Delridge Grassroots Leadership

In search of coffee, found neighbors

2011-09-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

The bad news? I've been out of coffee for two days. The good news? I live near Uptown Espresso and Bakery. Walking my dog down early on this brisk fall morning let me chat with a few people commuting down Andover to Delridge about the imminent construction on the Fauntleroy Expressway. None of the folks I chatted with knew about the construction although the West Seattle Blog has been covering it.

The construction means, inevitably, that morning commuter traffic, eastbound, down Genesee and Andover to Delridge will increase the traffic feeding on to the West Seattle Bridge eastbound.

I've emailed the SDOT project contact, Maribel Cruz, to ask what impact the construction will have on commute times along these routes, but so far haven't had word, though I'm still working on it.

The work is necessary since we all want the road to be made safer. It would be helpful if commuters could plan for delays, and, even better, be encouraged to bus or carpool.

If you would like information or to be included on the project email list, email Ms. Cruz.

Seventy-five hours and counting...

2011-09-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

I've seen a man actually running, pushing a wheel barrow. They're working like mad to be finished by Saturday!

Delridge Skatepark is not quite open, but it will be SOON!

2011-09-12T11:35:00.000-07:00

Kelly Anderson, Parks Dept. project manager for the Delridge Skate Park, gave me a run down of the final week's work to get the skate park ready for Saturday's opening. It will be a busy week, but there isn't much more to do. The pedestrian path on the west side will be completed, and curbing repaired along Genesee. The second bench will be tiled (more on that below), and sod will be put down around the park. Either grass or mulch will be put down around the base of the tree in the center of the park.

I asked Kelly about the drainage since that had been one of the biggest areas of concern before construction.Happily, there were no huge surprises there. Kelly said the drainage has been working really well during our wet summer. There was a minor glitch with the parking lot entrance to the park, but a small redesign solved that.

Most of us have noticed the new picnic areas and tiling on the bench on the east side of the park. The picnic areas are courtesy of some funds that were available for just such a project. Kelly Davidson put in a good word for us, and so we now have ADA accessible picnic areas. The tiling is a result of a King County Grant. Kelly encouraged Ashley Miller of the The Service board to propose a project, which she did, and the tiling is the result of that project.

Despite all the skating, the park is not yet open. If you're a skater, or you have anxious kids who are, please know that jumping the fence hurts Grindline who is responsible for security. They've worked like fiends on this project, and are going above and beyond to make it great for skaters and the community, so, for their sake, please hold off for just a few more days. Also know this: trespassing is an $85.00 fine. Ouch.That said, the skaters have been respectful of the park and the neighbors, so far as I know, so it's not that you're not welcome, it's just that the park is still under construction.

Don't forget the opening is this Saturday, the 17th, with dedication ceremonies starting at 1:00 pm. But come out early and enjoy all the Delridge Days activities.

Delridge Improvements Walk Recap

2011-06-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who attended this weekend's walk around the neighborhood. We had such a great time and enjoyed having a positive discussion on the progress made in Delridge.

For those who missed the walk, the following is a breakdown of the notes with pictures.

Tim Burgess, Pete Spalding, Tom Rassmussen,
Mike Dady, Patrick Baer, Karrie Kohlhaas
and Sally Clark

Food Services of America Building

Services Group of America building: With the support of the City Council, neighbors organized to prevent a Heliport from being built atop the building. Signs were hung across the face of nearby houses stating; “Helicopters Don’t Make Good Neighbors.”

Note: Delridge Way lanes merge at this location. Seven-year-old Ryan Anderson died on July 17, 1987 trying to cross Delridge Way at Brandon Street due to the speeds and dangerous conditions. His mother, Donna Anderson, was awarded a financial settlement from the City. But her loss fueled her efforts at instigating lane reduction and also having a sign installed in her son’s memory.

We're walking..walking..walking

Quick stop for Long Fellow Creek

And we're off to the Long Fellow Creek Trail

Dragonfly Pavilion

Dragonfly Pavilion and Longfellow Creek: The Adams Fish Bridge symbolizes ongoing efforts by citizens, Seattle Public Utilities, and other public agencies to restore Longfellow Creek, its salmon and wildlife habitat, and to reduce Combined Sewer Overflows. There are many areas along Longfellow Creek where this habitat work can be witnessed: from its headwaters at Roxhill Park near Westwood Village, to the Dragon Fly Pavilion where the creek is last seen before it enters a pipe to reach the Duwamish River.

The Fishbone Bridge

We tried to find Salmon, but had
no luck. Maybe next time...

Kirsten Smith, Karrie Kohlhaas, Tim Burgess,
Tonya Baer, and Pete Spalding

Skate Park Construction Site

Delridge Skate Park is under construction by Gridline. Neighbor representative Nancy Folsom served on the planning committee, voicing neighbor vision. (She made the case for more seating and keeping the trees.) As a bonus, the project includes a new wheel chair accessible BBQ circle. From proposal to ground breaking, the project took 3 years. Nancy volunteered 20 hours serving on the committee.

Delridge Community Center: Groundbreaking started in 1993 with huge community Support. It currently provides a workout gym, full-sized basketball court, hosts special events, teens program, after school care, a Preschool and Digital Lab.

Hidden history gem: Giant Scrap-book created for the Community Center Opening, can be found in the entry way.

New Delridge Playfields

Delridge Playfields (Parks and Green Space Levy $3.2 Million Project).

KaBoom playground

Delridge Playground: Built by 275 Volunteers in 6 hours in 2009. Facilitated by KaBoom! and funded by the Bank of America Charitable Foundation it fostered local donations and fundraisers.

We're walking...walking...walking...

Tom Rassmussen, Tim Burgess
and Sally Clark

Pedestrian Over Pass

Pedestrian Over Pass: Built in 1953 (Built to safely get kids to school), it is a monument to a different time. Pedestrian safety still a need as it is used less and people tend to take a short cut and jaywalk wherever they need to cross Delridge.

Alexandra Van Hoy and Sally Clark
leading the group across the bridge.

Holli Margell lets everyone know
about Youngstown and the Tool Library

Youngstown Cultural Arts Center

Youngstown Cultural Arts Center: Restored by DNDA to use the historic landmark, now home to Artists, Non-profits, Youth Programs and now the Sustainable West Seattle Tool Library. Many neighbors consider Youngstown a symbol of the power neighbor involvement.

We love neighbors with a sense of humor

Oregon Street to 23rd Avenue: This Street demonstrates the ongoing housing development of North Delridge, both single family and townhomes. Infrastructure needs such as, sidewalks and proper drainage, are crucial. The New Traffic Circle is an example of a neighbor-led project to help address traffic issues. (Project cost: less than $15,000, 4 years to complete, Neighborhood Street Fund)

Note: 23rd becomes Puget Boulevard SW, which was part of the Olmstead Brothers boulevard system for the entire city.

Sally Clark meeting Polly the cat

We're walking...walking...walking...

Down the goat trail we go...

23rd at Edmunds Street: Future Pedestrian path? This unopened SDOT Right-Of-Way was once laden with garbage, camper trailers, transients, buckets of excrement, etc. Vacant houses on either side added to problems. Neighbors cleared area of blackberry and garbage, in cooperation with Seattle Police, Department of Neighborhoods, Seattle Public Utilities, King County Public Health and the Department of Corrections. One house was demolished last year, as were others in other areas of North Delridge. This Right of Way could create an improved pedestrian pathway to transit and for residents to the east as well as connecting westward to residents of 26th. Neighbors envision a P-Patch, outdoor art garden or something similar here.

Pearl’s Coffee and Tea: The original building was boarded up for years. The prior owner who lives in the neighborhood had always wanted to open a coffee shop yet lacked funds to do so. Neighbors got involved and contacted the new owner/developer to request that he not saddle us with yet another cigarette & candy store. Thankfully, the developer understood, the result being the well loved Pearl’s, owned by Hoan and Thi, coming to life! Now Delridge has 2 coffee shops, a pizza place, and a new pho restaurant. Neighbors have been very supportive of new businesses in Delridge.

Traffic Bulbs at Delridge & Hudson

Hudson Street Crossing Bulbs: Proposed by a frequent transit rider who lives on 26th, this neighbor was concerned about pedestrian safety while crossing Delridge at this location. He witnessed children getting off from school buses as well as regular Transit riders. He filed an application for crossing improvement and project was awarded funding and built. This took 3 years from application to completion (Bridging the Gap Fund).

25th Ave Traffic Calming: The Development of Cottage Grove, Puget Boulevard Commons and Greg Davis Parks added to the need for some kind of ‘chill’ effect being instituted. Applications were filed with SDOT to come up with a solution, which resulted in speed cushions being installed on both 25th and 26th. The project took 2-3 years.

Back side of Pea Patch getting some
TLC from local gardeners.

Local church greeted us with much
appreciated cold beverages

Cottage Grove and Greg Davis Park: Greg Davis and Mike Little were two of many neighborhood people who brought these parks to fruition via the Pro Parks Levy and other means. The Parks Department did outreach to the community seeking input for park amenities and design. The original tight-lined drainage system had a very high cost so the project manager came up with a creative solution whereby the topography was changed to allow water from the sites to flow to the bio-swales/rain-gardens along 26th.

Delridge Library: Mike Dady recalls Vivian Mclean saying that when she was requesting a Delridge library branch, the response she got was something like, “People over there don’t read.” Well, you can imagine how that went over with her. Vivian was a person who did not give in, or give up. The Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association in collaboration with the Seattle Public Library built the Delridge Library and connected housing above and in her honor named the building Vivian Mclean Place. The library is well used by adults and children.

Karrie Kohlhaas pointing out the progress
made on the Library Alley

Library Alley: Former dumping ground for garbage and overgrown with blackberry bushes alley was an unsafe place to walk. Neighbors tried solo efforts to clean up the alley but in Summer 2010, neighbors combined efforts and had 6 work parties to clear alley and begin to plant non-invasive plants. Worked with DON, Sustainable West Seattle, Dept of Corrections to support the effort. Patrick Baer currently submitting a Small Sparks grant for landscaping materials and to host a neighborhood event in the alley. Neighbors donated plants and time. Tools were borrowed from the WS Tool Library. Featured in Seattle Channel documentary.

Karrie Kohlhaas explaining the upcoming
projects, challenges and successes.

Future site of curbs and drainage project

25th Avenue and Brandon: complementary projects, city and non-profit contributions

After Delridge District Council prioritized projects, the city funded curb/drainage for 25th Ave (Bridging the Gap Fund). Later, drainage portion removed. Neighbors sent photos of drainage problems, called and emailed SDOT, and now have grant from King County Conservation District Grant for drainage solutions. (Example of how neighbors can be persistent and not allow already allocated funds to be cut from approved projects.) Project in early stages with neighborhood meeting on June 20th to move toward ground breaking.
Stewardship Partners email stated they wanted to install rain gardens along LongFellow Creek on residential property to filter rainwater and keep creek clean and safe for salmon and other creatures. Neighbor Karrie Kohlhaas responded and rallied 10 households, enabling Stewardship Partners to soil test and submit a winning grant in a record 4 days); funding provided by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The rain gardens will be installed this summer, and 25th will be a demonstration block for Stewardship Partners.

Brandon Natural Area

Brandon Natural Area Restoration: Jay Mirro has led the ongoing restoration project since 2005. He started the 3rd Saturday Work Parties, hosting over 80 volunteer events in nearly 6 years. The work has restored 9 of the 11 acres the Brandon Natural Area encompasses. Green Seattle has been pivotal in managing the collaboration with the Seattle Parks Department, King County Conservation and Department of Neighborhoods to supply plants, material and find grants for further restoration needs. The project has also helped create the Camp Long trail addition through a Matching Fund and King County Fund.

For a map of Longfellow Creek and Work Parties, visit http://www.longfellowcreek.org/

For more information about the North Delridge Neighborhood Council and a list of resources to help you get involved, please visit http://www.ndnc.org/ - or join our group page on Facebook.

NDNC meetings: 6:30 -7:45pm at the Delridge Library, 2nd Monday of each month

Delridge Improvements Walk June 11th: Details!

2011-06-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

Can you join us for the Delridge Improvements Walk and Talk on June 11th at 11am?

If so, please join us at Uptown Espresso, 3845 Delridge Way S.W. by 11:15am.

We’ll be meeting and greeting for about 15 min before we head out for the walk.

If you are arriving late, please feel free to meet up with us along the way or at our half-way point at Pearls, 4800 Delridge Way S.W. between 11:45am-12pm.

The walk route including most stopping points:

Start at Uptown Espresso, 3845 Delridge Way S.W.

1. Dragonfly Pavilion and Longfellow Creek

2. Delridge Park – look at future Skate Park and stop into the Delridge Community Center, 4501 Delridge Way S.W.

3. Cross Pedestrian Over Pass and walk up Oregon Street to 23^rd Avenue toward Edmunds Street, cross down to Delridge Way through Pedestrian path (future project site).

4. Pearl’s Coffee and Tea, 4800 Delridge Way S.W.

5. Cross Delridge at Edmunds Street and stop at Hudson Street, heading West to walk 25^th Ave. toward the Delridge Pea Patch and Cottage Grove Park.

6. Stop at the Cottage Grove and Greg Davis park intersection along Brandon Street.

7. Delridge Library, 5423 Delridge Way S.W. – walk through Alley (neighbor clean up project), stop at Brandon and 25^th to talk about an Improvements project starting there.

8. Brandon Natural Area Stewardship project at 29^th Ave. and Brandon Street – Jay’s work party.

Hope to see you there!

Best,

Holli Margell

North Delridge Neighborhood Council Outreach

Help finish the murals at the Louisa Boren School

2011-06-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

For those of you that drive down Delridge you are aware that the Seattle School District boarded up the Boren School building earlier this year. This has led to several incidents of tagging of the building. In an effort to cut down on this acitivity 40 murals have been painted to attach to the windows of the building.

We need some volunteers to come out this Saturday morning from 9 – 11 am to help finish the project. We need to paint the backs and the sides of the murals to help increase their longevity. If you have two hours to spare on Saturday your help with this community project would be appreciated.

If you want to participate or would like more informaiton please contact me or just show up at the Boren School site at 9 am on Saturday, June 4th.

Please feel free to pass this along to anyone that you think might be interested in helping with this commmunity project.

Thanks

Pete Spalding
Delridge District Council [delridgedistrictcouncil@comcast.net]

Be the change that you want to see in the world

Delridge Improvements Walk June 11th

2011-05-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered how a street gets speed bumps, or thought about the need for a cross walk around your neighborhood?

Then, you should join us for a Delridge Improvements Walk! We'll talk about how and see some projects completed thanks to the efforts of residents.

Details
When: Saturday, June 11th @ 11am

Where: Meet up @Uptown Espresso
3845 Delridge Way SW, bring a water
bottle and wear comfy shoes, we’ll be walking
for a couple hours.

Why: Learn about what neighbors have done to
improve the neighborhood, and see how you can make a difference.

We'll have City Council Members Sally Clark, Tom Rassmusen and Tim Burgess will be joining us.

City Council is coming to the area

2011-05-15T17:02:00.000-07:00

I came across this posting on the City of Seattle Council page.

It appears that the City Council members will be having a community conversation on public safety at the Delridge Community Center on May 23rd. This will be a good opportunity to voice concerns over crosswalks, graffiti and drug activity.

If you are concerned about safety on your block, I encourage you to come and voice your concerns.

UPDATE AS OF MAY 15:

I was contacted by Tim Burgess' office regarding some detail on the meeting. See his message below:

On Monday, May 23, the City Council will hold the second of three community conversations about the city budget. The meeting will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW). The topic of this meeting is public safety budget issues.

We invite you to join the Council in testing a new format for these meetings. As you may know, City Council holds large budget hearings each year. While these meetings provide an opportunity for feedback, they tend to be quite long and often people are just talking at one another rather than with one another. This pilot format consists of smaller groups of residents who can actively interact with each other and with City staff.

Participants will discuss five questions at five tables throughout the evening. Each discussion table will have a note taker and a facilitator leading the discussion around a separate question. Participants will be grouped with different people and different Councilmembers at each round. After the five rounds of conversation, the facilitators will identify recurring themes and present them to conclude the meeting.

I will unfortunately be out of town for a week starting Wednesday the 18th. If you have questions after Tuesday please contact Megan Coppersmith on the Council Communications team (206-615-0061, megan.coppersmith@seattle.gov). An RSVP to Megan is also requested so we can have a general head count, but not required.

Nate Van Duzer
Legislative Aide
Councilmember Tim Burgess

This should be an interesting event with intimate contact with city council members. We'll be interested in the results of the meeting.

New energy for East-West transit serving Delridge?

2011-04-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

Martin H. Duke has a new post over at Seattle Transit Blog taking another look at the advisability of the previously shelved route 50, an east-west transit route connecting North Delridge to the Junction and connecting West Seattle to Southeast.

This would be a significant step in increasing Delridge residents' access to jobs, goods, and services; reducing the historic separation between Delridge and the rest of West Seattle; and knitting together the set of South Seattle communities that share so much in common. I would personally advocate strongly for it.

Head on over to Sound Transit Blog for the whole story. Leave comments!

Derek

"One early component of Metro’s Southeast Seattle service reorganization proposal was replacing Route 39, running from Seward Park to downtown, with a Route 50 that would run from Seward Park to the Junction in West Seattle. The 50 would have had a sizeable diversion through Sodo to improve connections from both neighborhoods to jobs there... Crosstown connections between West Seattle and Southeast Seattle are atrocious, often requiring a trip all the way downtown; connecting West Seattle’s transit hub with a route that crossing all the key corridors in the Rainier Valley would solve this problem."

NDNC Selects Project Prioritization

2011-04-25T17:48:00.000-07:00

This year's proposed projects for the Delridge District were all contributed by residents of the North Delridge. Way to go, everyone! The hard part is now prioritizing those projects for review by the city.

North Delridge Neighborhood Council met this Saturday morning to review the proposed projects and have selected the following three projects to proposed to SDOT.

Traffic Light at Genesee & Avalon

View Larger Map

Traffic light with pedestrian crossing signals for the intersection of SW Genesee St and Avalon Way Sw. Intersection has extremely poor sight lines for pedestrians and drivers. Major Metro and school bus stops as well as pedestrian crossings from adjacent multifamily apartment and condominium buildings. Very steep incline of SW Genesee makes it difficult.

Reasoning: Delridge residents are currently cut off from the rest of West Seattle by bus. By car, bike and foot, this intersection is the way many Delridge residents access West Seattle's commercial district and Alki. In our discussion we see a traffic light here relevant for safety, to reduce neighborhood "cut-throughs" which have become problematic for residents and to encourage an eventual and much needed bus stop at this site.

A well traveled intersection, this is a high priority for our neighborhood who is dependent on accessing the rest of West Seattle to get to our banks, grocery stores and other necessities. We see supporting traffic at this intersection as a key step to supporting existing needs as well as growth and accessibility of Delridge as Delridge itself grows and becomes more of a commercial center.

Crosswalk at Delridge & Edmonds

View Larger Map

Crossing Delridge Way is dangerous with no crosswalks except at signals in North Delridge. At the intersection of Edmunds St and Delridge Way SW there are two bus stops located at opposite corners of the street, plus a local coffee shop, Pearls. This intersection sees a lot of foot traffic as a result. On the north end of Delridge Way, there is a slight turn, which creates poor visibility for pedestrians wishing to cross the street. We want to have a cross walk light on SW Edmunds to help make crossing Delridge safer.

Reasoning: This is a dangerous place for pedestrians to cross Delridge. Many do walk across with traffic flying by while others walk several blocks to try to locate a safer crossing. We see this as an important project to support the growth of a commercial district on Delridge, to encourage walkability, a shared aim of many Delridge organizations, and to support one of the few businesses in our neighborhood.

We feel strongly that this must be a pedestrian light, not just white stripes on the road; during much of the year visibility is poor and cars drive fast on Delridge Way.

Crosswalk at Delridge and Findley

View Larger Map

Project proposes a crosswalk that crosses the intersection of Delridge and Findley.

Reasoning: This is another dangerous and well traveled intersection. The recent Pho Aroma restaurant is popular and drawing a crowd from both Delridge and beyond. Next door, Olympia Pizza, and hair salon, the Super 24 across Findlay and a new business going in soon make this an up and coming hub for commercial activity on Delridge. We want to encourage this growth.

Again, we see this as an important project to support the development of a commercial district on Delridge, to encourage walkability, a shared aim of many Delridge organizations, and to support one of the few existing businesses in our neighborhood so they can succeed and encourage others to set up shop here in our neighborhood where so few services are offered currently.

We will keep you apprised of the developments, but this is a lengthy process. As soon as the top three projects are selected, they will be submitted to SDOT for review. SDOT makes thier recommendations and then the City will have to make a selection based on the recommendations and input from residents.

If you feel passionately about any of the above projects, then please come to our next meeting on Monday May 9th at 6:30pm at the Delridge Branch Library. It may take all of voicing our opinion to get these projects approved by the City

Delridge Skatepark Construction Begins!

2011-04-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

Construction site fencing was delivered and installed Monday morning, April 18th. It's been a long haul, but the park is on it's way to a reality.

Clean-up Follow-up: "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers"

2011-04-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

The morning of last Saturday's North Delridge Adopt-a-street, held in conjunction with other clean and green activities, had me watching the St. Crispin Day speech from Henry V with Kenneth Branagh.

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers" so well describes our modest efforts cleaning along Delridge. Six of us cleaned from Spokane St. to Graham.

The more people who join us, the better we can tidy and care for our neighborhood. More than 20,000 people commute thru each work day. Do we want them to know we care or think us uncaring?

I'd dearly love to see more people join us at our next clean up, which will be in June. Won't you join us?

Update: Delridge Green Up April 16th!

2011-04-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

There are three projects we want to tackle, and one is ready to roll with a donation of paint and two dedicated volunteers!

We also got word from longtime volunteer, Sharon Peck, that the entrance to Greg Davis park by the park bench is loaded with litter. Anyone willing to lead that side project as part of the Adopt-A-Street clean up?

So, what were those three projects you ask?

1. Refresh the Welcome to Delridge Sign - Ready to roll.

2. Adopt-a-Street - Our quarterly adopt a street trash pick up on Delridge from Andover to Brandon Street. We need 8 people to break the road up in to small portions that can be completed in 1-2 hours. Grabbers and trash bags are provided.

3. Gardening at the Community Center - With spring flowers comes spring weeds. If you love to work in the dirt, we would love to help out the community center and pull some weeds.

Don't want to pick up trash, or want to spend time in the woods? Join Jay Mirro in the Brandon Street Natural Area from 10am-2pm as he continues the stewardship project to clear invasive plants. Meet up at the corner of 29th ave SW and SW Brandon Street.

If you are interested in any of these projects, please contact Amanda Leonard at amanda.leonard.wa@gmail.com, or join us on Facebook - look for the group: North Delridge Neighborhoods - or click the button on our website: www.ndnc.org

Hope to see you on April 16th!
Where: Delridge Community Center, 4501 Delridge Way S.W.
When: Meet up at 10am and work until you can or when we wrap up at 2pm.

Duwamish Alive April 16

2011-03-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

Click here to download our full color PDF

Hundreds of volunteers are needed at multiple sites in the Duwamish River watershed!

Work sites include a river cleanup by kayak and canoe, shoreline salmon habitat restoration,
and native forest revitalization.

Saturday, April 16, 2011
10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Volunteer
At These Nearby Locations

South Park:
Duwamish Waterway Park
River trash cleanup by kayak and canoe

Georgetown:
Gateway Park/8th Avenue South

White Center:
Roxhill Bog

Delridge / Pigeon Point::
Brandon Street Natural Area
Puget Creek Natural Area
West Duwamish Greenbelt/ Pigeon Point
Herring House Park/T-107

Tukwila:
Cecil Moses/NorthWind's Wier
Duwamish Hill Preserve
Codiga Farm

The event is hosted by the Duwamish Alive Coalition, which is a partnership of non-profit organizations, government agencies, community groups and local businesses. Restoration is on-going throughout the year, but it’s only during Duwamish Alive that our organizations come together to host hundreds of volunteers at multiple
sites to make a huge impact on the same day!

You are invited to celebrate the restoration of the
Duwamish River by volunteering at one of 12
restoration sites within the Duwamish watershed

More Details

• No experience necessary -- we will discuss safety and give an overview of the project.
•The event will take place rain or shine.
• Dress for the weather (rain gear in case of bad weather or sunglasses and a hat if it's sunny).
•Wear sturdy foot gear (boots, sneakers, etc. but no sandals).
• Long trousers and long sleeves are helpful where there are blackberries
•Bring work gloves and weeding tools if you have them. Bring a refillable water bottle.
•We will provide work gloves, tools, snacks, and beverages.
•Children 10 and under must have one-to-one adult supervision.

WSB - Another new park coming to West Seattle: Puget Ridge Edible Park

2011-03-30T10:43:00.000-07:00

By Keri DeTore

Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Thanks to a group of Puget Ridge neighbors, the historically agricultural parcel of land at 5265 18th Ave SW [map] will retain its agricultural status and become urban farmland in West Seattle....

More of this great article over at West Seattle Blog, including photos by neighbor Stu Hennessy, video of a presentation on the project, and terrific background and quotes.

Delridge Green Up April 16th!

2011-03-21T16:48:00.000-07:00

Join your neighbors on April 16th at the Delridge Community Center for a little spring clean-up. We have three projects going on...

1. Refresh the Welcome to Delridge Sign - We will be painting part of the sign and need 2 volunteers and a can of white paint to do this job. We have received a donation of primer. If you want to completely repaint the entire sign, that would be cool too.
2. Adopt-a-Street - Our quarterly adopt a street trash pick up on Delridge from Andover to Brandon Street. We are looking for 7-8 people to break the road up in to small portions
that can be completed in 1-2 hours. Grabbers and trash bags are provided.
3. Gardening at the Community Center - With spring flowers comes spring weeds. If you
love to work in the dirt, we would love to help out the community center and pull some
weeds. Just got word from the Parks Gardener - there are annuals and shrubs waiting to be planted. With all the other projects going on park staff are already booked. So, if you love planting, this is another way to spruce up the park! Or you could clean up the trash around the new play-field or playground. There are many ways to show your love for our Delridge Park.

Other ideas?
We also know that neighbors on the 22nd and 23rd will be cleaning up their block and
cleaning out a traffic circle. If you have any projects you would like to lead on your block, let us know and we will do our best to spread the word with you.
If you are interested in any of these projects, please contact Amanda Leonard at
amanda.leonard.wa@gmail.com

The Details

Where: Meet up at the Delridge Community Center, 4501 DELRIDGE WAY SW

When: April 16th - we've chosen 10am-2pm as the event time, but really this is something where any time you can find to lend a hand will help. The more volunteers we have the faster the work will go.

RSVP: We need a number of volunteers in order to plan what projects can get done. If you have not already RSVP'd on our Facebook Group Page (North Delridge Neighborhoods), then please do join our group and RSVP there.

Scheduling Routes 120 and 125 - from Seattle Transit Blog

2011-03-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

Great post and discussion over at Seattle Transit Blog prompted by local leader Michael Taylor-Judd

The upshot is that Metro is looking at making scheduling changes routes 120 and 125 to help shorten wait times. Metro also notes that they'll be making other investments to "make some reliability investments in Route 120 to benefit our customers and drivers and help assure that what is scheduled can actually occur."

See the full post and contribute to the discussion over at Seattle Transit Blog.

Community Harvest Plant Sale

2011-03-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

Sunday, September 19, 2010 1:00-3:30pm

South Side of South Seattle Community College

Come get your spinach, lettuce, kale, onions, swiss chard, garlic and more!

Fall starts only $3!

All Proceeds benefit Community Harvest of Southwest Seattle, a 501(c)3, whose mission is to reduce hunger by increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables for our neighbors in West Seattle and White Center. Along with harvesting and distributing the abundance growing in our backyards, we encourage and inspire edible gardens through our educational programs and events.

For more information visit http://www.gleanit.org/

Do You Heart Delridge?

2011-03-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

At the retirement dinner for Ron Angeles, Ron proudly showed off his shirt, SuperMan Style:

I designed these T-Shirts to raise some money for the Delridge Playground build in 2009. We sold out, so I had more made last summer to benefit the NDNC. About 70 folks are sporting their "Heart Delridge" shirts around the neighborhood and beyond. Plus a handful more who came out to our booth at the Delridge Night Market where we hosted a "Screen Print Your Own" shirt activity.

Do you have one? Where do you Heart Delridge? Let us know, and share!

You can easily add your picture to our Flickr Group by visiting www.ndnc.org/gallery.html, and follow the steps to add photos to the group on the right side of the page.

Your Neighbor,
Holli

March NDNC Meeting Agenda

2011-03-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

Do you know what to do in the event of an emergency? When 'The Big One' hits, do you know where to get answers or help? This month's North Delridge Neighborhood Council is all about disaster preparedness. We have guests from the City of Seattle and West Seattle Emergency Hubs system ready to answer all of your questions.

The Agenda

Call to Order/Introductions

City of Seattle Disaster Planning

Debbie Goetz

West Seattle Hubs Coordinator

Cindy Barker

Delridge Hub Coordinator

Ben Canfield

Delridge District Council Report

Committee Reports

Join us on March 14th at 6:30pm at the Delridge Branch Library. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate.

Movie Nights at Highland Park Improvement Club

2011-02-15T20:40:00.000-08:00

Movie Night Series starts this month!

Friday, February 18. Doors open at 6:30pm, movie at 7pm

Free admission

We tested the system last month and discovered that the Hall was made for movies! The sound and picture are great and now we’re on to our next big adventure. We are rolling out the Movie Nights series this Friday and continuing every third Friday of each month.

This series is family friendly and admission is free. We will be selling
snacks (including freshly popped popcorn!) and non-alcoholic drinks, and adults can bring their beverages of choice. There will be folding chairs for seating. Feel free to bring blankets and pillows or nonfloor-scratching chairs.

Our movie copyright license does not allow us to advertise the movie title so here’s a hint:
Classic 1982 kid and adult friendly sci-fi blockbuster starring Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore.

Please tell your friends and family. We hope to see you all there!

HPIC Address: 1116 SW Holden - on the corner of SW Holden and 12th Ave. SW
HPIC URL: www.hpic1919.org

Neighborhood Projects Fund 2011

2011-02-15T19:42:00.000-08:00

Is there an improvement you think the city should make in your neighborhood? Now is the time to ask! There is about $1.2 Million for 2012 that is set aside for neighborhood improvements to streets and parks. These funds are unique because Neighborhood Project Fund (NPF) projects are proposed by the community.

This money can be used for small-scale (up to $90K per project) street or parks improvements, such as sidewalk repair, traffic circles and traffic calming, sidewalks, school zone speed limit signs, playground improvements, etc. NPF projects are required to meet the following criteria:

- Projects funded by the Cumulative Reserve Subfund (approx. $1 Million total) can only be used for maintenance or repairs, projects which address safety issues, or upgrades related to the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) like wheelchair access improvements; and must relate to the implementation of an existing Neighborhood Plan. View Neighborhood Plans online.
- Projects funded by the Neighborhood Street Fund (approx. $200K total) must be transportation-related. These projects may include new construction and do not have to relate to Neighborhood Plans, but there is less money to go around in this fund.

Visit the Neighborhood Projects Fund website for more information, or download the 2011 Fact Sheet and the 2011 Application.

The Delridge District Council will be vetting proposals from this district over the next few months. Drop in to a meeting or contact a councilmember to be sure your idea is heard.

Delridge District Council meeting Feb 16

2011-02-15T19:29:00.000-08:00

General Public is Encouraged to Attend and Participate

Delridge Neighborhoods District Council

Strategic Delridge Community Conversations

DNDC Monthly Meeting

Youngstown Cultural Arts Center

4408 Delridge Way SW

Wednesday, February 16th 2011

6pm to 9pm

(not the DC Retreat this Saturday)

6pm Introductions

6:05 Delridge Neighborhoods District Council Retreat – Creating a Vision For Delridge: Overview/Report/Follow ups

6:30 Building A Stronger Relationships with Local Government:
Engage Seattle Initiative – Sol Villarreal, Mayor’s Office
Community Organizing Training, Commissions, and other Volunteer Opportunities

7pm Neighborhood Reports/Community Announcements
Emerging Issues

Presentations:

7:15 Sustainable Seattle

7:30 West Seattle Be Prepared Network – Cindy Barker

7:45 Camp Long Update

8pm City Neighborhood Council Updates – Mat McBride

8:15 Department of Neighborhoods Updates - Ron Angeles
- Neighborhood Matching Fund – Reminder: City Review Team Representative and District Council Review Team identified by March 11th , Small and Simple Deadline by May 9th
- Neighborhood Projects Fund – Taking applications NOW for street and parks improvement projects!
- South Region Neighborhood District Coordinators - Steve Louie, Yun Pitre, Ed Pottharst
- Mayor’s Neighborhood Visit – Westwood: March 6th

8:30 Other Business

Funds for Small Scale Parks and Street Improvements

2011-02-14T16:19:00.000-08:00

The Neighborhood Projects Fund is often used to fund traffic circles, sidewalks, and small scale parks improvements like benches, trails. Approximately $90,000 is used to fund projects in the Delridge District. Get your project ideas in now.

Thanks.

(See attachments for details)

Ron

Challenge Course Needs You

2011-02-12T15:57:00.000-08:00

Hi all Camp Long Supporters,

In January we sent an announcement about the public meeting to review our challenge course plans. The meeting went really well and the course was well supported. Check out the article in the West Seattle Blog: http://westseattleblog.com/2011/01/a-long-time-coming-camp-long-challenge-course-meeting

Now we are soliciting help with clearing the areas where the elements will be located. The first work party is February 19 from 10 am to 1 pm. We’ll be working primarily on removing logs and an old fire circle near cabin 2. The element to be installed is called: Stumpus to Islands.

If you are interested in coming to help out, please call Jason at 206-423-0762 to let him know you are coming.

We’ll be sending out more opportunities at a later date. If your group is interested in helping clear pads, please contact Sheila at 206-684-7415.

Sheila Brown
Camp Long Supervisor
ELC Partnership Development
5200 35th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98126
206-684-7415
www.seattle.gov/parks/environment/camplong.htm
www.seattle.gov/parks/partnerships

Follow Camp Long on: Parkways Blog | Facebook |
Follow Seattle Parks and Recreation on: Twitter | Flickr

City Hall Open House 2011: NDNC Report

2011-01-30T17:32:00.000-08:00

Did you know that 1% of City Utility Bills fund the City’s Art Collection? The collection furnishes the offices, hallways and lobbies of City Hall. The Collection will show at the Seattle Art Museum for free from May 10 – October 23, 2011.

That was just one of the many things we learned during the City Hall Open House on Jan. 29th. We (Amanda Leonard and Holli Margell) represented the NDNC during the City Hall Open House. Prior to the Mayor’s speech, we visited the City partner’s tables where various offices and organizations both within the city and community provided information. We made some key contacts for future projects. Amanda also made contact regarding old trees in disrepair, those ones that impede street parking along Delridge Way. She has one to deal with outside her front door.

During Mayor McGinn’s speech he outlined some goals for the city. His speech focused on the goal of transparency in the running of City Hall. He also shared how important it is for everyone to help make this city great. As he encouraged folks to get engaged and volunteer, he said, "Let me be very clear about this, we need you to help us meet our vision for the city."

After the speech, we went on the Mayor’s Office Tour, which provided a brief opportunity to preview a new online Pothole Reporting System that will go live on Friday. Their goal is a 95% response time within 3 days of receipt of a report. We also visited the Mayor’s office, and he spent a few minutes listening to specific problems, offered some solutions and promised to follow up. He also encouraged folks to leave him a message on his white board. Amanda posed next to it for me.
We didn’t have a chance to get a word or photo with the Mayor, but found the City Council Office Tour to be very productive. We visited the office of Tom Rasmussen, Mike O’Brian and Sally Bagshaw. Tom Rasmussen listened as Amanda described the need for traffic calming in Delridge, and more specifically the fact that we need cross walks.

If you have further questions, or want to get involved with the North Delridge Neighborhood Council, please join us during our monthly meetings: Second Monday of the Month (yes, this Feb. 14th) at the Delridge Library, 5423 Delridge Way Southwest, from 6:30-7:45pm in the Conference Room.

Changes to Department of Neighborhoods staffing for the Delridge District

2011-01-04T12:37:00.000-08:00

The West Seattle Blog has run a few stories about how the Department of Neighborhoods is dealing with large budget cuts. Here's their most recent post on 12/30.

What this means for the Delridge District is that we get to keep our stalwart Neighborhood Service Coordinator Ron Angels, though he will now also be helping to staff neighborhoods in the rest of South Seattle. This is an interim arrangement; we'll see what happens the rest of the year.

I believe Department of Neighborhoods Director Stella Chao will be at the next District Council meeting to discuss these changes. Please join us Jan 19, 7:00 at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.

Here's the full text of Pamela Banks' letter:

December 30, 2010

Dear Community Partners,

With the adoption of the 2011-2012 City Budget in November, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is in the process of making changes to our programs and services, namely, the Neighborhood District Coordinators Program and the Neighborhood Service Centers (NSCs). Effective January 4, 2011, three Neighborhood District Coordinator positions will be cut and as of December 30, six Neighborhood Service Centers will close. These resources, staff, and facilities have been heavily utilized by community members such as yourself over the years, enhancing your connection to City government.

As part of the budget process, Seattle City Council developed a Statement of Legislative Intent (SLI) requesting the Mayor to respond to questions about DON’s outreach and engagement work, specifically identifying a reconfiguration plan of the Neighborhood District Coordinator Program. The Mayor will involve DON, the community, and other stakeholders in providing a response to the SLI which is due to City Council by July 1, 2011.

The changes in budget require a change in DON’s short-term and long-term approach to serving the greater Seattle community; therefore, while the SLI response is being developed, an interim service model has been designed and will be implemented beginning January 5, 2011. The model is described below:

Neighborhood District Coordinators (NDC) Interim Service Model:

The 10 NDCs will serve the city through a team approach over three large geographic areas:

• The South area consists of 4 districts (Southeast, Greater Duwamish, Delridge and Southwest) and will be served by the South Team (NDCs - Ron Angeles, Steve Louie, Yun Pitre, and Ed Pottharst).

• The Central area consists of 5 districts (Central, East, Downtown, Lake Union and Magnolia/Queen Anne) and will be served by the Central Team (NDCs - Christa Dumpys, Tim Durkan, and Stan Lock).

• The North area consists of 4 districts (Northeast, North, Northwest, and Ballard) and will be served by the North Team (NDCs - Karen Ko, Rob Mattson, and Beth Pflug).

The remaining Neighborhood Service Centers are being reorganized for drop-in work space for the NDCs. They will also have drop-in work space in DON’s offices at the Seattle Municipal Tower.

The new team approach to serving neighborhoods and community partners is intended to continue providing the connection between you and the City. However, due to the fact that there are three fewer NDCs, there will be a decrease in the amount of time or depth of efforts any particular NDC will be able to spend with you and your group.

As we stated in the beginning of this letter, the six non-payment Neighborhood Service Centers (Greater Duwamish, Downtown, East, Lake Union, Queen Anne/Magnolia and Northwest) are closing as of December 30, 2010. One of the impacts of this loss is free meeting space. Neighborhood District Coordinators have been and will continue to be a resource for assisting community groups in finding alternate community meeting space.

A “Frequently Asked Questions” document is attached with information on how community members will be served by the interim service model.

Change can be difficult, and although the City overall and DON specifically, must make changes based on the reduction in budget, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods remains committed to the community and to supporting and empowering community members to engage with City government for the benefit of their neighborhoods.

Sincerely,

Pamela Banks

Neighborhood District Coordinator Program Manager

January NDNC Meeting Agenda

2011-01-04T11:18:00.000-08:00

Our next meeting will be held next Monday January 10th at 6:30pm at the Delridge Branch Library. We are excited to announce two great guests that you many be interested in meeting.

Call to Order and Introductions

Guest: Holly Krejci, Georgetown Community Council

Greatest challenges?

How to overcome?

Guest: Minh Chau Le, Pea Patch Coordinator

Pea Patch issues and discussions

What can we do to improve?

Topic of Interest:

Constance asks: What is a Community?

Committee Chair Reports

This should be a busy and interesting meeting. We hope to see you there.

Our Potholes Are In The News

2011-01-04T10:49:00.000-08:00

The City's pothole problem was on King 5 news last night. For those who missed the clip, here is the video...

For the full story, click here.

I was surprise to hear that it took three days to only do Delridge Way. Unfortunately, there are approximately another 1,000 potholes on backlog. Hopefully, your pothole is not on that backlog list.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-02T17:35:00.001-08:00

The North Delridge Neighborhood Council continues to meet monthly.

When: Second Monday of the month, the next meeting is January 10th from 6:30-7:45pm.

Where: The Delridge Library, 5423 Delridge Way S.W., in the conference room - from the entrance, it's the first door to the right.

Why: Because we can all make a difference! Our projects have ranged from Adopt-A-Street clean ups to building a new playground at the Delridge Community Center, and we welcome newcomers to help.

For more information about how we're organized or to check our calendar, please visit our website: www.ndnc.org

Emailing: West Seattle Community Forum Flier v2010

2010-11-17T17:42:00.001-08:00

Mayor McGinn is coming to West Seattle, December 2nd, 6pm to 8pm for a Town Hall Forum at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.

Please mark your calendars and share the attached flyer with your networks.

Thanks.

Ron Angeles, District Coordinator
Dept. of Neighborhoods
684-7416

Clean up Delridge Saturday!

2010-11-05T14:39:00.000-07:00

The North Delridge Neighborhood Council Adopt-a-Street is this Saturday, Nov. 6th.
Meet up at 9:45am, work from about 10am-12pm @ Delridge Community Center parking lot.

*The first 10 people to show up get a 2 for 1 Latte (or comparable coffee beverage) card to Uptown Espresso!

Remember in November

2010-10-29T10:03:00.001-07:00

Howdy Neighbors,

November's almost here - please note these dates:

November 2nd - VOTE!

November 6th
- NDNC Adopt-a-Street
9:45am – 12:15pm, Meet @ Delridge Community Center parking lot.
Neighborhood sponsored clean up along Delridge Way from Andover to Brandon.
*The first 10 people to show up get a 2 for 1 Latte (or comparable coffee beverage) card to Uptown Espresso!

- Gathering of Neighbors at Cheif Sealth High School, 2600 SW Thistle St, 11am-3pm, learn about community organizations and businesses.

November 8th - NDNC Monthly meeting at the Delridge Library from 7-7:45pm - please note the shorter time.
We'll vote in the new Co-Secretaries and discuss upcoming topics.

November 17th - Delridge District Council Meeting
Wed, 7pm – 8pm, at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center 4408 Delridge Way SW.

November NDNC Meeting date and time

2010-10-27T16:08:00.001-07:00

Please note that our November 8th meeting will not begin until 7pm at the Delridge Library. It will be a short meeting to vote in our new Co-Secretaries, and discuss topics of interest for future meetings.
Also, our Delridge beat officers may make a visit contingent on their active duties that evening to answer questions. December our guest speaker will be Community Crime Prevention Coordinator Ben Kinlow.

See you there!

October Events + Cider Press Cancelled

2010-10-12T16:12:00.000-07:00

The annual Cider Press planned for Oct. 23rd is cancelled. We hope to plan something earlier in the season next year.

Other events coming up for Delridge:

Oct. 16th - Night Market at the Super 24 Store, 5455 Delridge Way S.W., from 3-7pm. There will be local produce for sale, and a Silk Screen Your Own Shirt activity by the North Delridge Neighborhood Council.

Oct. 19th - The Art Lending Library at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center is open from 6-9 pm.

November 6th - Come on out to clean up Delridge Way - The quarterly Delridge Way Adopt-A-Street volunteers meet up at 9:45 to gather supplies and work from about 10am-noon at Delridge Community Center parking. This is a great time of the year to clean up leaves from drains too.

Art Lending Library

2010-10-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

Did you know there's an Art Lending Library in the neighborhood?

The West Seattle Blog just reported about it, and it's hosted at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center once a quarter. The next Art Library day is Wednesday, October 19th, one night only, 6-9 pm. Check out their website for more details:

http://www.artlendinglibrary.net/ALL/Welcome.html

Delridge Night Market Wants You!

2010-09-30T14:19:00.001-07:00

On Sept. 11th, the North Delridge Neighborhood Council participated in the
DNDA's Delridge Night Market event.
We had a blast meeting neighbors and providing a silk screen your own "Heart
Delridge" shirt activity.

Night Market organizer Phillippia Goldsmith would love to see the
event include neighbors who have crafts or art or goodies to sell -
she's got access to tables and chairs, but not tents. To get the scoop
and participate in the last market on Oct. 16th from 3-7pm, email Phillippia
at PhillippiaG@dnda.org - or just mark your calendars to show up and
buy fresh local veggies and support the effort those evenings.

We'll be there hosting the Heart Delridge Print Your Own shirt from 3-5pm. Don't want to get your hands dirty? Just bring $15 and buy one!

October Cider Press!

2010-09-28T12:54:00.000-07:00

A fun way to use up apples, and meet or catch up with your neighbors - join us for this season's Cider Press!

When: October 23, 12-4pm
Where: Karl’s house, 5624 26th SW,
What to bring: your own CLEAN windfall, store bought or gleaned apples, pears and your own containers, plus snacks to share. Please don't bring your dogs.

Last year my family brought half a paper grocery bag full of apples and that made 2 quarts of fresh cider. We washed the apples, and didn't cut them up or trim off those parts that bugs nibbled. It was a great way to make use of apples we would have otherwise put in the compost bin.

Plus Karl's garden is a local treasure - it's been part of the West Seattle Garden Tour.

Best,
Holli

New NDNC Website

2010-09-15T11:34:00.001-07:00

The North Delridge Neighborhood Council is very happy to announce our new website is up!
Check it out here:
http://www.ndnc.org/

A BIG thank you to our neighbor, Amanda Leonard who volunteered to create the site for us.

Community Harvest Plant Sale at SSCC this Sunday 9.19

2010-09-15T11:33:00.001-07:00

Community Harvest Plant Sale!
come get your spinach, lettuce, kale, onions, swiss chard, garlic and more!

Sunday, September 19, 2010 1:00-3:30pm

South Side of South Seattle Community College

Fall starts only $3!

www.gleanit.org

All Proceeds benefit Community Harvest of Southwest Seattle, a 501(c)3, whose mission is to reduce hunger by increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables for our neighbors in West Seattle and White Center. Along with harvesting and distributing the abundance growing in our backyards, we encourage and inspire edible gardens through our educational programs and events.

Heart Delridge and Clean Greens

2010-08-31T16:17:00.000-07:00

Clean Greens Event Sept. 11th from 4-8pm (At the Super 24 Store parking lot- The corner of Delridge Way SW & SW Findlay).

This is the King County Food and Fitness Initiative effort to bring fresh produce to the neighborhood. You can purchase some locally grown veggies through Clean Greens (http://www.cleangreensfarm.com) in person.

The NDNC executive board plus a few other neighbors will host the booth. We'll have info on what we've been up to, can answer your questions, and will offer a fun screen print your own Heart Delridge Tee Shirt activity!

Just bring a pre-washed solid colored shirt, and create! We'll have a screen and provide black and white ink. Screen Printing will be from 4-6pm. Don't want to do that or can't make it until later? You can buy a shirt for $15.

Wanna buy one right now? You can pre-order and pay for a shirt through the DNDA, our fiscal agent. Just go to: http://www.dnda.org/support-DNDA/support-delridge-neighborhoods pay $15, mark that this is for the North Delridge Neighborhood Council's Heart Delridge Tee Shirt, include your contact info, size shirt, etc. and we'll mail it or hold it for you at the event.

West Seattle Blog on artisans at Seattle Chinese Garden

2010-08-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

There's a terrific, detailed post over at West Seattle Blog about this weekend's community welcome party for the visiting artisans at Delridge jewel the Seattle Chinese Garden.

Head on over for lots of great photos, video, and description.

September benefit at Youngstown for Nepali women

2010-08-23T11:36:00.000-07:00

From West Seattle Blog:

Just out of the WSB inbox:
On Saturday, September 25th, 2010, the Bo M Karlsson Foundation’s Third Annual ‘Mahilaa Night’ will be held at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in West Seattle, from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Address: 4408 Delridge Way SW.

This annual Seattle event is a benefit to raise funds for the education of underprivileged women in Nepal. For more information on the work we do, please visit our website http://www.bomkarlsson.org/

We hope you’ll join us for a traditional Nepali dinner, wine bar, entertainment by Nepali musicians, a short film and, a silent auction. Items in the silent auction will include local arts and crafts, Nepali handcrafted goods and gift certificates to many Seattle businesses.

Suggested donation:
Single $35.00/Couples $60.00/Family of 4 $85.00
Tickets includes first drink

RSVP before or by September 15, 2010 at info@bomkarlsson.org or by phone: 206 354 3119

Skylark wins

2010-08-22T09:16:00.000-07:00

Delridge venue Skylark has been nominated at King5 for Best Live Music in Western Washington.

The folks at Skylark say "We're thrilled to be nominated for the Best Live Music! Make us #1 in Western Washington. Voting starts August 30th."

Head over to King 5 to vote next week.

New Delridge Business - Pho Aroma opens today! Here's the menu

2010-08-20T15:36:00.000-07:00

Well worth the wait, Pho Aroma opened today at Delridge and Findlay. I had a chance to try out the Lemon Garlic Beef and it was terrific!

Here's the menu - drop by!

BTW - Here's the West Seattle Blog article about the owners. We saw Patrick in there taking pictures of the family today, so check WSB for another update soon.

Pho Aroma menu

White Center Art Walk

2010-08-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

From the White Center Blog - great art and community tonight

August 21, 6 PM – 9 PM

White Center Third Saturday Art Walk

Dubsea Coffee (9910 8th Ave SW): Jeannette Jones – oil paintings. Jeannette’s oil paintings are a complex tapestry of images that require second and third looks to discover the hidden portraits contained within.

Proletariat Pizza (9622-A 16th ave SW): Terry Peart – acrylic paintings. “17th and Roxbury”. Come see this series of paintings of a local landmark in White Center. have you tried the tiramisu?

Salvadorean Bakery (1719 Roxbury): Heather Mathias – Photographing Color and Design:
An Exhibit by Heather Mathias
Heather Mathias’s artwork is an exploration of color and design. She photographs everyday objects, then through “reverse process” discovers their essence – their visual essence; whether it be a specific color, a specific design, or both.

Dzul Tattoo (9622-B 16th Ave SW): The Dzul Family – Tattoo, airbrush, cool urban art. Check out the shop, get that long-desired tattoo!

Cafe Rozella (9434 Delridge Way SW): Another month of good ART!!

Full Tilt Ice Cream (9629 16th Ave SW): Check for updates

Big Al Brewing (9832 14th Ave SW): Adam Schmidt – Metal Art -Precision-cut metal art.

Emergency Preparedness Classes for community leaders

2010-08-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

Forwarded by Ron Angeles from

Let's make the Delridge District the best prepared area for an emergency in Seattle!! Sign up now!!!
________________________________________

Subject: [EOCSNAP] SNAP Announcement: Fall Skills Training Begins Sept 25 - Registration now open!

Greetings from the Seattle Office of Emergency Management:

You are the first to receive notification for Seattle OEM’s 2010 Falls Skills Training! The attached flyer has full course descriptions as well as specifics on how to register by e-mail or phone to our office.

Next week, we will post these classes to the Emergency Management Events Calendar on the OEM website, but we wanted to give you an opportunity to share this announcement with your community contacts first.

Due to the high demand of our skills training classes, space tends to fill fast, but please be courteous and only register if you can keep your commitment to attend. We want to be fair and give as many as possible the opportunity to learn priority skills on how to respond and care for others after a disaster.

Other dates to keep in mind: (look for specifics in the September Monthly Connection)

· Sept. 29 – SNAP Continuing Education Workshop: Effective Drills and Exercises – good for neighborhood coordinators and block captains who have a group ready to put their skills into practice.

· Oct 13, 20 and 27 – SNAP Leadership Academy: a three-week course on how to coordinate and organize a group.

Thanks for your continuing interest in emergency preparedness. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions – we look forward to seeing you soon at one of our skills classes!

For a current listing of events, go to the Emergency Management Events Calendar

The Public Education Team
__________________________

Seattle Office of Emergency Management
105 5th Ave South, Seattle, WA 98104
206-233-5076
E-mail: mailto:snap@seattle.gov
www.seattle.gov/emergency

"Disaster ready ... prepared people, resilient community."
Please send questions or comments to eocsnap-request@talk2.seattle.gov

Privacy Policy
Seattle Office of Emergency Management
105 5th Avenue South, Suite 300
Seattle WA 98104

Fall Skills - 2010

More work for organizers - Washington Bus

2010-08-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

Over at Washington Bus - the organization that organized voter registration in Delridge the past couple of weekends:

We're hiring!

We'll make this quick - The Bus is running extensive voter registration and get-out-the-vote programs around the state leading up to Election Day on November 2nd. We're looking for smart, dynamic, hard working, well-organized and multi-talented people. Sound like you? Check out the job descriptions below. We're filling these positions ASAP, so get your application in today!

Statewide GOTV Coordinator
Spokane Coordinator
Spokane Organizer
Vancouver Coordinator
Vancouver Campus Organizers

Bus Internships
The Washington Bus is looking for interns to support our outreach, voter engagement, legislation and targeted races. Our internships offer leadership opportunities for you to make real political change. Click here to learn how to apply. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Get on the Bus!

Job opportunity for an organizer - Got Green

2010-08-20T12:21:00.000-07:00

From Maru Mora Villalpando

Position Announcement: ORGANIZER (FULL TIME)

Framework: We are entering a historic time in our country where local efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and global warming are expected to generate thousands of job opportunities as well as new products that are healthier for our homes and families. Got Green believes that through community organizing, we can make sure that Seattle-area “green jobs” provide opportunity to communities most in need: low income communities of color; and that “green jobs” are also “good jobs” – paying a living wage and benefits. We also believe that through organizing, we can make sure that low income families gain equal access to “green products” and “green lifestyles.”

Got Green is a start-up organization – sponsored by the White Center Community Development Association – and we are seeking an experienced community organizer to build a racially diverse activist base of low income and working class young adults of color to fight to ensure that their communities fully benefit from the sustainable, green economy.

RESPONSIBILITIES
· Recruit and develop the leadership of low income and young adults of color to participate in and lead all of Got Green’s activities.
· Develop and implement a broad-based outreach and recruitment plan to 1) Bring new members into Got Green; 2) Educate communities of color (including recent immigrant communities) about green jobs opportunities; 3) Recruit potential participants into a union-certified Weatherization Installer Tech training program.
· Work with volunteer activists to plan and lead community organizing campaigns aimed at 1) Shifting the balance of power in favor of low income communities; 2) Winning concrete demands that improve the lives of low income young adults of color.
· Organize events such as community forums; hip hop shows; film showings; accountability sessions; etc. to advance Got Green’s outreach and organizing.
· Create leadership and personal development plans with each of Got Green’s core constituent leaders. Support Got Green leaders towards reaching their goals.
· Help to develop and lead organizing skills trainings and political education sessions for Got Green constituents/activists.
· Build and maintain a community-based interpreting/translation network
· Assist with fundraising activities such as grant writing; meetings with potential funders; event organizing; as needed.
· Support Got Green’s Weatherization Tech Installer training program and field work. Build relationships with Got Green trainees to involve them in community organizing efforts.
· Participate in staff meetings, organization-wide retreats and on-going strategic planning sessions and support other staff where needed
· Represent Got Green’s mission, values and objectives in all interactions with the public.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
· Demonstrated connections to and “roots” in communities of color
· Minimum three years direct organizing experience around economic, racial, and/or gender justice issues – preferably in communities of color
· Experience developing the leadership skills of low income/working class constituents
· Excellent written and verbal communications skills
· Strong computer skills – MS Office, Web-based email, databases, etc.
· Ability to work evenings and weekends as required
· Valid WA State Driver’s license, owns a vehicle, is/can be insured.
· “Risk taker” and “Team player”

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
· Fluent in a second language
· Existing network in one or more local communities of color
· Experience with/knowledge of organized labor movement and specifically building trades unions
· Desktop publishing, graphic design, or web design experience
· Sense of humor

COMPENSATION
COMPETITIVE SALARY $37K-$42K DOE
Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
Sick Leave & Accrual
Vacation (12 days in the first year)
12 paid holidays

TO APPLY
POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Submit resume, cover letter and three references ASAP via email to:
SUBJECT LINE: Organizer position
info@gotgreen.org

Please also submit your answer (500 words or less) to the following:
What have you found to be the greatest challenges and opportunities to building a grassroots activist base in low-income communities of color?

Youth Out Loud Showcase this Friday!

2010-08-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

From Alberto Mejia at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center:

On Behalf of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center and Youth Media Institute. I'd like to invite you all to the upcoming summer showcase for the 2010 Youth Out Loud summer program! The event is taking place on Friday, August 20th from 6-8pm in the Youngstown theater, and will feature live performances, youth-produced films, original music and digital photography. Our students have put together some amazing pieces this year...join us as we celebrate their work!

Please refer to the flyer below for more information. We hope to see you there!

In appreciation,

Alberto Mejia II, M.P.A.

Green Jobs Forum August 27

2010-08-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

Although this forum is over in Southeast, it's organized by a number of leaders from Delridge and White Center, and deals with an isssue that's important to the neighborhood.

Aging Your Way - Conversations for Change September 23

2010-08-17T16:46:00.000-07:00

From Joanne Donohue at Senior Services

Aging YOUR Way

Will your community will be able to support you in the way you want so you can stay there as you age?

Baby Boomers are riding the wave to their senior years at a rapid pace but are notoriously resistant to talking about aging, and it's clear they are not interested in aging the way their parents did. To be ready for this demographic shift, communities need to be ready to handle the increase in the capacity and type of services and programs which will be required.

Baby Boomers and other younger-thinking older adults are already re-designing their communities to support them as they age.

Senior Services is bringing community gatherings to neighborhoods around King County and the participants are outstripping all goals and expections we've had! We've held events in SE Seattle and in Shoreline already.

Want to be part of the action? Attend one of the “Aging Your Way” community gatherings in your area.

Join us at an event in your neighborhood to develop your vision and ideas, and work on implementing them! Jim Diers, community development expert and professional facilitator, leads participants in identifying what they care about and creating their vision of what their community will need to look like. Action teams are formed and people are empowered to use their skills, knowledge and passion to make their vision a reality.
Aging Your Way Flyer SW

Newest neighborhood microblog: Roxhill Rox

2010-08-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

About the Blog:
We dig our neighborhood! There is a great mix of people, kids, businesses, parks, and pets. We're going to give you the lowdown and let you know how the other half live (no not that half, the OTHER other half).

About the bloggers:
We're parents, entrepreneurs, geeks, rock stars, professionals, and everything in between. We dig out little hood up here at the top of Seattle and just want to share a little bit with you guys.

First four posts this week:

Seattle City Council approves urban farm and community garden legislation improving access to locally grown food

2010-08-17T01:05:00.000-07:00

From Erin MacDougall at Public Health of Seattle and King County (and a Food and Society fellow):

Council News Release

SUBJECT: Seattle City Council approves urban farm and community garden legislation improving access to locally grown food

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
8/16/2010 2:45:00 PM FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Laura Lockard (206) 684-8159

Council President Richard Conlin

Seattle City Council approves urban farm and community garden legislation improving access to locally grown food

SEATTLE – As part of the 2010 Year of Urban Agriculture, the Seattle City Council approved Council Bill 116907 that supports the rapidly growing local food movement. The ordinance updates the City’s Land Use code governing urban agriculture uses, including allowing "urban farms" and "community gardens" in all zones, with some limitations in industrial zones. Also, residents will now be able to sell food grown on their property.

"These code changes will strengthen our community food security," said Council President Richard Conlin, sponsor of the ordinance. "This is one more action that supports the goals of the Local Food Action Initiative: increases opportunities for Seattle residents to purchase and grow healthy food in the city."

"This is an exciting time to be an urban farmer," said Nicole Jain Capizzi, owner of Amaranth Urban Farm in Rainier Beach. "I recently moved to Seattle to start an urban farm and am encouraged by the City’s on-going actions that strengthen Seattle's food system."

This legislation formally recognizes Farmer's markets allowing them in more areas of Seattle. The ordinance also allows dedicated food production on rooftop greenhouses with a 15 foot exemption to height limits in a variety of higher density zones.

"The code changes related to rooftop greenhouses are a bold step toward high-yield food production in an urban environment," stated Branden Born, Associate Professor of Urban Design and Planning at University of Washington. "The Seattle City Council is again on the forefront of initiatives that show a true commitment to improving access to healthy food."

The legislation improves the number of chickens allowed per lot from three to eight, with additional chickens allowed for large lots associated with community gardens and urban farms. The legislation prohibits new roosters and sets boundaries for chicken coops, ten feet away from primary residential structures. Existing chicken coops built prior to the code changes will remain legal.

More information on raising chickens in the city can be found at:

http://www.seattle.gov/council/urbanagriculture/chickens_in_city.htm

Erin MacDougall, PhD
Healthy Eating and Active Living Program Manager/IATP Food and Society Fellow
Public Health - Seattle & King County
401 - 5th Ave, Suite 900
Seattle, WA 98104
206-263-8804

http://www.foodandsocietyfellows.org/

Arts in Nature Festival this weekend

2010-08-16T22:48:00.000-07:00

A quick reminder to head over the Camp Long this weekend for the Arts in Nature Festival! Details are at the Nature Consortium website, or head over to West Seattle Blog for a concise recap.

WSB reports on the RecTech Teen Photojournalism Internship

2010-08-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

Photo credit: Ina Dash, Genevieve Carrillo,
& the RecTech Teen Photojournalism Internship
c/o West Seattle Blog

West Seattle Blog ran a great profile of the partnership program at the Delridge Library: "This summer, the library has teamed up with the Museum of Flight to create a summer program that helps kids around the community express their creativity while learning about aviation. "

Full story with pictures at West Seattle Blog...

West Seattle Blog on Get Out The Vote (GOTV) effort in Delridge Saturday

2010-08-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: West Seattle Blog

Get any get-out-the-vote doorbellers at your house/apartment today? Here’s one group that set out from Delridge Community Center this morning – volunteers from the Washington Bus, which is trying to encourage younger voters to participate more in the political process.

More great photos and coverage at WSB...

Our Lady of Guadalupe campaign kickoff

2010-08-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

An e-mail from Our Lady of Quadalupe:

Please join us as we kick off Building for Our Future: The next 50 years campaign with a parish and community celebration.

Sunday, August 29
Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
7000 35th Avenue SW
West Seattle

We'll have food and music, games and activities for families, and big news that will get the campaign off to a great start.

The Building for Our Future Campaign is our opportunity to enrich Parish life -- and the life of the West Seattle community -- for the next 50 years and beyond. By coming together to build a new Parish Life Center/Gym, we will not only create a vibrant place for all generations to grow in fellowship and faith, we will strengthen our entire community.

Learn more on our website.

Small Business Networking - City Business Casual 8/26

2010-08-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

Delridge area small businesses should consider this opportunity to raise their profile, especially as our sole West Seattle City Councilmember, Tom Rasmussen, will be one of the featured guests.

Tom Rasmussen is a Seattle City Councilmember and has spent twenty-five years working on issues important to the people of Seattle - from transportation and the environment, to affordable housing and human rights. Tom currently chairs the Council's Transportation Committee and sits on many other regional committees related to transportation.

White Center Community Development Association Annual Fundraiser 9/10

2010-08-13T14:16:00.000-07:00

“Celebrating our Global Village”

Fundraiser to benefit:

Neighborhood Revitalization, Family Development and Community Building

Friday, September 10, 2010

6:00 to 8:30 PM

South Seattle Community College Jerry Brockey Center

6000 16th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98106

Tickets: $60 per person

RSVP no later than Monday, August 30, 2010

Click here to RSVP

(service charge will apply)

Picnic at the Precinct this Saturday

2010-08-13T14:12:00.001-07:00

South Park Outdoor Cinema

2010-08-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

News Release about Arts In Nature

2010-08-12T14:56:00.001-07:00

Forwarded by Ron Angeles:

NEWS RELEASE

Seattle Parks and Recreation
Mike McGinn, Mayor
Christopher Williams, Acting Superintendent
www.seattle.gov/parks

For immediate release August 12, 2010
Contact: Dewey Potter, 206-684-7241
e-mail dewey.potter@seattle.govmailto:dewey.potter@seattle.gov

ARTS IN NATURE FESTIVAL COMING UP AT CAMP LONG
Camp Long, West Seattle’s outdoor classroom and urban haven, will host the Arts in Nature Festival on August 21 and 22, 2010.

The festival will feature a large and varied range of performing and visual arts that connect visitors with nature, including:
Music: Jazz, classical, world, hip hop, bluegrass, and orchestral folk
Auditory arts: the "Museum of Sound"
Dance and aerial performances
Puppet shows
Marching bands
Interactive activities for kids and adults, including printmaking, instrument and mask-making, participatory chime clusters, laughter circles, and naturalist events.

The festival is hosted by the Nature Consortium, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people, arts, and nature. The event is also a fundraiser for the organization, founded on the principle of teaching environmental lessons through the creative arts and hands-on conservation projects.

Locally renowned performing artists at the festival will showcase include Hey Marseilles, Pearl Django, Lelavision, Earth, Fences/Chris Mansfield, The Cabiri, Chris Ballew playing songs of The Presidents of the United States of America (as a Nature Consortium benefit show - $25/ticket) and also performing as Caspar Babypants, Jack Wilson, NorthWest Dance Syndrome, Anti-Fascist Marching Band, The Boys of Greenwood Glen, The Curious Mystery, Air 2 A Bird, and Paul Rucker.

The festival’s renowned "Museum of Sound" will offer festival-goers multidisciplinary installations (visual and auditory arts, music, and sound) featuring Hollow Earth Radio, Youngstown Records, Kate Endle & Chris Ballew, Nicolas Gonzalez, Susie Kozawa, Gregory D’Elia, Benjamin Yarges, Ricky Gene Powell, and Nature Consortium Youth Art Program participants.

For more information about the festival, please see www.naturec.org/festival.htm. For more information about the Nature Consortium, please see http://www.naturec.org/.

Suggested donation: $10 per person.

###

South Park outdoor cinema is back

2010-08-12T12:46:00.000-07:00

From Front Porch (the City of Seattle civic engagement blog)

South Park outdoor cinema is back

The South Park Outdoor Cinema and the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation will be screening “Where the Wild Things Are,” this Saturday, August 14 in the Napoli’s Parking Lot starting at 9:30 p.m. Gates open at 8:30 p.m.

The South Park Outdoor Cinema is another event that is part of the City of Seattle’s Bridge Closure Response—an effort to help the South Park Community through the impacts of the bridge closure. Seattle Department of Neighborhoods has been coordinating various city efforts and strategies to build South Park as a destination. Look for more exciting events coming in August!

Deadline approaches for free trees for your neighborhood

2010-08-12T12:39:00.000-07:00

From Lois Maag at the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods

NEWS RELEASE
Seattle Department of Neighborhoods
Stella Chao, Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact:
Judy Brown; 206.684.0714; judy.brown@seattle.gov
Lois Maag; 206.615.0950; lois.maag@seattle.gov

Deadline approaches for free trees for your neighborhood

Application for Seattle Dept. of Neighborhoods Tree Fund is due August 16

August 11, 2010 (SEATTLE, WA)— The deadline is approaching for applications to Seattle Department of Neighborhoods’ Tree Fund, a program that provides free trees for neighborhoods. The Tree Fund is a simple way for residents to beautify their neighborhood and help the environment, while connecting with their neighbors. Applications for the Tree Fund are due on Monday, August 16 at 5 p.m.

Groups of neighbors from at least five households living on a street or block can request from 10 to 40 trees per project. In addition, every participating household can have a fruit tree for their own yard. Information on how to organize your neighborhood, the selections of trees, as well as the application form, can be found at www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf/treefund.htm .

For questions or additional information, contact Judy Brown, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, at 206.684.0714.

# # #

Seattle Department of Neighborhoods provides programs and service that engage residents in civic participation, foster stronger communities, make government more accessible, and preserve and enhance the character of Seattle’s neighborhoods. Visit www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods .

Seattle Race Conference in Delridge August 28

2010-08-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

Saturday, August 28th, 2010
8:00am-4:30pm
South Seattle Community College
Brockey Conference Center
6000 16th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98106
Driving and bus directions can be found at:
http://www.southseattle.edu/campus/map.htm

$20 pre-registration, lunch will be provided/$30 at door, lunch not guaranteed for those who register at the door
Scholarships available. There is no charge for SSCC student and staff who pre-register.
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged and will close Friday, August 13th
Register Online

Scholarships: To request a scholarship please emaileleta.wright@gmail.com .
Provide a brief explanation of your situation and the amount of scholarship you are requesting. You will receive a reply by email indicating the amount of scholarship awarded and providing an authorization code to use when registering

Special Accommodation: To request an accommodation for a disability or language interpretation for yourself or for clients please call (206) 684-4514 by August 13th.

Six clock hours will be available through Seattle Public Schools ($2 per clock hour)

Keynotes:

Spero Manson, PhD, (Pembina Chippewa), Distinguished Professor, directs the Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health in the Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver. His programs include 8 national centers, entailing research, program development, and training among 102 Native communities, spanning rural, reservation, urban, and village settings.

Ben Danielson, MD, Medical Director, Odessa Brown Children's Clinic, Seattle. Dr. Benjamin Danielson joined Seattle Children's Hospital in 1995. He has been the medical director of Odessa Brown Children's Clinic in Seattle since 1999, and he holds the Janet and Jim Sinegal Endowed Chair for the Odessa Brown Children's Clinic. The clinic has been an active part of Seattle's Central District since 1970.

If you would like to join the planning committee for the 2010 Seattle Race Conference please email info@seattleraceconference.org

Seattle Race Conference
Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
105 Fourteenth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122-5594

The Washington Bus registering voters in Delridge/West Seatle this Saturday

2010-08-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

From Washington Bus:

Ride on the Magic Vote Bus! August 14th in West Seattle
Christina Rocks serves as the Field Coordinator/Official Badass with the Washington Bus. For those not yet familiar with the Bus, it is a force and a resource for the youth, promoting civic engagement and all around good times. More from their website www.washingtonbus.org/, and their bloghttp://washingtonbus.wordpress.com/

Pow Pow Democracy Pow Pow!

There are no other words to describe how excited we are for the Magic Vote Bus!!!
And yes, we will be even more excited to see you there with us, this Saturday in Delridge! We can’t wait for you to help us get young people out to vote in the August 17th primary!

We will be meeting at the Delridge Playfield (Delridge Ave SW and SW Genesee St) in West Seattle for coffee, bagels, hands-on training, and assorted hi-jinks. We will then go door-knocking in West Seattle to raise awareness about the August 17th Primary (which is on August 17th) and to make sure young people sign, stamp, and send in their ballots!

And because we, the Summer Fellows, love nothing more than a celebration of good politics, after knocking on doors, we’ll head over to Youngstown Cultural Arts Center to be greeted by live music, PRIZES, and even MORE food. Because we love food. And prizes. And music.

Aren’t you hella excited? Aren’t you hella stoked? Aren’t YOU hella bus? Why yes, yes you are.
RSVP today on Facebook, and if you have any questions, feel free to send an email to Tunny at mailto:atTunny@washingtonbus.org

Bus love.

***********

GREAT FOOD + GREAT MUSIC + GREAT PEOPLE + DEMOCRACY= GREAT FUN!!!

Highland Park Outlanders Run/Walk Club - 8/17

2010-08-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

From Ingrid through the Riverview Neighborhood Council list:

Subject: Highland Park Outlanders Run/Walk Club

Hi guys -

Several of you have mentioned perhaps training for a half marathon - either as walkers, runners, or run/walkers. So, I've decided to try to get the Highland Park Outlanders back up and active. We'll meet the first and third Tuesdays of the month, and the fifth Tuesday if there is one, at the Highland Park Improvement Club near 12th and Kenyon at 6.30pm. There will be routes for three or four miles, and people can walk or run as they prefer. And once a month on a weekend we'll have a longer route folks can do. Once we've had a few successful run/walks, I'll bring a list of potential runs people can sign up for.

Post-run/walk, snacks will be provided, but feel free to bring your own favorites if you'd like.

First run/walk: August 17, 6.30 pm.

Thanks!Ingrid

Camp Long August Programs

2010-08-12T12:12:00.000-07:00

Camp Long offers family programs!
Camp Long, located at 5200 35th Avenue SW
For more information go to: http://seattle.gov/parks/environment/elc.htm

Check out the video of the Lodge Re-Opening: http://westseattleblog.com/2010/07/happening-now-camp-long-lodge-reopening-celebration

**** Camp Long Smores Flavored Ice Cream! Ask for it next time you’re at Husky Deli! ****
August

Sunset Owl, Bats and Moths
Ages 1 and older
We’ll look and listen for owls, bats, and moths on a sunset hike. A bat detector will make the bats’ echolocation calls audible. Will juvenile Barred Owls be hissing their “feed me” calls? Please register by August 6 by calling 206-684-7434.

August 7 Sat 8 – 9:30 p.m.
Course #57658 Activity Fee: $7

Dragonfly, Butterfly and Bumblebee Chase
Ages 1 and older
We will provide nets and bug boxes. The bugs will donate their time. Learn the art of catching bugs from bumblebees (even a three year old can), to butterflies (intermediate) and dragonflies (the most challenging). Participants of all ages can share in the excitement while learning the story of each bug. With some luck we might find a garter snake too? Please register by August 6 by calling 206-684-7434.

August 7 Sat 3 – 5 p.m.
Course #57654 Activity Fee: $7

Pond Exploration
Ages 1 and older
Dipping in Pollywog Pond for all ages! Many Northwest salamanders, backswimmers and dragonfly nymphs live in our pond. Use nets to see what you can catch. We’ll share the excitement and stories of the critters we catch! Please register by August 6 by calling 206-684-7434.

August 7 Sat Noon – 2 p.m.
Course #57649 Activity Fee: $7

Beach Days!
Ages 5 and older
Beach life will be revealed during a low tide. Give yourself a chance to ‘sea’ the diversity of life forms created over millions of years. Bring a healthy lunch to munch after exploring! Please register by August 6 by calling 206-684-7434.

Location: Me-Kwa-Mooks Park (-2.3 tide)
August 8 Sun 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Course #56780 Activity Fee: $7

Beach Scrambles at Low Tide!
Ages 10 and older
Traverse the sandy, gravelly, slippery, rocky terrain between Constellation Park and Lincoln Park’s Lowman Beach, total of three miles one way. This will be a moderately paced hike on a variety of exposed tidal terrain. Bring plenty of water, food, waterproof sturdy shoes, sunscreen and binoculars. A shuttle will take participants back to Charles Richey, Sr. Viewpoint. Meet at Charles Richie Sr. Viewpoint, 63rd Ave. SW and Beach Dr. SW. This park is also known as Constellation Park. Please register by August 6 by calling 206-684-7434.

Location: Richie Viewpoint
August 8 Sun 9 – 11 a.m.
Course #56782 Activity Fee: $5

Feet First Community Connections
Ages 1 and older
Feet First is an organization that promotes walk friendly communities. We help people take simple steps to create better places to live, learn, shop, work, and play – a world that cares about health, community, and design. Neighborhood maps created by Feet First will be available to all participants. Learn how to use
the maps and gain an appreciation of walk-friendly routes you may not know exist. Free to Feet First members, $5 donation is suggested for non-members. Please register by August 10 by calling 206-684-7434.

August 14 Sat 10 a.m. – Noon
Course #56785 Activity Fee: $5 for non-members

Twilight’s Nature
Ages 4 and older
Twilight is defined as the time between dawn and sunrise, and between sunset and dusk. What are the mythological and natural connections to this special time also known as the Blue Hour?
Location: Fire Ring
Course #56766 August 28 Sat 7 – 9 p.m.
Please register by August 26
Activity Fee: $8

Camp Long Owl Hoot
Ages 5 and older
Join us for a dusk-to-dark owl prowl through Camp Long’s woodland. Will there be babies! Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. Please register by August 20 by calling 206-684-7434.

August 21 Sat 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Course #56789 Activity Fee: $8

Twilight’s Nature
Ages 4 and older
Twilight is defined as the time between dawn and sunrise, and between sunset and dusk. What are the mythological and natural connections to this special time also known as the Blue Hour? Please register by August 27 by calling 206-684-7434.

Location: Fire Ring
August 28 Sat 7 – 9 p.m.
Course #56766 Activity Fee: $8

Third Saturday Free Walks
Camp Long – what started out as a leftover unusable piece of land after the West Seattle Golf Course was created became Camp Long with cabins and a lodge. How did that happen? Walk the trails to see the work that the Works Progress
Administration completed during the Great Depression. Find out how Franklin D. Roosevelt’s daughter influenced the whole process. Each cabin is named after a Washington State mountain peak; if you can name 8 out of 10, you get a prize. The walk leader is Gretchen Graber. Please register by August 20 by calling 206-684-7434.

August 21 Sat 10 a.m. – Noon
Course #56787 FREE

Tot Treks
Ages 2-3
Explore the wonders of nature with your tots. Discover life in the pond, forest, and field and meet new friends. Please arrive 10 minutes early and wear weatherproof clothing. Up to two children can be registered with one adult. No strollers please.
$7 for one adult with one child. $3.50 for each additional person. Please register in advance by calling 206-684-7434.

Tide Pool Treasures
Course #56770 August 10 Tue 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Me-Kwa-Mooks

Busy Busy Beavers
Course #56771 August 17 Tue 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Cawing Crows
Course #56772 August 24 Tue 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Volunteer!

Third Saturday Work Parties FREE
All Ages
Begin a family legacy at Camp Long by restoring native habitat in the park. It’s a perfect time for restoration and cleanup. Make new friends while you preserve the future for yourselves, your children, and the animals and native plants.
For more information or to reserve your place call 206-684-7434 or 206-423-0762. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Care for a new Native Plantings!
Water, weed and mulch in preparation for a hot summer.
August 21 Sat 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sheila Brown
Education Program Supervisor - Public Programs Coordinator
Environmental Learning Centers, Seattle Parks and Recreation
206-684-7086 Discovery Park Office Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm

"Creating Community Through People, Parks and Programs"

Youth-Police Alliance Discussion & Role Reversal Workshop Aug 17

2010-08-12T11:49:00.000-07:00

From Arielle Washington at the Seattle Youth Commission, via Randy Engstrom:

Strength of Place Village groundbreaking 9/15

2010-08-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

Capitol Hill Housing, Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association & White Center Community Development Association invite you to join us at the Strength of Place Village project groundbreaking.

Located in the White Center neighborhood, this new development of 30 quality affordable rental housing units is the result of a unique partnership of three community based organizations.

STRENGTH OF PLACE VILLAGE PROJECT

View a Map

Intersection of 13th Avenue SW & 100th Street in White Center
Wednesday, September 15th
11AM—Groundbreaking & Remarks
11:45AM—BBQ Reception at Steve Cox Memorial Park(1321 SW 102nd Street one block south of project site)
Please RSVP to: patricia@wccda.org or (206) 694-1082 x162

Related items:
Get the event flyer
See the press release
View images of the project vision

Dance Class - It's Bigger than Hip Hop

2010-08-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

On July 7th, we kicked off a new phase of the All Access program at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center . . . Introducing the Summer Institute. We have graphic design, creative writing/theater, and hip hop dancing offered as intensive workshops that take place over the course of a week in conjunction with summer-long ongoing programs. Click the image above to find out more and register.

It's Bigger than Hip Hop
"It's Bigger Than Hip Hop" is a dance class that explores different hip hop styles and music as well as encourages you to develop your own groove. We will be making movement on the dance floor while also looking at hip hop as a social movement. This class is open to all young people, regardless of your knowledge or background in dance - just come ready to get down!

AUG: 9-12th, - Movement Studio
Mon: 10am -12:30, Tues 1:30-4pm, Wed: 10-12:30, Th:1:30-4pm
AUG: 16-19th, - Movement Studio
Mon: 10am -12:30, Tues 1:30-4pm, Wed: 10-12:30, Th:1:30-4pm
TEACHING ARTISTS: Mandy Yu & Maxie Jamal

More on the All Access Summer Institute
Register

Volunteers needed for garden building workparty @ Roxhill Elementary

2010-08-11T14:46:00.000-07:00

Volunteers needed for garden building workparty @ Roxhill Elementary in West Seattle
We have a grant through the eat better feel program and solid-ground to improve our capacity for gardening and are expanding the number of raised beds so that more classes and children can participate.

Details: tools, materials, & snacks provided for volunteers

Contact: Maggie.anderson@kingcounty.gov or call 360-421-0172

More information about the King County Food & Fitness Initiative available at www.kcffi.org

Mayor McGinn to tour Delridge Saturday

2010-08-06T12:32:00.000-07:00

Join DNDA and neighborhood leaders as we give Mayor Mike McGinn a tour of the Cottage Grove neighborhood! This is our chance to educate the city's top executive about how we get things done "the Delridge Way."

Stops will include:

the Delridge Neighborhood Service Center and the Delridge Library
the Delridge Fresh Food Spot at the Super 24 store
the 5400 block of 25th Ave SW, where the Neighborhood Street Fund will be supporting improvements
Greg Davis park and Longfellow Creek

Questions or RSVP's to Derek Birnie or Ron Angeles

Your feedback needed on the new DNDA website

2010-08-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

Delridge leaders and neighbors,

Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association just completed a "soft launch" of its new website at www.dnda.org. We hope the new site reflects in a more dynamic way our projects and programs, the board and staff members who lead them, the upcoming events and ways to get involved, and the flow of news and commentary about our work.

We'll be tweaking the content and functionality over the coming weeks, and giving it a new "skin" not long after that.

We're depending on user feedback to ensure we're putting our energies in the right places. Please take a few moments to take the site for a test-drive and then leave your feedback via the link on the front page.

Thanks!

Derek Birnie, Executive Director

Neighborhood Notes

2010-07-17T21:36:00.001-07:00

The next NDNC meeting is August 9th from 6:30-7:45pm at the Delridge Library.

Here are a couple events to note:

July 21st, Wednesday - The next Delridge District Council meeting will feature City Council President Richard Conlin's plans to improve our City's economy. From 6pm to 9pm at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center Theater - 4408 Delridge Way SW.

August 3rd, Tuesday - It’s National Night Out on August 3rd, and anyone can create a block party in their neighborhood. Betsy has organized a Night Out Against Crime on August 3rd from 6pm-whenever at the Dead End of Juno and 26th.

The Clean Greens Market will also be open that night from 4-8pm at the Super 24 located at 5455 Delridge Way Southwest. They will also operate on Fridays 9 am-5 pm and Saturdays 10 am to 6 pm to provide a weekly produce market through October.

August 7th, Saturday - The Brandon Street Greenspace is moved to August 7th to accommodate the help of the Rat City Roller Girls! August 7th - meet up at Brandon Street and 29th.

The Delridge Adopt-A-Street was also that day from 9:45am – 12:15pm, Meet @ Delridge Community Center parking lot.
Ron Angeles explained that he will lead Mayor McGinn on a walking tour of Delridge that same day.

August 16th Deadline: Tree Fund opportunity - you can apply for the city to plant trees on your parking strip, but the deadline is August 16th. The application can be found online at http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf/treefund.htm

Happy Summer,
Holli Margell

New NDNC Meeting today!

2010-07-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

The NDNC meeting is this evening, July 12th, 6:30-7:45pm in the Delridge Library, 5423 Delridge Way SW. Our agenda includes:

1) Formally nominating, Karrie Kohlhaas to replace our Co-Chair position. Take nominations for re-instituting a Treasurer position.
2) Discuss outreach:
a. Results from Delridge Day and WS Summerfest
b. Creating a welcome packet
c. Possible renaming of group
3) Update on the Brandon Street Natural Area.

South Solid Waste Transfer Station (SRDS) OPEN HOUSE

2010-06-08T14:27:00.000-07:00

The next open house for the new south transfer station is scheduled for:

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

5:00 to 7:00 PM

South Park Neighborhood Center

8201 10th Avenue South

Join your neighbors for an evening with information, displays, and kids activities. Come learn about

• The design for the new solid waste transfer station in South Park

• Proposed public facility amenities, artwork and signs

• Project schedule

The new station will replace the existing South Recycling and Disposal Station, but the existing station will remain open while the new facility is being built; therefore, there will be no change in services during construction.

For more information, please visit our website at www.seattle.gov/util or email newstations@seattle.gov or leave comments and questions on our phone message lines and someone will get back to you.

New NDNC Meeting date and time!

2010-06-06T13:31:00.000-07:00

The North Delridge Neighborhood Council will be meeting on the second Monday of the month at the Delridge Library from 6:30-7:45pm starting in July. All are welcome to attend.

ReFresh Delridge Day!

2010-06-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen the sign at the Delridge Community Center, or read about it on the West Seattle Blog, you should know:

ReFresh Delridge Day is Saturday, June 5th! Begining at 9am, rain or shine, you can help clean up Delridge. Projects will focus on the following areas:
- The alley behind the Delridge Library
- Longfellow Creek Natural Area (26th/Juneau)
- 23rd SW just north of Chief Sealth High School
- Around Nucor Steel fence
- Delridge Way

Meet up at the Southwest Youth and Family Services parking lot at 9am for morning refreshments.

From 1-5pm, stop by the Delridge Communit Center for fun, live entertainment and information on how to get more involved in North Delridge and West Seattle.

The North Delridge Neighborhood Council will be selling Heart Delridge Tee Shirts for $15. Stop by to see what we do and how you can get involved.

Volunteers to enhance Westcrest dog park

2010-05-27T12:34:00.001-07:00

Volunteers from Nutro Company and the local community will come together on June 15 to beautify Westcrest Dog Park.

Westcrest has been chosen as one of 30 dog parks in the US to receive a makeover as part of the Nutro Room to Run Dog Park Appreciation Project going on throughout the nation.

To volunteer call Mark Reed at (253) 951-7079 or email atmreed@nutroproducts.com.

Register your block for Night Out Against Crime

2010-05-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

The 2010 National Night Out Against Crime will be on Tuesday, Aug. 3. A national crime prevention event, "Night Out" is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, increase neighborhood support in anti-crime efforts, and unite communities. It is a great chance to reconnect with neighbors and share information with each other while learning more about crime prevention.

Registration for Night Out in Seattle is now open and it is easier than ever to register online. Seattle Night Out is also on Facebook.

Nearly 1,200 blocks participated in Night Out events last year, and Seattle Police are hoping to see even more neighborhoods participate this year.

For more information contact Mark Solomon, Crime Prevention Coordinator, at (206) 386-9766.

http://www.facebook.com/SeattleNightOut

http://www.seattle.gov/police/Nightout/

35th & Avalon to get protected left-turn?

2010-05-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

This isn't North Delridge, but many of us probably take Avalon west and turn south onto 35th. There seems to be a left-turn light going in there, which will be very welcome.

Speaking of Avalon and 35th, do any of you bicyclists go north (downhill) on Avalon around the corner from 35th past Genesee? If so, I'd be interested in hearing your experience about that stretch.

SDOT Aerial Rescue practices in Delridge Community Center Park

2010-05-21T15:25:00.001-07:00

The Seattle Department of Transportation Aerial Rescue team was practicing in the Delridge Community Center Park today. (Sorry for the fuzzy picture!) One of the rescue team, Zeke (not pictured), told me that they have an agreement with the Parks & Recreation Department to practice in parks.

Zeke told me briefly about their process. When they are called out to a rescue, they first try to make contact with the person in the tree and find out if they are responsive and if so whether they need help. One person will be designated to call EMS who then reports back that they are on their way. Before beginning a climb they try to determine potential hazards such as bee hives!

These careful steps, along with the rule that no one climbs alone, is clearly part of a organization that leaves as little to chance as possible.

West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network Meeting

2010-05-20T11:57:00.001-07:00

From Deborah Greer

West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network Meeting #2

Date: Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Location: SW Precinct 2300 S.W. Webster (Delridge & Webster)

Description .West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network Meeting #2

We are still in our outreach and growing phase. The facebook membership has grown to over 95 members but there are still lots of areas with no watch or at least unidentified watches.

How can we connect with more captains in West Seattle?

Do you know of captains that haven't joined and what their area is?

What do we want this group to do? How can we help each other? What do you want the meetings to accomplish? Bring your ideas.

Is there a relationship in your area between your blockwatch and a SNAP group?

There are only drinking fountains outside the room so bring whatever you'd like to drink with you. I'll try to bring a few snacks but feel free to bring something to eat or something to share if you like.

See you there!

Deborah

Walk Bike Ride Community Meeting - June 14th

2010-05-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

http://mayormcginn.seattle.gov/what-is-walk-bike-ride/

Walk Bike Ride is a multi-year initiative that will support projects and programs that make walking, biking, and riding transit the easiest ways to get around in Seattle. It will serve all people, regardless of age, income, ethnicity, or ability. It will use transportation investments to create quality places. And it will reclaim our streets for communities. Our long term goal is an interconnected network of walkways, bike paths, and transit routes that allow all residents to easily get around Seattle without a car.

These community meetings seek to answer the question, “what needs to change in your neighborhood to making walking, biking, and riding transit easy?”

Is it a closer bus stop? More sidewalks? More in-city rail transportation? More bike lanes? More pedestrian spaces? Attendees will learn more about Walk Bike Ride, get more information on what types of projects are possible, and fill out a “ballot” that will help us think about how we prioritize these types of transportation projects.

June 14th, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm Delridge Community Center 4501 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106

Pancake Breakfast and Spring Candy Hunt Saturday

2010-04-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

All you can eat pancake breakfast at the Southwest Community Center

Saturday, April 3rd 2010 - 8:30am to 11:30am. Candy Hunt starts at 10:00am for ages 11 and under.

$4 per person, under age 3 free.

http://www.seattle.gov/parks/calendar/events_cc.htm?trumbaEmbed=date%3D20100403#/?i=1

Spruce up the Park!

2010-03-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, March 20th: Celebrate the first day of Spring and help pick up the Delridge Park and Playground area.
Plan to pull weeds and pick up trash. All ages welcome (no childcare provided).
We'll enjoy coffee donated by Uptown Espresso and hot chocolate to get us warmed up.
Volunteers may enter to win a Heart Delridge T-Shirt.

Meet up a the Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way S.W.) at 10am and we'll wrap up at noon.

Showcase All Access at Youngstown Arts Center

2010-03-18T19:41:00.000-07:00

Come and witness the talented youth artists of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center as they present their hard work from the winter ALL ACCESS session.

Friday March 19th, 6pm - 8:30pm

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2743/4410326032_dc38afbb59_o.jpg

Nature Consortium West Duwamish Greenbelt Hike

2010-03-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

Guided Eco-Hike in the West Duwamish Greenbelt, free and open to the public

WhenFri, March 19, 1:00pm – 2:30pm

WhereWest Duwamish Greenbelt - Call/email for specific location ()

DescriptionWest Duwamish Greenbelt Guided Eco-hike Every third Friday from 1-2:30pm Join us for a free public guided hike in the West Duwamish Greenbelt, Seattle’s largest remaining forest. We will explore the hidden treasures of this amazing natural wonder, and hear about the history and the future of the forest from Nancy Whitlock, Executive Director of the Nature Consortium (and forest expert) Difficulty: mild. Dress for the weather, and wear appropriate footwear (some parts of the trail are muddy) Extreme rain cancels. Be ready for inspiration! Granola bars provided, please bring your own water bottle. Call 206- 923-0853 or email Lisa@naturec.org to reserve your spot and to learn where we will be meeting. RSVP today! www.Naturec.org

North Delridge Neighborhood Council - March Meeting Mintues

2010-03-12T08:05:00.000-08:00

March 10, 2010
6:30pm - Introductions
- Jay's Parks & Green Spaces Levy Opportunity Fund Application: Named the "Brandon Street Natural Area Trail System" the project will extend the existing park trail system. This would be an expansion of 2650 feet in new trails and 10 acres of forest restoration. Notes made for edits to application. The NDNC council supports the application, and voted to approve it. Dave Ellinger authored a letter of support from the council. Final application due by April 2nd.
- Streets Fund Reminder: Types of projects include speed bumps, traffic circles, etc. Patrick Bergner suggested a project to slow the speeding on Brandon Street, either in the form of a Trail Crossing sign near the Brandon Natural Area trails or a traffic choking. Applications are available and need to be received by 5:00p.m. Friday March 26th. You can obtain an application and submit it via email to: ron.angeles@seattle.gov
- Transporation/Streets Committee Update: Mike Dady shared the news: Hudson Street curb bulbs are going in - a project that was purposed a couple years ago. Vacant houses: squatters in one on Delridge, and lack of effort to demolish another. Suggested a letter of interest from the council. (note update: Via the WSBlog, the site has had a permit granted for demolishing). Discussion regarding the light at Orchard and Delridge: the left turn light isn't a yeild light, note to city for a recalibration or change?
- Skate Park Update: The park will be opened this fall, probably in October. Nancy explained the grant process to fund an art feature. The NDNC needs to sign and submit a commitment for maintaining an art feature. The council approves support contingent on editing the agreement.
- Delridge Pea Patch: The Food Bank plots need volunteers to grow veggies. Contact Dian Brooks for information db@brooksbox.com
- Reminders: March 20th, first day of Spring! You can celebrate by volunteering your time at the Brandon Natural Area from 10am-2pm, or at the Delridge Community Center for a Park Cleanup from 10am-12pm. All ages welcome, dress appropriately.
- The King Conservation District is holding elections on March 16th. This is a special election for the King CD Board of Supervisors. Voting must be done in person at several voting centers, information here: http://www.kingcd.org/new_ele_2010.htm
8:15pm - Adjourn

Youth and Families Initiative Meeting - Monday

2010-03-05T09:49:00.000-08:00

This is the first phase of the Initiative, where people from across our community will come together to make their voices heard and talk about the issues facing our children and families in Seattle today in small-group breakout sessions. Each small group will have a facilitator to guide the discussion as well as a note taker to record the group’s comments and the priorities and possible solutions that are raised during the discussion, and each table will elect one delegate to attend the Kids and Families Congress on June 5th at Seattle Center.

Date: Monday, March 8, 2010

Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Location: Van Asselt Elementary School, 8311 Beacon Ave S

http://youthandfamilies.seattle.gov/2010/03/05/education-workforce-training-dramatically-impacts-youth-and-families/

Great Opportunity to be a Climate Change Leader!

2010-03-05T07:40:00.000-08:00

Seattle Climate Action Now

Are you passionate about environmental issues? Are you interested in “doing more” to help your community address climate change? If so, we are looking for you!

We are currently recruiting for our next class of Carbon Coaches. This is an opportunity for a FREE training where you will learn about reducing carbon emissions and how to teach others to do so. The six-week long course consists of three hour training sessions once a week and one Saturday field trip. Applicants are asked to commit to attending every training session and to be willing to engage in future volunteer and outreach/education activities around climate change. Training starts on Wednesday March 24 and ends on Wednesday April 28.

New West Seattle Crime Prevention Council website

2010-03-03T22:11:00.000-08:00

http://wscpc.blogspot.com/

Now you can follow their posts.

Community Green Infrastructure Forum - March 10, 2010

2010-03-03T20:45:00.000-08:00

EOS Alliance Office

650 S Orcas St., Suite 220

Seattle, WA, 98108

Residents of Seattle are no strangers to rain…or the problems of flooded streets. In addition to being a nuisance, Seattle’s stormwater run-off impairs public safety, parking and vehicle mobility, traffic flow, and ultiamtely the natural environment. Our Seattle community needs a cost-effective and healthy method to deal with stormwater run-off. One solution is natural drainage, low impact development, or other green infrastructure improvements.

Join us in Georgetown for a panel discussion and informational forum focusing on natural drainage in the Seattle area. A panel with members of the government, scientific community, and private sector will offer their perspective on the problem as well as opportunities, and answer questions from the community. Following the panel, there will be a breakout session to give attendees a chance to work in groups to discuss stormwater issues that they are facing. Bring pictures/information showing examples of stormwater problems in your neighborhood!

Panelists:

* Amalia Leighton, PE, SVR Design Company
* John Phillips, Water Quality Planner, King County Wastewater
* Bob Spencer, Residential Rainwise Program Lead, Seattle Public Utilities
* Jennifer Carlson, Haven Illustrated LLC

Wednesday, March 10, 2010
5:30pm - 8:30pm
Cost - Free
RSVP - Email bkantner@eosalliance.org, re: "Green Forum" by March 5th

EOS Alliance Offices
650 S Orcas St., Suite 220
Seattle, WA 98108

Refreshments and snacks will be served at 5:30pm. The forum will start at 6:00pm with a short introduction to stormwater issues, low impact development, and a local bioswale success story, followed by a panel discussion and Q & A. A breakout session will then lead into a discussion of participants' stormwater concerns and concluding remarks.

For more information please email Ben Kantner at EOS Alliance at bkantner@eosalliance.org or call 206-762-2553.

"Michelle Obama speaks frankly about race" (with video)

2010-02-21T18:59:00.000-08:00

Politico, with video (01:38):

In tackling the problem of childhood obesity, first lady Michelle Obama is doing something that her husband rarely does — talking about an issue bluntly in terms of race and helping urban America.

She is, some say, filling a role that Barack Obama seems less inclined to fill, serving as a kind of bridge from the White House to black America in much the same way that she functioned during the campaign, observers said.
Where President Obama has been reluctant at times to address domestic policy in terms of how it would specifically affect African-Americans or Hispanics, Michelle Obama has approached her signature issue differently, frequently bringing up issues of race, region and inequality.

The first lady provided a vivid example Friday of her approach to childhood obesity, touring the Fresh Grocer in North Philadelphia, a predominantly black neighborhood that had been without a grocery store for more than a decade. The $15 million store opened in December, created 270 jobs and has a 96 percent minority workforce. The store, located near Temple University, is located in Progress Plaza. Aides to the first lady said the goal is to highlight how neighborhoods have addressed the problem of "food deserts," neighborhoods that lack a full-service grocery store.

“It’s a nuanced conversation about race and place and economic inequality, and at the same time, she is staying within the first lady framework,” said Melissa Gilbert, a professor in the urban studies department at Temple University. “It’s a very smart approach because she is bringing up issues that people haven’t thought about in the popular mainstream society.”

Over the past month, as she has rolled out her Let’s Move initiative, the first lady has spoken broadly of childhood obesity as a problem that confronts children everywhere, but she also frequently mentions the disproportionate effect it has on black and Hispanic children. One in two minority children deal with being overweight compared to one in three white children.

“Because right now, if we think about our children, nearly a third of them in this country are overweight or obese, and a third will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lifetimes. In the African-American and Hispanic communities, that number goes up to half,” she said during one recent speech on health care and childhood obesity.

And in speeches and interviews, she has also addressed the issue of unsafe neighborhoods and often framed the problem as a particularly urban one.

She spoke of the difficulty some children have getting daily exercise. “Urban sprawl and fears about safety often mean the only walking they do is out their front door to a bus or a car,” she said when she launched the program earlier this month.

Speaking of the lack of healthy food options in some urban neighborhoods, Obama said, “And we certainly can’t ask parents who are living in the midst of food deserts without the resources to buy the products and the items for their families, we definitely can’t put them into that trick bag of telling them that they need to do something that is completely out of their reach.”

And she told of her own experiences as the mother of two young daughters. "I was fortunate enough to have a pediatrician who worked in an urban environment in the African-American community," she told CNN’s Larry King about how she came to the issue. "And he was tracking BMI [Body Mass Index]. And he saw a little uptick in the kids' BMI and he kind of pulled me aside."
East Wing aides worked with the White House Office of Urban Affairs in planning for the trip to Philadelphia. And on Saturday the first lady will address the National Governors Association convention in Washington, and appear on Mike Huckabee’s Fox News show, as she ramps up her national public education initiative to fight childhood obesity.

The effort marks her first full foray into policy after a year marked by sustained outreach to metro Washington. She has visited schools, started a mentoring program for young women and invited students to help cultivate and harvest the garden on the South Lawn.

And even when the first lady traveled abroad last spring to London, she made her first speech to a group of inner-city minority students, telling them that she was raised in the “real part of Chicago” and that it was “important for the world to know that there are wonderful girls like you all over the world."

It was similar to what she told a group of students at Anacostia High School as she sat with them in a classroom, recalling that she had been ribbed for talking like a white girl.

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) said that Obama "plunged into the district" and hasn't been content to see "D.C. as a nice backdrop with a lot of black and Hispanic faces."

"In a country where race rules, she is seen over and over with black children, but it doesn't send out the same racial vibes," Norton said. "Barack hasn't hung back, but she does have greater license to go into the black community without seeming to cut off white people as the president might. And he wouldn't be doing that, but perception is reality."

It is an approach, both symbolic and substantive, that hasn't gone unnoticed by observers of race and urban policy, who had hoped that her husband would live up to his tag of being the first big city, urban president, but have since been disappointed.

For some, Obama's four-hour trip to New Orleans exemplified his approach to the issues confronting urban America. Critics say that though he created the White House Office of Urban Affairs, he has yet to articulate an urban agenda that has taken hold in the public consciousness.

Last year in a White House meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus, Barack Obama privately told the group “we have to do something about obesity among our people.”

Speaking more broadly, he told American Urban Radio Networks recently that: "The only thing I cannot do is, by law I can't pass laws that say I'm just helping black folks. I'm the president of the entire United States.”
Aides insist Michelle Obama’s approach complements the president’s approach, and there is little daylight between the East and West Wings in discussions of race or an urban agenda.

“We haven’t necessarily been of the view that there are issues that we can talk about that he can’t. I just think that we often say that part of the role that the first lady plays is to try to demonstrate how different policy choices have an impact,” said Jocelyn Frye, the first lady’s top policy adviser. “What we are doing is driven by the importance of the issue, as opposed to race or an urban agenda.”

But in Michelle Obama, many observers see an unexpected ally — an urban first lady.

"So far, she seems to be very adept at highlighting problems particularly entrenched in cities and particularly identified with cities without raising alarms about an administration fearful of urban decline or overly deferential to a certain population," said Harry Moroz of the Drum Major Institute, a nonpartisan think tank focused on big-city issues. "The first lady can’t make up for what the White House Office of Urban Affairs is not doing. The more the first lady talks about model local policies, the more cities will be seen as problem solvers, instead of problems."

The four major goals of the first lady's initiative are increasing the number of "healthy schools," providing more opportunities for kids to be active, ensuring that affordable and healthy foods are available and making sure that parents have nutrition facts.

In her discussions so far, she has raised issues that have concerned urban activists for decades — unsafe neighborhoods that discourage outside activities and limited access to good grocery stores, or “food deserts.” a term popularized by a Chicago-based researcher.

Yet childhood obesity is not an overtly racialized issue, unlike the anti-gang initiative that Laura Bush launched, for instance. Everyone can identify.

“A black person might see it as a racial justice issue, and somebody interested in class could see it from a poverty perspective, but the suburban white housewife with chubby kids can identify with it as well,” said Andra Gillespie, who specializes in politics and race at Emory University. “It’s about her being an everywoman, though she has a different sensibility and thinks about cities and issues through an urban perspective.”
In some ways, the first lady, who nudged the president to more clearly address the arrest of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., can say things the president can’t, some observers assert.

"She knows she has a separate bully pulpit, and she doesn't use hers to step on his," Norton said.

Town Hall with West Seattle Legislators Feb 20

2010-02-09T15:46:00.000-08:00

From West Seattle Blog:

Just in from your 34th District state legislators: State Sen. Joe McDermott and Reps. Eileen Cody and Sharon Nelson invite you to a Town Hall meeting on February 20, 11 am-1 pm, atHigh Point Community Center. That’s less than three weeks before the current session in Olympia is scheduled to end; their main focus is expected to be the economy, but the announcement promises they’ll also talk about schools, health care, public safety, transportation and the environment.

Visit WSB for more community news.

Tonight - February Greendrinks, hosted by Neighborhood House's High Point Center

2010-02-09T13:20:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Kim Becklund for the heads-up that Neighborhood House is hosting Greendrinks tonight at High Point

Event Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2010 - 5:30pm - 9:00pm
Event Location:
High Point Center
6400 Sylvan Way SWSeattle, WA, 98126
United StatesSee map: Google Maps
Thanks again to Oikocredit USA and Re-Vision Labs for hosting the January Greendrinks. If you weren't able to make it, you can still join the movement to fight poverty through investment by joining the community hub.

THE NEXT GREENDRINKS WILL BE ON TUESDAY, 9 FEBRUARY at NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE'S HIGH POINT CENTER, at 6400 Sylvan Way SW, 98126, in West Seattle, with featured non-profit Neighborhood House. Come check out this amazing center, in the heart of the High Point community, that is a home for anti-poverty services that strengthen High Point families and support the development of a healthy, vibrant and green community.

As usual, we will be collecting a $5 suggested donation at the door that be split between our featured non-profit, Neighborhood House, and Seattle Greendrinks. Click here to plan your trip to the event usingMetro's Trip Planner. For logistical questions, please call 206.588.4900.

Have you been to a Green Lunch yet? Join a small group of Greendrinkers for lunch on 12 February 2010by signing up here.

Here's a huge shout-out, too, to our ongoing sponsors, The Sierra Nevada Brewing Co, Full Circle Farm,Badger Mountain Vineyard, DRY Soda, The Essential Baking Company, and Chaco Canyon Cafe! As per usual, the February Greendrinks will begin between 5:30 and 6pm.

Please help us reduce waste - even compostable waste - by bringing your own mugs, wine glasses, and the like. Compostable cups will be available for a $5 suggested donation.

Finally, please email info (at) seattlegreendrinks (dot) org for sponsorship information or to volunteer.

WSB: Pigeon Point Council: New co-chairs; Pathfinder principal

2010-02-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

From West Seattle Blog:

new co-chairs have stepped up: Jim Sander and Theresa Ball
details on a conversation with David Dockendorf, principal of Pathfinder K-8.

Lots more at WSB

Work parties at the Seattle Chinese Garden

2010-02-09T13:12:00.000-08:00

From Katie Kauffman on Puget Ridge:

Hello,

Our neighbor, Judy Cashman, invites you to participate in work parties at the Chinese garden (located near the north end of the South Seattle Community College campus).

Katie

----------------------
From Judy, 18th:

Hi Katie,

Could you please pass along the info for work parties in our neighborhood's Seattle Chinese Garden? People can come as much or as little as they wish. I went there a month ago, and the gardener Aaron was very friendly and appreciative of the help. It's also a nice way to get to see the 'before" of what will in the future be a wonderful Chinese garden right here in our back yard!

Thanks,
Judy
cashmanz@earthlink.net

Work Party Schedule 2010

The parties take place from 12 - 3 pm
(3rd Sunday of the month from February - October)

The following dates correspond to the 3rd Sundays of every month:

Feb 21
March 21
April 18
May 16
June 20
Aug 22
Sept 19
Oct 24

Mark your calenders! Please bring gloves and tools (some tools are provided)
Sign up with Aaron Skinner, Society gardener, email : aaron@seattlechinesegarden.org
Click here for more information: Seattlechinesegarden.org

Seattle Chinese Garden Society
6000 16th Ave SW
Seattle, Washington 98106
US