West Seattle, Washington
26 Tuesday
Two toplines from this week’s monthly meeting of the Fauntleroy Community Association: The organization is getting ready to launch its periodic community survey. Homes and businesses in the “greater Fauntleroy area” will get postcards inviting them to answer the survey online. Questions will include opinions of the Fauntleroy ferry-dock replacement (as reported here last month, the timeline for that project has now moved back) and assessment of community awareness of FCA projects and events. … Speaking of which, one update: FCA’s annual community pumpkin hunt is set for October 21st, 1-3 pm. About 200 pumpkins will be hidden in the general Endolyne business district area, and some gifts will be up for grabs, including a glass pumpkin from Avalon Glassworks. … The FCA board meets second Tuesdays most months, 7 pm, at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse; watch fauntleroy.net for updates between meetings.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
As community organizations resume regular meeting schedules for fall, the Admiral Neighborhood Association had public safety high on the agenda last night.
The meeting at Admiral Church, facilitated by ANA president Joanie Jacobs, had two major guests – the Southwest Precinct‘s new third-watch commander, and City Attorney Ann Davison.
POLICE: Lt. Joe Hadley now oversees the 7 pm to 5 am shift (“third watch”) and said he most recently worked with the Office of Police Accountability. He said they’re bringing back the Community Police Team (an officer with that assignment accompanied him). Lt. Hadley opened the floor quickly to Q&A.
First question: How’s the staffing? “It’s rough,” he replied. The goal remains to hire about 100 officers a year “but I don’t thin we’re going to make that this year.” The 4/10 schedule change has made SPD more attractive for “laterals” – trained officers coming from other police departments. “Our previous schedule was horrible” (four days on, two days off). “The chief has made it a priority to improve morale, improve retention, entic(e) folks to come work here.” The recent consent-decree announcement isn’t going to change anything short-term, he said.
Previously, we previewed the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s first fall gathering, this Tuesday (September 12th). Also resuming meetings for fall on Tuesday: the Fauntleroy Community Association. The FCA also expects a Southwest Precinct rep to attend with updates on local crime/safety issues, so if you have a question for police, community-group meetings provide you with regular opportunities. Also on the FCA agenda – a look ahead to next month’s Fauntleroy Fall Festival, an update on Washington State Ferries issues, and a discussion of Sound Transit‘s West Seattle plan, among other issues. Community members are welcome to attend in person – 7 pm Tuesday in the conference room at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) – or online (registration information is at fauntleroy.net/meetings).
Community groups are resuming their regular meeting schedules this month, and one of the first to reconvene will be the Admiral Neighborhood Association. Tuesday (September 12th) at 7 pm, ANA invites you to its next “general gathering,” with guests including Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison. She’ll talk about what her office is focused on right now, and listen to attendees’ concerns. ANA usually has a Southwest Precinct rep in attendance, too, so if you have concerns or questions, bring them. And they’ll recap a summer of fun events including the return of Summer Concerts at Hiawatha and the second Admiral Funktion festival. You’re welcome to come talk about those, too. The ANA gathering is at 7 pm Tuesday, in person, at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill).
6:45 PM: Among the hundreds of West Seattle neighborhoods having Night Out block/building parties tonight is this one in Seaview, where Elyse and her neighbors are gathering for the first time.
Even something fun for the kids:
We’re making several stops tonight and also are welcoming your block-party photos (westseattleblog@gmail.com). If you’re not at a Night Out party tonight, be mindful of the many makeshift STREET CLOSED signs on non-arterials through 9 pm or so. Updates to come!
6:59 PM: One of the benefits of registering yuur Night Out party, though it’s not mandatory, is that you can ask for public-safety personnel to visit.
Also in Seaview, the party on Melody‘s block (you might know her as chair of the Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council) got a visit from the SPD Mounted Patrol, which is headquartered in West Seattle, at Westcrest Park. At left below is Chance, at right, Buzz:
Plus Melody and neighbors:
7:20 PM: In Gatewood, Jennifer invited us to stop by her block party –
It’s one of at least several tonight with live music:
That’s the voice of the Mariners, Tom Hutyler, performing. (Video added:)
7:40 PM: In Sunrise Heights, Lizzy and Vinnie are hosting a wood-fired-pizza block party:
They made the dough and sauce – neighbors brought the toppings:
7:54 PM: Another party with music is in east Gatewood – Reference Only is playing – video (added):
This party also has an inflatable Irish pub – at right in the background of our group photo:
9:14 PM: We’re adding more after taking a break this past hour for election-night coverage. Next photo is from our first stop of the night – every year when registration opens for Night Out, JoDean invites us to her Arbor Heights block party:
Night Out is for all ages. Jon sent the next pic from his block party west of The Junction – with him is 100-year-old neighbor Marie, who he reports is “still going strong”:
9:58 PM: We didn’t get to join in our Upper Fauntleroy neighborhood’s party since we were out photographing others, but we did take this pic of our neighbors upon return:
Not far away, here’s the Northrop Block Watch party, in the neighborhood at the top of the famously long SW Thistle stairs:
Melinda sent this photo from her Youngstown-area block party:
She reports: “We finally took a photo of our Night Out BBQ/Potluck — after 40 or so years!! “A good time was had by all” as was reported in the weekly Redfield Press of Redfield, South Dakota when I was a kid referring to Altar Society, 4-H club, etc meetings.” … Next pic is from Allison in Arbor Heights:
Pete’s party in Pigeon Point drew Southwest Precinct visitors:
And a texter shared this party photo from Fauntlee Hills:
Next year will be the 40th anniversary of the first nationwide Night Out.
ADDED WEDNESDAY: Two more photos – Carole says she and her neighbors had a great time at Cottage Grove Park:
And Barb appreciated the SPD officers who visited her neighborhood’s party:
Thanks again to everyone who shared photos or told us where they were gathering so we could stop by!
Hundreds of West Seattle streets will be closed for block parties on Tuesday night (August 1st), this year’s Night Out. It’s a nationwide night for community-building, with a focus on safety and preparedness, and a great chance to check in with your neighbors if you don’t get to chat much over the course of the year. You can see some of the areas where parties are planned by looking at the map on SPD’s Night Out page. If you’re not participating in a Night Out party, be careful when you’re traveling between 5 and 9 pm Tuesday night, as those are the hours for most street closures. P.S. If you’re having a party and wouldn’t mind us stopping by for a photo, email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photos and video)
They danced, they talked, they picnicked. Concertgoers from babies to seniors filled the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center tonight for the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s third and final concert of the summer. This was a return for Ranger and The Re-arrangers, who characterize their music as “gypsy jazz.” Listen in:
Whatever you call it, this was perfect music for a mellow summer night.
The concert series, coordinated by Stephanie Jordan (with community co-sponsors including WSB), might be over, but the ANA has one more big summer-fun event ahead – the second annual Admiral Junction Funktion street party, set for 11 am-9 pm Saturday, August 26th, on California SW north of Admiral Way.
(July 16th reader photo sent by Reiner)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
One week ago, heroic passersby pulled a woman out of her submerged car off Alki Avenue, after a speeding driver hit it so hard that it was shoved off the road, over an embankment, and into Elliott Bay.
The crash was the major topic of this past week’s monthly Alki Community Council meeting. About 15 people attended in person at Alki UCC, with others participating online, including Southwest Precinct second-in-command Lt. Dorothy Kim.
(WSB photo – future Morgan Junction Park Addition)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Though it was close to the end of the meeting, an update on the nine-years-in-the-making Morgan Junction Park expansion site was the major news at last night’s quarterly Morgan Community Association meeting, held online and facilitated by president Deb Barker.
MORGAN JUNCTION PARK ADDITION: Kelly Goold from Seattle Parks said they got a lot of good comments at last month’s Morgan Junction Community Festival regarding the park addition. “The funding has returned for the project,” he reminded MoCA, so Parks dusted off the shelved original design and added possible new features such as active recreation (like skating). Money for the site cleanup – it formerly held a dry cleaner – is still available and they are still hoping to get that done within a few months. “Some kind of landscaping” will follow. including potentially “a big sentinel tree.” Then they’ll bring down the fence and open the site to some kind of public use until full development. About 400 people have responded to the survey – still open online – in addition to the hundreds they talked with at the festival. So what’s been holding up the cleanup? Getting the shoring designed, planning the digging of “a big hole,” etc., Goold said. As for the timeline for the park development itself, “that’s at least a year and a half out.” Spring 2025 is the current estimate. No further public meetings planned any time soon – once the survey closes, a new schematic design will be assembled. MoCA plans to invite Goold to the next meeting (October 19th). The city bought the site in 2014 for $1.9 million; within the ensuing two years, the businesses that had been in a building on the site both closed, and the building was demolished.
CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES: All eight were invited. The five who showed up got to speak. Each got a 10-minute spot, primarily spent on self-introduction, with time for a question or two after that. Here are our summaries of what they said:
Less than two weeks until Night Out, when neighbors around the country get together for community-building and safety planning. The official night is Tuesday, August 1st, but if you want to close your (non-arterial) street, you need to register your block party with SPD by next Monday (July 24th). That also is the day that Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite invites you to stop by the precinct (2300 SW Webster) to pick up swag for your party – “goodie bags for kiddos, and crime prevention materials for adults.” That’s 1-4 pm Monday in the precinct’s community-meeting room, first come, first served. As of this morning, 179 block parties are registered in the SW Precinct’s jurisdiction (West Seattle/South Park) – go here to add yours.
Quick notes from West Seattle’s southernmost “junction”:
MoCA’S NEW WEBSITE: The Morgan Community Association has relaunched its website at morganjunction.org after a hiatus. There you’ll find info about the group and upcoming Morgan-area events.
QUARTERLY MEETING NEXT WEEK: One of the events you can find out about is the quarterly MoCA meeting, set for 7 pm Wednesday, July 19th. It’ll happen online, and you’ll be able to find connection info here (as well as in our event calendar) pre-meeting. The agenda so far includes business and redevelopment updates, officer elections, and City Council candidates.
TAKEN THE PARK ADDITION SURVEY YET? Seattle Parks published a reminder today about its survey for the yet-to-be-developed addition to Morgan Junction Park. We first told you about the survey last month; it’s open until the end of the month. The park expansion was designed since four years ago, but since then, other community interest has bubbled up, particularly the desire for skating space. So the short survey asks what potential design elements you’d prioritize.
We have several upcoming big events to remind you about today – starting with the one night each year that neighbors get together to focus on crime prevention, community-building, and fun: Night Out. We are now exactly one month away from this year’s Night Out – Tuesday, August 1st. If you want to close your non-arterial street for a neighborhood block party, register via SPD’s Night Out page – find it here. West Seattle alone usually has hundreds; this year there’s a map, which will list yours only if you agree to be listed – go here to see the parties already mapped.
(WSB photos unless otherwise credited)
A block party in Gatewood tonight made history. We told you last month about Michael Mattinger‘s plan to launch Seattle Pride Night Out, a new way to celebrate Pride – neighborhood gatherings. Tonight Michael and husband Bradley and their kids hosted theirs:
As Michael told us last month, ““My husband and I had this idea as it’s personally important for us to show our kids that our streets, neighborhood and NEIGHBORS are a safe place amidst the LGBTQ+ challenges facing our nation these days.” The party had kids’ activities, food and drink, and drag performances – while we were there, West Seattle’s Dolly Madison held court:
They inspired other Pride Night Out parties, including this one at Dragonfly Pavilion in North Delridge:
Thanks to the texter who sent that photo!
(December 27, 2022, photo by Deb Holbrook)
King tides have swamped Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza multiple times in recent years, and that’s just part of why many of the inscribed bricks that comprise much of the plaza have faded into illegibility. A suggestion for restoring them was brought to the Alki Community Council last night, from one of the community advocates who made the plaza happen 15 years ago. She wonders what you think of the idea.
Libby Carr doesn’t live in West Seattle now, but did in the mid-’00s, when she and husband Paul Carr fought bureaucracy and amassed serious fundraising to first recast the statue and then create a new base for it and a plaza befitting it. The statue was re-dedicated in 2007, the plaza a year later. A major part of the fundraising came from selling more than 3,000 inscribed bricks and plaques. Now, after almost 15 years of wind, waves, and sand, it’s all but impossible to go to the plaza and find “your” brick.
Libby Carr told the ACC that her research has turned up someone who says he could reinscribe the bricks with a method that would be much longer-lasting. He estimated the 3,003 bricks could be reinscribed for about $60,000. The cost of removing and replacing them would have to be determined, though. But Carr sees a way to cover much if not all the costs: She says the ramp down to the plaza, built some years later, could hold 29 inscribed plaques that could be sold for $5.000 each, raising $145,000 for starters, more than double what it would cost to fix the bricks.
In the years since the plaza was dedicated, a maintenance fund – left over from the $350,000 raised for the plaza and statue – has seen Parks and the ACC partner on keeping the plaza maintained, but they’ve tried many ways to protect and restore the inscribed bricks, without much success. But Carr had a key question: Does the community care? Are West Seattleites – both those who bought bricks/plaques and those who did not – interested? “Is there will and desire in the community to do this all over?” (If you have a thought either way, consider commenting below.) The ACC agreed to talk about this again at its next meeting. Carr said she’d be happy to come back.
Two other topics of note:
ALKI ART FAIR: Its longtime leader Giovannina Souers brought this year’s toplines. Three days again this year, July 21st through 23rd, 2 pm-8 pm Friday, 10 am-8 pm Saturday, 10 am-6 pm Sunday. They have more than 80 artists lined up for this year. The AAF is a nonprofit, and powered by volunteers – Souers says more are needed, as well as a vice president who will then step up to president (she has been president off and on for the festival’s quarter-century of existence and is about to have to step down again due to term limitation). You can find out how to get involved via the Alki Art Fair website.
ALKI BEACH PRIDE: Roger Starkweather was there with an early Alki Beach Pride preview. Biggest change this year – a street party on Alki Avenue SW. It will be closed from Harry’s Beach House to Blue Moon Burgers for activities noon-7 pm on August 20th; then there’ll be a movie at Alki Playfield at 8 pm. ABP will feature a beer garden, entertainment, kids’ activities, vendors, and more. They’re expecting about a thousand people to attend. “It’s not about a big show, it’s about community.” They’re still accepting vendor applications, too.
Alki Community Council meets at 7 pm on the third Thursday of most months, in person at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) and online via Zoom.
Ongoing state planning for the ferry-terminal replacement project was a major topic at this month’s Fauntleroy Community Association meeting.
From the recent Washington State Ferries online meeting for the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth and Point Defiance-Tahlequah communities (WSB coverage here), FCA board members were concerned to hear WSF management mention the idea of a second slip was still in play. While it isn’t envisioned to be part of this project, WSF was clearly leaving the door open for a possible addition down the road.
FCA has also continued talking with 34th District state legislators (who represent both West Seattle and Vashon/Maury Islands, as well as other areas). They’re hoping to get insights on which way WSF is leaning, either toward a new terminal/dock with the same footprint, or one with expanded overwater space. They’re also talking with City Councilmember Lisa Herbold to see if the city could renew its 1997 resolution opposing dock expansion.
Speaking of which, they also discussed last week’s WSB/District 1 Community Network candidates’ forum for the race to succeed Herbold. FCA submitted the question we asked about whether the candidates supported expanding the dock’s overwater footprint. None of the eight candidates expressed opposition. So FCA president Mike Dey messaged them all to explain the FCA’s position and the dock’s history. At Tuesday’s meeting, Dey said Stephen Brown was the first to reply, saying he had changed his mind after reading Dey’s letter. He said Phil Tavel and Rob Saka also responded, asking for meetings with the FCA board or Fauntleroy residents to talk about it. But as of Tuesday night’s meeting, the other five hadn’t responded.
Also discussed – the upcoming FCA community survey. Their emphasis this year will be to gather more demographic information. Questions also will focus on public safety, pedestrian safety, and neighborhood density.
The Fauntleroy Community Association meets at 7 pm second Tuesdays at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) and online. Watch fauntleroy.net for more info between meetings.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Fewer RVs and greenbelt campers. More traffic calming. “Partnership” with police.
That’s part of what Alki/Harbor Avenue-area residents listed as “accomplishments” when they met with city reps Wednesday night for the fourth time in their ongoing push against crime and street disorder in the West Seattle waterfront area. (Here’s our coverage of their meeting back in December)
But they say there’s work yet to be done. For one, they’re particularly concerned about the increase in gun violence, with the recent shooting deaths of Peyman Shojaei at Don Armeni Boat Ramp and Davonté Sanchez near Whale Tail Park. And they want the city to install signage reinforcing the no-parking hours of 11 pm-5 am. They also want to see traffic calming extended further north/westward toward the beach.
The meeting at Admiral Church was facilitated by Mike Gain (above), one of the leaders of the ad-hoc community group.
City reps in attendance included, above from left, Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Dorothy Kim (currently acting precinct captain), SDOT’s Bill LaBorde, Unified Care Team rep Tom Van Bronkhorst, Seattle Parks’ Andy Shaffer, and Deputy Mayor Greg Wong (who had to leave an hour into the meeting). The city delegation included other reps from the mayor’s office, SPD, Office of Economic Development, and Seattle Public Utilities.
Another of the community group’s leaders, Steve Pumphrey, showed photo and video examples of what he and his neighbors have been trying to get stopped, including waterfront parties with blasting music in the 3 am vicinity and drivers doing donuts and other stunts. (See his slide deck here.)
HPAC – the community coalition for Highland Park, South Delridge, and Riverview – met in-person this month for the first time in a while. New venue, too – Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery in South Delridge. The centerpiece of Thursday night’s agenda was the South Delridge Action Plan, which kicked off back in January with a survey to which about 300 people responded. The city’s point person for the plan is David Goldberg, who shepherded the North Delridge Action Plan almost a decade ago, and he was at the HPAC meeting to talk about this plan, listen to suggestions, and answer questions, following up on his appearance in March.
The goal of the SDAP is to “create a shared community-city [government] vision and an action plan that builds community assets an capacity and aligns city investments to achieve this vision.”
Goldberg said the city was working on the foundation of the plan by gathering data on how people are connected to their neighborhood – where they gather, where they shop, other places they visit. When that information is all gathered, it’ll be presented, and the city will ask about how people get around. That’ll include transit – including Metro‘s RapidRide H Line and Route 128.
Goldberg said the overarching goal is to connect government with the people in the neighborhoods to create a narrative of what a given neighborhood is all about. Part of that is building relationships between city agencies and the people in studied areas – in this case, South Delridge.
That relationship-building needs to happen sooner rather than later, suggested HPAC co-chair Kay Kirkpatrick. She noted as an example that the new Highland Park Improvement Club has multiple city hurdles to clear before it can be built, even though it’s a building intended to strengthen the neighborhood. In general, attendees said they want more in-depth relationships with the departments/agencies that are supposed to be planning action for the community’s future.
NEXT STEPS: Goldberg’s department – the Office of Planning and Community Development – is working with the Department of Neighborhoods and Seattle Public Utilities to “draft a shared Racial Equity statement for community review over the summer,” intended to “establish a shared framework for equity across the [South Delridge Action Plan] work.” OPCD also is convening seven local nonprofit community organizations to have a say in Station Area Planning and Equitable Transit Oriented Development for the future North Delridge light-rail station to which buses from South Delridge will connect. Watch for reps at community events this summer, such as the Low Rider Block Party (which will be presented for a third year by Nepantla).
HPAC’S NEXT MEETING: Usually the fourth Wednesday, 7 pm, but some months (like this one) may vary, so check hpacws.org for updates.
A West Seattle family is launching a new way to celebrate Pride. Michael Mattinger emailed us to say that “a number of streets in West Seattle are planning Seattle’s first neighborhood ‘Pride Night Out‘ (much like Night Out),” starting at 5 pm Thursday, June 22nd. Michael explains, “My husband and I, who live in West Seattle, had this idea as it’s personally important for us to show our kids that our streets, neighborhood and NEIGHBORS are a safe place amidst the LGBTQ+ challenges facing our nation these days. The most beautiful part is that most of our support is coming from Allies and not necessarily members of the LGBTQ+ community. Our neighbors are really stepping up and creating a family-friendly way to celebrate Pride with our little ones.” For Michael’s neighborhood party, they’re planning music, food, games, face painters, poetry readings, a nonprofit-giving table for Lambert House, and a performance by West Seattle drag queen Dolly Madison.
Michael is getting the word out about this “in hopes that other streets across West Seattle are inspired to band together to celebrate their own local LGBTQ+ pride on June 22. It’s extremely easy … all one needs is a permit and a few interested neighbors.” Already, he says, other neighborhoods in the metro area have heard about it and are planning Neighborhood Pride Night Out events – Capitol Hill, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Shoreline, so they’ve broadened the logo (above right) to “Seattle Pride Night Out.” If you’re in the city limits, you can apply for a street-party permit – for this or any other occasion – by going here. They’ve set up a social-media group for discussion/support, here.
Another chance for community involvement before the holiday weekend. HPAC – the community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge – is meeting on the fourth Thursday this month instead of Wednesday, so that’s 7 pm this Thursday, May 25th. Also different: This meeting is happening in person, and at a first-time location, Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery in South Delridge. That’s especially appropriate because this meeting will focus on the South Delridge Action Plan, as HPAC leadership explains:
The meeting is open to all residents and business folks in the area. Learn what progress has been made on the City planning so far, and give thoughts on their efforts to work with the South Delridge Community.
What unique issues does this southernmost area of West Seattle face? What can we learn from successes and failures of growth plans elsewhere? How can we keep our homegrown spirit vibrant and healthy, providing food, housing, and community for all – while dealing with the wave of development speeding our way? What City services are lacking? How can the City work more closely with unincorporated White Center/ King County to better integrate community services currently provided?
Head to 9414 Delridge Way SW on Thursday night to discuss all that and more.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The Alki Community Council‘s been lamenting low meeting turnout for some time now. Not tonight. The room at Alki UCC was full, and the online turnout hit double digits too.
Last weekend’s trouble at the beach, including a deadly shooting, was the main motivation, judging by the discussion, so Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Martin Rivera was the guest who drew the most questions.
(WSB photo, Saturday evening)
ALKI MURDER: No arrests yet in the shooting that killed 25-year-old Davonté Sanchez near Whale Tail Park on Saturday evening. But Capt. Rivera said detectives are getting ready to “put something out to the community” making another plea for information and video in the case. He also revealed one new piece of information – the crowd on Alki were there because of an “event on TikTok” that police got “late word of” via a Parking Enforcement officer. He said SPD was mobilizing to address the situation when shots were heard, “and you know the rest.” He said the “follow-up units” are still actively working the case.
Beyond that, attendees wanted to know about plans for dealing with disorder, especially reckless driving.
Capt. Rivera said Alki “emphasis” will start this weekend and continue most Fridays-Sundays through Labor Day and that they’ll get the mobile precinct there when they can. “All depends on what’s going on in the whole precinct at the time.” Would a petition for more staffing help? “We’re in a little bit of a staffing crunch,” and the “emphasis” patrols are already made up of people on overtime, Rivera said, so there’s really no place else from which to draw “more staffing.” He also noted that shifts do have some overlaps. But if big events – like last night’s two Delridge gunfire incidents – happen elsewhere, the officers have to go there, regardless of how busy the beach is.
He also noted that they do what they can – the traffic-calming measures took a while but finally got implemented – “it’s hard to move those things along” but can be done, especially with community partnership.
One attendee observed that “car culture” overlaps with violence and wondered if SPD is working with SDOT on more calming. Short answer, yes, but budget challenges have kept them from expanding those measures beyond where they are now.
At that point, City Council D-1 candidate Rob Saka stood up and said to attendees, “My heart hurts for you” regarding the shooting by Whale Tail Park, saying his kids were playing there just a few hours before the murder. “We need anti-cruising emphasis patrols, anti-gun violence … I would like to see police be able to be more proactive and less reactive.” Capt. Rivera said he agreed that “we need more officers.” (Saka was the only candidate in attendance, though someone in the gallery identified themselves as Phil Tavel‘s campaign manager.)
The support for more traffic calming was strong; one attendee suggested crowdfunding if money is what it takes; talk to SDOT, Rivera suggested. What about paid parking on the beach to raise money? asked another attendee, or charging people to visit the beaches? Capt. Rivera said that hasn’t caught traction because it would inequitably affect community members.
Another attendee said he wanted to ensure that the early closing time starting Memorial Day weekend stretches all the way to Don Armeni, the entirety of the shore, not just the beach itself.
Two other guests from the city spoke relatively briefly.
SDOT SHARED-MICROMOBILITY PROGRAM: Kim Pearson from SDOT was the guest. She focuses on scooter and bike share. Four companies offer five device types – three scooters, two bikes. \\
In 2022, more than 3.7 million trips were taken, more than a million-trip gain from the previous year. Each trip averages 11+ minutes. Pearson talked about various related programs including free helmets available from city customer-service centers (including Southwest).
Here’s how to report problems:
PUMP STATION 38: Valerie Tokumoto from Seattle Public Utilities said PS 38 – the under-renovation station in the 1400 block of Alki SW – is one of 70 pump stations in the city’s system ‘and we have plans for all of them.” Landscaping will stretch 50 feet on both sides of the pump station. She wanted to ensure people knew how to surface questions and concerns, and recommended Find It Fix It for the latter. (The project’s webpage is here.)
NEXT MEETING: ACC president Tony Fragada and vice president Randie Stone expressed hope that the first-timers would be back next month. The group’s meetings are usually at 7 pm third Thursdays at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).
Three notes today, following last Saturday’s deadly shooting in Alki:
SHOOTING VICTIM: As added to our original report late yesterday, the victim is now identified as 25-year-old Davonté Sanchez. We don’t have information so far on where he lived but there are numerous online references to his time at Kentwood High School, where he was a basketball standout before graduation in 2016. His former coach remembers Mr. Sanchez: “Heart of Gold and an amazing personality. One of the best people I’ve gotten to know and Coach. Graduated 7 years ago and still gets talked about every season. Truly a special person.” A crowdfunding page has been launched for memorial expenses, with the organizer writing, “He touched so many people’s lives; he was truly one of a kind.” (Photo via GoFundMe.com, used with permission)
INVESTIGATION: Still no word of an arrest or any other updates.
COMMUNITY MEETING: Southwest Precinct police are regular guests at the Alki Community Council‘s monthly meeting, and if you’d like to talk about this or other Alki-area issues, the next meeting is tomorrow night (Thursday, May 18th), 7 pm; you can attend at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) or online.
Toplines from last night’s Fauntleroy Community Association board meeting:
FERRY TERMINAL PROJECT: The FCA board’s liaison with Washington State Ferries, Frank Immel, had news. (corrected) A WSF community meeting is set for 6 pm June 7th. The plan to restore three-boat service on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run remains on hold because of vessel and staffing shortages. Immel also said fare increases are a possibility as legislators seek to have WSF cover more of its operating costs.
POLICE UPDATES: Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Martin Rivera said the most dramatic trend is the one that’s been mentioned at many community meetings lately – auto theft is up dramatically. In the precinct’s jurisdiction (West Seattle and South Park), thefts are running 100 vehicles ahead of the total at this point last year; part of that, he attributed to the notorious “TikTok Challenge” that has spiked thefts of Hyundais and Kias.
FCA president Mike Dey reminded everyone that the Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council meets at the precinct at 6 pm Thursday (tomorrow) and will include SPD’s Parking Enforcement Unit – with topics including RPZs, a special area of interest in Fauntleroy areas near the ferry dock. Capt. Rivera said Parking Enforcement, which is back in SPD after a turbulent time outside it, has a new leader.
COMMUNITY SURVEY: FCA will send one out this year, likely this fall. They decided not to send one out while the West Seattle Bridge was closed, feeling it likely would have been dominated by bridge-related issues that would soon be resolved.
FALL FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER: Last month’s fundraiser at Endolyne Joe’s raised $2,700 for the festival – which is entirely powered by donations and volunteers. $1,500 was from restaurant proceeds on the fundraiser day/night, and $1,200 was from the gift-basket raffle. This year’s festival is scheduled for Sunday, October 15th.
NEXT MEETING: The FCA board meets at 7 pm second Tuesdays at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, with community members always welcome.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
With three projects on the way – two of them long-delayed – Hiawatha was the centerstage topic at last night’s Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting, facilitated by ANA president Joanie Jacobs:
HIAWATHA: Seattle Parks’ Kim Baldwin brought the latest information, though little has changed since our most-recent reports. She clarified that she’s with the capital division – the one that “gets projects built.” First, the Hiawatha turf replacement, which she noted is needed because it’s close to the end of its 10-to-12-year life cycle. The track also will be redone. The field striping will include softball. And a new batting cage is part of the project. Right now they’re awaiting contract execution (we reported the rebid results here) and later this month expect to issue a notice to proceed, so the project would be complete “by the end of August.” Baldwin said there’s no specific start date yet. A former West Seattle High School baseball coach voiced concerns about past problems with the site, including safety because of a light pole “that somebody’s going to run into.” He also wanted to ensure that the mounds on the field will be turf, not dirt. Baldwin said some of these issues might already be addressed in the project – she didn’t have the plans handy. The former coach also had concerns about limitations on the times that the school teams could use the field.
Regarding the renovations for the years-closed community center, which includes a wide variety of components, the FEMA grant has been received, Baldwin said (as noted here), and they’re hoping to go out to bid soon and start construction in late summer. Work will last “nine to 12 months,” she said – meaning they hope to reopen the center before 2024 is over. Total project funding is $3 million, including the ~$500,000 FEMA grant.
Regarding the play area – the current spot “beneath the trees” will be turned into a natural area, and the new site is just south of the wading pool. It will include a swing set, accessible pathways, picnic tables, basketball. That project has been delayed “and we’re still waiting to get our permit – we’ve come across stormwater issues” – hoping to bid summer or fall this year, with construction starting after that and they’re hoping it’ll be open summer 2024. When construction starts, the current play area is scheduled to be demolished; one attendee wondered if the timing could be altered. Baldwin didn’t know whether the wading pool would be open this summer or not, in response to a question. Another question was about the softball field near the wading pool; “no work is scheduled in that area,” Baldwin said. Why? she was asked. It’s not funded, for one, she replied. A neighbor said the area was “virtually unused because it’s in such poor condition,” and suggested some consideration of changing it. (Tupper said it was a Pee Wee field for years ‘and then the Park Department abandoned it.”) WSHS’s lack of a softball field forces them to travel to Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex right now, said another attendee identifying herself as a WSHS softball coach.
How do folks contact the project teams directly? Contact info is on the website, Baldwin replied, and the department is working with WSHS directly.
SEATTLE POLICE: Lt. Nathan Shopay, night commander for the Southwest Precinct (7 pm-5 am), who supervises 3 sergeants and 20 officers, said nothing much has changed since last month – everything’s down except auto theft, which continues to be way up. Summer planning and emphasis patrols at the beach are a big focus right now – “we will have more officers out on the beach coming up” – and yes, they’re still short on officers; special events mean call-ins for officers on their days off. He focuses on ensuring there’s adequate staffing and dealing with “community issues.” He also noted that the latest state laws regarding pursuits mean a lot of new training and “that’s not making anyone happy.” Back to the beach – “it comes down to us babysitting young adults,” who are gathering at the beach. They’re dealing with it most nights, not just weekends; he sends officers there when they’re available.
In Q&A, one attendee asked how you get something declared a “nuisance property” – Lt. Shopay noted that it’s important to have contact with the owner so they can give permission to boot trespassers. Another question: What helps prevent auto theft? His first advice: “Have really good insurance,” he said. That aside, he said, the best thing you can do is to make sure there’s nothing in your car – not just so it’s not tempting, but also because then you aren’t missing anything else if it’s stolen. Another officer in attendance suggested a kill switch, battery disconnection, fuse removal, to keep it from being taken. What about “air tags” to help you find them? asked an attendee. “We can find it, but if there’s someone in it and they take off, we can’t pursue them.” Another question: An attendee was troubled by people smoking cannabis in public at the Don Armeni parking ;ot. They could be cited – or it could lead to a DUI – Lt. Shopay noted.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Much of this was announced at the last ANA meeting, and plans are proceeding. For the Summer Concerts, coordinator Stephanie Jordan reiterated that these will be on the Lafayette Elementary playground – with partnership of Seattle Public Schools and Seattle Parks – July 13, 20, 27. They have sound handled, but they’re also looking for staging and a drum set, plus fundraising assistance. She’s not ready to announce the acts yet but there’ll be a youth-focused night, a jazz night, a retro party night.
An idea previously called Summer of Wellness has become Seasons of Wellness – they’ve applied to the city’s Small Sparks Fund for money to underwrite a series of free yoga classes. Two 5-week sessions, in fall and then winter – but they might do some summer one-offs such as Zumba classes. The venue will be Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill, where the ANA meets).
Admiral Junction Funktion – Though the Chamber of Commerce staged it last year, this year the ball’s in ANA’s court, and they’re partnering with Mission and Admiral Pub proprietors. Lots of volunteer opportunities ahead! August 26th is the date. It’ll be a street party again and area businesses will be invited to have booths. Some new features are planned including an art tent.
Adopt-A-Street – the new organizer couldn’t be at the meeting but the first one is scheduled June 3rd.
4th of July Kids’ Parade – ANA will have a booth and also needs volunteers.
Outdoor movie – Jacobs is working with Parks on a possible movie – the small park alongside Admiral Church, combined with the church grounds, is a likely site, and this would be in August.
COMMUNITY EVENTS: Thursday (May 11) is the next West Seattle Art Walk, and some venues have music as well as art – this month will include West Seattle Grounds (which Jacobs manages). West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day this Saturday (May 13) was mentioned too – Jacobs enthused that the day “feels like a party.” Support local businesses while you’re out – grab coffee and/or lunch. Also noted, Admiral Church has events coming up – see their website – and Rev. Andrew Conley-Holcom keeps “office hours” in the community, 11:30 am-1 pm Wednesdays at Bebop Waffle Shop (California/Admiral). Also noted, the church has a shoe-donation drive under way.
ANA ONLINE: Dan Jacobs manages the organization’s website and social-media channels and is continuing to add content, including spotlights on local businesses.
WHAT’S NEXT: Watch the aforementioned ANA website, connecttoadmiral.org, for updates on events and future meetings. Joanie Jacobs closed with a reminder that it’s an all-volunteer group and more help is welcome – “as great as it already is, we want to make our neighborhood a better place.”
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