West Seattle, Washington
29 Monday
Fans of the Fauntleroy Fall Festival, you still have more than two hours to be part of a major fundraiser that helps keep the festival free for all. It’s happening at Endolyne Joe’s (9261 45th SW) and you have two ways to support the festival there right now – until 9 pm you can buy tickets for the gift-basket raffle, and/or you can dine/drink before Joe’s closes at 10 pm, and part of the proceeds will go to the festival.
The gift baskets span a variety of interests, from cooking to gardening to sports and more.
(Video by Tom Trulin)
It’s a simple sight – water, flowing – and yet restoring that flow wasn’t simple at all. We’ve been updating you on work to unclog Fauntleroy Creek‘s 45th Avenue SW culvert, caught by creek stewards who called for city help after they saw “ponding” upstream, and now Seattle Public Utilities confirms its most-recent efforts last week succeeded. Crews removed “most of the blockage,” reports SPU, adding, “We are still monitoring the culvert and evaluating whether additional short-term work is needed to ensure the culvert’s operation.” We asked what they pulled out of the culvert to unclog it; SPU spokesperson Sabrina Register replied, “Debris – mud, leaves and branches, and possible slurry – created the blockage. SPU is looking into the debris’ contents and its origins.” The utility continues working on a long-term plan to replace the culvert, with construction expected to start in 2026. Fauntleroy Creek is one of the few remaining salmon-bearing creeks in Seattle; this year’s fry releases as part of the Salmon in the Schools program start toward the end of this month.
(WSB file photo)
Paintable pumpkins are part of what’s needed to put on the fun, free Fauntleroy Fall Festival every year. If you’ve ever been, you know the festival also offers live music, birdhouse-building, salmon-hat-making, a cakewalk, a chance to see raptors up close, a climbing wall for kids … and it’s all powered by donations and volunteers. One of the biggest donation events to raise festival funding is happening this week, Tuesday (April 18th), at Fauntleroy restaurant Endolyne Joe’s (9261 45th SW). On Tuesday, go to Joe’s for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner – its hours will be 8 am-10 pm that day – and part of the proceeds will be donated to the festival. At dinnertime, you can buy tickets for the gift-basket raffle (5-9 pm), even if you’re not dining. Meantime, set your calendar – this year’s festival will happen on Sunday, October 15th.
We wanted to remind you that the net two Saturdays bring opportunities to clear out more clutter:
(WSB photo, September 2022)
RECYCLE ROUNDUP ON APRIL 22: Fauntleroy Church‘s twice-yearly dropoff event is next Saturday, 9 am-3 pm in the church parking lot at 9140 California SW [map]. Drive up, ride up, walk up and drop off anything you have that’s on the list of what they’re accepting; see it here. The church is partnering with 1 Green Planet again this year, as a free service (though donations to help them cover the cost are always welcome), and their main request is that you NOT wait until the last minute, so they don’t have to deal with a line at shutdown time. The previous Recycle Roundup in September brought out almost 500 people to recycle more than 16 tons!
SHREDDING AND FOOD DRIVE ON APRIL 29: Tax season is coming to a close, and you might have realized you have some documents you don’t need to keep any more. So two weeks from today, John L. Scott Real Estate – Westwood (WSB sponsor) is offering free shredding in the northwest parking lot at Westwood Village 2 pm-5 pm. If you can, bring nonperishable food (or a monetary donation) for the White Center Food Bank.
(Triangle Route ferry photographed from Lincoln Park by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Thanks to Tom for the tip via this comment. Washington State Ferries now says they don’t expect to restore three-boat service on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run before next month. That’s a change from what WSF said when they announced M/V Cathlamet was returning to service, and also from the Service Restoration Plan‘s projection of trial 3-boat service in early April. The problem, says WSF spokesperson Ian Sterling, remains staffing: “We’re still too short-handed to reliably go to three-boat service. However, we anticipate that by May, the staffing situation will have improved enough to allow us to trial full service, thankfully.”
Here are toplines from the Fauntleroy Community Association‘s April board meeting, held this past Tuesday night:
POLICE UPDATES: Lt. Mike Watson from the Southwest Precinct talked a bit about the shooting death of 20-year-old Ka-Don Brown on the Chief Sealth International High School campus this past Saturday. He said the victim is believed to have been shot where his body was found in the faculty parking area in the southwest corner of the campus, not where casings were found in 27th SW upslope. And he said the victim was a frequent visitor to programs at Southwest Teen Life Center across SW Thistle from the school. Lt. Watson also said Mr. Brown’s murder is part of a trend – violent crimes are up 50 percent over this time last year. Property crimes are down lately, but catalytic-converter thefts continue at a pace of at least 50 a month citywide. Last year’s total citywide was about 2,000. As for hotspots, he said they’re doing “emphasis” at Westwood Village three or four days a week, and shoplifting remains the major problem there.
FCA board members remain concerned about enforcement of Fauntleroy’s RPZ, since physical permits are being phased out and parking-enforcement officers will just need to electronically check plates. Lt. Watson said the new method isn’t fully deployed yet. Meantime, the PEO’s shifts end around 10 pm, raising questions about enforcement of early-morning RPZs like the one in Fauntleroy.
SPEAKING OF TRANSPORTATION: Still no followup from SDOT since the walking tour with director Greg Spotts four months ago, reported FCA vice president Catherine Bailey. She said she has emailed repeatedly and received no reply.
PREPAREDNESS: Cindi Barker and Chris Jaramillo talked about the Emergency Communication Hubs – volunteer-managed locations that would be set up if an earthquake or other disaster disrupted normal channels of communication. Jaramillo urged the FCA to help raise community awareness of the hubs, with updates in the FCA newsletter and more information on the FCA website. Barker noted that the Hubs table at the recent Food Fest annual membership meeting generated a lot of interest and discussion. FCA president Mike Dey said the group’s community survey this year will include the hubs as a topic and ask respondents what information they need. Meantime, Barker said the next drill for the hubs will be on June 11th and volunteers will set up in The Junction, at Hope Lutheran. The scenario this time will be a citywide power outage rather than an earthquake. (Whichever West Seattle neighborhood is yours, check this map to learn the location of your nearest hub.)
FERRIES: FCA’s point person for Washington State Ferries issues, Frank Immel, said there wasn’t much new to report. WSF is still working on a date for the next meeting of the Community Advisory Group for the Fauntleroy ferry dock rebuild. He also said the third boat is expected to return to the Triangle Route next week (now that Cathlamet is back in service) but the performance will be watched closely.
FALL FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER: Next Tuesday, April 18th, is the big day at Endolyne Joe’s (9261 45th SW) when part of the proceeds go to the Fauntleroy Fall Festival, which is produced entirely with donations and volunteers. If you go to Joe’s after 5 pm, you can also participate in the raffle for gift baskets.
SPEAKING OF EVENTS: FCA’s egg hunt was a big hit – at least 300 people, and the change to a single venue (the schoolhouse) worked well … Last month’s Food Fest had a good turnout too, an estimated 150 prople.
The Fauntleroy Community Association board meets in person and online at 7 pm second Tuesdays most months – watch fauntleroy.net for updates.
(Photos of last week’s SPU work by Tom Trulin)
Seattle Public Utilities workers are expected to return tomorrow to 45th SW, where Fauntleroy Creek – one of our city’s few salmon-bearing streams – goes under the street in a culvert that’s currently clogged. Creek stewards have been keeping us up to date on efforts to unclog it, as the backup has led to ponding.
Here’s what SPU has to say about what’s going on:
Three weeks ago, when water started to pond upstream, SPU investigated and determined that the culvert was mostly blocked with debris. During this time, SPU has been assessing repair options and actively monitoring and evaluating the culvert and upstream conditions. As soon as (tomorrow), SPU will use a pump and bypass system to attempt to lower the water level upstream of the culvert to better assess conditions in the culvert. During this temporary work, you can expect periodic noise from the pumping equipment and slower traffic in the work area. This work would occur during daytime hours. SPU will continue to perform work at the culvert to eliminate the blockage and may change strategies depending on the culvert and weather conditions.
The culvert needs to be replaced – as we’ve previously reported – and SPU says it’s currently “in the process of developing a design,” but because “there are requirements from State and Federal agencies that must be met and reviewed during the culvert’s design process … the design will not be completed for several years, with construction anticipated to start in summer 2026.” You can see the preliminary design concept on the project website.
(Thursday photo by Tom Trulin)
On Thursday, we mentioned Seattle Public Utilities workers’ efforts to troubleshoot a partial blockage of Fauntleroy Creek at the 45th SW culvert that carries it underground. Creek steward Judy Pickens reports that “the blockage at 45th remains in place after a long day of trying. The city crew will be back Tuesday morning to install a full bypass; locals will notice a hose across the roadway. It should enable removal of enough of the jam to assess the condition of the culvert.” In the meantime, what she termed a “duck pond” resulting from the blockage is re-forming in Kilbourne Ravine (by Fauntleroy Schoolhouse) and Fauntleroy Watershed Council volunteers are helping monitor it. As Judy explained on Thursday, this is a “delicate time for fish in the creek,” one of Seattle’s few remaining salmon-spawning streams.
Now that it’s April, our area’s next two recycling and shredding events are in view:
RECYCLING – Fauntleroy Church‘s twice-yearly Recycle Roundup is set for 9 am-3 pm Saturday, April 22nd. Drive up, ride up, walk up, and drop off your recyclables – here’s the list of what will and won’t be accepted this time. The church is at 9140 California sW.
SHREDDING – Again this year, John L. Scott Real Estate-Westwood (WSB sponsor) is presenting free shredding in conjunction with a donation drive for the White Center Food Bank:
John L. Scott Westwood and Evergreen Home Loans are sponsoring a shred event Saturday, April 29th, from 2-5 PM @ Westwood Village, located in the parking lot (west of) the old Bed Bath and Beyond Building. Please consider a monetary or food donation to the White Center Food Bank – once again they are teaming up with us for this community event. We would love to surpass last year’s $477 in donations and 370 lbs. of food.
(Photo by Tom Trulin)
No, the Seattle Public Utilities workers near 45th/Wildwood were not there for a water break again. This time, it’s related to Fauntleroy Creek; thanks to creek steward Judy Pickens for explaining. She says they were working on a partial blockage of the culvert that carries the creek underground in the area. Judy says SPU started assessing the situation a few weeks ago, and then came to work on it today. The blockage had resulted in a “duck pond” about 12 feet deep and they needed to drain some of that water away to get to the culvert itself. Creek volunteers have been keeping watch to be sure fry in the creek weren’t disturbed – as Judy notes, “It’s a delicate time for fish in the creek. Smolts have been heading to saltwater earlier than last year and we have lots of home hatch in the lower creek.” She says this culvert has had a blockage before, about a decade ago. SPU has had a culvert-replacement project on the drawing board for years.
(Photo by Mark Dale, July 28, 2022)
11:27 AM: The state ferry damaged when it hit a structure known as a “dolphin” at the Fauntleroy dock last July (WSB coverage here) is about to return to service. Washington State Ferries\ spokesperson Ian Sterling tells us, “Cathlamet is undergoing sea trials today and tomorrow. If all goes well, it will return to service this weekend for a short stint filling in on the Edmonds/Kingston route. Then it’s expected to move to the Triangle in about a week.” This news comes as WSF says its own investigation into the collision is complete, and that it lays blame for the collision on “human error and a failure to follow existing procedures.” But the federal investigation into the Cathlamet incident is not yet over. From today’s WSF announcement:
… In the case of the Cathlamet, where the vessel struck offshore pilings on July 28, 2022, causing an estimated $7.7 million in damage to both the ferry and the piling structure, WSF immediately initiated an internal investigation to determine cause and to ensure something similar does not happen again. That investigation is now complete. Separate United States Coast Guard and NTSB investigations into the incident are ongoing. The USCG is the lead agency in the overall investigation and has not yet provided a timeline or date their findings would be released.
The WSF internal investigation found that human error and a failure to follow existing procedures led to the incident. That investigation and recommendations are here.
An experienced captain was at the controls of the Cathlamet as it made its way to Fauntleroy on the morning of July 28 when the vessel, off course at approximately 17 mph, struck the pilings.
The captain resigned the following day and has not provided an explanation as to what happened. Ultimately the captain is responsible for the safe operation of the vessel while in command. A contributing factor was existing landing procedures were not followed by the captain ensuring a witness is present on the bridge and that the witness is engaged and aware of their duties. The quartermaster was present in the wheelhouse but was engaged with reading work-related materials when the incident occurred.
WSF operations sent a safety notice reinforcing landing procedures immediately following the event. As a result of the internal investigation additional policies and training are under development and ‘black box’ data recorders have been installed aboard the Cathlamet. These recorders will now become standard equipment on WSF vessels with installation occurring fleet-wide over the coming months. WSF will also enhance and improve upon Bridge Resource Management (BRM) standards and practices, continue growth and development of operational route focus groups, and consider the implementation of psychometric wellness checks with WSF captains, like current cruise ship practices.
WSF remains in constant contact with federal investigators and further changes may be implemented upon Coast Guard recommendations.
We’ll be reading the WSF investigation report and will update this report with notes of interest.
4:09 PM: The report redacts all names, so in some spots the narrative of what happened before/during/after the incident is a little hard to follow. It notes that another captain from a different shift was on board and took control after the ferry hit the dolphin – which led to a “brief” grounding – and backed the boat away to bring it in to the dock. The report confirms only one injury – minor – and one vehicle damaged. It also says everyone tested negative for drugs/alcohol, and that no mechanical issues were found. The captain – who resigned and retired the next day – had been with WSF since 1985, as a captain since 1995, and had a disciplinary action in 2018 for a “dependability concern” that was followed by a three-day suspension in 2021. After the incident, he refused to answer questions, saying that was “on the advice of my attorney.” Regarding changes prompted by the incident, WSF says that a type of training in “standards for vessel-bridge watchkeeping” had been eliminated some years back to save money, but will be reinstated starting this year. The report also notes that WSF vessels should have Voyage Data Recorders that they currently do not have.
6:41 PM: If you live, work, do business, study, or enjoy recreation in Fauntleroy, this is the place to be tonight – until 8 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW), it’s the annual general meeting of the Fauntleroy Community Association – also known as the Food Fest because local purveyors of food and beverages bring free tastes (savory and sweet) as a community contribution. Tonight, those include Wildwood Market:
(Regina and Lonjina from Wildwood Market)
Also Nola’s, Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering (which operates The Hall), The Birdhouse, The Unsweetened Tooth, and Endolyne Joe’s. You can also find out not only what the FCA’s about (including the annual Egg Hunt coming up April 1st) but also other organizations including the Morgan Community Association, Fauntleroy UCC, RainWise (which is again offering rebates to many homes in this area for installing green stormwater features), the Fauntleroy Watershed Council, and – with the mobile precinct parked outside – Seattle Police‘s Southwest Precinct.
You can also learn about the Fauntleroy Fall Festival, set this year for October 15th (with a fundraiser coming up April 18th at Endolyne Joe’s).
8:30 PM: Though mingling was the main order of the night, there was a bit of business: Voting on whether to re-elect the FCA board.
They were re-elected by acclamation. From left in our photo are vice president Catherine Bailey, president Mike Dey, Kris Ilgenfritz, Bill Wellington, Susan Lantz-Dey, David Haggety, Diana Spence, Bruce Butterfield, and Marty Westerman. Three other board members weren’t able to attend: Frank Immel, Alan Grainger, and Nils von Veh. In general updates from the stage, Dey said the board welcomes new members – they have openings for secretary and treasurer currently – contact info is on the FCA website, fauntleroy.net. The board meets second Tuesdays most months at 7 pm at the schoolhouse, and community members are always welcome.
School fundraiser season continues! Tonight we heard about the Fauntleroy Children’s Center annual auction – through Saturday at 6:30 pm, so less than 48 hours to bid! Here’s the announcement:
The annual auction to support the Fauntleroy Children’s Center is a staple of the West Seattle community. This year marks the 36th time we are holding this event, an online auction open to FCC families, grandparents, alumni, and community members in West Seattle. The online auction runs through Saturday, March 18, at 6:30 pm.
The funds raised by the auction support the center’s 120 students as well as the 33 staff members who work at FCC. Funds will go toward updating decades-old outdoor play structures, funding scholarships for families in need, and supporting continuing education for our teachers.
FCC is in the historic Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. You can see the dozens of auction items (gift cards for local businesses and much more) – and sign up to bid – by going here. Questions? auction@fauntleroychildrenscenter.org
Reported by Richard in Fauntleroy:
My 2011 gray Hyundai Elantra was stolen at 1:30 pm on 45th Ave SW this afternoon by two male suspects. The postman saw them and attempted to intervene but they completed the whole operation too quickly. They drove off toward Wildwood Market intersection. Attaching pics of the suspects from my doorbell camera.
Washington license plate CFV5218. Police incident # 23-72264.
(WSB photo, ferries seen from Lincoln Park at midday earlier this month)
Though Washington State Ferries has said it doesn’t expect to be able to restore the “Triangle Route” to three-boat service until later this year, it has added some sailings starting this week. Here’s the announcement:
To help supplement service, Washington State Ferries has added the following weekday service on our Fauntleroy/ Vashon/ Southworth “Triangle” route to fill gaps in the two-boat schedule when crewing allows:
11:15 a.m. existing Southworth to Vashon will load Fauntleroy traffic
11:50 a.m. Vashon to Fauntleroy
12:15 p.m. Fauntleroy to Vashon (continues to Southworth)
7:35 p.m. Fauntleroy to Southworth (currently to Vashon)
8:10 p.m. Southworth to Vashon
8:30 p.m. Vashon to Fauntleroy
8:55 p.m. Fauntleroy to Vashon
9:20 p.m. Vashon to Southworth
9:35 p.m. Southworth to Vashon (Fridays only)
As reported here, WSF hopes to restore three-boat service on weekdays in May, then full 7-days-a-week restoration in fall.
2:14 PM: From Washington State Ferries:
Due to a shortage of crew, the final sailing for the #2 vessel will be the 3:40 p.m. sailing from Fauntleroy to Vashon. The route will operate on the #1 boat schedule for the remainder of the service day.
This cancels the following sailings:
4:05 p.m., 6:40 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Vashon to Southworth
4:30 p.m., 7:05 p.m. and 9:35 p.m. Southworth to Vashon
4:50 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 7:25 p.m. and 8:25 p.m. Vashon to Fauntleroy
5:20 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 7:55 p.m., and 8:50 p.m. Fauntleroy to Vashon
We’ll update if this changes. You can also check Vessel Watch for boats’ location/status.)
3:18 PM: Never mind, WSF now says:
A crewmember has been dispatched and the #2 vessel will remain in service. There will be no disruptions on the route.
Thursday’s first Fauntleroy water break, on 46th SW south of Wildwood, caused the second, in the 9200 block of Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle Public Utilities confirmed to WSB tonight. “Over-pressurization of the zone” broke the second line, according to the utility. But SPU still doesn’t know what caused the first break. The utility believes four homes had flooded basements as a result of the water flow – this is one of the photos Catherine sent us last night:
Breaks usually lead to discussion of aging infrastructure, so we also asked SPU how old the broken mains were. The one on 46th, 8 inches wide, dates back to 1950; the Fauntleroy line, 4 inches wide, has been in service since 1930. Both are now repaired.
(2021 photo of Fauntleroy ferry, by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Washington State Ferries has released its latest report on service-restoration progress. Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth – also known as the “Triangle Route” – is still on reduced service, 2 boats instead of 3. It’s now estimating that three-boat service can be partially restored in May, fully restored in fall. From the report:
Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth
Estimated restoration: May 2023 (weekday service); Fall 2023 (full service)• WSF expects to begin trialing full weekday three-boat service in early-April, or once a vessel and crewing is available. Because the three-boat schedule is so different from the two boat schedule, the Trial Service stage will be more challenging than trials on other
routes. WSF will communicate with customers regularly about each day’s expected schedule and anticipates it may take longer than three weeks to reach full route restoration.• The route will be considered fully restored once it reaches 95% reliability on the threeboat schedule for a period of three weeks. At this time, WSF expects weekday service on the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route to be restored by the end of May 2023 and to be operating the full weekly schedule by Fall 2023.
• While waiting for both the vessel and crewing availability necessary to trial three-boat service, WSF will add some additional midday and evening service to fill gaps in the two-boat schedule.
The report also details fleet and staff status; on the latter, citing “unprecedented” staff shortages, WSF says, “The number of licensed deck officers (captains and mates) is the biggest crewing challenge facing WSF. Ideally, WSF would have approximately 200 licensed deck officers in the system. As of Feb. 15, 2023, WSF has 165 LDOs. These highly skilled and highly credentialed positions are challenging to fill.” Regarding the fleet, WSF recounts the need to extend the usage of three vessels slated to be retired this decade, and notes that it’s running so close to bare minimum that unscheduled problems result in unavoidable service reductions: “Vessel availability has recovered from the maintenance backlog in the initial months of the pandemic; however, the vessel pillar remains at high risk because of an aging, diminishing fleet.”
(Video by Tom Trulin)
By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog
Lower Fauntleroy Creek is again teeming with fish – not the 254 big spawners of last fall but the tiny “home hatch” from the eggs they left.
Volunteer Tom Trulin spotted the first coho fry on Feb. 20, a day later than last year. Within a week, dozens were darting around.
Water temperature determines how long coho eggs take to hatch, then how long alevin take to develop into fry. They start life under the protection of loose gravel and emerge as free-swimming fry. To protect themselves from predators while foraging for food, they stay near the bank or overhanging vegetation.
“The fry are less than an inch long and vary in color from light tan to very dark,” said volunteer Dennis Hinton. “Seeing them takes a lot of patience because they don’t want to be seen and are easily spooked.” He discouraged visitors to the lower creek while the fish are so fragile.
Based on the last observed spawning during the week of Nov. 15, these fry are about 13 weeks old. They will grow into fingerlings (parr), then smolts, over their year in the creek. Next spring, those that survive will migrate to salt water, then return to fresh water after two years to spawn.
The upper creek will soon be teeming, as well, when at least 500 students release the coho fry they are rearing now through the Salmon in the Schools program. Tom, Dennis, and other Fauntleroy Watershed Council volunteers are expecting to host at least 13 release field trips in May in Fauntleroy Park.
(Photo sent by Liz Wilhelm)
We’d venture to say that more people than usual had donuts for breakfast these past four weeks, after The Original Bakery in Fauntleroy announced that today would be its last day in business, as proprietor Bernie Alonzo heads into retirement after almost 50 years. WSB readers have been sending photos of the bakery’s popularity these past few mornings, like this texted photo showing the line stretching around the building and into the parking lot today:
The impending closure led to some sweet reminiscences, like these from the “Pierson Clan,” who also sent photos:
We have enjoyed the bakery for so many years and wanted to share our story. We have been Lincoln Park residents for over 40 years and patronizing The Original Bakery since we moved to West Seattle. Five generations of our family have enjoyed the pop-up cinnamon rolls that we originally purchased from the Frederick & Nelson bakeries. I remember my grandmother serving them at breakfast when I visited Edmonds as a child.
Bernie acquired the contract to bake them for Frederick’s for several years before they closed. Fortunately he continued to bake them at the bakery and we have ordered them ever since.
(Ann Pierson and Bernie Alonzo)
I picked up my final 2 boxes last week and delivered some to the delight of my aunt and uncle, who are in their 90’s. The bakery has been an integral part of our family and community for decades and we wish Bernie his well-deserved retirement and happy next adventures to the bakery family.
As reported here, the bakery space will be taken over by the parent company of neighboring Endolyne Joe’s, whose owner told us that it will have its own identity and will serve pastries, but beyond that, they hadn’t finalized plans. The space has been a bakery since 1936.
Thanks to Susan for the photo from early this morning, as the line for The Original Bakery‘s final Friday (applesauce donuts!) stretched down the block, well past its storefront at 9253 45th SW. We also heard tonight from Kay, who suggested reminding people to get there early if planning on one last trip this weekend. Sunday is the bakery’s final day of operations, as first reported here three and a half weeks ago. Bakery proprietor Bernie Alonzo is retiring after almost 50 years; the parent company of neighboring Endolyne Joe’s, CHOW Foods, is taking over the space. The bakery will be open 7:30 am-3 pm Saturday and Sunday (unless everything sells out early).
Two big events are ahead for the Fauntleroy Community Association, as discussed at the FCA board’s February meeting. One is open right now for helpers to join in – here’s the announcement, for both volunteers and participants:
The Fauntleroy Community Association is presenting its 2023 Spring Egg Hunt on April 1 from 1:00 to 4:00 at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. To have it on one day at one location is a new – and better, we think – format.
All are welcome, so bring the kiddies and baskets to collect eggs with treats inside. This is a no-candy event. When finding the eggs, post your photos on social media with a tag #FCAEggHunt. Any plastic eggs that you cannot reuse may be dropped off at the booth out front that day or returned later to the schoolhouse.
We need volunteers to come and have fun at a stuffing party or to hide eggs that day. Call or email Candace Blue, at 209-401-8406 or leeblue2@hotmail.com.
FCA is also preparing for next month’s Food Fest, the annual membership meeting, held at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW), 6-8 pm Tuesday, March 21st. FCA’s David Haggerty told the board that planning is going well – some local eateries have signed up to provide bites for attendees and he’s working on a few more. He’s also lining up community organizations and agencies to be there. If you live and/or work in Fauntleroy, make plans to be there.
This month’s meeting included a few other discussion topics. Operations Lt. Dorothy Kim was there from the Southwest Precinct, to which FCA had expressed concerns about enforcement of the RPZ now that vehicles are no longer getting permits to display, but instead just having plates registered, meaning that unless you’re an officer with a license-plate reader, you can’t tell the difference between authorized and unauthorized vehicles. There’s no real solution for now, as Parking Enforcement Officers currently aren’t on duty overnight, which is when the RPZ’s “permit-required” hours fall.
FCA’s Catherine Bailey, leading the meeting, also noted that the group had yet to hear back from SDOT on followthrough from the December walkaround with director Greg Spotts.
The Fauntleroy Community Association board meets second Tuesdays at 7 pm, with community members welcome to attend, in-person at the schoolhouse or online (info at fauntleroy.net).
(RainWise photo: Fauntleroy Schoolhouse rain garden)
Got room for a rain garden? A site for a cistern? You might be eligible for RainWise rebates to help you get them, depending on where you live, because they’re returning to some West Seattle neighborhoods. Here are the details sent to us to share with you:
RainWise, a partnership between King County Wastewater Treatment Division and Seattle Public Utilities, has a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
The West Seattle neighborhoods around Sunrise Heights, Westwood, Fauntleroy, and Arbor Heights are eligible for RainWise rebates – again!
In 2013, King County joined the RainWise program, and parts of West Seattle became eligible for rebates that pay for rain gardens and cisterns on private properties. By capturing the rain that falls on roofs, these installations help keep stormwater out of the sewer system and prevent overflows at the Barton Pump Station near the Fauntleroy ferry dock. After five years in the program, almost 150 properties put in rain gardens and cisterns that manage the equivalent of rain falling on five acres of roofs. In addition, 15 blocks of highly engineered roadside rain gardens were put in to let rain washing down streets and sidewalks to soak into the ground. All of this has really helped but as we look to a future of heavy rains and atmospheric rivers, we would love more help to manage the rain in this area.
How does RainWise help? During heavy rains, the sheer volume of polluted stormwater can cause our combined sewers to overflow. This negatively impacts human health and the health of marine life, such as salmon and orcas. We can reduce this water pollution by installing green stormwater infrastructure solutions, such as rain gardens and cisterns. This is where RainWise comes in.
What is RainWise? RainWise is a rebate program jointly run by King County Wastewater Treatment Division and Seattle Public Utilities. RainWise rebates help property owners manage the rain by installing cisterns and/or rain gardens on their private property. This not only helps reduce stormwater pollution, but mitigates flooding, adds attractive landscaping, and can provide water for summer irrigation.
You can check your eligibility for rebates at 700milliongallons.org/rainwise/eligibility. And, for addresses not eligible for RainWise, Green Stormwater Mini-Grants are available as well at 12000raingardens.org/gsi-mini-grants.
To find out more, please attend one of our upcoming events to talk with program staff and RainWise contractors. We are excited about being back in this area and look forward to helping you get started on your RainWise project!
How to Get RainWise Workshop
Attend this in-person workshop to learn about the program with a short presentation followed by a Q&A with staff and RainWise contractors.
Wednesday, March 1st, 6 – 7:15 pm
Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, 9131 California Ave SW
Register at RWworkshop1.eventbrite.comJoin RainWise at West Seattle Nursery
Come visit our table while you shop for your garden!
Saturday, March 4th, 10 am – 12 pm
Saturday, April 8th, 10 am – 12 pm
West Seattle Nursery, 5275 California Ave SWHow to Get RainWise Webinar
Attend this online webinar and watch a short presentation followed by a Q&A with staff and a local homeowner.
Thursday, March 16th, 5 – 6 pm
Online.
Register at bit.ly/mar16RWEdible Landscapes with RainWise Webinar
Attend this online webinar to learn how edible rain gardens offer a green solution to pollution. There will be a short presentation followed by a Q&A with staff and gardening experts.
Tuesday, April 11th, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Online.
Register at bit.ly/ediblewebinar
(RainWise photo, cisterns at Peace Lutheran Church)
RainWise Garden Celebration at Peace Lutheran Church
Come to our RainWise Garden Celebration where you can talk to an array of RainWise, sustainability, and garden experts to learn about the program. There will be tours of Peace Lutheran’s RainWise installation, refreshments, and activities. This is a family-friendly event!
Saturday, April 22nd, 10 am – 1 pm
Peace Lutheran Church, 8316 39th Ave SW
Register at raingardencelebration.eventbrite.comNot eligible? Feel free to reach out to us! We are happy to help provide you with resources. Check out 12000raingardens.org/about-rain-gardens/incentives to see what other programs are available to you.
Contact us for questions, comments, and concerns at rainwise@seattle.gov.For more info about RainWise, visit 700milliongallons.org/rainwise
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