West Seattle, Washington
23 Saturday
West Seattle High School‘s football team is still looking for its first 2017 win after losing to Cleveland tonight at Southwest Athletic Complex, 22-14. The game was scoreless until WSHS’s #80 Tom Nguyen scored the first TD with 9:05 left in the half.
WSHS held the 7-0 lead going into halftime, then doubled it with 7:24 to go in the third quarter after #84 Kahlel Kelley turned an interception into a TD:
Five minutes later, Cleveland’s #5 DJ Arns started changing the game, with his first of three touchdowns.
After Cleveland’s two-point conversion, it was Wildcats 14, Eagles 8. Arns got his next TD with just under 7 minutes to go in the game, bringing the score to 14-14. Cleveland stepped up its defense and another Arns TD, plus 2-pointer, with 3:19 left in the game, put the Eagles ahead 22-14, and that’s how it stayed to the end.
Next week, WSHS is on the road, playing Ballard at Memorial Stadium downtown, 5 pm Saturday, September 30th.
Chief Sealth International High School played football on the road this afternoon at Lakeside. The Lions won, 9-0. Next week, the Seahawks (2-2) host Franklin HS at Southwest Athletic Complex, 7 pm Friday (September 29th).
Want to get your weekend off to a rewarding start? Be at Highland Park Elementary School tomorrow (Saturday) morning to help the PTA clean up the playground!
We’ll meet on the blacktop at 9 am for coffee, treats, good work, and good fun! We’ll be tending our school grounds until 12 pm. See you there!
The school is at 1012 SW Trenton [map]. Even if you can’t spend three hours there, the PTA would appreciate any time you can give.
Keri found this backpack in her compost bin this afternoon, on 39th SW between Dakota and Genesee: “Couldn’t find a wallet, or much to identify it. But there are some things that the owner can tell us to identify it. I’m guessing it was stolen, the thief took what they saw as valuable and then stashed it in our bin.” She took it to the Southwest Precinct this evening, so if you think it’s yours, contact police, but if you’d want to check with her first, you can e-mail us and we’ll forward your contact info.
Just announced by SDOT – two blocks of California SW will be repaved next week in the Admiral area:
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) advises travelers that crews will be repaving California Ave SW between SW College St and SW Hill St starting Tuesday, September 26 to Friday, September 29.
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, beginning Tuesday, September 26, to Friday, September 29, travelers can expect:
*Northbound and southbound traffic on California Ave SW will be reduced to a single lane between SW College St and SW Hill St
*Traffic will alternate in the single open lane
*Flaggers will direct traffic
*Parking will be restricted on California Ave SW in the work zone
*“No Parking” signs will be placed 72 hours prior to start of work
*Driveway access will be maintained but travelers may have to wait up to 15 minutes for equipment to clear
This work is part of the Arterial Major Maintenance (AMM) program, funded by the Move Seattle Levy. SDOT would like to thank the public for its patience while this work is completed.
2:42 PM: Just in from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office: 21-year-old Anna V. Kasparova is charged with first-degree murder in Tuesday night’s West Seattle shooting death of her 25-year-old former boyfriend Edixon Velasquez, and prosecutors are asking that her bail be doubled to $1 million. We’re reading the charging documents now and will be adding details as we go. More…
2:57 PM: The details in the charging documents are largely the same as those in the probable-cause documents that we reported after Kasparova’s bail hearing Thursday afternoon, saying that she had messaged Mr. Velasquez saying she wanted to meet with him at his house but did not want to come inside, and that after he went out, ostensibly to help her park her car, a man walked up to it, pulled him out, and after that man ran away and Kasparova drove her car away, Mr. Velasquez was on the ground with two gunshot wounds. The account of what was shown on a neighbor’s surveillance video, however, has a few additional details:
This video shows a black sedan drive by Velasquez’s residence two times (driving off camera each time) and returning a third time. At this time, the black sedan, without trouble, pulls into a parking spot just across the street from the victim’s residence. It remains there for approximately 45 seconds, when it inexplicably moves out of that parking spot and back into the street. The black sedan then attempts to parallel park in front of Velasquez’s residence. This new parking spot is quite large (at least two car lengths long) yet the black sedan stops partially in the street. Approximately a minute later, Velasquez comes out of his residence and walks up to the driver’s side of the black sedan. A female gets out of the driver’s seat, and Velasquez gets into the driver’s seat and appears to help park the vehicle. The female curiously walks across the street and some yards away, appearing to take cover behind a parked vehicle. Simultaneously, a male in a hooded jacket or sweatshirt and blue jeans comes into camera view and walks right up to the driver’s door of the black sedan. The male appears to open the driver’s door and pull Velasquez out of the car. There appears to be barely a struggle, as Velasquez falls to the ground (and remains there until police arrive). The hooded male runs away on foot while the female appears to calmly walk back over towards Velasquez. The timing is such that the female and the hooded male actually cross paths, neither appearing to be startled or concerned by the other. The female walks right up to Velasquez’s body, making no attempt to help him or check on his well-being. Instead, she immediately gets back into the black sedan and drives away.
The charging document offers no further information about the possible identity of the other suspect, nor about a motive. But prosecutors summarize the information above in their document as, “the defendant appears to have set the victim up for this murder, luring him out of his home with a ruse.” They argue for the increased bail by saying, “The State believes that the violent and premeditated ambush in this case, coupled with the defendant’s utter lack of remorse, is strong evidence that the defendant poses a significant danger to the community.” She is scheduled to be arraigned – the hearing at which an initial plea is entered – on October 5th.
7:38 PM: The King County Jail roster listing for Kasparova indicates that the judge did indeed grant the request to double her bail, which is now listed there as $1,000,000. In addition, there’s an indication that police do know the identity of someone else being sought in the case – a name is listed as “accomplice” on the “superform” sent with the charging documents, but there are no details about that person, no information on what role they are believed to have played, nor are they listed on the jail roster, which we’re continuing to watch. Also, a commenter on an earlier story mentioned that this GoFundMe page is raising money for memorial expenses.
Three West Seattle Crime Watch reports:
STOLEN CAR: Taken near 56th/Alki around mid-morning Thursday, a black 2011 2-door BWM 128i cloth top convertible.” Photo of its plate:
Call 911 if you see it.
STOLEN TRAILER: The photo and report are from Cary:
My 1978 Aros utility trailer was stolen sometime between 9/18- 9/21 in the back alley between the 5400 block of SW 46th and 47th. Any information would be greatly appreciated as I just purchased the trailer a month ago.
STOLEN PACKAGE: Matthew‘s video tells the story of the theft of a package containing his child’s birthday present:
He says it happened near 51st SW and SW Edmunds; if you have any tips about the thief’s identity, you can refer to police report # 17-350167.
Lea contacted us after seeing this happen off Beach Drive, just in case someone out there lost a paddleboard and is wondering what happened to it:
A white paddleboard floating in Puget Sound between Lincoln Park and Alki Point was picked up by the Coast Guard at 11:15 this morning. There was no one on the board.
One more reminder that Fauntleroy Church‘s twice-a-year Recycle Roundup is now just two days away – 9 am to 3 pm Sunday (September 24th). Drive up, ride up, or walk up to drop off, free, whatever the Recycle Roundup partner 1 Green Planet is accepting (scroll through the list above, or see the PDF version here). As always, the church – which is at 9140 California SW [map] – advises that lines are shorter in the early going.
Sports consignment (and more) store Second Gear Sports (WSB sponsor) is turning 4 years old, and you get the gifts – a weekend-long celebration. Here’s the announcement:
Come celebrate Second Gear Sports’ 4th anniversary sale, Saturday, 9/23, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 9/24, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. We will have deals throughout the store, treats, and early shopping for holiday gifts (new Seahawks gear, Sock it to Me sock line, and more!).
On Sunday, we’ll have two special West Seattle guests ready to answer questions about bicycling and skiing from 11 am to 1 pm:
Marilyn Meyer, the “bike whisperer,” is a retired teacher with a passion for getting kids on two wheels. She has taught bunches of local kids to ride a bike in just one hour! Find out how to get your child pedaling.
Brian Allen, ski instructor at Summit at Snoqualmie, is a seasoned “snow pro” with adults and kids, alike. Learn more about starting your child on the slopes, or ramping up your own ski experience!
Second Gear Sports is in Morgan Junction at 6529 California SW.
(Male varied thrush, photographed by Trileigh Tucker)
So long, summer! Here are highlights of what’s ahead for the rest of your Friday:
WEST SEATTLE GARDEN CLUB: First monthly meeting of the season! After the morning business meeting at 10 am, followed by recognition of our 25-plus-year members, at 12:45 Stephen Lamphear, “The Lazy Gardener,” will talk about having more joy with less work in the garden. Visitors are welcome for any part of the day. See website for more information. WSGC meets at Daystar. (2615 SW Barton)
TALK WITH YOUR CITY COUNCILMEMBER: District office hours for West Seattle/South Park City Councilmember Lisa Herbold are happening 2-6 pm today at South Park Community Center. (8319 8th Avenue S.)
FOOTBALL: This afternoon, Chief Sealth International High School is on the road, playing at Lakeside (14050 1st Ave NE) at 3:30 pm … Tonight, West Seattle High School plays at home, 7 pm vs. Cleveland at Southwest Athletic Complex. (2801 SW Thistle)
WELCOMING WEEK AT THE Y: Two Welcoming Week events tonight at the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) in The Triangle. From our preview: 5-6 pm Afro-Cuban dance class with Mark Lilly and 6 pm screening of the documentary “8 Borders, 8 Days,” following the odyssey of a refugee mom and children. (36th SW/SW Snoqualmie)
DOG SWIM: Second-to-last chance to bring your dog to Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club pool for a dogs-only swim session, 5-7 pm. This happens every year AFTER the pool is closed to humans for the season – it’s a fundraiser for AHSTC swim teams. Details in our calendar listing. (11003 31st SW)
WEST SEATTLE BIG BAND DINNER/DANCE: 6 pm doors and no-host bar open, 6:30 pm dinner, 7 pm music and dancing with the West Seattle Big Band @ the Senior Center. Check to see if there are still seats! (4217 SW Oregon)
WELCOME FALL @ EQUINOX SUNSET WATCH: Fall arrives this afternoon, so sunset tonight is your change-of-season chance to gather with NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen at West Seattle’s Solstice Park to watch the sunset, learn about the equinox, and, this time, share your eclipse stories! Be there by 6:35 pm. (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW)
NOAH GUNDERSEN IN-STORE: 7 pm at Easy Street Records, Noah Gundersen and his band perform live – free, all ages – to celebrate their new record “White Noise.” (California SW/SW Alaska)
SUTHERLIN: Modern country @ C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)
WESTSIDE BABY COCKTAIL BENEFIT: Tonight’s “great time for a great cause” event! 7:30 pm at Metropolist event space in SODO, party with and for WestSide Baby, on a mission to help thousands of local kids stay safe and dry. Check to see if tickets remain. (2931 1st Ave. S.)
MORE! Just check our complete calendar, where you’ll also find info on our free event listings.
Thanks to Jim Borrow for the photo, taken at 7:19 am. The aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) was heading home this morning after three weeks away (we last noted it outbound on September 1st). It’s reported to have been “conducting flight deck certification, carrier qualification, and training in the operations areas off San Diego.”
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:59 AM: No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far this final morning of summer (the fall equinox is at 1:02 pm, and Alice Enevoldsen‘s seasonal sunset watch is tonight).
*SDOT is scheduled to continue 25th SW paving in North Delridge today.
*Metro’s next “service change” takes effect tomorrow – here’s the plan for routes in our area (and remember the Columbia/2nd stop closes downtown).
*Highway 509 repaving work closes lanes all weekend, starting south of here.
*The Orca Half Marathon will be run between Lincoln Park and Don Armeni Boat Launch on Sunday, on sidewalks and the Alki Trail, and in the parking lane. (Not running? Volunteer!)
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
That’s the view from the roof of the north tower at The Whittaker (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor), where a grand-opening celebration this afternoon marked the completion of both towers. Here’s what’s on the roof:
Another view looks down to the common area:
This time of year, the fire pit will get some use:
Someone who’s no stranger to the outdoors, mountaineering legend Jim Whittaker – the complex’s namesake – was at the party:
Inside the building, here’s a look at the kitchen of a studio unit:
Sun streamed into this 1-bedroom:
The Whittaker has 2-bedroom units as well, and property managers say they’ve already leased 70 percent of the complex’s almost 400 units. As for the commercial space, no news yet about the area originally intended for Whole Foods. Except for MOD Pizza (next June), the ground-floor business tenants are expected to be open within the next month or so. One more thing: the mural on the west side that’s a digital recreation of the one that used to be on the Huling Brothers building that sat along Fauntleroy where The Whittaker’s south tower is now:
You might have noticed some other features along Fauntleroy – the building was set back to make room for a bicycle lane, and there’s art all around, including a water feature by Fauntleroy/Alaska, where the developer-funded crosswalk was recently completed. Today’s celebration is almost ten months after last year’s ribboncutting party marked the south tower’s opening.
Thanks to everyone who messaged us about a big police response in Arbor Heights that blocked off Marine View Drive for a while near SW 104th. We just got here a few minutes ago and the response is wrapping up; police tell us they were called to deal with what turned out to be a person in crisis, who was initially very combative, and that’s why they called in extra backup. The person has since been taken by ambulance for an evaluation, and the road has reopened, with most of the police departing.
P.S. Because Seattle Fire wasn’t called in for this, it never showed up on the SFD real-time 911 log, so e-mails were the first tips we got. The fastest way to reach us 24/7 is always text or voice at 206-293-6302 – consider adding us as a contact on your phone. Thank you!
The Salvation Army in South Delridge is inviting the community to join an awareness-raising march on Sunday (September 24th) afternoon. From Capt. Lisa Barnes:
The Salvation Army is hosting a march down 16th Ave this Sunday. We will be walking just 4 blocks each way as we raise awareness for those currently enslaved around the world.
We will start at The Salvation Army at 1:15 and be finished by 3:00 at the latest.
This is a free event and we will be providing materials for signs.
Organizers add, “This will be the kickoff event for a group of people who are justice minded, and ready to make a difference for trafficked people in our neighborhoods. … This is not a political march. This is a march for freedom, for unity, for awareness, and for community.” The Salvation Army is at 9050 16th SW; the march will be on sidewalks, not the street.
(WSB photo from Tuesday night)
We have just found out more about what police believe preceded the shooting that killed a West Seattle man outside his home near 31st SW and SW Elmgrove on Tuesday night. The information is in probable-cause documents from this afternoon’s court appearance of the 21-year-old Burien woman arrested the next morning, whose bail has been set at half a million dollars.
The documents say the suspect is an ex-girlfriend of the victim, who is identified in those documents as 25-year-old Edixon Velasquez. Police say she messaged him Monday saying she urgently wanted to meet with him at his home. Then on Tuesday, she messaged him to say she was outside his home but did not want to come in, asking him instead to come outside. He was having dinner inside with his two roommates; they saw her car go by and wondered why she didn’t want to come in. The victim eventually went out, saying he would help his ex-girlfriend park her car, and moments later the roommates heard at least one gunshot, and saw the ex-girlfriend getting into her car.
The documents say that surveillance video obtained from a neighbor shows that Velasquez got into the driver’s seat of the car (after “a female” exited that seat), and then a man walked up to the car from the north, appearing to open the driver’s door and pull Velasquez out, with the victim then falling to the ground. That man was said to then run away, while the ex-girlfriend walked up, looked down at the victim, making “no attempt to help him” according to police, before getting into the car and driving away. When police found her at her mother’s house in Burien the next day, the documents say, she “denied knowing the identity of the shooter and the motive for the shooting, but admitted that she did nothing to help the victim after the shooting and that she left the scene and never called 911.” As reported Tuesday night, Velasquez died at the scene. Documents from today’s hearing do not describe the man except to say that he was wearing “a hooded sweatshirt and long pants.” He is still not in custody so far as we know; the female suspect, meantime, is due back in court tomorrow, at which time we should find out whether she will be charged.
A week and a half ago, thanks to a tip from Josh (who also sent the photo), we reported that Srivilai Thai Cuisine is on the way to the ex-Blackboard Bistro space. At the time, that’s all we knew. We promised to follow up, and have since made contact with the Srivilai family, who will be running the new restaurant at 3247 California SW. Here’s what they’ve told us in an e-mail exchange:
They’ll be serving Bangkok-style Thai food – “since that is where the family is from, but at this time the menu isn’t set” – lunch and dinner, seven days a week, “opening probably 11:00 most days, closing 9:30 on weekdays and 10:00 or so on weekends.” They plan to serve beer, wine, and liquor (and have applied for the license, though they might be open serving food before it comes through.” And they note that “since it’s Thai food, a high percentage of dishes can be made vegetarian, vegan, and/or gluten-free if the diner so chooses. That’s standard practice for Thai restaurants, so not a surprise for diners with dietary restrictions.”
We asked why West Seattle – the reply, “because we live here! Half the family has lived in WS since 2008, the rest this year – we love the area and think there is enough room for our restaurant.” They hope to be open by the end of October.
(UPDATED THURSDAY AFTERNOON with slide deck from meeting)
(WSB video of Vashon meeting)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Ferry riders’ frustrations resulting from months of seeing vessels leave Fauntleroy during peak hours with space remaining, and a long line of vehicles still waiting, boiled over into everything from angry words to constructive suggestions at the first of this week’s two public meetings.
Last night’s meeting brought a standing-room-only crowd to Vashon Island High School to talk, and hear, about the Triangle Route and what has been, and might be, done about its challenges.
In one of the WSF presentations/speeches that began the meeting, WSDOT assistant secretary Amy Scarton, who is in charge of WSF, noted that their system is “very safe and generally efficient,” and that “ridership is growing … I know you guys feel that … 2016 ridership is highest that it’s been since 2014, and 2017 ridership is even higher … But … we’ve had a tough summer. I admit that, I own that.” She mentioned ferries going out of service for maintenance/repairs as short as 12 hours and as long as 2 months. “We are working hard every day to get those boats back in service as quickly as we can.”
She also insisted that “these dialogues are extremely important,” because management “is not going to know the best thing for your community” until they hear it directly from community members. She noted that the attempts to fix the Triangle Route dated back to her predecessor, and led to community conversations and creation of the Triangle Route Improvement Task Force. “I think as long as we keep this dialogue we can come up with some stuff to make this route even better.”
The dozens who spoke before meeting’s end certainly had a lot of “stuff” to suggest. More about that shortly, but first:
The photo and reminder are from David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters:
Seal Sitters’ “Shore the Shore” banners have recently been installed by Seattle Parks & Recreation along a section of Alki Avenue. Just a reminder that we are now entering what traditionally has been the busiest months for harbor seal pups to rest and warm up on West Seattle beaches. For those of you who have recently moved to this area, Seal Sitters is part of NOAA’s West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network. We respond to reports of any marine mammal, alive or dead, on the beaches of West Seattle from Brace Point through the Duwamish River, including Harbor Island.
If you come across a marine mammal on our local beaches, please keep back, keep people and pets away, and call Seal Sitters’ hotline at 206-905-7325.
You can also remember that number as 206-905-SEAL.
(Photo by David Hutchinson, from thundershowery Tuesday)
The rain has returned as if it never left. But don’t let that keep you away from what’s happening today/tonight. Here are just a few of the highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
LAFAYETTE DINE-OUT BENEFIT: Until 9 pm, dine at Zippy’s Giant Burgers in White Center and part of your proceeds will go to the Lafayette Elementary PTA. (9614 14th SW)
‘FILL THE BOOT’ FINALE: West Seattle firefighters are scheduled to be in The Junction one last day, through 7 pm, as a fundraiser to help fight muscular dystrophy. (California SW/SW Alaska)
SUSTAINABLE WEST SEATTLE PICNIC: All are welcome to join Sustainable West Seattle at Puget Ridge Edible Park, 4-7 pm. It’s a potluck, and also a chance to celebrate the past year’s achievements. (4767 Puget Way SW)
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm at Alki UCC, with the agenda including:
1. Report on proposed City parking policy changes
2. Westside Neighbors Network
3. Update on Alki Communication Hub
(6115 SW Hinds)
BELLY-DANCE SHOWCASE: Monthly Alauda showcase at The Skylark, 7:30 pm. No cover. All ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:11 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far this rainy morning.
Alerts:
*25th SW paving in North Delridge is scheduled to continue today.
*Reminder that Metro’s next “service change” takes effect Saturday – here’s what happens for routes in our area (plus a reminder of the Columbia/2nd stop closing downtown).
*The Orca Half Marathon will be run between Lincoln Park and Don Armeni Boat Launch on Sunday. Organizers say they will be running on sidewalks and the Alki Trail, and in the parking lane. (Not running? Volunteer!)
More…
(WSB photo from 2016’s Orca Half)
We’ve been lucky enough to be able to share news, and photos/video, of recent orca sightings. Now, you can do something for the whales – by volunteering to help with the Orca Half Marathon next Sunday (September 24th):
Volunteers Needed!
Do you have a few hours to spare Sunday morning? Are you concerned about our endangered southern resident orcas and do you want to promote shore-based whale-watching? The Whale Trail needs your help!
The Orca Half Marathon will be held this Sunday 9/24 in West Seattle from 9 to 1. The Whale Trail is the charity partner for this event for the second year in a row.
The course follows the West Seattle shoreline, passing four Whale Trail sites along the way.
450 race participants are running for individual orcas. Race bibs are customized with the ID and life histories of specific whales!
Mike, the inflatable orca modeled after J-26, will greet runners, their friends and supporters at the finish line.
L-pod was in the area yesterday, making an early and unexpected return to our waters. Maybe they were checking out the course – or looking for Mike?
You Can Help! We need 10 to 15 volunteers to help to staff an aid station for the marathon (passing out water to runners).
Sign up NOW at the Orca Running website here, and be sure to tell them you’re with The Whale Trail! (Write it in the registration form.)
Once the marathon slots are filled, we also need help with Whale Trail activities, especially tending Mike. He eats a lot of inflatable salmon. ;)
Setup starts at 8:30 and we’ll close down at 1. Come for a few hours or stay all day!
Please email donna@thewhaletrail.org and let me know what hours you can be there.The need to protect the southern resident orcas has never been more clear or urgent.
There are 77 individuals in the population – 7 fewer than this time last year.
If the current population trend continues or worsens, J, K and L pods could go extinct in less than 100 years (WDFW 2005)
Join us on Sunday and become part of the solution for the southern residents. Meet your neighbors, have fun, and maybe we’ll see some whales!
About The Whale Trail
The Whale Trail is a series of sites where the public may view orcas and other marine mammals from shore. Our mission is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of whales and our marine environment. Our overarching goal is to ensure the southern resident orcas recover from the threat of extinction.
Through our current sites and signs, including two on every Washington State ferry, we reach more than 50 million people each year. The Whale Trail is currently adding new sites along the west coast, from California to British Columbia, throughout the southern resident orcas’ range and beyond.
The Whale Trail is led by a core team of partners that include NOAA Fisheries, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Seattle Aquarium, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, and the Whale Museum. The Whale Trail BC is spearheaded by the BC Cetacean Sighting Network.
Many members of The Whale Trail teams met when they worked together to return Springer, the orphaned orca, to her pod. This summer we celebrated the 15th anniversary of Springer’s homecoming, coinciding with a confirmed sighting of her second calf!
The Whale Trail is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, headquartered in Seattle. Donna Sandstrom is its Founder and Executive Director.
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