Traffic alert: Ferry Ave closed for stabilization work
Thanks to JayDee for that photo and word that the stabilization project on the Ferry/California Way slope (near Seacrest) is finally under way. And today, he says, Ferry Avenue is posted as closed at the site, near the junction with California Way, over Harbor Ave. (map) The stabilization work has been needed since the December 2007 deluge and received approval this year.
Time to spare Thursday night? WestSide Baby needs you!
This Thursday, 7-9 pm, it’s another After Hours event at WestSide Baby, which helps families in need in the West Seattle and White Center areas – and they’d love to have you pitch in:
Kids are heading back to school and need clothes! WestSide Baby partners with our community to provide essential items to local children in need by collecting and distributing diapers, clothing, toys and equipment. All those donations need to be prepared for distribution. WestSide Baby invites volunteers to join us this Thursday, August 20 from 7 pm to 9 pm to help us sort clothing and other donations. We promise to provide lots of projects and fun for those who can join us and lend a hand. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old to attend alone or 8 years old to attend with an adult. Please RSVP to sarah@westsidebaby.org if you are able to join us and, if volunteers are under 18, we appreciate knowing so we can prepare appropriate projects.
WestSide Baby HQ is at 10032 15th SW (map).
Court ruling involving deadly West Seattle bicycle crash
On this day when Seattle Police are asking for help in solving a West Seattle bicycle crash that has left a woman fighting for her life — there’s news of a court decision related to the West Seattle bicycle crash that killed 27-year-old Susanne Scaringi almost three years ago.
The crash happened at 35th and Graham (map) on September 27, 2006; we took the photo at left on the first anniversary. Scaringi died after hitting the side of a van that made a left turn in front of her. Months later, the driver was charged with, and convicted of assault, under a city law that made certain traffic violations crimes if they resulted in death or serious injury. But in a ruling made public yesterday, rooted in an appeal of that conviction, the state’s 1st Court of Appeals agreed with an earlier ruling that the law in question is invalid; see the ruling here; read more at seattletimes.com. (Thanks to Todd for e-mailing to let us know about this.)
The X Gym: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor
Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor – The X Gym, on Alki. As is our tradition, we offer new sponsors the chance to tell you about their business, and here’s what The X Gym wants you to know: “The X Gym distances itself from the competition in every way. We have taken exercise and health out of the Dark Ages and have brought it 
into today’s world of busy parents, professionals, and weekend warriors. Everything we do, from strength training to nutrition, is based on the latest scientific research. Gone are the days where a person has to spend hours at a gym just to achieve mediocre results. We have invented our own specific exercise methods based on the latest scientific research to achieve the outstanding results we have demonstrated since 1998. These methods allow us to train clients safely and effectively, achieving a functional, well rounded fitness in much less time than traditional training for more than double the results. The X Gym is a place where the Average Joe and Jane can become real urban athletes. Our client base runs the age spectrum from 15 to 90, from all types of backgrounds, and every fitness level. For our clients there is no more diet yo-yo, guessing, fitness plateaus, or frustrations. The X Gym covers all four components of health: Physical, cardiovascular, mental, and nutritional. Finally, one of the biggest factors that separates us from the rest is that our services do not start and stop at the door. Clients are held accountable for everything relating to their health, whether it be food tracking or showing up for appointments. At The X Gym, you are not just another number, you’re family, and we always take care of family. Clients are constantly amazed at the stark contrast in the results they achieve and in the short amount of time they actually spend working out. Some clients have spent years trying to get into shape, but traditional training has failed them.” The X Gym on Alki is at 3213 Harbor SW (map); online at xgym.com; by phone, 206-938-XGYM.
Thanks to The X Gym for supporting West Seattle’s only independent, neighborhood-based, community-collaborative 24/7 news, information and discussion service; our current sponsor team can be seen here, along with info on how to join.
Early reminder: Landmark vote tomorrow for The Kenney
Publishing the reminder today, in case you want to attend tomorrow afternoon’s hearing: The city Landmarks Preservation Board is scheduled to decide at 3:30 pm tomorrow whether The Kenney‘s century-old Seaview Building (left) should be designated an official city landmark (here’s the nomination document). Last month, board members voted to accept the nomination for consideration (WSB coverage here); tomorrow, they will see another presentation, ask questions, take public comment, and vote. At an early stage of The Kenney’s planning for major redevelopment, the building was proposed for demolition, but the latest plan calls for saving Seaview. The Landmarks Board meets on the 40th floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower (700 5th; map) downtown; if you can’t be there in person, you can send comments here.
Election 2009: Less than eight hours left to vote!
Really, it’s that important. All of our local governments have declared themselves to be in deep money trouble and have to make major decisions regarding how to spend what they have – the folks you vote for today will be making more big decisions when the winners are sworn in early next year. And if you’ve got a voting question, King County Elections has answers – in an earlier comment thread, it was asked if you can just put your ballot in the outgoing mail today – Barnaby at KC Elections’ Media Hotline told us, “If a postal worker picks up your ballot today, it will be postmarked today.” (And remember the dropboxes, till 8 pm.) If you never got a ballot, call 206-296-VOTE, ASAP. More info here. First vote count should be announced shortly after 8 pm, and we’ll track results here, as well as roving to some of the election-night parties.
Update: Skyelar Hailey in custody after theft at WSHS
ORIGINAL 10:58 AM REPORT: Thanks to those who’ve called and e-mailed – we have just confirmed with police that a foot chase in the Admiral area (near West Seattle High School) has ended with an arrest, so that’s why you’re seeing major police activity in the area. We expect to have more details shortly on what happened. 11:16 AM UPDATE: One of our tipsters had told us the suspect was believed to be Skyelar Hailey, a repeat offender who we have 
reported on here before, most recently in May, when police found him in a stolen car, weeks after he was sentenced on reduced charges related to an Admiral burglary case. Southwest Precinct Lt. Steve Paulsen confirms to WSB that Hailey is in custody, under arrest for investigation of theft, along with a “female” who was with him, and has these additional details of what happened: Lt. Paulsen says Hailey is suspected of stealing a teacher’s purse this morning at WSHS, where summer school is under way; apparently a custodian originally gave chase. Police were called and a foot pursuit ensued, with Hailey taken into custody (the female’s involvement is not clear at this point). (Photo by Christopher Boffoli, from Hailey’s April 24 sentencing) 4:47 PM UPDATE: Hailey has finally shown up on the King County Jail register, booked about an hour ago. The potential charges are listed as three counts of investigation of burglary. 6:16 PM: His entry now has been updated to “bail denied.”
Police looking for witnesses in Delridge bicycle crash
Just posted at SPDBlotter: Police are asking for help finding witnesses in a West Seattle bicycle crash this morning. They found a woman in her twenties, with life-threatening injuries, in the 7700 block of Delridge (map). But they don’t know what happened – whether someone hit her, or whether something went wrong and she was the only one involved. From The Blotter:
Traffic Collision Investigation detectives were called to the scene to investigate and process the collision site. It is unknown at this point whether or not this was a single vehicle collision or a hit and run. The investigation continues. Anyone who may have information regarding this collision is asked to contact detectives as 206 684-8927.
Checking the 911 log, it looks like medics first responded to that area around quarter past 6 this morning. We’re checking with police now to get more information beyond what’s on The Blotter. 6:28 PM UPDATE: Lots more info in comments during the day, at least regarding what was seen at the scene after it happened. Meantime, we called police late today to ask if there’s any new info – regarding the bicyclist’s condition, or any information on the crash’s cause. Short answer: No. (Without knowing the name of the rider, by the way, we are unable to independently obtain information on her condition from the hospital. So if anyone who knows her does see this and is able to let us all know how she is doing, that will be appreciated.) 8:01 PM UPDATE: Amy sent this via e-mail:
i do know her. and right now all i know is she is in ICU i don’t want to um
say her name cause i don’t know if they’d want that.
but shes in icu she has facial fractures, a broken arm scrapes bruises and
some internal injuries. she probably will need surgery for the facial
fractures. but other than that i do not know how she is. that update was
given to me around 1 pmish. prayers for her and her family are appreciated.
Election 2009: Sign-waving tradition goes on
With today being the first major all-mail election in King County, we wondered if the tradition of candidates and supporters waving signs during “rush hour” would go on anyway … it did. Here’s what and who we found in the 35th/Fauntleroy area on the way to The Bridge – King County Executive candidate (and King County Council Chair) Dow Constantine above, these two groups below (none of whom contacted us, by the way – we just went out looking):
The Fauntleroy walkover bridge had two volunteers with Constantine signs – didn’t get a photo. If you have photos of other sign-wavers in West Seattle this morning, editor@westseattleblog.com – we’ll be out looking when the afternoon commute gets close too. Remember, make sure your ballot gets postmarked today, OR take it to a dropbox by 8 pm tonight (locations listed here).
Today: VOTE! (And here’s what else is up in West Seattle)
The ballot dropoff box outside White Center Library (11220 16th SW; map) and its counterpart at North Delridge Neighborhood Service Center (5405 Delridge; map) are the two closest places to take your ballot up until 8 pm tonight (or get it in the mail, but be sure it’s postmarked today). County Council District 8, which includes West Seattle, is still the district with the highest percentage of returned ballots – but 80 percent are STILL out there, so that’s a whole lot of voting yet to happen. We’ll bring you election results once the vote-counting begins.
Also today/tonight:
HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN: 4:30-7 pm, 32nd/Juneau (map), see what’s fresh from the mini-farm right by the stand.
END-OF-SUMMER CELEBRATION AND FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Delridge Library is throwing a party because readers of all ages “nearly tripled the Delridge Branch summer reading goal of 2,350 books!” Drop in any time between 6 and 8 pm (5423 Delridge; map).
“INTRO TO (BIKE) COMMUTING”: That’s the latest Bike Smart Seattle presentation in West Seattle, 6:30 tonight at Southwest Community Center (2801 SW Thistle; map).
Followup: Stolen gorilla comes home to Youngstown
Eight days after we brought you first word of the gorilla-napping (involving an animatronic creation using the suit shown in the photo above) from Youngstown Arts Center (original WSB report here), the gorilla is back, according to a note tonight from Gina, who first reported its disappearance:
Thanks for your help in spreading the word! Our gorilla was safely returned to us today thanks to the good work of SPD. … We’re not pressing charges but would like to invite the kidnapper to wear the gorilla suit to attract attention at our next event.
West Seattle Crime Watch: Rock thrown through window
That’s Nicole‘s window, near 37th/Edmunds, south of The Mount. And this is what did the damage:
Nicole shared those photos along with the story of what happened:
I have a frightening and very disappointing incident to inform you about. Last night around 10 pm, I was sitting in my front living room when a rock was thrown through my front window. Unfortunately I was not able to see the suspects, it was too dark. I’m thankful I was not struck by the rock or the glass that was littered across the living room but it certainly could have been a lot worse. Whoever threw the rock did it from 100-150 feet away, as our house sits high up off the street. It was clearly deliberate and not an accident. The rock was the size of a baseball and shattered the big window which is quite large, 12’x5′.
The police combed the area but came up with nothing. I’m not sure how something like this can be prevented but it certainly has my attention. I’m going to add additional motion sensor lights on that side of the house and possibly add a video camera and surveillance sign, we have had a lot of car break-ins and burglaries in the area.
West Seattle Junction KeyBank robber strikes AGAIN (in Renton)
Got that photo this afternoon from the FBI, taken during a robbery today at the Alaska USA Credit Union on 3rd in Renton. Looked a lot like the robber from the KeyBank holdup in The Junction on August 5th (note he’s even wearing the same T-shirt):
The same robber was linked to at least one of two robberies in North Seattle a week ago Saturday. So we pinged the FBI to ask if this is believed to be the same guy. Agent Frederick Gutt says, “Yes, the suspect today is believed to be associated with each of these robberies.” Here’s the description from today:
The suspect is described as a black male, mid 30’s, approximately 6′ tall, mustache, wearing a tan baseball cap and blue jeans, and departed on foot. The suspect displayed a handgun and should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information regarding the suspect is asked to call the FBI at (206) 622-0460
Happening now: Last day of 1st “week” for Delridge Produce Coop
Till 7:30 tonight, you’ll find the Delridge Produce Cooperative “Mobile Market” – free produce as part of a four-week test – on the lawn south of Youngstown Arts Center (4408 Delridge; map) – that’s where we took the photo a bit earlier. The project’s been getting lots of buzz and an increasing number of visits – even a line when they opened this afternoon! Here’s an update DPC sent before starting up for the day:
Today we have peaches from an organic farm in California, courtesy of Madison Market, and multi-colors of carrots from Full Circle Farm. We expect to get at least fifty visitors today, which is what we’re aiming for. We still need volunteers to fill up the schedules for the next three weeks, and we’re on the lookout for local organic farmers who would like to donate.
We have gotten a lot of calls and personal referrals from people who want the produce from the ‘Mobile Market’ to supplement thier limited food budgets, so we are definitely confirming our suspicions that there is a real need for inexpensive fresh food on Delridge. If things keep going the way they are, we can prove that not only is there a need for produce on Delridge, but also that people can show up at certain locations and times to get it – and that they want it that badly. This demonstrates that a *real* mobile market (in particular) is likely to succeed in Delridge. We’ve also gotten calls from other places than Delridge, asking if you have to show identification that says you’re a Delridge resident to get free produce. I think that this illustrates that if we had the kind of produce co-op that we want, it would bring business into Delridge from other parts of Seattle and therefore be more likely to succeed. There is not a lot of inexpensive organic produce in Seattle in general, so we may become a magnet for those who desire it.
Next week, the tote bags will be ready, and we will have the mulit-language information pamphlets about free and low-cost healthy programs. The tote bags are beautiful, sturdy, washable green polyester that packs down into a key fob the size, shape and color of a big strawberry. They are being silk-screened by local company Heart On My Sleeve with an inspirational logo that was created by a local artist for our ‘Tote Bag Art Contest’ a few months ago. I believe that she found out about the contest by reading about it on the West Seattle Blog.
You’ll remember Heart On My Sleeve – they’re the fashion/art/music team based in Pigeon Point, profiled here earlier this year. Meantime, if you don’t make it to the “Mobile Market” at Youngstown by 7:30 tonight, they’ll repeat the same sequence of four locations next Friday through Monday – all listed here.
ADDED 7:20 PM: Thanks to Dina Johnson for this photo of the multiple colors of carrots available at the stand today:
West Seattle business news: Little Gym coming to Morgan Junction
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The former Alki Mortgage building at California/Myrtle (map), a few steps south of Caffe Ladro, will soon house The Little Gym of West Seattle. Owner Birgit Obrietan tells WSB, “We can’t wait to become part of the West Seattle community!” She and her husband own The Little Gym operations in Bellevue and Issaquah, and Birgit says that “having a gym in West Seattle has been a dream of ours for many years.” They are hoping to open in early November for regular classes and birthday parties; ultimately, she says, “We will have parent/child classes, preschool gymnastics, grade school gymnastics, birthday parties and summer camps.” Their classes are for ages 4 months to 12 years, and you can find more about what they offer at thelittlegym.com. (They’re also reachable at 206-937-0311.) We asked if they’ll be occupying the entirety of the building; Birgit says no, “there is some back office space that will be rented to another tenant.” Side note — The Bellevue branch that Birgit and her husband own was the very first The Little Gym, opened in 1973; they’ve run it for nine years. (By the way – and thanks to Robert for spotting this – they’re advertising for a director.)
Election 2009, by the (money) numbers: West Seattle spending
30 hours to go till the vote-counting begins. We have profiled candidates, covered forums and endorsement meetings, and now it’s in your hands – if you haven’t voted already, get your ballot in the mail or into a dropbox (no stamp needed for that option!) – there’s still time to prove the “low turnout” predictions wrong. Our pre-election coverage is all archived here, with contributors including veteran West Seattle-based journalists Kathy Mulady and Jack Mayne. Kathy looked into the latest campaign-spending information, with a West Seattle hook, to bring you this report:
By Kathy Mulady
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
West Seattle residents have already contributed nearly $121,000 to an election season that is shaping up to be one of the most expensive ever.
So far, candidates for mayor, city council, and city attorney have raised $2.4 million and spent $1.9 million.
Mayor Greg Nickels and challengers for his office have already spent more than $1 million, according to the Seattle Ethics and Elections website.
Read More
Mid-rise and high-rise codes to be discussed at Tuesday meeting
A reminder from the Seattle City Council:
The Seattle City Council’s Planning, Land Use and Neighborhoods Committee will hold a special meeting Tuesday, Aug. 18, 5:30 p.m. at Blanche Lavisso Park located at East Yesler Way and 22nd Avenue South.
It will discuss proposed changes to the mid- and high-rise sections of the multifamily code. The updates are designed to provide more affordable housing and open space, along with greater flexibility in building design.
The meeting is open for public comment following a committee briefing and discussion. The public is encouraged to arrive early as free ice cream* will be served starting at 5 p.m.
Who: Seattle City Council’s Planning, Land Use and Neighborhoods Committee
What: Special meeting to discuss proposed mid- and high-rise building codes
When: Tuesday, Aug. 18 – ice cream served at 5 p.m., meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Blanche Lavizzo Park, E. Yesler Way and 22nd Avenue South, Central Area
*Ice cream purchased with Sally Clark’s personal fund.
Followups: Admiral power outage; Weather Watch Park work
Here’s followup information from the city on two things we’d inquired about: First, yesterday’s power outage in the Admiral area (thanks to Jamie for the photo above and for one of the first reports when it happened): Seattle City Light‘s Scott Thomsen says it was caused when a utility pole’s crossarm broke (that may explain the “loud noise” reported yesterday), and affected almost 200 homes and businesses (including Admiral Safeway and West Seattle PCC). Repairs were complete about three hours after the outage started just before 2. Now, to Beach Drive:
We took that photo a few days ago after receiving a note from a concerned neighbor who saw extensive vegetation removal at Weather Watch Park (map), which he described as “clearcutting,” wondering if it had been authorized and, if so, by whom. First we checked with Seattle Parks, which reminded us that Weather Watch Park is SDOT property since it’s a “street end.” Here’s the information we received from Marybeth Turner at SDOT today:
A contractor hired by SDOT cleared away invasive weeds and dead plants and removed litter. The only tree-related work was the removal of suckers from a sweetgum tree. This maintenance work at the street-end area was done at the request of neighbors. Although this turned out to be legitimate activity,we appreciate the vigilance of residents who report what might be illegal activity. For more information about the street end, residents may call Patti Quirk, SDOT Street Use office, (206) 684-8501.
Just putting in another pitch. Mail your ballot ASAP, or get it in 
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