VIDEO: City partnering with state in making more scholarship money available for Seattle Promise students continuing through college

(WSB video, photos)
On her second day in office, Mayor Jenny Durkan came to South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge to announce a plan to expand the Seattle Promise “free community college” program. Today, with weeks left until she leaves office, Durkan returned to SSC with word that the city’s partnering with the state to support some Seattle Promise students as they continue on with studies in STEM, health care, and the trades. “An almost-bookend,” she called the visit. She was there to announce that the city is contributing up to $400,000 of federal pandemic-relief money to help dozens of Seattle Promise students extend their education via the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship. WSOS will match that money, so this makes the city the first “Municipal Match” partner for the WSOS. Its board chair, Microsoft president Brad Smith, said this will enable more local people to “fill high-paying jobs.”

Kitsap County State Rep. Drew Hansen, who advocated for this type of scholarship expansion, reiterated Smith’s point simply and enthusiastically, “A couple of trillion-dollar companies in this state hire kajillions of people from all over the planet” – and more of them should be homegrown. City education director Dr. Dwane Chappelle agreed, and said “Equitable access is the key.”

Equitable access is the hallmark of the Seattle Promise program. As SSC president Dr. Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap noted, SSC is the “birthplace” of Seattle Promise, which offers up to two years of free college to Seattle Public Schools graduates. It began as the “13th-Year Promise,” one year free at SSC for students from certain Seattle high schools. Participation has quadrupled since the program expanded, she said – 230 Promise students in 2018, 1,100 this year.

From the city’s announcement, here’s how the new partnership will work:

The City will invest up to $400,000 in WSOS through 2023 as part of the City’s economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Washington state will match the City’s investment dollar-for-dollar. The municipal match partnership will be funded by Federal Coronavirus Local Recovery Funds (CLFR), resulting in a total of $800,000 in new scholarship funds for up to 60 Seattle Promise scholars. While all students in the State of Washington are eligible to apply for the WSOS, only Promise Scholars will be eligible for funding made available through the City of Seattle’s new partnership.

The city’s announcement also describes the two WSOS “scholarship pathways,” which offer mentorship as well as money:

-The WSOS Baccalaureate Scholarship (BAS) will provide students pursuing bachelor’s degrees up to $22,500 in financial assistance to continue their third year of college. Scholars could use the funding to pay tuition, fees, and additional student costs including housing, transportation, food and other expenses.

-The WSOS Career and Technical Scholarship (CTS) will provide scholars pursuing associate degrees, certificate or apprenticeship programs up to $1,500 per quarter. Similarly to the BAS pathway, CTS funds are flexible and can be used to cover costs beyond tuition.

SPS seniors graduating next year can apply now for Seattle Promise; January 5th is when WSOS applications open. You can learn about the fields of study available at South Seattle College by going here.

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WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: Repair contractor starts on-site preparations

November 18, 2021 9:09 pm

| 15 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Wednesday afternoon)

We went to southeast Admiral on Wednesday afternoon for that look at the 20-months-closed West Seattle Bridge, just in case some work was in view. Turned out not to be much of a viewpoint for that, but today we did get a brief update from SDOT on what its repair contractor is doing:

This week, crews started early site prep in advance of beginning final bridge repairs. Contractor Kraemer North America began loading work shacks and equipment for erosion control onto the high bridge to be ready for construction work.

The next activities you can expect to hear more about are hydro-blasting to create access for work platforms, as well as more details about those work platforms being assembled and transported to the bridge.

Last week SDOT told the WS Bridge Community Task Force that it was very close to finalizing the “maximum allowable construction cost” contract with Kraemer NA. But that hadn’t happened yet when we checked earlier this week.

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VACCINATIONS: Extra appointments available for 5-to-11-year-olds at city’s West Seattle clinic this Friday, Saturday, too.

November 18, 2021 6:58 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | High Point | West Seattle news

We reported yesterday on extra appointment availabilities at this Saturday’s Madison Middle School clinic for local Seattle Public Schools students ages 5 to 11 whose parents want them vaccinated against COVID-19. Tonight, we just got word from the city that extra appointments are available for all children in that range this Friday and Saturday (November 19-20) at Neighborhood House High Point (6400 Sylvan Way SW). Go here to make an appointment. Side note, Mayor Durkan is expected to visit the clinic tomorrow afternoon to commemorate its success – more than 4,000 doses administered to children and adults since opening October 29th, though it’s open just two days a week.

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UPDATE: Crash on Highland Park Way hill after car stolen with toddler inside

November 18, 2021 5:54 pm

| 32 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

5:54 PM: We’re hearing that traffic is slowed or stopped on and near Highland Park Way hill. SPD and SFD have responded to a report of a collision. No other details yet.

6:06 PM: Officers have just told dispatch they’re going to reopen lanes except for one southbound (uphill) lane.

6:24 PM: There’s a King County Sheriff’s Office case related to this somehow, as well as the SPD crash investigation.

6:55 PM: All lanes reopened.

7:14 PM: Thanks to the readers who saw TV reports linking this to a car theft. We’ve just talked to King County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Tim Meyer, who says this started with a car theft in White Center around 5:10 pm – a Nissan Leaf taken near 15th and 100th, with a toddler inside. The child’s father somehow traced his vehicle and a collision ensued at Highland Park Way and Othello. The suspected thief is in custody, Sgt. Meyer says; the toddler has been taken to Children’s Hospital “as a precaution.”

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THANKSGIVING: West Seattle order deadlines are approaching

November 18, 2021 5:00 pm

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| Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

As we work on this year’s West Seattle Holiday Guide, with one week to go until Thanksgiving, we’re compiling information on holiday food orders. If you haven’t finalized your feast, this may be of use:

For West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) holiday meals and items, Monday (November 22nd) is the ordering deadline, and you can pick up all the way until 3 pm Thanksgiving Day (the store is open 5 am-6 pm on the holiday). Info is here … For PCC Community Markets‘ turkeys and other holiday meats, Sunday (November 21st) is the deadline – info is here … For Whole Foods Market, order by Tuesday (November 23rd); info is here … For Metropolitan Market, order by Monday – info is here … Pecos Pit (35th/Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor) is taking orders for Thanksgiving feasts or a la carte through Saturday (November 20th) … Husky Deli is offering Thanksgiving meals – order by Monday … Lady Jaye has smoked half-turkeys and Thanksgiving meals but is almost sold out – check here.

Looking for Thanksgiving pies? A La Mode Pies is already sold out for Thanksgiving week but Bakery Nouveau is taking orders through Saturday (go here) … Flying Apron is taking orders through 5 pm Saturday … Caffe Ladro is also offering pie pre-orders through Saturday.

Anything to add? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: If you thought you heard gunshots last night …

November 18, 2021 4:16 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Police investigated possible gunfire in South Delridge last night, according to a report summary filed today. Officers were in the 8800 block of 17th SW around 8:45 pm Wednesday for a “civil standby” situation, as a man took his belongings and left an apartment. The report says he “walked to an alleyway, where he had presumably parked his vehicle. A few moments later, an officer heard a vehicle quickly accelerate out of the alley and then heard approximately six gunshots. Officers conducted a search for damage and shell casings, but nothing was found.”

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Longtime West Seattle Farmers’ Market vendor Mariposa Farm hit hard by flooding

November 18, 2021 2:53 pm

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| How to help | West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

(Photo from GoFundMe.com)

If you’re a regular West Seattle Farmers’ Market shopper, you know Mariposa Farm, a family-owned provider of fresh organic produce year-round. Last Sunday, they and other vendors had to deal with the revenue loss caused by the windstorm closure; then the next day, Mariposa Farm’s Whatcom County land was deluged by floodwaters. Multiple WSB readers have emailed to let us know that Mariposa is crowdfunding to try to recover; here’s the GoFundMe page, which has photos including the one above, as well as details of their losses. (Here’s an aerial look at flooding in Everson, where Mariposa Farm is located.)

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BIZNOTE: Signs going up at West Seattle’s future Ezell’s Famous Chicken location

November 18, 2021 1:00 pm

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| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

1:00 PM: Ten months after we discovered that Ezell’s Famous Chicken was taking over the commercial space on the southeast corner of California and Fauntleroy, the signs are going up. We’ve been watching the plan progress through the permit files in the five months since the AT&T store moved out, but the company hadn’t commented on a target opening date. We are checking again. (Thanks to Kersti Muul for the sign tip!)

2:09 PM: A company spokesperson replies, “We don’t currently have a firm opening date for West Seattle yet.”

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THANKSGIVING: Free holiday meal at West Seattle Eagles in The Junction

November 18, 2021 11:20 am

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| Holidays | West Seattle news

In addition to The Hall at Fauntleroy‘s takeaway Thanksgiving dinners, we have word of another free meal in West Seattle on the holiday next Thursday. Here’s the announcement:

West Seattle Eagles will once again be hosting a free community Thanksgiving meal. All are welcome! Regardless of any situation.

Thanksgiving Day 2-5 PM

West Seattle Eagles
4426 California Ave SW

All ages are welcome.

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WEST SEATTLE THURSDAY: Design Review x 2, Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition celebration, YMCA job fair, more

November 18, 2021 10:03 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Wednesday ‘sunbow,’ photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox, here are highlights of what’s ahead today/tonight:

EAT PIZZA, HELP FAIRMOUNT PARK ELEMENTARY: For a second day, you can dine at MOD Pizza in The Junction, 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW, 10:30 am-10 pm, and if you mention the Fairmount Park Elementary PTA or use the code that’s in our calendar listing, they get part of the proceeds.

WARM CLOTHING DRIVE: Today through Sunday, noon-3 pm each day, Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill) invites you to donate warm clothing to help the families at Mary’s Place.

GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING: Want to hear directly from Gov. Inslee on pandemic progress? His next media briefing is at 2:30 pm – the livestream will be here.

WEST SEATTLE YMCA JOBS: 4:30 pm-7:30 pm today, visit the West Seattle YMCA (36th & Snoqualmie; WSB sponsor) and find out about job opportunities, as explained here.

DESIGN REVIEW X 2: The Southwest Design Review Board looks at two mixed-use projects tonight – at 5 pm, 4440 Fauntleroy Way SW, the second of the two Sweeney Blocks projects in The Triangle – preview the design packet here, and get meeting-participation information here. At 7 pm, the board considers 4448 California SW – preview the design packet here, and get meeting-participation information here – both sessions include public-comment periods.

HOW TO BE A CLIMATE ACTIVIST: That’s the featured topic at tonight’s West Seattle Democratic Women meeting, online at 6 pm. More details are in our calendar listing, where you’ll also see how to register to attend.

LIVE MUSIC: Blues Night at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 6-9 pm.

DUWAMISH RIVER CLEANUP COALITION ANNIVERSARY: Celebrate the DRCC’s 20th anniversary at this virtual event, 6:30 pm online – go here to register.

(added) ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: The ACC just sent word they ARE meeting tonight, in-person and online, 7 pm:

Alki United Church of Christ
6115 SW Hinds St

Agenda:

New Activity Report to Seattle Police Department
Report from Seattle Parks, to include closing time discussion
Pier 1/2 (HARBOR 2000) Department of Neighborhoods Fund transfer to the Stone Cottage permanent location project.
Election 2022 Officers

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.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://washington.zoom.us/j/99516156974?pwd=dUt6eFVqWUt4aTFNNEJRUFBKWkNEUT09

Meeting ID: 995 1615 6974
Passcode: 638862
206-337-9723

MORE … on our calendar!

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SCHOOL SUPPORT: ‘Direct drive’ to help Chief Sealth International High School students

November 18, 2021 8:59 am

| 1 COMMENT

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Another local school is asking for community support. The Chief Sealth International High School PTSA Direct Drive is under way through Sunday (November 21st):
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Help support the Chief Sealth High School Community by donating through our direct fundraising drive and be entered to win great raffle prizes!

Funds will help support a variety of programs at Chief Sealth, including music, athletics, student activities, library supports, the Chief Sealth clothing bank, college prep services, and many other empowering services for our students and families.
For more details and to donate, please go to this link – Chief Sealth PTSA Direct Drive

Thank you for supporting the Chief Sealth Community!

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WEATHER, TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK: Thursday notes

November 18, 2021 6:07 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:07 AM: Good morning.

WEATHER

Rain’s expected to return at some point today.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro remains on its regular weekday schedule, except for the rerouting in RapidRide H Line work zones, including 26th SW. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.

Ferries and Water Taxi: WSF continues a two-boat schedule on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run. Check here for alerts/updates. The Water Taxi is in service – here’s the West Seattle schedule.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

605th 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.)

The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

South Park Bridge:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

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

Are movable bridges opening for vessels? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed can tell you; 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.

ROAD WORK REMINDER

26th SW – Southbound closure between Roxbury and Barton continues for RapidRide H Line prep work. We checked Tuesday; the road-rebuilding work is down to the last block or so north of Roxbury.

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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