West Seattle, Washington
07 Monday
(This morning’s sunrise, photographed by Robert Spears)
Friday’s here, and so are the highlights for the next 12 hours or so:
PARKing DAY AT WYATT’S: It’s PARKing Day around the city, with dozens of businesses/groups setting up temporary parklets in parking spaces (here’s the map) today and tomorrow. In West Seattle, this year’s one and only participant is Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) at Westwood Village, until 6 pm today and 10-6 tomorrow. (2800 SW Barton)
YMCA’S KIDS ZONE OPENS: 4-8 pm, you’re welcome to come to the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor), whether or not you’re a member, as the new Kids Zone opens. Details in our calendar listing; we published a Kids Zone sneak peek on Thursday. (36th SW/SW Snoqualmie)
FREE MOVIE NIGHT AT HPIC: Doors open at Highland Park Improvement Club at 6 pm, with kids’ short at 6:15 pm and main feature at 7 pm – details in our calendar listing. Free, but bring $ for concessions! (12th SW/SW Holden)
WESTFEST: Holy Rosary School‘s annual fall festival starts tonight, 6-10 pm. Bouncy rides, food, bingo, more. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: West Seattle High School is home against Garfield at 7 pm at SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), going for third win in a row. The South Seattle Emerald reports that Garfield players will kneel during the pregame national anthem to protest racial oppression … Seattle Lutheran High School is home at West Seattle Stadium (4432 35th SW) vs. Neah Bay at 6 pm … Chief Sealth International High School is on the road against Sammamish, also at 7 pm (100 140th SE).
‘A GRAND AFFAIR’: First-ever edition of this new cocktail-party benefit for the West Seattle Food Bank starts at 6 tonight at Westland Distillery in SODO. Contact WSFB ASAP to see if any tickets remain. (2931 1st Ave. S.)
LOTS OF LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT … see the listings on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar!
One night after hitting a home run to help his team win its eighth straight, Mariners star Nelson Cruz was in West Seattle last night, going to bat for local students. An all-star list of attendees helped celebrate the launch of his Boomstick23 Foundation at The Sanctuary at Admiral. A big reason to launch it here – Cruz’s foundation is supporting Chief Sealth International High School, whose principal Aida Fraser-Hammer and athletic director Ernest Policarpio were at the launch.
Fraser-Hammer accepted a check for $10,000 last night and “a promise to provide us with gear for our baseball team,” as she wrote in a message to the CSIHS community this morning, explaining:
… It has long been Nelson’s dream to start a foundation to support education. Both his parents were teachers and he often speaks of their strong commitment to education and to ensuring that all students graduate from high school. Nelson has always wanted to take up the charge to support education as a way to honor his parents and to give back to the community. In looking for a school to partner with, Nelson visited our school in the spring, where he met some of our students and learned a lot about our strengths and challenges. …
Others from the Mariners organization and extended family were there – including Edgar Martinez!
The event at The Sanctuary also included a silent auction – with memorabilia like this:
Donors/supporters on hand included Kirk Keppler from Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) in Westwood Village, showing the diamond “Boomstick” his business contributed:
Others in attendance included King County Executive Dow Constantine and family:
Mayor Ed Murray stopped by too. This isn’t the first philanthropic venture for Nelson Cruz – he is also involved with the community in his Dominican Republic hometown, Las Matas de Santa Cruz. Meantime, he and the M’s go for their ninth consecutive win tonight at Safeco Field, 7:10 pm vs. the Astros.
On our partner site White Center Now, we’re continuing our coverage of King County’s proposed 70-bed shelter in White Center, in the former Public Health building at 8th SW/SW 108th: We’ve added video this morning to last night’s as-it-happened report of a standing-room-only meeting led by county and Salvation Army officials. Many in the crowd screamed and shouted their opposition at multiple points in the meeting, vowing legal action to prevent the shelter from opening; it ran an hour longer than planned and ended with a promise of a second meeting. See comprehensive coverage on our partner site White Center Now.
(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)
6:52 AM: As we start this morning’s traffic coverage, we’re getting word of a crash at 34th and Barton. A caller says a motorcycle rider is involved. We are heading over to check, but avoid that area.
6:56 AM: SDOT says Barton is blocked eastbound at the scene.
7:05 AM: Per scanner, police are also going to block Barton westbound, at 32nd SW. No word yet on injuries.
7:14 AM: And now police are reported to be reopening SW Barton.
7:30 AM: Our crew photographed the motorcycle, which has been uprighted.
The rider had collided with the black car seen in the background of our photo and has been taken to Harborview Medical Center, but his injuries weren’t life-threatening, which is why the scene was reopened so quickly.
7:32 AM: On to what else is happening:
Today is PARKing Day, which expands to two days this year, in which businesses/organizations were invited to get permission to turn parking spaces into temporary mini-parks. The only one in West Seattle this year is at Westwood Village, alongside Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor). See the citywide map here.
CITYWIDE WEEKEND PREVIEW: Along with PARKing Day, the Mariners are at home starting tonight, the Sounders play at CenturyLink tomorrow, and in South Park, the Fiestas Patrias parade travels along 14th Avenue South starting at 11 am Saturday – here’s SDOT’s citywide weekend roundup.
8:33 AM: Via SDOT, a crash at 45th/Alaska – the SFD response, however, has already closed.
9:28 AM: Via scanner, report of a crash at 36th/Raymond, “car not drivable.”
Thanks for the tips – police and fire are in the Luna Park area investigating an incident that left a man unconscious and being rushed to the hospital. According to what we’re hearing via scanner, he’s about 50 years old and was on foot when hit by a car near the Avalon ramp to the bridge. If you’re heading out any time soon, avoid the area.
(The three ‘massing’ – size/shape – options proposed for 2222 SW Barton)
By Linda Ball
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
About 17 concerned citizens attended tonight’s Southwest Design Review Board meeting about the proposed apartment complex at 2222 SW Barton.
Architect Justin Kliewer, who is now with Cleave Architecture and Design, presented three different massing (size/shape) options for the complex, which will be situated on what Kliewer called a “tricky” triangular parcel of 15,500 square-feet, on a steep grade, currently home to a small apartment building. The area is a bit of a mix, with Westwood Village within a stone’s throw, and single-family houses to the east and south.
The idea of 70 to 80 units shoe-horned into the space was not warmly received by those present.
“I can hardly believe they can squeeze in 80 units, it’s absurd, massive, way too big for the site,” said a neighbor named Sebastian, who lives directly uphill from the site. He said it would be visible for eight to 10 blocks and become a “monolithic presence.”
(WSB photos)
While the first day of the fall semester at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) isn’t until September 26th, more than 100 new students got a jump start this week. They are in the 13th Year Promise program – which pays first-year tuition to graduates of three Seattle Public Schools high schools, including Chief Sealth IHS. Here are full details from SSC:
South Seattle College celebrated its largest incoming class of 13th Year Promise Scholarship recipients on Sept. 15 since the program’s inception in 2008. 110 students completed orientation this week and will start their higher education at South this fall with their first year of tuition paid for through the scholarship program.
The celebration came at the end of a three-day “Bridge Program” orientation, where incoming 13th Year scholars learned key skills and resources to help them navigate the transition from high school to college.
“I want to truly encourage you to take advantage of this great opportunity,” South Seattle College President Gary Oertli said to the incoming class. “Be committed in your heart to say ‘I’m going to do this,’ whatever your goals may be.”
For Chief Sealth International alum Matthew Burckhard, that goal is training to carry on a family tradition.
“I’m going into culinary or pastry because my grandfather was a baker … (and) a couple years ago he passed away and I figured I should take on his legacy and see if I can become a baker as well,” Burckhard said.
The scholarship guarantees one year of free tuition at South Seattle College for all high school graduates from Chief Sealth International, Cleveland, and Rainier Beach high schools, regardless of their grades or finances. Scholars’ first year of tuition is covered through a combination of donations to the South Seattle College Foundation and financial aid rewards.
Someone else new on campus was spotted at today’s ceremony:
The otter is a new – so far nameless – mascot. The 13th Year program started with Cleveland in 2008; Sealth was added in 2011.
As expansion/renovation work continues at the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) headquarters in The Triangle, staffers are getting ready today for a celebration tomorrow – the grand opening of the new Kids Zone, 4-8 pm Friday. We got a sneak peek with the Y’s Joleen Post on Wednesday afternoon. Above, the big indoor play structure is in the “Adventure Zone” for 3- to 5-year-olds; the “Tween Zone” for ages 9 to 13 includes a ping-pong table:
Lots of work going on when we stopped by, but tomorrow, it’ll all be done in time for the celebration. There are also specific programs for babies, toddlers, and 4- to 9-year-olds, with three separate indoor areas – adjacent to the Y’s gym – including new restrooms and a new outdoor play structure that’s being installed soon. These are all drop-in child-care areas included in Y family memberships. But you don’t have to be a member to enjoy tomorrow’s celebration – come in, look around, try things out. (If you decide to join, the Y has a “no joining fee” special through mid-October. And if you’ve never been there – the temporary entrance is along SW Snoqualmie, between 36th SW and 37th SW.)
(Photo by Jean Sherrard, courtesy Southwest Seattle Historical Society; click here to see full-size version on SWSHS website)
Three and a half months after the “Group Hug” event (photo above) celebrating the historic Admiral Theater‘s impending renovation work, the operators of the landmark moviehouse just got the permit they needed to get going! Here’s the big announcement of what happens next, just in from Jeff Brein of Far Away Entertainment:
With all required city building permits in hand, upgrades, expansion and renovations of the Historic Admiral Theater in West Seattle will begin in earnest on Monday, Sept. 19 with completion expected in November.
Moviegoers will be able to see films at the Admiral during the construction period, according to Jeff Brein, managing partner of Far Away Entertainment, the Bainbridge Island-based group that operates the theater.
“Our principal goal is to keep the theater open during this process, albeit on a limited basis,” Brein said. “Initially, weekday films will be presented in a single theater, with expanded schedules on weekends. As the project progresses and additional auditoriums are readied we expect the number of movie offerings to increase.”
Brein and partner Sol Baron have worked with building owner Marc Gartin for several years to plan a history-based renovation of the iconic 1942 theater, for which the Southwest Seattle Historical Society secured city landmark status 27 years ago. The Gartin family purchased and reopened the theater in 1992 after a three-year closure.
The current two-auditorium footprint will expand to four and will feature stadium seating in two larger auditoriums. Additional enhancements will include new, state-of-the-art digital laser projection systems, a 3D auditorium, Dolby Digital sound systems, new seating with beverage cup holders, and upgraded carpeting, concessions area and restrooms.
“Additionally,” Brein said, “we have been working with the Southwest Seattle Historical Society and plan to reveal and eventually restore the original, interior auditorium murals featuring underwater appliqués that have been hidden since the theater was twinned in 1973. We also have been working together on other improvements, including repainting of the lobby and preservation of its 1942 mural of Captain George Vancouver and other artwork. Other less apparent enhancements will include a revised traffic flow pattern for ticket sales and more open space in the lobby, improved theater floor lighting and an upgrade of the theater’s marquee.”
The Admiral Theater project team includes Swinterton Builders, CDA Architecture, and the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, as well as the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board, which approved the renovation in June. Credit also goes to King County Council member Joe McDermott and King County Executive Dow Constantine, both West Seattle residents, for helping secure a $95,000 “Saving Landmarks” grant from 4Culture last November.The Southwest Seattle Historical Society eagerly anticipates the renovation, said Clay Eals, executive director. “We are thrilled that these many improvements will allow the Admiral Theater to thrive well into the future and can occur without harming – and actually exposing and showcasing more of – the building’s historic features,” Eals said.
“We salute Far Away Entertainment and the Gartin family ownership for their perseverance and heart,” he said.
“This renovation project and the existence of the theater itself wouldn’t be possible without the grassroots effort that saved it in 1989, and the history of this moviehouse, an art deco masterpiece, is a shining example of how neighbors engaging in the landmark process can add economic vitality to the city while building community pride.”
Our archived coverage of The Admiral is here, including our report on the Landmark Board’s approval of the work back in June, and the February 2015 announcement of the agreement between the building’s owner and operators that paved the way for this work.
(WSB file photo)
ORIGINAL REPORT, 12:46 PM: The 2016 West Seattle Harvest Festival has just been announced for Sunday, October 30th, 10 am-2 pm in The Junction. If you’re new here – the Harvest Festival is the annual street-fair combination of family activities, business trick-or-treating (that part starts at noon), and WS Farmers’ Market. The West Seattle Junction Association presents it, and director Lora Swift says they’re currently inviting prospective sponsors (WSB is already on board) and activity presenters. Go here ASAP if you’re a business interested in being a sponsor, and/or a business, nonprofit, or school interested in presenting an activity. (And yes, there will be a chili cookoff again this year, with the fee for tasting/judging benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank – more to come on that.)
3:19 PM UPDATE: Here’s the scoop on how to enter the chili competition:
Participants must:
§ Be a West Seattle business.
§ Bring two gallons of hot chili made in commercial kitchen and an electric warmer. Maintain chili’s temperature to meet health standards.
§ Provide a chili server who has a current Food Handlers Card.
§ Be ready to serve at 11 am! With 2 gallons of chili, we’ll be able to serve about 100 flights and the competition will probably be done by 1 pm.
§ Space is limited to 8 competitors, and a minimum of 4 competitors are needed.
We’ll provide everything else. To register – admin@wsjunction.org with your business name, contact person, and agreement that rules will be followed.
The festival also includes a costume parade at 11:30 am, led by the West Seattle High School Marching Band.
(Belted Kingfisher – photographed in West Seattle by Matt Olson)
Seven things you need to know for the rest of today/tonight:
MOST SEATTLE PARKS FACILITIES CLOSED: As announced earlier this week, Seattle Parks staff are taking a training day – here’s what’s open and what’s not.
DELRIDGE GROCERY FARMSTAND: Earlier this week, we brought you an update on the Delridge Grocery Cooperative‘s longrunning work toward opening a grocery store. Today’s your next chance to visit their weekly farmstand and buy fresh produce and/or find out how to help. 4-7 pm next to Delridge P-Patch. (Delridge Way SW/Puget Boulevard)
ARBOR HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY BBQ & PTSA MEETING: 6 pm barbecue for Arbor Heights Elementary families, followed at 7 pm by the first PTSA meeting of the year – details here. (3701 SW 104th)
WEST SEATTLE TIMEBANK: Tonight at the Senior Center/Sisson Building, find out about timebanking at 6 pm; potluck at 6:30 pm; guest speaker at 7 pm. Full details in our calendar listing. (SW Oregon/California SW)
WHITE CENTER SHELTER: King County’s plan for an emergency overnight shelter in their former Public Health building in White Center will be discussed at a community meeting tonight, 6:15 pm at TAF’s Bethaday Community Space in Dick Thurnau Memorial Park. Here’s our WhiteCenterNow.com report with detailed background. (605 SW 108th)’
DESIGN REVIEW FOR 2222 SW BARTON: As first announced in August, the ~80-unit, no-offstreet-parking building proposed for a triangular spot across from the southeast side of Westwood Village goes before the Southwest Design Review Board at 6:30 pm. See the “design packet” here. There will be a public-comment period during the meeting, which is at the Senior Center/Sisson Building in The Junction. (SW Oregon/California SW)
ALAUDA BELLY-DANCE SHOWCASE: 7:30 pm at The Skylark, tonight’s the monthly belly-dancing showcase! (3803 Delridge Way SW)
OF COURSE, THERE’S MORE … see for yourself on our complete calendar.
9:21 AM: If you’ve noticed police near/inside Lincoln Park this morning – we’ve just found out what the search is about. We started looking into it after a texted tip (thank you!) about police near 47th and Othello. We were unable to get more information at the scene but just reached SPD media-relations Det. Mark Jamieson by phone; he tells WSB, that’s where a resident reported seeing someone break into a neighbor’s house. They told police they saw someone come out of the house “carrying something” and then heading into the park. Officers called for a K-9, who picked up a track and has been helping search – no word of an arrest so far, but as of just before 9 am, according to scanner traffic, they’re still searching.
3:39 PM: Just checked with SPD. No arrest in this case so far. (If you have any info – it’s 16-334518.)
A memorial service is planned next Tuesday for longtime West Seattleite Bob Gamrath. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:
Robert Gamrath passed away peacefully on September 13, 2016, at 93 years of age.
Born in Opheim, Montana, Bob grew up on the family ranch. Bob attended Opheim High School. At age 22 Bob met Mary Trichilo while he was stationed on Treasure Island in the U.S. Navy. Mary and Bob were married in 1945, came to Seattle on their honeymoon, and ended up living in West Seattle for the rest of their lives. Mary preceded Bob in passing in 1999.
Bob was the father of Sandra, Christy, Thomas, and David Gamrath – all of Seattle. Thomas preceded him in passing in 1975. Bob’s brothers Elmo, Dwight, and Jay also preceded him in passing.
Although Bob left Montana for Seattle in 1941, Bob always held Montana near in his heart, and visited often throughout the years. After completing his apprenticeship as a machinist, Bob joined the Civil Aeronautics Administration in 1947. Bob joined Boeing in 1953 in Shop Load. Bob excelled at Boeing, steadily advancing, and reached the level of Vice President, General Manager of the Fabrication Division, with responsibilities covering Boeing’s manufacturing facilities in Auburn and Seattle, WA, Portland, OR as well as in Georgia and Canada. Bob retired from Boeing in 1988.
Bob stayed active in his retirement, including volunteering in many leadership positions, including at the Italian Club of Seattle. A handyman’s handyman, Bob was highly skilled at carpentry, electrical, plumbing, machining and other skills, and spent much time in these endeavors.
Memorial services and burial will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 6701 30th Ave SW, on September 20, 2016 at 10:00, with a viewing beginning one hour earlier.
(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)
7:15 AM: Good morning – no incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far.
7:36 AM: From the scanner – report of a “dark-colored SUV” stalled on the eastbound West Seattle Bridge near Avalon.
8:06 AM: Haven’t heard anything further on that; nothing on cameras or from SDOT, there or elsewhere on the bridge corridor.
10:13 AM: Crash with injuries reported at 35th and Juneau. No word of the traffic effects and we might not be able to go take a look, but, be forewarned if you’re heading that way. Only one SFD unit so far, so whatever the injuries are, they’re not major enough for a medic unit.
10:48 AM: Three-car crash reported on the northbound Alaskan Way Viaduct just before the Western exit.
Stephanie and her husband just found those items in the attic of their White Center home, and are hoping to find a relative to give them to. The photos seem to include George Lee Hoke, born in 1921, mostly dealing with his military service. Here’s a closer look:
Stephanie says they turned up in the attic – unnoticed in previous looks around, but they’ve been doing duct work, and suddenly, there they were. If you’re a relative, or know someone who might be – let us know!
ORIGINAL REPORT, 9:39 PM: A driver is in custody on suspicion of hitting two parked cars on 35th SW between Roxbury and Barton. He was found after his damaged Mercedes (photo above) came to a stop on SW Trenton east of Fauntleroy. That scene was dispatched as a “car fire,” and we went there to check it out after hearing the siren while leaving the 34th District Democrats’ meeting nearby; while en route, we started getting reports about the hit-run crash, and learned at the car-fire scene that the two were related. We also talked by phone with a man who says he saw the hit-run happen and followed the driver while calling 911.
The Mercedes reportedly was at least partly on its rims, with blown-out tires, after hitting the cars (photo above) alongside northbound 35th; our photographer says one of its wheels is still at the scene (photo added below).
Police said they are investigating this as a possible case of DUI.
UPDATE, 10:17 AM THURSDAY: We’ve confirmed via police and court records that the suspect was cited – which means, in Seattle Municipal Court, charged, and so we are identifying him. 33-year-old Jesse David Lindsey was booked into King County Jail after being cited for misdemeanor hit and run and DWI. Initial bail, $1,500. State records show no felony criminal history. Lindsey is due to be arraigned this morning so we’ll update when that information is in.
UPDATE, 12:29 PM THURSDAY: Municipal Court records indicate Lindsey has been charged with a third misdemeanor, another count of hit-and-run, which brings his bail to $2,000.
UPDATE, 3:17 PM THURSDAY: The jail register and court documents now show the bail is up to $10,000. Also, the suspect is a West Seattle resident.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
With 54 days until Election Day, our area’s largest political organization, the 34th District Democrats, endorsed State Sen. Pramila Jayapal tonight in her run for the 7th Congressional District.
While the endorsement vote was the night’s marquee event, along with the “mini-forum” with Jayapal and opponent State Rep. Brady Piñero Walkinshaw that preceded it, City Councilmember Lisa Herbold‘s appearance made some headlines, so we’ll recap that first:
CITY COUNCILMEMBER LISA HERBOLD: First thing – the East Duwamish Greenspace tree-cutting investigation, which has now been under way for almost six months.
(April WSB photo – south end of area where trees were cut)
Her last major update on this was three months ago. Read More
The photo and report are from West Seattle High School athletic director Trevor Leopold:
Congratulations to West Seattle High School golfer Berit Syltebo, who shot a Hole-in-One yesterday at the Jefferson Golf Course. It was the 102-yard par 3, 6th hole.
She did it during the Wildcats’ Tuesday match against Garfield. The golfers play against Roosevelt at West Seattle Golf Course tomorrow (3:30 pm).
From last night’s Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting:
SDOT’S ADMIRAL WAY PROJECT UPDATE: SDOT’s Dawn Schellenberg and Sam Woods returned with an update, less than two weeks before the restriping of Admiral Way is set to start. Schellenberg reiterated the goals – to lower speeds, reduce collisions, make it “comfortable” for people to ride bicycles – and that the project has been a year and a half in the making. She recapped the final version of the plan, announced via e-mail in July, including where the center turn lane will be kept and where it will not. Another mailer is going out soon, she said, before pausing for Q & A.
“Why did the city spend money repainting parts of that corridor” before the current striping is set to be changed? asked ANA’s Mark Jacobs. “That seems like such a waste of money – literally within the past month they’ve been out repainting.”
More West Seattle Crime Watch notes this afternoon:
STOLEN CAR: Morgan‘s car was stolen last night or early today – “My car was stolen from my driveway (corner of 108th and 37th Ave SW [map]): 2016 Honda Fit, Cobra Drivers seat (says COBRA on the headrest) and license-frame bracket that says Seahawks Season ticket holder. WA plates — AYZ9219.” Call 911 if you see it.
STOLEN PACKAGE: In a comment following today’s first Crime Watch report, Chelsea reported a package theft near California and Dakota [map] and included this link to images from a security camera.
CRIME-PREVENTION ADVICE: The Southwest Precinct e-mailed two “bulletins” today with general advice on what you can do to prevent/reduce burglaries and car prowls – read them as PDFs here (burglaries) and here (car prowls).
NEXT WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL MEETING: WSCPC meetings resume this month – they are your chance to come hear about crime trends from, bring neighborhood concerns to, and ask questions of, Southwest Precinct reps, as well as special guests. WSCPC president Richard Miller tells WSB that the 7 pm meeting next Tuesday (September 20th) will feature “Lisa Love, manager, Health Education, Seattle Public Schools, to discuss the topic of harassment, intimidation, and bullying in our schools.” The meeting is at the precinct (2300 SW Webster).
(Planned site of Technical Training Center)
Along with what we’ve already previewed, here’s one more event for tonight. While it is happening in South Park, Duwamish River advocates tell us this event is potentially of interest to everyone concerned about the river and its watershed. It’s a Seattle City Light community meeting tonight to talk about its planned Technical Training Center. The center, with classrooms and an outdoor training yard, would be on Hamm Creek, on the north side of SCL’s Duwamish Substation. The plan would include “wetland mitigation … with approximately 4 acres of habitats similar to historic conditions on the Lower Duwamish River,” as well as a walking trail. Tonight’s meeting is scheduled for 6:15-7:45 pm at the South Park Community Center (8319 8th Avenue S.).
If you can’t get to the meeting but are interested in commenting on the plan, SCL is taking comments through next Tuesday (September 20th) as part of its State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)-related review. Those comments can be sent to Margaret Duncan, SEPA Coordinator, at margaret.duncan@seattle.gov or by postal mail at 700 5th Avenue, Suite 3200, Seattle 98104.
(WSF photo via Twitter)
Within a few months, you’ll see the next new Washington State Ferries vessel, M/V Chimacum, out on sea trials, now that it’s been christened. That happened in a ceremony this morning at Vigor on Harbor Island. Here’s the WSF announcement:
Sunny skies and a shiny new Washington state ferry graced Vigor’s Harbor Island Shipyard in Seattle today as the Washington State Department of Transportation christened Chimacum, the fleet’s third Olympic Class vessel.
In a traditional maritime ceremony, Washington State Ferries Assistant Secretary Lynne Griffith broke a bottle of champagne to officially welcome the new ferry to the fleet. Gov. Jay Inslee, along with Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar and Bremerton Mayor Patty Lent, spoke during the event. The Chimacum High School marching band added to the festivities.
The christening marks the Chimacum’s final stage of construction and its preparation for sea trials.
“The Washington state ferry system is among the best in the world. I am so pleased that the Chimacum is being built efficiently, on-budget and ahead of schedule,” Inslee said. “This is great for the state’s taxpayers and our maritime industry.”
“Chimacum joins a hard-working fleet that connects people and communities as part of our state’s integrated, multimodal transportation system,” Millar said. “Washington’s marine highways carry more than 24 million people every year, so it’s critical for us to replace our oldest ferries and plan for the future.”
“This represents a tremendous achievement for the men and women who have helped build this beautiful vessel,” Griffith said. “I am honored to christen our new ferry and I look forward to riding on Chimacum when she enters service next year.”
The 144-car Chimacum will begin its sea trials in early 2017 and will start carrying passengers on the Seattle/Bremerton route next spring. The Washington State Transportation Commission selected the vessel name in 2014 to honor the gathering place of the Chimacum people, which is now the present-day town of Chimacum near Port Townsend.
Chimacum is the third of four funded Olympic Class ferries that replace the aging, midcentury-era Evergreen State Class vessels. The first Olympic Class vessel, Tokitae, joined the Mukilteo/Clinton route in June 2014. The second, Samish, started service on the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route in June 2015. Suquamish, the fourth vessel in the class, is under construction at Vigor and will enter service in 2019.
Back in May, WSB’s Christopher Boffoli covered a media tour of Chimacum and the keel-laying ceremony for Suquamish – see his photos here.
Two reader reports:
BOAT AND TRAILER STOLEN: The photo and report are from Alyssa:
A family member’s boat was stolen from the corner of 14th Ave. SW and SW Elmgrove in Highland Park in the middle of the night. [map] It’s a 1966, 14 foot, white fishing boat on an army green trailer. Numbers on the side of the boat are: WN6881SJ and WA license plate # on trailer is: 7574QK. It was locked and had been moved within the last 72 hours … it has great sentimental value.
It’s been reported to SPD – call if you see it.
BICYCLE FOUND: Recognize this?
The photo’s from the finder, who says: “We found this bike in a hedge in an alley at Alki.” (Recognize it? Please comment.)
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