TONIGHT: West Seattle Bridge discussions @ town hall, HPAC meeting
Reminder of two events tonight addressing the West Seattle Bridge closure:
DIGITAL TOWN HALL: City Councilmembers Lisa Herbold and Alex Pedersen are hosting this, with an SDOT preentation and community Q&A, 5-6:30 pm. You need to RSVP here; the link will be sent about an hour in advance to everyone who RSVPs. (Update: 2,200+ as of this morning, according to Herbold’s office.) That link also will explain how to ask a question. Go here to RSVP. (4:22 pm update: Livestream will be here.)
HPAC MEETING: 7-8 pm, the community council for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge – neighborhoods now carrying the weight of bridge-detour traffic – will meet online, with an SDOT guest. Unlike the city-organized town hall, there is an attendance limit for this meeting, so they ask that only people from those three communities participate. Details are here.
NEIGHBORHOODS: Gatewood yard art; P-Patch ‘eggs’
Two more art sightings shared by WSB readers – first, via text:
My daughter and I are making weekly installations in our sidewalk garden. This week is Where the Wild Things Are. We love to see little kids spot these with their families. We’re 372x SW Ida in Gatewood.
And via email:
Wanted to send a message about some fun that somebody set up in the Barton Street P-Patch; an egg hunt of sorts that I spotted with my kids . They had fun going the through to find all of the eggs! Thanks to whoever organized it.
What are YOU seeing? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – include your name so we can credit you – thank you!
NEIGHBORHOODS: A call for Earth Day displays in West Seattle
Through these stay-home weeks, we’ve seen – and heard about – displays from teddy bears in windows to chalk art on sidewalk. Here’s a suggestion we’ve received for next Wednesday, April 22, in honor of Earth Day. From Vince Stricherz:
To mark the 50th anniversary celebration of Earth Day on April 22, the Care for Creation team from Holy Rosary and Our Lady of Guadalupe parishes is urging people all over West Seattle to place Earth-related photos or illustrations in their windows or signs in their yards to demonstrate solidarity with our planet.
There is only one Earth and it needs our attention. While we can’t get together right now, we can still show our hope and love for our common home. One possibility is for kids to make drawings around themes of clean water and air, and healthy soil. You also can download and print images such as the one below. As we walk around our neighborhoods, we hope to see lots of pictures celebrating our treasured Earth.
If you join in, send us a photo! westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!
District 1 Community Network’s first virtual meeting
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
With at least another month of staying home ahead, community groups are getting into the virtual groove.
The latest: The District 1 Community Network, which gathered 20 people by videoconferencing and phone this past Wednesday night.
They represented organizations including the Admiral Neighborhood Association, Fauntleroy Community Association, West Seattle Be Prepared, Morgan Community Association, Alki Community Council, West Seattle Transportation Coalition, Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association, Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Coalition, West Seattle Junction Association, HPAC, South Park Neighborhood Association, West Seattle Bike Connections, West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network, and more.
Spotlight guest: City Councilmember Lisa Herbold.
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NEIGHBORHOODS: Two Saturday-night invitations
Two organized plans for Saturday night neighborhood fun:
PIGEON POINT ‘STREET DANCE’: Pete on Pigeon Point shares the PP plan:
There’ll be a social-distancing street dance in the neighborhood on Saturday night at 5:30 pm. Just come outside and bust a few moves. Decide who will provide music on your section of the block!
Certainly an idea that’s adaptable/adoptable anywhere.
WEST SEATTLE SINGALONG: Kerriann sent word of this: 7 pm Saturday night, a peninsula-wide singalong to Seattle band Foo Fighters‘ 2003 song “Times Like These.”
The invite:
Let’s gather together (in song) as the strong West Seattle community that we are! On Saturday, April 4th, at 7 pm, join your neighbors in singing “Times Like These” by Foo Fighters!
Sing out of your windows, open your front door, stand in your yard, driveway, or on the sidewalk! We can come together while still social-distancing!
You can find the lyrics online in many places; here’s one.
GRATITUDE: A neighborly note
The photos and explanation are from Hal:
A neighbor left a nice note in my mailbox. I don’t know who left it but it was very nice. I drew a heart on a separate piece of paper and taped them both to my house’s front window, I thought maybe the person who wrote it might see that it was appreciated.
Thanks to the friend who suggested Hal share it with us, so we could share it with you!
TONIGHT: District 1 Community Network meets online
The pandemic brought the usual schedule of monthly community meetings to a stop … but this month, some will regroup online, starting tonight with the District 1 Community Network. At 7 pm via Zoom, its agenda includes hearing from City Councilmember Lisa Herbold and discussing potential new initiatives for the group. Here’s how to watch/listen – this Zoom link, or join by phone:
Phone number: 669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 402-802-2236
Then enter # to join meeting as general caller
(Remember that meeting etiquette is to stay muted.)
Highland Park Improvement Club connecting neighbors ‘Through the Windowpane’
(Photo from HPIC newsletter)
If the high-bridge closure is suddenly sending you along SW Holden to get to the 1st Avenue South Bridge, you may be noticing the century-old Highland Park Improvement Club at 12th/Holden. It’s been a community hub for a century. Even though people can’t gather there right now, HPIC’s latest newsletter brings word of several creative ways it’s connecting neighbors, including this:
THROUGH THE WINDOWPANE: Connecting People in the Community
Are you inside looking through your windowpane for a safe face, a conversation, some entertainment? Are you able to be outside looking to fill an hour a week safely in front of a windowpane? Whichever side of the window you are on Highland Park Improvement Club has a vision for you.
We are looking to identify volunteers who:
Cannot leave their homes, feel isolated and are seeking safe human interactions to talk, smile, sing and laugh with you while remaining safely inside. If you’re interested, email us at HPIC – Inside the Window (hpic1919 at gmail dot com, with that subject line).
Individuals or families who are looking for opportunities to talk, smile, sing, and laugh from a front yard or walkway. If you’re interested, email us at HPIC – Outside the Window (hpic1919 at gmail dot com, with that subject line).
Through the Windowpane will train volunteers with safe distancing procedures, ways to communicate through a window, and other fun activities to lessen isolation while providing some structure and routine to your week.
This is geared toward Highland Park – but it’s certainly something any neighborhood could replicate. Meantime, HPIC’s making plans for an online edition of what would otherwise be its monthly Corner Bar this Friday – an hour of streamed music at 8 pm – details to come.
VIDEO: #MakeAJoyfulNoise in West Seattle
This morning, we published the citywide call for people to “make a joyful noise” at 8 pm, as a show of appreciation and support for health-care workers, first responders, and others working to keep people safe and healthy. All over West Seattle, people answered the call. This video is from Michelle in Seaview:
We received even more clips via Twitter. (If you have trouble with playback, click the time/date line beneath any tweet to see/hear the clip there.)
And Pete on Pigeon Point summarized what happened in his ‘hood: “I stepped outside and heard neighbors banging pots, yelling greetings to neighbors, singing songs, generous amounts of hollering and just general neighborly coming together to support those who are supporting us. Was joyful to hear my neighbors making noise tonight.”
VIDEO: West Seattle saxophonist serenades neighbors
Thanks to Richard in the Fairmount Park area for the video! He explains: “We are blessed in the Fairmount Park neighborhood to have an acclaimed Jazz saxophonist as one of our neighbors. Next Monday he was scheduled to play at Jazz Alley but alas we all know that is not going to happen now. Anton S. is his name and he has decided to play each night at 6 pm a solo for anyone to listen and appreciate from a safe distance, like on my porch. I hope … other muscians in other neighborhoods might be inspired to do same. Community, neighbors, safe personal distancing … We can beat this virus!
NEIGHBORHOODS: ‘Teddy-bear hunting’
10:28 AM: Yes, it’s OK to go out for a walk (or run, or bike ride) during the stay-home order. We’ve featured a few neighborhood displays meant to provide something for neighbors to see on their walks – and this one seems to be gaining traction here as well as across the nation. Sean is the latest to send word of sightings for “teddy-bear hunts” – if you have a bear, put it in your window, so kids walking by will see it. The photos above are from a friend of his who spotted several in Highland Park; Sean has one in his window near 35th/Thistle. What’s in YOUR neighborhood windows? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!
10:57 AM: Thanks to the texter who sent that photo from North Admiral (near 45th/Seattle)!
4:28 PM: Thanks to 6-year-old Tino for the photo from 12th/Holden!
ADDED THURSDAY NIGHT: Three bear photos via text – 20th/Thistle:
31st/Findlay:
And from Julia on 41st in North Admiral:
ADDED: From Valerie near Madison Middle School:
And from Monica on Palm Avenue in North Admiral:
NEIGHBORHOODS: Puzzle/game exchange in Westwood
While the weather is still good – if you are in Westwood, you can visit the puzzle/game exchange! Alison sent the photo and says it is in the 8600 block of 24th Avenue SW: “Would like to invite anyone to exchange puzzles or games.” Or if you are not in the area – you might consider one of your own.
WEST SEATTLE ART: Joy at 54th/Andover
Thanks to the texter who sent the invitation to “find joy,” chalked at 54th/Andover. What’s YOUR neighborhood doing? Photos always welcome at westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!
WEST SEATTLE ART: Seaview kids create ‘a bright spot’
Thanks to Josie for tweeting the photos and reporting, “Pop-up art walk happening in Seaview on 49th between Dawson and Hudson with kid art at several houses! Bringing a little bright spot to our days.”
What are YOU and your neighbors doing for each other? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 (or via Twitter, we’re at @westseattleblog) – thank you!
COMMUNITY: 32nd SW neighbors stay strong with signs, art, smiles
(WSB photo above; other photos are courtesy neighbor Sara)
On 32nd SW between The Triangle and Luna Park, that is literally a sign of the times. A nearby resident emailed us after spotting those signs in multiple windows while he was out for a walk. We drove over for a look and happened into Sara and neighbors in the midst of what they called a “6-foot happy hour”:
They explained that the “OK” signs were a neighbor’s idea, inspired by disaster-preparedness advice to carry them – they say “HELP” on the other side – and last night they were distributed. Sara tells us about 100 were given out and 33 are already up in windows. Not just for emergency use, she explains: “From benign needs like an elderly neighbor that needs an outside lightbulb changed but can’t climb a ladder, to the needs we can’t yet anticipate such as ill neighbors needing medication or groceries.” But that’s not all yoo’ll see in the windows on 32nd:
They’re displaying window art, so other neighbors can enjoy it. Sara says, “Not sure where this came from but jumped on the bandwagon and are making people’s daily walks more colorful!” There’s even a schedule for a weekly “window art walk”:
What’s YOUR neighborhood doing? Let us know – and send photos if you can (we have to keep our distance too) – westseattleblog@gmail.com
P.S. Here’s a printable OK/HELP sign – (updated) courtesy of Sergio, who says that’s the one they used. (another update) Jesse sent this West Seattle-customized one you can try, too.
P.P.S. ICYMI on Monday, here’s the guide to safely checking in on, and/or helping, neighbors.
VIDEO: Catching up on light-rail planning @ Junction Neighborhood Organization
Sound Transit and city reps are making the rounds of community meetings with updates on where the light-rail-planning process stands. We’ve covered a few of them already; this past Thursday, the Junction Neighborhood Organization hosted one, so we recorded it on video. Here’s the slide deck that was used by Sound Transit’s Leda Chahim and Jason Hampton:
(Or, see it here in PDF.) While ST reps recapped where the process stands – with the Draft Environmental Impact Statement due out early next year – city reps talked about station development and criteria through which planning will be run, including race and social equity. Questions included how the I-976 situation is affecting planning; so far, it’s proceeding unchanged, while the court action continues to play out.
P.S. If you’re hoping to catch one of these updates/briefings in person, ST is expected to be at the next West Seattle Transportation Coalition meeting (March 26th, more details to come).
Looking at LEAD, exploring the Department of Neighborhoods, and more @ HPAC
Toplines from last night’s meeting of HPAC, the community council for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge:
DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS OVERVIEW: Osbaldo Hernandez Sahagun is the South Region community-engagement coordinator for this city department (one of 4, where years ago there were 14). He presented overviews of key DoN initiatives such as the department’s funding opportunities – Your Voice, Your Choice (more on that later); the Healthy Food Fund (funded by the Sweetened Beverage Tax), Small Sparks Fund (for small community-building projects up to $5,000), Community Partnership Fund (up to $50,000, three application deadlines a year). Leadership training, too:
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BE NEIGHBORLY: Department of Neighborhoods @ Wednesday’s HPAC meeting, plus elections and more
If you live and/or work, study, shop/dine in Highland Park, South Delridge, and/or Riverview, HPAC‘s for you. Here’s what this month’s gathering has on tap, Wednesday (February 26th) at 7 pm. 3 agenda highlights:
Seattle Dept. of Neighborhoods
Osbaldo Sahagun Hernandez, Community Engagement Coordinator, South and West Seattle
Meet the Seattle Dept. of Neighborhoods Community Engagement Coordinator for South and West Seattle: Whether you want to connect with your neighborhood, learn more about City Services, or share an idea that will benefit your community, the team of Community Engagement Coordinators is here to help. Come learn about New Seattle Department of Neighborhoods programs coming in 2020.
Elections! Come elect the 2020 HPAC Executive Committee
Executive Committee consists of three to seven members elected at the annual meeting with at least one representative from each neighborhood (Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge). We are electing a Chair, Vice Chairs, Secretary, and At-Large members. Nominations are still open!
Discussion: Your Voice Your Choice
What should we apply for?
Community members brainstorm and submit potential project ideas to be funded throughout the city. Project ideas will be collected February 18 – March 18, 2020.
HPAC meets at Highland Park Improvement Club (1116 SW Holden).
LIGHT RAIL: Your next chance to catch up = Thursday @ Junction Neighborhood Organization
Though the next major milestone in planning West Seattle light rail isn’t until next year, there’s still lots going on, and your next chance to catch up with where things stand is just days away. The Junction Neighborhood Organization is having its winter gathering on Thursday (February 27th), and that’s the major agenda item. 6:30 pm at the Senior Center/Sisson Building (4217 SW Oregon), bring questions and feedback for Sound Transit and the city reps who are helping ensure neighborhoods stay in the loop.
Bricks, stones, and noise @ Alki Community Council
From last night’s Alki Community Council meeting:
FADED BRICKS AT ALKI STATUE OF LIBERTY PLAZA: The inscribed bricks at the plaza are harder than ever to read. Libby Carr, who led the original community campaign to create the plaza more than a decade ago, was at the ACC to discuss the situation. She said many things have been tried and proposed in recent years, since it’s a long-running problem; the bricks were treated in 2018, but that hasn’t stopped the deterioration. Potential coatings will be tried once the weather warms up. However, there’s also a possibility the bricks will have to be replaced. Carr said she had spoken with an Olympia engraver who told her about newer materials and engraving techniques that could last longer.
STONE HOUSE UPDATE: Members of the committee working to save and move the “stone house” from the future development site at 1123 Harbor SW provided an update.
Mike Shaughnessy said that they’re looking toward moving the house in June or July; that will cost about $60,000. It would be moved to a temporary spot on the industrial land east of Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor) and would likely be held there about two years while work on restoration and permanent placement continues, including fundraising. They’ve continued talking with Parks; Shaughnessy says that’s been positive so far. While – as discussed at last month’s Parks Board meeting – a Parks site might be possible for the stone house’s permanent home, the committee is searching for other options too. In Q&A they were asked if the house is holding up well enough to withstand a move. Answer: Yes. The biggest question is its permanent placement, and finding a site that, for example, won’t be underwater in 50 years. The committee, by the way, meets weekly.
POLICE UPDATE: Lt. Steve Strand from the Southwest Precinct was there; he said the formal Alki emphasis-patrol plan will go into effect when the weather warms up. He said they’ve already been dealing with some seasonal problems – noise from vehicle enthusiasts, for example. He urged residents to keep reporting problems when seen/heard. He also noted that officers from here are among those citywide taking turns supplementing patrols downtown, though it’s being done in a way that’s not having much effect on day-to-day resources.
The Alki Community Council meets third Thursdays most months, 7 pm at Alki UCC.
Summer concert dates, movie-series revival, and more @ Admiral Neighborhood Association
Toplines from last night’s Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting:
SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA: The lineup’s not finalized yet, but coordinator Stephanie Jordan says the dates are – July 16, 23, and 30,and August 6, 13, and 20.
WEST SEATTLE OUTDOOR MOVIES: ANA is looking at reviving the series; a committee is moving forward and hoping to show 6 movies on a schedule that would resemble the old one in July and August. Right now they have no set location and are looking at a few different places and studying each for logistics (adequate space, power supply, access). At this point no movies have been selected as the logistics are still being worked out.
BUSINESS SURVEY: The ANA’s planning another try at organizing local businesses. Rob Braby shared some numbers of note:
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