month : 09/2018 302 results

At right is Penny Scott, a Routes 125/128 bus driver who is one of three Metro drivers honored today as Operators of the Year. This was the first three-way tie since Metro started presenting the award in 1979. From the announcement:

Penny drives Route 125 between Downtown Seattle and West Seattle and Route 128 from West Seattle to White Center and Tukwila. She was hired as a part-time transit operator in July 1995 and went full-time in March 2001. She has earned a 22-year Safe-Driving Award and received several commendations. She was named Operator of the Month in October 2017. Penny was born and raised in Seattle, and graduated from Garfield High School in 1991. Penny is known around the base as “The Five-Star General” … because of the safety pins she proudly displays on her Metro jacket. Penny has two grown sons, Johnathan and Dorian. In her spare time, Penny enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends.

Read about her two co-Operators of the Year, Ricardo Diaz and Robert Leyse (who drive non-WS routes), in the full announcement here. Metro says all three got the news “at a surprise ceremony today at Atlantic-Central Base.”

Seen off West Seattle: Schooner Adventuress

September 19, 2018 4:48 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks to Jim Borrow for the photo of the historic schooner Adventuress, which caught attention off Alki this afternoon. Adventuress is 105 years old; you can read its history here. It’s been a National Historic Landmark since 1989, and is operated by the educational nonprofit Sound Experience.

From the ‘in case you wondered too’ file: Upton Flats update

September 19, 2018 3:06 pm

| 18 COMMENTS

| Development | High Point | West Seattle news

Upton Flats – the High Point mixed-use development at 35th SW/SW Graham – “isn’t as close to complete as you might think.” That’s what Seattle Housing Authority spokesperson Kerry Coughlin told us when we checked in after receiving multiple recent e-mails wondering about its status. Coughlin explained, “The developer is facing the same issues that a lot of construction projects are right now. It’s difficult to get certain subcontractors, which creates delays.” Most of those e-mailing us to ask about the project’s status were particularly curious about its commercial space. As we’ve reported previously, most of it will become offices for SHA; Coughlin says that will total about 5,300 square feet, and they’re now expecting to move into that space next summer. No tenant yet for the retail space, about 1,200 square feet. In addition to those spaces and the ~100 apartments, which Coughlin says are still under construction, Upton Flats will include a “nearly 3,000-sf community room with kitchen and restrooms.” (If you’re interested in more information about the 6058 35th SW project, here’s our report from its final Southwest Design Review Board meeting in 2016.)

FOLLOWUP: Flying Apron to take over Great Harvest space in West Seattle Junction

September 19, 2018 1:03 pm

| 32 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

The 4709 California SW storefront that Great Harvest Bread Co. is vacating (as reported here Tuesday) won’t be vacant for long. This morning, we spoke with one of the West Seattleites who own Flying Apron and plan to open their third bakery/café in that space.

Angela Cough and husband Jeff Silva already have two West Seattle businesses – Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (4410 California SW) and Shack Coffeehouse (2920 SW Avalon Way) – but their first business, Flying Apron, is in Fremont and Redmond. Now, they’re expanding it close to home, and Angela tells WSB they’re “very excited.” If you’re not familiar with Flying Apron, it’s a gluten-free, vegan bakery and café – sweet and savory items. Angela says they had long been looking for a West Seattle location and discovered the Great Harvest proprietors were looking for someone to take over the space. The Flying Apron café will be “casual dining,” counter-ordering with seating or takeout. They’ll offer soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, pizza, lasagna, etc. – all “100 percent gluten-free and vegan” – and when Flying Apron is up to full speed in West Seattle, they hope to have an “even more robust” variety of bread offerings. Custom cakes, too, even wedding cakes. “Our goal is food access … giving (people who have food sensitivities) the opportunity to enjoy things they loved” even before they changed their diet. Full-service coffee, too, “similar to what you’d find at Hotwire and The Shack.”

Once they open – no later than January, Angela says, though they hope to at least have part of the operation going during the holiday season (it will likely take them a little extra time to convert the space because it needs to be thoroughly cleaned for the transition away from wheat and other ingredients Flying Apron doesn’t use) – their hours will likely be similar to their current Flying Apron cafés, in the 8 am-7 pm vicinity. And they’re glad to be able to keep the Junction space in local hands: “I was born and raised here – really, never left – so for me (especially) it’s a big deal. We’re very well-rooted in this community – our kids go to Genesee Hill Elementary,” and they support local nonprofits.

They promise a community “launch party” when the West Seattle Flying Apron is ready to go. “We’re going to do our best to open as fast as possible.”

UPDATE: Body found in Duwamish River

September 19, 2018 11:07 am

| 10 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police

11:07 AM: A large police/fire response along the Duwamish River this morning followed the discovery of a body in the water. A Seattle Police spokesperson tells WSB they got word from Port of Seattle PD, and a search/recovery operation ensued. We went to the area south of Herring’s House Park after tips from passersby who noticed the sizable police presence. SFD and SPD teamed up for the recovery operation. We have no information yet about the person who was found – not even gender/age, nor how they died, which will be up to the King County Medical Examiner to determine.

12:08 PM: Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Steve Strand has one additional detail – he tells us the person who died was an “adult male.”

West Seattle businesses: The Daily Dose coffee shop has closed

September 19, 2018 10:39 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Delridge | West Seattle news | WS beverages

Thanks to Evan for the tip via Twitter – another West Seattle business closure, The Daily Dose coffee shop (5214 Delridge Way SW). We don’t know when it happened, but Evan was the first to mention it to us, after spotting that sign in the window this morning, and we went over to confirm.

What’s up for your West Seattle Wednesday

September 19, 2018 10:13 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(WSB photo: Dogs in the pool at Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club on Tuesday. Scroll down for info on tonight’s session)

Highlights for the rest of your Wednesday:

ROXHILL PARK WALK: Walk with Sound Steps at 3 pm: “Join your neighbors for a walk on the Longfellow Creek Trail, through Roxhill Park on a .5 mile loop – stop there or continue on for another loop for 1 mile total. Meet at the trail entrance on Barton.”

OPEN HOUSE: Ticor Title invites you to visit its new West Seattle office on the south end of The Junction for a 4-7 pm open house. Refreshments! (4817 California SW)

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN FARMSTAND: Weekly farmstand open for you to buy organic produce grown where it’s sold, 4 pm-7 pm. (32nd SW & SW Juneau)

PUPS IN THE POOL: Today’s the second session of the Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club‘s annual Dog Days of Summer. The pool has closed for the human-swimming season – so now it’s open to dogs for swimming, as a fundraiser. 5-7 pm. (11003 31st SW)

INJURY NIGHT: Free individual injury assessments at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) with Dr. Nate Moore, starting at 6 pm. Plus – a medical-device demonstration that’ll be of interest – details in our calendar listing. (2743 California SW)

SEARCH AND RESCUE CLASS: Still room in this free 6 pm class at the Joint Training Facility:

When a large disaster happens, first responders and other city services may be overwhelmed. Transportation may be disrupted and communication may be difficult. It is vital that city residents are prepared to be self-sufficient during these times. Having knowledge of some key disaster skills is a crucial part of that preparedness effort. This training provides an overview of light search and rescue skills and basic rescuer safety. When first responders are overwhelmed, residents may apply some of these techniques to help those around them in need.

This Workshop covers the following topics:
-Rescuer safety
-Basic search techniques
-Basic rescue techniques (lifts, carries, cribbing).

DENNY IMS PTSA 6:30 pm in the school library, it’s the first meeting this school year for the Denny International Middle School PTSA. (2601 SW Kenyon)

EARLY AUTUMN-EQUINOX SUNSET WATCH 6:30 pm at Solstice Park, join Alice Enevoldsen for an early edition of the fall-equinox sunset watch! Sunset’s around 6:55 pm. (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW)

DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOODS DISTRICT COUNCIL: 7 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club, DNDC resumes its monthly meetings. Agenda info is in our calendar listing. (1116 SW Holden)

WORDSWEST LITERARY SERIES 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), tonight’s WordsWest event is “New Beginnings: School Shoes, Firewood, and Falling Leaves” with Greg November and Joannie Stangeland. More info here. Admission free! (5612 California SW)

TRIANGULAR JAZZTET: Jazz at Whisky West (WSB sponsor), starting at 7 pm. No cover. 21+. Details here! (6451 California SW)

THAT’S JUST THE START … there’s more on our complete calendar.

1 week until Mayor Jenny Durkan @ Highland Park Action Committee

September 19, 2018 9:32 am

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| Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(WSB photo from June fact-finding walking tour with HPAC and mayor’s rep)

A mayoral visit that’s been months in the planning is now one week away – Mayor Jenny Durkan, hosted by the Highland Park Action Committee. You’re invited. HPAC chair Charlie Omana has just sent the agenda for the September 26th event, with word that the city’s Human Services Director will be there too:

6:15 Doors open

6:30 Calling meeting to order

6:35 Guest Speaker – Mayor Jenny Durkan

6:50 – 7:00 Q&A with Mayor

Interlude

7:10 – Conversation with Randy Wiger, Recreation Program Coordinator, Parks Department, about programming in HP parks

7:30 Guest – Jason Johnson, Interim Director, Department of Human Services: Open conversation about City of Seattle policies on homelessness

8:00 close meeting

This is at Highland Park Improvement Club (1116 SW Holden). Here’s the letter sent by HPAC to the mayor earlier this month as a reminder of what they’re hoping to address.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch

September 19, 2018 7:10 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:10 AM: Good morning. No incidents currently reported in/from West Seattle; a stalled vehicle reported on the bridge last hour has cleared.

EARLY RELEASE: A reminder since the school year is still new, Wednesdays are early-release days for Seattle Public Schools again this year.

HIGHWAY 99 CLOSURE: As we reported yesterday, NB 99 will close this weekend – specifics here.

TRANSIT NOTE: Just for the record … Metro said the 6:41 am Route 55 didn’t run today.

(added) STADIUM EVENT: Sounders FC plays at CenturyLink Field, 8 pm tonight vs. Union.

STILL MISSING: Have you seen Jackie?

September 18, 2018 9:20 pm

| 56 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police

TUESDAY NIGHT: It’s now a day and a half since we reported that SPD was asking for help finding missing West Seattle resident Jackie Dupras, and her daughter says Jackie has not yet been found, and they are searching and posting flyers. She is described as “74, diagnosed with dementia and increasing memory issues, 5’3″, 135 lbs., reddish gray hair, green eyes.” Last seen Sunday in North Admiral, in the 1900 block of 46th Ave SW. Call 911 if you have information.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Here’s the poster her family has made:

West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen black eBike

September 18, 2018 8:04 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Dennis hopes you can help find his stolen eBike:

On the 10th of this September I was working out at the YMCA at 3622 SW Snoqualmie St and when I went out to the bike rack, the chain had been cut and the bike was gone. I estimate that the theft occurred at about 5 PM on that day.

It’s a 2013 black OHM with a BAFANG motor connection. It says OHM on the frame. It’s a 20” frame with 28” wheels. It has a Topeak bag on the back where the battery is stored. It has a little tiny brass bell on the handlebars and a brown Brooks saddle with a rain cover.

The folks at the bike shop told me that oftentimes someone will ride an eBike and then dump it when the battery runs out since they can’t charge it at that point.

The SPD incident # is 18-341341.

DEVELOPMENT: What happened at West Seattle’s second-ever Early Design Community Outreach meeting

September 18, 2018 7:33 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Development | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

The second West Seattle project to have an early-stage meeting as part of the city’s new Early Design Community Outreach process is 5616 California SW, proposed for eight townhouses to replace a 93-year-old house. As was the case for the first West Seattle project in the process, 1772 Alki SW, the meeting for this one drew a single-digit turnout – three community members. Two representatives of Cone Architecture talked with the three attendees for an hour at the 4 pm Monday meeting in the community room at High Point Library. They said they had sent postcards to nearby residents, as required by the city, including a URL for an online survey about the project, but that had only drawn one response.

One of the attendees, Jim Guenther, suggested it might have been a bigger draw if the project team instead had planned an open house at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor), which is next to the project site. (The architects said their firm has been talking with C & P about the project.) The talk was almost as much about the process as the project; one of the other attendees was Deb Barker, president of the Morgan Community Association and retired land-use planner, who suggested that 4 pm on a weekday was not a time many could work with.

The architects did show “massing” renderings for three possible ways the townhouses could be arranged on the site. They also explained that the project is strictly residential, though the site could have had a commercial component too, and that it has five parking spaces because that’s all that’s required given its proximity to “frequent transit” (RapidRide stops nearby). They also said the “exceptional tree” on the site is staying – “we have embraced and want to” protect it. Barker suggested that impervious surface be minimized on the site.

If you’re interested in the project but couldn’t get to the meeting or hadn’t heard about it, you’ll have another chance to comment when the design proposal becomes officially available for Administrative Design Review (no public meetings in that part of the process but the city will announce it in the Land Use Information Bulletin).

(LATE-NIGHT P.S.: Since we published this, a third West Seattle project has been added to the Early Outreach list – 5009 Fauntleroy Way SW, three rowhouse units and three single-family houses. No meeting date yet.)

VIADUCT NOTES: Another Highway 99 closure this weekend; plus, bus routes’ future

September 18, 2018 5:23 pm

| 16 COMMENTS

| Alaskan Way Viaduct | Highway 99 tunnel | Transportation | West Seattle news

Two Alaskan Way Viaduct/Highway 99-related notes on this day after The Big Announcement (WSB coverage here) that the AWV’s permanent shutdown for the tunnel transition (and then demolition) won’t happen until January 11th:

ANOTHER CLOSURE THIS WEEKEND: WSDOT confirms that another Highway 99 closure north of the West Seattle Bridge is planned this weekend, this time northbound, according to spokesperson Laura Newborn. When we checked with her this morning, she was awaiting confirmation on the Friday night (September 21) start time (update: 9 pm), but added that “WSDOT plans to open up the NB ramp at Royal Brougham so NB SR 99 will be accessible after the Seahawks game on Sunday.” That’s assuming the closure doesn’t end early, as last week’s southbound closure did.

BUS ROUTING AFTER THE PERMANENT CLOSURE: Looking ahead to its next “service change” this Saturday, Metro created timetables with information about what happens to the 12 routes that use the Alaskan Way Viaduct, once it closes. Below are the links to PDFs of each timetable and the language each respectively contains regarding rerouting during the Highway 99 closure:

C Line

(During the Highway 99 closure) … the C Line will be rerouted through SODO via 4th Ave S, and via 2nd Ave and 3rd Ave south of Columbia St. The C Line will continue to operate via 3rd Ave midtown.

Route 21

(During the Highway 99 closure) … Route 21 will be rerouted through SODO via 4th Ave S, and via 2nd Ave and 3rd Ave south of Columbia St. All Express service will operate exclusively via 3rd Ave midtown; Local service will remain unchanged midtown

Route 37

(During the Highway 99 closure) … Route 37 will be rerouted through SODO via 4th Ave S, and via 2nd Ave and 3rd Ave south of Columbia St. All Route 37 service will operate via 3rd Ave north of Columbia St during this time.

Route 55

(During the Highway 99 closure) … Route 55 will be rerouted through SODO via 4th Ave S, and via 2nd Ave and 3rd Ave south of Columbia St. Route 55 will operate via 3rd Ave, but otherwise remain unchanged midtown.

Routes 56 and 57

(During the Highway 99 closure) … routes 56 and 57 will be rerouted through SODO via 4th Ave S, and via 2nd Ave and 3rd Ave south of Columbia St. Both routes will operate via 3rd Ave, but otherwise remain unchanged midtown.

Route 113

(During the Highway 99 closure) … Route 113 will be rerouted through SODO via 4th Ave S, and via 2nd Ave and 3rd Ave south of Columbia St. Midtown, Route 113 will shift operation from 1st Ave and 2nd Ave to 3rd Ave.

Route 120

(During the Highway 99 closure) … Route 120 will be rerouted through SODO via 4th Ave S, and via 2nd Ave and 3rd Ave south of Columbia St. Route 120 will operate via 3rd Ave, but otherwise remain unchanged midtown.

Routes 121, 122, 123

(During the Highway 99 closure) … routes 121, 122 and 123 will be rerouted through SODO via 4th Ave S, and via 2nd Ave and 3rd Ave south of Columbia St. Midtown, the three routes will shift operation from 1st Ave and 2nd Ave to 3rd Ave

(added) Route 125

(During the Highway 99 closure) … Route 125 will be rerouted through SODO via 4th Ave S, and via 2nd Ave and 3rd Ave south of Columbia St. Midtown, Route 125 will operate exclusively via 3rd Ave.

Since the timetables have language suggesting that the permanent AWV closure was expected to start around the end of this month, some might be confused, so we contacted Jeff Switzer of Metro, who reiterates, “The printed timetables for the 12 routes that use the viaduct will be accurate at the time the tunnel opens. The interim pathways defined during the closure are set, however, additional bus stops are under consideration. Buses will continue to use the viaduct and their current paths, and riders can expect the same trip duration, until the viaduct closes.” The mention of “additional” stops dovetails with what Metro deputy general manager Terry White said at yesterday’s media briefing, that stops are still being finalized.

FOLLOWUP: The work that’s being done during Southwest Pool’s limited-schedule month

September 18, 2018 5:20 pm

| Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: The work that’s being done during Southwest Pool’s limited-schedule month

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | Westwood

As reported here Friday, Seattle Parks cut short the planned monthlong closure of Southwest Pool, citing permit/contract trouble. But it’s operating on a limited schedule during the month instead. So what IS being worked on during that time? Parks has updated this post with info, including:

SPR will take advantage of the pool’s reduced operating schedule to conduct a complete interior LED conversion to the facility, including changing approximately 430 fluorescent tubes to LED. This effort will reduce the facility’s lighting energy consumption by 55%. This project will help us meet the City’s goal of reducing energy consumption by 20% by 2020, as set out by the Seattle Climate Action Plan. SPR will complete this project prior to the pool returning to its full operating schedule on Monday, Oct. 15.

The limited schedule, meantime, can be seen here (PDF).

Early equinox-sunset watch! Join Alice Enevoldsen on Wednesday at Solstice Park

September 18, 2018 1:06 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, fall 2017 equinox sunset watch)

Though fall doesn’t officially arrive until Saturday, Alice Enevoldsen‘s season-change Autumn Equinox Sunset Watch is happening a few days early – join her tomorrow (Wednesday, September 19) at Solstice Park. As always, it’ll be a fun, free, educational way to celebrate the arrival of the new season. Details are here; directions and map to Solstice Park are here. She’ll be there starting around 6:30 pm regardless of the weather (unless there’s a steady downpour, which is not in the current forecast); the sun is expected to set shortly before 7 pm. (P.S. Here’s why this is happening a few days pre-equinox.)

UPDATE: Employers connect with potential employees @ West Side Job Fair 2018

September 18, 2018 11:46 am

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| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

11:46 PM: Work local! Organizers tell us they have a “steady stream” of potential employees moving through the second West Side Job Fair, continuing until 1 pm at Great American Diner & Bar (4752 California SW) in The Junction.

Above are West Seattle Chamber of Commerce board chair Pete Spalding and CEO Lynn Dennis and WS Junction Association executive director Lora Radford – their organizations are presenting the Job Fair in partnership with WorkSource. Just bring copies of your resumé and get ready to talk with local businesses and organizations who are there hoping to fill more than 100 jobs.

P.S. We’re the West Side Job Fair’s media sponsor, and also want to remind you that year-round, local (West Seattle/White Center/South Park) businesses are welcome to post job listings, free, on WSB – just follow the JOBS link on our site menu.

5:25 PM: 116 jobseekers participated today!

West Seattle businesses: Great Harvest closing in The Junction

September 18, 2018 11:02 am

| 58 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Thank you for the tips. That note on the door of Great Harvest Bread Co. in The Junction (4709 California SW) confirms it’s closing. Since it’s closed on Tuesdays, there was no one there to talk with when we went by a little while ago, but the note says:

To all of our wonderful and loyal customers:

After 16 1/2 years in business the time has come for us to hang up our aprons. Due to doubled rent in 2017 and personal family reasons, our family must move on to the next chapter in our lives. We appreciate each and every one of our customers. We have met some amazing friends during our years in West Seattle. We will miss you and we can’t say thank you enough for supporting our family-run business. As we close our doors, it is time for another family-run business to take over and serve this wonderful community. Stay tuned for the details to come.

Friday, September 21st, will be our last day of business. Again, thank you all for EVERYTHING!!!

The Pals Family

Though Great Harvest is a chain, as explained on the West Seattle store’s website, they have operated under a “Freedom Franchise,” explained as “we get to run our business in a way that meets our community’s unique needs.”

West Seattle Tuesday: West Side Job Fair, Dog Days of Summer, WS Crime Prevention Council, more!

September 18, 2018 9:04 am

| Comments Off on West Seattle Tuesday: West Side Job Fair, Dog Days of Summer, WS Crime Prevention Council, more!

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Great Blue Heron, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Highlights as we wade into your Tuesday!

WEST SIDE JOB FAIR: Bring your resumé – multiple copies – and get ready to interview on the spot as 30+ West Seattle employers interview for 100+ jobs. 10 am-1 pm at Great American Diner and Bar in The Junction. Presented by the West Seattle Junction Association and WS Chamber of Commerce; WSB is the media sponsor. (4752 California SW)

YMCA PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSES: 10 am-11 am and 4:30-5:30 pm, you’re invited to open houses for the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) preschool at the Schmitz Park school building. (5000 SW Spokane) and a 10-11 am open house for the Y’s preschool at the Louisa Boren STEM K-8 building. (5950 Delridge Way SW)

PEDESTRIAN AND MOBILITY FAIR: Geared toward seniors but all are welcome, 11 am-1 pm at Alki Beach Bathhouse, lunch provided. Find out ways to help be sure you can keep getting around! (2701 Alki SW)

DOGS IN THE POOL: Today’s the first session of the Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club‘s annual Dog Days of Summer, with the pool open to dogs after it’s closed for the season to humans. 5-7 pm. (11003 31st SW)

WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: First meeting after summer break. Your concerns and questions for local police are at the heart of tonight’s agenda – it’s your chance to bring them up outside of a 911 call. 7 pm at the Southwest Precinct. (2300 SW Webster)

CHIEF SEALTH IHS PTSA: First meeting of the year for the Chief Sealth International High School PTSA, 7 pm in the Confucius Center on campus. (2600 SW Thistle)

UNPLUGGED: All acoustic musicians/singers are welcome! At C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

SEE WHAT ELSE IS UP … on our complete calendar!

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday watch

September 18, 2018 7:06 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:06 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported so far in/from West Seattle.

SPORTS: First volleyball win of the year for West Seattle High School

September 17, 2018 11:59 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photos. #11, Tyler Donlan)

A night to remember for the West Seattle High School volleyball team, first win of the season in a home match against Bainbridge High School.

(#2, Raven Anderson)

The visiting Spartans took the first game 25-16 but then the Wildcats won the match by taking the next three, 25-8, 29-27, and 25-23. The last two were especially hard-fought by first-year head coach Abby West‘s players.

Next up for the Wildcats, they’re at home again Tuesday night, 7 pm varsity, vs. Skyline. Here’s the season schedule.

West Seattle resident Andrés Mantilla confirmed as city Department of Neighborhoods director

September 17, 2018 9:32 pm

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| Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

After four months as its interim director, Highland Park resident Andrés Mantilla is now officially in charge of the city Department of Neighborhoods, confirmed today by the City Council.

He succeeds Kathy Nyland, who led the department for three years following Bernie Matsuno‘s four-year tenure. Mantilla has worked for the city in a variety of roles for the past decade, detailed here with other info about his background. The announcement of his confirmation quotes him as saying, “I am deeply appreciative of the power that community engagement and inclusive outreach has in building a more equitable Seattle. I look forward to working with community and neighborhood groups as we continue this important work.” (Photo from seattle.gov)

READER REPORT: ‘In the interest of warning other early-morning runners/walkers’…

September 17, 2018 7:10 pm

| 16 COMMENTS

| Safety | West Seattle news

From the WSB inbox:

In the interest of warning other early morning runners/walkers, I had a disturbing encounter this morning around 6:10 while running north on California between Genesee and Charlestown.

A vehicle moderately slowed down beside me just north of Genesee and must have circled the block and did it again north of Dakota, but this time paced me for a few seconds. I then noticed the vehicle pull off to the side north of Charlestown as I approached that intersection. I crossed the street to the 7-11 and watched the vehicle proceed south on California after slowing in front of the 7-11. It was an old (’70s/maybe early ’80s) two-tone brown large “SUV” with the rear window rolled down or missing. Be alert, runners and walkers!

Special thanks to the 7-11 employee and Vanpool at the gas pump for being so helpful to me!

HAPPENING NOW: Find out about Washington State Ferries’ future

September 17, 2018 5:45 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

Just a few blocks uphill from Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy terminal, you can drop in until 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) to find out about/comment on the WSF Draft Long-Range Plan. Among the easel displays, the ferry of the future:

The proposed plan would have three 124-car hybrid-electric ferries serving Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth by 2029. Other big changes on this route would include a second slip at Southworth by 2026. The long-range plan – which is supposed to look all the way ahead to 2040 – also covers climate change:

And it covers budget woes – with one board saying the system only has half the funding it would need to make it’s proposed plan reality. If you can’t make it to this open house, you have until late October to comment via this online open house. The so-called Triangle Route, meantime, has a much nearer-term change in the works – a new schedule for the first time in a long time (here’s our most-recent report on that process). We just got the schedule for three meetings specific to THAT proposed change:

-Fauntleroy, 5-7 pm October 23 (Fauntleroy Church)
-Vashon, 6-8 pm October 24 (Vashon Island High School)
-Southworth, 5:30-7:30 pm October 25 (Harper Church)