day : 02/04/2024 12 results

‘There’s somebody in your house that knows nothing about this’: What Denny IMS classes learned from Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle

| West Seattle history | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

By Sean Golonka
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The sounds of Bob Marley’s “Buffalo Soldier” intermingled with the chatter of more than two dozen 7th-graders as students in Alan Blackman’s Washington state history class filed into the library at Denny International Middle School today.

At the front of the room stood Lenard Howze, whose grandfather was a Buffalo Soldier and whose father founded the Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle, a regional nonprofit dedicated to community outreach and youth engagement.

Blackman had previously spent time in class teaching his students about the Buffalo Soldiers, Black servicemen who served in the 1800s and 1900s (some of their history is told by the National Museum of African American History and Culture and National Park Service).

Now Howze was at Denny to give the students a look at the equipment the soldiers wore and used and to educate them on the Buffalo Soldiers’ role in American history – including their service here in the Pacific Northwest.

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OPENING THIS WEEK: ArtsWest’s next production, ‘English’

April 2, 2024 8:01 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Photo courtesy ArtsWest)

Preview night tomorrow is already sold out – but you can still get tickets for opening night and beyond for the next ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) production, “English,” the play that won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Here’s how West Seattle’s only playhouse describes “English”:

Have you ever found yourself straddling more than one culture? Experienced the joy of finding parts of yourself you didn’t know existed? The fear of losing touch with who are by immersing yourself in one culture over another? Have you ever felt caught in the in-between? “English” explores this lifelong journey and its push and pull of self-discovery.

“English” by Sanaz Toossi takes place in a classroom in Iran, where four adult students are preparing for the TOEFL — the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Each student’s future hinges on passing the exam for very different reasons – family, education, immigration, exploring the unknown. Their teacher, Marjan, lived abroad for 9 years in Manchester, England, and has returned home to raise her family and teach. She loves teaching, but a part of her will always wonder who she would have been if she had stayed in Manchester.

“English” is directed by Naghmeh Samini and will be presented Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 3 pm, through April 28th. Tickets are available here – just a few left for opening weekend.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Store burglary

April 2, 2024 6:55 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Thanks to Brenda for the tip. Seattle Police investigated a burglary at Advance Auto Parts (4505 38th SW) early today. SPD says they investigated a reported alarm around 5 am and found someone had pried open the back door to get inside. They weren’t able to reach the store’s owner/management at the time so they secured the door after confirming the burglar(s) were gone.

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ALMOST-WEST SEATTLE SCENE: East Marginal Way ceremonial groundbreaking, and levy talk

April 2, 2024 5:04 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

(Photos courtesy SDOT. Above, by Tim Durkan)

As previewed here last night in our report on the West Seattle Transportation Coalition‘s latest meeting, dignitaries including Mayor Bruce Harrell gathered this morning for the East Marginal Way Corridor Project‘s ceremonial groundbreaking. One point of the event – also spotlighted at the WSTC’s meeting – was the mayor’s plan to later this week debut a draft of this year’s proposed transportation-levy renewal. From SDOT‘s summary of this morning’s event:

Later this week, Mayor Harrell will share a draft proposal to renew the transportation levy and address critical safety and maintenance needs across the city, including freight improvements. The levy renewal would fund repairs, maintenance, and modernizations to keep people and freight moving safely and reliably.

The levy proposal will allocate millions specifically for freight improvements and paving on major truck streets, supporting delivering goods and services, and focusing repair on the 20 percent of major truck streets in poor condition identified as part of SDOT’s data-driven Asset Management Strategy.

The levy renewal proposal builds upon the significant groundwork and community input that is shaping the future of transportation in the Seattle Transportation Plan.

(Photo by Luke Gardner)

The mayor also made a point of noting that part of the funding for the East Marginal project – currently in Phase 1, north of Spokane Street – came from the current transportation levy, which expires this year.

According to the project website, the central section of the project is in design, but the south segment is “unfunded for both design and construction” so far.

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Look ahead 20 years in one night: ‘Draft One Seattle Plan’ WS open house Wednesday

April 2, 2024 3:45 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| Development | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

As reported here last month, the city is revising the Comprehensive Plan – meant to look ahead 20 years, but updated every 10 years or so – and hosting open houses for info, Q&A, and comments. The West Seattle open house for what’s now called the Draft One Seattle Plan is tomorrow night (Wednesday, April 3), 6-7:30 pm at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle). Our March report looked at some of the changes envisioned for District 1; here’s a map featured in D-1 City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s latest newsletter:

Share your thoughts and get your questions answered by dropping in at any time during tomorrow’s event. You can browse the full draft plan here; see the full list of upcoming events (including an online meeting) here; provide comments online here (May 6 is the deadline).

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Real-estate broker West Seattle Bike Dad: Welcome, new WSB sponsor!

April 2, 2024 2:11 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

Today we’re welcoming Anthony Avery aka West Seattle Bike Dad, a real-estate broker with Ewing & Clark, as a new WSB sponsor. New sponsors get to tell you about themselves – here’s what West Seattle Bike Dad wants you to know:

No real-estate broker knows the city quite like I do. During the pandemic, to get outside and experience my community more intimately, I rode my bike on every street in West Seattle. When I was done with that I moved over to Rainier Valley, and now my goal is to bike every street in the city.

Before earning my real estate license, I worked as a professional city planner. When we evaluate all there is to evaluate with your potential new home, I’ll help you understand any restrictions or easements on your property, evaluate zoning and comprehensive plan implications, and we’ll track future transportation infrastructure (such as light rail construction) that may impact your property. Too many times people buy a home expecting things to never change, but change is the one constant in a city growing as fast as ours. Knowing *how* change will impact your home will help futureproof your investment.

My clients seek me out because they want a broker who experiences Seattle the way they want to. We are a one-car family of four and navigate the city by bus or bike mostly, but still utilize a car from time to time. We got rid of our second car in 2013 and thanks to saving $6k-$8k every year since then, we were able to afford a home in West Seattle when we were ready to buy here.

Finding the right neighborhood, a place with walkable access to grocery or coffee, and an easy bike or bus commute to work, school, and extracurriculars is my specialty. I also work to show different types of homes, with different layouts and amenities so my clients can explore what they want and find new things they never would’ve thought about. Especially first-time homebuyers, I always recommend visiting at least ten homes before making an offer. You learn as much about what you want in a home by walking through places you don’t want as you do looking at places you do want. Patient, kind, fun, a great listener are adjectives my clients use to describe me.

For community involvement, I participate regularly with West Seattle Bike Connections and in group rides with Cascade Bicycle Club. I have sent my twin daughters to Alki Co-Op Preschool for the last two years, which has been a great way to meet neighbors and new friends thanks to the volunteer and participation component built into the program. Here’s how to contact me!

We thank real-estate broker West Seattle Bike Dad for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here; email patrick@wsbsales.com for info on joining the team!

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Brown water in Highland Park, Upper Morgan

April 2, 2024 1:18 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news

Two “brown water” reports received by email this afternoon – in Highland Park, reported by Emerson near 18th/Henderson, and in Upper Morgan, reported by Andrew near 36th/Morgan. No work – planned or emergency – on the Seattle Public Utilities water-incidents map, so chances are, it’s hydrant testing. But always report to SPU at 206-386-1800 – sometimes it’s the first indication they get of trouble.

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On to Day 2 of West Seattle Community Garage Sale registration!

April 2, 2024 12:19 pm

| Comments Off on On to Day 2 of West Seattle Community Garage Sale registration!

| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

From North Admiral to Arbor Heights, Highland Park to Genesee Hill, 60 sales all over the peninsula are already in for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2024, as we wrap up the first day of registration! In case you didn’t see the previous announcements – this year’s WSCGSD is Saturday, May 11 (second Saturday in May as always), official sale hours 9 am-3 pm, though you are welcome to start earlier and/or end later. Registration will continue for about three and a half weeks, so you have lots of time to decide if you want to be part of it; if you’re just planning to be a shopper – the sale map/guide, with sellers’ 20-word listings, will be available one week before sale day. If you’re ready to register, here’s where to go! (Any questions about WSCGSD, email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com.)

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Scooter stolen at school; abandoned-likely-stolen Kia Soul

April 2, 2024 11:02 am

| 25 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports:

SCOOTER STOLEN AT SCHOOL: From Jody:

Yesterday while my son was at school (Madison Middle School) his electric scooter was stolen while locked on the school’s bike rack. This happened sometime between 8:50 am and 12:20 pm. I am assuming it will be dumped once the battery dies so thought I would put this out there in case a reader sees it. Or a student arrives home with it. The school did check their surveillance video and they state they show it there one minute and gone the next without ever seeing anyone near it. They state it just ‘vanished.’

The scooter is shown in the photo; we have a followup question out for a little more descriptive information. UPDATE:

It is a Navic T5, it has a grey base, black handle, with yellow rims. It is also foldable but currently has black electrical tape over the folding latch as it kept opening while in motion.
I just confirmed with the school the surveillance video shows it went missing at 10:05 am.
I filed a police report and it shows it is pending. The tracking number is T24006814.

ABANDONED-LIKELY-STOLEN SOUL: From Tim:

We discovered an abandoned vehicle obstructing the roadway in High Point this morning and called Parking Enforcement… where we were told first contact would be 7-10 days, and given Report #24-00080981. They transferred us to the Seattle Police non-emergency line, but after waiting nearly an hour on hold we have to get on with our day.

The Kia Soul, cream/off-white, has a broken passenger window and damaged ignition. It is parked on SW Morgan St alongside (a house in the 6400 block of) 29th Ave SW. The car was left over a foot away from the curb, facing the wrong direction and across from another large vehicle. We are concerned that emergency vehicles will not be able to pass through if needed, as other cars are barely getting through or opting to turn another way.

UPDATE: It’s since been moved.

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The list for your West Seattle Tuesday

April 2, 2024 9:58 am

| Comments Off on The list for your West Seattle Tuesday

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(One more look at tree blossoms before they’re gone – photo by Jerry Simmons)

Here’s what’s happening in West Seattle today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

EXPANDED FAUNTLEROY YMCA HOURS: First week of the Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) soft-opening its newly expanded hours – 9 am to noon and 4 pm to 7 pm, Mondays through Thursdays.

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

DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: Both MOD Pizza locations in West Seattle (4755 Fauntleroy and Westwood Village) are giving a share of the proceeds to WestSide Baby today – our calendar listing has the code to use.

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.)

CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Regular weekly meeting of the Seattle City Council, 2 pm. There is a public-comment section – in person or by phone – if there’s something you want to tell the council. The agenda explains how. You can watch live via Seattle Channel.

HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: One team is playing at home today, at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – 4 pm, baseball, West Seattle HS vs. Roosevelt.

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.

WEST SEATTLE TAE KWON DO CLUB: First class of April, 6 pm at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW), all levels welcome.

SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, you can play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).

FREE TRACK RUN: Run with new (or not-so-new) friends! Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.

TOASTMASTERS 832: Join this group’s online meeting and give your communication/leadership skills a boost! 6:30 pm; more info in our calendar listing.

MAKE POTTERY: 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).

BINGO AT THE SKYLARK: Play – free! – Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm Tuesdays. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

OPEN MIC: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).

TRIVIA X 4: Four places to play Tuesday nights – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) now has Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 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).

BINGO AT TALARICO’S: You can play 8 pm bingo every Tuesday. (4718 California SW)

What are YOU planning? Are community members invited? Tell everyone via our event calendar – please email the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Remembering Kathryn Giles, 1946-2024

April 2, 2024 9:04 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Kath Giles and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Kath Giles died Wednesday, March 20, 2024. She ended her battle with cancer surrounded by family at her home in Mukilteo.

Kath grew up in West Seattle, attended Holy Rosary and Holy Names Academy. Kath met her husband George while working in a cannery in Seldovia, AK. They were married in 1968 and had three children while moving across the country for the military and George’s career. They lived together in Alaska, Washington, New York, Illinois, Texas, and Pennsylvania. After the untimely death of their son, Peter, they retired and returned to the Seattle area to be surrounded by family, friends, and in the area they love.

Kath was the de facto matriarch of a large and loving family. She loved jazz music, especially Ella Fitzgerald. She was often the first to lead a sing along of jazz standards. She spent hours tending to beautiful gardens in all of her homes, even becoming a master gardener. She had a soft spot for young children and would often teach them arts and crafts or be their pen pal. She worked as a preschool teacher. She was referred to as a “grand-neighbor.” She and George loved to travel and often did it with a large group of friends. Lastly, Kath loved to entertain – her home was a second home to many.

Kath is survived by her husband, George of Mukilteo, son Craig (Heidi) of Fort Collins, CO, daughter Monica Fuith (Chris) of Medford, MA, and two granddaughters, Camille and Natalie.

Kath was preceded in death by her parents Richard C. Kelly and Cecelia Kelly (Dick and Tommy) and her son Peter Giles.

There will be a celebration of life planned for the summer of 2024.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Tuesday toplines

April 2, 2024 6:00 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

8:41 AM: The WSF Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route has had some crewing trouble this morning but the alerts have vanished from the bulletin list and the Vessel Watch map shows both boats in service, with one delayed.

Earlier:

6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, April 2 – spring break continues all week for some schools (including Holy Rosary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Holy Family, and the Highline district).

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Some sun, breezy, rain likely later, high in the low 60s. Sunrise will be at 6:44 am, sunset at 7:41 pm.

(Monday sunset, photo by Carol Ann Joyce)

STADIUM ZONE

Mariners play another home game, 6:40 pm vs. Cleveland.

TRANSIT NOTES

Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here. Reminder that this is the second weekday after the twice-yearly “service change” took effect Saturday; here’s our look at West Seattle changes.

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. 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 our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

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