West Seattle, Washington
03 Sunday
You’ve heard a lot in recent years about K-12 education funding. You haven’t heard as much about postsecondary-education funding. In particular, community and technical college staffers say they’re “frustrated with legislative inaction” and planning a “week of action.” That will include a rally on the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, near the clock tower at midday Tuesday. That’s one of three “walkout” rallies planned on all three Seattle Colleges campuses by AFT Local 1789, in addition to events including informational picketing at other college campuses around the state. From the announcement:
“We have been advocating all session for a robust investment in the community and technical colleges. Everyone recognizes the value the CTCs bring to individual lives, employers, and the economy,” said Karen Strickland, president of AFT Washington. “What has yet to be taken seriously is the dire need to support the human infrastructure that makes our colleges hum – the people who process financial aid, teach in the classroom, clean the buildings, provide counseling and more – and to make sure students succeed. The economy is strong and the need is great – now is the time to [Re]Invest in Our Colleges!”
At the start of the session, AFT Washington introduced a funding bill, HB 1300, that called for $500 million in permanent funding in the CTCs. That bill did not make it out of committee, but the need for increased funding remains, and faculty and staff are tired of being passed over by the legislature.
The goal of the Week of Action is to send a clear message to legislators: CTC faculty and staff are frustrated with the decade-plus of inaction on investment in the CTCs, and want legislators, as they finalize the budget for the 2019-2021 biennium, to invest in the Community and Technical Colleges.
The SSC organizer says 34th District legislators are “on board” but could still use messages of support as they work to convince their colleagues. Info on how to reach your legislators – about this issue or anything else – is here.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes tonight:
EARLY-MORNING CAR PROWLER: From Barbara:
Caught a thief going through our car on Rutan Place near the Junction at 5:00 this morning. He was into the trunk after going through all the interior boxes. Looks like the losses were some tools plus $200-300 in gift cards, maybe a house key. Husband says he is white, in his twenties, about 6’2″, 200 lb, dark short hair, brown jacket, jeans, with a large cross shoulder bag “like an old mail carrier style.” Dog barked, husband chased E on Edmunds but lost him. Keep your cars locked.
STOLEN-BIKE REUNION: Last night, we published Val‘s report of finding an abandoned (which usually means stolen-and-dumped) bicycle. Tonight we heard from the bike’s owner, who recognized the photo Val had shared showing its distinct wheel; we’ve connected them, and a reunion ensued. The bike had been stolen sometime overnight Friday into Saturday, just hours before it turned up in Val’s yard.
Years in the making – and ready to share with the world! Student artists are hoping you’ll come see their work Tuesday night. From Chief Sealth International High School‘s International Baccalaureate program coordinator Allison Hays:
The community is invited to attend the 4th Annual Chief Sealth International High School IB Art show on April 16th, 6:30 – 8:00 pm, in the Library. Light refreshments will be provided. This public reception is for families, friends, and anyone interested to see, learn, and celebrate the IB Visual Arts Program. The senior artists will be presenting their portfolio of work which they have been building over the last two years. The junior artists will be presenting a sneak peek at their developing work.
CSIHS is at 2600 SW Thistle.
(Photo from spl.org)
In case you use the South Park Library – the nearest one for some in easternmost West Seattle – we’re reminding you that today (until 5 pm) and tomorrow (1 pm-8 pm) are your last chances to use it for up to 2 months. During the closure, the 12-year-old building at 8604 8th Ave. S. will “be recarpeted and repainted inside” and SPL will “add electrical outlets, new furniture, circulation desk modifications, mobile shelving and furniture, and collaborative spaces,” as announced last month.
Sidewalk cafés – usually added outdoor seating for existing food/drink businesses – are increasingly popular in our area due in no small part to our spectacular scenery. But many viewless venues have added them too. It hasn’t historically been easy for a business to get permission to add one, but the city wants to change that. SDOT (sidewalks are public right-of-way, so it’s in that department’s jurisdiction) is taking comments on proposed rule changes right now. Here’s the announcement:
We’ve spent the last year reviewing our existing requirements to develop a legislative proposal to improve the program. Here are some of the key aspects that we’ve identified.
· Allow cafés in more locations around Seattle.
· Formalize pilot programs to allow fence-free cafes and cafes in the curb space of the street (these are known as streateries).
· Update design standards to make it easier to walk on sidewalks.
We developed a fact sheet on the proposal for more details. The full documents of the ordinance and draft Director’s Rule are also available to review on our webpage.
The public is invited to provide comments on the Determination of Non-Significance. Comments are accepted in any of the following ways:
·Email: Alyse.Nelson@seattle.gov
·Phone: 206-684-5268
·Mail:
Seattle Department of Transportation
Street Use – Public Space Management
P.O. Box 34996
Seattle, WA 98124-4996Comments must be provided no later than 5 PM on Monday, April 22, 2019. Appeals must be submitted no later than 5 PM on Monday, April 29, 2019. Details about the appeals process can be found in the Determination of Non-Significance posted on our webpage.
SDOT says nearly 400 businesses around the city have sidewalk-café permits right now. Since the proposed changes include an ordinance, City Council approval will eventually be required.
(WSB file photo)
Just two weeks until your chance to help keep tons of no-longer-wanted/needed items from ending up in the waste stream question via the spring Recycle Roundup at Fauntleroy Church. 9 am-3 pm Sunday, April 28th, drive/ride/walk up to the church lot at 9140 California SW with your recyclables, and drop them off for free with the church’s longtime Recycle Roundup partner, 1 Green Planet. If you’re ready to go through your stuff and see what you can unload, compare what you have with the newest list of the dozens of types of items they will accept – see the list here. (That link also includes what NOT to bring.)
For more than a decade, students, teachers, and other staff at Denny International Middle School in West Seattle have spent part of some weeklong breaks … at school. Principal Jeff Clark sent photos and a brief acknowledgment of this year’s Spring Break Academy:
Seattle Public Schools was on Spring Break this week, and yet it was a great week of learning and fun at Denny International Middle School!
Congratulations to all of our amazing scholars who participated in our Spring Break Academy. They joined us for four mornings of learning complete with a field trip to the Family Fun Center Thursday afternoon to celebrate!
Thank you to our dedicated staff who helped to make it possible: Ms. Belka, Ms. Kaufman, Ms. Islam, Mr. Lai, Ms. Fondale, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Moor, Ms. Han, all of our City Year Corps Members, Mr. King, Mr. Rodriguez, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Galvez, Mr. Anderson, Ms. Brown, Ms. Smith, Ms. Selina, Mr. Hall, Mr. Jefferson, Ms. Farah, Ms. Wilson, and our Custodial team! Go Dolphins!
Reminder – the last day for Seattle Public Schools isn’t until June 27th because of snow days.
(Saturday’s pre-sunset view from Duwamish Head, photographed by David Hutchinson)
Happy Sunday! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
LOBBY SALE: Providence Mount St. Vincent‘s jewelry sale benefiting its foundation continues, 9 am-5 pm today. (4831 35th SW)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Fourth one of spring, which means more fresh-grown food each week as we get further into growing season. Scallions and green garlic are among the newest returnees. The market runs 10 am-2 pm in the heart of The Junction. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
‘TRICKLE DOWN TOWN’ AT TIBBETTS: You are invited to see West Seattle filmmaker Tomasz Biernacki‘s look at Seattle homelessness, “Trickle Down Town,” at 11:30 am at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) – no admission charge; details here. (3940 41st SW)
CHORANDO NA CHUVA: Live Brazilian music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. No cover; all ages. (5612 California SW)
‘THREE TALL WOMEN’: This matinée is the final performance by Twelfth Night Productions this run, 3 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
LADIES’ MUSICAL CLUB: 3 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, “a concert of music for voices, violin, and piano” – details in our calendar listing. (2306 42nd SW)
JOYCE MAJOR: The author of an adventure geared to 8- to 13-year-olds will read from it during this 4-6 pm event at Flying Apron in The Junction. (4709 California SW)
DRUNKEN OWL THEATER: Monthly theater event at Parliament Tavern, 7 pm, 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
TRIANGULAR JAZZTET: Enjoy jazz at The Alley behind Be’s in The Junction, starting at 8 pm. 21+. (4509 California SW)
WHAT ELSE? The full lineup for today, tonight, and beyond is on our full calendar.
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