day : 12/05/2017 12 results

ORIGINAL REPORT, 10:16 PM FRIDAY: When Veronica saw this small wheelchair apparently abandoned in the Southwest Library area, near 34th SW and SW Henderson, she felt sure someone is looking for it – stolen? somehow lost or misplaced? If it’s yours, or if you think you know whose it might be, please contact her.

UPDATE, 10:51 AM SATURDAY: We’ve removed Veronica’s phone number because she’s returned the wheelchair to its owner, who saw the photo here. We know lots of people were working to help make sure there was a reunion – thank you all!

Memorial service May 20 for Capt. Delbert Kelly, Jr., 1940-2017

May 12, 2017 9:55 pm

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| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather May 20th to remember Capt. Delbert Kelly, Jr. Here is the remembrance being shared with the community:

Capt. Delbert J. Kelly Jr. peacefully went home with the Lord on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at St Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 76 years of age and a resident of Tacoma.

Capt. Kelly was born on September 17, 1940 to Capt. Delbert Sr. and Hazel Kelly at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. He was an only child. He graduated from West Seattle High School in 1958 and soon after began his career as a professional mariner, following in the footsteps of his father. He spent his early career transiting along the west coast from Alaska to California before settling down in Puget Sound where he worked for the WA State Ferries and then Crowley Maritime. Capt. Kelly became a Puget Sound Pilot in 1979 and reluctantly medically retired in 2002. He remained actively involved in the industry by transitioning into the role of an educator at Pacific Maritime Institute in Seattle, WA. He was a mentor to a great many in both his personal and professional life.

Capt. Kelly took great pride in his career and lived other areas of life to the fullest. His greatest joy was staying busy helping others; placing himself second to his family and loved ones. In his free time, he was an avid golfer and Seattle team sports fan. Attending the Mariners’ spring training in AZ was one of the highlights of his year. He also loved spending time at Emerald Downs where he had an owner partnership of several race horses. His beloved life companion, an Amazon Parrot, Meka, was the light of his home. Capt. Kelly’s relationship with the Lord was very important to him and he was an active member of Highline Christian Church for several years.

He will be remembered for his love for his family and friends, his charm, his intelligence, and his pocket full of witty phrases. He brought a smile to so many faces so often and many will dearly miss him.

Capt. Kelly is survived by his children: Capt. Patrick Kelly (Brynne), Lani Witherby (David), and Kristi Sacco (Scott). Grandsons: Tim, Ryan, Shaun Jr., Dylan, JT, and Blake. Granddaughters: Kenzie, Faith, Kali, and Moriah. He was preceded in death by his parents in 1981 and his son, Shaun Kelly, in 1997.

Memorial service will be held at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, on Saturday, May 20th, 2017, at 1 PM.

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

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FOLLOWUP: New RV camp in east West Seattle not a city priority, so far

May 12, 2017 9:35 pm

| 19 COMMENTS

| Highland Park | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from late this afternoon)

So far, it looks like the city does not plan any immediate action about the new, unauthorized RV camp in east West Seattle. We checked back there late today, one day after getting word it was setting up on vacant state-owned land toward the east end of the original 2008 “Nickelsville” encampment site, off 2nd SW between West Marginal Way SW and Highland Park Way SW. We were told five more RVs had arrived today, bringing the total there to about 15, and that some government entity had dropped off trash bags for them to use. Their status, they said, remains unclear.

This morning, we had updated our original story with information from Julie Moore, a spokesperson for the city’s homelessness-related efforts. She had told us the Navigation Team was out at the site assessing the situation. This afternoon, she reiterated that the city had not directed campers there, and that it’s a site WSDOT intends to use this summer as “the staging area for the critical I-5 resurfacing project.” She also reiterated that if any of these RVs’ owners were told to move, it was a parking-enforcement issue, not a camp sweep.

That said, Moore added:

While the site is not authorized for camping, nor is it an appropriate place to do so due to WSDOT’s use and activity there, the City prioritizes encampment removals based on several issues, including health and safety. The City has been focusing its efforts on mitigating the most hazardous encampments, particularly those:

Where individuals are sleeping outside in tents.

In locations that are physically unsafe for the individual or surrounding community (e.g., along busy roads, ledges, sidewalks).

That have become so large that trash, hazardous structures and negative behavior become too problematic.

Where there is a public health threat to the campers or surrounding community.

With those priorities in mind, the City is spending the next two weeks focusing on addressing the extensive illegal encampments along I-90/Rainier Avenue/Dearborn Street. More on those efforts, including the outreach efforts underway since May 1, can be found (here).

While a WSDOT rep was looped into our e-mail exchange with Moore, we have no direct comment from the state yet on whether they will allow the vehicle campers to stay on the site. We did ask a camper how they entered it; they said the chain-link fencing at the entrance was not locked, and had numerous openings. Both the state- and city-owned sections of the site were ringed with chain-link fencing after the last encampment there was evicted in 2013.

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FOLLOWUP: Three-times-burned 9029 16th SW not torn down yet

May 12, 2017 8:16 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Delridge | Safety | West Seattle news

Eight days ago, we reported that demolition equipment finally arrived at 9029 16th SW, the scene of at least three fires in five years, including one this past February. After that, the city had finally ordered its owners to do something about it, eventually extending the deadline to April 21st; when the demolition equipment arrived on Thursday, May 4th, we actually had an inquiry out to the city about what would happen if nothing happened. SDCI told us they had been informed the fire-gutted house would be torn down the next day.

That was a week ago. We’ve gone by daily. No activity. A new complaint is still pending. So we will renew our inquiry with the city on Monday.

Meantime, we’ve noted in our previous followups on this property that the city is considering new rules regarding what owners of structures like this can be required to do. They’re going before the Planning, Land Use, and Zoning Committee at 9:30 am next Tuesday (May 16th). The slide deck for the hearing contains a lot of alarming stats – and photos of derelict properties that actually look better than 9029 16th SW.

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FOLLOWUP: ‘Vision Zero’ briefing touches on Harbor SW, 35th SW

May 12, 2017 5:09 pm

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| Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

(Seattle Channel video from this morning’s committee meeting; Vision Zero briefing is first item, after public comment)

Earlier this week, we reported that a document prepared for the City Council Sustainability and Transportation Committee meeting today included a bit of information we’d been seeking for a while – what’s up with 35th SW Phase 2.

We monitored the meeting via Seattle Channel to see what would be said. When SDOT’s Darby Watson presented the “Vision Zero” program update this morning, she had two notes of West Seattle interest: One was about 35th – she said the report on Phase 1 (a precursor for Phase 2) is expected next month. So if you’re watching for what’s next on 35th, sounds like we’ll find out in June.

The other was about Harbor Avenue SW – Watson mentioned its speed limit would be cut from 35 to 30 mph “soon.” It’s been more than two years since Harbor and four other West Seattle arterials were announced in the original Vision Zero plan as destined for lower speed limits. As reported in our February 2015 coverage, SDOT said it expected to make all of those cuts by the end of 2015. But the timeline has lagged; Fauntleroy Way was lowered in February 2016, and Delridge in December 2016.

P.S. The Sustainability and Transportation Committee meets again next Tuesday with an agenda including a report on the first full year of the Move Seattle levy and a briefing about bicycle theft.

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Gatewood Elementary principal Constance Aleman leaving to become Genesee Hill assistant principal

May 12, 2017 4:13 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Gatewood | Genesee Hill | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Just announced by Seattle Public Schools: After the school year ends, Gatewood Elementary principal Constance Aleman will be moving across the peninsula to take the newly created position of assistant principal at West Seattle’s most populous elementary school, Genesee Hill. She has been principal at Gatewood for four years. Letters have gone out to both schools’ communities – here’s what Aleman said in her announcement:

It is with mixed emotions I am writing to inform you this will be my last year at Gatewood Elementary School.

After four amazing years and careful consideration, I have decided it is the right time for me to pursue a new leadership opportunity. I have accepted a role at Genesee Hill Elementary; I am excited to stay within the West Seattle community and to work more closely in the areas of Special Education, social-emotional learning, and family engagement. As difficult as this is for me, I feel confident I am leaving this school in great shape and ready to continue the amazing work of providing academic excellence for each student.

While seeking new opportunities brings some excitement, I want you to know this was not an easy decision for me. I’m indebted to so many incredible friends and colleagues who have made my experience here a lifelong memory. At Gatewood there are positive, innovative, and hardworking staff, and a supportive and positive group of families. I cherish the brilliant, caring, and committed students. It has been an honor serving all of you the past four years. As much as I will miss this community, I will cherish the memories and reflect fondly upon them as I move forward in both my professional and personal life.

As we wrap up the year, I am hopeful you continue on the path we have laid together. Together we have worked toward the mission of fostering a school climate of compassion, academic excellence, problem solving, creativity, and cultural awareness. It inspires me to see the school, families, and the community working together for the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development of each student. This mission lives with you. Your relentless commitment, drive, and compassion for our students will ensure that our mission of excellence continues on!

I will finish out the school year at Gatewood and my first day with Genesee Hill will be July 1. The formal search process for hiring a new principal is underway as we look forward to the next school year. The process will include an opportunity for Gatewood staff and the community to provide input. Executive Director of Schools, Helen Joung, will communicate updates to the staff and community.

Thank you all for your kindness and support. I have appreciated it more than you can imagine. And thank you all for your continued commitment and dedication to our school, staff and students. It is because of you that I know Gatewood will continue to be the very best school ever!

With admiration,

Constance Aleman, Principal
Gatewood Elementary School

You can read the message sent by Genesee Hill principal Gerrit Kischner to his community here.

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BIZNOTE: Domino’s Pizza seeks Springline space

May 12, 2017 2:20 pm

| 15 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

One by one, the newer Admiral commercial spaces are getting takers. Just found this one in the city permit files: Domino’s Pizza is pursuing a spot at Springline (3220 California SW) for its second West Seattle location. The site plan on file with the city shows the pizza storefront is proposed for the space south of the building’s north garage entrance.

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STREET SAFETY: Greenway or green light? Drivers ignoring 17th SW stop signs

May 12, 2017 12:27 pm

| 84 COMMENTS

| Delridge | Highland Park | Safety | West Seattle news

(If you can’t spare 3 minutes, the stop-sign-running is particularly prolific in the final minute-plus)

That video was recorded in November at 17th SW and SW Trenton by area resident Darryll Wolf. He sent it to various city reps then – and sent it again yesterday, after a close call. This time, we were on the CC list. His e-mail:

Dear SDOT, SPD, and Councilmember Herbold,

(Thursday) morning, as I was running to catch the bus to work at 7:53 am, a driver accelerated into and through the intersection at SW Trenton Street and 17th Ave SW, refusing to stop at the stop sign while I was in the lane! She did this as I was in front of her car, forcing me to run backward to avoid being hit. I’ve reported rampant violations at this intersection before and was even hit by one car (hit and run) and nearly hit by several others in the past several months. I shared this 3-minute video in this same email thread in November showing fully 85% of drivers fail to stop or yield right of way at this clearly signed intersection.

The incident this morning felt like a deliberate attempt by the driver to threaten or injure me with her car. I am very worried about my own safety as well as the safety of my family and neighbors who live, work, and play along the 17th Ave SW greenway.

In 2016, the Seattle Greenways project team created this new sanctioned pedestrian and bicycle greenway on 17th Ave SW north of SW Henderson Street and then placed stop signs at each of the east-west intersections along the greenway where no stop signs had ever existed for likely near 100 years. But they and SDOT failed to do any awareness campaign or enforcement follow-up to ensure the safety of those who use the greenway. I am disappointed that after having reported the frequent violations and one known hit and run at 17th and Trenton in the past few months to SPD, CPT, and the Greenways project team, we have only seen about an hour of SPD enforcement at this intersection with no ticketing for violations, and the Greenways team and SDOT have been a complete no-show here.

I have been documenting the continued pattern of violations at the 17th and Trenton intersection since last November and will continue to report this problem to SPD. I have reported similar incidents of speeding and aggressive or threatening driving through school crossing zones, and the general failure to yield to pedestrians along 16th Ave SW, and along SW Trenton Street from Delridge to 16th Ave SW. But I have seen zero SPD presence in those areas during rush hour and have never seen a single person ticketed for this blatant and common recklessness.

As the increased densification under HALA upzoning increase car, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic in our area, it is my hope that SPD, SDOT, and the City will take this seriously and do real traffic calming, enforcement, and ticketing before we see people killed by reckless drivers. Throughout the area from 16th Ave SW to SW Delridge, between Holden and Roxbury, there are many children and public transit users who are vulnerable to death and disfigurement by reckless drivers every day. And these drivers must be shown that traffic laws are not optional and that drivers cannot threaten and maim pedstrians with their cars with impunity. We need your help to send this message!

I look forward to hearing from SPD, CPT, SDOT, and the City in the near term on how each of you plan to address this very real public safety issue in our area. I am happy to discuss this in person or over a phone call if it will result in quick action.

From the list to whom Wolff sent the video, the first response (at least, the first to the entire CC list including us) was from Councilmember Herbold:

I watched your video and I’m aghast that of a dozen cars going through that intersection over the 3 minutes you filmed, only two cars made a complete stop at the stop sign. By the way of this message, I’m asking that Chief Davis consider an enforcement at this intersection. Thank you for your advocacy on behalf of pedestrian safety.

As mentioned here Thursday morning, SPD’s Traffic Unit chief, Capt. Eric Sano, is the scheduled guest for the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council next Tuesday (7 pm May 16th), so if you have neighborhood concerns, it’s a good time to bring them up.

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West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day eve! Here’s more of what you need to know about Saturday’s sales

May 12, 2017 11:44 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

By this time tomorrow, it’ll be big-time shopping time at 300+ garage, yard, courtyard, parking lot, business, etc. sales all around the peninsula – Saturday is the 13th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day (our 10th year coordinating it), showers or shine.

GOT THE MAP/LIST YET? You can download/print the PDF version of the list/map (17 pages) for a topline version of who’s selling what and where. And here’s the interactive online version. (Each individual listing you open by clicking a marker or list line is printable too.) Even if you want to keep your browsing low key, there’s probably somebody within walking distance – go say hi to your neighbors!

BLOCK SALES AND MULTI-SELLER SITES: While more than a few sites mention that multiple households have joined forces, here are the ones officially registered as block sales/multi-seller sites:

SALE #42, HOTWIRE ONLINE COFFEEHOUSE COURTYARD/PARKING LOT SALE: Every year you’ll find dozens of sellers in the Hotwire courtyard and the parking lot across the alley to the east, 4410 California SW.

SALE #137, C & P COFFEE COMPANY: This year C & P is hosting an arts/crafts fair with multiple vendors, 5612 California SW.

SALE #90, BLOCK SALE: 47th SW between Stevens and Lander

SALE #137, BLOCK SALE: 2620 Walnut Ave SW

SALE #182, BLOCK SALE: 7300 29th Ave SW

SALE #215, BLOCK SALE: 5648 38th Ave SW

SALE #55, BUSINESS SALE: Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor), 4736 California SW

SALE #256, BUSINESS SALE: Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor), 9261 45th Ave SW, donating half the proceeds to Youngstown Cultural Arts Center

We listed the benefit/nonprofit sales earlier this week – see them here. And we have the donation drives tied into this year’s WSCGSD listed here (just updated with another addition) – not just for sellers with leftovers, but also for shoppers who can buy stuff to donate!

Official sale time is 9 am-3 pm tomorrow (Saturday, May 13) – a few sales are opening earlier and/or staying open later, so read through the list to look for that. We’ll be out and about stopping at some sales for photos, but also will appreciate pics from sellers and buyers – e-mail garagesale@westseattleblog.com or tag us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook … we are at /westseattleblog on them all. More updates ahead!

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West Seattle Friday: Symphony concert; ‘Mama-Logues’; more!

May 12, 2017 10:31 am

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| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Seven highlights for your Friday, starting with music!]

WEST SEATTLE SYMPHONY: The video above from West Seattle Community Orchestras – parent organization of West Seattle Symphony – features Chris Blakely, winner of WSCO’s second-annual concerto competition, who will be featured during tonight’s 7:30 pm concert “Love Stories and Dances” at Chief Sealth International High School. The program includes Saint Saëns’ Morceau de concert for Horn and Orchestra, during which you’ll see Blakely, who has played with WSCO for more than two years. Tonight’s concert, led by conductor James Pham, is free – donations welcome, of course. (2600 SW Thistle)

Also in the hours ahead:

ALCHEMY OPENS: As previewed in our story earlier this morning, the new bar in The Junction opens at 3 pm. (4717 42nd SW)

ROSE TASTING: As in rosé wine; tasting at Sound & Fog in The Junction. Details in our calendar listing. (4735 40th SW)

GARY BENSON AT C & P: Gary Benson will be joined by Nelson Wright and Jenaige Lane at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

‘THE MAMA-LOGUES: A COMEDY ABOUT MOTHERHOOD’: 7 pm tonight (and tomorrow!) at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, ages 13 and up – if you’ve seen it before, see it again, lots of new stuff! Benefits WestSide Baby and Open Arms Perinatal Services. Ticket info in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

ROLLER DERBY: Rainier Roller Girls‘ fifth bout of the season starts at 8:30 pm at Southgate Roller Rink. (9646 17th SW)

3 BANDS AT PARLIAMENT TAVERN: 9 pm-midnight at Parliament Tavern, the lineup is Hostile Makeover, The Viking Surfers, The Paper Dolls. $5 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

LOTS MORE ON OUR CALENDAR … see it here!

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Opening day for Alchemy in West Seattle

May 12, 2017 9:13 am

| 18 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS beverages

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

At 3 pm today, The Junction’s newest drinking/eating establishment, Alchemy, officially opens its doors.

It’s the first of two venues that the partnership F2T Hospitality is opening in Junction 47, as first reported here last July.

And that’s where we sat down earlier this week to talk with the trio behind it – bar director Tony Larson, executive chef Larkin Young, and marketing/operations director Matt Mead.

The photos in our story are from last night’s “soft open” – right up until then, Matt explained, they had a “whole squadron of people building furniture.” They had also “gone antique shopping” for some of the decor, from chandeliers to “a tea kettle from the 1800s.” Alchemy seats 45.

Tony is the West Seattleite in the group – more than a decade here, including a few years working at Matador just up the street. Read More

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates; weekend watch

May 12, 2017 7:23 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

Good morning! No incidents reported in/from West Seattle right now, but a texter says the East Marginal truck backup is spilling onto the bridge again today.

Advance alerts for the next few days:

CITYWIDE ALERTS: Here’s the city’s list of major events for the next four days. …

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE DAY TOMORROW: 9 am-3 pm Saturday, all over the peninsula; the maps and list are here.

FAUNTLEROY FERRY TOLLBOOTH TEST NEXT WEEK: Another reminder that Monday-Thursday next week, Washington State Ferries will test new tollbooth procedures at Fauntleroy to see if that relieves backups.

8:38 AM: If you are headed south, or up from the south, on 16th/Ambaum, a caller warns of a crash at 16th/112th on the south edge of White Center.

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