West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
(WSB photos/video)
Those are a few of the hardy souls – mostly from Seattle PD and other law-enforcement agencies – who are taking twice-hourly “plunges” into Puget Sound all day today outside the Alki Bathhouse. Their mission is twofold: To raise money for Special Olympics of Washington and to raise awareness of The Big Plunge on February 9th (you’re invited to be part of what they hope will be a recordsetting event that day). They’re having fun, too – we stopped by for the eighth plunge at 11:30 am and discovered the group conga’ing from the bathhouse to the water:
Video:
Between plunges, they’re staying warm inside the Bathhouse. And you might notice some of their flotation gear outside:
This is set to continue on the hour and half-hour until 5 pm. Meantime, you can register for the February 9th Big Plunge by going here.
While at Alki a few minutes ago checking in on the Super Plungers (separate story to come), we noticed the USNS Washington Chambers headed northbound in the Sound.
It’s a replenishment ship, part of the Military Sealift Command, and tracking info from MarineTraffic.com says it’s Portland-bound. (Here’s the story of its namesake.)
(Black Turnstone, photographed near Anchor/Luna Park last weekend by Matt Olson)
Welcome to the first weekend of 2019! Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
‘GET FIT WEST SEATTLE’ KICKOFF RUN: 8 am, be at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) to get going with this winter’s edition of the free couch-to-half-marathon fitness program – info here. (2743 California SW)
POLAR PLUNGE PREVIEW: To preview and fundraise for the February 9th Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics of Washington (have you signed up yet?), a lineup of “super plungers” will be jumping into Puget Sound every half hour today by the Alki Bathhouse, 8 am-5 pm. Stop by to cheer them on! (2701 Alki SW)
‘SURVIVE #REALIGN99’ RIDE: Thinking about bicycling during the upcoming Highway 99 closure and/or beyond? Join West Seattle Bike Connections and friends to test the routes during this friendly ride. Meet at Junction Starbucks by 9:15 am; ride rolls at 9:30. Free. (SW Alaska & California SW)
SEE ‘MARY POPPINS RETURNS,’ FREE! 10 am at the Admiral Theater. No charge for admission, as explained in the original announcement! Sponsored by West Seattle dad and County Executive Dow Constantine as a benefit for WestSide Baby – so, if you can: “Suggested donation of diapers (sizes 4-6), wipes, new kids socks/undies, or funds in any amount to help kids and families in need.” The free tickets will be given out to those in line starting at 9:15 am. (2343 California SW)
BASKETBALL: West Seattle High School‘s varsity teams play Eastside Catholic at WSHS, girls 2 pm, boys at 4. (3000 California SW) … Chief Sealth International High School‘s varsity teams play Ingraham at CSIHS, girls at 7, boys at 8:30. (2600 SW Thistle)
BIRTHDAY PARTY & SEAHAWKS GAME: Celebrate the 55th birthday of Admiral Pub‘s owner Kurstyn and help raise $5500 for the West Seattle Food Bank! Party starts during the Seahawks’ 5:15 pm game.”Then Tom Hutyler (Voice of the Mariners) will be performing. We will be partying all night! Please come join us for the party and donate as you see fit.” (2306 California SW)
PETER MINTUN AT KENYON HALL: 7:30 pm, an encore performance by the New York keyboard artist at historic Kenyon Hall. Ticket info is in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)
3 BANDS AT THE SKYLARK: Deadbeat Blackout, Foul Blooded, Pilot to Bombardier play The Skylark. 21+. Doors at 8, music at 9. $8 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
LOOK AHEAD TO TOMORROW AND BEYOND … via our complete calendar.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
One day into 2019, West Seattle community advocates filled a room at the Sisson Building/Senior Center for the Southwest District Council‘s first meeting of the year.
Here are our toplines of what they heard and discussed:
POLICE UPDATE: Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Steve Strand said the precinct has three new officers and another one on the way, so is at or “close to” full staffing; there had been concern that the Bike Squad or another “proactive” group would be “taken away” but nothing has happened so far to indicate that’ll happen. The Bike Squad is “still active,” often in The Junction, sometimes at Westwood Village.
He also had year-end stats for the precinct’s jurisdiction (West Seattle and South Park):
Now that the new year has begun, baseball season is in sight – at many levels, including youth leagues. Another has opened registration for 2019: West Seattle Little League. Something new for WSLL this year: A new website, supported by Little League International, “more secure than our old site and more user-friendly,” says WSLL’s Kathy Powers. “We welcome all children between ages 4 – 12 going to school or living within our WSLL boundaries.” The website change means that you’ll need to create a new login; go to the site and click the REGISTRATION tab, and you’ll be guided through the process from there. Registration is open through January 31st; practices start the first week of March, and the WSLL Jamboree is March 23rd. If you need a scholarship, email playeragents@westseattlelittleleague.com – for other questions, info@westseattlelittleleague.com.
(Photo courtesy Free Waterfront Shuttle)
We’re now one week away from the Alaskan Way Viaduct’s permanent closure. In case that wasn’t already top-of-mind, local transportation managers have been offering daily briefings and announcements to keep it there. Today: Expanded hours for the Free Waterfront Shuttle that’s been available downtown since summer, potentially making it useful to some Water Taxi riders. Here’s the announcement:
The Free Waterfront Shuttle is expanding operating hours to better serve morning commuters.
Currently operating 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the shuttle will add morning service to its North/South loop weekdays starting at 6 a.m. The expanded hours of operation will begin on Monday, January 7.
This service will provide a viable option to move commuters, tourists and residents through downtown at peak commute times during the upcoming SR 99 viaduct closure. The free service is brought to you by the WSDOT-funded DowntownSeattleParking.com and managed by Commute Seattle and the Downtown Seattle Association.
Additionally, all shuttles are now equipped with real-time arrival information that can be found online along with other shuttle information at DowntownSeattleParking.com/Shuttle.
The Free Waterfront Shuttle service launched in July 2018, and has given over 90,000 free rides to downtown, Pioneer Square, and the historic waterfront. Tourists and locals have embraced this free service as a way to get to and from the waterfront. Adding early morning operational hours makes the shuttle a viable commuter option during the upcoming months of viaduct closure and removal. The North/South Loop will connect Chinatown/International District, Link Station, King Street Station, Ferry Terminal, and Seattle Center to different locations along the waterfront from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays. The shuttle will continue to operate on Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“Visitors and residents love the free shuttle, and we’re thrilled to expand the service. We worked diligently with public and private partners to increase the operating hours that will provide more access to our vibrant downtown and historic waterfront,” said Downtown Seattle Association President & CEO Jon Scholes. “Expanding hours during peak commute times will provide another option to help move through our city during the viaduct closure.”
Additionally, real-time arrival data displays precise shuttle location allowing riders to know exactly when their shuttle should arrive at 15 stops along two routes throughout downtown Seattle. The app and mobile site will display exact shuttle location and approximate arrival time. Real-time arrival maps can be viewed online or by downloading the free DoubleMap mobile app for Apple and Google Play devices. Once downloaded, select the Waterfront Shuttle route option.
“Nearly 90 percent of riders say they are spending more time on the Waterfront and other area destinations because of the shuttle—which arrives every 15-20 minutes,” said Jonathan Hopkins, Executive Director of Commute Seattle. “Now traveling to and from the waterfront is even easier for commuters and visitors with longer hours of service and real-time information. We are working to make this experience a breeze.”
The shuttle offers two routes, North/South Loop and East Loop, linking the downtown core with the waterfront businesses and Pioneer Square.
Here’s a map of its stops.
Just a quick reminder in case you missed the announcement over the holidays – you’re invited to a free morning showing of “Mary Poppins Returns” tomorrow (Saturday, January 5th) at the Admiral Theater. No admission charge – the showing is sponsored by West Seattle dad (and King County Executive) Dow Constantine to boost WestSide Baby in its work helping thousands of kids and their families, so if you can, bring “diapers (sizes 4-6), wipes, new kids socks/undies, or funds in any amount to help kids and families in need.” The movie’s at 10 am; the theater is at 2343 California SW; first-come, first-served!
Another West Seattle business got the utility-bill scam phone call today and wanted to share the alert. Sleepers in Seattle in The Junction tells WSB they got one of those calls where the claim is made that a utility bill has gone unpaid and cutoff is looming unless payment is made immediately. All local utilities have issued repeated reminders that they don’t do business this way – here’s the City Light scam-alert page, for example.
12:28 PM:Thanks for the tips. According to the flight tracker, that helicopter over Westwood, Gatewood, and vicinity is registered to the Department of Homeland Security. We’re looking around on the ground and researching further. The tracker now shows it heading north (added) and then south again.
12:39 PM: Adding a screengrab from FlightRadar24 showing part of the circling it’s done. It’s close to our HQ east of Lincoln Park currently. The tracker shows it started its trip up in Arlington.
(WSB photo)
12:55 PM: Added a photo. While DHS has a variety of agencies under its wing, the FlightRadar24 page for this helicopter has a closeup shot that shows a Customs and Border Protection logo. (Added – We got a better picture from its flyover. Substituted above. Same logo.)
1:17 PM: Looking for someone to ask about this, but in the meantime, the Customs website has a one-sheet that says this type of aircraft is usually used:
“… to perform missions such as aerial patrol and surveillance of stationary or moving targets. These LEHs are the optimal aerial surveillance platform in metropolitan areas because their vertical lift capability and maneuverability enable operations from off-airport sites and in close proximity to congested airports.
Electro-optical/infrared sensors and video downlink provide intelligence and communications support that enhance officer safety during high-risk operations and increase covertness during surveillance operations.
Video recorders document suspect activities for evidentiary use. The AS350s often fly with a crew of two (pilot and observer).”
1:52 PM: After looping around the north half of the peninsula a while, the helicopter is no longer shown on the tracker. Meantime, our inquiry to the CBP media contact for this region drew an auto-reply saying he’s out of the office because of the federal government funding lapse (aka “shutdown”).
In our report last night on a City Hall briefing about changes related to the Viaduct-to-Tunnel transition – aka #Realign99 – we mentioned temporary bus lanes, including the 4th Avenue S. offramp from the eastbound West Seattle Bridge. We asked SDOT after the briefing when that work would be done. They didn’t have an answer then – but today, they’ve announced work will happen tomorrow:
Temporary bus lane construction will occur on Saturday, January 5.
To manage the increased volume of traffic on our city’s streets and changing traffic patterns in advance of the SR closure beginning Friday, January 11, we’re rechannelizing key streets downtown starting Saturday, January 5. Streets include the Spokane Street Viaduct, the eastbound off-ramp to 4th Ave S and a short section of 4th Ave S approaching Spokane St.
These dedicated bus-only lanes will allow buses coming in from West Seattle to access the SODO busway and improve bus travel time throughout the SR 99 closure.
The graphics included with our Street changes for SR 99 closure begin January 5, 2019 flyer show what’s changing.
Here’s what you can expect:
On the Spokane Street Viaduct in the eastbound direction, the right lane will be converted to a bus only lane from 1st Ave S and will continue to the 4th Ave S exit to the signalized intersection at 4th Ave S. On 4th Ave S, we are adding a short bus-only lane heading northbound approaching Spokane St. These changes will be in place by 11 PM on Saturday, January 5.To accommodate this change, we have modified the island separating the north and southbound lanes on 4th Ave at Spokane St and a third northbound lane was added in December.
Rain is expected to occur after Saturday, January 5, so these lanes will be installed prior to these weather impacts. Completing this work one week early ensures that we avoid delays associated with weather for this installation in order to allow buses to begin using the lane on January 11. So, while we are installing these lanes on Saturday, January 5, there won’t be any buses using this lane until after 8 PM on January 11.
Please note that these are temporary bus lanes and will be restored to general travel lanes open to all vehicles in mid-February when the northbound off-ramp to Dearborn St is opened and King County Metro resumes northbound service on the SR 99 corridor.
And another reminder – the first #Realign99 closures start tonight – the Atlantic and Royal Brougham exits from/to 99 in the stadium zone close permanently at 10 pm tonight, exactly one week before the Alaskan Way Viaduct’s 10 pm January 11th permanent closure.
Lara reports brown tap water this morning in the 3800 block of 42nd Avenue SW. She says signage indicates Puget Sound Energy work is planned in the area but no crews were in view. Anyone else? Be sure to report discolored water to Seattle Public Utilities if it ever happens to you – 206-386-1800.
(Steller’s Jay, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
Highlights for today/tonight!
TAROT READER: Noon-3 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), Intuitive Tarot with Tamara Zenobia. (5612 California SW)
GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE: If you can donate blood, participate in the mobile drive at West Seattle Corporate Center, 1:30-4 pm. From Bartell Drugs, whose corporate HQ is in the building:
The Bloodmobile will be parked in front of the building from 1:30-4:00 pm.
Every day, people undergo surgeries and organ transplants, suffer traumatic injuries, and many people receive ongoing blood components for cancer treatment. Having blood readily available is essential when unforeseeable emergencies happen. Your single donation can impact the lives of up to 3 local patients! While all blood types are needed, our community is especially in need of O+ and O- donors.
(4025 Delridge Way SW)
LIBRARYLAB: All-ages drop-in STEM activity at Southwest Library, 2:30-4 pm: “Librarylab is an all-ages program that introduces science, technology, engineering, and math concepts through play, experimentation, and discovery. Drop in for self-directed challenges and let us show you how to do and create amazing things as you tackle our building challenges.” (9010 35th SW)
PETER MINTUN AT KENYON HALL: 7:30 pm, the New York keyboard artist will enthrall the crowd at historic Kenyon Hall. Ticket info is in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)
FREE YOGA: 7:30 pm at Bikram Yoga West Seattle, all-ages Yin Yoga – info in our calendar listing. (4747 California SW)
THREE BANDS AT SKYLARK: 8 pm, live music at The Skylark with three bands: The Science of Deduction, The Secret Light, and Verbal Tip. $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
LOOK INTO THE FUTURE … via our complete calendar!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
What happened to us on the way to today’s Viaduct-closure briefing was a reminder of why you’ll want to know enough about options for getting around that you’d be able to switch routes if you have to.
Leaving at 9:15 am to travel the 8.5 miles from Upper Fauntleroy to City Hall should have been enough time for a pre-Viadoom, post-holiday morning.
Taking the high bridge to the 4th Avenue S. exit is our preferred route, as City Hall is on 4th.
Today – so was a crash with a “rescue extrication” response; one person was taken to the hospital. 4th was blocked just north of the end of the NB exit ramp.
Kind fellow drivers let us switch lanes to the SB exit ramp, and we headed south, diverting to 1st Ave. S. at the first possible opportunity.
But – the story will be different if something like this happens in the tunnel-transition time post-Viaduct closure (10 pm Friday, January 11th). The 4th Avenue offramp will devote one of its two lanes to buses. Temporary transit lanes like that are part of the city’s toolbox for trying to ease the “Seattle Squeeze” that kicks off when the Viaduct is closed for the ~3 weeks of work that’ll be needed to #Realign99.
Today’s briefing was primarily about what the city and other transportation/transit agencies, like Metro, are doing, and most of it is information we’ve already reported, but now that the end (of The Viaduct) is in sight, it’s time to sit up and really pay attention.
So first, here’s the slide deck from the briefing (13 MB PDF). Next, video of the briefing, from our late arrival:
Seattle Channel also recorded the briefing, and you can watch via the SC website here.
Of continued interest are the bus changes. The latest version of the South End Pathways map is in the slide deck linked above. Metro’s Bill Bryant recapped the metamorphosis that’s in store for the routes that currently use the Alaskan Way Viaduct – their temporary routes for the Highway 99 closure (three weeks plus the extra week-or-two to finish the new Dearborn exit ramp from NB 99 into downtown), the transition period over the next up-to-a-year while the Viaduct is being demolished and the new Alaskan Way is being built, and the routes’ permanent changes after that. The transitional time will put 40 to 50 buses an hour on 4th Avenue during peak hours, Bryant noted. And if transit gets overloaded, Metro will have 20 coaches on standby, ready to augment any route. Meantime, as the “pathways” map shows, Metro has two options for outbound (pm commute) routes and will be ready to “quickly shift” between them if needed – that’s part of why those routes will be passing through SODO but NOT STOPPING in that area.
A few miscellaneous points that caught our ear:
-SDOT is now up to six “incident response teams” to try to clear trouble faster
-43,000 people have signed up for the Viaduct farewell visits on February 2nd (go here if you haven’t already)
-The city has 7,000 employees downtown, about a tenth of them driving single-occupancy vehicles, and the city is working to provide incentives (teleworking, flex hours, etc.) to reduce that
-If everything SDOT does to try to manage traffic isn’t enough, SDOT’s Heather Marx said, there’s a “Plan B” with more signal modifications, increased street-parking restrictions, more transit-only lanes, potential operations of some streets as transit only, modified I-5 ramp availability/signal timing, restricted turning, expanded hours for transit priority/restrictions, increased “call to action” messaging and more.
WHAT’S NEXT: Tomorrow (Friday, January 4) at 10 pm, the Highway 99 ramps in the stadium zone (Royal Brougham and Atlantic) close permanently so the #Realign99 work can begin. Exactly one week later, the Viaduct closes permanently (10 pm Friday, January 11). If all goes well, WSDOT hopes it can open the tunnel at the end of the celebration weekend – the night of Sunday, February 3rd. The NB 99 Dearborn ramp – which West Seattleites will use to get into downtown from 99 – won’t be ready for “a week or so” after that.
Transportation managers plan more briefings/availabilities in the week-plus ahead, so keep asking questions, and we’ll seek answers. (Tomorrow morning’s briefing topic: Expanded availability of the temporary free downtown waterfront shuttle.)
A big announcement tonight from the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition:
As we move into the new year, DRCC/TAG is excited to announce that Paulina López will be our new executive director, effective January 1, 2019.
Our coordinator, James Rasmussen, is stepping into a new, part-time, technical lead role within the organization as he moves toward retirement in a few years. James has truly been an inspiration for his work on the river. He has provided a powerful voice for the river, wonderful leadership for the organization, and has always strived to put the community first. With James at its helm, the organization has grown and thrived. We are not only very thankful that he will continue to provide insight and guidance to DRCC/TAG but also thrilled that he will be able to ensure that the EPA RoundTable and other initiatives will be responsive to community needs and vision.
Originally from Ecuador, Paulina has made Seattle her home over the past 15 years and has been with DRCC/TAG for eight years. Paulina has over 25 years of experience working with issues of civil rights, social justice, equity, education, and diversity. She has and continues to demonstrate commitment and engagement in the community through the advocacy of multiple important civic policies including access to a safe, clean environment for families in the area. Paulina has worked on numerous initiatives and campaigns that have focused on building political power and advancing policies related to issues surrounding race, immigration, the environment, and social justice. She has thrived by pushing for inclusive processes that place those most impacted and affected by issues of inequity and injustice at the center of decision-making.
Paulina created and co-led our Duwamish Valley Youth Corps Program and worked as a Community Engagement Director, advocating for community members to participate in the complex cleanup process and to have a voice. She has served as an expert on the City of Seattle’s Equity and Environment Agenda, Port of Seattle’s Near Port EJ Project, Equity Cabinet of the King County Land Conservation, and on Public Health Seattle and King County’s Health Impact Assessment, among others. Paulina is passionate about community engagement and advocacy for human rights issues especially for underrepresented communities and the issues that affect them. Paulina graduated from St. Thomas University with an LLM, Master of Law in Intercultural Human Rights. She has been an organizer, advocate, full-time volunteer and the mother of three boys under the age of 13.
“My eight years working at DRCC have been an incredible journey and I’m excited to take this next step. When I first got to know this organization, I was impressed by the deep history of the work, the clarity and vision to advocate for environmental justice issues. Also, most of all the inspiring people giving so much of their time to engage the most impacted in my own neighborhood of South Park. It has been an honor to serve here and one of the most important experiences of my life where I learned to appreciate existing networks and bring peoples’ voices to complex systems of government. I look forward to continuing to work together for justice and equity to mobilize resources for the Duwamish Valley as we build collective power to make our community, our cultures, and our ecosystem thrive. Together we will continue our unique and powerful legacy” — Paulina López
We are elated to make this announcement and look forward to the continued growth of DRCC/TAG building on the hard work of James, Paulina, and all of the staff, board, community advisory committee, volunteers and most importantly neighbors and community members.
Family and friends will gather in April to celebrate the life of Christopher R. Clark. Right now, they are sharing this remembrance with the community:
Christopher Ryan Clark, 36, of Seattle, passed away into the loving arms of the Lord, on December 28th, 2018, while his mother (Linda Clark) and father (James Clark) held his hands. With a fighting determination, he battled testicular cancer at the age of 12 years old and colon cancer in 2015.
Chris was born on February 7, 1982 to James R. Clark and Linda S. Clark. He was a life-long West Seattle resident and hobbyist who worked for the West Seattle Thriftway for 10 years in the Deli Department.
Chris had a witty sense of humor and a resilient spirit of perseverance, loved being generous and was always willing to help others. He was a master Lego Builder and was active in the BrickCon conventions, which are held in Seattle yearly. Photographing wildlife, birds, and landscapes was another of his hobbies which he enjoyed very much, especially on the many road trips and vacations he pursued with his family as well as with his friends, across the US and abroad.
Chris is survived by his mother Linda, father James, sister Amy Michelle Clark Fowler, and brother-in-law Justin Fowler. He also has many other family members and friends near and far who greatly loved him.
There will be a Celebration of Life at Trinity West Seattle Church (7551 35th Ave SW) on April 6, 2019 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm (family, coworkers, and friends are welcome to attend). More info will be announced in the near future (here).
The Clark family would especially like to thank the West Seattle Thriftway for being so accommodating to Chris while he was in treatments and a great place to work. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Christopher R. Clark’s name to Make A Wish Washington (here).
Share memories of Chris on the tribute page at emmickfunerals.com.
(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)
Sam has been visiting our area for the holidays – and unfortunately this happened:
My green 1999 Honda CR-V was stolen on Christmas Eve from the street on the 5600 block of Fauntleroy Way SW. It has Oregon plates (872KGL).
Call 911 if you see it.
(WSB photo: Looking northeast toward the PCC/Luna Apartments project)
When we reported last week on the new signage at the future Whole Foods Market space on the north and west sides of The Whittaker (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW), promising that it will be “open (in) fall 2019,” some WSB readers suggested an update on the new PCC Community Markets-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) space. The project at 2749 California SW, with PCC on the ground floor and three stories of apartments above, has been under construction now for a year, and as shown in our photo, is now the site of the only tower crane currently in use in West Seattle. We asked PCC for an update – here’s the reply from spokesperson Heather Snavely: “Regarding opening, we’re looking forward to returning to West Seattle in the fourth quarter of this year. We’re so grateful to the West Seattle PCC members and shoppers who’ve continued to shop our co-op at our Burien and Columbia City stores, and we’re excited to share more about the new West Seattle store in the coming months.” (You can also still get PCC groceries delivered.)
1:26 PM: According to radio communication, southbound California Avenue SW is currently blocked in the 3200 block as SFD handles a natural-gas leak. They haven’t yet found the source but believe they’ll be able to clear it via ventilation.
1:53 PM: WSB’s Christopher Boffoli reports California is now open both ways. (We have added a photo he sent.)
(Photo courtesy Invest in Youth)
If you’re hoping to spend more time being helpful this year … maybe this is for you! The announcement is from Invest in Youth:
Did you resolve to give back to your community this year? This is your opportunity! Invest in Youth is in need of local volunteer tutors at Roxhill Elementary. As a tutor, you are paired with an elementary school student (a 3rd-5th grader) and work with that same student for the rest of the year. This match allows you to see your impact on the student’s week-to-week progress. It is an extremely rewarding experience for both students and their tutors!
The commitment for tutors involves:
● 1 hour per week at a local school
● An entire school year
● Several breaks for holidaysPlease consider becoming a tutor with Invest in Youth and complete an application on our website.
If you are not sure that you can make a commitment every week, or for the entire school year, Invest in Youth is always in need of regular substitute tutors. Please contact Jude (jbrown@investinyouth.org) for specifics.
A third candidate has now entered the race for the District 1 (West Seattle/South Park) City Council seat. After Brendan Kolding‘s name appeared Wednesday on the list of those who have registered campaigns, we contacted him to find out more, and he responded with this announcement:
Seattle Police Lieutenant Brendan Kolding has announced his plans to challenge City Councilmember Lisa Herbold for the Council District 1 seat in 2019. “City Council is very much in need of an experienced law enforcement professional,” stated Kolding. “Seattle is in a public safety crisis, and the fine men and women of the SPD do not feel supported by City government. Officers are leaving the Department faster than their replacements can be hired, and the City Council was reluctant to approve the collective bargaining agreement that has been worked out between the Seattle Police Officer’s Guild and the City’s labor relations team. SPD is grossly short-staffed, and this problem will only be exacerbated by the passage of I-940. I am running so that our police officers can have someone on City Council who supports them and will fight for their ability to serve the people of Seattle.
“I am also running because City Council has failed to adequately address the homelessness crisis. I support the creation of FEMA-style shelters. These would be warm, dry places with healthy meals, laundry facilities, ample security, and access to critical services such as mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and job placement. The goal would be to find permanent housing for people within a regional network. It is undignified, unsanitary and unsafe for people to reside in the tents, vehicles, and other makeshift shelters that are currently scattered across Seattle. Many of these living situations are illegal, and for good reason. The solution is not RV lots, tent cities, or tiny villages. Instead, we need to provide basic emergency shelter with concentrated services aimed at elevating people into a more stable lifestyle. Once that is in place, we need to direct people who do not have homes to that option and not allow our sidewalks and parks to be used as campgrounds.”
Kolding, 36, has served on the SPD since 2008. He joined the Policy Unit in 2012, where he was actively involved in the development of key policies related to the federal consent decree. When the City was found to be in initial compliance with the consent decree in January, Kolding returned to Patrol and served as a sergeant at the West Precinct. Promoted to lieutenant in July, he currently serves at the North Precinct. He has been a voting member of the Force Review Board since 2014.
The Kolding campaign will be launching a website in the near future.
In 2017, Kolding applied for the opening on City Council that resulted when former Councilmember Tim Burgess, himself a retired SPD officer, became interim mayor.
Kolding holds a BA from Gonzaga University and an MA from Marquette University, both in political science.
He and his wife have lived in West Seattle for nine years. They have three young children. Kolding is actively involved in the community, coaching basketball at the YMCA and serving as president of the Holy Rosary School Commission.
Kolding has sought elected office before – running for State House in 2014 and 2016.
The first to register a campaign for the District 1 position was Phillip Tavel (here’s our October report), a West Seattle lawyer who ran in 2015; second, Isaiah T. Willoughby (here’s our December report). Incumbent Herbold has yet to announce whether she plans to run for re-election.
(Wednesday morning photo by Jim Borrow)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
EXPLORE WEST SEATTLE’S HISTORY: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Log House Museum is open noon-4 pm. (61st SW/SW Stevens)
GAME ON! School’s still out. Bored kid/teen(s) in the house? 2-4:30 pm, board games and more at High Point Library. (3411 SW Raymond)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: New year, new project? 5-8 pm, visit the West Seattle Tool Library on the northeast corner of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm, Special Order and Phood perform, $8 cover, 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA TIMES TWO: 7 and 8 pm games at Great American Diner and Bar in The Junction. Free, with prizes! (4752 California SW)
(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)
7:17 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported in our area so far.
METRO TODAY: Again today, buses are on “reduced weekday” service.
9:38 AM: Getting downtown right now is close to impossible. We are trying to get to a City Hall briefing on Viaduct-to-Tunnel mobility and are stuck on the 4th Avenue S. exit ramp, just discovering the “rescue extrication” call that’s blocking 4th at Spokane.
Now that the holidays are over, so is the 10th season of West Seattle Lights. Received tonight from the music-synched light show’s creator Jim Winder:
I would just like to thank everyone in and around the West Seattle area for coming to see West Seattle Lights and for donating to our two charities, The West Seattle Food Bank and Northwest Parkinson Foundation. Because of your generosity, we were able to deliver to the West Seattle Food Bank over
300660 pounds in foodstuffs along with $402 and another $402 to NW Parkinson Foundation!! Thank You! Thank You!! Thank You!!! for a great holiday season!!!!
(If you enjoyed WSL this year, you can still donate to its charities online.)
The West Seattle Lights display (which we showcased on Christmas Eve this year) is at a home where friends of Jim’s live. He also now runs a show in Maple Valley.
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