West Seattle, Washington

28 Tuesday

52℉

West Seattle news 61123 results

Spraypark, park, P-Patch, all @ Highland Park Action Committee
March 1, 2012 2:52 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Courtesy SiteWorkshop – click for full-size PDF version)
The final design meeting for the Highland Park Spraypark was a big part of the agenda last night for the Highland Park Action Committee‘s second meeting of the year – but two other much-anticipated HP projects were discussed too: West Seattle Reservoir Park, and the new Westcrest P-Patch community garden (which has a design workshop coming up this weekend).

Toplines ahead:Read More

Share This

More booze news: West Seattle stores seeking suggestions
March 1, 2012 1:50 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS beverages

With three months to go till the hard-liquor business is fully privatized in our state, two local stores are asking your opinion regarding what they should stock. Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) has just announced an online survey asking which brands you’d like to see, including locally produced “craft” spirits – take the survey here. Meanwhile, West Seattle Thriftway is inviting you, via their home page, to e-mail your thoughts, particularly regarding “local craft liquor.” (While they’re not conducting surveys so far as we know, we also have reported that local QFC and Safeway stores have already applied for their licenses to sell liquor.)

Share This

Name that beer! Next West Seattle/White Center benefit brew
March 1, 2012 12:29 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | White Center | WS beverages

First came Löwman Bräu – then Whale Tail Ale … The next charity-benefiting brew to be debuted by the West Seattle/White Center beverage community is almost ready, and this time, YOU get a chance to name it! Jeff Gilbert from Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) – one of nine participating establishments – shares the announcement:

NAME THE NEXT WEST SEATTLE/WHITE CENTER CHARITY BEER A COMMUNITY-WIDE CONTEST MARCH 1, 2012 – MARCH 18, 2012

~ brought to you by ~ Big Al Brewing, The Feedback Lounge, West 5, Shadowland, Mission, The Bridge, Locöl, Beveridge Place Pub and Company Bar

It’s that time again and we’re about to premiere the third of three West Seattle/White Center charity beers crafted by BIG AL BREWING – and we’re inviting YOU to give it a name!

Last year we debuted LÖWMAN BRÄU (named after West Seattle’s Lowman Beach) and WHALE TAIL ALE (in homage to the famous whale tale sculpture on the Alki Elementary playground). This year the naming rights are given over to the West Seattle/White Center communities and all the prestige that comes with it!

Come up with a name that is West Seattle/White Center-centric and e-mail it to us. The author/authorette of the winning name will receive a $25 gift certificate from THE FEEDBACK LOUNGE, WEST 5, MISSION, SHADOWLAND, LOCÖL, BIG AL BREWING, THE BRIDGE, BEVERIDGE PUB PLACE and COMPANY BAR ($225 value), along with a T-shirt from each of these fine establishments ($150 value).

That’s not all:

Read More

Share This

Remembering West Seattle writer Mark Bourne, 1961-2012
March 1, 2012 11:49 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Though his accomplishments and interests were certainly much broader, West Seattle writer Mark Bourne came to WSB attention over these past several years because of one quirky phenomenon: “The West Seattle Grouchos,” those Groucho Marx-photo cutouts that occasionally appear on local slopes. We pointed to his website just four weeks ago, after he wrote about a sighting at Walking on Logs, one of several times he had written about The Grouchos (including a 2008 article on Film.com).

This morning, Amy e-mailed to share the news that Mr. Bourne died suddenly last weekend. She included the link to this website mentioning that family and friends were gathering for a small formal funeral this morning, with a larger celebration-of-life event being planned for later. Checking WSB archives, we also had mentioned Mr. Bourne several times when running and re-running a memorable photo of the Alki Statue of Liberty, pre-Plaza, that he shared back in 2007:

Mark Bourne was just 50 years old.

Share This

Sports notes: West Seattle Soccer Club signup deadline today; WS Little League ‘Draft Day’ Sunday
March 1, 2012 10:58 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Two reminders from major local youth-sports organizations:

WEST SEATTLE SOCCER CLUB: Today is the last day for open registration for WSSC. More than 1,135 players and 180 coaches are already on board, according to the club’s website, but today’s the last chance to be guaranteed a spot; after today, signups are on a “space-available basis” only. Full registration details are here.

WEST SEATTLE LITTLE LEAGUE: Sunday (March 4) is WSLL “Draft Day,” with tryouts, number distribution, and other activities, starting at 8:45 am for the majors, 1:15 pm for the minors. The day’s full schedule is on the WSLL website.

Share This

West Seattle schools: Schmitz Park auction March 31st
March 1, 2012 10:43 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle schools: Schmitz Park auction March 31st
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

This morning, we’re continuing our ongoing series of school-fundraiser dinner/auction announcements – it’s a busy month, and they all welcome community support from beyond their immediate parents/staff/etc. circles. On March 31st, Schmitz Park Elementary PTA presents the “Livin’ the Island Life”-themed dinner/live auction/silent auction, 5 pm at South Seattle Community College‘s Brockey Center. From their note:

All proceeds from our auction benefit our amazing kids at Schmitz Park Elementary. The auction is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the PTA, so it’s a really big deal! Money raised allows us to support important programs like Singapore Math (unique to our school), Read Naturally, Writer’s Workshop, Visual Arts and Physical Education.

We are fortunate to have strong support from the West Seattle community with donations from businesses such as West 5, Junction True Value, Stella Ruffington’s, 8 Limbs Yoga, Salon Fauntleroy, West Seattle Karate, Bamboo Bar and Grill, Cactus, Mashiko’s (including WSB sponsors- Hotwire, C&P Coffee Company, Zippy’s, Tom’s Automotive Center, etc.).

They’re detailing auction “experiences” available to bidders here. (Haven’t sent us your school’s upcoming auction info yet? editor@westseattleblog.com)

Share This

West Seattle Thursday: K-5 STEM meeting #2; fix your bike…
March 1, 2012 8:38 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Karen (“Old Desolate” on Flickr) from the WSB Flickr group pool)>
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

ONE MORE REMINDER: As of today, the West Seattle Water Taxi‘s fare increase has taken effect (details here).

LOVE SOCCER? Starting today and all month long, the High Point Branch of the Seattle Public Library has a soccer-themed display with more than 50 soccer books, magazines, and DVDs available for check out! Items for children, teens, and adults—come on in and take a look! 3411 SW Raymond.

CHINESE CORNER: At the Seattle Chinese Garden, 6000 16th SW. 4-6 pm. Free introduction to Chinese language and culture. Learn basic Mandarin Chinese conversation words, learn about Chinese culture,join easy all-ages games and activities. Second of eight every-other-Thursday free sessions, 4-6 pm (here’s our preview story from last month).

FUNDRAISING ZUMBA: Last session for the West Seattle High School ASB fundraiser for the class of 2012, 5 pm, WSHS gym, all welcome, $7.

WINE, BEER, AND A FOOD TRUCK IN MORGAN JUNCTION: We think West Seattle Cellars says it well in their e-mail newsletter, regarding three events on the north side of Morgan Junction tonight (including WSC’s own tasting event 5:30-8 pm):

Speaking of Thursday night, we want to let you know about an exciting development in our little corner of West Seattle. You may not be aware that Beveridge Place Pub, just down the road, has a special beer event every Thursday night. Now our old friend Chris Collier is inviting customers from both tastings to enjoy some of his tasty hand-made food that night. Formerly at Mashiko, and later one of our wine reps, Chris has taken his fantastic food skills on the road with his “A Lunch in Hand” food truck: featuring tantalizing, gourmet meals, all wrapped up in easy-to-eat puff pastry. Beginning this week, he will be parked just down the road, at the Short Stop, on Thursday evenings, from 5:30 to 8:30. Check out his menu and then check out his truck!

FIXERS’ COLLECTIVE ON WHEELS: Bicycle-fixing is the focus tonight for the Fixers’ Collective at the West Seattle Tool Library, 6-9 pm.

‘CATCHING BABIES’: Movie presentation at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 6:30 pm. Full details on this Facebook event page. Hosted by PALS Doulas; filmmaker Barni Qaasim is scheduled to be in attendance.

CRIME PREVENTION: Rescheduled Arbor Heights Block Watch meeting, 6:30 pm, Arbor Heights Community Church.

K-5 STEM : Second informational meeting for K-5 STEM at Boren school, 7 pm, Denny Int’l Middle School (details here)

WINTER CONCERT: The Chief Sealth IHS/Denny IMS Winter Concert: Denny and Sealth concert bands perform at 7 pm in the Sealth auditorium (2600 SW Thistle). Light refreshments in the Commons before the concert, starting around 6:15.

Share This

Visions of Delridge’s future: Ideas for the ‘Brandon Node’
March 1, 2012 1:12 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Many of West Seattle’s business districts are thoroughly developed. Not Delridge’s “Brandon Node,” the commercial (etc.) district centered around Delridge/Brandon (check out this photo tour). Wednesday night, community leaders issued an open invitation to come to one of that area’s newest businesses, Martin’s Way, and join an open house “visioning” the district’s future. It was a casual gathering, with four stations set up, each a place to offer answers to a key question.

While there for the first hour, here’s what we saw:

Question: How can the Brandon Node be better improved to support existing and future local businesses?

Answers included: sidewalk café, color-coordinating business buildings to show they are businesses, planter boxes, mailboxes, better lighting, starting a business organization.

Question: What do you love about living or working in Delridge? How could the Brandon Node become a destination for all West Seattle?

Answers included: Diversity, access to Longfellow Creek and Camp Long.

Question: What types of food options would you like to see in Delridge? Would you personally shop at a grocery or food co-op in the Brandon Node?

Answers included: Grocery, bakery, deli, healthy fast food.

Question: What types of products and services would you like to buy in the Brandon Node? What types of businesses would you support in the Brandon Node?

Answers included: Bakery, laundromat, produce stand, farmers’ market, grocery, & child care.

Parie Hines from the North Delridge Neighborhood Council – which co-sponsored the visioning session, along with the Delridge Neighborhoods District Council – told us she would gather up the evening’s suggestions and ideas and take them back to the existing businesses, while working further on helping the existing business owners get to know each other better. They’ll also be used in conversations with the city and others who are interested in helping the area grow.

ADDED FRIDAY MORNING: As noted, we were only able to stay for the first hour, but the event continued for another hour and a half beyond that, and you can see photos taken by Holli Margell here (including some of the butcher-paper notes with even more community suggestions).

Share This

West Seattle school auctions ahead: Lafayette on March 17th
March 1, 2012 1:03 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle school auctions ahead: Lafayette on March 17th
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

As mentioned earlier, we’re sharing the news of three more school auction/dinner events for which we received announcements in the past day or so. Here’s the second one – Lafayette Elementary‘s “Raisin’ the Green” (on St. Patrick’s Day):

The Lafayette Elementary School PTA will host an auction to help support its ongoing fundraising efforts. The event, “Raisin’ the Green”, will take place at The Hall at Fauntleroy on March 17, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. It will feature dinner, cocktails, silent and live auctions, dessert dash, live music, and prize drawings.

Lafayette Elementary families and local community members are invited to attend this exciting event! Tickets are available now for $60 per person. Ticket price includes dinner, bid number, and a complimentary beverage. Purchase tickets online (here), or by following the link on the school web site at mylafayette.org.

For more information about the “Raisin’ the Green” auction, visit the auction website.

Share This

West Seattle Weather Watch: One more chance of snow
February 29, 2012 10:54 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Weather Watch: One more chance of snow
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Just so you’re not surprised if it happens this time – after today’s flurries … weather experts are talking about the possibility of up to an inch of snow in the morning-rush-hour vicinity tomorrow, before things finally warm up a bit. This has been mentioned in a few places; for one, comment-section fans know Patrick the meteorologist, who brought it up on the WSB Facebook page an hour ago; it’s in the late-night National Weather Service “forecast discussion,” too.

Share This

Global Reading Challenge @ Arbor Heights goes to a tiebreaker!
February 29, 2012 9:57 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

By Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Moving toward the citywide semifinals in two weeks, Global Reading Challenge events continue at participating Seattle Public Schools, and today, it was Arbor Heights Elementary School‘s turn to gather its teams to compete, share their reading knowledge, and decide who’s moving to the next level.

This time, it took what was described as an “unprecedented” tiebreaker!

Read More

Share This

West Seattle school auctions ahead: Madison on March 10
February 29, 2012 8:48 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle school auctions ahead: Madison on March 10
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

In the past day or so, we’ve received announcements about three local schools’ upcoming auctions. These events are always your chance to help local kids – so here’s the first of three standalone shoutouts: Madison Middle School‘s “Class Act” auction event is coming up March 10th, with just two days left to buy tickets. Here’s the announcement:

Calling all Madison Middle School Alumni and auction fans everywhere!

Madison Middle School is holding its annual Class Act Auction on March 10, 2012 at 5:00 at the Hall at Fauntleroy.

We have some incredible donations just waiting to be bid on and taken home.

Madison has won a number of prestigeous awards this year and would like to continue to keep the bar high by raising money to fund up-to-date technology and curriculum to challenge and engage students.

Auction tickets are still available. To purchase tickets, sponsor a teacher or make a donation to the auction, go to madisonmiddleschool.schoolauction.net/madisonauction2012/ and click on the “purchase tickets” or “make a donation” buttons. Ticket sales end Friday, March 2, so get them soon!

Share This

West Seattle businesses: ‘Easy Street should be here for good’
February 29, 2012 4:21 pm
|      48 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Easy Street owner Matt Vaughan onstage with Damien Jurado after the February 18th in-store show)
Worried about too much change in “Downtown West Seattle”? Here’s something that’s not going to change for a long time: Via Twitter, Easy Street Records proprietor Matt Vaughan announced he’s signed a deal to keep his iconic music store/café at The Junction’s iconic corner for another 16 years. Thanks to Steve for telling us about the tweet; we e-mailed Matt to ask for more details, and he replied with what he called a “quick press release,” though it’s more a tale of looking back and looking ahead:

WM Management and the Yen Family have struck a longterm agreement with Easy Street Records/Cafe. Easy Street moved to the corner of California Ave and Alaska St in 1989. We had been at 4537 California (where Leisure Books is) for a couple years prior to the move.

During those late 80’s, The Junction was going through a lot of changes. It was regentrifying. The WS Bridge had only been up for a few years. The real estate boom was beginning to hit WS, but still the Junction had a lot of vacancies and had a few challenges ahead. I can recall ordering sandwiches from Jack Miller, yelling my order down the street. There was less activity, less people walking the street.

During the late 80’s and 90’s, the Seattle music scene was burgeoning and a lot of that was happening here in little West Seattle.

Read More

Share This

Reminder: King County Water Taxi fares go up tomorrow
February 29, 2012 4:06 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   King County Water Taxi | Transportation | West Seattle news

A reminder for King County Water Taxi riders – tomorrow (March 1st), fares go up. The new ones are listed here. As also noted on that page, Vashon Water Taxi riders will be riding a different vessel starting tomorrow, for at least three weeks – the Victoria Clipper III. In case you’re wondering – the West Seattle Water Taxi’s 7-day-a-week spring/summer schedule starts April 9th, and is detailed here.

Share This

West Seattle crime prevention: Arbor Heights meeting tomorrow
February 29, 2012 2:46 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | Crime | West Seattle news

Got confirmation today that the rescheduled Arbor Heights crime-prevention/Block Watch-organizing meeting is happening tomorrow – Thursday, March 1, 6:30 pm, at Arbor Heights Community Church (41st/102nd). The announcement invites Arbor Heights residents to:

Meet with your neighbors to:

¨ Get information on the recent area crimes
¨ Strategize on actions to reduce area crime
¨ Get printed material on improving home security, enhancing personal safety, and reducing car-related crimes
¨ Learn what WE can do, working together, to reduce neighborhood crime

Come prepared to share your experiences about recent crime and public safety concerns in the neighborhood.

Come ready to become an active participant in reducing area crime and improving neighborhood quality of life.

Share This

Update: ‘Small kitchen fire’ at Alki-area home
February 29, 2012 1:22 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

1:22 PM: The fire response in the Alki area, 3300 block of 59th SW, is described as a “small fire” – but we’re en route to check it out anyway.

(Photo by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
1:51 PM UPDATE: Crews are already gone. WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli was there a few minutes after the call opened and says he was told it was a “small kitchen fire.”

Share This

West Seattle Trader Joe’s: First ‘signage’ sighting
February 29, 2012 12:17 pm
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle Trader Joe's

First sighting of signage at the almost-ready West Seattle Trader Joe’s (4545 Fauntleroy Way SW) – ‘now accepting applications’ and ‘now hiring’ banners. Though neither wants to be identified, two sources reiterate to WSB that April 13th continues to be the target opening date.

12:51 P.S. – The jobs are NOT yet listed on the TJ’s website (though you can download a generic company job application) – driving by a second time, we noticed a small posting next to the banner, so we’re going over to see what it says. (If anybody from TJ’s sees this – the WSB Forums offer free listings for West Seattle jobs – available to any business, as long as the job is IN West Seattle – go here.)

2:40 PM UPDATE: The smaller sign says they’re taking applications Mondays-Fridays, 7 am-5 pm, and a hand-lettered sign next to it adds that you should apply at the trailer in the parking lot by the future main entry. Phone number is also posted: 206-496-9884.

Share This

The WSBeat: Alki attacker; officers hit; parking problem
February 29, 2012 11:24 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police | WSBeat

By Megan Sheppard
On the WSBeat, for West Seattle Blog

As always, the WSBeat summaries are from reports on cases handled recently by Southwest Precinct officers, incidents of note that (usually) have not already appeared here in breaking-news coverage or West Seattle Crime Watch reports:

*A woman was able to get help at an Alki restaurant after she was chased down and jumped by a man near 58th and SW Marine Drive early Saturday. He shoved her from behind, and from the ground she began screaming and managed to kick her assailant in the chest. He ran off toward Alki Ave. SW. The report says restaurant staff mentioning they had recently heard people talk about being jumped in the 2600 block of Alki Ave. SW. The attacker was described as a white man in his late 20s or early 30s who smokes. He wore a black hooded sweatshirt with the hood pulled tight around his face, with “a large nose” visible. He wore blue jeans and was approximately 5’9” with a medium build. The victim initially encountered him sitting in the patio area of a business in the 2600 block of Alki, where she was supposed to meet a friend, and he followed her to the location where she was assaulted.

*The sounds of a violent domestic disturbance led a citizen to call 911 Thursday night. When officers arrived at the Avalon Way address, the male suspect was immediately hostile and uncooperative. He ended up punching one officer in the head and another in the chest before being taken into custody. The home was in complete disarray, with broken cell phones, overturned furniture and shattered computers. The officers were treated at Harborview for lacerations, swelling, and abrasions. The suspect is being held in King County Jail for investigation of unlawful imprisonment (of the girlfriend) and assault on a police officer.

*When a woman legally parked her car in the 2800 block of SW Yancy, a little girl came out of a home and told her not to park there, as that was her dad’s parking space. When the woman didn’t move the car, an older girl came out to repeat the warning, and warned, “My dad will deal with you.” When the woman returned to the car an hour later, her right front tire had been flattened. The report describes this as an ongoing problem at the home. Officers left a business card there (there was no answer at the door), requesting that the resident get in touch.

9 more summaries ahead (busy week):Read More

Share This

Update: SDOT cancels weekend 1st/Spokane closure
February 29, 2012 9:44 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Just in from SDOT – the planned closure this weekend of the 1st Avenue/Spokane St. intersection, and the 1st Avenue South offramp from the bridge, is CANCELED.

Share This

West Seattle Wednesday: What’s happening today/tonight
February 29, 2012 9:07 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Curtis Cronn from the WSB Flickr group pool)
A few flakes here, a few flakes there, as the day gets going. We’ll be watching the weather in case anything gets more serious (right now, the forecast suggests it’ll stop soon). As for the Wednesday events – which are more predictable – we have:

‘ZUMBA WITH MOMMY’: “Zumba with Mommy” class at Seattle Civic Dance Theater (north side of the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, 9131 California SW), today and every Wednesday at 10 am. Toddlers/babies welcome, as are daddies. $5 per adult.

IMAGINE THE FUTURE OF DELRIDGE’S ‘BRANDON NODE’ COMMERCIAL DISTRICT: Brandon Node Visioning event, hosted by the North Delridge Neighborhood Council and Delridge Neighborhoods District Council @ Martin’s Way (Delridge/Findlay), with a focus on business-community members 5:30-6:30 pm, then a general public open house 6:30-8 pm. More details here.

SANISLO OPEN HOUSE AND PTA MEETING: Prospective families are invited to an open house at Sanislo Elementary, 6 pm, followed by PTA meeting. From the announcement:

We look forward to meeting our new families with children who will be joining us for the 2012/2013 school year. Our 2 Kindergarten teachers (Ms. Parker and Ms. Goethe) and Principal Ernie Seevers will be here to welcome you and describe our program at 6 pm. Please join us and plan to stay for our PTA meeting, which will follow the open house session. We highly encourage all new families to meet the other families by joining PTA and this is a wonderful opportunity to meet teachers, fellow parents, and other PTA members!!

HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING AND SPRAY PARK UPDATE: The Highland Park Action Committee meets at 7 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club (12th/Holden). A major part of the meeting is the next official city briefing on the project to convert the HP wading pool into a spray park (more on that here).

BACKYARD COTTAGES: Not in West Seattle, but a WS-based company – NCompass Cottage Company (WSB sponsor)’s next Backyard Cottage workshop is 7-9 pm tonight at the Phinney Neighborhood Association, 6532 Phinney Avenue North. To see if there’s still room, and to register if there is, call 206.783.2244.

Share This

1st-ever ‘Unsung Hero’ awards in Delridge: Nomination time
February 29, 2012 7:58 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge District Council | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

We’ve mentioned before that this was in the works, as it’s come up at community-group meetings in recent months – a new way to honor volunteers in eastern West Seattle. Now, organizers are asking for nominations, and support:

The Delridge Neighborhood District Council is hosting an Unsung Heroes Banquet on April 20, 2012 at 6 pm to award one Outstanding Unsung Hero. Nominations are open for anyone who volunteers in the Delridge District. Do you have a neighbor who tirelessly serves the neighborhood picking up trash or fixing bicycles? Someone who works with seniors, or organizes for the neighborhood is an example for who would qualify. Any volunteer who serves within the Delridge District is eligible, whether working with an organization or as a neighbor. They must not be doing so in a paid position. The Delridge District borders are Spokane Street to the North, the Duwamish River to the East, Roxbury to the South and 35th Avenue to the West.

To nominate an Unsung Hero, please review the criteria on the application: Apply online (here).

The deadline for nominations is March 23rd. The top eight nominees will be invited to the Banquet on April 20th. One Outstanding Unsung Hero will be named at the event. They will be nominated for the following year’s Washington Jefferson Award, a Nobel Prize for public service..

Will you help make this event a success? The Unsung Heroes Planning Committee is still looking for financial support to create this first annual event. To help support the Unsung Heroes Banquet, we need $2,000.00 for us reach our budget of $2,500.00. Please contact Mike Shilley to become an event sponsor at michael.j.shilley@q.com or by phone at (206) 762-7111.

Share This

West Seattle Weather Watch: Early-morning snow shower
February 29, 2012 3:38 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

3:38 AM: Heard the wind, looked out the window – and saw it was accompanied by snow. Light at first, but a bit more serious at the moment.

3:44 AM: Minutes later, it’s over. Still chilly enough to see showers like that off and on for a day or two, says the forecast.

7:20 AM: Just had another flurry. Nothing stuck, though.

Share This

Tax facts: County Assessor Lloyd Hara’s West Seattle visit
February 29, 2012 3:05 am
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

Property-tax bills have all gone out, and King County Assessor Lloyd Hara is out making the rounds to explain why his office is more than just the place that sends you those bills. He visited West Seattle in the Monday morning sunshine:

(Photo by WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand)
In a chat with WSB, Hara shared some stats:

-Median assessed value in West Seattle for last year (half of the properties are worth more, half worth less): $448,600

-That’s down almost 7 percent from the previous year’s $481,300 median assessed value

-This year’s tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value is $10.17, up from last year’s $9.66

-Breakdown of where your property taxes go: 53 percent schools, 27 percent “local government,” 18 percent King County, 2 percent Port of Seattle

That brings in the question “My property values decreased, so why did my property tax increase?” Hara’s office explains: “Washington is one of two states that has a revenue-based system of taxation: Taxing districts, such as fire, library and school districts, submit their annual adopted budgets to the Assessor, who has the responsibility to determine the “levy rate” that is necessary to meet the adopted budgets.”

His office has noticed trends including the resurgence in new construction, and the fact that “neighborhoods closer to the urban core have retained value better than outlying areas of the county.”

And as Hara makes the rounds – before our chat, he had met with the team at Windermere West Seattle – he’s highlighting some of his office’s changes, such as residential appraisers field-testing iPads, handy for a variety of reasons including the built-in camera and the fact they can synch up with the office – the more mobility, the more productivity, they believe. They’re also “developing a native iPad application for field-data collection.” Plus, the Assessor’s Office says iPad use “will save $250,000 in hardware-replacement costs.”

Also on the tech front, they want to be sure you know about all the online lookup tools they have available – starting here. (Personally, we’re partial to the Parcel Viewer, which can tell you who owns a particular piece of property, as well as other info such as its value, past sales, and more.)

Share This