West Seattle, Washington
26 Saturday
Early warning that the Washington State Ferries “Triangle Route” will be down a boat next week:
The Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route will operate on its two-boat alternate schedule for one week this Monday, October 28, through Friday, November 1. M/V Sealth will leave the route for necessary maintenance and its annual U.S. Coast Guard-mandated inspection, leaving only the M/V Kitsap and M/V Issaquah.
Customers are encouraged to plan ahead and should expect delays. We understand this service disruption will affect customers’ travel plans, and we will work to return the vessel back service as soon as possible.
Salmon sightings to report:
FAUNTLEROY CREEK: One day after the annual gathering to call the coho home, the first one has made it to the creek’s spawning reach, reports Judy Pickens on behalf of the volunteers watching the creek. It did not want to pose for a clear photo, so the one above is the best available for now. Three others have turned up – one dead, two alive – by the creek’s mouth. Now that the salmon have shown up, watch for word of “open creek” time this Saturday when you can go try your luck at spotting one!
LONGFELLOW CREEK: Jacquelyn sent this sighting from Longfellow Creek by Dragonfly Park:
Here’s info on Longfellow salmon-seeking.
The first returning salmon of the season has been spotted at Fauntleroy Creek. Unfortunately, she didn’t make it far before dying. But her appearance gives hope that others will show up during favorable high tides starting this week. With that as context, creek advocate Judy Pickens and musician Jamie Shilling led drumming and singing this evening to call the coho home.
It’s an annual tradition, with all ages welcome.
The short gathering is always whimsical as well as reverential – including “Habitat,” to the tune of long-ago hit “Lollipop”:
This year, something extra – it’s the 25th anniversary of the revived creek’s first modern-day spawners, Harry and Louise. The 30+ people who participated tonight were invited to sign a commemorative card.
You can do the same at next weekend’s Fauntleroy Fall Festival (at the church, Y, and schoolhouse, 2-5 pm Sunday, October 27th). Pickens told the backstory:
Meantime, volunteers have begun monitoring the creek for signs of more potential spawners. Once there’s a sighting, an “open creek” visitation opportunity will be announced.
(WSB photo, August 2019)
Two months ago, kid-rock superstar Caspar Babypants closed out the Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series with another lawn-filling performance; next Sunday, he opens Kindiependent‘s new Sunday family concert series at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW). This show is at 1 pm, right before the Fauntleroy Fall Festival, but the other nine shows in the twice-monthly series will be on Sunday mornings, 10:30 am. Tickets are required for everybody over 6 months old – series passes are on sale here; tickets for the Caspar Babypants show are on sale here. (Second show: The Not-Its, 10:30 am November 10th.)
Fall isn’t just rainy season, it’s salmon-spawning season. Notes from two West Seattle creeks:
LONGFELLOW CREEK: Thanks to Tom for that photo from earlier this week. He reports, “I saw this lone salmon in Dragonfly Park about halfway up the stream to the Salmon bridge (Monday). The fun has begun.” Here’s info on looking for salmon along the creek, which runs through east West Seattle.
FAUNTLEROY CREEK: As spawning season begins here, you’re invited to the ceremonial start tomorrow:
(WSB photo from past drumming event)
Rain or shine, gather to drum and sing to welcome the coho home to the creek, 5 pm Sunday (Fauntleroy/Director). This is a special year – the silver anniversary of the first two spawners to return to Fauntleroy Creek in modern times, as explained in our preview. All ages!
The Fauntleroy Fall Festival is fast approaching and more volunteers are essential to make it happen on Sunday, October 27, 2-5 pm in the Fauntleroy Church/YMCA/Schoolhouse triangle. Available assignments include managing lines, helping kids paint pumpkins and build birdhouses, and checking in volunteers. Enjoy the festival from a new perspective! Find an assignment and time that work for you at tinyurl.com/2019FallFestivalVolunteers.
(WSB photo, earlier this month)
As reported here last week, the Washington State Patrol is taking over providing traffic-control/law-enforcement officers at the Fauntleroy ferry terminal, a role previously filled by off-duty Seattle Police. Though the changeover was supposed to happen last week, ferry commuters weren’t seeing troopers. Washington State Ferries explains:
In July, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) notified WSF that, as of Oct. 6, they would no longer be providing off-duty officers to help with traffic control at Fauntleroy and Seattle’s Colman Dock so they could focus on supporting city events.
As this law enforcement assistance is vital for getting vehicles on and off the dock at Fauntleroy, addressing line cutters, and making the challenging terminal work as smoothly as possible, we have been working on an agreement to have Washington State Patrol take over traffic control for both Fauntleroy and Colman Dock.
We expect WSP to begin working at Fauntleroy this week. Our terminal staff will be working with the new WSP officers to help train them on how to successfully manage the traffic at Fauntleroy.
The agreement is for troopers to be at Fauntleroy 10 hours each weekday during the fall/winter – 6-10 am and 1-7 pm – plus Saturday middays during the summer schedule. The agreement, provided by WSF, can be seen here (PDF), with the last page spelling out expectations of what the troopers will do.
(“Harry & Louise,” 1994, photo courtesy Southwest Seattle Historical Society)
Not too soon to make your plan for what to do after the NEXT Seahawks game. Take the family to be part of the first event in a special salmon-return season at Fauntleroy Creek: The silver anniversary of “Harry and Louise,” the nicknames given to the first spawners in modern history to return to the creek, spotted in October 1994. Fauntleroy Creek advocate Judy Pickens explains how you can be part of the celebration this season, next Sunday and beyond:
October is spawning season on Fauntleroy Creek and you have four opportunities to get in on the action, starting next weekend.
Drum in spawners. The annual drumming (Sunday, Oct. 20, 5 pm), will entice spawners into the creek and begin a year-long “Silver Anniversary” for Harry and Louise, the first spawning pair in modern history, who arrived in October 1994. Bring a drum of any kind or just yourself to this free rain-or-shine event. Drumming will guide you to the creek level at 4539 SW Director Place (near SW Director and upper Fauntleroy Way SW).
Become a salmon watcher. Starting Oct. 20, volunteers will work in half-hour shifts to document activity in the spawning reach near the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal during the five hours after high tide. Email judy_pickens@msn.com for details and to get on the list.
Come to a creek open house. The West Seattle Blog will announce this free weekend event, depending on when spawners arrive.
Come to the Fauntleroy Fall Festival. Volunteers will be on hand near the salmon-hat booth in the church parking lot (Sunday, Oct. 27, 2-5 pm) to answer questions and invite you to sign a “Silver Anniversary” poster honoring Harry and Louise.
Fauntleroy Creek is one of just a few salmon creeks remaining in the city limits.
(WSB photos)
West Seattle Helpline executive director Erin Dury Moore and board member Rev. Ron Marshall are smiling at tonight’s show of support for the organization’s mission to keep people out of homelessness. It’s the Helpline’s 10th annual “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” dinner and auction at The Hall at Fauntleroy. WSB is the media sponsor and we stopped by in the early going for some photos:
Dinner hadn’t started yet but among the items on display were the treats awaiting bidders in the “Dessert Dash”:
A variety of silent and live auction items are up for grabs, from vacation packages to a wine-tasting party (donated by WSB sponsor Viscon Cellars):
Among Helpline supporters in attendance, City Council candidate Phil Tavel:
As the Helpline website explains, “The West Seattle Helpline stops homelessness before it starts. We provide financial assistance in the form of rent and utility payments, clothing, bus tickets, and referrals to help our neighbors in West Seattle and White Center regain stability after facing hardship.” They’ve helped more than 6,000 people so far this year. If you couldn’t get to tonight’s event, here’s how to help any time.
Two ferry-dock issues are atop our toplines from tonight’s Fauntleroy Community Association board meeting.
DOCK POLICING CHANGE: Law enforcement at the Fauntleroy dock is transitioning from a contract with Seattle Police back to the Washington State Patrol. This came up in discussion with Southwest Precinct operations commander Lt. Steve Strand. We had heard about it from Councilmember Lisa Herbold, who was inquiring with SPD on behalf of a constituent concerned about ferry-line-rage incidents like this one. SPD’s executive director of strategic initiatives Dr. Christopher Fisher told her, “SPD is turning the contract we hold with WSDOT back to Washington State Patrol for providing sworn officers at the terminal. With the current staffing challenges we have, and since it is a state system, it no longer made sense for SPD to contract for that workload.” At tonight’s FCA meeting, concern was voiced that WSP had in the past used cadets for those positions. Lt. Strand said he’d talked to the dock manager after the recent incident but didn’t have anything further about the transition. Dr. Fisher’s response to Councilmember Herbold had also noted, “Seattle Police Officers will still be responsible for behavior on the city roads/property leading up to the terminal, but the officers who are stationed at the terminal will transition to State Troopers.”
TERMINAL’S FUTURE: This remains a major point of concern for FCA; the board’s ferry subcommittee is hoping to hear more about the terminal project when WSF meets with stakeholders in the next few months. FCA’s WSF point person Frank Immel said he talked with a WSF rep recently and was told that talks with an engineering firm about the potential scope of the project are running behind. Those talks should have concluded by now, but haven’t. Also awaited, results of a UW study about the docks, including Fauntleroy, that WSF wants to upgrade.
FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL: FCA doesn’t organize the festival but supports it; the festival is now less than 3 weeks away, 2-5 pm Sunday, October 27th, at the venues in the 9100 block of California SW.
The Fauntleroy Community Association‘s business meetings are on secnnd Tuesdays, 7 pm at the schoolhouse, all welcome; watch fauntleroy.net for updates.
(WSB file photo, Fauntleroy ferry dock)
If you travel via Washington State Ferries, three big changes are about to kick in. One, the fall schedule change starts tomorrow (Sunday, September 29th). With the change in schedule comes one vessel downsizing on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route:
Because the 124-vehicle Kittitas that is typically assigned to the Triangle route will be undergoing maintenance at this time, the 90-vehicle Sealth will substitute on the route for approximately the first month of the Fall schedule.
WSF adds, “Drivers and passengers should note there are fewer sailings on weekends compared to the Summer schedule.” The third change is a fare increase as of Tuesday (October 1st), as approved back in August, 2.5 percent more for vehicles and 2 percent more for passengers. See the new fares here (PDF).
Fauntleroy Church‘s twice-yearly Recycle Roundup is a rain-or-shine event, so don’t let the weather stop you from bringing in your recyclables! 1 Green Planet is at the lot (9140 California SW) to accept a long list of items – see it here (PDF) – until 3 pm, but don’t wait until the last minute; the earlier you go, the faster it’ll be. It’s free but organizers always appreciate donations if you’re able:
Volunteers are also offering info on how/where to recycle items that are not accepted at the Roundup.
(WSB file photo)
Are you ready? Sunday (September 22nd) brings the next Recycle Roundup at Fauntleroy Church. This twice-yearly event usually brings in tons of recyclables. No charge – just drive up/ride up/walk up and drop off recyclables with 1 Green Planet, 9 am-3 pm. See the latest list of what they will/won’t accept this by going here (PDF). Fauntleroy Church is at 9140 California SW (map).
(“Live” image, webcam at Fauntleroy dock)
Sent by Washington State Ferries, a two-part update on the Triangle Route (Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth):
The Fall 2019 sailing schedule begins on Sunday, Sept. 29. Because the 124-vehicle KITTITAS that is typically assigned to the Triangle route will be undergoing maintenance at this time, the 90-vehicle SEALTH will substitute on the route for approximately the first month of the Fall schedule.
In addition, the SEALTH is required to undergo a U.S. Coast Guard-mandated inspection by Nov. 2, which means the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route will operate on a 2-boat schedule during the last week of October.
As always, there are many factors involved in WSF’s decisions around vessel assignments and service impacts. With only 22 boats in the fleet and one designated service relief vessel, vessel assignments and maintenance periods are subject to change. WSF’s Customer Service team will send out alerts with the latest information and will provide customers with updates as needed. …
Future Triangle Route community engagement opportunities
The new triangle route schedule that began in March is working well. We’re able to more fully fill vessels leaving Fauntleroy in the afternoon and over the past months our on-time-performance has steadily improved. Now that the first busy summer season with the new schedule is coming to an end, we will be looking at performance and sharing more information this fall about how it’s working.
Also in the next few months, WSF will begin planning and the environmental process for the replacement of the Fauntleroy Ferry terminal. This project will include robust community outreach and many opportunities to provide input. Currently, construction of the new terminal is programmed to begin in 2025-2027. Stay tuned for information on public meetings as we kick off this project.
Thanks for the tip. Police are on upper Fauntleroy Way across from the ferry dock, awaiting the Medical Examiner, after a man was found dead on a bench in what’s known as “Captain’s Park.” A neighbor told us it first looked like he was taking a nap – and then a passerby realized otherwise, so 911 was called. SFD verified the death and tells us the man was “about 60.” Police did find ID on him but the officer at the scene had no further comment. We don’t have any other details except that it’s not being treated as a crime scene.
(WSB photo from September 2018 Recycle Roundup)
Get your recyclables together – we’re now one week away from the next Recycle Roundup at Fauntleroy Church! You’ll be able to drive up/ride up/walk up and drop off recyclables for free with 1 Green Planet, 9 am-3 pm next Sunday (September 22nd). The latest list of what they will/won’t accept this time is here (PDF). The church is at 9140 California SW (map).
Tomorrow and Sunday, it’s one of fall’s biggest sales – the 2nd-Time Sale. The preview is from Judy Pickens, with photos by Mpnika Lidman:
The 25th annual 2nd Time Sale starting Saturday morning at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California Ave. SW) promises something for everyone, from that saucepan you’ve been needing to toys and books galore and even fine jewelry.
Volunteers have culled thousands of items for quality, cleaned and organized them, and put a bargain price on each. Proceeds will benefit church ministries, including responses to homelessness and immigration injustice.
Sale hours are 9 am – 4 pm Saturday and 11:30 am – 3 pm Sunday. Cash and check only. On Metro’s RapidRide C line; free delivery of major purchases.
Toplines from the Fauntleroy Community Association meeting Tuesday night, led by treasurer Alexis Zolner because of several other board members’ absence:
FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL: October 27th is this year’s date (which is the same date as the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival), 2-5 pm. FCA doesn’t present the festival but supports it so it’s a big topic. Organizer Chantille Henry (from WSB sponsor John L. Scott-Westwood Real Estate) said the plan is coming together; the FCA Board voted to approve their usual financial support for the festival, and FCA will staff an info table at the festival, too. P.S. The quarterly FCA newsletter includes the news that Caspar Babypants will perform at 1 pm, right before the festival!
ART WALK: Lora Radford and Reeve Washburn talked about the revival of the West Seattle Art Walk, with venues hosting artists and food/beverage venues offering specials to support it. It’s still mostly in The Junction, though, said Radford, so they are now presenting it to “key neighborhood groups” to explore whether other areas want to get involved. Washburn talked about its growth and promotion. And: “So much energy happening in The Junction, what can we do to share that energy in other areas?” Radford said there are “pockets of small businesses” outside The Junction already participating but there needs to be leadership in other areas to take it beyond that. They’re offering “Art Walk in a Box” tools to help others become part of it. In Q&A, Radford explained that the more you get into it, the more you get back. It’s been a boon to local businesses, with increased foot traffic. This is their first presentation; they were headed next to talk to the Admiral Neighborhood Association (as reported here), and planning to talk with the Morgan Community Association in October. Also: many different types of art can be part of the Art Walk. No decision by FCA this meeting.
FERRY LINE-CUTTING: The recent incident we reported generated some discussion among the board. One board member said he would like to see Washington State Ferries take more responsibility for fully managing “the line and what it does to this neighborhood.” They agreed that line cutting “is getting worse, no doubt,” another board member said, and noted that SPD and WSF seem to be pointing fingers at each other regarding who is accountable for enforcement. There was also discussion of the status of WSF’s contract with SPD at the dock. Education and signage about line etiquette would be helpful too, it was suggested. This also veered into a discussion of people’s general disregard for the rules/laws (as noted in this Seattle Times story). A community member in attendance is considering making signs to let people know how to report line cutters.
FERRY DOCK: FCA is keeping close watch on the future Fauntleroy dock replacement project. The next public meeting won’t be before next month, said FCA’s ferry point person Frank Immel. It’ll be several years before WSF even comes up with a design of what they’re going to build – they have an expert adviser who warns it’s going to be “a long process.”
The Fauntleroy Community Association board meets second Tuesdays most months at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, 7 pm; watch fauntleroy.net for updates.
(Saturday photo, sent by Kenneth)
We found out more today about a case of line-cutting that led to an arrest on the Fauntleroy ferry dock Saturday afternoon. WSF spokesperson Ian Sterling says it started around 2 pm with someone who got cut off reacting very intensely. A third person a few cars back, according to the police report, drew a gun to try to defuse the situation. That didn’t really help. A tollbooth attendant called police, and ultimately the person who drew the gun was arrested; the line-cutter apparently left the scene. No injuries reported; the ferry at the dock at the time was slightly delayed because the captain opted to hold off until everything was sorted out. Sterling tells us that August is peak time for line-cutting complaints, which have been on the rise in general – the state’s special hotline for ferry-line cutting had 2,000 calls in 2017, 2,400 last year, and is on pace to likely exceed that this year. Mukilteo and Edmonds generally bring in the most complaints – for example, 39 last August in Fauntleroy, compared to about 200 in Mukilteo. You can report line-cutting to 877-764-HERO – it’s a $139 fine.
P.S. Back to Saturday’s case – records show the 68-year-old man was arrested for investigation of “use of a weapon to intimidate,” and that after two days in jail, he’s being released today.
(WSB photo, April 2019)
The rain’s one reminder that fall isn’t far away. Also, we have another reminder: Fauntleroy Church‘s Recycle Roundup, 9 am-3 pm Sunday, September 22, is now one month (and a day) away (and yes, we know that’s technically the last day of summer). On behalf of the organizers, Judy Pickens just sent the updated one-sheet (PDF) of what their partner 1 Green Planet will and won’t be accepting this time around. Judy notes one point of special emphasis – if you’re recycling a gas-powered tool (mower, trimmer, etc.), please be sure the fuel’s been emptied. Recycle Roundup is free and happens in the church’s lot at 9140 California SW.
Sent late tonight by the King County Wastewater Treatment District:
Seattle & King County approved re-opening of a small area of Lincoln Park just north of the Fauntleroy Ferry terminal in West Seattle yesterday following two consecutive days of water quality sampling results that tested below the state threshold.
On Aug. 3, the Department of Natural Resources and Parks reported an overflow at a relief value that spilled between 200-400 gallons, most of which was cleaned up by a vactor (vacuum) truck that night.
Here’s our original report from last Saturday.
The photo and announcement were sent by Randee:
Immigrant Families Together has put a call out to kids for lemonade stands to raise money for immigrant families. The kids at Taproot School are answering that call.
From 3:30 to 5:30 at the Fauntleroy Ferry terminal on August 9th, the families from Taproot School will be selling lemonade with all proceeds going to Immigrant Families Together. We want to not only raise money, but also to raise awareness and to inspire others to have their own stands to raise money for Immigrant Families Together.
Immigrant Families Together is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organization working to keep families together by providing bond money for parents, legal services, safe housing, clothing, food, cellphones among other vital services to help families have the best possible chance at receiving asylum.
For more information about how to help immigrant families stay together, hosting your own lemonade stand and to donate directly, please go (here).
(WSB photo)
If you use Washington State Ferries, you’ll want to know about the fare increases approved today by the Washington State Transportation Commission. They include:
-On October 1st and then again next May 1st, vehicle fares will go up 2.5 percent and passenger fares will go up 2 percent
-Also on May 1st, a 25-cent increase to help fund building a new ferry
The commission also gave WSF the go-ahead to test two programs, a special passenger fare for low-income people, and “Good To Go,” already used to collect highway/bridge tolls. No details yet when/where those pilot programs will happen.
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