West Seattle, Washington
07 Tuesday
Thanks to Jim Borrow for that photo from Upper Alki. He explains:
It’s very difficult to capture this late winter phenomenon with a camera, but the outgoing tide after the 12.0 high at 9:16 a.m has cleaned the local beaches of much of the wood and debris (mostly wood) that has collected over the past year. There likely is an increased amount because of recent river flooding and landslides into the Sound have generated more debris than normal. This band of debris stretched out into Alki side of the mouth of Elliott Bay across our view from Alki Pt. toward Duwamish Head & the city front, gradually dissipating as it drifted to the NE. There have been higher tides, so the wind and wave conditions must have been just right to keep the debris in the water and pull it away from shore. Overall the drift lasted about 1.5-2 hours. Of course this is cyclical and the debris will be redistributed and elsewhere along the shoreline, with a new load deposited on our beaches.
Late last night, Chuck S. sent this photo of what it looked like on Friday along the Beach Drive shore:
Our friends at Beach Drive Blog have posted about this, saying they checked with state and county agencies, who also believe the debris is from recent inland flooding carrying it to Puget Sound.
(Pelagic Cormorant, photographed by Kersti Muul)
Holiday weekend, so it’s a bit quieter than usual:
FREE GROUP RUN: 8 am, meet at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) and get moving! (2743 California SW)
FREE TAX HELP: 10 am-4:30 pm at Southwest Library – explained in our calendar listing. (9010 35th SW)
FAMILY READING TIME: 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers. (6040 California SW)
ARTIST RECEPTION: 3 pm at Duwamish Longhouse, Native artist Pamela Čəlalákəm Bond is showcasing traditional winter-wear of Puget-Salish peoples. Meet the artist, see the exhibit, enjoy refreshments. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
BASKETBALL: West Seattle High School hosts Interlake for a must-win boys-basketball postseason game, 7 pm. (3000 Californa SW)
JOSEPHINE COUNTY: Live at Kenyon Hall, 7:30 pm: “Josephine County is a gathering of four powerful traditional musicians, sharing their expertise, knowledge, and enthusiasm for music ranging from the United States to French Canada to Ireland and back.” Ticket info in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)
EVAN FLORY-BARNES: Live at The Pacific Room on Alki (WSB sponsor), 8 pm. Cover info here. (2808 Alki SW)
AT THE SKYLARK: Atrocity Girl, MTR Project, Nurse Ratchett, 8 pm at The Skylark. $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
THE SLAGS: Live at Parliament Tavern, 10 pm. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
SEE WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING … by browsing our complete calendar!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Businesses’ concerns dominated this week’s Early Community Outreach for Design Review meeting for the two-building megaproject planned for two sides of a Triangle block owned by the Sweeney family of Alki Lumber fame.
The handful of community members in attendance included an adjacent business’s owner and founder as well as the proprietor of a business that wlll have to move (as will the Sweeneys’ own century-old enterprise) when construction begins – though that’s still years away.
The potential timeline was one of the new pieces of information made available at the meeting, which happened Wednesday night at Chaco Canyon Organic Café, not far from the project site, which is officially in city records with the addresses 4440 Fauntleroy Way SW and 4406 36th SW.
That’s an early-concept sketch for the two-building, 10-apartment proposal at 6056 41st SW [map], first reported here last November. It’s by West Seattle architect Lisa Kennan-Meyer (WSB sponsor), who sent it with the announcement of a site walk scheduled as part of the Early Community Outreach for Design Review process:
Project description: Remove existing single family house and garage. New construction of two 3-story apartment buildings, each containing 5 units for a total of 10 units with a shared courtyard. Five parking spaces provided off alley. Two units meeting family-sized requirement and one unit meeting the HALA standard will be included.
Guided Site Walk will take place Wednesday, March 11th at 11 am at the site. The event is open to the public.
Comments and questions also are welcome via email at graham41comments@gmail.com.
The otherwise-low-profile King Conservation District made history – and headlines – with its use of online voting 
for a Board of Supervisors seat, and now the results are in – Chris Porter of West Seattle won in a landslide, with 4,142 votes to his opponent Stephen Deutschman‘s 989. As explained here, three of the board’s five positions are elected, the other two appointed. Porter has been serving as an associate supervisor; read more about him here. Not familiar with the KCD? Its mission is explained here.
(WSB photos unless otherwise credited)
Moments after The Good Society Brewery and Public House (2701 California SW) opened its doors at 3 pm, we got a text reporting it was packed, with a line out the door. The line was gone by the time we got there, but a crowd remained.
We first wrote last July about what West Seattleites Nick Berger and Phil Cammarano were planning for The Good Society – “to marry good beer with good deeds”.
(Nick and Phii – photo by Estepworks Photography)
Their first two nonprofit beneficiaries are the West Seattle Food Bank and Forterra. And, also as promised, there’s a kids’ play area:
The inaugural menu features five Good Society beers plus three “guest taps,” $2/four ounces, $5/ten ounces, $6/twelve ounces, as well as two ciders, three wines, and four non-alcoholic beverages (including juice boxes for $1.50).
Seven items on the food menu – $4 for snack mix or a kids’ plate, $5 for pretzels or a bagel dog, %10 cheese plate, $11 for a hummus plate or charcuterie. Hours are:
Monday/Tuesday closed
Wednesday: 3 PM – 10 PM
Thursday: 3 PM – 10 PM
Friday: 3 PM – 10 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
4:47 PM: Thanks for the tip! We found that Seattle Public Utilities crew wrapping up at 41st and Webster after some research following a report that water was out near 35th/Webster. SPU explains that a water main in the area was leaking, so to prepare for full repairs, they had to turn the water off for a while today and do some rerouting. This is the notice SPU said it had sent out:
On Friday, February 14, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) crews will disconnect a water main in your neighborhood that is leaking underground. The broken water main will remain out of service until a permanent repair can be made.
To continue providing you with water service while plans for the repair are made, your water service will be connected to a nearby water main in the adjacent pressure zone. The water pressure in the adjacent zone is lower than what you may have experienced in the past, but still within the acceptable range of 65 to 70 PSI.
The change in your water pressure will remain in effect until a repair can be made to the broken water main.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS
An emergency water shutdown on February 14
A reduction in water pressure.
Construction activity near the work site
The crew told us they’d just turned the water back on. No word so far how many customers are affected or when the permanent work will be done.
8:56 PM UPDATE: SPU’s Sabrina Register tells WSB, “Today’s work affected about 70 customers … Roughly a dozen customers could experience lower water pressure.” No time frame yet for the permanent fix.
From SDOT, here’s what’s next on the 35th/Alaska/Avalon project:
Weather depending, as early as February 18 we anticipate beginning concrete pouring on the west side of 35th Ave SW and continuing onto the north side of SW Alaska St. This work will continue into the week of February 24. After completing the north side of SW Alaska St we will then move traffic to the north side and begin work on the south side of SW Alaska St as early as March 2. We anticipate work in this zone to take several weeks. Please note that this work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled. We will be sure to let you know if this work changes.
During construction, please expect left turns onto SW Alaska St from 35th Ave SW to be restricted to allow room for our crews to work safely and efficiently. Additionally, access to 36th Ave SW from SW Alaska St will remain restricted at the north end until concrete work is complete. Once complete, we will then close the south end of 36th Ave SW and SW Alaska St to demolish and rebuild the southern half of SW Alaska St.
SDOT also says crews did not work today and will be off for the holiday Monday. For a big-picture look at what’s been done and how much longer until the entire project is complete, see our report from three weeks ago.
You probably have Valentine’s Day handled by now. How about a date night on Leap Day (Saturday, February 29th, just two weeks away)? The West Seattle High School Class of 2020 has an offer for you:
On February 29, 2020 the West Seattle High School Senior class ASB will be hosting our ‘Parents Night Out’ fundraiser, to raise money for our senior class and 2020 prom.
We’re offering child care for children ages 3+. This includes dinner (pizza), healthy snacks, drinks, activities, and a movie.
The event will be held on February 29, 2020 from 5:00-10:30 pm at West Seattle High School, 3000 California Ave SW. Parents should drop their kids off at the historical entrance on the (north) side of the building or follow our signs.
Pricing will be $40 for one child, $35 sibling discount per child, or with a donation of 2 cans of food for the West Seattle Food Bank.
Interested? Or, questions? Email wshsasb206@gmail.com.
Just in – the Port of Seattle‘s request to extend in-water work on the Terminal 5 project has been granted. Here’s the announcement:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have approved an additional nine working days to complete in-water pile-driving for the Terminal 5 project. In-water pile driving may now continue through February 28, and will occur on weekdays, not weekends or on Presidents Day.
The Port of Seattle requested the extension to make up for lost time that resulted from unanticipated site conditions and challenges with pile-driving equipment. Please contact Shultz.m@portseattle.org if you have any questions or concerns.
Without the extension, today would have been the last day in-water work was allowed prior to the February 15-August 1 fish-protection period.
(Downy Woodpecker, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, possibilities for the rest of your Valentine’s Day Friday:
VALENTINE’S BEER: It’s opening day for The Good Society Brewery and Public House in Admiral, 3-10 pm. All ages welcome. (2701 California SW)
VALENTINE’S CIDER & SWEETS: 4-9 pm, Indulge Desserts is at Locust Cider on Alki. (2820 Alki SW)
VALENTINE WINE: 5-9 pm, the tasting room is open at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) for you and your Valentine to relax with a glass of wine. (5910 California SW)
LOVE TO CREATE ART? Tonight’s the magic monthly Art Lounge night at Highland Park Improvement Club – bring your project and create in community. Bar’s open. 21+. (1116 SW Holden)
‘LOVE LETTERS’: 7:30 pm Valentine’s performance by Mary Springer and Rick Springer of Twelfth Night Productions at Kenyon Hall. Ticket info in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)
KARA HESSE: Live at The Pacific Room on Alki (WSB sponsor), 8 pm. Cover info here. (2808 Alki SW)
THREE BANDS: Phood, Selah Korah, and No Buffer, 9 pm at Parliament Tavern. $8 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
Haven’t bought that Valentine’s Day gift yet? Via the West Seattle Junction Association, here are two ideas (though the presents’ payoffs are delayed):
(WSB file photo)
FLOWERS: You can adopt a flower basket that’ll hang in The Junction all summer, with a plaque honoring your Valentine. $159 covers the entire season. Go here to get started.
WINE: The spring Wine Walk in The Junction isn’t until May 15th, but tickets sell out way in advance, so get yours now, and you’ll have a date night to anticipate all spring. Here’s how.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)
6:58 AM: Good morning! One incident to report – a crash at Delridge/Findlay (no SFD dispatch, so apparently no serious injuries).
Reminders:
CLOSURES: Tonight/tomorrow morning, 10 pm-8 am, the southbound Highway 99 Tunnel will be closed for maintenance. Also overnight tonight, 9 pm-8 am, and again Saturday night-Sunday morning, 9 pm-8 am, the southbound 1st Ave. S. Bridge will be closed.
MONDAY: It’ll be Presidents Day, which means transit changes including no Water Taxi. and “reduced weekday” service for Metro.
Another postseason loss for the West Seattle High School boys’ basketball team, but they have another chance to keep going. At Franklin HS, the Wildcats lost to Rainier Beach HS, 62-43. Saturday night, in a must-win district-tournament opener, WSHS plays Interlake at home (3000 California SW), 7 pm.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Our area’s City Councilmember Lisa Herbold is now the council’s lead on crime/safety issues, as new chair of the Public Safety and Human Services Committee, and that’s where West Seattle Chamber of Commerce members focused their questions following her presentation to their lunch meeting today..
It was her first WSCC appearance since she won re-election in November, and the two-dozen-plus in attendance included her general-election opponent Phil Tavel as well as local entrepreneurs who actively campaigned for him.
Asked during the campaign about criticism from local businesses, she told us businesses from other parts of the city had reached out for help more than those here, but she offered optimism today for a fresh start, telling the lunch attendees that she has championed neighborhood chambers around the city and “I always hoped I could work more with the West Seattle Chamber. … I will do everything I can to be your champion.” Then she launched into an explanation of her current focuses and how the council works, noting regarding councilmembers’ oversight of city departments – “we don’t tell (them) what to do.” We recorded her presentation and most of the Q&A (minus an added few at the meeting’s very end):
If you don’t have time/inclination to watch, here’s how it went:
ORIGINAL REPORT: If you’re wondering about the sizable Seattle Fire “scenes of violence” response in the 6700 block of 36th SW in Gatewood: Police say one person who was “in crisis” is being taken to Harborview Medical Center. No word on his condition.
ADDED: The victim’s father says in the comment section below that he did not survive.
ADDED MONDAY NIGHT: As also noted below, a memorial service is planned next Saturday, and a crowdfunding page has been set up for the family.
ADDED WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Important information we neglected to include earlier: If you are considering self-harm, the local 24-hour crisis line is 866-427-4747..
5:59 PM; The Viscon Cellars tasting room (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is one of the places that’ll warm your heart on this Valentine’s Eve West Seattle Art Walk night. It’s open until 8 pm – and offering pairings with chocolate by Intrigue, with flavors including juniper and jasmine green tea:
Art too, of course, by Dot Lerch:
P.S. You can visit Viscon Cellars on Valentne’s night too – the regular Friday hours are 5 pm-9 pm.
6:49 PM: We’ve also been to Verity Credit Union (4505 California SW; WSB sponsor) where not only do they have chocolate – you can meet its maker!
That’s Chef Michael Poole of Hot Chocolat Artisan Firehouse Chocolates – featured here back in 2014.
He has had a career as a Seattle Fire Department lieutenant as well as a classically trained chef. Also at Verity, artist Christopher Kelleher:
He’s painting as well as creating 3-D art – free glasses with purchases!
8:05 PM: We also stopped by Click! Design That Fits (4540 California SW; WSB sponsor),featuring Rachel Austin‘s adorable art this month:
Much of it incorporates local maps, including West Seattle, so it’s a very local gift – miniatures available as well as larger prints. Click! is open on Valentine’s Day (tomorrow!) 11 am-7 pm.
Own property? The King County Assessor’s Office sent word today that bills are about to go out, explaining why most will be higher:
Two changes in our state’s school funding formula will lead to a 13.7% increase in property tax collections in King County for the 2020 tax year. Overall property tax collections for the 2020 tax year are $6.3 billion, an increase of $767 million or 13.7% from the previous year of $5.7 billion. Total County value increased by 5.92%, from $ 606.6 to $642.5 billion.
The increase in taxes is primarily due to two changes in education funding made by the Legislature; an increase in the statewide education levy, and increased authority for school districts to collect local levies:
The State Legislature passed SHB 2242 in the 2017 legislative session to fully fund the state’s program for basic education (McCleary). The total state rate of $2.70/$1,000 was to be for tax years 2018 thru 2022. In 2018 the Legislature passed ESSB 6614 to temporarily lower the total state rate to $2.40/$1,000. Under the law, the 2020 State School Fund rate is now back to $2.70/$1,000 for the 2020 tax year,
In conjunction with the above, ESSB 5313 authorizes enhancement levies (aka maintenance and operation levies) to increase from the maximum $1.50/$1,000 to $2.50/$1,000 of assessed value, $2,500 per student enrollment ($3,000 for districts with 400,000 TE students or more), or the voter approved amount for the 2020 tax year, whichever is the lessor of the three amounts.King County Treasury will begin sending out the annual property tax bills February 14. King County collects property taxes on behalf of the state, the county, cities, and taxing districts (such as school and fire districts), and distributes the revenue to these local governments.
About 55 percent of property tax revenues collected in King County in 2019 pays for schools. Property taxes also fund voter-approved measures for veterans and seniors, fire protection, and parks. King County receives about 18 percent of your property tax payment for roads, police, criminal justice, public health, elections, and parks, among other services.
“Property tax policy remains in a state of flux,” said King County Assessor John Wilson. “It’s important to remember changes in the law, or approval of special levies, have much more impact on changes to your tax bill than does the changing value of your property.”
Property taxes vary depending upon location, the assessed value of the property, and the number of jurisdictions levying taxes (such as state, city, county, school district, port, fire district, etc).
A number of levies and other property tax measures were approved by voters in 2019 for collection in 2020. They include: [editor’s note – we’ve edited out mentions of the ones NOT affecting this area]
o King County: Renewal of the EMS regular property tax levy at a rate of $0.265/$1,000 for the first year of the six-year levy, an increase in rate of $0.04738/$1,000 from the previous year.
o King County: Renewal of Parks lid lift at a rate of $0.1832/$1,000 for the first year. Seniors/disabled taxpayers in the Senior Exemption Program are exempt from paying this lid lift.
o City of Seattle: Seattle Public Library seven-year regular property tax levy at a rate not to exceed $0.122/$1,000 in the first year. Seniors/disabled taxpayers in the Senior Exemption Program are exempt from paying this lid lift.
o Seattle Public Schools in King County passed an Enhancement levy.
o SPS passed a six-year Capital Projects levy.
Low-income seniors, veterans and disabled homeowners may qualify for a property-tax exemption offered by King County. Information on how to apply for an exemption, along with other property-assessment-related information, can be found at kingcounty.gov/assessor.
Property owners can find tax levy rates and more property related information by visiting the eReal Property Search on the King County Assessor’s website or by calling 206-296-7300.
(Added: WSB photo)
After losing some space in Seattle Public Schools facilities, the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) has been working to find more new preschool space – and is finally ready to announce it’s planning a new Early Learning Center at Westwood Village. Here’s the Y’s announcement:
The YMCA of Greater Seattle is expanding early learning programs in King County with a new center in West Seattle, expected to open in January 2021. The YMCA Early Learning Center at West Seattle, located at 2600 SW Barton Street in the Westwood Village Shopping Center, will serve 124 families from birth to five years.
For over 30 years, the Y’s values-based preschool program in West Seattle has helped kids learn essential cognitive, social, and physical skills that are the building blocks for successful adulthood. The Y is proud to build on their tradition of empowering our youngest learners.
The YMCA of Greater Seattle thanks the Washington State Department of Commerce, in partnership with the Department of Children Youth and Families for funding $800,000 of the construction costs through the Early Learning Facilities Program. The Early Learning Facilities program supports Washington’s commitment of developing high-quality early learning opportunities for children across the State of Washington.
“We already know the impact that quality early education can have on kids, it means they start reading earlier and begin to grasp math and science concepts before they start elementary school so they can hit the ground running.” said Loria Yeadon, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle. “We believe that child care shouldn’t bankrupt families, and that child care can, and should be integrated into the family and community circles. By expanding child care in West Seattle, we’re expanding opportunities for kids for years to come.”
The Y is where everyone is welcome. The YMCA of Greater Seattle is committed to access for all kids regardless of financial circumstances and stands behind that by raising funds annually to bridge the gap for families. The Y accepts State of Washington Working Connections Child Care and City of Seattle subsidies with no enrollment caps.
The Y is a leader in youth development and in helping to ensure all kids have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. For more information on the new YMCA Early Learning Center at West Seattle or to sign up for the interest list, please visit seattleymca.org/ws-elc
The space they’re moving into is the two-story former eye-clinic space on the north end of the mall.
Big game tonight for the West Seattle High School boys’ basketball team – it’s not in WS but if you can go, they can use all the support they can get! 5:45 pm, they’re playing at Rainier Beach. The venue is Franklin High School, 3013 S. Mt. Baker Boulevard – here’s a map.
(WSB photos)
11:39 AM: The most-anticipated West Seattle restaurant opening of 2020 – so far – is today. Thanks to commenter MomOf3Boys for the tip; we’ve just been over to Grillbird Teriyaki at 6501 35th SW to verify that it’s opening at noon.
We first reported back in October that Matt Parker, a restaurant-industry veteran, planned to turn the ex-Pizza Hut into a teriyaki joint.
Though today’s start is at noon, hours will be 11 am-9 pm weekdays, noon-9 pm weekends. No paper menu when we stopped in, so this pic is the best we can do to share a menu with you for now.
1:31 PM: Updated the top photo (standalone sign wasn’t up earlier) and added a photo of proprietor Parker. They’re already busy, so give them some time and patience if you plan to try soon!
ADDED SATURDAY: An update from proprietor Matt Parker:
As we continue to fine tune our process, and in order to give our customers the best food and experience, we are closed for lunch this weekend, and opening at 5:00 pm to 9pm. Additionally we will be closed this Monday for Presidents Day and then be open Tuesday normal business hours.
At this time we will not be taking phone or online orders until we work out some of these normal supply and demand issues. Give us a few weeks and will be good to go on multiple ordering and delivery options, but for now we want to focus our attention on our in-store guests.
(Great Blue Heron photographed at Constellation Park by David Hutchinson)
Highlights for the rest of your Thursday:
CHOCOLATE! 1:30-3 pm, chocolate and food pairings at Daystar Retirement Village (WSB sponsor). Call 206-937-6122 to see if a spot remains. (2615 SW Barton)
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: 5 pm to “late,” as previewed last night. Here’s the map/venue list:
Also tonight:
WINE AND MACARONS: Galentine’s Night tasting, 6-9 pm at Sound and Fog. (4735 40th SW)
WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: Love history? Don’t miss this talk by Philip Hoffman, author of “Town of Alki: Great Hopes & Fountainhead of Tears,” 6 pm at Southwest Library. (9010 35th SW)
OPEN MIC: 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), open to musicians and singers of all genres. (5612 California SW)
THE SANDBOX: Funk/jazz improv at Parliament Tavern with Bob Heinemann, Joe Doria, Ben Bloom, and Grant Schroff, 9 pm. $7 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
AND MORE … see all our calendar listings here!
10:20 AM: As we first reported last month, the 3417 Harbor SW apartment project is scheduled for its first Southwest Design Review Board meeting on March 5th, as confirmed by the city’s official announcement today. The description of the project has changed – now the city summarizes it as “an 8-story, 143-unit apartment building. Parking for 140 vehicles proposed.” That’s 3 more stories and twice the parking mentioned previously – we’re checking with the city on that, as the draft “packet” with the previous description is still the newest one on record. The meeting is at 6:30 pm March 5th at the Senior Center/Sisson Building (4217 SW Oregon) in The Junction. The meeting will include a public-comment period, but if you can’t be there, you can also send in comments – today’s notice (PDF) explains how.
11:28 AM: The project’s assigned city planner Crystal Torres just replied to confirm the notice is wrong – “The description got mixed up with another project. The 5-story 140 units is still proposed. We are on it, and will re-notice.”
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