day : 15/11/2022 10 results

Talking traffic, crime, leadership @ Admiral Neighborhood Association

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s every-other-month meeting tonight featured reps from two city departments that handle the bulk of the most contentious community issues, SDOT and SPD – not to give presentations, but to answer questions on whatever attendees wanted to talk about.

The meeting was facilitated by ANA vice president Joanie Jacobs (who’s rising to president as a result of tonight’s elections – more on that later) at Admiral UCC Church.

SOUTHWEST PRECINCT POLICE: Lt. Mike Watson opened by asking if anyone had any questions. Jacobs said she knew multiple businesses had experienced burglaries, including an Admiral restaurant just a few days ago. What can they do? “Look out for each other,” he said, for starters. Camera video is helpful. So are signs such as “this area is being video-monitored.” He noted he was asked at a past meeting about catalytic-converter thefts, so he brought that stat – 2,120 citywide so far this year – West Seattle is averaging 40 or 50 a month. They can be sold for up to $350. Toyota Prius, Honda CR-V, Lexus RX-400, Honda Element are all popular targets. Don’t try to confront a thief – people have lost their lives doing that – call 911. Someone else brought up street racing, and neighbors who don’t have valid license plates. Street racing should be reported, Watson said, because there’s a regional task force working on it. Then another person asked about expired tabs. Watson mentioned they’re not allowed to pull people over for them. But a parking-enforcement officer can cite a parked car for expired plates/tabs. What about the double shooting on Alki? The victims both survived, but no one’s been arrested. From the SPD dashboard, he cited some West Seattle stats – robberies are up 18%, aggravated assault up 12%, motor-vehicle theft up 43%, 105 shots-fired incidents so far this year. Cars are usually stolen to commit other crimes, he noted. Despite all that, “West Seattle is the safest part of the city – by far. … You can feel safe here.” (He attributes that in part to strong block watches.) One last question: How’s police staffing? “Down 450-500,” he said. One attendee thanked Lt. Watson for excellent service from officers who responded when he was in a car crash recently.

SDOT: Introduced as being there on a “fact-finding mission” was Matt Beaulieu, there to listen to questions. He was accompanied by Danielle Friedman from the Department of Neighborhoods. First issue, trying to cross Admiral’s south side. There are no crosswalks for several blocks south of the business district, residents pointed out. A resident near the Admiral Way Viewpoint totem pole mentioned crashes from speeding drivers, An SDOT traffic study was mentioned as having found 40 as the “average” speed in the area – “so that means 5,000 drivers are going 60.” The resident who mentioned it has long agitated for traffic calming there. Another attendee brought up the graph of survivability at various speeds. Another attendee talked about the crossing at 47th/Admiral having been installed after a deadly crash, but not getting heeded because “it’s in an odd spot.” What about speed cameras? Some recent laws might loosen up the current restrictions on school zones only, “Photo enforcement is a powerful tool, but you install it and hope it fails” because people stop speeding, Beaulieu said. Friedman mentioned that the recent study of West Marginal Way, blocking off a southbound lane to simulate the conditions during the future protected bike lane, really resulted in slower driving.

What does it take to get something installed? Most of it is based on collision history, when they decide where to spend money, Beaulieu said. So for starters, make sure crashes get reported to police, because otherwise SDOT has no data to refer to. He also noted that they’re studying the best way to deal with arterials. And be sure to contact SDOT directly – maybe they can’t help initially, but your problem will at least be on their radar.

Another question: Aren’t traffic deaths up since Vision Zero began? Beaulieu acknowledged, “We are not trending to zero.” Isn’t it making things worse? The attendee had worked on a school safety committee and requested a four-way stop but said SDOT was resistant – yet now there are new 4-ways and crosswalks by West Seattle High School and Madison Middle School. Aa for VZ in general, Beaulieu mentioned one of the first actions new SDOT director Greg Spotts had decreed – a “top to bottom” review of the program, in hopes of figuring out why it’s not working.

Another resident near 39th/Hanford, close to a new crosswalk, noted that the intersection has numerous crashes each year, some taking out utility poles. Can you put speed cushions on arterials? That’s an “evolving practice” too, said Beaulieu.

Also mentioned – gratitude to SDOT for repaving much of California north of Admiral. (Though there was some puzzlement on why one particular block was skipped.)

ELECTIONS: The meeting ended with a chance to nominate and vote on leadership for net year. Elected to lead ANA in 2023 (and shown left to right in photo above):
President Joanie Jacobs
Vice President Stephanie Jordan
Secretary Carrie McCann
Treasurer Bridgett Markillie

They were the only nominees, and were elected in unanimous approval of the slate.

(Board members, committee leads, and an adopt-a-street coordinator are other roles in the ANA, and they’d love to have more community participation.) Voting was open to members, who pay a $25 annual fee to belong.

P.S. ANA has a business membership program too – $50/year – and plans to more actively promote local businesses. Businesses are donating $25 gift cards for a raffle at ANA meetings, and Mission Cantina donated one for tonight – the winner was drawn before meeting’s end.

EVENTS: This Saturday, Admiral Church is hosting a Christmas Market (as featured in our calendar and West Seattle Holiday Guide). West Seattle Grounds (which Jacobs manages) has launched a toy drive – that will be in our Holiday Guide shortly – and donors get a discount. She also mentioned the Festival of Trees gala at Brookdale Admiral Heights.

SUMMER CONCERTS: After missing three years for the pandemic and venue unavailability, the 2023 concert series will happen one way or another, either Hiawatha if it’s available by summer, or Hamilton Viewpoint. “Our goal this year is that IT WILL HAPPEN,” Jacobs vowed.

NEXT MEETING: ANA is having general meetings every other month, so the next one is likely on the second Tuesday in January, which will be January 10, 7 pm at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill). Watch connecttoadmiral.org for updates.

FOLLOWUP: West Seattle Bridge trouble spot remains a mystery

(SDOT camera image, October 25)

While asking SDOT some other questions, we inquired today about the most-recent checks of the westbound West Seattle Bridge where it meets the ramp from southbound Highway 99, scene of multiple crashes a few weeks back, and other reports of loss of some vehicle control at that spot. SDOT had said that it would use lane closures last week to investigate further. So we asked what, if anything, they found. Spokesperson Mariam Ali replied, “We did a closer look when we did night work last week. Everything looks in good shape. We will continue to monitor the area after each request.” (Here’s our report on their first “closer look” in October.) So if you have trouble in that spot, be sure to report it to SDOT, even if a crash doesn’t result – here’s how.

SPORTS: West Seattle Lacrosse Club’s offseason invitation for girls

November 15, 2022 6:24 pm
|    Comments Off on SPORTS: West Seattle Lacrosse Club’s offseason invitation for girls
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Photo provided by West Seattle Lacrosse Club)

The next season is a few months away, but the West Seattle Lacrosse Club is hosting informal events right now for girls who might be interested in playing. Here’s the announcement:

Attention, young ladies of West Seattle! Looking for a fun team sports opportunity for the Spring 2023 season? Search no more! The West Seattle Lacrosse Club wants YOU to join the growing group of girls taking advantage of this awesome local sports community! Team options for Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, and a new High School Team! No prior experience is required.

So, if you’re between third and twelfth grade, come check it out and get your questions answered. Casual Fall Ball get-togethers happening on Sunday 11/20 and 12/11 from 9:30 am to around 11:00 am at A.T. Milo Park next to the Southwest Tennis Courts and Pool at 30th and Thistle. More events are coming after the holidays. No RSVP, ongoing commitment, or equipment is required to participate in Sunday Fall Ball. So, just bring a friend or two, and come check it out! Loaner equipment is available for use.

Registration is open now for the 2023 season, which starts in February!

For more information or to register visit westseattlelaxclub.org or reach out to westseattlelax@gmail.com with questions, and we look forward to seeing you out there!

WSLC also fields a High School Boys program. For youth boys’ lacrosse, please visit our friends at swlacrosseclub.org.

YOU CAN HELP: Two West Seattle holiday donation drives for kids/teens

November 15, 2022 4:38 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Two West Seattle holiday donation drives for kids/teens
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

Our newly launched West Seattle Holiday Guide includes a list of holiday-season donation drives. Today we’re showcasing two of them, starting with one that’s about to start:

TREEHOUSE DRIVE AT WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Starting tomorrow, West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) will be collecting donated gifts for Treehouse, which serves more than 6,000 kids and teens who are in foster care. Requested items include both toys and winter essentials. The full wish list is here. West Seattle Runner is open 10 am-6 pm weekdays, 10 am-5 pm Saturdays, 11 am-4 pm Sundays.

‘CARE PACKAGE’ DRIVE AT WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL: Again this year, volunteers will assemble “care packages” with hygiene products, food, and clothing to help students get through the inaccessibility to school resources they face during winter break. They’ll be collecting donations at three dropoff events outside the north entrance of WSHS (3000 California SW) – the next three Tuesday afternoons, November 22 and 29 and December 6, 3-5 pm. The full wish list is here.

Got a holiday donation drive or other giving campaign to add to our guide? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

UPDATE: Shooting investigation in White Center

2:32 PM: Big response under way for a shooting in White Center. It’s reported to have been a drive-by shooting near the Hung Long Market shopping center at 9988 15th SW, with one person who has at least two gunshot wounds. The Guardian One helicopter is joining the search for what’s described so far as a “light brown Chevrolet” seen headed north on 15th. Updates to come.

3:02 PM: Our crew at the scene says the shooting appears to have happened right outside the aforementioned market. The victim, who was described as conscious, is being taken to a hospital.

3:15 PM: Southbound 15th has reopened. Investigators at the scene aren’t commenting.

5:52 PM: KCSO will tell us only that the victim’s injuries are not life-threatening, and that no one is in custody.

BIZNOTE: Nacho Mama open in South Delridge

Thanks to Mike for the tip! Four months after we first reported that Nacho Mama was on the way for the former Hoang Kim (and briefly Phorale) space at 9418 Delridge Way SW, it’s open. That’s proprietor Debra in our photo, and she’s offering much more than nachos. See the breakfast menu here and the lunch/dinner menu here.

Nacho Mama is still experimenting with hours but currently testing 8 am-8 pm Tuesdays-Sundays, closed Mondays.

FOLLOWUP: See what Highland Park’s big bird will look like

Earlier this month, we reported on the future public art for Highland Park Way/Holden, part of the city’s 1 Percent For Art program in conjunction with upcoming intersection changes including the installation of a permanent signal. Today we have our first look at what the giant Steller’s Jay sculpture by artist Matthew Mazzotta will look like, in the rendering above, made public by the city Office of Arts and Culture. The city’s update notes that the previously reported tentative title for the $120,000 installation, “Where’s the Party,” refers to “the fact that a group of jays is known as a ‘band,’ ‘cast,’ and a ‘party’ of jays.” It’s expected to be installed next summer, though other work at the intersection is scheduled to start this winter.

Alki Point Healthy Street online open house, Admiral Neighborhood Association, ‘1946’ screening/discussion, more for your West Seattle Tuesday

(WSB photo: Waning fall colors in Morgan Junction)

Here’s what’s up in the hours ahead, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

DONUT FUNDRAISER: Second-to-last day to order Krispy Kreme donuts to pick up Friday at Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW), whose PTSA is selling them as a fundraiser.

BOOK FUNDRAISER: First day for Louisa Boren STEM K-8 fundraiser at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW), explained in our calendar listing.

POSTCARDS TO VOTERS: A local way to take national action – participating in the 10:30 am drop-in weekly gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). They’re focusing now on the Georgia U.S. Senate runoff.

ALKI POINT HEALTHY STREET ONLINE OPEN HOUSE: Now that the early design concepts are public (here’s our coverage from last week), SDOT is having one more “open house” for your questions and comments, noon-1 pm today, online. Drop in any time. Link is now on the project webpage.

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

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Longstanding weekly 4:30-6 pm sign-waving demonstration continues at 16th/Holden. Signs available if you don’t have your own.

CITY BUDGET HEARING: As reported Monday, the second-to-final version of the city budget is out and councilmembers are having one last major public hearing, 5 pm. Sign up starting at 3:30 if you’re interested in speaking online (you can also go downtown to City Hall, 600 4th Ave.). The agenda explains how.

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

HOPE LUTHERAN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Open house at 6:30 pm for families interested in all grades, preschool through 8th. Tour the campus, meet teachers, find out about programs. More info in our calendar listing, (42nd/Oregon)

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: ANA meets in-person tonight at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), with topics including street safety, crime, and a look ahead to next year, as previewed here.

‘1946’ FILM SCREENING/DISCUSSION: 7 pm at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), see and talk about a new film (trailer) that asks the question, “What if the word ‘homosexual’ was never meant to be in the Bible?”

OPEN MIC: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way), hosted by Midnight Marauders.

STAR WARS MINIATURES NIGHT: Meeples Games (3727 California SW) hosts this weekly 7 pm event.

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, and preview future events, via our event calendar – if you have something to add, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

CONGRATULATIONS! 3 West Seattle High School athletes sign with colleges

Congratulations to three student athletes from West Seattle High School who are signing with colleges. At the ceremony just before the Veterans’ Day weekend were, from left, Miles Gosztola, who’ll play baseball at Gonzaga University, major not decided yet; Jake Lockwood, who’ll play baseball at Everett Community College, major not decided yet; and Lina Delgado, who’ll play softball at Missouri Western State University, where she intends to major in criminal justice. Both the WSHS baseball and softball programs excelled in their most-recent seasons last spring – the baseball team finished #4 in the state, and the softball team made it to the district playoffs.

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Welcome to Tuesday

November 15, 2022 6:01 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Welcome to Tuesday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, November 15th.

WEATHER

More sunshine today, with a high around 50. (Monday’s high was 52, matching what’s normal for that date.)

ROAD WORK

-SW Roxbury work continues in Holy Family-to-Safeway vicinity for RapidRide H Line.

-The east end of Sylvan Way just west of the Home Depot entrance remains closed for drainage work.

TRANSIT STATUS

Metro buses are on their regular schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.

-The West Seattle Water Taxi is running its fall/winter schedule (still daily, all dayparts, but no late Friday/Saturday runs).

-Still a 2-boat schedule for WSF’s Triangle Route (check here for alerts/updates).

SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS

High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (if SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).

Low Bridge: Or nearby, depending on where SDOT points the camera.

1st Ave. S. Bridge: The alternate route.

Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.

All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most 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.

If you see trouble on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.