West Seattle, Washington

19 Friday

66℉

day : 02/08/2017 12 results

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Car, bicycle stolen
August 2, 2017 11:55 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight.

STOLEN CAR: Shelley says she’s been walking around hoping to spot the car ditched somewhere … it belongs to her daughter, who’s been serving in the Peace Corps. Maybe you’ll spot it:

I’ve been parking along 41st for about a year now and first, my Camry had been broken into twice and then I sold it. So, while I was inbetween cars, I decided to get my daughter’s first car all set up and running great for her return in December from the Peace Corps. I had mechanics fix quite a few things and had it running good and looking nice and then…my HUGE mistake parking it along 41st where it was outright stolen last night WITH a club locked to the steering wheel and ZERO items inside. Nothing. It is a red 1998 Honda Civic with license plates ANT5326.

We had had it stored in a driveway for the last year in Shoreline and I just thought it would be nice to get it running and up to snuff for her when she returns…and now this. It was her prized first car that she had worked hard and saved her own money for, and it was FINALLY running right. I’m just sick about it. What I’ve noticed lately is that there are way less cars all of a sudden along 41st and wonder if others have had their cars stolen? How would we know this without getting the word out. Usually this part of 41st off Edmunds Street is packed with cars and yesterday and today there were tons of open spots. No towing going on either. The police checked for me when I reported it this morning. So, it was stolen between 8 pm 8/1 and 7 am 8/2 as I had checked on it each time I walked my doggie to make sure it was fine there have been so many break-ins of late. If they only knew what they took, it’s more than a car to my daughter and I’m just sick that it was on MY watch. How could folks be so callous and selfish knowing they are taking a substantial investment from somebody they know nothing about?​ ​Anyhow, it is a longshot, but it’s a nice, clean and straight shiny red car with newer tires and a white W in the back rear window.

STOLEN BICYCLE: From Kay:

I rode my bike home from Colman swimming pool to my house (in the 9000 block of) 4th Ave SW, left bike in driveway by garage, came in to change clothes, came out to put bike into garage and it was gone. This was between 1:30 – 3 PM Monday, July 24. Bike had Danish bike basket (with carrying handle and hooks to go over handlebars). In basket was cloth bag with bike gloves, bike lights) Under seat in pouch was a red bike cable with lock. If anyone sees the black Bianchi RC women bike with the bike basket, please call 206-720-4024.

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ADMIRAL WAY: SDOT moving ahead with converting 59th/Admiral to all-way stop
August 2, 2017 9:20 pm
|      50 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(SDOT graphic for 59th/Alki all-way-stop conversion)

One month ago, SDOT announced its plans for pedestrian-related changes to intersections along the west stretch of Admiral Way. Today, another announcement: What was described in that late June announcement as a “tentative” plan to convert 59th/Admiral to an all-way stop is now an official plan:

The crossing improvement will be installed in 2 phases. Before the start of the 2017/2018 school year, we will install new signage and signal modifications to convert the intersection to an all-way stop. These changes will encourage slower vehicle speeds through the intersection.

We’ll evaluate the all-way stop over a few months, and if it’s performing well, we’ll install phase 2 improvements, which include decorative painted curb extensions, a relocation of the westbound bus stop, and a red flashing all-way stop beacon.

Most of the other intersections where SDOT plans changes will also have “decorative painted curb extensions”; SDOT asked in June for opinions on three potential designs, and says this one won:

The 59th/Admiral news and curb-extension pattern are in this mailer that SDOT says it has sent to nearby residents. Details of the other intersection changes that’ll be made later this year were in our June report and are on the project webpage. This is all a followup to the rechannelization of Admiral west of California SW last year.

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CONGRATULATIONS! All-City achievements for Arbor Heights STC swimmers
August 2, 2017 8:19 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

The photo and report are from Brent Lindblom:

Congratulations to the Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club swimmers who advanced to the Greater
Seattle Summer Swim League “GSSSL” ALL CITY Championship Meet.

Above from left to right and top to bottom:
Brendan Stoll, Dominic Flack, Ben Kinerk, Ty Lindblom, and Hannah Tittel
Lucas Richardson, Will McGlothlin, Lachlan Swanson, and Cookie Hooper. (Not in the photo, Tyler Lenzie)

The meet was held at Innis Arden Swimming Club in Shoreline.

Your Arbor Heights All City Winners are:

Ty Lindblom: 1st Place 15-18 Boys 50-yard Back and 5th Place boys 100-yard Individual Medley
Hannah Tittel: 6th Place 15-18 Girls 50-yard Free and 5th Place 15-18 Girls 50-yard Butterfly
Ben Kinerk: 5th Place 15-18 Boys 50-yard Breast
Dominic Flack: 6th Place 15-18 Boys 50-yard Breast
Lucas Richardson: 6th Place 13-14 Boys 50-yard Free
Lachlan Swanson: 5th Place 11-12 Boys 50-yard Breast
Will McGlothin: 4th Place 11-12 Boys 50-yard Breast Stroke
Cookie Hooper: 4th Place 8 and under Girls 25-yard Butterfly and 25-yard Back Stroke

Relays:

5th Place Boys 15-18 200-Yard Medley Relay:

Ty Lindblom, Dominic Flack, Tyler Lenzie and Brendan Stoll

5th Place Boys 15-18 200-Yard Free Relay:

Ben Kinerk, Tyler Lenzie, Brendan Stoll and Ty Lindblom

Alternates:

Naomi Williams
Cassidy Wells
Flora Medina
JJ Hartog
Ryan Klem

Coaches: Hannah Tittel, Nate Williams, Nicole Roed and Chris Veraya

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COOL OFF @ CONCERTS: Outdoor music at Hiawatha, The Mount this week
August 2, 2017 6:39 pm
|    Comments Off on COOL OFF @ CONCERTS: Outdoor music at Hiawatha, The Mount this week
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Two outdoor concerts in the next two nights:

THE ADARNA @ SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA: Thursday night at 6:30 pm, The Adarna performs this season’s third Summer Concerts at Hiawatha show, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association. Concert organizers describe their sound as “Jet City Rock … fun high-energy rock n’ roll suitable for all ages along the vein of Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age.” The band’s name is taken “from a mythical phoenix-like songbird in Filipino folklore”; The Adarna formed five years ago and has been on seven national tours as well as performing internationally for US troops in five countries. Bring your own chair/blanket, picnic dinner if you want, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers – the show’s free, on the east lawn at >Hiawatha Community Center (along Walnut, south of Lander). WSB is a co-sponsor again this year.

Then on Friday:

FIRST SUMMER CONCERT AT THE MOUNT: The four-Friday-night series at Providence Mount St. Vincent (4831 35th SW) starts this week:

Just a reminder that the first Summer Concert on the South Patio at The Mount is this Friday, August 4th, featuring Cherry Cherry – a Neil Diamond Tribute Band. Dinner is available for purchase from 5:30 to 7 pm and live music is performed from 6 to 7:30. All are welcome to this family-friendly community event. Admission is free. Food and beverage available for purchase. Free snow cones and popcorn. And a reminder to bring your own lawn chairs or blankets.

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PRIMARY ELECTION 2017: 2nd round of results out, no change in who’s leading Seattle citywide races
August 2, 2017 4:29 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

The second round of election results is out, and the “top two” in each of the three Seattle city races are all the same as last night. For mayor, it’s Jenny Durkan and Cary Moon, whose lead over #3 Nikkita Oliver is now almost 2,000 votes; for council Position 8, it’s still Teresa Mosqueda and Jon Grant, who’s about 900 votes ahead of #3 Sara Nelson; for council Position 9, it’s still Lorena González and Pat Murakami, with all others ~10,000 or more votes behind. See all the results here; next ballot count is due about this time tomorrow. 104,000+ ballots have been counted so far, just under 23 percent of the city’s voters.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Burn ban now in effect as air quality deteriorates
August 2, 2017 4:00 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Health | Safety | West Seattle news

Thanks to Charlie Anthe for that photo that’s more about what you don’t see than what you do – Charlie explains that view from the West Seattle Golf Course usually includes the downtown skyline, which by early afternoon was completely obscured. Up here over Lincoln Park, we’re noticing that even nearby Vashon is all but impossible to see. It’s still the wildfire smoke, mostly from British Columbia, which is having one of its worst fire seasons ever. And it’s led to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency calling a Stage 1 outdoor burn ban that takes effect right now, because of air quality (or, the lack of it) – here’s what that means:

STAGE 1 BURN BAN

No burning in uncertified wood stoves or inserts, or fireplaces. No outdoor burning. EPA certified devices and pellet stoves are allowed.

No

Fireplaces
Uncertified Wood Stoves
Uncertified Wood Inserts
Outdoor Burning

And the National Weather Service alert (Excessive Heat Warning) remains in effect through 9 pm Friday, with tomorrow expected to be hotter than today.

P.S. The NWS tweeted this view from above:

ADDED WEDNESDAY NIGHT: James Bratsanos sent this photo of the sunset, even redder than Tuesday night:

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FOLLOWUP: Ventana Construction announces new location
August 2, 2017 2:07 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Ventana Construction)

Ventana Construction (WSB sponsor) has just officially announced its new location – just blocks south of the old one that’s being redeveloped by that site’s owner. Ventana has moved from a log house to a “hacienda”:

We are excited to announce the move of our headquarters to a new location at the corner of California Avenue SW and SW Raymond Streets. This is exactly two blocks south of our leased office location, which was our base of operations for 10 years. Only one digit in the address has changed – 5958 California Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98136.

Moves are bittersweet, especially given how much we invested in and adored our rented office, but change is part of life-particularly when you’re in the construction business. We feel very lucky to have been able to stay on California Avenue SW in the Morgan Junction neighborhood, which has been our home since the company’s inception in 2003.

We are also thrilled to be stewards of one of the dwindling number of original buildings on California Avenue SW. The Hacienda was built in 1930 and still has the original finishes-mahogany millwork, coved ceilings with heavy texture plaster, a small fireplace with an alcove and red oak floors. It is in remarkably good shape given that it was a rental for most of its years. In the 1937, the tax assessor’s office noted that rent was $30/month.

It’s also one of the few corners that still looks substantially the same as it did in the King County Archive photo [above], which we believe is from the late ’30s. The streetcar tracks are gone, as are the beautiful street lights in the left of the photo, but much is unchanged. Proposed multi-family development planned around our building may soon change the character of this corner of Morgan Junction permanently.

We continue to remodel homes, often with additions and whole-house renovations, in West Seattle and other neighborhoods in the city. We also build custom homes and backyard cottages (DADUs). We welcome inquiries via phone 206-932-3009 and our website www.ventanabuilds.com

We are also proud to have been a supporter of independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via advertising in the West Seattle Blog for 10 years as of this coming February.

SIDE NOTE: Before you ask, we’ll be checking on the timetable for the move of the house in which Ventana was previously headquartered.

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UPDATE: Seafair Parade of Ships 2017, sailing past West Seattle
August 2, 2017 1:03 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(Photos by Gary Jones)

1:03 PM: Running later than usual – due along the downtown waterfront at 1 pm but just now approaching Alki, passing South Bainbridge – the Seafair Parade of Ships has begun. (And yes, that’s why you’re seeing helicopters over Elliott Bay to the north.)

The two US Navy ships, destroyer USS Michael Murphy and amphibious-transport USS Anchorage, are in the lead, followed by Royal Canadian Navy ships and the US Coast Guard cutter Mellon. And a Seattle Fire Department fireboat is just off mid-Alki awaiting them. Still very hazy from wildfire smoke, so visibility isn’t good enough to photograph them until they’re passing.

(WSB video)

1:22 PM: Now passing Alki, with the fireboat spraying a welcome.

1:40 PM: The fireboat and Navy ships are about to round Duwamish Head, with the Canadian and USCG ships passing mid-Alki behind them.

5:26 PM: Photos added. The ships are now docked downtown – if you’re interested in touring them, this Seafair webpage has the times, places, and rules.

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WEST SEATTLE RESTAURANTS: Blackboard Bistro to close August 19th
August 2, 2017 12:06 pm
|      38 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

12:06 PM: The acclaimed West Seattle restaurant Blackboard Bistro has announced it will permanently close in 2 1/2 weeks. The following is the full text of the announcement we just received from its proprietors, who included the two accompanying photos:

Dear Editor and West Seattle Community,

On August 19th, Blackboard Bistro will be closing its doors for good.

The reasons for closing are simple. At the end of last year, Ginger had to stop daily operations to stay at home and look after parents full time. Due to increasing need at home and my right-hand Lady no longer at my side at Blackboard, we are having to let go of the dream…..

We have had a wonderful 7 years making friends and welcoming them into our restaurant and lives and passion. Thank you for all the support, we will miss you and being able to share food with you.

Cheers! Jacob Wiegner, Ginger Wiegner and family

We have followup questions out, including whether the restaurant is for sale, as it was for a while in 2012. Blackboard Bistro opened in August 2010 at 3247 California SW, which had been home to two other restaurants in less than three years, before Blackboard Bistro’s seven-year run.

1:49 PM: The Wiegners say yes, the restaurant is for sale.

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Cup of Hope Baskets and Gifts: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor
August 2, 2017 11:20 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today we’re welcoming Cup of Hope Baskets and Gifts as a new WSB sponsor. New local sponsors get the opportunity to tell you about themselves, and here’s what Cup of Hope would like you to know:

Summer may not last long here in Seattle, but that doesn’t mean the experience needs to fade. Whether you’ve been a guest in someone’s home or simply want to surprise your guest upon arrival, Cup of Hope Baskets and Gifts offers a selection of designer gift baskets to make those memories last throughout the year.

Every basket we create features an exquisite bone china teacup, boldly designed fine porcelain cup, or a sporty way to carry a favorite beverage, and award-winning luxury organic teas. Filled to the brim with joyful accessories and trimmings, Cup of Hope baskets become treasured keepsakes guaranteed to delight and inspire long after they’re delivered. The collections are designed to be uplifting, and to inspire relaxation, encouragement, celebration and thankfulness.

Free Gift Offer for West Seattle Blog Readers

You deserve something special too, so be sure to learn more about your appreciation gift below.

How Cup of Hope Began: Treating Yourself Is the Best Medicine

Nancy Parker is the founder of Cup of Hope Baskets and Gifts and a breast cancer survivor. Back in 2006, she underwent chemotherapy, the most emotionally draining and vulnerable time in her life. During those treatments, she was served hot tea, but in styrofoam cups. It was there and then she decided that she at least deserved a pretty cup to drink her tea from. Along with her cup, she would pack a few other goodies to go with her tea. That became her first “basket.”

Her baskets got noticed, so Nancy made up more of them for her cancer support group. The ladies loved them! This overwhelmingly positive experience catalyzed her into launching Cup of Hope Baskets and Gifts. “Giving something pretty, tangible and memorable can have an immeasurable impact on someone’s day. And giving something that lasts long after that day, is a continual reminder of just how much you care,” Nancy believes. It’s this philosophy that drives Nancy to continue her gift basket donations to Seattle and Eastside hospitals through patient navigators and social workers. She also provides free delivery to hospitals located on First Hill.

Thank You, West Seattle

As an appreciation to the wonderful West Seattle community, receive a complimentary Be Strong book, filled with quotes that inspire, with your gift basket order placed through the month of August. Use the promo code BESTRONG and save on shipping costs too by selecting the free pickup option when you check out.

We thank Cup of Hope Baskets and Gifts for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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West Seattle Wednesday: Seafair Parade of Ships; High Point Market Garden; daily wading pool/spraypark list; music; more …
August 2, 2017 9:27 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Wednesday: Seafair Parade of Ships; High Point Market Garden; daily wading pool/spraypark list; music; more …
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to Wendy Pugh for the sunrise/skyline view from early today – flip side of last night’s reddened sunset, as the smoke from regional wildfires lingers in our area. Meanwhile, the heat warning is still in effect, and today’s expected to go into the 90s, so take good care of yourself and those you love. Now – here’s what else we can tell you about the day ahead:

FIREFIGHTER STORY TIME: 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library – take preschoolers to meet firefighters and learn about fire safety. (2306 42nd SW)

WADING POOLS AND SPRAYPARKS: Three local wading pools are open today – Lincoln Park is open 11 am-8 pm; EC Hughes, noon-7 pm; Hiawatha, noon-6:30 pm. Highland Park Spraypark is open 11 am-8 pm. (Find addresses here)

HOT TOPICS FOR SENIORS – CLEARING SPACE: Noon at Southwest Library, current and future seniors are invited to talk about the power of downsizing. Details in our calendar listing. (9010 35th SW)

SEAFAIR PARADE OF SHIPS: Around 12:30 pm, look from north West Seattle shores (Alki, Duwamish Head) for the two U.S. Navy, one U.S. Coast Guard, and two Royal Canadian Navy ships headed for the 1 pm parade past the downtown waterfront.

FREE LUNCH FOR KIDS/YOUTH: Again today, 12:30 pm-1:30 pm, Delridge (5423 Delridge Way SW) and High Point (35th SW/SW Raymond) Libraries offer free lunch to anyone 18 and under.

TINKERLAB GADGETS AND GIZMOS: 1-3 pm at Delridge Library, free, all ages. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN: Fresh produce, sold right next to where it’s grown, 4-7 pm at the weekly High Point Market Garden Farm Stand. (32nd SW/SW Juneau)

JIM PAGE: Live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

OPEN MIC AT SKYLARK: Sign up at 7:30 pm, perform at 8:30 pm, at the weekly all-ages-until-10 pm (21+ after that) open-microphone night at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

DANCEABLE COUNTRY … with The Loose Heels and Smokey Detour at Parliament Tavern, 8-11 pm. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

AND THAT’S NOT ALL … see the full list of events for today, tonight, beyond, on our complete calendar.

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UPDATE: Another fire at 9222 Delridge Way SW boarded-up house
August 2, 2017 5:38 am
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

5:38 AM: Seattle Fire has a “full response” arriving at a house in the 9200 block of Delridge Way SW [map].

5:44 AM: SFD describes the house as small and “boarded up.” Firefighters spotted a hole in the floor so they are fighting the fire “defensively” – from outside. Avoid that area of Delridge, as it’s an extensive response, blocking the road.

5:54 AM: Our crew is there; we’ve added a photo. It’s the same house that had a fire back in May, and a deadly fire three years earlier. No word of injuries in this fire so far; firefighters report it’s under control. Note that the address on the SFD log right now is NOT accurate – 9226 is the address for the auto shop to the south, which is NOT involved.

6:04 AM: Some of the SFD units are being dismissed. No one inside, no one hurt, so far as firefighters have determined (update: as of a few minute later, they’re searching again). SFD’s investigator has been summoned to find the fire’s cause. Metro Route 128 is being rerouted, according to an alert just texted/tweeted.

6:27 AM: Route 60 is rerouted too. Meantime, our crew is back and we’ve added another photo. We’ve checked the property’s history, in light of the multiple fires; no complaints listed since 2015, and no redevelopment plans on file.

7:15 AM: Metro says buses are back to regular routes.

12:15 PM: SFD spokesperson Lt. Sue Stangl tells WSB the fire investigator could not determine what caused today’s fire, so it will remain officially “undetermined.”

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