Press Release – 3/8/16

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Gathering of Neighbors

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 8, 2016
Contact: Michael Taylor-Judd, (206) 569-4583, contact@wsgathering.org

Show up on Saturday for Gathering of Neighbors 2016!!

Holla about HALA with your neighbors at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.

This coming Saturday, March 12th, at 9:00am at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, VieWS (Visualizing Increased Engagement West Seattle) and the Delridge Neighborhood Development Association will present the 2016 edition of the Gathering of Neighbors. This gathering of West Seattleites will focus on the theme of “Growing Pains” and the challenges facing West Seattle as we see rapid growth in populations, jobs, and housing and the benefits and drawbacks that growth brings to our neighborhoods. What “pains” might that growth bring; what can we do to ease the “pain”?

This year’s event will feature opportunities to learn about the recommendations by the Mayor’s Housing Affordability & Living Agenda (HALA) Committee, plans to renew and double the Housing Levy in August, what increased density might mean for our peninsula, what a Sound Transit 3 package might look like for your vote in November, and the recent declaration of a Homeless State of Emergency by Mayor Ed Murray and County Executive Dow Constantine.

Hear from invited experts about what is happening with housing, zoning, community centers, parking, transportation, and much, much more and how all this change is both creating new opportunities for us and our loved ones while also stirring up fears of increased inequality, ongoing historical inequities, and permanent damage to the character of our neighborhoods.

As always, we will also offer breakout sessions where you can learn more about how you can get be part of shaping the impact all of these changes will have on our community and meet local leaders and organizations already involved in these issues. The heart of this event is “showing up.” When you show up to help move your community a little further along, you make a difference.

The morning’s agenda will be packed:

  • 9:00am – Social/Refreshments provided by Nucor and a proud West Seattle small business
  • 9:30am – Open House & Informational Tables: What are the Challenges Facing West Seattle?
  • 10:30am – Welcoming Ceremonies
  • 10:45am – Expert Panel: What is Being Done about Growth in West Seattle?

Moderated by Brian Callanan, Seattle Channel

      • Michelle Chen, Senior Project Manager, Housing Affordability Livability Agenda
      • Lorena Gonzalez, Seattle City Councilmember, At-Large
      • Susan Melrose, Executive Director, West Seattle Junction Association
      • Ben Crowther, Policy & Legislative Affairs Director, The Urbanist
      • Sharon Lee, Low Income Housing Institute invited
  • 11:40am – Breakout Sessions: How Do I Get Involved in Shaping Our Community?
    • North Delridge Action Plan update – David Goldberg (OPCD) & ACT Team members
    • ST3 Planning – West Seattle Transportation Coalition + Rob Johnson, Seattle City Councilmember, District 4
    • Land Use/Urban Village Growth – Cindi Barker and Deb Barker
    • West Seattle Chamber conversation about business development
  • 12:30pm – Facilitated Discussion: Are We In a Homelessness State of Emergency?

Moderated by: Lisa Herbold, Seattle City Councilmember, District 1

        • Michael Maddux, community advocate, and current Chair of the King County Young Democrats
        • Hanna Brooks Olsen, founding editor of Seattlish; her work on the subject has appeared in The Atlantic and Salon.
        • Mercedes Elizalde, Policy & Engagement Strategist for City Councilmember Debora Juarez, District 5
      • 1:00pm – Wrap Up

 

Gathering Of Neighbors

Date: Saturday, March 12th, 2016

Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Location: Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106

What is Youngstown Cultural Arts Center?

Youngstown Cultural Arts Center is an inclusive, contemporary multi-arts space based in the Delridge Neighborhood of Southwest Seattle that incubates and inspires new arts participants, art-makers and organizations from our multicultural, inter-generational communities in order to engage in civic dialogue and meaningful community transformation. Visit their website to learn more at http://youngstownarts.org/!

What is Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association?
The Youngstown Cultural Arts Center is managed by the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (DNDA), a private non profit organization based in West Seattle. DNDA is dedicated to engaging the community in creating a thriving Delridge.

Since 1996, DNDA has brought together Delridge neighbors, other non-profits, the business community and local government to build community, preserve affordable housing, design and build a trail along Longfellow Creek, bring a new library to the community, and assist dozens of groups with their community projects. Much of DNDA’s work combines multiple goals such as providing affordable housing while enhancing the pedestrian environment and supporting local artists. DNDA raised $12 million to acquire and complete the historic renovation of the Youngstown building as part of their “three projects | one community” campaign, receiving tremendous financial support from throughout the community.

 

 

 

Press Release

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Gathering of Neighbors
 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 25, 2016
Contact: Michael Taylor-Judd, (206) 569-4583, contact@wsgathering.org

Get Ready for Gathering of Neighbors 2016!!

Holla about HALA with your neighbors at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.

On Saturday, March 12th, at 9:00am at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, VieWS (Visualizing Increased Engagement West Seattle), Southwest Youth & Family Services, and the Delridge Neighborhood Development Association will present the 2016 edition of the Gathering of Neighbors. Our theme is “Growing Pains” and will focus on the challenges facing West Seattle as we see rapid growth in populations, jobs, and housing and the benefits and drawbacks that growth brings to our neighborhoods.

This year’s event will feature opportunities to learn about the recommendations by the Mayor’s Housing Affordability & Living Agenda (HALA) Committee, recent updates proposed for the 2035 Comp Plan, plans to renew and double the Housing Levy, what a Sound Transit 3 package might look like for your vote in November, and the recent declaration of a Homeless State of Emergency by Mayor Ed Murray and County Executive Dow Constantine.

Learn from invited experts about what is happening with housing, zoning, community centers, parking, transportation, and much, much more and how all this change is both creating new opportunities for us and our loved ones while also stirring up fears of increased inequality, ongoing historical inequities, and permanent damage to the character of our neighborhoods.

As always, we will also offer breakout sessions where you can learn more about how you can get be part of shaping the impact all of these changes will have on our community and meet local leaders and organizations already involved in these issues.

The morning’s agenda will be packed:

  • 9:00am – Social/Refreshments
  • 9:30am – Open House & Informational Tables: What are the Challenges Facing West Seattle?
  • 10:30am – Welcoming Ceremonies
  • 10:45am – Expert Panel: What is Being Done about Growth in West Seattle?

Moderated by Brian Callanan, Seattle Channel

Featuring a City Staffer, Urbanist, Elected Official, West Seattle Organization Leader, and Homeless Advocate

  • 11:40am – Breakout Sessions: How Do I Get Involved in Shaping Our Community?
    • North Delridge Action Plan update – David Goldberg (OPCD) & ACT Team members
    • ST3 Planning – West Seattle Transportation Coalition + Rob Johnson, Seattle City Councilmember, District 4
    • Land Use/Urban Village Growth – Cindi Barker and Deb Barker
    • West Seattle Chamber conversation about business development
  • 12:30pm – Facilitated Discussion: Are We In a Homelessness State of Emergency?

Moderated by: Lisa Herbold, Seattle City Councilmember, District 1

    • Michael Maddux, 43rd District Democrats and former City Council candidate
    • Hanna Brooks Olsen, Seattlish writer, Project Manager for Civic Ventures
    • Mercedes Elizalde, Policy & Engagement Strategist for City Councilmember Debora Juarez
  • 1:00pm – Wrap Up

 

 

Gathering Of Neighbors

Date: Saturday, March 12th, 2016

Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Location: Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW, http://youngstownarts.org/

What is Youngstown Cultural Arts Center?

Youngstown Cultural Arts Center is an inclusive, contemporary multi-arts space based in the Delridge Neighborhood of Southwest Seattle that incubates and inspires new arts participants, art-makers and organizations from our multicultural, inter-generational communities in order to engage in civic dialogue and meaningful community transformation.

What is Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association?
The Youngstown Cultural Arts Center is managed by the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (DNDA), a private non profit organization based in West Seattle. DNDA is dedicated to engaging the community in creating a thriving Delridge.

Since 1996, DNDA has brought together Delridge neighbors, other non-profits, the business community and local government to build community, preserve affordable housing, design and build a trail along Longfellow Creek, bring a new library to the community, and assist dozens of groups with their community projects. Much of DNDA’s work combines multiple goals such as providing affordable housing while enhancing the pedestrian environment and supporting local artists. DNDA raised $12 million to acquire and complete the historic renovation of the Youngstown building as part of their “three projects | one community” campaign, receiving tremendous financial support from throughout the community.

 

 

 

VIEWS Presents Check to Delridge Community Center

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(Michael Taylor-Judd, Delridge Community Center Coordinator Angie Ramirez, Pete Spalding, and Parks Superintendent Jesus Aguirre, left to right.)

(Michael Taylor-Judd, Delridge Community Center Coordinator Angie Ramirez, Pete Spalding, and Parks Superintendent Jesus Aguirre, left to right.)

This evening Michael Taylor-Judd and Pete Spalding, representing VIEWS, presented a check to Angie Ramirez (Delridge Community Center Coordinator) and Jesus Aguirre (Seattle Parks Department Superintendent). This check is part of our commitment to building community in our Delridge neighborhoods. The check is a donation of a portion of the sponsorship dollars from the 10th Annual Delridge Day Festival that was held on August 8th at the Delridge Community Center complex.

Delridge Day News Release

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Delridge Day Banner_no date10th ANNIVERSARY DELRIDGE DAY FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND!

Featuring skate competitions, field games, police vehicles, food trucks, music groups and more…

August 6th – Last year’s event almost didn’t happen. The annual one-day celebration in the past had been coordinated by the North Delridge Neighborhood Council but they had to decline due to some volunteer burnout and transitions. Having successfully conducted the Gathering of Neighbors event for several years, VieWS decided to take coordination of Delridge Day on… but also had to scale down the event.

VieWS discovered that this year will mark the 10th anniversary of the Delridge Day event – it began on June 24, 2006 – so this year’s event is shaping up to be even bigger and better than before, with the return of many of the groups, local businesses and community organizations showcasing the services they offer to our Delridge community and greater West Seattle. Our goal is to increase attendance to prior levels of over 2,500 attendees!

The 2015 Delridge Day Festival kicks off this Saturday, August 8th from 11AM-3PM at the Delridge Community Center and Park. This year’s festival will feature a large vendor area, food trucks where you can grab a bite to eat, kid- and family-friendly field games, bouncy houses, the wading pool, and much, much more!

Alki Bike & Board is back hosting another truly awesome and entertaining competition at the Skate Park! The skate competition will be going on all day with registration beginning at 9:45am, so if you haven’t already signed up, don’t miss out on the chance to show off your skills and win some cool cash and product prizes for competitors of all ages! At 11am groms, 12 and under will begin the skate competition, followed by men’s 13 and over at noon, then at 1pm women’s 13 and under will take center stage. At 2pm get ready for the pro/am main event and at 3pm the awards and all-star best trick competition will begin.

With the continuing support of The Seattle Police Foundation, the Southwest Precinct Picnic will be back for the third consecutive year. The Seattle Police Department plans to make many officers and units available. Last year, they brought cars, a canine police officer, their mounted patrol (that happen to be based right here in our Delridge neighborhood), a Bomb Squad robot that was offering candy, and free ice cream and popcorn. We will have a visit by SPD Chief Kathleen O’Toole for the second year in a row.

Our music stage will feature a great lineup of local live music and entertainment as always, with many favorites returning. Get ready to kick your day off right at 11am with some rock & roll by Quarter Past 8. At noon the Ellis Brothers will take the stage to show off their jazz & improv skills – and how much this band of brothers have grown since last year! At 1pm Yesod will deliver some psychedelic world music. Finally, you can groove to the classics as the Oldies But Goodies close out the festival with the final slot at 3pm. And look for a few other youth entertainment acts to entertain you during the transitions.

The VieWS planning committee would like to give a shout-out to our Festival Sponsor, Seattle City Light. We also want to recognize our Feature Sponsors: Nucor, PNTA, Seattle Parks & Recreation, and Straight Blast Gym. Without them, our others sponsors, and all of our volunteers, none of this would be possible!

The sponsorship and vendor fees not only support the festival but also allow us to give back to the community, as VieWS will continue the tradition of donating a percentage of all fees to the ARC (Associated Recreational Council), which provides money to fund scholarships for Community Center classes at the Delridge Community Center.

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Delridge Day 2015
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2015
Time: 11:00 am–3:00 pm
Location: Delridge Community Center and Park

To keep updated on the festival plans or view the history of the event with video, pictures, and links to past news coverage, visit the festival web page: wsgathering.org/delridge-day or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/delridgeday!

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Delridge Day News Release

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Delridge Day Banner_no date10th ANNIVERSARY DELRIDGE DAY FESTIVAL PLANNED FOR AUGUST 2015

Featuring food trucks, vendors, field games, skate competition, music acts, police vehicles and more…

June 8th – Last year’s event almost didn’t happen. The annual one-day celebration in the past had been coordinated by the North Delridge Neighborhood Council but they had to decline due to some volunteer burnout and transitions. Having successfully conducted the Gathering of Neighbors event for several years, VieWS decided to take coordination of Delridge Day on… although with only a handful of organizers — all still neighborhood volunteers! — VieWS expected to scale down the event. No skate competition was held but we were able to offer free skating lessons to neighbors. The kid’s activities were still there but unfortunately there were no bouncy houses!

VieWS recently completed an online history of the event, and discovered that a miscounting had occurred – and this year will mark the 10th anniversary of the Delridge Day event. It began on June 24, 2006 with a picnic, a few booths, and a musical performance by Laura Love at the Dragonfly Pavilion.

This year’s event is shaping up to be an even bigger and better event, with the return of many of the groups, local businesses and community organizations showcasing the services they offer to our Delridge community and greater West Seattle. Our goal is to increase attendance to prior levels of over 2,500 attendees!

The 2015 Delridge Day Festival is planned for Saturday, August 8th from 11AM-3PM at the Delridge Community Center and Park. This year’s festival will feature a large vendor area, highlighting some of the best local businesses in the area, food trucks where you can grab a bite to eat, kid- and family-friendly picnic games, bouncy house, skating competition and much more! Again this year, we’ll have our music stage with plenty of local live music and entertainment.

With the continuing support of The Seattle Police Foundation, the Southwest Precinct Picnic will be back for the third consecutive year. The Seattle Police Foundation plans to make many officers and units available. Last year, they brought cars, a canine police officer, their mounted patrol (that happen to be based right here in our Delridge neighborhood), a Bomb Squad robot that was offering candy, and free ice cream and popcorn. We will have a visit by SPD Chief Kathleen O’Toole for the second year in a row.

Alki Bike & Board is back hosting another truly awesome and entertaining competition at the Skate Park! You can expect great prizes and vendor booths specifically targeted at bike and board enthusiasts.

The VieWS planning committee is continuing to secure sponsors and vendors to make this year’s event the best ever. VieWS is encouraging local businesses, community groups and organizations to submit an application to be a part of our local event! The sponsorship and vendor fees not only support the festival but also allow us to give back to the community, as VieWS intends to donate a percentage of all fees to the ARC (Associated Recreational Council), which will provide money to fund scholarships for Community Center classes at the Delridge Community Center.
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Delridge Day 2015
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2015
Time: 11:00 am–3:00 pm
Location: Delridge Community Center and Park

Vendor and Sponsor packets are available online at: wsgathering.org/delridge-day or by emailing the planning committee at delridgeday@ndnc.org

To keep updated on the festival plans or view the history of the event with video, pictures, and links to past news coverage, visit the festival web page: wsgathering.org/delridge-day or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/delridgeday!

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A History of Delridge Day… and a Miscounting

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Well, with a little effort and a significant amount of research we seem to have a built out archive of the Delridge Day festival tracing the annual event all the way back to what seems to have been its founding in Summer of 2006 with a Laura Love concert held at the Dragonfly Pavilion in a beautiful park hidden just down the street from the former-All Star Gym facility in North Delridge.

Check out historical details, photos, videos, and links to news coverage on the current Delridge Day page and in the drop-down menu of pages for each year underneath!

With hand-off from Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (DNDA), to the North Delridge Neighborhood Council, and then to us here at VieWS, some of the historical record has been lost along the way. If you have any photos, flyers, or other information to share just send us an email at contact@wsgathering.org.

The most interesting discovery is that there seems to have been a counting error in the bumpy hand-off from DNDA — which means that 2015 will not be the 9th annual festival, but actual the 10th celebration of community in the Delridge neighborhoods!

Looks like we will have to organize something extra special this year. Would you like to join us in the planning?

Updates and a Growing History

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Thank you for your patience as we build out our website! VieWS is continuing to grow in 2015 with your help; and you can expect to hear much more from us as we head through a new and uncharted city council election cycle and prepare for summer festivals…

A brief history of how this group came to be is now up on the site, along with some pictures and video (courtesy of The West Seattle Blog) from our City Council District 1 candidates forum, and photos from our most recent Gathering of Neighbors event.

Stay tuned for photos from last year’s Delridge Day festival, even as plans are already underway for this year’s event — Saturday, August 8th at Delridge Community Center!

City Council District 1 Candidates Forum – 3/14

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Come to our Candidate ForumVieWS has partnered with The West Seattle Senior Center on a weekend opportunity for friends and neighbors to learn what is happening on our Peninsula, and walk away more informed about upcoming elections!

  • 9:00 – 10:00       Meet & Greet Candidates / Breakfast Available
  • 10:00 – 10:15       At-Large City Council Candidates address audience
  • 10:15 – 10:30       Welcome from VieWS and Forum Agenda/Rules
  • 10:30 – 11:45       City Council District 1 Candidates Forum
  • 11:45 – Noon       Wrap up with a brief bit of Speed Candi-dating!

After brief candidate introductions, moderators will ask questions on a variety of subjects covering Transportation, Quality of Life, Public Safety, and Human Services. We will also feature two “lightning round” opportunities for candidates to answer YES or NO to some high-profile issues that we are concerned about (e.g., Do you support the new homeless encampment ordinance? rent control?).

Finally, we will wrap up with an opportunity for you to meet in groups with a couple of candidates in a “speed dating” opportunity for the folks at your table to ask your own questions of the candidates.

Saturday, March 14th                 4217 SW Oregon St

9:00am – Noon                     Seattle, WA 98116

Breakfast Available for Suggested Donation

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