West Seattle, Washington
24 Friday
Erden Eruç, the West Seattle-residing rower who holds a world record as first solo human-powered global circumnavigator, is off on another adventure. Mark Jaroslaw put together the video above with the story of his departure – crossing the country to start his NY to Gallipoli Memorial Row, explained on Eruç’s website as “… in memory of all those who lost their lives during the Gallipoli Campaign, Erden Eruç and his team will row eastbound across the Atlantic Ocean from New York, then east on the Mediterranean and the Aegean seas to ANZAC Cove.” We last featured Eruç here in March, when he spoke at Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. Eruç will be “using his satellite phone to post text and visual updates across the Atlantic,” Jaroslaw reports.
Highlights of what’s happening today/tonight, starting with two sea-related sights:
(Added: WSB photo, Water Taxi making its way past shrimpers late Saturday morning)
SPOT SHRIMP SEASON: In case you missed our mention, that’s what all the fishing boats are out on the bay for – until 3 pm, and then one more day this year, May 13th, 7 am-3 pm. Take note that this means big traffic at Don Armeni Boat Ramp once the boats start coming back in – Gretchen shared this photo of the outbound lineup this morning:
(1222 Harbor SW)
ALSO ON THE WATER: First cruise ship of the year arrived before 6 am – Lynn Hall shared this photo of Westerdam headed for Pier 91 as a state ferry passed:
Westerdam will head back out around 4 pm. You can see this year’s cruise-ship schedule here.
Now, what’s happening on shore:
BOY SCOUTS’ BIG SALE: Until 4 pm at American Legion Post 160 in The Triangle, Troop 284‘s multi-family sale (added – photo sent by Karen):
Credit cards accepted. (3602 SW Alaska)
FRIENDS OF LINCOLN PARK: 9 am-noon, join them to show the park some TLC, as explained here. (Fauntleroy/Rose)
ST. JOHN’S RUMMAGE SALE: 9 am-3 pm, second day of the “Fabulous & Famous” sale at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Admiral. (3050 California SW)
THRIFTWAY BARBECUE: Benefit barbecue season begins at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) – starting at 11 am (until 4 or as long as supplies last), look for the tent by the south entrance. (added) Today’s menu: “Slow-cooked pork tacos with fresh salsa, sour cream and homemade cabbage topping, with water for a $6 donation.” (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan)
VOLUNTEER WITH SWSHS: You don’t have to be a historian to help the Southwest Seattle Historical Society as a volunteer! All kinds of things you can do. Find out by showing up for the next orientation session at 11 am today at the Log House Museum. (61st/Stevens)
FREE BICYCLE-MAINTENANCE CLINIC: 11 am at Cycle U in West Seattle – details here. (3418 Harbor SW)
WALK AROUND WEST SEATTLE: Feet First-presented walk starts at 1 pm at Dakota Place Park, to explore the changes in The Junction/Triangle – details here. (California/Dakota)
OPEN HOUSE AT GLOW [NATURAL AESTHETICS] MEDISPA: 4-7 pm, come celebrate the grand opening of Glow [natural aesthetics] Medispa (WSB sponsor) – prizes, raffles, special offers. (5400 California SW)
‘LOVE BUZZ’: This year’s St. Baldrick’s event organized by Emily Austin to raise money to fight childhood cancer is happening 4-7 pm at Metropolist in SODO, with lots of West Seattle participation – go get buzzed and/or cheer on others who choose to. (2931 1st Ave. S., Suite A)
‘THE MAMA-LOGUES’: At Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 7 pm, benefiting nonprofits including WestSide Baby, it’s a “comedy about motherhood … new and improved for 2015.” (4408 Delridge Way SW)
TONIGHT’S LIVE MUSIC: See the calendar for listings at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), the West Seattle Eagles, Feedback Lounge, and The Skylark.
‘ANGRY HOUSEWIVES’: The musical at ArtsWest Playhouse & Gallery (WSB sponsor) is a hot ticket – only a few left for tonight as of early this morning. 7:30 pm curtain time – if you can’t get in tonight, buy in advance for another night/day! (4711 California SW)
Have a great Saturday!
From the seats to the stage, Chief Sealth International High School‘s Multicultural Night filled the campus Galleria with sights and sounds on Thursday night.
Dance, music, and costumes enthralled all who came to be part of it.
Even the tables were decorated.
Brightest sights of all … the smiles.
Along with student performances, the annual event offered free food and an open invitation to the entire community to attend, not just students and their families. It was part of Spring Spirit Week at Sealth, which concluded tonight with the Spring Fling dance.
Another scam warning from a West Seattle resident. Cheryl says, “I got scammed today,” and continues:
I was told that I had a warrant for my arrest for failing to appear to two summons to be on Jury Duty.
After a horrific afternoon, and paying money to these crooks through a PayPal cash account, I then met a neighbor downtown who was able to think better than I and said that she was sure that I had been scammed.
One of the points that they made is that I was to meet with one of the Superior Court Judges who would release the warrant and not make me pay money as, actually, they don’t ask folks over 75 to serve. So, at this point, I began to think about this situation, and I went on the King County Superior Court Judges site and lo & behold, there was a section, ‘Senior Fraud.’ It was Alert #1. I totally fell for this scam; it was at the point where “Officer Randall McKenzie” told me that he could not guarantee that a deputy would not come to take me to jail over the weekend. THAT got me and I rushed off to get the money through the PayPal cash card.
There were several hints that I was not dealing with “real” officers, but the threat of jail made me lose focus. Although I had gotten a name and badge number, it was all bogus.
So I am encouraging you to copy and send this note out to your Elderly friends and relatives — wherever they live – because this sort of fraud is ubiquitous. There is also a Seattle City Light scam going around, folks phoning Elders, telling them that their SCL bill has not be paid and that they need to pay it right now.
That one targets businesses too, as mentioned here earlier this week (and SCL has its own page about scams).
4:03 PM: Just wanted to mention it in case you’re about to head home or to downtown and are wondering what’s going on: Demonstrators have been marching much of the afternoon but no problems have been reported. Seattle Police are tweeting locations and, when applicable, traffic effects; the best place to monitor is the SPD Twitter account (you don’t have to be a Twitter member to see it) – twitter.com/seattlepd. SDOT is tweeting traffic updates, too.
7:33 PM UPDATE: Now there’s trouble, with what the SPD tweets described as the “unplanned” demonstration. Rock-throwing and window-breaking is reported. They’re facing off with police on Capitol Hill, who have issued a “dispersal order.” As the commute period is over, we’re moving on with other news, but the same links above still apply, as do all the citywide news orgs, and our friends at CapitolHillSeattle.com are tweeting, too:
Spd line at Broadway and Pine pic.twitter.com/TiHfKYIJPM
— jseattle (@jseattle) May 2, 2015
9:43 PM: The city Emergency Operations Center has issued two statements from the mayor – this, just a few minutes ago:
Seattle celebrates free speech, the right to assemble and freedom of the press. People are raising their voices across the nation, working constructively to advance issues of racial equity and justice in our society. During this moment in history, peaceful protest and civil disobedience can be effective vehicles of social change. The City of Seattle prepared extensively to protect the rights of peaceful protesters to express their anger at racism and injustice.
What erupted tonight is a very different story. Tonight we saw assaults on police officers and senseless property damage, which cannot be tolerated. Those who are violent will be arrested. We will work to disperse groups that are threatening the safety of our residents and businesses.
(UPDATED FRIDAY NIGHT with fire’s cause, more fundraisers)
(Photo from this morning, by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
ORIGINAL 1:10 PM REPORT: No announcement yet from Seattle Fire regarding what caused the 2-alarm, 3-house fire in the Pelly Place area southwest of Morgan Junction on Thursday afternoon. We went back this morning, and the investigation was still under way. If that information emerges today, we’ll add it to this followup.
7:45 PM UPDATE: SFD announced the cause this evening: “Improperly installed heater on a back porch.” Damage estimate for all three houses and their contents: $2.7 million. (That same link is to the SFD story including more details on the firefight.)
Two other updates:
HOW YOU CAN HELP: So many people have asked how they can help the fire victims. Today, two crowdfunding campaigns have emerged, one for each of two households affected – the links are here and here. We know others are working on finding out if the affected families have any immediate material needs, and we will update.
(7:45 pm update) Three Morgan Junction food/beverage establishments – Peel & Press, The Bridge, Beveridge Place Pub – will be donating a percentage of proceeds on Tuesday, according to Dan from P & P.
(9:36 pm update) Another fund has just been set up for the third family involved.
ABOUT THE WATER SUPPLY: In discussions both here on WSB and on the WSB Facebook page, concerns have arisen about reports that firefighters apparently had some initial challenges. Here’s what we’ve found out so far.
(This photo and next: Thursday photos by WSB’s Christopher Boffoli)
SFD spokesperson Kyle Moore tells WSB:
Because we had multiple hose lines running off one hydrant, we asked SPU to boost water pressure on the Fauntleroy hydrant. When we have a multi-alarm fire, its standard procedure for SPU to respond to monitor water pressure. An example was the Christmas Eve multi-alarm fire in the International District 2 years ago when SPU made sure we had enough water pressure to charge multiple hose lines.
It was a long hose lay and we had 2 engines maintaining water pressure. It’s called relay pumping. Firefighters train on this type of pumping.
The hydrants are actually owned/maintained by Seattle Public Utilities, so we are following up with them as well. You might recall the hydrant issues that followed the 2011 Arbor Heights house fire – new hydrants and lines were installed in parts of AH; then in 2013, there was another round of hydrant discussion, including a map of remaining lower-flow hydrants in West Seattle. You can also check the location of hydrants (or at least the proximity) near your residence by zooming in via the city’s MyNeighborhood map.
ADDED 2:45 PM: SPU has sent these responses to our questions, which included an invitation to include any other information that might help people understand how the system works:
1. How far apart are hydrants spaced in the City of Seattle?
Most hydrants are spaced between 300 and 500 feet apart. The closest hydrant in yesterday’s fire was 400 feet away.2. What is the standard size for a fire hydrant?
Standard-sized hydrants range from 5 to 6 inches in diameter.3. Is there a standard sized water main for residential areas?
Water mains that are eight inches in diameter are the standard size for new development in residential areas. The nearby water mains in yesterday’s fire were 8-inches and 16-inches in diameter.4. Were there any low-flow hydrants in the area?
No5. Is there a performance level for fire flow?
For single-family, residential homes, spacing and flow performance developed in partnership with the Seattle Fire Department include:
• Minimum fire flow at hydrants of 1,000 gallons per minute
• Hydrants within 1,000 feet of fire hose length from any home6. What can you say about the performance of the water system in yesterday’s fire?
While we are still reviewing, our initial indication is that the water system operated as expected and there is no indication of restrictions in water flow. The water mains and hydrants in this area meet hydrant spacing and flow performance developed in partnership between Seattle Public Utilities and the Seattle Fire Department.7. Why were Seattle Public Utilities water crew called to respond to the fire?
It is standard practice for SPU crews to respond to large fires. They are available to support the fire department and operate the water system if additional water flow can be achieved. They also act as a liaison between Fire and SPU’s Water Control Center.
While many people’s minds are on helping the Pelly Place fire victims (here’s the latest on that), there’s one other donation drive, involving different kinds of items, that we wanted to tell you about quickly, as it’s time-sensitive. West Seattleite Chris Mackay is collecting tents, tarps, and duffels for the earthquake survivors in Nepal, to be shipped out on Monday. If you have a tent or tarp in good condition, you can drop it under the canopy (WSB photo above) at 3250 46th SW, which is two houses north of the north side of Madison Middle School.
P.S. Here’s more about the overall relief effort in which Chris is involved.
If you saw the emergency vehicles on 44th SW in front of Junction True Value – one woman has been taken to the hospital by Seattle Fire medic crews after getting hit while walking, in a collision that SFD told us also included multiple vehicles. Police were also on the scene. Her injuries are not life-threatening. Most of the activity was in the store’s front lot and on the southbound shoulder of 44th, so traffic was still getting through.
Three things West Seattle water-watchers might want to know about in the next two days:
TERMINAL 5: The car carrier Ryujin, which the Port of Seattle expected at Terminal 5 earlier this week, wound up stopping at Port Angeles for a while, and port spokesperson Peter McGraw says it’s now due in Seattle tonight:
We are now expecting the Ryujin to arrive at T-5 at 10:00 PM on Friday May 1st,
offloading to begin at 8:00 AM on Saturday May 2nd, leaving at 5:00 PM that day.
Speaking of Port Angeles, if you’re awaiting the big oil rig Polar Pioneer‘s arrival at T-5, it hasn’t left PA yet (the Chamber of Commerce’s webcam is still pointed at it).
SPOT SHRIMP SEASON: Last year, we didn’t know about this in advance, and were surprised to see Don Armeni packed with trailers, and the bay full of boats. This year, we’ve been watching for it, and we can tell you that tomorrow is the first day in which spot-shrimp fishing is allowed in this area, so you are likely to see a TON of traffic from the boat ramp and offshore. 7 am-3 pm Saturday (and then again on May 13th)
CRUISE SHIP SEASON: First one is Holland America Line’s Westerdam, and the port says it’s scheduled to enter the bay around 6:30 tomorrow morning. It’ll be docking at the Magnolia/Smith Cove terminal, leaving around 4 pm. This year’s cruise-ship schedule is here.
(Pine siskin, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
Quick look at highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
ST. JOHN’S RUMMAGE SALE: Day 1 of the big sale at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church – on now until 7 pm. (3050 California SW)
THRIFTWAY TENT SALE: First day of West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor)’s three-day tent sale. (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan)
TONY’S OPENING: Speaking of tents – today’s the day Tony’s Market in Westwood told us they plan to open for the season. (35th/Barton)
FAIRMOUNT PARK POETRY: Celebration of student poets at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 1 pm. (5612 California SW)
MARY McGOUGH’S CLOSING RECEPTION: Also at C & P, 4 pm today – details here.
WORDS, WRITERS, WEST SEATTLE: 5-7 pm at Barnes & Noble/Westwood Village, it’s the next installment of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society-presented author series, this time featuring Jan Koutsky:
Words, Writers & West Seattle presents … from Avenue Collection on Vimeo.
Read more about it on the SWSHS website. P.S. You can be a volunteer for SWSHS – next orientation 11 am tomorrow! (2800 SW Barton)
FOOD BANK ‘INSTRUMENTS OF CHANGE’: Ticket sales are over but if you have yours, here’s your reminder that the West Seattle Food Bank‘s big annual benefit (with co-sponsors including WSB) is tonight at the Seattle Design Center.
CORNER BAR: Highland Park Improvement Club‘s monthly Corner Bar is tonight starting at 6, featuring music by the Cold 102’s – details here. (12th/Holden)
THE MAMA-LOGUES: “A comedy about motherhood,” benefiting organizations including WestSide Baby, 7 pm tonight at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – details here. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
BELLS OF THE SOUND: Puget Sound’s premier handbell choir is in concert, 7:30 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) – details here. (3940 41st SW)
SOULFUL SONGWRITERS: Three, count ’em, three, in concert at 7:30 pm at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Gatewood – details here. (7141 California SW)
MORE! on our calendar – check it any time.
(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning – no problems so far on the routes through/from West Seattle, and SDOT describes traffic overall as “relatively light.” You’ve probably heard the citywide media previewing how demonstrations for May Day *might* affect traffic later; we’ll be monitoring everything too and will be updating during the afternoon/evening commute if there’s anything you need to know while headed this way.
METRO NOTES: Starting next week, bus-stop closures downtown will affect some lines serving West Seattle. Read about them here.
FERRY FARES: Washington State Ferries’ seasonal fare changes took effect today.
WEEKEND I-90 ALERT: Eastbound I-90 is reduced to one lane east of I-5 for another round of tunnel work this weekend, so heads-up for those traffic effects.
If you’re noticing Guardian One over Fauntleroy southwest of Morgan Junction – while it’s in the same area of the fire, it’s not because of the fire. It’s a possible burglary. We had just returned from following up at the fire scene when we heard the call about a possible burglar at a house in the 6700 block of Fauntleroy (where the road just reopened, barely a block from the homes that burned), and the helicopter is helping in the search.
(FRIDAY MORNING TOPLINE: SFD still on scene investigating)
(WSB video from our first crew on the scene in the early going)
4:48 PM: Smoke is visible from at least a mile away from a house fire in the 6700 block of 46th SW. (map) Updates to come.
Here's a pic from Willow and 38th in the Morgan Junction @noellish @westseattleblog pic.twitter.com/VAYebYS474
— Ryan Chittum (@ryanchittum) April 30, 2015
4:50 PM: This is now a two-alarm fire – firefighters say at least two houses are on fire, both “well involved.”
(This photo and next are by Trileigh Tucker)
4:54 PM: They’re also dealing with “power lines dropping.” Stay well away from this fire, obviously.
4:59 PM: At least three houses are now reported to be on fire. This is just north of Lincoln Park. Firefighters have had some water trouble.
(Photo by Tony Bradley)
5:03 PM: It’s a “defensive” firefight now. Per scanners, everybody is reported to be out of the houses, as far as SFD knows.
5:11 PM: Sorry if you’re having trouble getting in – lots of site traffic – we’re working on it. Traffic in the area is being blocked – Fauntleroy Way, for one. Routes 116, 118, 119 are rerouted off Fauntleroy between Holly and Myrtle – catch them from California, Metro says:
5:21 PM: Still no word of any injuries. And way too early to say how this started. Seattle Fire PIO Kyle Moore is on site.
(Photo by Diana Phelps)
5:26 PM: Smoke from this has been visible from miles around. We’ve received many photos – will get them up as when we can – showing that, such as this:
@westseattleblog from the Passenger Ferry. pic.twitter.com/Hmul5HL72p
— Carl Ballard (@BallardCrl) May 1, 2015
5:35 PM: We checked again with SFD spokesperson Moore – this is still a very active firefight. Our crew says one of the houses has completely burned to the ground – we haven’t had a fire like that in this area since the Arbor Heights fire more than two years ago. While they believe all the people got out, firefighters are not sure yet if any pets were lost.
(WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)
5:41 PM: One of the three houses is “collapsing” – one is being fought defensively, one offensively, per ongoing radio discussion. It’s now been an hour since the first dispatch for this.
(Photo by Ann Pot-Staton)
5:58 PM: Lots of questions in the comments about how to help the fire victims. This is still such an intense scene, they haven’t even been able to call the Red Cross yet, says SFD’s Moore, with whom our on-scene crews are in close contact.
(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
He’s also said more about the earlier water-supply issue – this is a somewhat secluded area (Pelly Place is the neighborhood name) and one line had to be run all the way up to Fauntleroy.
(This WSB photo and next two, by Christopher Boffoli)
6:32 PM: The fire’s not entirely out but the scene is a little calmer. We’ve talked to a Red Cross rep at the scene and their first step in the process of trying to help the fire victims is to get a case number going and to see if the victims want help. They should know more about that in a few hours.
6:48 PM: Continuing to add photos.
Also, we have just confirmed that other jurisdictions to the south have sent fire units as mutual aid, underscoring how big this is – will add a photo of that shortly. (Added: County, Tukwila units – Renton, North Highline, SeaTac also seen, according to our crew):
7:44 PM: Thanks to Aaron for explaining the mutual aid in this comment. Also seen at the scene, newly confirmed Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins:
No answers made public yet regarding how it started and how people can help.
9:27 PM: We are back at the fire scene. Fauntleroy has just reopened.
Willow west of Fauntleroy will remain closed.
11:01 PM: Still awaiting word on the fire’s cause.
8:14 AM FRIDAY: We went back to the scene again to see what’s happening. Fire investigators are still there:
For comparison’s sake – this photo is from the same angle as the video at the top of report, recorded when our crew arrived just ahead of firefighters. Also still awaiting, as discussed in comments, word of how to help the fire victims.
11:44 AM FRIDAY: Here’s a crowdfunding account set up for one of the families.
12:25 PM FRIDAY: And here is another. Please e-mail us at editor@westseattleblog.com with word of anything else – we are launching another story shortly atop the main page and will be including an ongoing list.
(WSB photo: Working on concrete on east side of 47th/Admiral)
After less than two months of work, you’ll soon see a pause in the project that’s adding a traffic signal and crosswalks to the 47th/Admiral intersection, according to SDOT.
(WSB photo: North side of 47th/Admiral/Waite)
We went over for photos today after getting this update from project spokesperson Rachel McCaffrey:
This week crews are wrapping up work on the south side of 47th Avenue SW and SW Admiral Way, pouring new curb ramps and sidewalks and incorporating a leaf stamp into the concrete. Crews will also work to wrap up remaining work and cleanup on the north side of the intersection. Corners may be closed to pedestrians and bicyclists during work. People walking and biking will need to follow marked detours or find an alternate route. Access to Alki Mail & Dispatch will be maintained at all times.
As we’ve mentioned, there will be a pause in construction while we wait for the delivery of signal equipment. After crews complete the concrete pours at the corners, we will stop work in the area until this equipment is delivered. The existing overhead pedestrian signal will remain intact and the sidewalks will be open during this pause in construction. Construction cones will remain in place to cover the signal pole foundations on each corner. Once the materials arrive, work will resume and continue for approximately three more weeks while the signal is installed and configured. We will continue to keep you informed as more information is available related to delivery of the signal equipment.
The project webpage is here.
CenturyLink is sponsoring WSB right now to get out the word that its 1 Gig service has arrived in some areas of West Seattle. You’re invited to a special event to find out more about it this Sunday at Cupcake Royale in The Junction:
On Sunday, May 3, CenturyLink is teaming up with Cupcake Royale to celebrate West Seattle becoming a CenturyLink Fiber Lit Community. CenturyLink invites West Seattle residents to celebrate in the sweetest way possible: by enjoying one of Seattle’s best cupcakes for free (cupcakes available while supplies last). To add a cherry on top, you can also enter to win Taylor Swift concert tickets from KISS 106.1!
CenturyLink is excited to meet you and share more about bringing next-generation Internet speeds up to 1 Gig to West Seattle. The CenturyLink team will be at the West Seattle Cupcake Royale location (4556 California Avenue SW) starting at 11 a.m. on May 3. You can sign up to be notified when your address qualifies for speeds up to 1 Gig by visiting centurylink.com/fiber.
One cupcake per person, and unlimited info about CenturyLink service – just drop in any time between 11 am and 3 pm Sunday.
In today’s West Seattle Crime Watch roundup:
RETURN OF THE ‘CITY LIGHT’ SCAM: Overnight, we published Barb‘s report of “the grandparent scam” targeting a relative. Now, we have word the “City Light scam” is out there again. Dave Montoure at West 5 in The Junction e-mailed to say, “They’re at it again. Just called West 5 and said they were sending out a truck to cut power because of unpaid bills. … If your readers would like to call and say hello, they left the number 866-978-6981.” We’ve reported on this scam before – and City Light even has its own scam-alert page now.
WESTWOOD ARREST EXPLAINED: SPD Blotter has published the saga of an arrest that got some attention early Wednesday evening. At the time, a few people texted us about police activity at Roxhill Park; we went over, circled the park, saw nothing, figured it was one of those short-lived calls. Turns out it had started over at the Westwood Village McDonald’s; officers spotted a stolen car, boxed it in, then wound up chasing – on foot – the occupant, who shed his shirt and shoes along the way. As SPD’s Jonah Spangenthal-Lee tells the story, they caught him and recovered not only the car but also the gun which, as a convicted felon, the suspect shouldn’t have had.
CAR PROWLS: Today’s reports start with this from Misha:
We live near Ercolini Park. We had a club on our car, but they jimmied the passenger door and rifled through the glove compartment. Nothing appears to have been taken — we still have our CDs and car seats–and we did file a police report online.
From Susan, in the same area:
Someone went through our car last night. Stole some prescription sunglasses and went through all the junk in the glove box.
And in Sunrise Heights, a car-prowl attempt is part of what an apartment resident near 35th/Holden warned neighbors about in this note subsequently shared with us too:
I witnessed an older model Red Chevy Blazer with two occupants (male driver and female passenger) circling around the Chevron and also witnessed the male driver trying to break into a car parked on the north side of the Chevron.
After a failed attempt by the male driver to gain access to the car, the Blazer backed up and drove very slowly NB through the alley ( headlights off ) I suspect casing the area, this alley has many garages and fences that face the alley along with access to homes’ backyards.
They proceeded through the alley, stopping approx. 100 feet from Webster at which time … it appeared that the driver got out and was looking around. I called 911 and gave the best possible description of said vehicle and was told an area check would be conducted and then came back inside my apt.
Keep an eye out for this vehicle if you see it and one VERY distinctive note about this vehicle…..It has a VERY LOUD engine ( low rumble/idle ).
P.S. SPD’s latest every-two-weeks SeaStat trends briefing is now online. No Southwest Precinct breakouts this time, but if you’re interested in what else is going on around the city, have a look.
(WSB photos)
Pathfinder K-8 is the first West Seattle school to visit Fauntleroy Creek this season to release student-raised salmon. We were there as volunteer creek stewards hosted them this morning, first with a gathering at the park entrance, then on to the creek:
In the next photo, that’s Dennis Hinton, leading the event along with Pete Draughon.
Creek steward Judy Pickens was there too – she’s put together this year’s schedule of releases with 15+ schools (most, but not all, from West Seattle) visiting over the next four weeks:
Here by the way is what the fish that survive will look like when they head out in a year or so as smolt (like this one):
We of course were not alone in photographing the event – this young lady had a GoPro:
This season marks 25 years since the first salmon release on Fauntleroy Creek, Judy says. She estimates that they’ve hosted at least 10,000 students for salmon releases in that quarter-century. Last season, more than 2,500 coho fry were set free in the creek; volunteers then watch in the fall for returning spawners – 19 came back last year.
(Chickens on Alki Avenue! Photo by Lynn Hall)
It’s a big Thursday – here are some of the reasons why:
DINING OUT FOR LIFE: 5 West Seattle restaurants are participating in this year’s edition of the one-day/one-night benefit for Lifelong – some for lunch, some for dinner, some for lunch/dinner. Details and list are in our preview.
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: 3:30 pm at Walt Hundley (34th/Myrtle), West Seattle High School boys-varsity soccer hosts Nathan Hale; 3:30 pm at Southwest Athletic Complex, WSHS varsity softball hosts Seattle Prep. (Sealth teams are on the road today.)
DIRTY MOVIE: “Symphony of the Soil” screens at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) at 5 pm, followed by a networking mixer and panel discussion, co-sponsored by the Landscape Horticultural program – details in our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)
MULTICULTURAL NIGHT @ CHIEF SEALTH: 6-8 pm in the Galleria, you’re invited to come see Chief Sealth International High School students celebrate the many cultures to which they trace their origins, with food, entertainment, and more. (2600 SW Thistle)
STAYING CONNECTED TO YOUR TEEN: 6:30 pm at West Seattle High School, important information and advice for parents of teenagers – as previewed here. Free. (3000 California SW)
ALL ABOUT OTTERS: The Whale Trail‘s “Orca Talk” this month is actually an “Otter Talk” – learn from Leo Shaw about river otters (the ones you see around here) and sea otters (the ones you don’t). At C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7 pm, tickets available online here. (5612 California SW)
FASHION SHOW BENEFITING NW HOPE AND HEALING: 7 pm at Showbox SODO, it’s the annual “Style” fashion-show fundraiser for West Seattleite-led Northwest Hope and Healing‘s work helping breast-cancer patients. We’re told you can still buy tickets at the door; event details here. (1700 1st Ave. S.)
PUNDAMONIUM: Are you the punniest person you know? The “pun slam” at The Skylark is for you. 7 pm – details here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
YOU KNOW THERE’S MORE … there’s ALWAYS more on the calendar, for today/tonight and beyond.
The next candidates’ forum for City Council District 1 will be the first one in South Park. Just announced on the SP community mailing list, a 7 pm forum on Wednesday, May 27th, at the South Park Neighborhood Center (8201 10th Ave. S.). Organizers promise an “exciting and interactive event” with unique features including Spanish-language interpretation, voter registration, on-site child care, pizza, and a visit from a fire engine. It’s being organized by a committee of South Park community volunteers. This will be a week and a half after the filing deadline, so the final slate of candidates for the August 4th primary will be set.
P.S. Anyone else have a forum coming up in West Seattle/South Park? This is the only one we’ve heard of, but if others are set/planned, we want to get them into the calendar ASAP! editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks.
P.P.S. WSB coverage links from the three forums held so far, all in West Seattle (all of which we recorded on video):
–April 8th, presented by the 34th District Democrats @ The Hall at Fauntleroy
–March 14th, presented by VIEWS @ Senior Center of West Seattle
–February 5th, presented by WSB @ Highland Park Improvement Club
With less than a month and a half to go in this school year, it’s time to look ahead to 2015-2016 – and as part of that, Chief Sealth International High School is seeking volunteers to help with a new class as part of the Technology Education And Literacy in Schools program. CSIHS principal Aida Fraser-Hammer explains:
Starting in the fall, Chief Sealth International High School will be participating in the Technology Education And Literacy in Schools (TEALS) program as we pilot a semester-long programming class officially titled Introduction to Computer Science. We are in search of volunteer software engineers/programmers willing to team-teach programming in the classroom 2 days per week for the next school year. No teaching experience is necessary; all training and additional supports will be provided by the TEALS program as we begin planning for team-teaching the course in September.
TEALS has already partnered with the other SPS high schools and the program has been
extremely successful in getting students hooked into computer programming and interested in pursuing higher education in the field of computer science. The implementation of this new class at CSIHS will mean that all SPS comprehensive high schools will now have a strong partnership with TEALS, and Sealth’s students will also be exposed to a challenging class to ignite the quest for further educational pursuits in computer science. Below are a few other miscellaneous facts which may help potential software engineers consider volunteering their time to teach introductory programming to students at Sealth:
(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
7:37 AM: No trouble spots in the area so far this morning. One alert for tonight: Seattle Public Utilities plans to clean storm drains on the bridge overnight, so between 10 pm tonight and 6 am tomorrow (Friday), the 1st Avenue South offramp and onramp on the westbound side will both be closed.
8:33 AM: Still quiet so we’re getting back to Traffic Throwback Thursday. From the Seattle Municipal Archives, November 1962, described only as being related to “Spokane Street widening”:
Click the image to open a page with a much-larger view, if you want a closer look at the row of businesses in the photo.
This isn’t a new type of scam but every so often it hits someone who falls for it. Barb says her mom knew it didn’t sound right and she just e-mailed us to share her story, to make sure you and your elders are aware of it:
Some guy who claimed to be a grandson just called my mom claiming he was in a car wreck, got a broken nose, had stitches in his leg, and was arrested on DUI charges in Vegas. He told her not to tell anyone, but he needed money to get out of jail.
My mom asked why he was in Las Vegas; he said he had been at a wedding. Thank God, my mom said this doesn’t sound like you, and asked, what is your mother’s name? The guy said his nose was broken in 2 places and that’s why he sounded different. The guy wanted her to call his lawyer (whose name is supposedly Harvey Gardner) and have $9800 to be sent to bail him out.
She said she didn’t have that kind of money. He told her to go to the bank and get it. He told her to “call the lawyer” in Las Vegas so he could get out of jail and gave her the phone number (514-015-5782) and maybe she could pay by credit card. When she asked again what his mother’s name was, he said, “I love you, grandma,” and said he had to get off the phone.
My mom called me, very upset, and wanted to know what she should do. Luckily I was able to reach my nephew (who the guy pretended to be). He was in Spokane, not Las Vegas, and he was not in any car accident. I’m grateful and proud my mom questioned the guy. I’m fairly sure they used information from Facebook targeting an elderly woman, hoping for an easy mark.
I called the Seattle Police but they said that since she didn’t give them any money, there was actually no crime.
This was a very scary call to receive. I want to spread word to stop these scammers. I just hope to prevent people from sending these types of people any money. I’m glad I had talked to my mom about various scams people use to get money and (had told her to) never give out any credit card information to anyone who calls her.
This scam is so common that even the FBI’s website has a warning about it, saying reports date back up to seven years; one version goes back even further, according to Snopes.com. (And here’s a story from the East Coast about a scammer who got caught.)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The King County Sheriff’s Office helicopter Guardian One isn’t always just up over somebody’s neighborhood in the middle of the night.
This week alone, members of its crew made two appearances on the ground in our area. One happened today at White Center Heights Elementary (the photo above is from its landing), and we’ll have that story on our partner site White Center Now later tonight.
First – last night’s presentation and Q & A at the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting at the Southwest Precinct, featuring one of the county’s pilots, Deputy Hersh Hoaglan:
That’s our video of his presentation, in which he explained everything from who’s in the helicopter to what really happened that recent night the county’s loudest helicopter was heard making repeated passes over the area. Highlights ahead:
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