NORTH DELRIDGE’S DRAGONFLY PARK: ‘Garden Party’ this Saturday

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| Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Start your weekend at one of West Seattle’s special spots! Here’s the invitation:

You’re Invited! A Garden Party for Dragonfly Park

Join the Friends of Dragonfly Park on Saturday, October 7, from 9 am-12 pm, to get the gardens ready for winter. The main tasks will be laying burlap and spreading sheet mulch.

Seattle Parks and Recreation will provide all of the tools, gloves, and materials. Folks may want to bring a dust mask if they’re sensitive. The Dragonfly Park is located on 28th Ave SW between Yancy and Adams [map].

If you’d like to meet your neighbors, help protect the watershed (a healthy park = a healthy creek!) and spend a little time outside before the winter sets in, head on over on Saturday morning between 9 and noon. Can’t attend this weekend, but want to keep up? (Go here) for news and neighborly camaraderie.

The group is tracking volunteer hours in order to apply for a city grant to purchase new plants and shrubs in the spring. Every little bit counts, so swing by and say hi.

If you know of a group or business might like to contribute financially or with volunteer hours, reach out to Laura Bruco at lauramaybruco@gmail.com. She’d love to hear from you.

A Little History

If you’re a dog lover or a nature lover, you may already know about Dragonfly Park. Back in the ’90s, Seattle artist Lorna Jordan designed dragonfly-shaped gardens and a metal pavilion shaped like a dragonfly, with a winding path leading down to Longfellow Creek. It’s still a magical little pocket park, but over the past decade this North Delridge neighborhood gem has fallen into disrepair. Until now.

A group of 60+ neighbors in the North Delridge / Luna Park area has teamed up with Seattle Parks and Recreation to restore the gardens to their earlier grandeur. Previous garden parties have focused on pruning, weeding and deadheading, as well as prepping the beds for this weekend’s sheet mulch.

After this weekend’s party, the Friends will focus on planning and fundraising for new plantings to go in next year. Phil Renfrow, Senior Gardener with Seattle Parks and Recreation, is leading the updated design efforts, with a focus on sustainability. The group is hoping that Lorna Jordan will speak at the park during an event in November.

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FAUNTLEROY BOULEVARD PROJECT: Final design to include 37th SW left-turn break

| Transportation | Triangle | West Seattle news

SDOT has just announced the final design for the Fauntleroy Boulevard project will include a left-turn break at 37th SW:

See the full final design on SDOT’s website, and in a smaller version below:

From the SDOT announcement:

Throughout the design process, we’ve been committed to improving mobility on Fauntleroy Way SW for all users – people who walk, bike, and drive. The final design includes two lanes of traffic in each direction on Fauntleroy Way, as we have today, with new sidewalks and crosswalks, a protected bike lane, traffic signal revisions to improve flow, landscaping improvements and more. Read more about the final design on our webpage.

Based on technical analysis and input from the community, we have incorporated into the final design a 2-way left-turn break in the median near 37th Ave SW, while maintaining the traffic calming effects of the landscaped center median. You can read the full summary of public feedback about this design change here.

Next steps

Construction of the Fauntleroy Boulevard Project is currently anticipated to begin as soon as early 2018. This fall, we’ll begin pre-construction outreach, including sharing more information about traffic routing during construction.

This announcement went out one day after we asked SDOT specific questions about where the project stood, including the “traffic routing during construction” question – so apparently they have yet to decide whether to go with the longer construction schedule, which would involve keeping one lane open each way on Fauntleroy during the project, or the shorter schedule, which would involve making that stretch of Fauntleroy temporarily one way. The answers to our questions, which came in concurrently a short time ago along with this general announcement, also included the note from SDOT spokesperson Norm Mah that “We’re continuing to coordinate with Sound Transit on our collective project timelines.” That was also mentioned by City Councilmember Lisa Herbold in her weekly update last Friday.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Second arrest in West Seattle murder of Edixon Velasquez

October 4, 2017 2:11 pm

| 21 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | Westwood

(WSB photo from September 19th)

2:11 PM: Just announced by Seattle Police, a second arrest in connection with last month’s deadly shooting of Edixon Velasquez outside his home on 31st SW in Westwood:

A 19-year-old male was arrested this afternoon in Auburn by the Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force. The suspect will be booked into the King County Jail after he has been interviewed by detectives. This remains an active and on-going investigation.

The first suspect arrested, Velasquez’s 21-year-old ex-girlfriend Anna Kasparova, remains jailed in lieu of $1,000,000 bail, charged with first-degree murder and scheduled for arraignment later this week. More to come…

3:06 PM: The task force is associated with the US Marshal’s Office, whose regional spokesperson tells us that investigators learned that the suspect “was associated with” a resident of an Auburn mobile-home park, and found him with others in the mobile home, then arrested him “without incident.” Still working to find out more.

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BIZNOTE: BECU now open at The Whittaker

October 4, 2017 1:37 pm

| 20 COMMENTS

| 4755 Fauntleroy | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

For the second consecutive day, we’ve received an announcement that another business has opened in The Whittaker (WSB sponsor). This time, it’s West Seattle’s first freestanding BECU branch. The credit union’s newest branch is 2,500 square feet, with five employees and one manager, per the announcement, which also says:

At the new location, BECU members can open accounts, apply for loans, and take care of financial transactions. Consistent with BECU’s operating model, the West Seattle location will offer an innovative “tellerless” layout, which empowers members to access their accounts in ways most convenient for them, including ATM, online banking, and mobile banking. Member consultants will be available to assist with these transactions, as well as provide one-on-one support for opening accounts and more complex services like mortgages, personal loans, auto loans and business services.

The branch at 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW will be staffed 9 am-6 pm weekdays and 9 am-1 pm Saturdays, and has two 24-hour ATMs.

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ONE WEEK AWAY: West Seattle Night Out for Disaster Relief

October 4, 2017 12:33 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| How to help | West Seattle news

Back on Monday, we told you about local service clubs (Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions) joining forces to organize West Seattle Night Out for Disaster Relief, 5-9 pm Wednesday, October 11th. Participating restaurants and other businesses will donate part of their proceeds to help relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and the Mexico City earthquake. They’ll also accept checks for direct donations – more details on that as it gets closer. With exactly one week to go, the first restaurant to sign up, we’re told, is Great American Diner and Bar in The Junction (4752 California SW). Service-club volunteers are continuing to contact other businesses directly – we’ll update the list as we get word of more.

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WEST SEATTLE VIGIL FOR VEGAS: Saturday night in Fauntleroy

October 4, 2017 10:55 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

Just announced:

In the wake of the Las Vegas shootings, Admiral, Alki, and Fauntleroy United Churches of Christ are organizing a community candlelight vigil for victims, survivors, and “the soul of the United States.”

It will be Saturday, Oct. 7, 7:30 pm in the main parking lot at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California Ave. SW). Parking there will be reduced but available in the upper lots.

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West Seattle Wednesday: Coffee with a Cop, Southwest District Council, more…

October 4, 2017 9:36 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Mount Baker, seen from West Seattle last night, photographed by Jim Borrow)

Another beautiful day under way … here’s what we have for highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY: Learn how, during today’s Hot Topics for Seniors chat (though you don’t have to be a senior to participate), noon at Southwest Library. (9010 35th SW)

COFFEE WITH A COP: Meet Southwest Precinct police at Alki Starbucks – drop in any time between 2 and 4 pm to chat, as previewed here. (2742 Alki SW)

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS ART: It’s early-release Wednesday for Seattle Public Schools, and South Park Library invites youth to create 3-D mixed-media coffins and learn about Dia de los Muertos, as explained in our calendar listing. 3-4:30 pm. (8604 8th Ave. S.)

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: West Seattle’s aging park facilities are a major topic on tonight’s agenda, as well as a discussion of future SWDC leadership. All welcome, 6:30 pm, Senior Center/Sisson Building in The Junction. (4217 SW Oregon)

DIABETES PREVENTION CLASS: Tonight, 6:30-7:30 pm at the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor), the next diabetes-prevention class starts:

1 in 3 people is at risk for diabetes, are you? Find out if you are at risk by texting RISKTEST to 97779. If you are at risk, the YMCA can be your partner in reducing your risk for the disease. Join the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program and learn how to reduce your risk for developing diabetes, one small step at a time. This evidence-based program is designed to support adults in making lifestyle changes that will improve their overall health and reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other national organizations committed to preventing chronic disease. For more information, please contact Brie Davis at bdavis@seattleymca.org. Registration is required.

(Contact Brie for location specifics and other details when you register.)

JIM PAGE: The popular singer-songwriter is back at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

OPEN-MIC NIGHT: Weekly open-microphone night at The Skylark, 7:30 pm signups, 8:30 pm music. 21+. Full 16-track recording of your set available for purchase – details here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch; Viaduct-closure reminder; Avalon crash

October 4, 2017 6:43 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

6:43 AM: No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far this morning.

WEEKEND VIADUCT CLOSURE: Another reminder that Highway 99 will be closed in two phases this weekend, for work in addition to the regular twice-yearly Alaskan Way Viaduct inspection closure – 11 pm Friday to 5 am Monday, northbound 99 is scheduled to close between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel. 5 am to 6 pm Saturday and 5 am to 6 pm Sunday is the schedule for the southbound lanes to close.

8:14 AM: Thanks for the texts and comments – there’s a crash under the bridge on the ramp from Avalon, reportedly involving a bicycle rider.

8:18 AM: The SFD medic unit’s been canceled and a private ambulance called instead, per scanner, so injuries are apparently not major.

8:50 AM: For those who use 4th Avenue S.- SDOT reports the signal at 4th and Lander is in flashing mode. Remember, that means it’s an all-way stop.

9:54 AM: We checked with SFD regarding the bicyclist hurt in the Avalon crash. SFD spokesperson Kristin Tinsley says he’s a man “approximately 50” and was in stable condition when taken to the hospital.

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CAMP SECOND CHANCE: Transition to new operator ‘not very smooth sailing,’ advisory committee told

October 3, 2017 11:50 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Myers Way | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from Sunday: From left, Josh Castle & Sharon Lee of LIHI, advisory committee members Grace Stiller & Aaron Garcia)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Big concerns about a big change at city-sanctioned Camp Second Chance were voiced at this month’s meeting of its Community Advisory Committee.

While the last meeting, in August, had filled the meeting room at Arrowhead Gardens, just a few blocks north of the camp, Sunday’s meeting barely cracked double digits – counting the three committee members who were in attendance (Willow Fulton, an area resident; Aaron Garcia, from the White Center Community Development Association; Grace Stiller, who works with environmental nonprofits).

The city was represented by Tom Van Bronkhorst from the Department of Neighborhoods.

Early in the meeting, Stiller offered kudos to the city for the fencing placed on the east side of Myers Way to protect wetlands as well as those walking in the area, particularly to and from the transit center at Arrowhead Gardens; Van Bronkhorst went into some background on the fencing, and said that trash pickups are also continuing on the east side of Myers, where RVs have recently been swept.

The big change for Camp Second Chance itself since last meeting: The Low-Income Housing Institute (LIHI) is now the camp operator, as of September, with executive director Sharon Lee and staffer Josh Castle arriving mid-meeting after a conflicting engagement elsewhere.

Before their arrival, Rebecca, a camp resident, told the advisory committee that the transition had not gone well.

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UPDATE: Police search along Harbor SW, with helicopter

October 3, 2017 9:01 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Crime | Helicopter | West Seattle news

9:01 PM: If you are seeing/hearing a helicopter – per scanner, Guardian One is helping look for someone who fled after a car crash near Harbor/Florida. The car is believed to have been stolen in a carjacking elsewhere in the city earlier today.

9:31 PM: The search continues, with SPD K-9 on the ground. A commenter reports Harbor is closed in the area.

9:43 PM: Search isn’t over but Guardian One has moved on.

10:26 PM: Northbound Harbor will remain closed a while because City Light has to deal with a damaged pole and the crashed car has to be towed for impounding. We haven’t found yet where the carjacking was but will be requesting the incident report for this in the morning.

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TICKET TIME: Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s 2017 Champagne Gala Brunch

October 3, 2017 7:37 pm

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| How to help | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

Everybody loves a discount. If you buy your ticket(s) for the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Champagne Gala Brunch before Thursday night (October 5th), you save more than 25 percent … $95 now, $125 starting Friday. This year’s brunch is at 11 am Saturday, November 4th, at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor). The theme is “The Power of Community” and along with the live auction, golden-ticket drawing, and more, the event will feature one West Seattle legend – broadcast journalist Connie Thompson – in conversation with another – Husky Deli proprietor Jack Miller. This celebration is always sold out before the event day arrives, so you get a guaranteed seat along with a discount if you buy now – you can do that online, here.

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16 applicants for temporary City Council vacancy to make their case to councilmembers tomorrow night

October 3, 2017 6:15 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Tomorrow night, each of the 16 applicants for the temporary Seattle City Council Position 8 vacancy – the one Tim Burgess left to become temporary Mayor – gets 3 minutes to make their case to the current councilmembers, at a City Hall hearing. Then members of the public get their chance to comment. It’s a key part of the process leading up to the councilmembers’ decision this Friday, as explained here. Application materials with the applicants’ backgrounds is now available online. The list:

Ray Armitstead
Richard Baron
Tiniell Cato
Kirsten Harris-Talley
Lewis Jones
Brendan Kolding
Nick Licata
Kaylee McClure
Brianna McDonald
Doug Nellis
ChrisTiana ObeySumner
Abel Pacheco Jr.
Jennifer Perevodchikov
Robert Radford
Alex Tsimerman
David Tygerson

Browsing the background info – which, for each candidate, is linked toward the bottom of this page – we see at least one West Seattleite; that’s Brendan Kolding, who has run for office before. The application materials posted online don’t specifically include a spot for candidates to mention their neighborhoods, so if anyone else on the list is from West Seattle, let us know! The City Council seat is at-large (citywide), so applications were accepted from people anywhere in the city. The person appointed Friday by the current council will have the job until the November election results are certified – Burgess wasn’t running for re-election, so the permanent councilmember will be either Teresa Mosqueda or Jon Grant, the top two vote-getters in the August primary. In the meantime, if you don’t want to speak at tomorrow night’s 5 pm public hearing, you can also send your thoughts to the council by e-mailing council@seattle.gov.

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BIZNOTE: West Seattle CityMD urgent-care center opens at The Whittaker

October 3, 2017 4:21 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Health | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy CityMD)

Another business has opened along the Fauntleroy Way side of The Whittaker (WSB sponsor).

It’s an urgent-care center operated by CHI Franciscan Health and CityMD (also WSB sponsors), the fourth center to open in two years in the Puget Sound area. We first reported in August 2016 that CityMD was on the way. The announcement explains:

This state-of-the-art center meets the growing need for convenient, cost-effective, high-quality medical care for local residents. Each location is staffed primarily by board-certified emergency medicine doctors. Together with key clinical support staff, such as X-ray technicians and medical assistants, they have the ability to handle a wide spectrum of common urgent-care needs for the West Seattle community.

(You can read more about CityMD’s backstory here.) No appointment needed – just walk in. The center’s website shows an estimated wait time, if you want to check before you go. It’s open at 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW 8 am-8 pm weekdays, 8 am-5 pm Saturdays, 8 am-3 pm Sundays.

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HELP NEEDED, URGENTLY: Volunteer tutors for Roxhill Elementary students

October 3, 2017 3:15 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Photo courtesy Invest in Youth)

The nonprofit Invest in Youth just sent this, saying it’s urgent:

Looking for a way to give back to your community?

Invest in Youth is a Seattle-based nonprofit organization that provides free tutoring to local elementary students across the city.

Become a tutor this fall! We are looking to pair volunteers with struggling learners in the community. We have a very high need for volunteer tutors at Roxhill Elementary, here in West Seattle.

Tutoring begins in late October, runs through May, and takes place once every week at each school.

Each tutor is matched with the same student for the whole school year, and the pair works together on things like playing math games, reading stories or working on homework, for one hour each week. Educational materials and activities, training and support, and heartfelt appreciation are provided at every session.

For more information or to apply to be a tutor, please contact Alison Allen at aallen@investinyouth.org or visit our website: investinyouth.org

Can’t commit to the full school year? Become a substitute tutor or share this with your friends who might be interested.

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BIZNOTE: Happy 7th anniversary, West Seattle Autoworks!

October 3, 2017 12:33 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Sunrise Heights | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Congratulations to West Seattle Autoworks (7501 35th SW; WSB sponsor) on seven years in business! We stopped by this morning for a photo – co-proprietor Todd Ainsworth is at center, with Sam Smith and Jesse Coffin. Todd and Chris Christensen opened WS Autoworks in October 2010, and have a gift for customers to celebrate the anniversary:

It’s been a pleasure and an honor to make our homes and our business in West Seattle and we’d like to thank you for your support!

If you make an appointment with us online during the month of October, receive a free travel mug, cup, or T-shirt! It’s just one small thing we can do to say “Thank You”!

With longtime West Seattleites at the helm, WS Autoworks supports the community – among other efforts, they co-present the annual West Seattle Car Show, which is a benefit for the South Seattle College Automotive Technology Program.

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West Seattle Tuesday: Ferries, schools, safety, stories, more…

October 3, 2017 11:09 am

| Comments Off on West Seattle Tuesday: Ferries, schools, safety, stories, more…

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Sanderlings, photographed at Constellation Park last weekend by Mark Wangerin)

Here are highlights of what’s ahead for your West Seattle (and vicinity) Tuesday:

WEST SEATTLE BOOSTER CLUB FUNDRAISER: 4-8 pm at Chipotle in The Junction, it’s a dine-out benefit for the West Seattle Booster Club, which helps WSHS students – details in our calendar listing, including the flyer you will need to show (either printed, or on your phone) to be sure your purchase goes to the cause. (4730 California SW)

TRIANGLE ROUTE TASK FORCE: Two weeks after a big showdown on Vashon Island (WSB coverage here) over backups and delays on the Washington State Ferries Triangle Route – Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth – the advisory task force working on route issues meets again today. 4:30-7 pm at the Fauntleroy Church fellowship hall. (9140 California SW)

CONCORD ADVOCACY: As previewed here last Friday, the PTA for Concord International (Elementary) School in South Park has organized an advocacy meeting tonight to air concerns about changes in the dual-language (Spanish/English) immersion program. This is the only public elementary school in our area with this program, so it’s a West Seattle issue too. The meeting is at the South Park Neighborhood Center, starting at 6 pm. (8201 10th Ave. S.)

CAMPAIGN TO RESTORE WALKWAY-IMPROVEMENT PLAN: 6:15 pm at Southwest Library, the Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Coalition‘s monthly meeting includes the push to get the city to keep its original commitment to improve a walkway between Chief Sealth International High School and Westwood Village – the same area where two students were approached inappropriately just yesterday. (9010 35th SW)

LEARN TO DANCE: Swing and waltz dance classes start tonight at the Senior Center of West Seattle – 7 pm and 8:15 pm respectively. More info, including how to register, in our calendar listing. (4217 SW Oregon)

FAMILY STORY TIME: 7 pm at Delridge Library, for families with kids of all ages. Free as always. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

BEYOND WHAT YOU SEE ABOVE … there’s more on our complete-calendar page!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gift shop Alair burglarized

October 3, 2017 9:27 am

| 32 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

9:27 AM: The West Seattle gift shop Alair won’t be open regular hours today, its manager tells us, because they are dealing with damage done by burglar(s) and have to do repairs. The break-in happened around 5:45 am today. Alair has been open 10 months at 3280 California SW. If you have any information for police, you can refer to incident number 17-367299.

11:41 AM: Alair proprietor Shandon Graybeal says the burglar(s) “took a lot” – including jewelry, purses, and her register – but she is now open for the day, until 6 pm. We’re also adding, above, a security-camera image from the burglary (though the burglar’s face is covered, maybe you’ll recognize the clothing, or …).

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday watch

October 3, 2017 7:06 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday watch

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:06 AM: Good morning – so far, no incidents reported in/from West Seattle.

The big reminder all week is that the Alaskan Way Viaduct will close next weekend – northbound is set to be closed all weekend, late Friday night to early Monday morning, while southbound is scheduled for 5 am-6 pm closures Saturday and Sunday.

7:36 AM Metro has sent an alert saying the 7;48 am Route 116 from Brace Point/Wildwood won’t be running today.

9:04 AM: Uneventful commute today but if you spot trouble any time day or night, especially on major routes, let us know (when you can call/text safely/legally) – 206-293-6302 – thank you!

9:21 AM: Spoke too soon. There’s a crash at California and Admiral. One Seattle Fire unit responded – no medic unit, so apparently injuries, if any, are not major.

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DEVELOPMENT: New rules for backyard cottages and in-law apartments? Your thoughts sought as environmental-review process begins

October 2, 2017 10:40 pm

| 45 COMMENTS

| Development | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

The city is looking to change the rules regarding backyard cottages and in-law apartments, but is under orders to do an environmental review of the process first, as the result of a challenge by a community group in Queen Anne. The review process has just begun, according to a city announcement today requesting your comments – via e-mail as well as an upcoming West Seattle meeting. Here’s the announcement:

Today we announced the beginning of the environmental review process to study the potential effects of removing barriers to building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family zones. ADUs include backyard cottages, known as Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs), and in-law apartments, known as Attached Accessory Dwelling Units (AADUs).

The first phase of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process is to determine the scope of the study, and we want your input on what to consider and analyze as we explore allowing more ADUs in Seattle’s neighborhoods.

ADUs are small, secondary dwelling units inside, attached to, or in the rear yard of a single-family house. The City’s proposal involves allowing both an in-law apartment and a backyard cottage on the same lot, removing the existing off-street parking and owner-occupancy requirements, and changing some development standards that regulate the size and location of backyard cottages. Based on a decision from the City’s Hearing Examiner in December 2016, we’re preparing an EIS to review the potential environmental impacts of this proposal.

During the scoping phase, you can help us determine the alternatives we’ll study, potential environmental impacts to consider, and possible measures to avoid or reduce the effects of the proposal. Comments are due by 5:00 p.m. on November 1, 2017. You can give us your input in several ways:

online: seattle.gov/council/adu-eis
by email: ADUEIS@seattle.gov
by mail to Aly Pennucci, Council Central Staff, PO Box 34025, Seattle, WA 98124-4025

in person at our two public scoping meetings.

One of those meetings is in West Seattle: Tuesday, October 17, 6:00-7:30 pm. at High Point Community Center, 6920 34th Ave SW.

An important thing to note: The meeting is NOT going to be a deep dive into the proposal – as noted here, it’s been added to the agenda for what was already an “open house”-style meeting about an even-more-complicated issue, whether to change the city’s Comprehensive Plan to remove language that, for some neighborhoods, conflicts with proposed HALA upzoning. That part of the meeting affects three specific “urban village” areas of West Seattle – The Junction, Morgan Junction, and Westwood-Highland Park – but the dwelling-unit part of the meeting involves neighborhoods citywide. We first wrote about the city’s plan in July.

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PLANT FOR THE PLANET: Free West Seattle ‘academy’ for kids this Saturday

October 2, 2017 8:06 pm

| Comments Off on PLANT FOR THE PLANET: Free West Seattle ‘academy’ for kids this Saturday

| Environment | How to help | West Seattle news

The international Plant for the Planet youth movement is having its next daylong Plant for the Planet Academy for interested kids this Saturday (October 7th), 8:30 am-3:30 pm, at Puget Ridge Cohousing (7020 18th SW). The flyer above explains, including how to register – it’s free but your interested 8- to 14-year-old needs to sign up ahead of time (here’s the direct link). It’s a day-long workshop to find out “how they can take action to protect and heal our environment, as part of Plant For The Planet – an international group of 63,000+ young people worldwide who are planting trees and leading communities to solve the climate crisis now.” As explained on the flyer, there’s an optional 2-hour parent workshop too. (If you can’t see the flyer embedded above, here’s a PDF version.)

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MISSING AN ORANGE BICYCLE? Maybe one of these is yours

October 2, 2017 5:02 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Seen around town | West Seattle news

From the WSB inbox today – two photos of bicycles that appear to be abandoned, both orange. This one, in The Triangle:

This one, off Harbor Avenue SW:

If either one is potentially yours, let us know.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Students approached while walking to school

October 2, 2017 2:45 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| Crime | Safety | West Seattle news | Westwood

Thanks to the parents who just shared this:

Dear Denny and Chief Sealth Scholars and Families,

We want to share information with you regarding an incident that was reported this morning involving two of our 10th-grade scholars on their way to school. At 8 a.m. this morning, two 10th-graders, one boy and one girl, were walking to school on 25th Ave SW between Westwood Village and SW Thistle St., when they were approached by an adult stranger on foot. The man got close to the girl and made inappropriate suggestive comments to her. The man was wearing a black sweatshirt with his hood on. The two scholars did everything right — they attempted to ignore him, started walking more quickly to get away from him and went straight into the school to report it. Chief Sealth staff called the police, who responded quickly to take a statement. The police will be in the area, along with extra school staff, during dismissal and arrival times as they follow-up on this incident.

As a precaution, we are reminding our scholars about walking safety tips. We would appreciate your help by having a similar conversation at home. The walking safety advice includes:

• Pay close attention to your surroundings, avoid “automatic pilot.”
• Walk with a purpose; project an assertive, business-like image.
• Use common sense; plan your route to avoid uninhabited parks, parking lots, garages and alleyways.
• Stick to well-lit areas.
• Develop a plan before you see trouble. Crossing a street or entering a store may get you out of a potentially bad situation.
• If a car follows you or beckons you while you are walking, do not approach it. Instead, turn and quickly walk the opposite direction.
• Consider wearing clothing and shoes that you can move freely and quickly in, especially when walking or waiting for the bus.
• Carry minimal items; overloading yourself can make you appear vulnerable.
• Always plan your route and stay alert to your surroundings. Avoid shortcuts. Walk confidently. Scan your surroundings and make eye contact with people.
• Avoid walking alone at night. As much as possible, walk or travel with a friend, even during the daytime.
• Immediately report anything suspicious to trusted adults (school staff and family members).

As always, thank you for your help and partnership!

Sincerely,

Jeff Clark, Principal, Denny International High School
Aida Fraser-Hammer, Principal, Chief Sealth International High School