day : 03/10/2024 10 results

FOLLOWUP: More about the $50 million Chief Sealth IHS addition proposed as part of Seattle Public Schools’ $1.8 billion BEX VI levy

When we reported Monday night on Seattle Public Schools‘ proposed $1.8 billion, six-year capital-levy renewal/expansion – BEX VI (aka the sixth “Building Excellence” levy) – we noted the biggest West Seattle project on its list is a $50 million addition for Career Technical Education at Chief Sealth International High School. We also noted that the levy document linked to the agenda for next week’s School Board meeting (4:15 pm October 9) has no other details about the proposed project, and that the process of developing the levy list did not involve community consultation the way BEX V did. So we had to ask SPS’s media team to dig up details on the proposal, which they’ve done over the past few days. According to district spokesperson Tina Riss Christiansen:

An addition to Chief Sealth International High School is proposed to meet the needs of the Career and Technical Education Program, eliminate the eight portables along the west property edge, and enhance energy conservation, addressing both State of Washington Clean Energy and City of Seattle’s Building Emissions requirements.

The classroom addition is planned to be added at the northern portion of the existing school and will include relocating the existing Career and Technical Education construction trades classroom from the basement and the food service classroom from the interior of the building. Both classrooms are undersized for the student populations they serve and poorly located for routinely transporting the materials and supplies required to meet the educational program needs.

In addition, SPS plans to construct eight general education classrooms.

The project is contingent on School Board approval of the levy projects and voter approval of the levy. Construction is planned to occur with students remaining on-site.

The $50M is divided 2/3 construction and 1/3 A/E fees, permit costs, construction contingency, furnishings, and Washington State Sales Tax.

No renderings yet, the district says, because design work won’t start until and unless the levy – one of two that the district plans to send to voters in February – is approved.

We are in the process of scheduling community information meetings on both levies after the Oct. 9, 2024, Board Meeting and Study Session.

Adding proposed project information to the website is also in progress.

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ORCAS: In Elliott Bay as sunset nears

October 3, 2024 6:19 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

6:19 PM: Up for sunset whale-watching? Kersti Muul reports that transient orcas are in Elliott Bay, headed southbound toward Alki. Let us know if you see them!

6:29 PM: Update from Kersti – now in the ferry lanes, heading toward the point.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: ‘Screenagers: Elementary Age Edition’ premiere @ Admiral Theater

October 3, 2024 5:59 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Admiral Theater | West Seattle news

Social media isn’t just a complication in the lives of middle- and high-school students. It’s increasingly factoring into the pressures faced by elementary students too. That’s the focus of a new film that’ll have its Seattle premiere at the Admiral Theater this Sunday (October 6), co-presented by the Lafayette Elementary PTA, with the filmmaker present for a post-screening Q&A. Here’s the announcement sent to us:

Seattle’s Dr. Delaney Ruston will speak after the city’s premiere screening of her latest film, “Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition,” this Sunday, October 6 at the Historic Admiral Theater in Seattle.

As middle and high schools are banning phones, elementary schools are seeing a surge in smartwatches and devices in classrooms. “Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition,” the fourth documentary in the Screenagers series, exposes how devices like smartphones and smartwatches, and the content on them – mainly social media and gaming – rewire young minds, affecting focus, academics, sleep, behavior, and development. Get the hard-hitting truth, real-life stories, practical strategies, and expert advice from renowned physicians, psychologists, and researchers like “The Anxious Generation” author Jonathan Haidt, to make screen time less invasive.

This groundbreaking new documentary takes a deep dive into the profound impact social media, video gaming, excessive screen time, smartphone & smartwatches in schools is having on sleep and the academic, social, and emotional development of kids in K-5. According to the CDC, children ages 8-10 spend an average of six hours daily on screens. One elementary school principal in the movie told us smartwatches are appearing more and more in classrooms and are highly problematic.

“We wanted to create a film that helps parents, educators, and caregivers understand the effect screens and gaming are having on younger children and offer them strategies and tools they can use,” Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition filmmaker Dr. Delaney Ruston says. “We want to spark conversations and “empower families and educators with the knowledge they need to set clear rules and make informed choices.”

Sunday’s event at The Admiral (2343 California SW) starts at 5:30 pm. You can get tickets in advance through the theater’s website.

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Remembering Rick Cook, West Seattle’s ‘psychic barber’

October 3, 2024 2:54 pm

| 36 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Rick Cook, long known as “the psychic barber,” has died. A reader tipped us that this announcement was first made via the voicemail announcement for his shop at 4845 California SW; while the announcement says Mr. Cook has passed away, the note on the door says only this:

According to this brief online mention, Mr. Cook died September 25, at age 68. We’ve reported on him multiple times over the years because of his shop and its distinctive sign, as well as because of his repeated displacement by development. He had moved to this location just south of The Junction in 2019, when his previous location, 6016 California SW, was planned for redevelopment; he had been there six years, after leaving a longtime location just south of Rite Aid on California. (Ironically, while that building was demolished, the site has to date not been redeveloped; at the time its then-owner planned on a mixed-use building, and now it’s slated for townhomes.) A WSB contributor first interviewed him at that location in 2009 (photo at right), and got the story behind “Psychic Barber.” (No, he wasn’t a psychic, but a neighboring business was, and he eventually ended up with their sign.) Mr. Cook was a Chief Sealth graduate and had been cutting hair in West Seattle for more than 45 years.

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One day, many ways to care for Seattle’s only river during fall Duwamish Alive!

October 3, 2024 2:20 pm

| Comments Off on One day, many ways to care for Seattle’s only river during fall Duwamish Alive!

| Environment | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

The twice-yearly Duwamish Alive! day for cleanup and restoration work on the Duwamish River and in its watershed is almost here. Four West Seattle opportunities are part of the list for the fall edition of Duwamish Alive! Here’s the announcement we received today from Sharon Leishman of the Duwamish Alive! coalition:

Saturday, October 19th 10 – 2 at multiple Sites

Join Duwamish Alive! this fall as our salmon are returning in our Duwamish River and Longfellow Creek, with this watershed wide effort in improving the health of our salmon by restoring their habitat which provides food, shelter and cool, clean water that salmon need. Volunteers will be restoring native habitat on in multiple urban parks and open spaces by removing invasive weeds, planting native plants, removing debris, and learning about healthy habitat. This is a family friendly event, all ages welcomed and encouraged.

To volunteer, visit www.DuwamishAlive.org to see the different volunteer opportunities and register for the site of your choice, or email info@duwamishalive.org

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FOLLOWUP: Crowdfunding for family of Triangle murder victim

October 3, 2024 12:07 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Crime | How to help | West Seattle news

A little over a week has passed since 32-year-old Laupule Talaga was shot and killed at his workplace in the West Seattle Triangle. Police have yet to release any additional information about the case. Mr. Talaga’s employers at Seattle Soul Kitchen described him as a father of three, and his family now says his partner is expecting twins. For those who have asked if there’s any way the community can help Mr. Talaga’s family, they just let us know that they have set up a crowdfunding page – you’ll find it here.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police chase after another 7-11 robbery

October 3, 2024 10:08 am

| 42 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Another West Seattle 7-11 robbery early today, but this one played out differently. An officer was on “directed patrol” focused on the Harbor Avenue 7-11 around 1:30 am when, according to the early summary, “The officer saw two suspects enter the 7-11 and grab the till. The officer interrupted the robbery, and the suspects entered a white Kia SUV. The officer recognized the robbery suspects being the same from the night prior at the 7-11 on SW Admiral. The officer initiated a pursuit, and other officers joined.” The archived audio indicates the robbers were chased across the bridge and onto northbound I-5, above 100 mph, at which point “it was terminated due to speeds” around Exit 168, north of downtown. Eventually, SPD tells us, the vehicle was dumped “in the East Precinct’s area and it was recovered.” Turned out to be stolen. The robbers, however, remain at large. They did not get away with the till, which police say was left at the scene when the robbery was interrupted. The Harbor Avenue 7-11 was the fourth one in West Seattle targeted in the past week, as detailed here.

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West Seattle Book Club, Piano Bar, park walk, more for your Thursday

October 3, 2024 9:45 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Black Turnstone visiting Alki, photographed by Rainer Klett)

Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are the highlights for the rest of today/tonight:

NAVIGATING MEDICARE: Presentation at The Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon) “to get a clearer understanding of how it all works,” 11 am.

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Shop fall plants at the center, open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Annuals, perennials, sun, shade, natives, edibles, ground covers … wide variety!

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 yoga class at the Center for Active Living (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 Isidro’s Tacos.

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!

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for a group walk in Lincoln Park – details in our calendar listing.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm weekly run from The Good Society (California & Lander).

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. (Walking option, too!)

PIANO BAR: Monthly music/dancing event at The Center for Active Living, 7 pm. $10 at the door. (4217 SW Oregon)

WEST SEATTLE BOOK CLUB: 7-9 pm, first gathering since West Seattle’s biggest book club changed its name! Bring your own book to any of the locations listed here.

VOLLEYBALL: One home match tonight, Chief Sealth IHS (8-1) hosts Rainier Beach, 7 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)

NORTH HIGHLINE UNINCORPORATED AREA COUNCIL: The community coalition for White Center and vicinity meets in person for the first time since pre-pandemic, 7 pm, North Highline Fire District HQ. (1243 SW 112th)

TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).

‘GUARDS AT THE TAJ’: Final week for the “dark comedy” at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm.

COMEDY: Jokes in the Junction (Great American Diner)
Local headliner Greg Beachler will be closing out this monthly show at Great American Diner. $10! Tickets at CozyComedy.com.

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

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STUDENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Fairmount Park Elementary PTA request

October 3, 2024 9:00 am

| Comments Off on STUDENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Fairmount Park Elementary PTA request

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Local students have another opportunity to get an early start in volunteer work! The Fairmount Park Elementary PTA asked us to share this request with you:

Fairmount Park Elementary PTA is hosting the annual Falcon Fest on October 18th from 6-7:30 pm. This is a fall festival with family friendly games. The PTA is need of Middle and High Schoolers to help run the stations. If you are a past Fairmount Park student, this is a fun way to earn volunteer hours and support your alma mater. Please sign up here.

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Thursday watch

October 3, 2024 6:02 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning. Welcome to Thursday, October 3rd.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

One more day of sun before rain revisits. Mostly sunny today, high in the low 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:12 am, while sunset will be at 6:43 pm.

(Wednesday sunset – photo by Jen Popp)

ROAD WORK

*No dates yet from SDOT about any possible lane closures ahead for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project.

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides later this month. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project continues too, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

*The Highway 99 tunnel will close for maintenance and inspections 10 pm Friday to 6 am Saturday (and again the following weekend, for longer – 10 pm October 11, to 6 am October 13).

TRANSIT

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat.” Check for alerts here.

Metro buses today – Regular schedule.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.

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

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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