West Seattle, Washington

21 Saturday

52℉

month : 09/2018 302 results

REMINDER: I-5 offramp closure this weekend, and other closures on the horizon
September 28, 2018 9:13 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Though we weren’t able to publish morning-traffic watch this morning, we did want to remind you one more time about this weekend’s planned I-5 offramp closure. From WSDOT‘s “Revive I-5” project page:

The northbound I-5 off-ramp to the West Seattle Bridge/Columbian Way/Spokane Street will be closed from 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28 to 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 1, for repaving work. This work is weather-dependent. Drivers should consider alternative routes, including SR 599 and West Marginal Way.

Also, the weekly SDOT Construction Lookahead (which covers both city and state routes) has advance word of two tentatively planned Highway 99 closures next month:

October 12 – 15: SR 99 Southbound will be closed from the south end of the Battery St. tunnel to S. Spokane St., Fri 9 PM – Mon 5 AM.

October 19 – 22: SR 99 will be fully closed from the West Seattle Bridge to the Battery St. tunnel, Fri 9 PM – Mon 5 AM.

Watch for official confirmation of those two when they get closer.

Share This

VIDEO: Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best cites crime-reducing goals in budget pitch
September 28, 2018 2:36 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police | West Seattle politics

(SPD presentation starts 1:16 in)

In her Thursday afternoon appearance during the City Council’s first-round budget review, Police Chief Carmen Best revealed three goals for crime reduction in the year ahead: Cutting auto theft, residential burglary, and commercial robbery. She said that residential burglary had hit the Southwest and South Precinct areas particularly hard, so she wants to bring it down five percent in those areas, while reducing vehicle theft by five percent citywide, and reducing commercial robbery by two percent.

As noted when the citywide budget plan was rolled out by the mayor on Monday, the chief hopes to add 10 officers next year – beyond replacing those who leaving – and 30 in 2020. Councilmembers spent a significant amount of time grilling Best on staffing levels, saying they are hearing from constituents over and over again that the city doesn’t have enough police. The force currently numbers 1,457, she had said, “more deployable officers than it has ever had,” while acknowledging “we need more officers.” Recruiting, she said, is currently a big challenge.

Another number of note: The proposed SPD budget for next year is $363 million, a 10 percent increase, with most of the increase attributed to technology investments that have to be made next year.

SPD was the last department to present its budget overview in 2 days of presentations to the council. Councilmember Lisa Herbold‘s latest weekly update outlined where the process goes from here, including a public hearing at City Hall next Thursday (October 4th).

Share This

West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen kids’ bike, in the family for decades (update: found!)
September 27, 2018 10:06 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Sunrise Heights | West Seattle news

Maybe you can help find this stolen bicycle:

Erin reports, “Please keep your eyes peeled for this bike. It was stolen from our back yard [30th/Webster]. Last seen Tuesday night. It’s been in our family since the ’80s. Schwinn Chameleon. Has old-school spokey-dokes on both wheels. Has three red reflectors in back.” We’ll add the police-report # when it’s available.

UPDATE: See comments – police found the bicycle!

Share This

West Seattle Crime Watch: Police search after Delridge robbery
September 27, 2018 8:24 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Delridge | Helicopter | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

8:24 PM: If you’re hearing Guardian One, the helicopter crew has tweeted that they are helping Seattle Police search for “a robbery suspect that fled in a vehicle on Delridge Way SW from the Home Depot.” More when we get it.

9:04 PM: We checked the area and couldn’t find anyone still searching, so we stopped at the precinct to see what we could find out. The robbery was a case of shoplifting turned violent. No one in custody.

Share This

FOLLOWUP: Myers Way east-side cleanup has wrapped up
September 27, 2018 7:24 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Myers Way | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(WSB photo from late this afternoon)

As reported in our coverage of Mayor Jenny Durkan‘s Highland Park Action Committee appearance last night, the city says its cleanup of the east side of Myers Way – which, as noted here Tuesday night, involved dozens of city crews – only took three days. This formal notification is from the Southwest Precinct:

The SW Precinct would like to inform our community that the Myers Way encampment has officially been dismantled. Hundreds of pounds of trash and debris was removed and the encampment was entirely cleared out.

Although the individuals living there were offered many services that the City of Seattle has to offer, a majority of the encampment’s residents declined these offers.

The SW Precinct is working diligently to track the displacement of these individuals, and we encourage our community to stay vigilant and aware. Remember to report crime and suspicious behavior by calling 911, secure your homes and outbuildings by locking doors and windows, and get involved with your community via Block Watch and other community organizations.

Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Danner, who sent the announcement, also reminds you that she and the precinct offer “free safety/security assessments” – e-mail her at jennifer.danner@seattle.gov to find out more.

Share This

New free playspace for West Seattle kids
September 27, 2018 5:52 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

The announcement and photo are from West Seattle Church of the Nazarene pastor Shaun Mattson:

Wanted to let you know that on Tuesday, October 2nd, we will be opening our Play Space (the church nursery area) to the community. We will be open from 9 am – 12 pm, and will continue to be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays during those times. It will be a place for parents, grandparents, and caregivers to bring kids to play while they connect with others or work while their kids play. (Note this is not child care – parents, grandparents, and caregivers must be on campus while their kiddos play.)

This is free to the community. Wi-Fi, coffee, hot chocolate, and tea will be provided. Would love for it to be used as a resource to the community.

The church is at 4201 SW Juneau (corner of 42nd).

Share This

What’s new, who’s new, and how to join West Seattle Community Orchestras as new season begins
September 27, 2018 4:20 pm
|    Comments Off on What’s new, who’s new, and how to join West Seattle Community Orchestras as new season begins
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The announcement and photos are from West Seattle Community Orchestras:

West Seattle Community Orchestras (WSCO) is beginning its fall season under the direction of its new Executive Director, Virginia Wright. Virginia has a Bachelor’s degree in music, with professional experience in online and print design, IT/systems administration, and arts/nonprofit management and administration. She has worked in managerial roles in several music organizations in the greater Seattle area, and remains committed to supporting the continuation of the musical arts in many different ways.

Also new this fall is Nse Ekpo, conductor candidate for WSCO’s Symphony Orchestra. Nse is the first of three conductor candidates who are “auditioning” to become WSCO’s permanent Symphony conductor.

Virginia explains: “At the end of last season, WSCO’s Symphony conductor James Pham left to pursue a conducting opportunity in Germany. During the summer the WSCO Hiring Committee met with a great group of potential candidates to fill the vacant role. Going into the Fall season, we are now ready to enter into the final stages of assessment, which will include each of our three finalists executing a full cycle of planning, rehearsals, and a final concert. This process will provide us with a good look at the working style and ability of each of the three conductors. All three are highly qualified, and it will be a wonderful opportunity to see them work with the orchestra.” (We’ll have more to report about the other two candidates later in the season.)

Nse is not truly new to us, having co-conducted WSCO’s predecessor, the Westside Symphonette, during 2007 and 2008. He says he’s delighted to be back.

Nse (pronounced EN-say) Ekpo enjoys a varied career as a performer, educator, and content creator throughout the United States and abroad. Recent engagements have taken him to Pazardjik, Bulgaria where he guest conducted the Pazardjik Symphony Orchestra. In 2018, Ekpo was named a finalist in two categories of the American Prize: Professional Orchestral Conducting, and the Ernst Bacon Award for the Programming of American Music (Professional Division).

Dr. Ekpo is currently the Concert Band Director at Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington. He holds a doctorate in orchestral conducting from the University of South Carolina, where he studied with Donald Portnoy.

WSCO is also pleased to welcome back our long-time outstanding conductors — Rachel Nesvig, Debut Orchestra; Mike Jauregui, Intermediate Orchestra; and Anton Coleman, Wind Symphony — as well as our excellent professional string coaches, Clare Bresnahan and Daniel Mullikin.

Rehearsals for the Debut, Intermediate, and Wind Symphony will begin October 2, with the Symphony starting up October 9. All rehearsals are held Tuesdays at Chief Sealth International High School. Specific start times for the rehearsals and more details are listed on our website, www.wscorchestras.org, or you can contact info@wscorchestras.org.

WSCO especially encourages student musicians (through grade 12) to sign up. No charge!

Finally, WSCO also offers classes for adults who wish to learn (or relearn!) a string (violin, viola, cello) or band instrument (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone).

It’s not too late to join WSCO for the new season! Sign up here.

Share This

COUNTDOWN: From costumes to chili – get ready for the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival
September 27, 2018 2:34 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: From costumes to chili – get ready for the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

harvestfestival_01(WSB file photo)

One month and one day until the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival! 10 am to 2 pm Sunday, October 28th, in the street in the heart of The Junction. It’s multifaceted fun – the Farmers’ Market, harvest/fall-themed kids’ activities, a costume parade, trick-or-treating, and a benefit chili cookoff! The chili cookoff field is set – you buy, you vote, proceeds go to the West Seattle Food Bank: This year’s contenders are Elliott Bay Brewing, Husky Deli, Easy Street Café, The Westy, Duos Catering, Pecos Pit (WSB sponsor), Girls Gone BBQ, The Bridge, and Shadowland are this year’s competitors. Also: Whether you chow down on chili or not, you’ll be able to quench your thirst at the Root Beer Garden! And something new this year: A pumpkin-pie-eating contest.

P.S. If your business/organization can host an activity booth, there’s still time to sign up for that – no charge! Just use this form. Volunteers are also welcome to be part of the fun – sign up here.

Share This

VIDEO: Mayor Durkan touts ‘community-based government’ @ Highland Park Action Committee
September 27, 2018 12:28 pm
|    Comments Off on VIDEO: Mayor Durkan touts ‘community-based government’ @ Highland Park Action Committee
 |   Highland Park | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(WSB photos and video by Patrick Sand)

Mayor Jenny Durkan‘s visit to the Highland Park Action Committee finally happened last night – 7 months after she accepted the invitation extended by HPAC’s Gunner Scott during her February “town hall” at the Senior Center of West Seattle. We got it all on video – first, the mayor:

And in our second clip, the department heads who accompanied her, mostly to address homelessness-related issues such as the Myers Way east-side cleanup – interim Human Services Director Jason Johnson (a West Seattle resident), HSD’s Navigation Team manager Fred Podesta, as well as Seattle Parks and Recreation leadership, introduced by HPAC chair Charlie Omana:

Other top city staffers were there too, including new Department of Neighborhoods director Andrés Mantilla – a Highland Park resident – Seattle Public Utilities‘ Mami Hara, Parks interim superintendent Christopher Williams, and deputy SDOT director Elliott Helmbrecht.

If you don’t have time to watch the video and weren’t among the ~50 people at the Highland Park Improvement Club for last night’s event, here are the toplines:

She opened by talking about the budget proposal she unveiled on Monday (here’s our coverage, from attending a media briefing at the mayor’s office) and pitching for the Families/Education/Preschool/Promise Levy that’ll go to city voters in November.

Regarding homelessness, she touted her plan for hundreds of additional shelter beds and the need to close “gaps” in regional behavioral-care services. She said the city-sanctioned Camp Second Chance in southeast West Seattle “is being managed well.” And she said the Myers Way east-side cleanup had finished ahead of schedule.

Regarding police and crimefighting, she promised that she and SPD Chief Carmen Best would figure out how to “do better.”

In Q&A with the mayor, local community advocate Pete Spalding opened by mentioning how former Mayor Murray had cut ties with community groups such as neighborhood-district councils and asked Durkan about renewing a commitment to working with community groups. She declared that her presence last night was a “signal to you” that she has made that commitment, and she added that she believes in “community-based government,” that solutions come from communities. “You’ll see me back here,” she promised.

Another neighborhood advocate, Kay Kirkpatrick, brought up the Highland Park Way/Holden roundabout that neighbors have long been seeking. Is it in the city budget? Can money from other on-hold projects (such as Fauntleroy Boulevard) be diverted to it? The mayor’s answer (about 19 minutes into the video) was that “it’s clear that a roundabout is the best result” for the intersection, and that the city is planning in expectation that it’ll get a state grant to fund it – but if not, the city will find a “Plan B.” In the meantime, the mayor said they’re looking at “other ways to slow traffic down” there.

Another transportation issue brought up: Bus service to Highland Park, particularly Route 131. (While buses are managed by King County, the city has had an increasing role as it’s “bought” additional service hours on some routes, and more of that is proposed in Durkan’s new budget.)

In crime and safety, a neighbor from the 13th SW area shaken by home-invasion burglaries earlier this year said they still feel the response might have been better in a more-affluent area. “We want to feel safe in the area … and more has to be done for people to feel more trust in the Police Department.” The mayor acknowledged that she was aware of the community’s concerns and said she hopes that they are doing better now. “We know we can do better in parts of the city.” She again mentioned that her budget calls for more officers – 10 more citywide next year, 30 more the year after that, above attrition (though where they’ll be assigned isn’t clear, and the budget shows the Southwest Precinct overall staffing level not changing). Assistant Chief Adrian Diaz also addressed the concerns and mentioned safety/self-defense training to “empower” community members.

And one more question before the mayor left was from a South Delridge resident who spoke of the dozens of derelict/abandoned properties in the area, wondering why it takes so long to get them addressed. The mayor mentioned a South Park property that had been handled but invited the resident to get her more specifics so they could “work on (it).” (A p.s. on that, Councilmember Lisa Herbold‘s been working on the issue and is scheduled to talk about it at next week’s Southwest District Council meeting, 6:30 pm October 3rd at the Senior Center of West Seattle.)

We will add notes later this afternoon from the conversation with Human Services Department leaders that followed the mayor’s departure; you can watch the 30-minute video above in the meantime.

Share This

6 for your West Seattle Thursday
September 27, 2018 10:30 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Van Schilperoort)

Our calendar page is ailing today as an after-effect of last night’s technical trouble, but we hope to have it fixed soon. Meanwhile, here are six things you should know about:

CITY BUDGET REVIEW CONTINUES: Happening now at City Hall, Day 2 of the City Council’s budget review. The agenda has links to individual departments’ presentations. The first session is under way now; the second is scheduled to start at 2 pm. You can watch via Seattle Channel. (600 4th Avenue)

DROP-IN PRESCHOOL ART: 11 am-noon at Delridge Library: “Join our guest teacher, Miss Lisa, to complete art projects using nature, recycled materials, and more! For ages 2-5.” (5423 Delridge Way SW)

SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE DROP-OFF: Want to be part of the Southwest Library‘s 27th annual Artist Showcase? Just stop by the library today (open until 8 pm), tomorrow, or Saturday and drop off up to three pieces of your visual art. (9010 35th SW)

FAMILY BRISTLEBOT CHALLENGE: LibraryLab program, 4-5:30 pm at High Point Library: “Work together to design, tinker, and test your own family Bristlebot robot.” (3411 SW Raymond)

WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House High Point Center:

WSTC’s first meeting back after our summer hiatus is going to be a doozy! January 11, 2019 was just announced as the beginning of the three-week-long SR99 viaduct-to-tunnel cutover closure. This will be the longest major highway closure the Puget Sound region has ever seen. Washington State Department Of Transportation will be at our September meeting to tell us all about the closure and what comes next. Unless you plan to remain in West Seattle the entire three weeks SR99 is closed, you will definitely want to attend this meeting!

(6400 Sylvan Way SW)

RIVERVIEW PLAYFIELD HOURS CHANGE? As previewed here last week, the city Board of Park Commissioners has a hearing tonight on whether to open Riverview Playfield later and close it earlier to address various issues. The agenda also includes a briefing on another issue of West Seattle interest, Parks’ viewpoints – here’s the document for that. The board meets at 6:30 pm at Parks HQ downtown. (100 Dexter Ave. N.)

Share This

UPDATE: Power outage affecting part of The Junction
September 27, 2018 9:27 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Utilities | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Added: WSB photo)

9:27 AM: Thanks to Frank at Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) for the heads-up on this. He reports a power outage in The Junction is affecting some businesses. The City Light map only shows 1 customer affected in a pocket just north of Edmunds between California and Edmunds, but especially in a mixed-use area the map may not always be accurate. SCL attributes the outage to “equipment failure.”

10:43 AM: Photo added above – City Light is on scene. The outage is oddly configured, we’re told – so the affected businesses (that we found, on the east side of California/Edmunds) are open, just dealing with different effects; at Thunder Road, some of the lighting is working, some isn’t, for example.

Share This

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday watch
September 27, 2018 7:06 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

7:06 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported so far in, or outbound from, West Seattle.

STADIUM ZONE: 7:10 pm Mariners-Texas game tonight at Safeco Field.

WEEKEND REMINDER: Per WSDOT alert, “The northbound I-5 off-ramp to the West Seattle Bridge/Columbian Way/Spokane Street will be closed from 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, to 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 1.”

Share This

West Seattle light rail: Here’s what the Stakeholder Advisory Group wants to send to the next level of review
September 26, 2018 10:08 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Sound Transit | Transportation | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Two levels of review down, one to go until the Sound Transit West Seattle to Ballard light-rail-extension project focuses on a “preferred alternative” for environmental study.

At their 3+-hour meeting tonight, members of the project’s Stakeholder Advisory Group made its recommendations for which alternatives its members want to see advance to the third level of study, segment by segment – Ballard/Interbay, Downtown, Chinatown/ID, SODO, and finally, West Seattle – seated in four groups, with the results collected and announced after each segment discussion.

For West Seattle, here’s how it concluded, with two of the three Level 2 tunnel-inclusive options recommended to remain under review in Level 3:

The alternatives that are advancing are from among five under review in Level 2, including the ST “representative project” (the all-elevated plan that was originally outlined before the ST3 ballot measure).

Read More

Share This

Tonight’s tech trouble: Thank you for your patience
September 26, 2018 9:19 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

WSB is back up after a couple hours of unplanned downtime. While we’ve been out covering the night’s major news – working right now on our stories about light rail and the mayoral visit – our ace technical person was working to fix the technical trouble. You might notice reduced functionality in a few corners of the site for now as the repair work continues; please let us know if you encounter any major trouble – thank you!

Share This

Meet the creator of TimeBanks USA in West Seattle!
September 26, 2018 9:10 pm
|    Comments Off on Meet the creator of TimeBanks USA in West Seattle!
 |   High Point | West Seattle news

Late-breaking news from the West Seattle Timebank: The man who founded and leadsTimeBanks USA will be in West Seattle on Sunday (September 30th), and you’re invited to meet him. Dr. Edgar Cahn also is a legal professor and served as a speechwriter for Robert F. Kennedy, among other roles on his resumé. Timebanking is growing locally and this is your chance to learn about its history and its future, 1-2:30 pm Sunday at Neighborhood House High Point (6400 Sylvan Way SW). Refreshments provided; everyone welcome!

Share This

West Seattle preschool A Child Becomes launches its biggest service project ever, hoping you’ll be part of it
September 26, 2018 3:52 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

The nonprofit preschool A Child Becomes (WSB sponsor) in North Admiral is teaching its students a lifelong lesson … helping others. They hope the wider West Seattle community will assist – you can watch the short video above to see why.

The preschool’s director, Michelle “Teacher Shelley” Neal, has educated thousands of students since founding A Child Becomes 30 years ago, and has witnessed daily how a quality early education can make a huge difference in young people’s lives. The curriculum blends education and outreach; Shelley and her staff teach social emotional skills, literacy, math, science, foreign language, and involve their students in numerous service projects each year. The school explains that “Shelley believes that practicing compassion, teaching it, and giving the students a chance to also practice compassion ‘hands on’ can help make us all happier more connected people. The service projects at A Child Becomes are a huge part of their curriculum.”

Now they’ve launched the biggest one yet: Building a preschool in South Africa.

That’s where Shelley’s husband Ralph is from, so for more than 20 years, they have traveled there each year. The school says:

Shelley and Ralph have witnessed the extensive poverty in South Africa that still continues after apartheid. They personally have always wanted to do something to help. There is an enormous gap between the wealthy and the poor in South Africa. There is a tremendous amount of corruption in the government and the Department of Education do not provide funds to most of the black children in the country. Unfortunately many of the children who are lucky enough to go to school, enter underprepared and drop out by 4th grade.

Shelley and Ralph chose to build a preschool in a region they felt, through statistics, has the most need. This area is in the Eastern Cape, the region where the Xhosa nation lives and that was also Nelson Mandela’s homeland. This unique opportunity to help young children who desperately need access to early education is also a way for the children of South Africa to connect their compassion to children across the world. Teacher Shelley is finally building her dream.

She visited the area in July and tells the story here of meeting the children that the “sister school” will serve – read about it here. But her dream is bigger than just one location, as explained here. And yes, she and her school already have service projects close to home – via programs including the West Seattle Food Bank‘s Backpack Program, Toys for Tots, and the seniors at Brookdale Admiral Heights.

Last school year they began their involvement in REACH! South Africa by collecting shoes, clothing, and classroom supplies. Now they’re expanding to a community campaign to help set up the first efficiently planned preschool – and scrolling down this page, you’ll see how, as well as how you can help, if you choose to. The benefits for the West Seattle students of A Child Becomes are explained too.

Share This

YOU CAN HELP! Fauntleroy Creek’s fall salmon-watching starts soon
September 26, 2018 1:57 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP! Fauntleroy Creek’s fall salmon-watching starts soon
 |   Fauntleroy | How to help | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(2012 WSB photo)

Last year, four salmon spawners were spotted in Fauntleroy Creek. But each fall, hopes run high and anything can happen – it’s only been six years since 274 showed up in 2012. Right now, watershed stewards are seeking more volunteers to help keep watch. Here’s the announcement from Judy Pickens:

Whether or not coho spawners come into Fauntleroy Creek always depends on their having survived saltwater conditions. If they do come in, watchers need to be on duty to document them.

This year’s watch will start October 22 and continue until mid-November or until no more spawners have come in for one week.

Spawners are most likely to be present in the fish-ladder area during the five hours after daytime high tide, so the watch window varies day to day. Using a simple form, volunteers document activity for a half hour. Written details and a brief training session will be provided to new watchers.

Children are welcome with a parent, and teens may watch on their own. For questions and to sign up, email judy_pickens@msn.com or call 206-938-4203.

Share This

DEVELOPMENT: Junction, Alki projects set for next Southwest Design Review Board doubleheader
September 26, 2018 12:01 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

So far, the Southwest Design Review Board does not have a meeting scheduled in October – but it’s tentatively set to start November in a big way, with two projects’ Early Design Guidance encores in one night on November 1st. 4508 California SW – a 7-story, 79-apartment mixed-use project with 20 offstreet-parking spaces – is set for the 8 pm slot; you can see a draft version of the design packet here (PDF). The night will start at 6:30 pm with 3015 63rd SW, an 3-story, 11-unit apartment building with 19 offstreet-parking spaces. We covered the Junction project’s first review last month here; we couldn’t cover the Alki project’s first review, but you can read the city report here. Both reviews on November 1st will be at the board’s usual meeting site, the Senior Center/Sisson Building (4217 SW Oregon)

Share This

Mayor in Highland Park, big school and light-rail decisions, and more for your West Seattle Wednesday
September 26, 2018 10:30 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Bee with passiflora cerulea blossom, photographed last weekend in West Seattle by Elaine Dale)

Some of what’s important for West Seattle today/tonight is happening off-peninsula – all part of the highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

CITY COUNCIL BUDGET BRIEFINGS: 2 days after the mayor presented her proposed budget, City Councilmembers start their work reviewing, and likely changing, it. The first session for today is under way now; the second session starts at 2 pm. This agenda covers what’s happening at both, including links to slide decks. You can watch via Seattle Channel or at City Hall. (600 4th Ave.)

ROXHILL PARK WALK: Walk with Sound Steps at 3 pm: “Join your neighbors for a walk on the Longfellow Creek Trail, through Roxhill Park on a .5 mile loop – stop there or continue on for another loop for 1 mile total. Meet at the trail entrance on Barton.”

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN FARMSTAND: Weekly farmstand open for you to buy organic produce grown where it’s sold, 4 pm-7 pm. (32nd SW & SW Juneau)

WHICH LOCAL SCHOOLS WILL BE IN THE BEX V LEVY? 4:30 pm, as previewed here (including agenda link), School Board members have a work session at district HQ aimed at reaching consensus on which projects voters will be asked to fund via this six-year levy next February. Open to the public, but no comment period. (3rd & Lander)

LIGHT RAIL – WHICH ALTERNATIVES MOVE ON? 5-8 pm in the Sound Transit board room downtown, the Stakeholder Advisory Group for the West Seattle (and Ballard) light-rail extension will decide which potential routes/station locations advance to the next level of review. Public welcome, but there’s no comment period. Agenda isn’t available as of this writing – we’ll add a link when it is. UPDATE: Go here. (401 S. Jackson)

‘DISRUPTIVE PLAY’ BOOK LAUNCH: 6-8 pm at ArtsWest in The Junction, as previewed here, join local author Shepherd Siegel, Ph.D., in celebrating his just-published book “Disruptive Play.” (4711 California SW)

MAYOR JENNY DURKAN IN HIGHLAND PARK: Months in the making, the mayor’s appearance before the Highland Park Action Committee is set for 6:30 pm at HP Improvement Club. Here’s the most-recent HPAC letter outlining what they expect her to address. Interim Human Services Director Jason Johnson is also on the agenda. All welcome, doors open at 6:15 so you can get a seat. (1116 SW Holden)

THE BILLY JOE SHOW: Local favorites play Parliament Tavern tonight, 8-11 pm, no cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

THAT’S JUST THE START … there’s more on our complete calendar.

Share This

Making music: WSHS @ Husky Band Day
September 26, 2018 9:45 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

The photo and report are from West Seattle High School music director Ethan Thomas:

The West Seattle High School Band participated in the 66th Annual Husky Band Day at the University of Washington vs Arizona State football game on Saturday, 9/22. They participated alongside over 2,500 students representing 32 High Schools from across the state as well as the 200+ member Husky Marching Band. They combined to perform during halftime and played 5 songs, including the Husky Fight Song “Bow Down To Washington.” Two students from each high school were featured in an Honor Band as they performed “Believer” by the band Imagine Dragons. The Honor Band Students from West Seattle High School were Emma Laplante on Clarinet and Lola Demurger on Alto Saxophone. Also featured were two members of the WSHS drumline, Nate Wuethrich and Adam Chin, for a combined performance with the Husky Drumline.

You may notice in the picture that several of our students do not have uniforms. Due to the growth of the music program at WSHS in the past few years, we are in need of additional uniforms. We will be raising money over the next few months to purchase more uniforms to support the continued growth of our program. Visit the WSHS music department website at www.wshsmusic.org to find out more.

Share This

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch
September 26, 2018 7:13 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)

7:13 AM: Good morning! No incidents so far in, or outbound from, West Seattle.

STADIUM ZONE: 7:10 pm Mariners-A’s game again tonight at Safeco Field.

Share This

Myers Way ‘monstrosity,’ crime-fighting emphasis, and Mental Health First Aid @ West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network
September 25, 2018 10:36 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Myers Way | Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

For the fourth time in two weeks, the big headline in a community-meeting update from Southwest Precinct police leadership was the Myers Way east-side cleanup – now under way.

This time, the update was at the first West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting since the group’s summer hiatus (most community groups skip at least a month of meetings in the summer). The meeting also included a briefing on Mental Health First Aid training. But first:

POLICE BRIEFING: Precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis said they’re trying to “not spend a lot of time reintroducing ourselves to old problems … there’s a lot of frustration with problems that pop up over and over again.” He said RVs and encampments are a recurring concern and insisted “we go after them very vigorously until we get them gone.” He said they have been “dismantling that monstrosity,” referring to the illegal encampment on Myers Way where a major city-led cleanup is in its second day – we went by again this afternoon and saw 29 city vehicles large and small, including SPD’s Mobile Precinct.

Read More

Share This

Police called, letter sent to families after student brings pellet gun to CSIHS
September 25, 2018 8:49 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

No weapons means no weapons. That’s the reminder from Chief Sealth International High School principal Aida Fraser-Hammer in this letter sent to families this evening after an incident on campus today:

We have had a strong and focused start to the school year and been excited to see our students and families. We continue to work with students to ensure that we have a positive school culture and a welcoming environment for all students.

We also want to ensure that our schools remain safe, therefore I am updating you on an incident at Chief Sealth today. Although no one was threatened or hurt, the situation raises concerns. Today, a pellet gun was found in one of our student’s backpacks. Because of the zero-tolerance policy around weapons, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) was called. Our investigation, in conjunction with SPD is complete, and the involved parents have been contacted. Additionally, the student has been disciplined consistent with district procedures.

As you are aware, adolescent students have complex social dynamics. Ensuring that students know appropriate behavioral expectations and that all students are safe is our goal. We occasionally hear from students that they feel unsafe in the community and therefore maintain carry weapons for protection. Our staff continues to discuss personal safety with students as well as district rules and state laws.

Most importantly, I wanted to let families know about these conversations and ask families to help all our students understand the importance of keeping schools weapon-free as well as the importance of sharing critical safety information immediately with adults at school. I am providing a link to some additional information that might be helpful during these discussions. seattle.gov/police/community-policing/youth-safety-tips

Please be assured that the safety and security of our students is a top priority at Chief Sealth International High School. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Aida Fraser-Hammer, Principal
Chief Sealth International High School

Thanks to the Sealth parent who shared the letter. We appreciate tips and info about all schools’ news and events of all types – good and not-so-good – editor@westseattleblog.com or 206-293-6302, text or voice, any time.

Share This