West Seattle news 69044 results

(Photo by David Hutchinson – taken last Friday at very-long-lens distance)

First, harbor-seal pup Taffy, who we’ve told you about before, is now in rehab. From Seal Sitters’ Robin Lindsey:

Early Saturday morning we were finally able to capture seal pup Taffy, whose health issues were a growing concern, especially because of the potentially dangerous location of her chosen stretch of beach at Alki. After coming ashore almost every day for over a month (with the exception of a couple of weekends when the beach was so busy with activity), her health had begun to take a downturn. Thankfully, she started out as a quite robust, older and wiser seal pup, now estimated to be 8 or 9 months old. …

Thanks to the public for being tolerant of a semi-permanent tape closure of the small grass area along the sea wall, right above her favorite little nook. Because she was so wary and skittish, she was often scared back into Puget Sound by people standing too close above her. Even with the tape buffer zone, Taffy could not get undisrupted rest. It’s tough for wildlife to find quiet spots to rest and forage in urban areas.

Taffy spent the weekend being stabilized and treated at PAWS.

Robin was awaiting an update on Taffy’s injuries and possible infection and plans to update Blubberblog here.

Meantime, want to volunteer with Seal Sitters? Here’s your next chance to jump in!

Seal Sitters will be holding our volunteer training/Spring Session on Saturday morning, May 13th – RSVP is required to ensure seating.

For details about the training and to learn more about Seal Sitters and NOAA West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network, please visit our website.

(Photo by Robin Lindsey)

The photo above shows volunteer Sarah, who enthusiastically protected Taffy and educated the public – even in the cold rain. We are always in need of additional great, reliable volunteers!

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Metro partnering with Diamond for new ‘park-and-ride’ spaces in West Seattle and elsewhere – but they’re not free

| Transportation | West Seattle news

Metro announced today that it’s partnering with Diamond Parking to offer 250 pay-by-the-month “park-and-ride” spots at 12 locations around King County. Only four are in Seattle, and three of them are in West Seattle – the underground garage by Admiral Bartell Drugs (80 spaces, $39/month after one free month), by US Bank in The Junction (8 spaces, $76/month after one free month), and Jefferson Square (30 spaces, $91/month after one free month). From Metro’s announcement:

Metro provides service to 137 park-and-ride lots with more than 25,000 spaces in King County, but many are becoming overcrowded. Metro selected Diamond Parking Services through a competitive bid process to partner on a system that enables property owners to offer unused parking space for lease near bus routes and help meet growing demand.

The Park & Ride Partnership Project is funded with a grant from the Federal Highway Administration. This first-of-its-kind public/private partnership is designed to expand park-and-ride options by making use of excess parking adjacent to businesses, apartments and retailers. It helps Metro meet demand without the expense and time required to build or acquire new public facilities.

“This is the first time a transit agency has partnered with a network of private parking lot owners for transit customer use,” said Daniel Rowe, a Metro transportation planner and manager of the pilot project. ”It is one of many innovative and cost-efficient strategies that Metro is exploring to help the public connect to transit.”

Starting June 1, 250 spaces will be available to lease at 12 locations in King County. View this online map for locations and connecting bus routes. More locations are expected to be added as Diamond Parking, which manages the lots and customer transactions, continues recruiting property owners.

The announcement explains how it works:

Go to Parkbytransit.com to view available locations and prices. Customers who sign up will be mailed a monthly permit to hang in their car. The permit guarantees a spot in a designated area; individual spaces will not be assigned.

Diamond Parking will establish prices based on market rates for each location. The first month is offered free. Permits range from $32 to $173, compared to an average of $300 for monthly parking in downtown Seattle.

Properties were selected by Diamond in coordination with Metro. To be eligible for the project, properties must be near frequent transit routes that serve major employment centers such as downtown Seattle, have 10 or more available stalls between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., have safe walking conditions, and be within walking distance of bus stops. Diamond Parking enforces the parking rules.

Metro does not collect any revenue from the permit sales, but will benefit by gaining new riders on bus service.

In addition to the Park & Ride Partnership, Metro leases park-and-ride spaces on available properties near transit hubs (provided at no cost to transit riders) and launched a Carpool Parking Permit program in February that allows drivers with two or more regular transit riders (average of three days of ridership per week) to park in reserved spaces for free at six area park-and-rides.

Questions? This FAQ might answer them.

P.S. West Seattle has ~~two~~ three free park-and-ride lots – under the west end of the West Seattle Bridge along Spokane Street, near Olson/Myers, and (added) by Holy Family Church (20th/Roxbury).

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DEAL: Haven’t signed up for West Seattle 5K yet? Here’s an incentive

May 2, 2017 5:33 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB WS5K file photo)

Kick off summer by running/walking the West Seattle 5K along Alki, from Statue of Liberty Plaza to Anchor Park and back on Sunday, May 21st. If you’re not already registered, here’s an incentive to do it right now – through tomorrow (May 3rd), use the (updated) code MAYDAY5 and you’ll save $5 off the registration fee. 100 percent of what you pay, by the way, goes directly to support educational programs at West Seattle High School. Top three male and female finishers win a prize from West Seattle Runner, Salty’s on Alki, or Coastal Surf Boutique. Sign up at WestSeattle5K.com.

(WSB has co-sponsored the WS5K every year since it began in 2009. WS Runner and Salty’s are WSB sponsors.)

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‘These are our neighbors, our parents, our friends’: Senior Center of West Seattle’s benefit breakfast exceeds goal

May 2, 2017 2:21 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(WSB photos. Above: Joyce Ditz, Meals on Wheels coordinator for the Senior Center)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

In this more-uncertain-than-ever time for nonprofits and the people they serve … you need to know who’s at work in our community, and what they do.

Toward that goal, more than 130 people gathered this morning in Hatten Hall, upstairs at the Senior Center of West Seattle, to celebrate what it does, and to raise money so it can keep doing what it does. Their generosity surpassed the morning’s $35,000 target, eventually totaling almost $40,000, executive director Lyle Evans told WSB this afternoon.

Never been to the Senior Center? It’s far from a stereotypically dour place with dour people. It’s a place with programs, services, and gatherings offering, among other things, food, fun, flexibility, and family – the one you find, as well as the one you were born into.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Michael E. Maine pleads guilty to four charges

May 2, 2017 1:06 pm

| 26 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Just found this in a routine check of online court files today: Five months after he was arrested and charged, 39-year-old Michael E. Maine has pleaded guilty in a plea agreement. At a hearing last Friday, court documents say, he pleaded guilty to three drug charges and one count of attempted unlawful second-degree firearm possession. He originally was charged with four drug charges, three of which alleged he provided heroin last November to undercover police at his family’s Junction bar, the Corner Pocket; as a result of the plea agreement, one of those charges was dropped. The firearms charge was related to a handgun found in a safe in Maine’s home; he is not allowed to legally possess a gun because of felony convictions in the mid-’90s.

Maine is scheduled to be sentenced by King County Superior Court Judge Barbara Mack on May 19th. Court documents say prosecutors will recommend a sentence under the Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative that would involve three to six months of residential treatment, plus two years of community custody (probation). The Corner Pocket, meantime, has been closed since the night of Maine’s arrest; the state Liquor and Cannabis Board was planning to pursue permanent revocation of its license, and we are checking on the status of that situation.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH UPDATE: Police standoff in High Point over

May 2, 2017 10:46 am

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| Crime | High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(Added: WSB photo)

10:46 AM: If you’re wondering about the police response along 32nd SW in south High Point – it’s a standoff with someone we are told is a suspect in a domestic-violence-related incident. No word of any injuries. But avoid 32nd for a few blocks south of Morgan until this is resolved. More to come.

11:01 AM: We’re trying to verify this, but it appears the situation is winding down. Our photographer saw one person taken into custody and officers subsequently went into the residence to be sure no one else was inside (and have already emerged).

11:09 AM: It’s over and the street’s reopening.

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West Seattle scene: Salmon-release season at Fauntleroy Creek

May 2, 2017 10:44 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | Wildlife

10:44 AM: Above, that’s Fauntleroy Creek volunteer Dennis Hinton with students from Genesee Hill Elementary, one of more than a dozen schools releasing salmon fry into the creek this spring. Before release season is out, creek steward Judy Pickens tells WSB, volunteers will have worked with about 750 students from all over our area. This is all a followup to a big day in January when volunteers delivered salmon eggs to local schools, who started learning about the life cycle by nurturing them until the fry are set free. More photos later!

11:54 AM: Added:

Shortly after arrival, there’s always a briefing. And of course, the stars of the show are along for the ride:

The GHES students also got to meet EarthCorps volunteers who are working this week in nearby Kilbourne Ravine:

From left, above, are EC’s Nathan, Imani, and Ellen.

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West Seattle Tuesday: Job-search help, WWRHAH’s future, WSCO’s free concert, more…

May 2, 2017 10:14 am

| Comments Off on West Seattle Tuesday: Job-search help, WWRHAH’s future, WSCO’s free concert, more…

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Seen off Alki this morning – photographed by Jim Borrow)

Highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

NEED A JOB? Your search can be easier with help. 2-4 pm today and every Tuesday, you are invited to drop by Neighborhood House High Point and get help, as explained in our calendar listing. And be sure to check the local-job listings here on WSB, too. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

FREE CONCERT: West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ Student Strings and Debut Orchestra are in concert at 6 tonight at the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium. Admission free, and of course donations are appreciated. Program includes “Harry Potter” highlights! (2600 SW Thistle)

DRINKING LIBERALLY: Drop in and talk politics – 6-7:30 pm at Pizzeria 22 in The Admiral District. (4213 SW College)

WESTWOOD-ROXHILL-ARBOR HEIGHTS COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Agenda for 6:15 pm meeting tonight, upstairs meeting room at Southwest Library:

6:15-6:25: Introductions & Community News

6:25-6:35: Seattle City Council Candidate Hisam Goueli; Intro and Q&A

6:35-7:45: WWRHAH and the Future: Let’s decide on interim leadership and acknowledge the group’s successes to date, and look to how to move into the future.

We need to think deeply and state openly: why we think we meet, how we think we can better serve our community/drive local engagement , and how can we might better utilize relationships to the other existing West Seattle community groups as our allies and resources.

(35th SW/SW Henderson)

WEST SEATTLE BIKE CONNECTIONS: All welcome at this month’s West Seattle Bike Connections meeting, 6:30 pm at HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. (41st SW/SW Alaska)

WEST SEATTLE BOOSTER CLUB: 7 pm, the club that works to help WSHS sports programs meets at the West Seattle High School Library. (3000 California SW)

TO LOOK AHEAD, ANY TIME ... just check our complete calendar!

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FOR THE BIRDS: With Lincoln Park event Friday, Seattle will take flight as Urban Bird Treaty city

May 2, 2017 9:00 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | Wildlife

(Song sparrow, photographed at Lincoln Park in February by Trileigh Tucker)

We told you recently about Lincoln Park joining Seattle Audubon’s Neighborhood Bird Project. This Friday, the park will again be on centerstage of the local birding world – as the site of a ceremony that will declare all of Seattle to be an Urban Bird Treaty City. And you’re invited. Here’s the announcement from Seattle Parks:

On May 5, 2017, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) joins Seattle Audubon, Audubon Washington, Heron Habitat Helpers, Seattle Parks and Recreation Department, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and other partners to sign a treaty designating the City of Seattle as an Urban Bird Treaty City.

The treaty-signing celebration will begin at Lincoln Park in Seattle on May 5 at 11 a.m. Seattle Audubon volunteers will lead a bird walk prior to the treaty signing at the park at 10 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend both the bird walk and signing ceremony.

The event will recognize Seattle’s migratory bird conservation and education accomplishments, and celebrate the renewed commitment of partners to develop programs in Seattle to protect birds and their habitat, as well as connect people to the natural world.

The Urban Bird Treaty program is a collaborative effort between federal, state, and municipal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions to create bird-friendly environments and provide citizens, especially youth, with opportunities to connect with nature through birding and conservation.

“We recognize the important role urban areas play in conserving migratory birds,” said Seth Shteir, Conservation Manager at Seattle Audubon Society. “By becoming an Urban Bird Treaty City, we hope to inspire Seattleites to keep the city healthy and safe for birds and people.”

Today there are more than 25 Urban Bird Treaty cities across the nation working to conserve and restore bird habitat. Seattle will fill an important missing link as it joins San Francisco, Portland, and Anchorage as an Urban Bird Treaty City, thus protecting the Pacific Flyway – a migratory super highway for birds.

“Migratory bird conservation is only possible through collaboration with partners,” said Robyn Thorson, Regional Director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Region. “We are proud to recognize the efforts of many diverse partners in the Seattle area whose work has led to this milestone signing, and eager to see what the continued power of collaboration will produce for birds in the Puget Sound area.”

“At Seattle Parks and Recreation, our mission is to support healthy people, a healthy environment, and strong communities. The Urban Bird Treaty program will help us achieve all three of these goals by encouraging Seattle residents to be active and connect to nature through birding opportunities at local parks and open spaces, and by providing educational programs and volunteer opportunities that bring together diverse groups of residents, especially youth,” said Jesús Aguirre, Superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation.

“I am pleased to collaborate with our municipal, academic, and non-profit partners to designate Seattle as an Urban Bird Treaty City. Seattle has been an environmental leader of historic proportions, and the Urban Bird Treaty program helps build upon our rich tradition of conserving urban wildlife habitats. This program not only helps protect the vital Pacific Flyway—a migratory super highway for birds along the West Coast—it also supports new education opportunities for residents, especially young people, so they can learn about the unique birds and ecosystems of our beautiful city,” said Debra Juarez, Seattle City Councilmember and Committee Chair to Parks, Waterfront, Libraries, and Seattle Center.

Launched in 1999, the Urban Bird Treaty program emphasizes habitat conservation through invasive species control, native plant restoration, bird-safe building programs, bird and habitat monitoring, and education programs.

The celebration will be held near Lincoln Park’s north play area.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday updates; bridge closure again tonight

May 2, 2017 6:54 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday updates; bridge closure again tonight

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

6:54 AM: Good morning. No incidents in or from West Seattle.

BRIDGE CLOSURE AGAIN TONIGHT: The second overnight closure for streetlight work on the westbound west end of the high bridge is set to start at 9 pm tonight. Here again are the details from SDOT.

8:01 AM: Still no incidents in the area. Stadium-zone reminder for tonight: The Mariners are starting a home stand, playing the Angels at 7:10 pm at The Safe.

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SOCCER: Tryouts ahead as Highline Soccer Association Select program expands

May 2, 2017 2:00 am

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| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

More youth-soccer tryouts are coming up – starting in one week! Here’s the announcement:

The Highline Soccer Association is pleased to announce that our HSA Select program, which we started Fall 2015 to provide our youth players the opportunity to stay within our association and play at a higher level, has been a great success. This program is designed to fill the gap between our recreational programs (West Seattle Soccer Club and Highline Soccer Club) and our premier program (Highline Premier FC) with regards to competitive level, time commitment, and cost.

Due to this success, we are expanding the number of teams from 6 last fall to 9 teams this fall, and we have secured quality coaches for each level. Due to last year’s registration changes, our teams will be formed by what year the players were born. The age groups for our select teams this fall will be those boys and girls born in years 2004, 2005, 2006 ,and 2007, and boys born in 2003.

Each team will compete in a minimum of two tournaments in addition to the fall season. Team practices would begin in June. Training for field players will be conducted by the coaches, who may also opt to hire trainers. A limited amount of goalkeeper training will also be provided. The HSA Select program is ideal for any player desiring more competition and higher-level training, but not wanting the full-year commitment. HSA Select teams will play in the North Puget Sound League, which is a select league covering the Seattle and Eastside areas. The cost per player will consist of a $400 program fee, and each new player will purchase their HSA Select uniform at around $100. There will also be an additional $100-$300 team fee, which will cover equipment, training and tournaments.

The tryout schedule is listed below, by birth year:

Valley Ridge is at 4644 S. 188th St. in SeaTac; the other two fields are in West Seattle – Delridge at 4501 Delridge Way SW; Walt Hundley at 6760 34th Ave SW. To register for the tryouts ($10), please click here to register and/or create your account. Questions? hsaselect@gmail.com

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WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Major herring spawning happening along local shores

May 1, 2017 8:39 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(First two photos by Kersti Muul)

What you see in Kersti Muul‘s photo above aren’t bubbles – they’re herring eggs. And their presence is “a big deal,” we’re hearing from her and from “Diver Laura” James tonight. This area is not a documented Puget Sound spawning ground for herring (this infosheet shows the areas that are), so wildlife watchers have nothing to compare it to – but they’re seeing not only the eggs, but also sea lions offshore feasting on the herring (that explains the second photo in this gallery we published early today, as well as other reports of sea-lion groups offshore last weekend), and gulls with beakfuls of herring:

Kersti says, “I encourage people to be on the lookout for it as well, and to tread lightly right now in the nearshore during these very low tides!” She has been in contact with the state Fish and Wildlife Department, as has Diver Laura, who says WDFW will be sending somebody up for a firsthand look. Here’s a closeup photo she shared tonight:

(Photo by “Diver Laura” James)

Because this isn’t a historic spawning ground, the state hasn’t historically sampled here, so, she explains, “we simply have zero data,” and it’s not known yet whether this is a return or a cycle. Both point out that the significance of this might also be future effects on construction and other activities on the shore, since without documentation of this previously, there are no rules/laws about habitat protection.

P.S. Here’s more background information about herring in Puget Sound. Followups to come!

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FOLLOWUP: ‘Access for All’ sales tax will be on August 1st ballot

May 1, 2017 7:27 pm

| 38 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics | WS culture/arts

As a result of a 7-2 King County Council vote tonight, the “Access for All” tenth-of-a-percent sales-tax increase is headed for the August 1st ballot. This comes two months after King County Executive Dow Constantine sent the proposal to the council, which at one point mulled shelving it. If approved by voters, it will add one penny of tax to every $10 you spend in King County, and that is expected to raise $67 million a year for about 350 arts, science, and heritage organizations, as described in the original announcement. County Council Chair Joe McDermott, who represents our area on the council, is a co-sponsor of the proposal; tonight’s two “no” votes were Councilmembers Larry Gossett and Dave Upthegrove.

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UPDATE: Small fire at 9222 Delridge Way SW, where 1 person died in 2014 fire

May 1, 2017 5:19 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

5:19 PM: A big Seattle Fire response is arriving at a vacant building in the 9200 block of Delridge Way SW, where they’re finding smoke but so far no obvious source.

5:27 PM: Most of the responding units have been canceled.

5:37 PM: Photo added. SFD says the fire started in a trash can or similar receptacle outside the house. Firefighters also confirm a fire here a few years ago – (update) our archives show one person died in that fire in June 2014.

5:53 PM: The 2014 fire also killed four puppies, as noted in a followup. We’re checking records for the address, 9222 Delridge Way SW, and have found only two items, both 2015 complaints about alleged unspecified violations of the city’s vacant-building ordinance.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Helicopter search; burglary attempt; Saturday arrest followup

May 1, 2017 4:18 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Three items in West Seattle Crime Watch:

ABOUT THE HELICOPTER: Thanks for all the tips about Guardian 1 circling in the 26th/Roxbury vicinity within the past half-hour or so. Nothing on the scanner, so we headed over to see if we could find any police activity on the ground. We found deputies near Roxbury Safeway; they told our photographer that they had been looking for a shoplifting suspect who fled. Guardian 1 just happened to be up and offered to help. No word of an arrest so far.

BURGLARY ATTEMPT: Just got a note from Greg that “someone tried to break into my house on SW Charlestown St this afternoon around 2:10 pm. Alarm went off and SPD took a look as I was driving back home. Only damage was broken glass on a French door, but there is glass all over the place.”

SATURDAY ARREST FOLLOWUP: Saturday morning, we reported on an arrest in North Admiral, and recovery of a stolen Subaru. Probable-cause documents obtained today through the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office confirm the details we heard via radio transmissions that morning – a neighbor called 911 about a prowler in the alley behind the 2100 block of Ferry SW, and told police the prowler was seen in a vehicle. That vehicle turned out to have been stolen in Tacoma, where the 35-year-old suspect lives. He was arrested and booked into jail. We’re waiting to see what bail amount was set this afternoon, and will also be watching later this week to see if he’s charged. (6:07 PM UPDATE: His bail is set at $5,000.)

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VIDEO: City income-tax resolution gets unanimous council OK. So now what?

May 1, 2017 3:36 pm

| 34 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

3:36 PM: A short time ago, the Seattle City Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting the idea of a “high-earner income tax,” co-sponsored by West Seattle/South Park Councilmember Lisa Herbold and Council President Bruce Harrell. Since it was a resolution, not legislation, all this means is that they like the idea – nothing actually happens until and unless a bill is drafted and approved. The resolution sets a goal of making that happen by mid-summer.

If you’re interested in more information about what could and might happen, a group called Trump-Proof Seattle has a town-hall meeting this Thursday in West Seattle – not a city-convened event, but Councilmember Herbold will be there – 6 pm May 4th, at Olympic Hall on the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. That organization is proposing a tax it says would be “affecting only the wealthiest 5% of households … 1.5% on income in excess of $250K.” The council resolution expresses support of that, but city legislation has yet to be drafted, and “legal viability” is a big question. We’ll update this report later with video from this afternoon’s meeting.

3:51 PM: Video now added above.

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FAUNTLEROY BOULEVARD PROJECT: To break or not to break? Your thoughts sought on median options

May 1, 2017 2:34 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Transportation | Triangle | West Seattle news

In our coverage of the latest meeting about the Fauntleroy Way Boulevard Project, we noted that SDOT would soon be seeking feedback about two options for the main median – either with a break for traffic at 37th SW:

Or without:

Those graphics are now on the project page, along with a spot for you to quickly and easily tell SDOT which you would prefer – go here and scroll down. They’re accepting comments on this through May 31st.

Meantime, the project – involving Fauntleroy Way SW in The Triangle, between 35th SW and SW Alaska – is approaching the 90 percent design milestone. And project spokesperson Kate Cole tells WSB that the newest detailed traffic-study data should be available within a week or so – we asked her about it after the topic came up at last Thursday’s West Seattle Transportation Coalition meeting (our full report will be up tonight).

P.S. Fauntleroy Boulevard is the subject of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s next lunch meeting on May 11th – more info here.

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WEST SEATTLE SCHOOLS: WSHS principal Ruth Medsker leaving; search is on for her successor

May 1, 2017 12:34 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

12:34 PM: After seven years, West Seattle High School principal Ruth Medsker is moving on. We noticed in this week’s edition of the school newsletter that WSHS parents are being sought for a hiring team to choose a new principal, so we inquired with the district’s communications office, where director Carri Campbell told us that Medsker will be the new principal at Lincoln High School, which is being modernized to reopen in north Seattle, explaining that she “is coming on early to lead the design of the school (i.e. vision, focus, courses) and will stay on as the principal.”

Medsker was appointed as WSHS principal six years ago, after almost a year as interim principal; before that, she spent five years at district HQ as director of middle and K-8 education. Campbell says an announcement’s already gone out to WSHS families and that a district-wide announcement is due later this week. We have a message out to principal Medsker for comment. (Above right, 2016 WSB photo)

ADDED MONDAY EVENING: The district provided us with the message Medsker sent to the WSHS community:

It is with mixed emotions that I share with you that I have been appointed as the principal of the ‘New Lincoln’ High School, scheduled to open in the fall of 2019. I am honored to lead the opening of the first comprehensive high school in Seattle since Nathan Hale opened in 1963. Opening a new high school feels like a capstone project; putting to use all I have learned during my career; most prominently my work at West Seattle High School and my work with implementing the new state graduation requirements and the recommendations set forth by the 24-credit task force. While I am sad to leave behind the West Seattle community, I am excited to continue to grow and develop as an educator and have the opportunity to lead the creation of school for the Innovation Era.

It has been a privilege to serve as the principal of West Seattle High School for the past seven years. I have loved my time working with an exceptional group of students, a dedicated staff, and supportive families. Together we have worked to build a school characterized by collaboration, academic excellence, acceptance, compassion, and positive outcomes for all students. West Seattle High School is a school where staff, students, and parents work together for the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development of each and every child.

As the 2016-2017 year winds down and planning for next year and beyond is taking place, I am confident that the West Seattle community will continue to grow and thrive. Your unwavering commitment to the school, its students, and staff, will ensure that the mission of success and excellence will persist.

The hiring process for my replacement will commence immediately. The district will keep you updated on the process.

Thank you for an amazing seven years!

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What’s ahead for your West Seattle Monday

May 1, 2017 10:30 am

| Comments Off on What’s ahead for your West Seattle Monday

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Kayakers with brant – photographed by Mark Wangerin)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – with two notes about City Council and County Council today, too:

‘HIGH-EARNER INCOME TAX’ RESOLUTION @ CITY COUNCIL: West Seattle/South Park City Councilmember Lisa Herbold is introducing a resolution (co-sponsored by Council President Bruce Harrell) at this afternoon’s City Council meeting (2 pm) regarding a “high-earner” city income tax, as she explained in her most recent online update. This is a resolution – a statement of intent, not actual legislation, which theoretically would come later. There’s a public-comment period at the meeting at City Hall, and it will also be live via Seattle Channel (online or cable Channel 21).

ARTS-ACCESS TAX @ COUNTY COUNCIL: Though at one point last month the proposed arts-access sales-tax increase was reported to have stalled in County Council consideration, it’s back and a council announcement says it will be considered by county councilmembers during today’s 1:30 pm meeting. They could vote to send it to the August ballot. The meeting is at the county courthouse downtown, and will be live on KCTV (online too).

GLOBAL GENDER-EQUITY COMMUNITY NIGHT: This will be hosted 5:30-7 pm tonight at West Seattle High School by the WSHS UNICEF Club, which “wants to invite all families, parents, and students around West Seattle! It is going to be a fun evening full of activities and learning about how education, gender equity, and the power of women all play a role in the global theater. Come be inspired by the youth of your community and their passions.” (3000 California SW)

FAMILY STORY TIME: 6:30 pm at High Point Library – bring the kids! (35th SW/SW Raymond)

MONDAY NIGHT QUIZ: 7:30 pm at The Skylark, all ages, prizes! (3803 Delridge Way SW)

And a traffic-alert reminder, again:

OVERNIGHT BRIDGE CLOSURES SET TO START TONIGHT: 9 pm until 5 am tonight, the west end of the West Seattle Bridge – west of Delridge – is set to be closed for streetlight work. Here’s the SDOT advisory.

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GETTING MARRIED? South Park Rainbow Bingo has an invitation for you

May 1, 2017 9:40 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| South Park | West Seattle news

Our neighbors at the South Park Senior Center have Rainbow Bingo fundraisers, as does the West Seattle Senior Center, and SP has a special search under way – they want to make sure West Seattleites hear about it too:

If you can’t read the flyer – in short, they’re looking for a couple who would be interested in having their wedding as part of South Park Rainbow Bingo on June 10th: “There will be guests and dinner and drinks, a beautiful wedding cake just for you … all legally officiated by Aunt Betty Malone.” In less than 100 words, explain why you and your fiancé/fiancee are THE couple for this wedding – e-mail to dlr98116@gmail.com and auntbettymalone@gmail.com by May 20th.

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YOU CAN HELP: Morgan Junction community cleanup next Sunday

May 1, 2017 8:50 am

| Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Morgan Junction community cleanup next Sunday

| How to help | West Seattle news

(Photos courtesy Jill Boone, from 2016 cleanup)

Live/work/shop/dine/study (or …) in Morgan Junction? Show some love for the neighborhood! Next Sunday (May 7th), Jill Boone is organizing a community cleanup, and hoping you’ll RSVP ASAP if you can help, so she can have enough supplies on hand:

Bring your kids or partners or friends and come help us make our streets litter free! On Sunday, May 7 at 9 AM we will gather on the sidewalk near Domino’s and Thriftway and then spread out in groups or families to pick up litter on both sides of the street.

Children are encouraged to come (with parents)! This is a wonderful give-back to your community that even little ones can participate in. I will pick up grabbers and bags from (the city) and if you need them, gloves.

For little tykes, I suggest bringing along a pair of kitchen tongs for them to use.

Last year, Zephyr at age 3 did a great job getting cigarette butts with his tongs. A little bucket might help too.

Last year we cleaned up along 35th in the pouring rain and we still had 8 intrepid volunteers. Hopefully, we will have sunny or at least dry weather this year. And we plan to do this at least once a month through the summer season.

Please RSVP if you are going to come, so that I can get sufficient litter grabbers from the city. You can RSVP by emailing me at litterleague@gmail.com ! Tell me how many of you and ages of kids coming. Let me know if you need gloves too and what size.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday watch, with May Day alerts & nighttime bridge closure

May 1, 2017 6:51 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

6:51 AM: Good morning. No incidents in or from West Seattle right now, but two reminders for the day ahead:

MAY DAY: Here are the alerts about the protests with permits and possible transit effects, as well as what we found about protests without permits. We’ll be monitoring throughout the day.

WEST END OF BRIDGE TO CLOSE TONIGHT: The first overnight closure for streetlight work on the west end of the high bridge is scheduled to start at 9 pm tonight, west of Delridge. Here’s the alert SDOT originally sent two weeks ago.

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PHOTOS: Weekend scenes from West Seattle shores

May 1, 2017 1:17 am

| Comments Off on PHOTOS: Weekend scenes from West Seattle shores

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks for the great photos sent this weekend! Here are a half-dozen more:

That’s Paul Walchenbach‘s aerial view of Alki during Sunday afternoon’s low tide. (Yes, the drone was operated from outside the park.) Next, from Guy and Joy Smith near Alki Point:

They explained, “For the last several days at Alki Point, large groups of sea lions have been feeding on schools of either smelt or herring. The seagulls get in on the action too. We’ve lived here for 23 years and have never noticed this before.” (Ed and Terry also mentioned the unusual sea lion activity.)

Matthew Saporito photographed a Great Blue Heron at Constellation Park:

A few miles away, Max Szyszkowski caught the beauty of the bay and downtown from Duwamish Head:

Another bird sighting – a pelagic cormorant photographed by Bruce Easter:

And from Jim Borrow, a busy sunset:

Thanks again – editor@westseattleblog.com is the best way to get us photos – and we have more in queue!

P.S. We mentioned earlier that May will have a round of tides even lower than the ones these past few days – they start on Thursday, May 25, and will continue through Memorial Day.

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