month : 10/2019 315 results

VIDEO: Voting has begun; debates continue. See what City Council candidates said at West Seattle Chamber of Commerce event

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The ballots are arriving, so the voting is beginning. But 2 1/2 weeks of campaigning remain for Phil Tavel and Lisa Herbold in the City Council District 1 race – including debates. Next one is at 11 am Saturday – more on that after our report on the one the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce presented last night.

First, our video:

The debate was held at Westside School (WSB sponsor) in Arbor Heights, whose head of school Steve de Beer had words of welcome. The Chamber’s government-affairs committee chair Rik Keller moderated. The format was “Lincoln-Douglas-ish.” They began with opening statements; see the video for those. Our toplines below are summaries/paraphrases unless quotation marks are used.

Q: Regulation and compliance cost businesses more than taxes. How will you be a voice of moderation before more are enacted?

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Lightning strikes homes; power outage

(Added: WSB photos)

6:56 PM: The thunderstorms that moved through this past hour have done some damage. Seattle Fire is on scene in the ~10700 block of Marine View Drive SW, where residents report lightning hit multiple houses; no fire, but some damage is reported. In that area, more than 200 homes are without power, according to the City Light map.

7:56 PM: We’ve been to two of the homes with lightning damage.

In both cases, glass was broken, but no one was hurt.

Some tree damage too. At one home, the damage was focused on a detached dwelling unit which had no one inside at the time.

9 PM: Photos added. The residents report the lightning strike was colorful – they saw red at one point – as well as powerful.

12:33 AM: Could be more overnight, says @WestSeaWx.

UPDATE: Teenager hit while crossing at California/Dakota

(Added: WSB photo)

6:37 PM: An emergency response is blocking most if not all of California at Dakota, north of The Junction. We don’t have details yet – we have a crew on the way – but at least one person is injured and being taken to the hospital, according to radio communication.

6:51 PM: At the scene, we’re told a driver hit a pedestrian. She was crossing California. She’s being taken to the hospital. The Traffic Collision Investigation detectives are on their way to investigate; California is closed in the meantime.

7:33 PM: SFD tells us the pedestrian is a 17-year-old girl, in serious condition when taken to the hospital. … Also note, Metro has sent an alert that bus routes 50 and 128 are delayed because of the closure.

8:08 PM: Metro says the buses have resumed normal operations so that suggests the road has reopened (we won’t be able to go verify for a while).

8:55 PM: See comments for updates on the street’s status.

FOLLOWUP: New plan for temporary off-leash area while Westcrest Park OLA is closed

(File photo)

Back in August, we reported on a months-long closure ahead for West Seattle’s only dog park, the Westcrest Park off-leash area, because of a drainage project. At the time, Seattle Parks was only planning to keep the “small/shy dog area” open as an alternative. Now they have a new plan, just announced:

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is investing in the maintenance of Westcrest Park and the Off-Leash Area (OLA). Over the past few years, the maintenance project has grown from a simple drainage improvement project to a $505,000 project that will address drainage, access and erosion.

To address the impacts to the community during construction, SPR is proposing establishing a temporary OLA north of the P-Patch at the park. SPR will present the construction project and temporary off-leash plan on Wednesday, October 23 at 7 p.m. at the Highland Park Action Coalition (HPAC) meeting. The meeting will be held at the Highland Park Improvement Club, 1116 SW Holden St.

Due to the scope of the project and the nature of the work, the north parking lot and the entire OLA will be closed for the duration of construction. After initial outreach and discussions with the project team, SPR is working to accommodate a temporary off-leash area during the 6-month construction window and will also keep the shy/small dog use area open for everyone’s use.

Please join us at the upcoming HPAC meeting to learn more about the proposal. SPR anticipates construction will begin in the spring of 2020 and will run through the fall of 2020.

For more information please visit https://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/current-projects/westcrest-park-drainage-improvements

HPAC’s meeting also is scheduled to include SDOT director Sam Zimbabwe talking about the latest Highland Park Way/Holden safety-improvements plan.

‘Strength and beauty’ spotlighted at Chief Sealth International High School’s Indigenous Peoples Day assembly

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Emotion and energy filled the fourth annual Chief Sealth International High School assembly for Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

The assembly this morning spotlighted the crisis of missing/murdered Indigenous women in a very personal way: A student spoke about her cousin, missing since June 2017.

Lailani had to pause a few times as she told the wrenching story, but the students who filled the auditorium this morning called out in support, “You got this!” Her family has searched “nationwide” for her cousin, Ashley Loring HeavyRunner, but “is not giving up.” Ashley is one of ~6,000 missing/murdered Indigenous women, she noted. “They are important, they are sacred.”

The “strength and beauty” of women was celebrated at other points in the assembly, including its close, when šəqačib teacher Boo Balkan Foster brought the 30+ participants back on stage, holding slips of paper naming and honoring women who inspire them, and inviting the other students to do the same, for display at Chief Sealth.

The school’s namesake also was at the heart of another memorable moment, toward the assembly’s start, when educator Nancy Jo Bob gave a pronunciation lesson:

Chief Sealth also is the city’s namesake. Art displaying his likeness hangs over the auditorium where this morning’s assembly was held.

Adjacent to CSIHS is Denny International Middle School, from which two 7th graders read a poem one wrote:

Solen, the poet, presented “Native” with Jayla. The poem dismissed stereotypes, reminding everyone that Native people are “doctors, artists, scientists,” and much more. “Indigenous people have voices!” they shouted in conclusion. Another duo, Daniela and Julisa from the Folklorico and Quinceañera Afterschool Program, presented the dance “Aguila Blanca”:

A group of boys with Island heritage – from Samoa to Ireland – performed a Mäori Haka:

From Island girls, a Samoan Siva:

From Joel, a Native Hoop Dance that carried extra meaning for the students on hand:

The hoop, he explained, represented eternity, and symbolized the many tests they’ll face throughout their lives.

Teacher Balkan Foster observed that the assembly “shared some intense things, while also talking about strength and beauty.” And she offered hope: “When we think about things that are good, our brains change.”

CAMP SECOND CHANCE: City announces November meeting

The city’s long-promised meeting about Camp Second Chance‘s future has finally been announced: 6:30 pm Thursday, November 21st, at the Joint Training Facility (9401 Myers Way S.), a short distance north of the encampment. CSC is now in its fourth year on the city-owned Myers Way Parcels. In September, shortly after announcing another six-month extension for its permit to be there, the city said that if they don’t reach an agreement with a potential “faith-based sponsor,” they’ll start planning to dismantle the camp. But in the meantime, there’s also a city proposal to dramatically increase the number of this type of “tiny-house village” encampments citywide. CSC started with tents, but with donated materials and labor, its dwellings were all converted to “tiny houses.” As of last month, 55 people were living at CSC.

YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle concern for Burien school hit by arson

That’s St. Bernadette Parish School in north Burien, hit earlier this week by arson which, according to this KING5 report, forced the cancellation of some classes. We’ve heard this morning from several readers who suggest that West Seattleites might want to help the school recover from the damage. Holy Rosary School has sent out this call for support:

One of our fellow Catholic schools has experienced a tragic fire that is impacting their ability to have their school open. We are sharing their information with you in hopes you will pray for their community. If you would like to support them with a donation of money or supplies, information can be found below.

stbernadettesea.org/fire-relief-help-now/

The school (at Ambaum/128th) has about 200 students.

ELECTION 2019: Still deciding? Come see the council candidates Saturday morning!

checkbox.jpgMissed the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce-presented City Council District 1 debate last night? Our coverage is coming up later today but in the meantime, you can also plan to spend an hour Saturday morning seeing the candidates answer questions side by side: The West Seattle Junction Association is presenting it, your WSB co-publishers are moderating it, 11 am Saturday at the Senior Center/Sisson Building (4217 SW Oregon). Everyone’s welcome – out with the kids? Bring them too.

8 for your West Seattle Friday

October 18, 2019 9:49 am
|    Comments Off on 8 for your West Seattle Friday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(White-throated Sparrow, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Almost the weekend! Here are highlights for the hours ahead – first, from our freshly published West Seattle Halloween Etc. Guide:

ALKI ‘GARAGE HAUNT’: “Nightfall Orphanage” returns, first night tonight, 7:30-10:30 pm – your first chance to get seasonally scared. Details in our listing, and even more on the official website. (2130 Alki SW)

Now, from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BINGO: 11 am-2:30 pm, with a lunch break, at the Senior Center of West Seattle. 18+. (4217 SW Oregon)

JAPANESE STORY TIME: In the meeting room at High Point Library, community member Sayoko will lead Japanese-language story time at 11:10 am – details in our calendar listing. (3411 SW Raymond)

GIRLS’ NIGHT AT CLICK! 5-8 pm, the annual fun at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) – details here. (4540 California SW)

NADAFEST, NIGHT 1: 7 pm at The Skylark, “a yearly event where we showcase a bunch of the emerging or under appreciated local bands.” See the schedule here. $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

CITIZENS OF EARTH: “Mostly acoustic trio,” 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), no cover, all ages. (5612 California SW)

‘SUNSET BABY’: Final weekend begins – 7:30 pm curtain tonight at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), “Sunset Baby” by Dominique Morisseau. Ticket info here. (4711 California SW)

TRIBUTE TO ROBERT HUNTER: First of two nights at Parliament Tavern, 9 pm. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

SEE MORE AND PREVIEW THE WEEKEND … on our complete calendar!

HALLOWEEN ETC. GUIDE: More than 30 West Seattle events

October 18, 2019 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on HALLOWEEN ETC. GUIDE: More than 30 West Seattle events
 |   Holidays | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Thanks to everyone who’s sent info about trick-or-treating, fall festivals, haunted houses, and other seasonal events – this year’s West Seattle Halloween Etc. Guide is live. You’ll see more than 30 listings for events happening tonight through November 1st. Something to add? As with all our seasonal guides, we’ll be updating it daily, so let us know ASAP what you’re planning – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch

October 18, 2019 7:35 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch
 |   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)

7:35 AM: Good morning. No current incidents or alerts.

WEEKEND CLOSURES: Nothing major this weekend.

WATER TAXI NOTE: This is its final weekend of the year; after next Friday, it’s on the fall/winter schedule.

7:48 AM: There’s a one-engine Seattle Fire medical response for a person in what appears to be a stalled/stopped vehicle at the far north end of Delridge.

READY! Great Shakeout earthquake drill at Explorer West Middle School

October 17, 2019 11:56 pm
|    Comments Off on READY! Great Shakeout earthquake drill at Explorer West Middle School
 |   Preparedness | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photos)

Students at Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor) ended their day today with a lesson in preparedness.

Rain didn’t get in the way of their participation in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill.

The drill was more about testing their plan for what the school would do after a quake than what to do during one. That includes assessing and treating injuries, with role-playing during the drill.

Parents had a role too – picking up students at day’s end, they had to sign them out the same way it would work during an actual emergency.

P.S. If you’re looking ahead to middle school next year, Explorer West has an open house coming up next week – 6:30 pm Tuesday (October 22nd).

YOU CAN HELP: Enjoy the Fauntleroy Fall Festival in a new way!

October 17, 2019 8:52 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Enjoy the Fauntleroy Fall Festival in a new way!
 |   Fauntleroy | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

Just a week and a half until two big festivals – and one could use your assistance! The announcement:

The Fauntleroy Fall Festival is fast approaching and more volunteers are essential to make it happen on Sunday, October 27, 2-5 pm in the Fauntleroy Church/YMCA/Schoolhouse triangle. Available assignments include managing lines, helping kids paint pumpkins and build birdhouses, and checking in volunteers. Enjoy the festival from a new perspective! Find an assignment and time that work for you at tinyurl.com/2019FallFestivalVolunteers.

AVALON/35TH PROJECT: ‘Final striping’ and what else is ahead

The weekly SDOT update on the Avalon/35th repaving-and-more project is in. Here’s what’s ahead:

As you know, fall in Seattle can be very wet! Our work is weather dependent and often requires the road to be dry to allow pavement and paint to set. With the rain in our upcoming forecast, our crews will be working flexibly to get work done whenever a dry weather window allows. The schedule we provide today may change based on the weather and we will be sure to provide updates if any impacts change.

Pedestrian detours at 35th Ave SW and SW Avalon Way

Crews are currently working on the SW corner of SW Avalon Way and 35th Ave SW. The following pedestrian detour is in place to go from SW Avalon Way to 35th Ave SW:

*Walk east on SW Avalon Way and cross to the other side of the street at SW Genesee St

*Walk west on the north side of SW Avalon Way and cross 35th Ave SW

*Go south to cross SW Avalon Way and cross to the eastern side of 35th Ave SW at SW Alaska St

Final Striping and new design for SW Avalon Way:

In the coming weeks, crews will begin placing final striping in Zones A – C (SW Avalon Way from SW Spokane St to about 200 feet east of 35th Ave SW). This final striping will reflect our final design, which was developed after months of outreach and community engagement before construction with the purpose of creating a safer, multimodal corridor along SW Avalon Way.

Expect to see striping on the road for:

*New protected bike lanes northbound and southbound on SW Avalon Way.

*Flex posts likely will be installed in the spring when we finalize our project due to temperatures needed for installation

*Peak bus-only travel lane for northbound buses

*Narrowing of travel lanes and removal of the center turn lane to encourage slower, safer speeds and easier crossings

For more information on the final design, see our final design plans and graphics on our website.

Information by Zone:

Zones A – C (SW Avalon Way from SW Spokane St to 35th Ave SW)

*No Parking signs are up in Zones A – C to prepare to place final striping on the roadway. No Parking signs are effective starting Monday, October 21.

*These signs may be out for a few weeks, to allow surveyors to prepare for striping and give our crews flexibility to take advantage of dry weather to complete work; please pay attention to dates on the no parking signs for the latest information

*There will be short term single-lane closures to allow for striping

Zone C and Zone D (SW Avalon Way from Fauntleroy Way SW to just east of 35th Ave SW)

Crews are excavating and completing concrete paving on the south side of SW Avalon Way in part of Zone C and Zone D. Please note:

*Crews will continue pouring concrete curbs and panels on SW Avalon Way southeast and southwest corners of 35th Ave SW

*Starting Monday, October 21, people driving will have to turn right in and right out of driveways surrounding the intersection of SW Avalon Way and 35th Ave SW as crews work in the center lane

*Pedestrian detours are in place, please follow the posted signs on the sidewalks

Zone E (35th Ave SW from SW Avalon Way to SW Alaska St)

*Crews have begun demolition on the east half of 35th Ave SW and will continue this week

*Crews may begin pouring concrete panels on the east half of 35th Ave SW as early as the week of October 21 and will continue into November

*Access to the West Seattle Stadium and golf course will remain open during construction

Left turn pockets on 35th Ave SW and SW Alaska St may be temporarily disrupted as crews load out materials from excavation on the east side of 35th Ave SW.

Please be patient and be considerate of local neighbors and avoid cutting through our work zone. Speeding through residential streets is dangerous for everyone.

SDOT also addressed the question “What happened to the mid-block crossing on SW Avalon Way by 35th Ave SW?”

Due to limited visibility of this particular mid-block crossing, we have removed it from the corridor. We try to offer mid-block crossings when it is safe and feasible but have found that this particular crossing was not safe for people walking. To access the northbound bus stop, please walk on the north side of SW Avalon Way towards SW Genesee St and cross at SW Genesee St to walk to the relocated bus stop.

BUDGET: West Seattle SDOT projects up for discussion Friday as council spending scrutiny continues

The City Council is now in its second level of budget review, taking a closer look department-by-department and discussing potential changes to what the mayor proposed. Tomorrow, SDOT is in the spotlight when councilmembers meet as the Select Budget Committee at 9:30 am at City Hall. The 15-page staff memo (PDF) for the meeting lists big issues as well as potential changes large and small:

Among the 15 potential changes proposed by councilmembers so far, here are the ones of particular West Seattle interest:

#4 – Direct funding from the Mercer Megablock property sale to support South Seattle bicycle infrastructure (Councilmember O’Brien) – This action would specify that the Vision Zero spending related to the Mercer Megablock property proceeds would be used to implement South Seattle bicycle infrastructure projects (amount to be determined) as previously directed by Council in Resolution 31894.

West Seattle relevance: Right now, the mayor’s budget would put $3.5 million of “Vision Zero spending related to the Mercer Megablock property proceeds” toward the Highland Park Way/Holden safety project. So that could be at risk.

Also:

#7 – Add funding and establish a CIP project for the Duwamish Longhouse Safe Street and Accessibility Project (Councilmember Herbold) – This action would establish a new CIP project and add funding (amount to be determined) for pedestrian safety improvements at West Marginal Way. The project would include a pedestrian-activated traffic signal and marked crosswalk, sidewalk pavement on the west side of West Marginal Way, ADA accessible crossing of railroad track to the Duwamish Trail, and ADA accessible connection to the Duwamish Tribe’s Herring’s House parking lot. SDOT estimates this project will cost $3.25 million: $250,000 for planning, $500,000 for design, and $2.5 million for construction.

And:

#9 – Proviso spending on the Delridge Way SW – RapidRide H Line (Councilmember Herbold) – This action would establish a proviso to limit spending on the Delridge Way SW – RapidRide H Line project to design activities until authorized by future Council action. During a presentation to the March 5, 2019 Sustainability and Transportation Committee, SDOT indicated that final design for this project would be complete by Fall 2019 which would have allowed time for Council’s review in consideration of the 2020 Proposed Budget.

That’s basically an accountability measure, continuing a watch on the project to require council briefings along the way.

Also of interest:

#13 – Add $1 million to continue the Waterfront Shuttle service through 2020 (Councilmember Bagshaw) – This action would add $1 million to continue operations of the Waterfront Shuttle. The Waterfront Shuttle was funded by WSDOT in July 2018 as a mitigation for the Alaskan Way Viaduct removal. The free service runs approximately every 20 minutes, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. The service connects Seattle Center to Pioneer Square and the Chinatown/International District via Alaskan Way, with an additional loop through Downtown Seattle from Pier 55 to the Central Library, Westlake Park, and Pike Place Market. WSDOT funding is scheduled to end in October 2019. This action would direct SDOT to take over funding responsibilities for the service through the end of 2020.

West Seattle relevance – This service has gained some traction with West Seattle Water Taxi riders connecting to it after arriving downtown. (In fact, a “save the shuttle” campaign has been advertising on WSB.)

If you have strong opinions about any of the above, this is a good time to let the council know, as much is in flux. council@seattle.gov is one easy way. Tomorrow’s agenda also includes a public-comment period. And the second big all-budget public hearing is at City Hall next Tuesday night (October 22), 5:30 pm.

SIDE NOTE: Though he doesn’t have final say on the budget, SDOT director Sam Zimbabwe will be at next Wednesday’s HPAC meeting (7 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club, 1116 SW Holden) to talk about the Highland Park Way/Holden plan.

ELECTION 2019: Ballots begin arriving

Ballots, mailed Wednesday by King County Elections, started arriving today – the photo shows the two delivered by our postal-mail carrier. You can vote as soon as you get yours; once you do, you have two options for turning it in:

BALLOT DROP BOXES: They’re now open for dropoffs until 8 pm November 5th. We photographed that one outside the South Park Library while touring SP with the mayor Tuesday. It may be the closest one (8604 8th Ave. S.) if you’re in southeastern West Seattle. Others in our area: The Junction (south side of SW Alaska just west of California, with two reserved parking spots next to it), High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), and White Center Library (1409 SW 107th). Here’s the full countywide list. (The county says they’re emptied at least once a day.)

POSTAL MAIL: No stamp needed. To ensure your ballot is postmarked by November 5th, don’t wait until the deadline!

Once you’ve turned yours in:

TRACKING YOUR BALLOT: You can do that here.

If you need assistance voting:

ACCESSIBLE VOTING: Online ballot-marking and in-person vote centers are two options, explained here.

P.S. Reminder of two more debates in the marquee race, City Council District 16 pm tonight in Arbor Heights and 11 am Saturday in The Junction

YOU’RE INVITED: Celebrating Seal Sitters’ founders

Busy week for Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network, as we’ve been reporting. All the while, volunteers have been planning an event to honor the two women who founded the nonprofit more than a decade ago, and you’re invited:

In early August of 2007, an extraordinary and quite unexpected harbor seal baby boom hit Alki Beach and the shores of West Seattle. In the ensuing scramble to protect these vulnerable pups, writer Brenda Peterson and photographer Robin Lindsey came together as strangers, forging an enduring alliance and a grass-roots group of concerned West Seattle residents that would become the full-fledged and high-profile Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Seal Sitters.

Seal Sitters invites you to a special celebration with our founders. Hear Robin and Brenda share their many stories in a lively setting – with an opportunity to ask any and all questions about their experiences and Seal Sitters’ history.

Robin will be stepping back from her full-time Seal Sitters role. After 13 years with Seal Sitters, she would love the opportunity to show her appreciation to colleagues, volunteers, and members of the public who have shared not only their common passion to protect wildlife, but treasured friendship as well.

SEAL SITTERS FOUNDERS EVENT
Sunday, November 3, 2:00-5:00 pm
The Hall at Fauntleroy
9131 California Ave SW

PROGRAM
2:00 PM Doors open for a reception with refreshments and no-host bar
3:00 PM “A Conversation with Robin and Brenda”
Learn about the history of Seal Sitters in a moderated, animated chat.
Audience Q&A to follow.
The celebration continues until 5:00 PM.

THE EVENT IS FREE, BUT YOU MUST RSVP BY NOVEMBER 1 TO ATTEND.
Space is limited and registration may close earlier if capacity is reached.
RSVP here and include your name and the name of any guest attending with you. If the guest is not an adult, include his or her age.

Though that deadline is still two weeks away, the sooner you can RSVP the better, as organizers are hoping to get a tentative crowd count ASAP. And in case you are wondering, this is NOT a fundraiser – just a party!

WEST SEATTLE SCHOOLS: Highland Park Elementary students defy the weather for Move-a-thon fundraising

Rain? What rain? Highland Park Elementary students have spent the morning taking turns walking/running laps in the annual Move-a-Thon, which continues until 12:50 pm.

Want to donate? Here’s the HPE PTA PayPal link.

Another City Council debate, online safety for families, and what else is up for your West Seattle Thursday

(Surf Scoters, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Here’s what’s up for the hours ahead:

HIGHLAND PARK ELEMENTARY MOVE-A-THON: Rain or shine, the HPE students are on the move until noon. (1012 SW Trenton)

SSC CAMPUS TOUR: 2 pm at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge – come tour the campus! Sign up here. (6000 16th SW)

DISTRICT 1 CANDIDATES’ DEBATE: Second of three this week. This one is at Westside School (WSB sponsor) in Arbor Heights, presented by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, 6 pm. (10404 34th SW)

TIMEBANK GATHERING, WITH PUMPKIN DECORATING: 6:30 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle – details in our calendar listing. (4217 SW Oregon)

FAMILY SAFETY ONLINE: What you need to know, in a free presentation at Seattle Lutheran High School, all welcome. (4100 SW Genesee)

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Open board meeting, no agenda so bring your concern(s), 7 pm at Alki UCC. (6115 SW Spokane)

AT PARLIAMENT TAVERN: Sulphur, PAK, K.O. Solo at 9 pm, $10 cover, 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

AND MORE … see it all on our complete calendar.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: School-district work truck stolen

If you happen to see a pickup truck with a Seattle Public Schools logo – take a closer look, because it might be the truck Derek has reported as stolen:

On the morning of 10-17-2019 between 4-7 AM, my work truck was stolen from the field of the Southwest Athletic Complex. The truck is a white late 1990s to early 2000s Chevy two-door with a Seattle School district logo and #319 on the back; the windshield is also smashed and the license plate number is 56489C.

Thanks all for your help in returning our work truck.

As always, police advise calling 911 ASAP if you find/see a stolen vehicle.

RECYCLING CHANGE: No more plastic bags/film in your curbside bin

Just announced: A change in what you can put in curbside recycling bins: Plastic bags and film are out as of the start of next year. Here’s the announcement:

Changes are coming next year to how materials are collected for recycling in Seattle and King County.

Beginning Jan. 1, garbage and recycling collection programs will no longer accept plastic bags and plastic wrap in curbside recycling carts and bins. Instead, customers will be asked to take those separated materials to a drop-off location for remanufacturing or place them in the garbage for disposal.

Plastic bags and wrap are often wet or have food waste on them when placed in the curbside recycling and contaminate other materials. Additionally, at recycling facilities, these plastics can jam sorting and processing equipment, leading to frequent shutdowns so workers can remove the tangled materials.

Bringing plastic bags and wrap to a drop-off location keeps the bundled recyclables cleaner and easier to manufacture into new products.

“Recycling is one of the best ways to protect the environment and fight climate change, but to make it work we have to do it right,” said King County Solid Waste Division Director Pat McLaughlin. “Keeping problem items out of our bins at home will save money because we won’t have to throw out good recyclable materials that get contaminated from dirty plastic bags.”

“Our goal is to ensure what goes into the recycling cart gets recycled at its highest value. We want everyone to Recycle Right,” noted Jeff Fowler, Seattle Public Utilities Solid Waste Deputy Director. “Removing plastic bags and wrap from our curbside recycling mix will have a positive impact on the quality of our other recyclable materials and the efficiency of the facilities that process those materials.”

The changes were recommended by a task force of city, county and solid waste industry representatives that was established to research improvements that could be made to the recycling system following China’s change in allowable levels of contamination in bundled recyclables.

Find plastic bag and wrap drop-off locations at plasticfilmrecycling.org. King County and Seattle Public Utilities are working to expand drop-off locations that accept plastic bags and plastic wrap for recycling.

While throwing plastic bags and wrap in the garbage is the least desirable action, it’s better to toss them out rather than contaminate other recyclables.

The lookup shows dropoff spots in this area include the Admiral and Roxbury Safeways and Westwood Village Target. P.S. For a refresher course on “recycling right” – covering other items too – go here.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday watch

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

7:29 AM: Good morning. No current incidents or alerts.

Updates on park-expansion and Lowman Beach projects @ Morgan Community Association:

From tonight’s quarterly Morgan Community Association meeting, concluded about an hour ago at The Kenney (WSB sponsor):

MORGAN JUNCTION PARK EXPANSION UPDATE: Ed Pottharst from Seattle Parks and Zack Thomas from Board & Vellum led this briefing about the site north of the current park. Site remediation is required because of the former dry cleaners at the site; some drilling has been done to gauge the extent of the contamination. They’re sampling and testing groundwater too, as well as soil-vapor analysis before year’s end. Pacific Groundwater Group is working on all this. They hope to have a cleanup plan by January.

On to the design – all the input has been narrowed down to one unified final schematic design that was delivered yesterday to Parks, and will likely go through a few more tweaks. The project team said the idea of a stage and promenade went over well during feedback, as did a “loop trail.” SDOT wants alley updating to jibe with the site’s underlying mixed-use zoning; Parks hopes to “grade it out and gravel it.” A turnaround was requested. They’ll remove the vegetation at the original park site so that there’s a line of sight there. There’ll be a 20-foot-tall net climber, for all ages, in the park.

Read More