day : 28/03/2023 10 results

As previewed here, a team from Seattle Public Utilities was out at 17th/Holden this afternoon, talking to people in the neighborhood about the SW Holden Natural Drainage Systems project. It’s intended to be both a stormwater-filtering project and also a traffic-calming plan, as the city considers that stretch of Holden wider than it should be for a “neighborhood street.” Dropping in to see what’s new as the plan reaches 30 percent design, we learned they’re now just focusing on the south side of Holden:

That’s for two reasons, the project team said – one, the stormwater from the north side already goes into a system that takes it to the treatment plant, while the south side goes toward Longfellow Creek, so the “natural drainage system” filtering will carry an environmental benefit. Second, the Seattle Fire Department – which has Station 11 just a block away, at 16th/Holden – voiced concerns about narrowing the street too much and making it unusable as a main response route. So at the 17th/Holden intersection, the road will be narrowed to 25 feet from the current 36 feet. Some parking will be lost on the south side, while it’ll be retained on the north side. They’ll also be adding ramps for crossing at 17th/Holden as well as 16th/Holden.

We asked about the ex-substation parcel on the southwest corner of 16th/Holden; the curbcut there will be removed as part of the project, which would have to happen even if/when the site is redeveloped, because the entry would have to be off the alley on its west side.

The plan also will drain more water from the southeast side of the 16th/Holden intersection than originally envisioned, sending it to the “natural drainage” via two “inlets.”

All this is currently under review by SDOT, according to the project team; once that department gives its approval, they’ll move on to the 60 percent design phase, which also will require review and approval. Construction is tentatively expected to start sometime nect year.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Prowler steals items after burglary attempt

March 28, 2023 9:58 pm

| 34 COMMENTS

| Crime | Genesee Hill | West Seattle news

That security video is from a reader who says this happened early today on Genesee Hill:

Near the 54th and Genesee neighborhood. On 03/28/2023, at approximately midnight, unknown W/M entered the back yard and then hastily exited upon seeing security cameras. Unknown suspect returned at 0058 hrs. and attempted to gain access to the residence via the back door. Door was locked, entry was not obtained. Suspect then disabled the security cameras and cut the Comcast cable wires. Suspect was able to gain entry to a yard shed and steal an Echo backpack blower and an outdoor clock. Police report filed. # 23-84087.

.

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THEATER: Three more chances to see ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at WSHS

March 28, 2023 8:29 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

If you haven’t already seen it – or if you want to see it again – you have three more chances to enjoy “Little Shop of Horrors” at West Seattle High School, starting tomorrow (Wednesday) night. Here’s the synopsis:

The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” – after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out-of-this-world origins and intent toward global domination.

Also forwarded in email from readers, this review from WSHS’s student news publication, hailing the “powerhouse vocals” of Lucy Warren as Audrey II – catch a clip of her singing here. Showtimes Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are at 7:30 pm; you can get tickets in advance here – including an online option (choose the “virtual tickets” option at the top of that page). WSHS is at 3000 California SW – to get to the theater, enter through the courtyard off the south end of the school’s parking lot.

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Milestone for new levy-funded public-safety radio system, with one side effect

March 28, 2023 6:26 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Gatewood | West Seattle news

Back in 2019-2020, we reported on the construction of that public-safety radio tower in Myrtle Reservoir Park, built alongside the older one it replaced, which has since been removed. It’s part of a radio-network upgrade that dates back to a nine-year, quarter-billion-dollar levy passed by voters in 2015. Today brought a milestone for the system, known as the Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN) – Seattle Police and Fire radio communications made the analog-to-digital switch this morning. That caught some scanner listeners off guard (ourselves included, as well as at least some of the popular online services), when the usual channels suddenly went silent. We’re now in the process of upgrading our equipment – so for a few days, we REALLY appreciate texts about sightings of sizable SPD responses (206-293-6302). It’s not just SFD and SPD – other agencies around the county are using PSERN as well. PSERN’s website says the upgrade is intended to “provide improved coverage, capacity, and reliability, as well as incorporate limited conventional VHF and UHF interoperability capabilities, primarily in the mountains, for connection to other response agencies, such as search and rescue.” As we reported in 2019, the Myrtle Reservoir Park tower is one of more than 60 comprising the network; the old tower on the site was part of PSERN’s predecessor, the King County Emergency Communication System.

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WEST SEATTLE LIBRARIES: Story Times returning

March 28, 2023 4:19 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news

Thanks to Lauren for the tip, via this photo – those with little ones will be able to take them to local Seattle Public Library branches for in-person Story Times starting next week:

This is so new, it’s not even on the SPL online calendar yet. But we’ll be adding the dates to the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar shortly.

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Your next chance to talk with and hear from West Seattle police

March 28, 2023 2:37 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Questions for local police? Bring them to the next Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council meeting, now set for 6 pm Thursday, April 6th. Chair Melody Sarkies says that along with local police, two guests are scheduled: The precinct’s Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner will talk about home safety/security measures and “personal wellbeing”; Michael Eggers from the city’s Clean City Initiative will bring “information about safe techniques to collect needles found on private and public property and various collection-box locations.” You can attend in person at the precinct – 2300 SW Webster – or online (link to come – it’ll be in our calendar listing when available).

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UPDATE: ‘Bomb threat’ leads to Madison Middle School evacuation

March 28, 2023 11:50 am

| 115 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police | West Seattle schools

11:50 AM: Multiple texts came in minutes ago from parents saying Madison Middle School was being evacuated and that police were in the area. We’ve gone there to find out what happened; Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Martin Rivera is there and tells us they are investigating a ‘bomb threat’ that is believed to have come from “another school.” They’re searching the building and everyone remains evacuated at the moment, but so far nothing’s been found.

12:08 PM: Seattle Public Schools tells us this note has just been sent to families:

Dear Madison families,

Out of an abundance of caution Madison Middle School was evacuated at approximately 11:15 a.m. due to a threat toward the school that was called into the Seattle Police Department (SPD).

Students and staff are safe. They are currently waiting outside while SPD inspects our building for safety.

SPD and the SPS Safety and Security team are investigating. I will be sending families an update later today about this issue.

If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Principal Gary
Madison Middle School

1 PM: Thanks for all the updates via comments and texts. Everyone’s been allowed back into the school.

3:42 PM: SPD has released a bit more information: “It was later discovered the call was made by a child who got possession of his parents’ phone.” We are asking on followup whether the child was questioned, detained, arrested, or none of the above.

3:59 PM: Police will only say that they “investigated the incident and determined the threat was unfounded.”

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WEST SEATTLE TUESDAY: 12 possibilities

March 28, 2023 10:17 am

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE TUESDAY: 12 possibilities

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Reader photo via text – seen in Gatewood)

Here are the highlights of what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

POSTCARDS TO VOTERS: Long-distance political networking continues 10:30 am at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

SEATTLE PORT COMMISSION: Attend online or in person at SEA, noon – agenda and other info here.

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon): “Are you looking for a new activity to keep your brain sharp and clear? The Senior Center Chess Club welcomes both novice and experienced players. Join us at 1:30 p.m. for lessons, short tutorials and chess for all levels of expertise. For more information, contact Conwell: conwell@conwelld.net.”

CITY COUNCIL: 2 pm this afternoon, it’s the full council’s weekly meeting, online or at City Hall (600 4th Ave.). See the agenda here; the meeting is viewable via Seattle Channel.

HOLDEN NATURAL DRAINAGE SYSTEMS: 2:30-5:30 pm, drop by 17th and Holden to see design plans for, and ask questions about, the project, as previewed here.

FREE INDOOR PLAYSPACE: Toddler Gym weekday afternoons at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW), ages 2-6, 3:30-5 pm.

CHEER TRYOUTS: 4:30 pm at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW), as previewed here.

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t have your own.

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

(added) SPRING BAND CONCERT: 7 pm, in the auditorium at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle), musicians from CSIHS and Denny International Middle School.

TRIVIA X 3: Three establishments 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 Sporcle Pub Quiz 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 look into the future any time via our event calendar – if you have something to include on it, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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HEALTH: West Seattle therapist starting new group for neurodiverse people

March 28, 2023 9:00 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| Health | West Seattle news

Starting tonight, West Seattle therapist Laura Bruco is offering a pay-what-you-can therapy group for neurodiverse people – here’s what it’s about:

I’m starting a new therapy group called Mindscapes, specifically designed for neurodiverse / neuroqueer adults.

For those who may not be familiar with the terms, “neurodiverse” and “neuroqueer” refer to individuals with different neurological patterns, which can include conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other ways of thinking and processing information that diverge from the neurological norm.

Mindscapes is all about creating a warm, inclusive environment where neurodivergent adults can come together to discuss their challenges, successes, and perspectives. The group is inspired by the wisdom of nature and seeks to build a sustainable, creative, and reciprocal community that celebrates the uniqueness of each participant.

By participating in Mindscapes, members may gain a deeper understanding of their own neurological patterns, commune with others who get the experience of being neuroqueer in a neurotypical world, and gain strategies and support for navigating life.

The group will kick off on March 28th and will meet every Tuesday from 6-7:30 pm. Before joining, I’d like to have a quick 20-minute chat with each person to make sure it’s the right fit for them (book at thecenterofyou.net/booking/). The group will be hosted on Zoom, and the link will be provided after our initial conversation. The group is open so people can come and go according to their resources and needs.

The cost is “pay what you can,” with a suggested contribution of $20/session. This way, everyone has access to the group, regardless of their Financial situation.

The group will remain open to people joining even after tonight’s first meeting, so even if you don’t see this in time, if you’re interested, you can contact Laura at Laura@TheCenterOfYou.net.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Tuesday info

March 28, 2023 6:04 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Tuesday info

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:04 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, March 28th.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The forecast for today: Partly sunny, breezy, high near 60. Sunrise 6:56 am, sunset 7:33 pm.

TRANSIT

Metro – Regular schedule, but trip cancellations remain possible.

Water Taxi – Regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule; check here for alerts/updates and see Vessel Watch for boats’ locations.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the camera at the top:

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

Low Bridge – looking southwestward toward it:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:

Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if needed) – 206-293-6302.

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