West Seattle, Washington

21 Saturday

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month : 04/2019 306 results

6 for your West Seattle Wednesday
April 24, 2019 10:48 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Horned Grebe, photographed by Mark Wangerin as these birds get ready to head to Alaska)

Here are highlights of what’s happening in the hours ahead, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you can always browse days, weeks, months ahead)

POP-UP NEIGHBORHOOD STREET FUND VOTING: Don’t want to vote online? Here’s another option. Look for SDOT at Roxbury Safeway 3-6 pm today. Here’s more on the NSF vote and other ways to be part of it. (9620 28th SW)

LEARN HOW TO ‘STOP THE BLEED’: 6 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, important preparedness info – free! But you need to RSVP. Still room as of right now. (2306 42nd SW)

DOWNSIZED BICYCLE MASTER PLAN: SDOT is downsizing its list of projects from the Bicycle Master Plan to be implemented over the next few years, and invites you to come talk about it, as previewed here Tuesday. 6 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, with presentation at 6:15, “café-style conversation” to follow. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE: 7 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club, HPAC’s monthly meeting focuses on options for a new barrier/fence to keep vehicles off Riverview Playfield. Also planned, a preview of next month’s vote on merging Riverview and South Delridge into HPAC. (1116 SW Holden)

OPEN MICS: At Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW) with signups at 7; at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW) with signups at 7:30.

THE BILLY JOE SHOW: You know him, you love him, he rocks! 8 pm at Parliament Tavern. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

SOMETHING FOR THE WSB CALENDAR? Please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – preferably at least a week before your event – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen Nissan truck – FOUND
April 24, 2019 9:31 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen Nissan truck – FOUND
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL REPORT: From Rachel:

Have you seen our truck? 1995 Nissan Truck. Purple/maroon with blue detailing on sides. Extended cab. Similar to one in picture (no rust on bumper). Stolen evening of 4/23 in North Admiral neighborhood. Washington license plate: B54139W

If you see it, call 911.

FRIDAY UPDATE: The stolen truck’s been found.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch
April 24, 2019 6:58 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)

6:58 AM: Good morning! No traffic or transit alerts so far this Wednesday morning.

BEACH DRIVE PAVING: This project announced last week is scheduled to start today.

STADIUM ZONE: Home match tonight for Sounders FC, 7:30 pm vs. San Jose.

9:59 AM: Crash reported eastbound West Seattle Bridge to southbound I-5.

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ArtsWest to spotlight ‘Agents of Change’ in 2019-2020 season lineup
April 24, 2019 12:50 am
|    Comments Off on ArtsWest to spotlight ‘Agents of Change’ in 2019-2020 season lineup
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Next week, ArtsWest will be honored at the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s 2019 Westside Awards breakfast as Not-For-Profit of the Year. This week, the Junction playhouse has a big announcement of its own – its 2019-2020 season slate, under the title Agents of Change:

Artistic Director Mathew Wright today announced AGENTS OF CHANGE, ArtsWest’s 2019-20 Season, with six productions – featuring plays by Tony and Nobel Prize-winning playwrights, a boldly reimagined classic, and a world premiere from local luminary Sara Porkalob – all centered on revolutions, and the people who create, fuel and represent them.

Speaking to the idea of change and revolution that informs the Season – and draws on the theatre’s mission statement to, among other aims, use live theater as a powerful agent of change – Wright said, “We must each be constantly renewing ourselves. This company must always be renewing itself. Our politics must always be renewing itself. Our understanding of each other must always be renewing itself.” Wright invited everyone to join ArtsWest “for a season of theater that probes, interrogates, and celebrates change, growth, renewal – and revolution.”

AGENTS OF CHANGE opens with the Seattle premiere of SUNSET BABY, OBIE Award-winning playwright Dominique Morisseau‘s fiery saga of a former revolutionary rebuilding a relationship with his estranged daughter. For the holidays, ArtsWest is thrilled to present the Seattle premiere of the riotous, joyful musical HEAD OVER HEELS, a technicolor tale of a kingdom in crisis set to the irresistible music of The Go-Go’s. Next, from Lauren Gunderson, American Theatre’s Most Produced Playwright of 2017, THE REVOLUTIONISTS reimagines the lives of four famous women who risked their necks during one of France’s most infamous periods of social upheaval.

Kicking off the second half of the Season is SAINT JOAN, George Bernard Shaw‘s celebrated story of one of history’s most infamous revolutionaries, to be directed in a new, stripped-back staging by Mathew Wright. Next is ALEX & ALIX by celebrated playwright and activist Sara Porkalob (DRAGON LADY, DRAGON CYCLE), a moving meditation on love and memory, in its world premiere. Capping off the AGENTS OF CHANGE Season is the Seattle premiere of MISS YOU LIKE HELL, a dynamic, heart-rending musical about an immigrant mother, her estranged daughter, and their cross-country journey to discover what – if anything – can keep them together.

Dates, and more about each play, after the jump:

Sunset Baby
By Dominique Morisseau
September 26 – October 20, 2019

When the tough, independent Nina is visited by her father, a former revolutionary in the Black liberation movement, she can’t tell what he’s after – a fix to their broken relationship, or the cache of letters that ties their fates together. As father and daughter circle one another, old wounds are revealed, generational differences exposed, and blazing truths laid bare. Morisseau’s smart, entertaining, and moving story about family, survival, and the nature of liberation is “not only dynamic, it’s dynamite” (The New York Times).

Head Over Heels
Songs by The GoGo’s
Based upon The Arcadia by Sir Philip Sidney
Conceived & Original Book by Jeff Whitty
Adapted by James Magruder
November 21 – December 29, 2019

A hilarious, exuberant musical that will get you grooving in your seat, Head Over Heels follows a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction, only to discover the revolution they need is within their own hearts. From the visionaries who rocked Broadway with Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Avenue Q, and Spring Awakening, this bold and fierce new musical comedy – set to the iconic music of the ’80s all-female rock band The Go-Go’s, including the hit songs “We Got the Beat” and “Our Lips Are Sealed” – is a spirited and sexy celebration of love in all its infinite varieties.

The Revolutionists
By Lauren Gunderson
January 16 – February 9, 2020

Four beautiful, badass women – Playwright Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, former queen Marie Antoinette, and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle – lose their heads in this irreverent, girl-powered comedy set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. As this fearless comedy about a motley female foursome unfolds, The Revolutionists rewrites the book on violence and legacy, art and activism, feminism and terrorism, compatriots and chosen sisters, and how we actually go about changing the world.

Saint Joan
By George Bernard Shaw
March 12 – April 5, 2020

Tracing the life of Joan of Arc, from the siege of Orleans through her trial and recantation, and culminating with the tragedy that transformed her into a legend, Saint Joan is an electrifying portrait of one of history’s most revered and revolutionary lightning rods. Fiery and timeless, Shaw’s masterpiece shines a fierce light on the limits of an individual in a society dominated by political and religious forces.Presented in a new, stripped-back staging directed by Mathew Wright, prepare to see Joan’s incendiary life shine brighter than ever.

Alex & Alix
By Sara Porkalob
April 30 – May 24

From artist & activist Sara Porkalob (Dragon Lady, Dragon Cycle) comes a new play about endings, beginnings, and the unseen forces that shape the way we remember love. A moving meditation on memory, trauma and healing from one of Seattle’s-and now, one of the nation’s-most celebrated theatre makers, Alex & Alix is about two women, one name, and a love story that gets rewritten every day.

Miss You Like Hell
Book & Lyrics by Quiara Alegría Hudes
Music & Lyrics by Erin McKeown
June 18 – July 26, 2020

Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Quiara Alegría Hudes (Water by the Spoonful,In the Heights) and acclaimed, genre-breaking singer/songwriter Erin McKeown join forces for anew musical that will find your soul and stay with you forever. When Beatriz, an undocumented immigrant facing trial for deportation, persuades her estranged daughter to speak on her behalf, they set off on a road trip that crosses state lines and reveals what sets them apart-and what connects them forever. Featuring music every bit as diverse and eclectic as America, Miss You Like Hell exudes the joy, love, and frustration of being a family in a changing country.

ArtsWest (4711 California SW) is selling season subscriptions now, and plans to offer individual tickets by August 1st.

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CONGRATULATIONS! King County award for Young’s Restaurant
April 23, 2019 9:58 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Environment | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(Photo from kingcounty.gov)

A belated Earth Day note from King County today: Its annual Green Globe Awards were presented on Monday, and the winners included Young’s Restaurant in South Delridge, “the first restaurant to participate in the RainWise program, which offers rebates to property owners who install green stormwater infrastructure.” The county announcement continues:

Supported by ECOSS and its language and multicultural environmental outreach expertise, Young’s installed three stormwater cisterns that will keep more than 11,000 gallons of runoff out of the combined sewer system each year. The King County – Seattle Public Utilities RainWise partnership recently established a “big roof” initiative expanding its work beyond residential structures to capture and divert stormwater from larger buildings.

You can see the Young’s cisterns here. Meantime, King County’s full list of winners – also including South Park’s Paulina Lopez, of the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition – is here.

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2 MORE DAYS! Registration ends Thursday night for 15th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day
April 23, 2019 6:52 pm
|    Comments Off on 2 MORE DAYS! Registration ends Thursday night for 15th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

If you’re waiting until the last minute to decide whether to be part of the 15th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day on Saturday, May 11th – you have two more days to decide. Registration closes at 11:59 pm this Thursday night (April 25th). 220+ sales are signed up so far for the big day – all sizes, all kinds of merchandise, all over the peninsula. Official sale hours on May 11th are 9 am-3 pm; some start early, some end late (if you’ll be doing one or both, be sure the “ad” you include with your registration has that information too).

So – ready to register? Here’s where to do it!

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WEDNESDAY: West Seattle discussion of downsized Bicycle Master Plan project list
April 23, 2019 4:17 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Along with other changes to SDOT‘s project list in the reevaluation of Move Seattle levy spending, the department has downsized its plan for implementing projects from the city’s Bicycle Master Plan. The 2014 version of the plan included in West Seattle, for example, protected bike lanes on multiple arterials (see page 60 of that link). But the implementation plan has been revised in recent years and right now SDOT’s taking comments on another revision, with a meeting in West Seattle tomorrow night (6 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 6:15 pm presentation, 6:30 pm “café-style conversations”). The city also is taking emailed comments through next Tuesday. We were CC’d on longtime local advocate Stu Hennessey‘s view that the downscaling is being done inequitably; we asked for and received his permission to publish:

Over the 26 years since I co-founded Greater Harbor 2000 and have advocated for bicycle transportation improvements in West Seattle through leadership with groups like Sustainable West Seattle, Seattle Neighborhood Greenways group, Spokespeople West Seattle and West Seattle Bike Connections, I have seen a great disparity between what is allocated north of SODO and moreover north of the ship canal compared to what is allocated for West Seattle.

It looks as though this pattern of neglect is not going to improve as West Seattle will be taking the biggest hit on the retracted implementation of the Bike Master Plan. This is very ironic considering West Seattle has the largest neighborhood population outside of the downtown corridor and is landlocked on a peninsula.

I am calling for SDOT to reexamine the retracted plan and take some projects off the bicycle infrastructural wealthy north end to reinstate most if not all of the planned West Seattle projects.

I am sure, and rightfully so, those neighborhoods will be upset too but let’s be fair and spread the improvements out evenly. Whatever marginal improvements that have occurred in West Seattle due to the Move Seattle funding are a drop in the bucket to overcome years of neglect.

If you can’t make it to tomorrow night’s meeting, the email address for comments is CCBike@Seattle.gov.

P.S. Another big transportation meeting in West Seattle is happening one night after the bike-plan meeting – Thursday (April 25th), 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House High Point (6400 SW Sylvan Way), new SDOT director Sam Zimbabwe is the scheduled guest.

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ELECTION 2019: Dominic Barrera running for open Seattle Port Commission Position 2
April 23, 2019 2:49 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Port of Seattle | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

There are now three candidates in the running for the countywide Port of Seattle Commission seat that Courtney Gregoire is leaving. The first of those three to send an announcement is Dominic Barrera:

South King County may soon have representation on the Seattle Port Commission again, as Fire Commissioner, airport union leader, and environmental advocate, Dominic Barrera announced his intention to run for the open position being vacated by Courtney Gregoire.

Barrera has served as an elected Fire Commissioner for the North Highline Fire District since 2015, where he represents about 10,000 constituents in the communities of White Center and Boulevard Park. There, he was the driving force behind station improvements that increased workplace safety, helped craft an innovative joint-operation plan with a neighboring district to improve service and increase efficiency, and has twice amended and passed state legislation to protect low-income tax payers in his district.

“I’ve worked to balance budgets and restore the District’s economic stability without compromising the well-being of our employees or the communities we serve,” Barrera said. “I bring unparalleled experience, not only leading a public agency, but also working on the frontlines of a major Port facility, fighting for worker protections, and advocating for our environment. The Port of Seattle needs this kind of strong, well-balanced leadership in this critical time of growth.”

Barrera’s father, born in Tokyo to Mexican and Japanese parents, was an aircraft mechanic at Sea-Tac. Barrera himself has worked for Alaska Airlines for seven years, both in airport operations and accounting. Throughout his tenure, he has been a proud member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) Local 2202 and currently serves as a union shop steward to his peers at Sea-Tac.

Barrera was part of a successful grassroots campaign in 2015 to save the Myers Parcels, an environmentally critical wetland that feeds into the Duwamish River, from industrial development. He was later selected to lead PlantAmnesty, an environmental nonprofit that works to protect Seattle’s greenspace, as their Executive Director.

He and his fiancé, Andrea, live in the Highline-area, directly under Sea-Tac’s northern flight path and within earshot of seaport operations.

“I would bring a voice for people living in the areas most impacted by Port activities,” Barrera said. “I know firsthand how crucial it is for the Port of Seattle to be a good neighbor.”

Barrera also served on the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council board. The other two candidates who have registered Position 2 campaigns with the Public Disclosure Commission so far are Ali Scego and Preeti Shridhar, but we haven’t yet received an announcement from either. Position 5 is also up for election this year; so far incumbent Fred Felleman is the only registered candidate. The formal filing period is in mid-May; the primary election is August 6th.

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BIZNOTE: Good Dog fetches new location
April 23, 2019 1:13 pm
|    Comments Off on BIZNOTE: Good Dog fetches new location
 |   Pets | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Another West Seattle business that’s being displaced by development has just announced it’s found a new location. Good Dog, on the southwest corner of California/Frontenac where rowhouses are about to be built, confirms it’s moving to 9064 Delridge Way SW. There’ll be a lag between their closure April 30th at the current location and the reopening at the new one. (Thanks to Anne for the tip!) Previous coverage of what’s happening on that block is here and here.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Mailbox, car break-ins
April 23, 2019 12:43 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

MAILBOX BREAK-INS: The photo is from Mark in the 6700 block of Beach Drive. He reports: “Our mailbox was broken into by this gentleman Sunday morning, April 20th, at 4:15 am. About a half a dozen other neighbors reported their mailboxes broken into Sunday morning along Beach Drive.”

CAR BREAK-IN: This photo and report are from Omie:

“My car was broken into between 5 and 5:15 p.m. (Monday) … parked at 42nd and Oregon streets. I found my rear window smashed and backpack stolen.”

REMINDER: You can hear updates from, and talk with, local police at tonight’s West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting (6:30 pm, Southwest Precinct, 2300 SW Webster).

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THIS WEEKEND: Life-saving dropoffs on Saturday
April 23, 2019 12:08 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Saturday is the semi-annual Drug Take-Back Day, and the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster) will accept your no-longer-wanted/needed and/or expired prescription drug dropoffs between 10 am and 2 pm. Calling it “life-saving” is no exaggeration – even if there’s no one living or visiting your home who’s at risk of overdose, if something’s sitting around in your medicine cabinet, it could be taken by burglars and end up on the street. Just drop by and drop off, no questions asked.

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Council, climate, chopper, community, more for your West Seattle Tuesday
April 23, 2019 11:07 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Juvenile Bald Eagle, photographed by Gary Jones)

An eclectic Tuesday! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

DROP-IN CHESS: 4:30-5:30 pm, kids and youth are welcome to drop in and play at High Point Library. Chess sets are available as well as guidance from an adult chess coach. (3411 SW Raymond)

CANDIDATES’ DEBATE: They’ve had two forums – now, the first debate-style event for the District 1 City Council candidates, as previewed here. This is presented by the 34th District Democrats as a standalone event, 6:30 pm at Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School. All welcome. (20th & Roxbury)

GUARDIAN ONE @ BLOCK WATCH CAPTAINS NETWORK: Well, the helicopter itself won’t be there – the parking lot’s not quite landing-pad-sized – but reps from the King County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit will be. The <strong>West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network will also hear from SPD during the 6:30 pm meeting at the Southwest Precinct, all welcome, block watch participation not required. (2300 SW Webster)

CLIMATE SCIENCE ON TAP: “Is It Climate Change or Just Bad Weather?” Tackle the topic with Cascadia Action Network‘s gathering at Beveridge Place Pub, 7 pm – details in our calendar listing. 21+ venue. (6413 California SW)

DISTRICT 1 COMMUNITY NETWORK: 7 pm at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse: “The District 1 Community Network is a meeting open to all community group and interested individuals who would like to work together on topics of interest within District 1.” (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

MOE WEISNER QUARTET: Jazz at Parliament Tavern. No cover. 21+. Starts at 8 pm. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

THAT’S NOT ALL … see for yourself here.

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THIS WEEKEND: West Seattle YMCA Healthy Kids Day on Saturday
April 23, 2019 9:58 am
|    Comments Off on THIS WEEKEND: West Seattle YMCA Healthy Kids Day on Saturday
 |   Fun stuff to do | Triangle | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from Healthy Kids Day 2017)

Free fun – no membership required – this Saturday at the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor), for the annual Healthy Kids Day, 10 am-1 pm! As announced by the Y, the event “features activities such as hands-only CPR lessons, free helmets and helmet fittings, games, healthy cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts to motivate and teach families how to develop and maintain healthy routines at home throughout the summer months.” Performances include a dance team at 11:30, martial arts at noon, and Baby Shark at 12:30 pm; Y executive director Shalimar Gonzales says a fire truck is expected on site 11 am to noon, plus: “Helmet fittings, games, CPR training, and all other activities will occur through the day.” (Outdoors and indoors.) And smoothies from nearby Chaco Canyon Café! One more bonus: If you’re not a Y member and would like to be, no joining fee! The Y is at 3622 SW Snoqualmie in The Triangle.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday watch
April 23, 2019 6:58 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle Trader Joe's

(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)

6:58 AM: Good morning! No traffic or transit alerts for our area so far.

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Can Southern Resident Killer Whales be saved from extinction? Optimism surfaces on The Whale Trail
April 22, 2019 10:25 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(November 2018 photo by Trileigh Tucker – resident orcas being observed by licensed researchers)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Many point out that Earth Day isn’t really about saving the planet – it’s about saving those who live on it, ourselves included.

Some are in more imminent danger than others. In particular, the Southern Resident Killer Whales, whose plight was the focus of this month’s Orca Talk, presented by The Whale Trail.

Their population remains at 75, only four above their historic low of 71. “If they go below 71, no one can say whether they’ll come back.”

That was the somber reminder from both TWT founder/executive director Donna Sandstrom and the Thursday night event’s featured guest, retired marine-mammal expert Dr. Tim Ragen. He opened with toplines on his background, including working on the Marine Mammal Commission in D.C. 2000-2013. More recently – in “retirement” – he’s spent time focusing on other species in danger,from Hawaiian monk seals to Florida manatees.

Addressing the status of the SRKWs, Dr. Ragen explained that the number 75 doesn’t tell the whole story.

Read More

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FOLLOWUP: Seattle Public Library levy also headed for your August ballot
April 22, 2019 8:47 pm
|      35 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Another levy will be on the August 6th ballot: The Seattle Public Library levy. Councilmembers voted unanimously today to send it to voters. (The item comes up 25 minutes into the video above, Seattle Channel‘s recording of this afternoon’s council meeting.) They expanded the original $210+ million proposal by about $2 million to add one weekly operating hour for each of the city’s 26 library branches as well as adding extra support for children’s programming. You can read the documents, including the amended levy text, by going here. The levy plan was announced last month; it would follow a seven-year levy that expires this year. The August ballot also will include a vote on the King County Parks levy, as reported here last week.

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HISTORY: Remembering Bob Royer by revisiting his West Seattle Bridge stories
April 22, 2019 7:46 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

Last week, former Seattle deputy mayor and longtime civic advocate Bob Royer died at 75. He wasn’t a West Seattleite so we didn’t make note of it – many regional publications did a great job of that – and then we heard from West Seattle historian, writer, and journalist Clay Eals. He reminded us of the event shown in the video above – a panel discussion in The Junction in 2014, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the opening of the high-level West Seattle Bridge, part of a monthlong series of events presented by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, which Eals led at the time. Read more about it – and see some historic bridge video! – here. You can see/hear Bob Royer in the video starting about six minutes in (running for about 12 minutes) and then again for about seven minutes starting at one hour, 14 minutes in. Eals recalls, “It was fascinating local history, yes, but history that came alive in a lively manner. And anyone who knew Bob is mourning the loss of his energy and wit.”

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More ways to be part of West Seattle Summer Fest 2019, if you sign up soon!
April 22, 2019 4:20 pm
|    Comments Off on More ways to be part of West Seattle Summer Fest 2019, if you sign up soon!
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

The peninsula’s biggest party of the year, West Seattle Summer Fest 2019, is in view just over the horizon – July 12, 13, 14 – and the plan is taking shape now, so you have to take action fast if you want to be part of any of this:

IMG_4606(WSB photo from Summer Fest 2016 – community tabling at the Info Booth)

COMMUNITY GATHERING TENT: Nonprofits and neighborhood/community groups are invited to apply for a free spot on the lineup, so Summer Fest visitors can stop by to find who you are and what you do. There may be two tents this year but even all those spots will fill up fast, so don’t wait, go here to sign up.

NEW STAGES! Summer Fest 2019 will bring more ways than ever for people to perform or present, including a Community Stage in Junction Plaza Park and a Wooden Instrument Stage at the south end of the festival zone. That’s in addition to the Main Stage at the north end. Interested in a spot on any of those stages? Here’s how to apply.

PARTNERSHIP/SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: While the West Seattle Junction Association presents Summer Fest, countless community sponsors/partners help make it possible. (WSB is among them.) These opportunities remain open until May 19th; this one-sheet (PDF) has more info.

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DEVELOPMENT: Two updates from 4700 block of Fauntleroy
April 22, 2019 2:35 pm
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

From the east side of the 4700 block of Fauntleroy (between Alaska and Edmunds):

WORK ABOUT TO START: Thanks to Binh for sending the notice circulated in the area of the two-building 4722 Fauntleroy Way project, saying work is finally about to start. The notice from Compass Construction says they’re expecting to get going on the 300-plus-unit project in the first week of May. (This is the former West Seattle Produce site.)

NEW NAME FOR NEWLY COMPLETE PROJECT: When 4754 Fauntleroy (100+ apartments and live-works on the former Capitol Loans site) was in the planning stages, the project team used the name The Foundry. Driving by this afternoon, we noticed the almost-complete project has a sign up, bearing a different name: The Huxley. We’re asking the developer if that’s a tribute to anyone in particular (The Whittaker, across Fauntleroy, you’ll recall, was named for the legendary climber, who has West Seattle roots). According to The Huxley’s website, its units – described as “luxury apartments” – range from 437 to 1070 square feet, with rents from $1,505 (for the income-restricted 1 bedrooms related to the project’s participation in the Multifamily Tax Exemption program) to $3,050.

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ELECTION 2019: District 1 City Council candidates to debate on Tuesday night
April 22, 2019 12:39 pm
|      37 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(WSB photo, April 10th)

After two Q&A forums, District 1 City Council candidates will appear in the first debate-format event of the campaign tomorrow night. It’s the second event presented by the 34th District Democrats, but this time it’s not part of a regular meeting – it’s a standalone event – nor is it at the group’s usual event venue. All are invited to attend, 6:30 pm Tuesday (April 23rd) at Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School (9615 20th SW). Four of the five current candidates (the field’s not final until “filing week” in mid-May) are participating – Jesse Greene, incumbent Lisa Herbold, Brendan Kolding, and Phil Tavel – same as the 34th DD’s forum on April 10th (WSB coverage here).

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Free Metro rides in snowstorms?
April 22, 2019 11:38 am
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(Photo from February snow, courtesy Jeff B)

Should Metro be free when we have major snow, as was the case back in February? At least one King County Councilmember thinks so. Announced today:

Legislation is being filed this morning by King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles that would allow for free Metro transit during snow emergencies. The measure comes in response to a massive storm that devastated roads and highways across the region earlier this year.

“This past winter our region was hammered with one of the worst snow storms the region has seen,” said Kohl-Welles. “Cars skidded out of control or got stuck, pedestrians struggled to gain footing and slipped on sidewalks, and too many of our most vulnerable citizens were left stranded. Free Metro fares will keep people safe and is the right thing to do.”

Here’s the proposed legislation (PDF); we’re checking with our area’s King County Councilmember Joe McDermott to see what he thinks of the proposal.

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6 for your West Seattle Monday
April 22, 2019 9:40 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photos by Mark Wangerin, who discovered along the Duwamish River that Osprey are back!)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

DINE OUT, HELP SEATTLE LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS: Dine at Puerto Vallarta Mexican Restaurant in The Junction today – lunch and/or dinner – and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Seattle Lutheran HS Seniors’ Graduation Celebration. Open 10:30 am-11 pm. (4727 California SW)

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE: If you can donate blood, take note that the Bloodmobile will be at the Masonic Center in The Junction 12:30 pm-3 pm. (4736 40th SW)

LOW TIDE: Good time for beachwalking if you can – low tide is out to -1.4 feet at 1:47 pm. (Chart)

LIBRARYLAB, EARTH DAY EDITION: 3:30 pm-7:30 pm, drop in at Delridge Library:

The Seattle Public Library is partnering with Seattle Parks and Recreation and Seattle Public Utilities to host an extra special LibraryLab on Earth Day at the Delridge Branch (we’re taking over the whole library that day!). We will be learning about ecosystems by exploring the one in our backyard. Learn about the history of the Longfellow Creek Watershed restoration project, play games, use microscopes to look at samples of stream water, try an art activity, look at huge maps of the watershed and get information on current restoration projects and how you can get involved. This is an all-ages event and free (of course).

(5423 Delridge Way SW)

TQI DIET: New five-week series of classes starts at The Kenney (WSB sponsor), 6:30 pm. Details in our calendar listing. (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)

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ART IDEAS WANTED! Project for Louisa Boren STEM K-8 playground
April 22, 2019 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on ART IDEAS WANTED! Project for Louisa Boren STEM K-8 playground
 |   Delridge | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Maybe you have the perfect idea for this school project! Sent by Adrienne Ollerenshaw:

The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods’ Small Sparks Matching Fund awarded Louisa Boren STEM K-8 funding to install a buddy bench and repaint the blacktop games on the school playground. A buddy bench is a bench where a child can sit if they need a friend. Others will see them and invite them to play.

The school is requesting artwork ideas from school and community members for under the buddy bench. Sketches can include up to four colors. If you would like to submit an idea, email drawings with your name and email address, to amollerensha@seattleschools.org or drop them off at the Louisa Boren STEM K-8 (5950 Delridge Way SW) front office before Friday, April 26th. There will be a design selection meeting at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), April 27th, from 12:00-12:30, where community members are welcome to come and help select artwork for under the bench.

The art would be a painting on the playground blacktop, 6′ x 6′ maximum, “that promotes friendship, kindness, acceptance, and love.”

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