With less than two weeks until Seattle Public Schools starts classes for the new school year, there’s word of a principal change at one local school. Received tonight from Laura Olson, president of the Highland Park Elementary PTA:

Highland Park Elementary School is thrilled to announce that effective August 24th we have a new principal, Adam Dysart! Mr. Dysart was the Assistant Principal at Highland Park last year, where he built a strong relationship with the HPE community, showing that he is truly committed to the success of each and every student. We are so pleased that Mr. Dysart was selected to lead our school and we are looking forward to a new and exciting school year. A big welcome to our new principal!

We would also like to offer a heartfelt thank you and good-bye to our former principal, Chris Cronas. He arrived at HPE in 2014 when our school faced a number of challenges. He was the central figure in a community meeting where those challenges were outlined, and in his 4 years with us he has worked with staff and community members to transform our school. Thank you for everything, Mr. Cronas, and good luck in your future endeavors!

She shared the two letters related to the announcement – first, from now-former principal Chris Cronas:

Dear Highland Park Families,

I had mentioned to students on the last day of school that there was a strong possibility I would not return. After speaking with my family and friends over the summer, I have decided to move on from Highland Park and leave the principalship altogether. I am resigning my position with Seattle Public Schools. I have been a school leader in Seattle for 11 years and I have learned so much from my experience.

When I arrived to Highland Park four years ago, the school had a myriad of challenges that took time to address. I can say with confidence that our community is in far better shape than it was when I arrived. And now, our students and staff need your help to take that final step toward academic success for every student. I know Highland Park is in great hands, supported by amazing staff and families. My very best to you all as you continue your work to make Highland Park the very best school for every child who walks through our doors.

And here’s how the change was announced by Dr. Mike Starosky, the district’s assistant superintendent/chief of schools:

Dear Highland Park Elementary community,

I am pleased to announce that Mr. Adam Dysart has been selected to be the new principal of Highland Park.

Mr. Dysart was the assistant principal, and was selected because of his relationships with and commitment to the Highland Park community and creating equitable outcomes from all students. He is a strong instructional leader who appreciates families and community members as a valuable resource.

Prior to serving at Highland Park, Mr. Dysart spent time as the Assistant Director of Student Advancement in Highline School District, a program manager for student supports in the Seattle Public Schools district office, and has elementary curriculum and classroom experience. Principal Dysart holds a deep commitment to meeting the needs of the whole child through a multi-tiered system of supports and is deeply committed to Highland Park.

Mr. Dysart earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Washington, his Master in Teaching from Seattle University, and his Principal and Program Administrator Certification from the University of Washington’s Danforth Educational Leadership Program.

Thank you to Principal Chris Cronas for his leadership as principal. Principal Dysart is committed to building upon the strong work that has been done by the staff and families of this school. Mr. Dysart’s first day as principal is today, and is looking forward to seeing students and families at the start of school.

Please join me in congratulating Principal Adam Dysart.

(Any other new principals for the new year? Please let us know so we can spotlight them too. Thank you!)

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HAPPENING NOW: Roxhill Park Champions’ first Family Movie Night

August 24, 2018 9:00 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Another first tonight – the first family-movie night for Roxhill Park Champions, community volunteers working on a brighter future for the park. “Wall-E” is on the big screen right now; everybody there got free treats:

Also sponsoring the event: The Seattle Park Commons program, which is explained here along with how you can get involved with future community planning for Roxhill Park.

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HAPPENING NOW: West Seattle Beer and Music Festival, night 1

August 24, 2018 5:59 pm

| 76 COMMENTS

| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news | WS beverages

(WSB photos)

The first-ever West Seattle Beer and Music Festival has begun! The boards up outside the Alki Masonic Center in The Junction tell you what’s happening – including the featured restaurants and breweries.

It’s not just brewers who are in the spotlight, it’s also local beer specialists like The Beer Junction:

From left are Chris, Allison, and Morgan. The festival’s on until 10 pm; part of the proceeds benefit WestSide Baby.

The Masonic Center is at 4736 40th SW, and you can get your tickets – which include food and drink – here. Tomorrow has two sessions, afternoon and evening, and then the festival finale is Sunday afternoon, when you’re invited to bring your pup.

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VIDEO: At Duwamish River barge-fire discussion, concerns surface, along with ‘an opportunity’

August 24, 2018 2:39 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Environment | West Seattle news

(Texted photo from June 26th)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Two months after the June 26th Seattle Iron and Metals barge fire on the Duwamish River (WSB coverage here) filled the sky with black smoke seen for miles around, a followup meeting answered some questions but raised even more concerns.

The Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition brought together some of the departments/agencies involved in fighting the fire and assessing its damage. “For us, this is a very important meeting – we had a lot of people who were really scared by the fire,” began DRCC director/coordinator James Rasmussen, later noting that what they had gathered for was to find out the truth. “The people who are here, who are your regulators, are trying to do the best they can for you.” We recorded Wednesday night’s meeting – here’s our unedited video in its entirety:

If you weren’t there and don’t have time to watch, here’s what was revealed, asked, and discussed:

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SMOKE: Yes, it’s back

August 24, 2018 12:59 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| Health | West Seattle news

12:59 PM: Some have wondered if that’s really wildfire smoke, again, turning things hazy. Short answer: Yes. Longer answer: The Maple Fire on the Olympic Peninsula is largely to blame, along with ongoing British Columbia wildfires. And, says the Washington Smoke Information website, “This intermittent smoke we are experiencing should be expected through the weekend.” But it’s not expected to become anything resembling what blanketed us earlier this week, and we are not currently under an air-quality alert.

5:35 PM: As a commenter points out, things worsened in the past few hours since we published this. “Unhealthy for sensitive groups” is the predominant current rating.

10:10 PM: Added, smoky sunset photo by James Bratsanos.

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About the 21-gun salute: Memorial for Homeland Security Special Agent Timothy Ensley

August 24, 2018 11:27 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| Seen around town | West Seattle news

(Officers involved in 21-gun salute, seen afterward at Seacrest)

Thanks for the tips. We headed to Harbor Avenue after word of a 21-gun salute and a police presence at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor). We discovered it was all part of a memorial for Department of Homeland Security Special Agent Timothy A. Ensley, 47, who died from dengue fever contracted while on assignment overseas earlier this year. He had been with DHS for 9 years, based in Seattle, and left behind his wife and four children.

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West Seattle Friday: Beer & Music Festival; Duwamish Longhouse Native Art Market; Roxhill Park movie; Anju grand opening; more!

August 24, 2018 10:44 am

| Comments Off on West Seattle Friday: Beer & Music Festival; Duwamish Longhouse Native Art Market; Roxhill Park movie; Anju grand opening; more!

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Red-breasted Nuthatch, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

The weekend’s in sight! And so are many cool happenings:

DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE NATIVE ART MARKET & JUMBLE DAYS: Until 5 pm today (and again 10 am-5 pm Saturday), shop at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse! (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

WADING POOL: The only one in West Seattle that hasn’t closed for the season, Lincoln Park, will be open today, 11 am-8 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

ANJU GRAND OPENING: As first reported on our partner site White Center Now, today is the official grand opening for Anju, a new bar in White Center featuring “Korean-based bar food,” according to proprietor Sam Jo (who provided the photo at right, showing the “‘Jack Move’ – rum-based cocktail with canary melon and brulee’d pineapple puree). Opens at 3 pm. (9641 15th SW)

WEST SEATTLE BEER AND MUSIC FESTIVAL: First session of the first-ever West Seattle Beer and Music Festival! 4-10 pm for VIP ticketholders, 5-10 pm general ticketholders, go here for tickets and info! At the Alki Masonic Lodge in The Junction. (4736 40th SW)

SUMMER CONCERTS AT THE MOUNT FINALE: Another summer series comes to a close – this time, live music at Providence Mount St. Vincent. 5:30 pm, dinner (kalbi ribs!) is available for purchase; 6-7:30 pm, free concert with the 85th Street Big Band. (4831 35th SW)

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

ROXHILL PARK MOVIE: First-ever free family outdoor movie night presented by Roxhill Park Champions! Bring your chair/blanket to the lawn in the heart of the park starting at 7:30 pm; “Wall-E” is the movie, onscreen at dusk, around 8:15 pm. As previewed here, free treats for the first 100 people. (29th/Barton)

SEE THE FULL LIST FOR TODAY/TONIGHT/BEYOND … on our complete calendar.

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Free ice-cream sundaes! End of Summer Party on Monday

August 24, 2018 9:46 am

| Comments Off on Free ice-cream sundaes! End of Summer Party on Monday

| Fun stuff to do | High Point | West Seattle news

Next week is the last full week of summer break for students who aren’t already back at school, and the Seattle Public Library is starting it off by inviting you to “a special West Seattle-wide celebration of the end of summer!” It’s happening 4-7 pm Monday (August 27th) at High Point Library:

We will have family entertainment for little children, kids, tweens, and teens – everyone is welcome. There will be bubbles, a tinfoil boat competition, create and design your own t-shirt activity (for youth ages 11+), crafts, games, prizes and an ice cream sundae bar (starting at 6 pm) for all.

No charge, and no registration required – just show up! HP Library is at 3411 SW Raymond.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch; Harbor Island SFD response

August 24, 2018 7:05 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch; Harbor Island SFD response

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

7:05 AM: Good morning. So far, no incidents reported in/from West Seattle.

CLOSURES CANCELED: Just in case you hadn’t yet heard – the planned weekend closures for Highway 99 and I-5 have both been canceled, to be rescheduled at a TBD date.

8:47 AM: SFD hazmat response has closed WB Spokane at Klickitat, just east of the low bridge.

9:53 AM: Per scanner, a broken-down vehicle on the eastbound high bridge by Delridge might be there a while – the estimate for a tow is 45 minutes.

9:58 AM: SFD says the incident in the 1100 block of SW Spokane was a “small spill of hydrofluoric acid” and that it’s “finishing up.” One person was taken to the hospital “as a precaution.”

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READER REPORT: West Seattle cat found with two BB wounds

August 23, 2018 9:55 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| Crime | Pets | West Seattle news

The photo and report are from Mel:

Horrible thing to report but we found last night that our cat had been shot TWICE by a BB gun somewhere near our house on 40th Ave SW and SW Brandon this week. See attached photo.

Our kitty is a very friendly cat with a gentle nature and is loved by our family including two small daughters.

Why anyone would do this astounds us. Please warn residents in our area to be vigilant with their pets and check them for puncture wounds. The vet says the shots could have happened over a period of time, so this could have been two separate incidents. We called the police so they are aware and filed a report with animal control.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Spiral notebook to watch for

August 23, 2018 7:57 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Crime | West Seattle news

From Annette:

My bags were opportunistically taken from my locked car parked at Westwood today, between 11:30 am to 2 pm, in between Starbucks and Marshall’s. I need to find the spiral bound handwritten notebook that was in my orange ‘Knowmo’ computer bag. It has a year’s worth of notes about the project I’m working on. The thieves will probably dump it, so do please keep your eyes peeled.

1) Orange ‘Knowmo’ laptop bag with Acer Chromebook and other sundry items: eye glasses, pens and most importantly my spiral bound notebook. This is the most important piece to recover. The chromebook has a large green sticker on the front with a funny picture of a dog in the center and the words ‘U R Following @moochalada’ in a circle around the image. There is a C&P coffee shop sticker on the back, as well as a black sticker reading ‘Breakfast,’ with a small rectangular sticker on top of that saying ‘Terres Sens’.

2) a large African style, red and blue woven basket with leather handles. Inside this was another handbag, a cream colored ‘Fossil’ bag with 3 zipper pockets with orange piping and a long canvas shoulder strap. This contains all my receipts for August – also a vital thing to recover.

3) The dog’s bag. A yellow and gray insulated lunch bag with dog food and 3 dog bowls inside.

We know it was opportunistic theft, why would anyone steal the dog’s dinner?? The only thing of value that they scored is the chromebook, so I anticipate they will likely just dump the rest. Please Please Please help me find the notebook! It’s A5 size, spiral bound, from Staples, with a beige cover with an abstract pattern in a very slightly darker shade. That notebook is my project’s lifeline. Thanks for looking.

We’ll add the police report # when we get it.

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VIDEO: Caspar Babypants draws his customary crowd @ Summer Concerts at Hiawatha

August 23, 2018 6:58 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

6:58 PM: You gotta love a guy who sings songs like “My Flea Has Dogs” and “Banana Bread” (the bright side of what you can do with overripe bananas). Those are among the songs Caspar Babypants has performed, not far into his series-closing set for Summer Concerts at Hiawatha.

Always the biggest turnout of the season for the Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented series, in its 10th year. And if you’re here, stop by and say thanks to sponsors that are on site tonight, on the east side of the lawn, including WSB sponsors West Seattle Realty and Dream Dinners (we’re longtime series sponsors too).

You’ll find CB’s wife, artist Kate Endle, there with CDs and more, too! We’ll add photos and video later; the (free!) show will continue on the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center (Walnut/Lander) until about 8 pm.

11:29 PM: Photos added above! And here’s CB singing “Petunia”:

At the very end of his show, he enlisted some help for an “explosive” grand finale:

And one pre-show photo:

With Mr. Babypants in that pic is Stephanie Jordan, who curated the concert series again this year – watch for word of next year’s series planning in early 2019!

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Got questions about the newest Avalon Way plan?

August 23, 2018 6:18 pm

| Comments Off on Got questions about the newest Avalon Way plan?

| Transportation | Triangle | West Seattle news

(WSB photo)

As we’ve been reporting, the SW Avalon Way rechannelization/repaving plan is now at 60 percent design, and that’s where SDOT hopes to get remaining issues/concerns surfaced before the final phase of design and the start of construction next spring. So if you have questions/comments, you can take them directly to SDOT staff at the open house that’s on until 7:30 pm at American Legion Post 160 in The Triangle (3618 SW Alaska). You can also preview the project maps/graphics on the SDOT website (we added them today to our preview story from last night). If you can’t make it to the open house, you can send comments to the project team via avalonpaving@seattle.gov.

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FRIDAY: First day for first-ever West Seattle Beer and Music Festival

August 23, 2018 3:56 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Tomorrow evening, it begins: The first-ever West Seattle Beer and Music Festival, four sessions over three days at the Alki Masonic Center in The Junction (4736 40th SW). Here are the highlights at a glance:

That’s just part of what’ll be offered. As the organizers explain, “Our goal is to provide craft beer drinkers with an amazing selection of unique beers so they can discover new and old favorites. … Not only will there be craft beer, the festival will feature ‘Sips and Bites’ from our local culinary stars pairing up with festival brewmasters and funky local bands & Dj’s keeping us movin’.” It’s a “cashless” festival – food and drink tokens are included in the ticket prices; see the options here – including VIP levels if you’re interested – for the Friday night, Saturday afternoon, Saturday night, and Sunday afternoon sessions. Sunday, you can bring your dog(s)! All three days are 21+

P.S. The featured breweries are listed here.

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Aegis Living of West Seattle: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor

August 23, 2018 2:08 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Aegis Living of West Seattle, with a public grand-opening celebration this Saturday, is one of the newest WSB sponsors. Here’s what they’d like you to know:

West Seattle has a new neighbor! Nestled along the west-facing hilltop of Admiral Way, Aegis Living of West Seattle assisted living and memory care community is now open, providing aging area residents a beautiful new home. Fresh colors, imaginative touches, and beachy design elements relate to the water-oriented West Seattle lifestyle and the restorative serenity that comes from living near the sea.

Aegis Living is a nationally recognized company known for its innovative offerings in assisted living. CEO Dwayne J. Clark (right) founded the company 21 years ago with a disruptive mindset to redefine the living experience for seniors needing care. This grew out of frustration with senior living options and poor service standards encountered when caring for his own mother. Aegis Living offers well-appointed assisted living with the amenities of a five-star hotel, combined with outstanding care from highly trained and valued staff. Aegis Living at West Seattle offers 82 apartment-style units for those who can no longer live independently and for people with advanced memory loss. Innovative Life Enrichment™ activities address mind, body, spirit to keep seniors healthy physically and mentally. “Premium surroundings make every day a celebration and provide a wonderful backdrop for the excellent care and sense of belonging provided by our warm and loving staff,” says Clark.

An “employee first” company recognizing that employees are at the heart of its success, Aegis Living treats employees like family, justas they regard the residents as family. Aegis Living rewards employees with outstanding perks and benefits, including the annual “Dream Big” giveaway with a range of cash prizes. In 2017, Aegis Living was named one of Glassdoor’s Top 50 Best Places to Work — the first assisted-living company to place on the national workplace review list. Aegis Living currently operates 31 communities in Washington, California, and Nevada, with six in development.

Stepping through the front door of Aegis in West Seattle, visitors are greeted by the fresh blue and white color palette of a relaxed, chic vacation villa. The dramatic two-story entrance hall features blown glass chandeliers and decor inspired by the sparkling blue water of the ocean. Whimsical features throughout include a submarine aquarium with portholes for viewing tropical fish and a real tugboat in the large outdoor courtyard — named for Dwayne Clark’s mother-in-law and longtime West Seattle resident Norene Ott. A theater and sports den enable residents to enjoy both cultural activities and cheer their favorite team in style. A spa, hair salon and barber shop keep residents looking good. Several elevated decks — including one on the roof — and a large outdoor courtyard provide numerous spaces to enjoy fresh air and views.

For more information or to schedule a tour, visit aegisliving.com/aegis-of-west-seattle.

GRAND OPENING: Area residents are invited to take a tour and enjoy grand opening festivities on Saturday, August 25th, 1:00-4:00 pm, at 4700 SW Admiral Way. Valet parking provided. Guests will enjoy fruit drinks, fresh Northwest seafood, and desserts. Music includes tropical style rock and a Caribbean steel band. Raffle prizes include original artwork ‘painted on site’ by local artist Beth Goodman. Actress Loni Anderson of “WKRP in Cincinnati” fame will sign autographs and help cut the ribbon marking the official opening.

We thank Aegis Living of West Seattle for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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WEEKEND ALERT UPDATE: 99, I-5 closures both canceled

August 23, 2018 12:26 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

First WSDOT announced the I-5 work that would have closed the NB I-5 ramp to the West Seattle Bridge was postponed … now the Highway 99 work is off, too. So, NO West Seattle-affecting closures this weekend after all.

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COUNTDOWN: 2 days to the 2018 West Seattle Car Show!

August 23, 2018 11:34 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| Fun stuff to do | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from last year’s West Seattle Car Show)

Now that it’s safe to go outside again … we can resume getting excited about this weekend’s big outdoor events! Saturday includes the 2018 West Seattle Car Show – if you have a vehicle to show off, it’s not too late to be part of the show, via day-of entry (registration info’s here), with load-in starting at 8 am. If you just want to wander, show hours (free admission!) are 10 am-3 pm, with the chance to eat and drink while you’re there – the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, and the Northwest Wine Academy will be open, with beverages including wine and coffee. You’re also invited to visit the adjacent Seattle Chinese Garden. It’s all happening Saturday (August 25th) on the north side of South Seattle College, whose Automotive Tech program benefits from proceeds of the show presented by West Seattle Autoworks and Swedish Automotive (WSB sponsors) – see you there!

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7 for your West Seattle Thursday

August 23, 2018 10:12 am

| Comments Off on 7 for your West Seattle Thursday

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(WSB photo of Colman Pool, last Saturday)

What’s ahead for your clearer-weather Thursday:

POOL UPDATE: While Colman Pool (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is reopening post-smoke, the Seattle Parks hotline says it’s too cloudy/cool for wading pools, so those will NOT reopen today after all. Sprayparks are open, though, including Highland Park (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.

PARACHUTE STORY TIME: 11:30 am behind Neighborhood House High Point:

Please join us for outdoor story time in Commons Park with Seattle Public Library’s Children’s Librarian, Nathalie Gelms. Nathalie will read, sing, and lead activities with a parachute. This program is designed for children and families. Plan to stay after story time for our “Kids and Teens Eat Free” meal program from 12 pm – 1 pm inside the building.

(6400 Sylvan Way SW)

ARTS AND CRAFTS STUDIO: 1-3 pm, kids 2-10 are invited, with parents/guardians/caregivers, to drop in at Delridge Library and work on arts/crafts projects. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

SDOT AVALON/35TH PROJECT OPEN HOUSE: 5:30-7:30 pm, drop in at American Legion Post 160 for a look at what SDOT is proposing in the SW Avalon Way (and three blocks of 35th SW, and one block of SW Alaska) rechannelization/repaving project now that it’s at the 60 percent design milestone. Here’s our preview. (3618 SW Alaska)

JEWELRY SHOPPING: Menashe and Sons Jewelers (WSB sponsor) presents its second annual Ladies’ Night tonight. Visit the store between 6 and 9 pm. (4532 California SW)

CASPAR BABYPANTS @ HIAWATHA: The last of this year’s 6 free Summer Concerts at Hiawatha is likely to be the biggest, as family-rock fave Caspar Babypants performs. 6:30 pm on the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center. Rain or shine – if the former happens, the concert moves into the gym. Bring your own chair/blanket. (Walnut/Lander)

FLY-TYING WITH BRITA FORDICE: 7 pm at Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor), a fly-tying workshop with the local legend! Check to see if tickets remain. (4502 42nd SW)

LOTS MORE … on the full WSB West Seattle Event Calendar.

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BACK TO SCHOOL: 2 more ways to help local kids get ready

August 23, 2018 9:31 am

| Comments Off on BACK TO SCHOOL: 2 more ways to help local kids get ready

| How to help | West Seattle news

Some local kids are already back in school; most return after Labor Day. Here are two more ways you can help make sure they all have the supplies we need:

PENCIL ME IN FOR KIDS: Illusions Hair Design (5619 California SW; WSB sponsor) continues a “round-up” drive through the end of the month to raise money for PMIFK‘s school-supply drive! Just round up any purchase. They’re also accepting cash/check donations at the shop.

QFC DONATION DRIVE: Floral manager Teresa Hunt sends word that QFC Westwood Village is collecting supplies for Roxhill Elementary students through next Tuesday (August 28th) – drop donations off at the store’s service center. And on Sunday (August 26th), stop by 11 am-5:30 pm “for grilled-cheese sandwiches sponsored by Franz to promote the school drive.”

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday watch; weekend-alert change

August 23, 2018 7:12 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

7:12 AM: Good morning. So far, no incidents reported in/from West Seattle.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: Seattle Lutheran High School is back in session.

WEEKEND CLOSURES: Another reminder, I-5 and 99 closures Friday night through early Monday – here’s the info.

EARLY ALERT: SDOT has announced it’ll be painting on the high bridge early next Wednesday.

8:13 AM: Thanks to Teri for the tip. There’s a crash at Olson/2nd. Two SFD engines have responded.

8:43 AM: Two-truck crash per Terri, narrowing eastbound to 1 lane.

WEEKEND UPDATE: The I-5 ramp closure is postponed. 99 closure still on.

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FOLLOWUP: What’s changed in the SW Avalon Way repaving/rechannelization plan you’ll see at Thursday open house

August 22, 2018 9:28 pm

| 15 COMMENTS

| Luna Park | Transportation | Triangle | West Seattle news

As first reported here last weekend, SDOT has reached another design milestone in the SW Avalon Way repaving/rechannelization plan: “60 percent” design. And that’s why they’re inviting you to an open house tomorrow (Thursday, August 23) for a closer look and comments.

SDOT offered a preview and we finally spoke this afternoon with Dan Anderson, so we could share toplines before the open house. Here are the highlights of what’s changed since the project hit 30 percent design last spring:

(See all the new project graphics on the city website here.)

BICYCLE RAMP: At the north end of the project zone, Anderson says, they heard a lot of comments against moving bicycles onto the sidewalk/trail north of the relocated non-Rapid Ride bus stop. So the ramp onto the sidewalk/trail will now be south of the bus stop.

STREET PARKING: They’re evaluating where street parking can be limited to 2 hours to encourage turnover, especially for Luna Park businesses. One place that looks possible: SW Bradford. Anderson says they’re asking for feedback on the rest of the corridor too (keep in mind that the project zone is not only the entirety of Avalon between Spokane and Fauntleroy, but also 35th between Avalon and Alaska, plus one block of Alaska between 35th and 36th).

The street-parking evaluation also includes load zones, and SDOT wants to hear from you where those would work best. They’re proposing “adding back one parking space on the west side by Luna Park Café” as a loading zone, but are looking for more extensive feedback given that the rechannelization of Avalon will take out the center turn lane, which has been a de-facto load zone in some spots. “Since that’s going away, we have to figure out how trucks can load,” Anderson said.

One parking issue they won’t resolve in time for the meeting – they were asked for “better numbers” in terms of a more precise count of current and proposed street parking, since SDOT’s measuring standards (as little as 16′, as much as 31′) don’t necessarily match what you might consider a parking space. This assessment won’t be ready until next month.

LEFT-TURN POCKETS: The one on NB 35th to WB Alaska will be extended, by community request. Turn pockets, however, will NOT be added at Avalon/Yancy – wouldn’t work with transit and bicycle lanes, said Anderson.

TIMELINE: Because of the extent of the work – including water-main replacement and complete rebuilding of the road on the 35th SW section – this “could be two seasons worth of paving,” Anderson said, so they want to hear from community members regarding “different phasing options.” It’s still planned to start next spring, but the phasing discussion would also tackle where they would start.

Again, tomorrow’s open house is 5:30-7:30 pm at American Legion Post 160 (3618 SW Alaska) – drop in when you can. And watch the project page, where updated maps/graphics for the 60 percent design should be posted soon.

ADDED 10:07 AM THURSDAY: We’ve just received from SDOT the boards and major map, added above.

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