day : 27/08/2021 11 results

(WSB photos/video)

With a spirited, arms-outstretched yell, Leah Okamoto Mann set the tone for the start of the multi-day Created Commons event she and Lelavision partner Ela Lamblin are presenting at Westcrest Park: Don’t hold back. Those in the opening-night spotlight certainly did not. Lamblin mesmerized attendees with music from the stamenphone:

The grant-funded event’s intent is to blend art and science – indeed, the emcee is a professor, not a performer. Dr. Sinead Younge‘s spirit, too, was boundless – as she periodically led everyone in a Ghanian call-and-response to be sure they were paying attention. She spoke about health as a human right.

She introduced Duwamish Tribe members including Ken Workman, who spoke of how this area’s First People are still here – “the hills, valleys, rocks retain the memory of the people … these people are all around you.”

He offered words of gratitude and welcome in other Northwest tribes’ languages. Then came the exuberance of dance, with the Pacific Islander Student Alliance from UW Tacoma:

They concluded by inviting attendees onto the stage for what they described as a Samoan tradition, dancing around a “princess,” Angelina, an 8th-grader who’s been dancing with them this summer. Every Indigenous culture celebrates with dance, observed Dr. Younge, before the mood turned somber. ” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>“Orca Annie” Stateler and Odin Lonning, from Vashon Island, spoke – and drummed – about the Southern Resident Killer Whales’ plight:

Annie told the tales both of individual whales that have been lost in recent years, and the overview of their troubles – too little food, and also how losses have affected their families.

With orcas, as with humans, she observed, losing an elder means you “lose an encyclopedia of knowledge.” What can you do to help? “Listen to Indigenous elders,” she said, not just white “experts.” And examine your daily life – recycling, food choices, energy use. They closed after Odin presented a spoken-word lament about “no longer knowing” the killer whales. Dr. Younge offered her hope that it would move people to action. The night concluded with a chance for everyone to “flap the wings” of Lelavision’s sculpture Interspecies Communication, which towers over the stage:

If you go to Westcrest Park (9000 8th SW) during Created Commons noon-8 pm this weekend or next, you too can “flap” the sculpture. Look for it and the canopies north of the P-Patch. See the full schedule here – in the Saturday spotlight, a mini-version of DNDA‘s Arts-in-Nature festival, 3-8 pm, with music, dance, spoken word, and other art. It’s all free and casual – wander in, wander out, bring a picnic.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 2 cases of racist vandalism

August 27, 2021 9:21 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two cases of vandalism, both against symbols of the fight for racial justice:

DIVERSITY CENTER SIGN DEFACED: From Jean Iannelli Craciun at the Diversity Center of Washington in Morgan Junction:

I am sad to report that the Black Lives Matter sign we have had out front was marked with an X across the front and thrown down. Luckily the other side was not damaged and we could re-install it on that side. We were surprised to see this and it made us sad and angry….after all, this is West Seattle!!

MURAL VANDALIZED: On the south edge of West Seattle, Desmond Hansen‘s George Floyd signal-box mural has been vandalized again, this time with green paint splattered across it and someone then scrawling Black Lives Matter across the green blotch. This is not the only one of Hansen’s box murals to be defaced – his portrait of murdered hip-hop musician JuiceTheGod at 35th/Barton and the BLM-themed box at 42nd/Alaska have been hit too.

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ELECTION 2021: Judge says Charter Amendment 29 shouldn’t go to voters

August 27, 2021 6:03 pm

| 35 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

6:03 PM: The November election has apparently just lost its marquee measure. Opponents of homelessness-related Seattle Charter Amendment 29 have won a victory in their lawsuit to keep it off the ballot. King County Superior Court Judge Catherine Shaffer ruled today that it “violated state law limiting the permissible scope of local ballot initiatives in many ways,” according to opponents, Their lawyer Knoll Lowney said, “The blunt tool of an initiative is not a way to address this complex and evolving crisis. The law recognizes this and so did the judge.” Supporters call their campaign Compassion Seattle. It would codify various city responses to the crisis and would allow encampment sweeps on public property if its requirements were met. The lawsuit against it was filed two weeks ago, same day the 34th District Democrats hosted a forum about it (as mentioned in our coverage of that event). No word yet whether Compassion Seattle will appeal the ruling.

8:57 PM: Compassion Seattle now has a statement on its website, saying in part “This ruling means the only way the public can change the city’s current approach to homelessness is to change who is in charge at city hall. An appeal of the judge’s ruling would not happen in time for the election. However, we urge the public not to give up the fight. We can still make our voices heard in the elections for Mayor, City Council, and City Attorney.”

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GIVING: West Seattle Art Club donates bench for Log House Museum

August 27, 2021 5:33 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle history | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Photos courtesy Southwest Seattle Historical Society)

That bench is now gracing the grounds of the Log House Museum, after a donation announced today:

The Southwest Seattle Historical Society is thrilled to announce that West Seattle Art Club has generously donated a sculptural art bench for permanent use on the grounds of the Log House Museum. Formed in 1910, the West Seattle Art Club, which has enjoyed a long history of support and involvement with the arts community, especially the Seattle Art Museum, will close its doors this year. The bench generously donated to the Historical Society will memorialize the Club and its vibrant history for generations to come inviting visitors to sit, relax, and enjoy the Log House Museum’s garden.

The memorial bench, which was created and installed by Kris Myrseth-Barrea, was officially unveiled in a ceremony hosted by the Historical Society earlier today. The bench was designed and fabricated to reflect the artist’s vision of the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Members of the West Seattle Art Club (above) and their families were joined on-site at the Log House Museum by Historical Society staff and Trustees to dedicate the bench and celebrate its placement. Of the generous contribution, Historical Society executive director Michael King remarked, “The Historical Society is incredibly grateful to the West Seattle Art Club for its donation of this beautiful bench, which will serve as a welcoming centerpiece to our native plant garden for generations to come. We are proud to be able to honor the memory of the West Seattle Art Club and deeply appreciative of the Club’s support of and commitment to the Historical Society and the community we call home.”

“While we are saddened to bring our long history to a close, we are delighted to place this wonderful creation at the LHM. We so appreciate the generosity of providing our Club such a perfect site. We feel the LHM perfectly matches our deep roots in the WS community and the placement of the bench in the native plant garden is so lovely and so fitting as a memorial location,” said CR Hendrick, president of the West Seattle Art Club.

The museum at 3003 61st SW is open noon-4 pm Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Stuck truck in North Delridge

August 27, 2021 4:50 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Thanks to the texter who sent that photo and word of a stuck truck on SW Nevada at 28th SW [map]. Its driver reported a mechanical problem. Avoid the area for a while.

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BACK-TO-SCHOOL COUNTDOWN: Lafayette Elementary work wrapping up

August 27, 2021 3:46 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photo, May)

Just before the last school year ended, work began on Lafayette Elementary upgrades including boiler replacement, fire sprinklers, and earthquake proofing, preceded by asbestos removal that generated staff and parent concerns. The work has continued through the summer. After a reader question, we checked today to see if the $3 million project will be done in time for the first day of classes next Wednesday. Yes, says Seattle Public Schools spokesperson Tim Robinson, who says the project team reports they’re “returning furniture to classrooms and offices. Waxing floors.” Next Tuesday, they’ll walk through with a final “punch list”; any resulting work will be done after-hours.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Latest catalytic-converter theft

August 27, 2021 2:19 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Haley sent the report:

I live on 35th between Henderson and Trenton. Someone stole my catalytic converter off my 2000 Honda Accord last night. It was parked in the alley in our off street parking spot. Car is low to the ground so they must have had to jack it up in order to access the catalytic converter. Police report filed, but wanted to let others in the area know.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic-converter theft grew tenfold nationwide between 2018 and 2020.

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DELRIDGE PROJECT: More overnight striping, and what else is ahead

August 27, 2021 12:25 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WSB photo, Delridge work earlier this month)

The weekly update on the Delridge road/utility work preparing for the RapidRide H Line is in. Here are the key points:

-Final channelization and overnight lane striping will continue throughout the corridor, we are currently working to complete striping in Zone C and may return to Zones A and B to finish lane markings and bus lanes

-Crews will be working overnight from 6 PM to 6 AM. We have obtained a noise variance to complete this work.

-Landscaping continues throughout the corridor

-We are repairing some sections of the sidewalk and irrigation throughout Zone A next week

-In Zone B we will be install curbs between SW Juneau St and SW Graham St

-Traffic signal upgrades begin in Zone C. There may be intermitted interruption to traffic in this area as we work to complete upgrades

-King County Metro continues constructing their portion of the project in White Center and Burien. 15th Ave SW between 106th and 107th remains closed to all general traffic.

Note that the work between Juneau and Graham is in the same blocks as Louisa Boren STEM K-8, where classes begin Wednesday, so you’ll see school traffic there as well as workers. Next week’s full preview is here.

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WEST SEATTLE FRIDAY: 8 things to know

August 27, 2021 10:30 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Interspecies Communication kinetic sculpture being set up at Westcrest for Created Commons – photo by Gill Loring)

Your mind might be on the weekend – but first, here’s what’s happening today/tonight:

CARMILIA’S/CLEMENTINE’S SALE: Clementines – the shoe shop formerly in The Junction – is popping up at Carmilia’s – the boutique that’s still in The Junction – for a sale this weekend! Hours today at 4528 California SW are 11 am-6 pm.

AQUATIC SCHEDULE: No wading pool again today, since the requisite 70 degrees/sunny weather is not expected. But Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open 11 am-8 pm and Colman Pool at Lincoln Park is open noon-7 pm.

PANDEMIC BRIEFING: Hear about the state of the pandemic in King County from Public Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin in a 1 pm briefing today. You can watch the stream here or look for the recording later here.

DELRIDGE BRIDGE REMOVAL INFO TABLING: 2-4 pm outside Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW), SDOT reps will be available for your questions/comments about whether the nearby pedestrian bridge should stay or go, as we’ve been reporting.

(added) FOOTBALL JAMBOREE: Chief Sealth International High School is hosting a preseason jamboree at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), starting at 4:30 pm. Other schools include West Seattle HS. $5 admission.

CREATED COMMONS OPENING EVENT: 6 pm at Westcrest Park (9000 8th SW), it’s the first event on the schedule for the Created Commons celebration of art and science through September 5th – here’s our preview. P.S. Free groceries available at tonight’s event for those in need.

MOVIE IN THE PARK: Free outdoor movie at Grace Church, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” at dusk, 10323 28th SW.

ALBUM RELEASE PARTY: Tonight at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), Electric Finger heads the bill for their “Red Flags” album-release party, doors at 8, music at 9, $10 cover.

Got a West Seattle event or announcement? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: Pickleball celebration @ Delridge Community Center on Saturday

August 27, 2021 9:22 am

| 8 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Thanks to Alison for sending the photo and announcement about a celebration tomorrow:

Local Delridge pickleball players initiated a grant to get additional semi-permanent pickleball nets, and utilize Neighborhood Matching Funds to purchase the nets.

They’re here! And now we want to share the nets and encourage members of our West Seattle neighborhood to discover pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport. Meet local players, play a little, meet your community at our pickleball play event. All are welcome!

Saturday, August 28, 12 noon to 4 PM at the Delridge pickleball courts, 4501 Delridge Way SW.

Seattle Metro Pickleball Association is a 501c3 working to grow pickleball venues indoors and out, and enable pickleball play for persons of all ages and abilities in an inclusive and welcoming environment. Join us! We have so much more work to do.

If you’re not familiar with the sport, the USA Pickleball Association explains that it “combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong,” and notes that it was invented here in the Puget Sound area, on Bainbridge Island,

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ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday notes and weekend alerts

August 27, 2021 6:05 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:05 AM: Good morning! Mixed forecast today.

ROAD WORK

26th SW & beyond – Northbound 26th SW closure continues between Roxbury and Barton.

Delridge project – Pending the weekly update later today, here’s the latest.

Beach Drive – More scheduled tree trimming for utility lines, 5900-6500 blocks.

Weekend alert #1 – Highland Park Way/West Marginal intersection work continues Saturday/Sunday mornings/early afternoons.

Weekend alert #2 – Junction work announced by SDOT:

Concrete paving will begin this weekend on 44th Ave SW and SW Edmunds St

Starting as early as this weekend, we will be updating sidewalks and ramps along 44th Ave and SW Edmunds. This work is expected to be completed during the weekend but may extend throughout the week. Please go slow when driving in the area. Watch for people biking and walking, follow signs, and expect delays as traffic will be shifted around the work area.

TRANSIT

Buses are on regular schedules – except for the rerouting in RapidRise H Line work zones. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of bus cancellations.

For ferries and water taxis, regular schedule. Watch @wsferries for updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

522nd morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are views of other bridges and routes:

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

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden – No camera for a few weeks (explained here)

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

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? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed will tell you. (1st Ave. South 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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