West Seattle, Washington
31 Saturday
Students at Chief Sealth International High School plan a protest walkout just tomorrow over an incident that was described in a letter from the principal as involving “graphic … group text messages” that “encourage sexual violence.” Shortly after principal Ray Morales‘s letter was called to our attention tonight, we received this email from a student:
I am a 12th-grade student at Chief Sealth International High School. At our school, some of the boys on our football team and in general have been known to sexually assault, catcall, and harass women, as well as yell slurs and hate-crime queer and other students. The only thing that has happened to these boys, up to this point, has been a slap on the wrist, and events like this continue to occur. Our school consistently preaches about the physical and mental health and safety of their students, implementing a no-phone policy to reduce students’ anxiety and help our mental health, yet there has been serious inaction when the safety of female and queer students is put in jeopardy.
Recently, there was an incident involving some boys on the football team, and many students are tired of the consistent problems. In the past, students who have had issues with boys on the football team and went the coaches or staff have been brushed off or told that they would be reprimanded by having to “run extra laps.” Students have finally brought this to the attention of the whole student body and the principal. While our principal has been immensely supportive and has brought forth an action plan to change these boys behavior it is disappointing that students had to go this far to feel safe at school and get the justice they deserve. Tomorrow, October 20th, a few students have organized a walkout to protest against sexual harassment and assault. It will be at 11:50 at SWAC, across from the school. Although many staff are supportive of us, these things continue to happen, and I would like to bring attention to this issue and hopefully cease the inaction that continues to persist. By bringing light to the issue and notifying parents and members of the community, I hope to help my fellow students incite the change that is desperately needed.
Here is the note sent to the school community today by principal Morales:
Yesterday, a concern was brought to our attention regarding group text messages written by several Chief Sealth International students. The content of the text messages was graphic in nature and extremely inappropriate. Chief Staff International staff stand united that we do not condone this type of talk.
As soon as my team became aware of these messages, we took immediate action, including:
The school administration team is investigating the concerns and exploring appropriate discipline and additional corrective action.
Our social workers and school leaders are reaching out to offer direct support to each student who was a subject of the messages.
Chief Sealth International athletic leaders are developing a plan to promote gender equity, prevent sexual harassment, and help our students better understand what behaviors are expected of students and athletes.
I take the safety and wellbeing of our students very seriously. I appreciate the messages and questions families have sent to me expressing their concern about this issue. Our school and athletic teams are taking proactive steps to be sure our young people approach their peers and community members with respect.
The district and the admin team support students’ rights to express their views in a peaceful manner, including assembly and peaceful protest.
Our school has support available for students. In addition to our social workers and counselors, our school has a Teen Health Center that can help students talk through their concerns. You can find a list of student supports on our school website.
Thank you to the students who reported these messages to school staff. I encourage students to report any concerns they have to administration or other trusted adults. We want students to understand that it is important to report to a trusted adult when someone is hurt, in danger, or in an unsafe situation.
Please talk to your students to help them understand that comments that encourage sexual violence are not acceptable at our school. I am including some resource links that may be useful in talking to your students.
· UW Medicine/Harborview’s A Safer Families. A Safer World
· Love is Respect, resources for young people to promote healthy relationships
· Amaze.org, age-appropriate sex education resources
We will be following up with the school/district regarding .
Tonight’s Halloween-display spotlight features photos sent by J, who includes a trick-or-treat invitation for the big night (now just 12 days away):
We are again excited for Halloween, adding more decorations to our home this year.
Intention – to supply the best stuff – sour gummy full-size candies – and get our community jazzed about celebrating future years together!
Find us at Charlestown Ave SW at bottom of hill.
Got a display to suggest – yours, or someone else’s? Email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! (Every display we’ve shown is viewable on our West Seattle Halloween Guide page as well as by scrolling through our Halloween-coverage archive.)
A week and a half ago, we reported briefly that Taste of Mumbai was opening a restaurant/lounge in the ex-Yen Wor Village space at 2300 California SW. At the time, we mentioned having an inquiry out to find out more. We’ve since spoken by phone with Prasad from Taste of Mumbai, which for the past year-plus has operated out of the group kitchens at 4611 36th SW in The Triangle. Prasad says that for starters, they plan to “open for lunch buffets” until they get their liquor license for a full bar. Once that’s in, they plan on carrying on the karaoke tradition in the space and also adding live entertainment such as “belly dancing, Middle Eastern-theme nights.” In addition, Prasad says, they’re considering helping fill a late-night food void in West Seattle, potentially opening 24 hours a day on the weekends. Otherwise, hours will be similar to what they’re doing now (which already run late on weekend nights, until 3 am); they’ll be expanding the menu. They’re hoping to be open within a month or so, depending on permits to go – they’re doing some work in the space including the floors and restrooms.
Two people have texted us in the past few minutes about a dog on the upper bridge, near the eastbound side’s Delridge onramp. One described it as “looks very afraid, has a collar, white and brown, shorter hair.” As we advised that texter, this is definitely something to report to 911 – hazard to traffic (not to mention the dog).
This Saturday at Southwest Library, free flu and COVID shots will be available – here’s the announcement:
Coming up on Saturday, October 21 from 2:00 – 5:30 pm, Seattle/King County Public Health and the Othello Station Pharmacy will provide free COVID and flu vaccines at the Southwest Library. No appointments needed, just walk on in! All vaccines are free for all; those without insurance are most welcome. Due to changes to vaccine funding, those with insurance are asked to bring their insurance information to the clinic (the shots will be free!).
The clinic includes boosters, according to the official flyer. The library is at 35th/Henderson.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Four weeks before Seattle Public Schools superintendent Dr. Brent Jones is due to present a plan for closing a $105 million budget gap next school year, some of the possibilities were previewed at a school board “work session” this week.
The session (see the agenda and documents here) also was intended to be a recap of the challenges – inefficient state funding, according to district administrators, singing out situations such as state funding provided for nine nurses in the district, which has 65 without even averaging one per school. And the measures that closed a budget gap for the current school year also were recapped, including changes to the “central office” budget, which is $441 million. The board was reminded that “central office” includes districtwide services such as meals, far more than just middle and upper management at district HQ. This year the district reduced “central office” expenses by $32 million and is looking at $18 million.
But some of the ways they closed a gap this year are no longer available. And that’s why they’re looking at school closure/consolidation, for example, to create what administrators call “a system of well-resourced schools” – theoretically, larger schools that would have a full set of nurses, librarians, counselors, family support workers. No specific schools have been mentioned so far. But one slide from Tuesday’s meeting mentioned what closures would be expected to save – up to $2 million per closed school:
Another possible way to save money, with existing schools: Going to three bell schedules, for more efficient use of school buses. That could save $5 million, according to district staff. (The most-recent suggestion to do that was shelved amid a firestorm of opposition.)
Maybe higher fees, such as charging for athletic participation, or having families cover the fees the district pays for payments through the SchoolPay system:
Other possibilities could include selling property:
The meeting ran short on time (though it lasted about half an hour longer than planned) before much brainstorming happened, but board director Vivian Song mentioned one thing she saw missing: Raising revenue by growing enrollment (since each added student means more state funding), or at least – given the recent declines – actively working to stabilize it.
Before the meeting got to the discussion of potential money-saving measures, some general philosophical points about the process were discussed. Board director Leslie Harris of West Seattle wondered if any parts of the budget could be put off-limits – “we never really agreed on baselines.” And she also again chided district staff for not yet at least previewing potential closures and consolidations, or at least hinting at what values they’re using to review specific schools: Would those values include keeping K-8 schools? Keeping STEM-focused schools? Keeping small schools that are focused on specialized programs? Some discussion ensued about “focusing on student outcomes.” Board director Chandra Hampson, who has been previously reported as a critic of “option schools” (in West Seattle, that includes Pathfinder and Boren STEM K-8s), declared that those schools “don’t have better outcomes.” In a general observation regarding school consolidations, board director Liza Rankin said, “I don’t want anybody’s school to close, but we’re talking about schools meant for 400, 500 stdents, with under 200” and therefore short on resources now.
WHAT’S NEXT: The superintendent is scheduled to present his plan on Wednesday, November 15th. Feedback from the district’s recent series of community meetings is supposed to factor into it, but that feedback is still being parsed by district staff, chief of staff Bev Redmond said toward the start of this week’s work session.
LOCAL MEETING: Local school-board director Leslie Harris has her next community-conversation meeting set for this Saturday (October 21), 2-5 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 2306 42nd SW – bring your questions/concerns/suggestions.
We received this notice on behalf of a project described only as “a movie,” working with the city to get a permit to film on the West Seattle Bridge one week from today:
10/26, weather and permit pending: We will have a convoy of cars led by Seattle Police Officers that will escort a car that is rigged with several camera systems. We will not be holding traffic whatsoever but are required to have an escort to ensure the safety of our crew and all drivers on the bridge. We will start sometime after 10 am till 2 pm and do one to four runs on the bridge, westbound and eastbound. Again, our permits are pending, and chasing the weather this time of year can be very tricky.
The most-recent such filming for which we got an early alert was one year ago.
No photos so far of either of these, but the reports came in via email:
LINCOLN PARK DEER: Lauren reports, “Spotted a young buck on the beach trail this morning in Lincoln Park. Also spotted a seal, bald eagle, and the barkiest dog in the whole wide world.” Lauren says she was not able to catch the deer on camera before he “hopped away.” The deer was first noted in this comment thread following yesterday’s humpback-whale sighting. (As one commenter notes, we’ve had scattered sightings in the past, including “Westley,” who spent a few weeks wandering the peninsula in 2016.)
TWO COYOTES: Sent by Nicole:
Our neighbor alerted us that she saw two coyotes at the end of her driveway at 11:00 pm when she let her small dog out. We live at the end of 32nd Ave SW, adjacent to Camp Long (32nd and Juneau).
The state’s advice on coexisting with coyotes includes NOT providing them with convenient food sources, from unaccompanied pets to unsecured garbage.
(Wednesday night at Alki Beach – photo by Tony Tschanz)
Here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE CONTINUES: Until 6 pm, Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) is open – go in to see the work displayed by community members in its annual Southwest Artist Showcase.
GREAT SHAKEOUT: Statewide earthquake drill at 10:19 am – even if you don’t participate, it’s a great time to ponder preparedness.
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.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room and wine bar open 1-6 pm on the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus (6000 16th SW).
THURSDAY FOOD-TRUCK POP-UP: 4-8 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), Lumpia World will be visiting.
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Also at HP Corner Store, meet up at 6:30 pm for a 3-mile run!
FREE CLASS FOR SMALL-BIZ OWNERS: Productivity Master Class, 5-6 pm at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW; WSB sponsor) – sign up and find out more here.
DELRIDGE GROCERY CO-OP VOLUNTEER HANGOUT: Visit Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) between 5 and 8 pm to meet folks from the Delridge Grocery Co-op and find out how a little of your time can help this volunteer-powered store!
DESIGN REVIEW MEETING CANCELED: The second meeting for 5252 California SW is off – here’s why.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at Future Primitive Beer Bar (2536 Alki SW) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run – more in our calendar listing.
CIRCLE OF SONGS: Monthly acoustic event at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm.
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm meeting, in person at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) or online. Agenda notes:
Report from SW Precinct, Seattle Police Department
Discussion, Alki Community Concerns
-Traffic problem on 56th Ave SW
-Paint lines at Constellation Park
-Statue of Liberty bricks
BLUES NIGHT: 7 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday you can listen to the blues.
THURSDAY THROWDOWN: All-vinyl DJ night at Revelry Room (4547 California SW, alley entrance), 8-11 pm.
We publish daily lists as reminders, but you can look ahead any time, to any day, by visiting our calendar!
Not too soon to start thinking youth sports for next year. The West Seattle Lacrosse Club asked us to share this multi-part announcement:
Attention, young ladies of West Seattle! Looking for a fun team sports opportunity for the Spring 2024 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 newer High School Team! No prior experience is required.
Teams are comprised of young ladies from Normandy Park, Des Moines, Burien and West Seattle.
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 10/29, 11/5, 11/12 and 11/19 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at Hiawatha Playfields at 2700 California Avenue SW. 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.
If you are already a W.S.L.C team member, early Registration is open now for the 2024 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 with the swlacrosseclub.org
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, October 19th.
WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Mostly sunny! High in the upper 60s. Chance of rain tonight. Sunrise today is at 7:32 am; sunset, 6:15 pm.
ROAD-WORK ALERT
Delridge repaving in the northbound lanes north of Genesee continues today – here’s the original announcement.
TRANSIT TODAY
Water Taxi – Regular schedule today – now on fall/winter schedule, which is still 7 days a week, but no late-night service Fridays/Saturdays.
Metro – Regular schedule today; check advisories here.
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:
1st Ave. S. Bridge – southeastern 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 feed on Twitter/X 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 that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if applicable). Thank you!
Ready to vote? Your ballot could arrive in USPS mail as soon as today (Thursday) and you can vote as soon as you get it. The King County Elections dropboxes open today – 3 in West Seattle (here’s the map). So here’s what you’ll be voting on – one levy, and 8 contested races (you’ll see some unopposed candidates on your ballot too)
Seattle Proposition 1 (Housing Levy)
Seattle City Council District 1
King County Council District 8
Seattle School Board Districts 1, 2, 3, 6
Seattle Port Commission Position 5
Voting ends Tuesday, November 7th – the dropbox deadline is 8 pm, or get your ballot into the postal mail early enough that it’ll be postmarked no later than that date. (And if you haven’t registered to vote yet – it’s not too late.)
| 96 COMMENTS