIDEWALK PROJECT MEETING: 6-8 pm at Arbor Heights Elementary, come get information, and answers to your questions, about the upcoming sidewalk project on 35th SW, which also includes drainage work that will close part of the street. Here’s our preview. (3701 SW 104th)

PATHFINDER K-8 PTSA: 6:30-8:30 pm at the school:

Need support when it comes to technology and parenting? Not sure what social media is safe and what isn’t? Come join us for an informative presentation and discussion about navigating parenting in the digital world we live in. Guest speaker Jo Langford — local therapist, sex educator, and dad — will present to us “Digital Parenting for Digital Kids.” Learn how to up your parenting game with understanding “platinum rules” of behaving online with an audience and the “Three M’s” (Maintenance, Monitoring and Mentorship) of a high-quality conversation about what their online interactions actually look like. In addition, we will have PTSA news, a Principal report from David and Spirit Wear on sale (cash or check). Questions: Email us at president@pathfinderk8ptsa.org

(1901 SW Genesee)

HIGHLINE PREMIER FC SOCCER TRYOUTS: They start tonight, as previewed here earlier this week: Boys and girls, 2009 and 2010, 6-7:30 pm tonight, at Walt Hundley Playfield. (34th/Myrtle)

WEST SEATTLE BLOCK WATCH CAPTAINS NETWORK: Would you recognize signs of human trafficking? That’s the spotlight topic at tonight’s WSBCWCN meeting, 6:30 pm at the Southwest Precinct, along with updates from local police. (2300 SW Webster)

LOTS MORE, SO PLEASE BROWSE OUR FULL CALENDAR … by going here.

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