month : 06/2023 311 results

SCHOOL’S OUT: Genesee Hill Elementary’s final art project of the year

Whether they’re coming back next year or moving up, Genesee Hill Elementary School students finished their school year with a gift for next year and beyond. The mural you see above, painted by students led by Urban ArtWorks, has replaced this drab wall:

The costs were covered by Genesee Hill PTA fundraising; Urban ArtWorks was chosen from four local artists who bid on the project. The planning process began in March, in art workshops with all 530+ GHES students. Their ideas were consolidated into a design in April. Teaching artist Lis Rafailedes, below with GHES principal Liz Dunn, was there working with the young artists when we visited on Monday:

The students painted the mural over multiple days this month, concluding with kindergarteners:

You can see the mural from SW Genesee, on the south side of the campus.

A similar project resulted in a mural at Lafayette Elementary four years ago.

SATURDAY: All welcome to celebrate the life of Leticia Martinez

Family and friends want to remind all those who knew and loved Leticia Martinez that the community celebration of her life is tomorrow (Saturday, July 1st) in West Seattle. Everyone is welcome at Alki Masonic Center (4736 40th SW) between 1 pm and 4 pm. Leticia, who was 58 years old, has been gone now for three months. The original announcement of her memorial was in her obituary, published here June 5th. As noted then, crowdfunding via the GoFundMe page “Justice for Leticia continues, to help support Leticia’s son, legal costs, and memorial expenses.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Two West Seattle 7-11 robberies, minutes apart

Two West Seattle 7-11 stores were robbed early this morning, five miles and 21 minutes apart, likely by the same people. 911 first got a call around 4:29 am from a witness who said that from outside the Harbor Avenue 7-11 (2429 Harbor SW), he believed he saw the clerk being robbed. Police got there and confirmed that’s what happened. The incident summary says the three robbers held up the clerk at gunpoint and got away with cash, cigarettes, and beer. They were described as Black, male, wearing black and red masks, black hoodies, and one in sweatpants bearing a Chicago Bulls logo; the clerk said they left in a white car. Then at 4:50 am a 911 call came in reporting a robbery at gunpoint at the Highland Park 7-11 (1600 SW Holden), and police say the description was pretty much the same – with an added detail on the car: Nissan 4-door. Cash and cigarettes were taken in this holdup. If you have any information, the SPD incident numbers are 23-182672 for the Harbor Avenue robbery, 23-182682 for the one at 16th/Holden.

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL: Denny IMS says farewell to two longtime staff members

Thanks to Angelica Mendoza-De Lorenzo at Denny International Middle School for the report and photo:

As the 2022-2023 school year comes to an end, we say goodbye to two amazing staff members at Denny. Mr. Bolma has been a Counselor at Denny Middle School for 20 years and 40 years as an educator. His dedication to our students and service to our school has not gone without recognition , always willing to support and guide students in need.

Ms. Clausen is saying goodbye to the Denny Community after 33 yrs of working with us. She began the Proyecto Saber program at Denny and later moved on to be the leader in our Dual Language Program. Her passion and dedication to her school community is inspiring! Her many transformational programs at Denny are Ms. Clausen’s legacy and we are committed to continue: Summer Enrichment programs, La Posada in December, and Positive Discipline workshops for parents. Ms. Clausen has a special place in her heart for the Latino community and culture, having helped and guide immigrant students through the education system for many years.

We had a staff celebration on Wednesday followed by a surprise mariachi performance by Mariachi Real Seattle today as we wish the very best to both retirees.

UPDATE: 16th SW/Cloverdale crash response

3:39 PM: Seattle Police say 16th SW is blocked both ways near Cloverdale because of a crash response. A motorcycle and car are reported to be involved. No further details yet; avoid the area.

4:49 PM: SFD has closed out the response. We’re checking on the rider’s condition and whether anyone else was treated.

5:24 PM: SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells WSB that the 48-year-old woman riding the motorcycle was in stable condition when taken to Harborview.

FOLLOWUP: It’s safe to go back in the water at Lincoln Park

June 30, 2023 2:00 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: It’s safe to go back in the water at Lincoln Park
 |   Environment | Health | West Seattle news

After the icon showing a swimming advisory for Lincoln Park beach vanished from the state’s beach-status map, it wasn’t clear whether the advisory was still in effect. So we asked Public Health today and they confirmed the advisory was lifted Thursday – just in time for the long holiday weekend.

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL: Alki Elementary’s farewell photo

With the Seattle Public Schools year ending this afternoon, it’s a particularly memorable last day of school at Alki Elementary – their century-old building is set for demolition and replacement. Julie sent the photo, explaining that it was taken by drone last Friday, with students and staff in their Alki-A-Thon shirts for the PTA-fundraiser walkathon held that day, using the opportunity to get one last look at the old building. (The exact demolition date is pending, as the project’s permits are awaiting the outcome of appeals filed against the zoning exceptions – “departures” – the district needs to build a taller school with an illuminated sign and no on-site vehicle parking; a late July hearing is scheduled.) Alki classes will be held for the next two years at the former Schmitz Park Elementary, which has hosted West Seattle Elementary for these past two years while that school’s building was being expanded.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen blue Dodge Ram pickup truck (update: found)

Sent by Mike:

Our truck was stolen last night from the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center parking lot [4408 Delridge Way SW] sometime between 10 pm last night and 8 am this morning. Plate C70273K. If anyone sees this truck, please let us know at thezombiemullins@ gmail.com or text to 513-313-0630.

ADDED: Further descriptive info from Mike, who says the truck belongs to his teenage son, who’s been working to restore it: “It’s a dark blue full size 2nd generation Dodge Ram 2500, with a rusty hood that also has a big dent in the front of the hood and a half-broken grill; it has an American flag sticker and a big Bass Pro Shops sticker on it.”

FRIDAY NIGHT UPDATE: Thanks to a reader tip, Mike and son got the truck back. It had been abandoned by the West Seattle Corporate Center in North Delridge.

WEST SEATTLE FRIDAY: The list for the rest of the day

(Today’s sunrise – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Quieter Friday than usual, with holiday-weekend getaways beginning, but if you’re not leaving town, here’s the list!

GARDEN CENTER OPEN: Need more plants for your garden, containers, etc.? You can shop at the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center, open with a wide variety of student-grown plants, until 2 pm. (North end of campus, 6000 16th SW)

MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS SALE: Through Sunday, take 15 percent off your purchase of one in-store item at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor)

SPRAYPARK OPEN: 11 am-8 pm, Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open daily.

FREE LUNCH: The Junction Church (4157 California SW) invites you to a free sit-down lunch, 11:30 am-12:30 pm.

DELRIDGE AND HIAWATHA WADING POOLS OPEN: Noon-5:30 pm. (4501 Delridge Way SW and 2700 California SW)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

COLMAN POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park, the outdoor salt-water pool is open noon-7 pm daily through Labor Day. See the session schedule here.

SCRABBLE CLUB: You’re invited to play 12:30-1:30 pm at Margie’s Café inside the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: 1-6 pm on the north side of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), student-produced wine by the glass or bottle.

VISCON CELLARS: Tonight, stop by Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW).

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Mia Day, Mirabai Kukathas, Brenna Bruce, live at The Skylark , doors at 7, music at 8, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW).

HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH: The musical continues at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor). Our calendar listing includes the ticket link.

FIREWORKS SHOW DOWNTOWN: In case you hear fireworks in the distance – tonight there’s a show following the Mariners game.

Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

READER REPORT: Utility pole falls, blocks Highland Park sidewalk

10:14 AM: Thanks to Dina Johnson for the report and photos:

At 6 am today a “clunk” sound alerted us to a snapped utility pole/street light, leaving a live wire across the sidewalk on SW Henderson street between 12th & 13th Aves.

Passersby called it in to the city.

The impact miraculously caused no damage to the property, but the pole remains across the sidewalk, wedged against a retaining wall.

The rotted utility pole had been marked by the city several years ago, but never replaced.

SCL says it’s “accelerated” its pole-replacement program recently, and through April had replaced more than 560 citywide.

11:13 AM: Dina says the wire has been removed; the metal part of the pole is now wrapped in “caution” tape.

UPDATE: Death investigation under 1st Avenue South Bridge

9:22 AM: If you noticed emergency-response activity beneath the 1st Avenue South Bridge this morning, it’s related to what Seattle Police say is now a “death investigation.” It started as a Seattle Fire water-rescue response before 7 am; SFD eventually tweeted that they were looking for a missing bridge operator, and then reported that the Coast Guard later found a body that matched the missing person’s description. We’ll be following up with agencies including WSDOT, which owns the bridge as it’s part of a state highway, and will add any more information that emerges.

9:56 AM: According to archived audio from the initial response, the operator was last seen arriving at work at 10 pm last night and discovered missing when the next person arrived at 5:30 and found the workspace empty but the person’s belongings all still there. They looked extensively around the area before calling in authorities an hour-plus later.

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Last-day-of-school, pre-holiday Friday

June 30, 2023 6:00 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Last-day-of-school, pre-holiday Friday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning. Welcome to Friday, June 30th – four days until the Fourth of July, last day of June, last day of school for Seattle Public Schools.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Clouds, then clearing, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:15 am; sunset will be at 9:11 pm.

(Thursday’s sunset – photo by Carol Ann Joyce)

TRANSIT

Metro – Regular schedule, with trip cancellations and temporary route suspensions possible.

Water Taxi – The West Seattle WT is on its regular schedule. (Here are changes ahead for the Fourth of July and All-Star Week.)

Washington State Ferries – 2-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. 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 main camera:

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

Low Bridge – east-end vicinity:

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

Highway 99: – 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: The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities). Thank you!

VIDEO: From milling to moviemaking – ‘remarkable transformation’ showcased at Harbor Island Studios

Two years ago, King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the former Fisher Flour Mill on Harbor Island – county-owned for 20 years – was transforming into a video/film-production facility. Tonight, he jubilantly hailed its “remarkable transformation,” as Harbor Island Studios celebrated its grand opening, calling it a facility that was “willed into existence”:

Also speaking was King County’s creative-economy director Kate Becker:

The event was part grand opening, part trade fair, part film festival. Part of its 117,000 square feet held tables from partners and vendors serving the video/film industry, showing off everything from camera-boom-equipped vehicles ..

to props …

to drones.

Hundreds of people mingled and wandered through the building’s separate spaces …

One included easels with scenes from a series that had shot there (and elsewhere in West Seattle), “Three Busy Debras,” which ran through 2022:

The point of the spaces is to give creative crews plenty of room to realize their productions’ vision. Harbor Island Studios got a test run on that over a weekend in April, when three teams shot three short films as part of the Seattle 48-Hour Film Project. Those films, and a documentary about making them, were screened for tonight’s attendees.

If Harbor Island Studios fulfills its promise – and if the state beefs up incentives for film production – Vancouver, B.C., could stop “passing as Seattle,” as Constantine put it.

But first, as Becker mentioned, there’s more interior work ahead at Harbor Island Studios, to maximize its 117,000 square feet of space.

ADDED FRIDAY AFTERNOON: In case you’re interested, here’s the official news release the county posted today.

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Plea bargain for Arbor Heights man accused of stalking U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal

Almost a year after Brett Forsell of Arbor Heights was arrested following an incident outside U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal‘s West Seattle home, Forsell pleaded guilty today to one count of a reduced charge, misdemeanor stalking. He was originally charged with felony stalking. We learned about today’s plea and sentencing hearing by finding newly filed court documents tonight. In a written statement, Forsell admits to harassing Rep. Jayapal “by repeatedly driving in front of her house, stopping my car, yelling at her house, and driving off late at night.” Prosecutors say that according to neighbors and security video, the yelling on the night of Forsell’s arrest included exhortations for her to “go back to India” and to kill herself. Forsell was armed with a semiautomatic handgun when arrested by police. The plea bargain documents say that after pleading guilty today, he was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Pro Tem Jennifer Atchison to 340 days in jail, all of which he was decreed to have already served (via a combination of jail and electronic home monitoring). Other conditions include an “anti-stalking order” protecting the victim that includes a prohibition on gun ownership for eight years, plus a requirement for mental health, alcohol, and drug evaluations. Forsell, 49, also will be on unsupervised probation for the next two years.

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: West Seattle Arcade close to opening

Eagerly awaiting West Seattle Arcade? Co- proprietor Elyssa Cichy says it’s very close to opening at 2758 Alki SW:

We received our final approvals from the city this week, and are hoping to open very soon!

The last piece of the puzzle will be finding some great team members to help us get this place up and running.

If any of your readers are interested in a fun job at the arcade, they can email us at play@westseattlearcade.com

We are conducting interviews immediately.

Jobs entail making sure that everyone who walks through our door feels welcome and has a fun experience, handing out prizes, sales, setting up and taking down birthday parties and light cleaning.

We will be open every day, and are accepting applications for all shifts.

We first reported 5+ months ago on the arcade plan for the space that previously held Top Pot Doughnuts and various other food businesses.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Storage-facility burglaries; dumped-likely-stolen bicycle

Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes:

STORAGE FACILITY BURGLARIES: A victim told us about break-ins reported at Life Storage in the Luna Park area last week and an apparent arrest. For details, we’ve obtained the police-report narrative. The call started as an employee reporting last Thursday that someone – not a customer – had been sleeping overnight at the facility for two nights, during which four separate units had been broken into and “rummaged through,” though it wasn’t clear what if anything had been taken. Video showed that the suspect had been coming and going via a valid code, though whose code or how the suspect got it wasn’t clear. Evidence was found of cut locks, including one in the suspect’s backpack. The 52-year-old suspect was arrested and booked into the King County Jail, and released one day later. He is not yet charged, but still could be at a later date.

ABANDONED-LIKELY-STOLEN BICYCLE: A texter found this abandoned bicycle in Highland Park:

If it might be yours, let us know and we’ll connect you with the finder.

HOLIDAY WEEKEND: This summer’s lowest low tide is almost here

(Monterey Dorid sea slug, photographed during recent low tide by Rosalie Miller)

If you’re staying home for the extended holiday weekend, you might factor beach walks into your staycation. The next round of low-low tides is almost here. Saturday through Thursday will be prime dates for beach exploration. On Saturday, the tide will be out to -2.4 feet at 9:54 am; on Sunday, -3.2 feet at 10:38 am; on Monday, -3.8 feet at 11:24 am; on Tuesday (the Fourth of July), -4.0 feet at 12:11 pm (this summer’s lowest low tide); on Wednesday, -3.8 feet at 12:59 pm; and next Thursday (July 6th), -3.0 feet at 1:48 pm. Here’s the full chart. If you want expert guidance, Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists will be at Constellation Park (63rd/Beach Drive) and Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) Sunday through Thursday – see the schedule here.

WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Coyote sighting

Thanks for the photos! For the first time in a long time, we’ve received reports of a West Seattle coyote sighting. Very early this morning, in Upper Fauntleroy, along 37th SW – the photo above is from William, and the one below is from Adam.

As we routinely reminded readers back when we received and published many such sightings (you can scroll through the archives here), this is not something to be alarmed about. Yes, coyotes eat smaller animals, sometimes even roaming cats, but more often, their diets have been found to include what you might consider nuisances/pests – like rodents. William, in fact, reported seeing the coyote after it “had just finished his unsuccessful pursuit of a squirrel.” Advice on how to coexist by keeping them at a distance is part of this state-produced Living With Wildlife guide.

Driver crashes into wall at Southwest Teen Life Center building

June 29, 2023 10:17 am
|    Comments Off on Driver crashes into wall at Southwest Teen Life Center building
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

A big cleanup is ahead after that crash a short time ago outside the Southwest Teen Life Center/Customer Service Center building in Westwood. Police say an “inexperienced driver” crashed a family member’s Mercedes into the wall and ramp railing near the center’s front entrance. Two other people were in the car and one was being checked out for minor injuries. An SDOT response team is being called in to help clean up a large fluid slick that resulted from the crash.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Woman shot in apartment

(Added: Photo from Michael via comment upload)

9:21 AM: Police are investigating an early-morning shooting at an apartment in Highland Park. They were called just after 3:30 am for a report of a woman with gunshot wounds to the chest, back, and leg, in an apartment in the 8800 block of 9th SW. Officers’ early description of the shooter was “female, possibly known [to the victim]”; she reportedly entered the apartment and started shooting. We just checked with SPD; no arrest so far. The victim was taken to Harborview Medical Center. We’re following up with SFD on her condition – she was reported to be conscious.

10:36 AM: Further research indicates the victim is 32 years old and that the suspect was definitely someone known to her.

1:47 PM: SFD says the victim was in stable condition when taken to the hospital.

WEST SEATTLE THURSDAY: 13 notes!

(Reader photo – seals seen off Seola)

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

SPRAYPARK OPEN: Daily operations continue at Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.

WEST SEATTLE DEMOCRATIC WOMEN: 11 am online meeting starts with a discussion of reproductive-care issues, then guest speaker at 11:45, WSB editor Tracy Record. All welcome – email WSDW’s Ann Martin for the link, martinhtam@gmail.com.

HIAWATHA WADING POOL’S OPENING DAY: Noon-6:30 pm, first day of the season. (2700 California SW)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

COLMAN POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park, this outdoor salt-water pool is open noon-7 pm daily through Labor Day. See the session schedule here.

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayers@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today.

THURSDAY FOOD-TRUCK POP-UP: 4-8 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), NWTXBBQ will be visiting.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Also at HP Corner Store, meet up at 6:30 pm for a 3-mile run!

COOKING CLASS: Learn about potato salad at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), 5 pm – details in our calendar listing.

CONCERT TRUCK: The Seattle Chamber Music Society‘s Concert Truck comes to the Seattle Chinese Garden (north end of South Seattle College campus at 6000 16th SW) for a free concert, 6 pm.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at The Good Society (California/Lander) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run – more in our calendar listing.

THURSDAY NIGHT CORNHOLE: Go play at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm.

HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH: Opening night for the new musical at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor). Our calendar listing includes the ticket link.

There’s even more in our calendar!

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday info

6:03 AM: Good morning. Welcome to Thursday, June 29th – five days until the Fourth of July!

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Patchy morning fog, then clouds, then clearing, high in the upper 70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:14 am; sunset will be at 9:11 pm.

STILL IN SCHOOL

Second-to-last day of the year for Seattle Public Schools.

TRANSIT

Metro – Regular schedule, with trip cancellations and temporary route suspensions possible.

Water Taxi – The West Seattle WT is on its regular schedule. (Here are changes ahead for the Fourth of July and All-Star Week.)

Washington State Ferries – 2-boat schedule. 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 main camera:

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

Low Bridge – east-end vicinity:

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

Highway 99: – 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: The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities). Thank you!

HELPING: Second-graders hope you can assist them in a donation decision. Read their pitches! (updated)

(WSB photo, May 2021)

Room 12 at Lafayette Elementary has a request for you: Help them decide which charity should receive the $50 left in their classroom fund. Their teacher, Chelsea Gabzdyl, explained that she gave the students a writing project, to convince her who shold get the money, and, “One idea I had is for their writing pieces to be published on the West Seattle Blog so we can raise even more money and give to many different organizations.” She sent us 12 students’ pitches. If you can spare a few minutes, read them, comment with your thoughts on which case is the most compelling, maybe even consider donating yourself. Here are the students’ writeups, as sent by their teacher:

Zoe’s opinion:

I have Native Americans in my family so I love animals. Help the wildlife by donating money to the Wildlife Conservation Society. Help the animals that need help because of predators. People should not kill animals for fun. Help them please! Donate money to the Wildlife Conservation Society. Help the Wildlife Conservation Society. And more predators the more trees! How long does it take for a sloth to digest its food? One week!

Missy’s opinion:

I think we should do Saint Jude because it helps people like some people are paralyzed. That means: people can’t move a specific part in their body. That’s not good at all. Others have cancer and that’s not good ether because some kids die and we don’t want that to happen at all. If we give the money to Saint Jude because kids all over the world will know they are safe and happy.

Louise’s opinion:

Would you like to help people in need of food because I would and it makes me happy to see people help people. People should have food and water. People also shouldn’t suffer. People shouldn’t starve. I get mad when I see that people are not caring about people.

Jasper’s opinion:

Hi! Do you like animals? Then read on! In my opinion, the money should go to the Wildlife Conservation Society because I think animals should be healthy and safe. First of all they are good for the environment. Secondly, animals are nice! Lastly, they are adorable!!! That’s why I believe that the money should go to the wildlife conservation society!

Alaska’s opinion:

If you like animals then keep reading! I think the Wildlife Conservation Society should get the money because we will all have food, we can see cute animals, and the world will be beautiful.

Walter’s opinion:

We should give the money to the Ronald McDonald House because it can help families. Secondly, they can make money to help families. Last, families take care of babies and if you don’t take care of babies they won’t have a home.

Lucy’s opinion:

I think animals are very special and I want to have more experiences with animals. If you are an animal lover like me keep reading. Help wildlife by donating money to the Wildlife Conservation Society. Help the animals that need help! Mostly the animals that are hurt! Start loving them and stop hating them. People should not kill animals for fun because it is so rude! Would you want that? I wouldn’t. Help them please don’t kill! They don’t deserve it and you wouldn’t either. Animals should live in peace like we want to stop killing and start caring!

Ray’s opinion:

I think we need more animals because we can see new things. I think the Wildlife Conservation Society should get the money because more animals make more food. More animals make more fertilizer and more trees. More trees make more fresh air. Now you see why I feel that we need more animals.

Cora’s opinion:

I think we should give the money to all 10 charities because then all 10 of them get money and more things will be helped because of us. Secondly all 10 charities will be able to help things that otherwise would not. No one would be upset that the money went to the place they did not want because it would go to all 10 charities. That’s why I think we should give the money to all 10 charities.

Lilah’s opinion:

Do you love animals? In my opinion, the money should be donated to the Wildlife Conservation Society for these reasons. The bees are animals they help trees and the trees help us breathe. If there are more animals there will be more food. We love animals and we can hunt if there are more animals to have a balance. When we help it makes us happy. We can do more science! Our Earth will grow! And to sum it up, I love animals.

Trafford’s opinion:

My name is Trafford and this is my opinion about helping people have food. In my opinion, Share Our Strength is a good choice. First of all, my mom had childhood hunger. It can happen in many ways. Kids are not as resilient as adults and are more vulnerable. That’s why I chose share our strength.

Aiden’s opinion:

I think that the money should go to KaBOOM! because they build the playgrounds. Now you can see why Kaboom should get the money.

(We don’t have the list of all 10 charities they’re considering but will add it if and when we get it.)

ADDED 9:30 AM THURSDAY: First, teacher Chelsea just sent two more students’ pitches:

Mikol’s opinion:

Do you like the Seattle Animal Shelter? Well I’m gonna make you like it even more! First of all, if you donate to the Seattle Animal Shelter your donation goes directly to helping staff and volunteers perform life-saving work. Also, if you donate it helps prevent animal homelessness. Lastly, if you donate it helps fix animal cruelty so that’s why we should spend our money on the Seattle Animal Shelter.

Charlee’s opinion (in support of Share Our Strength):

My opinion is to give anything people need especially homeless people. So we can Share Our Strength and we can make a better world when we come together we can help each other get more food and water and medicine. It makes me sad and mad when I see people in need but nobody is helping them.

Second, she says the students have added to the fund – $152 more from “what kids have saved up and brought in themselves!”