West Seattle, Washington

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month : 04/2018 306 results

From past test to future schedule @ Washington State Ferries’ Triangle Task Force
April 8, 2018 4:59 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from February, approaching Fauntleroy)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Tomorrow night, six weeks of pavement and pathway work will start at the Fauntleroy ferry dock, aimed at keeping it viable until its scheduled replacement in about seven years.

That’s part of what the Washington State Ferries Triangle Improvement Task Force members heard about at their most recent meeting – projects in the near and distant future.

We’ve already published details of the dock work. So now, here’s what else was talked about at the task force meeting:

WSF is still working on the challenge that originally led to the task force’s creation – improving efficiency at the Fauntleroy terminal. Part of the meeting was spent reviewing results of a two-week experiment last month. You can see the results in the slide deck used for the meeting:

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Weekend scene: Emerald City Ride on the Alaskan Way Viaduct
April 8, 2018 2:29 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news

Thanks to Gary Potter from Potter Construction (WSB sponsor) for the photos from this morning’s big ride on the Alaskan Way Viaduct:

Rode the Emerald City Ride with Cascade Bike Club this morning. Even the rain didn’t dampen the excitement of being on the viaduct. Great fun!

You can see some other scenes from the ride on the Cascade Twitter feed.

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FOLLOWUP: See what local businesses consider their biggest challenges, and what’s being done to address them
April 8, 2018 12:17 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Do you want to live in a neighborhood with thriving independent businesses? Take a few minutes to find out about what the businesses here now see as their biggest challenges. The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and West Seattle Junction Association did just that, to be able to share the information with you, with the help of a grant from the city Office of Economic Development. As part of the project, they convened a gathering of local businesspeople last fall:

(WSB photo, October 2017)

We covered it here. Since then, we’ve told you a bit about the project’s results, as described at recent meetings, including the Southwest District Council and the WSJA merchants. Now we have the official news release, from WSJA and WSCoC:

The challenges listed were:

“The goals of this project were to determine the key challenges that West Seattle businesses face, identify common threads between business nodes, and collect information on key resources available to the community. The results of the report gave us the forum to have impactful conversations with business owners.” said Lora Swift, Executive Director of WSJA. “Now our organizations (WSJA and WSCC) have a deeper understanding of the challenges in West Seattle, and how we can build a better business community by combining the strengths of our organizations.”

The qualitative study was done through 32 in-depth interviews primarily with small business owners in the seven business nodes (Alaska Junction, Morgan, Alki, Avalon, Admiral, 35th, Westwood Village) and a few community stakeholders, all located in West Seattle.

There were four recommendations from the report:

1) Market West Seattle to New Residents

2) Close Divide Between City of Seattle and West Seattle Businesses

3) Continue Hosting Solutions-Focused Programming

4) Get Involved in West Seattle Mural Project

Selected quotes from interviews:

“We fell in love with this place. After looking all over the city, we decided that unless we could live and work in West Seattle, we weren’t going to move [to Seattle].”
-Small business owner on Alki

“Parking is the biggest challenge. My business depends on people getting in and out quickly. Lack of parking would drive us out of the Junction.” -Small business owner in the Junction

“I feel that the Seattle City Council sees business as an adversary and a checkbook.” -Business owner in Alki

“We feel helpless at times. We hope it will get better, but it’s exhausting.” -Small business owner in the Alaska Junction

“That’s my biggest fear, that people will move in and turn West Seattle into a bedroom community for downtown.” -Small business owner in the Junction

“The new minimum wage is killing the restaurant business.” -Restaurant owner on Alki

“Well, do we go back to dumpster diving for packing materials? Would we do that for our employees to have health insurance? I guess we would.” -Retail business owner in Avalon

“I don’t feel like the city cares about small business. They care about Trader Joe’s. We’re just a blink.” -Small business owner in the Alaska Junction

“The partnership of the WS Junction Association and the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce allows two organizations, each with a small professional staff, to make a positive impact on the business community. Using this information, we are moving forward. Immediately after the study, an application was completed and a 2018 grant from the Office of Economic Development gives us seed money for a pilot program marketing West Seattle to new residents,” said Lynn Dennis, CEO, West Seattle Chamber of Commerce.

Part of the results were geared toward a way to connect all of the West Seattle resources together in a living website. The website would focus on gathering resources around West Seattle that could be referenced by both business and citizens. The result was the new West Seattle Resource Roundup site that ties together nonprofits, media, city and neighborhood groups.

wsresourceroundup.com

*************

The Junction is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that was developed to pay for the parking lots in the Junction. The Junction Association merchants produce many community events throughout the year including Art Walk (year-round 2nd Thursdays), Summer Fest (July), West Seattle Outdoor Movies (July-August) Harvest Festival (October), and Hometown Holidays (December). In addition, the Junction Association merchants pay to keep the streets of the Junction safe & clean, plus we fund the 95 flower baskets that beautify the Junction from May through September.

The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) that has served as the leading advocate for the West Seattle business community since 1923. A volunteer-based group of businesses and individuals takes advantage of benefits including networking opportunities, educational programs and a unified voice in governmental affairs that impact our business environment. The Chamber focuses on the sustainable economic growth of a diverse, viable business community on the West Seattle peninsula.

You can read the full report resulting from the project by going here.

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Two weeks until spring Recycle Roundup; one change on the list
April 8, 2018 11:05 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

Two weeks from today, you’ll be able to drop off recyclables at Fauntleroy Church, during the spring Recycle Roundup. There’s been one change since we first published the list of what they will accept this time, so take a close look before you finish rounding up whatever you plan to drop off: Instead of “flat screen” computer monitors, 1 Green Planet will only be accepting LCD computer monitors. Here’s the updated list (PDF). Dropoff hours will be 9 am-3 pm Sunday, April 22nd, in the lot outside the church at 9140 California SW. As usual, no charge, but the church’s Green Committee always appreciates donations.

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West Seattle Sunday: From Catsino to Correo Aereo, and more – plus a traffic alert
April 8, 2018 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Sunday: From Catsino to Correo Aereo, and more – plus a traffic alert
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

We start with this morning’s big traffic alert:

VIADUCT CLOSURE: One more reminder that the Emerald City Ride is happening on NB Highway 99 this morning, and that means no motorized traffic – until 9:30 am, all the way from here to the north end of the Aurora Bridge; until 11:30 am, from here to Western Avenue.

Now, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREE ZUMBINI DEMO: For kids up to 4 years old and their parent/caregiver – free demo class at Lee’s Martial Arts, 9:30-10:15 am. (3270 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: In the street, 10 am-2 pm – vegetables, fruit, meat, cheese, flowers, beverages, prepared foods, more – and shop your Junction retailers while you’re there! (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

MEET THE GREYHOUNDS: Meet-and-greet at MudBay‘s Admiral store with Greyhound Pets Inc., 11 am-1 pm. (2611 California SW)

CATSINO: Play games and bid, to help animals and their advocates! 2-6 pm, the annual fun(draiser) is happening at Beveridge Place Pub in Morgan Junction. 21+. Details in our calendar listing. (6413 California SW)

CAMP SECOND CHANCE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: One week later this month because of Easter and Passover last weekend. 2 pm at Arrowhead Gardens, all are welcome to come hear updates on the city-sanctioned encampment on Myers Way, and to ask questions. (9200 2nd SW)

CORREO AEREO: Award-winning Latin American music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)

LADIES’ MUSICAL CLUB: Free classical concert at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 3 pm, “featuring songs by Janet Anderson and vocal works from 20th-century American opera.” (2306 42nd SW)

PREP PLANTING PARTY: Great way to wrap up your weekend – come help with planting at Puget Ridge Edible Park! 4-6 pm. (5265 18th SW)

BLUE AVENUE, FEVER POINT, LUBEDO: Three local bands at The Skylark, 5 pm, $5 cover, all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

MORE FOR TODAY, AND BEYOND … just take a look at our complete calendar!

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TRAFFIC REMINDER: Emerald City Ride on NB Highway 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct Sunday morning
April 7, 2018 9:22 pm
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC REMINDER: Emerald City Ride on NB Highway 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct Sunday morning
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

One more reminder – Sunday morning, if you’re not participating in the Cascade Bicycle Club’s Emerald City Ride, you won’t be using northbound Highway 99. From about 6 am to 11:30 am, it’ll be closed from here to Western Avenue; 6 to 9:30 am, it’ll also be closed north of that stretch, all the way north to Bridge Way. Here’s the full WSDOT alert. (The full list of road-access changes for the ride is here.)

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WEEKEND LISTENING, PLUS PIZZA: Local podcaster invites you to a taste test
April 7, 2018 8:18 pm
|    Comments Off on WEEKEND LISTENING, PLUS PIZZA: Local podcaster invites you to a taste test
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online | West Seattle people

Andrew Stuckey launched Podcast: West Seattle earlier this year, and is up to the third of his monthly installments – listen to it below:

This one bites into topics including West Seattle/White Center pizza, with a playoff of sorts. And he has an in-person event coming up, with an invitation for you – but a little bit about him first:

Andrew explains that his podcast isn’t a commercial enterprise:

I have lived in West Seattle for about 9 years (2005-2007 / 2012-Present). I taught high school English and Social Studies for 15 years, most recently at TAF Academy in Federal Way. I recently decided to change careers and go into audio production, and this podcast project is an excuse to go through the process of telling stories in the audio medium. Essentially the podcast is practice for a job I hope to have some day, and hopefully some of the segments will be portfolio-worthy. I created the format because it allows me to practice telling the types of stories I want to tell while satisfying some intellectual curiosity about the fascinating neighborhood we live in.

He adds, “You can subscribe on iTunes by searching for Podcast: West Seattle.” (You’ll find the first two on SoundCloud, too.)

Now, the in-person event (which is also on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar): 5-6 pm on Tuesday, April 17th, stop by Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) to help decide the pizza-tournament winner. Listen to his podcast to see how the field of 16 got narrowed down!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen green Cirrus (update: found!)
April 7, 2018 6:23 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen green Cirrus (update: found!)
 |   Arbor Heights | Crime | West Seattle news

Out of the WSB inbox, from Aiko:

My forest green 2000 Chrysler Cirrus LX was stolen from the front of my house this morning between 12:00 am-7:15 am. I live in the 9000 block of 32nd Ave SW in the Arbor Heights neighborhood. The license plate number is BGK1449. I have reported this to Seattle Police.

If you see it, call 911.

APRIL 18TH UPDATE: Aiko tells us her car was found today in SODO.

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Memorial planned April 15 for Donald E. Charles, 1957-2018
April 7, 2018 3:11 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather one week from tomorrow to remember Don Charles. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing with the community:

Donald Edward Charles, 2/26/1957-4/2/2018

Beloved son, husband, father, and Papa.

Don was a Navy Veteran who worked at various shipyards around Puget Sound and spent many years coaching youth sports.

Survived by his wife Lisa of 40 years, his parents Don and Marilyn, sisters Debra and Diana, and various aunts and uncles. Don had 5 children, DJ (Tara), Michelle (Mason), Kaitlin (Justin), Brentt, and Tumua. He also had 4 beautiful grandchildren, Kaleena, Mason, Kaeson, and Kailayah.

Don had an open-door policy and welcomed everyone in his home. He lived his life his way and will be greatly missed.

His memorial service will be held at The Cove in Normandy Park on April 15th @ 2 pm.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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5 weeks until West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2018! Here’s how registration is going
April 7, 2018 12:56 pm
|    Comments Off on 5 weeks until West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2018! Here’s how registration is going
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

“We have stuff; you want stuff.” That just might be the ultimate description of West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, and it’s in the ad for one of the more than 55 sellers who have already signed up. The 14th annual WSCGSD is now five weeks away – at this time on Saturday, May 12th, we’ll be in the heart of it (with cheerier weather, we hope). As usual, sellers are already signed up for sales of all sizes, in many neighborhoods – a quick review of the registrations so far span north to south, east to west, including, alphabetically:

Alki
Beach Drive
Belvidere
Cottage Grove
East Admiral
Fairmount Springs
Fauntleroy
Gatewood
Genesee
Highland Park
High Point
The Junction
Lincoln Park
Morgan Junction
North Admiral
North Delridge
North Shorewood
Pigeon Point
Puget Ridge
South Admiral
South Delridge
Sunrise Heights
Westwood

And many types of items, for all ages, just about all interests. One seller promises “Extraordinary treasures.” (Did we mention we have at least half a dozen businesses participating so far, too?) Registration continues for another two and a half weeks, so you have time to decide whether to participate, but don’t procrastinate … deadlines have a way of sneaking up. Just go here to register, and be sure to have your up-to-20-words ad ready to include. The map/list, in printable and clickable versions, will be available one week in advance as always. More updates to come! (File photo from a past WSCGSD)

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Expired, no-longer-needed prescription medication in your home? Drug Take-Back Day 2018 is 3 weeks away
April 7, 2018 11:08 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Health | Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Don’t flush it, don’t toss it – if you have expired or unneeded prescription medication to get rid of, Drug Take-Back Day is only three weeks away. Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis sends the reminder that the national event is set for 10 am-2 pm on Saturday, April 28th, and the precinct is a drop-off spot as usual, 2300 SW Webster. P.S. If that day doesn’t work for you, note that the Junction QFC pharmacy is now a year-round dropoff spot. (Photo – start of 5th bag filled by dropoffs during last October’s Drug Take-Back Day at the SW Precinct)

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West Seattle Saturday: From Tai Chi to timebanking, baseball to baking, and more…
April 7, 2018 7:58 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: From Tai Chi to timebanking, baseball to baking, and more…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Barrow’s Goldeneyes, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Lots happening this Saturday – including these highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TAI CHI AT THE BEACH BEGINS! 9 am at Alki Beach, the first scheduled session of the year! By donation. Meet by Statue of Liberty Plaza. (61st SW/Alki SW)

BENEFIT RUMMAGE SALE: 9 am-3 pm at Hope Lutheran, second and final day of the mega-rummage sale to benefit missions to Mexico. (42nd SW/SW Oregon)

SOUTHWEST LITTLE LEAGUE JAMBOREE: Team photos at 8 am, opening ceremony 11 am, first game noon at Steve Cox Memorial Park. (1321 SW 102nd)

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL @ SAFECO FIELD: Not only do you get into Safeco Field for free, you get to watch West Seattle High School‘s baseball team! 12:30 pm vs. Mt. Si. (1250 1st Ave. S.)

PRINCESS ANGELINE SPRING TEA: The annual benefit tea at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse in West Seattle, 1-3 pm. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

DISASTER SKILLS CLASS IN VIETNAMESE: 1-3 pm, free class in disaster skills, taught in Vietnamese, no preregistration necessary, High Point Library. (35th/Raymond)

CAKE POP-UP: 3-6 pm, drop by BAKED Custom Cakes in Admiral for a pop-up show by Rat City Studios, showing and selling ceramic cake cups and cake stands. Bites by BAKED! Admission free. (2604 California SW)

TALK WITH YOUR SCHOOL BOARD DIRECTOR: 3-5 pm at High Point Library, drop in to talk about school-related issues with Leslie Harris, who is president of the Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors and representative for West Seattle/High Point. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

DUWAMISH ROWING CLUB FUNDRAISER: 6-10 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club, enjoy a chili dinner, silent auction, guest speaker, and more, to support this area’s only rowing club. Details in our calendar listing. (1116 SW Holden)

WEST SEATTLE MEANINGFUL MOVIE: ‘Time Is Money’ is this month’s movie – a documentary about timebanking, which is flourishing in West Seattle thanks to the WS Timebank. 6:30 pm social time, 7 pm movie at Neighborhood House High Point, followed by discussion. All welcome. More info in our calendar listing. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

TOM BERGHAN & JUBA: Live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), “music from when America was young.” 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

THE FLASHBACKS: 8 pm at Great American Diner and Bar in The Junction, with classic sounds. No cover. (4752 California SW)

THAT’S NOT ALL … see our complete calendar for even more of what’s happening today, tonight, beyond.

P.S. Most events are sent to us well in advance for calendar inclusion (editor@westseattleblog.com) and we won’t necessarily get word if outdoor activities are changed at the last minute because of weather like today’s … so apologies in advance if you encounter anything like that!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Alki Point mailbox break-in; High Point gunfire reports
April 6, 2018 11:53 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

11:53 PM: From Thom:

We had a mailbox break-in at our apartment today at 6609 SW Admiral Way. Around 12:30 pm, my wife found the mailbox panel pried open. It’s not clear if they were interrupted or if they were targeting a specific box, but some boxes had all contents removed (ours included) while others still had mail in them. Who knows what, if anything, they got away with.

They seem to have popped it open with a crowbar just above the locking mechanism, because the whole assembly is open and there’s a large bent portion in the metal frame right where the lock engages. … If anyone finds any discarded mail in a bush or alley or somewhere from 6609 SW Admiral Way, 98116 I’d be curious to hear about it.

ADDED 1:15 AM: Police are investigating multiple reports of gunfire – five or six shots –
heard in High Point, near the 3000 block of SW Graham. (We have received a texted report, too.) No victim reported, and so far we’re not hearing any word of other confirmation such as casings or property damage.

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BETTER READY THAN SORRY: Disaster drill April 28 to focus on power-outage scenario. You can help!
April 6, 2018 9:40 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fauntleroy | High Point | Pigeon Point | Preparedness | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo from past drill)

Early heads-up in case you can help – three weeks from tomorrow, neighborhood volunteers could use your help during another disaster drill. Here’s the announcement:

Imagine if all power and normal communications were down – what would you do?

Come see what your community is doing to be prepared.

Join us in a simulated full city power outage field exercise of the Seattle Emergency Communications Hubs and the Seattle Auxiliary Communication Service

April 28, 2018, 9:00 am – noon

Join us as a participant or a volunteer!

Emergency communication hubs – predetermined meeting places you would go for information in case of a catastrophic loss of regular communication – will be “activated” citywide for the drill, including three in West Seattle. Show up at one of them to be part of the April 28th drill:

• Fauntleroy United Church of Christ (9140 California SW)
• High Point Neighborhood House (6400 Sylvan Way SW)
• Pigeon Point (20th SW/SW Genesee)

Even if you can’t participate in or even observe this drill, check the West Seattle hubs map to learn the location nearest you, just in case:

You’ll find more West Seattle-specific preparedness information at westseattlebeprepared.org.

P.S. To sign up in advance as a volunteer/participant, or if you have a question, e-mail info@westseattlebeprepared.org.

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READER REPORT: Repair and prevention work at Myrtle Reservoir Park, after field damage
April 6, 2018 8:55 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

That’s what part of the field at Myrtle Reservoir Park looked like last Sunday, damaged by a driver. The photo is from Karen Berge of the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network, who shared it along with followup photos taken today after she noticed Seattle Parks has taken repair and prevention measures since then:

I went through Myrtle Reservoir Park this afternoon and was happy to see a solution in the SW corner of the park that should keep people from driving vehicles in – strategically placed boulders.

A day or two ago I noticed that they had graded and reseeded the lawn. They’ve positioned a big sign there asking that folks stay on the paths.

The park was built in 2010, after the city covered what had been an open-air reservoir.

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VIDEO: Highland Park Elementary’s first Move-A-Thon!
April 6, 2018 6:51 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Spring break has just begun for Seattle Public Schools – classes resume on April 16th. And it was a fun final pre-break day at Highland Park Elementary, as HPE PTA president Connie Wolf explains:

This morning Highland Park Elementary students rocked the tie dye at our first annual Move-A-Thon!

This fun event was made possible by our incredible school staff, passionate parents, and community-minded sponsors (Rain City West Screen Printing, Roxbury Lanes, Pagliacci Pizza, and West Seattle Runner). Also a very special thanks to our friends at Gatewood Elementary and Genesee Hill Elementary for their guidance. It’s been a landmark year for the HPE PTA, and it has everything to do with the support we’ve received from our West Seattle village.

(HPE principal Chris Cronas)

This is what your generosity and thoughtfulness helps us accomplish!

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TRAFFIC ALERT: California/Admiral crash
April 6, 2018 6:13 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:13 PM: Another traffic incident with SFD and SPD responding – thanks for the tips. It’s at California/Admiral. Multiple texters say (updated) a pedestrian was hit. Avoid the area.

6:34 PM: Witnesses and the incident log indicate one person was transported to the hospital via SFD medic unit.

6:44 PM: The scene is clear.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Crash at Fauntleroy and Othello
April 6, 2018 4:34 pm
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC ALERT: Crash at Fauntleroy and Othello
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

4:34 PM: SFD and SPD are responding to a crash at Fauntleroy and Othello, with a report of five people hurt. Avoid the area for now.

4:46 PM: We’ve just arrived in the area. Police have southbound Fauntleroy blocked, and are directing traffic onto westbound, Myrtle. Northbound Fauntleroy is getting through (and a southbound RapidRide bus was directed through, as well). One vehicle is in a yard on the northwest corner of Fauntleroy/Othello.

4:52 PM: SFD will be wrapping up here shortly. Firefighters tell us that two people are going to the hospital, both by private ambulance, so their injuries are not major.

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Southwest District Council catches up with Sound Transit light-rail planning, West Seattle Junction Association
April 6, 2018 1:51 pm
|    Comments Off on Southwest District Council catches up with Sound Transit light-rail planning, West Seattle Junction Association
 |   Southwest District Council | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

With one month until your next major feedback opportunity for West Seattle light rail, this week’s Southwest District Council meeting brought a chance for some to catch up on where the process is so far. Sound Transit reps were the spotlight guests, along with Lora Swift from the West Seattle Junction Association.

First:

WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: This was something of a primer to catch up those who haven’t been following it much since the process of determining a “preferred alignment” for the West Seattle and Ballard extensions revved up three months ago.

Stephen Mak from Sound Transit first recapped the backstory that we’ve already covered here many times, including what’s currently the “representative alignment” – aka, the draft route – elevated stations at SODO, Delridge, Avalon, and The Junction, with a new light-rail-only bridge over the Duwamish River.

By this time next year, the Sound Transit board hopes to have a “preferred alignment” approved. Next feedback step, the first round of “neighborhood forums,” with one in West Seattle 10 am-12:30 pm May 5th (as announced last month). Before then, the Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) has two meetings, April 17th and 24th – and that’s when the official report on the public “early scoping” feedback from February-March will be made public, Mak said in response to a question from Deb Barker, one of two West Seattle community representatives on the SAG. He recapped the “early themes” described at last month’s SAG meeting, including suggested alternate routing, with some tunneling – all five of them are shown here:

Mak stressed, as briefers had at the SAG meeting, that these are not in any way final options – just an early look at some themes emerging.

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ELECTION 2018: Shannon Braddock becomes first candidate to announce a run for 34th District State Senate seat
April 6, 2018 12:30 pm
|      38 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

A week and a half after State Senator Sharon Nelson announced she won’t run for re-election, the first candidate has come forward: Shannon Braddock, who narrowly lost the first-ever District 1 race for City Council in 2015. The announcement from her campaign:

Democrat Shannon Braddock, a longtime advocate for children and senior member of County Executive Dow Constantine’s administration, has announced that she will run for the State Senate in District 34, which includes West Seattle, North Highline, Vashon and Maury Islands, and parts of Burien. Braddock, who previously served as Chief of Staff to County Councilmember Joe McDermott, is seeking to replace Majority Leader Sharon Nelson, who is retiring.

“I’m excited to bring the progressive values of our region to the State Senate, where we need to continue working to pass common sense gun laws, invest in early learning, provide behavioral health and addiction support that restores lives, and reform taxes to help working and middle-class families,” said Braddock, mother of three Seattle Public Schools students. “I’m grateful for Senator Nelson’s leadership on so many issues and helping break partisan logjams preventing action on regional priorities. It’s been a privilege to work on behalf of the district the past 8 years and I look forward to joining our strong 34th District legislative team in taking on the tough issues and making real progress for local communities.”

Braddock is on the board of WestSide Baby, a volunteer-based organization that provides support to low-income mothers and their babies and she previously served on the Board of the West Seattle Food Bank. At the County, she helped ensure passage of the highly successful Best Starts for Kids programs—targeting resources to early learning, behavioral intervention, and other critical investments.

“I’ve always focused on issues that help give kids the best start in life, and the opportunities to thrive,” said Braddock. “This is why I am so passionate about expanding early learning, so we don’t rely on local governments to fill the gaps that should be part of a comprehensive state investment in the education and welfare of all children, regardless of zip code or economic status.”

Braddock is also committed to carrying the passion and energy of the thousands of local students who marched for stronger gun laws to Olympia, consistent with her commitment to healthy children and families.

“The safety and well being of our kids in school is something we took for granted too long and is at risk of being dangerously exploited by the cynical gun lobby and their allies in the White House,” said Braddock. “We must take real action on removing guns—and access to guns—from the hands of young people, dangerous individuals, and those most at risk of violence. We have the tools to save lives. We need to stop making excuses and allowing the NRA to tell us there is nothing we can do other than arm teachers. Let’s get real about this crisis and put kids ahead of the gun lobby.”

Braddock has worked regionally on coordinating and seeking reforms in the delivery of mental, health, addiction, and homelessness services, including working to pass the successful Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services levy renewal in 2017. She views Olympia as a needed partner in helping remove the burden on local taxpayers to address a statewide crisis.

“Local voters and cities across the region have stepped up to do their part to tackle the related crises of addiction and homelessness,” said Braddock. “But we need more from the State to provide uniform access to early intervention and treatment, transitional programs that prevent relapse, training in life and job skills that restore lives and to rebuild self-sufficiency. We can and must address these issues in a more comprehensive, compassionate way.”

Braddock says she will begin knocking on doors throughout the district and will announce a formal campaign kickoff for later in the Spring.

“I’m thrilled for this opportunity and look forward to meeting with voters, union workers, small business owners, community leaders, and families about how we can improve our communities,” said Braddock. “While Washington, DC may be trying to take us in the wrong direction, we must move forward here in Washington State with progressive policies and leadership that brings every voice to the table.”

The official filing period isn’t until mid-May. One otherwise-likely candidate has already announced he’s NOT in the running: State Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, who says he’ll run for House re-election instead.

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See SDOT’s final design for Chief Sealth Walkway Improvements Project in Westwood
April 6, 2018 12:10 pm
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 |   Safety | West Seattle news | Westwood

SDOT has announced the “final design” for the Chief Sealth Walkway Improvements project in Westwood, which you’ll recall was at one point going to be reduced, and then was restored to full size. From SDOT:

This project will improve connectivity, walkability, and safety for residents and students who currently use two unimproved and overgrown paths on 25th and 26th avenues SW, between SW Trenton and SW Cloverdale streets.

Project elements include:

• Two 10-foot-wide asphalt walkways on 25th and 26th avenues SW connecting SW Trenton St and the cul-de-sacs to the north
• Pedestrian lights along the two paths
• Removal of overgrown vegetation and installation of new trees and plants, where appropriate

This document has backstory from the original community proposal. Construction could start as soon as mid-May, says SDOT, which also says the final design is available for another NSF project, Harbor/Spokane, but as of right now still has not updated that project website to show it. Also, both projects will be handled by the same contractor, and SDOT says the bid/award process isn’t complete yet.

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Options for your West Seattle Friday!
April 6, 2018 10:59 am
|    Comments Off on Options for your West Seattle Friday!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Bewick’s Wren, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Friday is here! And so is the highlight list from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

MEGA-RUMMAGE SALE: Until 5 pm, you can shop the first day of a two-day rummage sale at Hope Lutheran, to benefit missions to Mexico. (42nd SW/SW Oregon)

‘THE GREATEST MOVIES YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF’: 1 pm matinee at the Senior Center of West Seattle, 1946’s “Night and Day.” We found the trailer:

$1 members, $2 nonmembers. (4217 SW Oregon)

DAVE HOLO TRIO: Jazz with a view at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), 5-8 pm. (1936 Harbor SW)

CORNER BAR: The monthly pop-up bar at Highland Park Improvement Club starts at 6 pm – all ages! Music starts around 8:

This month’s band is going to be so much fun! The Moonspinners will transport you to a land far, far, away – if that land happened to include an awesome sauce of 60s garage, doo wop, punk, rock and roll, Italian pop, and love. Allow yourself to be swept away in their time traveling world.

As always, Corner Bar welcomes everyone! Bring your families, bring your neighbors! Food and beverages are available. We hope to spend another magical evening with you all!

(1116 SW Holden)

BILL DAVIE: Live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

‘A CHORUS LINE’ CLOSING NIGHT: Last chance to see the West Seattle High School Drama Club and Music Department spring show, 7:30 pm at the WSHS Theater.

Ticket info at westsidedrama.com. (3000 California SW)

THOSE ARE JUST A FEW HIGHLIGHTS … see our complete calendar page for the rest!

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YOU CAN HELP RIGHT NOW! West Seattle Food Bank needs kids’ books
April 6, 2018 9:56 am
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP RIGHT NOW! West Seattle Food Bank needs kids’ books
 |   How to help | West Seattle books | West Seattle news

Got kids’ books you no longer need? Give them a new home! Just in, from Judi Yazzolino at the West Seattle Food Bank:

The West Seattle Food Bank’s Bookcase Program is in desperate need of children’s books and board books. Our Bookcase Program accepts slightly used or new donated books to encourage those children we serve start reading at an early age.

We accept donations Monday – Friday 9 am – 3 pm or Wednesday until 7 pm at our facility at 3419 SW Morgan St. on the corner of 35th & Morgan.

There’s a parking garage right off the south side of Morgan, and you can enter the Food Bank there or from the corner.

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