Traffic alert: Crash on southbound 99, north of the bridge

December 19, 2014 7:31 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Thanks to everyone who’s been telling us about this one – a crash is blocking the right lane of southbound 99 before the exit to the westbound West Seattle Bridge. The most recent update suggests traffic is backed up to the stadiums, so if you have to head toward West Seattle, you might consider an alternate route, or waiting a while. (Note that we don’t have a camera on this, so we won’t know immediately when it’s clear.)

West Seattle holidays: Shop local! Special hours as Christmas nears

December 19, 2014 4:39 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Holidays | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Holiday-shopping procrastinator? (We are.) More than a few of your independent local West Seattle businesses are offering extra/special hours in these last few days before Christmas. Here’s what we’ve heard from stores so far – mostly sponsors, but we’re happy to share news from any local indie store with extra hours/etc. until Christmas – e-mail us, and look for updates this weekend!

WSB SPONSORS
*Thunder Road Guitars (3916 California SW) is adding extra hours in the days leading up to Christmas – 12-5 pm Sunday and 11 am-5 pm Monday. Offering “beginner instruments for the aspiring rocker” this holiday season for the first time, too.

*Click! Design That Fits is open until 8 tonight, and will be open Christmas Eve 10 am-5 pm for your last-last-minute shopping.

*Emerald Water Anglers (42nd/Oregon) has some extras this weekend – Santa will be “in the store tomorrow (Saturday) from 11-2 for DIY images, and donations are going to Wild Steelhead Coalition.” Then on Sunday, Edie is in-store with bluegrass 3-6 pm, “bring in a beverage and hang out a bit while you shop.” EWA has lots of outdoor merchandise, not only for, well, anglers.

*Curious Kidstuff (4740 California SW) – West Seattle’s only all-toy store is open until 7 pm tonight; other hours on the website.

*Wyatt’s Jewelers (Westwood Village) – Open until 6 tonight, added noon-4 pm Sunday.

*VAIN (4513 California SW) – This new addition to the WSB sponsor team is not only a salon, it’s also a shop for art and accessories. Open tonight until 8.

*JF Henry Cooking and Dining (4445 California SW) – Open until 6 tonight. Some of their hottest new items are listed here.

*Alki Surf Shop (2622 Alki SW) – Open until 6 tonight, noon-6 both days this weekend. Note the local-logo merch!

*Junction True Value (44th/Edmunds) – open until 7 pm tonight, gift ideas and hours online.

ALSO

*CAPERS (4525 California SW) – Open daily through Christmas Eve (latest info here). Help fill all the wishes for the Hickman House domestic-violence shelter giving tree (above)!

*Atomic Boys – Open until 6 tonight, 10-6 tomorrow, plus 10-5 this Sunday and 10-2 Christmas Eve.

*Easy Street Records (California/Alaska) – Saturday 4-8 pm, come get your photo taken with Cocoa Cris Cringle during his annual visit – details on the ESR website. (added) ESR will be open 9 am-5 pm on Christmas Eve, with the café open its usual 7 am-3 pm schedule that day too.

*The Beer Junction (4511 California SW) – Will be open Christmas Eve, 10 am-7 pm.

(added) Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way) – Open regular hours until Christmas Eve – on that day, open 10 am-3 pm.

West Seattle Cellars (6026 California SW) – 11 am-7 pm daily through Christmas Eve, except for Sunday (noon-5 pm).

(back to original text) WHAT’S UP WITH YOUR SHOP IN THE FINAL DAYS OF SHOPPING SEASON? Let us know for our updates over the next few days, and for the shopping section of the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.

Haggen acquiring some Safeway and Albertsons stores, but none in West Seattle

December 19, 2014 3:34 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news

You might recall that the Albertsons/Safeway deal was expected to result in some stores being shed. Today, the Haggen chain announced it would pick up more than 100 Albertsons and Safeway stores in the West, expanding its holdings from 18 stores to 164. We asked Haggen for the full list, to see if any are in West Seattle/White Center. Answer: No; the two closest stores that will become Haggen stores are south of West Seattle/White Center – the two Albertsons in Burien, 12725 1st Ave. S. and 15840 1st Ave. S.

Followup: Longfellow footbridge closed TFN post-crash

December 19, 2014 2:58 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

As promised, we went back to check on the footbridge over Longfellow Creek at SW Yancy in North Delridge (map), damaged when a driver went through the dead end, onto the bridge, through its railing, and into the creek early this morning (WSB coverage here). The “closed” sign was posted by Seattle Parks, which has responsibility for the area; we talked with regional manager Carol Baker, who tells us that Parks carpenters went out for a look at it earlier today but won’t be able to thoroughly assess the damage and plan for repairs until next week.

ADDED MONDAY: We finally have police confirmation of an arrest in connection with this – a 40-year-old man suspected of DUI. (The footbridge is still closed off – we’ll be checking on Tuesday to see if there’s a repair plan yet.)

Fauntleroy Boulevard update: Design at 60%, with ‘changes to meet specific business-access needs’

December 19, 2014 12:46 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| Transportation | Triangle | West Seattle news

SDOT announced today that the ‘Fauntleroy Boulevard’ project proposed for Fauntleroy Way between 35th and Alaska is at 60 percent design, but still isn’t scheduled for construction until and unless funding is found, so there’s no chance work would start any sooner than fall 2016. Here’s the official update:

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is continuing design work for the Fauntleroy Boulevard Project, an improvement project along Fauntleroy Way SW between SW Alaska Street and 35th Avenue SW.

We recently reached the 60% design stage, and we anticipate completing project design work in spring 2015. The project is not currently funded for construction. In order to advance the project into construction, the Seattle City Council would need to allocate construction funding. If construction funding is secured, the earliest construction would begin is fall 2016.

We have been meeting one-on-one with area business and property owners and members of community organizations since early design work began in the summer of 2014. The 60% design reflects changes to meet specific business access needs raised during the outreach process.

We compared the cross-section above with the one that was circulated when the project was at 30 percent design three months ago – no major differences that we can see. We have a followup question out asking for elaboration on the “changes” SDOT says it made, and will add whatever we find out.

West Seattle holiday help: Gifts from Holy Rosary students

December 19, 2014 12:06 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Holidays | West Seattle news

Still plenty of time for you to add those in need to your holiday-gift list, as did students at Holy Rosary School. We were there on Thursday as they presented their donations at the altar of Holy Rosary Church, where students held signs showing the donations’ destinations:

That was a prelude to deliveries to be made by some of the 8th graders along with HRS principal George Hofbauer, who was in the church to receive some of the donations:

Here’s the school’s list of who and where the students’ gifts are going:

WestSide Baby, St. Vincent de Paul (canned goods and money), Seattle Animal Shelter, St. James Kitchen (canned goods and money), Chief Seattle Club, High Point Community Center (adopt-a-family), Holy Rosary Giving Tree. (We also are sending money to schools we help support in Uganda.)

P.S. Looking for holiday-help ideas? See the list in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide!

West Seattle Friday: Hanukkah celebrations; Charlie Brown; FRED; Bobcat Bob; ‘Blue Holiday service; more…

December 19, 2014 10:51 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

You probably recognize that as the opening sequence from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” which happens to be our favorite holiday-related show of all time. Yes, we know, it was on TV earlier this month, and you can find it online any time – but tonight, you can watch it in the company of friends in West Seattle. That’s just part of what’s on the highlights list, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and Event Calendar:

JEWELRY SHOW: 11 am-6 pm today, the designs of Mary Powers are featured at HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor), and part of the proceeds benefit charity. Details in our calendar listing. (41st/Alaska)

HOLIDAY MOVIE NIGHT: Doors open 6 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club: “Children’s short at 6:15 and the main movie at 7. Free admission. Volunteers will be selling popcorn, candy, and other movie fare. Bring blankets and pillows or sit in our chairs. This is an all-ages event. Bring your friends, family and neighbors. Double feature!” “Charlie Brown Christmas” opens, and the second feature hint is as follows: “In this 2011 PG (97 minutes) feature, Santa’s clumsy son Arthur gets put on a mission with St. Nick’s father to give out a present they misplaced to a young girl in less than 2 hours.” (12th/Holden)

WEST SEATTLE TLC’S HANUKKAH PARTY: 6 pm; e-mail the WS Torah Learning Center for party location and details – westseattletlc@gmail.com

KOL HANESHAMAH’S HANUKKAH DINNER/PARTY: Local progressive synagogue Kol HaNeshamah plans a Hanukkah party and dinner, 6:30 pm: Community dinner, blessings, and sing-along. (6115 SW Hinds)

BOBCAT BOB: 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), Bob “Bobcat Bob” Rice will entertain you, live. (5612 California SW)

‘FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS’: Northwest Boychoir‘s traditional holiday favorite at Holy Rosary Church, 7:30 pm, “showcasing the 90-member combined chorus of the Northwest Boychoir and Vocalpoint! Seattle.” Reserved seating; call 206-524-3234 to see what’s available for the performance. (42nd/Genesee)

BLUE HOLIDAY: “A service of comfort and remembrance” at 7:30 pm, for those finding the holiday season “a painful time,” Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation. (7141 California SW)

MORE HOLIDAY SERVICES FOR THIS WEEKEND AND NEXT WEEK … are listed in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide. (Still time to add more if yours is missing -please e-mail info ASAP to editor@westseattleblog.com)

‘JUDY’S SCARY LITTLE CHRISTMAS’: This retro holiday production continues tonight at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. 7:30 pm. Buy tickets online here. (4711 California SW)

FRED TALKS, ROUND 2: Tonight it’s the second edition of FRED Talks at Kol HaNeshamah, 8-10 pm: “Join us for ‘Gelty Pleasures,’ an evening of specialty chocolate, cocktails/mocktails, and stories of miracles profound and humorous. While last month’s talk was more formal, this month’s evening event promises to be more intimate. Mixologist and 1996 Bartender of the Year Mike Hecklinger will mix up sumptuous samples of cocktails and mocktails; Amateur chocolatier Jerry Hoffmeister will share his trials and tribulations in creating truffles; Rabbi Anson Laytner will warm up the crowd with a Hanukkah story; then FRED attendees will have an opportunity to share their own ‘miracle’ stories. Suggested donation is $18 for adults, $12 for seniors and students.” (6115 SW Hinds)

FRIDAY NIGHTLIFE … more listings on our calendar!

Comment time for $2.3 million seawall replacement along Beach Drive

December 19, 2014 9:44 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

That 475-foot stretch of seawall at Emma Schmitz Overlook along Beach Drive is set for replacement in the next few years – but the city and federal agencies working on it are looking for public comment right now. Beach Drive Blog has been following the plans for the project, and this morning, the official news release from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has arrived:

The U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, has partnered with the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department to design and implement a coastal storm damage reduction project under Section 103 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1962, as amended. The public comment period for this project runs through Dec. 31.

Emma Schmitz Overlook is located at 4503 Beach Drive SW, south of Alki Point in Seattle. The site includes a seawall built around 1927 that has deteriorated over time. Currently coastal storms and erosion threaten public infrastructure located in and around the seawall, including a 54-inch King County sewer main, a major public arterial, city park property and other underground utilities. The recommended plan includes construction of a soldier pile seawall parallel to the shoreline throughout the study area. The new seawall would be a few feet higher and seaward of the existing seawall. This would provide protection against damages caused by coastal storm events that occur in Puget Sound.

December 19, 2014 6:30 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WS high/low bridges and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
It’s the final Friday of fall – with winter officially arriving at 3:03 pm Sunday. It’s also the last day of school before a two-week break; Seattle Public Schools students get out one hour early today.

Pickup truck crashes through footbridge, into Longfellow Creek

December 19, 2014 2:18 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news

(WSB photos by Tracy Record)
2:18 AM: Police have been on both sides of Longfellow Creek at SW Yancy for about an hour now, after a pickup truck went into the creek, crashing through the wooden railing at the dead end on the west side, right by the West Seattle Health Club parking lot.

Two people were in the truck, and one was treated for facial injuries.

A tow truck was on scene to get the truck out of the creek, which looked to be a challenge in terms of preventing further damage to the bridge. We’ll be going back to check.

3:51 AM: Just back from our return trip to check:

And … it's out. pic.twitter.com/92j1kBE2za

— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) December 19, 2014

ADDED MONDAY: We finally have police confirmation of an arrest in connection with this – a 40-year-old man suspected of DUI.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Yet more package/mail thefts

December 18, 2014 10:36 pm

| 24 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

If you still have something coming via postal or package delivery … take note, we’ve received four more package/mail-theft reports today/tonight alone. See them ahead, along with another theft report (shoplifters bolting a store tonight):

December 18, 2014 7:49 pm

| 15 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

From the “in case you were wondering” file … two more quick followups on what will likely be the next two West Seattle restaurants to open:

COASTLINE: As first reported here last summer, this is the burger joint that is going into the former Shoofly Pie Company spot at 4444 California SW. We checked in with proprietor Aaron Shepherd, who also owns Copper Coin in Admiral; he says they’re hoping to be open before year’s end. In the meantime, Coastline is listed on posters as the starting point for the West Seattle Santa Pub Crawl on Saturday night, and Shepherd says they will be keeping that commitment by pouring beers – just no burgers yet!

BLUE MOON BURGERS: As first reported here last spring, this Seattle mini-chain is converting the former Alki Auto Repair (which moved to Luna Park) location at 2504 Alki Ave. SW. A spokesperson tells us that Blue Moon is now hoping to be open by mid-January.

Light rail for West Seattle someday? First step just taken: WS added to Sound Transit’s map as potential light-rail corridor

December 18, 2014 3:48 pm

| 32 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

3:48 PM: It’s by no means a guarantee that light rail is headed this way – but it’s a necessary first step: The Sound Transit board has just approved ST’s Long-Range Plan Update, and part of it included an amendment to the ST map so that it will now show Downtown Seattle to West Seattle to Burien as a (potential) light-rail corridor.

4:41 PM: Some background – the talk about this possibility really started to intensify a year ago, when ST offered an online survey about its Long-Range Plan Update. In May, we reported on a presentation to the ST Executive Committee about the study of potential south-end corridors, including routes featuring West Seattle. Then in June, another survey was taken in connection with the draft environmental-impact statement for the Long-Range Plan Update. In July, ST reps spoke to the West Seattle Transportation Coalition and to the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce; and in October, the two West Seattleites on the Sound Transit board, County Executive Dow Constantine and County Councilmember Joe McDermott, announced they would work to get WS into the Long-Range Plan Update.

So what happens now? ST has to figure out what it wants to propose for its next ballot measure, dubbed ST3, which might not go to voters until November 2016. Today’s vote is no guarantee that the newly added West Seattle light-rail corridor will be included, but if the board hadn’t voted to add WS to the map today, there would have been zero chance of it making the next ballot measure.

Off West Seattle shores: USS Stennis back from flight testing

December 18, 2014 1:51 pm

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| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(Photo by Gary Jones)
Yes, that was the USS John C. Stennis again, visible from West Seattle on its way back to Bremerton, two weeks after it left for flight-operations testing following its quarter-billion-dollar overhaul. The Kitsap Sun reported on Monday that the Stennis got its flight-operations certification during the testing off California, following 160 launches and recoveries. Other training’s been under way on board, too, as shown on the Stennis’s Facebook page.

West Seattle schools: Fairmount Park students celebrate heritage

December 18, 2014 12:12 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle school closure | WS culture/arts

When we toured Fairmount Park Elementary School just before its reopening, we heard a lot about the spaces on its walls where students’ work could be displayed. Thanks to a parent’s tip, we found out about one big example that’s up today for one final day before the work will be shown off at a schoolwide celebration tomorrow – corn-husk dolls celebrating students’ family heritage(s). It’s something that first-grade teacher Kevin Peterson did with his students elsewhere before he joined Fairmount Park – and now, at this school, his new class was joined in the project by another first-grade class and two 1st/2nd classrooms:

Here’s how he explains it:

This project is based around a book called Molly’s Pilgrim, written by Barbara Cohen. … The first and second grade students crafted the corn husk dolls here at school several weeks ago (with the help of parent volunteers from all four classrooms. Once the wet corn husks dried, the kids delivered the doll forms home and exploring a part of our heritage and dressing the doll became a part of a family project over Thanksgiving.

Here at school, first grade writers (did) a folio featuring a labeled drawing of their doll with descriptive words, a observational writing piece, and a map of which continent/culture their doll is representing. Second graders are doing some beginning research on the countries that their dolls represent.

We will have a heritage festival on Friday 12/19. Each classroom will sample foods from around the world and then will travel to the lunchroom to see the writing folio projects and dolls of more than 100 of their school mates. They will record three dolls from each continent (excepting Antarctica) and celebrate their hard work together.

We asked if we could stop by for photos, and he arranged for us to visit toward the end of the school day on Wednesday and talk to some of his students about their work – keep in mind, these eight are just a sampling of those who created dolls:

From left, the students who spoke with us are Georgia, Sophie, Delilah, Torin, Bear, Lilly, Chloe, and Magdalena. They all spoke enthusiastically about their creations, the country or tradition represented. This is the one Torin made:

He explained that it shows Ethiopian traditions in honor of his brother and sister, who are from Ethiopia. Chloe told us hers represents Colombia – “in South America!” she added. Magdalena mentioned her continent first – “Europe!” and then the specific nation, “Holland.” Take a closer look at a few more:

Toward the right, the doll with red hair and green satin was made by Georgia, who explained that Ireland is the country that inspired her. Other nations celebrated by the creations of the students we met included Japan, Iran, and Sweden. The parent who first wrote us about the project declared it “fantastic,” and we’d have to agree – what we’ve shown you here barely scratches the surface!

Sports note: Big win for West Seattle HS girls’ basketball

December 18, 2014 11:13 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Congratulations to the West Seattle High School girls-varsity basketball team – head coach Sonya Elliott shares news of a big win last night, over Lakeside – ranked 9th in the state and playing on their home court! – 59-43. Next up for the Wildcats, a home game against Ingraham tomorrow night (Friday, December 19th), 6:30 pm.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Toy-theft suspects sought; stolen car to watch for

December 18, 2014 9:44 am

| 26 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two items in West Seattle Crime Watch this morning:

POLICE SEEK TOY-THEFT SUSPECTS: Just published on SPD Blotter – a theft case police hope you can help them solve:

Police are looking for two men and a woman who stole toys from a Delridge drug store and attacked an employee when he tried to stop them Monday night.

The suspects walked into the store, in the 9400 block of 16th Avenue Southwest, around 7 PM. One man filled a shopping basket with toys and left out without paying. When a store employee confronted him outside and tried to photograph his license plate with a cell phone, a woman grabbed the phone away.

She couldn’t unlock the phone to delete the photograph, so the man who stole the toys warned the employee to delete the image or he’d return for him. The third suspect started up a car and all three fled, throwing the employees cell phone into the street as they left.

If you know where police can find these three suspects, please contact robbery detectives at (206) 684-5535.

The SPD Blotter post has the suspects’ names and photos, which we’ll add here as soon as we can.

(added) Suspects as identified/shown by SPD – in order as shown below, Raul Hernandez, Sandra Garcia, Omar Cruz-Resendiz:

(back to original report) STOLEN CAR: Eric‘s red 1997 Honda Accord was stolen sometime Monday near California/Holly in south Morgan Junction. Inside were two booster seats for his kids. Washington plates AQJ7944 – call 911 if you see it.

FRIDAY NIGHT 8 PM UPDATE: In the robbery story – one suspect is on the King County Jail Register now, Omar Cruz-Resendiz, booked at 2 pm today.

West Seattle Thursday: What’s up today and tonight

December 18, 2014 9:00 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Barrow’s Goldeneye, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
Happy Thursday! From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and ongoing calendar:

HANUKKAH: This is Night 3 of the Festival of Lights.

COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE BENEFIT: 3-7 pm today at Community Acupuncture Project of West Seattle, all proceeds from services will be donated to the cause of Healing Justice for Black Lives Matter and the Legal Support Fund for Justice for Mike Brown. More details in our calendar listing. (4545 44th SW)

SHOP LATE THURSDAY: Still shopping? Tonight’s the final Shop Late Thursday of the season in The Junction, with many stores open until 9 pm. Participants (listed here) include WSB sponsors Click! Design That Fits, Emerald Water Anglers, and VAIN.

HABERDASHERY FOR THE HOLIDAYS, 6-9 pm pop-up jewelry/accessories sale, Twilight Gallery and Boutique. (4306 SW Alaska)

MIX, MINGLE, AND JINGLE … with the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, 5:30-8 pm party at the Duwamish Longhouse. Register online. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

WSHS CONCERT: West Seattle High School musicians in concert, directed by Ethan Thomas, 7 pm in the West Seattle HS Theater: “The Band, Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble will be performing the music of Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Holst, Basie, Ellington and more. The concert is free and open to the public.” (3000 California SW)

LOTS MORE … on our calendar and in the Holiday Guide!

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday on the move

December 18, 2014 7:09 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WS high/low bridges and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning! Heading for the heart of the commute, nothing unusual in this area so far.

8:41 AM: Just off the bridge – downtown assignment this morning. Smooth and relatively swift; 10 minutes from south of Morgan Junction all the way to the 4th Ave. offramp. Motorcycle officer standing guard at the gore point by the offramp to 99.

West Seattle holidays: Youth group goes caroling in Westwood

December 17, 2014 10:03 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Holidays | West Seattle news | Westwood

With a week to go until Christmas Eve, a little extra holiday cheer emerges almost everywhere you look – and listen. Tonight, Shorewood Foursquare Church‘s Ignition Youth Group kept its promise to head out on a caroling journey, walking to Westwood Village, where we caught up with them:

Along with giving the gift of song, they handed out candy canes with an invitation to their church’s Christmas Eve service (one of a dozen churches listed in the “services” section of the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – if yours isn’t, please get us the info ASAP!).

Admiral Church’s new pastor Andrew Conley-Holcom to be ordained just after New Year’s

December 17, 2014 8:49 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

Admiral Congregational Church is formally introducing its new pastor, who is already leading worship services there, though his ordination is set for just after New Year’s and his formal installation in the spring. Here’s the announcement the church is sharing with the community:

The oldest church in West Seattle has recently called Andrew Conley-Holcom as its new pastor. Admiral Congregational United Church of Christ, located in North Admiral, was founded in 1899 as the West Seattle Congregational Church. Pastor Andrew, in his early thirties and a recent graduate of Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA, is the youngest pastor that Admiral has ever called.

The congregation voted to accept its Search Committee’s unanimous recommendation to call Andrew in mid-October, and he has been leading worship services since October 19th. He will be ordained on January 3, 2015 at his home church, First Congregational Church of Bellingham, and will be formally installed as Admiral’s pastor in the spring.

Andrew and his wife, Leann (church-provided photo, above right), are originally from the Tacoma area and currently reside in the Ravenna neighborhood. Leann is active as a professional singer, directs the Concert Choir of the Tacoma Youth Chorus, and is a doctoral candidate in choral conducting at the University of Washington.

December 17, 2014 5:39 pm

| 38 COMMENTS

| Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news

Today’s WSDOT update on the Viaduct/Tunnel project, posted late today, is a new, long FAQ attempting to answer some of the questions that have come up since the December 5th disclosure of “settling.” Read it in its entirety here. Some of what caught our eye on first look include:

Our contract with STP allows up to two inches of viaduct settlement before mitigation is required. Should it be necessary, a number of techniques could be used to strengthen the viaduct and keep it open to traffic until the new SR 99 corridor is completed. These techniques could include strengthening columns or other areas of the structure to provide additional support. We could also reinforce the viaduct’s foundation as we did in 2008.

Regarding the plan to reach, lift, and repair the tunnel machine’s cutter head, WSDOT writes, “We’re disappointed with STP’s progress to date …” while noting the pit is now three-fourths of the way to the expected 120-foot depth, and expressing optimism that even if the current rescue plan has to be abandoned: “At its core, this is an engineering problem, one that can no doubt be solved.” The FAQ reiterates, “No significant settlement has been observed in the area since Dec. 5.” And as for the biggest concern of all:

Our bridge experts have confirmed that the viaduct remains safe for day-to-day use. If we had any reason to believe it wasn’t, we wouldn’t hesitate to close it. It’s important to remember, however, that the day-to-day safety of the structure does not change the fact that the viaduct remains vulnerable to earthquakes. That’s why it’s being replaced.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Newest ‘SeaStat’ crime-trend info

December 17, 2014 2:20 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

SPD is just out with its newest SeaStat slide deck – an every-two-week briefing given to department leadership, highlighting crime trends and hotspots. Above is the precinct-by-precinct breakdown of car prowls over the four-week period from November 16th to December 13th (last Saturday). The car prowl total for the Southwest Precinct – West Seattle and South Park – number fewer than half the next-lowest precinct. See the full deck here. It also includes a look at SW Precinct numbers for all major-crime categories in the past month; the most-common type is “larceny/theft,” totaling 136 of the total 249 “major crimes” in West Seattle/South Park over the four-week period examined.

ADDED 11:30 PM: Eric asked in comments about a map for comparison. The SPD “police reports” map, when sorted for car prowls and for the same four-week period shown above, doesn’t seem to show quite as many incidents, but you can get an idea of the hot spots – Lincoln Park, for example, where the circled “11” indicates 11 car prowls during those four weeks:

(While the screengrab does not show the entirety of the SW Precinct, it did not show any car prowls north or south of the area shown; there were a few to the east, in South Park.)