June 2024

A group of West Seattle businesses has started a petition to gain public support for their wish that Sound Transit alter their route design that will otherwise displace them. The issue could affect more than 60 businesses including those on Delridge Way, those near the intersection of 35th Ave SW and SW Fauntleroy Way and all 37 businesses at Jefferson Square on 42nd and Alaska. They emphasize that they are not opposed to light rail but are urging changes so they are not "sacrificed for it."

See the list of businesses impacted here.

Sound Transit is set to release the final Environmental Impact Statement this summer.

Information from South Seattle College

Dr. Monica Brown, a higher education leader with over 18 years of progressive leadership experience, has been named South Seattle College’s next permanent president. 

After a nationwide search, Dr. Brown was named to the position by Seattle Colleges Chancellor Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap and will start on Aug. 1, 2024. Dr. Sayumi Irey, who led SSC as acting president over the past academic year, will return to her role as vice president of instruction on Aug. 1.  

“Dr. Brown is a dedicated leader and comes ready to deeply engage in the work we have begun to evolve into an anti-racist college, and address issues of equity in all areas of the college community,” Chancellor Rimando-Chareunsap said.  “I know she is looking forward to get to know the South community and our region.”  

Information from Highline Public Schools

A $250,000 grant presented by the Seattle Seahawks and the NFL Foundation Grassroots Program will help fund the installation of a new synthetic turf field this summer at the shared Highline Memorial Stadium in Burien.

Highline Public Schools celebrated the successful grant and kicked off the project with a groundbreaking ceremony. Phil Willenbrock, Highline’s director of Athletics, expressed gratitude to the NFL, Seahawks and LISC, a national community development support organization that administers the grant program. 

"We are grateful to the NFL Foundation and LISC for this $250,000 grant stretching our capital dollars to replace the aging synthetic field at our stadium and improve safety," he said.

In a pioneering move, the new field will feature permanent lines for our girls flag football program, along with traditional lines for football and soccer.

The annual Loop the Lupe obstacle course event, supporting Our Lady of Guadalupe (OLG) had a record number of people sign up this year, but only got about half as many donations this year as they have had in years past.

The Loop is OLG's largest external fundraiser, and the donation link will remain open through Monday at midnight and needs your help. The money goes towards supporting work like providing food and rental assistance to local families in need, helping prisoners re-integrate into the community after their sentences, and much more. 

I've attached a recent photo of our volunteers (record number of those this year, too, which is awesome) and the 2nd graders from Ms. Hart's class at OLG, who won the annual ice cream party for having the most participation of any class at OLG in the Loop. Please, thanks, let me know if you have any questions.

If you can, any amount of assistance is extremely important and much appreciated.

Information from the Center for Active Living

The Center for Active Living (formerly the Senior Center of West Seattle) has selected artist Brady Black to commission a mural on the outside of its building. Brady was selected through a competitive process by a committee that included community volunteers and members. The committee was impressed by his vast experience, collaborative approach and commitment to creating a mural that reflects the energy and vitality of The Center’s members and the West Seattle community.

Information from Seattle Police Blotter

#2024-157440/Southwest Precinct/First Watch:

At 7AM on June 10 officers responded to a burglary and auto theft call located in the 2600 block of Southwest Holden Street.

Police attempted to contact the suspect and he fled on foot. An officer followed and the suspect turned around, got in a fighting stance, and threw a punch at the officer.

The officer blocked the punch and the suspect attempted to run away. The officer grabbed the suspect’s backpack and officers took the suspect to the ground and placed him in custody.

The suspect was booked for Assault 3, Burglary, and Auto Theft. The suspect is also a suspect in a hit and run collision

The Seattle Department of Transportation is hoping people will spend "ten minutes" to complete a survey on their proposed street changes near the three West Seattle light rail stations. The final Environmental Impact Statement from Sound Transit is due this summer.

The survey (linked here) shows how a street could look in the future with specific improvements. These plans help guide future changes made by developers, property owners, City departments, or public agencies so that they work well and are comfortable for people using our streets. Street concept plans include ideas like lots of plants, distinct paving options, relocated curbs, and features like benches or unique lighting.