Robinson Papers

ReThinkThe Link transit forum raises concerns about West Seattle Light Rail Extension

patr — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 23:57:05 +0000

patr Sat, 01/25/2025 - 3:57pm

From left are Conrad Cipoletti. Martin Westerman, Martin Pagel, and John Niles, panelists for the ReThinkTheLink.org light rail forum held at the West Seattle Center for Active Living on January 25.

Photo by Patrick Robinson

On January 25th, ReThinkTheLink.org hosted a public forum at the Center for Active Living in West Seattle to discuss the proposed West Seattle Light Rail Extension (WSLE), drawing a crowd of concerned citizens and transit advocates. The forum, led by Alan McMurray of Rethink the Link, aimed to delve into the facts surrounding the project, using information gleaned from Sound Transit's documents and public records. The panel included John Niles, an independent researcher and transportation consultant; Martin Pagel, an engineer, cyclist, and transit advocate; and Martin Westerman, an advocate for urban green space preservation. Conrad Cipoletti, a carfree community advocate, moderated the panel.

The forum took place just weeks before the anticipated Record of Decision from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), expected on February 28th. Despite assurances from incoming Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, that previously approved projects would receive his support, panelist John Niles raised concerns that the project could still be affected by President Trump, who could delay or stop it.

The forum sponsors prepared a "gallery walk" of images depicting the most likely path for the train, listed the 271 properties affected and much more. ReThinkTheLink published their own "altenative" response to Sound Transit's FEIS which raises many of these same issues.

Cost Escalation Concerns

The panel expressed significant concerns about the project's escalating costs. Martin Pagel stated that the current cost per mile between SODO and West Seattle is approximately $1.9 billion, making it the second most expensive light rail project in North America, behind New York City. He stated the bridge cost is included in the $1.9 billion dollars per mile. John Niles pointed out that the cost estimates do not include debt service costs, which are the interest on the loans. He noted that Sound Transit is working hard to ensure they can meet their financial obligations. Additionally, Niles emphasized that Sound Transit is essentially a permanent tax, collecting $6.5 million a day in local taxes. He also stated "We're we're right at the top. I'm actually claiming that the whole Sound Transit program is the biggest in the world."

Voter Approval and Project Changes

The panel discussed how the current project differs from what voters approved in 2016. Pagel noted that voters approved the idea of a light rail to West Seattle, but without the critical details such as cost, loss of housing and small businesses. "The first thing on the list was better bus transit. The second thing on the list was let's look at light rail. Looking at light rail means not just lines on a map," stated Pagel. John Niles argued that the project now costs more, carries fewer people, does more environmental damage, and has viable alternatives. According to Niles, "We said you voted for light rail to West Seattle. We're serving it up, right? Look at that. It's all we've laid it out here. Now, you know, it costs a little more than we thought, doesn't carry as many people as we thought. Maybe tears down some more houses and businesses than we thought." Pagel also pointed out that the original plan of a light rail line from West Seattle to downtown Seattle has been scaled back to a line that runs from SODO to West Seattle.

Ridership and Transit Alternatives

Panelists questioned the projected ridership, noting that the WSLE is expected to serve only 5,400 riders per day at a cost of $1.3 million per rider, making it a poor use of public funds. Pagel stated, "Metro Transit will cancel a route if it costs more than $10 per rider."

Metro's own website however does list ridership costs in the $11 to $12 average cost range so Pagel's claim here could be mistaken.

He also said, "the cost per rider the day they open if they open will be $1.3 million a rider,". Martin Westerman pointed out that Sound Transit had originally estimated 37,000 daily riders before the ST3 vote, and later 27,000 daily riders after ST3, while current estimates are only at 5,400 per day.

John Niles emphasized the importance of improving the existing bus system, citing that an investment of even a fraction of the project's budget into the bus system could produce amazing results.

The panel also noted that current plans do not connect to downtown Seattle, but only to SODO, requiring transfers to reach downtown. Pagel also stated that Metro Transit will continue to run the buses, meaning that none of the reallocation of bus hours will happen until the line gets continued to downtown, which they expect to be decades away.

Environmental Concerns

The forum also raised significant environmental concerns. The panel noted that the project would cause irreparable damage to ecosystems and generate 380,000 tons of carbon from construction that would not be mitigated by savings in carbon emissions. They also raised issues with the destruction of green space and trees. According to Pagel, “the FEIS now shows that it will have the carbon impact from the construction. It will generate more carbon from the construction than it will ever save us."

John Niles pointed out that the environmental review process is primarily focused on where to place the light rail, rather than the benefits of alternatives like a better bus system.

Q&A Session

The forum concluded with a Q&A session where community members voiced concerns and sought clarification. Some of the questions and comments included:

•

A community member asked about the fate of trees cut down for the project, specifically mature trees that are most efficient at absorbing carbon. Pagel answered that Sound Transit says nothing about this.

•

One attendee stated that West Seattle is different from Ballard, in that Ballard has one central commercial area with several highways leading into it, whereas West Seattle is a series of isolated communities, creating a need for inter-community transit. Pagel agreed that it is easier to serve Ballard but the Ballard line would serve South Lake Union, Seattle Center and Interbay.

•

A West Seattle resident expressed a preference for buses, and asked how to get an initiative on the ballot to stop the light rail. John Niles responded that Sound Transit is not subject to transit and cannot be voted on again. He noted that the best approach would be to contact state representatives.

•

Another attendee questioned the panel's legal strategy, and why there is no legal representation. John Niles stated that Sound Transit has commitments from most law firms in town, making it hard to find new lawyers.

•

A community member asked why Sound Transit is allowed to not talk about construction carbon. A panelist responded that Sound Transit does mention it in the EIS, but it is buried in the last appendix. Another panelist said the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency should be a leverage point.

Call to Action

The panelists encouraged community members to voice their concerns by commenting on the environmental record before the February 28 deadline. They also urged attendees to contact their elected officials at the city, county, and state levels to express their concerns. The panel also urged that any comments to the DOT include that the comment is a reaction to the need for input into the record of the decision.

The forum underscored significant community concerns about the West Seattle Light Rail Extension and served as a call to action for greater transparency, a focus on community needs, and a more comprehensive assessment of transit options. The panelists also stated that they are not sure how to get the message across that the Sound Transit project is not what the voters originally voted for. The website rethinkthelink.org was provided as a resource for additional information and opportunities to get involved

_____________________________

VIDEO: Light Rail Forum

Video by Patrick Robinson -WestsideSeattle.com

Robinson Papers

West Seattle Herald

School of Rock West Seattle has been kicking it for a decade; Easy Street Records party set for Feb. 7

patr — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 19:26:00 +0000

patr Thu, 01/23/2025 - 11:26am

School of Rock West Seattle is celebrating its 10th anniversary with an open house and a free performance. The community is invited to the celebration on February 7th.

The open house will be held at the School of Rock West Seattle location at 4701 41st Ave SW, Suite 120 Seattle, WA 98116 from 6-7 pm.... Guests can tour the school and enter a drawing for door prizes. Prizes include a $100 gift certificate to Easy Street Records. The drawing will be at 6:45 pm, and winners do not need to be present to win. Winners will be contacted by phone or email1. Current students and staff are not eligible for the drawing.

Following the open house, the School of Rock West Seattle House Band will perform at Easy Street Records, located at 4559 California Ave SW Seattle, WA 98116, at 7 pm.

The phone number for School of Rock West Seattle is 206.294.3175 and their website is westseattle.schoolofrock.com.

Robinson Papers

West Seattle Herald

Sports Watch 1-23-25

patr — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 19:20:11 +0000

patr Thu, 01/23/2025 - 11:20am

Sporting events worth keeping an eye on

By Tim Clinton

SPORTS EDITOR

High schools

Boys basketball

Mount Rainier gets a 7 p.m. Friday visit from Auburn-Riverside as Kennedy Catholic entertains Tahoma.

West Seattle visits O'Dea at 7:30 p.m. and Ballard hosrs Chief Sealth at 8:30 p.m.

Evergreen hosts Lindbergh for 4 p.m. Saturday action and Highline entertains Tyee at 5:30 p.m.

West Seattle gets an 8:30 p.m. Saturday visit from Edmonds-Woodway.

Scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday are Lincoln at Ballard, Roosevelt at West Seattle and Chief Sealth at Franklin.

Evergreen visits Lindbergh at 7:45 p.m. that day.

Mount Rainier hosts Kentwood for 7 p.m. Tuesday action as Kennedy Catholic hits the road to Auburn-Riverside.

Highline travels to Lindbergh at 7:15 p.m. and Foster travels to Tyee at 7:30 p.m.

Foster visits Rainier Beach for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday action.

Girls basketball

Ballard hosts Chief Sealth for a 7 p.m. Friday game as Kennedy Catholic travels to Tahoma and Mount Rainier goes to Auburn-Riverside.

West Seattle visits Holy Names at 7:30 p.m. that day.

Highline hosts Tyee at 2:30 p.m. Saturday as Evergreen travels to Lindbergh.

West Seattle hosts Kentlake at 4 p.m. Saturday and Evergreen entertains Sultan at 7:15 p.m. Monday.

Kennedy Catholic gets a 7 p.m. Tuesday visit from Auburn-Riverside and Mount Rainier travels to Kentwood.

Highline plays host to Lindbergh for 7:15 p.m. Wednesday action as Evergreen visits Interlake.

Ballard entertains Rainier Beach at 7:30 p.m. that day as West Seattle hosts Roosevelt and Chief Sealth visits Franklin.

Tyee gets a 7:30 p.m. Thursday visit from Foster.

Pros

Kraken

Seattle will be home at the Climate Pledge Arena playing the Pittsburgh Penguins at 1 p.m. Saturday before traveling to Edmonton to play the Oilers at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

The Anaheim Ducks visit the Kraken at 7 p.m. Tuesday and the San Jose Sharks come to town at the same time Thursday.

Thunderbirds

Seattle hosts the Victoria Cougars at 7:05 p.m. Friday at the Showare Center in Kent before visiting the Everett Silvertips at 6:05 p.m. Saturday at the Angel of the Winds Arena.

Silvertips

Everett travels to Wenatchee to play the Wild at 7 p.m. Friday before hosting the Seattle Thunderbirds at 6:05 p.m. Saturday at the Angel of the Winds Arena.

The Tri-City Americans pay a 4:05 p.m. Sunday visit to the Silvertips and the Medicine Hat Tigers drop in at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday.

Stars

The Tacoma indoor soccer team hosts the Empire Strykers for 6:05 p.m. Saturday action at the Showare Center in Kent before turning around to visit them at 4:05 p.m. Sunday.

Colleges

Husky men

Washington entertains the UCLA Bruins at 8 p.m. Friday at the Alaska Airlines Arena.

Husky women

The UW hosts Indiana for 6 p.m. Monday action at the Alaska Airlines Arena.

Cougar men

Washington State gets a 5 p.m. Saturday visit from St. Mary's before travelling to Pacific for a 7 p.m. Thursday game.

Cougar women

WSU goes to Loyola Marymount for 2 p.m. Saturday action and visits Oregon State at 7 p.m. Monday.

The Cougars come home to Pullman to play Pacific at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Robinson Papers

REMINDER: Community forum on light rail still hopes to clarify its issues Jan. 25

patr — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 22:06:49 +0000

patr Wed, 01/22/2025 - 2:06pm

The January 25 community forum on the West Seattle Light Rail extension being promoted by RethinkTheLink.org, coming as it does so late in the process, still hopes to clarify the issues with the project from "scope and impacts" to the most likely route map to their reasoning why bus rapid transit remains the more flexible and financially reasonable option.

Sound Transit board chair Dow Constatine recently expressed optimism about the project and since the board has now approved the "project to be built" it's up to the Federal Transit Authority to pass final approval.

The likelihood of the new Secretary of Transportation (former congressman Sean Duffy) approving a light rail project in Seattle depends on several factors, including the project's alignment with federal transportation priorities, its potential impact on the community, and the level of local support.

Given that Seattle voters recently approved a $1.55 billion transportation levy to fund various transportation improvements, including light rail expansions, there is strong local backing for such projects. This local support, combined with the city's commitment to improving transit infrastructure, could positively influence the Secretary's decision.

However, it's important to note that federal approval also depends on broader national transportation policies and funding availability. The new Secretary will likely consider these factors when making a decision.He has a history of opposing light rail projects. According to the Rail Passengers Association, he consistently took anti-passenger rail positions on fourteen recorded votes, including those targeting Amtrak and other passenger rail initiatives

RethinkTheLink.org outlined what the event will cover.

"Our mission is to inform the West Seattle community of the scope and impacts of Sound Transit’s light rail project.  The information given to folks at various “outreach” events- and  found in both the 2022 Draft EIS and in  Sound Transit’s Final EIS (released September 20, 2024, - is often incomplete, inaccurate, vague, or non-existent.

The West Seattle Community Transit/ Light Rail Forum will include
   (1) a complete and detailed map of the entire route!  (All segments will have the same scale and north orientation!)
   (2) a list of all residences and businesses that have been notified of potential eminent domain.
   (3) a map of the Delridge, Avalon, and Alaska Junction stations WITH list of businesses and residences that will be demolished
   (4) a street map of traffic detours during construction, e.g., the closure of Alaska forcing all traffic to be moved to Oregon and Edmunds
   (5) a map of our current bus routes, and routes that Metro has cut
       Our experts can talk about how easily and inexpensively we can give ALL of West Seattle better transit without light rail
   (6) a list of the 13 food sources that will be eliminated (causing a ‘food desert” from Delridge to WS Junction


The  Sound Transit premise that, “In 2016 the voters gave sound Transit a mandate to build light rail to West Seattle”, will be high-lighted as FALSE!  53% ? is NOT a mandate.  And people voted for better transit - NOT specifically for light rail.  We are told this, however, at every meeting I have attending over the past three years.

We will reinforce the fact that we can be “pro”-mass transit AND against transit that destroys a community instead of serving it.

We will briefly explain what an EIS is, why it is important to comment on the FEIS, and how to do so."

This forum will include:

A detailed map of the West Seattle light rail route, including the Delridge, Avalon and Alaska Junction stations.
A list of residences and businesses potentially affected by eminent domain or possible removal.
Environmental areas to be affected, including the Duwamish crossing, Longfellow Creek and Pigeon Point.
A map of current bus routes, including routes Metro has already cut.
Discussion of how current transportation solutions already outperform what light rail promises—and don’t cost $7 billion.
Ways to improve West Seattle transportation using a fraction of this money.

Sound Transit released details of its plan in its final EIS that came out in late September. The agency has not been transparent about these impacts, and the forum is meant to better educate residents what is being proposed.

Quick Facts:

The project has ballooned in costs from $2 to more than $7 billion.
Sound Transit is still saying this extension could be built by 2032.
Dow Constantine, a West Seattle resident, is the former chair of Sound Transit’s board.
Executive Constantine, Mayor Harrell and a number of King County and Seattle City Councilmembers have been invited.

The event is January 25 from 10am to !2 Noon at the Center for Active Living in the West Seattle Junction 4217 SW Oregon Street.

Robinson Papers

West Seattle Herald

Pizzeria 22 doing well with new owners planning delicious changes

patr — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 04:04:01 +0000

patr Mon, 01/20/2025 - 8:04pm

Brandi Moery Co-Owner of Pizzeria 22 at 4213 SW College Street is having fun with her "new baby" since taking over with husband Daniel in August. She's working on making small changes while maintaining the traditions set by former owner Cary Kemp.

Photo by Patrick Robinson

Pizzeria 22, an institution in the Admiral District at 4213 SW College Street for well over a decade changed hands back in August when founder Cary Kemp sold it to enter a new chapter turning the reins over to Brandi Moery and her husband Daniel. Brandi has been transforming the restaurant, building upon its 13-year foundation of authentic top quality Italian pizza while introducing new concepts and dishes.For Brandi, this venture is a "new baby," perfect timing as her youngest child just turned eighteen. She is a chef and Daniel has a background in the hospitality industry. Chef Daniel Palestina-Sanchez brings his passion as a master pizzaiolo to the heart of the kitchen.

A Foundation of Pizza, with an Eye Towards the Future

The restaurant is obviously known for its pizza, with at least 22 different options on the menu. The most popular is the pepperoni pizza, followed by the "Margherita DOC". D.O.C. stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata (literally Controlled Designation of Origin). However, Brandi recognizes the need to stay relevant in a competitive market. As such, there is a focus on elevating the menu beyond just pizza.

She's focused on:

Expanding the menu: The restaurant is introducing more options to compete with other local establishments,

"Slow-Cooked Sundays": Pizzeria 22 has introduced a unique, unscripted meal on Sundays. The first of these included a slow-cooked Italian-style chuck roast, dry-aged and cooked in a wood-fired oven, then shredded with a demiglace. This is intended to be a surprise for customers each week, though Brandi promotes it on Instagram.

Brunch: Looking ahead, Pizzeria 22 plans to roll out a Saturday and Sunday brunch menu in the spring. The menu itself is not a concern, as her head chef has extensive experience.

Online Ordering: The restaurant uses Square as its POS system, which allows for direct online ordering for pickup or delivery. This change has helped the restaurant keep profits that would otherwise go to third-party delivery services .Currently, about 10% of the business comes from online orders, which is growing. Order online HERE.

Seating: There are 16 seats in the main dining room and 50 in the "big room," for a total of 66 seats. Great for parties.

While there are usually around 9 employees, on busy nights, there are 5 or 6. More staff will be added for brunch.

Pizzeria 22 emphasizes its traditional Italian cuisine, offering wood-fired pizzas, calzones, pasta, and a curated selection of Italian wines.They also offer a variety of appetizers, salads, and desserts, such as tiramisu.

Their menu features a wide variety of Neapolitan pizzas, including the Marinara, Romano, Margherita, and several specialty pizzas with unique toppings. Calzones such as the Ventidue and Primavera are also available, as well as pasta dishes like Lasagna. Pizzeria 22 also offers online ordering and reservations.They focus on creating a family-like atmosphere with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

What about Cary?

He's doing very well. He said he's back to the music business in a way. For many years prior to opening Pizzeria 22 he was a tour manager for Neil Young, and worked with other bands such as Pearl Jam. In the interim the music business has changed of course so Cary is now working with a music business merchandise seller who sell authorized tour merchandise outside of venues across the nation from specially outfitted semi-trailers, many of which are themed to the band's specifications. "It's less stress for me and a good change," he said. He's also a long term artist as a painter and sculptor and the change will give him more time for his art.

He's been traveling across the country, enjoying foods from many famous spots and having fun in a much lower stress gig.

Pizza moves fast there. The oven is 800 degrees and eating it goes pretty quickly too. Photo by Patrick Robinson

The big room has space for parties. Photo by Patrick Robinson

Proscuitto Primavera pizza like all their pizzas is cut with special shears. Photo by Patrick Robinson

Cascioppo with Italian Tomato, Mozzarella, Sausage, Mushroom. Photo by Patrick Robinson

Robinson Papers

West Seattle Herald

West Seattle Nursery raises funds for Mode Music and Performing Arts

patr — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:06 +0000

patr Sun, 01/19/2025 - 4:00pm

Mode Music Studios owner Erin Rubin accepts a $4000 donation check from West Seattle Nursery owner Marcia Bruno. The money was raised through customers donating $5 each for Christmas Tree sales (with some help from the employees) and was matched by the Nursery.

Photo by Patrick Robinson

During the recent holiday season, West Seattle Nursery undertook a fundraising effort to support Mode Music and Performing Arts (MMPA). The nursery invited customers to donate $5 when purchasing Christmas trees and other items, with a promise to match all donations. The nursery initially set a goal of $1,500 but quickly surpassed it, raising the goal to $2,000. By Christmas Eve, the nursery had collected $1,955, which they then rounded up to $2,000. With the nursery matching the donation, a total of $4,000 was presented to Erin Rubin, the owner of MMPA.

The fundraising campaign was a team effort, with employees actively encouraging customers to participate. Some employees even donated their tips to the cause. The nursery found that many of their customers were already familiar with Mode Music.

The nursery was surprised by the community's generosity. Nursery owner Marcia Bruno said she was initially unsure whether they could even raise $500, but were pleasantly surprised at the community response.

Ashton Hart Wecker is a Mode Music Studios student who performed at the West Seattle Nursery check presentation. Photo by Patrick Robinson

Mode Music student Ashton Hart Wecker is one of the students who benefits from the organization. He began taking piano lessons at the age of four and performing at open mics at the age of six. Ashton practices piano for half an hour to one hour each day, and has played in bands through Mode Music.

The fundraising efforts come at a critical time for Mode Music, as the organization is facing potential displacement due to the West Seattle Light Rail extension project. The company is currently in discussions with Sound Transit, waiting for a record of decision regarding the future of the property. The building that houses Mode Music is located at 3805 Delridge Way SW, and the light rail extension plans to demolish that building.

A small group gathered in front of the nursery to hear Ashton Wecker perform. Photo by Patrick Robinson

_____________________________

VIDEO: Mode Music Studios gets a $4000 donation

WestsideSeattle.com

Robinson Papers

West Seattle Herald

Sports Roundup 1-19-25

patr — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 19:54:19 +0000

patr Sun, 01/19/2025 - 11:54am

By Tim Clinton

SPORTS EDITOR

Boys basketball

Franklin 65, Ballard 62

Ballard fell by three points to Franklin in Saturday action.

Franklin Pierce 76, Highline 57

Highline was hammered by Franklin Pierce in a Saturday afternoon game.

Kennedy 52, Kentridge 40

Kennedy Catholic clobbered the Chargers this Friday.

Blanchet 75, Chief Sealth 62

The Seahawks were beaten by the Braves on Friday.

Auburn 67, Mt. Rainier 51

The undefeated Trojans toppled the Rams in Friday action.

Inglemoor 83, Tyee 45

Tyee was dealt a lopsided non-league defeat Friday.

Liberty 59, Foster 56

Foster lost a close one Thursday to the Patriots.

Rainier Beach 80, West Seattle 54

West Seattle was routed by Rainier Beach in Thursday action.

Decatur 88, Tyee 58

Decatur trounced Tyee in Wednesday non-league play.

Highline 61, Evergreen 51

The Pirates trimmed Evergreen this past Tuesday.

Chief Sealth 63, Sultan 61

The Seahawks slipped by Sultan last Tuesday.

Foster 79, Inglemoor 76

Foster felled Inglemoor in Tuesday action.

Mt. Rainier 48, Kentridge 43

The Rams trampled the Chargers on Tuesday.

Stadium 63, Kennedy 54

Host Stadium stopped the Lancers last Tuesday.

Girls basketball

Ballard 37, Franklin 21

The Beavers beat the Quakers in Saturday play.

Kennedy 62, Kentridge 47

Kennedy Catholic was a winner at Kentridge on Friday.

Cedarcrest 39, Tyee 20

Cedarcrest topped Tyee this past Friday.

Newport 52, Highline 29

Newport sank the Pirates in Friday action.

Chief Sealth 34, Nathan Hale 33

The Seahawks edged out Nathan Hale last Wednesday.

Ballard 54, Lynnwood 36

Ballard blasted Lynnwood in a Wednesday non-league game.

Highline 43, Evergreen 33

Highline handed the Wolverines a Wednesday loss.

Seattle Prep 69, West Seattle 41

Seattle Prep played its way past the Wildcats Wednesday.

Cedarcrest 61, Foster 26

Cedarcrest beat the Bulldogs last Wednesday.

Interlake 62, Tyee 15

The Saints marched to victory over Tyee on Wednesday.

Kennedy 69, Stadium 31

The Lancers tamed the Tigers Tuesday.

Kentridge 69, Mt. Rainier 29

Kentridge routed the Rams this past Tuesday.

Robinson Papers

People's Protest against growing political concerns set for the Junction Saturday Jan 18

patr — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 21:50:56 +0000

patr Sat, 01/18/2025 - 1:50pm

Demonstrators in the West Seattle Junction on Saturday January, 18.

Photo by Vicky Schroeder

Update 1/18 2:00pm

Roughly 70 people showed up with signs and loud voices to express a variety of concerns by marching through the All Ways Walk in the center of the West Seattle Junction on Saturday.Their issues ranged from the incoming Presidential administration, to women's rights and more. It was part of a series of demonstrations around the nation including one at Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill in Seattle and the largest one in Washington D.C.

Many people showed support by honking and waving at the demonstrators.

Original Post 1/16/25

West Seattle will see people taking a stand this weekend, organizing a four-hour protest in the Junction to voice their concerns about the current political climate and what they see as threats to democratic values.

The "People's Protest," scheduled for Saturday, January 18, from 10 AM to 2 PM, will take place at the Alaska Junction. Participants plan to cross the intersection from all four corners, carrying signs and demonstrating their opposition to what organizers describe as rising anti-democratic sentiments.

"Many of us are seniors who want to stand up for our children or grandchildren," said one of the event organizers. The demonstration echoes a similar protest held at the same location in 2016, suggesting a continuing tradition of civic engagement in the West Seattle community.

The organizers have outlined multiple concerns driving the protest, including healthcare accessibility, reproductive rights, freedom of speech, and economic justice. The demonstration aims to send a message to political leaders about grassroots power and civic engagement.

The Junction is accessible via multiple public transit routes, including buses C, 50, 128, and 22. While paid parking is available, organizers are encouraging participants to use public transportation to reach the event.

The protest's format - a continuous crossing of the intersection - allows for participation from community members of all mobility levels, with organizers specifically noting that people using walkers or wheelchairs are welcome to join.

Local authorities have been notified of the planned demonstration, which is expected to proceed while respecting traffic signals and pedestrian crossing regulations. Residents and visitors to the Alaska Junction area during the protest hours should expect increased pedestrian activity at the intersection.

Robinson Papers

West Seattle Herald

Sports Watch 1-16-25

patr — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 03:15:47 +0000

patr Thu, 01/16/2025 - 7:15pm

Sporting events worth keeping an eye on

By Tim Clinton

SPORTS EDITOR

High schools

Boys basketball

Kennedy Catholic entertains Kentridge for 7 p.m. Friday action and Evergreen hosts Foster at 8 p.m. as Mount Rainier travels to Auburn.

Tyee visits Inglemoor at 8:10 p.m.

Highline hosts Franklin Pierce at 2 p.m. Saturday and scheduled for 5:30 p.m. are Blanchet at Chief Sealth and Ballard at Franklin.

Ballard comes home to play Mercer Island at 10 a.m. Monday and West Seattle entertains Kentridge at 3 p.m. with Kennedy Catholic hosting Bellarmine at 4 p.m.

Foster gets a 7:15 p.m. visit from Highline.

Kennedy Catholic hosts Auburn at 7 p.m. Tuesday and Ballard entertains Ingraham at 7:30 p.m. as Chief Sealth drops in on Seattle Academy.

Evergreen is scheduled for a 7 p.m. Wednesday home game against Sultan as Mount Tahoma travels to Tahoma.

Tyee entertains Evergreen at 7:30 p.m. Thursday as Foster goes to Lakeside.

Girls basketball

Evergreen hosts Foster for 6:30 p.m. Friday action as Mount Rainier visits Auburn and Tyee travels to Cedarcrest.

Scheduled for 7 p.m. are Kennedy Catholic at Kentridge and Highline at Newport.

Ballard visits Franklin at 2:30 p.m. Saturday as West Seattle goes to Lincoln.

Chief Sealth hosts Blanchet at 4 p.m. that day and Ballard entertains Bainbridge at 11:30 a.m. Monday.

West Seattle travels to Gig Harbor for 3 p.m. Monday action and Tyee goes to Ocosta at 7 p.m.

Kennedy Catholic entertains Auburn at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday as Tyee visits Summit Sierra.

Highline hosts Franklin at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday.

West Seattle travels to Eastside Catholic for a 6:30 p.m. Wednesday clash and at 7 p.m. it will be Highline playing at Foster and Tahoma at Mount Rainier.

Tyee will be home against Evergreen at 7:30 p.m. as Ballard hosts Ingraham and Chief Sealth visits Seattle Academy.

Pros

Kraken

Seattle will be at home at the Climate Pledge Arena playing the Los AngeleS Kings at 7 p.m. Saturday, the Buffalo Sabres at 1 p.m. Monday and the Washington Capitals at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Thunderbirds

Seattle visits the Kelowna Rockets for 7:05 p.m. Friday action before coming home to the Showare Center in Kent to play them again at 6:05 p.m. Saturday.

Vancouver visits the Thunderbirds at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday.

Silvertips

Everett entertains the Brandon Wheat Kings at 7:05 p.m. Friday and the Prince George Cougars at 6:05 p.m. Saturday at the Angel of the Winds Arena.

The Silvertips visit the Spokane Chiefs at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday.

Stars

Tacoma's indoor soccer team drops in on the Milwaukee Wave for a 4:05 p.m. Saturday match.

Colleges

Husky men

Washington visits the Oregon Ducks at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Husky women

The UW plays host to Purdue at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Alaska Airlines Arena and entertains Iowa at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Cougar men

Washington State takes on Portland in 3 p.m. Saturday action in Pullman before visiting Santa Clara at 8 p.m. Thursday.

Cougar women

WSU travels to Santa Clara for 2 p.m. Saturday action and returns to Pullman to play Portland at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Robinson Papers

West Seattle Herald

LETTER: SDOT needs to say more about Alki Point Healthy Streets

patr — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 18:48:04 +0000

patr Thu, 01/16/2025 - 10:48am

Councilmember Saka,

I would like to speak with you or a representative from your office as soon as possible about this latest email from SDOT regarding the expansion of the Alki Healthy Street project.

I reviewed the November 12 – December 2nd survey results and noted that SDOT did not include the 2,500(+/-) petition signees of the ALKI For All Petition that opposed the traffic revisions around Alki point and the removal of the majority of parking for visitors. Note in their own results that 60% of respondents indicated they felt the park was off limits to all vehicles. (Why wasn’t this survey conducted during the summer months during peak visitor season?)

SDOT responded that when they checked this park for available parking, there was ample spots to park. This is at best, disingenuous, as the signage at both entrances to the park indicates the street is CLOSED. Period. They set the conditions to keep these visitors away and are now claiming that there is no issue with public parking.

SDOT did not indicate if more public parking spots will be removed at the Point in this next phase. This omission needs to be explained to the community before any action is taken.

There is NO bus service to Alki Point since the #37 route was cancelled during COVID. They are encouraging visitors instead to take public transportation that does not exist.

The changes that have been made have resulted in thousands of visitors excluded from participating in the Beach Naturalist programs but it appears they did not consider these factors in their review. Nor did they consider the severe limits placed on the elderly, the individuals with limited mobility and outside visitors to the park.

Constellation Park is a Marine Reserve and a teaching beach where people from all over the city come to learn about the critical role the beach marine life plays in the health of our Sound. The Constellation tidal pools are one of the few places in Seattle where people can explore the living marine life and the public can learn how they can protect these amazing creatures. It appears SDOT’s primary consideration is with those activities such as bike riding, scooters and walking/running.

To date, SDOT has failed to engage with Community Groups such as The Whale Trail, Seal Sitters, The Seattle Public Schools, the local retirement homes, and the various Beach Naturalist programs. So, what is meant by the following statement:

Partner with Seattle Parks & Recreation and Community Based Organizations for programing and events

SDOT needs to explain what they mean by this statement.

There is far too much missing information, and I believe a community meeting should be held to answer questions about this latest report.

Thank you,

Victoria Nelson

Seattle, Washington 98136

Robinson Papers

West Seattle Herald