West Seattle, Washington
13 Monday
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
With this year’s Washington State legislative session scheduled to end March 12, here are some updates on the bills for which our 34th District legislators – State House Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, State House Rep. Brianna Thomas, and State Senator Emily Alvarado – are the main sponsors. Longer summaries of these bills are in our previous coverage, and each bill number below links to the Legislature website page with full details (as well as ways to comment).
MIDWAY TO APPROVAL: Several bills primarily sponsored by the above representatives have passed in their original chamber, either House or Senate, and are in the process of working through the opposing chamber. These include:
HB 2215– Rep. Fitzgibbon
Obligation for compliance to the Climate Commitment Act for fuels supplied or sold in Washington.
Scheduled for public hearing on Feb.18 at 8:00 a.m.
HB 2367– Rep. Fitzgibbon
Eliminating limitations on imposing emissions requirements for coal facilities inconsistent with the greenhouse gas Emissions Performance Standard.
Scheduled for public hearing on Feb. 20 at 10:30 a.m.
HB 2123– Rep. Fitzgibbon
Eliminates state prohibitions on contributions by foreign nationals toward Washington State elections.
HB 2303– Rep. Thomas
Prohibiting employers from microchipping employees.
HB 2355– Rep. Thomas
Creates labor protections for domestic workers, including minimum wage requirement.
SB 5496– Sen. Alvarado
Limits excessive home buying by certain entities including those with interest in more than 25 single family residences, with some exceptions.
SB 6026– Sen. Alvarado
A city or county with a population of 30,000 may not exclude residential uses in areas zoned for mixed use or commercial development.
SB 6027– Sen. Alvarado
Minimum of 60 percent of Local Sales and Use Tax for Housing and Related Services used for constructing or acquiring affordable housing, behavioral health facilities, or for operational costs.
SB 5500– Sen. Alvarado
Child-care subsidy base rate must achieve the 85th percentile of market minimum, alters how the cost of quality child care rate model is used by the Department of CHildren, Youth, and Families.
Scheduled for public hearing on Feb. 18 at 4:00 p.m.
SB 5993– Sen. Alvarado
Prohibits interest charges or collecting owed interest on new or outstanding medical debt, and that medical debt may only be enforced six years after its date of entry.
Scheduled for public hearing on Feb. 18 at 8:00 a.m.
SB 5911– Sen. Alvarado
As of Jan. 1, 2027, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families may not apply funds paid to or on behalf of someone receiving Extended foster Care services as reimbursement.
Scheduled for public hearing on Feb, 18 at 1:30 p.m.
Below are others that have not advanced to the opposing chamber, but have passed committee, and are in the process to appear on the floor for a vote before moving forward:
HB 2251– Rep. Fitzgibbon
Repeals three of the Climate Commitment Act funding accounts and replaces them with the Climate Commitment Act Operating Account and the Climate Commitment Act Capital Account.
HB 2517– Rep. Fitzgibbon
Allows regional transit authorities to apply for permits before acquiring property or receiving notice of land use decisions.
HB 2496– Rep. Thomas
Requires the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council to consult with federally recognized tribes during siting review and compliance monitoring. It also exempts these meetings from the Open Public Meetings Act, with some exceptions.
SB 5647– Sen. Alvarado
Expands the Real Estate excise Tax exemption for self-help housing.
SB 6173– Sen. Alvarado
Creates an Apple Health Employer Assessment imposed on all employers with employees enrolled in Medicaid, going toward the State Health Care Affordability account.
SB 6069– Sen. Alvarado
Encourages permanent supportive housing, transitional housing,and indoor emergency housing by allowing it in urban growth areas not zoned for industrial use.
NOT EXPECTED TO ADVANCE: Below are several bills unlikely to advance this session after missing deadlines on Feb. 4 and Feb.9. Feb. 4 was the policy committee cutoff, meaning, if a bill was not approved by its designated committee by that date, it is now unlikely to move forward with the legislative process this session. Feb. 9 served as the fiscal committee cutoff, a later cutoff reserved for bills referred to House fiscal committees and the Senate Ways and Means, and Transportation Committees. The bills that failed to make it out of committee for the deadlines include:
HB 2581– Rep. Fitzgibbon
Provides additional investment options for electric utilities under the alternative compliance segment of the greenhouse-neutral gas standard.
HB 2724– Rep. Fitzgibbon
Establishing a tax on millionaires to fund education, health care, and other essential government services.
HJR 4209– Rep. Fitzgibbon
Allowing the legislature to amend Washington State’s congressional districts before the next decennial census if another state does so outside a court order and before the next census.
HB 2182– Rep. Thomas
Removes requirements for the Washington State Department of Corrections to sell abortion medication and allows the department to obtain payment for medication.
HJR 4210– Rep. Thomas
Allows the legislature to determine the length of regular sessions by amending the Washington State constitution.
HB 1090– Sen. Alvarado
Requires that health plans provide a reimbursement of a 12-month supply of contraceptives.
SB 6067– Sen. Alvarado
Modifies workers’ compensation, specifically concerning benefits for total disability.
SB 6068– Sen. Alvarado
Allows workers employed by subcontractors to seek payments for unpaid wages and benefits from contractors.
SB 6028– Sen. Alvarado
Develops a revolving loan fund to give loans to organizations for mixed-income affordable housing development.
WHAT’S NEXT: An additional cutoff is coming up on Feb.17, which is the last day to consider bills in their house of origin. The bills that have yet to appear on the floor for a vote in their house of origin are subject to this cutoff date.
It’s mid-winter break for most, but not all, schools. Families, students, and staff obviously already know, but in case you need to know too for traffic or other reasons, we checked the calendars for the schools we routinely track:
CLOSED ALL WEEK: Seattle Public Schools, Westside School, Explorer West Middle School, Tilden School, Summit Atlas, Vashon Island School District
CLOSED MONDAY-TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY: Hope Lutheran School
CLOSED MONDAY-TUESDAY: All three local Catholic schools (Our Lady of Guadalupe, Holy Rosary, Holy Family)
CLOSED MONDAY: Highline Public Schools, Kennedy Catholic High School
(Photo sent by Ian)
Snow-coated Mt. Baker – 140 miles away – was in clear view from Alki this afternoon. If the forecast holds, we might finally see a bit of snow here before the week’s out. No advisories or alerts, but the National Weather Service‘s forecast suggests a rain/snow mix is possible in just about any daypart from Monday night until next Saturday. The NWS Forecast Discussion says snow levels could be down to 200 to 500 feet – which includes much of the peninsula – by Tuesday. But the qualifier phrase “little to no accumulation expected” appears in the forecast too.
Thanks to Steven Rice for the photo and report:
This is my first sighting of a “Repair, Berthing, and Messing” barge. It passed by Alki Point around 11:30 am presumably heading to Bremerton, but I didn’t get to see if it turned that way.
Here’s a link with basic info. And my shot from up near the west side of Schmitz Preserve.
An archives check brings up another reader photo of a YRBM in the area back in 2017.
Though this week will bring the third Thursday of the month, it won’t bring an Alki Community Council meeting. ACC board members say they’re busy working on events for the year ahead, so they’ll reconvene community members at 7 pm Thursday, March 19, at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds)
As sunny days like today remind us that gardening season is near, West Seattle Nursery (WSB sponsor) is inviting more kids to join the Growing Gardeners Club, which will be involved with a demonstration garden that WSN will launch soon. WSN’s Marie McKinsey explains, “This month we are inviting kids to decide what we will be planting in the garden. We have a questionnaire for them to fill out, and we will announce the ‘winners’ in early March.” Kids can answer the questionnaire at the nursery (5275 California SW), and it’s also in the first issue of a new Growing Gardeners Club newsletter for parents, which Marie explains “will enable us to share more content, like videos and links to various resources.” If there’s a budding gardener in your home, sign up for the newsletter here – and see the first edition (with the aforementioned questionnaire) here.
One week from today, “The Detention Lottery“ – an “immersive theater experience” – will return to West Seattle, a few months after a fall performance that still has people talking – and it’s even more relevant. Here’s the preview we received:
Prepare to see how justice is served in your name when Fauntleroy Church UCC brings ‘The Detention Lottery’ to West Seattle again on Sunday, Feb. 22 in the Fellowship Hall.
Doors open at 3:30 pml the performance begins at 4:00 pm, followed by a talkback with practicing immigration attorneys.
Admission is free; donations appreciated and support the projects of the Immigration Task Force.
The Detention Lottery takes the audience past today’s scary headlines and news clips, directly into the detention courtroom. We witness desperate conferences between detainees and attorneys, realizing that these few moments together could determine their future forever. We sit in the courtroom where decisions are rendered, seeing for ourselves the justice being served in our name.
“’The Detention Lottery’ is accurate, but not a documentary. It is theater, grounded in real life. It raises awareness without threatening, educates without lecturing, and can raise money without charging admission. And it packs a wallop to everyone who sees it,” says Amy Youngblood, who has directed each performance since its revival last spring. “We bring the performance at no charge to the sponsoring organization. At the same time, nonprofit organizations are welcome to produce their own shows with no royalties, as ‘The Detention Lottery’ is licensed under the Creative Commons license.”
Playwright Margaret O’Donnell, a retired practicing immigration attorney, once despaired of trying to convey to others just what justice was being served in the public’s name. She discovered a talent for writing plays, and in 2018, St. Mark’s Cathedral launched The Detention Lottery to great acclaim. Since then, dozens of sponsoring organizations have presented The Detention Lottery to stunned audiences, raising awareness, inspiration for activism, and funds for immigrant justice projects.
West Seattle activist Pam Jensen watched ‘The Detention Lottery’ at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation last October and wrote Margaret immediately afterward to request another production. Dianne Sprague and Mary Code of Fauntleroy Church UCC see the vital connections between the church’s missions and the message of the play.
“Given our mission to preserve justice, peace, and the sanctity of God’s world, the congregation is delighted to co-sponsor this event. As we say every Sunday, whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here so please come to this remarkable play,” says Mary Code.
For more information, including how to participate and help, contact Amy Youngblood, director, at 509-906-1076, or email thedetlot@gmail.com.
Fauntleroy Church is at 9140 California SW.
For those wondering about the police response on the west side of 35th/Avalon – police got a report of a man with “a hatchet” damaging buildings and a utility pole in the area. No word of injuries or threats directly to people. Police converged and have taken a suspect into custody. They told dispatch this may have centered around a bus stop, so they’re notifying Metro Transit Police (who are part of the King County Sheriff’s Office) too
Championship season isn’t over yet for winter high-school sports. We have word today of another local athlete who’s competing at state – here’s the announcement:
West Seattle resident and O’Dea High School junior Marcelo Slye is headed to the 3A State Diving Championship this Friday, February 20th. The competition will take place at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way.
Marcelo earned his spot at state after an impressive second-place finish at the WIAA Metro League Competition last week. His strong performance secured his advancement to the state-level competition and capped off a standout season.
Remarkably, Marcelo only began diving two years ago, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Giovanni. In a short time, he has developed into one of the top competitors in the region.
Teammates, coaches, and the entire O’Dea community are proud of Marcelo’s accomplishments. Special recognition goes to Coach Chris Sellers for his dedication and commitment to supporting student-athletes both in and out of the pool.
Best of luck to Marcelo and Coach Sellers as they represent O’Dea on the state stage.
(Seen at Seacrest early Wednesday – WSB photo)
Here’s the Sunday lineup, mostly from our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
COUNT BIRDS! If you missed a local author’s request on Saturday, see it here – the count continues through tomorrow.
FREE WEST AFRICAN DANCE CLASS: Sunday dancing! 9:30 am at South Park Hall (1253 S. Cloverdale).
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: In The Junction, weekly Sunday morning games are happening at the new location of The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.
SUNDAY MORNING MEDITATION: For a contemplative session, see if there’s space in the small-group meditation session at 9:30 am at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW).
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open as usual on California SW between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, now in winter produce-and-products season – roots, greens, peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, beans, garlic, apples, more – plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, condiments, pasta, more. (Even chips!)
HEART-SHAPED PIZZA THAT HELPS: Second-to-last day to get heart-shaped pizza at Mioposto (2139 California SW; WSB sponsor) with part of the proceeds going to NW Immigrant Rights Project. Open 10 am-9 pm today.
WAREHOUSE FURNITURE & ART LIQUIDATION: 10 am-6 pm (may end sooner if sold out – this is the third of three scheduled days):
A former home-staging company’s full inventory will be liquidated during a warehouse sale in West Seattle. The sale includes a large selection of furniture, rugs, art, lighting and home décor, all priced to move. Items were previously used for staging homes and are well-suited for homeowners, renters, real estate professionals and short-term rental hosts.
(2501 Harbor SW)
FREE NIA CLASS: Begins at 10:15 am; first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to find it at, and borrow it from, the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
FREE DROP-IN TAX HELP: 11 am-4 pm at Southwest Library. (9010 35th SW)
SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY: Different time this week! The Westies Run Club is celebrating Good Society‘s 6th anniversary today – meet there for an 11:30 am run. (2701 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE RESIST: Regular weekly West Seattle Resist Sunday sign-holding event, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. South of Farmers’ Market. (California SW and SW Alaska)
TONE CIRCLE: “Vocal toning for healing and empowerment.” Noon at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: You’re invited to hang out at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
(added) CABI PREVIEW: Late word from Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW):
Happening today at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse! Check out the Spring women’s clothing preview with cabi stylists onsite to showcase the new collection. Walk-ins welcome! No signup required. 2-4 pm Feb 15. Whether you’re a longtime cabi fan or just discovering the brand, this is the perfect chance to refresh your wardrobe and contribute to their mission to encourage and empower women in need.
WEST SEATTLE CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: Gather at 2:30 to chat and get your beverage, book talk starts at 3 pm – this month, Herman Hesse‘s “Steppenwolf“ – out back at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
FABRIC DESIGN WORKSHOP: Join West Seattle artist Stacey Sterling for a creative exploration, 3 pm at Alki Arts (6030 California SW). Go here to reserve your spot.
‘TOPDOG/UNDERDOG’: The new “comic fable” at ArtsWest has a matinée today, 3 pm. Go here for tickets.
CONCERT FOR THE FOOD BANK AT C & P: 3-5 pm, Michael Partington, Sienna Araya Winquist and Mischa Yolleck perform at C & P Coffee with donations welcome, to benefit West Seattle Food Bank. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
WEST SEATTLE INDIVISIBLE: 3:30 pm monthly meeting – with a bake sale – at a new location, St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW).
ASTRA LUMINA: Its run is close to the end, but it’s on tonight – first entry at 6 pm in the Seattle Chinese Garden (north end of South Seattle College campus, 6000 16th SW); tickets here.
UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: Play starting at 7:30 pm, win prizes! (4302 SW Alaska)
JET CITY IMPROV AT ARTSWEST: Improvised musical! 7:30 pm show at ArtsWest (4711 California SW); check for tickets here.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm, end your weekend with live music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that we could add to the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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