day : 07/08/2018 10 results

(WSLL viewing party at Great American Diner & Bar tonight – photo tweeted by @olysportsblog)

The final score is in: The West Seattle Little League All-Stars won tonight’s must-win game at the Northwest Regionals, 11-2 over Alaska. (See the game stats here.) That means they play again tomorrow (Wednesday, August 8th), this time vs. the Oregon state champs (from Murrayhill LL in Beaverton), 4 pm, for a ticket to the semifinals.

ELECTION 2018: First primary results for 34th District State Senate, King County Prop 1

August 7, 2018 8:10 pm

| 32 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

8:10 PM: The first vote count is in. Here’s how the no-incumbent 34th District State Senate race stands (updated with all 11 candidates, then updated again with vote counts – percentages are rounded to the nearest tenth):

Joe Nguyen 6,769 27.7%
Shannon Braddock 6,570 26.9%
Lois Schipper 2,324 9.5%
Darla Green 2,158 8.8%
Sofia Aragon 2,025 8.3%
Courtney Lyle 1,669 6.8%
Lisa Ryan Devereau 850 3.5%
Debi Wagner 796 3.3%
Annabel Quintero 609 2.5%
Hillary Shaw 416 1.7%
Lem Charleston 264 1.1%

And this election’s one ballot measure, the King County Prop 1 replacement levy for automated fingerprint ID: 56% yes, 44% no.

More to come; see the full King County results list here, and the statewide results list (for a full look at U.S. Senate, Congress, etc.) here.

ADDED 9:31 PM: Once the results were in (next count isn’t until Wednesday), we stopped by the top two candidates’ parties for photos and a quick comment on video. Joe Nguyen was at Ounces in North Delridge:

Shannon Braddock was at Pizzeria 22 in Admiral:

We asked them both the same question: How will you appeal to the people who didn’t vote for you on this ballot?

Both are West Seattle residents. The 34th District also includes White Center and vicinity, Vashon and Maury Islands, and part of Burien. Next results update is expected Wednesday afternoon.

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AS-IT-HAPPENED COVERAGE: Night Out 2018 in West Seattle

August 7, 2018 6:00 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| Neighborhoods | Safety | West Seattle news

6 PM: Hundreds of West Seattle block parties for Night Out start now, with “street closed” signs all over the peninsula, We’ll be making some stops and we also appreciate a photo from your party – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

6:17 PM: First pics in are from Ben via Twitter:

#neighborhoodnightout in #ArborHeights featuring community art project and #balloonanimals from #clownbuggie @westseattleblog pic.twitter.com/DpCnyZf1bv

— Ben Weagraff (@weagz) August 8, 2018

6:24 PM: Our first stop also happened to be in Arbor Heights:

JoDean, who invited us to stop by, says this is the eighth year they’ve had a Night Out party and it’s the biggest turnout ever!

6:38 PM: We’re in Sunrise Heights right now, at Julie‘s party, where the food is of special note:

Julie won the contest to have West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) cater a Night Out party. What’s in our pic is just part of it. This is also just part of the turnout – more people are on the way after they get home from work:

6:52 PM: Thanks to Norm for sending pics from his block’s party on 51st SW:

At right above is Helen – Norm says this is her 30th block party with neighbors on 51st!

7:02 PM: We’re now in a Gatewood neighborhood that invited us to stop by. Look who else is visiting:

If you register your party and get your request in early, police and firefighters do make some stops on Night Out. This block is always one of the area’s biggest parties – here’s the group shot, Mounted Patrol visitors included:

They’ve got a band, too!

7:15 PM: Thanks to Laura for the photo from her Night Out party in North Delridge at Dragonfly Park:

7:24 PM: We just left Gatewood, where we also made a stop at Naomi‘s party:

Like just about everyplace else we’ve visited, lots of kids enjoying the night with their parents and neighbors!

7:35 PM: We’re now west of The Junction, where Sara invited us to stop by. Bouncy house for the youngest block-party’ers!

7:51 PM: And on the east side of The Junction, thanks to Stephanie for the invitation to stop by and say hi:

It’s about time for us to switch to Election Night mode, but we’ll add any more block party pics that come in – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text to 206-293-6302 – thank you!

9:07 PM: Thanks to the folks in the 8800 block of 17th SW for texting a photo:

9:27 PM: The 41st/Portland block party in Gatewood, photographed by Long Bach Nguyen:

11:17 PM: Added photos from the Pigeon Point party, courtesy of Pete Spalding:

Pete’s at right in the photo below, with SW Precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis at left.

Below, former SWP commander Capt. Steve Paulsen, and Community Police Team Officer Ken Mazzuca.

As of the last time we checked with Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Danner, more than 260 block parties were registered for tonight for our area. Night Out is a nationwide tradition with more than 30 years of history.

ADDED WEDNESDAY MORNING: Jennifer says the final total was more than 300 – most ever! She shared photos from some stops she made last night – here she is with local firefighters:

And she shared this photo of Chief Carmen Best visiting a South Park party:

Night Out is always the first Tuesday in August, so next year, it’s on August 6th.

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Another new stairway on the way for West Seattle, plus an update on others

August 7, 2018 4:49 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Delridge | Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

Thanks to Scott Amick for spotting the posted notice that work is about to start on a new stairway at SW Myrtle between Sylvan and 25th. This wasn’t on the list of scheduled West Seattle stairway projects that we published earlier this year, nor could we find it on the city website, so we checked in with SDOT‘s Greg Funk. He explained that funding found to replace a 50-foot-long dirt path here is coming from the Safe Routes to School program. Grading work is scheduled to start “as soon as” this week; then the stairway itself will be built in October. He also provided an update on other projects, following up on our March check-in:

*SW Director (between upper and lower Fauntleroy Way across from the ferry terminal) is complete

*SW Willow and pathway (at California) are complete

*SW Hill (between 42nd and California) is under construction, 1 more month or sooner

(SDOT photo)

*SW Hill (another one across from that one), added because of savings on “a couple projects”

*SW Holly (at Beveridge) is under construction, closed for 2 months. Funk adds: “This will be a stairway we are going to reset and will be one of our historic streetcar slab stairways – one of 5 we will be doing in the future.”

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Sub Pop’s SPF30 celebration at Alki Beach: Here are the transportation plans – transit, parking, road closures, more

August 7, 2018 1:35 pm

| 44 COMMENTS

| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Now we’re four days away from Sub Pop Records‘ big SPF30 anniversary celebration at Alki Beach – noon-10 pm Saturday (August 11th), with four stages of music (here’s the schedule as announced last month). This afternoon, the final details of how to get there and back, and how to get around the Alki area even if you’re not going. The map above and info below were just made public by Sub Pop:

At this time, we’d like to share important details regarding street closures, public transportation schedules, parking and more.

Firstly and foremostly, PLEASE limit the number of cars coming in and out of West Seattle, don’t drive unless you really have to, and instead use some form of public transportation to get to SPF30!

BUSES
King County Metro Transit has increased frequency for the Route 50 (Alki Service) to operate every 15 minutes.

In addition, the RapidRide C-Line has a couple of extra buses to assist with any overloaded buses, primarily while event-goers leave the Alki Beach area.

WATER TAXI
The King County Water Taxi between downtown Seattle and West Seattle is adding an extra boat with extra runs and extending hours of service.

In addition to the MV Doc Maynard running its regular Saturday service, the Water Taxi plans on running an extra boat (the MV Sally Fox) on the West Seattle route from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and again from 7:30 p.m. 11:30 p.m. These times are when we expect most people to be traveling to, and returning from, the event.

We strongly encourage you to purchase your Water Taxi tickets in advance. You can do so through the Transit GO app. Or use your ORCA card, for a reduced fare!

SHUTTLES
Three free shuttles will run within West Seattle throughout SPF30.
From…
1. SW Alaska St. & 44th Ave. SW at the Metro stop
2. SW Admiral Way and SW Waite St.
3. Harbor Ave. SW in front of Don Armeni Boat Ramp
…to SPF30 at Alki Beach and back.

There will be at least one accessible shuttle for patrons with disabilities on each of these routes.

BIKES & BIKE SHARES
There will be a Bike Corral located at the tennis courts at Whale Tail Park operated by Bike Works.

There will also be bike shares at some strategic locations as well as staged throughout West Seattle. Look for bikes at these locations:

1. Alaska Junction
2. Admiral Junction
3. Port of Seattle Lot
4. Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal
5. Spokane St. Park and Ride
6. Water Taxi

LYFT/UBER
Uber and Lyft will be managing the road closures for the festival in app. It will be best to catch a ride to and from the shuttle stops at the Alaska Junction and in the Admiral Neighborhood

There will be Lyft signage up at the Lyft Pickup/Drop-off zones.

PARKING
Once more, with feeling: please do not drive to SPF30. But, if you must, please carpool, designate a driver and know that we will have a parking lot. The parking fee will be $20. Credit/debit cards and cash are acceptable forms of payment. Location is the 2500 block of Harbor Ave SW across from the 7-11.

From this lot you can either walk approx. 4 min. to Don Armeni Boat Ramp to catch a free shuttle, or rent a bike and ride the Alki Trail to the festival.

The parking lot closes at midnight on the day of the festival (Sat., Aug. 11). Unclaimed vehicles will be towed by noon the next day. Please no Rideshare vehicles.

ACCESSIBLE PARKING
We have accessible parking spots reserved exclusively for patrons with disabilities in two locations. We ask that you display your placard/hang tags when parking. Please note these spots will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

1. On 63rd Ave SW between Admiral Way and Alki Ave SW
2. On Alki Ave SW between 54th Ave SW and 56th Ave SW

Accessible parking hang tags/placards will get you through local access street closures to these parking spots.

ROAD CLOSURES
Alki Ave SW will be closed between 56th Ave SW and 63rd Ave SW.
59th Ave SW will be closed from SW Stevens St. to Alki Ave SW.

There will be a local-access-only closure on Harbor Ave SW at California Way SW. Traffic will be turned back down Harbor Ave SW or diverted up California Way SW.

There will be lots of other local-access-only closures from SW Admiral Way down to Alki Ave SW, as well as a local-access-only closure at Bonair SW and Sunset Ave SW.

There will be festival staff and SPD helping to direct traffic at all of these closures.

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SAFETY: New crosswalk at 45th and Charlestown

August 7, 2018 1:13 pm

| 30 COMMENTS

| Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Thanks to Fiona Preedy for the photo and tip: That new crosswalk is in place at 45th SW and SW Charlestown. Safety at that intersection was one of the concerns voiced by the community committee convened to review a zoning “departure” required for 4 portables to be added to nearby Madison Middle School. Those portables recently arrived – thanks to Luckie for this photo, taken as they were being assembled last week:

We first reported on the portable plan back in January; they have been added to handle growing enrollment at Madison. The zoning departure required for their installation on the northeast side of the campus involved removing six offstreet parking spaces. The first day of school is September 5th – four weeks from tomorrow.

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Hope Lutheran School to build the next new West Seattle playground

August 7, 2018 12:28 pm

| Comments Off on Hope Lutheran School to build the next new West Seattle playground

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Images courtesy Hope Lutheran School)

Another West Seattle school is about to get a new community-built playground project! The announcement is from Hope Lutheran in The Junction:

After two years of intense fundraising efforts and private donations, Hope Lutheran School will have a new playground to greet students on the first day of school. Starting at 8 a.m. on August 11th, volunteers from school and church, under the guidance of local company PlayCreation, will begin to assemble the new structure.

Work began July 28th with demolition of the 20 year old existing structure by volunteers; it has seen countless children sliding down the spiral slide and withstood many feet and hands running over bridges and swinging on monkey bars. When the idea of a new playground structure was broached in 2016, students chimed in as to what they thought the new structure should include. Everything from swings to zip lines was mentioned and certain features such as slides and monkey bars were an absolute must.

“One of the reasons I’m so excited about our new playground is because it’s been a true community effort,” said Hope School principal Kristen Okabayashi. “Our families raised funds over two years to pay for the new playground, our students voted to choose which structure they wanted, parents, students, and congregational members are volunteering to prep and build the new playground, and we are using a West Seattle company for the structure itself. It’s been a team effort and we can’t wait to see our first students playing on it!”

PlayCreation submitted two designs and students were asked to vote their favorite. The winning design is blue and tangerine and includes circular monkey bars, a curly-cue slide, climbing wall, three social areas and plenty of features that encourage imaginative play.

An OmniSpin (similar to the merry-go-rounds of old) is also included in the build. “It was amazing to witness the enthusiasm of our whole school in raising the funds to revitalize our playground,” said Hope parent, Heather Paar. “The generosity of the families and community friends was so inspiring. We were fortunate to partner with our neighbor (PlayCreation) in West Seattle for the purchase of the playground, who worked with us – and our budget- to bring our vision to life!”

The weather forecast calls for cool skies on Saturday when volunteers begin at 8 a.m. to assemble this new structure. Hope welcomes volunteers who would like to be a part of this fun day and celebration. You can contact Admissions Director Sally Heit for more information at sheit@hopeseattle.org.

Hope Lutheran’s campus is adjacent to the church at 42nd/Oregon.

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Election Day, Night Out, WS Little League viewing party, and more for your West Seattle Tuesday

August 7, 2018 10:49 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS beverages

(Black-headed Grosbeak, photographed in Fauntleroy Park by Mark Wangerin)

Busy Tuesday in West Seattle (and beyond):

ELECTION DAY! Get your ballot into a mailbox today (postage no longer needed) or into a King County Elections dropbox by 8 pm tonight – West Seattle’s dropbox is by the High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond). Here’s our most-recent election refresher.

WADING POOLS: Could get to 90 today, so they’re open. West Seattle’s Tuesday pools are Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), 11 am-8 pm, and Delridge (Genesee/Delridge), noon-6:30 pm.

MOBILE BIKE REPAIRS: Fourth BikeWorks session of the summer. Free or reduced-price bicycle repairs are happening on the driveway behind Neighborhood House High Point, 2-4:30 pm. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

DELRIDGE GROCERY FARMSTAND: The Delridge Grocery Coop is scheduled to continue its weekly farmstand, 3-7 pm at the Shell across from DGC’s future store. (5441 Delridge Way SW)

‘NIGHT OUT’ BLOCK/BUILDING PARTIES: Tonight’s the night that neighbors gather to build and celebrate community in the spirit of safety. 6-9 pm is the basic window. West Seattle has more than 260 registered block parties that’ll be closing off side streets; some have also chosen to be shown on this map.

WEST SEATTLE LITTLE LEAGUE WATCHING PARTY: It’s a must-win game tonight for the West Seattle Little League All-Stars at the Northwest Regionals in Southern California, 7 pm vs. Alaska. WSLL says the Great American Diner and Bar in The Junction will again host a viewing party with the ESPN+ video feed. (4752 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE BIKE CONNECTIONS: 7 pm meeting at Neighborhood House High Point. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

GEEKS WHO DRINK: Weekly trivia at Whisky West (WSB sponsor), 8 pm. 21+. (6451 California SW)

SEE THE FUTURE … by browsing our complete calendar.

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Seen off West Seattle: Peace Boat arriving

August 7, 2018 9:58 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks to Jim Borrow for photographing the Peace Boat, arriving in Seattle for the first time early today; it’s now docked at Pier 66 downtown (shown on MarineTraffic.com with its official name, Ocean Dream). From the news release explaining the ship and what will happen during its visit here:

… Since 2008, Peace Boat has coordinated the “Global Voyage for a Nuclear Free World: Peace Boat Hibakusha Project,” inviting more than 170 Hibakusha (survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki) to travel onboard the ship, calling for a nuclear-free future. On this voyage, two Hibakusha (one from Hiroshima and another from Nagasaki) and one 2nd Generation Hibakusha are visiting 25 ports in 24 countries, where they are sharing their testimony as a means to call for nuclear abolition. These participants are also acting as “Special Communicators for a World without Nuclear Weapons” as accredited by the Japanese Government.

Yesterday was the 73rd anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing; Thursday marks the same anniversary for Nagasaki. This is the last stop of the ship’s current voyage before it returns to Japan.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday watch; Beach Drive crash closure

August 7, 2018 6:16 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

6:14 AM: Thanks for the text. Beach Drive is closed near Shore Place (here’s a map) because of a crash that damaged a utility pole, which will have to be replaced.

(Thanks to Randi for the photo.) SPD says the closure is expected to last a couple more hours.

6:32 AM: Metro alert because of the crash: “Route 37 is rerouted off of 48 Av SW btwn SW Graham St & Lincoln Pk Wy SW also Beach Dr SW, south of SW Jacobsen Rd.”

7:21 AM: Still closed (and this remains this morning’s only traffic incident in/from WS so far). SFD tells us that one man was taken to the hospital after the crash, in serious condition.

7:59 AM: Northbound traffic is now being allowed through.

9:04 AM: The new pole has arrived for installation: