August 2020

Mayor Durkan announces nearly $100 Million in investments in K-12 education for Seattle students

information from the City of Seattle

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan today announced that the City of Seattle will invest nearly $95 million over six years in K-12 educational supports through the Department of Education and Early Learning’s (DEEL) School-Based Investments (SBI). In addition, DEEL has awarded $4.9 million over three years to expanded learning and college and career readiness programs through its Opportunity and Access investments. Both investment packages are funded through the voter-approved Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) levy, and will fund programs beginning in the 2020-2021 school year.

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Port of Seattle finalizes $800,000 in funding for Miller Creek restoration

Cities of Burien and SeaTac join funding to restore salmon habitat and add ecological benefits

information from the Port of Seattle

 The Port of Seattle Commission approved an interlocal agreement this week to restore a segment of Miller Creek in Burien and SeaTac. The Port will contribute $800,000 to a $3.5 million joint project that will help replace a failing culvert and create 450 feet of new salmon habitat on Port property along Des Moines Memorial Drive.

“Investing in salmon habitat also supports Pacific Northwest forests and water and our community and economy,” said Port Commission President Peter Steinbrueck. “The current pandemic spotlights why community engagement and our South King County Fund, workforce development priorities and environmental efforts are critical.”

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LETTER: Jean Godden said it!

To the editor:

Someone needed to say it, and Jean Godden did! Thank you for 600 words of common sense. I left a very different Seattle years ago to move to a nearby city, where I later had the privilege to serve on the city council.

Usually council actions are measured and reasonable due to fact-finding, negotiation and compromise in the interest of serving the best interests of most citizens. Some bizarre combination of activism and apathy has produced a Seattle City Council moving in lockstep, acting on slogans and half-baked ideas, but obviously out of step with the majority of the public its members are sworn to represent.

Mike Lonergan

Ken's View: Is it safe?

By Ken Robinson

Managing Editor

The closure of the West Seattle Bridge has forced so many Westsiders to alter their life patterns. But there may be a side benefit: we are learning to be less dependent on things that we once took for granted when we leave ‘the island’.

Some has to do with shopping, medical appointments, just having fun ‘downtown’ and going eateries and other amusements. The combination of the pandemic and the painful commute out of and back into West Seattle has given us an opportunity to appreciate what we already have.

Emails from readers here have said they not longer feel safe going into Seattle. News reports give this sentiment support; random gunfire, rioting, looting, fires, attempts to kill police officers all give a grim picture of life in the city.

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COVID-19 testing is on going at Chief Sealth High School; Pre-registration required

The City of Seattle is now offering free COVID-19 testing, for all ages, across Seattle through a partnership with King County and UW Medicine. Drive-through and walk-up testing is available, but you must first register online.

Who Can Get Tested for Free?

If you live, work, or regularly visit Seattle, and you are experiencing a symptom(s) of COVID-19 ​and/or​ you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19​ within the past 14 days, you can be tested for free. 

If you attended large gatherings, you MAY have been exposed. You are strongly urged to get tested for COVID-19 if you develop ANY symptoms. Taking proactive steps to protect your health, such as wearing a mask, avoiding physical contact, and regularly washing your hands, can cut down on your risks of contracting the virus, even in large gatherings. 

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Georgie Bright Kunkel hits 100 'Still running'

Editor's Note: West Seattle's own Georgie Bright Kunkel celebrated 100 years on August 29 and had a few words of wisdom to pass along. She said, "Do whatever you want, whatever feels good." She has avoided alcohol since, "I had two alcoholic brothers and I determined I wasn't going to drink." She never smoked and was an active runner, "I haven't stopped running yet," she said laughing. She enjoys current events, "politics are exciting, I love it, but I might have to run myself." Asked again for advice she offered, "Do what comes naturally and don't forget your friends."

Here's a column she wrote for Westside Seattle with her thoughts on aging.

Time to Reflect

 by Georgie Bright Kunkel                

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