July 2024

Pat's View: The democratization of media

By Patrick Robinson

The arrival of the smartphone, followed shortly by blog comment sections, forums, and social media transformed the nature of public discourse and thus impacted politics and even it can be argued the way public policy is shaped. It democratized information flow by lowering the barrier for publishing to zero. Revolutionary.

Previously you needed an architecture of amplification to get a message out such as a printing press, television or radio station or enough money to buy attention.

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New MetroFlex on-demand transit service officially launches in South Park and Delridge

Seattle officials and community leaders gathered on Saturday to celebrate the launch of MetroFlex, a new on-demand transit service connecting the South Park and Delridge neighborhoods. The service, which began operations last week, aims to improve access to transportation in historically underserved areas.

MetroFlex van
A MetroFlex van. Photo by Kimberly Robinson

 

 

Stefan
Francesca Stefan, Senior Deputy Director at Seattle Department of Transportation. Photo by Patrick Robinson

 

 

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West Seattle's Earl Robinson is artist Desmond Hansen's latest subject

Artist Desmond Hansen, whose work as a painter and muralist graces local walls and "traffic signal boxes" has chosen a fellow West Seattleite as his latest subject. It was chosen by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society.

It's Earl Robinson, a composer from West Seattle who went on to fame as a songwriter in the Americana genre whose song Joe Hill made famous by Joan Baez has been used as a labor movement song for many decades.

Robinson was a composer, arranger, and folk music singer-songwriter born on July 2, 1910. He had a significant impact on American music, particularly in creating works that expressed his left-leaning political views.

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Seattle cracks down on illegal street racing with new ordinance
Councilmember Rob Saka proposed two amendments

On July 16, 2024, the Seattle City Council passed a new ordinance aimed at curbing illegal street racing in the city. The measure, sponsored by Councilmember Rob Saka, introduces stricter penalties for those involved in unlawful racing events and creates new infractions to target both participants and spectators.

Key points of the new ordinance include:

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Body found on the beach south of Fauntleroy ferry dock

Seattle Police were called on Friday with a report of a body that had washed up on the beach in the 9200 block of Fauntleraoy Way, south of the ferry dock.

Though unconfirmed at this point this body may be related to an incident that took place on July 24 in this same location when at 3:23 am police were called with a report of splashing and calls for help. Seattle Fire, Police and even a Coast Guard helicopter were on the scene but nothing was found.

According to Jack Miller who lives nearby said."From what I gather a guy tried to steal a zodiac boat. but it was chained up so he stole a kayak instead further down the beach. They found the kayak full of water and someone heard screaming help, help and called 911 but they showed up 45 minutes later."

 

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Little League: West Seattle 11s tie for fifth and PacWest edged out

By Tim Clinton

SPORTS EDITOR

West Seattle finished tied for fifth place in the state after posting a 3-2 record at the age 9-11 Little League baseball all-star tournament.

The tournament was played under sizzling conditions
at the Bombing Range fields in West Richland in the Tri-Cities area.

West Seattle came out smoking, topping Walla Walla by a 4-3 score Saturday.

The Westsiders turned around to take an 8-0 loss to Kirkland American the next day, but bounced back to win two straight in the loser's bracket before bowing out.

West Seattle slugged its way to a 17-4 victory over Hazel Dell this past Monday before downing North Shore of the Bothell area, 9-4.

But the season came to an end with a 12-1 defeat Wednesday at the hands of Richland North.

West Seattle qualified for the tournament as the District 7 champions.

 

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Sports Watch 7-25-24
Sporting events worth keeping an eye on

 

By Tim Clinton

SPORTS EDITOR

 

Baseball

Summer collegiate

White Center's Dub Sea Fish Sticks entertain the Redmond Dudes at 6:35 p.m. Friday and 6:05 p.m. Saturday at Mel Olson Stadium inside Steve Cox Memorial Park.

The New Level team pays a visit at 1:05 p.m. Sunday.

 

Swimming

Southern Division meet

Olympic View of Normandy Park hosts the Southern Division meet of the Seattle Summer Swim League at 4 p.m. next Thursday.

At stake are berths into the Tuesday, Aug. 6 All-City meet at Lakeridge in Renton.

 

Pros

Mariners

It's Sox week for the Seattle Mariners.

They visit the Chicago White Sox this weekend before going on to Boston to battle the Red Sox.

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LETTER: Sound Transit Town Hall was a travesty

Dear Editor,

West Seattle neighbors were invited to a Transit Town Hall to have our questions answered about Sound Transit’s WSLE light rail plans.  Finally, after two years of asking, we thought we had an opportunity to speak directly with Sound Transit and get clear honest answers about the impacts of light rail on our community.  We were wrong.

The form for pre-submitting questions looked like a Sound Transit document causing many to worry that ST would use the information to pre-emptively counter our concerns prior to their final EIS.   But, in good faith, 250 people submitted questions anyway.    Over 60 people attended in person.

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Meet muralist Brady Black and dance the night away Aug. 8
Center for Active Living hosting two fun Thursday night events

The Center for Active Living in the West Seattle Junction is hosting two events Aug. 8 that promise to be both interesting and fun First up is a community open house starting at 5pm featuring muralist Brady Black, followed by an 80's Dance Party starting at 8pm.

 

Community Open House


Community members are invited to a fun summer evening event at The Center!

Stop by to take a tour, enjoy refreshments and meet The Center's muralist Brady Black who will share his artwork. Free and open to the public for all ages.

Thursday, August 8
5 – 8 p.m.
The Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon St.)




80's Dance Party 


Get ready to groove to the best hits of the 80's! Community members are invited to The Center for a night of retro fun with live DJ music and dancing. 

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