day : 20/03/2012 13 results

ORIGINAL 7:42 PM REPORT: The West Seattle Crime Prevention Council seldom draws citywide media coverage, but a crew from channel 7 dropped in tonight to hear what Seattle Police had to say – and what citizens wanted to ask – about the Beach Drive murder case. Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Steve Paulsen spent about half an hour talking, and answering questions. We have it all on video so you can see for yourself if you couldn’t be here; topline for starters – no breakthroughs to report, but Capt. Paulsen reiterated that if there was something the public needed to know to be safer, they wouldn’t hesitate to share it, and that the department “is putting everything we have” toward solving the case. The only bit of information about the case itself that he revealed, in response to a question, is that they do believe Greggette Guy was killed at or “very close to” the lower level of Emma Schmitz Memorial Viewpoint, during “evening” hours (the night before her body was found half a mile north). The meeting is still under way; more to come.

ADDED 9:36 PM: Added the video atop this story. It begins when Capt. Paulsen started speaking about the case, after spending about a minute and a half discussing other crime trends (major topline: car prowls are down dramatically), but otherwise is unedited, running 26 minutes, until no one had any more questions and he yielded the floor. Along the way, you will hear him address a few unrelated questions, including one about the recent Westwood Village gunfire (bottom line, no one arrested yet, but the Gang Unit is handling the case, and they don’t believe it was a random occurrence). (Still more to add from the meeting, re: other topics. P.S. We have created a coverage archive for all stories about this case, while it remains unsolved – find it here, with, as always, newest stories first.)

ADDED WEDNESDAY MORNING: In case you can’t view the video, we have transcribed Capt. Paulsen’s opening statement about the Beach Drive case, before he invited Q/A, which focused on safety questions overall. Read on for that and notes from the meeting’s other speaker, an insurance-fraud expert with some eye-opening insights into car theft:Read More

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Update: Sealth students’ famine-fighting basketball tournament

March 20, 2012 6:43 pm

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| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

As noted in earlier coverage, this year’s World Water Week at Chief Sealth International High School is focusing on food issues as well as water – they are intertwined around the globe. And right now at nearby Southwest Teen Life Center, a basketball tournament organized by East African Sealth students is under way. Even if you can’t drop by to donate in person, you can do so online by going here. Here are the seniors who organized it:

Standing, from left, Samura, Nina, Hussein, Mohamud; sitting, Jueriya and Hanan. World Water Week continues with daily events on the Sealth campus, including an all-day “teach-in” on Friday in which WWW-related activities will replace regular classes for the day.

ADDED 8:16 PM: Thanks to Sealth teacher Noah Zeichner, who’s been working on World Water Week these past two years, for this photo of the tournament’s winning team:

Teams from other schools participated, but the winners were from Sealth.

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Alaskan Way Viaduct closing 2 of next 3 weekends

March 20, 2012 5:39 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news

The state now says the Alaskan Way Viaduct/Highway 99 between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery St. Tunnel isn’t just closing this weekend, it has a second weekend closure agead. Just announced:Read More

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Beach Drive murder aftermath: Viewpoint safety; other updates

March 20, 2012 4:32 pm

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| Beach Drive murder | Crime | West Seattle news

In the foreground, flowers and a candle, almost certainly a tribute to murder victim Greggette Guy; in the background, trimmings from plants along Emma Schmitz Viewpoint, where her car was found, after her body was found a half-mile north, eight days ago. Though this comes as safety concerns have been raised (and replied to), Parks Department spokesperson Karen O’Connor tells WSB that some of the pruning “is work that is normally done during this time of the year,” but she added there’s something extra: “To improve visibility into the lower plaza area, we are removing 3 large clumps of Escallonia. We are waiting for the backhoe to come it to complete that work.”

As of about 2 pm, when we took that photo of an escallonia shrub with a white line painted onto its east side (and the blue letters “OK” on the grass below), that work hadn’t happened yet, but O’Connor mentioned they were hoping the weather would calm a bit.

Meantime, we expect to hear something about the case at tonight’s West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting, to which the public is welcome – 7 pm at the Southwest Precinct meeting room (entrance is from the parking lot along Webster, west of Delridge). Last night at an otherwise-unrelated neighborhood meeting in Arbor Heights, SW Precinct Sgt. Joe Bauer, asked about the case, reiterated that SPD was pouring “resources” into getting it solved.

On a more personal note about Ms. Guy, we have learned that her memorial service is planned for this Saturday at a funeral-home chapel in Kent. A little more about her apparent West Seattle connections has emerged, as well; if you saw our report on Sunday night’s vigil, you heard her father mention having walked with her on Beach Drive many a time. We have heard from multiple sources that she and her family lived here at some point in childhood – she is reported to have attended Fairmount Park Elementary (now in its fifth year of closure). Again, here’s the flyer that’s been distributed:

Police want to hear from anyone with any bit of information that might help the investigation, no matter how small.

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Congratulations to Roxhill Elementary’s successful ‘Sport Stackers’!

March 20, 2012 4:26 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Thanks to Chellie at Roxhill Elementary School for sharing the news (and the photo):

Sixteen first through fifth grade students (and one parent!) from Roxhill Elementary School competed in the NW Regional Sport Stacking Tournament in Auburn. This was our school’s first representation at the tournament. We had a blast. The day began early with preliminary rounds where students tested their skill in three different stacking events. After lunch we learned which of us would go on to the finals. We were happy that five students and our competing parent moved on to the finals and brought home medals. It was a terrific event that we will be attending again next year. We are proud of all of our stackers. Great job!

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Dates set for Southwest Pool maintenance closure, Neighborhood Service Center grand opening

March 20, 2012 3:11 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Speaking of pools … We noticed while researching the Colman Pool update that the Southwest Pool website has information on both an upcoming closure and the grand-opening event for the Neighborhood Service Center that is moving from Delridge to the former SW Community Center adjacent to the pool. Just as we were inquiring with the city, they sent a news release, which includes the Delridge NSC closing date (April 10th) as well as the SW NSC opening date (April 17th) and the pool maintenance closure (March 26-April 15) – read on:Read More

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Colman Pool update: Still on schedule for June 30 opening

March 20, 2012 1:31 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Photo by Long B. Nguyen; click image for larger view)
Not that you’re likely to be thinking about outdoor swimming in this unsettled weather anyway, but – we just checked on the Colman Pool renovation project’s progress after receiving that new aerial view from Gatewood pilot/photographer Long B. Nguyen. Almost two months after we first reported that work was revving up, project manager Garrett Farrell tells us that they’re now pouring concrete, and the pool’s walls will be restored in that process. (In February, we published an aerial view of how the pool looked in torn-up mode.) We asked Farrell if the $1.4 million project was still going according to schedule. His reply: “No surprises, but the weather has been a challenge. Mother Nature has slowed us but not pushed us off track. We are still on track for June 30 opening.”

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Privatized liquor: More West Seattle stores apply for licenses

March 20, 2012 12:01 pm

| 39 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS beverages

For almost 2 months now, we’ve been tracking license applications, to see who in West Seattle plans to sell hard liquor once privatization takes full effect on June 1st. Another wave of applications has just appeared on the state Liquor Control Board‘s website.

Newest West Seattle applications: Metropolitan Market in Admiral (WSB sponsor), Bartell Drugs (Admiral and Jefferson Square stores), Walgreens (16th/Roxbury and High Point stores), Target (Westwood Village)

Previously reported West Seattle applications: West Seattle Thriftway, QFC (Junction and Westwood Village stores), Safeway (Admiral, Jefferson Square, Roxbury stores)

This is not likely the final list of who’ll be selling liquor in West Seattle – sales can’t start before June 1st, and qualifying businesses can apply at any time. Meanwhile, the fate of the current state liquor stores remains unsettled. The auction for the locations’ licenses continues; bidding started at $1,000, as reported here March 8th – the Westwood-location license is up to $3,050 (as of right before publication of this story, anyway), while the Junction-location license bidding is up to $5,100. Bidding is also open for all locations’ licenses together, and that’s now at $266,700. (And one final note – the legal fight over the liquor-privatization initiative isn’t over yet.)

ADDED 2:48 PM: Since PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor) is the only currently-in-business West Seattle grocery store that hasn’t applied for a license, we checked with the company to see if they’re planning to. Spokesperson Diana Crane’s reply: “The straight answer is that we’re still considering this opportunity and haven’t reached any decisions yet.”

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From WSHS: Father-daughter dance Sat.; West Seattle 5K in May

March 20, 2012 11:15 am

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| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WEDNESDAY UPDATE: The dance has been canceled due to lack of ticket sales. 5K is still ON!)

Two West Seattle High School fundraiser reminders this morning – The WSHS Class of 2014 has organized a Father-Daughter Dance for elementary-school girls and their dads, coming up this Saturday night, 6-9 pm. More details are in the event’s listing on the WSB calendar. Also, today marks exactly two months till the West Seattle 5K on May 20th; it’s the run/walk along Alki that is the unofficial kickoff to summer (here’s hoping), and precedes the annual “car-free day,” aka Seattle Summer Streets (here’s our latest report on this year’s plan). The WS 5K is a presentation of the West Seattle HS PTSA. Online registration is open; you can sign up online right now! (WSB is co-sponsoring again this year, and there’s room for more sponsors.)

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West Seattle Tuesday: Crime Prevention Council; Fauntleroy fest…

March 20, 2012 9:40 am

| Comments Off on West Seattle Tuesday: Crime Prevention Council; Fauntleroy fest…

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

LIBRARY STORY TIMES: 11:30 am, it’s Baby Story Time at the Southwest Branch of the Seattle Public Library (35th/Henderson); 7 pm, it’s Family Story Time at the Delridge Branch (Delridge/Brandon). More info on the SPL Calendar of Events.

HEALTH AND HARVEST TOUR AT THE COMMUNITY ORCHARD: Today’s another weekly tour at Community Orchard of West Seattle, details here (6000 16th SW, northeast side of the South Seattle Community College campus on Puget Ridge).

WORLD WATER WEEK AT CHIEF SEALTH: For a second year, Chief Sealth International High School is spending the week focused on issues regarding water availability and safety and its effects, including the food supply. Events start today – here’s the district news release. After school today, at 4:30 pm, a group of East African students from Sealth has organized a three-on-three teen basketball tournament to raise money for famine relief, across the street at Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle).

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING & FOOD FEST: 6 pm tonight at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW), neighborhood residents are invited to the annual Food Fest, with samples from local food/beverage establishments (free, aside from the no-host bar), an opportunity to join or renew your membership in FCA ($25/year) and help elect the new board. Details here.

‘LIVE ART BASH’: At Mind Unwind in the Admiral District (2206 California SW), 6-9 pm. From proprietor Krystal Kelley: “Live Art Bash is an idea. Here is how we think it will work: Bring your art or project or music that you have needed inspiration to get started ….or finished ….for 3 hours every Tuesday, Artist J. Conrad Nivens is providing the space, you make the magic! The idea is to get together and create art in a fun, collaborative environment. BYOB if desired and all art supplies you may need. Come with an open mind and a project and leave with new ideas and inspirations!! FREE.”

MURRAY CSO-CONTROL PROJECT DESIGN ADVISORY GROUP: The advisory group working on the sewer-overflow-control project for the Murray basin – which feeds the pump station at Lowman Beach – will meet again tonight, 6:30 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). The agenda and related documents can be found here; topics include landscape design and community feedback on the early drafts of facility design.

FREE CONCERT: The Symphony Orchestra from West Seattle Community Orchestras will visit Bridge Park Retirement Community (3204 SW Morgan) in High Point at 7 tonight. The group’s announcement says, “The concert will include several orchestral classics including the second movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, a movement from Haydn’s Symphony No. 88, and selections from Porgy and Bess.” It’s free and WSCO says people from the greater West Seattle community are invited to come too!

WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: Monthly meeting tonight, 7 pm, Southwest Precinct meeting room (Delridge/Webster). The WSCPC is open to the public, and police leadership is in attendance, which means not only will you hear about crime trends, you have an opportunity to bring up neighborhood concerns. More information on the WSCPC website. Tonight’s special featured speaker, after discussion of West Seattle crime trends/concerns – will focus on insurance-fraud crime, with guest speaker Scott Wagner from the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

COMMUNITY LABYRINTH WALK: At The Hall at Fauntleroy, you’re invited to the first quarterly community Labyrinth Walk, 7 to 9 pm. More info in the event’s entry on the WSB Events calendar.

PARENTING TALK: In the Schmitz Park Elementary cafeteria at 7 tonight, Dr. Jody McVittie will present “Beyond the Battles: A Positive Parenting Approach to Sibling Conflict.” Free; child care available in the gym.

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‘Think Outside the Car’: Kickoff planned; paid help needed

March 20, 2012 4:01 am

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| Environment | How to help | West Seattle news

It’s been in the works for months, and now the CoolMom “Think Outside the Car” campaign is about to get rolling. CoolMom’s Terri Glaberson says you’re invited to a kickoff event 10 am-2 pm April 28th in the parking lot at Westside School (WSB sponsor). It’ll be a big celebration with food, music, and kids’ activities (including, Terri says, a Cascade Bicycle Club Rodeo and “Undriving”). Right now, they are looking for a graphic designer/videographer to help on the project – a “temporary paid position,” as she explains it; find out more here.

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Remembering Dorothy Campbell Hansen, 1919-2012

March 20, 2012 12:40 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

The family of Dorothy Campbell Hansen, gone at age 93, shares this remembrance:

Dorothy was born March 6, 1919, to Alexander and Catherine MacKinnon. Dorothy moved to West Seattle on her marriage to John in 1945. She lived on Chilberg Avenue SW for 66 years. She entered into the presence of her heavenly Father on March 9, 2012.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John, and 3 brothers: Allister, Jack and Donald. She had 3 children: Catherine (James), John (Carolyn), and Heather (James). She had 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service is planned at First Presbyterian Church in Seattle. Details to be announced later. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to First Presbyterian Church, Missions Fund, 1013 8th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, or Washington State Services for the Blind.

(WSB publishes obituaries at no charge; send text and photo to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Bizarre vandalism; court update

March 20, 2012 12:21 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

In the neighborhood along SW Spokane by the west end of the West Seattle Bridge, a neighbor who goes by “Shout” reports a bizarre case of vandalism late Monday night. He says the utility installation up on the slope was being pounded on by somebody who sounded as if they had a sledgehammer. “Shout” called police, and though they appeared to him to have checked out the area cursorily and left, the would-be vandal did stop… but not before scuffing up the facility (see the photo above).

Also tonight, for those keeping an eye on the case: The indecent-liberties trial of alleged Lincoln Park attacker Duane Starkenburg has been pushed back a couple more weeks because of factors including lawyer scheduling. It was supposed to start this month – but now a new date of April 2nd has been set.

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