West Seattle, Washington
11 Monday
2:14 PM: Police say they arrested three people at Westwood Village last night in connection with a bicycle stolen downtown and listed for sale online. Here’s what Jonah Spangenthal-Lee posted on SPD Blotter this afternoon:
Officers arrested a trio of suspects at a West Seattle shopping center Monday after they tried to sell police a pricey bike stolen days earlier from REI’s flagship store.
On May 21st, a masked suspect made their way into a fenced, gated area at REI’s flagship store in the 200 block of Yale Avenue and made off with a $2,700 black and neon green Ghost Kato bike.
A few days later, REI staff found an ad for a Ghost Kato bike on Craigslist. The ad listed the bike at $1,500, describing it as “brand new” and “ready to be picked up.” “Serious inquiries only!!!,” the seller wrote.
REI staff sent the ad to police, and Southwest Precinct Anti-Crime Team Officer Ernie Debella got in touch with the seller and set up a Monday night meeting.
Around 6 PM, police were waiting at the Westwood Village shopping center when the suspects – a 29-year-old woman and two men, 28 and 40 years old – arrived in a cab. The trio pulled the bike out of the cab’s trunk and began scouring the lot, as if they were looking for police.
Officers contacted the group, confirmed the bike was the same one stolen days earlier, and booked the men and woman into the King County Jail for trafficking stolen property.
We’re checking to see if we can find out more about the suspects’ status.
ADDED 4 PM: According to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the three were released from today’s bail-hearing calendar – the 28-year-old man is getting out of jail, but the other two suspects are still being held on unrelated warrants, the 40-year-old man for failure to appear in a theft case – a $10,000 warrant – and the 29-year-old woman, for a $2,500 warrant related to failing to appear in a “false reporting” case.
12:14 PM: Several parents have e-mailed to ask why Denny International Middle School is in shelter-in-place mode. We first checked with Seattle Police, and were told there is NOT an emergency situation, though police are on “directed patrol” at the campus. We’re now at the school and should know more shortly – will update when we do.
12:17 PM: Patrol officers are at the school on bicycles as well as in cars, and the Southwest Precinct’s Mobile Precinct van is too.
We expect to talk to police soon but in the meantime, school security tells us that this is the result of “a rumor on social media.”
12:28 PM: Just talked with Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis. He confirms this relates to a threat posted on social media but says they have spent some time investigating this and confirming it does not appear to be a credible threat. According to Capt. Davis, the student account where this threat appeared had been “hacked into” – they verified that it was not posted by the account owner. Meantime, one parent tells us Chief Sealth next door also is sheltering in place – we haven’t confirmed that yet, but since the two schools are adjacent, that wouldn’t seem unlikely.
ADDED 1:21 PM: Denny principal Jeff Clark has shared the message sent to families of Denny and Sealth students:
Dear Denny and Sealth Families,
This morning a few scholars shared information with school staff about some social media messaging that included mention of a potential weapon being brought to school. We immediately began consultation with the Seattle Police Department. As an extra precaution, as the credibility and details were investigated, we began a shelter-in-place, which means we lock the exterior doors and keep school operating normally inside the building. After investigating, the Seattle Police Department has determined that the messaging came from a fraudulent Facebook account.
Simply as an extra precaution, SPD suggested that we keep the shelter-in-place status until the near the end of the school day at 2:15, which we will do. We have been cleared to have normal dismissal from school and have our scholars go home as they do normally. We will continue to have afterschool activities.
We would like to thank our scholars for sharing this information with us right away. Additionally, we would like to thank our partners at the Seattle Police Department who responded right away with an extra presence at school and in the community and for helping us to determine that the situation was safe. As always, safety is our top priority. Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Denny and Sealth Administration
(WSB photo from November 2015, helicopters at Terminal 5 during drill)
If you see unusual helicopter and vessel activity off northeast West Seattle, and further into the bay, tomorrow afternoon/evening (Wednesday, May 25th) – it’s likely to be related to a drill. Here’s the King County Sheriff’s Office announcement:
The King County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Section is hosting a multi-agency training drill Wednesday afternoon in Puget Sound between Harbor Island and Discovery Park. Drill participants will include the Seattle Police Department, Washington State Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard, F.B.I., U.S. Customs and Border Protections and King County Medic One.
This drill will test and solidify the capabilities of the Regional Maritime Tactical Action Group in response to an active shooter or hostage type event aboard a vessel in the Puget Sound. As the only agency in the Puget Sound with both air and water assets capable of delivering law enforcement to an underway ferry, cruise ship or pleasure craft, this training is critical for the King County Sheriffs Office to be prepared to protect our citizens.
Numerous law enforcement boats will be involved in the exercise, along with a King County Water Taxi boat. The main landing zone for the King County Sheriff’s helicopter will be Terminal 5. During the exercise there will be NO public access to the pier.
Terminal 5 itself isn’t a public-access area anyway so we’re checking to see if neighboring Jack Block Park will be affected.
(WSB photo)
10:45 AM: A little more than one week before the groundbreaking celebration for the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) expansion, early work related to the project is under way: It’s demolition day for the old Youth Programs building. The Y will stay open throughout the project; construction updates are being posted here, including more about today’s teardown and the building’s history as well as construction-related recycling. The groundbreaking celebration, meantime, is set for 4:30 pm Thursday, June 2nd.
ADDED 3:32 PM: Thanks to the Y for this photo from later in the day:
Game-show alert: Contestants on “Wheel of Fortune” tonight (7 pm, Channel 4) include a West Seattle resident, Peter Murray. Peter’s spouse Kelly Murray sent the photo and tells WSB: “This is his second game show appearance; he was on ‘Jeopardy’ in April 2009! He’s had a long career in non-profit work (United Way of King County, JDRF, now Red Cross), but his training as an actor and his love of the New York Times crossword puzzle make him a pretty great game-show contestant.” So, how’d he do? No spoilers here; you’ll just have to watch.
Today’s photo is from Trileigh Tucker, who notes, “The Anna’s Hummingbird (top) is a year-around denizen of Seattle, so when the Rufous Hummingbird (bottom) shows up for summer residency, there’s much debate around territory!” As for what’s going on in your territory around the peninsula today/tonight – from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:
LOW TIDE, WITH BEACH NATURALISTS: Today’s low tide – -1.5 feet at 1:15 pm – is a little lower than Monday, and Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists will again be out at Constellation Park and Lincoln Park, 10:30 am-1:30 pm.
BALLOT DROPOFF VANS: As reported here last night, tonight is the deadline to get your ballot in for the state’s presidential primary, and you can do that without a stamp by using a King County Elections dropoff van, 10 am-8 pm, West Seattle Stadium (4432 35th SW) or Greenbridge (9720 8th SW).
YOUTH VOICE, YOUTH CHOICE: As reported here on Monday, the city’s “participatory budgeting” experiment offers 11- to 25-year-olds the chance this week to vote on which projects they think should get a share of $700,000 in the next city budget. Today’s voting locations include Delridge Skatepark, where you’ll find community volunteer Nancy Folsom with ballots from about 3:30-5 pm. (Delridge/Genesee)
8923 FAUNTLEROY WAY’S FUTURE: 6:30 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, come hear about, and comment on, the proposal for a sort of swap involving a house and 35 feet of beachfront property north of Cove Park by the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. Neighbors say they’ve been told the proposal has changed regarding which city department might own it if the “swap” is made. Our previous reports are here, here, here, and here. (9131 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE BLOCK WATCH CAPTAINS NETWORK: WSBWCN meets at 6:30 pm at the Southwest Precinct:
What are your top-of-mind, Block Watch-related issues? Bring them to our meeting! It’s been a while since we’ve had open discussion as opposed to a full agenda at our monthly meeting. So this is your chance to discuss what happening in your neighborhood, ask for advice, share your advice, and get to know your fellow BW captains. Let’s take advantage of this! Two topics that have been raised so far both involve youth: One is how to engage youth to be involved in your Block Watch? And two, how to build awareness of summer safety issues without alarming them?
(2300 SW Webster)
FAMILY STORY TIME: 7 pm at Delridge Library. (5423 Delridge Way SW)
UNINCORPORATED AREA OPEN HOUSE: If you live in White Center or elsewhere in unincorporated North Highline, you’re invited to King County’s annual open house, 7-9 pm at Seola Gardens’ Providence Building – here’s the flyer. (11215 5th SW)
NIGHTLIFE! Music and karaoke are some of what you’ll find in these listings, on our complete calendar.
Family and friends are remembering Carla de Vrieze, who died last week at 43, and sharing this announcement with the community:
Carla Y. de Vrieze passed away May 16, 2016, surrounded by her family.
Carla was born October 6, 1972, in the Netherlands. Moving to the US as a young child, she lived with her family in Arlington and Winchester, Massachusetts, attending Winchester High School and High Mowing School in Wilton, NH. After earning her Associate’s Degree from Johnson and Wales University College of Culinary Arts, Carla moved and spent a few years in Chevy Chase, Maryland, before settling in West Seattle, near her brother’s family, in 1999.
Carla’s creativity and passion for the culinary arts were an important part of her personal and professional life; in cooking for others, she found joy. Carla was preceded in death by her father, Theo de Vrieze. She is survived by her mother, Joan de Vrieze, her brother Martin de Vrieze (Heather), and nephew Jake de Vrieze, all of West Seattle. She is also survived by countless aunts, uncles, cousins around the country and the world.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SANCA, the School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts, an organization which brings joy and inclusion to so many children of all abilities (674 S. Orcas Street, Seattle 98108 or sancaseattle.org/support/give-today).
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:34 AM: Good morning! No incidents so far in West Seattle or on the outbound routes from here. Reminders:
BRIDGE CLOSURES CONTINUE: 9 pm-5 am again tonight, the west end of the West Seattle Bridge will be closed as the Fauntleroy Expressway seismic-cushion project continues.
ANOTHER OVERNIGHT CLOSURE TONIGHT: If you expect to be headed this way from the Eastside, be aware that the westbound I-90 ramp to southbound I-5 will be closed tonight, 9 pm-5 am.
FAUNTLEROY FERRY DOCK CHANGES CONTINUE: The new procedures meant to speed up loading led to some delays on Monday.
7:30 AM: Still quiet – around most of the metro area, too – aside from the usual bridge/99 slowness as we get to the heart of the commute.
Two election notes tonight:
PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY TOMORROW: If you’re voting in our state’s presidential primary, tomorrow’s the voting deadline. While the state Republican Party will use its votes to allocate delegates for the national convention, the state Democratic Party is only using the caucus process, so the primary votes are just for show. You can mail your ballot as long as it gets postmarked with tomorrow’s date, or you can drop it off – no postage needed – at one of the county’s dropoff spots, including the dropoff van making its last appearance at West Seattle Stadium:
Joseph and Third, who said they’d received 175 ballots by our 3 pm visit, reminded us that by the August election, West Seattle’s new permanent ballot dropbox will be in place at High Point Library. In the meantime, the ballot van will be at the stadium (4432 35th SW) 10 am-8 pm tomorrow, in the northwest corner of the parking lot. If you’re in south West Seattle or White Center, your closest dropoff van is on 8th SW in Greenbridge, about a block south of Roxbury; that too will be a thing of the past after tomorrow, as White Center also gets a permanent dropbox, at the new library (1409 SW 107th) that opened last Saturday.
AUGUST PRIMARY: Filing for the August primary is over, and here’s the list of who’ll be on ballots for state and federal offices in our state. Both 34th District State House Representatives have challengers this time (names are linked to the campaign sites/pages we found):
State Rep. Position 1
Eileen Cody (incumbent Democrat)
Brendan Kolding (Democrat)
Matthew Benson (Republican)
State Rep. Position 2
Joe Fitzgibbon (incumbent Democrat)
Andrew Pilloud (Republican)
Benson and Pilloud are the first Republicans to run in the 34th District since 2010, when Ray Carter challenged Cody while declaring his party preference “Reluctantly Republican”; in 2014, Cody was unopposed, while Kolding ran against Fitzgibbon; in 2012, Cody had a Democratic opponent, while Fitzgibbon was unopposed.
Also of local note, West Seattleite KumRoon “Mr. Mak” Maksirisombat (his ballot listing includes the nickname), a teacher at Chief Sealth International High School, is one of the nine candidates in the running for state Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The state primary election is August 2nd.
Thanks to Laura Martin for the photos and video from the West Seattle High School Band, Orchestra, and Flag Squad trip to Victoria, B.C., for Victoria Day celebrations. The Band and Flag Squad marched today in the 118th Victoria Day Parade, where she says the mid-parade dance routine delighted the crowd:
And on Saturday and Sunday, Laura (a parent chaperone) reports, they performed “in various venues in downtown Victoria (including) in front of the Parliament Building as part of the ‘Parade of Bands” event, showcasing high school bands from Washington and British Columbia.” Here’s a collage:
Victoria Day is a Canadian holiday in honor of Queen Victoria, always on the last Monday before May 25th; she was born on May 24, 1819.
P.S. You can also see a short video clip from today’s parade here.
(January 2015 photo of Terminal 5 by Long Bach Nguyen)
Two years ago, the Port of Seattle took a major step in its plan to “modernize” West Seattle’s Terminal 5, weeks before shutting it down as a cargo terminal. And now, it’s time for the next step: The draft Environmental Impact Statement is ready for your review and comments. This is the report that wouldn’t have happened without a group of T-5 neighbors pushing for it; at first, the port didn’t think an EIS would be needed, but the neighbors begged to differ, and launched a petition drive. The port subsequently announced last fall that discussions with potential tenants revealed the scope of operations would require an EIS after all – and now, a one-month comment period has opened, as previewed at recent community meetings we covered. Here’s the port’s official announcement:
The Port of Seattle and the Northwest Seaport Alliance are proposing modifications to marine cargo facilities at Terminal 5.
The Port of Seattle, as lead agency under the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA), is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the project, which includes berth deepening, dock strengthening, and power upgrades to handle larger cranes.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) is a marine cargo operating partnership of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma governed jointly by the commissions of the two ports.
“The Northwest Seaport Alliance needs to make Terminal 5 ‘Big Ship Ready’ to remain competitive in today’s global economy,” said NWSA co-chair and Port of Tacoma Commission President Connie Bacon.
“Modernizing Terminal 5 will allow us to keep good paying middle class jobs in our region. We encourage the public to weigh in over the next 30 days with their comments about the proposed improvements—either online at your convenience or by attending one of our public hearings,” said NWSA co-chair and Port of Seattle Commission President John Creighton.
The environmental review will evaluate potential impacts to earth, air, water, plants, animals, energy and natural resources, environmental health, noise, aesthetics (including light and glare), historic and cultural resources, transportation and public services.
Public comments on the Draft EIS will be accepted from May 23 to June 21, will be included in the SEPA record and may result in corrections, additions or clarification to the Draft EIS.
For tips on commenting, visit the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Citizen’s Guide to SEPA Review and Commenting.
The Draft EIS is available online at three locations:
portseattle.org/Environmental/Environmental-Documents/SEPA-NEPA/Pages/default.aspx
nwseaportalliance.com/about/strategic-plan/t5.
Printed copies of the DEIS will be available at the Seattle Central Library, Delridge Library, South Park Branch Library and the West Seattle Library.
Printed copies also will be available at Port of Seattle offices, 2711 Alaskan Way, Seattle, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday – Friday, through June 21.
If you would like to receive a copy of the DEIS please contact Brenda Thomas at 206-787-3382, or email: SEPA.p@portseattle.org.
For more information on the proposed improvements and to comment online, visit t5eis.publicmeeting.info.
Comments can also be emailed to: SEPA.p@portseattle.org – please include your mailing address for a response. The other primary ways to comment are listed below:
The Port of Seattle is also hosting two public hearings for people to share comments on the Draft EIS:
Tuesday, June 7
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Georgetown Campus, South Seattle College
6737 Corson Ave. So.Thursday, June 9
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Alki Masonic Center
4736 40th Ave. SWIf you need the assistance of an interpreter at one of the public hearing events, or want to receive a response to a question in your native language, please call the port’s language help line:
Para español, llame al (206) 787-3797 y marque 1.
Để sử dụng tiếng Việt, gọi số (206) 787-3797 và nhấn phím 2
Soomaali, wac (206) 787-3797, kadib riix 3.
សម្រាប់ភាសាខ្មែរ សូមហៅទូរសព្ទមកលេខ (206) 787-3797 ហើយចុចលេខ 4។
For other languages, call (206) 787-3797 and press 5.
We’ll be reading the draft EIS tonight; followups to come.
A few more details this afternoon about two incidents mentioned here late Saturday/early Sunday, after we asked Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Ron Smith about both:
DELRIDGE SHOOTING: As reported here early Sunday, a man showed up at Harborview Medical Center saying he had been shot near his residence in the 4700 block of Delridge Way SW. Lt. Smith says the victim drives a “party bus” and reported parking it near his residence, then being approached by someone while walking home, and getting into an argument. During the clash, he told police, the other man pulled out a gun and shot him in the left thigh. No arrest so far.
HIGH POINT GUNFIRE: We originally reported on this late Saturday night. Multiple 911 callers reported hearing gunshots; police quickly traced it to the 6500 block of Sylvan Way SW, and linked it to an earlier 911 call in which someone said their neighbor had threatened to shoot them. Near the residence where that happened, Lt. Smith says, they found 14 shell casings from what might have been two different 9mm guns. No injuries; no arrests so far.
If you are – or know someone who is – between ages 11 and 25, this week brings your/their chance to help make a big decision – voting on how to spend almost three-quarters of a million dollars in the city budget.
It’s voting time in the city’s first-ever Participatory Budgeting process, dubbed “Youth Voice, Youth Choice.” While online voting has just gone live, a special feature of this is the chance to vote in person – and it’s happening in places where the participants are likely to be found.
North Delridge resident Nancy Folsom e-mailed to say she will have ballots with her on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, starting at 3:30 pm, at Delridge Skatepark (Delridge/Genesee).
Then, from the city, youth-engagement strategic adviser Jenny Frankl sent this message:
As you might recall, there were a series of Idea Assemblies held in February, where Youth Voice, Youth Choice collected 530+ ideas for projects. Since that time, a group of youth budget delegates have been culling that list and have now narrowed that list down to 19 project proposals. Youth ages 11 – 25 are being asked to select their top 7 projects out of this list of 19 during Vote Week (which is currently underway!). There are two ways to vote: Youth can vote online @ bit.ly/youthvoicevote or via a paper ballot. In West Seattle, some in-person polling stations have been set up in various locations:
· Chief Sealth IHS, through their Social Studies classes
· Southwest Youth & Family Services (contact Fernanda Hernandez, fhernandez@swyfs.org, for exact times)
· Delridge Skatepark [see above]
· High Point Youth Program
· High Point Youth Tutoring Program
· West Seattle branches of the Seattle Public Library
Anyone who needs a paper ballot or is interested in participation by youth with whom they work – contact Jenny at jenny.frankl@seattle.gov or 206-396-0200.
P.S. If you’re not eligible to vote but interested in what projects are on the ballot – go here and choose the “preview” (non-voting) option.
Just announced – the plan for this year’s celebration of West Seattle’s latest win in KEXP’s Hood-to-Hood Challenge neighborhood-vs.-neighborhood fundraising competition. This time, it’s not a Junction street party like last year, though a Junction venue is part of it:
After winning KEXP’s annual Hood-to-Hood Challenge in 2015, West Seattle will host KEXP’s Hood-to-Hood Day on Sunday, June 5th. KEXP welcomes music lovers from all neighborhoods to join us at Youngstown from noon to 6:00 PM for a live broadcast of DJ Quilty and DJ Stevie Zoom, featuring live performances by Greys, Acapulco Lips, and special guests, plus a free street festival with bands, food trucks, and a beer garden in collaboration with Redhook.
This event is FREE, all ages, and open to the public!
After the live broadcast, Skylark Cafe will host a West Seattle Music Showcase and the music continues at Shadowland’s Hood to Hood After Party with DJ Troy Nelson.
KEXP Hood to Hood Live Broadcast
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center hosted by DJ Quilty and DJ Stevie Zoom
Noon to 6:00 PM
12:30 PM: Live set by Greys
3:30 PM: Live set by Acapulco Lips
5:00 PM: Live set by special guestsKEXP Hood to Hood Live Music Showcase
Skylark Cafe Hosted by Troy Nelson
3803 Delridge Way SW
Seattle, WA 98106
6:30pm- 9:00pm
21+, $5 door
Featuring:
Detective Agency
Dre’zy & Too Smoove
special guestsHood to Hood After Party
Shadowland DJ set by Troy Nelson
4458 California Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98116
9:00pm
21+
Featuring: DJ Troy Nelson
Today’s city-circulated Land Use Information Bulletin includes two development proposals we’ve covered before, totaling 32 houses to be built:
MADRONA GLEN – 2768 SW HOLDEN: That’s the newest address of record for the 18-house Madrona Glen proposal for a 1 1/2-acre site between Holden and Webster, west of the Navos campus.
Today’s notice announces a public hearing before the city Hearing Examiner at 9 am June 27th, in the examiner’s chambers at the Seattle Municipal Tower downtown, on whether to approve the actual subdivision of the land that’s involved – splitting three parcels into 18. The city Department of Construction and Inspection (formerly Planning and Development) is recommending approval, but this hearing is a required step before finalizing it. The project already has long since received other key approvals, including this one we reported in September 2014, with the address of record at that time 2646 SW Holden. The project first resurfaced in late 2013, after going dormant for more than a year. Meantime, as also previously noted here, the site’s been up for sale for a while – but this version of the listing says a sale is pending.
P.S. If you can’t make it to the hearing downtown, the notice explains other ways to comment.
3601 FAUNTLEROY AVENUE SW: This 14-house project in East Admiral has received two key land-use approvals, according to the notice in today’s LUIB – a determination of environmental non-significance, along with approval of “administrative conditional use to allow clustered housing in a steep-slope critical area.”
The announcement of these approvals opens an appeal period that runs until June 6th unless an extension is requested; here’s how to file an appeal. We last reported on this project in late summer of 2015, noting that it had been in the works for 8 years by then.
Our featured photo today is a Spotted Sandpiper, yet another beautiful bird photographed by Mark Wangerin, who explained: “Yesterday morning I went in search of a Kingfisher burrow along the banks of the Duwamish. After a while a pair of Spotted Sandpipers flew by. I made a ‘nest’ for myself in the bushes and waited, all told, for about 2 hours. Pairs came in “waves,” and freely fed right in front of me. What fun!” Speaking of fun, here’s YOUR chance to get out on the shore, first of our three highlighted calendar listings for today/tonight:
LOW TIDE, WITH BEACH NATURALISTS: Right now, it’s the first day of the year that Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists are out to help you learn about our shores during low tides. Today it’s out to -1.4 feet at 12:38 pm, so you’ll find the naturalists at Constellation Park (south of Alki Point) and Lincoln Park (near Colman Pool) from now until 1:30 pm – details in our calendar listing.
TINKERLAB COMMONS 6-7:30 pm at Delridge Library, drop in to check out “a weekly all-ages program that introduces science, technology, engineering and math concepts through play, experimentation, and discovery.” Tonight, stop-motion animation is the focus. Free, of course. (5423 Delridge Way SW)
TWILIGHT ZONE-A-THON: “Movie Monday” at Parliament Tavern in The Admiral District tonight features episodes of “The Twilight Zone” plus the movie. No cover. 7-11 pm. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
MUCH MORE … for today/tonight/beyond, on our complete calendar.
(Bird’s-eye view “schematic” of proposed tennis center)
It’s been almost a year since we first reported on the community campaign to convert the Seattle Public Schools-owned tennis courts west of Southwest Pool into an indoor tennis center.
Next step, according to Lisa Corbin, who’s leading the project, is a community meeting – first of two – set for 6 pm Tuesday, June 7th, at Chief Sealth International High School. She says the meeting will include “early results from the feasibility study” funded by a city grant. Here’s the official flyer for the meeting. Still many steps remaining along the road to whether the tennis center could become a reality, but if you’re interested in the project, being at the meeting is the best way to find out what’s next.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:58 AM: No incidents so far this morning in/from West Seattle. We’re reminding you that week 2 of overnight partial bridge closures for the Fauntleroy Expressway earthquake-safety-cushion re-replacement project is under way; as our report mentioned last night, the detours include an additional ramp closure at least through tonight.
IN THE STADIUM ZONE TONIGHT: Mariners are back home, hosting Oakland at 7 pm.
7:50 AM: Some northbound I-5 slowing reported because of a broken-down vehicle in the right lane just north of the bridge.
1:11 PM: Update – we originally suggested the baseball game would mean a later closure of the west end of the bridge for the Fauntleroy Expressway work, but SDOT tells us the attendance is expected to be below the 20,000 threshold for that, so tonight’s closure starts at the usual time, 9 pm.
1:44 PM: Something to be aware of for tomorrow night, if you’ll be heading back this way from the Eastside. The announcement is from WSDOT:
Drivers heading across Lake Washington on westbound Interstate 90 to southbound I-5 should be plan ahead for a slightly longer trip Tuesday night, May 24.
From 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation and Sound Transit will close the ramp from westbound I-90 to southbound I-5. Drivers should follow the signed detour via northbound I-5 and James Street.
During the ramp closure crews will conduct work to preserve and strengthen existing concrete panels on both directions of I-90 between I-5 and Lake Washington. The work is part of the Washington State Department of Transportation and Sound Transit’s I-90 Two-Way Transit and HOV Operations project which preserves the three general purpose lanes while adding all-day carpool lanes to I-90 and direct access ramps for transit, carpools, and vanpools. In mid-2017, Sound Transit contractors will begin work on the I-90 express lanes to operate exclusively for light rail as part of the East Link light rail project. The 14-mile East Link project, set to open in 2023, includes 10 new stations connecting Seattle, Mercer Island, Bellevue and Overlake.
More congratulations for local student athletes! Thanks to Kristen Joy for sharing this report and photo:
Saturday at Renton Stadium, the Holy Rosary 8th Grade Girls and the 8th Grade Boys each won their respective team championship at the 2016 CYO Team Championship competing against 15 Catholic schools from the Seattle area. This is the first 8th-grade championships for Coach Shelley Neal and the mighty Gators!
In the photo are Holy Rosary 8th Grade Track Team Champs: Emma V., Natalie M., Soleil P., Cassidy W., Alena S., Elena K., Ethan G., Leighton J., James M., Sal C., Audrey P., Aidan M., Joseph D., Jonathan G., (not present, Anna P.)
Thanks to KB for sharing photos and words of gratitude for those who helped out on Sunday at Dakota Place Park north of The Junction:
Many hands make light work, as demonstrated by the folks who turned out today in record numbers for the Dakota Place Park Spring Cleanup.
A HUGE THANK-YOU to all of you who volunteered! Your effort and positivity made the cleanup highly productive and fun.
Special thanks to all the Tilden students who volunteered today and who volunteer during school hours — you’re never too young to positively impact your community!
(Photo from last week, by Laura James)
The second week of overnight West Seattle Bridge closures is under way for the Fauntleroy Expressway seismic-safety-cushion re-replacement project, and if you’ll be heading eastbound before 5 am, you should be aware of a change in the detour plan, in case you missed our reminder this morning. The best way to get to the bridge tonight, and likely Monday night too, is via Delridge, because the onramp from Avalon is closed, with traffic being detoured to the next onramp, by Fire Station 36. That’s made for slow going on eastbound Spokane under the bridge again tonight, and some backup on bridge-bound Avalon. We asked SDOT’s Paul Elliott at week’s end about the change, since previously, only the 35th/Fauntleroy onramp was announced for closure, and he explained that the contractor decided to accelerate work to re-replace the earthquake-safety cushions under the ramp as well as the main section of the bridge. So tonight and tomorrow overnight:
-35th/Fauntleroy, Avalon-to-Spokane ramps closed – Delridge is best bet to get on EB bridge
-If headed westbound, you’ll have to exit at Delridge
Closures will continue TFN Sunday through Thursday nights, 9 pm-5 am unless there’s a major stadium event, in which case (as happened last Wednesday when Beyoncé was at CenturyLink Field) the closure won’t start until after 11 pm.
(Photo by Jeff Hogan – J-Pod traveling north near Lime Kiln Point State Park)
Over the next three days, thousands of students in the Northwest will learn about our region’s endangered orcas via a field trip of sorts – an educational program taking them by satellite to a prime orca-watching spot in the San Juans. Leading the way, West Seattleite Jeff Hogan‘s Killer Whale Tales program. Here’s the announcement:
Nearly 3,000 students in grades 2-7 will join Washington State Parks Foundation (WSPF) and Killer Whale Tales at Lime Kiln Point State Park on May 23-25 for Journey to the Parks: Songs of the Salish Sea, where the stars of the show will be the endangered Southern Resident killer whales which return this time of year to regularly swim by the park. Lime Kiln Point is known as one of the best places anywhere to see orca from land, and programs will include a tour by Friends of Lime Kiln Society (FOLKS).
These three days of live whale educational programming in classrooms will be connected via satellite with student in Washington, Oregon and Alaska, Idaho, Wisconsin and Montana and a special “whale chat” RSS feed will enable written questions and feedback between the students and presenters. This amazing technology and coordination is provided by Inspired Classroom, Polycom, GCI Education, Vision Net and Alter Enterprise. The program will allow students to learn about orca and to identify different Puget Sound orca pods based on recordings. Students will also learn the tools and methods of a whale biologist, and find answers to their questions about whales using science-based thinking. Nothing like this educational event has ever been attempted in Washington state parks before.
“Each May we mark the return of the resident orcas to San Juan Island, but this May is even more special because it marks the expansion of WSPF educational programming to connect more kids and families with state parks across the state. Washington State Parks offer an embarrassment of riches for the outdoor lover and they are firmly embedded in our identity through northwest history, culture and personal experience. Interpretive opportunities like the orca program, shared with kids from under resourced communities in classrooms throughout the Pacific northwest, invite people in the region to visit and connect with parks on a deeper level,” explained John Floberg, Executive Director of WSPF.
Jeff Hogan, Executive Director of Killer Whale Tales, is an educator and a research associate with NOAA Fisheries and the Cascadia Research Collective and teaches thousands of kids each year as he visits classrooms along the west coast. This year Jeff is thrilled to be able to take his program to almost 3,000 kids in three days and to be able to interact with them live over satellite. “I am excited to work with students across the region to connect them with these fascinating and iconic animals, especially students located in cities and towns who have less opportunity for visiting the park,” said Hogan.
This three-day program is grant-funded. Look for updates here.
P.S. We asked Jeff for more information about the participating schools. His reply: “In Washington, there will be 15 elementary schools located in 11 cities that will participate. They include: Bellevue, Bothell, Federal Way, Montesano, Seattle, Silverdale, Spokane, Tacoma, Woodinville and Yakima. Public, private and parochial schools are involved. Another 15 schools in AK, OR, ID, MT, WI and NY will participate. These students live in places such as rural Alaskan communities in the Yukon and Kodiak Island as well as cities like Klamath Falls, Oregon, Couer d’Alene, Idaho and Missoula, Montana. Beyond the NW, children in New York City and a small village called Turtle Lake in Wisconsin will get to learn about and experience the wonders of orcas and specialness of Lime Kiln Point State Park on San Juan Island.”
Thanks to Mike for the tip about the fire/police response at 53rd and Alki: We’ve confirmed with police at the scene that a car and motorcycle collided, and the motorcycle rider was hurt – not major injuries, though, and the rider is going to the hospital via private ambulance.
We don’t have details on circumstances – but Mike says witnesses were reporting that the driver made a U-turn in front of the rider, who couldn’t stop in time. Police were awaiting a tow before clearing the scene.
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