The Great Pumpkin Search needs you, ferry-dock talk resumes, other notes from Fauntleroy Community Association’s September meeting

September 20, 2022 9:01 pm

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| Fauntleroy | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Key topics from the Fauntleroy Community Association‘s September meeting:

GREAT PUMPKIN SEARCH: This is happening October 8th – new format – and volunteer help would be appreciated. Here’s the announcement the FCA is circulating:

You can look forward to “The Great Pumpkin Search,” presented by the Fauntleroy Community Association. This fun event for the whole family will be on Saturday, October 8, from 2 to 5 pm. The Association will have a booth set up in the square across from Endolyne Joe’s. The pumpkins will be hidden in the streets that spoke out from that square. There will be little pumpkins easy to find for the wee ones and larger pumpkins harder to find for the grownups. As a bonus, there will be a few prize pumpkins to find. All of this is on a first come, first serve basis. We also encourage you to take a picture if you find pumpkins and post them on social media and tag it #FCAPumpkinSearch. Just like the Spring Egg Hunt, we would love volunteers to hide the pumpkins, but the area will be more concentrated around the square. If interested, please call or email Candace Blue, 206-401-8406, leeblue2@hotmail.com.

FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL: Coming up two weeks after that, this year’s Fauntleroy Fall Festival. Organizer Reed Haggerty said that while they’re bringing it back in-person this year, it won’t be exactly what you remember from before the pandemic, because costs have risen so much. While The Falconer will be back with birds, the petting zoo won’t. They’re also still in discussions on what can be done regarding features such as the climbing wall/bouncy toys. But many festival-favorite activities will return for sure – salmon-hat-making, pumpkin-painting, etc. Festival date is Sunday, October 23rd, 2-5 pm.

FERRY DOCK REPLACEMENT: Tomorrow (Wednesday, September 21st) brings the first Community Advisory Group meeting for the dock-replacement project since May. The FCA point person on Washington State Ferries issues, Frank Immel, said not much had been happening over the summer, but he expects narrowed-down replacement options to be presented at Wednesday’s 6 pm online meeting. (Here’s how to watch.) Also related to the dock project, FCA president Mike Dey said community advocates are still circulating petitions asking the City Council to hold to a 1990s resolution against expanding the dock’s footprint. The FCA recently supported a booth at the Farmers’ Market soliciting support.

NEXT FCA MEETING: The Fauntleroy Community Association meets second Tuesdays, 7 pm, most months, in-person at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) and online. Watch fauntleroy.net for information between meetings.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: From OfferUp to holdup

September 20, 2022 5:58 pm

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| Crime | West Seattle news

One West Seattle case in the latest major-incident summaries from SPD. Police say this happened around 3 pm Monday afternoon in the 4500 block of 38th SW. The victim was selling items on OfferUp; he got a taker who said she would come to West Seattle to buy the items he was selling, Shortly after arrival, she looked at the items and, the report says, “had the victim follow her out to her car to get money.” She had an accomplice who subsequently “pulled out a handgun and stole the items the victim was selling.” The report adds, “She is described as a short female with black hair and blue strips in it” but doesn’t offer a description of the other robber; both got away. If you have any information for police, the incident number is 2022-250770.

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FOLLOWUP: First phase of work soon at future electric-vehicle-charging site in Morgan Junction

September 20, 2022 3:49 pm

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| Utilities | West Seattle news

(Early site plan)

We first reported back in March that a former Seattle City Light substation site in Morgan Junction was under consideration as a future electric-vehicle-charging site. SCL says the plan is now finalized and the first phase of work at the site is expected to start this weekend. The site is at 4118 SW Morgan, 4,520 square feet of land taken out of substation service back in 2014. Contaminated soil has to be removed from the site, and in order to do that, SCL says it has to remove trees and other vegetation, which is the work that’ll be done first. It’s explained in this letter sent to nearby residents/businesses. SCL spokesperson Jenn Strang says the trees will be replaced “two for one” as per city policy. Other landscaping will be done, she said, with a “pollinator aesthetic.” The charging site is planned for eight “fast chargers,” so up to eight vehicles could use it simultaneously (and they’ll be paying to use it). But even though the site prep is being done now, according to Strang, actual construction of the charging station isn’t expected before the middle of next year. The site will be fenced in the interim. You can read more about the project here; that page also has contact info if you have questions, and Strang says SCL will have a rep at next month’s Morgan Community Association meeting (October 19th) to talk about it.

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READER REPORT: Abandoned motorcycle

September 20, 2022 3:16 pm

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| West Seattle news | Westwood

Derek at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex wonders if anyone is missing this motorcycle, He says it’s been there, apparently abandoned, for more than four days.

If it’s yours – or you know the owner – let us know and we’ll connect you.

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VIDEO: Adrian Diaz appointed by mayor as permanent Seattle Police Chief

September 20, 2022 1:08 pm

| 28 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police

1:08 PM: Mayor Harrell is speaking at City Hall and just announced that Adrian Diaz will become the permanent chief of SPD. He was one of three finalists for the job, as announced two weeks ago, and has been interim chief for two years. … Crime and gun violence, accountability, department culture, safe neighborhoods are what Harrell says he wants Chief Diaz to focus on. More to come.

1:25 PM: The mayor says he admires Diaz’s “tenacity” and that he believes he’d be “the strongest, most effective leader.” Diaz said he’s committed to “restore safety citywide.” He also promised “reconciliation” on many levels. Here’s the official city announcement, which notes that City Council confirmation is required for the appointment to be finalized. … Senior Deputy Mayor Monisha Harrell added in Q&A that another major plus for Diaz was that despite knowing that the job he’s had for the past two years was not necessarily permanent, he “came in to make change.” He says those changes have included reducing officers’ use of force by almost half. … In response to another question, Diaz talked about changes in how they’re recruiting, which have resulted in a more diverse group of new hires – almost 50 percent POC. He said they have increased resources for recruiting and outreach, too.

1:48 PM: The announcement event is over. We’ll add the video above when it’s available. (2:57 pm update – video added above.)

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WHALES: Orcas off West Seattle

September 20, 2022 12:05 pm

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| West Seattle news | Whales

Orcas are reported to be in our area again – transient killer whales (though we’re close to the time of year when the Southern Residents usually arrive). Kersti Muul reports the orcas are in view from Constellation Park, northbound, after previously having been seek off Blake Island. Let us know if you see them!

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COUNTDOWN: 4 days until Recycle Roundup in Fauntleroy

September 20, 2022 11:58 am

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| Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

That’s the Fauntleroy Church/YMCA lot – empty when we photographed it Monday evening but sure to be bustling Saturday (September 24th), the next twice-yearly Recycle Roundup. The church partners with 1 Green Planet to offer you free dropoff recycling for a variety of items – here’s the list of what they will and won’t accept this time. Just show up between 9 am and 3 pm (the earlier the better so the volunteers don’t have to deal with a late rush); the church is at 9140 California SW. And yes, though it’s usually been on Sundays, this time the Recycle Roundup is on Saturday.

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WEST SEATTLE TUESDAY: Here’s our list of what’s happening in the hours ahead

September 20, 2022 10:15 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Two days until fall (6:03 pm Thursday is the equinox moment); today’s late-summer flower photo is from Puget Ridge Edible Park, by Linda McKelvey. Now on to what’s happening in West Seattle for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BLOCK DROP DIY CLEANUP: Until 6 pm today, Lincoln Park‘s north play area will be the pickup/dropoff spot for equipment and bags for your DIY cleanup.

POSTCARDS TO VOTERS: Celebrate National Voter Registration Day by participating in the 10:30 am politics-at-a-distance volunteers’ weekly gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

CHESS CLUB: Play at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), 1:30 pm. Beginners welcome!

CITY COUNCIL: 2 pm, the weekly full-council is happening online and in-person – here’s the agenda, with information on how to comment.

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Longstanding weekly 4:30-6 pm sign-waving demonstration at 16th/Holden. Signs available if you don’t have your own. (Organizer Scott says they’ll continue in this spot for a while even though it’s not high-traffic any more.)

STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN: Bring your little one(s) for a story followed by a garden activity, at the Delridge P-Patch, 6 pm (5078 25th SW).

CAMP SECOND CHANCE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COUNCIL: All are welcome at the 6 pm online meeting to get updates on and ask questions about the tiny-house encampment on the Myers Way Parcels – here’s how to connect.

SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, go play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).

FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Meeples Games (3727 California SW) welcomes families 6-8 pm to this weekly hosted game-playing night.

ROLLERSKATING BOOT CAMP: First session with Rainier Roller Riot at 6:15 pm at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW).

OPEN MIC: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).

TRIVIA X 3: Three of the venues where you can play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7:30 and 8:30 pm at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska).

BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: Play bingo with Cookie Couture at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm. Free, all ages!

You can always see more on our calendar – and if you have something to add for the future, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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SEATTLE SCHOOL STRIKE: Officially over, with union members’ contract ratification

September 20, 2022 9:05 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

9:05 AM: After last night’s vote on the tentative agreement between the Seattle Education Association and Seattle Public Schools, the union has just announced that members ratified it, so the strike is officially over. “We are thrilled,” said union vice president Uti Hawkins. After five days on the picket line, teachers voted last week to suspend the strike after the agreement was reached, but it wasn’t finalized until this vote. The union says two-thirds of its 6,000-person membership voted. The agreement actually involved three contracts; the certificated (teachers) contract was ratified with 71 percent approval. “We won a lot,” says union president Jennifer Matter, while saying the fight is now for better state education funding, especially getting the state to lift caps on special-education funding. More details to come.

9:45 AM: Other notes from the SEA media briefing just held online: The other ratification percentages were 82 percent for SAEOPS (office professionals), 66 percent for paraprofessionals. SEA hasn’t sent a contract document or highlights yet, but here’s the document SPS released with key points from the three-year deal. We asked what the union leaders considered the biggest wins. Hawkins said it was increased school-library funding, following “a 10-year battle.” Matter added that special-education caseload relief was another major win – currently if more students are added to the caseload, there’s a three-month wait for the district to address it, and now that will be reduced to two weeks. The union’s Center for Racial Equity director Joaquin Rodriguez added one more, improvements in paraprofessionals’ access to technology.

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Memorial service Friday for Sandra L. Dahl, 1937-2022

September 20, 2022 8:46 am

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| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather Friday (September 23rd) to remember Sandra L. Dahl. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with her community:

Sandra Lee Dahl was born on April 30, 1937, and remained a lifelong resident of West Seattle. She graduated from West Seattle High School in 1955, and enrolled at the University of Washington without any clarity regarding a career path. After prayer, she felt led to become a teacher. She struggled through, and hated, every minute of her studies, but, upon graduation from college in 1959, she felt immediately at home the moment she stepped into her first classroom.

Sandra lovingly taught for 39 years in the Seattle Public Schools, first at Frank B. Cooper Elementary School, then at Lowell Elementary School, and finally Lafayette Elementary School. Her classrooms included disabled, disadvantaged, and English-as-second-language students long before integration in the public schools was common. Third grade was her favorite.

Sandra’s teaching extended into her church life as well. An active member of West Side Presbyterian Church, she dedicated decades to teaching adult Sunday School classes, and in-home women’s Bible studies. In her retirement, she tended 2-year-olds in the nursery during Mothers of Preschoolers meetings, and even took the time to prepare simple lessons for the toddlers she would be watching.

Sandra was a faithful and gracious steward of what she had been given. She offered up her gifts and talents generously. An accomplished organist, she led worship for countless Sunday services, weddings, funerals, choir rehearsals, and for the children in Vacation Bible School each Summer. She was also a consummate hostess, opening her home to friends and family members, for missionaries on sabbatical, for baby and wedding showers, and for elaborate choir and holiday parties.

Sandra never married, nor had children, but she poured her heart into hundreds of children throughout the course of her life, be it her students, the kids at church, little ones belonging to family and friends, or the sponsored children whose pictures she kept on the refrigerator.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents Roger and Mattie Dahl and her sister Sharon Bishop. She is survived and will be greatly missed by her nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Sandra went on to receive her Heavenly reward on August 27, 2022 at 85 years old. Her gentle nature and resolute spirit served to magnify the Lord in all she did. She left the world a better place for having been here.

All are welcome to attend a memorial service celebrating Sandra’s life
Friday, September 23, 1:00 pm
West Side Presbyterian Church
3601 California Ave SW
Those unable to attend in person may watch the livestream on YouTube.

Share your memories of Sandra here.

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

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Second weekday morning with reopened West Seattle Bridge

September 20, 2022 6:00 am

| 29 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Scroll down for updates on this morning’s traffic)

6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, September 20th, second weekday with the reopened West Seattle Bridge. Traffic was light on the first morning, so for one more time today, we’re live-chronicling the am commute. As we start, no problems reported, so here’s the basic daily info:

WEATHER

Here’s the forecast – sunny, breezy, high in the low 70s. (P.S. That haze is a bit more wildfire smoke blowing in from Eastern Washington.)

TRANSIT INFO

Metro buses are back on the high bridge, and today also is their second weekday since changes made with the twice-yearly service change; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.

No changes in ferries (check here for alerts/updates) or West Seattle Water Taxi service.

BRIDGES

High Bridge – here’s the reactivated camera atop the span.

Low Bridge: All restrictions were dropped with the high bridge’s reopening, so it’s open to anyone who wants to use it.

Highway 99: Whichever bridge you’re using to get to it, here’s a look at northbound traffic on 99 at Lander.

All currently functional city traffic cams can be seen here, many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

6:29 AM UPDATE: Still problem-free. Volume on the bridge looks a bit heavier than this time Monday.

6:59 AM UPDATE: The bridge remains wide open. Northbound East Marginal south of the West Seattle Bridge is the busiest route we’re seeing on city cameras right now.

7:29 AM UPDATE: Still light bridge traffic, and no area problems reported. Northbound I-5 and 99 are slowest south of the bridge.

7:59 AM UPDATE: No change – bridge is still lightly traveled. Low bridge just closed for marine traffic.

8:29 AM UPDATE: Low bridge has reopened to surface traffic. (Closure lasted 13 minutes.) All still quiet.

8:59 AM UPDATE: Still light.

Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

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