West Seattle, Washington

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month : 06/2021 339 results

CORONAVIRUS: Wednesday 6/16/2021 roundup
June 16, 2021 11:59 pm
|    Comments Off on CORONAVIRUS: Wednesday 6/16/2021 roundup
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

With two weeks – at most – to full reopening, here are tonight’s local/state pandemic updates:

ANY CHANCE OF REOPENING EARLIER? During state health officials’ weekly briefing today, Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah said the state is now up to 67.2 percent of those 16+ having received at least one dose of vaccine; if 70 percent is reached before June 30th – requiring 140,000 more people to get a shot – the state could reopen early.

GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING TOMORROW: 10:30 am Thursday, Gov. Jay Inslee gives his next media briefing on the pandemic. You can watch here.

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Seattle-King County Public Health daily-summary dashboard, the cumulative totals:

*111,353 people have tested positive, 111 more than yesterday’s total

*1,610 people have died, 6 fewer than yesterday’s total (PHSKC cites “data corrections”)

*6,292 people have been hospitalized, 7 more than yesterday’s total

One week ago, those totals were 110,717/1,609/6,256.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find all the numbers, county by county, on the state Department of Health dashboard.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: See them, nation by nation, here.

POP-UP IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Thursday afternoon, 2-5 pm, all are welcome at Summit Atlas (9631 35th SW) for a first or second dose of Pfizer vaccine.

GOT INFO? Email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com or phone us, text or voice, at 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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COUNTDOWN: 3 days until Colman Pool reopens
June 16, 2021 10:50 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Thanks to Brian Hawksford for the photo. That’s a sneak peek through a gate at Colman Pool on the Lincoln Park shore as its reopening approaches – this Saturday at noon. If you’re new, Colman Pool is West Seattle’s only city-owned outdoor pool, and its sole saltwater pool – water is pumped in from Puget Sound, which is steps away. After staying closed last summer, it’s reopening this Saturday, June 19th, and will be open daily through September 6th. The schedule will be the same every day – one-hour public sessions with part of the pool open for lap swimming, part for family swim, with sessions starting at noon, 1:30 pm, 3 pm, 4:30 pm, and 6 pm – more info here.

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BIZNOTE: AT&T store moves out of future Ezell’s Famous Chicken location
June 16, 2021 8:14 pm
|      33 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Five months after we broke the news that permit filings showed Ezell’s Famous Chicken planned to take over the AT&T space in Morgan Junction, that store has closed for a northward move. Driving through Morgan Junction this evening, we spotted “This location permanently closed” notices on the doors at 4205 SW Morgan, across the parking lot from West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor). The notice says the AT&T store is expected to reopen in Jefferson Square around August 1st. As for Ezell’s, the regional fried-chicken chain has yet to formally announce the West Seattle plan, but the construction permit – which, like other documents in the file, names Ezell’s as the new tenant – was granted four weeks ago.

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UPDATE: Gatewood Elementary intruder report investigated
June 16, 2021 5:55 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

5:55 PM: An investigation is under way after a Gatewood Elementary student reportedly encountered an intruder in a school bathroom. The child was not harmed, their parent tells us. Seattle Public Schools spokesperson Tim Robinson says the intruder, described as a man, was gone by the time school-security and police officers arrived. There’s no further information yet about how he got into the school.

ADDED 9:28 AM THURSDAY: Thanks to the parents who have just forwarded the letter sent to families this morning by principal Kyna Hogg:

I want to make you all aware of a situation that happened yesterday at Gatewood’s campus.

Yesterday, a person who is not a part of the Gatewood school community came onto our campus. Our Custodial Engineer saw the person in the bathroom, asked them to leave, and they complied. I reported the incident to Seattle Public Schools Safety and Security and – out of an abundance of caution – also to the Police, both of whom came to campus to ensure the area was cleared and safe. Seattle Public Schools’ Safety and Security will be on campus for our last two days of school (today and tomorrow) as an added safety precaution.

You might have seen in the West Seattle Blog a report that a child encountered this person; I want to clarify that this information is not correct. Gatewood Elementary School does not currently serve any students in-person on Wednesday, and none of the students that are a part of the privately run childcare on campus encountered the person, either.

10 AM: The district has since forwarded us this letter as well. We have a message out to the original person who contacted us yesterday as mentioned above, but have not received a reply.

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UPDATE: Death investigation at Camp Long
June 16, 2021 3:33 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

3:33 PM: We’ve received multiple questions about police, fire, and the Medical Examiner’s Office at Camp Long this afternoon. We talked with police at the park; they tell us a person was found dead, and it’s believed to be the missing West Seattle man mentioned here last night. Since his car was found at Camp Long, searchers went in with K-9 assistance today, and that’s how the body was found. The cause of death will be determined by the ME, but police say so far they do not suspect foul play.

4:15 PM: Further SPD confirmation is here.

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: New timeline for next planning milestone
June 16, 2021 2:29 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Sound Transit | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Out of a 43-page slide deck, that’s the one slide that caught our attention when Sound Transit briefed the Seattle City Council Transportation and Utilities Committee this morning. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the West Seattle to Ballard extension is now not expected to be released before fall. Last estimated release timeline (see this December 2020 WSB report) was “mid-(year),” and that already was a slide past the originally projected release this year. When the DEIS comes out, it will trigger a new round of public comment, and will provide an avalanche of new information about the potential paths that could be taken to get light rail across the Duwamish River and to stations at Delridge, Avalon, and The Junction. The topic of the briefing was the “realignment” process, which we’ve been covering – the pursuit of a new plan/timeline for system expansion projects to address what’s currently estimated as a $7.9 billion “affordability gap” (currently mostly because on new cost estimates, rather than revenue shortfalls). The briefing started an hour and 30 minutes into the meeting (recorded by Seattle Channel):

During the briefing, councilmembers repeatedly asked a question that several ST board members also have asked – isn’t it too soon to make a new plan when the post-pandemic revenue picture isn’t clear? ST in response said it has to make decisions soon about $2 billion worth of projects (not including West Seattle-Ballard), but also insisted that a realignment plan would be a “flexible framework” that could be revisited. West Seattle light rail, originally planned to launch in 2030, already has been delayed a year beyond that, even before further delays that might be part of realignment.

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DEVELOPMENT: 39 townhouses proposed for 2051 SW Orchard
June 16, 2021 12:15 pm
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Development | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

While a long-in-the-works development plan proceeds for the north side of SW Orchard just east of Delridge Way, there’s now a new one for the south side of the street.

An early-stage site plan has just been filed with the city for 2051 SW Orchard (the site highlighted yellow in the screengrab above from King County Parcel Viewer). The site plan shows 39 townhouses, with offstreet parking in “shared underground garages.” The prospective development team is currently the most prolific in West Seattle – an entity of STS Construction (WSB sponsor) is listed as the owner (though not yet in county records), with architect Atelier Drome. Since this is an early-stage plan, there’s no timetable yet for feedback, reviews, and public comment.

As for the proposal on the north side of the street – city files indicate the 18-townhouse project, which hasn’t yet finished Design Review, is still being actively pursued. That project has a different owner/architect team.

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SUMMER FEST: Paint, play, taste … Got your kits from The Junction yet?
June 16, 2021 10:22 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Even as reopening gets going big time in a few weeks, some summer fun will continue online or hybrid in-person/online as we ease out of pandemic precautions.. This includes some of the activities for West Seattle Junction Summer Fest 2021. Kits and boxes – with proceeds benefiting local businesses – are on sale now; here’s a recap:

Paint and Sip on Thursday, July 8

Join artist Anjl Rodee, owner of BrushCapades, for a virtually guided art lesson using West Seattle as your inspiration point. The 5 pm session will explore Abstract West Seattle while the 7pm session celebrates West Seattle Nature. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can do both! Limited in-person spots available, or follow along online via a private YouTube broadcast. All for only $70 per person, per session. Paint with a friend for the discounted price of $130 for two people in one session.

The Paint and Sip Kit includes:
Reusable Tote Bag 
5x good quality brushes
12x tubes paints
1x wooden palette
1x wooden easel
3x 8 x 10 canvas 
1x bottle of wine
1x 9oz keepsake wine glass
Exciting surprise
Treats from the Junction
Virtual on in-person instruction from BrushCapades

Music Trivia contest on Friday, July 9 at 7:30 pm
Hosted by Pegasus Books with trivia MC Rachel Ask Me Questions, this live Zoom event will keep the beat going strong until concerts are back on the agenda! Gather your teams of up to 6 members (multiple households is ok) for a rockin’ good time and a shot at amazing prizes from around the Junction. Plus, special prizes for Best Team Name and Best Zoom Background. Only $25 to enter!

Virtual Beer Tasting on Saturday, July 10 at 7 pm
The beer garden gets an upgrade with this online guided tasting of carefully curated beers selected by the fine folks at Elliott Bay Brewing, The Beer Junction and Georgetown Brewing. Your tasting kit also comes with a selection of cheeses, cured meats, and caramel corn from Husky Deli. Plus, keepsake taster glasses and fun surprises! Only $55.

Kits for all experiences can be delivered to select zip codes or picked up in the Junction. Don’t miss out on your chance to get in on the fun – order yours now while supplies last!

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE SMALL BUSINESSES OF THE JUNCTION

There’s a kids’ craft tote, too. You can order any or all of the above via The Junction’s website – just scroll down this page.

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Remembering Phyllis Harriage, 1939-2021
June 16, 2021 9:30 am
|    Comments Off on Remembering Phyllis Harriage, 1939-2021
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Phyllis Harriage and sharing this with her community:

The family of Phyllis Joyce Harriage (Clark) is deeply saddened to announce her death at 81 years old from complications of Parkinson’s disease on June 14, 2021.

Phyllis was born to Leonard and Margaret Clark in West Seattle on September 15, 1939 and graduated from West Seattle High School in 1957. She raised three children with William R. Harriage during their eighteen-year marriage. Phyllis worked as a waitress at the SeaTac Marriott for nearly two decades. Kind, funny, and thoughtful, Phyllis lived her retirement years in the constant company of her beloved family and dogs. She lived in West Seattle until declining health prompted her to move in with family in Tacoma.

Phyllis was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughter Holly (Kevin) and her children, Emelia, Audrey, Christina, and Gabrielle; her daughter Hayley (Steffan) and her children Crystal, Kaitlyn, and Allison; her son Kurt (Paulette) and his children Lauren, Sierra, Priscilla, Jesse, Laticia, and Lorenzo; six great-grandchildren; and her sister Patricia Schaber and her children, Steven and Richard (and his children and grandchildren).

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Tacoma Humane Society.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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ORCAS: Whales in the area
June 16, 2021 8:22 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

Transient orcas are in view, north of Blake Island, southbound, “lots of breaching,” per Kersti Muul of Salish Wildlife Watch.

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WEATHER, TRAFFIC, ROAD WORK: Wednesday notes
June 16, 2021 6:05 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:05 AM: Good morning! Sunshine in the forecast, so this Tuesday photo by Jerry Simmons might be the last we see of the clouds for a while:

ROAD WORK

Delridge project – The Delridge/Barton/Henderson work has now moved to the east side of the intersection; here’s the rest of this week’s plan.

SW Yancy – The SW Yancy closure west of 28th is supposed to end this week.

FERRIES/BUSES

Regular schedule for buses. For ferries, the Southworth dock has maintenance work and so some late night/early am Triangle Route runs are canceled again tonight.

(Watch @kcmetrobus for word of bus cancellations, @wsferries for major WSF changes.)

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

450th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are the views of other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: 23rd week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends, when the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available for some categories of drivers.)

Here’s a low-bridge view:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

And the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:

Are draw/swing bridges opening for boats or barges? See the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed. The 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings also are tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.

Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

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CORONAVIRUS: Tuesday 6/15/2021 roundup
June 15, 2021 11:59 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Tonight’s local pandemic notes:

MILESTONE: It was announced today that 70 percent of King County residents 16+ having had either two shots of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the one-shot J&J. So in two weeks the county mask directive will end.

STAYING THE COURSE: But the governor is saying no to suggestions that he reopen the state early. .

NEWEST NUMBERS: Checking the daily summary from Seattle-King County Public Health:

*111,242 people have tested positive, 78 new since yesterday

*1,616 people have died, 1 new since yesterday

*6,285 people have been hospitalized, 10 new since yesterday

One week ago, the totals were 110,565/1,607/6,239.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

NATIONAL/WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 176.6 million cases worldwide, 33.4 million of them in the U.S. – see other nation-by-nation stats by going here.

BRIEFING TOMORROW: State health officials’ weekly briefing is at 8:15 am Wednesday. You can watch live here.

GOT SOMETHING TO REPORT? westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302, text/voice – thank you!

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MISSING: Have you seen Brian? (Update, search over)
June 15, 2021 8:56 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

We’ve learned tonight that this missing man, mentioned on Twitter by Seattle Police on Monday afternoon, is from West Seattle:

He’s 45 years old. Friends tell us he actually has been missing since parking his car at Camp Long on Friday. If you see him or have information, call 911 or the missing persons unit at 206-684-5582 and refer to case #21-145895.

ADDED WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON: The search has come to a sad end.

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UPDATE: Big power outage, initially stretching from southeast West Seattle to Burien
June 15, 2021 6:43 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

6:43 PM: Thanks for the tips. The Seattle City Light map shows a big outage affecting parts of Riverview/Highland Park but mostly stretching further south, into Burien – 6,320 homes and businesses. It started just after 6:30 pm. No word on the cause yet.

7:22 PM: The Myers/Olson light is out, as are many in Burien. Remember that means an all-way stop.

7:26 PM: About a thousand customers – including most if not all of those who were affected in WS – are back on.

7:54 PM: The outage – now stretching southward from Top Hat into Burien – is blamed on “equipment failure.”

8:40 PM: Down to 657 customers. We’ll follow up tomorrow to get a more-specific description of what failed.

9:50 PM: Got the info tonight after all. SCL spokesperson Julie Moore says, “The outage was caused by a broken cross arm on a pole, which brought wires down. Once the cause was located, we were able to restore power to most customers (all but ~650 of the original 6,300). Crews will keep working until the rest of the customers are restored, which we’re estimating could take several hours.”

2:11 AM: City Light says everyone’s back on.

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Neighbors hope to derail surprise Schmitz Park stairway
June 15, 2021 6:31 pm
|      53 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB photos)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Back in April, we reported briefly on tree-cutting along the northwest approach to Schmitz Park. When asked, Seattle Parks told us that it was part of a “restoration project” that also would “make permanent an informal pathway up a steep hillside for safety.”

Now, with construction imminent, neighbors suddenly learned that plan involves building a full-fledged stairway up a slope where they insist there is no “informal pathway” – a stairway that would lead to and from a spot where there isn’t even a sidewalk, the corner of 57th and Stevens [map].

Outreach on the project was minimal, admitted two Parks managers who came to the site Monday afternoon for an outdoor meeting with upset neighbors, but they blamed that on the project proceeding in the early months of the pandemic, when public entities (among others) had to figure out new communications methods.

Michelle Whitfield and Kim Baldwin told the neighbors they were there to “hear your voices.” One clear voice promptly rang out: “Are you able to change the plans?”

Read More

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: West Seattle murderer gets 31-year sentence
June 15, 2021 4:59 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

A guilty plea and sentencing have closed the case on West Seattle’s first 2020 murder, the killing of 41-year-old Jana Layman in her Junction-area home. Her then-roommate Solomon Whitt, now 26, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder as well as to child-rape and child-pornography charges that resulted from discoveries made during the investigation. Last Friday, according to court documents, King County Superior Court Judge Douglass North sentenced Whitt to 31 years and two months – top of the standard sentencing range – for the murder, and concurrent sentences from six to 23 years for the other charges. As reported here after he was charged in January 2020, Whitt said he attacked the victim after she asked him to move out, and tried to make her death look like an accident.

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VACCINATION: King County hits 70% milestone, will drop mask directive in two weeks
June 15, 2021 3:23 pm
|      38 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

70 percent of everyone 16+ in King County is fully vaccinated. County Executive Dow Constantine just made that announcement, and added that County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin‘s mask directive will end on June 29th. That of course is one day before the promised statewide reopening date – which still could move up if the state meets Gov. Jay Inslee‘s vaccination goal (which he reiterated today), 70 percent of people 16+ getting at least one dose. Today’s King County announcement notes that tomorrow marks six months since vaccination began here.

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2 more library branches in West Seattle will reopen next week
June 15, 2021 2:54 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | High Point | West Seattle news

Just announced by the Seattle Public Library – it’s reopening more branches next week, including Delridge (5423 Delridge Way SW) and High Point (3411 SW Raymond), as well as the Central Library downtown. Here’s the announcement we received:

On Tuesday, June 22, the glass and steel walls of The Seattle Public Library’s Central Library will fill with visitors for the first time in 15 months when three levels of the internationally acclaimed building reopen to patrons. Nine other Library branches will also reopen the week of June 21.

The Columbia, Delridge, Greenwood, High Point, International District/Chinatown, Magnolia, Queen Anne, South Park, and University branches all join the Library’s growing list of reopened locations.

Patrons can browse books, pick up available holds, use computers or Wi-Fi, speak to Library staff, charge devices and more at these locations beginning the week of June 21. A complete list of reopening dates and operating hours is provided below. Meeting rooms, study rooms and in-person programs are not yet available at these locations.

At the Central Library, Levels 1, 3 and 5 will be publicly accessible and will include access to the Children’s Area, Adult Fiction and World Languages, as well as computers, Wi-Fi, self-checkout, reference assistance, Library card sign-ups, device charging, courtesy phones, the FriendShop, restroom access and more. Other levels of the Central Library are not yet available to the public, but will reopen in coming weeks.

The Library is making other changes: Reopened locations will no longer close for a one-hour midday cleaning break, as routine cleaning will occur during open hours. This will allow for uninterrupted service throughout the day and more open hours. All open libraries will continue to operate under Gov. Inslee’s currently mandated Phase 3 guidance for Washington state libraries until at least June 30. Physical distancing and mask requirements remain in place until further notice.

With this latest expansion, 17 of 27 Seattle libraries are reopened in advance of the governor’s anticipated statewide reopening on July 1. In addition to providing In-Building Services at these 17 reopened libraries, The Seattle Public Library will continue to provide Curbside Services at the Northeast, Northgate and West Seattle branches; material return service at the Green Lake Branch; and returns service and public restroom access at the Capitol Hill Branch until these libraries are able to reopen. Five libraries – the Fremont, Madrona-Sally Goldmark, Montlake, NewHolly and Wallingford branches – have not been able to provide services during the pandemic due to either staffing constraints or spatial limitations that cannot accommodate physical distancing.

Several more libraries are expected to reopen the week of July 5. The Library will announce those locations the week prior to reopening.

The Library will continue to reopen additional locations as staffing levels allow. The schedule of newly reopened libraries will vary depending on staffing. Open hours for Library locations are expected to increase throughout the summer.

Delridge and High Point will open on Wednesday, June 23rd. Right now the Southwest Branch (9010 35th SW) is the only one in West Seattle with in-building services.

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BIZNOTE: Natalie’s on Alki opens Sunday
June 15, 2021 1:22 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | WS beverages

If you’ve been to Alki in recent weeks, you’ve probably noticed the remodeling at 2532 Alki SW, which has had multiple incarnations (including a bike shop and a PPE seller) since longtime tenant Coastal Surf Boutique moved out. The space is opening Sunday (June 20th) as Natalie’s on Alki, an expansion of Natalie’s Sugar Cane and Desserts in Tukwila. Same menu, the Natalie’s team tells us (see it here) – sugar-cane-juice beverages, milk tea, smoothies, desserts, and Vietnamese street food. Hours will start at 10 am to 10 pm, seven days a week.

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FERRIES: State commission chooses fare-increase proposal; Triangle Route cancellations for next 3 nights
June 15, 2021 11:38 am
|    Comments Off on FERRIES: State commission chooses fare-increase proposal; Triangle Route cancellations for next 3 nights
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

Two Washington State Ferries notes:

PROPOSED FARE INCREASES: The Washington State Transportation Commission, which has the final say on fares and tolls, has just settled on a fare-increase proposal to circulate for public input. The proposal is the one that won most support during the recent WSF public meetings and survey, known as Alternative 1 – increasing fares by 2.5 percent twice, in October of this year and October of next year. Watch for your chance to comment before the final decision. The higher fares are intended to meet revenue goals set by the Legislature. (ADDED 12:38 PM: WSTC says you can comment via this page or via email at transc@wstc.wa.gov.)

CANCELLATIONS: Announced by WSF:

Several late-night sailings to and from Southworth will be canceled due to needed terminal maintenance starting tonight through Thursday.

The following sailings are cancelled from Tuesday, June 15 through Thursday, June 17:

11:50 p.m. and 1:05 a.m. – Departing Fauntleroy to Southworth
12:35 a.m. – Departing Southworth to Fauntleroy
12:15 and 1:30 a.m. – Departing Vashon to Southworth
12:35 a.m. – Departing Southworth to Vashon

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SCHOOLS: How to help Genesee Hill Elementary PTA honor longtime principal Gerrit Kischner
June 15, 2021 11:00 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Genesee Hill | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

On this final week of school, another West Seattle school is getting ready to say goodbye to its longtime principal, and planning a tribute. The Genesee Hill Elementary PTA is inviting community participation beynd current students/families. Here’s their message:

As announced in April of this year, our longtime Principal and friend Gerrit Kischner will be stepping down as the Principal of Genesee Hill Elementary. The current Assistant Principal, Liz Dunn, will replace Gerrit starting in the fall of 2021, keeping Genesee Hill and our community in very good hands.

Gerrit has been a tireless leader and advocate for our children and schools since his arrival at Schmitz Park in 2008. To celebrate and honor Gerrit’s many contributions to our West Seattle community, a group of current and former PTA leaders and other community members are organizing a fundraiser and commemorative gift for Gerrit.

The PTA volunteers involved in this effort are finalizing the exact gift to honor Gerrit, but we anticipate it will be a visual reminder of his years of work to support our children and our community that will be located on our around the Genesee Hill Elementary grounds. Wouldn’t it be lovely to sit with your child and reflect upon their years in elementary school on a peaceful bench? It’s just one of a few ideas we have, and we’ll update everyone on our progress.

Your child’s classroom may be organizing a gift or other activity to honor Gerrit, and you are welcome and encouraged to support those efforts. The PTA leaders and other volunteers have come together to celebrate Gerrit on behalf of our entire West Seattle community.

Our fundraising goal for this effort is $5,000, which will fund this commemorative gift and support the work of the Genesee Hill PTA.

Any unspent donations will go to benefit the current and future students at Genesee Hill. The past year has been very challenging for our children and the Genesee Hill Elementary community, and your gift in honor of Gerrit’s contributions and your support of our PTA are appreciated.

Please use this link to make an online contribution to our gift to Gerrit Kischner.

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WEST SEATTLE TUESDAY: 5 notes
June 15, 2021 9:54 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Lincoln Park photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:

PATHFINDER FAREWELL: Continuing today, well-wishes are being collected for departing Pathfinder K-8 principal David Dockendorf and assistant principal Lisa Clayton – info’s in our Sunday story.

FERRY FARE/TUNNEL TOLL INCREASE PROPOSALS: These are part of the agenda for the Washington State Transportation Commission, meeting online 10 am-noon. Registration information is part of the agenda.

DEMONSTRATION: The weekly announcement from organizer Scott:

Black Lives Matter sign-waving

Tuesday, June 15, 4 to 6 pm, corner of 16th SW and SW Holden

Thursday, June 17, 4 to 6 pm, corner of 16th SW and SW Holden

Come build awareness & stimulate actions to tear down the systems that have oppressed Black lives for over 400 years on this continent. Hold signs, meet neighbors and stand for racial justice. Scott at Puget Ridge Cohousing, endorsed by Hate-Free Delridge. Signs available.

WAGYU MEAT MARKET: 4-8 pm at Lady Jaye in The Junction (4523 California SW), you can buy Wagyu beef for home cooking and/or freshly grilled Wagyu cheeseburgers for takeout – details in this WSB story.

SEATTLE WRITES: Online drop-in circle for writers, 6 pm; free but registration required – our calendar listing explains how.

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Remembering Gregory A. Cherin, 1958-2021
June 15, 2021 8:59 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Greg Cherin and sharing this with his community:

Gregory Arnoldo Cherin was born in Renton on November 7, 1958. He died on June 6, 2021, after dealing with long-term health issues. He left us suddenly and we are heartbroken. He is survived by his wife Janice, sons Andrew (Vanessa), grandchildren Kaylee and Caleb, Derek and Tyler. His sister Lela/DeeDee (Randy) Good. Half-brother Bob Cherin. In addition, there are so many more close relatives and friends that will cherish his loving memory.

Greg was a lifelong resident of West Seattle. He was the son of Eugene (Gene) and Marilyn (Jeannie) Cherin, attended Highland Park Elementary, Denny Middle School, and Chief Sealth High School. He graduated with a Business degree from the University of Washington in 1983.

He married Janice on September 11, 1982. Together they raised three wonderful and caring men, Andrew, Derek, and Tyler. Their lives were all enriched having been raised in a loving family. Greg worked for Boeing at the Plant 1, Plant 2, Renton, and also in Palmdale, California for 18 months and at the Tukwila plant. He was a purchaser/buyer and enjoyed the many friendships from that time.

Greg had a passion for baseball and basketball and relayed that passion to all three sons. Their participation in West Seattle sports fueled many games which he helped coach or was the head coach. Through these many activities he developed many lifelong friendships. He would often run into so many people on a trip to the store that you would think would take 30 minutes but last much longer (Janice says).

Greg also enjoyed fishing. He shared many fishing trips in Puget Sound with his cousin David and sons Andrew, Derek, and Tyler. He especially enjoyed fishing out by Blake Island for ling cod.

Relationships were important to him, and he would do anything he could to help others. He enjoyed family the most and was always checking in on family. He went to all family functions – or as many as he could – that lesson he leaves with us will always be important.

We always found ways to travel within the US, often due to a son’s baseball tournament – the memories from all of these trips are very special. Most recently we discovered Hawaii through Andrew and Vanessa. Greg loved Maui because of the beauty, ability to swim in the pools and the ocean, and just relax with family. We were able to go twice in the past 4 years! He and Janice also loved Leavenworth and enjoyed spending time with family and using it as a meeting place with other family members.

In 2017 the most wonderful event happened to Greg and Janice – they became grandparents to Kaylee, and Caleb in 2019. Being a grandfather or ‘Papa’ changed him in many ways – he melted with them both and would do anything for them. He took Kaylee on trips to see the snow in Snoqualmie Pass and to the Nike outlet in North Bend – of course for the good deals. Kaylee is inquisitive and fun; she loved her Papa and of course her Mimi and Uncles. Caleb is an energetic, fun-loving little boy, and watching both of their wonderful personalities develop has been fun to watch. We have had the wonderful pleasure of living close to this little family and seeing them often. They will greatly miss their Papa.

We are so grateful for the many of you who have already reached out and feel so very blessed and honored by your stories and thoughts. We are planning a memorial service to be held this summer. With COVID restrictions hopefully lessening, we are looking at options and will let you know soon.

Share memories of Greg on the Tribute Wall at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Gregory-Cherin

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services of West Seattle

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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