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Spotlight Stories

Report #1: West Seattle High School girls are Metro League basketball champs!
February 13, 2015 7:15 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(Video of game-ending celebration, close-up YouTube version substituted for previously published Instagram clip)
7:15 PM: A nailbiter game has just ended at Seattle Pacific University with the West Seattle High School girls winning the Metro League title in a memorable basketball battle – 49-48 over last year’s state champs, Cleveland. Their first game in districts is Tuesday night at Sealth – time/opponent TBA. Photos and more, to come.

9:51 PM: We’ll tell the story of the game in a separate report that we’re working on right now. But in the meantime, here are the champs right after the game:

Postgame celebrations also included each player taking a turn cutting part of the net – and then finally one more loop for head coach Sonya Elliott:

A ceremony before the game honored her as Metro League Coach of the Year as well as all-league players including, from the Wildcats, league MVP Lydia Giomi and all-league team members Lexi Ioane and Emily Fiso.

6 AM: Our second report with photos and full details is here.

Highway 99 tunnel-project updates: More viaduct settlement; repair update
February 13, 2015 6:34 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | Transportation | West Seattle news

(Added 9:27 pm: New image from camera over ‘access pit’ built to retrieve part of tunnel machine for repairs)

WSDOT has published another update on the Highway 99 tunnel project. You can read the entire update here; we’re excerpting two parts of it, starting with word of more Alaskan Way Viaduct settlement:

Survey crews have confirmed that the Alaskan Way Viaduct between South Main Street and Railroad Way South has settled up to ¼ inch in the past month. Our bridge experts are confident this minor, uniform settlement does not pose any new safety risks to the public. The viaduct remains vulnerable to earthquakes, but it is still safe for everyday use. If we had any reason to believe the structure was unsafe, we would not hesitate to close it.

These latest measurements only apply to this section of the viaduct. We have not measured any similar trends elsewhere on the viaduct, in nearby buildings or the ground surface. We expect the viaduct will continue to experience minor settlement until it is removed. Viaduct settlement has made headlines in recent months, but it’s important to remember that this isn’t a new issue. The viaduct has been settling for years, as you can see in our inspection log. Hundreds of monitors have been installed in the ground and on the viaduct to help us monitor settlement, and we will continue to keep a close eye on the structure’s condition as construction continues.

WSDOT also says the operation to move the tunnel machine into the repair pit could start within days:

Read More

West Seattle Crime Watch: Seen these stolen racquets?
February 13, 2015 5:31 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Crime Watch: Seen these stolen racquets?
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

From the WSB inbox – a car break-in victim hoping someone might find one or both of two stolen racquets:

I live in the Seaview neighborhood on 44th and my car was broken into last night. They stole a storage container with car cleaning supplies and they stole two tennis bags. One was a red tennis bag with a Yonex racquet. The other bag was my daughter’s – it’s a pink tennis bag with a white Wilson racquet. The Yonex is 11 years old and no longer made so while it doesn’t have any real value, it’s my favorite racquet.

Let police know (and mention it here) if you have found one or both. Meantime, we checked the SPD Tweets by Beat Twitter feed, which we feature on the Crime Watch page, to see if any other car prowls were reported today, and there are two – in the 9000 block of 16th SW and the 9200 block of 17th SW.

‘Vision Zero’ to reduce speed limits on 5 West Seattle arterials; maybe another school-zone speed camera too
February 13, 2015 2:28 pm
|      108 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Death and injury on our streets is preventable.

So declares the online overview of the city’s new Vision Zero road-safety initiative, which lays out changes ahead, including reducing speed limits on arterials, with this year’s list including five in West Seattle.

The mayor announced Vision Zero on Thursday in Lake City; the fine print includes a relatively long list of changes ahead for West Seattle. So today, we’re taking a closer look. In addition to what’s in the document made public by SDOT, we’ve also followed up to get more information on the timetable for changes, and along the way we’ve learned of at least one potential new speed-camera location for West Seattle.

First, the plan for lower speed limits. The Vision Zero plan notes that 9 of 10 pedestrians hit by drivers going 20 mph survive – but that survival rate plummets to 1 in 10 if hit at 40 mph. So, a big part of the city’s plan focuses on reducing speed limits on city streets.

20 MPH PROGRAM

Read More

Children’s Academy of Seattle: Spanish-immersion preschool – welcome, new WSB sponsor!
February 13, 2015 12:55 pm
|    Comments Off on Children’s Academy of Seattle: Spanish-immersion preschool – welcome, new WSB sponsor!
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Today we welcome our newest sponsor, Children’s Academy of Seattle, a Spanish-immersion preschool now open in West Seattle. Here’s what they would like you to know:

The program at Children’s Academy of Seattle supports optimal Spanish-language learning by tying language to a broad range of day-to-day activities. Children learn language best by experiencing it naturally, by being immersed in it.

The benefits go beyond being bilingual. Exposure to another language, through immersion, provides cultural competency and sensitivity to others. Language immersion takes advantage of a child’s natural ability to rapidly acquire another language. At no time in life is this task easier than in early childhood.

Children’s Academy of Seattle believes that young children develop to their fullest potential when they are allowed to enjoy life at an unhurried pace. Our program focuses on imagination and creative work and play. Our center offers a rich curriculum and hands-on learning, science, and social skills.

Our staff has a minimum of five years teaching child development experience. Our high-quality program with experienced teachers ensures success in learning a second language.

Children’s Academy of Seattle is at 2410 SW Juneau; call 206-466-1121 for information about enrollment, which is open now. You’re also invited to visit the preschool during an open house 10 am-1 pm on Saturday, February 28th.

We thank Children’s Academy of Seattle 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.

Nomination time! West Seattle Chamber of Commerce awaits your nominees for Business of the Year, Emerging Business, Not-For-Profit of the Year, Westsider of the Year
February 13, 2015 11:42 am
|    Comments Off on Nomination time! West Seattle Chamber of Commerce awaits your nominees for Business of the Year, Emerging Business, Not-For-Profit of the Year, Westsider of the Year
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Give some love to your favorite West Seattle business, nonprofit, and community leaders – nominate one or more for the 2015 Westside Awards, to be presented April 3rd by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. You do NOT need to be a member to make a nomination – nor does your nominee have to be a member to win. First, here are the categories, from the Chamber’s announcement today:

Westside Business of the Year – This nominee has been in business at least 3 years and demonstrated business excellence and success.

Westside Emerging Business – This nominee has been in business for less than 3 years but is meeting the challenges of a growing business through leadership.

Westside Not-For-Profit of the Year – This nominee Not-for-Profit is making our community a better place to live while contributing to community benefit through their mission.

Westsider of the Year – This nominee is making a lasting impact on our community and the lives of or is an up-and-coming community role model.

And here’s how to make a nomination (or, more than one!)

Nominations are accepted online through the Westside Awards Nomination Form.

A separate form must be submitted for each category.

Please take a few minutes before March 15th to submit the form and help us recognize the most outstanding contributions.

Here’s our coverage of last year’s ceremony.

West Seattle Friday: Half-dozen highlights, including a barn dance!
February 13, 2015 9:36 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Friday: Half-dozen highlights, including a barn dance!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous


(Photo by Long Bach Nguyen, over High Point – click image for larger view)
Going into the three-day weekend (four-day weekend for many schools), here’s some of what’s up today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION FOR TEENS: Ages 12-19 invited, 2:30 pm-4:30 pm at Hiawatha Community Center. (2700 California SW)

VALENTINE’S WINE TASTING: Including tastes of steak, cheese, and chocolate-covered strawberries. 4-6 pm at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) in Admiral. (42nd/Admiral)

HEALTH CARNIVAL: West Seattle Elementary families are invited to a health carnival at the school tonight, 5-8 pm – details here. (6760 34th SW)

BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS: The West Seattle High School girls play Cleveland for the Metro League title tonight at 5:45 pm at Seattle Pacific University. (3414 Third Ave. W.)

BARN DANCE! You’re invited to this dance with live music by Sassafras Stomp and caller Suzanne Girardot, starting at 7:30 pm at Puget Ridge Cohousing‘s Common House. “All ages, all abilities, instruction provided” – more details in our listing. (7020 18th SW)

TONIGHT’S LIVE MUSIC … starts with Alex Guilbert Trio at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), 5 pm, continues with Koto Jazz at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) at 7 pm (rescheduled to July 25), and more – see the calendar!

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Pre-holiday weekend Friday; port-truck backups
February 13, 2015 7:28 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WS high/low bridges and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Happy Friday! Lighter traffic around the region today, and that’s not surprising since we’re going into a holiday weekend (it’s a four-day weekend for Seattle Public Schools and those who follow its schedule). SDOT’s traffic-watchers report heavy truck traffic on northbound Marginal, north of the bridge, also not surprising since ships *are* being offloaded today but weren’t yesterday and won’t be for the next three days, as reported here.

TRANSPORTATION NEWS NOTES: One more reminder of Metro‘s three-times-a-year service change tomorrow … While it was announced in the north end, the city’s new Vision Zero street-safety plan has many changes in store for West Seattle, as mentioned in the report from our partners at The Seattle Times – we’ll be following up this morning.

7:55 AM: Michael reports via Twitter that “lower Spokane St. is a mess” too – “lots of truck traffic.” (See the lower-left camera in our quad split above.) Scanner-monitored discussion indicates that traffic officers are getting involved, if they weren’t already.

8:12 AM: SDOT reports a stall on northbound 99 just before King Street:

8:22 AM: SDOT now reports the WSDOT incident-response truck cleared the stalled pickup quickly. That gives us the chance to remind you …

PRESIDENTS DAY TRANSIT NOTES: On Monday, the West Seattle and Vashon Water Taxis will NOT be running. Metro will be on REGULAR weekday service (except for the routes affected in the “No UW” mode).

9:15 AM: Per scanner, police are directing traffic at E. Marginal/Spokane.

Basketball playoffs: West Seattle HS boys, Seattle Lutheran girls win
February 12, 2015 11:56 pm
|    Comments Off on Basketball playoffs: West Seattle HS boys, Seattle Lutheran girls win
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

From the postseason-basketball scoreboard: West Seattle High School‘s boys-varsity team beat Bainbridge tonight, 67-62, led by Nate Pryor with 28 points. Head coach Keffrey Fazio‘s Wildcat boys play at Eastside Catholic, (update) 8 pm Saturday … Seattle Lutheran High School‘s girls won against Muckleshoot Tribal School, 46-40, led by Abbi Sanders with 24 points; we’re checking to see what’s next for the Saints.

Another new baby for Puget Sound’s endangered orcas: Welcome, J51!
February 12, 2015 7:35 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Another birth announcement for Puget Sound’s endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales – and, like the last one, this new baby has been spotted in J-Pod. Orca Network sent the news release and photo on behalf of the Center for Whale Research:

After spending the past two weeks near the west entrance of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, J pod finally came back into the interior Salish Sea waters and showed off another brand new baby whale to the few observers that braved the mist and light rain and watched the whales swim by from land and from vessels at respectful distance.

Dave Ellifrit from the Center for Whale Research, and Jeanne Hyde who first heard the whales on Lime Kiln hydrophone this morning, embarked on the Center ‘s research vessel “Chimo” to Haro Strait while CWR Senior Scientist, Ken Balcomb, watched from shore and managed communications.

The late December calf, J50, with its J16 family were seen today as well; but, the big news is that J19 and J41 were swimming protectively on either side on another new baby that we estimate is about one week old. This newest addition to J pod is designated J51, and the presumed mother is thirty-six year old J19. Her ten-year old daughter, J41, was also in attendance. The newest baby appears healthy.

This brings us to twenty-six whales in J pod, the most viable pod in the Endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale population of the US and Canada Pacific Northwest. K pod has 19 individuals, and L pod has 34 individuals for a total population of 79 SRKW’s as of today. That number can change anytime with the birth or death of one of these charismatic whales.

Gone but not forgotten: Parts of historic ferry Kalakala are now forever ashore at Salty’s on Alki
February 12, 2015 4:10 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

The art outside and near Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor) includes something new that’s also something old: Pieces of the recently scrapped, once-gleaming art-deco ferry Kalakala. Alki photographer David Hutchinson shared the photos and this link to SeattlePI.com, which reports that Salty’s proprietor Gerry Kingen bought “the wheelhouse, massive rudder and crank, a piston and rod, and a hatch” to display outside his West Seattle restaurant, where the grounds already sport sections of a demolished local bridge.

In addition to that unique view of the city, the new feature also provides a portrait view of Salty’s itself.

SeattlePI.com quotes Kingen as saying this is just the start of the display, which will also include interpretive features.

If you hadn’t been following the saga, the Kalakala, half a century out of service, finally met its end recently at a scrap yard in Tacoma. Meantime, in addition to the Kalakala pieces and bridge sections – explained by Kingen in this video featured at the Southwest Seattle Historical Society brunch gala last year (WSB coverage here). P.S. If you stroll the area, you can also see the Luna Girls on Alki steel sculpture by Lezlie Jane; it’s on city-owned land just west of Salty’s.

Fire-station open house, free swim, pancakes for Neighbor Appreciation Day on Saturday
February 12, 2015 1:27 pm
|    Comments Off on Fire-station open house, free swim, pancakes for Neighbor Appreciation Day on Saturday
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Saturday is more than Valentine’s Day … it’s Neighbor Appreciation Day in Seattle. The free city-sponsored events in West Seattle include an open house at Fire Station 37 (35th/Holden) from 11 am-1 pm, and then you can head over to Southwest Pool for a free public swim, 1-2 pm (2801 SW Thistle). One more event of note – pancake breakfast 9 am-noon at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW) – free for 2/under but otherwise, $6/person for 13-64, $10/couple, $4/3-12 and 65+. (WSB photo from Station 37 on 2012’s Neighbor Appreciation Day)

Update: Police search after ‘lewd conduct’ reported near Chief Sealth IHS
February 12, 2015 11:16 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Helicopter | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

11:16 AM: Thanks for the tips about the helicopters. A police search is under way in the Chief Sealth International High School vicinity after, per SPD, a man “reportedly exposed himself (near Sealth) … and ran off.” Police add that they are “evaluating conflicting witness statements.” Earlier this morning, a significant police presence was visible in the area, following the three incidents reported by students yesterday. No description available yet, so we don’t know if this incident matches any aspect of the “flasher” report a few blocks east of Sealth on January 26th.

11:47 AM UPDATE: Just as we were on the phone with police seeking more details, they tweeted this:

There is some partial description info, Det. Drew Fowler told us: White man, 20s, gray shirt, black boots.

West Seattle Thursday: Art Walk; STEM, Denny open houses; kindergarten-enrollment night; more!
February 12, 2015 10:21 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Thursday: Art Walk; STEM, Denny open houses; kindergarten-enrollment night; more!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Barrow’s Goldeneyes in flight – photo by Mark Wangerin)
Thursday has taken off, and we’re headed into this list of highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE: Author/poet Lawrence (Larry) Matsuda is speaking this morning at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) to commemorate the Japanese American Day of Remembrance. All welcome; his first session, as previewed here earlier this week, is already under way, but he has another one coming up at 11 am in Olympic Hall on the south end of campus. (6000 16th SW)

TODDLER STORYTIME: 11:30 am at High Point Branch Library, stories, rhymes, and songs with the children’s librarian. (35th/Raymond)

KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT NIGHT: If you are enrolling a kindergartener in Seattle Public Schools this fall, get it done as soon as you can! Tonight’s a great opportunity with special assistance available 5:30-7 pm at Roxhill Elementary (for families interested in any and all SPS elementaries, not just Roxhill) – details here. (30th/Roxbury)

BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS: Seattle Lutheran High School‘s girls team plays Muckleshoot at Evergreen Lutheran in Tacoma this afternoon at 1:30. Then tonight, the West Seattle High School boys have it all on the line in a winner-to-districts, loser-out game vs. Bainbridge at Garfield HS, 5:45 pm.

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: 6-9 pm, go see who’s showing what! Here’s the venue list/map for the winter quarter:

Preview the venues and artists on the official Art Walk website.

WINE, ART, AND FOOD PARTY: Art Walk night always brings this event with wine tasting, appetizers, plus live music from Choro Tocando at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm. (5612 California SW)

SECOND THURSDAY OUT: 6 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle, the LGBTQ community, neighbors, and friends are invited for a soup supper and more during “Second Thursday OUT” – details in our calendar listing. (Oregon/California)

QUESTIONS/CONCERNS ABOUT SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS? West Seattle’s school-board rep Marty McLaren hosts a community conversation, 6-7:45 pm (drop in when you can) at West Seattle (Admiral) Branch Library. (2306 42nd SW)

STEM OPEN HOUSE: Making your school decision for next year? 6:30-7:30 pm, K-5 open house at STEM; 7-8 pm, middle school open house, as the school starts the process of transitioning from K-5 STEM to K-8 STEM. (5950 Delridge Way SW)

DENNY IMS OPEN HOUSE FOR PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES: 6:30-8 pm, families of prospective Denny International Middle School students are invited to an open house – details here. (2601 SW Kenyon)

NIGHTLIFE: Live music, karaoke, more, on our calendar.

Dock-talks update: Terminal operators shutting down ship offloading today, 3 of next 4 days
February 12, 2015 9:16 am
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

As the contract-talks stalemate continues at West Coast ports, the Pacific Maritime Association says terminal operators will do for four more days what it did last weekend – suspend offloading of ships. Those days are today, Saturday, Sunday, Monday – holiday/weekend days when longshore workers would be paid at a higher rate. The announcement from the PMA also takes issue with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union‘s claim earlier this month that the two sides are close. In response, the ILWU issued this statement alleging the PMA “grossly mischaracterize(d)” the union’s “current bargaining position” and saying the employers had canceled a negotiating session set for yesterday afternoon.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday updates, alerts, previews
February 12, 2015 6:16 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday updates, alerts, previews
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WS high/low bridges and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
The morning traffic/transit watch is on. And we have two notes:

REMINDER – METRO SERVICE CHANGE ON SATURDAY: It’s two phases this time – the actual “service change” for route tweaks on Saturday, the fare changes on March 1st. Details here, if you haven’t seen them yet.

EARLY WARNING – HIGHWAY 99 LANE CLOSURES NORTH OF DOWNTOWN: If you drive or ride on Highway 99 north of downtown, longterm lane closures (two to three months) in both directions will probably affect you. They won’t start before next month but WSDOT wants to make sure you hear about them now.

PHOTOS: West Seattle High School girls’ victory sends them to Metro League championship game
February 12, 2015 4:37 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(Photos by Steph Brusig for WSB)
The West Seattle High School girls-varsity basketball team moves on to the Metro League championship game after a hard-fought win Wednesday night, 53-39 over Holy Names. Lexi Ioane led the scoring with 20 points:

But this wasn’t just about the numbers:

Read More

VIDEO: 34th District Democrats hear about housing, & hear from six District 1 candidates
February 12, 2015 2:21 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(Video by Laura James for WSB)
Even if you’re not a member of the group – even if you’re not a member/supporter of the party – the central topic at Wednesday night’s 34th District Democrats meeting is one of intense interest: The housing-affordability crisis. The panelists were three guests with distinct viewpoints – Eliana Horn from the Tenants Union, Sharon Lee from the Low-Income Housing Institute, and Roger Valdez from Smart Growth Seattle. You can hear for yourself in our video of the meeting, starting as they are introduced at 21 minutes in.

Another meeting highlight: Informal appearances by 6 of the 7 candidates now in the running for the new West Seattle/South Park District 1 City Council seat. If you haven’t checked out our Wednesday coverage yet, the field of 4 who were in the race as of the “First Look” forum we sponsored last Thursday (video here) grew by 3 in the 12 hours before the 34th DDs’ meeting. Starting at 1:51 into our video (or, click here), the people speaking during the meeting-ending “good of the order” open-microphone section included (in this order, interspersed with a few other speakers) candidates Amanda Kay Helmick, Lisa Herbold, Phillip Tavel, Shannon Braddock, Brianna Thomas, and Chas Redmond.

The 34th District Democrats meet on second Wednesdays, 7 pm, at The Hall at Fauntleroy, and are online at 34dems.org.

Basketball playoffs, update #1: West Seattle High School girls win; boys lose but still in it
February 11, 2015 9:36 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Quick updates on tonight’s West Seattle High School basketball playoff games:

GIRLS WIN: The Wildcat women beat Holy Names 53-39 at Nathan Hale, per the update just in from Seattle Times (WSB partner) sports reporter Sandy Ringer. The game was close until the fourth quarter, when, she reports, Holy Names failed to score. Photographer Steph Brusig was at the game for WSB and we’ll have another report later with photos. (Update: Here’s that link.)

BOYS LOSE BUT STILL IN IT: Earlier, the WSHS boys lost to Lakeside, 68-50, but they are still in it, with a game at 5:45 pm tomorrow vs. Bainbridge, loser out, winner to districts. That game will be played at Garfield HS.

Followup: Port has signed Terminal 5 lease with Foss Maritime; Shell vessels expected as soon as April
February 11, 2015 7:19 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(January 2015 photo of Terminal 5 by Long Bach Nguyen)
The lease is signed and Shell’s drilling fleet is expected to start arriving at West Seattle’s Terminal 5 as soon as April. That’s according to a spokesperson for Foss Maritime, who shared the letter in which the Port of Seattle announced its decision to sign the lease for 50 of T-5’s 156 acres, despite concerns voiced by a coalition of environmental advocates. The letter signed by Port CEO Ted Fick mentions the lease is for $550,000 a month for two years, with two one-year extension options. Here’s the letter (if you can’t read it embedded below, try the PDF version):

The coalition addressed in that letter sent a letter of its own after an event at Jack Block Park two weeks ago (WSB coverage here) that suggested possible legal action if the Port went ahead with the lease. In addition to environmental concerns, both for Puget Sound and the Arctic, other issues included the then-potential lease came to light only days before the Port Commission was briefed on it – as reported here January 13, that briefing included direction from three of the five commissioners for staff to continue negotiating the lease. Terminal 5 has been empty since the Port closed it six months ago in preparation for a modernization program (though its details have not yet been finalized). More to come…

2015 Election: Lisa Herbold now officially in District 1 City Council race
February 11, 2015 4:59 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Before this morning, four candidates were in the District 1 (West Seattle/South Park) City Council race (and appeared in our forum last Thursday). Now, there are seven.

Third to announce today, Lisa Herbold, who was on record with the city about a week ago as exploring the possibility, but did not officially declare until this afternoon; she tells us she had to take the time to find out if she could raise the money for a serious run. She called us to make the announcement, so along with a news release, we have a bit of an interview. Herbold is a 15-year resident of Highland Park – which is almost as long as she’s worked for City Councilmember Nick Licata, who is not running again. Asked about the potential criticism that she’s an insider, after working at City Hall all those years, she said, “Anybody who knows Nick Licata knows he’s not an establishment politician … working for Nick for 16 years doesn’t make me a City Hall insider – we work on issues that are not insider issues, the hard issues like housing, paid sick leave, all very against the political grain.” She says the city’s move to district elections (for 7 of the council’s 9 positions) is the reason she wants to run – “I’m a community organizer by training – that’s my vision of governance; something that’s close to people.” Asked how she’ll start the campaign, she says she’ll be doorbelling her neighbors in Highland Park to let them know she’s running.

IN THE DISTRICT 1 RACE NOW: Lisa Herbold (declared 2/11/15), Shannon Braddock (declared 2/11/15), Brianna Thomas (declared 2/11/15), Phillip Tavel (declared 2/4/15), George Capestany (declared 11/11/14), Amanda Kay Helmick (declared 10/20/14), Chas Redmond (declared 12/20/13). Filing deadline is May 15th; primary election is August 4th. Along with voting on the D-1 position, West Seattle/South Park also will vote on the two “at-large” spots, Positions 8 and 9.

West Seattle Crime Watch: 3 incidents reported today targeting Sealth, Denny students; what police are doing
February 11, 2015 2:34 pm
|      43 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

FIRST REPORT, 2:34 PM: Police are investigating three incidents reported in this letter going home to families of students at Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School:

We want to share with you information right away regarding three independent incidents that were reported to have happened to our scholars today as they were coming to school.

First Reported Incident: A Denny scholar reported that while walking to school a Caucasian male, who appeared to be in his late 40s or early 50s, attempted to grab the student at the corner of Thistle and 25th Ave. SW. The scholar responded appropriately, moved to the middle of the road and notified both family and school immediately. Both family and Denny Staff notified the Seattle Police Department, who are actively investigating.

Second Report: A Sealth scholar reported that while walking to school that a Caucasian male, who appeared to be approximately 30 years old, attempted to assault and rob her. The scholar reported to school staff and Sealth staff immediately notified the Seattle Police Department and the family. An investigation is ongoing.

Third Report: A Sealth scholar reported that, as she was catching a Metro bus by her home, a Caucasian man (appearing to be in his 20s or 30s) caught the bus with her and attempted to talk to her in a manner that raised concerns. When the scholar arrived at school, she reported the incident to school staff right away. Sealth staff immediately notified the Seattle Police Department, who took the man into custody for suspicious circumstances and then released him because he had not done anything illegal.

The suspects of all three incidents are different men. The safety of our scholars is our top priority. The district has contacted the SW Precinct Captain to discuss the incidents and their increased policing efforts. We will continue to collaborate with the Seattle Police Department and Seattle Public Schools Safety and Security to help monitor the surrounding area.

You can help your children stay safe by talking to them about personal safety. Tips to discuss are:
• Walking in pairs or groups and being aware of their surroundings at all times
• If wearing ear buds, keep music down or one bud out
• Keep phones or any expensive items out of sight
• Immediately report anything suspicious to a trusted adult (school staff or family member)

More tips and information can be found on the Seattle Police Department website: seattle.gov/police/prevention/child/default.htm.

We will be following up with police to get more details.

4:07 PM: The location of the robbery attempt wasn’t mentioned in the schools’ note, but SPD tells us it was in the 2600 block of SW Trenton. So what are police doing? one community member asked us in e-mail. Southwest Precinct commander Captain Steve Wilske is sharing this message with community groups – note that police do NOT believe these incidents are related to the previous ones:

We have had 3 incidents involving middle school to high school age victims today; from the descriptions these are not related to the earlier robberies, the last of which occurred a week ago today. We are going to continue the early-morning emphasis patrol where we are bringing additional officers that are assigned to this problem, and CPT officers will be the lead on working on the stairwell at 26th and Trenton SW, where one of today’s incidents occurred.

I have already contacted the followup unit that will work on today’s incidents, and offered any assistance they may need from the precinct to identify the suspect(s) from 2 of the three incidents today; one has already been identified by patrol officers who contacted him near the scene.

I will update you as things progress, this is a different series with a different suspect or suspect(s). In this series young female students are the victims, so whenever possible please have them walk together with friends so that they are less vulnerable, and if they have a cell phone have them call 9-1-1 immediately if they feel they are being followed or see someone they are worried about.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Police search in South Delridge
February 11, 2015 1:11 pm
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 |   Crime | Helicopter | West Seattle news

1:11 PM: SPD is searching in the Delridge/Trenton area for a possible burglary suspect. That’s what the heavy police presence is about. More as we get it.

1:14 PM: You might soon see/hear Guardian One in the area to help with the search. No official description from police.

1:23 PM: Partial description of the suspect: Buzzcut, 20s, gray backpack with yellow trim. A neighbor says police also said the suspect was described as white or Asian.

3:18 PM: The search ended without word of an arrest. We now know the burglary was in the 8800 block of 22nd SW.

ADDED FEBRUARY 17TH: Aerial video from the search, available via this new YouTube channel: