February 2025

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is set to undertake major renovations and replacements at Chief Sealth International High School, thanks to the Building Excellence VI (BEX VI) Capital Levy which passed earlier this month. Close to 75% of ballots cast approved the measure. The levy, which will generate $1.8 billion over six years, aims to fund various capital projects, including safety, security, energy efficiency upgrades, major building maintenance, and technology upgrades. Taxes for this levy will commence in 2026

A key component of the BEX VI levy is the construction and renovation work planned for Chief Sealth International High School. Design work is scheduled to begin in 2027, with construction starting in 2029. The district aims to create schools that will serve the community for the next 100 years.

The resignation of Chief Sealth International High School Principal Ray Garcia-Morales was acknowledged in a letter to families today from Seattle Public Schools.

Jenny Almukhtar and her husband, Ahmed Abdal Wahab al-Mukhtar, are preparing to open The Neighborhood restaurant in West Seattle's Morgan Junction, taking over the former Peel and Press location at 6503 California Ave SW.

It reflects their culinary backgrounds and community involvement.The planned grand opening is April 2nd, with a soft opening planned for March 28th or 29. The restaurant's email is theneighborhoodws@gmail.com.

Information from the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce

The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Westside Awards, recognizing businesses, organizations, and individuals making a significant impact in West Seattle.

Each year, the Chamber highlights those who contribute to the strength and growth of our local economy. Community members are encouraged to submit nominations in the following categories:

• Westside Business of the Year – Recognizing an established business (3+ years) demonstrating success, growth, and community involvement.

• Westside Emerging Business of the Year – Honoring a promising new business (under 3 years) making a strong impact in the community.

• Westside Not-for-Profit of the Year – Celebrating non-profit organizations dedicated to social good and community service.

Schmitz Park Creek Restore, a non-profit organization, has embarked on a series of presentations to spread awareness about their effort to restore Schmitz Park, its creek and take the creek to Puget Sound, bringing back the salmon run they maintain was part of its distant past. Their most recent was before the Greater Seattle District Garden Clubs meeting at St. Paul's of Shorewood Church on Feb. 17. Led by Executive Director Dan Nye - Legal affairs and Executive Director - Creative Brian Barilleaux, the group shared their vision for the park's future, emphasizing its historical and ecological significance.

Schmitz Park Creek Restore is a citizens committee that formed last year. The organization is focused on the park's fish, forest, creek, cove, and community. Their aim is to restore and protect the forest, reconnect Schmitz Park Creek to Puget Sound, and restore aquatic species to the ravine that holds the Schmitz Park forest.

White Center's live music scene is hitting a high note with the extensive remodel of Tim's Tavern, located at 9655 16th Ave SW1. Owner Mason Reed is leading the charge, his enthusiasm palpable as he discusses the future of both live music and the White Center community.

The tavern's motto, "Together In Music," is now more embodied than ever, with the remodel bringing the stage inside for the first time. This pivotal change is accompanied by new lighting and an amped-up lineup of musical entertainment, promising an immersive experience for performers and audiences alike.

Tim's Tavern prides itself on its extensive booking of live bands, among the most in the greater Seattle area vying for bands with the likes of The Crocodile, Neumos, and The Sunset. 

Councilmember Rob Saka of District 1 has released his first-ever State of the District address, a "mini" version of the traditional State of the City speech, ahead of Mayor Harrell's annual address. The report details key accomplishments and investments made in West Seattle, South Park, Georgetown, SODO, and Pioneer Square during his first year in office.

Transportation and Infrastructure

• Saka, as Transportation Chair, emphasized the adoption of the Seattle Transportation Plan, which guides 20-year strategic investments2.

• A $1.55B voter-approved Transportation Levy will fund road, bridge, sidewalk, and transit improvements.

•Investments in new sidewalks were doubled, with at least 22% of all funding allocated for District 1.

• $2 million has been dedicated to neighborhood safety transportation projects in District 1.