West Seattle, Washington
09 Sunday
By Aspen Anderson
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
We’re continuing our look at what’s on the February 11 ballots that King County Elections mailed out today. Last night we reported on Seattle Propositions 1A and 1B, funding for “social housing”; tonight, we’ll look at the two levy votes for Seattle Public Schools.
Proposition 1: Replacement for Educational Programs and Operations Levy
Seattle Public Schools is asking voters to approve a $747 million three-year operations levy to replace the current levy, which expires in 2025. The expiring levy collected about $244 million annually, while the proposed levy would collect more—$250 million in 2026, $249 million in 2027, and $248 million in 2028.
The proposed levy would fund programs not fully covered by state funding, including salaries, classroom supplies, special education, bilingual education, student transportation, maintenance, and extracurricular activities like arts and sports. Without a replacement, these services could face cuts.
Seattle Public Schools has relied on operations levies for decades to fill gaps left by state funding, especially in areas like special education, bilingual programs, and extracurricular activities. Seattle voters have consistently approved these levies. Rising costs have led the district to adjust levy requests to meet ongoing needs.
The levy would be funded through property taxes, with property owners in the district paying an estimated $0.78 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2026, $0.75 in 2027, and $0.72 in 2028. For example, the owner of a home valued at $700,000 would pay approximately $546 in 2026. These rates would be adjusted based on actual property values at the time of collection.
All taxable properties within the Seattle Public Schools district boundaries would contribute to this levy if it is approved by voters. This includes residential, commercial, and other property types subject to property taxes.
Schools First and other supporters submitted a statement in favor, writing: “This levy benefits every school in every part of Seattle … If the Operations Levy is not renewed, the district will have to make deep cuts. Teachers and instructional assistants will be laid off, and valuable programs that support students will be cut back or eliminated.”
No statements were submitted in opposition.
Proposition 2: Building Excellence Program: Capital Levy (BEX VI)
The district is asking voters to approve a $1.8 billion, six-year capital levy to fund the Building Excellence VI (BEX VI) Program, replacing an expiring measure. The levy is designed to fund safety upgrades, renovations, and technology needs across the district.
If approved, the levy would generate $300 million annually from 2026 to 2031. Property owners would pay an estimated $0.93 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2026, with rates decreasing to $0.79 in 2031 as property values rise. For example, the owner of a $600,000 home would pay approximately $558 in the first year.
Supporters emphasize this is not a new tax but a continuation of the current levy, though the total amount collected annually would increase slightly from the previous levy’s $270 million per year to meet rising costs.
The BEX VI levy would fund retrofitting school buildings for earthquake safety, upgrading fire alarms and security systems, replacing roofs and mechanical systems, making energy efficiency improvements, and renovating or replacing up to five schools. It also provides 90% of the district’s technology budget, which includes student computers and staff training. Its biggest West Seattle project would be an addition at Chief Sealth International High School for Career and Technical Education.
Supporters of the levy, including King County Executive Dow Constantine, argue it is essential to maintaining safe and modern learning environments. “This levy helps make sure our students are safe and our schools well maintained,” they wrote. “Every student and every school benefits!”
Opposition was submitted by Chris Jackins, a longtime critic of district spending. Jackins argued the levy prioritizes large school projects and could lead to consolidations or closures. He also proposed shrinking the levy to reduce taxes and setting aside funds to generate interest for the district’s operating budget.
Supporters have dismissed these claims, asserting there is no language in the proposal to close or consolidate schools. Instead, they argue the levy focuses on maintaining and modernizing existing facilities. “Prop. 2 maintains, rebuilds, and replaces aging school buildings, roofs, HVAC systems, technology, and security systems districtwide,” they wrote in a rebuttal.
State Senator Javier Valdez, a Democrat representing the 46th Legislative District in north Seattle, is a supporter of the levy and wrote, “All Seattle kids, regardless of zip code, deserve safe and healthy schools and up-to-date technology. Let’s continue investing in their future success.”
For both propositions, voters will simply choose “yes” or “no” to indicate their approval or rejection.
Currently, there is no direct alternative to these levies for funding the programs, safety upgrades and technology needs of Seattle Public Schools. The state’s funding formula does not fully cover these expenses, and the district relies heavily on voter-approved levies to bridge the gap. Without these levies, the district would likely need to make significant cuts or seek other funding sources
Election Day is February 11. Ballots must be postmarked by that date or dropped off at a ballot drop box (West Seattle has four) by 8 pm.
Register to vote, if you have not already. Online and mail registrations must be received by February 3 to vote in the election. Or register to vote in person by 8 pm on Election Day.
West Seattle Little League wants to remind players and families that the registration deadline is getting close. The league has some other info to share, too, and asked us to publish this announcement:
Thank you to the families that have already registered for the upcoming season with West Seattle Little League (WSLL). More than 520 players signed up so far! Registration will remain open until Feb 9th. Registering early helps streamline our league operations – sign up today to guarantee your spot before we max out and to avoid a fee for late registrations.
-New and returning families, join us on Monday, 1/27 for our virtual info sessions. We’re here to answer your questions about WSLL and the 2025 spring season! Find more details here. We also encourage families to visit our FAQ page.
-We are excited for another fantastic season of WSLL Girls Softball! Our dedicated coaches welcome players of all skill levels and collaborate with local organizations to offer skill-building clinics, such as the Softball Skills Clinic on Sunday, 2/9 with West Seattle High School’s softball team!
=We need parents, friends, or family that are able & willing to step up and volunteer as coaches to make this season a remarkable one! WSLL has an amazing board of directors to ensure you receive the training and support. Learn more here.
=We’re strengthening our partnerships with sponsors to benefit both WSLL and local businesses. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a sponsor, please visit our sponsors page for more info.
We look forward to seeing you on the field!
Providence Mount St. Vincent, “The Mount,” has just wrapped up its centennial celebration by closing its new time capsule (which we previously mentioned during the holidays).
(Photos courtesy Providence Mount St. Vincent)
The Mount’s announcement notes:
In April The Mount opened its original time capsule that contained artifacts, photos, and newspaper articles about the founding of The Mount and the role the Sisters of Providence played in envisioning, building and operating the expansive campus on 9 acres here in West Seattle.
To honor the marking of this remarkable milestone, The Mount concluded its celebrations today with a symbolic act that bridges the past, present, and future: the sealing of a new time capsule.
It contains items highlighting “milestones including implementing an intergenerational learning center in 1991, expansion of a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center in 2002 along with many grateful family and donor letters regarding the importance of continuing the work and mission of The Mount. Several media stories capturing achievements and cherished memories were included along with tangible items highlighting the spirit of The Mount — such as a caregiver Heart of Gold recognition pin and a Passport to Engagement educational program. Given the significance of navigating the pandemic years for a vulnerable population, a COVID test kit was also placed inside.”
According to The Mount (which is a WSB sponsor), “The new time capsule pictured here was thoughtfully and generously crafted by West Seattle neighbors Nucor Steel Seattle – whose founder of the original plant, William Pigott, also served as a leader to develop the funding to build the original Providence Mount St. Vincent. Celebrating this shared heritage today were (photo above) Nucor team members Nathan Marshall and Richard Christ along with Mount Operations Director Albert Angkico.” Many Mount leaders and Sisters of Providence attended the ceremony along with other Nucor leaders.
A woman suspected of robbing at least five Seattle banks – including one in West Seattle – is being sought by the FBI.
The robberies in which she is wanted started last June and ended January 13, the day we reported on a holdup at the US Bank in the West Seattle Junction. The FBI is circulating images today and describing her as an Asian woman, late teens or early 20s, 5’3″ to 5’5″, black hair, wearing a hat and mask during the robberies, in which she typically gave a teller a note demanding money. If you have any information on her identity, the FBI’s hotline is 800-CALL-FBI (or you can simply call 911).
P.S. If you’re wondering about the other robberies (all outside West Seattle – the January 13 holdup was the first bank robbery here in more than a year), the local FBI office tells us, “The others were: 6/28 Wells Fargo on Queen Anne, 9/7 a US Bank on NE 45th, 10/31 a US Bank on NE 63rd, 11/21 a Key Bank on Holman Road.”
With a heightened interest in volunteering and donating opportunities right now, we’re spotlighting this one that’s just out of the WSB inbox. You’re invited to help plant a “Miyawaki Forest” – William Khadivi explains:
I’m partnering with Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association to plant a Miyawaki Forest near Longfellow Creek. This exciting project will take place near the intersection of 29th Ave SW & SW Brandon St.
Our first work party is scheduled for Saturday, February 1st, from 10 AM to 1 PM, and we’re looking for volunteers to join us. During the event, we’ll focus on removing invasive species to prepare the site for planting native trees and shrubs. No prior experience is needed. We’ll provide tools, gloves, and guidance! Volunteers should bring sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and plenty of enthusiasm for greening our city.
A Miyawaki Forest is created using the methods pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. This approach plants a dense mix of native species in small areas, fostering biodiversity and creating thriving ecosystems. Similar projects have been established in Georgetown and at North Seattle College.
Interested participants can RSVP here: dnda.org/events/miyawaki-forest-at-longfellow-creek
The Georgetown site mentioned in the announcement is this one we covered a year ago – we’ll get back there soon to see how it’s going.
Two reader reports in Crime Watch this afternoon:
STOLEN HIGHLANDER: Received via text:
Stolen this morning around 8:40, SW 97th Place, Greenbridge community
2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE – Washington license plate: CGT0093
Call 911 if you find it.
CAR PROWLERS TAKE BACKPACK WITH MACBOOK: MaKenzie just moved to West Seattle, and got hit by a car break-in:
Sometime last night or early this morning, my silver 2018 Chevy Cruze Sport Premier was broken into. The location of my car was in a residential area, off SW Avalon Way and SW Genesee St where 32nd Ave SW intervenes. I first saw my car at 7:30 am today (January 22nd).
They rummaged through my items and when I entered my car, the center console was open, my back seats pulled down exposing my trunk, and my personal items in my car were thrown about. When approaching my car, I could see glass everywhere from the back driver’s side window being shattered. In my car was my Black backpack with Rose Gold zipper lining, which contained my Rose Gold MacBook Air 13″ and some Nike gym clothes, and my personal notebook with some pens, possibly a few smaller items. The items were in my backpack, on the floor of my backseat, so not easily visible to the eye.
If you have any information or video footage from one of the houses nearby, it would mean a lot. I have filed a police report and will link the case number below … my MacBook means a lot to me and contains very personal and cherished memories. Unfortunately, my dash camera did not catch anyone and was moved, so I am unable to see any footage. …
Police Report Reference Number: 2025-20055 – My backpack is the: Swissdigital Design Business Laptop Backpack For Women, With USB Charging Port
P.S. If you have questions or concerns to surface to local police, about any incident or trend, they’re expected to be in attendance at tonight’s monthly HPAC meeting, 6:30 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW)
(Google Maps Street View image)
One week ago, we reported on King County’s announcement of grants from the voter-restored Conservation Futures levy, including one to the city of Seattle for purchase of a site to be part of an eventual park including the SDOT-owned Delridge Triangle. That latter site had been the subject of extensive community efforts pre-pandemic. Last week’s announcement was explained as an acquisition to eventually combine with the triangle site, to be transferred from SDOT to parks, and a small adjacent street closure. Since then, we’ve been waiting to hear back from Seattle Parks about the plan for the combined sites. Today, we got a response from Parks spokesperson Karen O’Connor:
I talked with our Property Team and the site acquired was a private parcel and will be land-banked. We are hoping to fund the development through the next Park District Cycle, so not until after 2028. At that time, we will work on a Transfer of Jurisdiction for the triangle and a street vacation, both currently SDOT property to create a new park.
The landbanked-site development process tends to move slowly – a decade-plus so far for three future-park sites in West Seattle (48th/Charlestown, 40th SW in The Junction, and the Morgan Junction Park Addition).
(Mount Rainier and Duwamish River one recent morning, photographed by James Bratsanos)
Here’s our list of what’s happening on your Wednesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
DINE OUT FOR SANISLO: All day and night, Puerto Vallarta in The Junction is donating part of the proceeds to the Sanislo Elementary PTA. Join them there 4=-7 pm, including a piñata for the kids at 6:30 pm. (4727 California SW)
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am in Lincoln Park – meet up at 47th/Fauntleroy.
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT CANCELED: No reading time today because the shop is closing for its move to The Junction.
ALKI CO-OP PRESCHOOL’S NEW-LOCATION OPEN HOUSE: 11:30 am-2 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), where the school will move starting this fall.
REJUVENATE YOGA: Weekly class at Viva Arts, 1:30 pm. Drop-in. $20. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
TODDLER STORY TIME AT SW LIBRARY: At Southwest Library, 3 pm, for kids ages 1-3. (9010 35th SW)
HOMEWORK HELP: Volunteer helpers are available 4-7:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix it, don’t toss it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center). Not familiar with the WS Tool Library> Learn about it in our recent West Seattle Giving Spirit spotlight!
FREE GROUP RUN: All year ’round! All runners, all levels, are welcome to join the weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) group run – meet at the shop by 6:15 pm.
HPAC’S FIRST 2025 MEETING: Join the community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge in person at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), 6:30 pm (earlier than usual because of library hours) – agenda is previewed in our calendar listing.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)
YOGA/MEDITATION/GONG BATH: 7-8:30 pm at Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska), $35, ticket info here.
TRIVIA x 3: Three Wednesday trivia locations: Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.
MUSIC BINGO X 2: Two places to play on Wednesdays! Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm … Or, at Three 9 Lounge (39th/Oregon), you can play MINGO music bingo, hosted by Mingo Maniac, at 7:30 pm Wednesdays.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Ready to take the mic and show your stuff? 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Planning an open house, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, show, meeting, presentation, etc., that’s open to the community? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Thanks to Cinda for the photo and report about last Sunday’s monthly donation-dropoff drive at Alki UCC (previewed here):
The good people of West Seattle responded with generosity! They came in a steady flow on Sunday, bearing gifts of warm coats, blankets, boots, and food. … I delivered 20 blankets to Camp Second Chance Sunday evening. The remaining will go to unsheltered guests at Westside Interfaith Network’s Saturday hot lunch program. The coats will be given out too. Can’t wait to do so!
Alki UCC usually has similar drives, as noted in our West Seattle Event Calendar, on the third Sunday of the month.
6:01 AM: Good morning – it’s Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Another cold clear day expected, high in the low 40s. Sunrise/sunset – 7:46 am and 4:55 pm. (5 pm sunset on Saturday!)
TRANSIT
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi – Also on a regular schedule today.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Salish as the “bonus boat.”
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 (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
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