month : 05/2018 314 results

FOLLOWUP: Metro Route 56 to get more service, after Councilmember Herbold’s request

Back in February, we reported on District 1 City Councilmember Lisa Herbold‘s request to SDOT to see what it would take for the city to spend some of the “more bus service” Transportation Benefit District money on the underserved Admiral/Alki corridor. Tonight, Herbold tells WSB that SDOT, via the TBD, “has agreed to fund two route 56 trips each Monday-Friday beginning in September 2018. One in the am arriving downtown at about 10 AM and another leaving downtown at about 7:15 PM. Folks in Admiral and Alki have been super helpful in making this happen.” That’s just a start, though; Herbold had pitched for hourly 56 service but was told that would cost close to a million dollars and due to other factors such as fleet availability could require reductions in Route 50 service. She has been promised by SDOT that “we’ll definitely continue to work with the County to improve service to the North Admiral area.” She notes that research done by her legislative assistant Newell Aldrich revealed a few things strongly supporting increased service to Admiral, such as that it’s “the only Urban Village with no off-peak bus service to Downtown, one of only two Urban Villages not included in the High Capacity Transit Network, and … the only Urban Village not served by the current Frequent Transit Network.”

West Seattle light-rail planning: Stakeholder Advisory Group rolls on to Level 2

(Slide deck from meeting)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“Progress is being made.”

So declared facilitator Diane Adams as the Stakeholder Advisory Group for Sound Transit‘s West Seattle/Ballard light-rail extensions kicked off meeting #5.

The Wednesday evening meeting at ST’s downtown board room didn’t result in any major pronouncements or advances. It did mark the start of the second of three levels of screening that are planned to result in a “preferred alternative,” ready for full environmental study, early next year.

ST’s Cathal Ridge and Andrea Burnett reviewed what had happened since meeting #4 five weeks earlier. She said 300 people participated in the six neighborhood forums held in April and May (that would mean the May 5th West Seattle forum accounted for almost half the turnout); she said the next round is being planned for September. Before that, you’ll see ST at a variety of summer events, including three in West Seattle:

Read More

West Seattle restaurants: Vine & Spoon finally about to open

Almost two years after we first told you Vine & Spoon was on the way to The Junction – it’s finally about to open. 5 pm tomorrow (Friday, June 1st), the restaurant on the west side of Junction 47 at California/Alaska will serve its first patrons. We just confirmed this by stopping in after a tip that the paper was off the windows after all these months; we had noticed recently that they were hiring, which suggested opening was imminent. Vine & Spoon will be “serving fresh farm-to-table cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails.” Opening night is by reservation only; preview the dinner menu here.

FRIDAY: Lou Cutler’s birthday run at Pathfinder for Make-A-Wish

(WSB photo, June 2017)

Since this will likely get started before our usual morning highlights list goes live, we wanted to remind you about an annual event tomorrow that you are invited to join or support – retired Pathfinder K-8 PE teacher Lou Cutler‘s annual birthday run for Make-A-Wish. In June, Lou turns 67, so he’ll be circling the Pathfinder field on Pigeon Point 67 times. It’s just one way he supports Make-A-Wish>, whose official news release for this year’s run calls him a “wish-granting superstar.” He’s volunteered for the group for more than 20 years; this is his 15th year of Laps with Lou. If you can stop by the Pathfinder field at 1901 SW Genesee tomorrow, you’re welcome to join the run – as most of the school’s students and staff do at some point during the day – or just cheer him on! You can also donate online in honor of his dedication and the kids who have unforgettable experiences as a result. He expects to get going around 9 am, and last year the run went past 1 pm.

West Seattle’s new Fire Station 32 gets LEED Platinum certification

(WSB photo from November 2017 open house at Station 32)

A rare honor for our area’s newest Seattle Fire station – it’s been certified as Platinum LEED, the city has announced, recognizing sustainable design and construction practices. From the announcement:

… The Fire Station 32 project incorporated sustainable features such as solar hot water systems, photovoltaic arrays, green roof, water-efficient landscaping, energy-efficient LED lighting systems, energy-efficient HVAC systems, recycled building material use, low volatile organic compound (VOC) building material use, natural daylighting of common spaces, and individual thermal controls of sleeping areas. …

Station 32, the city says, is one of only two Platinum LEED-certified fire stations in Seattle, one of three in the state. The Bohlin Cywinski Jackson-designed station opened last August, on the same site in The Triangle (38th/Alaska) as the former Station 32.

Wondering why Admiral Way Viewpoint is more like Admiral Way View-less-point?

That’s most of what’s left of the view at Admiral Way Viewpoint, which is technically part of Belvedere Park. Here’s a 180-degree version:

The WSB inboxes have recently yielded multiple questions about whether Seattle Parks plans to trim trees to restore the almost-fully blocked view. We inquired and found out they won’t be doing it any time soon. Parks spokesperson Rachel Schulkin‘s reply to our inquiry:

Parks & Recreation is pausing any view trimming while we review and update our viewpoint and tree trimming policies. We are assembling a task force to help us with this process.

The longer story is that we are very frequently asked to trim trees to preserve views at various sites, some official viewpoints, some unofficial viewpoints. We are not funded sufficiently to be able to keep up with all these requests, and we’d like to work more proactively and regularly to keep these viewpoints clear. That will require us, along with the task force, to determine which sites require view point trimming and with what frequency.

She promised an update would be available “soon” regarding “the formation of that task force, and its progress.” Official Seattle Parks policy (see page 5) says that “Views from designated public view parks and viewpoints will be preserved through maintenance and management of parks vegetation in front of or below the viewpoint.” (Page 16 of that same document shows that this viewpoint is indeed on the designation list.)

4 for your West Seattle Thursday

May 31, 2018 11:10 am
|    Comments Off on 4 for your West Seattle Thursday
 |   West Seattle news

(Western Wood-Pewee, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Last day of May, and we have four highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

LOW TIDE WITH BEACH NATURALISTS: If you are on-peninsula and up for a walk … Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists are ready to meet you! 11:15 am-1:45 pm at Constellation Park (63rd/Beach Drive) and Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW). Low tide today is out to -1.6 feet at 12:45 pm.

SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL: You’re invited to see Our Lady of Guadalupe students perform “Seussical The Musical” tonight at 7 pm at the OLG Gym. Free but donations appreciated! Show runs a bit past half an hour – bring the family! (3401 SW Myrtle)

THURSDAY TRIVIA: 7 and 8 pm at Great American Diner and Bar in The Junction. Free; prizes! (4752 California SW)

THREE BANDS … at The Skylark, 8 pm – details here. $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

West Seattle’s next fun run/walk – and obstacle course! How to be part of Loop the ‘Lupe on Saturday

May 31, 2018 9:35 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle’s next fun run/walk – and obstacle course! How to be part of Loop the ‘Lupe on Saturday
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(2017 photo courtesy Loop the ‘Lupe)

Four ways to participate Saturday in the second-ever Loop the ‘Lupe – and three ways left to sign up. First, a recap – it all happens at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle), with four start times:

-Obstacle course [photo above] at 11 am
-5K run/walk at 11:45
-Senior Saunter at 12:15
-Youth Dash at 1 pm

They’re all explained here. Here’s how to register – for a discount!

SIGN UP ONLINE BY TONIGHT: Online registration closes at midnight – you can still save $5 on the obstacle course and 5K by using the code WSB10.

SIGN UP AT WEST SEATTLE RUNNER TOMORROW: 4-7 pm Friday, West Seattle Runner (2749 California SW; WSB sponsor) hosts an in-person signup event. You can still mention the discount code there too!

SIGN UP AT WALT HUNDLEY PLAYFIELD: If you don’t make your participation decision until the last minute, show up starting at 10 am and sign up on site! And yes, you can mention WSB10 there too.

It’s more than a fun way to move, it’ll also be a party – food/drinks, beer, live music. We’re this year’s media sponsor and we’ll see you there!

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday watch, plus closure reminders and other alerts

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

7:06 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported so far this morningin/from West Seattle.

DOWNTOWN/SODO ALERTS: Thanks to Tony for sharing the alert about a big labor rally at Westlake, 3-5 pm … also, the Mariners’ home stand continues vs. the Rangers, 7:10 pm.

I-5 CLOSURES THIS WEEKEND: More than “north of the West Seattle Bridge” – here’s the plan.

ONGOING WEST SEATTLE CLOSURE REMINDER: In Arbor Heights, the almost-two-block closure of 35th SW continues from just south of SW 104th to SW 106th as the Arbor Heights sidewalk project begins with drainage work.

Madison Middle School portables: Zoning ‘departure’ gets thumbs-up

Four months after we first reported that four portables were planned for Madison Middle School, a meeting was convened tonight to consider the zoning “departure” the district is requesting. We published the calls for volunteers to be part of a committee; we went to its meeting tonight to see how the process shook out.

Short version: A majority of committee members voted to recommend approving the departure, so at this point it appears the committee won’t need to meet again.

Longer version: The four portables are needed to accommodate an extra 110 students projected to enroll at Madison next year. Two of them will take up six current parking spaces in the school’s north lot, and that’s why the departure is required. The other two are set for placement on a landscaped area adjacent to that lot. Discussion centered on increased traffic expected with the enrollment increase. The committee supported approval of the departure, with two conditions – that the portables removed and the parking spaces restored if enrollment drops, and that Seattle Public Schools work with SDOT on potential added features on nearby streets such as added no-parking signage or painted curbs. Their recommendation goes to the Department of Construction and Inspections.

NEW THIS YEAR! Be part of the West Seattle Dog PAWrade before the Grand Parade

Get ready to march with your pooch(es) through The Junction before this summer’s West Seattle Grand Parade! It’s the start of a new tradition. In place of the Kiddie Parade, which hasn’t drawn much interest in recent years, the West Seattle Junction Association is launching the West Seattle Dog PAWrade. The whole family’s welcome to participate on Saturday, July 21st, 11 am, on California SW from Genesee to Edmunds. It’s free, but donations are appreciated – you can register starting now, and a donation gets you a collapsible dog dish or bandanna in honor of your PAWrade support. There’ll be trophies and medals – the categories are explained on The Junction’s official PAWrade page, which is also where you can go to sign up!

P.S. Want to volunteer instead of march? Here’s how to help! (Other summer events presented by WSJA, which is a nonprofit, could use a hand too.)

TALK ABOUT IT: Longfellow Creek connection project for Delridge neighborhood, with flood control, gets closer to reality

May 30, 2018 6:48 pm
|    Comments Off on TALK ABOUT IT: Longfellow Creek connection project for Delridge neighborhood, with flood control, gets closer to reality
 |   Delridge | Environment | West Seattle news

Back in 2014, we noted a flood-control plan in the works for the neighborhood along 24th SW in mid-Delridge. Now, it is getting closer to reality – and a community conversation is the next step.

Here’s what they’ll be talking about:

Project Area: Longfellow Creek Corridor between SW Willow St and SW Graham St, including 24th Ave SW and Longfellow Legacy Creek Trail

The Issues:

• 24th Ave SW often floods during rainstorms, affecting access to homes

• Water from rainstorms does not drain well from the street and forms large puddles, creating unsafe conditions in the winter

• 24th Ave SW is a confusing area for users of the Longfellow Creek Legacy Trail because it’s difficult to see where the trail ends are and there’s nowhere to walk except the middle of the street

The Solutions – What we want to hear from you:

Based on community input, ideas will be developed on how to change 24th Ave SW to reduce flooding, improve trail connections, and make other improvements the community is interested in.

For more information on the project, go here.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Crash at 8th/Cloverdale

Thanks to Dennis for the photo and report: “This is the second at least that I know of, in a year. This time there is an injury. How do I go about getting the city to sign this uncontrolled intersection???” We’ve been asked that question before, regarding other intersections. This page offers some advice. Anyone reading this who’s been through the process is also invited to offer theirs!

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Car-prowl victim gets stuff back

E-mailed by George:

I just wanted to pass along that my car was prowled at the top of SW Myrtle St, somewhere between 1AM and 4AM and the only reason I found out so early was that the SPD officer called me at 4:45 to ask if I was missing an ID.

Sure enough, I just installed a Console Vault yesterday afternoon and had not put everything back in. It was all conviniently in a reusable TJs bag on my front seat. They took that along with some headrest DVD players and my skateboard and grease gun from the back of my truck. All of that is irrelevant since it was all recovered minus some extra keys for all the locks.

The SPD officer said they were pulled over for license plate expiration and given tickets for that but could not be detained. So they departed the scene and were not able to be found subsequently. It was not until he started to process the vehicle he was impounding that he discovered the items. It was 2 males in a green mid-’90s Jeep Grand Cherokee, with a University of Margaritaville sticker in the back windshield originally seen just before 4 AM at 15th and Barton Ave SW.

The report is 18-194460 for the traffic infraction and he said there will be another one once he is finished processing all of my belongings.

We asked George if there were any further details about the impound: “The reason for impound as reported by the SPD officer was that the license plate had tags that expired 2014 and anything over 45 days expired can be impounded.”

This might be the most unusual place you’ll find head-tax-repeal petitions in West Seattle

Signature-gathering continues for the push to repeal the city “head tax” – we photographed petition circulators at the West Seattle Farmers Market on Sunday and have seen others at various locations. Tonight, perhaps the most unusual spot you’ll find signature-gathering: The weekly trivia game at Talarico’s in The Junction. From host Phil Tavel:

Tonight at Talarico’s trivia, due to popular demand, we will have the “Repeal the Head Tax” petition available for people to sign; even if you aren’t playing trivia … but really, why wouldn’t you come and play? Starts at 8:30, goes until 10. Prizes for top and bottom teams.

The repeal campaign has just over two weeks to gather enough signatures to send the referendum to voters, to ask if they want to keep or toss what the council and mayor approved two weeks ago. Its supporters, meantime, have a “decline to sign” campaign going.

‘The Roxhill school building will not close’: District finally ready to discuss what happens after EC Hughes move

It’s been a lingering question in the three years since Seattle Public Schools first publicly acknowledged it might (subsequently, will) move Roxhill Elementary to EC Hughes Elementary: What will become of the Roxhill building? Today, in this announcement, the district confirms it won’t be closing:

The Roxhill Elementary School program is moving into the newly renovated E.C. Hughes building in time for the 2018-19 school year. The Roxhill school building will not close but instead become the home to other Seattle Public Schools programs and services. To learn more about these programs and services, please join us for a community meeting on Thursday, June 7, from 6-7 p.m. in the Roxhill Library, 9430 30th Ave. SW. Seattle Public Schools staff will share information and answer your questions.

We’re following up with the district to see what advance information is available regarding the aforementioned “programs and services.” The building, in poor shape, was at one point under consideration for a possible rebuild/rehab in the BEX V levy (still being developed for next year’s ballot), but we noted at the time of the West Seattle levy-planning meeting last month that it had vanished from the list.

From low tide to light rail, what’s up on your West Seattle Wednesday

May 30, 2018 10:20 am
|    Comments Off on From low tide to light rail, what’s up on your West Seattle Wednesday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Photo by James Bratsanos)

LOW TIDE WITH BEACH NATURALISTS: Again today, you’re invited to Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) and/or Constellation Park (63rd SW/Beach Drive SW) beaches to get help from volunteer Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists, 10:30 am-1 pm. (Today’s low tide is out to -1.6 feet at 12:10 pm.)

LIGHT RAIL: Next meeting in the process of determining route and stations for Sound Transit light rail in West Seattle is 5-8 pm today at the ST board room downtown, as the Stakeholder Advisory Group meets. We’ll add/link the agenda when available. (401 S. Jackson)

FUTURE CHIEF SEALTH FRESHMAN IN THE HOUSE? You’ll want to be at Future Seahawks Freshman Night tonight, then! 6 pm dinner, 6:30 pm open house, with important info from activities/clubs to graduation requirements. (2600 SW Thistle)

MADISON MIDDLE SCHOOL PORTABLES: The community committee formed to consider whether to grant a zoning-rule “departure” for Madison Middle School‘s impending portables will meet tonight at 6 pm at the school. All welcome to be there to find out about and comment on the plan. (3429 45th SW)

SAVE THE GENESEE-SCHMITZ NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: 7 pm May 30th, you’re invited to a conversation at Uptown Espresso in The Junction – the longtime volunteers leading this group say there’s lots to be involved with but it’s time for new people to jump in. If you can’t be there, e-mail them! All the info is here. (California/Edmunds)

TRIANGULAR JAZZTET: Jazz at Whisky West (WSB sponsor), starting at 7 pm. No cover. 21+. Details here! (6451 California SW)

SEE WHAT ELSE IS UP … via our complete calendar!

Seen off West Seattle: New mega-cruise ship Norwegian Bliss

May 30, 2018 9:13 am
|    Comments Off on Seen off West Seattle: New mega-cruise ship Norwegian Bliss
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks to Huck for the photo (and thanks to Diane for sending one too) – that’s the new mega-ship Norwegian Bliss, docked at Pier 66 downtown after arriving early this morning. It’s so new, it’ll be christened while here today. As we mentioned just before cruise season began last month, the Bliss becomes the largest cruise ship homeported on the West Coast, at 1,082 feet long, carrying up to 4,000 passengers and 1,716 crew members. Its regular schedule this summer will be Saturday arrivals/departures for weeklong Alaska cruises.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch

May 30, 2018 7:02 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)

7:02 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported so far in/from West Seattle.

CLOSURE REMINDER: 35th SW is closed from just south of SW 104th to SW 106th as drainage work starts the Arbor Heights sidewalk project.

STADIUM ZONE: Mariners vs. Rangers, 7:10 pm.

I-5 CLOSURES THIS WEEKEND: Not just the one north of the West Seattle Bridge! Here’s the plan.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Thieves take bike, tools

11:43 PM TUESDAY: That bike is part of what was taken from a South Delridge yard on Saturday night. The victim reports anonymously:

Saturday night two trucks pulled up to our townhouse on the corner of 18th and Barton while we were gone. A white truck with red door (Nissan or Mazda mid-’90s) and then a red Ford truck (probably F150, early 2000s) arrived around 10:30 and left a little after midnight.

There appeared to be 3-4 males in the white truck wearing dark clothes with flashlights. A woman wearing shorts drove the red truck. They prowled around mostly on 18th Street. They entered a secured courtyard and just after midnight left with at least a cream-colored custom built road bike and two Craftsman tool boxes, one large red rolling and a smaller black stackable one.

Bike Description
58cm road bike frame, steel, “breezer” logo on rear dropouts, tig welded (custom)
Steel fork with brazed crown
Child seat bar (aluminum) attached to steer tube
“Function” emblem on head tube
Cream color with subtle pink stains on downtube in powdercoat
Dent on top tube wrapped in dark gray vinyl
Dent on seat tube wrapped in dark gray vinyl
Seat stays wrapped in dark gray vinyl
1 chainstay wrapped in black electrical tape
Shimano 600 parts group
2 x 8 speeds

There are a few more distinguishing features, but that ought to be enough for you to recognize it if you see/find it. If you have any information on the theft, the SPD incident # is 18-192497.

ADDED WEDNESDAY, 4:05 PM: Good job, commenters! E-mailed by the victim: “The police found the truck and owner today around noon. We were able to recover a lot of what was taken, including the bicycle and the tool boxes. There’s damage and things are missing but it feels good to recover something. Please send our gratitude to all the readers for looking out for each other!”

Love orcas? See photos at The Whale Trail’s summer gathering!

(Photo by Stephen Rink)

One week from tonight, The Whale Trail has an invitation for you:

“Whale Trail Summer Gathering featuring Photos by Stephen Rink”
Presentation by Stephen Rink, Photographer

When: Tuesday June 5, 7:00 – 8:30
–Doors open at 6:30
Where: C & P Coffee Company, 5612 California Ave SW
Cost: $5 suggested donation; kids free
Advance tickets: brownpapertickets.com
Presented by The Whale Trail
Sponsored by Nucor Steel
Photos: Transient orcas in Monterey Bay, courtesy Stephen Rink

Summer is superpod season! Join us next Tuesday for a celebration of orcas and other whales featuring photos by Stephen Rink. Stephen has followed his passion for whales from Iceland to the Azores, and West Seattle! Stephen most recently traveled to Monterey Bay, where he witnessed a rare predation event.

Whale Trail Founder Donna Sandstrom will also share updates about SRKW recovery efforts and how you can help. Donna was recently appointed to Gov. Inslee’s Task Force on SRKW Recovery, and its Vessel Impacts working group. Hope to see you there. Buy tickets now to reserve your seat.

This is the next in the 2018 Orca Talk series hosted by The Whale Trail in West Seattle. Thanks to Nucor Steel for sponsoring this presentation!

About the Speaker

Stephen Rink is a Whale Trail volunteer who has been fascinated with whales since the age of 5. He has maintained an affinity for the ocean, and continues to travel the world to see different marine life and photograph them along the way. Stephen moved to Seattle in 2017 to be closer to killer whales and participate in recovery efforts. He hopes to continue to travel as a photographer and eventually photograph whales aboard expedition vessels in Antarctica.

About The Whale Trail

The Whale Trail is a series of sites to view orcas and other marine mammals from shore. Our mission is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of whales and our marine environment.

Through our current sites and signs, including two on every Washington State ferry, we reach more than 50 million people each year. The Whale Trail is currently adding new sites along the North American west coast, from California to British Columbia.

The Whale Trail is led by a core team of partners including NOAA Fisheries, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Seattle Aquarium, the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, the Whale Museum. Donna Sandstrom is the Founder and Executive Director. Many members of the team first met on the successful effort to return Springer, the orphaned orca, to her pod.

The Whale Trail is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, registered in Washington State. Join us!

You can help! Build West Seattle’s next playground on Saturday

(WSB photo, June 2017)

Though EC Hughes Elementary is getting some work done before Roxhill Elementary moves there in September, it doesn’t include the playground – so community volunteers are making that happen. This Saturday, you can help. From Friends of Roxhill:

Friends of Roxhill Elementary invites the greater West Seattle community to help build our new playground at E.C. Hughes, located at 7700 34th Avenue SW [map], this Saturday, June 2, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We have two slots available: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Snacks, water, coffee and lunch provided!

We’ll be led by PlayCreation representatives to assemble and build our selected Landscape Structures playground.

Please note that no children under age 14 may be within the build site. If you are a student in need of service hours, you may help put together components under adult supervision outside the build area, but all installation must be completed by those 17 and up.

We’re so excited to make this happen together. Together, our community can do anything. Also, there will be food. Did we mention that?

Can’t make it? Let us know and we’ll add you to the list for the next day of work: laying down all the engineered wood fiber so our playground has a safe surface for kids to land on. That date is still TBD. Email us at friendsofroxhill@gmail.com to be notified.

WEST SEATTLE REAL ESTATE: First homes at WestBridge almost ready

(WSB photos)

If you’ve noticed the STS Construction Services (WSB sponsor) banner on the slope as you head westbound toward the west end of the West Seattle Bridge, that marks the site where the first of 14 new homes at WestBridge are about to go on sale.

We visited recently for a closer look. The houses are clustered but sizable – each with at least 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths (you can see the floor plans here).

Other features include custom fireplace surrounds with gas fireplaces:

Big view decks:

And spacious kitchens:

The listing prices start in the low $1 million. The development’s official website has more info and photos at WestBridgeSeattle.com.