West Seattle, Washington
23 Monday
Three forums in three nights in West Seattle for City Council District 1 (WS/South Park) candidates Lisa Herbold and Shannon Braddock – and our hour-long video above is from the finale, last night at High Point Library, 
one of six district forums presented by the Friends of the Seattle Public Library and SPL around the city last night. Your editor here was honored to have been invited to moderate; our questions and those contributed by attendees spanned topics including transportation, education, taxation, campaign funding, and zoning, featuring some followups on questions that came up the previous two nights. If you haven’t received your ballot yet, you should soon – you have until November 3rd to vote, and unless you are absolutely certain who you’re supporting in this race, you might consider at least listening to one of the recent forums. We’ve recorded each one – in addition to the video above, the others:
*Tuesday’s forum (presented by West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and West Seattle Transportation Coalition), which also included citywide Positions 8 and 9 candidates
*Wednesday’s forum (presented by the 34th District Democrats)
Our coverage from Tuesday includes text highlights as well as full video, but we haven’t yet had time to put together text notes from Wednesday or Thursday (note-taking is close to impossible while participating) – might get the time to do it this weekend, which, barring unforeseen breaking news, doesn’t look too busy so far, so check back if you are interested in that.
9:55 AM: SFD has a big callout at a building in the 6900 block of California SW. More to come.
10:01 AM UPDATE: The call has already closed, and the last truck was leaving the area as we arrived. The address had changed on the log, to a row of new townhomes.
(Killdeer, photographed at Alki by Mark Wangerin)
Your weekend begins in a matter of hours. Some of what’s up:
POP-UP MUSEUM: 2-5 pm in the lobby at The Kenney (WSB sponsor), the Southwest Seattle Historical Society invites you to bring your “School Daze” memories to share at this “pop-up museum,” previewed here earlier this week. (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)
MOVIE NIGHT AT HPIC: Highland Park Improvement Club invites you to movie night, with doors opening at 6, kids’ short at 6:15, main feature at 7 – find out what’s showing by checking out HPIC’s online preview. (12th SW & SW Holden)
SCHOOL-AGE FAMILY NIGHT @ THE Y: 6:30 pm, FREE fun at the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) – that includes non-members – for families with K-5 kids. Includes free open swim at 7:35 pm. Details in our calendar listing. (36th SW & SW Snoqualmie)
ALKI SKATE NIGHT: This is the last Friday night skate at Alki Community Center until November 7th, so get your skate on, 6:30-8:30 pm. (5817 SW Stevens)
HULING BOWL: The annual crosstown high-school football game is tonight – 7 pm, at Southwest Athletic Complex, West Seattle High School vs. Chief Sealth International High School, trophy and all. If you only make it to one local HS game this year – this is it. Marching bands too! Here’s our coverage from last year, when CSIHS won for the third consecutive year. (2801 SW Thistle)
MUSIC AND COFFEE … and other beverages. Kick back in a comfortable community coffeehouse as Drew Martin performs live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7 pm. (5612 California SW)
PEARL JAM TRIBUTE: “Washed in Black,” 8 pm at The Skylark – get your tickets in advance online. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ELSE? You might find it on our complete calendar.
Even if you weren’t part of Thursday’s statewide earthquake drill – you can get your preparedness going ANY TIME. Here’s some inspiration – at Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor), the drill went far beyond the actual “imagine there’s a quake” moment. Out on the field, they set up a makeshift hospital. And some students portrayed people in major need of treatment.
This was all organized by teacher Timothy Owens, who explained it to us on camera:
(The call Owens took at the end of our chat, by the way, was from the school’s brand-new phone-alert system, which gets messages to families in case of emergency.) The drill was based on a long-lasting quake. Students took cover under their desks, then went out on the field, for a drill running about 45 minutes, followed by a debriefing; regular classes resumed after lunch.
P.S. If your earthquake/disaster preparedness is lagging – don’t feel guilty, you’re not alone! – a great place to get started, with local info, is West Seattle Be Prepared – be sure to find your nearest emergency communication “hub”!
(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Happy Friday! No incidents of note so far.
WHAT’S UP THIS WEEKEND: Here’s the citywide preview from SDOT. The Seahawks are in town, playing Carolina at 1:05 pm Sunday.
REMINDER FOR WEEKEND AFTER NEXT: October 31-November 1, 6 am-6 pm each day, Highway 99 will be closed between the West Seattle Bridge and the Battery Street Tunnel for the annual Alaskan Way Viaduct inspection and some maintenance work.
BUT FIRST, THE BIG BRIDGE MEETING ON MONDAY: 6:30 pm Monday (October 19th), come talk about the West Seattle Bridge-Duwamish Waterway Corridor Action Report and its 27 proposals for addressing area traffic, at the Sisson Building in The Junction (California SW & SW Oregon).
In the doubleheader meeting just concluded, the Southwest Design Review Board delivered the same verdict to both projects they considered: Come back for a second round of Early Design Guidance. Though the projects differ in size and location – 1250 Alki SW proposes 125 apartments, 9021 17th SW proposes 31 apartments – board concerns leading to the “try again” verdicts came down mostly to wanting the projects to work better in and with their surroundings. This means each project will have at least two more review meetings. We’ll publish detailed writeups of both of tonight’s sessions in the morning on Friday.
(Photo by James Bratsanos)
Thanks for the photos! Three weeks into fall, an echo of summer, with a colorful sunset tonight as tomorrow’s forecast promises temperatures as high as the mid-70s.
(Photo by Don Brubeck)
Tomorrow might be our last chance at sunshine for a while, though.
4:31 PM: With two-plus weeks until Halloween, vandals went on an early rampage:
(Photo courtesy Nicole)
We’ve received multiple reports today of vandalism including pumpkins taken from doorsteps and yards and smashed in the street, and decorations (such as the headless skeleton, above) stolen and dumped, along streets both east and west of California, from at least 42nd SW to 49th SW, between roughly Hinds and Genesee. The skeleton, we’re told, has been claimed, but a few more items are still waiting to be found by their owners – Lara sent these photos of a metal pumpkin and Seahawks wreath that turned up on her block, near 42nd and Charlestown:
If you’re missing something, let us know so we can add it.
ADDED 5:44 PM: The photo and report are from Stephanie:
I wanted to add a photo to your article in regards to vandalism that occurred on Genesee Hill last night. Looks like they snatched a stroller to use for pumpkin transportation. There is a pumpkin stem in the seat. Hopefully someone will recognize this Bob stroller abandoned mid block on the west side of the street on 45th between Andover and Dakota. It is a faded lavender color.
FRIDAY P.S. Don’t miss the comments – in which the culprits are reported to have apologized.
Big week of forums for the candidates hoping to represent West Seattle/South Park on behalf of its new City Council District 1 – including three in West Seattle on three consecutive nights. Last night, the second one drew a crowd to The Hall at Fauntleroy as the area’s largest political organization, the 34th District Democrats, devoted most of its regular meeting night to hearing D-1 hopefuls Shannon Braddock and Lisa Herbold answer questions. Above is our video of the event in its entirety; 34th Dems chair Marcee Stone-Vekich moderated, and read audience questions after three guest questioners quizzed the candidates on four topics: former State Rep. Velma Veloria on social justice/racial equity issues, Sustainable West Seattle‘s Stu Hennessey on sustainability issues, and your editor here on transportation and development issues. The forum was preceded by the 34 Dems’ Chris Porter presenting local nonprofits who each got to make a pitch (we live-tweeted that section).
Forum #3 is just a few hours away – presented by the Friends of the Seattle Public Library at the High Point Branch (35th & Raymond), moderated by us, 6:30 pm, all welcome, bring your questions!
Thanks to Eddie for another photo of artist Jesse Link‘s ongoing mural-painting on the south-facing wall of Lofts At The Junction (4535 44th SW) – Eddie first told us one week ago about the start of work on the mural, and we followed up with a few notes and the backstory.
Today we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor. Here’s what Virginia Rain Beauty and Healing Arts would like you to know:
Virginia Rain is an aesthetician, teacher, and healer who specializes in the ancient trade of permanent makeup. Located in West Seattle’s Admiral District, where she’s lived for the past 25 years, Virginia Rain offers ancient and modern spiritual-healing techniques along with permanent makeup. She combines holistic beauty and healing arts along with a gentle touch that brings a welcoming presence and warmth to her studio. She also offer clients a private, personal consultation that works with their sense of style and ensures their beauty and wellness needs are being met. While she believes strongly that beauty lies within, she also takes an enormous amount of care to bring beauty to the surface through the artistry of permanent make-up, while her soothing touch during skin-care sessions leaves her clients feeling quiet, de-stressed, nurtured, relaxed, and more beautiful – inside and out.
The services offered at Virginia Rain Beauty and Healing Arts start skin-deep and continue through to full mind and body wellness:
Facials, Skin Care, and Waxing Services
Permanent Makeup
Access Consciousness
Pranic Healing
Stress relief treatments, body processes, and Bars sessions are all available through her holistic-healing facility. Many of her holistic-health clients come to her to balance out their bodies during or after traditional health-care treatments to help facilitate ease in their bodies. Her past clients have included people struggling with cancer, strokes, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and addiction.
Virginia‘s gentle touch and welcoming presence bring warmth to her studio. She engages the client for a private, personal consultation, working with their style and individuality to ensure their beauty and wellness needs are being met. Virginia‘s clients leave her quiet, peaceful Admiral District sanctuary feeling de-stressed, nurtured, relaxed, and more beautiful – inside and out.
Contact her studio to learn more about how she can help beautify and heal you from the inside out! New clients receive a 15% discount on services rendered.
We thank Virginia Rain Beauty and Healing Arts for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
Before we get too much further into the afternoon, five quick highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (which has many more listings for the rest of today/tonight):
WEST SEATTLE TIMEBANK: Your next chance to find out about membership is tonight’s orientation starting at 6 pm, followed by a potluck at 6:30 and membership meeting at 7, at the Senior Center of West Seattle. (California SW & SW Oregon)
EXPLORER WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: This is an open house for families considering enrolling at Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor), 6:30-8 pm. (10015 28th SW)
WHAT WOULD YOU ASK THE DISTRICT 1 CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES? This might be the last pre-election forum in West Seattle for D-1 candidates Shannon Braddock and Lisa Herbold. 6:30 pm at High Point Library; we moderate; audience questions too. P.S. Our video coverage of last night’s forum is still in the works; see our coverage of Tuesday’s D-1/P-8/P-9 forum here. (35th SW & SW Raymond)
DESIGN REVIEW X 2: Details (including links to the design “packets”) are in our development roundup published this morning – 6:30 pm, 1250 Alki SW; 8 pm, 9021 17th SW. Both at the Sisson Building in The Junction. (California SW & SW Oregon)
‘A NIGHT OUT FOR NEPAL’: Miss the former Duos Lounge? It’s the location – and caterer – tonight for a benefit to which you’re invited, 7-10 pm, raising money for UNICEF’s Emergency Relief for children in Nepal – full details in our calendar listing. (2940 SW Avalon Way)
12:19 PM: Thanks for the tips – avoid 8th and Roxbury, where a truck has hit the signal pole on the northeast corner. Officers are directing traffic all ways. SDOT is there evaluating how to fix this. (The truck that hit the pole isn’t in the photo – it’s further north on 8th.)
12:42 PM: Our crew talked with police at the scene. They were talking to the truck driver, though at first take it was clearly a “failed-to-negotiate-the-turn” situation. No one was hurt. We’ll check back in a while to see how repairs and traffic are going.
2:14 PM: Went back through a little while ago. 8th is closed at Henderson, on the south side. The signal is flashing red. West/east Roxbury traffic is going through, albeit a bit slowly.
5 PM: Avoid westbound Roxbury from 8th eastward. Light is flashing red; 8th is still closed north of Rox as repairs continue.
Various development notes from the city files – first, a reminder of tonight’s doubleheader Southwest Design Review Board meeting:
‘PERCH’ DEBUTS AT DESIGN REVIEW: 6:30 pm tonight at the Sisson Building (home of the Senior Center of West Seattle, California SW & SW Oregon), the 1250 Alki SW (site photo above) project first reported here in May – SolTerra’s Perch apartment building, 5 stories, 125 units, 188 offstreet parking spaces – gets an Early Design Guidance review. See the “packet” as a PDF on the city website.
ALSO AT DESIGN REVIEW TONIGHT – 9021 17TH SW: Four months after we published early word of this project, it too has an Early Design Guidance review before the SWDRB tonight, 8 pm (right after the Perch review). It’s four stories, 31 apartments, 31 offstreet parking spaces. Here’s the “packet.”
From today’s Land Use Information Bulletin, the second Early Design Guidance meeting is set for a Junction project:
4532 42ND SW RETURNS TO DESIGN REVIEW NEXT MONTH: In July, the SWDRB ordered a second EDG review for this new proposal for this Junction site, where a different project stalled after approval six years ago. It’s now proposed for 85 apartments, 70 offstreet parking spaces, and almost 4,000 sf of commercial space. You can preview the design “packet” here, well in advance of the next review, formally announced today for 6:30 pm November 5th at the Sisson Building.
Also from today’s LUIB, comment time is open for a project on the southeast edge of The Junction:
4801 FAUNTLEROY WAY SW: This is the proposal for what’s currently the parking lot holding construction-office trailers for The Whittaker (to the north). We first reported on this back in April. It’s now proposed for four stories, 53 apartments, one live-work unit, and 2,575 sf of ground-floor retail. The notice is here; here’s how to comment. Deadline is October 28th.
Two more notable projects are in comment phases right now:
COMMENT TIME FOR AEGIS LIVING/WEST SEATTLE: Comment time continues on the land-use application for this three-story, 81-unit senior-living center at 4700 SW Admiral Way. Here’s the most recent design concept shared by Aegis:
Unless someone has requested an extension, the deadline for comments is Sunday (October 18th). Here’s the notice; here’s how to comment.
COMMENT TIME FOR 35TH/GRAHAM PROJECT The land-use application has been accepted for 3420 SW Graham, which means an official comment period is continuing, also through Sunday. This part of the project is now described as eleven 3-story townhouse buildings with 52 units and 59 surface offstreet parking spaces. Here’s the official notice; here’s how to comment.
An early-stage proposal of note has turned up in city online files:
PROJECT AT EX-BRICKYARD IN ADMIRAL: 2310 California SW – which had a development proposal approved, then stalled, seven years ago – has a new one. This one is for a four-story building listed as containing four residential units, 3,950 square feet of commercial space, parking in back. Documents in the file say the ground floor is expected to house child care and a gym, no further details.
And finally, a name note:
ANOTHER PROJECT NAMED: You have to squint really hard at the banner if you’re just driving by, since it’s not in a particularly bold typeface, but in case you haven’t noticed it yet, the six-story Trinsic project just south of KFC at 4435 35th SW has a name: “Aura.” (Data point – that puts “Aura” barely a block east of “Nova.”) Aura is in the files for 151 apartments, 152 off-street parking spaces, plus ground-floor commercial, and a hillside stairway.
Researchers at Seattle University are asking for your help with the citywide Seattle Public Safety Survey:
The purpose of the survey is to solicit feedback on public safety and security concerns from those who live and/or work in Seattle. A report on the survey results will be provided to the Seattle Police Department to assist them with making your neighborhood safer and more secure. The survey is accessible at publicsafetysurvey.org through November 30th and is available in Amharic, Chinese, English, Korean, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese. … Public safety and security are community concerns. Please make sure your voice is heard by completing the public safety survey today.
We took a quick look through most of it before publishing this – the survey is anonymous and starts with demographic questions, then asks your opinions of Seattle Police as well as your experiences with them, and moves on to questions including whether you’ve been a crime victim.
Congratulations to West Seattle Elementary nurse Terri Helm-Remund, who, after 28 years as a school nurse – the last seven of those at WSE – has just been announced as statewide School Nurse of the Year by the School Nurse Organization of Washington. We photographed her as school staff took a moment to congratulate her during their afternoon meeting on Wednesday. She’s holding one of the special memory books that students made for her, full of pictures and drawings. Here is what her WSE co-worker Laura Bermes tells us about “Nurse Terri”:
Terri is pretty remarkable in the care she offers our students and families, in her service leading our Safety Committee, and in her work on our Student Intervention Team and Attendance Intervention Team. She takes a lead role in assuring the successful integration of the Neighborcare Clinic within the school, in supporting our Fruits and Veggie program, and in coordinating our annual School Health Fair. She’s also President of the School Nurse Organization of Washington (SNOW), she mentors multiple nurses every year, and has been published (along with some of her nursing colleagues) regarding her work with our Attendance Team.
In addition to all of her assigned duties, Terri took her passion for mosaic arts and started an after-school mosaic club for our students. Their mosaic creations are displayed around the school, and at the Bee Garden in High Point. Terri puts the PRO in professional. She’s one of the most competent people I’ve ever worked with – she knows her job, and she’s willing to go the extra mile to assure it gets done right. Terri’s also one of the most compassionate people I know. She isn’t afraid to speak on behalf of children and families in need, and she takes time to get to know people. She holds herself to a high standard, but isn’t prideful. She’s always ready to learn new skills, and she’s eager to teach others. Terri is no doubt the perfect candidate for School Nurse of the Year for the State of Washington, and we at West Seattle Elementary know how lucky we are to have her on our team!!!
From the staff of West Seattle Elementary, Congratulations, Nurse Terri!!!
Also to celebrate – this cake:
But we don’t know when Nurse Terri and co-workers got a chance to enjoy it – after a brief moment to celebrate, they had to get back to some urgent discussions, so we moved on.
(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
7:19 AM: No incidents reported on the major routes through or from West Seattle so far. If you’re headed toward Burien, note that Metro says Route 120 is routed off Ambaum between SW 116th and SW 120th. We’re checking to see what that’s about.
7:35 AM: Metro has just sent an alert that SB Route 120 is back to normal, so whatever that was, it’s resolved.
7:56 AM: SFD crews have just been dispatched to a reported crash on the westbound bridge at the 1st Avenue S. ramps. No other details.
8 AM: SFD units arriving there have not found the “patient” reported by a caller, so they’re clearing the scene.
(WSB photo added 7:32 am: The pile of what was the ‘campfire’ is visible by the door)
7:02 AM: Thanks to the tipster who texted to say Seattle Fire crews are at the former Red Star Pizza building in the 7500 block of 35th SW. The call is a “1 Red,” which means it’s not a full-on fire; we’re on our way to check. The restaurant closed early this year; the building has been long slated for demolition as part of the site of the new home of Clearview Eye Clinic.
7:20 AM: Someone had started what looked like a “campfire” type fire in front of the building – they don’t know who – and an ember caused a small fire in the awning, SFD tells us at the scene. No major damage, no one hurt, and they’re wrapping up. Traffic is not affected on 35th; the remaining engine, which won’t be there much longer, is off to the side.
One brief West Seattle Crime Watch reader report … we’ve heard from another recent burglary victim. Sorayah in Morgan Junction reports, “My roommate and I had our house burglarized (Tuesday). They came in through our living room window, completely trashed the place, and stole a bunch of items. We live on the 6500 block of 42nd Ave SW.”
10:11 PM: If you’re heading out – or back this way – via Highway 99, be aware the Battery Street Tunnel is closed both ways again. Haven’t heard yet if it’s the recurring sprinkler malfunction or something else.
11:42 PM: After about an hour and a half, the tunnel is open again. Still no explanation.
This Friday afternoon (October 16th), the Southwest Seattle Historical Society is teaming up with The Kenney (WSB sponsor) on a “pop-up museum” themed “School Daze.” You bring the items and stories to share – in this case, as SWSHS executive director Clay Eals explains it, “photos and other memorabilia from youthful times in school.” Bring it to The Kenney’s lobby (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW) 2-5 pm on Friday and see what happens from there – enjoy light refreshments, too. Everyone’s welcome – including community members who just want to hear and see what’s in the pop-up museum and don’t have stories or items to share (yet) – more info here.
5:07 PM: We’re at Seattle Public Schools headquarters, where the School Board is meeting as a “committee of the whole.” The parents involved with Kids Not Cuts – formed after word last week that teacher positions would be cut at more than two dozen schools around the city – came to demand a few minutes of the board’s time. We walked in a moment after the meeting started, and what ensued is what you see below:
If you can’t watch the video, the parents asked for 10 minutes to speak to the board before their agenda – with no related items – moved on. Board leadership refused, and eventually adjourned the meeting to a smaller room nearby. All but board member Sue Peters left. Several parents, including two from Schmitz Park, stayed to talk with her, as did most if not all of the media there (including us). When that conversation left and Peters headed to the other room, reporters and photographers were told it was at capacity and they could not go inside. That was being challenged vigorously when the board members decided to come back into the auditorium. Right now the meeting has resumed and at least two dozen parents remain; the agenda item under discussion involves the City of Seattle levy-funded Preschool Program, which is reported to include two “under-enrolled” SPS classrooms right now. One parent found that ironic, to say the least, and got up to again demand time with the board; president Sherry Carr said there will be a break during this meeting, at which time parents can talk with board members. More irony was pointed out by parents as Carr went on to explain procedure and how tonight’s agenda had to be published in advance; she invited parents to address the board next Wednesday, while the parents pointed out that’s too late, as the teacher moves/cuts have to be finalized before then.
5:33 PM: We have to get back to West Seattle; parents remain here, and citywide media too, so we’ll find out later what happens here. And if you missed it, here’s our earlier coverage, including the early-afternoon media briefing about the cuts/changes.
By Tracy Record and Patrick Sand
West Seattle Blog co-publishers
The first of this week’s three City Council candidate forums in West Seattle – the only one with all six of the council candidates who will be on your ballot – included one moment of drama: When one candidate asked her opponent a money question.
We’ll get to that shortly. First things first. More than 50 people were at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center to watch the forum, presented by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and WS Transportation Coalition, moderated by Pete Spalding on behalf of the former and Michael Taylor-Judd for the latter. Each pair of candidates got their own section of the program, citywide Positions 8 and 9 followed by the longest section, for West Seattle/South Park District 1, which is where we begin. We recorded it all on video and are including each section below, just before our notes on the questions and answers. Please note that we’re paraphrasing/summarizing unless you see quotation marks. Also note that because of the sponsoring organizations, the questions were intended to focus on business and transportation issues. After each was given the chance to answer a question, there was also “rebuttal” time, which is why you see each question below followed by multiple responses.
*************
DISTRICT 1
Candidates Shannon Braddock, Lisa Herbold
OPENING STATEMENTS
Braddock: Stressed her experience volunteering with local organizations including the Lafayette Elementary PTA, West Seattle Food Bank, WestSide Baby, as well as her work as chief of staff for County Councilmember Joe McDermott. “I feel I have a very good overview of the issues affecting (this area).”
Herbold: Echoed moderator Spalding’s declaration that this is a historic election, with West Seattle/South Park electing their first District 1 councilmember. She stressed her experience working for City Councilmember Nick Licata and her career as a community organizer before that, a role in which she said you teach people how to be their own best advocates. She sees a parallel to that work and to what by-district elections are supposed to be about: “We will have more responsive government.”
First question – Do you support an employee head tax?
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