One more community meeting to recap for you before the weekend’s out – HPAC, the community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge, gathered online this past Wednesday, with HPAC co-chair Kay Kirkpatrick facilitating. Major agenda item: The South Delridge Action Plan, announced by the city when a survey was launched in January.

David Goldberg, who led the North Delridge Action Plan in the mid-2010s, is shepherding this one too. He noted that he’s worked on West Seattle neighborhood plans back in the late ’90s – Admiral, Delridge, Westwood-Highland Park – and on local park projects including Ercolini, Myrtle Reservoir, and Cottage Grove in the ’00s.

So why does South Delridge need an Action Plan? Goldberg listed multiple reasons including public-safety concerns, food insecurity, health inequities, and the fact none of its neighborhoods has had a new plan since 1999.

The desired goal: A vision shared by the community and city.

Though light rail is only going to North Delridge, buses from South Delridge will take people to it, so this planning is taking that into account, Goldberg said:

Longfellow Creek, whose historic headwaters are in Westwood, is another focal point:

So how is the plan going to be developed, if it’s to be a “shared” vision? Goldberg said they weren’t expecting to have “large” community events, but more direct engagement with smaller groups and institutions, and looking for other ways to reach people to ensure “all voices are heard.” Almost 300 people responded to the winter survey, he added.

After listening to the presentation, HPAC co-chair Craig Rankin observed, “This doesn’t feel community-driven.” Goldberg insisted it’s intended to be, and that right now they’re simply “trying to understand how to start the work.” He promised Rankin and HPAC that it would indeed be collaborative, and said he “will have failed” if when all is said and done they don’t agree it turned out that way. They do already have a “rough schedule,” though:

He promised to return to HPAC to talk more about the SDAP in May.

RV ENCAMPMENTS: Brief update from outreach leader Michelle McClendon – she noted that the 2nd/Michigan (1st Avenue South Bridge) outreach work had just concluded (as we’ve reported, 30 people were said to have been placed in shelter or housing), so they have moved on to other areas, including RVs at Henderson/Barton.

DAY OF SERVICE: Kirkpatrick noted that May 20th is the One Seattle Day of Service this year and welcomed community ideas for what could be done.

NEXT MEETING: HPAC meets most months at 7 pm on the fourth Thursday, so that’ll be April 27th. Topics planned for the agenda so far include the SW Holden Natural Drainage Systems and West Duwamish Wet Weather Storage Facility projects. Watch hpacws.org for updates and meeting-access info.

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West Seattle town hall set to discuss youth substance use

March 26, 2023 8:43 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Health | Safety | West Seattle news

You’ve probably heard the warning “one pill can kill.” Here in the fentanyl era, teenage substance use is riskier than ever. What’s a parent/guardian to do? How do you talk about it with the youngest members of your household? Westside HEY (Healthy Empowered Youth) and the Southwest Seattle Youth Alliance have announced a town-hall discussion for which you might want to set your calendar: 6 pm Wednesday, April 5th, in the galleria at Denny International Middle School (2601 SW Kenyon). Speakers include UW prevention expert Dr. Kevin Haggerty. Youth Alliance coordinator Lensy Cordova says Mayor Bruce Harrell is expected too. No need to RSVP – just show up. Here’s the flyer in English, Spanish, and Somali.

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From freeway to ferries @ West Seattle Transportation Coalition

March 26, 2023 6:59 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

Two main topics at the West Seattle Transportation Coalition‘s every-other-month meeting, held online this past Thursday night:

RECONNECT SOUTH PARK: Maria Ramirez from the Duwamish Valley Affordable Housing Coalition was the guest to talk about this campaign to either cover or remove the section of Highway 99 that cuts through South Park – and cuts it apart. The idea is picking up momentum, and money. Ramirez explained that this started with one person’s idea about a year ago, suggesting that removing the highway could undo some of the injustices suffered to people in the area. “For some reason, this became sort of a sexy idea,” and drew national attention as one of too-many highway sections that have resulted in environmental and other burdens on communities of color. The state allotted $600,000 for a feasibility study, and two weeks ago, the feds allotted $1.6 million for “modeling studies … and an equitable development plan.” (That was a grant for which the city wrote the application, Ramirez explained.) They’ve had South Park community engagement meetings to start developing a vision of what could be done (not necessarily simply closing the highway – maybe covering it). A bigger community meeting is planned for 1 pm May 13th at Concord International Elementary – the first of at least three such meetings. She’s working with a group of 20 people – from activists to writers, “all people who live and work in the area.” In Q&A, WSTC’s Deb Barker wondered “who are the naysayers” or people who aren’t necessarily on board (yet) with the concept? Ramirez said the port and truckers are high on the list of entities/people they need to talk more with. She also said she welcomes ideas of who to talk to, groups to talk with, who else could get involved. You can reach the coalition, and learn more, at reconnectsouthpark.org.

FERRY-DOCK PROJECT: Mike Dey from the Fauntleroy Community Association was there to ask WSTC to join the community organizations who have sent letters of support for FCA’s position that the ferry dock shouldn’t be expanded when rebuilt later this decade. Dey first recounted history including a 1997 city resolution against expansion. He said ferry traffic is growing p past what a state study decades ago said should be the maximum allowable traffic volume. And he recapped what Washington State Ferries has been looking at – not widening the dock, but potentially lengthening it. While the FCA supports rebuilding the dock/terminal, the group contends the expansion is unnecessary, and that it raises traffic and environmental concerns. Dey said the FCA believes expansion is unnecessary because the backups onto the street are largely caused by the tollbooth bottlenecks in the afternoon – automated fare collection (like Good To Go bridge-toll collection) could eliminate that. Street holding is already enough to hold projected traffic increase, he added, and an expanded dock would be a “very expensive parking lot” empty 21 hours a day. Regarding environmental concerns, he mentioned Fauntleroy Creek’s salmon runs; the creek’s mouth is just south of the dock. WSTC did not commit to sending a letter but will consider the issue.

NEXT MEETING: 6:30 pm May 25, since they’re meeting every other month. They’re still working on in-person arrangements so they can transition to hybrid meetings.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Hit-and-run; package theft

March 26, 2023 4:56 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

HIT-RUN: Amanda is looking for witnesses:

My car was involved in a hit and run last night (3/25) between 9:45 pm and 11 pm on the corner of 42 Ave SW and College Ave.

They didn’t leave info so I’m trying to find out if anyone saw or knows anything. I rang neighbors’ door bells too but no one answered so I’m hoping someone might have a Ring cam or something in the area. Police case # 23-81847.

PACKAGE TAKEN: Another reader report, this one from Jeff:

Here’s a video of someone stealing an Amazon package [Saturday] morning at 6:30 am. 39th Ave SW between Stevens and Lander.

No police report # on this one yet.

P.S. The dumped-likely-stolen tool boxes mentioned here Saturday have been claimed – thanks to both Jessica, who found them and sent us the photos, and the reader who quickly saw the post and knew whose they were.

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Day 2 of West Seattle Little League season-opening jamboree

March 26, 2023 2:13 pm

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| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB photos)>

Baseball and softball season-openers continue this afternoon as West Seattle Little League‘s season-opening jamboree concludes, with more than 800 players and 68 teams participating. Saturday we stopped by the softball venue, Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle); this morning, we visited the baseball venue, Bar-S (64th/Admiral) – the photo above is from a juniors (10-year-olds) game, below is from a seniors (12-year-olds) game:

Baseball is scheduled to continue until about 7 tonight, softball until 4:30.

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NEXT WEEKEND: Seven reasons to visit Fire Station 37 on Saturday

March 26, 2023 12:10 pm

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| Safety | Sunrise Heights | West Seattle news

In case you haven’t already seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, this year’s chance to visit a local fire station is Saturday, April 1st, noon-2 pm, when Fire Station 37 (35th/Holden) will roll up the doors and host a Fire Safety Fair. Here’s what SFD says you will be able to do:

-Learn about fire prevention & life safety at home

-Meet local firefighters

-Explore a working fire engine, ladder truck and fire station

-Watch CPR demonstrations

-Join Firefighter Story Time with the Fire Chief

-Get creative at the arts & crafts table and more!

-Light refreshments provided

Station 37 is West Seattle’s southernmost fire station, home to Engine 37 and Ladder 13.

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UPDATE: Power outage in West Seattle

March 26, 2023 10:06 am

| 8 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news

10:06 AM: Thanks for the tip. Power is out for 122 customers southeast of The Junction, centered near Fauntleroy/Edmunds, according to the Seattle City Light outage map. SCL attributes it to “bird/animal”; a squirrel, to be specific, reports a texter.

2 PM: According to commenter Lauren, power came back on just after noon.

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Remembering Tyler S. Tomaselli, 1985-2023

March 26, 2023 9:55 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Tyler Tomaselli, and sharing this remembrance with his community:

Tyler Sinclair Tomaselli
July 24, 1985 – February 12, 2023

Tyler was born and raised in West Seattle, the “Westside Bestside,” and he loved life with a passion. He loved baseball, football, and basketball and was an All Star athlete. He loved animals, was always kind and loving to everyone and was a very humble person. He is survived by his father Paul, mother Cathy, brother Jake, his turtle Melissa, many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins, as well as many good friends from the West Seattle community. He is now resting at peace with his heavenly family, friends, his dog Jasmine, and the lord. We love you Tywu, we will miss you but will also see you again soon.

Please share memories, photos & condolences with Tyler’s family on the Tribute Wall at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Tyler-Tomaselli.

A celebration of Tyler’s life will be held at a future date in West Seattle, please check the obituary page for details.

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle

(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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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 15 notes!

March 26, 2023 6:34 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Oregon Grape at Lincoln Park, on its way to blossoming bright yellow – photo by Ann Anderson)

Here’s our quick lineup of highlights for today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TRAFFIC ALERT: Road work just east of the low bridge is expected to conclude today, 7 am-3 pm.

]ONLINE RELIGIOUS SERVICES: We’re continuing to update these – see today’s lineup here. (Got changes/additions? Let us know!)

WEST SEATTLE LITTLE LEAGUE JAMBOREE: The season begins! A second day of baseball at Bar-S (64th/Admiral), 9 am-7 pm; softball at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 10 am-4:30 pm.

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS: Second of three days with photo sessions at My Three Little Birds (4736 California SW) in The Junction, 10 am-4 pm. Our calendar listing has info and the signup link.

BINGO BRUNCH: Brunch at Box Bar (5401 California SW) hosted by drag queen Jolene Granby, 10 am-2 pm, with bingo at noon.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market offers early-spring produce as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, more. Here’s today’s vendor list. (California SW between Oregon and Alaska)

MATZAH AT THE MARKET: Torah Learning Center of West Seattle will be at the WSFM, demonstrating how matzah – the unleavened bread eaten during Passover (which starts April 5) – is made.

WINTER CLEARANCE SALE: Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) is offering end-of-season deals at its Winter Clearance Sale – details here. Last day today! Open 10 am-5 pm.

FREE PASTA: After four “soft open” weeks, Dué Cucina in The Junction is celebrating its grand opening today, including free pasta for the first 100 people in line when they open at 11 am. (4437 California SW)

TALK ABOUT THE CLASSICS: The West Seattle Classic Novels (and Movies) Club talks about “Light in August.” 3 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

MUSIC AT C & P: Singer-songwriter Alan Sobel 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), no cover.

YOGA, MEDITATION, GONG BATH: Presented by Inner Alchemy, 7 pm at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35.

SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.

LATIN SUNDAYS: DJ at The Benbow Room (4210 SW Admiral Way), starting at 9 pm.

SUNDAY NIGHT KARAOKE: 9 pm to 1:30 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

Have an event to add to our calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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