day : 13/11/2015 15 results

West Seattle Crime Watch: Man stabbed in south Highland Park

November 13, 2015 10:52 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

10:52 PM FRIDAY: Police are in the 8100 block of 16th SW right now investigating a stabbing. The victim is a man believed to be 35-40 years old, stabbed once in a back, being rushed to Harborview Medical Center right now. Not much other information available so far but the incident also might be linked to a report of a woman one block away, in the 8100 block of 15th SW, saying she was “maced.”

SATURDAY NIGHT NOTE: The incident is classified on the police-report map as an armed robbery at a residence. No narrative details are available, and at this point won’t be before Monday.

MONDAY AFTERNOON: Here’s our followup.

High-school football: Seattle Lutheran wins 1st game @ state

November 13, 2015 9:40 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(Photo courtesy Jeanne Flohr)
9:40 PM: Just in from southwestern Washington, thanks to Mike Jensen – Seattle Lutheran High School has won its first game in the state 1B football tournament, beating Naselle 44-22. Though the official bracket‘s not filled in yet, the Saints’ opponent next week – location TBA – will be Neah Bay, which beat Clallam Bay tonight, 68-0.

ADDED SATURDAY MORNING: Kristen Okabayashi (SLHS mom and Hope Lutheran principal) reports, “JJ Young scored 4 touchdowns and passed to Isaiah Dowding-Albrecht for another, Brandon Lulow scored one more.”

FOLLOWUP: Discolored-water problem should be easing, Seattle Public Utilities says

November 13, 2015 7:33 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news

Going back to September, we’ve been reporting on sporadic problems with discolored water around West Seattle. Usually, such problems are localized to a specific neighborhood that can trace them to a specific incident – water-line break, fire-hydrant use, etc. But in this case, the problems have been geographically scattered, and in most cases, Seattle Public Utilities says, related to two things: Routing changes in the water system while the Myrtle Reservoir was out of service for earthquake-resistance work, and activation of a wellfield to supplement supply during the recent dry months. Tonight, two weeks after the most-recent update, Ingrid Goodwin at SPU tells us neither of those situations is a factor any more:

Seattle’s water supply conditions have improved, which enabled SPU to completely turn off the wells on November 10. The wells may have been a secondary cause of the discoloration problems that residents were experiencing. Customers should expect that it will take a few weeks for the well water to circulate out of the system.

Myrtle Reservoir has been back in service since October 30 and water configuration operations have returned to normal.

SPU will continue to monitor the system and modify operations as needed to minimize stirring up sediment that can lead to temporary discoloration.
From November 3 through November 13, SPU received 39 customer calls indicating yellow, brown, or rust colored water in the general West Seattle and Georgetown/SODO area. We expect the number of customer calls to go down now that operations are returning to normal.

If you do see this problem at your residence, here’s the number SPU’s been asking customers to call: 206-386-1800.

ELECTION UPDATE: Lisa Herbold takes the lead over Shannon Braddock in West Seattle/South Park City Council District 1

November 13, 2015 4:19 pm

| 21 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(WSB photo from Election Night, Lisa Herbold & supporters viewing results. Little did they know they’d still be doing it 10 days later.)

Just in, this week’s last set of election results – and for the first time in the not-yet-settled City Council District 1 race (West Seattle/South Park), Lisa Herbold has taken the lead over Shannon Braddock, by 27 votes.

Lisa Herbold – 12,371 – 49.73%
Shannon Braddock – 12,344 – 49.62%

That’s a turnabout from the 18-vote lead Braddock held after the Thursday count. Today’s full results list shows 27,567 votes have been counted – that’s almost the entire number of “ready to count” votes listed by the county as of last night. At this point, a manual recount seems likely – here are the county’s rules and policies regarding recounts.

FOLLOWUP: White Center company takes responsibility for oil spill; 51 birds affected

November 13, 2015 4:14 pm

| 27 COMMENTS

| Environment | West Seattle news | White Center | Wildlife

(WSB photo from last weekend, as wildlife rescuers capture an oiled Canada goose)
One week after a neighbor noticed oil contaminating a stormwater-retention pond in White Center, the state Ecology Department announced that a food company has taken responsibility. La Mexicana says it was transporting oil that accidentally spilled and will pay the costs of cleanup and wildlife rehabilitation; 51 birds have been captured for cleaning and treatment, says the state, and one had to be euthanized. Full details of the state’s announcement are on our partner site White Center Now.

WEATHER/TRAFFIC UPDATE: 35th SW open again after flooding south of Barton

November 13, 2015 2:27 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

ORIGINAL REPORT, 2:27 PM: After a lengthy downpour, reports of storm-related trouble are coming in. First one: The reader photo above shows 35th SW south of Barton, looking north at water over the road. It’s been raining so hard, some drains are bound to have become overwhelmed, especially with leaves still left to come off the trees – if you’re able, go check your nearest drains and make sure they’re clear.

2:37 PM: Per scanner, police are looking to block off traffic in the area as the water is at an unsafe level. We’re heading over to check. We’ve also received a report of a mudslide near Delridge and Orchard but we haven’t verified yet exactly where and how/whether it’s affecting traffic.

2:53 PM: Confirmed – police are blocking 35th SW both ways on the south side of the Barton intersection – only buses are being allowed through. The water’s so deep, it’s up over the sidewalk on the west side of 35th SW.

3:39 PM: We checked all sides of Delridge/Orchard, for a few blocks each way, and there’s no mudslide (or deep water) affecting traffic.

3:55 PM: Just checked back at 35th/Barton – open now.

West Seattle history: Denny Party anniversary today; SWSHS annual meeting tomorrow

November 13, 2015 2:15 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle history | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle history notes:

DENNY PARTY LANDING ANNIVERSARY TODAY: On November 13th, 1851, as the marker at 63rd SW and Alki Ave SW (top photo) points out, the Denny Party landed here, the end of a journey that had started in Illinois. HistoryLink has the thumbnail version of the story. On the 150th anniversary of the arrival, The Seattle Times checked in with some of their descendants.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S ANNUAL MEETING TOMORROW: This gives us a reason to remind you that the annual meeting of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society is tomorrow (Saturday), six days after the organization’s record-setting gala (WSB coverage here). All are welcome at tomorrow’s meeting, 1:30 pm-3 pm at the High Point Library (35th SW & SW Raymond), which will feature County Councilmember Joe McDermott, who, as a former Underground Tour guide, is a lively storyteller. More info here.

P.S. Because of the meeting, the Log House Museum will NOT be open tomorrow. Otherwise, you can visit noon-4 pm Sunday (and subsequent weeks, the usual Thursdays-Sundays).

HELICOPTER ALERT: Emergency-preparedness exercise at West Seattle’s Terminal 5 on Monday

November 13, 2015 1:11 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Helicopter | Preparedness | West Seattle news

Rare chance to tell you way in advance when and why helicopters are expected in the area. The Port of Seattle just announced that multiple agencies also including Seattle Fire, King County, and Snohomish County “will be conducting a joint exercise involving multiple helicopters for emergency preparedness training” on Monday at Terminal 5. This exercise, the announcement says, “will give the participants better training for rescue situations such as those that took place after the Oso mudslide in 2014.” The helicopter activity, “moving heavy loads of equipment and personnel,” is expected to last from 11 am to noon on Monday (November 16th).

Alaskan Way Viaduct still sinking and cracking, inspection finds

November 13, 2015 11:39 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| Alaskan Way Viaduct | Safety | West Seattle news

Almost two weeks after the last Alaskan Way Viaduct inspection closures, the results are in. From this WSDOT webpage summarizing years of inspection results:

Survey crews detect between 1/4 and 1/2 inch of additional settlement between University Street and south of Seneca Street since the last inspection. The settlement is uniform in nature. Inspectors also note some additional cracking on columns and girders in the same general area, along with up to 1/2 millimeter widening of a few existing cracks. No additional repair work is necessary.

We know what you’re going to ask – here’s how WSDOT answers it: “It’s important to note that not all settlement is significant. In the case of the viaduct, no single number represents an acceptable level of settlement.” Bottom line, WSDOT says: “The viaduct remains vulnerable to earthquakes but remains safe for everyday use.” (In case you missed it, here’s the latest tunnel-machine update, published here Thursday.)

GOOD LUCK! Gabby Carufel swimming for WSHS at state meet

November 13, 2015 11:23 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Congratulations and good luck to another West Seattle High School student athlete – senior Gabby Carufel “will be competing at the WIAA 3A State Swimming Championships this weekend [starting at 2 pm today]. At Metros, she got 3rd in the 100 back with a time of 58.76 and 4th in the 200 IM with a time of 2:14.55, both State qualifying times! Last weekend she took first at Districts in the 100 back.” (Thanks to Gabby’s proud mom Danette Carufel for the report and the photo.)

Not a solicitor, not a prowler – might just be someone from the King County Assessor’s Office

November 13, 2015 11:07 am

| 11 COMMENTS

| Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

If you live in east West Seattle, that unfamiliar person who looks to be checking out your residence might just be a King County Assessor’s Office appraiser doing her/his job. This announcement explains:

The Assessor’s Office annually values over 700,000 properties in King County, and physically inspects 1/6th of all properties.

Starting this fall and continuing into Spring of 2016, appraisers from the Assessor’s Office will be conducting physical inspections of properties (existing residences, residences under construction and vacant parcels) in East West Seattle, Georgetown, South Park. Appraisers generally conducts physical inspection from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM four days per week, Monday thru Thursday and are identifiable by their County ID badges.

This annual process allows appraisers to verify and update any property characteristic changes that might have occurred since the last physical inspection. For information on your property, please visit the Assessor’s eReal Property Search at www.kingcounty.gov/assessor

West Seattle Friday: Writers, actors, skaters, shoppers…

November 13, 2015 9:31 am

| Comments Off on West Seattle Friday: Writers, actors, skaters, shoppers…

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Anna’s Hummingbird, photographed by Danny McMillin, shared via the WSB Flickr group)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, some of what’s up for the rest of your Friday:

HOLIDAY BAZAAR & BOOK SALE: 11 am-4 pm, it’s the first day of the White Center Library Guild Holiday Bazaar and Book Sale. Bargains, kids’ activities, more. (11220 16th SW)

HELP THE HELPLINE: West Seattle Helpline‘s annual benefit dinner/auction “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” starts at 6 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy. No last-minute tickets available that we’ve heard, but if you have yours, this is your reminder to be there! (9131 California SW)

HIGHLAND PARK ELEMENTARY PTA MOVIE NIGHT: From Highland Park Elementary PTA president Holly Briscoe: “We will be showing ‘Inside Out.’ The movie is free of charge. Doors open at 6 pm, show at 6:30. There will be popcorn and baked goods for sale, and a raffle prize as well. All are welcome!” (1012 SW Trenton)

FRIDAY NIGHT SKATING: Roll on at Alki Community Center! 6:30-8:30 pm, details here. (5817 SW Stevens)

MICHAEL ASHE, LIVE: Singer-songwriter performs at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

‘4 COMEDIES’: 7:30 pm, Seattle Lutheran High School student production of four short comedies including “10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse.” Details in our calendar listing. (4100 SW Genesee)

‘THE DEAD GUY’: 7:30 pm, second performance of West Seattle High School Drama Club‘s student production, in the WSHS Theater. (3000 California SW)

WRITERS READ @ YOUNGSTOWN: 7:30 pm, “Come hear a reading of new work by Young Adult Novelist Karen Finneyfrock and poet Roberto Ascalon, both residents of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Karen will read from her work-in-progress ‘The Year We Ruined the House’.” Free. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

YOU CAN HELP! Volunteer homework tutors needed for kids who are homeless because of domestic violence

November 13, 2015 9:04 am

| 1 COMMENT

| How to help | West Seattle news

Can you help? The program is based in our area:

Volunteer Homework Tutors Needed!

Salvation Army – Hickman House is a transitional housing program for families who are homeless due to domestic violence. The volunteer tutor will help with the “Homework Club” which meets weekday afternoons for 1.5 hours. This program is for students in kindergarten through high school to complete homework assignments and strengthen reading and math skills. Tutors provide constructive feedback and encouragement, and inspire students to be life-long learners.

Schedule: We ask tutors to volunteer on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday afternoon or evening. We are looking for a commitment of at least 6 months.

Qualifications:

– Experience with youth as a teacher, tutor, babysitter, volunteer or family member

– Empathy, patience, a friendly demeanor, and good communication skills, especially active listening

– Eligible candidates will be over 18 years old and must pass a criminal background check and complete a child safety training

Contact: Leah, Children’s Program Coordinator: 206-932-5341 or leah.knopf@usw.salvationarmy.org

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Stormy Friday updates, including orcas seen from Fauntleroy ferry, police responses, & more

November 13, 2015 7:00 am

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Six WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
7 AM: Windy and wet out there, as forecast. No major incidents on area roads, though. If you passed through Morgan Junction the past half-hour or so and noticed a big police presence near California/Holly, we’ve just found out what that was about – a traffic stop for a car resembling one linked to a potentially armed suspect in a possible domestic-violence situation; all over now, but after several tips (thank you!) we did find one officer still in the area to ask.

7:12 AM: The I-5/West Seattle Bridge interchange has multiple problems right now, reported in both northbound and southbound directions. Not entirely clear exactly how the eastbound bridge offramps are affected as a result, but just know things are a bit of a tangle.

7:16 AM: Some happy commute news – the ferry from Vashon to Fauntleroy just passed some orcas headed southbound, according to Mary. Too murky out there to see them from a distance right now.

7:35 AM: Speaking of the weather, the “wind advisory” alert was shortened overnight, and is now set to expire at 10 am – six hours earlier than the original alert. So things should calm down before too long.

SATURDAY TRAFFIC-ALERT REMINDER: SDOT will have crews out replacing traffic cameras on the bridge, so you might find rolling lane closures – here’s the alert we published Thursday.

9:28 AM: Emergency responders are checking out a reported spinout on the Delridge offramp from the westbound bridge.

9:49 AM: Some tense moments related to that situation (related to initial, eventually unfounded reports thinking gunshots were heard) but it’s now resolved; the person in the car is getting checked out, and – we can see from below the ramp – a tow truck is on scene to clear the vehicle, which came to a stop facing the wrong way:

9:55 AM: And as pointed out in comments, the wind advisory has now been re-extended, until 3 pm.

NOON: Car fire at Olson/Myers is causing some slowing at the east end of the Roxbury corridor, per tipster on our text/voice hotline, 206-293-6302 (thanks!).

CONGRATULATIONS! ‘Signing Day’ for West Seattle High School senior stars Lydia Giomi, Morgan McCullough, Gabby Wenn

November 13, 2015 4:41 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

This is a big time of year for many high-school seniors – decisions about college. For three West Seattle High School seniors, that brought a ceremony on Thursday afternoon:

Three star student-athletes at WSHS gathered with their coaches, family, and friends for a “Signing Day” event. From left above are Lydia Giomi, who’ll play basketball at the University of Oregon, with Coach Sonya Elliott; Morgan McCullough, who’ll play baseball at Oregon, with Coach Velko Vitalich; and Gabby Wenn, who’ll play softball at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, with Coach Trevor Leopold, who’s also WSHS’s athletic director. It was a big photo-op moment for proud parents and other supporters:

Each coach offered words of tribute.

(WSB photo from last February)
Of Giomi, who was on Coach Elliott’s state-tournament team last school year (after which the coach left WSHS): How much she meant to her teammates each year, and how she thanked the coach after each practice.

(Photo by Caryn Johnson, from last April)
Of McCullough, who was on the USA Baseball 18U national team that won a world title in September, Coach Vitalich said he was proud of that and amazed by how many schools called to ask about him.

(WSB photo from last May)
Of Wenn, a member of Coach Leopold’s state-tournament team last spring, he noted how much her pitching intimidated other teams, and recalled her perfect game. (At Villanova, as at WSHS, she’ll be a Wildcat.)

These three have one last high-school season ahead – so you’ll hear more about them in the months to come.