West Seattle, Washington
16 Monday
(District video of Wednesday night’s board meeting)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Seattle Public Schools Board directors stopped short of telling Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones to throw out the two closure-plan options he unveiled last week and start over – but at times during their meeting tonight, that seemed like a possibility.
West Seattle/South Park director Gina Topp even tried to propose a resolution asking him to promptly draw up a third option that would close only a handful of schools, but she was ultimately dissuaded, with questions about whether that was appropriate without advance public notice.
The board’s mostly critical words about the “Well-Resourced Schools” plan, meant to shrink the SPS system in hopes of covering up to a third of a nearly $100 million budget gap, followed a presentation by district executives, primarily Dr. Jones and Dr. Marni Campbell, who’s in charge of the plan. (Here’s the slide deck, which also attempted to address some of the concerns/questions they said they’d been receiving.)
A few quick toplines from last night’s Fauntleroy Community Association board meeting:
FAUNTLEROY YMCA UPDATE: As noted here recently, the Fauntleroy YMCA branch – once in danger of closing – recently expanded its hours. New administrator Ethan Clark told the FCA board that the number of people using the Y has steadily increased since the start of the year, but there’s still quite some way to go before the location is sustainable. There has been an increase in use over the summer, which he said was encouraging, as usage traditionally falls off inJune, July, and August. Also of note: Some youth sports have been added, including indoor pickleball and basketball.
POLICE UPDATES: Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Nate Shopay said Fauntleroy’s crime stats have stayed steady. Asked if three recent commercial burglaries, including Wildwood Market and The Birdhouse, were believed to be related, he said not so far – there are no “pattern” crimes being investigated in the Fauntleroy area right now.
FALL FESTIVAL: This year’s Fauntleroy Fall Festival, 2-5 pm Sunday, October 20, is taking shape. So far The School Of Rock is one of the musical groups scheduled, plus the bunny petting zoo is returning, and they’ve booked a magician who also does balloon animals. The Fall Festival is entirely powered by donations and volunteers, and got a big boost from a fundraiser at The Birdhouse earlier in the day that raised $900.
THE GREAT PUMPKIN HUNT: FCA is presenting it 1-3 pm on Sunday, October 27, and needs volunteers to help hide pumpkins. If you can help, contact Candace Blue at blueyvette47@gmail.com.
FERRIES: President Mike Dey recapped the most-recent Community Advisory Group meeting for the ferry-dock replacement (WSB coverage here); also note, Washington State Ferries has two systemwide online community meetings next week.
NEXT MEETING: FCA’s board meets second Tuesdays, 6 pm, most months, but rescheduled this one so people could watch the presidential debate. Next month’s meeting will be October 8.
Chanting “keep schools open” and “fund our schools,” hundreds of people of all ages rallied outside Seattle Public Schools headquarters in SODO this afternoon, before the school board meeting with an update on the newly proposed school-closure options. The district faces a budget shortfall of almost $100 million, and is looking at closures to cover up to a third of that. Two of the West Seattle schools facing possible closure were amply represented in the crowd:
The “Option A“ proposal, which would close 21 schools citywide for an estimated savings of $31.5 million, would close Lafayette and Sanislo Elementaries and Boren STEM K-8, as well as changing Pathfinder from a K-8 option school to a regular elementary school. The “Option B“ proposal, which would close 17 schools for an estimated savingd of $25.5 million, would close Boren and Sanislo. The rally, organized by the All Together for Seattle Schools coalition, was intended to focus on two points – prevent closures, and enable that by convincing legislators to “amply” fund schools. Speakers included Lafayette parent Brooke Fox, contending – as did other speakers – that the closure plan would result in the opposite of the “well-resourced schools” district administrators say would remain:
Other speakers included former School Board director Vivian Song, who said she would vote against closures if she were still on the board, and 43rd Legislative District State House Rep. candidate Shaun Scott, who said legislators must fully fund education and could do so by closing “corporate loopholes.” After a few more speakers, many attendees went into the building for the board meeting, chanting as they entered:
As we publish this, the board meeting continues and they’re discussing the closure proposals. No vote scheduled tonight; next major development is regional community meeting, with West Seattle’s meeting set for 6:30 pm Wednesday, September 25, preceded by local board rep Gina Topp’s community meeting 5-6 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW). We’ll have a separate report later about tonight’s meeting. (Added: Find that here.)
(WSB photo from spring 2024 Recycle Roundup)
Lots going on this weekend, so we’re starting the reminders now – first, if you have unwanted items you can’t recycle at curbside, this Saturday (September 21) is the day every fall when you can bring those items to the free Recycle Roundup at Fauntleroy Church. 9 am-3 pm Saturday at 9140 California SW, drive up, ride up, or walk up, and drop off, between 9 am and 3 pm. Here’s the list of what the church’s Recycle Roundup partner 1 Green Planet will – and won’t – take, this time.
No photo (yet), but Thomas emailed today to say the future Virginia Mason Franciscan Health clinic at 3400 California SW is getting painted, and to ask when it’s opening. It’s now been 3 1/2 years since the health-care organization announced it would take over the former Swedish building, plagued by vandalism and burglary over those many vacant months. So we sent the question to VMFH’s media team and received this response attributed to Franciscan Medical Group COO Jane Root:
We’re excited to open the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Medical Pavilion – West Seattle (3400 California Ave.) in the coming months to bring services including primary care, cardiology, women’s health, gastroenterology, and more to the community. We are targeting opening before the end of year 2024 and will keep you apprised of the grand opening details.
The original announcement had targeted fall 2021 for the facility’s opening. Swedish was in the building previously and moved to The Junction.
(Photo by Ashley Whitman)
12:49 PM: You may have already heard about the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales’ new baby, born just days ago in L Pod. But before the official orca-documenting organizations started circulating the news, the photographer who took these photos was first to see the little one, L128, with its mom, L90. We heard about this from West Seattle’s Kersti Muul, who often tips us about orca sightings; she explained that her friend Ashley Whitman had spotted the new calf. We contacted Ashley to ask for permission to use her photos.
(Photo by Ashley Whitman)
She explains that her sighting was “the first documented encounter with new calf L128 and mom L90, on Sunday, September 15 at 12:49 pm on the west side of San Juan Island.” [vicinity map] Later, she adds, a research boat showed up:
(Photo by Ashley Whitman)
On Monday, the Center for Whale Research and SR3 checked on mother and baby; CWR reported that day, “The calf (L128) is VERY new; it’s tiny and has very clear fetal folds. Our best guess is that it was born within the last three days. We can also confirm that the calf is nursing and moving normally.” Mom L90, also known as Ballena, is 31 years old; this is reported to be her first known calf. L Pod is the largest of the three Southern Resident pods. P.S. Fall is historically when Southern Residents come into the central Sound, chasing salmon, so there’s a chance the new baby might make an appearance nearby.
ADDED 6:24 PM: Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail has two important reminders;
While of course it is good news that there is a new calf, there is cause for concern: L90 is a first-time mom, and she stayed behind when the southern residents exited the Sound over the weekend. While we hope for the best for L90 and her calf, we do so with the understanding that the survival rate of an orca calf in its first year is less than 50%, and that the separation from the rest of the pod is very unusual. We know how much people care about these whales, and we want to be sure that everyone is fully informed.
Boaters can help L90 and her calf by staying 1,000 yards away from them. Take the pledge to Give Them Space, and report violators to 800-853-1964.
(Looking east on SW Trenton)
10:57 AM: As announced by the city via signage last week, the cleanup operation is under way at the SW Trenton encampment site between Westwood Village and Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. Workers from multiple city departments and agencies are at the scene. We checked starting at 7 am; the crews showed up around 8:30 am, and a supervisor told us they would be starting at 9. One RV and one trailer remained in the area then (six had been there until recently); when we returned for these photos a short time ago, one trailer remained.
(Looking west on SW Trenton)
We will be checking back later and also asking the city for the information they usually provide afterward, such as how many people they contacted and whether any vehicles were towed (one tow truck was at the scene but appeared to be in standby mode).
11:54 AM: Our photographer went through the area again and says the clearance appears to be over. (Photo added above)
(Western leafcutter bee ‘foraging in sunflower patch,’ per photographer Rosalie Miller)
Here’s our reminder list of what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you can always preview the days and weeks ahead – we add to it frequently):
TODDLER STORY TIME AT THE LIBRARY: 3 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
SCHOOL-CLOSURE PROTEST: Supporters of local schools on the potential-closure lists plan to participate in a protest at 3:45 pm outside Seattle Public Schools‘ SODO HQ (3rd Ave. S. and S. Lander), as previewed here.
DOG SWIMMING IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Fourth of seven days during which your dog is welcome to swim in the Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club pool before it’s drained for the offseason. 4-7 pm, $5 per visit. More info in our calendar listing. (11003 31st SW)
HOMEWORK HELP: 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), volunteers can help K-12 students with their homework.
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix it, don’t toss it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
CREATE ‘BEE SIPPERS’: 6-9 pm Potterings class with Lora at The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), $40 – our calendar listing has details, including how to reserve your spot.
FREE GROUP RUN: All runners, all levels, are welcome to join the weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) group run – meet at the shop by 6:15 pm.
TRIVIA x 4: Four trivia options tonight: At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) offers trivia … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).
READY FREDDY PREP PARTY: Free! Join Alice Kuder from Just In Case for a fun, fast 45-minute start on your preparedness journey, 6:30 pm at Whisky West (6451 California SW) – our calendar listing explains how to RSVP, for tonight or any of the six other free parties Alice has planned.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)
MUSIC BINGO X 2: One night, two options! Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm … At Three 9 Lounge (39th/Oregon), you can play MINGO music bingo at 7:30 pm Wednesdays, hosted by Mingo Maniac.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: The spotlight is yours! 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Planning an open house, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, show, meeting, presentation, etc., that’s open to the community? Please send us info so we can get it onto West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather October 4 to remember John Enger. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with his community now:
John Enger was born in Princeton, MN on January 30, 1949 to Harold and Phyllis Enger. The family moved to Seattle in 1955. John graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1967. In 1971 he graduated with a degree in Communications from the University of Washington, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and a track and field athlete.
John married his first wife, Jackie, in 1971 and they welcomed Ian on August 1, 1974.
In 1971 John began working for what would later become known as The Banana Pages, a local independent yellow page publisher. He would go on to become the Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President, and Co-Owner before selling the company in 1997/98 and retiring in 2005.
John married Karin in December of 1984. On November 12, 1986, their daughter Tori was born.
Rotary was a pivotal part of John’s life. He joined the West Seattle Rotary Club in 1975. Throughout his time in Rotary, he had held almost every position within the club. He served as the District Governor of Rotary District 5030 for the 2014/15 term. He truly upheld the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” John was always willing and eager to help in any way he could – for Rotary, for the community, for friends, and for his family.
John loved being a father, but he loved being a grandpa even more. His grandchildren were the light of his life. He was so proud of Ian’s children, Treyton and Marissa. He loved spending time with Tori’s children, Blake, Charlotte, and Jordan. Even when he was no longer able to communicate well, just seeing his grandchildren would put a big smile on his face.
John lived a life full of things he loved. He cherished his time with the “boys,” hiking, shrimping, spending time in Chelan, “The Feast,” etc. Some of his dearest friendships lasting nearly 70 years. He loved traveling with Karin, especially cruising. They traveled to six continents together, including Ethiopia for a Rotary International Polio Vaccination project. John and Tori also traveled to Kenya together on another Rotary project. One of his greatest passions was Seattle sports. A Charter Season-Ticket Holder for the Seattle Seahawks, John rarely missed a game. He loved his Seahawks, Huskies, and even his sometimes painful to love Mariners. Beyond following his beloved teams, he was also an avid collector of sports memorabilia.
After a very fast but brutal battle with bile duct cancer, John passed away July 30, 2024. John is survived by wife Karin, daughter Tori and grandchildren Blake, Charlotte, and Jordan, son Ian and grandchildren Treyton and Marissa, and brother Tryg. We welcome all who knew him to join us in celebrating the life of a man who was loved deeply and will be missed. A memorial service will be held Friday, October 4th at South Seattle College Brockey Center starting at 1:00 pm. Please wear Seattle sports apparel in honor of John. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in John’s name to help eradicate polio.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6:03 AM: Again today, we begin with the reminder that the West Seattle low bridge remains closed to drivers (but open to people riding bicycles or walking/running/rolling):
No estimate yet how long it will be until SDOT finishes repairing “severe” crash damage to the gate and barrier at the edge of the east half of the low bridge (here’s our coverage of Saturday’s crash). Here’s SDOT’s newest update on the repairs.
This morning’s other notes:
TRANSIT NOTES
Metro buses today – Third weekday since the twice-yearly service change – West Seattle-area routes with changes are 60, 125, 131, and 132.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat.” Check for alerts here.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast: Cloudy, becoming sunny, high in the upper 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:51 am, while sunset will be at 7:13 pm. (The fall equinox is Sunday.)
SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE
*SDOT has made one change in this week’s plan for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project, adding Thursday night work – we’ve updated here. Tonight: Eastbound left lanes closed 7 pm-6 am, 1st and 4th exits open.
Other projects:
*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*Beach Drive gas-line work continues.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
South Park Bridge – Looking east (this camera has been malfunctioning lately):
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
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