West Seattle, Washington
18 Thursday
(WSB file photo)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
To borrow a sports phrase, this is a “rebuilding year” for the Chief Sealth International High School PTSA, with an all-new board.
This week, they kicked off the year with the first quarterly general meeting, and were heartened by the turnout – ~30 parents, students, staff gathered in the Sealth library to talk about everything from school spirit to the new no-cell-phones-in-class policy.
New co-presidents Shannon McDonald and Cami Peloza led the meeting. First, some internal business – the board still has a few openings, from vice president to some committee chairs. (If you’re interested, email chiefsealthptsa@gmail.com.) The PTSA plans a fundraising auction in December and a “direct drive” in spring. Right now they’re also interested in more members (the coordinator is community member Preston Anderson), to rebuild that base too; here’s how to join. Students are free, and there’s a scholarship fund for anyone else who can’t afford the nominal dues.
That’s all in line with th PTSA’s “strategic plan” for this year, which calls for encouraging more student/staff/family involvement in the organization and with the school in general. Other parts of the plan: Be more inclusive of families of color, to “get the PTSA away from being primarily white women”; to work more closely with the ASB (student leadership) and school leaders; develop strong relationships with staff; work with other major school-support organizations like Denny-Sealth Performing Arts; and to bolster CSIHS’s image in the West Seattle community, shining a light on student achievements, supporting caretaking of the school property, etc.
CELL-PHONE POLICY: As it happens, this new policy (no cell-phone use except before/after school and at lunch, as noted here earlier this week) is also bolstering Chief Sealth’s image – principal Ray Morales says he’s heard from other high schools interested in implementing something similar themselves. But before he spoke, reps from the Building Leadership Team explained how they came up with the policy. A teacher proposed it, said Maha Giundi of the BLT, which is a group, elected by school staff, that meets every other week. They worked on it over the summer; “we were really nervous about it but so far it’s been successful.” Even the rollout to students went more smoothly than expected; Giundi said they thought they’d be booed for it. Parent support is overwhelmingly in favor, according to a survey sent out with principal Morales’s original announcement. “It’s not punitive – it’s a policy, not a rule.”
Overall, Giundi explained, the motivation is increased mental health – it’s been shown that being glued to their phones has been detrimental to that. So far, they’re seeing people “talking to each other!” And there’s no question it’s a boon to teachers too – “we were tired of asking folks to put their phones away.” One attendee described the policy as “courageous.”
Principal Morales followed the BLT reps.
(WSB photo from April Recycle Roundup)
One of this weekend’s biggest events is a little over 36 hours away – Fauntleroy Church‘s twice-yearly Recycle Roundup. It’s happening 9 am-3 pm on Saturday, a chance to drop off dozens of types of recyclable objects free. The list of what Recycle Roundup partner 1 Green Planet will and won’t accept is here. During the previous Recycle Roundup on Earth Day (April 22nd), 450 people brought in 14+ tons of recyclables! Organizers have just one request – don’t wait until the last hour if you can possibly avoid it, get there earlier; there’s plenty of capacity!
4:38 PM: Police are searching around homes on Fauntleroy Way SW just south of the ferry dock, looking for a man in what’s described as a “weapons call” and possible burglary. He’s described as Hispanic, with dark medium-length hair, no shirt, tan pants. The Guardian One helicopter is on its way to join the search. More information as we get it.
4:47 PM: The helicopter’s arrived in the area.
4:56 PM: We went to the area to look for an officer to ask about what preceded all this. We’re told the first call came from people at the ferry dock who saw what they described as a naked man with a knife or possibly box-cutter. Police noted that this might be the same person seen acting suspiciously near Fauntleroy Church earlier in the day.
5:08 PM: This search has moved a bit further south, along Marine View Drive. Meantime, police are also investigating an unrelated burglary near Fauntleroy Park, to the east of all this, and it sounds as if they have arrested someone – DIFFERENT suspect. … The original subject of the search, meantime, is said to be running through yards in the 10000-10200 block of Marine View Drive and is described as carrying a machete.
(Reader photo)
5:22 PM: The search has moved westward from there to 47th SW.
5:34 PM: They’re surrounding an area there and making the mandatory announcements that a K-9 will be deployed.
5:57 PM: Nothing new to report. Many officers still in the area, and Guardian One is back after a brief break.
6:31 PM: With the helicopter’s help, they’ve located the person they believe is who they’ve been looking for. … And he’s reported to be in custody. This was in the 10200 block (whether 47th or Marine View Drive, not clear). … Officers also just told dispatch they’ve found the machete, too.
Three restaurant notes:
MISO OPENS: The new Highland Park “K-food” restaurant at 16th/Holden is open at last, as of today. We took pics yesterday as their preparation stretched out one more day. Ben is the proprietor:
He tells us Miso (which is Korean for “smile”) will be open 11 am-8 pm Mondays through Saturdays, closed Sundays. We photographed the menu: here and here.
MORE ABOUT BANH MI XO: We mentioned briefly Tuesday that this sign had gone up at 35th/Henderson:
We’ve since connected with proprietor Guy by email. He says hours will be “most likely breakfast and lunch (8 am-3/4 pm).” Menu plans: “Banh mi, bun (vermicelli), fresh spring rolls, bubble-tea drinks, fruit smoothies, and Vietnamese waffles.” Guy adds, “This will be our first sandwich shop, but hope we can expand. We have been in the restaurant for 10 years+ in the past.” As for when they’ll open, “Later October/November will be our best guess.”
PORTAGE BAY CAFE: Peter from Portage Bay Café emailed us with news of a fall change in hours:
Our location in West Seattle will be shifting to our fall hours starting next week. Like our smaller neighborhood stores in Ballard and near Ravenna, West Seattle will be switching to five days a week, open Thursday through Monday. Thursday, Friday, and Monday, we’ll be open 8-1:30, and on Saturdays and Sundays, we’ll be open 8-2.”
September 26 and 27 will be the first weekdays we’ll be closed, resuming five day a week service starting on the 28th.
It’s been almost nine months since Portage Bay opened at 4725 42nd SW.
(File photo – West Seattle aerial view by Long Bach Nguyen)
With so much parkland in West Seattle, we thought you’d be interested in how Seattle Parks says it’s responding to the “use less water” request announced this morning:
The majority of Seattle Parks and Recreation’s water use is on irrigation (only 6% of our water use goes to pools), and thus that is where we focus our conservation efforts.
Water conservation efforts we employ year-round:
-Remotely controlled irrigation systems are adjusted depending on weather and can immediately detect leaks.
-Regular irrigation system checks by staff and expedited repairs when breaks are reported.
-New parks and facilities are built with the latest water conservation technology.
-During this Water Shortage Voluntary Reduction, Seattle Parks and Recreation will:-Reduce irrigation for non-high use lawns and most garden beds.
-Reduce irrigation within golf courses.
-Wash vehicles for health and safety reasons only (including golf carts)
-Turn off decorative fountains.We must be prudent in deciding how to conserve water during this time as more significant water conservation efforts would likely cause harm to our living assets, reduce public access to parks and amenities, and cost millions to repair. For these reasons, the following water use at park spaces will continue during the voluntary stage of Seattle’s water shortage:
-Power-washing restrooms to ensure sanitary access to park restrooms.
-Irrigating golf greens, specialty gardens, and newly established landscapes
-Supporting our urban forests to preserve their climate change fighting abilities.
=Irrigate actively used and destination park lawns, athletic fields, and food-growing gardens in parks.If you do spot a leak in a park or recreation facility, please submit a Find It, Fix It request so we can repair it right away.
You can also call the Parks maintenance hotline, 206-684-7250.
Since first word of 86-year-old Jim Price‘s disappearance, people have asked how they can help. If you are available this afternoon, we just received this announcement:
A team will meet at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW) at 2 pm for a coordinated search.
Jim, who has dementia and hearing loss, was last seen Monday evening in the 3600 block of 22nd SW on Pigeon Point. He might have been intending to set out for the Senior Center in The Junction.
12:01 PM: Sent by Patrick:
My motorcycle was stolen this morning (9/21) at about 6:30 am from West Seattle at 50th SW and Edmunds. It is a blue and white Yamaha TTR 230, model year 2006. There is a custom headlight on the bike.
I’ve reported to Seattle Police and have a case number 23-274030. Plate number: 1J2831.
I’ve attached a picture of the bike and a picture of the truck that stole it, captured from a Ring doorbell.
12:24 PM: And just in, a stolen-car report from Tim:
Our 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, dark blue, was stolen from in front of our home on Morgan Street in High Point last night between Midnight and 7 AM. License Plate: AZM6424. Police Incident #23-273979. This is an older photo – the damage to the front fender being recorded here was repaired and the car was recently washed, showing off its dark blue.
FRIDAY UPDATE: This car was found – used in a pot-shop crash-and-grab in SODO early today.
Quick reminder that we’re presenting a forum with our area’s Seattle City Council and King County Council candidates on Monday night (September 25th) at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon). The night starts with County Council District 8 candidates Sofia Aragon and Teresa Mosqueda at 6:30 pm, and after a short break at 7 pm, City Council District 1 candidates Maren Costa and Rob Saka. All are welcome to attend; we will be recording video to publish as soon as possible afterward. As with our primary forum, we’re collecting questions by email – thanks to everyone who’s sent suggestions so far! Please send yours – the more concise, the better to westseattleblog@gmail.com.
(Busy bee, as summer ends. Photo by Janelle Otterholt)
Here are highlights of what’s happening today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll see even more):
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to find out where they’re playing today.
DINE OUT & HELP EARTHQUAKE SURVIVORS: As previewed earlier this week, 4-10 pm, Itto’s Tapas (4160 California SW) will donate all of tonight’s proceeds to Morocco earthquake relief.
THURSDAY FOOD-TRUCK POP-UP: 4-8 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), Incredibowls will be visiting.
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Also at HP Corner Store, meet up at 6:30 pm for a 3-mile run!
FILM PREMIERE: Emerald Water Anglers (4502 42nd SW; WSB sponsor) is presenting the premiere of “Tom,” about the life of the passionate angler and conservationist Tom Derry, at 6:30 pm. Our calendar listing has the ticket link.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at The Good Society (California/Lander) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run – more in our calendar listing.
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Live, work, dine, drink, play in the Alki area? Come hear and talk about community concerns and initiatives at the monthly Alki Community Council meeting, 7 pm. In-person at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) or online.
CHAI SHOW & SIGNING: See and hear Chai at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 7 pm – in-store show and signing event, free, all ages.
FAREWELL PARTY: As previewed last night:
Farewell Party for Youngstown Coffee and HeartBeet Café w/ Tomo Nakayama at Skylark Café (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Thursday, September 21 at 7 pm
All-ages show
Free (donation recommended at the door)
More info here
BLUES NIGHT: 7 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday you can listen to the blues.
THURSDAY NIGHT CORNHOLE: Go play at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm.
‘MATT & BEN’: Week 3 begins at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. Check for tickets here.
THURSDAY THROWDOWN: All-vinyl DJ night at Revelry Room (4547 California SW, alley entrance), 8-11 pm.
We publish these daily lists as reminders, but you can look ahead any time, to any day, by visiting our calendar!
(SPU photo)
That’s the Cedar River Watershed, part of where Seattle’s water supply originates. This morning, the city is asking you to use less of that water. Here’s the announcement we just received from Seattle Public Utilities:
After an unusually dry summer and an extended forecast that calls for continued dry conditions, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) today asked its customers to voluntarily use less water. SPU activated its Water Shortage Contingency Plan and is in the voluntary reduction stage, a necessary action to stretch the water supply until fall rains return.
Seattle is working to manage water supplies for people and fish during this extended dry period. SPU asked its 1.5 million customers, which includes people in King County who receive Seattle Water through the Utility’s wholesale customers, to voluntarily reduce their water use until further notice.
“SPU staff has been thoughtfully preparing for dry conditions throughout the summer, working to ensure an adequate water supply for the needs of residents and fish throughout our region. With these dry conditions sticking around, we must all do our part,” said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “That’s why, at the recommendation of SPU, I’m activating the voluntary stage of the plan and asking residents to cut back on water use until significant rains return in the fall.”
Ways people can reduce their water use:
• Stop watering lawns (It’s OK to efficiently water newly planted lawns, young plants and trees, and vegetable gardens).
• Take shorter or fewer showers.
• Check for and fix leaks now, especially running toilets.
Find more water-saving tips at www.savingwater.org .
“Our customers are great stewards of our environment and already use water wisely every day, and we believe they will take our request to heart,” said Andrew Lee, General Manager of Seattle Public Utilities. “This will be a temporary ask until the fall rains return.”
City of Seattle departments are making immediate operational changes to reduce their water use and stretch the water supply as far as possible.
People who want to stay informed on how well SPU commercial, residential, and wholesale customers are reducing their water use can visit SPU’s At Your Service blog.
SPU manages two large, regional watersheds that supply its 1.5 million customers with some of the cleanest water in the nation. Investing in water conservation programs over several decades has helped stretch water supplies much further than originally anticipated. For example, over the last 40 years, the regional water system has grown from serving 1 to 1.5 million customers, but overall water use has decreased by 30%. Despite this population growth, customers use onlyas much water overall as used in the 1950s.
“While not highly visible work, SPU has done a remarkable job year after year of managing our most precious resource, including watershed protection and careful daily and long-term water resource planning,” said Noel Miller, Chair of the SPU Customer Review Panel. “While our area is typically blessed with sufficient precipitation, SPU’s steadfast commitment to our water supply for people and fish is the reason its customers rarely are asked to reduce water use, even during drier and hotter years.”
For details related to this announcement, including water-saving tips in multiple languages, a map highlighting SPU residential, commercial and wholesale customers, and weekly updates on how much water customers are saving, go here.
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, September 21st, the last full day of summer.
WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunny, high in the upper 60s. Sunrise today is at 6:54 am; sunset, 7:09 pm.
(Wednesday night photo by Jan Pendergrass)
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro – Regular schedule; check advisories here.
Water Taxi – Regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route. Check alerts for changes, and use Vessel Watch to see where your ferry is.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also 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 cam:
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/X 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!
2:35 AM: Police are back at the 35th/Roxbury east-side strip mall right now, after a reported crash-and-grab attempt a short time ago at Global Smoke & Vape, burglarized via vehicle five times in the last four weeks, including the last two days in a row. This time, though, it didn’t work, according to what police have reported so far. But the attempt apparently also did some damage to A Pizza Mart next door, officers told dispatch. In this attempt, so far the burglars’ vehicles were described as silver (possibly Hyundai) and black sedans; the silver car has rear-end damage and one broken light on each end.
10:13 AM: Bollards are now in place outside the shop. Our photographer just went by:
A crew is there working on the steel gate, too.
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