West Seattle, Washington
20 Wednesday
Two reader reports in Crime Watch this afternoon.
CAR-WASH ASSAULT: This happened in White Center but the victim’s mom wanted to get the word out widely:
I just wanted to make readers aware that there is risk of assault at the Car Palace car wash [10450 16th SW]. Two weeks ago, my 19-year old daughter was getting coins from the bill changer at the car wash. It was about 10 am.
She was groped from behind by a man who was about 5’5″ with dark hair. He was filming himself groping her with his camera. When she yelled, he took off running. She was so upset that she unwisely leapt into her car to follow him.
She followed him in her car to a nearby street where he hid under a bush. She then called her dad, who called the police. They saw the man enter a house nearby. They waited for 3 hours for the police, or in this case the sheriff, but no one came. There is currently just one car assigned to White Center.
Last night, the sheriff’s deputy came to interview my daughter. They cannot interview the suspect until the single deputy gets a partner for safety reasons.
At the very least, we’d like to warn other women that Car Palace may not be safe when you are alone, even in broad daylight on a busy street.
(Update: Incident # C23017252.) We’re checking on the KCSO staffing situation, as they recently assigned a new “storefront deputy,” according to briefings at the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council, which we cover monthly for partner site White Center Now.
CAR-THEFT ATTEMPT: The photo and report are also via email:
On May 21, my car was vandalized in an attempted auto theft on 56th and Alki (and is not functional as the result of an attempted theft and damaged ignition). Attached is a picture. The car was parked outside my residence, and I feel showing this information on West Seattle Blog is instructive for others. A police report was filed.
We’ll add the report number when we get it. (UPDATE: It’s 23-139708.)
Thanks to David for the report: “Looks like we have brown water coming out of our faucets in Upper Gatewood area of West Seattle (I’m near the intersection of 39th Avenue SW and SW Holden).” He called Seattle Public Utilities – always report it via 206-386-1800 – and they attributed it to annual hydrant testing; as noted here last week, a change in procedure is believed to be stirring up sediment (mostly rust) in the lines more than previously.
Though Friday was the last day to file, King County Elections briefly listed a surprise 9th candidate for Seattle City Council District 1 on its website Wednesday [screenshot]: Vincent Auger, whose mailing and email addresses cross-referenced to the local Socialist Workers Party HQ. Some hours after we spotted that, the list went back to the previous eight, whose names will appear on the ballot in this order:
Lucy Barefoot
Stephen Brown
Jean Iannelli Craciun
Rob Saka
Preston Anderson
Maren Costa
Mia Jacobson
Phil Tavel
We asked KCE about the mysterious, short-lived “ninth candidate” and got the answer this morning from spokesperson Halei Watkins, who said Auger “is a declared write-in candidate for D1 but he should not appear on the website as a listed candidate.” (Nor on the ballot, though as always there’ll be a line where you can write in anyone you want.)
Meantime, we are now 12 days away from our first in-person forum in the race, Tuesday, June 6, at Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Walmesley Center (35th/Myrtle). We’ve invited all eight candidates who formally filed. We’re presenting the forum in collaboration with the District 1 Community Network; the coalition’s organizations have been invited to submit questions, and we’re also opening that invitation to you – send suggested questions to westseattleblog@gmail.com and please put D-1 CANDIDATE QUESTION in the subject line. We plan to get more questions and answers during the forum by keeping strict time limits. If you want to be there to see and hear the candidates for yourself, doors will open at 6 pm for an informal community information fair, and the forum will start at 6:45 pm. Voting starts when you get your ballot after they’re mailed July 12th, and ends August 1st.
(California Poppy, photographed by Rosalie Miller)
Starting our list, three community meetings tonight:
SUPERFUND CLEANUP: 6 pm online, the EPA is hosting a meeting to explain the new Superfund cleanup proposal for the Duwamish River’s East Waterway alongside Harbor Island, as previewed here, where you’ll find the meeting-access link.
WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: 6:30 pm, online, with guests from Sound Transit (for a West Seattle light-rail update) and Metro, plus board elections. We’ll add the video/phone access info to our calendar listing as soon as we get it.
HPAC IN SOUTH DELRIDGE: 7 pm at Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery (9414 Delridge Way SW), HPAC meets in-person to talk about the city’s South Delridge Action Plan.
Here’s what else is happening today/tonight:
CONVERSATION & FRIENDSHIP CORNER: 1 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayers@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room on the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus is open 1-6 pm Thursdays.
THURSDAY FOOD-TRUCK POP-UP: 4-8 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), Swagg-n-Wagon will be visiting.
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Also at HP Corner Store, meet up at 6:30 pm for a three-mile run!
COOKING CLASS – SALADS: Just in time for cool summer dining! 5 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon) – RSVP before you go.
BEER-B-Q: 5-8 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), Seattle Beer Week – with meat!
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at The Good Society (California/Lander) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run – more in our calendar listing.
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS: Second of two free WSCO concerts this week, 7 pm in the auditorium at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle) – our calendar listing has details.
THEATER: Final week for “Zach” by Christian St. Croix, directed by Sara Porkalob, at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. Tickets here.
There’s even more in our calendar!
Before school gets out for the three-day Memorial Day weekend, Roxhill Elementary plans a fun(draising) Jog/Walk-A-Thon, and community support is welcome – here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:
Roxhill Elementary would like to announce we are hosting a Jog/Walk-A-Thon FUNDRAISER this Friday, May 26th! We are raising money for our 5th graders to have the experience of attending NatureBridge, an overnight camp on the Olympic Peninsula, next fall.
(Roxhill students last fall – photo by Geoff Miller)
This trip will build confidence, build community, and connect our young learners to the wonder and science of the natural world. Our goal is to raise at least $6000 to off-set the cost of the trip to the school and families and ensure each student can attend. You can make a pledge on behalf of a Roxhill student, or just make a flat donation. Visit our fundraising page via School Pay to make a donation!
6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, May 25th, two workdays to go until Memorial Day weekend!
WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast: Sunny, high in the low 70s. Sunrise was at 5:21 am; sunset will be at 8:52 pm.
TWO ADVISORIES
*If you travel near the West Seattle side of the 1st Avenue South Bridge, here’s an alert for work that might start today.
*Expect Don Armeni Boat Ramp and vicinity to be extra-busy because of today’s four-hour spot-shrimp season.
TRANSIT
Metro – Regular schedule, but trip cancellations are still possible. *Looking ahead to Memorial Day, buses will be on Sunday schedules.
Water Taxi – Continuing the spring/summer schedule, including late-evening runs Friday and Saturday nights. The West Seattle WT *does* run Memorial Day, on a Sunday schedule.
Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule; sailing cancellations remain possible on short notice, so check here for alerts/updates and see Vessel Watch for boats’ locations.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.
High Bridge – the main camera:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
Low Bridge – east-end vicinity:
1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:
Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.
If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities). Thank you!
1:25 AM: Seattle Fire is sending a “full response” to a building in the 9000 block of 18th SW [vicinity map]. 911 callers reported seeing flames. Updates to come.
1:28 AM: First arriving units confirm it’s a “working fire.” SFD describes it as a “vacant building.”
1:35 AM: Firefighters have told dispatch it looks like the fire “started on the outside.” City records show the house, sold after foreclosure last fall, has been the subject of multiple “vacant building” violations, most recently last month.
1:42 AM: They’ve declared the fire “tapped” (out).
1:52 AM: No report of injuries. Some responders are being cleared to leave.
They’re a student car club calling themselves the Greasy Peeps, and they’re inviting you to be part of the second annual car show they’re organizing at West Seattle High School:
Student organizers say it’ll happen noon-3 pm on Saturday, June 17th. If you’re showing a vehicle, check-in is at 11 am. Entry fee is $10 if you’re participating in the show ($5 for students); spectators are free. They’re planning to give awards this year and expecting a food truck. Motorcycles, vans, and buses are welcome too. You’re asked to pre-register your vehicle by using this form.
The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced a comment period has opened to get feedback on the proposed cleanup plan for the East Waterway, part of the north end of the Duwamish River, and part of the Harbor Island Superfund site. The comment deadline has since been extended until August 11th. But now’s a good time to find out more about the plan, so the EPA is having an online public meeting tomorrow night (Thursday, May 25th), 6 pm. From this one-sheet, here are key points of its proposal:
● Actively cleaning up approximately 121 acres of contaminated sediments, to include:
o Dredging 99 acres (or 63 percent) of the East Waterway Operable Unit;
o Capping 7 acres (this may include dredging to address final elevation needs);
o On-site (or in-situ) treatment of 12 acres under piers and docks using activated carbon or other organic amendments to contain and absorb contaminants; and
o Enhanced natural recovery of 3 acres for a portion of the East Waterway under the West Seattle Bridge/ Spokane Street Bridge corridor.● Applying monitored natural recovery in 36 acres where there would be no dredging, capping or treatment, to allow natural processes to reduce sediment concentrations.
● Implementing institutional controls including fish advisories, educational outreach, waterway and land use restrictions, and regulated navigational areas to prevent exposure to contamination and protect the integrity of the cleanup.
● Conducting short-term monitoring during and after construction to measure the cleanup’s progress and effectiveness, and until cleanup levels are achieved.
● Conducting Five-Year Reviews to assess whether the cleanup remains protective.
Construction work for this preferred alternative is estimated to take approximately 10 years and cost $290 million. This timeline assumes dredging would stop during salmon migration and tribal fishing seasons.
Here’s the online link for watching and/or participating (more info here). The EPA says no interpretation will be offered at this meeting, but an in-person public meeting with live interpretation in Spanish, Khmer, and Vietnamese is planned Saturday, June 3rd – drop in any time from 11 am to 6 pm at South Seattle College‘s Georgetown Campus (6737 S Corson Ave S, Building C). Here are other ways to comment.
Here’s another stolen vehicle whose owner hopes you might help find it – Chris sent the photo and report:
2000 Ford F-250 XLT Regular Cab Long Bed
Color: Gold
Stolen between 8 am and 10 am on Wednesday 5/24
40th SW between Brandon and FindlayIt still had a dealer plate on it (Marketplace Auto) but with a temporary License #A6347336 (where they put a paper in the window).
(WSB photos)
Want to get out of the home office, without leaving West Seattle? That’s just one reason to check out West Seattle Coworking (WSB sponsor), which just celebrated the grand opening of its brand-new space at 9030 35th SW [map].
Co-proprietors Ross and Crystal Bevilacqua were joined by West Seattle Chamber of Commerce leaders and members for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and party last night. They’ve opened this space in addition to their West Seattle Junction location (4452 California SW) and it’s truly new – they’re the first to occupy this space in the new mixed-use building.
The West Seattle Coworking space has a variety of ways in which you can work – open desks in shared space, or more-private areas:
If you need even more privacy for, say, a videoconference meeting or phone call, this room is set up for that:
West Seattle Coworking has meeting rooms, too, which are rentable even if you’re not an ongoing member:
And of course the other things a successful workplace needs, like a kitchen:
Want to check it out? The FAQ page on West Seattle Coworking’s website includes contact info for taking a tour, as well as lots of other info about how it works and what they offer; this page has rates for memberships and passes, plus a long list of what you get with a membership.
Thanks to David Hutchinson for the photo. Seattle Parks is bringing fire rings back to Alki Beach today, just before the official start of summer season. Saturday is the first day fires will be allowed, according to Parks’ recent early-closure announcement. (For a recap of beach-fire rules, go here.)
(Images from charging documents, suspect at West Seattle Target allegedly using stolen card)
A suspect in the theft of multiple US Postal Service vehicles and mail – including two West Seattle incidents on which we reported in January – is due in court this afternoon on federal charges. Here’s the announcement from the US Attorney’s Office (we’ve marked the West Seattle-relevant paragraph in bold):
The suspect in a series of mail vehicle and mail key thefts was arrested today on a federal complaint charging him with theft of mail and possession of stolen mail, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown.
Johny Mixayboua, 27, is accused of a string of mail theft incidents involving stolen postal vehicles, stolen postal keys, mail theft, and associated crimes such as identity theft. Mixayboua will appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle at 2:00 today.
According to the criminal complaint, on December 28, 2022, a U.S. Postal Service vehicle was stolen from the 6300 block of South Bangor Street in Seattle. In the vehicle was a postal key that is used to access the cluster mailbox units in the 98178 zip code. The key allows the postal worker to open the back of the cluster box to deliver mail to multiple households. Since the theft of the vehicle and postal key, there have been numerous reports of cluster boxes in zip code 98178 being opened and mail stolen.
Working with neighbors, the Postal Inspection Service was able to get door camera footage showing the person accessing the postal boxes. Neighbors reported credit cards being stolen and attempts being made to use them. Inspectors were able to review images from when the credit card attempts occurred and ultimately identified Mixayboua as the person stealing the mail and attempting to use the stolen credit cards.
Additionally, local law enforcement determined that vehicles used in a number of the mail theft incidents were reported stolen.
On January 17, 2023, two more Postal Service vehicles were stolen. One in the 3000 block of Beach Drive SW and a second one in the 3600 block of 57th SW. Both are in zip code 98116. Using doorbell camera footage from the block where one of the vehicles were recovered, investigators allegedly saw Mixayboua removing mail and parcels from the stolen postal vehicle and putting them in another vehicle. Again, law enforcement traced credit cards stolen from the mail and obtained surveillance footage that appears to show Mixayboua attempting to make purchases with the credit cards.
On January 30, 2023, a fourth postal vehicle was stolen – this time from the 2000 block of S. Columbian Way in Seattle. On March 28, 2023, a fifth postal vehicle was stolen from the 5700 block of S. 129th Ave. One of the people associated with the theft matches a description of Mixayboua.
In late January and February, the mail theft incidents continued — this time in the Snoqualmie area. The cluster boxes were opened with either a counterfeit or authentic postal key. Again, credit cards were stolen, and one was linked to images of Mixayboua making purchases at Target.
Throughout April, mail thefts continued from as far north as Lake Forest Park and as far south as southeast Seattle.
The postal service halted deliveries in zip code 98118 for about a week while investigators worked to track down and arrest Mixayboua.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) has worked diligently to get Mixayboua and his coconspirators into custody. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elyne Vaught.
We’ve just taken a first run through the charging documents; they note that Mixayboua used a stolen credit card for purchasing items from at least three stores and one gas station in West Seattle. We’re still researching and will add anything more of West Seattle relevance here. He is charged with two federal counts, mail theft and possession of stolen mail, so far.
ADDED 12:13 PM: Mixayboua has eight auto-theft-related cases on record in King County, between 2014 and 2018. In the documents for the most-recent case, he was described as a “prolific auto-theft suspect throughout King County.” The 2018 case involved three auto-theft-related counts and one count of eluding; he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three and a half years in prison.
From Castle:
2003 Jeep Wrangler TJ
Stolen from 5611 California Ave SW
5/22/23
License # AAV0983
Case # 23-140296
Bumper sticker ‘Eddie Would Go’
(Tuesday sunset, photographed by Gretchen Flickinger)
Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
CREATIVE WORKSHOP FOR CAREGIVERS: 1 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon) – registration deadline has passed, but you can check to see if there’s room.
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Don’t replace it – fix it! Weekly event, 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
TRIVIA x 6: Here’s where to play tonight. At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) now offers trivia … at 7 pm, you can play trivia at the West Seattle Brewing Mothership (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW); Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 8 pm; there’s 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska); trivia starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW); at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).
JAZZ NIGHT: 6:30 pm piano/bass duo at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)
MUSIC BINGO: Play weekly at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: 7:30 pm signups @ West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – no cover to watch. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
KARAOKE AT BENBOW ROOM: 9 pm-2 am – info in our calendar listing. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
Planning an event – presentation, meeting, performance, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, or … – that could be featured on West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar? Tell us about it! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WDFW photo)
Before we get to today’s list of events, an FYI for tomorrow – it’s likely to be one of the busiest days of the year at Don Armeni Boat Ramp, because it’s the one-day “season” for spot-shrimp fishing in nearby waters, 9 am-1 pm Thursday, May 25th. Usually the turnout fills the Don Armeni parking lot. Spot shrimp are the largest shrimp in Puget Sound, per WDFW. The state says Elliott Bay will be open this year as well as the central Sound.
Family and friends are remembering Laurie Jo (Holdridge) Treosti, and sharing this remembrance with the community:
LAURIE JO (HOLDRIDGE) TREOSTI
October 21, 1948 ˜ January 17, 2023Laurie Treosti passed away peacefully at the age of 74 on January 17, 2023, in Vancouver, WA, after a long battle with cancer. She was born Oct. 21, 1948, in Seattle to Robert and Jo Holdridge.
She graduated from Chief Sealth High School in 1966. She received her BA in Education from Central Washington State College in 1970 and moved to Vancouver to begin her teaching career. Teaching was a passion that she enjoyed for 44 years, instilling her own love of learning in her students by empowering them to be resilient and work beyond any challenges they face. She modeled this every day in her career facing the daily challenges of having MS. She was an advocate for disability awareness. Often, former students would return to her classroom at Mill Plain Elementary to thank her for the impact she made in their lives. She made a difference to countless students and their families during her career.
While teaching, she pursued a law degree in the evenings. In 1991, she received her Juris Doctorate from Lewis and Clark Law School. She practiced law for 30 years at Boyd, Gaffney, Sowards & Treosti, focusing on Estate Planning. For 20 years before retiring from teaching she was both an educator and an attorney.
Laurie cherished time spent with her many friends and family. Her smile, wisdom, compassion and sense of humor will be missed.
Laurie is survived by her mother Jo (Holdridge) Bonzon; her brother Stuart Holdridge and wife Patty; niece Amy Holdridge, husband Ed Gallas and daughter Abby Gallas; nephew Jeff Holdridge, partner Rebecca Bailey and son Connor Holdridge; stepbrother Gary Bonzon; and stepsister Sherry Osmonovich, and husband Louie.
A celebration of Laurie’s life is being planned for this Spring/Summer. A memorial scholarship is being created to benefit Evergreen Public Schools students in Laurie’s name. Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6:01 AM: Good morning. It’s Wednesday, May 24th, three workdays to go (for most) until Memorial Day weekend!
WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Gradual warming continues. Today’s forecast: Sunny, high in the upper 60s. Sunrise was at 5:22 am; sunset will be at 8:51 pm.
LOOKING AHEAD
If you travel near the West Seattle side of the 1st Avenue South Bridge, this alert is of note.
TRANSIT
Metro – Regular schedule, but trip cancellations are still possible. *Looking ahead to Memorial Day, buses will be on Sunday schedules.
Water Taxi – Continuing the spring/summer schedule, including late-evening runs Friday and Saturday nights. The West Seattle WT *does* run Memorial Day, on a Sunday schedule.
Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule; sailing cancellations remain possible on short notice, so check here for alerts/updates and see Vessel Watch for boats’ locations.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.
High Bridge – the main camera:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
Low Bridge – east-end vicinity:
1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:
Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities). Thank you!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
By Monday afternoon’s deadline for appealing the city decision to grant nine zoning exceptions for the Alki Elementary School rebuild, six appeals had been filed with the city Hearing Examiner, which today ordered them consolidated into one case.
Two hours after the appeal deadline, Seattle Public Schools discussed the project at an in-person community meeting, which turned contentious as frustrated neighbors at times shouted their concerns about some of those zoning exceptions, particularly those related to transportation, including the removal of all on-site parking.
We reported last month on the city’s recommendation that the zoning exceptions – formally called “departures” – be approved. The district first mentioned in an online public meeting last June that it would seek departures, and a request for public comment went out last fall. However, the usual public process was truncated because of pandemic-related policies, and that’s part of what neighbors are upset about, saying they didn’t have a chance to participate in the design process or, later, to have their concerns heard.
So last night, after listening for an hour to district director of capital projects Richard Best, architect Becky Hutchinson of Mahlum, and transportation consultant Marni Heffron, they did what they could to be heard, at times shouting their disagreement with the project team’s contentions.
Story, photos, video by Tracy Record and Patrick Sand
West Seattle Blog co-publishers
The automotive industry needs skilled workers, and a new West Seattle facility is dedicated to educating them.
It’s the Steve and Sharon Huling Automotive Technology Center on the main campus of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge, and a ceremony this afternoon celebrated its long road to reality – the plan has been traveling that road for more than a decade (we covered a “future home of …” sign-placement event at the site in 2011).
Now it’s built and open, and carries the names of the couple who have been major SSC benefactors for decades, with a special link to automotive-tech education because of their longtime family business. In honor of the occasion, Mayor Bruce Harrell proclaimed today to be “Steve and Sharon Huling Day,” according to a proclamation read at the event by SSD’s interim president Dr. Jean Hernandez:
Tours of the new 50,000-square-foot facility, which has actually been in service for months, followed speeches by college leaders and supporters, the Hulings, and even a graduate. We recorded it all on video:
Among the speakers, faculty member Doug Clapper emphasized how badly needed the facility is. “We’ve got more jobs than students right now.”
He recalled the facility plan being “first scratched out” as “a dream” that finally came true. It’s a program where the dream of a better life became reality through education and employment for graduate JoAnna Edwards. Her words of gratitude were full of emotion as she told those gathered, “You gave me the opportunity – I snatched it and ran with it.”
She went back to school at 36, a mom of three, a person who had struggled with rough times. “I was always waiting for somebody to rescue me; this school taught me how to rescue myself.” Now she has a new career and a job at an Eastside dealership.
A college supporter/adviser and local industry entrepreneur, Todd Ainsworth of Swedish Automotive (WSB sponsor), was another of those who noted the industry had a shortage of new workers. He was also a former student, mentioning a connection with SSC going back to when he took apprenticeship classes there.
And, addressing the Hulings, Ainsworth offered a comment that many a longtime West Seattleite could echo – “My family bought cars from your family!”
Seattle Colleges‘ interim chancellor Dr. Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap, who previously led SSC as president, talked about how having a new, modernized facility can inspire students as well as enhancing their education. “You bring people in who may not have a sense of what they want to do, then they walk into a place like this and say, ‘THIS could be my classroom?’.”
She also noted the Hulings’ support for the college’s 13th Year Promise scholarships, dating back long before that became a city-backed program. The Hulings themselves (whose children were there for the occasion) offered words of gratitude as well as praise for the program.
Steve Huling pointed out that the industry is continuing to innovate – “an industry that’s just starting to reinvent itself, with electric cars.” To underscore that point, several EVs from Lucid Motors were on display at the event.
(It was noted that’s what the Hulings drive.) In addition to high-tech equipment, the new building also has art:
“Oil Bloom” by Will Schlough, made from recycled oil drums painted into a flower, is over the staircase in the building’s foyer; the artist was there (lower-left corner of the photo above) to answer visitors’ questions.
Overall, dean of hospitality and service occupations Brian Scheehser, who emceed this afternoon’s event, declared the new center “an incredible learning space for our students.”
You can find out more about the Automotive Technology program at SSC by going here.
Another Kia theft. This report is from KG:
Stolen 2014 white Kia Sorento. Plates AVL7377. Last seen May 23 [today] around 10 am by SW Admiral Way & 60th Ave SW. Police Report # 23-141978. If seen, please call 911.
Evening whale-watching, anyone? Kersti Muul tells us that as of 6:30, orcas were northbound off The Arroyos, east in the channel.
Meet four of the 16 high-school juniors honored this year for academic achievement by West Seattle’s Alki Masonic Lodge #152. They are all from West Seattle High School – from left, Joaquin Huerta, Ruby Athan, Kamil Ignacio, and Linda Alvarracin. Also honored but not present at the ceremony were eight juniors from Chief Sealth International High School – Jurry Flores, Ocean Freeman, Amirah Helms, Tyler Jones, Jayson Nguyen, Joy Ohta, Samantha Scaia, and Stoli Sylwester – and four more from WSHS – Gaia Corvino, Quinn Dumont, Nathan Kellison-Miller, and Leah Morgan. The presentations were made during the Masons’ 42nd annual “School Awards Night in Support of Our Public School System.” The honorees are nominated by their schools’ faculty, and the awards include monetary gifts.
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