West Seattle, Washington

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month : 05/2018 314 results

CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle High School musicians back from triumphant California visit
May 24, 2018 11:55 am
|    Comments Off on CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle High School musicians back from triumphant California visit
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Thanks to West Seattle High School music director Ethan Thomas for the photo and report:

The West Seattle High School Concert Band and Orchestra traveled to Southern California last weekend. While down there, we participated in the Music in the Parks competition at Disneyland, took part in a studio soundtrack session led by renowned conductor/musician Stan Freese, and performed at Disney’s California Adventure Park. Both groups placed 1st in their division of the competition. While in California we had the opportunity to visit Balboa Beach, spent two days at Disneyland, and one day at Universal Studios. Our orchestra is conducted by Taylor Fritts.

You can catch the WSHS groups in concert next month, according to the program calendar.

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Taste of West Seattle, Transportation Coalition, and more for your Thursday
May 24, 2018 10:03 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Photo by Chris Frankovich)

The holiday weekend gets ever closer! But first, what’s ahead for the rest of your Thursday:

GARDEN CENTER OPEN: The South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center is open 11 am-3 pm today for plant sales and more. North end of campus. (6000 16th SW)

ACTIVITY CARDS DEMO: For preschoolers, 12:30-1:30 pm at White Center Library. Details in our calendar listing. (1409 SW 107th)

WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: During the Sound Transit Board‘s 1:30 pm meeting downtown, they’re scheduled to get a briefing on West Seattle (and Ballard) light-rail planning. Agenda and other info here. The meeting includes a public-comment period. Also, you can watch live here. (401 S. Jackson)

TASTE OF WEST SEATTLE: 6 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy is the location and dozens of local food/beverage purveyors are who you’ll find at the annual West Seattle Helpline fundraiser. We’re checking to see if any tickets will be available at the door and will update this when we hear back. 11:09 AM UPDATE: Yes, Helpline says, there are a “limited number of tickets” that will be available at the door. (9131 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE DEMOCRATIC WOMEN: 6 pm at West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) Rotary Room. Tonight’s program is organized by Physicians for Social Responsibility – details in our calendar listing. (36th/Snoqualmie)

HSA SELECT TRYOUTS: As previewed Wednesday, 6:15 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield, it’s the final night of tryouts for HSA Select soccer. (34th/Myrtle)

WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: Change in plan for tonight’s meeting – SDOT acting director Goran Sparrman can’t make it, so his chief of staff Genesee Adkins will be a guest instead, as will Summer Jawson, project manager for the West Seattle Neighborhood Greenway. All welcome, 6:30 pm, Neighborhood House High Point. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

(Photo by James Tilley)

PUNK ROCK AEROBICS: Have you tried the weekly class at Highland Park Improvement Club yet? 7 pm. (1116 SW Holden)

SEE WHAT ELSE IS UP … by browsing our complete calendar!

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Memorial service June 14th for Judy Buls, 1940-2018
May 24, 2018 9:04 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

A memorial service is planned June 14th for Judith Ann Buls (Christoffersen). Here’s the remembrance being shared with the community:

Judy passed away May 15, 2018 after a long illness.

Judy is survived by her daughter Marni Walter of Billings, her brother Jon (Joan) Christoffersen of Seattle, two grandchildren Jessika Furr of San Diego and Alexander Walter of Fort Bliss, TX, and two great-grandchildren Maegann Lowe (9) and Scyondrei Williams (18 mo).

Judy was born in 1940 in Coeur D’Alene to Arne and Mary Lou Christoffersen. She graduated from West Seattle High School in 1959 and attended Washington State University. She was a flight attendant with Western and Horizon Airlines and worked for an oil company in Anchorage for many years. She returned to West Seattle in the 1980s where she cared for her mother until her death in 1992.

Judy loved her family and friends with her entire soul and lived life to her fullest. She loved shopping (boy, did she!), food, and traveling. She was a “foodie” before foodie was a word, and would make others ‘try a bite’ to expand their horizons. She traveled as much as possible. When she couldn’t travel any longer, she lived vicariously through the travel stories of others.

She will be greatly missed in our hearts.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at Providence Mount St. Vincent, 4831 35th Ave SW. Contributions to Providence Mount St. Vincent may be made in lieu of flowers.

(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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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday watch
May 24, 2018 7:00 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

7 AM: Good morning! No incidents in/from West Seattle reported right now.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Six reports, from Admiral hit-run to Puget Ridge smoke-break prowler
May 23, 2018 11:05 pm
|      58 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports and four police reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:

HIT-AND-RUN: That’s Tom‘s car, after a hit-and-run driver damaged it this afternoon:

Somebody hit my car on 42nd just South of Admiral Way while it was parked on the street. Parking location was just East of Jack in the Box on the West side of the road. Was parked there from 3:30-5 in case somebody in the area saw something. No note or anything like that was left.

We don’t yet have the police incident #.

PACKAGE THEFT: Received from Jesse just a few minutes ago:

I had a package stolen today between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm (in the 6000 block of) Fauntleroy Way SW. Unfortunately I was moving my camera system around so I did not catch the thief! I came back home around 10:30 tonight and thrown against my gate was my open box but inside was what I assume is somebody else’s item.

On to the police-report files, where we found four narratives of interest, now available from incidents in the past week:

ROAD RAGE ON 35TH: Around 8 am last Friday (May 18th), police were called to 35th/Webster after a driver called police to say he was the victim of a road-rage incident and threatened with a gun. He said it started when the suspect almost hit his car while changing lanes on 35th just north of Morgan. The victim honked; “words” were exchanged, and then, the victim said, the suspect tried to get him to pull over, but he continued on to Webster. The suspect apparently followed him, and drove by after the victim parked, showing a handgun and saying, “I’ll shoot your a–.” He was last seen southbound on 34th.

PURSE-SNATCHING TARGET FIGHTS BACK: Last Wednesday just before 2 pm, at Admiral/California, a woman told police, she was sitting on a bench, charging her phone, when a man came up and asked if he could use it. She said no. He then grabbed her purse, which was on the bench; they struggled over it – she retained it, though he grabbed $27 out of it. He also grabbed her phone out of her hand and ran; she chased him. The police report continues, “As they were running, she punched him in the back of the head, causing him to stumble.” She then grabbed her phone back. He got away with the cash.

MORGAN JUNCTION BURGLARY: Also last Wednesday, police were called to an apartment in the 6300 block of 42nd SW after the tenant’s daughter discovered it in “disarray” while her mom was away getting health care. Items stolen, according to the police report, included a handgun, medications, mail, a bicycle, and a “key to (a) car which was also stolen from the street.” Security video showed the burglar had broken in around 5 am that morning. He also left another bicycle in the courtyard.

PUGET RIDGE PROWLER: Busy afternoon last Wednesday for police, who also got a call about a prowler at a house in the 6700 block of 21st SW around quarter till 5. The resident wasn’t home but saw the prowler via a live video feed. The feed showed the prowler, who was smoking, had gone into the back yard and sat down. He was gone when police arrived but they found a cigarette butt and a “Now and Later” candy wrapper.

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Two updates from Seal Sitters
May 23, 2018 9:50 pm
|    Comments Off on Two updates from Seal Sitters
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Uno the harbor seal seems to be attempting a facepalm, having not signed up for training in time)

On behalf of Seal Sitters, a photo and update from David Hutchinson:

All spaces for the June 9th Seal Sitters’ training have been filled. If you were not able to attend this session, but are still interested in becoming a Seal Sitter, please contact us at SealSitters.Outreach@msn.com and we will notify you when our next training has been scheduled.

We have had a seal on the beach twice this week and “pupping season” in south Puget Sound will be starting soon. Just a reminder, if you see any marine mammal on a West Seattle beach, keep back, keep people and pets away, and please call our Hotline at 206-905-SEAL (7325).

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FOLLOWUP: Southwest Athletic Complex work begins
May 23, 2018 6:44 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Westwood | WS & Sports

<(WSB photo substituted Thursday for original district-provided image)

Back in March, we wrote about renovation work planned this spring/summer at Southwest Athletic Complex – and now Derek McCloud from Seattle Public Schools (which owns SWAC) sends word that work has begun:

Construction has started on the track at SWAC … most of the old track has already been torn up. It looks like the installation of the new track will begin next week! Graduation for Chief Sealth (5 PM on the 21st and West Seattle on the 21st @ 8) will still take place at the complex.. After graduation the field, will be torn up, and our hope is it will be ready by mid- to late August/early Sept for high school football practice. We would like to let the public know the field will be closed most of the summer, and to please stay out of the complex (which is locked) during the construction project!

District documents say the $1.5 million project “will include replacement of the existing synthetic turf at football, softball, and baseball fields using cork infill, refurbishing the existing rubberized running track, and associated work.”

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SOCCER: Last round of HSA tryouts Thursday in West Seattle
May 23, 2018 5:33 pm
|    Comments Off on SOCCER: Last round of HSA tryouts Thursday in West Seattle
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Thursday night, three age groups wrap up the HSA Select soccer tryouts for this season. Tim McMonigle sends the reminder:

6:15-7:45 pm (May 24th) – Walt Hundley Playfield, 6920 34th Ave SW

Boys 06 (U13), Coach Greg Whitney

Boys 07/08 (U12) – This is a newly formed team led by Coach David Unruh

Girls 04 (U15) – We are forming a second team led by Coaches Tony Coronado and Mark Cromett

Online registration is closed. Walkup registration is accepted (fee will be waived). Arrive 20 minutes early to check in and get tryout pinnie.

There’s some backstory on HSA Select in our April preview of the tryouts.

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Alki Point Lighthouse tours start this weekend – but only one day per week this year
May 23, 2018 3:47 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

(2015 photo by Long Bach Nguyen)

We just confirmed with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary that Alki Point Lighthouse tours will start this weekend, as is customary. But there’s one big change this year – they’ll be offering the free tours only one day per weekend, on Sunday afternoons. The time window will be 1-4 pm as usual, and you need to be there by 3:45 pm to get in before the day’s tours end. New here? The lighthouse is right on the point, just before Alki Avenue SW turns into Beach Drive SW [map]. Check the lighthouse website before you go, in case of cancellation (and we’ll update our calendar when we get word, too). Last scheduled tour of the season will be Sunday of Labor Day weekend (September 2nd). P.S. For the lighthouse’s history, check the story we published when its centennial was celebrated five years ago.

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Memorial service June 2nd for Olive Wise Spannaus, 1916-2018
May 23, 2018 2:44 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

A memorial service is planned June 2nd for Olive Wise Spannaus, whose family is sharing this remembrance with the community:

OLIVE WISE SPANNAUS
January 23, 1916, St. Louis, Missouri – May 10, 2018, Seattle, Washington

Longtime West Seattle resident Olive Wise Spannaus — child of God, friend, mentor, mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother, community volunteer, human rights activist, women’s movement pioneer, longtime member of Hope Lutheran Church, recipient of the Carrie Chapman Catt award of the League of Women Voters Seattle-King County, hymnwriter, and line dancer (beginning at age 80) — died peacefully May 10 at her home for the past five years, Providence Mount St. Vincent.

Olive was predeceased by her beloved husband of 67 years, the Rev. Ruben Spannaus, her three siblings, and one grandchild. She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Boots Winterstein and husband Paul of West Seattle; Edward and Nancy Spannaus of Lovettsville, VA; Timothy Spannaus and Collette Pariseau of Lathrup Village, MI; and Fredric Spannaus and Connie Requarth of Decatur, IL; nine grandchildren; 13 grandchildren; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and their families.

A memorial service to which all are welcome will be held 12:30 pm Saturday, June 2, at the Pigott Chapel, Providence Mount St. Vincent.

Olive supported many worthwhile causes (just ask her postman!). Memorials may be made to: Education Fund, League of Women Voters Seattle-King County; Mary’s Place; Lutheran Community Services Northwest; Compass Housing Alliance; Hope Lutheran Church organ fund; Providence Mount St. Vincent Foundation; or an organization of your choice.

(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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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: 1 year later, Alki murder remains unsolved
May 23, 2018 11:52 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(May 23, 2017, WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)

Tonight marks exactly a year since 23-year-old Jordan D. Thomas was shot and killed at Alki Beach. It happened around 9 pm at 62nd and Alki. In the days after, police said they believed that the victim was targeted – and that to date remains the only information made public about the case. We just checked with SPD again and they say the murder remains unsolved but still an “active and ongoing investigation.” Information is still welcome via the SPD Homicide Tip Line, 206-233-5000. At the time, some were concerned it could mean the start to a long, violent summer at the beach, but no other Alki incidents followed; the rest of the year’s West Seattle violence, including a deadly shooting and deadly stabbing, happened in other areas.

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West Seattle Wednesday: Highland Park Action Committee, music, more!
May 23, 2018 10:12 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

(Ducklings in Longfellow Creek, photographed by Lindsi Griggs)

Four options for your Wednesday:

COMPUTER CLASSES: Taught by Seattle Public Library staff at the Senior Center of West Seattle:

1-2:30 pm. Email Basics. Email is everywhere, but managing your email can get overwhelming quickly. Come learn about: options for setting up a free email account; recognizing your “inbox;” reading, sending and deleting messages; organizing your messages; and creating your address book.

3-4:30 pm. Technology Futures: Communication. Mobile phones and tablets are quickly becoming the default tools for communicating and conducting life’s business. Come to this class for tips and resources on how to select a new device, how to get started with a new device, and an overview of the most common communication apps.

(4217 SW Oregon)

HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE: 7 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club. This month’s meeting includes an SDOT update about the long-proposed HP Way/Holden roundabout; the full agenda is in our calendar listing. (1116 SW Holden)

CONCERT AT HOPE: 7 pm at Hope Lutheran, it’s the school “Sounds of Spring” concert, all welcome. (4456 42nd SW)

OPEN MICROPHONE: The Skylark‘s famous weekly open mic has signups at 7:30, music at 8:30. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

FOR TOMORROW AND BEYOND … see our complete calendar!

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Brown water in Upper Fauntleroy
May 23, 2018 9:15 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

For all the times we’ve written about what to do if your tap water is brown/discolored … this time it’s happened at WSB HQ. So in case anyone else in Upper Fauntleroy or vicinity is experiencing it, we did call Seattle Public Utilities – which wants to hear from you if it ever happens where you are – at 206-386-1800. They say hydrant use in the area has stirred up sediment. (Here’s SPU’s complete “what if my water’s discolored?” page.)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch
May 23, 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 in/from West Seattle so far this morning.

TRANSIT ALERTS: Nothing current but for the record, Metro sent an alert at 6:15 am that the 6:25 am Route 56 wouldn’t run.

7:18 AM: Now another Metro alert – the 7:43 Route 55 won’t run.

7:27 AM Per scanner SPD is responding to a ‘disabled vehicle” blocking EB lanes of Roxbury at 22nd.

9:24 AM: Trouble on the eastbound West Seattle Bridge at Delridge. First SDOT reported a “disabled vehicle” in the center lane; now SFD is headed there on an aid call, apparently a different vehicle with an unconscious driver, per scanner.

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Sneak peek inside new Burien PCC before Wednesday grand opening
May 22, 2018 9:27 pm
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

At 8:45 tomorrow morning, you’re invited to be at the new Burien PCC Community Markets (WSB sponsor) store as it opens for business. We went to tonight’s media preview so we could show you a sneak peek – and find out what the new West Seattle store might have in common with this one. Short answer to that: Pretty much everything, as this is the prototype for all new PCC stores, we’re told. With, of course, perennially popular features like the bulk items:

And newer features like a taqueria and pizzeria:

Back to the classics – a space for classes:

And if your time is too short to prep and cook from scratch, you’ll have meal-kit options:

Beverage options:

And for yogurt lovers:

The centerpiece in the produce area holds a special significance:

An official “pineapple cutting” will start the opening ceremony at 8:45 tomorrow morning, and the first 112 people there will get free fresh organic pineapple. The store opens at 9 am. It’s in what used to be a Albertsons at the Five Corners Shopping Center, 15840 1st Avenue S. It’s 25,000 square feet, the same size planned for the new West Seattle store, expected to open by “late summer” next year.

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‘Supercar’ ZwingRally due to cruise Alki on Saturday morning
May 22, 2018 8:31 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Seaview | West Seattle news

Just found out about this from Seattle Police at the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting: The “supercar” rally promoted in the video above is due to take an Alki lap on Saturday morning. It’s called the ZwingRally, and it promises a luxury experience for up to 120 “super cars” and their drivers/passengers at $1,250 per person for the weekend. On Saturday morning at 9:15 am, according to the ZwingRally website, they’ll head out from downtown to Alki, and then after “a lap,” they’re headed south to Portland. We’ll be pinging the organizer to see what else we can find out.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Package thieves picking up
May 22, 2018 7:02 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports of package theft in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:

ALKI THEFT: From Tosa:

My package got stolen from my door step on 5/21 around 4:14 pm. Nearest cross street to my home – 60th Ave SW & Admiral Way:

(Description)
Hair: Black beanie hat
Top: Blue shirt, black jacket
Bottom: Black pants
Shoes: Black shoes
Age: 55
Sex: Male
Race: White
Physical Build: Stocky
Other: He is carrying a black backpack and looks like he’s delivering packages. I have reported this information to the police.

The man only took one of the two packages on Tosa’s doorstep – the one from Nordstrom.

HARBOR THEFT: Laura says multiple neighbors have been hit at her building:

Our neighbor had a package stolen a couple days ago. More neighbors had the same thing happen too. Photo (is) of person walking away with one of the packages – Harbor Ave SW & Fauntleroy Way SW.

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Dr. Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap will be South Seattle College’s next president
May 22, 2018 4:46 pm
|    Comments Off on Dr. Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap will be South Seattle College’s next president
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Just in from South Seattle College (WSB sponsor):

Seattle Colleges’ Chancellor Shouan Pan announced Dr. Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap will serve as the next president of South Seattle College (SSC), effective July 1, 2018. Dr. Pan’s decision came after a nationwide search and consideration of feedback from multiple sources.

Rimando-Chareunsap has been with SSC since 2000 and currently serves as vice president of student services. She will succeed Interim President Peter Lortz and Gary Oertli, who retired as SSC’s most recent president in August of 2017.

“Dr. Rimando-Chareunsap is uniquely prepared and qualified to lead South Seattle College,” Chancellor Pan said. “The college has a proud history and the collective power to overcome future challenges and seize new opportunities. Rosie’s commitment to SSC and student success, her passion for equity-minded leadership, and her sensitivity to people and attentiveness to the task position her well to lead SSC at this time.”

With a B.A. in English and Ethnic Studies from Washington State University and an M.A. of Public Administration from University of Washington, Rimando-Chareunsap earned her Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from WSU. Her roles at SSC have included director of student outreach, associate dean of student achievement and vice president of student services.

Beyond SSC, Rimando-Chareunsap serves on the Executive Committee of the Washington State Student Services Commission, White Center Community Development Association Board, and the Seattle University Student Development Administration Advisory Board. In addition, she serves as Secretary of the National Asian Pacific Islander Council of the American Association of Community Colleges.

“I am honored and humbled to take on this leadership role for South Seattle College, especially after 18 years as a member of this community of dedicated and passionate educators,” Rimando-Chareunsap said. “I look forward to serving our students, communities, and city from this position, and helping SSC be at the forefront of transforming the lives of our diverse neighbors.”

Dr. Rimando-Chareunsap was one of three finalists for the job. SSC is headquartered on West Seattle’s Puget Ridge and also has a Georgetown campus.

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Highway 99 tunnel tolls: Your chance to comment – online now, and in person @ West Seattle meeting soon
May 22, 2018 2:40 pm
|      57 COMMENTS
 |   Highway 99 tunnel | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSDOT photo, looking north at southbound – upper – tunnel deck, earlier this month)

The Highway 99 tunnel, you’ve no doubt heard here and elsewhere, could open as soon as this fall. One last thing remains to be decided: The toll(s). Now, it’s time for public comment. Received this afternoon from the Washington State Transportation Commission:

The public process of setting toll rates for the State Route 99 tunnel is starting and the Washington State Transportation Commission is seeking public comment on toll rate options under consideration. Interested persons can provide comments to the commission at upcoming public meetings in Seattle or they can provide comments electronically starting today, Tuesday, May 22.

The commission has spent more than a year studying and assessing all aspects of tolling the SR 99 tunnel, including various toll rate levels, possible toll exemptions, estimated traffic diversion to city streets, and effects of tolling on freight movement. Based upon this analysis, the commission has developed three possible toll rate options, on which it now wants the public to weigh in.

The Legislature made the decision to toll the tunnel in 2012 (RCW 47.56.862). The commission is charged with making sure tolls generate enough revenue to cover specific costs as required under the law, including toll operations, maintenance, and debt payments associated with the construction of the tunnel. In 2018, the Legislature directed that initial toll rates will not cover future repair and replacement costs, such as for the roadway and ventilation systems for the SR 99 tunnel. Proposed future toll rate increases would need to be re-evaluated if the Legislature determines these costs should be covered by toll revenue.

Toll Rate Options

The three toll rate options currently under consideration would be in effect from when tolling begins in 2019 through at least June 2020:

Option A:

Toll rates range from $1.50 – $2.25 during peak travel times and $1 overnight.
The midday toll rate is $1.25.
There are four different toll rates over six time periods on weekdays.
Beginning in July 2022, toll rates increase 3 percent, every three years for all days of the week.

Option B:

Toll rates range from $1.50 – $2.25 during peak travel times and $1 overnight.
The midday toll rate is $1.
There are four different toll rates over eight time periods on weekdays.
Beginning in July 2020, there will be annual toll rate increases of 3.5 percent for five years that will apply to the weekday rates only.

Option C:

Toll rates range from $1.50 – $2.25 during peak travel times and $1 overnight.
The midday toll rate is $1.25.
There are five different toll rates over seven time periods on weekdays.
There are no toll rate increases during first five years of tolling. Then there are three toll rate increases of five percent each, taking place in July of 2024, 2029, and 2034, for all days of the week.

Public Comment Opportunities

The commission will hold public input meetings in early June in Seattle to gather comments on the three toll-rate options under consideration. The meetings are as follows:

· Monday, June 4
4 – 5 p.m.: Open house on tunnel project and tolling
5 – 6:30 p.m.: Public input meeting on tolling options
Seattle Public Library, Washington Mutual Foundation Room
1000 4th Ave., Seattle

· Tuesday, June 5
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.: Open house on tunnel project and tolling
6:30 – 8 p.m.: Public input meeting on tolling options
High Point Community Center, Multipurpose Room
6920 34th Ave. SW

· Wednesday, June 6
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.: Open house on tunnel project and tolling
6:30 – 8 p.m.: Public input meeting on tolling options
Phinney Center, Blue Building, Room #7
6532 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle

More information on the tolling options under consideration, and additional ways the public can comment, can be found on the commission’s web site under “pending actions” at: wstc.wa.gov. The Transportation Commission is taking public comment on these tolling options until July 17. An official proposal will be announced in mid-July 2018, followed by an additional public comment period before toll rates are finalized in fall 2018.

Here’s the direct link to the page with feedback options – scroll down. The “commission feedback form” link doesn’t appear to be working properly at the moment, so we’re sending a note to report that.

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Verity Credit Union’s West Seattle brainstorming breakfast, pre-opening
May 22, 2018 1:29 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photo: Verity team at this morning’s breakfast)

You might have noticed that Verity Credit Union (WSB sponsor) is getting a jump on community involvement, even before opening their first branch in West Seattle. They’ve gotten involved with community events from the West Seattle Food Bank‘s Instruments of Change to Bike Everywhere Day. This morning, Verity hosted an event of its own, gathering West Seattle community leaders for a brainstorming breakfast at the Senior Center of West Seattle in The Junction.

Attendees were asked three questions:

*What makes West Seattle unique – how is it different from other neighborhoods?
*What role can Verity play in the community?
*What do you need from a bank that you’re not getting now?

Verity CEO John Zmolek participated, and presented Senior Center executive director Lyle Evans with a $1,200 donation for the center’s foot-care program:

Verity CU expects to be open in the former Radio Shack storefront on California south of Oregon before West Seattle Summer Fest (July 13-15). During the festival, they’re planning a variety of activities out front of what will by then be the newly opened branch.

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Will Highland Park’s roundabout ever be funded? SDOT update Wednesday
May 22, 2018 11:39 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

(Early design concept for proposed Highland Park Way roundabout)

Tomorrow night, the Highland Park Action Committee gets an update on the long-in-the-works roundabout proposed for Highland Park Way and SW Holden. SDOT’s James Le is expected to be at the meeting with the newest information. After last month’s meeting, HPAC chair Charlie Omana learned from SDOT that SDOT has been “performing a survey of existing site conditions which should be completed within the next month. Once the survey is complete, project design can proceed, and SDOT intends to engage the public with multiple opportunities for feedback.” But, he added, only $200,000 of the project’s estimated $2.5 million cost has been committed. SDOT says it’s applied for a grant from the WSDOT City Safety Program but won’t hear until later this year. (It’s been half a year since the project was turned down for a different WSDOT grant.) Omana says, “After 5 years of working on this project in its current capacity, to have only $200k committed is disappointing. HPAC is concerned about the effects that increasing construction costs will have on the feasibility of this project over time. … HPAC will continue pushing to bring this project to fruition sooner rather than later.” And that includes Wednesday night’s discussion (7 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club, 1116 SW Holden).

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What’s up for your West Seattle Tuesday
May 22, 2018 10:17 am
|    Comments Off on What’s up for your West Seattle Tuesday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(House Finch, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for your Tuesday:

DINE OUT, SUPPORT STUDENTS: WingStop in Westwood Village will donate 20 percent of your purchase today (10:30 am-10:30 pm) to the Chief Sealth International High School ASB, if you show this flyer. (2600 SW Barton)

DROP-IN CHESS: 4:30-5:30 pm at High Point Library, kids are invited to drop in and play chess! (3411 SW Raymond)

WEST SEATTLE BLOCK WATCH CAPTAINS NETWORK: 6:30 pm at the Southwest Precinct, tonight’s WSBWCN agenda focuses on updates from local police and Block Watch issues. But you don’t have to be part of one to be there! All welcome. (2300 SW Webster)

FAMILY STORY TIME: Bring the kids – all ages – to enjoy story time before bedtime. 7 pm at Delridge Library. (5423 California SW)

SHAMBHALA MEDITATION: All welcome, 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Meditation followed by tea and socializing, and group discussion. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

WSCO CONCERT, WITH FOND FAREWELL: 6 pm concert doubleheader for the West Seattle Community Orchestras at Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium – including this farewell:

Longtime West Seattle Community Orchestras (WSCO) Executive Director and Orchestra Manager Mariane Hermanson will be retiring from those roles as of the end of the 2017-2018 season.

Mariane began with the organization in its fledgling years. Her participation was enabled by a Department of Neighborhoods Social Justice grant secured the Westside Symphonette, WSCO’s predecessor organization. At the time, only about 60 adults and students participated in two orchestras. Mariane has been the major force in helping the organization grow significantly, to where it now encompasses three orchestras, a concert band, and a percussion ensemble as well as instructional classes for adult and student beginners. The group now serves around 250 musicians annually!

Mariane will be honored at tonight’s season-ending double-header concert. It’s been a great 12-year run! WSCO will definitely miss her!

Other concerts details here. Free, though donations are always welcome! (2600 SW Thistle)

‘GEEKS WHO DRINK’ TRIVIA: 7:30 pm at Whisky West (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction. (6451 California SW)

SEE WHAT ELSE IS UP … via our complete-calendar page.

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SPRAYPARK SEASON! Highland Park opens Saturday
May 22, 2018 9:13 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB file photo, Highland Park Spraypark)

It’s sunny, it’s warm, and Memorial Day weekend is days away. That means spraypark season is almost here! West Seattle’s only spraypark, at Highland Park playground (1100 SW Cloverdale), opens Saturday, May 26th, and will be open daily, 11 am-8 pm. (That’s also the first day of the first pre-season weekend for Colman Pool, but wading pools don’t start until almost a month later – Lincoln Park wading pool will be the first to open, on June 23rd.)

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