day : 07/03/2024 10 results

VIDEO: Chief of CARE @ Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council

(WSB photo: Post-meeting, CARE Chief Amy Smith, SPD Deputy Chief Eric Barden, City Councilmember Tanya Woo)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Seattle’s third public-safety department, CARE (Community-Assisted Response and Engagement), currently encompassing the 911 Center and a startup team of crisis responders, got the spotlight at Wednesday night’s meeting of the Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council.

About 20 people were there and heard from CARE’s acting chief (pending City Council confirmation), Amy Smith. The meeting was coordinated and facilitated by Mark Solomon, the South Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator who’s been filling in at the Southwest Precinct too, until Jennifer Satterwhite, this precinct’s longtime CPC, returns from maternity leave. Attendees included Seattle Police Deputy Chief Eric Barden and recently appointed citywide Councilmember Tanya Woo.

CARE DEPARTMENT: Chief Smith was the meeting’s spotlight guest, there to introduce herself and talk about the department (which we featured here after talking with her at CARE HQ downtown a month ago):

If you weren’t there or don’t have time to watch, here’s our summary:

Read More

FREE CONCERTS! West Seattle Community Orchestras to present world-premiere work, spotlight Asian composers next week

March 7, 2024 9:30 pm
|    Comments Off on FREE CONCERTS! West Seattle Community Orchestras to present world-premiere work, spotlight Asian composers next week
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Next week, the West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ spring concerts will include a world-premiere composition – and you can see/hear it for free! Here’s the WSCO announcement of what’s planned:

West Seattle Community Orchestras’ ensembles will be performing on Tuesday, March 12th, at 6 pm and on Friday, March 15th, at 7 pm, at Chief Sealth International High School. Concerts are free.

On Friday night, the Symphony Orchestra is proud to world-premiere Majestic Peaks from Chinese composer Arthur Peiyaro Wang. The Wind Symphony orchestra will also honor Asian composers and Asian-inspired music with pieces from Japanese composers Yukiko Nishimura and Studio Gibli’s icon Joe Hisaishi.

On Tuesday night, the Debut and Concert orchestra will range from Offenbach, to Beethoven, through Bernstein’s West Side Story.

WSCO was founded in West Seattle in 2002 and has served hundreds of students and adults alike, providing a community for musicians of all ages and abilities with opportunities for performance and growth. Visit the WSCO website for more information about the concerts or how to become involved as a musician or volunteer.

The venue is at 2600 SW Thistle; the auditorium is on the west side of the campu.

Also from the ‘in case you wondered too’ file: Fill-in buses on RapidRide routes

Laurel emailed us wondering about what appeared to her to be a high percentage of RapidRide runs being handled by non-RR coaches – running with the green/yellow or blue/yellow buses instead. She said that as a rider, it’s more than just what the bus looks like: “When there are not ORCA readers throughout the bus and when there are fewer doors, many of the ‘rapid’ benefits of load/unload disappear.” We went out to look for examples of fill-in RapidRide buses, and in fact, the first four we saw, on both H and C Lines – including the one in our photo above – were not red/yellow RR coaches. So we asked Metro’s Jeff Switzer about it, mentioning Laurel’s concern about card readers. He replied, “We intermittently make coach substitutions to ensure a trip is delivered. By the way, more blue/yellow and green/yellow buses also have ORCA readers at back doors as well as at the front door as we phase that in. Also, because RapidRide routes have high frequency, there will be another bus shortly behind, which is most likely a red RapidRide coach. As we hire more mechanics and better match our fleet with service, we’ll go back to seeing 100% (or close to it) of RapidRide service delivered by red buses.”

You’re invited! Be one of the ‘Instruments of Change’ celebrating, supporting West Seattle Food Bank

March 7, 2024 5:04 pm
|    Comments Off on You’re invited! Be one of the ‘Instruments of Change’ celebrating, supporting West Seattle Food Bank
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

Early-bird discounted tickets are available right now for the West Seattle Food Bank‘s 17th annual Instruments of Change Gala and Auction on April 27th at The Hall at Fauntleroy. From the announcement:

Enjoy an evening of celebration and giving to support the West Seattle Food Bank in their mission to prevent hunger and homelessness for our neighbors.

The West Seattle Food Bank plays a crucial role in providing food, clothing and rental assistance to individuals and families in need throughout West Seattle. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit their programs and help the community.

Tickets for Instruments of Change Gala and Auction are available for purchase online. If you purchase “Early Bird” tickets or a table by March 15, you will save $25 per ticket and be entered into a drawing for a $100 auction credit to use at the event. The final date to register is April 16, but hurry – tickets are limited and sell out fast. If you are unable to attend, but would like to support, you can make a donation on the registration page.

Sponsorship opportunities and auction donations are also available for businesses looking to show their support and give back to the community. West Seattle Food Bank would like to thank this year’s current event sponsors Cascadia Produce and Pet Supplies Plus.

Here’s how the night will unfold:

Happy Hour will begin at 6 pm with hors d’oeuvres and drinks served while guests enjoy games, a photo booth and silent auction. During the dinner and seated program, learn about the impact and accomplishments of the organization thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers, through a video by Straight8 Films. The evening will also celebrate this year’s IOC award winner, C & P Coffee, selected by WSFB for their ongoing support. Guests will then have a chance to bid on live auction items including exclusive trips and experiences, then wrap up the evening with a Dessert Dash.

For more information about the Instruments of Change Gala and Auction, including sponsorship opportunities, auction donations or hosting a table, please contact Breanna Bushaw at breanna@westseattlefoodbank.org or 206-686-4521.

We’ve signed on as media sponsor – see you there!

FOLLOWUP: Trail-blocking slide cleared at Lincoln Park

After six days, that slide on Lincoln Park’s north-shore trail is cleared, and the path has reopened. That’s according to Seattle Parks‘ communications team, with whom we checked after a reader sent the top photo on Tuesday, saying the trail was still blocked. Parks says a crew cleared the slide this morning. We got first word of it after a reader tip last Friday.

From the ‘in case you wondered too’ file: Here’s what’s happening at West Seattle Junction park site

A reader texted that photo of a Seattle Parks crew at the future West Seattle Junction Park site (40th SW between Alaska and Edmunds), wondering if park-development work is finally getting under way. Short answer, no; longer answer from Parks’ project manager Kelly Goold: “Current work on site is general cleanup and lawn care to improve current temporary open lawn space.” Park construction is still on the other side of getting bids, choosing a contractor, and finalizing permits, but could start this year. “Until then, the site is an open lawn for public use.” (As explained here last year.) The city bought the third-of-an-acre parcel more than a decade ago.

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Good Sister reopening at new south Morgan Junction location

(Photo courtesy Good Sister)

From the north end of Morgan Junction to the south end, Good Sister‘s move is finally complete and they’re celebrating their “grand reopening” this Sunday (March 10). The new location is 6959 California SW (from which Floors Plus Northwest moved to bigger digs at 6451 Fauntleroy). Good Sister says the 12:30-4:30 pm grand-reopening celebration – which coincides with Women’s History Month – will include “a pop-up market consisting of all women-owned businesses. Everything from vintage clothing & home goods (Baby Deer Vintage), treats sold by Food Network champion Jasmin Smith, tarot readings, permanent jewelry, tattoos and more!” In addition to merchandise, Good Sister offers spa services. They’re hoping for a good turnout on Sunday to help make up for a two-month closure, with their reopening delayed by “unexpected obstacles”: Good Sister’s hours for starters will be 12:30-4:30 pm Sundays, 12:30-5 pm Thursdays-Fridays, 11:30 am-5 pm Saturdays, spa services available for scheduling 7 days a week.

West Seattle Bike Connections, Chief Sealth talent show, Silent Book Club, music, comedy, more for your Thursday

(Photo sent by Lynn Johnston – bike-commuter view from low bridge this morning)

Long list of options for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREE PLAYSPACE: Drop-in space open at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd/Juneau) until noon.

NAVIGATING MEDICARE: 11 am presentation at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

FREE BURGER: Duke’s Seafood on Alki (2516 Alki Avenue SW; WSB sponsor) continues celebrating its reopening with a new offer – free burger with any entree, through March 19. Open 11 am-10 pm.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Wine bar and tasting room 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.

STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm class at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: Seventh day of in-person cookie-selling season – use this search tool to find cookie booths near you.

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 Vandalz.

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

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

DISCOVER SEATTLE COLLEGES! Fourth and final online session to learn about programs at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) and its sibling campuses, 5:30-6:30 pm. Today, learn about arts, design, and graphics; RSVP here to get the link.

CHIEF SEALTH IHS TALENT SHOW: Everyone’s welcome to come see students show off their talents, 6 pm in the Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium. It’s a student fundraiser, too – $5 donation for admission.

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.

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.

WEST SEATTLE BIKE CONNECTIONS: 6:30 pm meeting, all welcome, with agenda including the upcoming East Marginal Way construction. High Point Neighborhood House (6400 Sylvan Way SW).

GATEWOOD/UPPER FAUNTLEROY EMERGENCY HUB: 6:30 pm, if you live between Othello and Cloverdale to the north and south, 35th and California on the east and west, come meet neighbors for a preparedness exercise at Peace Lutheran Church (39th/Thistle), the area’s “emergency communication hub.”

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

WEST SEATTLE SILENT BOOK CLUB: 14 participating venues this month, from North Admiral to South Delridge to Greenbridge! They’re all in our calendar listing. Officially starts at 7 pm but organizers recommend you arrive at your preferred venue a bit early to snag a seat.

PIANO BAR AT THE SENIOR CENTER: 7 pm with Larry Knapp – dance the night away at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon)! $10 at the door.

THURSDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: Burger Planet (9614 14th SW) in White Center now has Thursday night trivia at 7 pm – prizes!

NORTH HIGHLINE UNINCORPORATED AREA COUNCIL: 7 pm online meeting for the community council of White Center and vicinity – our calendar listing includes agenda and connection info.

JOKES AT THE JUNCTION: 8 pm comedy show at Great American Diner & Bar (4752 California SW).

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

Singing season soon! Registration open now for Endolyne Children’s Choir

March 7, 2024 9:18 am
|    Comments Off on Singing season soon! Registration open now for Endolyne Children’s Choir
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(2023 photo courtesy Endolyne Children’s Choir)

Young singer in the household? Consider registering for Endolyne Children’s Choir – but do it by next Wednesday. Here’s the announcement we received:

Registration for Endolyne Children’s Choir‘s spring session is now open! Join as as we celebrate “The Greatest Show” with favorite songs from stage and screen. Don’t miss out on the singing, fun, and community – registration closes March 13.

Endolyne Children’s Choir is a non-audition choir that provides robust and transformative choral education for all young singers. We empower our choristers to develop confidence, form friendships, and learn performance skills in an inclusive, equitable environment. Learn more at endolynechoir.org.

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday arrives

March 7, 2024 6:00 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday arrives
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, March 7th.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

It’s warming up, slightly. Today’s forecadt: Sunny, high 40s. Sunrise will be at 6:36 am, sunset at 6:04 pm.

SO LONG, STANDARD TIME

Daylight Saving Time starts Sunday morning (March 10) at 2 am, when it’ll suddenly become 3 am (and the sun will start setting after 7 pm).

TRANSIT NOTES

Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.

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

Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats 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!