West Seattle, Washington

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month : 09/2016 302 results

BACK TO SCHOOL: South Seattle College welcomes biggest ’13th Year Promise’ class
September 15, 2016 6:29 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

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(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:

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The otter is a new – so far nameless – mascot. The 13th Year program started with Cleveland in 2008; Sealth was added in 2011.

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West Seattle YMCA expansion: New ‘Kids Zone’ opens Friday
September 15, 2016 4:32 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle YMCA expansion: New ‘Kids Zone’ opens Friday
 |   Fun stuff to do | Triangle | West Seattle news

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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:

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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.)

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Admiral Theater renovation work finally about to start
September 15, 2016 2:43 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Admiral Theater | West Seattle news

2016 06-03 Group Hug for the Admiral Theater lowresJS
(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.

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West Seattle Harvest Festival 2016 set & welcoming activity presenters, sponsors, chili competitors…
September 15, 2016 12:46 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(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.

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West Seattle Thursday: What you need to know
September 15, 2016 11:30 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

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(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.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Police search Lincoln Park after nearby burglary
September 15, 2016 9:21 am
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

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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.)

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Memorial service Tuesday for Bob Gamrath, 1922-2016
September 15, 2016 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on Memorial service Tuesday for Bob Gamrath, 1922-2016
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

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@wsb.blackfin.biz)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday updates & alerts
September 15, 2016 7:15 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(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.

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History mystery: Is George Lee Hoke a relative of yours?
September 15, 2016 2:37 am
|      29 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | White Center

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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:

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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!

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UPDATE: Suspect jailed after hit-run crash that damaged parked cars on 35th SW
September 14, 2016 9:39 pm
|      40 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

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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.

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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).

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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.

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VIDEO: 34th District Democrats endorse Jayapal, hear from Herbold on trees & more…
September 14, 2016 9:27 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

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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:

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CITY COUNCILMEMBER LISA HERBOLD: First thing – the East Duwamish Greenspace tree-cutting investigation, which has now been under way for almost six months.

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(April WSB photo – south end of area where trees were cut)

Her last major update on this was three months ago. Read More

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CONGRATULATIONS! Hole-in-one for West Seattle High School’s Berit Syltebo
September 14, 2016 7:02 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

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).

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@ Admiral Neighborhood Association: SDOT’s pre-restriping Q&A; vehicle-noise researcher; concert-series help, anyone?
September 14, 2016 5:02 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

From last night’s Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting:

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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.”

Read More

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen car; stolen package; prevention bulletins; next WSCPC meeting…
September 14, 2016 3:43 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Safety | Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council | West Seattle news

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).

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ALSO TONIGHT: Community meeting for proposed Seattle City Light facility along Duwamish River
September 14, 2016 1:53 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Environment | South Park | Utilities | West Seattle news

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(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.

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New state ferry M/V Chimacum christened at Vigor on Harbor Island
September 14, 2016 12:43 pm
|    Comments Off on New state ferry M/V Chimacum christened at Vigor on Harbor Island
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

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(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.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Boat & trailer stolen; another bicycle found
September 14, 2016 11:35 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

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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West Seattle Wednesday: PTSAs, candidates, more…
September 14, 2016 10:17 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Wednesday: PTSAs, candidates, more…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

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(The humble and ubiquitous Canada Goose – photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BABY STORY TIME: Bring your 4- to 12-month-old to High Point Library at 11:30 am for story time! (35th SW/SW Raymond)

LOCAL-BIZ LUNCHTIME MEETUP: Noon-1 pm today, it’s Local Biz meetup time at West Seattle’s coworking/event center Office Junction (WSB sponsor). Everybody welcome to drop in, even if you’re not a WSOJ member. Bring your lunch if you want to! (6040 California SW)

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN FARM STAND: Just a few more weeks to drop in and get fresh produce midweek at the High Point Market Garden Farm Stand, 4-7 pm. (32nd SW/SW Juneau)

NEW LOCATION FOR ULTIMATE FRISBEE: Wednesday night drop-in just moved to Walt Hundley Playfields in High Point. Still 6 pm. (34th SW/SW Myrtle)

CHIEF SEALTH INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL PTSA: First general-membership meeting of the year, 7 pm at the Confucius Center on campus. (2600 SW Thistle)

MADISON MIDDLE SCHOOL PTSA: First general-membership meeting of the year, 7 pm in the school library. (45th SW/SW Spokane)

Anybody else meeting tonight? **All PTSAs/PTAs** are welcome to send us meeting notices for the WSB calendar, which means they’ll also be in these daily-preview reminders! editor@wsb.blackfin.biz

CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES: 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, tonight’s 34th District Democrats meeting includes a “mini-forum” with 7th District U.S. House candidates State Sen. Pramila Jayapal and State Rep. Brady Piñero Walkinshaw. Full agenda here. (9131 California SW)

AMERICAN LEGION POST 160: 8 pm, monthly meeting at the Post 160 hall in The Triangle. (3618 SW Alaska)

MORE OF WHAT’S UP TODAY/TONIGHT … on our complete-calendar page.

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RSVP ASAP for West Seattle YMCA’s ‘HiSTORY HerSTORY OurSTORY YourSTORY’
September 14, 2016 9:09 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

If you’re thinking about going to the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) / Southwest Seattle Historical Society “HiSTORY HerSTORY OurSTORY YourSTORY” event one week from tomorrow, your RSVP is needed ASAP. Here’s the video invite from the Y’s Josh Sutton:

It’s happening 5:30-7:30 pm Thursday, September 22, at Fauntleroy Church/YMCA (9140 California SW). The details from SWSHS:

It will be a fun evening to share and hear stories about the YMCA from every era of the organization’s 94-year history in West Seattle.

The evening begins with memorabilia and story sharing and culminates when Clay Eals, executive director of SWSHS, interviews West Seattle locals Larry Pierce, Ann Adkins, Bruce Davis, and Ruthie Waid.

If you have Y memorabilia, bring it along. Light refreshments will be provided. The event is appropriate for children ages 6 and older. Free child care is available for ages 4 weeks to 12 years, with reservations required.

Please RSVP by September 15 to Maria Groen at 206-935-6000 or mgroen@seattleymca.org.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday updates and alerts
September 14, 2016 6:52 am
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(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: Good morning. One incident of note on the outbound routes right now – a vehicle fire in the right lane of northbound I-5 before the exit to I-90.

7:01 AM: WSDOT says that fire is now blocking two right lanes.

7:13 AM: Those lanes are now clear, per WSDOT.

7:54 AM: Multiple reports that Fauntleroy is backed up big time on the way to the bridge today. There are no obvious incidents – no 911 responses, nothing mentioned by SDOT.

7:57 AM: If you’re thinking about an alternative to Delridge Way, avoid 25th SW in the SW Findlay vicinity – scanner just had a dispatch of police to help a semitruck driver who reports being stuck at that intersection.

8:13 AM: SDOT has nothing to explain the Fauntleroy backup – theorizing the bridge jam overall might be residual effect of earlier NB I-5 incidents. Meantime, do avoid Findlay west of Delridge – SPD, per scanner, is now blocking off Findlay there because of the stuck truck at 25th SW.

8:32 AM: Just went through 25th/Findlay to check on the truck situation – all clear.

8:37 AM: However, heading westbound on Genesee, we note the eastbound (Delridge-bound) traffic is way backed up, almost all the way to the bottom of the hill. And now – Avalon backup almost to 35th. Fauntleroy still looking thick, but flowing with the green light. (If you are going WESTBOUND on Fauntleroy, a double-trailer construction truck is blocking one of the lanes turning toward The Whittaker, just past Trader Joe’s.)

9:10 AM NOTE – THANK YOU! Now that the heart of the commute is over … just a word of thanks to everyone sharing information, whether via comments, via texting/calling 206-293-6302 (provided you’re not driving! thanks to all the bus riders who help out this way), or (if not urgent) editor@wsb.blackfin.biz … we really appreciate it and so do your neighbors who benefit from the info shared here.

9:25 AM: If you’re headed east on the surface, east of the low bridge, note that a crash is blocking 6th S./S. Spokane, per SDOT Twitter and scanner. A semitruck is involved and SPD is looking to dispatch Commercial Vehicle Enforcement.

9:47 AM: That one’s down to just one lane of blocking. But now, an incident on the eastbound West Seattle Bridge … someone has been spotted walking on the bridge, with a gas can. So perhaps there’s a stalled vehicle out there somewhere.

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@ Fauntleroy Community Association: Burglaries; transportation; schoolhouse centennial…
September 13, 2016 10:42 pm
|    Comments Off on @ Fauntleroy Community Association: Burglaries; transportation; schoolhouse centennial…
 |   Fauntleroy | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

From tonight’s Fauntleroy Community Association meeting:

BURGLARIES UP: Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Ron Smith brought a crime update. Burglaries are on the rise in Fauntleroy, he said. In August, there was one a week, and while that might not sound like much, it’s an uptick they’re taking seriously. If you see anything unusual/suspicious happening, he stressed – there or anywhere else – call 911. Car prowls, meantime, are down slightly, and “crimes against persons” have dropped by more than half.

ENDOLYNE TRIANGLE PROJECT: As reported here, SDOT has completed the work, long requested by community members, first described at last xx’s FCA meeting. FCA’s Marty Westerman said the final product is about 90 percent of what the group and other community members suggested; questions remain about the layout of the parking spaces alongside the commercial building in the heart of the triangle, and he’ll be contacting SDOT point person Jim Curtin for a walkthrough. Otherwise, Westerman said the transition seemed to have gone smoothly.

OTHER TRANSPORTATION ISSUES: Information is still being gathered regarding who’s parking in the neighborhoods; the most recent survey was done after school started, to see if parking usage is affected by the number of West Seattleites who go to school on Vashon. Findings will be presented next month … FCA’s ferry-issues point person Gary Ewing said he’s been involved in discussions resulting from the huge recent backups, to “brainstorm” ideas about better traffic flows. No conclusions on that yet.

SCHOOLHOUSE CENTENNIAL: One of next year’s biggest events in Fauntleroy will be the historic schoolhouse’s centennial, with a celebration planned on Sunday, May 21, 2017, starting right after services at Fauntleroy Church, since the congregation includes many alumni from the old Fauntleroy School. The committee working on the celebration is seeking a small city grant to pay for refreshments and some other incidentals; they’re working on activities including an old-fashioned school carnival. The event will start with a ceremony and speakers, with the lineup almost set. Find out more about the centennial plans here.

The Fauntleroy Community Association meets second Tuesdays most months, 7 pm @ Fauntleroy Schoolhouse – check fauntleroy.net between meetings for updates.

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VIDEO: West Seattle High School Marching Band & Flag Squad @ Husky Stadium
September 13, 2016 9:08 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

That’s video from the halftime show at Husky Stadium on Saturday – featuring marching bands from around the state, including the West Seattle High School Band. Laura Martin sent the link as well as photos and this report:

West Seattle High School Band and Flag Squad participated in Husky Band Day this past Saturday! More than 1,000 high school students from across the state joined forces with the University of Washington Husky Marching Band for a halftime show in Husky Stadium during the UW/University of Idaho football game.

(WSHS Drum Majors Lindy Tongol, Neil Gromlich and Kevin Corona with our Husky Band member chaperone, 2015 Sealth grad Chris Laranang)

The all-day event included a morning rehearsal, the UW Husky Marching Band performing for the students during a pre-game lunch in the field house, and tickets to the game.

(2016 WSHS grads LaVera Sheilds and Bonnie Weglin, former WSHS Band members now in Husky Band!)

It was a fun and entertaining day. Great job, Wildcats!

If you couldn’t pick them out in the video – the WSHS band is in the lower right of this last photo:

rehearsal-wshs-band-foreground-right

Look for them at their own home stadium, Southwest Athletic Complex, when the WSHS football team hosts Garfield this Friday night, 7 pm.

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WEDNESDAY: Congressional candidates, endorsement @ 34th District Democrats
September 13, 2016 7:39 pm
|    Comments Off on WEDNESDAY: Congressional candidates, endorsement @ 34th District Democrats
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

With less than two months until Election Day, the 34th District Democrats are due to decide tomorrow night (Wednesday, September 14th) who they will endorse in the 7th Congressional District race, since the candidate they endorsed in the primary, County Council president Joe McDermott, did not make it into the top two. Before the vote, they’ll have a mini-forum with the candidates who did – State Sen. Pramila Jayapal and State Rep. Brady Piñero Walkinshaw. While the endorsement vote is only open to members, the meeting is open to everyone – 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW). See the full agenda here.

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