West Seattle, Washington

15 Friday

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month : 04/2018 306 results

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: DUI crash investigation; package taken
April 6, 2018 9:02 am
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in Crime Watch this morning:

DUI CRASH INVESTIGATION: Thanks to Keith for the photo and report from a crash around 9 last night south of Alki, at 59th SW/SW Charlestown. He reported that the driver was taken into custody after hitting parked cars; Tweets by Beat confirms it’s a DUI investigation.

And a package-theft victim reports finding himself face-to-face with the person who took his package:

PACKAGE TAKEN: Nathan reports that happened on Wednesday:

I literally spoke to a thief that stole a package from the side of my house. I did not know I had a package delivered; usually I receive a notification from UPS.

You’ll see her walk to my backyard, talk to me as I was in the basement, go to the side of my house where UPS has been leaving packages lately, then run back through my yard with a much fuller bag. Seconds later, I walk outside, not realizing what had just happened. She asked if my house was for rent. I told her no, but didn’t really think it was suspicious because our neighbor rents their house out and I thought maybe they were looking for another renter. Guess I should have known better.

UPS confirmed the package was delivered minutes before the theft. If you have any information, refer to police incident # 2018-902958.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch; weekend alerts and beyond
April 6, 2018 7:26 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch; weekend alerts and beyond
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

7:26 AM: Quiet morning so far – nothing unusual on the roads, and no transit alerts.

WEEKEND TRAFFIC REMINDERS: Here are three weekend notes – including the Sunday morning northbound Highway 99 closure for the Emerald City Ride.

STARTING MONDAY: Paving work will begin Monday night at the Fauntleroy ferry dock, 7 pm-4 am nightly, Monday-Thursday nights, for about six weeks.

SPRING BREAK: Parochial schools with post-Easter breaks will be back in session Monday, while that’s the start of spring break for Seattle Public Schools and the independent schools that follow its schedule.

7:56 AM: Crash blocking one lane on the Avalon on-ramp, reports SDOT:

8:02 AM: SFD is being dispatched to a crash at 10th and Elmgrove in Highland Park.

8:30 AM: If you are driving or riding through Fauntleroy, Kersti texted an alert – there’s glass from an apparent broken window in the street on California SW by Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. It’s been reported.

8:38 AM: Correction to our mention above that there were no transit alerts – we missed the 6:32 am announcement that the 7:19 am Route 56 wouldn’t run. Noting it here for the record.

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SUNDAY: Join the planting party at Puget Ridge Edible Park
April 5, 2018 9:31 pm
|    Comments Off on SUNDAY: Join the planting party at Puget Ridge Edible Park
 |   Gardening | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Another idea for your weekend, if you’re not out of town for spring break – one of West Seattle’s newest parks could use some help this Sunday. From Stu Hennessey:

Get an early start on Earth Week by attending the Puget Ridge Edible Park garden party this Sunday from 4-6 pm. We will be ready to plant a few beds of lettuces and other greens. We also will need some muscle to erect a grape trellis and move a table.

Peas, parsnips, and radishes are already up and doing well. This year we have over 40 planting beds so come help us bring local and nutritious food to Puget Ridge.

The park is at 5265 18th SW and has been years in the making.

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DAY 2! Registration continues for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2018
April 5, 2018 7:46 pm
|    Comments Off on DAY 2! Registration continues for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2018
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Thanks to all the sellers who have signed up for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2018 since we opened registration on Wednesday! So far, 35 sales are on the list for what we like to describe as the peninsula’s biggest day of person-to-person recycling – always the second Saturday in May, which means this year it’s May 12th. Official sale hours are 9 am-3 pm but some sellers will start early and/or close late (if that’s part of your plan as a seller, be sure to include your sale hours in the up-to-20-words “ad” you include on the registration form).

Already it’s an eclectic list – individual sales, group sales, benefit sales, business sales, from The Junction to South Delridge, individual sellers from North Shorewood to North Delridge, Gatewood Hill to Charlestown Hill, Pigeon Point to Alki Point, Westwood to Seaview, and beyond. The registration period runs three weeks and then closes so we can make (and check and doublecheck and triplecheck) the printable and clickable maps and lists, which will be available a full week before sale day so that shoppers can plan their stops. Planning to have a sale? Here’s where to register.

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SATURDAY: Party in Highland Park to support Duwamish Rowing Club
April 5, 2018 5:33 pm
|    Comments Off on SATURDAY: Party in Highland Park to support Duwamish Rowing Club
 |   Highland Park | How to help | West Seattle news

In case you haven’t already seen it on our calendar – Saturday night, our area’s only rowing club invites you to a benefit party at Highland Park Improvement Club (1116 SW Holden). It’s the seventh annual fundraiser for Duwamish Rowing Club, 6-10 pm, with a chili dinner, silent auction, and raffle drawing, plus guest speaker Bill Tytus, owner/president of Pocock Racing Shells. Donation is $25 adults, $10 youth 10-18, and you’re invited to bring your favorite (vinyl) record to play! You’ll be supporting the club’s mission “that rowing should be affordable, accessible, and open to anyone who wants to participate.”

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DEVELOPMENT: Half-microapartment project for 4554 Delridge Way SW
April 5, 2018 3:10 pm
|    Comments Off on DEVELOPMENT: Half-microapartment project for 4554 Delridge Way SW
 |   Delridge | Development | West Seattle news

(King County Assessor photo)

Delridge redevelopment continues: A new early-stage project is in the city’s online files for 4554 Delridge Way SW, proposing to replace the 83-year-old house (photo above) with a 3-story building described as 8 one-bedroom apartments, 8 “efficiency studios,” and 8 underground parking spaces. This site is across from the south end of Delridge Playfield and next door to West Seattle’s first microhousing building (4548 Delridge). Again, it’s an early-stage proposal, so no reviews or meetings are scheduled yet.

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NIGHTTIME WORK ALERT: Washington State Ferries confirms Fauntleroy dock project will start Monday
April 5, 2018 2:05 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

That’s the notice Washington State Ferries is circulating this afternoon to homes and businesses near the Fauntleroy ferry terminal (you can also see it here). It’s a confirmation that work to repave the dock and approach will start Monday night, as was tentatively scheduled when we published this report a week ago. The work will be done Monday-Thursday nights for the next month and a half or so, 7 pm-4 am, and WSF warns that it’ll be noisy. As promised, they’ll have a hotline during the project, answered around the clock, 206-402-8070. This round of repaving is expected to last until an even-bigger project, dock replacement, in about seven years.

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West Seattle restaurant Circa, celebrating 20 years: Welcome, new WSB sponsor!
April 5, 2018 12:42 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Today we’re welcoming Admiral District restaurant Circa as a new West Seattle Blog sponsor! Here’s what proprietors Gretchen and Bill would like you to know about their restaurant, now celebrating 20 years in business:

We are the perfect microcosm of West Seattle. We’ve been in the Admiral District for 20 years! We have plenty of regulars who have been here since year 1. We have 6 amazing servers who have been at Circa well over 10 years and plenty of new, wonderful staff. But, people aren’t eating at Circa because of its longevity – they keep coming back because our food is consistently great.

We make just about everything in house – sauces, gnocchis, cake, gumbo, and hand-formed burger patties. Everything we source is of the highest quality: Painted Hills beef, all-natural chicken and lamb, fresh produce. We are a “New American” restaurant so we have a little something for everyone. Some of our house favorites over the years are our killer meatloaf with veal demi-glace and red potato mashers, steak salad, pork mole enchiladas, 8 oz. hamburger on Macrina brioche. We have casual food (great fish and chips) to upscale regional (shrimp grits with caviar butter). I could go on and on.

We have also always been very kid-friendly with a variety of kid meals and a small library and toy box for kids to raid when they arrive. Circa was my 3 boys’ favorite restaurant growing up and I’ve loved that they felt welcome there. You should have seen the look on their faces when we told them we were buying it 2 years ago! That being said, we also have a beautiful bar to sit at. 14 beers on tap, a good wine selection, and full cocktail bar. All bias aside, Circa is the perfect neighborhood bar and grill. You will feel welcome and leave very satisfied.

Repeat Circa patrons say: Don’t EVER change your steak salad, meatloaf, or chocolate cake. Seriously, we hear it all the time! Trust me, I wouldn’t touch those recipes with a 10 foot pole. Having been a server here for over a decade before becoming an owner, I know what NOT to touch :) I also can’t tell you how often over the years we have customers tell us about a big life event that Circa reminds them of, whether it’s a chance meeting with a future spouse, an oasis during a tough time in life, an aging grandparent’s favorite meal, even a new mom’s water breaking! Our bar and longtime bartenders are a favorite draw for those looking to just slip out of the house and feel welcomed and relax. These small things in life are what so many of us need to recharge. Circa has provided that for so many, for so long. It is a great source of pride for all of us who turn Circa‘s wheels.

Here’s how else Circa supports the community: Having 3 kids in this community we donate considerably to nearly all of the schools in the immediate area. We’ve also done fund drives for different causes, including staff. If anyone has a group we could contribute to or benefit from … give me a ring! (206-923-1102)

Circa is at 2605 California SW, open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

We thank Circa 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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FOLLOWUP: Safety additions at apartment complex where 2 cars flipped in 1 night
April 5, 2018 11:42 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from last December)

You might recall that scene from the last week of last year – two flipped cars alongside an apartment complex on the SW Genesee hill west of Avalon. It was the aftermath of two crashes in one snowy night, over the span of a few hours starting late Christmas Eve. No serious injuries. The second driver to crash that night, KC, had wondered in post-crash comment discussion why the complex had no safety barriers along the driveway, given the dropoff – and now, KC tells us, that’s changed, with this installation yesterday:

KC adds, in the note accompanying that photo: “After the event, I never wanted any monetary compensation but only for safety devices installed and an admission that there was a clear and present danger! I have had nothing to do with how these have come to be… but they have been installed so others may be spared the over the rockery trip. As far as admission of a hazard… I take comfort in knowing actions often speak louder than words, such is the case here!”

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West Seattle Thursday: Free tax help; Design Review for Junction project; more!
April 5, 2018 10:48 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Larry Nitkey – bald eagles atop Holy Family on Wednesday night)

Looking ahead at the rest of your Thursday, with highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TINKERLAB: 4 pm at High Point Library, this STEM-themed craft activity invites all ages to take on the “Circuits Challenge” today. Free as always. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

FREE TAX HELP: That IRS deadline is getting ever closer. Tonight you have another chance to get free tax help, no appointment necessary, 5-9 pm at the West Seattle Food Bank. Our calendar listing explains what you need to bring. (35th SW/SW Morgan)

4417 42ND SW DESIGN REVIEW: 6:30 pm at the Senior Center/Sisson Building, the Southwest Design Review Board takes another look at this Junction project, described on its official city page as “a 4-story apartment building containing 58 units and 4 live-work units” with 26 underground parking spaces. See the project design packet here (PDF). The meeting will include a public-comment period. (4217 SW Oregon)

NORTH HIGHLINE UNINCORPORATED AREA COUNCIL: Live/work/study/do business in White Center and/or vicinity? Its community council meets tonight at the North Highline Fire District‘s HQ – see the agenda here. (1243 SW 112th)

READ THE KORAN IN 4 WEEKS: First Lutheran Church of West Seattle pastor Rev. Ron Marshall starts the next session of his long-running course tonight, 7 pm – inquire ASAP to see if there’s room. (4105 California SW)

‘A CHORUS LINE’: Second-to-last chance to see this year’s student musical at West Seattle High School, presented by the Drama Club and Music Department, as previewed here. 7:30 pm curtain. (3000 California SW)

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VIDEO: 2 more chances to cheer ‘A Chorus Line’ at West Seattle High School
April 5, 2018 10:05 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

(WSB video, photo)

Back in 1975, Broadway birthed the Tony and Pulitzer Award-winning sensation “A Chorus Line,” which ran for 15 years. The tale of 17 auditioners is still thrilling crowds today, with songs that have become classics, including “One,” which you can hear in our video clip, featuring West Seattle High School students from the Drama Club and Music Department. “A Chorus Line” is their spring musical, and you have just two more chances to see the 90-minute performance at the WSHS Theater – tonight and tomorrow (Friday) night at 7:30 pm (we recorded them during a runthrough before last night’s show).

It’s a huge production, with more than 60 performers and crew members, led by drama teacher Andrew Finley and music director Ethan Thomas (the program has a shoutout for more than a dozen parent volunteers too). E-mail for a reservation to get tickets at a lower rate. Haven’t been to the WSHS Theater? Enter the school through the courtyard off its parking lot on the west side of the school at 3000 California SW.

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WEATHER ALERT: Might be windy Saturday
April 5, 2018 9:12 am
|    Comments Off on WEATHER ALERT: Might be windy Saturday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

The National Weather Service is warning that Saturday might bring strong wind to our area and much of Western Washington. It’s issued a “special weather statement” saying southerly wind is possible on Saturday “in the 20-30 mph range, with gusts 40 to 45 mph.” Read the full alert here. And keep everything charged!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday updates
April 5, 2018 6:21 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday updates
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

6:21 AM: Thanks for the text – the “car fire” call at 35th/Holly is reported to be a Metro bus. Texter says the fire was out fast and indeed, SFD has already closed out the call.

6:42 AM: Meantime, no other West Seattle incidents or transit alerts reported so far.

WEEKEND TRAFFIC ALERTS: Here’s the roundup we published last night – including the Sunday morning NB Highway 99 closure for the Emerald City Ride.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 2 followups, one alert
April 4, 2018 11:39 pm
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch, two followups and an alert:

FOLLOWUP – SUSPECT AWAKENED IN STOLEN CAR: Remember last Friday’s incident in Arbor Heights during which Guardian One‘s crew recorded that video of Seattle Police awakening a man found asleep in a stolen car? The suspect got out of jail tonight after five days. Prosecutors have yet to charge 34-year-old Craig R. Crisler in last week’s case but we are identifying him because he was being held on a warrant from a similar case in which he is charged. Crisler was charged three weeks ago in a February case in which police found him asleep in a stolen pickup truck in Burien. Also asleep in the truck, a 6-year-old whose mother is described in court documents as Crisler’s girlfriend; he was taking care of the child because she had been booked into jail two days earlier. The child was turned over to CPS; meantime, it was discovered that the stolen truck had been painted a new color since it was taken, and that it was found to contain tools including a pressure washer stolen from someone else. Crisler missed a court appearance in the case and that led to a warrant carrying $5,000 bail. He posted bond tonight and got out before 9 pm. Court documents from the Burien case show his last known address in North Shorewood, not far from where he was arrested last Friday.

SPEAKING OF STOLEN TOOLS: We’ve published more than a few reader reports recently of tools stolen in break-ins, both vehicles and structures. This alert from Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner says it’s a trend:

The SW Precinct Crime Analysis Unit Detective informed us of a recent crime trend involving burglaries of sheds, outbuildings, and garages. A variety of items have been stolen including bicycles, power tools and generators.

Please keep an eye out on your sheds/garages/out buildings! Ensure they are securely locked, regularly check to see if your door has been tampered with, take inventory of your items and secure bicycles with quality locks! Remember to always report theft and suspicious behavior to the Seattle Police Department by calling 911.

ONE MORE FOLLOWUP: Back on March 24th, we reported on trouble for a Southwest Precinct police officer while he was taking a suspect to jail – the suspect allegedly started a fire in the patrol car just as they were arriving downtown. As first reported in The Seattle Times, that suspect, 24-year-old Nickolas J. Osborne, is now charged with felony malicious mischief and misdemeanor harassment.

We have obtained the court documents, which say the latter charge is for the original reason he was arrested, reportedly harassing Lincoln Park and Lowman Beach park visitors and threatening them with a stick. The former is for the squad-car fire. The charging papers say that even before being placed in the car, Osborne was accusing police of being “agents of the Illuminati” out to get him; in the car, police say, he “slipped his handcuffed hands to the front of his body, unbuckled his seatbelts and began violently kicking the rear driver side window.” The officer radioed for backup at that point. Osborne then allegedly said the officer would have to kill him and should be nervous. After that, the charges say in-car video shows Osborne picking up a lighter from the car floor (whose lighter, it doesn’t say), using it to generate a flame, and setting the car ceiling on fire, including a camera; he was recorded, the report continues, saying, “There we go! Let’s both burn in hell!” Shortly afterward, the officer pulled over and got the suspect out of the car; Osborne’s clothing had ignited but he wasn’t hurt, nor was the officer. The car was damaged badly enough that it had to be taken out of service, SPD says. Osborne remains in jail, his bail set at $10,000.

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ADVANCE ALERT: 3 weekend traffic notes
April 4, 2018 9:20 pm
|    Comments Off on ADVANCE ALERT: 3 weekend traffic notes
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

This is info we routinely include in weekday morning traffic coverage, looking ahead to the weekend starting at midweek, and day-of when relevant. But given one big change for the weekend ahead, we thought we’d mention this all now:

I-5 WORK POSTPONED: If you had heard about the plan to close the NB I-5 exit to the West Seattle Bridge all weekend long starting this Friday night – never mind. WSDOT has announced that it’s postponed because of weather. No new date set yet.

NB VIADUCT CLOSED SUNDAY MORNING: Remember the Emerald City Ride we told you about back in January, with a chance to ride on the soon(ish)-to-be-demolished Alaskan Way Viaduct? This Sunday morning (April 8th) is when it’s happening, and NB Highway 99 will be closed starting at 6 am from East Marginal Way South to the Bridge Way exit north of the Aurora Bridge; the section from the Battery Street Tunnel northward will reopen by 9:30 am, but the AWV itself will stay closed until 11:30 am. Here’s the full list of roads/streets/highways involved in the ride and when closures are planned. (And if you want to register for the ride – here’s how.)

CRANE INSTALLATION: If you missed it in this update, Saturday is when tower-crane installation is planned at the Luna Apartments/PCC site at 2749 California SW. We’ll be checking back for specifics before week’s end.

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Denise Juneau is board’s choice to become next Seattle Public Schools superintendent
April 4, 2018 7:25 pm
|    Comments Off on Denise Juneau is board’s choice to become next Seattle Public Schools superintendent
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

If a contract gets worked out, Denise Juneau will be Seattle Public Schools‘ new superintendent, and its first Native American leader. Here’s the announcement sent after tonight’s board vote:

The Seattle School board has narrowed from three to one its choice of a new superintendent. The board tonight unanimously voted to enter contract negotiations with Denise Juneau to take helm of the district July 1, 2018.

“Selecting a superintendent is the most important responsibility a school board has,” said Board President Leslie Harris. “Throughout this process, this board has sought feedback, listened closely and thoughtfully reflected on what characteristics we need in our next superintendent.

“We were thrilled with the quality of candidates, making this a harder decision than any of us expected. Our community and staff have high expectations for Seattle Schools. Denise Juneau is the right pick to fulfill our promise of equity and excellence.

“We have no time to lose on making the best education possible for every student, every day and in every classroom. Education is truly the key to the city’s future, and together, we have to unlock the doors.”

The board anticipates voting on April 25 to approve a final contract with Denise Juneau.

Juneau is Montana’s former state superintendent of public instruction, and one of three finalists announced a week ago. Since her unsuccessful run for Congress after her state superintendency ended, she has been self-employed as a consultant. Read more about her, and see her on video recorded at the district’s forum last week, by going here.

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What will Seattle Public Schools ask voters to approve in next year’s levies? Here’s how the West Seattle discussion went
April 4, 2018 6:13 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

This evening, we’ll find out who the Seattle Public Schools Board – led by West Seattle-residing president Leslie Harris – has chosen for a job offer to be the district’s new superintendent.

Whomever s/he turns out to be, one of their first big tasks will be jumping into a levy-shaping process that is already well under way.

Last night at Madison Middle School, senior managers from district HQ led the second of five citywide public meetings meant to help shape two levies expected to go to voters next February – the BEX V levy (Building Excellence, aka the “capital levy” meant to follow the expiration of the current six-year BEX IV levy) and the Operations Levy renewal.

Some additional West Seattle-related information and insight emerged beyond what was discussed at the board’s levy work session last week (WSB coverage here).

Read More

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUPS: Ex-Baskin Robbins on Admiral; West Seattle Produce
April 4, 2018 4:28 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Two followup food-related notes this afternoon:

(WSB photo from last week – the windows have since been further papered)

WHAT’S GOING IN AT THE EX-BASKIN ROBBINS: Since noting the disappearance of Admiral Baskin-Robbins 3 months ago, and the fact it had been on the market, we’ve been watching for signs of something new. Finally those signs emerged recently – work crews, equipment removal, window-papering, reader tips. No permit filings on record but after going by daily and talking to workers there today, we have a bit of info: They say it’s going to be a restaurant with Mediterranean food, to be called Gyros Heroes, and that they hope to be open in about three months. More details when we get them.

WEST SEATTLE PRODUCE: 3+ months after the much-loved produce-and-more business closed at 4722 Fauntleroy Way SW, forced out by impending redevelopment, it has yet to find a new location. We checked in this week after noting that they had hoped to announce a new location by spring, and we are now two weeks into that season. WSP’s reply: “We have not found a home yet. It’s been tough trying to find a place that will work for us in the area but we have not given up.”

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VIDEO: ‘Congestion pricing’ tolls on Seattle roads? Just part of Mayor Durkan’s announcement
April 4, 2018 2:48 pm
|      76 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Transportation | West Seattle news

(Raw Seattle Channel video of mayor’s announcement on Queen Anne this morning)

“Congestion pricing” – tolls on city roads – is getting all the buzz from the mayor’s announcement today about what she wants to do to fight climate change. But that’s only part of the announcement. Here’s the news release from the mayor’s office:

Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced new bold actions in Seattle to reduce carbon pollution from our transportation and building sectors and make Seattle a national leader in fighting climate change. As part of Seattle’s commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement, this set of short-term and long-term actions provides a roadmap for our City to act in the absence of federal leadership, particularly on leading contributors of greenhouse gases: transportation and buildings.

“Seattle can lead the world by taking bold action to reduce our carbon footprint while protecting our communities from the worst impacts of climate change. We are already seeing these impacts – from wildfires that choke our air to extreme rain events flooding our streets – and they are being disproportionately felt most in communities that are already disadvantaged,” said Mayor Durkan. “Our actions to reduce emissions from transportation and buildings will help create a healthier and more just city, with a stronger economy.”

Two-thirds of Seattle’s climate emissions result from road transportation. While Seattle is leading to reduce single occupancy vehicle trips, this strategy identifies actions that will reduce the climate and air pollution from Seattle’s cars and trucks by using Seattle City Light’s carbon-neutral electricity, including:

Improving mobility through congestion pricing in the upcoming years. At the conclusion of a new SDOT-led study, the City will develop a strategy over the next few years to address congestion and transportation emissions through pricing, coupled with investments in expanded transit and electrification in underserved communities.

Electric vehicle readiness ordinance for new construction. Mayor Durkan will transmit legislation requiring the inclusion of electric vehicle infrastructure in new construction or renovation that includes parking.

Green Fleet Action Plan update. Already a national leader in building a clean energy fleet, the city will update the Green Fleet Action Plan to phase out the use of fossil fuels in all fleet vehicles.

Ride share and taxi fleet electrification. The City will work with stakeholders to develop recommendations for electrifying all rideshare vehicles and taxis in Seattle. …

After transportation, building energy is the second largest source of climate emissions, which is why Mayor Durkan has introduced two bills to unlock more energy efficient buildings:

Creating the City’s Most Sustainable Buildings. Announced by Mayor Durkan in her first State of the City, this pilot will offer additional height and floor space incentives for up to 20 major renovations in urban centers for significant upgrades in energy and water use, stormwater management, and better transportation efficiency based on the standards to create carbon neutral buildings.

Energy Efficiency as a Service (EEaS). Expand City Light’s successful, first in the nation, pay-for-performance energy efficiency pilot program to eliminate barriers that keep building owners from investing in deep energy efficiency upgrades. …

With many buildings and homes still using fossil fuels as a primary energy source for heating and cooling, the new actions that address building energy use include:

Oil to heat-pump conversion. Develop a funding strategy to accelerate the transition of 18,000 homes from heating with oil to an electric heat pump, including financing the switch for low-income residents.

Extending and expanding municipal building energy efficiency program through 2025. Currently on track in meeting the 20 percent by 2020 goal, Mayor Durkan will nearly double the funding through 2025, aiming to cut energy use and carbon emissions nearly 40 percent in our buildings. …

Finally, as part of the City’s ongoing commitment to leading by example, the strategy calls for City departments to assess the GHG emissions and cost impact of City plans, policies, and major investments. The Office of Sustainability & Environment will be responsible for tracking the progress of these climate initiatives and reporting back to City Council.

The ellipses above mark three spots where we omitted non-mayoral quotes for length. The full news release, including those quotes, is here. You can also see even more details in this PDF that is linked in the release (elaboration on congestion pricing, for example, is on page 14):

SIDE NOTE: The congestion-pricing study was mentioned here while the council was going through the budget process last fall, specifically in relation to whether it might help with diversion once the Highway 99 tunnel opens. The only other mention of the phrase in our past coverage was 10 years ago, also during discussion of the post-Alaskan Way Viaduct future.

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FYI from SPD: Level 3 sex offender moves into the area
April 4, 2018 1:43 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Just received from Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Danner, another one of the occasional notifications that a Level 3 sex offender has moved into the area:

In an effort to keep you informed, and in our constant attempts to reduce future victimization, we want to let you know about one level 3 sex offender that has recently moved into the Southwest Precinct area.

Jeremy Lelko, a 39-year-old White male, is a level 3 registered sex offender who has recently moved to the 5000 Block of California Ave SW. Mr. Lelko is no longer under Department of Corrections supervision.

Detective Spong from the Seattle Police Department’s Sex Offender Detail is responsible for verifying his addresses as long as he is living there.

To learn more about this offender and for additional safety tips please visit the website at www.waspc.org and search by his name. [Editor’s note: His photo and background information are on this page.]

If you have further questions about this offender, contact Michelle McRae of the Seattle Police Sex Offender Detail by phone at (206) 684-5581 or by e-mail at michelle.mcrae@seattle.gov.

To register to receive an email alert whenever a published offender registers within one mile of your desired addresses, go to (this) link.

Level 3 sex offenders pose the highest risk to re-offend. It is normal to feel upset, angry and worried about a registered sex offender living in your community. The Community Notification Act of 1990 requires sex offenders to register in the community where they live. The law also allows local law enforcement to make the public aware about Level 2 and Level 3 offenders. Since these offenders have completed their sentences, they are free to live where they wish. Experts believe sex offenders are less likely to re-offend if they live and work in an environment free of harassment. Any actions taken against the listed sex offenders could result in arrest and prosecution as it is against the law to use this information in any way to threaten, intimidate or harass registered sex offenders. The SPD Sex Offender Detectives will check on these offenders every 3 months to verify our information.

The single most effective means of protecting your child is communication with your child. They have to feel comfortable discussing sensitive matters with you. Teach your children that they should not be asked to touch anyone in the bathing suit areas of their body or allow anyone to touch them in those areas. Teach them types of situations to avoid. It is not good enough to tell a child to avoid strangers. Please remember that children are most often molested by someone they or their parents know.

Please feel free to call or email me with questions and/or to schedule a Block Watch meeting if your block is interested. My office phone at the precinct is (206) 256-6820.

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IT’S ON! West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2018 registration begins
April 4, 2018 12:18 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Thanks to everybody who’s signed up already – we opened registration this morning for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2018, and already have sales registered from Alki to Westwood! This year’s sale day – not one big sale, but many sales of all sizes, all over the peninsula – is Saturday, May 12th; official sale hours are 9 am-3 pm, but sellers are welcome to start early and/or end late (when you register, include that information in the text of your “ad” for the map and list). As always, we will have the printable and clickable versions of the map/sale list ready one week in advance so shoppers can make their plans and plot routes. If you’re planning on selling and ready to sign up, you’ll find the form here. (WSB photo from 2017 WSCGSD)

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West Seattle Wednesday: Light rail @ SW District Council, ‘Chorus Line’ at WSHS, more!
April 4, 2018 10:58 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Wednesday: Light rail @ SW District Council, ‘Chorus Line’ at WSHS, more!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Great Blue Heron, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

HOT TOPICS – TAX CHANGES: Come to the Southwest Library at noon for the next “Hot Topics” discussion, looking at the implication of tax changes, as explained here. All welcome. (9010 35th SW)

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES: 1 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle, this afternoon’s matinee is 1937’s “Storm in a Teacup.” $1 members/$2 nonmembers. (4217 SW Oregon)

SOUND TRANSIT, JUNCTION ASSOCIATION @ SW DISTRICT COUNCIL: 6:30 pm at the Senior Center/Sisson Building, you’re welcome at this month’s meeting of the Southwest District Council, with these agenda highlights:

6:45 pm – Andrea Burnett, West Seattle Ballard Community Outreach Supervisor & Stephen Mak, High Capacity Transit Manager, Sound Transit
*ST3 project overview and progress
*Discussion of future impacts on West Seattle public transportation
*Next steps for community engagement
*Questions

7:20 pm – Lora Swift, West Seattle Junction Association
*WSJA general update
*Small Business Outreach Grant description and discussion

The meeting room is on the second floor – turn right at the top of the stairs. (4217 SW Oregon)

ALKI ELEMENTARY PTA: 6:30 pm at the school – agenda info here. (3010 59th SW)

JIM PAGE: Singer-songwriter at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

JEFF FERGUSON’S TRIANGULAR JAZZTET: Live at Whisky West in Morgan Junction, 7 pm, no cover. 21+. (6451 California SW)

‘A CHORUS LINE’ AT WSHS: Three more chances to see the West Seattle High School Drama Club and Music Department production of the Broadway classic, with tonight’s curtain time in the WSHS Theater at 7:30 pm – ticket info here. (3000 California SW)

LOTS MORE! Just check our complete calendar.

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Need a laugh? Get a ticket! Youngstown to host ‘Stand Up for Healing Laughter’
April 4, 2018 9:04 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

From the WSB inbox, a unique event for our calendar that seems like something you might want to know about in advance, since we don’t get a lot of comedy performances on the peninsula: The 3rd annual Stand Up for Healing Laughter benefit is coming to Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in North Delridge, 8 pm Saturday, April 28th. This is a “fun-filled evening of standup and physical comedy” that benefits Room Circus Medical Clowning at Seattle Children’s Hospital. The show will feature:

Standup Comedian: Brett Hamil
Human Jazz: Christian Swenson
Standup and Physical Comedian: Peter Pitofsky
Kerfuffle: Linda Severt & Sarah Liane Foster
Physical Comedian: Bill Robinson

If you buy your ticket (updated) during the early-bird-discount period, it’s $20 – after that, $25. You’ll also get to cheer for the winner of the annual Golden Chicken Award, going to a “distinguished volunteer” for Room Circus (which you can learn about by going here).

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