Summer 2022 Community Quarterly Update

July 29, 2022

by Fin Hardy and Devin Chicras

State of the Hill

In lieu of our live Zoom Quarterly Meeting in July, we have tried something a little different. Read on to learn about reports on community services, updates, and upcoming events from community partners!

We hope this will blog post will provide Skyway-West Hill residents with timely access to information, but reduce the load on volunteer board members over the summer. We plan to return to our typical Quarterly Meeting in the fall!

Skyway Outdoor Cinema Returns, Celebrating 20 Years of Free Family Films and Fun

June 27, 2022

Not only are we returning to the lot to watch movies under the stars for the first time since 2019, we’re celebrating 20 years of Skyway Outdoor Cinema.

Spring 2022 Community Quarterly Meeting Highlights

April 19, 2022

by Devin Chicras

West Hill Community Association’s Spring 2022 Community Quarterly Meeting touched on Skyway Park improvements, new transit options, new faces and events, sewer pipe replacements, and more on April 19. Watch the full video below, or read on for highlights.

Opportunities to Build a Safer, Healthier, More Affordable Skyway-West Hill

February 22, 2022

by Devin Chicras

Could a roundabout slow down vehicles speeding past 7-Eleven on MLK/SR 900? Will we see affordable housing and free preschool in downtown Skyway? West Hill Community Association’s Winter 2022 Community Quarterly Meeting touched on these topics and more on February 15. Watch the full video below, or read on for highlights.

The Biggest Skyway-West Hill Stories of 2021

January 11, 2022

By Devin Chicras

While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic tried its best to impede progress, it was utterly powerless to slow down the passionate community advocates who work every day to make Skyway-West Hill a better place for everyone. We’ve rounded up only a few of our favorite stories from 2021 to look back and celebrate the dreamers and doers who made great things happen despite another frustratingly challenging year.

WHCA’s Winter 2021 Mailer Hits Mailboxes This Week

January 10, 2022

By Devin Chicras

This week, over 7,300 households in the Skyway-West Hill area will receive our latest print mailer, rounding up some of the most exciting news stories of 2021 for our organization and the community.

We Made News, Magic, and Friends in 2021

January 10, 2022

by Devin Chicras

2021 was a year of getting things done in the face of great challenges. It was a year full of big wins on the path to collaboratively building a more equitable, informed, engaged, and vibrant Skyway-West Hill community. Here’s a recap of some of the things we got to do this year, with your support.

Skyway-West Hill’s First Community Development Association (CDA)

January 10, 2022

by Jeannie Williams and Devin Chicras

In July 2021, the WHCA board voted unanimously to begin the process of becoming a Community Development Association (CDA). The process will be challenging, requiring our 100% volunteer-run organization to raise millions of dollars and hire our first-ever employees, but we are dedicated to finding new ways to meet our community’s needs and create neighborhoods that work for all.

WHCA Fall 2021 Quarterly Meeting Recap

October 21, 2021

By Devin Chicras

Our Fall Quarterly Community meeting on October 19, 2021 featured updates from Skyway Water & Sewer District, King County Local Services, King County Fire District #20, King County Sheriff’s Office, and a great presentation from Kahdijah Jackson who leads the Community Van program in Skyway for King County Metro. Also, learn more about what a Community Development Association (CDA) is, and what WHCA’s next steps are in becoming one!

West Hill Reads: AANHPI Month 2021

May 19, 2021

by WHCA Communications Committee

May is Asian American and Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, which is extra special for Skyway-West Hill because over one-third of our wonderful neighbors identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander. We celebrate and recognize those who have made our community a better place to live – from the Japanese family who survived incarceration in a World War II internment camp to reclaim their business which turned into a local icon, to the Vietnamese immigrant whose hard work and talent eventually led to the opening of her own restaurant in the heart of Skyway which has recently exploded in popularity.

We asked Hailey (Public Services Assistant) and Jennifer (Teen Services Librarian) from Skyway Library to help us find some great books available at the library that showcase some incredible AANHPI authors, illustrators, and stories. They did not disappoint – see their excellent picks for readers of all ages below. And don’t forget, now that the library is open, Hailey wants to remind you that you can stop by the library and see all of the great AANHPI books on display inside, and check one out today without the wait!

Are Fireworks Illegal in Skyway-West Hill? Here’s What the New King County Ban Means

May 1, 2021

by Devin Chicras

On April 27, King County Council passed Ordinance #2021-0057 into law, banning fireworks in Unincorporated areas of King County, including Skyway-West Hill. If you have questions about when the ban goes into effect, whether there are any exceptions, and what the penalties for violating the new law are, read on. We’re also hosting an online community forum on Monday, May 3 at 7 p.m. featuring King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, if you have further questions.

Skyway-West Hill Community Celebrates Earth Month 2021

May 1, 2021

by Devin Chicras

West Hill Community Association joined forces with our neighbors and local businesses to find ways to do our part this April for Earth Month. You may have seen our West Hill Reads roundup of the best books about sustainability and eco-friendliness that you can check out from Skyway Library, or read our green tips series on social media. But did you know we also did a Community Spotlight video series for local Meatless Monday options and hosted a community-wide litter challenge?

Results of the 2021 WHCA Board of Directors Election

April 28, 2021

by WHCA Board

One brand new board member and one returning board member will be joining Fin, Basha, Jeannie, Joey, and Devin on the West Hill Community Association Board of Directors! Because there were not enough candidates that would require a vote to narrow down the list, we asked our community if we should confirm the two candidates that were nominated. Here are the results!

Quarterly Snapshot: Free Student Orca Cards, New Storefront Officer, Board Elections

April 26, 2021

by Devin Chicras

West Hill Community Association’s 2021 Spring Quarterly Community Meeting once again packed tons of hyperlocal information into 90-minutes – but since you don’t have that much time, let us give you the recap of what you need to know so you can go about your day!

West Hill Reads: Earth Month 2021

April 9, 2021

by WHCA Communications Committee

Sure, you’ve been following our Meatless Monday suggestions and green tips on social media, and you already added your name to the 2021 WHCA Litter Challenge pledge, but now you need some fresh ideas for how to continue doing your part for Earth Month and beyond. Look no further than our own library! Let’s take a look at some of the books, ebooks, and audiobooks you can access for free with your library card to amp up your Earth Month know-how.