month : 06/2021 339 results

The report and photos are rom Amy:

Our car was the unfortunate target in the high-car-prowl area at Westcrest Park today. We were parked in the playground lot between 1:15-2:15 pm.

The thieves broke out two windows (passenger side and left rear), ripped out the rear privacy screen, and took a cell phone. Everything else was left intact. We were able to track the time of the break-in as well as their route due to the GPS locator on the phone, and tracked the phone to the last known location, just a few blocks away at SW Barton between 16th and 17th Aves SW though were not able to recover it.

Reporting to help others be aware… it was a cool and rainy afternoon, lot was not busy at all, but no observed obvious car sitters when we pulled in.

A police report has been filed.

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Hopelink mobility management, SDOT bridge updates @ West Seattle Transportation Coalition

| Transportation | West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

Two guests headlined the latest West Seattle Transportation Coalition meeting:

HOPELINK: When you think of transportation, does Hopelink come to mind? No? This service would like to change that. Hopelink’s Bebhinn Gilbert was the guest, explaining what Hopelink’s mobility-management service is and does. Here’s her slide deck:

Hopelink’s service area includes all of King County, and its goal is to try to help people navigate their transportation options, so that transportation is a resource, not an obstacle. Hopelink itself is both a provider and a coordinator – as explained here. Non-emergency medical transportation is one of their services, as is helping people better utilize the transportation options that are available from a variety of providers. One big emphasis right now: Helping people get to COVID-19 vaccine providers. If you need help with that, you can reach them via findaride.org or 425-943-6706.

In Q&A, Gilbert was asked if the West Seattle Bridge closure has been an obstacle. She says they’ve worked with all the transportation providers to ensure that’s factored into any trip to or from West Seattle.

Speaking of the bridge …

SDOT UPDATE: West Seattle High-Rise Bridge Safety Project director Heather Marx recapped the recent announcement that a contractor has been chosen for both the high-bridge repairs and low-bridge work (WSB coverage here). She also recapped the status of low-bridge access authorization (same stats reported here).

In Q&A, Marx was asked if capacity restrictions were expected when the high bridge reopens next year. Answer: No. Another attendee asked for clarification on who’s getting low-bridge warnings and who’s getting citations. She said that the first time you’re caught crossing the low bridge without authorization, you get a warning; second violation and beyond, you get a citation with a $75 fine.

WSTC BOARD RECRUITING: One position remains open. Interested? Email info@westseattletc.org.

NEXT MEETING: 6:30 pm June 24th, still online, with Washington State Ferries expected to send a guest.

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WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: 9 new views

June 6, 2021 5:10 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Wildlife

Family-photo time as we start this gallery of reader-contributed West Seattle bird photos! Look closely at Kersti Muul‘s photo above – that’s a baby Killdeer under mom’s tailfeathers. Below, Samantha Burton‘s nestbox attracted Nuthatches:

Mark Wangerin photographed a fledgling Pileated Woodpecker today, explaining, “I had noticed a change in the adult Pileated Woodpeckers vocalization over the past few days. Today this new fledgling appeared! It swooped from trunk to trunk within the forest”:

This morning, Lynn Hall caught a Canada Goose family looking out at Elliott Bay:

For a closer view of a gosling – Stewart L. sent this long-lens photo:

Stewart also sends this view of a Violet-green Swallow:

Next, a House Finch, from Michelle Green Arnson:

An Anna’s Hummingbird from Jerry Simmons:

And another hummingbird from Janelle, followed by the explanation of why she was holding it:

I wanted to share this photo of a stunned hummer who flew into my window the other day. I picked him up when he was laying sideways stunned and held him for about 5 minutes until he was able to fly to a nearby tree, where he sat for another 20 minutes or so, then flew away.

I’ve heard numerous bird thuds on my windows in recent days, prompting me to research and order some Window Alert decals to help save birds from window strikes.

Thanks again to everyone who shares photos – from birds to breaking news – westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best place to send non-urgent photos!

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Here’s what’s happening at Camp Second Chance, West Seattle’s only tiny-house encampment

June 6, 2021 3:34 pm

| Comments Off on Here’s what’s happening at Camp Second Chance, West Seattle’s only tiny-house encampment

| Myers Way | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Vaccination and relocation were among the updates at this month’s meeting of the Camp Second Chance Community Advisory Committee, held online this afternoon. CSC is the only city-supported tiny-house encampment in West Seattle, located on the city-owned Myers Way Parcels [map], managed and staffed by the Low-Income Housing Institute.

CAMP UPDATES: New manager Scott Harris (introduced last month) said May was a busy month. 57 residents are at CSC now: “40 men, 14 women, 3 gender-nonconforming people.” 5 exited in May – 4 who “just left,” 1 who found an apartment, 1 “involuntary exit after numerous violent episodes.” Five 911 calls, one related to the person who was booted; he was arrested that day. (He started causing trouble in November, Harris said, and was allowed to stay if he followed the rules, but did not.) The other four were medical calls.

Speaking of medical, a UW Health van was there today to offer care to camp residents, and tomorrow King County Public Health is coming for another vaccination clinic (second shots for more than a dozen people, first shots to those interested). Though they don’t have an official stat, he believes more than half the camp’s residents have started the vaccination process. The camp has not had any COVID cases. Also tomorrow, maintenance crews will be out to connect the showers (one trailer with two stalls) to permanent electric power so it won’t have to recharge a battery between showers. The camp also has three new grills – one donated by a former resident – so cooking capacity has been boosted.

More people are about to exit the camp for housing. José Ruiz has been working in case management and said housing had become available for camp residents he had placed on a waiting list for the LIHI-owned Clay Apartments microhousing building on Capitol Hill. At least 3 are moving soon – one has a moving date this week, two are waiting for the moving date; they’re working out some logistics for a fourth. Section 8 vouchers – also a program with a long waiting list – are becoming available to help people, too; Ruiz said four people from CSC got help from those, including two moving out of state, one moving to Renton. His work at the camp will be ramping down because a new case manager starts at CSC this week.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS’ UPDATES: Committee chair Willow Fulton, a resident in the camp vicinity, said they’re working to get others involved with the committee. Other members at today’s meeting were Alki UCC‘s Cinda Stenger and White Center CDA‘s Aaron Garcia, who had one announcement: WCCDA is hosting a Pride event 1-4 pm at Greenbridge Plaza on June 25th.

NEXT MEETING: First Sunday in July is Independence Day, so the meeting will be moved – Fulton will confer offline with committee members to decide on rescheduling.

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TRAFFIC ALERTS: West Marginal/Highland Park Way; 1st Avenue South Bridge

June 6, 2021 1:56 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

1:56 PM: Julia texted to say the signals are not working at West Marginal/Highland Park Way – possibly because of utility work in the area – and so it’s an all-way stop, with backups in all directions.

2:42 PM: That’s fixed, according to Tami. But now there are multiple reports of an extra-long opening on the 1st Avenue South Bridge.

2:45 PM: After more than half an hour, WSDOT says the bridge is back down so surface traffic can resume.

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WEEK AHEAD: Duwamish River cleanup updates Wednesday

June 6, 2021 1:20 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Environment | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo, Duwamish River seen from high-rise West Seattle Bridge)

Seattle’s only river – the Duwamish River. much of which runs along West Seattle’s eastern edge – is the site of an ongoing major cleanup operation, after decades of pollution. This Wednesday morning, you can hear firsthand status reports during the Lower Duamish Waterway Stakeholders‘ next meeting. It’s happening online, and community members are welcome. Attendance information is on the agenda, which makes note of one thing that will not be happening at the meeting: There’s no decision yet on the cleanup-area reduction proposed because of a change in the definition of safe levels of a particular pollutant (as covered here earlier this year). There will, however, be an update on the number and type of comments received on that. Other agenda items include habitat restoration and cleanup milestones. The meeting is set for 10 am-noon Wednesday (June 9th).

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YOU CAN HELP: WestSide Baby’s annual ‘Stuff the Bus’ diaper drive is on

June 6, 2021 10:44 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news

WestSide Baby still calls its annual summertime diaper drive “Stuff the Bus,” dating back to when the nonprofit would park a school bus in West Seattle and invite people to bring boxes and bags of diapers. These days, it’s a mostly virtual donation drive, but the diapers – and the babies/toddlers who need them – are very real. Here’s the annual announcement:

Diapers have never been more expensive, especially for the 23% of King County families already struggling with diaper need. Families experiencing poverty are still affected by the economic impact of COVID-19 and are making tough choices between household bills and these essentials for their children.

WestSide Baby is committed to meeting the urgent, immediate community need for children’s essentials. We are equally committed to long-term goals to eliminate the inequities at the root of basic needs disparities. We’re asking you to join in this commitment through the summer!

Stuff the Bus is Seattle’s largest diaper drive and your opportunity to ensure all babies have the diapers they need to be healthy and happy. You can Stuff the Bus when you host a drive, donate dollars for diapers, or simply send boxes of diapers to WestSide Baby!

Ways to donate:

DOLLARS FOR DIAPERS – Money to help WS Baby buy diapers at a discounted rate
BOXES FOR BABIES – Recurring monthly monetary donation to underwrite boxes of diapers/wipes
HOST A DIAPER DRIVE

Or you can order diapers to be sent directly to WS Baby’s White Center hub (10002 14th Ave SW), which also accepts dropoffs 10 am-2 pm Wednesdays; go here to see the list of what sizes are most needed, along with other essential items.

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 10+ possibilities!

June 6, 2021 6:43 am

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 10+ possibilities!

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Brian Michel)

Good morning! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TODAY’S ONLINE CHURCH SERVICES: Most local churches still offer online Sunday services (some offer in-person options too), so each week we compile the newest links for 20+ churches’ services, both streamed and recorded (and in one case, written).

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Vegetables, fruit, flowers, cheese, meat, beverages, lots more – something new each week at the Farmers’ Market, open 10 am-2 pm in The Junction. Scroll down the page at this link to find the vendor list and map for this week. (Enter at California/Alaska; pickups for online orders are at California/Oregon)

DELRIDGE GROCERY COOPERATIVE: Today’s the first Sunday you can shop for staples at the DGC store (5444 Delridge Way SW), 11 am-3 pm, as previewed here – and take the DGC survey if you haven’t already.

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 11 am-4 pm – need a tool to fix or improve something? (4408 Delridge Way SW)

PRIDE ART EXHIBIT: As previewed here Friday, it’s opening weekend for “The Divine: Beyond the Bounds of Queerness”.

(Photo courtesy Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery)

The exhibit is at Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery (9414 Delridge Way SW), open noon-6 pm.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Now open to the public! Visit the home of West Seattle’s history today (noon-4 pm, 61st/Stevens).

SUNDAY RUN CLUB: It’s back at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), starting at noon – details in our calendar listing.

CAMP SECOND CHANCE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: 2 pm online, all welcome to this community meeting for updates on and/or questions/comments about West Seattle’s only tiny-house encampment. Video/phone connection info is in our calendar listing.

FREE TO-GO DINNER: White Center Community Dinner Church will serve to-go meals at 5 pm, outside, near the Bartell Drugs parking lot in White Center. (9600 15th Ave SW)

LIVE MUSIC: At The Alley, behind 4509 California SW, two sets by the Triangular Jazztet, 8 pm and 9 pm.

Got something for our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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CORONAVIRUS: Saturday 6/5/2021 roundup

June 5, 2021 11:11 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Pandemic notes for June’s first Saturday:

THE BIG PICTURE: The state has released a new report that gives an overview based on “surveillance and modeling.” Key points:

Report findings include:

*Statewide case counts and hospital admissions continued to decline as of May 20.

*Vaccination is protecting people from COVID-19 illness severe enough to require hospitalization.

*Increasing immunity from vaccination is playing an important role in reducing transmission.

*While vaccination has helped reduce the spread of the virus, the level of transmission was still fairly high as of mid-May.

*As of May 20, case rates were declining across all age groups except people ages 70 and older, among whom case rates have stayed mostly flat since March. Hospital admission rates followed similar trends, declining among people ages 20-69 and remaining flat but high in ages 70 and older.

*The number of total hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 patients is declining as of May 30. The number of ICU beds occupied by these patients has remained fairly flat through the end of May.

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: Here are the cumulative totals from Public Health‘s daily-summary dashboard:

*110,258 people have tested positive, 141 more than yesterday’s total

*1,602 people have died, 3 more than yesterday’s total

*6,224 people have been hospitalized, 10 more than yesterday’s total

ONE WEEK AGO: Last Saturday, those numbers were 109,591/1,592/6,161.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 172.8 million people have tested positive, and more than 3,718,000 people have died; U.S. deaths exceed 594,000. Most cases: U.S., India, Brazil, France, Turkey (unchanged again this week). See the breakdown, nation by nation, here.

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

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VIDEO: See how 8 Seattle mayor candidates answered 8 questions at the 34th District Democrats’ forum

June 5, 2021 8:50 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

8 of the 15 candidates for Seattle mayor participated today in the campaign season’s first forum presented by a West Seattle-based organization.

The 34th District Democrats‘ forum happened online four days before our area’s biggest political organization meets Wednesday to decide who it’s endorsing in this and other key local races.

The 34th DDs’ chair Carla Rogers hosted; moderators were Rachel Glass and Chris Porter; timer was Ann Martin. Rogers said all 15 candidates were invited; 9 accepted, 8 showed up – Colleen Echohawk, Jessyn Farrell, Lorena González, Bruce Harrell, Andrew Grant Houston, Lance Randall, Don Rivers, and Casey Sixkiller. (If you’re just catching up, there’s no incumbent in the race – Jenny Durkan decided one term was enough.)

The questions and answers did not at any point get deeply West Seattle-specific. There were a few mentions of the closed bridge – Harrell scored local points there by briefly noting that the issue of accountability for its damage has yet to be settled – and González noted that she was the only West Seattleite there; Sixkiller said he had recently visited the West Seattle Farmers’ Market and local businesses. Answers to most of the questions by most of the candidates leaned more heavily on self-descriptive information – their background, their family status and/or history – than on concrete policy plans, with a few notable exceptions.

If you’re interested in the race, we highly recommend watching the video. If you don’t have the time, below are our notes – brief paraphrases or select quotes from each answer, following a transcription of each question as posted in the on-screen chat window by Rogers. First, each candidate got up to a minute and a half for an opening statement:

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Alki Kayak Tours break-in

June 5, 2021 7:04 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Crime | West Seattle news

Alki Kayak Tours this morning. It happened around 5:14 am. The burglary has been reported to police – we don’t have the case number yet, but will add it when we get it. The business, based at Seacrest Park, is looking for tips on the burglar’s identity and/or any other information about what happened.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: ‘Lost mind’

June 5, 2021 5:35 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Seen around town | West Seattle news

Utility-pole art and poetry turns up around West Seattle fairly often; thanks to all the anonymous creators who take the time to make it happen. This caught our attention while we were walking in Gatewood this week. While at first it might seem amusing – “lost mind” in the spirit of “lost pet” – it also holds a serious message. Check in with neighbors, friends, family – sometimes this “almost over but not over” pandemic period seems more unsettling than the pre-vaccine “hunker down” days. And if you need someone to talk to – the state set up Washington Listens as part of the pandemic response.

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READER REPORT: Troop 282’s first Court of Honor since pre-pandemic

June 5, 2021 2:42 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Thanks to Jay Brock for sending the report and photo:

(Photo by Mike Grueter)

BSA Scout Troop 282 held their triannual Court of Honor at Lincoln Park in West Seattle. This ceremony recognizes the efforts that the Scouts put into their training with promotions to the next ranking, badges, and other awards. Eleven merit badges were awarded, and five Scouts received their next rank. Three of those Scouts: Jeremy Beebe (not pictured), James Brock, and Asher Morgan, were recognized for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout Rank is the highest rank a Scout can earn and only about 4% of scouts nationwide achieve it. Troop 282 has a storied history of shattering that percentage.

This Court of Honor was special for the Troop as it was the first one held in person in over a year. The 25 Scouts, friends, and parents at the park for the occasion were also entertained by skits, songs, and jokes from the patrols of Troop 282. Elliot, the Master of Ceremonies for this Court of Honor, did a wonderful job hosting the evening.

Troop 282 is looking forward to transitioning away from online meetings and focusing on the OUT in Scouting. Plans for the summer include summer camp at Camp Parsons, skills hikes to welcome our newest scouts, and hiking/biking outings for the patrols. Troop 282 will be meeting every Tuesday in June at 7:30 pm at the south end of Lincoln Park, and is open to all boys and girls. Feel free to join us for a new experience in Scouting!

If you have a boy or girl interested in joining Troop 282 or Scouting, go here.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Breeze brings down branches

June 5, 2021 1:16 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Thanks to Ted for the photo. Breezy weather has brought down branches at the south end of Admiral Way just north of the West Seattle Bridge. Forecast says it’ll be even breezier – with gusts up to 30 mph – tonight.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen contractor’s van to watch for (update: found)

June 5, 2021 10:54 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Crime | Genesee Hill | West Seattle news

10:54 AM: The photo and report are from Alexis:

My husband’s van was stolen from in front of our house sometime between 8:00 pm last night and 8:00 am this morning. It was locked and parked in the street. We live in the Genesee Hill neighborhood (in the 4000 block of) 51st Ave SW. It is a white 2003 Ford Econovan 250. It has my husband’s logo on both sides and the back of the van – “Toma Construction LLC.” It contained many tools.

We have notified the police. This happened to us about 6 years ago in a different neighborhood, and neighbors found it dumped and emptied out nearby. If anyone has seen it, please contact us at alexislewinger@gmail.com, at 602-326-7262, or at 206-697-5087.

But first call 911.

2:43 PM: Alexis says they recovered the van – someone spotted it at 40th/Edmunds and called police.

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Mayoral forum, school tours, art, music, more for your West Seattle Saturday

June 5, 2021 6:34 am

| Comments Off on Mayoral forum, school tours, art, music, more for your West Seattle Saturday

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Mount Rainier and clouds on Friday, photographed by Jerry Simmons)

Options for your Saturday:

VACCINATION POP-UP: The mobile nurse-practitioner service Pliable is in High Point, offering first or second dose of Pfizer, or the one-dose J&J – at Neighborhood House High Point (6400 Sylvan Way SW), 8 am-11:15 am. Make an appointment online by going here.

SEATTLE LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL TOURS: By appointment between 9 am and 3 pm today, Seattle Lutheran High School (4100 SW Genesee) is offering tours. Our calendar listing has the link and more info.

BEACH CLEANUP: Join Jessica and other West Seattle neighbors for the monthly Alki cleanup. Meet up at 10 am. Our calendar listing has info on where, plus how to RSVP.

MAYORAL FORUM: 11 am-1 pm, the 34th District Democrats host a forum for Seattle mayoral candidates; they say 9 of the 15 are expected to participate. All welcome to watch; here’s the link.

PRIDE ART EXHIBIT OPENS: As previewed here Friday, it’s opening day for “The Divine: Beyond the Bounds of Queerness” at Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery (9414 Delridge Way SW), open noon-6 pm.

LIVESTREAMING FROM HPIC: Beef’s Prime Cuts presents Ron Weinstein Trio, 8 pm, live from Highland Park Improvement Club. Tune in at loudswell.com.

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UPDATE: Man stabbed in Westwood

June 5, 2021 2:45 am

| Comments Off on UPDATE: Man stabbed in Westwood

| Crime | West Seattle news | Westwood | WS breaking news

2:45 AM: A sizable Seattle Fire and Police response is headed to the 2200 block of SW Barton for what’s reported as a person “assaulted with a weapon.” Updates to come.

2:49 AM: Officers at the scene – a building lobby – have told dispatch that the victim says he was stabbed at a nearby bus stop. He is reported to be wounded in an arm and leg.

2:54 AM: The victim will be taken to the hospital by SFD medics. No word so far of any arrest(s).

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CORONAVIRUS: Friday 6/4/2021 roundup

June 4, 2021 11:56 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Tonight’s pandemic headlines:

KING COUNTY NUMBERS: We start with the daily stats from the Public Health daily-summary page, cumulative totals:

*110,117 people have tested positive, 122 more than yesterday’s total

*1,599 people have died, 4 more than yesterday’s total

*6,214 people have been hospitalized, 21 more than yesterday’s total

Now our weekly check of key numbers on the COVID Vaccination Among King County Residents dashboard:

*1,460,642 people have received one dose (74.8% of everyone 12+)

*1,243,683 people have received both doses (63.7% of everyone 12+)

One week ago, the first three totals were 109,380/1,591/6,139, and the vaccination totals were 1,436,146/1,193,113.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 172.5 million cases, 3,712,000+ deaths – see the nation-by-nation numbers here.

HIGH POINT POP-UP CLINIC: The mobile nurse-practitioner service Pliable invites you to get vaccinated tomorrow – first or second dose of Pfizer, or the one-dose J&J – at Neighborhood House High Point (6400 Sylvan Way SW), 8 am-11:15 am. You can make an appointment online by going here.

LAST SATURDAY FOR WEST SEATTLE HUB: As announced last month, the city will close West Seattle’s vaccination hub after June 9th – that’s next Wednesday. So tomorrow’s your last Saturday to get vaccinated at the hub, open 9 am-5:30 pm at 2801 SW Thistle.

GOT INFO OR PHOTOS? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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GRATITUDE: Heartening demonstration at Alki Beach

June 4, 2021 9:56 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

The photo is courtesy of Charlotte, an Alki resident who wanted to publicly thank the Westside School (WSB sponsor) students who waved signs during that demonstration at the beach today. “It was refreshing to see the promotion of civility articulated from this diverse representation of the next generation,” she said. “I like to think they get it. They gave many local residents a lift this afternoon. I spoke with the group and the students came up with the idea at Westside School because they felt the message just needed to get out. We’d like to thank them.”

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READER REPORT: Stuck bus at Delridge/Trenton

June 4, 2021 8:46 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

8:46 PM: Thanks to Matthew for the photo and report from Delridge/Trenton:

Not sure what happened here, but the bus appears to have come down the alley between 22nd and Delridge heading north and can’t make the turn out to delridge heading east because of a car parked in a temporary no-parking spot (not pictured). I don’t know how this bus managed to get through the alley to begin with.

Radio communication indicates police are trying to find the mis-parked car’s owner.

9:22 PM: All clear, Matthew reports in a comment.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: About the big police response near EC Hughes Playground

June 4, 2021 8:40 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

A few people asked us about a mid-afternoon incident that brought a big police response to the EG Hughes Playground area (28th/Holden and vicinity). One neighbor who saw the end of it said police were chasing a man through the playfield area and then across two yards until he was tackled and arrested near 29th/Kenyon. Medics were called for the suspect, who, the witness says, complained after being cuffed that he was having trouble breathing. We didn’t catch word of this until it was long over; we eventually made contact with Southwest Precinct Lt. Dorothy Kim, who said the man was arrested for domestic-violence assault: “When the officers attempted contact with the suspect, he took off running, which resulted in a foot pursuit.” She says he was booked into the King County Jail.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Native Action Network award for local educator Boo Balkan Foster

June 4, 2021 6:26 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

The Native Action Network has presented its Enduring Spirit Award to Boo Balkan Foster, the šəqačib teacher at Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School. From the announcement on the Seattle Public Schools website:

… Award recipients are honored for their lifetime commitment to building strong, healthy Native communities and intergenerational connection.

Leaders like Boo have advocated powerfully for environmental protections, access to quality education, holistic health and wellness, cultural preservation, traditional knowledge, tribal sovereignty, strengthening of treaty rights, tribal economic development, and beyond.

Boo is the šəqačib teacher at Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School. Boo designed the framework of šəqačib, a class promoting school engagement and academic progress in a culturally sensitive environment for Native youth, to empower her students by centering student voice. The success of Boo’s first course paved the way for more offerings in SPS.

She also piloted curriculum for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, resulting in shifts to align learning levels for high school students. A fierce advocate, Boo is steadfast in demanding Native students have a voice in decision-making.

“It is humbling to be recognized with the current and past leaders of the Enduring Spirit Award,” Boo said. “I am an awe of their dedication, strength, and brilliance. I am honored to be called teacher by students whose wisdom and perseverance inspire me every day. It is a privilege to continue the work of those upon whose shoulders I stand.”

As part of her recognition, Boo was presented with the Inheritance Blanket created by Native artist Sarah Agaton Howes, which pays homage to an Anishinaabe tradition, where the Bear Clan are known as carriers of medicine.

Boo was nominated by fellow SPS staff member Amy Markishtum.

“I have had the privilege of watching Boo from the beginning of her teaching career where we worked together until now, 26 years later, and the impact she has had on her students and families.,” Amy said. “She not only sees them as individuals, but she also sees their potential and helps them to be the best they can be. She inspires them. She has a high bar of expectations for them, and her students rise to her expectations. She is not only their biggest fan, but she will also advocate for them as they navigate middle and high school.”

Native Action Network is a nonprofit organized to promote Native women’s full representation, participation, and leadership in local, state, tribal, and national affairs.

(Photo by Melissa Ponder for Native Action Network)

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PRIDE MONTH: ‘The Divine’ opens Saturday at Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery

June 4, 2021 4:15 pm

| Comments Off on PRIDE MONTH: ‘The Divine’ opens Saturday at Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery

| Delridge | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Another Pride Month event in West Seattle: An exhibition opens tomorrow at Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery in South Delridge. Here’s the announcement:

Pride art exhibition featuring art from queer BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) artists that embody what queerness means beyond rainbows. Queerness is embodied and full and this art exhibition is meant to give queerness room to breath, in all of its beautiful layers.

Come see and/or purchase artwork and visit the gift shop for art from other BIPOC artists as well!

The Divine: Beyond the Bounds of Queerness
June 5 – June 27, 2021

Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery
9414 Delridge Way SW,

Hours: Thursdays – Sundays 12 PM – 6 PM