West Seattle, Washington
27 Friday
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).
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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
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.
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.”
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:
(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.
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.
(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).
(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.
(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)
OPEN MIC NIGHT: 7:30 pm is when signups start at Parliament Tavern. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
PEEK AT THE WEEK AHEAD … via our complete calendar.
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.”
(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)
6:55 AM: Good morning! Here’s what you need to know as the week begins:
AVALON PROJECT: This is week 2. SDOT’s plans for this week (and a bit beyond) are in this update.
BEACH DRIVE REPAVING: This is scheduled to start Wednesday south of Weather Watch Park, as announced Friday.
SPRING BREAK: Local Catholic schools are out this week.
SEE TRAFFIC TROUBLE? If we’re not already reporting it, and if you’re not driving, tips appreciated at 206-293-6302, text or voice – thank you!
Another incident that started as a big response but was very quickly downsized – a Seattle Fire callout in the 9200 block of 17th SW. It’s now described in radio communication as a “porta-potty fire” and SFD’s investigator is being sent to the scene.
12:47 AM: Harbor Avenue is blocked north of the bridge because of a crash. It was initially reported as 2 vehicles, one possibly flipped, but a short-lived “rescue extrication” callout was almost immediately downsized to one engine.
1:03 AM: Harbor has reopened.
Zack Thomas from Board & Vellum presents new concepts for the Morgan park expansion.
Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Morgan Junction leaders and neighbors gathered Wednesday night at The Kenney (WSB sponsor).to discuss a wide variety of topics at the quarterly meeting of the Morgan Community Association.
Highlights included presentations about Morgan Junction Park expansion and the proposed development at 5917 California Ave, as well as updates about upcoming Morgan events, affordable housing, and light rail.
Vice president Phillip Tavel ran the first half of the meeting, then president Deb Barker (rushing from the Sound Transit Stakeholder Advisory Group meeting downtown) took over for the second half.
Less than three weeks now until West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day – 15th year! It’s coming up on Saturday, May 11th. And since we’ll be publishing the map and listings a week in advance as usual, the end of registration is getting close – this Thursday (April 25th) is the deadline. As of tonight, almost 200 sales are registered for the peninsula’s big day of person-to-person recycling, treasure-hunting, and neighbor-meeting, from North Admiral to South Delridge, Lincoln Park to Highland Park, Alki Point to Pigeon Point …to name a few. Official sale hours are 9 am-3 pm on May 11th but some sellers choose to start early and/or end late – if you plan to do that, be sure the “ad” you send us when you sign up includes that info.
Ready to register? Just go here!
Set your calendar for June 1 – when you can enjoy a night out knowing you’re doing something important in addition to having fun! From Amanda Kirk on behalf of the Sanislo Elementary PTA:
We are a small local school located in the Puget Ridge neighborhood of West Seattle. This year the auction is going to be at The Brockey Center at South Seattle College on June 1st, 2019 at 6 pm. Admission to the auction is $40 per person and we hope you consider joining us.
Sanislo Elementary School is building a network of dedicated individuals from throughout our community whose support and passion helps increase the chances of success for our children. Last year at Sanislo, while we had a goal of raising just $20,000, we ended up exceeding this goal by 50%. We raised $30,000 thanks to all of your donations to Sanislo! The school used this money to support: mindfulness/social emotional learning, a learning garden, and scholarships for after-school enrichment programs.
This year our need is even greater. I interviewed key stakeholders including the Principal in order to determine what aspect of the school was in greatest need of support. One of the largest challenges the school is facing is the increasing age of the books and other instruction materials. Our children are struggling to experience the joy of learning and self discovery partially because the average age of their books is more than 10 years old! Our library has become out of touch with reality and the children are not as motivated to participate in self-guided learning as children at other schools. Help us bring the joy of learning to our children.
Our annual auction is coming up soon! We hope you can join us once again in supporting educational equity. Come enjoy an evening of fun with us: dinner, dancing, drinks, silent auction, and dancing
The ’80s Are Back
Saturday, June 1st, 6-10 pm
The Brockey Center at South Seattle College
6000 16th Avenue SW
Direct link for buying tickets is here!
It’s been a big year for the West Seattle High School Cheer Team, going to state competition for the first time ever. Now it’s time to look ahead to next year – coach Nadine Nguyen sent the announcement:
Are you ready to become a part of the West Seattle Cheer Team?
Now’s your chance. Tryouts are May 1st, 2nd, and 3rd from 4 pm- 6 pm @ WSHS.
If you are looking to get a little extra help before Tryouts come to our open clinics where we will be teaching basic cheer skills such as jumps, dance, and cheers to help you get ready for Tryouts. Clinics are on April 30th from 4 pm-6 pm in the WSHS commons. Parent meeting immediately following the clinic.
You will need to have a COMPLETED physical and Athletic Packet in order to participate in Tryouts and the clinic. These packets are available in the West Seattle High School Main Office.
For questions, please email: westseattlecheer@outlook.com
Thanks to Noirin Lynch of Brownie Girl Scout Troop 41169 for sharing the report and photos of their Earth Day project:
Our Brownie GS troop has been learning all about our watershed and the issues we face in terms of stormwater pollution over the past several months.
Their interest began in the fall with a field trip to see Chum salmon spawn, where they learned about salmon’s need for clean, cool water and the link between declining salmon and declining orca populations from the Mountaineers.
They were then lucky to have local West Seattle fish biologist and stormwater expert Jen McIntyre come teach them about green infrastructure and bio retention methods to help keep toxic stormwater out of our streams and sound. They conducted their own experiments to see what materials work best to naturally filter stormwater.
After all this learning they decided to help the area around their meeting place, Alki Elementary. We met yesterday to help clean the streets and label storm drains in an effort to raise public awareness.
We had a lot of people stop to ask what we were doing and even had a resident come out of their house to thank us and ask how he could join the effort.
By the way, you can get a drain-stenciling kit from the city – here’s how.
Thanks to the reader who sent the photo from this morning’s 80th annual Easter Sunday sunrise service at Forest Lawn (WSB sponsor). The West Seattle Ministerial Association presents the service, with volunteer support by the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle. The reader reports, “Incredible testimony of recovery and now in school by Erin LaBreche. Service was well attended. Looking forward to next year.” In 2020, Easter will be on April 12th.
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