West Seattle, Washington
25 Wednesday
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.
(1949 earthquake damage near Harbor/Spokane; photo from the Seattle Municipal Archives)
Thanks to Mark Jaroslaw for pointing out that today marked exactly 70 years since Puget Sound’s biggest earthquake of the 20th century. The 7.1-magnitude South Sound quake at 11:55 am April 13, 1949, led to the deaths of eight people. Two were students – at schools in Tacoma in Castle Rock. Here in West Seattle, damage at a school was among the most notable in the city, mentioned with other nearby damage in the HistoryLink.org summary of the quake: “… At Lafayette Elementary School in West Seattle, the large brick gable over the main entrance collapsed. Three bridges crossing the Duwamish River were jammed shut due to shifting earth. …” The school damage – to a building that was predecessor to the current Lafayette – is featured in this post by historian Paul Dorpat. But because – like the 2001 quake – it was centered in the South Sound, that’s where it hit hardest; The Olympian published a story today featuring quake survivors’ memories.
SO, ARE YOU READY? The anniversary is another reminder that you need to be prepared for the next big quake. If you need some inspiration, next month you’ll find it at the West Seattle Bee Festival – an Urban Survival Skills Fair presented by West Seattle Be Prepared is part of the plan for the festival, 10 am-2 pm on Saturday, May 18th, at High Point Commons Park.
Three West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports tonight:
RECOGNIZE THAT BIKE WHEEL? Val‘s yard is where that bicycle turned up this morning – dumped and likely stolen. Val sent the photo of the wheel and says that’s distinctive enough that the rightful owner should recognize it and be able to describe the rest of the bike; if it’s yours, contact us and we’ll connect you.
SLASHED TIRE: This photo and report are from Hilari:
Just wanted to let you know that one of our tires was slashed between 4/5 and 4/7 on 14th and Kenyon in Highland Park. We were on vacation, and our neighbors noticed and sent us a picture. We assumed a flat, but when we took it to the dealer, they said it had been slashed. We filed a police report online.
THE CASE OF THE STOLEN PET FOOD: Paul tells the tale (tail?):
At around 4 a.m. on April 13, two thieves stole 245 lbs. of goods off the porch of a home in West Seattle.
“I wish I could have watched the faces of the two cat burglars as they opened up the boxes with their stolen treasure,” said Marti, who lives at the home. “It was cat and dog food. To the early morning intruders: Bon Appetit.”
Marti continued, “The cat and dog food was intended for pets of homeless and low-income people. A clinic is held twice a month at the Union Gospel Mission in Pioneer Square, (Doney-Coe Pet Clinic) that distributes the pet food. Volunteer veterinarians also administer free vaccinations and treats cats and dogs for injuries.”
Reminder – if you have community crime/safety concerns to bring directly to local police, your monthly chance to do that is coming up this Tuesday, April 16th – the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting at the Southwest Precinct, 7 pm, all welcome.
Thanks to David for the photo and alert about that beached pallet on Alki. He writes, “Thought you might want to know a very large, approximately 4×6 ft pallet is along our shoreline … I especially wanted to reach out and let the swimming community know about this. It’s a hidden hazard to many, regardless; I estimate it weighs just under 200 lbs.” This gives us a reason to remind you about something we learned about while covering the creosote removal from Fauntleroy two months ago – the MyCoast app, which even has a specific reporting category “large marine debris.”
(WSB photos from May 2018)
Another big event just four weeks away – your annual chance to enjoy an elegant evening helping the West Seattle Food Bank battle hunger. Instruments of Change is coming up the night of Saturday, May 11th. Here’s the official announcement:
The West Seattle Food Bank invite you to join them at their 12th annual Instruments of Change Dinner/Auction, Saturday evening, May 11th, at The Seattle Design Center from 6:00 – 10:00 pm.
This fun evening spent with your neighbors includes a hosted happy hour, specialty cocktails by both Peel & Press and The Bridge, and a silent auction. Guests will then enjoy a delicious dinner by Tuxedo & Tennis Shoes Catering, a dessert dash, a program including the Instrument of Change Award presentation, live auction, and Funds for Food. $125/guest ticket or $1250 for a table of 10. To purchase tickets, be a sponsor, or donate funds, go to: westseattlefoodbank.ejoinme.org/IOC.
The West Seattle Food Bank plays an important role in the future of our West Seattle community. Thanks to sponsors like Nucor, First Lutheran Church of West Seattle, Viscon Cellars, Aegis Living, and others, all of the proceeds from Instruments of Change, their biggest fundraiser of the year, will go to supporting the numerous food programs and services they provide to the 11,500 individuals they serve in our community.
(2018 WSCGSD photo courtesy Andy – you never know what you’ll find someone selling!)
Four weeks from today, most shoppers and sellers will be recovering from the 15th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day (presented by WSB) – Saturday, May 11th. Official sale hours: 9 am-3 pm but some start early and/or end late (their map listings will include that info if applicable). More than 100 sales all over the peninsula, big and small, are registered already; a week and a half remains to get your sale onto the map/list if you’re planning to be part of it. Here’s where to start – registration will be open until April 25th. If you want to have a sale but don’t have a yard/garage/other space for it, as mentioned here earlier this week, we’ve heard so far from one participating site that’s offering spaces for rent – that info’s here.
2:52 PM: Thanks for the tip: Avoid 35th SW and SW Morgan for a while – a crash involving at least 4 vehicles has blocked part of 35th just south of Morgan. We’ve just checked out the scene – no serious injuries so no SFD callout.
2:58 PM: The cause is under investigation; police are directing traffic through the scene, and tow trucks are reported to be on the way. Added photos from the scene, which is somewhat spread out.
(WSB photos by Jason Grotelueschen)
11:57 AM: Record Store Day is an international event but you have to wonder if any other music store drew a crowd like the one lined up outside Easy Street Records in The Junction before it opened at 7 am today. Proprietor Matt Vaughan made good on his promise of free bacon for earlybird customers:
Here’s a wider view of the line:
At the door, a guest greeter – Jeff Ament, bassist for Pearl Jam. The Seattle-based band is this year’s Record Store Day Ambassador.
Jeff brought doughnuts “but clearly didn’t bring enough” and told WSB’s Jason Grotelueschen, “I wouldn’t be here without records. … Listening to records gave me something to dream about in the small town I grew up in (Big Sandy, Montana).” He lauds Easy Street as “a hub of the community.” RSD continues on into the evening at Easy Street, including a free in-store, all-ages performance by Hibou at 4 pm.
ADDED SUNDAY: Video from Hibou’s show:
(WSB file photo)
This time next Saturday, things will be hopping. It’s the big day for pre-Easter egg hunts. You’ll find the times and places on our updated Easter/Passover/More page – which also has listings for local religious services and events in the week ahead. You can browse the list here. And if you have something to add – a service, an egg hunt, even an Easter brunch – there’s still time to add it, so please send us the info ASAP at westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(Photo by Marc Milrod – sculpture by Lezlie Jane, “Luna Girls on Alki“)
Welcome to the weekend! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
RECORD STORE DAY @ EASY STREET: It’s practically a holiday! Easy Street Records opens at 7 am, promising “free coffee and bacon” for shoppers. Here’s what else awaits you. (California/Alaska)
RUN! Free group run with West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), which is where you’ll want to meet up by 8 am to be part of it. (2743 California SW)
GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE: If you can donate blood – there’s a mobile drive on the SW Barton side of Westwood Village today, 9:30 am-3:30 pm (closed 11:30 am-12:30 pm for a break) – info here.
FREE TAX HELP: The deadline’s almost here – 10 am-2 pm, free volunteer help is available at the West Seattle Food Bank if you qualify – read this last-minute reminder first. (35th SW/SW Morgan)
BENEFIT BARBECUE: First of the season, scheduled to start at 11 am at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), with proceeds benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank. (4201 SW Morgan) 11:34 AM NOTE: Canceled – stormy weather. They’ll try again in two weeks.
WEST SEATTLE NURSERY OPEN HOUSE: 11 am-2 pm, treats and demonstrations during the spring open house at West Seattle Nursery. (5275 California SW)
1606 CALIFORNIA PROJECT MEETING: 12:45-1:45 pm, drop by the West Seattle (Admiral) Library to meet the project team and share early-stage comments. (2306 42nd SW)
10TH ANNIVERSARY FILM SCREENINGS: See three films at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse, celebrating its 10th anniversary, 4:30 pm – details here. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
THE WELL SAID: Duo performs at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. No cover. All ages. (5612 California SW)
SEATTLE JEWISH THEATER AT KENYON HALL: 7:30 pm curtain:
The Seattle Jewish Theater Company presents “My Name is Asher Lev.” A young Jewish prodigy faces a difficult choice between art and faith. Adapted by Aaron Posner from the novel by Chaim Potok, directed by Shana Bestock, and produced by Art Feinglass.
More info in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)
‘THREE TALL WOMEN’: Second-to-last chance to see the Twelfth Night Productions presentation of this Edward Albee play, 7:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
NIGHTLIFE … is part of what else you’ll find on our complete calendar!
The video above is from the Lieutenant Governor’s office, spotlighting a program in which a local student has just been chosen to participate. Here’s the announcement:
This week, Lieutenant Governor Cyrus Habib’s office selected Jennifer Aguilar Bamaca for the Washington World Fellows 2019 cohort.
This year’s winners were selected from nearly 200 nominees from throughout the state. To be considered for the program, students had to be nominated by a teacher or school counselor, and complete a rigorous application process that includes written essays, a personal interview, and a video submission. Nearly all of this year’s fellows will be the first in their families to attend college.
Jennifer, a student at Chief Sealth International High School, is both a student and a boxer, who enjoys learning about her Guatemalan heritage. She was selected for the program based on her enthusiasm for education, and desire to become a leader in her community. In her application she said she is excited for both the opportunity to study abroad, and the academic support to achieve her goal of being the first in her family to go to college.
The fellowship provides students with a study abroad experience in León, Spain during the summer between grades 10 and 11, followed by two years of college readiness and leadership development programming. The Washington World Fellows program was created by the office of Lt. Governor Habib in 2018, and is part of the office’s larger goal of expanding opportunities in higher education throughout Washington.
Jennifer is the only member of this year’s cohort from a Seattle school. The 2018 cohort also included a Sealth student, Luis Bravo Espinoza, spotlighted here in February for his time in Olympia as a State Senate Page.
Three quick food biznotes:
ALKI CHICKEN AND WAFFLES: A liquor-license application appeared online this week for a new restaurant at 2738 Alki SW, formerly B’s Po Boy, after Fatburger, Bada Bistro, Beachside Café. The proprietor of record for Alki Chicken and Waffles is Tom Lin, former owner of the Alki Homestead 1 door down, which was of course famous for its fried chicken until the restaurant was abruptly closed by a fire in 2009.
IL NIDO: Speaking of the Homestead, the historic landmark building that Lin sold four years ago, the Italian restaurant that’s moving in is now looking at a “May-ish” opening, according to its Instagram page (where you can see interior sneak peeks). We first reported on Chef Mike Easton‘s plan for Il Nido back in September.
THRIFTWAY BARBECUE TIME: Tomorrow’s the first benefit barbecue of the season at West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor), where they’ll fire up the grill around 11 am, proceeds benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank. 11:33 AM UPDATE: Just went to Thriftway to check and today’s barbecue is canceled – stormy. They’ll give it another go in two weeks (April 27th).
A visitor was hit by a car prowler, reports Haley:
Reporting that last night my boyfriend’s car was broken into and his golf clubs were all stolen. Someone smashed his back window in and took all the clubs and the golf bag (brand-new TaylorMade M4 driver, TaylorMade RocketBladez 2.0 irons, red golf bag). I live in Admiral in the North Admiral Apartments … he parked right in front of the apartment building entrance and Arthur’s café. He got to my apartment at 9:30 pm last night and left this morning at 7:30 am, so it happened sometime between then.
Monday is that date many dread, April 15th, the federal tax deadline. If you’ve procrastinated, this announcement about the United Way of King County free volunteer tax-help program might be of help:
Free Tax Preparation 10 am – 2 pm Saturday at the West Seattle Food Bank / WS Community Resource Center (6516 35th Ave SW)
Saturday (April 13th) is the last day to file at the West Seattle free tax preparation site before the deadline on Monday! We will be prioritizing 2018 and anyone who needs to file or amend 2015 tax years as long as you are eligible for our services. Please go to the calendar listing to confirm your eligibility, review the list of required documents; come early (no later than 1 pm), and be prepared to wait!
Still not ready? You can stop by to get information about other United Way free tax preparation sites and post-season free tax help. Other sites in the area are open Sunday, April 14th – YWCA Greenbridge, Burien Goodwill, Central Library downtown; for a complete list of free tax preparation locations go to www.FreeTaxExperts.org, aarp.org/FindTaxHelp, or IRS.gov.
United Way will also have post-season tax help during the month of May at the Central Library downtown on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays for 2009 – 2018 tax years; see the Central Library event website for times.
(WSB file photo, future park site at 48th/Charlestown)
Two months ago, the city held a drop-in event to talk about the southwest corner of 48th/Charlestown, which is now in the planning process as a future park, after years as a “landbanked” site. And today, the next step has been announced – an April 30th meeting (6:30 pm at Dakota Place Park, 4304 SW Dakota). Three design concepts for the site will be presented, developed with feedback from the February event and an online survey. After that, Parks says: “Following community input at the April 30th meeting, we will develop a preferred design concept. The preferred design will be presented at the third and final community meeting in early summer 2019.” Planning, design, and construction are budgeted at $1.2 million from the Seattle Parks District levy; construction is planned next year.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The newest “no parking” signs along part of Avalon, south/west of the Luna Park business district, are the first sign of what’s about to begin – SDOT‘s Avalon/35th/Alaska project.
The $14.5 million project’s been in the planning stages for more than two years, when it was announced as a “repaving” project but also revealed to include reconfiguration of much of the road. Over the next year-plus, work will be done in phases on the entire length of Avalon – from the West Seattle Bridge to Fauntleroy Way – as well as three blocks of 35th SW between Avalon and Alaska, and one block of SW Alaska west of 35th. Here’s the detailed rechannelization plan:
(It’s also visible here in PDF.)
We’ve been following the planning process all along, but with work starting next week, it’s time for a closeup look at what you’ll see happening with SDOT’s biggest West Seattle project in a while, so we went downtown to SDOT offices in the Seattle Municipal Tower to talk with key members of the project team – Adonis Ducksworth and Bill Clark.
As previously noted, the project area is broken into zones. As announced last week, work will begin in Zone B, along Avalon between Yancy and Genesee.
If you’d like to garden but don’t have the right spot to do it … good news! The city says spaces are available in multiple P-Patches, including two in West Seattle. Here’s the announcement:
Would you like to have a plot in one of Seattle’s fabulous P-Patch community gardens? Do you want to grow fresh organic produce for yourself and your family? Would you like to learn great gardening techniques from your gardening neighbors? If so, we have P-Patch plots available for a small fee in these select neighborhoods and gardens:
West and South Seattle
(West Seattle): Longfellow Creek P-Patch (25th Ave SW and SW Thistle)
NewHolly: NewHolly 29 P-Patch, 29th Ave S & S Brighton St
NewHolly: NewHolly Youth & Family P-Patch (32nd Ave S & S Brighton St)
High Point: MacArthur Park, 2726 MacArthur LaneNorth Seattle
Jackson Park: Jackson Park P-Patch (13048 10th Ave NE)
Haller Lake: Haller Lake P-Patch, 13045 1st Ave NE
Pinehurst: Pinehurst P-Patch, 11525 12th Ave NE
Maple Leaf: Maple Leaf P-Patch, 5th Ave NE & NE 103rdTo get on the Interest List for one of these gardens (or any garden), sign up here or call 206.684.0264 and press 1.
(We’ve included the ones outside West Seattle just in case you work or otherwise spend a lot of time in any of those areas – or have a friend/relative/co-worker who might be interested.)
(White-throated Sparrow, photographed by J. Houston, shared via the WSB Flickr page)
Almost the weekend! Seven notes for the rest of your Friday:
LOBBY SALE: Daily through April 20th – through 5 pm today – shop in the lobby of Providence Mount St. Vincent and help its foundation raise money for resident programs. (4831 35th SW)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM REMINDER: The museum is open regular hours – noon-4 pm – but no ramp access through this weekend, because of repairs. (61st SW/SW Stevens)
GAME ON! High Point Library welcomes you to play, 2-4:30 pm, to celebrate the end of spring break. (3411 SW Raymond)
SONGWRITERS’ SHOWCASE: 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor). No cover; all ages. (5612 California SW)
ART LOUNGE: Your monthly chance to hang out at Highland Park Improvement Club and work on art project(s), as long as you’re 21+. Bar’s open, good company too. (1116 SW Holden)
‘THREE TALL WOMEN’: Second and final weekend to catch Twelfth Night Productions‘ performance of the Edward Albee play, 7:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
INDIE ROCK EXTRAVAGANZA: That’s what you’ll find tonight at Parliament Tavern, starting at 9 pm, with Aurora Motels, Ol’ Mary Todd, and guests. $5. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
PREVIEW THE WEEKEND AND BEYOND … via our full calendar!
| Comments Off on YOU’RE INVITED! Art reception featuring Chief Sealth IHS IB students’ work