(WSB photos, video)

Our area’s U.S. House Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a West Seattle resident when not in D.C., held a town hall meeting Wednesday night in her home neighborhood. She and her constituents brought up a wide range of issues, from the Israel/Hamas war to college costs to health care to UAPs (aka UFOs).

Rep. Jayapal said the community meeting at The Hall at Fauntleroy was one of more than 100 town halls she’s had since taking office seven years ago. “We may not agree … but whatever it is, I want to talk about it.” We recorded the town hall in two parts – first, her half-hour introductory remarks:

For those who don’t have time to watch, here are our notes:

She said “funding for community-based projects” is part of the job – and that she has helped secure $50 million, with $17 million to come “as soon as we pass the government funding (legislation).” She mentioned food-bank funding and emergency housing as some of what that money goes toward. Other funding on which she’s worked included something showcased at a port event earlier in the day, %18 million toward truck electrification.

If you are associated with a nonprofit, she said, her office can help you look for federal grant money. And for individuals, they can help you navigate federal agencies. “Our job is to try to help you navigate what is sometimes just crazy bureaucracy,” or inaccessibility. They won’t necessarily be able to solve every problem for you but they can at least help you get an answer. This includes Social Security, Medicare, and immigration issues, she added. She hailed her staff’s tenacity in pursuing solutions for constituents. Specifically, she said, she’s hearing from constituents who have felt strong-armed into Medicare Advantage plans – or are having a tough time getting back onto traditional Medicare. She says she’s been pushing to get the federal government to crack down on Medicare Advantage-related fraud – she thinks those offerings shouldn’t even have Medicare in their name.

On other matters, she said this has been the least productive Congress ever – barely 20 bills passed by both houses and signed into law in 2023. Funding to keep the government running is usually finalized by year’s end, but isn’t yet – “this is the craziness we’re dealing with, we still have not funded the government.”

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BIZNOTE: Fitness Together West Seattle celebrates expansion with ‘grand reopening’ Friday

January 25, 2024 8:11 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

A West Seattle Junction business (and longtime WSB sponsor) is expanding and celebrating.

A little over a year after Bryan Habas took over Fitness Together West Seattle (upstairs at 4546 California SW), he’s excited about adding more room to serve clients. He explains, “We are expanding by leasing and renovating the 770sf of office space adjacent to us to add to our 1080sf. We have connected the two spaces now and it will give us a lobby/reception area, separate staff break room, and an exercise space large enough for small group classes.”

Bryan adds, “This will give us 3 total separate semi-private workout spaces and we will be able to take new clients at some of the most popular time slots again (before and after typical work hours) which we haven’t been able to offer for a few years because we were at capacity.” The small-group classes are an addition to what Fitness Together West Seattle has been offering, though his trainers have experience with them: “We will limit class size to 5 or 6 to maintain the personal touch and connection with our clients.”

Visit the studio Friday night (January 26) starting at 5:45 pm for a party and a peek at the expanded space. And check out the deal FTWS is offering if you’re thinking about personal training services: “We are offering 50% off the first month of a membership or 15% off any package of sessions up to 50.” Contact info is here.

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ELECTION 2024: You can vote for King Conservation District Supervisor right now – online

January 25, 2024 7:43 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Environment | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

King County’s lowest-profile – but not lowest-impact – election is happening now. You might already have seen the postcard inviting you to vote for a King Conservation District Supervisor position, which you can do online. Here’s the KCD announcement of what it’s about:

King Conservation District (KCD) is holding its annual Board of Supervisors Election. The election will use online ballot access for the 5th year. This is a mostly county-wide election that does not appear on the standard special elections ballot. The KCD Board of Supervisors oversees a roughly $8 million dollar budget paid by residents of King County through rates and charges.

KCD is a special-purpose district committed to helping people engage in stewardship and conservation of natural resources, serving over two million people in 34 cities and unincorporated King County (excluding the cities of Enumclaw, Federal Way, Milton, Pacific, and Skykomish that are not member jurisdictions). KCD assists private residents with forestry management, streamside and shoreline enhancement, farm conservation planning, and other environmental efforts. It works with cities and community organizations to support community gardens, urban forest canopy, and local food systems. KCD is funded primarily by a per-parcel rates and charges fee paid by residents of the district.

An all-volunteer, five-member Board of Supervisors is responsible for overseeing KCD operations, budget, and policy. Voters elect three supervisors and the Washington State Conservation Commission appoints two supervisors. Supervisors serve three-year terms.

Voting started Tuesday and continues through 8 pm February 13, with online ballot acccess at kingcd.org/elections for all King County registered voters (except residents within the city limits of the five cities mentioned above that are not member jurisdictions of the district).

The 2024 election has three candidates running for the position. Brittney Bush Bollay, Aaron Ellig, and Erik Goheen are competing for one seat. Candidate statements can be found at kingcd.org/elections.

For the fifth year, the King Conservation District election will primarily rely on electronic ballot access. Voters may return ballots electronically through the online ballot access system or reach out to KCD for assistance. Democracy Live operates the online ballot access portal and King County Elections will tabulate all ballots and report all results. To increase awareness of the election, for the fourth year, KCD has mailed out roughly 750,000 postcards to registered voter households in the district with information on how to vote in the board election.

For more information and to cast your ballot, visit kingcd.org

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FOLLOWUP: Medical Examiner identifies boy who died of gunshot wound at Southwest Pool

January 25, 2024 4:22 pm

| 27 COMMENTS

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

(WSB photo, Tuesday)

The King County Medical Examiner’s Office has just released its daily list of death investigations, which identifies the Chief Sealth International High School student who died of a gunshot wound at Southwest Pool/Teen Life Center on Tuesday. His name was Mobarak S. Adam, according to the KCMEO document, which says he was 15, not 14 as SFD had said on Tuesday. The KCMEO document does not include any insight into the investigation, though; “cause of death” is listed as “pending,” and “manner of death” (this is where the KCMEO usually says homicide, suicide, accidental, or natural) is also listed as “pending.” As we noted here earlier, SPD is not yet releasing any information beyond what Chief Adrian Diaz said at the scene Tuesday. Meantime, Seattle Public Schools superintendent Dr. Brent Jones sent this message to the community:

Like many of you, I am deeply saddened by the loss of this young member of our community.

Our central office and school teams are working tirelessly to offer support to the grieving family and the affected school communities. We are collaborating with city officials to coordinate and share resources.

Multiple agencies are joining forces to react and respond to this tragedy. Although there is no known threat to our schools due to this event, the Seattle Police Department will have additional patrols around the Chief Sealth and Denny campuses.

The Seattle School Board and I remain committed to creating welcoming and safe neighborhoods for our students and staff.

But to make a real difference, larger changes are needed.

Our young people deserve the opportunity to focus on growing and thriving without violence. The availability of firearms only adds to worries.

It’s time for us, as a community, to address this issue together. We need to challenge ourselves to work collectively.

Let’s start with each of us taking a more active role in creating safety in our communities. Be a vigilant neighbor, encourage open communication, or contribute to initiatives that make our shared spaces secure for everyone.

Please remember, you can use the SPS Safe Schools Hotline 206-252-0510 to report any threats to SPS schools. This phone number is managed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We want our students to be free to take on academic challenges in the classroom, rather than facing threats on our city streets. Together, let’s build a safer and more resilient community.

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BRIDGE RETROFITS: Bidding opens for Admiral Way, closes for Delridge overpass

January 25, 2024 3:57 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

As previously reported, two of West Seattle’s smaller bridges are set for earthquake-resistance work soon. Bidding has just closed for one, and opened for another:

(WSB file photo)

DELRIDGE PEDESTRIAN OVERPASS: We reported last month that bidding had opened for this seismic project. As of today, it’s closed. The city had listed the project budget as $5 million; the three “base bids” range from $2.3 million to $3 million. They’ll be vetted before the contract is awarded. Once a contractor is chosen, the construction schedule will be worked out; previously, SDOT has estimated the work could last up to a year.

(Admiral Way Bridges from Fairmount Avenue, via Google Maps Street View)

ADMIRAL WAY (FAIRMOUNT) BRIDGES: Bidding just opened today for this project (technically two bridges), summarized on the bidding website as follows:

The seismic retrofit of the Admiral Way Bridges includes the following general items of work: strengthening of steel column bents, new bracing at concrete pier bents, retrofit of bridge deck joints, bridge abutment retrofit, slope stabilization, strengthening with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), and steel painting.

The project also is summarized here (though obviously the construction timeline mentioned there didn’t happen; SDOT told us last spring they were aiming to complete it by the end of this year). As for cost, this 2023 presentation cited a 2020 estimate of $15 million. Bids are due February 21st.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white work truck

January 25, 2024 2:08 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

The report and photo are from FL:

Sometime between 8 pm 1/24 and 7 am 1/25 my 1998 Chevy (white) 1500 pickup was stolen from sw Henderson st / 35th Ave SW. It was parked on SW Henderson St between the public library and the Shell gas station. The Shell gas station camera was pointed directly at the spot it was parked in. It was a work truck that I used daily. It had a metal tool rack on the back in place of a canopy. This is the second white truck my family has had stolen from us in the last six months from this location. About 6 months ago our other truck was stolen at roughly the same time of night within a block of this location. Rampant car theft in the area.

License plate # is C13705B. We’ll add the police-report # when we get it.

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911 explained, crime stats detailed, ‘natural drainage’ project updates, more at HPAC’s first 2024 meeting

January 25, 2024 12:28 pm

| Comments Off on 911 explained, crime stats detailed, ‘natural drainage’ project updates, more at HPAC’s first 2024 meeting

| Delridge | Highland Park | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Another in-person meeting last night began the 2024 calendar for HPAC, the community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge. They’re testing various locations since their longtime meeting quarters at Highland Park Improvement Club remain out of commission, so last night’s meeting was held at Southwest Library, which meant an earlier start and fixed cutoff time, since the branch clears meeting rooms 15 minutes before 8 pm closing time.

Nonetheless, the 1 1/4-hour meeting facilitated by HPAC co-chair Kay Kirkpatrick delivered plenty of information. Here’s how it unfolded:

SEATTLE POLICE: The Southwest Precinct team that’s appeared at multiple recent community meetings, Lt. Josh Ziemer and community liaison Officer German Barreto, were asked about the shooting death at Southwest Pool/Teen Life Center on Tuesday, but said they could not divulge any updates. In crime stats, so far this year, Highland Park had three assaults, 6 motor-vehicle-related thefts (car prowls, etc.), 7 motor-vehicle thefts and attempted thefts, including “one restolen from a tow lot,” 1 aggravated assault, 1 attempted burglary, 1 store robbery, 1 residential burglary. 2 larceny (one attempted mail theft and one mail theft). Year to year, 2023 compared to 2022, homicides, aggravated assaults up, motor vehicle thefts up, burglaries down.

For South Delridge, also in HPAC’s coverage area – so far this year 2 assaults, one motor vehicle theft, one hit-run, one business burglary, one robbery (phone snatch) – robberies are down year to year, thefts down, except for vehicle thefts, which are up.

Asked about the 1st/Cloverdale encampment just off the sharp turn west of Highway 509:

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UPDATE: Southwest Pool closed again today, two days after shooting death

January 25, 2024 11:05 am

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | West Seattle police

11:05 AM: Two days after a 14-year-old boy died of a gunshot wound in a restroom at Southwest Pool/Teen Life Center, the facility is closed again today, according to this announcement we received:

Southwest Pool will be closed (again today, Thursday, January 25). The plan is to open for Friday, January 26, for Adult Swim 12-2:30 pm and the HS Swim Meet 3:00-6:00 pm. Lesson participants will be issued a credit for the missed class.

Following the tragic incident at SW Pool, the Department is allowing staff some time to recover and a chance to heal.

As for the investigation itself, police have yet to provide any updates. Southwest Precinct representatives at last night’s HPAC meeting reiterated that they couldn’t comment while the investigation continues.

ADDED 2:50 PM: SPD has finally just posted about Tuesday’s incident on its “blotter” website, but there’s no additional information beyond what’s already been reported, except a note that anyone with information should call the SPD tipline, 206-233-5000.

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13 options for the rest of your West Seattle Thursday

January 25, 2024 10:21 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Giant Sequoia, South Seattle College Arboretum, photographed by Rosalie Miller)

Here are highlights of what’s happening in the hours ahead -in case you haven’t already seen them in our calendar:

FREE INDOOR PLAYSPACE: Open until noon, drop in at the West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd/Juneau).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Open 1-6 pm at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).

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

DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: Dine at West Wings (2329 California SW) 3-9 pm, and part of the proceeds will go to Holy Rosary School.

HISTORY HOUR: “The Asian American Experience” is the topic of today’s 4 pm lecture at Senior Center of West Seattle, with Shin Yu Pai, Seattle’s civic poet. (4217 SW Oregon).

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Ana’s Pupuseria.

FREE ECO-ARTS CLASS: 4-7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – drop in!

VISCON CELLARS: The winery’s tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle.

OPEN HOUSE AT MADISON MS: Incoming sixth-graders and their families are invited to tonight’s open house, 6:30 pm at Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW).

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: 6:30 pm, meet at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for a 3-mile run through the neighborhood.

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.

BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday you can listen to the blues.

YOGA, BREATH WORK, GONG BATH, MORE: 7 pm at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35.

Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in daily preview lists like this? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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YOU CAN HELP: Food, clothing drive in North Delridge, + fundraising self-defense workshop

January 25, 2024 9:39 am

| Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Food, clothing drive in North Delridge, + fundraising self-defense workshop

| How to help | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Combat Arts Academy)

All ages are assisting with a food and clothihg drive happening right now at Combat Arts Academy (5050 Delridge Way SW), and you can too! They’re also planning a fundraising self-defense workshop for women on Sunday. First, the donation drive, which continues through the end of the month:

Winter’s chill has been upon us, and not everyone has a warm meal waiting. We’re collecting food and clothes for the West Seattle Food Bank through the end of the month. Let’s make a difference together!

Drop off items at Combat Arts Academy at 5050 Delridge Way SW

– M-Th 10a-9p, F 3p-9p, Su 10a-2p
– shoot us a message and we can coordinate.

Items:

– Non-Perishable foods (think ready-to eat): chili, soups, shelf stable milk, etc

– Healthy Snacks for kids (backpack program for school lunch): huge; fruit leather, granola bars, microwaveable pasta meals and soup cups, oatmeal/cereal packs

– Clothesline: winter coats, hats, gloves, hand warmers, towels, tents, sleeping bags, new underwear and socks, backpacks and duffle bags, suitcases with wheels, sheets and blankets

– Baby Corner: diapers, formula, wipes

The women’s self-defense workshop is at 3 pm Sunday (January 28) at CAA, suggested donation $30, for girls and women 13+ – details and registration link are in our calendar listing.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday info, with reminder for bike commuters

January 25, 2024 6:00 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning. Welcome to Thursday, January 25th!

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

More rain expected, breezy, high around 50. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:44 am, sunset at 4:59 pm.

TRAIL SPUR CLOSURE ALERT

As reported here, a trail spur beneath the low bridge will be closed for more than two months because of the project to upgrade the bridge’s communication cabling. (See this comment for a related heads-up.)

TRANSIT NOTESs

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.

Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.

Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route. Check WSF alerts for changes, and use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene). Thank you!

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