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Sound and fury

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| West Seattle news

Signifying the first large storm of the season.

New storm trouble update thread, 6:15 pm & beyond

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Some areas of West Seattle are now into a phase of off-and-on-again outages. We will be in transit for a while and checking things out so leaving this post for an “open thread” on what’s happening where you are.

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Wind trouble, ongoing updates

October 18, 2007 2:38 pm

| 24 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Newest information first: 5:55 PM: The number of people affected by outages in Seattle is starting to drop, so while there’s no definite estimate for when everyone in WS will be back, that’s promising. Watching the barometer suggests the worst is over. 5:30 PM: In addition to the Fauntleroy/California intersection, we saw power out to at least the Seattle International Church vicinity a few blocks south, at last drive-past. 5:26 PM: Comcast cable internet service is out in at least one Upper Fauntleroy neighborhood. 5:18 PM: West Seattle outages on the city list total more than 10,000 homes/businesses. Also — great wave pix up at Beach Drive Blog. 5:00 PM: Power is back on at High Point Community Center. 4:40 PM: Qwest DSL service is reported down in at least one neighborhood near The Junction, though the land-line phones are still working. 4:32 PM: Power is out at the Fauntleroy/California intersection in Morgan Junction. 4:19 PM: Thanks to reader Margelyn for providing the City Light link to the latest outage list. Also, here’s the latest Weather Service “forecast discussion” – analysis to come. 4:14 PM: Update from the City Light hotline, more than 3,300 households/businesses are reported out in various areas of south and east WS; SCL doesn’t know when the power will be restored. 3:59 PM: Adding photo below this post showing tipping power pole that caused the wire trouble on Thistle. Also, report of power out in the High Point Community Center vicinity – activities are still happening but if the power’s not back by dark evening activities might be in jeopardy. 3:50 PM: From reader M, “Stoplights are out starting at Barton & 35th to at least Trenton & 35th (probably further but that is my turn). Arbor Hts Elementary 35th & 104th lost power about 3:15.” 3:25 PM: Reports of tree trouble in The Junction, including one near the Post Office and one in front of Seattle Fish. EARLIER: Washington State Ferries says power is restored at the Fauntleroy dock … City Light has reported various outages on the south side of West Seattle … City 911 reports “wires down” at 4615 SW Thistle, which is just east of Lincoln Park. NOTE: If you have photos of fallen trees or anything else weather-related, please send them in. We will be out and about getting some too, but yours are the best WSB eyes, ears, and cameras!

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Wind arrives on cue

October 18, 2007 2:20 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

At least one Weather Service update predicted 2 pm, and indeed, that’s when things kicked up. You can monitor windspeeds here (includes a link explaining the station names; KBFI is Boeing Field and K91S is Alki Point). One comment on our previous post says there’s power out somewhere near Lincoln Park. Also, we have a storm-related bulletin from elsewhere in south WS: The goats coming to Gatewood Elementary to munch invasive ivy are delaying their arrival till tomorrow because of the weather, but everything should be great for the big highlight event on Saturday.

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Council candidate Velazquez accused of DUI

October 18, 2007 12:43 pm

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| West Seattle news

This according to the P-I. This is West Seattle-notable not just because Venus Velazquez has West Seattle community ties, but she also was scheduled to be part of tonight’s candidates’ forum at the Alki Community Center. 12:55 UPDATE: Velazquez comments in this Times article.

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Show the world you (rock) West Seattle

October 18, 2007 11:55 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Remember our bumper-sticker PhotoShop “competition” last week? (Updated here with all the images we received; thanks to everyone who played along!) The “I (rock) West Seattle” version inspired Skylark proprietor Jessie Summa-Kusiak to write to make sure we all know her fab restaurant/club is actually selling hoodies with a similar inscription:

Get ’em at Skylark … “soft and cozy for fall,” notes Jessie … $34.95.

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Adopt a … drain?

October 18, 2007 11:00 am

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| Utilities | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

This just in from Seattle Public Utilities: City admits it can’t keep up with drain-clearing and needs “Adopt-a-Drain” volunteers. They’ll send supplies.

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Two updates from police

October 18, 2007 10:32 am

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| Crime | Highland Park | West Seattle news

This per attendees at two major community-group meetings the past two nights (thank you!), West Seattle Community Safety Partnership and Delridge District Council: Police leadership at those meetings said the 59th/Admiral shooting is believed to have been drug-related and that neither suspect nor victim lived in West Seattle (the Medical Examiner, by the way, has yet to publicly identify the victim); also, police reported that crime stats in WS are at a “two-year low.” The Westcrest Park problems were discussed, according to the report we received, but police said at the meetings there is no current plan to change the level of patrol at Westcrest.

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Weather update: Relatively good news

October 18, 2007 9:42 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

The National Weather Service has just published its midmorning “forecast discussion,” and it seems to be in line with the overnight change to a “wind advisory” — this afternoon’s wind in our area likely to be 20-30 mph “sustained” with maybe some 40, 50 mph gusts — not to be taken lightly, but also probably not hugely catastrophic. Excerpt:

THE INTERIOR WILL SEE THE STRONGEST WINDS DURING THE MID AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING WITH SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST WINDS 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS 40 TO 50 MPH. ASIDE FROM STRONG WINDS IN THE STRAIT…WILL SEE WINDS DIMINISH ACROSS THE AREA THIS EVENING …AS THE LOW EXITS THE REGION. THIS SYSTEM IS ALSO BRINGING PRETTY GOOD PRECIP TO THE AREA WITH RAIN…MODERATE AT TIMES…SWITCHING TO SHOWERS DURING THE AFTERNOON.

If you don’t always pay such close attention to weather details … south-to-southwest wind means that west- and south-facing areas of WS (as well as the higher hills) are likely to see more of it than north-facing areas such as Alki.

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Now it’s reduced to a “wind advisory”

October 18, 2007 6:09 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

The National Weather Service has canceled the “high wind watch” and issued a “wind advisory” in its place — the predictions are a little less dire, and the strongest gusts are now expected to be not as strong as first feared:

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SEATTLE HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING. THE HIGH WIND WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

WINDS WILL INCREASE OVER MOST OF THE LOWLANDS THIS AFTERNOON RIGHT AHEAD OF THE INCOMING WEATHER SYSTEM. SOUTH WINDS IN THE 10 TO 20 MPH RANGE WILL INCREASE TO 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH BETWEEN 2 PM AND 8 PM. THE WINDS WILL DECREASE SIGNIFICANTLY AFTER 11 PM.

According to the accompanying “forecast discussion” from early this morning, the rain might be more worrisome than the wind, at this point, with up to an inch likely in the city today.

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New Westcrest worry

October 17, 2007 11:39 pm

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| Crime | Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Westcrest Park, home to West Seattle’s only off-leash area, got a microburst of attention recently after a tv report about public sex in the park. However, frequent visitors are focusing right now on a different concern — theft. A member of the Westcrest Off-Leash Area Yahoo! group asked us to get the word out about two thefts this week alone. The victim of the first one reported that a man stole her purse out of her car while she was just feet away unloading dogs. The purse contained her cell phone; here’s what she tried a while later:

“I also called my cell phone and the guy answered it. I told him I would be filing a police report with a description of him and his car and the theft and he told me to F off.”

The other theft happened today, according to a note posted by park steward Steve:

“We got hit again this morning, Wednesday, about 10 am. This is getting really ridiculous. I’ve been to the south precinct on Delridge to ask if they could patrol the lot once in a while, but no one was even there. Perhaps others could stop by there to ask as well ..squeaky wheel theory. Once again, I don’t think anyone is looking out for us except for us.”

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Wind Watch: More info about who’s getting ready and how

October 17, 2007 5:47 pm

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| Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

First — King County leaders have chimed in, including preparedness advice; read it here. (Helpfully, that page includes this link to more information about food spoilage when your fridge loses power; that was a big point of confusion for us and others during the longterm outage last year.)

Second — the city Transportation Department issued this alert, including a phone number that is worth writing down someplace:

Stormy conditions are forecast for tomorrowÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s afternoon commute period. An abundance of leaves brought down by the wind and rain may clog street drains and result in spot flooding. Drivers should use caution and proceed slowly where water has accumulated on the roadway, and should not drive through deep water.

In the event of heavy winds, trees and branches or other debris may fall into the roadway, and power may be lost in some areas. Drivers should be alert for obstacles on the roadway, and treat dark or twisted traffic signals as all-way stops. Blocked roadways, damaged traffic signs or malfunctioning traffic signals within the City of Seattle may be reported to SDOTÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s 24-hour Street Maintenance Office at 206.386.1218.

Today SDOT crews readied equipment and supplies to prepare for tomorrowÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s forecast of bumpy weather. The crews are ready to clear roads of storm debris, repair damaged traffic signals and signs, and work with other city departments to keep roads open and power on throughout the city.

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Just in from Seattle City Light

October 17, 2007 4:36 pm

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| Utilities | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Press release just out of the inbox. Please note the line about the trees — go check yours if applicable:

With a windstorm expected in the greater Seattle area Thursday evening, Seattle City Light is preparing crews and stocking its trucks to respond to any outages that occur and restore service.

The National Weather Service is forecasting sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts of 40 to 50 mph. The peak of the storm is expected between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Winds of that level are slightly stronger than a typical winter storm in this area. They have the potential to damage the electrical system, causing outages.

One particular concern is trees that were damaged in last DecemberÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s major storm but are still standing. Those trees have been weakened and are more susceptible to wind. Also, because many of the trees still hold a majority of their leaves, they act more like a sail in catching the wind, further increasing the risk.

On the good side, soils are not saturated, giving trees more of an anchor. City Light also has trimmed trees along more than 100 miles of power lines this year to provide clearance that helps reduce the likelihood of damage.

Residents are encouraged to take this opportunity to get prepared for winter storms and other emergencies. Three ways you can begin preparing today are to make an emergency plan for your family, build an emergency kit and get involved with your neighbors.

You can learn more at www.seattle.gov/emergency.

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West Seattle Gas Price Watch: Suddenly way pumped-up

October 17, 2007 12:19 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| Gas prices | Transportation | West Seattle news

As the photo montage above shows … many WS stations have suddenly jumped up past 3 bucks a gallon for regular unleaded. (Here’s why.) Fauntleroy/Alaska Shell, for example, has had at least two price hikes in the past day — one to $3-plus by late last night, then up to $3.12 as of first thing this morning. Delridge Arco still has the lowest price but as the photos below show, as of about an hour ago, its signs don’t really agree on what the price actually is (we didn’t stop to check the pumps):

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West Seattle Wind Watch: Looks like tomorrow afternoon

October 17, 2007 10:39 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

From the link we mentioned earlier this morning, where National Weather Service meteorologists elaborate at least twice daily on what they see heading this way, the newest “forecast discussion” is now published, including this excerpt, referring to tomorrow (Thursday): “FOR THE PUGET SOUND AREA…APPEARS THAT THE STRONGEST WINDS WILL OCCUR DURING THE LATE AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING HOURS AS A STRONG SOUTH TO NORTH PRESSURE GRADIENT DEVELOPS.”

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Shoremont mystery

October 17, 2007 9:51 am

| 11 COMMENTS

| Development | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

We’ve talked before about the teardown-to-townhouse plan for the 57th/Alki corner (across from Alki Automotive) now mostly occupied by the stately brick Shoremont Apartments (photo above). After WSB reader Fiona e-mailed to point out (thank you!) that the parcel suddenly turned up the other day listed for sale for $2.2 million, we published a post about it half an hour ago – then double checked the listing link – which originally had ad verbiage suggesting the project could proceed OR the apartments could stay (or some combination?) – but that link (as you’ll see if you click it) is suddenly no longer good; sometime in the past 24 hours or so, the listing went away. We’re looking to see if evidence of it is still out there somewhere (that’ll teach us, we need to get screen grabs of everything!), so far can’t find it. Sold, or “never mind”? Fascinating.

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High Wind Watch for West Seattle (and beyond)

October 17, 2007 6:29 am

| 11 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Unless you moved here after Windstorm 2006 last December, you may be quaking like a leaf in the breeze at the prospect of the High Wind Watch alert just issued this morning — after all, West Seattle got hit the worst in that December-to-remember wallop, with most of us losing electricity for at least a few days. The city promises it will do a better job of getting out information this year regarding when the juice is coming back; crews have also been out for weeks trying to take some preventive action – we saw city tree trimmers along Cali just a few days ago. So get your batteries (laptop too!), your firewood, your blankets, your nonperishable food and drink, and hang on. As for the latest on whether Windstorm ’07 is really on the way, besides the usual collection of basic online forecasts (we like Weather Underground), here’s a great page to watch, with behind-the-scenes talk about what the real experts are seeing: The local National Weather Service “forecast discussion,” updated several times daily.

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Huling/GEE eviction lawsuit: They’re talking

October 16, 2007 11:42 pm

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| Triangle | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

We’re into the second week of idleness for the ex-GEE/ex-Huling dealerships along Fauntleroy. Since the Gees had till today to answer the eviction lawsuit filed by the Hulings, we checked with the Hulings’ lawyer to see what was going on. Randall Beighle of Lane Powell tells WSB that instead of an official hearing, he met informally this afternoon with Ryan Gee, and that they are in the process of coming up with an agreement for when the Gees will vacate the dealerships. Beighle says this would mean they’ll avoid a court fight over when the Gees will depart, though he also reiterates these talks have no bearing on the other lawsuit, filed by the Gees against the Hulings. He says the Gees hope to keep possession of the lots till the end of next month. As for another question many have asked — what’s the Huling family’s plan for the dealership sites? — Beighle says the Hulings are not currently marketing the properties and are still deciding what to do next.

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Alki Statue of Liberty plaza proponents’ update

October 16, 2007 6:14 pm

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| Alki Statue of Liberty | West Seattle news

First update at the Sealady.org blog since just before the September 11th statue unveiling — they say they’re halfway to the $ they need for a plaza around the statue, and their new fundraising drive is “buy (plaza) bricks for the holidays.” This Alki Statue of Liberty mini-update gives us an excuse to reuse this photo Mark Bourne shared late last month, just ’cause we liked it so much:

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Another restaurant reopens

October 16, 2007 5:16 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Fish & chips fans, rejoice — The Sunfish shutdown, though a few days longer than first projected, is over.

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59th/Admiral shooting suspect update – and lawyer’s request

October 16, 2007 12:40 pm

| 29 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

An unexpected note landed in the WSB inbox overnight — from the lawyer for the 17-year-old who turned himself in the day after the fatal shooting at 59th & Admiral inside the black car marked with a white arrow in the photo at right. The lawyer, Bellevue-based Robert Perez, tells WSB his client remains in juvenile detention following a hearing yesterday, and adds, “I can assure you that the circumstances leading to the shooting were anomalous and it’s my belief that my client poses no danger to anyone in your community.” That comment was in response to our followup questions after Perez’s first note to us, which asked if we would post his “call for witnesses” — in the WSB tradition of posting many things verbatim so you can evaluate for yourself, here’s what he wrote:Read More

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A letter to the community from Fauntleroy Church

October 16, 2007 10:34 am

| 42 COMMENTS

| Fauntleroy | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

This morning, we finally heard from Fauntleroy Church (UCC) leadership regarding the Tent City 3 proposal, which, as we reported on Sunday with reader assistance, is now tabled. Rev. David Kratz forwarded a letter to the community dated Sunday, and added a few additional comments. First, the letter, in its entirety:

Dear Neighborhood Friends,

During the first week of October, a small group of men and women from Tent City 3 (TC3) came to our church to present information, and to ask if we would consider hosting them from December through February because of their pressing need for somewhere to live at that time. Because of their need, we agreed to have TC3 make a similar presentation to our congregation last Sunday. A majority of church members at the meeting favored exploring the possibility of hosting TC3, but there were many concerns about whether we are well-positioned to explore this question right now.

Homelessness and housing is a multi-faceted issue that seriously concerns us. The growing gap between the rich and the poor, the diminishing of the middle class, the rapid loss of affordable housing across the nation and in Seattle, and more importantly coming to know individual homeless people prompt us to discern how we should respond as followers of Christ.

Fauntleroy Church has a long history of service on behalf of the poor. One of the things we’re most proud of is having helped found the original First Avenue Service Center in downtown Seattle (now called the Family and Adult Service Center). FASC is a program that provides the homeless with basic human services, such as nutritious meals, a place to shower, laundry facilities, access to phone and computer services, as well as case management, assistance finding safe and affordable housing, vocational training, and much more.

This morning our Church Council decided not to host Tent City 3 in the near future. We do plan to continue educating ourselves on the issue of homelessness. We directed our Outreach Ministry to create a Homelessness Task Force, with the charge to explore the whole range of theological, biblical, social, and psychological dimensions of homelessness and seek appropriate responses for our church. We plan to start this effort in 2008. We will keep you apprised of our process. Perhaps you may want to join our conversations and learn with us–we would welcome your wisdom and questions. We honor our relationship with you just as much as we do our call to serve the “least among us.”

Sincerely,

David Kratz, Senior Pastor
Susan Towner Larsen, Associate Pastor
Steve Sundquist, Moderator, Church Council

Rev. Kratz added in his e-mail to WSB that he has read the comments on our previous posts and, “I would invite anyone who would like to participate in a broader conversation about how to respond to people who are homeless to become part of a mailing list we are starting. As the letter states in the winter we will take a broader
look and would welcome the wisdom of concerned folks.”

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Ama-Ama about to open

October 16, 2007 6:24 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

The restaurant taking over the ex-Ovio space in The Junction has finally pulled the wraps off its website (menu info here, explanation of its name here) — and it’s opening for business this Friday, after a shakedown cruise Thursday, announced in this e-mail sent out early today and forwarded by a WSB reader (thank you!):

Well, we are finally ready to open! We know itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s very last minute, but we wanted to thank you for your interest and offer you a chance to come in, say hello, and sample our fare before we officially open our doors this Friday. So if you are in the neighborhood and in an Ã¢â‚¬Å“adventurousÃ¢â‚¬Â mood, we would love to have you RSVP and come in for our Pre-Opening Dinner on Thursday, October 18th.

Why Ã¢â‚¬Å“adventurous?Ã¢â‚¬Â Well, because Thursday will be our first night serving a full menu and our last night of staff training, so there are bound to be a few glitches and surprises. For example, we are still waiting on our liquor license, so we may not be able to offer full bar service, but we are going to try to get our license by then. But if you are just a little bit patient and understanding, you will get a sneak peek at our totally remodeled interior and be one of the first to taste our new menu offerings.

And we will give you 50% off your food for being adventurous. Seating is limited, available only to those who have previously registered with us at www.Ama-AmaSeattle.com. And only those with reservations will be allowed in the restaurant this Thursday. So please RSVP today!

We hope to see you Thursday Ã¢â‚¬â€œ or sometime soon.

We are extremely excited to meet all of you!
Rob and Paige

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