day : 07/08/2021 9 results

11:55 PM: Police and fire are going to 61st/Admiral for a report of a 28-year-old man with a gunshot wound. No word yet on circumstances. The victim is being assessed at a home. Updates to come.

12:08 AM: They’re still trying to figure out exactly where this happened, officers are telling dispatch.

12:13 AM: The victim is being taken to Harborview. Initial assessment over emergency radio described him as “conscious and alert” with a bullet wound near an eye.

12:19 AM: Police say they were told “the shooter was on a motorcycle.”

12:25 AM: They’re blocking off Admiral between 61st and 62nd, as well as 62nd itself, while they investigate. They’ve reported finding two “victim vehicles” on 62nd, possibly indicating bullet damage. (Added: Or, per commenters, other damage.)

12:55 AM: No further updates so far. More info should be forthcoming from SPD once a report is filed later this morning.

1:01 AM: Streets are reopening. Meantime, for context, it’s been a little over a month since four people were shot at the beach, on fatally; a suspect was arrested and charged, and remains in jail, bail set at $2 million.

ADDED 1:44 PM: We just talked to SPD spokesperson Det. Valerie Carsen. She says there’s not much more information about this: After being shot, the victim crashed his car into a parked car near 62nd/Admiral and went to a nearby house to get help. He couldn’t/wouldn’t tell officers where or when it happened – aside from, as mentioned above, that the shooter might have been someone on a motorcycle. Officers did not locate shell casings or other evidence anywhere in the area so they couldn’t independently verify a crime scene. SFD spokesperson Kristin Tinsley tells us the victim was “in stable condition” when transported.

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VIDEO: Rally for the River seeks support for saving orcas by saving salmon via dam-breaching

August 7, 2021 10:36 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Environment | West Seattle news | Whales

(WSB photos/video)

This weekend, Elliott Bay is open to chinook-salmon fishing. So fishing boats were on the water this morning while activists gathered on land to demand action they say can keep the chinook from going extinct, along with another species of mammals that needs them even more than we do – the Southern Resident Killer Whales. Specifically, the Endangered Species Coalition and other groups want four dams on the Lower Snake River in Eastern Washington breached so chinook salmon can reach spawning grounds more easily. This weekend they hosted “Rally for the River” gatherings in six spots around the Northwest, and the rally spot in Seattle was just west of Seacrest. Some supporters came from afar:

Those two are members of the North Olympic Orca Pod, from Port Townsend and Port Angeles. The sign mentioning the Elwha refers to a dam removal project from last decade, considered a success. But that was just part of the puzzle for saving chinook salmon. Four hydropower dams on the Snake River in eastern Washington must be breached, advocates say, before it’s too late (read the backstory here). Time is ticking, with the presumed death of another Southern Resident orca K21. A moment of silence for him was part of the speaking program at the rally, featuring representatives of the Endangered Species Coalition, Duwamish Tribe, Environment Washington, and Orca Conservancy.

It’s not a matter of demolishing the dams, they contended – “All we have to do is move some gravel aside and let them run free.”

After speeches, some rally participants kayaked to Jack Block Park …

… while others walked.

They’re particularly looking for support from Washington’s U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, and have a take-action webpage here. The politicians, for their part, have said that any plan for the dams must address other factors too, such as electricity generation and farmers’ needs.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Another major award for local educator Boo Balkan Foster

August 7, 2021 8:53 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Two months ago we reported on Boo Balkan Foster, the šəqačib teacher at Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School, receiving the Native Action Network‘s Enduring Spirit Award. Now, she has been chosen Regional Teacher of the Year by the Puget Sound Educational Service District. Here’s the announcement from Seattle Public Schools:

We are thrilled to announce that the Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) has recognized Boo Balkan Foster of Seattle Public Schools as the Regional Teacher of the Year!

Boo Balkan Foster is a šəqačib teacher in the Native Education Department. She teaches a leadership class, working in partnership with Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School, serving students in grades 6-12. She is a veteran educator with 26 years of experience as a teacher. When asked to describe how she helps students make connections between school, their family and culture, and their local community, she shared, “šəqačib is a Southern Lushootseed word meaning ‘raising hands.’ We raise hands to say hello, good morning, thank you, and to show respect. However, it’s much more. It essentially means, ‘I hold you in the highest esteem.’ Viewing students through this lens is the first step in supporting connection to school, family, culture, and community.”

Recipients for this award were nominated, evaluated, and selected for the awards based on their professional biographies, outstanding work performance, professional leadership and collaboration, and any other unique qualities or circumstances. Award recipients are now qualified as candidates for the Washington State Educator Awards, which will be announced by Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction in the fall. Award recipients participate with their cohort in extensive training in communications, advocacy, and policy.

“This is a first for Native Education at SPS, and I couldn’t be prouder,” says Gail Morris, Native American Education Program Manager at SPS. “Boo has committed her professional life to teaching high school students, particularly Native American, Alaskan Native, and First Nation students. Her love for our students is apparent, as many of her colleagues wrote letters of testimony for her, in her nomination for this esteemed recognition. I knew she was going to win. She deserves this, she earned this, and her students, families, and community love her. Ms. Boo has also recently received the Enduring Spirit Award from Native Action Network.”

Congratulations to Ms. Boo for this well-deserved recognition!

(Photo by Melissa Ponder for Native Action Network)

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Prowler tries to steal scooter

August 7, 2021 6:40 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

From Matt in North Admiral:

This individual was prowling our alley this afternoon between noon and 1. He walked up and down for about an hour; my neighbor caught him peering in their back door and confronted him. He then went to my house and tried to start my scooter. Eventually another neighbor confronted him again and he claimed to be trying to buy the scooter, then walked off.

A police report has been filed.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: First-ever Low Rider Block Party

August 7, 2021 3:10 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

While you can’t drive on the block of 17th SW immediately north of Roxbury this afternoon, you can admire cars on display at the first-ever Low Rider Block Party.

Along with the cars, there’s an abundance of art – some being made, some being sold:

Performances too! The mini-festival continues until 6 pm (and has a vaccination booth on the south end of the block until 5). The Low Rider Block Party was organized by nearby Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery, with support from the city.

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Grand-opening day for Duwamish River Community Hub

August 7, 2021 2:41 pm

| Comments Off on Grand-opening day for Duwamish River Community Hub

| Port of Seattle | South Park | West Seattle news

If you’re going to South Park for the Duwamish River Festival, stop by the new Duwamish River Community Hub just a block south at 14th Avenue South and South Cloverdale. The Port of Seattle has leased the former Napoli Pizza building as a center for various gatherings, inside as well as out:

Outside the Hub today, you’ll find Mercadito vendor booths as well as information booths including the port explaining the new People’s Park along the river nearby:

You can take a guided walking tour to the park at 4:30 pm. We covered the park groundbreaking at the former Terminal 117 a year ago.

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WEEKEND SCENES: Duwamish River Festival returns

August 7, 2021 1:05 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| South Park | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Now until 5 pm, Seattle’s only river is being celebrated at the 2021 Duwamish River Festival. This time it’s at the future park space known as South Park Plaza, west of the South Park end of the bridge. Performances all afternoon! Here are Angeles de México:

And art (added: what you see below is the Duwamish River Dragon, by Cleopatra Cutler):

Dozens of educational booths so you can learn about the river and those who rely on it – and what you can do to protect it (such as, gardening with native plants). Food trucks and stands, also featuring local restaurants.

ADDED 4:47 PM: A few more scenes from the festival, which is presented by the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition:

That’s Carmen Martinez of DRCC, who leads the Duwamish Valley Youth Corps, with Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz.

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Ferry-fare increase hearing this week

August 7, 2021 10:45 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Transportation | West Seattle news

If you have something to say before the final decision on an increase in Washington State Ferries fares, the state Transportation Commission – which sets fares – has scheduled a hearing for Tuesday (August 10th). Here’s the announcement:

A proposed 2.5 percent across-the-board ferry fare increase is the subject of a public hearing next week. The proposed fare increase was the option selected in a public input poll and is based upon budget requirements passed by the 2021 Legislature. If approved, the new ferry fare rate will be applied each October in 2021 and 2022.

The Washington State Transportation Commission will hold a virtual, final public hearing at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10. Due to COVID-19 limitations still in place for Washington state agencies, the meeting will be conducted using Zoom. The commission will take public testimony at the meeting. People interested in attending need to register on the commission’s website. Those wishing to testify are encouraged to sign-up ahead of the hearing, on the Commission’s website. The meeting will be broadcast live on TVW at www.tvw.org.

Fare recommendations are based upon the Transportation Budget passed by the 2021 Legislature. The budget requires $377 million to be generated from fares over the two-year timeframe, which results in a need for an additional $9.2 million in fare revenues. This equates to an estimated 2.5 percent fare increase if applied across-the-board to all fares. For more information on the commission’s ferry fare proposal, visit the commission’s web site at: 2021-2023 Ferry Fare Setting – Washington State Transportation Commission.

The commission is also proposing a policy change for how a vanpool is defined to ensure the policy matches current law. The proposal decreases the required number of people to be considered a vanpool from the current five people to three people, adjusting the fares accordingly.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: Duwamish River Festival, Low Rider Block Party, Dolly & The DJ, + 11 more notes

August 7, 2021 6:34 am

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: Duwamish River Festival, Low Rider Block Party, Dolly & The DJ, + 11 more notes

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Friday’s sunset, photographed by Bruce Gaumond)

Welcome to the weekend!

TRAFFIC ALERTS: Work at the Highland Park Way/West Marginal intersection is scheduled until 1 pm. Northbound 26th SW between Roxbury and Barton remains closed. Southbound Delridge Way has reopened between Thistle and Trenton.

YARD (AND OTHER) SALES: See what’s listed for today in the WSB Community Forums!

BEIGNETS AND TUNES: Jet City Beignet (WSB sponsor) pops up at Easy Street Records in The Junction (California/Alaska) today, 9 am-1 pm.

ALKI BEACH CLEANUP: 10 am-1 pm, join organizer Jessica and other West Seattle neighbors in a monthly cleanup at the beach – info in our preview.

FOOD DRIVE: At Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), 11 am-3 pm:

Time to clean your pantry and help less fortunate people in our community. Drop off non-perishable food, canned fruit & vegetables, spices, soy sauce, rice, pasta, peanut butter, and pet food is also needed. Attendants will be available to help unload your vehicle in the parking lot.

DUWAMISH RIVER COMMUNITY HUB: If you’re going to South Park for the festival (see below), go early and visit the new Duwamish River Community Hub, which opens today in the former Napoli Pizza building on the southeast corner of 14th Avenue South/South Cloverdale, 11 am-5 pm. Plans include construction-trades outreach and tours of the nearby Duwamish River People’s Park.

RALLY FOR THE RIVER: Different river! 11 am-2 pm near Seacrest Park (1660 Harbor SW), advocates for removing the Snake River dams to help Northwest salmon – and the orcas that depend on them – will rally, with speakers, postermaking, entertainment, kayaking.

DUWAMISH RIVER FESTIVAL: Noon-6 pm at South Park Plaza (8456 Dallas Ave. S. by the west end of the bridge), the festival is back! Entertainment, education, exploration, more. See the schedule of performances here.

LOW RIDER BLOCK PARTY: Noon-6 pm on 17th SW between Roxbury and Delridge, Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery presents this first-ever event – details here.

BOULEVARD PARK BLOCK PARTY: Not far to the southeast, this North Highline community is having a festival today (1832 S. 120th) with live music and more – see the lineup (including some West Seattle faves like the Dusty 45s) on the poster.

VACCINATION POP-UP 1-5 pm at the aforementioned Low Rider Block Party – Pfizer, so 12+ are eligible.

DANCE AT THE BEACH: Salsa and bachata @ Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki), 5-10 pm, $20 – details here.

COMEDY NIGHT: 7 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), $10 advance, $12 at the door.

DOLLY AND THE DJ: New temp home for this popular show until White Center’s Lumber Yard Bar is back! On Saturday nights starting tonight, 9 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW; WSB sponsor). ’80s night is tonight’s theme!

What else? Let us know – thank you!

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