West Seattle, Washington
26 Monday
Alki Bike and Board is celebrating its 30th anniversary of family ownership, and has joined the WSB sponsor team for the occasion. Here’s what proprietor Stu Hennessey wants you to know about his Admiral District business:
It has been 30 years since the Hennessey family bought what was the Alki Bike Shop on Alki Beach. Since those days, much has changed, including the location. In 1991, the bike shop moved to the Admiral District for easier customer access and a bigger building. The name Alki stayed with the company as they settled into the current location at 2606 California Ave. SW.
In the meantime, much has changed about bicycle use, and the need for a simpler and healthier way to get in and out of West Seattle became the foundation of bicycling in West Seattle. The shop that once sponsored competitive athletes now serves the growing population of daily commuters, family riders, and baby boomers who have changed their riding style as they get older.
Being one of the first Electric Bike shops in a city that has a lot of hills, Alki Bike and Board has created what is now known as a Seattle Proof Electric Bike that will handle Seattle’s hilly terrain without wearing out in a short time.
Every January, the Alki Bike and Board repair shop offers half-price bike tuneups through March 1st. This is a good time to get ready for spring before the repair rush gets fully started.
The Hennessey family members that you will meet when you visit the shop include Julian Hennessey, his mom Gabi Hennessey, and dad Stu Hennessey. Another son, Patrick Hennessey, now lives in Leavenworth, Washington, where he has become a leader in promoting a variety of year- round outdoor sports that include downhill mountain biking and speed kite-flying.
The Hennesseys are the fourth owners of the Alki namesake bike shop since it was first opened by Rex Clark in 1936.
Alki Bike and Board is at 2606 California SW, online at alkibikeandboard.com.
We thank Alki Bike and Board 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.
(Yes, we saw the sun … back on Monday. Photo by Jim Borrow)
Friday has arrived! You knew it eventually would. And here are highlights for the rest of today/tonight:
NEW EXHIBIT: Today is the second day for the new exhibit at the Log House Museum, “Navigating to Alki: Early Maps of the Duwamish Peninsula.” The museum is open noon-4 pm. (61st SW/SW Stevens)
ATTRACTING BIRDS TO YOUR GARDEN: Even if you’re not already at this month’s West Seattle Garden Club meeting, you’re invited to join them at Daystar for the 12:45 pm presentation on attracting birds to your garden. Or show up earlier with your brown-bag lunch! More info here. (2615 SW Barton)
QUESTIONS ABOUT ADDING OUTDOOR PRESCHOOL TO LINCOLN PARK? Tonight, 6-7 pm at the Dakota Place Park building, you’re invited for info and Q&A about Seattle Parks‘ expansion of outdoor preschool to Lincoln Park and what Roots & Sky Nature School plans to offer. (4304 SW Dakota)
STEVE ITTERLY: Singer-songwriter at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)
TAP STATION TRIVIA: 7 pm, final trivia session at Tap Station, which, as we have reported, is closing after Sunday. (7900 35th SW)
SWEET, SWEET MUSIC: Concert and dessert at Fauntleroy Church, 7:30 pm: “The Fauntleroy Women’s Ensemble will perform a mix of secular and sacred music in the sanctuary, backed by percussion and didgeridoo.” (9140 California SW)
3 BANDS AT THE SKYLARK: Sleeping Planet, Nails Hide Metal, The Sky Giants, starting at 9 pm at The Skylark. $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
THERE’S MORE … on our complete-calendar page.
Early this morning, hundreds of volunteers were out working to find out the annual answer to the question of how many people are homeless in King County. Here’s the news release:
This morning, between 2 and 6 a.m., nearly 1,000 volunteers spanned across King County for Count Us In 2018, the annual Point in Time Count of individuals experiencing homelessness, coordinated annually by All Home. The unsheltered street count was conducted as a full canvass of all 398 census tracts in King County. Count teams included guides with current or prior experience of homelessness, who were compensated for their time and expertise with their assigned count area.
“Homelessness is a local and national emergency,” said United States Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. “Walking block by block through streets booming with construction but then under the freeway in areas peppered with tents was a stark reminder of the deep inequities of wealth and income in our city. We can and must do better. The fact that we see thousands of people living unsheltered, in the streets and in cars, is a moral and institutional failure. I will do everything I can at the federal level to build the affordable housing we need, provide the support systems necessary for people to live and fix a broken tax system that benefits only the few. Solving this crisis will require all of us —government, business, nonprofits and communities — to share responsibility for real solutions. Count Us In is a crucial part of those efforts – I want to thank the dedicated volunteers who canvassed every part of King County and I am grateful to be a part of and to represent a community that cares so deeply about the vulnerable.”
Continuing with the nationally recognized methodology introduced at last year’s Count, the full range of count activities includes a street count of people living unsheltered, a count of people living in shelter or transitional housing, a qualitative survey of people experiencing homelessness, and specialized approaches to counting subpopulations, including youth/young adults, families, and those living in vehicles. Local advocates, service providers and Applied Survey Research (ASR), a Bay-area research firm contracted to help conduct the Count, have all been active and valued partners in the planning and implementation of Count Us In 2018.
“The fact that nearly one thousand volunteers joined us for tonight’s count demonstrates that our community is coming together to confront the homelessness crisis,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “It is that shared purpose and commitment that inspires the work we are doing with partners to ensure that everyone in King County has a safe, warm place to sleep at night.”
While the Count’s core purpose is to collect data on the needs of people experiencing homelessness, it also provides an excellent opportunity to increase awareness and spark action. A successful and accurate Count is an essential component to informing local strategies to address homelessness and to making homelessness rare, brief and one-time.
“The Count is a great example of what can be accomplished when our neighbors, housed and unhoused, come together,” said Kira Zylstra, Acting Director of All Home. “Achieving our vision of ending racial disparities and making homelessness rare, brief and one-time will require the whole community engaging in solutions.”
A comprehensive report of Count Us In findings, including data on youth, vehicle residents, chronic homelessness and other specialized populations will be available in May of 2018. Point In Time counts are a requirement for communities that receive federal grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Data collected from Point In Time counts across the nation are published on the HUD Exchange website and provided annually to Congress as part of the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR).
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:11 AM: Good morning! We’re hoping this morning’s commute has nothing in common with Thursday afternoon. So far, no incidents reported in or from West Seattle.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce has launched what its CEO Lynn Dennis called “a year of opportunities.”
At the Chamber’s annual meeting on Thursday, she issued a challenge to members: “When you see an opportunity for your business or other businesses, reach out to (me) or board members, and let’s work together. … Think how much we can get done.”
Members in turn presented challenges and requests, talking in table-based groups to help chart the organization’s course for 2018.
Given the meeting’s fresh-start theme, the location was auspicious – The Sanctuary at Admiral, the city-landmark event venue that had just the night before celebrated its relaunch under new management – the team from Duos, including Benjamin Jury:
The new look inside the old ex-church begins in its foyer:
Speaking of new, Dennis introduced Pete Spalding as the Chamber’s board chair for this year:
10:15 PM: Thanks to Kerry for the photo and report from 35th and Hudson [map]: “Once again, a left-turner has been rear-ended at this corner. Three lanes closed. Drivers look to be OK.” SFD has sent one engine, no medic unit, which indeed indicates no serious injuries.
10:31 PM: SFD has cleared the scene. Kerry reports seeing a stretcher used for one person.
(Fauntleroy Boulevard ‘final design’ – click here to see full-size image on city website)
You might recall that the Fauntleroy Boulevard project was long described as likely to start in “early 2018,” according to SDOT. Early 2018 is here, and not only is construction not imminent, some key project points haven’t even been announced yet – such as, whether Fauntleroy Way will be one-way or two ways during construction. But new information might be days away – for the first time in eight months, SDOT is scheduled to present a public update next Wednesday (January 31st). It’s on the agenda for the next Junction Neighborhood Organization meeting.
Also planned for the 6:30 pm meeting at the Senior Center/Sisson Building, updates on the Avalon Substation site, HALA Mandatory Housing Affordability upzoning, what’s next for Sound Transit light-rail planning (including the speculative renderings first shown here earlier this month), and volunteering opportunities. The meeting is open to anyone and everyone who’s interested.
(2015 photo of Terminal 5, by Long Bach Nguyen)
Still no new tenant for West Seattle’s Terminal 5, but another permit has been granted for its potential expansion/redevelopment. The Port of Seattle sent word today that it’s received the “shoreline substantial development permit” for the project – you can see the permit document here.
As for what’s happening currently at T-5 – which continues to see some activity, three and a half years after its official closure as a cargo terminal – the port confirms that Foss Maritime continues to lease space. You’ve probably noticed the heavy-lift ship Ocean Jazz there in recent weeks; port spokesperson Peter McGraw tells us it’s been there awaiting its next assignment, and is expected to head back to sea soon. It’s part of the Military Sealift Command, as are other vessels that have berthed there.
(Seattle Parks’ Pamela Alspaugh with two young meeting-goers)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
If you’re going to design a playground, you might as well get young potential users involved.
That’s why Seattle Parks made a point of encouraging families to come to the design meetings for the new Lincoln Park South Play Area – a project accelerated by the termite damage that led to the sudden closure and removal of play equipment there last summer.
The second and final meeting, last night at The Kenney, resulted in some clear favorites – an orca climbing structure, for example, as part of the marine theme that resulted from an attendee’s suggestion at the first meeting (WSB coverage here).
But even if you weren’t there, you still have time to offer your opinions too:
1:49 PM: That photo tweeted by SFD shows a truck crash that has closed the southbound Alaskan Way Viaduct from the Battery Street Tunnel southward. No injuries, and the driver got out OK, but the SB lanes of The Viaduct will be closed until this is cleared.
Buses are being rerouted too, according to an alert just in from Metro. Updates to come.
2:32 PM: A tow truck is on scene.
3:23 PM: No time estimate yet on SB Viaduct reopening. But there’s some bad news if more people head to the West Seattle Water Taxi to get around the 99 problem – King County just sent an alert that the smaller Spirit of Kingston is on the WS route tonight. Meantime, most SB surface routes are backed up, according to info including the SDOT Travelers’ Map (look for the red).
3:32 PM: The southbound Viaduct has just reopened. The left lane is closed for repairs, though.
6:35 PM: The repair closure isn’t over yet, according to SDOT.
6:57 PM: All lanes are open again. (See comments below for some examples of this afternoon/evening’s nightmarish traffic.)
12:42 PM: A big Seattle Fire callout is in the 8400 block of 5th SW [map], near Westcrest Park, where SFD says what started as a vehicle fire has “extended to a structure.”
12:48 PM: According to radio communications, the fire has not extended to the residence at that address. Many of the responding units have been dismissed. Adding an SFD photo from before the vehicle fire was extinguished.
1:08 PM: Our crew at the scene confirms that the fire is out. How it started remains under investigation; we’re told no one was home at the time, and there are no injuries.
1:16 PM: Firefighters on the scene also confirm that damage is limited to the vehicle and garage. (Photo of the other side of the house, added above)
6:08 PM: SFD tells us they have not yet determined how the fire started, “pending further investigation.” Damage estimate: “$20,000 loss to structure and $20,000 loss vehicle.”
11:44 AM: Just published on our partner site White Center Now: The King County Sheriff’s Office is looking for 26-year-old Merle “Chucky” Buchanan, suspected in the January 6th double murder in downtown White Center, and shared these photos, saying he is “known to frequent” Seattle, Burien, and Renton:
Buchanan is described as 5’9” and 195 pounds. He is also being sought in connection with violating a domestic-violence-related court order. If you see him, call 911.
1:11 PM: We checked with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and they tell us Buchanan is not yet formally charged in the murders.
That’s Manuel‘s red 1993 Honda del Sol, personalized plates 1CARAJO, and it was stolen overnight from 47th SW and SW Othello. WSB readers have done a great job of finding stolen cars shown here recently, so keep watch for this one too, and call 911 if you see it.
(Steller’s Jay, photographed by Jeremiah Holt)
Some of what’s ahead for your Thursday, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):
WEST SEATTLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL MEETING: 11:30 am lunch meeting at The Sanctuary at Admiral, as West Seattle’s biggest business organization looks at 2018 goals and leadership. Preregistration is closed but check to see if there’s room – call 206.932.5685. (42nd/Lander)
THINKING ABOUT SOLAR? 6-7:30 pm, Sunergy presents its free workshop “Solar U” at the Senior Center/Sisson Building. Preregistration suggested but not required. Details in our calendar listing. (4217 SW Oregon)
WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House High Point, featuring a guest from Washington State Ferries:
Senior Planning Manager Ray Deardorf will be there to talk about the ferry system’s future plans. What changes might WSF make at the Fauntleroy terminal? Would WSF ever move some service from Fauntleroy to downtown? Does WSF have any plans for mitigating landside impacts of the Fauntleroy terminal? Please bring your ferry questions and join us for what promises to be a very informative evening.
WSTC also plans board elections. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)
MADISON MIDDLE SCHOOL TOUR: Incoming sixth graders and their families are invited to tour Madison Middle School tonight, 6:30-8 pm. (3429 45th SW)
HIGH-SCHOOL SCIENCE: Seattle Public Schools hosts a regional meeting to talk with families about new requirements for more science studies and testing in high school. Chief Sealth International High School library, 7-8:30 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)
SEATTLE LUTHERAN HS OPEN HOUSE: 7-8:30 pm, families interested in Seattle Lutheran High School are invited to visit. (4100 SW Genesee)
‘PEERLESS’: We just checked, and tickets are available for tonight’s performance of ArtsWest‘s current production, 7:30 pm curtain. (4711 California SW)
GHENES: Headlining at The Skylark tonight, Ghenes performs what they describe as “Rock Alternativo / Post-Hardcore en Español.” 8 pm. $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Continuing our series of announcements for youth-sports signups – we’ve also heard from West Seattle Girls Softball:
West Seattle Girls Softball is a local nonprofit organization and is fueled by its dedicated volunteers. WSGS goals are to ensure that its players have the best possible experience playing recreational league fast-pitch softball. We hope to build both team sportsmanship and individual sportsmanship, all while having fun. We teach the basics and build skills as players continue with the program. WSGS looks forward to giving all girls ages 6-15 who are interested in learning the game a chance to build self esteem and learn about sportsmanship. We try to place players onto teams that will be most beneficial to their needs. No previous softball experience necessary.
WSGS registration runs through February. Practices begin in late March with games starting in late April. The season wraps up in early June.
The registration link is atop the WSGS home page.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:43 AM: So far, no trouble reported on the outbound routes in/from West Seattle.
Last scheduled home game of the season last night for the Chief Sealth International High School girls-varsity basketball team, and that meant it was Senior Night.
The visiting Seattle Prep girls went away with the win, 71-47. But smiles were bright before the game as the seniors were honored – including #11 Aundra Tuchscherer:
And #2 Jasmine Smith:
While the Seahawks are on the road for their final three regular-season games, they’re not far away for the February 2nd finale, 7 pm at West Seattle HS.
The West Seattle High School girls-varsity basketball team remains undefeated in conference play after another win last night – 59-50 over visiting Roosevelt.
Head coach Darnell Taylor and his team have three more regular-season games – Friday night at Rainier Beach, then back home next Wednesday against Cleveland and February 2nd against Sealth.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
For the first time in three months, the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network reconvened at the Southwest Precinct last night – and most of the meeting could be summarized as the multiple faces of the opioid crisis:
First, a crime update from local police, who say much of the area’s property crime is tied to drugs, and people trying to get money for them; second, an emotion-stirring presentation from people who have been caught up in the crisis, mostly through family members, some of whom have lost their lives to it.
The two-dozen-plus attendees, in around-the-room introductions, listed neighborhoods all around this area, from Beach Drive to Top Hat.
POLICE BRIEFING: First up, Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis talked about property crime, still our area’s most pervasive crime problem.
Another stolen vehicle has been found, thanks to a WSB reader. Last Sunday night, we published Erica‘s report of a black Toyota 4Runner stolen in High Point; today, the reader spotted it in their neighborhood, between 40th and 41st near SW Edmunds. Police were called, and Erica confirms they got the vehicle back.
Seattle Fire medics are about to take a 12-year-old boy to a hospital to be checked out after he was reported to have been hit by a driver on northbound Fauntleroy Way at SW Rose, across from Lincoln Park. Emergency personnel at the scene tell us the child was not seriously hurt and is being transported as a precaution. We don’t know anything more about the circumstances, but the scene is expected to clear shortly.
Two notes about businesses in city parks:
CALL FOR CONCESSIONS: Looking ahead to summer, the city wants to be sure you know about this, in case you operate – or know of – a business that might qualify:
Seattle Parks and Recreation is seeking proposals for seasonal partners to operate food service, recreational activities, and group fitness concessions in various park locations throughout Seattle. Locations vary with sites appropriate for carts, food trucks and other self-contained service businesses. Proposals are due by March 16. Details here.
Among the documents you’ll find on that page is this one that includes specific locations open to food concessions this summer – including, in West Seattle, two at Alki Beach and one at Lincoln Park.
PRESCHOOL MEETING: We first reported last month that another city park in West Seattle will be the site of an “outdoor preschool” starting this fall. One has been operating at Camp Long, and now Parks is also opening Lincoln Park to a preschool program. A new operator called Roots and Sky Nature School is expected to get the contract, Parks confirmed in early January, and a meeting is planned 6-7 pm this Friday (January 26th) at Dakota Place Park (4304 SW Dakota) for anyone with questions about the plan.
One week ago, we reported that Providence Mount St. Vincent was temporarily not allowing visitors, so it could be “vigilant” in keeping its vulnerable residents safe from this year’s particularly nasty flu. Today, The Mount notified families and others that it will be open to visitors again starting tomorrow. Spokesperson Susan Clark shared a copy of the announcement sent by administrator Charlene Boyd:
We are delighted to report that The Mount will be open to visitors, effective Thursday, Jan. 25th — tomorrow! Thank you so much for your patience during this challenging time.
However, we continue to ask for your support and cooperation as we get back to normal operations. You may visit if you are well. You must wash or sanitize your hands upon entering and leaving The Mount. Sanitized hands are some of our best defenses for preventing flu.
You may not enter The Mount if you are ill. No fever, cough, sore throat, diarrhea, or vomiting in the last 48 hours prior to visiting The Mount.
We will be resuming house-wide activities gradually over the next few days.
Again, we thank your for your cooperation and patience, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
The Mount is an assisted-living and skilled-nursing-care facility and also home to an intergenerational preschool, which has continued operating but had suspended visits between the kids and seniors while flu concern was peaking.
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