West Seattle, Washington
12 Thursday
The agenda for tomorrow’s Seattle Public Schools board meeting was updated tonight with the document for superintendent Dr. Brent Jones‘s promised briefing on tackling next year’s expected budget gap – and it does NOT include a list of proposed school closures/consolidations – for now. Instead, the document says Dr. Jones is expected to present his “system of well-resourced schools” plan by May 8 of next year, and closures/consolidations for 2025-2026 might be part of it. From the presentation prepared for tomorrow’s meeting:
Here’s what might instead be used to balance next year’s budget:
Tomorrow’s meeting starts at 4:15 pm at district HQ (3rd/Lander in SODO) and also will be streamed on the SPS YouTube channel.
The big screechy blue-and-black birds called Steller’s Jays are fairly common in local neighborhoods – but none are like the one now permanently perched in Highland Park. Five days after the installation of the 17-foot-high sculpture “Where’s the Party?” at Highland Park Way/Holden, its artist Matthew Mazzotta visited late today to talk with interested community members:
He’s from New York, which is home to different jays. But he explained to the streetside gathering that his inspiration was not only the bird itself but also the significance of its location, where Seattle’s biggest forest – the West Duwamish Greenbelt – makes way for “the built environment” in a changing neighborhood:
The artwork was funded by the city’s longrunning public-art program, as part of the safety-improvement project at the intersection where it sits on the southwest corner. As Mazzotta said, now that the sculpture is done and in place, his role is over – its future is in the community’s hands, and hearts.
Larry asked for help circulating this request:
Are you a former student or co-worker of Mr. Ed Doyle from Denny Middle School?
Mr. Doyle taught band, history, media, and more from 1967-2001 at Denny Middle School, and although he hasn’t taught for over 20 years, the memories and the relationships of his years at Denny Middle School have continued to be a source of joy for him in his retirement.
Mr. Doyle turns eighty this month, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate this milestone than honoring the career that he was so passionate about and connecting him to the students and staff that meant so much to him.
If you are a former student or co-worker of his and you would like to write a quick, kind thought or share a good memory, please sign his virtual birthday card at kudoboard.com/boards/YcBLzwj0.
Thank you so much in advance for taking a moment to participate in this surprise virtual card! And if you know of anyone, student or staff, who might like adding to this card, we would deeply appreciate you passing the link on to them.
If you haven’t already answered this year’s Seattle Public Safety Survey, researchers at Seattle University hope you’ll do it sometime before month’s end:
Every year, Seattle U researchers conduct this community survey “to try and assess the main concerns of Seattle residents and convey those concerns to the police department. We want to make sure we hear from as much of the West Seattle residents as possible.” Here’s the direct link – use the dropdown on that page to choose which of 11 languages you want to use. If you’re interested – here are the results of last year’s citywide survey.
(Also published on our partner site White Center Now)
If you’ve been in downtown White Center lately, you’ve probably noticed changes to the fire-ravaged block on the west side of 16th SW south of Roxbury. It’s been more than two years since fires ravaged multiple spaces in this block of businesses. Now seven of the spaces are up for lease to new business tenants (here’s the flyer). The spaces totaling 22,362 square feet could be leased in various combinations, the listing says … Not far south, next to Full Tilt, the Huong Xua Deli is finally getting ready to reopen, with COMING SOON signage … And on the other side of the September 2021 fire site, two venues have uncloaked with plans to share the former Bizzarro Italian Café space at 9635 16th SW:
The Alpine Diner and Bar, touting an “apres-ski” theme, and Big Mario’s Pizza. From the Alpine website:
Try our full food & beverage menu available daily from 7 AM to 10 PM, or visit the bar counter and cozy up to our vintage fireplace in the game room for ski ball and hoops. Enjoy our large outdoor patio with bocci ball and outdoor seating, opening Spring 2024. We share our space with the newest Big Mario’s location, meaning you can order from either menu.
The Alpine is from the same company that operates Lost Lake Café on Capitol Hill; Big Mario’s Pizza has a location there too, one of four in Seattle. The remodeled White Center space is expected to open this winter.
Denny International Middle School students walked to the campus together from Westwood Village this morning in commemoration of Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.
It’s a simple observance in honor of what Ruby herself did on this date 63 years ago – as explained on the official event website, “Six-year-old Ruby Bridges stepped into the history books in 1960 when she integrated William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, becoming a national icon for the civil-rights movement.”
The students warmed up with hot cocoa in the Galleria after their walk. Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day continues to grow nationwide, with Denny students among the more than 343,000 who participated last year.
Three reports in West Seattle Crime Watch so far today:
CAR WASH BURGLARIZED: Thanks for the tip on this. The coin machines at Car Wash Palace (35th/Graham) were stolen early today. According to archived dispatch audio, police were sent there around quarter till 6 am because of an alarm, and discovered the machines missing. Our tipster says that left the car wash closed for business this morning, but we haven’t been able to verify that yet.
SALON CARD READER THEFT/FRAUD: According to SPD report narrative, Tram’s Salon on the north edge of The Junction was hit by a card-reader thief and fraudster Monday afternoon:
At approximately (1:30 pm), the (thief) walked into the establishment and claimed he wanted to prepay for his services. The (victim) handed the suspect a small device used for processing card information for payment. Unknown to the (victim), the (thief) somehow used his card to refund himself $2,500. According to the (victim), he then ran out of the store with the … payment device. There is a possibility the money could have been taken after he stole the machine … later in the day, (the victim) received notification from the establishment’s bank.
The thief was described as a Black man in his mid-20s, 6 feet tall, thin, in a hoodie and mask.
STOLEN VAN: Tina sent the report and photo:
Our 2017 Kia Sedona was stolen from in front of our house last night, near 35th & Holden. It is brown with a U-Haul hitch installed. Washington License plate # BGU7189. Would appreciate if folks could keep an eye out.
SATURDAY UPDATE: Tina emailed to report, “Our minivan was recovered along with two other stolen vehicles. They were parked next to an abandoned apartment building on the 1700 block of SW Barton.”
(Photo by James Bratsanos)
Options for the hours ahead, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)
MEET THE ARTIST: Highland Park’s big bird sculpture has arrived at Highland Park Way and Holden. That’s where you can meet artist Matthew Mazzotta at 4 pm; the gathering will then proceed a short distance south for more conversation at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way).
PRODUCTIVITY-BOOSTING ADVICE, FREE! 5 pm, the first of two free events this week at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW; WSB sponsor). This one will give you “tips and tricks on how to organize your physical AND digital space to improve performance.”
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration continues at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t have your own.
LEARN ASL: Free class, 6 pm at West Seattle Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (4001 44th SW) – info’s in our calendar listing.
SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, you can play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).
FREE TRACK RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.
HOPE LUTHERAN ALL-SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Looking ahead to next school year? Learn about Hope Lutheran School (WSB sponsor) at tonight’s all-school open house, 6:30 pm – details in our calendar listing. (4456 42nd SW)
THE CLAY CAULDRON: 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance or drop in to work on your project(s).
ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: 7 pm community gathering at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), with police there for Q&A, plus officer elections and holiday info.
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 7 pm board meeting open to all community members. with agenda items including discussion of the Lincoln Park pickleball-court project. In person at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) or online (register at fauntleroy.net/meetings).
SING! Singers have an open invitation to join the Seattle Metropolitan Singers – “all treble voices welcome” – just attend one of their rehearsals, Tuesdays 7-9 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).
TRIVIA X 4: Four places to play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW); also, 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 ahead any time via our event calendar – if you have something to add to it, please email the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Back on November 4th, most Green Seattle Day volunteer events were scratched because of wind and rain. But hundreds of trees are still waiting to be planted, and that means they’re waiting for you. Lincoln Park has room for more volunteers this Saturday morning (November 18th):
Green Seattle Day @Lincoln Park is NOVEMBER 18, 9 am-noon, and registration is still OPEN! Event Registration and Details: seattle.greencitypartnerships.org/event/38152
Join hundreds of volunteers across the city planting thousands of native trees, shrubs, and groundcovers that will become the future forests of Seattle. All community members are welcome, and no experience is necessary! The event is family friendly and open to all ages. Coffee and light snacks provided and Green Seattle swag available for all who register. AND local band, The Potholes will be playing their acoustic hearts out for volunteers as they plant!
This is also a fun outdoor opportunity for student service hours! (Video link from last year’s event)Email flip98136@gmail.com with questions.
(File photo from a previous year’s drive)>
We’re continuing to tell you about holiday-season donation drives – like this one that just launched at longtime WSB sponsor Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency, to help keep people warm as the coldest time of year arrives:
The 10th annual winter clothing drive has begun at Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency.
In conjunction with the West Seattle Food Bank/West Seattle Helpline, we are collecting donations of clothes, coats, and shoes from November 13th until January 1st. Please drop off your donations at 3435 California Ave SW. The office is open for donations Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 9 am to 5 pm. Tuesdays 9 am to 2 pm. For undergarments and socks, please donate only new and unopened packages of clothing items.
Pickup may be available for those who have donations but are unable to transport them. For further information, contact the State Farm office at 206-932-1878.
Thank you, West Seattle, for your generosity and spirit of giving.
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, November 14th.
WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunny, high in the upper 40s. Sunrise today is at 7:13 am; sunset, 4:34 pm.
WALKING TO SCHOOL EVENT
Between the north side of Westwood Village and Denny International Middle School (2601 SW Kenyon), in the 7 am hour, Denny students will head to the campus in observance of Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.
OTHER TRANSIT TODAY
Metro – Regular schedule today; check advisories here. P.S. Metro is recruiting for a new Fares Cabinet to discuss the future of fares.
Water Taxi is on its regular schedule too.
Washington State Ferries – The usual 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!
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