day : 20/08/2018 12 results

(WSB photo: Smoky Monday afternoon @ Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza)

First announcements of this type that we’ve received – and likely not the last – both just out of the WSB inbox. First, from West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) executive director Shalimar Gonzales:

With more fires cropping up in BC and surrounding areas, the smoke may be here for a while longer. The West Seattle Y is offering a respite for community members at our location on Snoqualmie Street. Our center is air-conditioned and offers free Wi-Fi.

This is an opportunity for us to pay back this special community. We are happy to open our doors to our neighbors to protect their health.

The use of these facilities is free to the public. YMCA lot parking regulations still apply. A government issued photo ID is required to enter the facility. If you are interested in getting a workout in, feel free to stop by our welcome center to get a free pass to use our facility.

And from St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church rector Rev. Kate Wesch:

Tuesday and Wednesday, August 21 and 22 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Escape the smoke with children ages 0-5 who need to move at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church

Do you have cabin fever with your little ones? Looking for some space to run around where the kids can play indoors away from the smoke? St. John’s is opening the Parish Hall, a large carpeted room, and will have a few large motor toys and blocks out. Come for an hour or stay all three. We’ll have coffee for the grown ups. St. John’s is located on the corner of California Ave SW and SW Hanford St. next door to WS High School. (3050 California Ave SW) Questions? 206-937-4545

Anybody else with something special to announce? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks!

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READER REPORT: ‘Tullie the flying dog’

August 20, 2018 9:31 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| Pets | West Seattle news

Need a smile before bedtime? Todd e-mailed us the tale of “Tullie the flying dog,” whose neighborhood adventure stopped short of an appearance on the WSB Lost/Found Pets page:

My dog Tullie, a 8-y-o mischievous terrier mutt, was missing for about 20 minutes. I could slightly hear her, but could not see her. Then i looked “up.” When i called her, she tried to come down off the roof toward me, by jumping off the roof! NOT a good decision. She refused to come down the way she went up………. so i had to slowly enter the unoccupied home, making as much noise as possible, to retrieve her (the back door was open and i asked my friend to witness the event) where i discovered her cowering up on the roof. She accessed the roof from a built-in rooftop deck. Apparently she chased a cat up into the neighbors’ house. A very large white cat had kidnapped Tullie up there! I was able to move the cat, and steer Tullie down the stairs, where she promptly placed the brakes on again…. a second cat stood in the doorway preventing her exit. I had to move the 2nd cat to get my dog out of the house. I don’t think Tullie will be chasing cats anytime soon.

This unfolded in southwest Admiral.

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West Seattle VFW celebrating its centennial, and you’re invited!

August 20, 2018 8:57 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Triangle | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

The photo and announcement are from West Seattle VFW post commander Steve Strand:

The West Seattle VFW would like to invite everybody to help us celebrate our 100-year anniversary this Sunday, August 26th, 2018, at 2:00 PM.

Our Post was created when the original Seattle Post #24 COL Theodore Roosevelt joined with the Sgt Farwell post to create Post 2713 Farwell-Roosevelt. We are still housed in the old Morrison Hall at 3601 SW Alaska Street, where we have been since the 1960s. We are across the street from the American Legion who have the cannon out front.

We have been researching our history and will have old newspaper articles and photographs on display. We also have compiled a database of members from 1918 and will attempt to have a list if anybody wants to check it for family members. Our database is incomplete, but the original applications include veterans from the Spanish-American War.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US strives to give back to the community while allowing our members a friendly face and open place to gather and share their experiences. We are offering a one-year free membership to any qualifying veteran that lives or works in West Seattle. If you have a veteran in your life, please bring them by. Many of our members were encouraged to join by children, grandchildren, or others, only to find out the benefit it added to their life. We are all-inclusive – all ages, genders, races, religions, orientations.

This is a free event and our doors will be wide open. Anybody is welcome to come in and browse our building, check-out the displays, or talk with our veterans. We hope to see you there.

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West Seattle Crime Watch (and police sighting): 3 notes

August 20, 2018 8:13 pm

| Comments Off on West Seattle Crime Watch (and police sighting): 3 notes

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Three notes tonight:

STOLEN VEHICLE: Jyl’s 1993 white Jeep Grand Cherokee was stolen in the 9800 block of 24th SW. Plates AYU8906. Call 911 if you’ve seen it.

DUMPED BAG: Stephanie found this dumped in her alley over the weekend, near 35th/Dawson:

Recognize it? Let us know and we’ll connect you.

ABOUT THAT POLICE RESPONSE: Got a few questions about a police response late today near 35th/107th in Arbor Heights. It was a “person in crisis” situation, related to a family dispute, resolved without injury.

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South Park swearing-in ceremony Tuesday for Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best

August 20, 2018 6:12 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| South Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(August 7th photo courtesy SW Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner)

Newly confirmed Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best was in South Park two weeks ago for Night Out, and she will return tomorrow for one of three swearing-in ceremonies around the city. Here’s the announcement from the mayor’s office:

On Tuesday, August 21, Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best will participate in three swearing-in ceremonies, including a large community ceremony at the Northwest African American Museum.

Last week, City Council confirmed Chief Carmen Best, who is a 26-year member of the Seattle Police Department. Best was integral in helping the department navigate the Federal Consent Decree, eventually leading to “full and effective” compliance. She is the first African American woman to lead the Seattle Police Department in its 149-year history.

When: Tuesday, August 21 at 11:30 am
Where: Ceremony in Bertha Knight Landes at City Hall, located at 600 4th Avenue

When: Tuesday, August 21 at 1:00 pm
Where: South Park Community Center, located at 8319 8th Avenue S

When: Tuesday, August 21 at 4:30 pm (reception immediately following ceremony)
Where: Northwest African American Museum, located at 2300 S Massachusetts St

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HEALTH ALERT: Smoky air now ‘unhealthy’ everywhere; plus, burn ban ordered

August 20, 2018 4:26 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Health | Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Our photo taken a short time ago from Alki Avenue is about what you CAN’T see: Normally on a sunny summer day, looking across Puget Sound from that spot, you’d see Bainbridge Island, with the Olympic Mountains as a backdrop. Right now – that’s all entirely obscured. While visibility improved a little early this morning, this afternoon it’s worsened in a big way, and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has joined regional health departments in renewing their health alert:

Air pollution levels are rising across Puget Sound region again and levels are expected to be UNHEALTHY for everyone today. Smoke is expected to impact air quality over the next few days. Air pollution levels will rise and fall, so we encourage you check the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency air quality map to see the latest air quality nearest you.

Right now, the level is indeed UNHEALTHY in all directions. The Washington Smoke Information website says we can expect some clearing Thursday. Meantime, a Stage I burn ban has been ordered, to take effect at 5 pm. That means:

No outdoor burning during a Stage 1 air quality burn ban including:

• No charcoal barbecues or similar solid fuel devices
• No campfires or bonfires
• No fire pits, chimineas, fire bowls, or similar free-standing devices
• No fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves, or uncertified inserts*
• No agricultural fires (as described in the agricultural burn permit)
• Local fire districts do not grant Native American ceremonial fire permits outside of tribal lands during air quality burn bans.

It is OK to use natural gas and propane grills, stoves, or inserts during a Stage 1 burn ban.

* The only exception to using fireplaces and uncertified wood stoves or inserts, is if the homeowner has a previously approved ‘No Other Adequate Source of Heat’ exemption from the Clean Air Agency

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High Point Play Area relocation/renovation work begins

August 20, 2018 2:58 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Thanks to Erin for the tip: The High Point Play Area relocation/renovation project is starting work. It’s been more than a year since the Seattle Parks open houses on this playground project – one of several in the works – so it fell off our radar. The project website has full details, noting that the $700,000 project will more than quadruple the playground’s size while also improving safety and accessibility. The contractor is LW Sundstrom.

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TRAFFIC ALERT UPDATE: Ramp from NB I-5 to WB West Seattle Bridge to be closed next weekend; overnight NB 99 closures too

August 20, 2018 12:42 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

12:42 PM: Early-ish heads-up today from WSDOT: As the “Revive I-5” project continues on northbound I-5, another ramp closure will affect people heading to West Seattle next weekend. This time, WSDOT spokesperson Tom Pearce tells WSB, it will be a closure of the ramp *FROM northbound I-5, TO the westbound West Seattle Bridge* (and Columbian Way), so that the ramp can be repaved, between 9 pm Friday night and 5 am Monday morning (8/24-8/27). The ramps FROM the West Seattle Bridge will NOT be affected this time. Full details of this weekend’s closures will be out in a day or two.

2:21 PM: Thanks to commenter 44th Res for pointing out there’s a weekend 99 closure too. We found it here and confirmed with WSDOT that the closure is nightly, NB 99 between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel, 9 pm-5 am Friday night (8/24-25), Saturday night (8/25-26), and Sunday night (8/26-27), with one exception: After the Saturday night Ed Sheeran concert at CenturyLink Field, “the northbound on-ramp from South Royal Brougham will temporarily open to traffic.”

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4 for the rest of your West Seattle Monday!

August 20, 2018 11:54 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Prolific bird photographer Mark Wangerin says this is the first Cassin’s Vireo he’s ever photographed!)

WADING POOL/SPRAYPARK: We’re now down to the ones that are open daily through Labor Day (unless the weather is cloudy and not expected to pass 70 degrees) – Lincoln Park wading pool (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) and Highland Park spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), both open 11 am-8 pm.

TEQUILA PAIRING DINNER: 5 pm at Mission Cantina (WSB sponsor), a pairing dinner with Tequila Fortaleza, starting with a cocktail hour and live music, and continuing through four courses. Details and ticket info are in our calendar listing. (2325 California SW)

FOCUS GROUP: Opinions about crime, safety, policing? The Seattle University-convened focus groups continue with a session today for the “commercial Harbor Island community,” 6-7 pm at Delridge Library. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

FAMILY STORY TIME: Looking for something to enjoy indoors with your kid(s) until the smoke clears? Story time is at the well-air-conditioned High Point Library at 6:30 tonight! (3411 SW Raymond)

LOOK INTO THE FUTURE … and see the rest of what’s up for today/tonight … via our calendar!

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FOLLOWUP: King County Water Taxi’s added runs for SPF30 helped set single-day record

August 20, 2018 11:02 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| King County Water Taxi | Transportation | West Seattle news

(From our first as-it-happened SPF30 report on 8/11/18, Carolyn Newman’s photo of the Water Taxi shuttle line at Seacrest)

Another SPF30 followup – the office of King County Executive Dow Constantine has sent this announcement that adding extra runs that day/night led to a ridership record:

King County Water Taxi set a single-day ridership record during Sub Pop Records’ 30th anniversary celebration on Alki Beach, working with event organizers to provide additional service for the biggest one-day event in West Seattle’s history.

It is the latest milestone for King County’s water taxi service, which set a monthly ridership record on its West Seattle route in July.

“Thousands of people enjoyed a scenic trip to Alki Beach for a major celebration without having to fight traffic or search for parking,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Our successful collaboration with Sub Pop Records reflects our commitment to being nimble and responsive so we can deliver outstanding customer service.”

The water taxi staff worked with event organizers to add a second vessel to the West Seattle route for the peak hours of the festival. Sub Pop encouraged attendees to take King County’s water taxi and free shuttle to Alki Beach, reducing traffic congestion in the surrounding neighborhoods.

“It would have been impossible to bring that many people to our festival without the help of the King County Water Taxi,” said Sub Pop CEO Megan Jasper. “They understood our needs and created a flexible and efficient plan for our region’s music fans. Many of these folks rode the Water Taxi for the first time, and we’ve heard from many of them how enjoyable their commute was.”

“Music is one of those treasured experiences that brings people together,” Jasper added. “The Water Taxi is a local treasure. We are so grateful for the partnership and the experience they provided.”

More than 7,600 passengers sailed on King County’s water taxis on Aug. 11. Between 9 and 11:30 p.m., the MV Doc Maynard and the MV Sally Fox – which can carry 278 passengers each – carried more than 2,000 passengers from West Seattle to Pier 52.

The previous single-day ridership record was set in 2014 when 4,592 passengers sailed to and from the the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory parade.

What the announcement doesn’t mention is how much Sub Pop paid to have a vessel added; we have asked that followup question. The record label added other forms of transportation to handle the crowd, too, including tour-bus-type shuttles from various West Seattle stops.

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HALA upzoning appeal: More testimony starting today

August 20, 2018 9:49 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

The city’s HALA Mandatory Housing Affordability upzoning plan has yet to go before the City Council for a final vote because the neighborhood coalition appeal of its Environmental Impact Statement remains unresolved. Testimony was scheduled to resume this morning before city Hearing Examiner Ryan Vancil. This is the 11th day of testimony, but the 10 days so far have not been consecutive; it began with one week in late June (June 25-29) and continued with one week in late July (July 23-27). This entire week is also blocked for testimony, Monday-Friday, and four more days are on the HE calendar too – August 30th and 31st and September 4th and 7th. This week, the neighborhood coalition is scheduled to wrap up its case with witnesses today and Tuesday and in the first hour of Wednesday, before the city calls more of its witnesses. Those testifying this week, according to a document provided to the HE, will include West Seattleites Christy Tobin-Presser and Cindi Barker as part of the appeal case; city witnesses will include city employees and consultants including Geoff Wentlandt, the city Office of Planning and Community Development lead in preparing the EIS. The proceedings are in the Hearing Examiner’s chambers on the 40th floor of the city Municipal Tower downtown (700 5th Ave.), open to the public; audio of each day’s proceedings is posted in the online case file.

BACKSTORY: The proposal would upzone property in urban villages, as well as commercial/multifamily property everywhere in the city, while requiring developers to either build affordable housing in their projects or pay fees to fund it elsewhere. The appeal was announced in November, two weeks after the city released the EIS. Five West Seattle neighborhood groups are among the 31 organizations from around the city in the coalition – Alki Community Council, Fauntleroy Neighborhood Association, Morgan Community Association, West Seattle Junction Neighborhood Organization, and the Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Coalition. An appeal is not a lawsuit, though it could be a precursor to one; once the HE rules – usually within a few weeks of the end of testimony – that will be the city’s final decision in the matter, but the decision could be challenged in court. In city appeals, the burden is on the appellants to prove that a city decision should be overturned or amended. The City Council has continued to review the legislation that would implement HALA MHA, though its Select Committee on MHA has yet to schedule its next meeting.

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