day : 04/04/2018 11 results

In West Seattle Crime Watch, two followups and an alert:

FOLLOWUP – SUSPECT AWAKENED IN STOLEN CAR: Remember last Friday’s incident in Arbor Heights during which Guardian One‘s crew recorded that video of Seattle Police awakening a man found asleep in a stolen car? The suspect got out of jail tonight after five days. Prosecutors have yet to charge 34-year-old Craig R. Crisler in last week’s case but we are identifying him because he was being held on a warrant from a similar case in which he is charged. Crisler was charged three weeks ago in a February case in which police found him asleep in a stolen pickup truck in Burien. Also asleep in the truck, a 6-year-old whose mother is described in court documents as Crisler’s girlfriend; he was taking care of the child because she had been booked into jail two days earlier. The child was turned over to CPS; meantime, it was discovered that the stolen truck had been painted a new color since it was taken, and that it was found to contain tools including a pressure washer stolen from someone else. Crisler missed a court appearance in the case and that led to a warrant carrying $5,000 bail. He posted bond tonight and got out before 9 pm. Court documents from the Burien case show his last known address in North Shorewood, not far from where he was arrested last Friday.

SPEAKING OF STOLEN TOOLS: We’ve published more than a few reader reports recently of tools stolen in break-ins, both vehicles and structures. This alert from Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner says it’s a trend:

The SW Precinct Crime Analysis Unit Detective informed us of a recent crime trend involving burglaries of sheds, outbuildings, and garages. A variety of items have been stolen including bicycles, power tools and generators.

Please keep an eye out on your sheds/garages/out buildings! Ensure they are securely locked, regularly check to see if your door has been tampered with, take inventory of your items and secure bicycles with quality locks! Remember to always report theft and suspicious behavior to the Seattle Police Department by calling 911.

ONE MORE FOLLOWUP: Back on March 24th, we reported on trouble for a Southwest Precinct police officer while he was taking a suspect to jail – the suspect allegedly started a fire in the patrol car just as they were arriving downtown. As first reported in The Seattle Times, that suspect, 24-year-old Nickolas J. Osborne, is now charged with felony malicious mischief and misdemeanor harassment.

We have obtained the court documents, which say the latter charge is for the original reason he was arrested, reportedly harassing Lincoln Park and Lowman Beach park visitors and threatening them with a stick. The former is for the squad-car fire. The charging papers say that even before being placed in the car, Osborne was accusing police of being “agents of the Illuminati” out to get him; in the car, police say, he “slipped his handcuffed hands to the front of his body, unbuckled his seatbelts and began violently kicking the rear driver side window.” The officer radioed for backup at that point. Osborne then allegedly said the officer would have to kill him and should be nervous. After that, the charges say in-car video shows Osborne picking up a lighter from the car floor (whose lighter, it doesn’t say), using it to generate a flame, and setting the car ceiling on fire, including a camera; he was recorded, the report continues, saying, “There we go! Let’s both burn in hell!” Shortly afterward, the officer pulled over and got the suspect out of the car; Osborne’s clothing had ignited but he wasn’t hurt, nor was the officer. The car was damaged badly enough that it had to be taken out of service, SPD says. Osborne remains in jail, his bail set at $10,000.

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ADVANCE ALERT: 3 weekend traffic notes

April 4, 2018 9:20 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

This is info we routinely include in weekday morning traffic coverage, looking ahead to the weekend starting at midweek, and day-of when relevant. But given one big change for the weekend ahead, we thought we’d mention this all now:

I-5 WORK POSTPONED: If you had heard about the plan to close the NB I-5 exit to the West Seattle Bridge all weekend long starting this Friday night – never mind. WSDOT has announced that it’s postponed because of weather. No new date set yet.

NB VIADUCT CLOSED SUNDAY MORNING: Remember the Emerald City Ride we told you about back in January, with a chance to ride on the soon(ish)-to-be-demolished Alaskan Way Viaduct? This Sunday morning (April 8th) is when it’s happening, and NB Highway 99 will be closed starting at 6 am from East Marginal Way South to the Bridge Way exit north of the Aurora Bridge; the section from the Battery Street Tunnel northward will reopen by 9:30 am, but the AWV itself will stay closed until 11:30 am. Here’s the full list of roads/streets/highways involved in the ride and when closures are planned. (And if you want to register for the ride – here’s how.)

CRANE INSTALLATION: If you missed it in this update, Saturday is when tower-crane installation is planned at the Luna Apartments/PCC site at 2749 California SW. We’ll be checking back for specifics before week’s end.

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Denise Juneau is board’s choice to become next Seattle Public Schools superintendent

April 4, 2018 7:25 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

If a contract gets worked out, Denise Juneau will be Seattle Public Schools‘ new superintendent, and its first Native American leader. Here’s the announcement sent after tonight’s board vote:

The Seattle School board has narrowed from three to one its choice of a new superintendent. The board tonight unanimously voted to enter contract negotiations with Denise Juneau to take helm of the district July 1, 2018.

“Selecting a superintendent is the most important responsibility a school board has,” said Board President Leslie Harris. “Throughout this process, this board has sought feedback, listened closely and thoughtfully reflected on what characteristics we need in our next superintendent.

“We were thrilled with the quality of candidates, making this a harder decision than any of us expected. Our community and staff have high expectations for Seattle Schools. Denise Juneau is the right pick to fulfill our promise of equity and excellence.

“We have no time to lose on making the best education possible for every student, every day and in every classroom. Education is truly the key to the city’s future, and together, we have to unlock the doors.”

The board anticipates voting on April 25 to approve a final contract with Denise Juneau.

Juneau is Montana’s former state superintendent of public instruction, and one of three finalists announced a week ago. Since her unsuccessful run for Congress after her state superintendency ended, she has been self-employed as a consultant. Read more about her, and see her on video recorded at the district’s forum last week, by going here.

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What will Seattle Public Schools ask voters to approve in next year’s levies? Here’s how the West Seattle discussion went

April 4, 2018 6:13 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

This evening, we’ll find out who the Seattle Public Schools Board – led by West Seattle-residing president Leslie Harris – has chosen for a job offer to be the district’s new superintendent.

Whomever s/he turns out to be, one of their first big tasks will be jumping into a levy-shaping process that is already well under way.

Last night at Madison Middle School, senior managers from district HQ led the second of five citywide public meetings meant to help shape two levies expected to go to voters next February – the BEX V levy (Building Excellence, aka the “capital levy” meant to follow the expiration of the current six-year BEX IV levy) and the Operations Levy renewal.

Some additional West Seattle-related information and insight emerged beyond what was discussed at the board’s levy work session last week (WSB coverage here).

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUPS: Ex-Baskin Robbins on Admiral; West Seattle Produce

April 4, 2018 4:28 pm

| 20 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Two followup food-related notes this afternoon:

(WSB photo from last week – the windows have since been further papered)

WHAT’S GOING IN AT THE EX-BASKIN ROBBINS: Since noting the disappearance of Admiral Baskin-Robbins 3 months ago, and the fact it had been on the market, we’ve been watching for signs of something new. Finally those signs emerged recently – work crews, equipment removal, window-papering, reader tips. No permit filings on record but after going by daily and talking to workers there today, we have a bit of info: They say it’s going to be a restaurant with Mediterranean food, to be called Gyros Heroes, and that they hope to be open in about three months. More details when we get them.

WEST SEATTLE PRODUCE: 3+ months after the much-loved produce-and-more business closed at 4722 Fauntleroy Way SW, forced out by impending redevelopment, it has yet to find a new location. We checked in this week after noting that they had hoped to announce a new location by spring, and we are now two weeks into that season. WSP’s reply: “We have not found a home yet. It’s been tough trying to find a place that will work for us in the area but we have not given up.”

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VIDEO: ‘Congestion pricing’ tolls on Seattle roads? Just part of Mayor Durkan’s announcement

April 4, 2018 2:48 pm

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| Environment | Transportation | West Seattle news

(Raw Seattle Channel video of mayor’s announcement on Queen Anne this morning)

“Congestion pricing” – tolls on city roads – is getting all the buzz from the mayor’s announcement today about what she wants to do to fight climate change. But that’s only part of the announcement. Here’s the news release from the mayor’s office:

Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced new bold actions in Seattle to reduce carbon pollution from our transportation and building sectors and make Seattle a national leader in fighting climate change. As part of Seattle’s commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement, this set of short-term and long-term actions provides a roadmap for our City to act in the absence of federal leadership, particularly on leading contributors of greenhouse gases: transportation and buildings.

“Seattle can lead the world by taking bold action to reduce our carbon footprint while protecting our communities from the worst impacts of climate change. We are already seeing these impacts – from wildfires that choke our air to extreme rain events flooding our streets – and they are being disproportionately felt most in communities that are already disadvantaged,” said Mayor Durkan. “Our actions to reduce emissions from transportation and buildings will help create a healthier and more just city, with a stronger economy.”

Two-thirds of Seattle’s climate emissions result from road transportation. While Seattle is leading to reduce single occupancy vehicle trips, this strategy identifies actions that will reduce the climate and air pollution from Seattle’s cars and trucks by using Seattle City Light’s carbon-neutral electricity, including:

Improving mobility through congestion pricing in the upcoming years. At the conclusion of a new SDOT-led study, the City will develop a strategy over the next few years to address congestion and transportation emissions through pricing, coupled with investments in expanded transit and electrification in underserved communities.

Electric vehicle readiness ordinance for new construction. Mayor Durkan will transmit legislation requiring the inclusion of electric vehicle infrastructure in new construction or renovation that includes parking.

Green Fleet Action Plan update. Already a national leader in building a clean energy fleet, the city will update the Green Fleet Action Plan to phase out the use of fossil fuels in all fleet vehicles.

Ride share and taxi fleet electrification. The City will work with stakeholders to develop recommendations for electrifying all rideshare vehicles and taxis in Seattle. …

After transportation, building energy is the second largest source of climate emissions, which is why Mayor Durkan has introduced two bills to unlock more energy efficient buildings:

Creating the City’s Most Sustainable Buildings. Announced by Mayor Durkan in her first State of the City, this pilot will offer additional height and floor space incentives for up to 20 major renovations in urban centers for significant upgrades in energy and water use, stormwater management, and better transportation efficiency based on the standards to create carbon neutral buildings.

Energy Efficiency as a Service (EEaS). Expand City Light’s successful, first in the nation, pay-for-performance energy efficiency pilot program to eliminate barriers that keep building owners from investing in deep energy efficiency upgrades. …

With many buildings and homes still using fossil fuels as a primary energy source for heating and cooling, the new actions that address building energy use include:

Oil to heat-pump conversion. Develop a funding strategy to accelerate the transition of 18,000 homes from heating with oil to an electric heat pump, including financing the switch for low-income residents.

Extending and expanding municipal building energy efficiency program through 2025. Currently on track in meeting the 20 percent by 2020 goal, Mayor Durkan will nearly double the funding through 2025, aiming to cut energy use and carbon emissions nearly 40 percent in our buildings. …

Finally, as part of the City’s ongoing commitment to leading by example, the strategy calls for City departments to assess the GHG emissions and cost impact of City plans, policies, and major investments. The Office of Sustainability & Environment will be responsible for tracking the progress of these climate initiatives and reporting back to City Council.

The ellipses above mark three spots where we omitted non-mayoral quotes for length. The full news release, including those quotes, is here. You can also see even more details in this PDF that is linked in the release (elaboration on congestion pricing, for example, is on page 14):

SIDE NOTE: The congestion-pricing study was mentioned here while the council was going through the budget process last fall, specifically in relation to whether it might help with diversion once the Highway 99 tunnel opens. The only other mention of the phrase in our past coverage was 10 years ago, also during discussion of the post-Alaskan Way Viaduct future.

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FYI from SPD: Level 3 sex offender moves into the area

April 4, 2018 1:43 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Just received from Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Danner, another one of the occasional notifications that a Level 3 sex offender has moved into the area:

In an effort to keep you informed, and in our constant attempts to reduce future victimization, we want to let you know about one level 3 sex offender that has recently moved into the Southwest Precinct area.

Jeremy Lelko, a 39-year-old White male, is a level 3 registered sex offender who has recently moved to the 5000 Block of California Ave SW. Mr. Lelko is no longer under Department of Corrections supervision.

Detective Spong from the Seattle Police Department’s Sex Offender Detail is responsible for verifying his addresses as long as he is living there.

To learn more about this offender and for additional safety tips please visit the website at www.waspc.org and search by his name. [Editor’s note: His photo and background information are on this page.]

If you have further questions about this offender, contact Michelle McRae of the Seattle Police Sex Offender Detail by phone at (206) 684-5581 or by e-mail at michelle.mcrae@seattle.gov.

To register to receive an email alert whenever a published offender registers within one mile of your desired addresses, go to (this) link.

Level 3 sex offenders pose the highest risk to re-offend. It is normal to feel upset, angry and worried about a registered sex offender living in your community. The Community Notification Act of 1990 requires sex offenders to register in the community where they live. The law also allows local law enforcement to make the public aware about Level 2 and Level 3 offenders. Since these offenders have completed their sentences, they are free to live where they wish. Experts believe sex offenders are less likely to re-offend if they live and work in an environment free of harassment. Any actions taken against the listed sex offenders could result in arrest and prosecution as it is against the law to use this information in any way to threaten, intimidate or harass registered sex offenders. The SPD Sex Offender Detectives will check on these offenders every 3 months to verify our information.

The single most effective means of protecting your child is communication with your child. They have to feel comfortable discussing sensitive matters with you. Teach your children that they should not be asked to touch anyone in the bathing suit areas of their body or allow anyone to touch them in those areas. Teach them types of situations to avoid. It is not good enough to tell a child to avoid strangers. Please remember that children are most often molested by someone they or their parents know.

Please feel free to call or email me with questions and/or to schedule a Block Watch meeting if your block is interested. My office phone at the precinct is (206) 256-6820.

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IT’S ON! West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2018 registration begins

April 4, 2018 12:18 pm

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| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Thanks to everybody who’s signed up already – we opened registration this morning for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2018, and already have sales registered from Alki to Westwood! This year’s sale day – not one big sale, but many sales of all sizes, all over the peninsula – is Saturday, May 12th; official sale hours are 9 am-3 pm, but sellers are welcome to start early and/or end late (when you register, include that information in the text of your “ad” for the map and list). As always, we will have the printable and clickable versions of the map/sale list ready one week in advance so shoppers can make their plans and plot routes. If you’re planning on selling and ready to sign up, you’ll find the form here. (WSB photo from 2017 WSCGSD)

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West Seattle Wednesday: Light rail @ SW District Council, ‘Chorus Line’ at WSHS, more!

April 4, 2018 10:58 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Great Blue Heron, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

HOT TOPICS – TAX CHANGES: Come to the Southwest Library at noon for the next “Hot Topics” discussion, looking at the implication of tax changes, as explained here. All welcome. (9010 35th SW)

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES: 1 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle, this afternoon’s matinee is 1937’s “Storm in a Teacup.” $1 members/$2 nonmembers. (4217 SW Oregon)

SOUND TRANSIT, JUNCTION ASSOCIATION @ SW DISTRICT COUNCIL: 6:30 pm at the Senior Center/Sisson Building, you’re welcome at this month’s meeting of the Southwest District Council, with these agenda highlights:

6:45 pm – Andrea Burnett, West Seattle Ballard Community Outreach Supervisor & Stephen Mak, High Capacity Transit Manager, Sound Transit
*ST3 project overview and progress
*Discussion of future impacts on West Seattle public transportation
*Next steps for community engagement
*Questions

7:20 pm – Lora Swift, West Seattle Junction Association
*WSJA general update
*Small Business Outreach Grant description and discussion

The meeting room is on the second floor – turn right at the top of the stairs. (4217 SW Oregon)

ALKI ELEMENTARY PTA: 6:30 pm at the school – agenda info here. (3010 59th SW)

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

JEFF FERGUSON’S TRIANGULAR JAZZTET: Live at Whisky West in Morgan Junction, 7 pm, no cover. 21+. (6451 California SW)

‘A CHORUS LINE’ AT WSHS: Three more chances to see the West Seattle High School Drama Club and Music Department production of the Broadway classic, with tonight’s curtain time in the WSHS Theater at 7:30 pm – ticket info here. (3000 California SW)

LOTS MORE! Just check our complete calendar.

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Need a laugh? Get a ticket! Youngstown to host ‘Stand Up for Healing Laughter’

April 4, 2018 9:04 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Delridge | How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

From the WSB inbox, a unique event for our calendar that seems like something you might want to know about in advance, since we don’t get a lot of comedy performances on the peninsula: The 3rd annual Stand Up for Healing Laughter benefit is coming to Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in North Delridge, 8 pm Saturday, April 28th. This is a “fun-filled evening of standup and physical comedy” that benefits Room Circus Medical Clowning at Seattle Children’s Hospital. The show will feature:

Standup Comedian: Brett Hamil
Human Jazz: Christian Swenson
Standup and Physical Comedian: Peter Pitofsky
Kerfuffle: Linda Severt & Sarah Liane Foster
Physical Comedian: Bill Robinson

If you buy your ticket (updated) during the early-bird-discount period, it’s $20 – after that, $25. You’ll also get to cheer for the winner of the annual Golden Chicken Award, going to a “distinguished volunteer” for Room Circus (which you can learn about by going here).

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday updates

April 4, 2018 6:59 am

| 2 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. We start with word of a crash just reported a few minutes ago at Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Graham. SFD is responding.

No transit alerts so far.

WEEKEND ROAD-WORK ALERT: If you expect to be driving on northbound I-5 toward the West Seattle Bridge this weekend, here are closures you need to know about.

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