day : 21/10/2021 9 results

‘A place you’d be proud to come to’: Possibilities unveiled, community suggestions voiced, for West Seattle Junction parking-lot parcels

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

An “incubator” hub for small businesses.

Affordable housing – including apartments for growing families and seniors.

Community gathering spaces, indoors and outdoors.

And yes, parking (underground).

Those are some of the possibilities in concepts for redevelopment of the West Seattle Junction Association-managed parking lots, as discussed at an online community meeting tonight.

The meeting was hosted by West Seattle Junction Association executive director Lora Radford, and featured guests from Community Roots Housing, which has made an as-yet-unaccepted $14 million offer to buy the lots, and Ankrom Moisan, the architecture firm CRH commissioned to rough out possibilities. The lots are at 42nd/Oregon, 44th/Oregon, 44th/Alaska, and 44th between Edmunds and Alaska.

Here’s how the meeting unfolded:

Read More

UPDATE: Admiral Church community meeting Sunday to discuss plan for overnight shelter

6:20 PM: Aside from the Camp Second Chance tiny-house village, West Seattle does not have a dedicated shelter for people who need one. Local churches have tried to pick up a little of that slack over the years. The next one to try to help is Admiral Church, which sent us this announcement:

Admiral Church has voted overwhelmingly to partner with Operation Nightwatch, a long-standing street ministry in Seattle, to provide shelter for up to ten men who otherwise would be sleeping outside this winter. The church is inviting neighbors and interested parties to attend an info session this Sunday, October 24th from 12-12:30 to learn more. The meeting will take place at 4320 SW Hill St in North Admiral, in the sanctuary where the men will be sheltered from 9:45 pm to 6:00 am. This ministry program will hopefully begin in mid-November.

You can read more about Operation Nightwatch here.

ADDED FRIDAY AFTERNOON: We asked Admiral Church’s Pastor Andrew Conley-Holcom a few followup questions after receiving this announcement on Thursday, and today we received the answers. The shelter guests would be brought by bus from downtown after Operation Nightwatch’s nightly dinner there. Operation Nightwatch will cover all expenses (staff, transportation, utilities, consumables) – what the church is contributing is the space, for “no more than 10 beds, spread out in Admiral’s sanctuary.” It would be “lights out” – or, “last cigarette” – by 11 pm. Everyone has to be up by 6 am and “out of the area by 6:30 am”; the plan for “busing the guys back downtown in the morning” is not yet finalized. An Operation Nightwatch staff person would “do half-hour sweeps and logging throughout the stay” and would stay to clean until 7 am.

As for who the men would be, “Guests will be folks already seeking help from Nightwatch but who otherwise would be turned away for lack of beds.” We asked about opportunities for community contributions; that won’t be clear until “after the ‘cohort’ gets established,” but “donations to the program are always welcome.”

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Fairmount Park-area gunfire (updated with details); car prowl; dumped-likely-stolen bicycle

Three notes in West Seattle Crime Watch this afternoon:

GUNFIRE: We’ve been trying all day to get the police report on this but haven’t yet succeeded. Multiple readers reported hearing gunfire in the Fairmount Park area around 11:15 pm last night. No shooting victims were reported but police apparently found some evidence, as the call was classified “drive-by shooting” with the address listed as 5400 block of Fauntleroy Way SW. If we get the report in the hours ahead, we’ll add details here.

(Updated Friday morning) Just got the police-report narrative from SPD:

At approximately (11:19 pm) I was dispatched to a Shots Fired call … Upon arrival, I performed an area check at Fairmount Playground and found no individuals or suspicious circumstances inside the playground.

(Another officer) located three 40mm shell casings in the middle of the roadway in the 5200 block of Fauntleroy Way SW. The shell casings were photographed and bagged into evidence.

No visible damage in the surrounding area was noticed.

I spoke with Witness (redacted) who stated he was walking with dog when he saw an individual in a moving vehicle fire a gun out of the driver-side window at approximately (11:18 pm) (and) stated the driver of the vehicle was aiming straight up into the air and fired 3 rounds out of the driver-side window. (Witness) stated the driver appeared to be the only individual in the vehicle and drove away heading northbound on Fauntleroy Way Sw.

(Witness) described the driver as a heavy-set Latino with light skin, a bald / shaved head, between 36-42 years old, and wearing a white t-shirt.

(Witness) described the vehicle as an older white Chrysler 300 with a tinted back window and cheap silver rims (but) did not get the license plate of the vehicle.

CAR PROWL: From Sean:

As I was taking my son to school today, i found my car ransacked. We live on the corner of SW Thistle and 35th Ave SW. It was unlocked, so nothing broken.

Our other car was gone through in late summer – they took the packet with our registration/ title that time.

Today the trunk and all doors were left ajar, and contents of the glove box and center console were strewn everywhere.

I had a bottle of prescription meds taken, and loose change… i don’t think anything else was taken. Please remember to lock your doors!

DUMPED-LIKELY-STOLEN BICYCLE: The photo and report are from Lee:

I recently found this bicycle with child seat attached in the Fauntleroy Neighborhood. It was parked in the back parking lot of the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse on Sunday night (10/17) It is a blue Trek brand, Gary Fischer edition bicycle with front suspension and bontrager tires. I would like to make sure it gets back to its rightful owner as long as they can provide confirmation with a serial number to match the bike, a key that unlocks the still attached U-lock, or other proof of ownership.

I can be reached at fauntleroycaretaker@gmail.com.

WEST SEATTLE SCHOOLS: ‘Religious material’ offered to students outside Madison

A texter earlier today said Madison Middle School students had been offered Bibles by people standing outside the school. Later, Madison principal Robert Gary sent this email to families:

This morning before school in the front of Madison, five adults were handing out religious material to students and adults entering the building. Unfortunately we were not told this would be happening in front of our school and because the adults remained on the public sidewalk and not on school grounds, they were within their rights to be there.

Though Madison administration spoke with these individuals and requested they leave the area, they continued to offer our students information. Several Madison staff members were present and encouraging our students to not respond and to continue safely inside the building and to class.

Student safety will always be our number one priority. Many of our teachers spoke with their classes today about safety and students’ rights and the grown-ups in place at school available to listen and help keep them safe.

We have no further information so far about the material that was being offered or the people who were doing it. As noted, this was happening on public property outside the school, but if you’re interested, here are the state policies/rules about religious expression in school.

BIZNOTE: Strive & Uplift expands to West Seattle

October 21, 2021 1:30 pm
|    Comments Off on BIZNOTE: Strive & Uplift expands to West Seattle
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

That’s the team from Strive & Uplift, a “community in movement” that recently expanded to West Seattle, at 3453 California SW. They explain that their business offers “classes and coaching in everything from Pilates to kettlebells to yoga.” They are affiliated with HAES (Health At Every Size) and offer online services as well as in person. They have three other locations around the city and say they “focus on becoming a ‘third place’ for folks who are looking for a different kind of gym.”

VACCINATION VERIFICATION: Seattle Parks facilities starting Monday, too

Monday, October 25th, is the date set for vaccination-verification requirements at many establishments/facilities in King County. This morning Seattle Parks has a reminder about what that means for people using its facilities:

As directed by Seattle King County Public Health, Seattle Parks and Recreation will require proof of vaccination, or proof of a negative test, for entry to all recreation facilities starting Monday, October 25. 

These facilities include: 

-All community centers 
-All public pools 
-Amy Yee Tennis Center 
-Volunteer Park Conservatory 
-Environmental Learning Centers 
-And all indoor rental facilities owned by Seattle Parks and Recreation (community centers, pools, and event facilities) 

For visitors ages 12 and above, staff will check for the following acceptable forms of vaccination upon each entry to a recreation facility: 

CDC vaccination card or photo of vaccine card. 
Documented proof of vaccination from medical record or vaccine provider. 
Printed certificate or QR code (available at the end of September) from MyIRMobile.com.
You do not need to show identification with proof of vaccination. 

People who are unvaccinated or cannot prove vaccination status will be required to show proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken in the last 72 hours. Documentation must be from a testing agent such as a laboratory, health care provider, or pharmacy. Self-administered rapid tests (also called at-home tests) will not be accepted. 

Vaccination exemptions will not be accepted. Proof of a negative test can be shown for those who cannot be vaccinated.

Proof of vaccination will be required for each entry to a recreation facility, for every visit. Vaccination proof will not be stored.

Read the full announcement here.

West Seattle Junction parking lots’ future, Alki Community Council, and what else is up for your Thursday

October 21, 2021 10:30 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Junction parking lots’ future, Alki Community Council, and what else is up for your Thursday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Today’s sunrise, photographed by Jerry Simmons)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s what’s up for the rest of your Thursday.

TAKE YOUR DOG SWIMMING: Fourth day for Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club‘s annual “dogs swim in the pool before it’s drained and cleaned” event. 4:30-6 pm (11003 31st SW).

WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION PARKING LOTS’ FUTURE: As previewed here, tonight at 6:30 pm, you’re invited to an online meeting to see/hear a vision for the West Seattle Junction Association-leased parking lots’ future, and to ask questions/voice opinions. Information for viewing/participating/calling in is here.

WEST SEATTLE TIMEBANK: Virtual meeting at 6:30 pm – “Code Game” night, explained in our calendar listing (which also has info on registering to attend).

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: First in-person meeting since the start of the pandemic. As announced:

In-person Meeting
Alki Community Council
7:00 pm, Thursday, October 21, 2021
Alki United Church of Christ
6115 SW Hinds St

Agenda:

Report from FAN (Friends of Alki Neighborhoods)
Discussion of Officers (Election of officers scheduled for November

Alki UCC church has asked us to follow their protocol, which is probably familiar to you from entering other venues. The main guidelines are:

-Face masks are a requirement for everyone attending.
-There will be a health check form to complete when entering the building.
-Chairs will be distant.
-After the meeting begins, the front doors will be locked, with a number listed to text for entry.

KING COUNTY REDISTRICTING: We’ve talked about the once-a-decade process of re-mapping the districts from which legislative and U.S. House representatives are elected. Also under way – redrawing of King County Council districts. Community input is important, and you can find out how via an online “town hall” at 7 pm tonight – attendance info here.

LIVE MUSIC: 7 pm doors, 8 pm show at Drunky Two Shoes BBQ (16th/98th in White Center) – lineup here.

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

Celebration of Life planned October 30 for Brad Wilson, 1950-2021

Family and friends will gather October 30th to remember Brad Wilson. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with his community:

Brad Wilson – 11/7/50 – 10/5/21

Brad Wilson passed away peacefully with his family by his side on October 5, 2021.

He was born Milton Bradley Wilson on November 7, 1950 to Milton and Edna Wilson. He used to love telling kids at school that he was part of the Milton Bradley game empire. He was a lifelong and die-hard West Seattleite, attending Lafayette Elementary, Madison Middle, West Seattle High School, and South Seattle Community College, where he graduated with an automotive degree. Starting in 1969, he served 6 years as a Medic in the Army Reserves.

He worked as a District Manager for Borg Warner Auto Parts for 30+ years. He was a car lover and owned many nice cars throughout the years. He knew everything there is to know about cars and family and friends would always seek his advice when it came to car shopping. His passions in life included traveling, real estate, cars, cooking and fine dining, playing the organ, watching TV, and enjoying a fine vodka martini.

He always enjoyed real estate, and when he retired from Borg Warner he became a real estate agent for a few years. He also enjoyed watching cooking shows, and loved cooking gourmet meals for family and friends. He had many wonderful vacations with family and friends as well. He went out of his way to make sure everyone had the best of everything, whether that was traveling accommodations, food, cars, or etc. He always researched extensively and never settled for second best. One of his favorite sayings was “my idea of roughing it is slow room service.”

He was a wonderful husband and generous & selfless provider to the love of his life, Julie Dodge Wilson, and father to his beloved sons Jeff and Scott.

Brad leaves behind his wife Julie, sons Jeff (Courtney) and Scott, and sister Sharon Wilson LaFarge. We were beyond blessed to have him in our lives.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 1 pm on 10/30/21 at Trinity West Seattle, 7551 35th Ave SW.

Please share memories and photos with Brad’s family on the Tribute Page at: emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Bradley-Wilson

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

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Thursday info

October 21, 2021 6:02 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Thursday info
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning!

WEATHER

Partly sunny today, rainy tonight.

SCHOOL-BUS NOTE

Fourth day for the cutback in Seattle Public Schools bus service – the suspended routes are listed here.

ROAD WORK

26th SW – Ongoing closure between Roxbury and Barton for RapidRide H Line prep work. We checked on Wednesday – about another month to go. (They’ve had a procurement delay in signal loops.)

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Regular Metro schedule, except for the rerouting in RapidRide H Line work zones – on 26th and 15th SW in particular. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.

For ferries and Water Taxi: WSF says three-boat service will continue at least through this morning on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run. Check here for alerts/updates. The Water Taxi remains on its new schedule.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

579th 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:

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 movable bridges opening for boats or barges? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed is working again. (1st Ave. South Bridge openings are also 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.