West Seattle, Washington
20 Monday
You don’t have to wait for Drug Takeback Day any more. King County wants to be sure you know about a new year-round dropoff box for unwanted, unneeded, and/or expired prescription drugs, which are a risk to health and safety if you keep them around. The QFC pharmacy in The Junction (4550 42nd SW) has one as part of the newly announced King County Secure Medicine Return program (more background here). Dropoffs are free, no questions asked; the program is paid for by drug companies. Questions? Here’s a detailed list of what you can and can’t drop off.
ORIGINAL REPORT, 9:13 PM: The National Weather Service‘s mid-evening “forecast discussion” is out and they’re sticking with a Winter Weather Advisory alert for 10 pm tonight through 10 am Sunday. Especially on the higher hills, snow showers could bring an inch-plus – or not, since the NWS also says, “it`s a tricky forecast with borderline conditions.” If we do see some, it will be short-lived, per the NWS: “We`ll also see temps rising into the lower to mid 40s. So any snow that does fall should not stick around for too long.”
10:06 AM SUNDAY: The alert has expired and, in today’s midmorning Forecast Discussion, the NWS says, “The snow level turned out to be More like 600-800 feet around central Puget Sound, so most of the metro area did not get snow. An inch or two fell above that level, and also lower down in northern areas and near Hood Canal.” (The highest elevation in Seattle – which happens to be near 35th/Myrtle in West Seattle – is just past 500 feet.)
A big thanks tonight from organizers of the Hope Lutheran Human Care Ministry donation drive to create “welcome baskets” for refugee families. This morning was the first of two Saturday mornings that they are collecting requested items, and they were heartened by the response.
We published the wish list back on Wednesday:
New or Like-New Items Only
Kitchen Kit: Pots & pans, cutlery, plates, bowls, drinking glasses, cups, tea kettles
Household Kit: Warm blankets, dish towels, hot pads
Hygiene Kit: Feminine products, toothpaste, soap, razors
We asked today if, after the first of the two dropoff dates, there is anything in particular that is needed the most – Hope HCM’s Elissa Sommer, who shared the photos shown above, says, “New sheets and new blankets of any size.” Your next chance to drop off donations is next Saturday (March 4th), 9 am-noon, at the Hope Lutheran entrance (4456 42nd SW). The baskets are being put together in collaboration with the Lutheran Community Services Northwest refugee-settlement program.
End of 1st Q, WSHS boys lead Timberline 16-12. Video includes Anthony Giomi three-pointer toward quarter's end pic.twitter.com/tpHHTCzBEq
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) February 25, 2017
(Video from first quarter, #1 Nate Pryor bringing the ball upcourt, #23 Anthony Giomi eventually scoring a 3-pointer)
FIRST REPORT, 3:30 PM: The last of this afternoon’s three regional-playoffs basketball games involving local teams has just ended in Bellevue, with the West Seattle High School boys defeating Timberline HS in the 3A Regionals, 60-38. The Wildcat boys were already set for state competition and now we know their first state game will be next Thursday night (March 2nd), 7:15 pm in Tacoma, opponent TBD (see the brackets here). Today’s photos and details after we get back to HQ.
ADDED 9:58 PM: Timberline opened the game with a 2-0 lead.
#1 Nate Pryor answered with the first WSHS basket, on his way to a 21-point afternoon.
Timberline scored again, but 4-2 was the last lead they had. Read More
Thanks to Mike Jensen for updates (including the tweeted photo above) from Chehalis, where the Seattle Lutheran High School boys were ahead at halftime against Napavine in 2B Regionals basketball, 31-28, but had a tough second half and just ended up with a 67-48 loss. The Saints are still on the way to state after their sterling season, and will play at 9 am Wednesday (March 1st) at Spokane, against the winner of tonight’s game between Kalama and St. George’s (see the brackets here).
63-41, West Seattle over Edmonds-Woodway. Wildcat girls to state! Here's how the game ended. #wabkbscores pic.twitter.com/Jz1mkRTIQA
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) February 25, 2017
(Video: How the game ended)
1:25 PM: We’re at Bellevue College, where the West Seattle High School girls have just beaten Edmonds-Woodway 63-41 in a must-win regionals game. This means they’re off to the state tournament next – their first game will be against Lincoln HS at 9 am Wednesday in the Tacoma Dome (here’s the bracket). In this afternoon’s game, the Wildcats led all the way; we’ll add photos and details later.
ADDED 7:45 PM: This is the second time in three years that the WSHS girls have made it to the state tournament, first time under head coach Darnell Taylor.
In this afternoon’s game, the Wildcats never trailed. #11 Jasmine Gayles was their top scorer today with 17 points; she drove in for the first basket of the game at just over one minute in, 2-0 WSHS over Edmonds-Woodway, who for most of the game played far less aggressively than West Seattle. Read More
It’s a good time for a good cause – whether you plan to perform, or to watch. Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) is raising money for Social Justice Fund NW at its monthly open-microphone event tomorrow (Sunday, February 26) next door at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW). Here’s the announcement:
GET ON STAGE / GET INVOLVED!
This month, we’re starting our Get on Stage / Get Involved series of all ages Open Mics. We encourage all of our students to participate in our monthly Open Mics next door at the Skylark, especially if they’ve been working on a song (or three) and want to show it off in front of a supportive audience. If they’re voice students, their teachers can definitely accompany them on stage.
Sign up at 3:00, grab some food and drink, learn about this month’s Get Involved partner, then get on stage starting at 4:00.
This month, Mode Music Studios is partnering with Social Justice Fund NW, a foundation working at the frontlines of social change. They leverage resources to foster significant, long-term social justice solutions throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. We’ll have a representative from SJF who can answer questions, give you information, and accept donations.
Find out more about Social Justice Fund NW by going here.
(Friday clouds, seen from West Seattle – photo by Monica Zaborac)
Some dramatic weather these past few days, and maybe a bit more, according to the first of these two alerts:
WEATHER ALERT: This Special Weather Statement warns of possible snow showers tonight into tomorrow. We’ll keep watch on the forecast through the day and update with any changes.
TRAFFIC ALERT: This morning, the two right lanes of NB 99 on the 1st Avenue South Bridge are scheduled for closure while crews make repairs, now through about 11:30 am. Could last longer if crews have to stop down for a marine-traffic bridge opening. (Check this camera.)
And now – highlights of what’s happening today/tonight!
DROP OFF SUPPLIES FOR WELCOME BASKETS FOR REFUGEES: As previewed here, a donation drive in West Seattle welcomes certain items to make welcome baskets for refugees. You can drop them off (the list is in the linked preview) 9 am-noon today at Hope Lutheran Church in The Junction, main entrance. (4456 42nd SW)
CLASSES FOR CAREGIVERS: 9:30 am-noon at Alki UCC, today’s topics are “Self Care for the Caregiver” and “Family Dynamics & Communication.” Full details in our calendar listing. (6115 SW Hinds)
NATURE WALK: Join West Seattle naturalist Stewart Wechsler for “Natural Community Service and Admiration Stroll” to lend Mother Nature a hand or two or more. 10 am in Fauntleroy Park. Full details on his website. (SW Barton entrance, between 40th SW and 41st SW)
CLEAT EXCHANGE – ADVANCE TURN-IN: Got one or more youth-baseball/softball players participating in this year’s Second Gear Sports (WSB sponsor) cleat exchange? The advance drop-offs continue through Tuesday, as explained and previewed here. (6529 California SW)
HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS: All three local teams in the playoffs have games today – the West Seattle High School girls play Edmonds-Woodway HS in regionals at noon at Bellevue College (3000 Landenholm Circle SE). Afterward, same location, the West Seattle HS boys play a regionals game against Timberline HS, 2 pm. Also at 2, the Seattle Lutheran High School boys play Napavine HS in a regionals game at WF West HS (in Chehalis).
CHILDBIRTH CLASS: 1-4 pm at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center, a free class taught by a local facilitator trained and certified by the International Childbirth Education Association: “Come learn about comfortable movement during pregnancy and labor, the birthing process, coping with pain, newborn care, breastfeeding, and postpartum care.” (6400 Sylvan Way SW)
HIGH POINT PLAY AREA: Drop in to talk about the plan for renovating the play area by the High Point Community Center, which is where the open house is happening, 1-3 pm – details in our calendar listing. (6920 34th SW)
WEST SEATTLE PRIDE AAU BASKETBALL TRYOUTS: 4 pm for boys 4th-6th grade, 5:30 pm for boys 7th-8th grade, tryouts at Seattle Lutheran High School – details here. (4100 SW Genesee)
‘BECKY’S NEW CAR’: 7:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, it’s the second Twelfth Night Productions performance of this comedy – details in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
MALLET HEAD: At Kenyon Hall at 7:30 pm, virtuoso percussionist and West Seattle native Tom Collier performs the second concert of the new Mallet Head Series, joined by Dan Dean on bass and Tom Korn on drums. (7904 35th SW)
PARLIAMENTALITY HOUSE BAND: All-star funk, 9 pm-midnight at Parliament Tavern. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
Looking ahead to tomorrow – any West Seattle venues having an Oscar-watching party? We’re making a last-minute list – editor@westseattleblog.com or text 206-293-6302 – thanks!
(WSB photo added 1:59 am)
1:40 AM: A big response is arriving at a house fire reported in the 9000 block of 16th SW [map]. The first crew on scene reports flames, according to a report radioed to dispatchers. More to come.
1:46 AM: Firefighters are working “defensively” on this – fighting it from the outside.
1:54 AM: They’re calling for two more engines. We’re waiting for our crew to verify the address on the SFD log, which also had a fire call in May 2015; there’s a redevelopment proposal for the site.
2:03 AM: We’ve verified the address. And our files also have a 2012 fire call at the same house, which is shown on Google Maps, in a photo dated a few months ago, as mostly boarded up. There’s also a history of complaints about the property’s condition.
2:22 AM: SFD’s investigator is on the way to start the work of determining how the fire started. Our crew says firefighters still aren’t sure if anyone was inside the house, which is officially listed in property records as a triplex (with a foreclosure last year), when this started.
2:50 AM: Firefighters confirm they used what’s known as their “derelict building” procedures with this. Also, residents were evacuated on both sides of the house, because of the risk the fire might spread, but that risk is now past and some are being allowed back in.
3:17 AM: We’ve added more photos, and video. Some of the SFD units have been dismissed but others will be on scene for some time.
11:20 AM: No information yet on how the fire started; SFD spokesperson Alice Kim did confirm that the building was “unoccupied at the time of our arrival.” We did go over for a daylight look at what remains of the house and have added the photo above.
ADDED MONDAY: SFD says today that its investigators were unable to figure out what started the fire, because the structure was unsafe to enter.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Now that the Fauntleroy Boulevard project is funded and approaching construction, it’s getting even-closer public scrutiny, and that brought a briefing and Q&A at last night’s meeting of the West Seattle Transportation Coalition, which has talked about it many times before.
Close to 30 people were there, including an SDOT delegation led by Fauntleroy Boulevard project manager Norene Pen and project communication lead Rachel McCaffrey, who launched the briefing with background:
The project area is .4 miles long, and the concept dates back to 1999 discussions. Part of the project involves the Bicycle Master Plan‘s designation in 2014 of Fauntleroy Way for a protected bike lane. Outreach to adjacent property owners, and discussions, started in 2014-2015. Early ’15 is when the project was “put on hold” for lack of funding; then it was added to the Move Seattle levy, approved by voters in November 2015. She said they’re aware that the partial design that’s just been “re-initiated” is two years old and they are assessing current conditions to be sure it still works, as they then finalize design and move toward starting construction “late 2017 or early 2018.”
The project’s 3 main goals: Read More
(WSB photo from Monday afternoon)
Another followup on the 24th SW/SW Kenyon sinkhole that got a Waste Management truck stuck for a while back on Monday afternoon: More about the cause, and the repairs, from Seattle Public Utilities spokesperson Rachel Ramey:
SPU located a damaged 15-inch drainage pipe under the street that was clogged with debris and tree roots. Crew members cleaned the downstream pipe to remove debris. Repair crews will be onsite Sunday 7:30 am to 8 pm and Monday 7:30-5 pm for repairs. SPU expects to complete pipe repairs and a temporary patch on the roadway by mid-week, next week. SDOT permanent street repair will follow.
We had already reported Tuesday that a stormwater pipe was to blame, but this adds information about the size and scope of that problem.
Just announced: The Southwest District Council executive committee has canceled next Wednesday’s monthly SWDC meeting so that interested members and would-be attendees can go to two other meetings set for that night, both already previewed here: The Fauntleroy Way Neighborhood and Business Association, talking about the Fauntleroy Boulevard project, and the Westwood-Highland Park HALA-rezoning-response meeting. That means the next SWDC meeting is April 5th.
Thanks to Anne for the tip via that photo: Yummy Teriyaki in The Junction (4746 California SW) is closing at month’s end. She sent us a photo of the notes on its door, including a longer one that says in part, “After operating our small business for more than a decade, we have decided to pursue a different business path” and says they’re “grateful” to have been part of the West Seattle community “and are blessed to have been serving many local customers throughout the years … Thank you for your support and consideration! And we will miss you.”
We went over to verify and clarify. Though their signage says March 1st, that’s the first day of their closure – February 
28th is the final day of their operations (next Tuesday), they told us. And while another restaurant is reported to be moving in – they say they’ve heard “Mediterranean/Greek” – it’s different ownership/management. Caveat, we haven’t been able to verify that yet – no permits or license applications online, but we’re continuing to research. And in case you’re wondering, the building with Yummy Teriyaki, Q Cleaners, and West Seattle Smoke (county assessor’s photo above) has different ownership from the buildings to its north and south.
1:45 PM: Just one block south of the problematic Highland Park Way/Holden intersection, an emergency response is on the way right now to HP Way/Portland [map]. The initial report is that a driver hit a child. We don’t know yet whether those involved were crossing HP Way or Portland, but we have a crew on the way to find out more.
2:04 PM: Police tell our crew that the child apparently “ran into the street” midblock between Portland and Holden, and the driver couldn’t stop in time to avoid hitting the boy, whose age is believed to be in the 10-12 vicinity. No serious injury – he is being taken to Children’s Hospital by private ambulance to be checked out.
(WSB photo from March 2016, looking east from west of 30th SW; future-sidewalk zone is at right, eastward from 76 station)
In our report on last week’s Roxhill Elementary PTSA tour of EC Hughes Elementary, we mentioned that principal Tarra Patrick told the group that the school would be affected by upcoming work to install sidewalks on the other side of Roxbury. And we promised details. We’ve reported these plans before, but not a specific timeline or other details; thanks to Brent Champaco of King County Road Services, here’s what we’ve found out:
The project is going out to bid next month and work is expected to start in May. Along with building the new sidewalks along the south side of SW Roxbury between 28th SW and 30th SW, “approximately 10 concrete roadway panels” will be replaced adjacent to the sidewalks, according to Champaco, and since that will require shifting traffic on Roxbury, the Roxhill school-bus zone on the north side of the street will have to be moved. The county started talking with Roxhill and the school district last year, discussing two options; the district, Champaco says, prefers to have the bus zone relocated to 30th SW in front of the school. So that will mean signage changes to restrict parent pickup/dropoff in that area, as well as pedestrian signage changes.
The project is expected to take up to two months, but Champaco says traffic won’t be shifted on Roxbury for the entire duration: “Once the concrete panel work is completed, traffic can use existing lanes. The contractor will be permitted to close a lane and shift traffic between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Between 6:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and between 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., all lanes must be open.” There’s enough width to keep 2-way traffic moving, he says.
Since the sidewalk and road-panel work is adjacent to businesses, we asked how they’ll be affected/accessible:
During the design phase, King County Road Services and Property Services staff worked closely with the owner of the 76 gas station; the landowners of the parcels housing the Roxbury Auto Parts store, Mocha Mojo coffee stand, and Eric’s Import & Domestic Auto Services; and the owner Roxbury Auto Parts store to resolve parking impacts and secure easements and right-of-way.
Parking on the auto parts store property, including the “coffee shack” will be modified to provide a one-way loop for the “coffee shack” and a one-way loop for the auto parts store. The parking lot revisions were reviewed and approved by King County’s Department of Permitting and Environmental Services. The number of parking spaces following the project completion will equal or exceed existing parking spaces.
The 76 gas station will have one 30-foot wide driveway and one 35-foot wide driveways to SW Roxbury Street (thereby consolidating access to two points of ingress/egress). The auto parts store will have a 25-foot wide driveway entering the loop in front of the store and a 28-foot wide exit driveway. A 32-foot wide driveway will provide entrance/exit to the “coffee stand” and parking at the back of the auto parts store. Finally, a 30-foot wide driveway will provide access to the auto repair shop.
Access to each of these businesses will be provided continuously throughout construction. No other businesses (such as the casino, Shell gas station or Safeway) are expected to be impacted by the work.
This is all part of the Roxbury Corridor Project; our most recent update was almost a year ago. While researching this, we also checked in with SDOT’s Jim Curtin, who added, “SDOT is also surveying Roxbury for our upcoming paving project. The project is still a few years out but we are looking for ways to expedite the project.”
Three incidents in West Seattle Crime Watch:
EARLY-MORNING GUNFIRE: Two people e-mailed this morning to ask about this, and we’ve just followed up with SPD. Not only were neighbors in and near the 9200 block of 21st SW [map] awakened by gunfire around 1:40 am, police were in the area and heard it too. Officers headed that way – neighbors saw them searching with flashlights – and found “several shell casings in the street,” according to Det. Mark Jamieson. Witnesses told police that a car was seen leaving the area right after the gunfire, “possibly a black sedan,” and that it hit a parked car. Aside from that, police didn’t find any property damage (bullet holes, etc.) or gunshot victims, and they didn’t find any suspects either. Gang Unit detectives were called to check out the scene.
CAR STOLEN IN SEAVIEW: Amber is hoping someone will find her 1998 Honda Civic, plate 064ZGC:
It was taken last night from 49th SW & SW Graham [map]. One distinctive feature: “a small ‘Apple Honda’ sticker on the rear left bumper.” Call 911 if you see it.
PACKAGE THIEF NORTH OF THE JUNCTION: Katy sent this video of a package theft from her doorstep:
It happened at 8 pm February 9th, just north of The Junction. She adds, “This is the second package we have had stolen in the last 3 months, the first since we installed a camera. Our next-door neighbors had a package stolen two weeks prior to this incident.”
Thanks to everyone sharing information for Crime Watch, so your neighbors all around the peninsula will know. If something (sizable police response, etc.) is happening RIGHT NOW, best way to let us know – once you’ve called 911! – is via text or voice, 206-293-6302.
(Photo by Michael Dupille, from a photo shoot with his ‘mondo glass mussels’ on the West Seattle shore)
Lots of fun on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for the rest of today/tonight – including:
THE GREATEST MOVIES YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF: The Friday-afternoon movie series continues at the Senior Center of West Seattle, with 1963’s “Winter Light” onscreen at 1 pm. $1 members, $2 nonmembers. (4217 SW Oregon)
DESTINATION DELRIDGE: Tonight’s the night for the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association fundraiser at Metropolist, 6 pm. Check ASAP to see if tickets remain. (2931 First Ave. S.)
GARY BENSON: Folk music in the classic style with Gary Benson at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)
SWING DANCE & DESSERT AUCTION: Benefit at Shorewood Foursquare Church featuring the West Seattle Big Band. 7 pm (following free dance lesson 6-6:45). Call to see if tickets remain. (10300 28th SW)
RONNY COX: A Kenyon Hall favorite is back. You might know Ronny Cox from the movies; after the show, you’ll remember him for his music. 7:30 pm – more info in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)
‘BECKY’S NEW CAR’: Opening night at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center for Twelfth Night Productions‘ new comedy – details in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
PREVIEW THE WEEKEND … on our complete-calendar page.
Quick reminder while we’re working on the rest of today’s news: If you’re interested in enrolling your child(ren) in a Seattle public school other than the neighborhood school to which they’ve been automatically assigned, today is the deadline. You can apply by e-mail or in person to be sure the form’s received in time; find forms here.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
(Cameras are operated by SDOT; this morning, neither West Seattle Bridge deck camera is working)
6:52 AM: No traffic incidents or transit advisories in/from West Seattle so far. Weather could be a factor this morning as this Special Weather Statement suggests snow showers – as seen midmorning yesterday – are a possibility again.
It’s the last day of midwinter break for Seattle Public Schools, so remember that all schools will be in session on Monday.
Traffic alert for Saturday morning: WSDOT plans to close the two right lanes on the NB side of the 1st Avenue Bridge for repair work 6:30-11:30 am tomorrow.
Traffic alert for next weekend: WSDOT has announced that the next Alaskan Way Viaduct inspection closure is set for March 4-5, with some extra closures both days on Highway 99 north of the Battery Street Tunnel.
Toplines from last night’s Highland Park Action Committee meeting:
POLICE UPDATE: Highland Park has had one more residential burglary than at this time last year, said Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Ron Smith. Commercial burglaries are the same, larceny (theft) is down slightly. The biggest news: Car prowls are down 57 percent – 18 to date this year compared to 42 to date last year. Auto theft, though, has doubled – 11 compared to 6 at this time last year. Total property crime, down a third. Six “shots fired” calls in Highland Park and vicinity so far this year – “tangible evidence” is required for the classification, property damage and/or casings found. Four of the six calls in HP were in the very early morning on Sundays; there’s no pattern in terms of where they’re happening, nor any clear suspect/vehicle descriptions.
Asked about homelessness and related issues, Lt. Smith mentioned a house where a squatter had set up generators that’s “about to be addressed,” and said they now have trespass agreements with owners of more than 40 properties, meaning police have authority to clear out trespassers rather than having to get incident-by-incident authorization from property owners.
Also, the new SPD “navigation team” will be directed to two areas, likely the unauthorized encampment along Spokane Street under the east end of the West Seattle Bridge and part of the Myers Way greenbelt. Local police recently helped a family of five who is without a home because the parents are having trouble finding work.
He also mentioned some of the resources detailed at the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council one night earlier – the new bike squad, and the “0-9 car.”
And in discussion, asked about the revolving door for certain types of repeat offenders, Lt. Smith says there’s dawning awareness among lawmakers that maybe car prowling, for example, should be a felony, rather than a misdemeanor.
NEIGHBORHOOD PARK & STREET FUND MORPHS INTO ‘YOUR VOICE, YOUR CHOICE’: Jenny Frankl from the Department of Neighborhoods was at HPAC to talk about this new “participatory budgeting” process for proposing and deciding on projects that used to be funded by what was known as the Neighborhood Park and Street Fund. It’s $2 million – same as last year – allocated across the seven City Council districts. We have reported on this before – here and here. More than 500 ideas have come in citywide, 100+ of them from West Seattle, as the “idea collection” phase continues through February 26. (Go here to see what’s been suggested citywide so far.)
What’s new: Once the “idea collection” phase closes, the next step is to review ideas, and public participation is urged, with four meetings set in West Seattle to look at local ideas – March 9th, 13th, 21st, 30th – “it’s designed so you could come to one, or more than one,” Frankl explained. (You can find the specifics via the calendar on the city website – look for the meetings whose title starts with D1.)
Is this a format that will be used for years to come? an attendee asked. “We’re very much figuring this out as we go,” said Frankl, urging both participation and patience.
HPAC chair Gunner Scott voiced concern that the change in the process – to City Council districts (of which West Seattle is part of one) instead of neighborhood districts (of which West Seattle has two, roughly divided between east and west) – will have a less equitable result, without memory and relationships involved.
“I think this is going to be less about who got what last year, who got what two years ago, and more looking at, how far behind is (a neighborhood),” Frankl suggested, while again reiterating that this is a work in progress.
“So, $285,000 for all of West Seattle, if you’re going to use that lens – will you be looking at, say, we’re going to put more into Highland Park because Alki Beach has had more improvements, for example?” Scott – whose career involves dealing with grants – pressed.
“That’s going to be part of it,” Frankl replied.
“Does the voting process go to all of West Seattle, or just those participating, or …?” asked Kim Barnes.
Frankl replied that it would be mostly online voting – some paper ballots too, but not made available via postal mail. Barnes voiced concern that the voting process would be an equity issue. Others pointed out that Highland Park has no central gathering place where tabling could be done for voting.
As concerns continued swirling, Frankl repeated that “we’re going to learn a lot through this process – we’re working through a lot of kinks,” and added that rather than logistics of voting, she’s most concerned about what’s going to get onto the ballots.
Scott also asked if there will be a public report on how this went, compared to previous years. Yes, there will be, but she doesn’t know when – likely July/August after voting is done and projects “have moved forward,” Frankl said.
Pointed observation from one attendee: “They got rid of the district council system saying only privileged people could come to meetings, and now you’re saying that coming to meetings is the best way to advance your project?”
Another gently pointed out that Frankl didn’t make that decision and shouldn’t be grilled about it.
Shortly thereafter, she was asked about the Community Involvement Commission, also part of what the city is implementing after cutting ties with neighborhood-district councils. She isn’t working directly with that program, she noted, but tried to field some general questions. Read more about the CIC here, and if you’re interested, apply ASAP.
P.S. (added early Friday) If you’d like to add suggestions for parks/streets, here’s the link.
HPAC GRANT: The organization got a $7,000 grant that’s being used for expenses including rental fees for meeting location Highland Park Improvement Club and upgrading the wireless internet system at HPIC so meetings can be streamed, and other ideas are being sought. (Some suggested at the meeting included having a big party, having a community cleanup, designing and making new “Welcome to Highland Park” signs.) Watch for an online survey.
HPAC LEADERSHIP: The meeting also included board elections. Scott and current co-vice-chair Michele Witzki ran as a team to serve as co-chairs. Priorities, they said before the vote, would include seeking resources to help mitigate the hosting of another encampment, plus pushing to fix Highland Park Way’s safety issues, including pedestrian infrastructure. Craig Rankin, current co-vice-chair, ran for vice chair, and noted that one of his most intense interests is parks. No one was nominated (self- or otherwise) to serve as secretary. Michelle Glassley, current treasurer, was nominated to serve again; she confessed it hasn’t been a very busy job because (HPAC doesn’t collect dues) there hasn’t been activity in the account. The aforementioned grant will change that, Scott noted. All who ran were elected without opposition.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS: Barnes said a second meeting is set for the South Delridge Bus Triangle redesign project (here’s our coverage of the first one), and that the lights there will be replaced … She also announced the March 1st Westwood-Highland Park Urban Village HALA-rezoning followup meeting that we previewed here earlier in the day.
Highland Park Action Committee meets on fourth Wednesdays most months, 7 pm, at Highland Park Improvement Club (12th SW & SW Holden). Between meetings, watch hpacinfo.wordpress.com for updates and calls to action.
As mentioned here three weeks ago, the City Council was scheduled to get a briefing February 6th about the HALA Mandatory Housing Affordability rezoning plans. Then … it snowed, and City Hall was closed for the day, with all business postponed. The agenda for next Monday morning’s meeting has arrived (February 27th) and the rescheduled HALA briefing is on it. The agenda also includes links to the documents and slide deck for the meeting; we just took a quick look and it appears they are the same ones prepared for February 6th (most still carry that date). The meeting starts at 9:30 am Monday at City Hall; this weekly meeting has no public-comment period, but you’re welcome to attend in person or watch via Seattle Channel (cable 21 or online).
OTHER HALA EVENTS AHEAD: Westwood-Highland Park Urban Village community discussion next Wednesday (info here); Morgan Junction Urban Village Community Design Workshop on March 6th (info here). And if you’re still not sure if your neighborhood is affected by the rezoning proposals, use the citywide interactive map to zoom in and look.
(Photo courtesy Seattle Audubon)
Love the outdoors? Love to work with kids? Seattle Audubon is looking right now for volunteers to combine those interests by working with its FUN program at two local elementaries:
Help Sanislo and Lafayette students have FUN!
Finding Urban Nature (FUN) is Seattle Audubon’s free environmental education program in Seattle Public Elementary Schools.
FUN introduces 3rd- and 4th-grade students to the nature in their own schoolyard habitat, and examines how each organism depends on others to survive. Volunteers lead small groups of four to six students through a series of outdoor investigations, which teach kids to use their senses and scientific practices to discover the importance of urban biodiversity firsthand.
Volunteers devote about two hours a week for four weeks to lead 4-6 students through each lesson, with the support of the school’s FUN Team Leader and classroom teachers. No previous teaching or science background is necessary; volunteers will attend a training session before going into a school.
The program needs volunteers at Sanislo and Lafayette Elementary Schools for lessons in April and May. Please respond as soon as possible to be a part of FUN training in April. Contact us at FUNvolunteer@seattleaudubon.org or call 206-523-8243 ext. 12 if interested.
(Photo courtesy Thunder Road Guitars. L-R with the mayor are TRG proprietor Frank Gross and staffers Sam Tyner, Will York, Chandler Brown)
A stop at Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) in The Junction was on Mayor Murray’s agenda today as he announced a $1.4 million city investment in 24 neighborhood business districts as part of the Only in Seattle program. Here’s what OiS supports:
Business and retail development (supporting businesses, attracting new businesses)
Marketing and promotion (events, social media, district advertising)
Clean and safe (graffiti removal, garbage pick-up, lighting)
Streetscape and appearance (catalytic development projects, façade, public art)
Business organization development to sustain the effort, including the creation of a Business Improvement Area (BIA) or exploration to form one
The local grant will total $20,000. The money goes to business districts – such as the West Seattle Junction Association – not to individual businesses. (Here’s the full announcement including who got what all over the city.) TRG’s proprietor Frank Gross has done some extra work for the cause recently – you might recall this story last year when he was announced as a member of the Commercial Affordability Advisory Committee – here’s the result of the work done by that committee.
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