day : 14/04/2017 10 results

Nik e-mailed to say that his security camera caught a package theft this afternoon – 2:21 pm in Seaview, near 47th and Graham. “He pretended to be a delivery driver and took our packages instead.” Nik says he was driving the “newer Nissan Maxima” in the photo. If you have any info, let police know – we’ll add Nik’s incident number when it’s available.

Memorial gathering April 22 for Jennifer Jennings

April 14, 2017 9:54 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Even if you didn’t know Jennifer Jennings, you might have seen her with her dog, out for a walk on Alki. Friends and family will gather on Saturday, April 22nd, to remember her, and are sharing this remembrance/invitation:

West Seattle lost its beloved Jennifer Jennings on March 22. She was 68.

She and her sweet little dog “Mr. Bean” walked along Alki Beach daily & could be found afterward amongst community at Tully’s Coffee across from the Alki Bathhouse.

Jennifer taught art classes for many years at the Alki Bathhouse and along with “Mr. Bean” was one of Alki’s & West Seattle’s adored locals.

Come celebrate her life with your stories & memories, along with “Mr. Bean,” at:

When: Saturday, April 22, 11:00 A.M.

Where: St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 3050 California SW in West Seattle.

There will be a 2:00 P.M. reception at Tully’s Coffee @ Alki Beach, 2676 Alki SW, across from the Alki Bathhouse.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Share This

EAST MARGINAL WAY: ‘Online open house’ seeking your comments on upcoming project

April 14, 2017 8:56 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Transportation | West Seattle news

It’s just east of West Seattle, but it’s an important route for many here, so we wanted to mention the “online open house” that SDOT has announced for the East Marginal Way Corridor Improvement Project. Until April 26th, it’s open for comments at eastmarginal.infocommunity.org, where you will see the options under consideration for the sections north and south of the West Seattle Bridge. Overall, SDOT says the project is intended to:

*Improve safety and reliability in the movement of people and goods

*Support freight loads by rebuilding the roadway

*Promote efficiency through signal modifications and intelligent transportation systems (ITS)

Improve safety by better separating non-motorized modes from freight traffic

The project page (which is separate from the “online open house”) shows that this is in the early planning stages, with construction not expected to start until 2020. If you scroll down that same page, you can also see the slide decks from recent presentations to various city-convened boards, if you’re looking for even more information.

P.S. Even if you don’t use East Marginal much, if at all, right now, that could change once Highway 99 construction is over and it reconnects to the downtown waterfront.

Share This

West Seattle development: 3050 Avalon Way site work; updates on projects going to Southwest Design Review Board

April 14, 2017 5:13 pm

| 13 COMMENTS

| Development | West Seattle news

West Seattle development notes:

3050 SW AVALON WAY: More than nine months after a building permit was issued for a microhousing project at 3050 SW Avalon Way, the site is being cleared (the view above is from the alley on the north side of the site, looking south to Avalon). Last time we mentioned this site was when it was put up for sale in early 2016 (though its ownership has not changed, according to county records); before that, the microhousing proposal for the site – 104 units clustered around 14 shared kitchens – had been challenged by a neighborhood group, whose appeal was dismissed in October of 2015.

Also in development watch:

WHAT’S COMING UP AT DESIGN REVIEW: The schedule for the Southwest Design Review Board this spring just keeps getting busier. All of the following meetings are at their usual spot, the Sisson Building/Senior Center, 4217 SW Oregon.

First, the packet for next Thursday’s 6:30 pm review of 4754 Fauntleroy Way SW [map] is now on the city website in PDF (91 MB). This is the 7-story, 108-unit, 103-offstreet-parking-space mixed-use project on the site that formerly held the Capitol Loans pawn shop.

Also on the SWDRB agenda next Thursday (April 20th), at 8 pm, the next look at 4220 SW 100th in Arbor Heights [map], now described as eight townhouses and one live-work unit, with eight offstreet parking spaces. The design packet is here in PDF (46 MB).

We mentioned last month that the SWDRB will see 1250 Alki SW [map], now much-downsized to ~44 units, at 6:30 pm May 4th (here’s the official notice). An 8 pm review has been added for that night, for 4800 40th SW [map], which we mentioned a year ago had “re-activated for redevelopment”; the new proposal is described (here’s the official notice) as a 4-story mixed-use building with “63 apartment units, 4 live-work units, and retail at street level” plus 44 offstreet-parking spaces.

And for May 18th, the first look at 4417 42nd SW [map] is scheduled at 6:30 pm. We first told you about the early-stage proposal for this project back in December; it’s now described as a “4-story apartment building containing 58 units and 4 live-work units” with 29 offstreet-parking spaces.

Share This

Eric Galanti, former owner of two West Seattle businesses, sentenced for tax evasion

April 14, 2017 3:00 pm

| 16 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

3 PM: Just in from the regional U.S. Attorney’s Office:

The former owner of three bars and restaurants in the Seattle area was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to eight months in prison, one year of supervised release, and $800,000 in restitution for multiple misdemeanor counts of failing to file tax returns, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes.

Eric M. Galanti, 41, who now resides in Olympia, failed to file his business and personal tax returns between 2006 and 2012. Galanti owned several restaurants during that time including Alki Crab & Fish in West Seattle, the Admiral Pub in West Seattle, and Bourbon Jacks (aka Poppas Pub or Charlies Pub) in Kent.

At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones said Galanti “enjoyed the lifestyle of the ‘rich and famous,’… but every single year when April 15th rolled around a light had to come on that you owed taxes…. This was a flagrant and ongoing offense.”

According to records filed in the case, the lengthy investigation by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division found that Galanti’s businesses were generating significant revenues, but he failed to keep accurate records. Bank records show two of the restaurants had deposits of more than $7.7 million between 2006 and 2011. While he failed to file and pay his taxes, Galanti enjoyed a lavish lifestyle: using forged tax documents to facilitate his purchase of a $400,000 yacht; taking expensive trips to Hawaii, Las Vegas, and the Caribbean; and paying more than $10,000 for Kenny Chesney concert tickets.

“As we approach tax day, Mr. Galanti’s sentence reminds us of our legal obligation to file complete and accurate tax returns with the IRS. Today, Mr. Galanti, who willfully failed to pay $800,000 in taxes, learned the consequences of neglecting his duty as an American and as a small business owner,” stated Special Agent in Charge Darrell Waldon of IRS Criminal Investigation. “Instead of paying taxes, Mr. Galanti rewarded himself with lavish vacations and a new yacht. His decision to ignore his civic responsibilities caught up with him today.”

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman Barbosa.

We have a request out for documents in the case. You might recall that one of the named local establishments, Alki Crab and Fish, closed five years ago after losing the Seacrest Boathouse concession space to Marination.

3:40 PM: After reading through additional documents provided on request by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, here’s what else we have learned: The sentence follows a plea agreement reached in January, related to an indictment from March 2016. In the plea agreement, Galanti pleaded guilty to five counts of failure to file corporate tax returns. In the defense memo prepared for the sentencing hearing, it’s noted that Galanti gave up running his own businesses in 2015 and went back to working for his father, and is living with his parents in Olympia.

Share This

TOMORROW: Fun, free, life-saving April Pools Day @ Southwest Pool

April 14, 2017 1:31 pm

| Comments Off on TOMORROW: Fun, free, life-saving April Pools Day @ Southwest Pool

| Fun stuff to do | Safety | West Seattle news | Westwood

(WSB photo @ Southwest Pool, April 2016)

In case you haven’t already seen it on the calendar already – tomorrow (Saturday) morning brings the annual fun, free, potentially life-saving April Pools Day event at Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle), which invites kids and their families into the water to learn about:

Preventing open-water drowning
Life-jacket use and promotion
Cold-water awareness
Basic water rescue for children

No pre-registration necessary – just show up at SW Pool, 10:30 am-noon. (It’s one of seven Seattle city-run pools participating.) That’s conveniently right after the 10 am egg hunt at adjacent Southwest Teen Life Center!

Share This

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Another charge filed against Chayce Hanson

April 14, 2017 11:29 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Another charge has been filed against 40-year-old Chayce A. Hanson, the convicted child-killer who has been jailed since April 7th after being charged with rape in a February West Seattle incident. (The photo at right is the only one the Department of Corrections has available, from 2001, when he was serving time for killing his girlfriend’s toddler daughter.) The second charge, filed this week, alleges tampering with a witness; Hanson is accused of trying to get the victim to sign a document saying the rape didn’t happen. That attempt, according to the charging document, is what led to his arrest the night of April 7th, one week after a half-million-dollar warrant was issued on the rape charge, resulting from an incident in early February – the 41-year-old victim, described as a longtime acquaintance, was unable to voice consent or protest because of an untreated head injury suffered in an unreported crash in his vehicle hours earlier.

The new charge says that Hanson then caught up with the victim on the evening of April 7th and tried to get her to get into his car to sign something saying the rape didn’t happen. She refused. Then, the narrative says, he asked if they could meet up the next day. She agreed and went home. A few hours later, she called police to say he was knocking at her door and yelling that his life was at stake. SPD arrived and arrested him on the rape-charge warrant as well as for investigation of witness intimidation.

In the new court documents, prosecutors write that they have discovered Hanson had a 2013 conviction in Las Vegas for burglary (that might explain the gap we discussed in a comment, between his 2012 arrest for an attack on another woman, and the ensuing conviction in 2015). They are trying to determine if that would be applicable as a “strike” offense, therefore making the rape charge a potential “third strike” along with his conviction for killing his girlfriend’s child in 2000. Meantime, the jail register now shows his bail at $500,000.

Share This

What’s up for your West Seattle Friday

April 14, 2017 10:30 am

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Highlights for the rest of today/tonight:

HOLY WEEK SERVICES/EVENTS: Ten local churches have sent us information about Holy Week/Easter services and you’ll find it all on our special page – along with the Sunday sunrise service at Forest Lawn (WSB sponsor), plus egg-hunt listings for tomorrow and Sunday, and more.

WALK THE LABYRINTH AT TIBBETTS: Today and tonight bring two open times for walking the rainbow labyrinth at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) – now through 4 pm, and 6 pm-8 pm: “The Labyrinth is made of heavy canvas and we ask that walkers remove shoes before starting. We will have hand-held labyrinths available for those who are mobility challenged and music will play softly in the background.” (Entry through Fellowship Hall doorway off 41st SW/SW Andover)

Also today/tonight:

ULTA BEAUTY GRAND OPENING: Thanks to the reader who sent that photo of the long line waiting to get in just before 10 am – even though the new Westwood Village Ulta Beauty store soft-opened a week ago. The official grand-opening celebration is scheduled to last all weekend. (2800 SW Barton)

YOUTH APPRECIATION WEEK KICKOFF PARTY: For youth 12-19, block party at Southwest Teen Life Center 2-6 pm, pool party 8-9:30 pm. More info here. (2801 SW Thistle)

GIANT JENGA: Come play, 3:30-4:30 pm at Southwest Library! (35th SW/SW Henderson)

DAVE HOLO TRIO: Live New Orleans jazz at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), 5-8 pm. (1936 Harbor SW)

GARY BENSON: Solo folk singer at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

‘A NIGHT OF WEIRD ROCK’: 9 pm-midnight, Llama, Swedish Finnish, No One Can Save Us (Green Pajamas tribute) at Parliament Tavern. 21+. $5 cover. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

YES, THERE’S MORE … check out our complete calendar, and preview the weekend while you’re there!

Share This

YOU CAN HELP: Ticket time for ‘Instruments of Change’ to benefit West Seattle Food Bank

April 14, 2017 9:27 am

| Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Ticket time for ‘Instruments of Change’ to benefit West Seattle Food Bank

| How to help | West Seattle news

Fighting hunger in West Seattle is done in many ways – including donating food and/or money, volunteering – and here’s one more way you can help. WSB is among the sponsors for this year’s Instruments of Change event, benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank, which shares this update and invitation:

It’s just 4 weeks until the West Seattle Food Bank’s biggest fundraiser, the 10th Annual Instruments of Change Dinner/Auction on Saturday, May 13th at the Seattle Design Center. The West Seattle Food Bank plays an important role in our West Seattle Community. This fundraiser will ensure that the programs provided to those in need will continue. Programs like the new “Shopping Model” distribution that better meets the needs of the diverse population that the WSFB serves; the Mobile Food Bank, which brings nutritious food to the homes of homebound seniors and disabled individuals; the Backpack Program that provides schoolchildren at risk of hunger with kid-friendly meals for the weekend; the Baby & Child Corner that distributes diapers, formula, baby food, and other important items to help infants & toddlers get a good start in life; or the Community Connections that help families access additional information and services from dozens of partner organizations.

Instruments of Change is a fun event featuring a hosted happy hour, Bourbon & Tequila tastings, silent & live auctions, a delicious dinner by Tuxedo & Tennis Shoes Catering, dessert dash, Funds for Food, and a program awarding Metropolitan Market and their customers with the Instrument of Change Award.

Please join us! You have 2 more weeks until April 28th to get the early bird price of $100/guest or $1000/table of 10. On April 29th, tickets will go to $120/guest and $1200/table. Purchase your tickets and get more information on Instruments of Change at westseattlefoodbank.ejoinme.org/InstrumentsofChange.

For more information on sponsorships or auction donations, please contact Judi Yazzolino, WSFB Development Director at 206.932.9023 or judi@westseattlefoodbank.org.

Share This

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch

April 14, 2017 6:59 am

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

6:59 AM: Good morning – no incidents in or from West Seattle so far this Friday.

WEEKEND ALERTS: Here’s the weekly SDOT roundup with info on stadium events and protests coming up.

SPRING BREAK UPDATES: Seattle Public Schools will be back in session next week; most parochial schools and some other independent schools will be out.

Share This