West Seattle, Washington
14 Wednesday
(Photos by Kevin McClintic)
Three years ago – on September 22, 2008 – we covered the sudden arrival of an encampment on a city-owned parcel in eastern West Seattle, calling itself “Nickelsville.” Days later, police were sent in to clear the site. After a subsequent odyssey through more than a dozen other sites, most of them not in West Seattle, the encampment – still calling itself “Nickelsville,” though the mayor’s office had a new occupant – returned to its original site this past May, and the current mayor decided to let the camp stay. For how long? The topic came up briefly at a recent City Council meeting, and the bottom line is that the city is still developing its policies regarding homeless encampments – so no change in the situation appears imminent.
So tomorrow (Saturday), Nickelsville is marking its third anniversary, and its residents welcome you to an open house/party from 3-5 pm, including roast pig that they’re putting on the rotisserie in a few hours. All are invited; they’ll also be cooking donated burgers and hot dogs. And they’re planning a Parade of Pets, so you are welcome to bring yours. More in this WSB Forums post. The encampment is on the northeastern corner of Highland Park Way/West Marginal Way SW.
9:50 PM: At Southwest Athletic Complex tonight, Chief Sealth International High School‘s varsity football team beat Rainier Beach, 34-19, the Seahawks’ first win of the season. Details and video to come.
ADDED: Game summary and clip, ahead:Read More
That’s firefighter Daniel Hess with Engine 37 at its home base, Station 37 in Sunrise Heights. This afternoon, Seattle Fire spokesperson Kyle Moore invited the media to come meet Hess because of something the firefighter did in his off-hours late last night. The rooftop deck of the 24-unit North Seattle condo complex where he lives caught fire around 11:15 pm; a fire alarm woke Hess up, according to the SFD Fire Line site, and he sprang to action, going to his car to get his gear, rushing up to the deck, where:
He tried using a garden hose which didn’t pump out enough water so he grabbed the building’s one-inch standpipe hose and began dousing the 20 foot high flames. Engine 16 and Engine 39 arrived minutes later with hose lines which helped extinguish the blaze.
Hess was pretty low-key about his fast action during this afternoon’s interviews – here’s what he told WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand:
Investigators say the fire at Hess’s building “was caused by discarded smoking materials.” Nobody was hurt – though Hess said he might be out a few dollars, because it’s tradition that if you get media attention, you owe the station either ice cream or apple fritters.
Late this afternoon, after hundreds of volunteers built High Point’s new playground at Bataan Park (as previewed this morning), the fences went up, and there they’ll stay till its scheduled opening Tuesday. But we did get to peek through:
For scenes from the action throughout the day – all the way up to the ribbon-cutting – check out High Point resident Wendy Hughes-Jelen‘s album on Facebook.
ADDED 9:36 PM: Commenters have mentioned that our friends at KING 5 were out covering the event today – here’s their story (following an ad which is served by them, not us):
Tuesday’s grand opening is at 4:30 pm.
During the previous two media briefings we’ve covered regarding the upcoming 9-day, 10-night Alaskan Way Viaduct closure (October 21-31), there hasn’t been much information available about how the West Seattle Water Taxi will be made more usable for the duration – though there were promises that the information was forthcoming. The first major round of updates has just been provided by County Councilmember Joe McDermott, who is also chair of the King County Ferry District Board – details ahead:Read More
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
One year and one day ago, a gruesome discovery in Roxhill Park – the body of a man who had been viciously beaten. The disturbing details emerged in subsequent days and weeks- the victim, 40-year-old Bernard Martin, had had a shopping cart smashed into him, and had been jumped on, from a low wall nearby.
21-year-old Chatri Thip (right) was arrested and charged within days. His record included involvement in another murder in South King County. Earlier this year, he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Today, members of his family came from as far away as Montana to speak to the judge who would decide the price Thip would pay.
After an emotion-wracked hearing lasting almost an hour, King County Superior Court Judge Susan Craighead has just announced her decision: 11 years, the low end of the sentencing range, as recommended by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, while acknowledging she was worried that because Thip is so young, he will be as much of a threat when he gets out as he was when he killed Martin in a self-described alcohol-fueled rage.
Prosecutor Scott O’Toole explained at the start of the hearing that his office believed Thip was truly remorseful, and that is why they made the recommendation.
The victim’s family left the courtroom hissing insults at Thip, who had read a letter of apology, after their pleas for a tougher sentence.
After WSB Forums members wondered about the status of Garlic Jim’s Pizza in The Junction, closed now for a week or so, and this afternoon, after a couple of exchanges with corporate HQ this morning, we have an official statement, saying basically that it’s closed till further notice:
The West Seattle Garlic Jim’s is closed. We are not at liberty to divulge any details of the situation involving the prior owner, who was an independent franchisee of Garlic Jim’s Famous Gourmet Pizza.
Garlic Jim’s is actively seeking a new owner but at this time we do not have a certain date for re‐ opening.
The former owner bears the responsibility of notifying his crew of his decision to close as we do not have any contact information. It is our understanding that the store was only staffed by a small part‐ time crew, although in this economy it is a tragedy when even one person loses a job.
We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused our customers as we have appreciated their business. For those who recently purchased Living Social vouchers – they can be used at any other Garlic Jim’s or you may request a refund from Living Social directly by calling 877.521.4191.
The restaurant originally opened in spring 2007, part of an Everett-based chain of franchises. It has undergone at least one ownership change since then; the most recent owners, who had a successful franchise in Snohomish County, took over last year amid some fanfare.
Just in from SDOT, the next round of Spokane Street Viaduct closures, westbound only, and this time it’s for a big chunk of the weekend:
The contractor working for the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) to widen the Spokane Street Viaduct will close both westbound lanes of the structure from 10 PM on Friday, September 30, to 10 AM on Sunday, October 2, to pour deck spans at the east end of the project. The westbound lanes will be closed from west of I-5 to the Alaskan Way Viaduct. All eastbound lanes on the Spokane Street Viaduct will remain open.
During the closure, southbound I-5 traffic will be directed to the S Forest Street exit to access surface streets leading to the lower Spokane Street Swing Bridge. Northbound I-5 traffic and westbound traffic from Columbian Way will be detoured to surface streets at 6th Avenue South to the detour route leading to the swing bridge. Signage will be posted to direct drivers along these routes.
Motorists will also still be able to use southbound SR-99 to access the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge.
And again, “Spokane Street Viaduct” refers to the stretch of the West Seattle Bridge between I-5 and Highway 99.
California SW between Edmunds and Hudson is done, and now the SDOT crews have moved on to SW Avalon Way, where they were working just south of the bridge onramp when we went by a little while ago. One lane is open each way, and the businesses are open, but give yourself extra time if you’re going through the area. They’re scheduled to keep working southward, with more work on Monday, and possibly Tuesday.
Making a decision about a family member’s retirement/care – or your own? A rare opportunity to meet/hear from representatives of our area’s major retirement/assisted-living centers, all in one place, is coming up a week from tomorrow. This announcement just came in:
Eight retirement and assisted living communities of West Seattle are coming together on October 1, 2011 for a Town Hall Meeting. Local community members may attend this free event which will be held from 10 am to 12:30 pm at Fauntleroy Church.
SHAG Arrowhead Gardens, Boulevard Park Place, BridgePark, Daystar, The Kenney, Merrill Gardens at Admiral Heights, Merrill Gardens at West Seattle and Providence Mount St. Vincent will all be present. This forum will allow community members to gather information from each community at once and learn about the similarities and differences they share.
Attendees will enjoy breakfast bites prepared by each community while they visit the information booths. Karen Sisson, the Director of the West Seattle Senior Center, will MC the event. Presentations will be given by each community and there will be a question and answer period to follow.
Reservations for this event are requested at 206-937-6122, but are not required.
(Our standard disclosure note: Daystar, The Kenney, and both local Merrill Gardens communities are WSB sponsors.)
Today’s the day – and after a week of clouds, they’re graced with sun. High Point neighbors, with KaBOOM! and the Windermere Foundation, are building their new playground at Bataan Park. Smiles all around as signups began:
We spotted West Seattleite and The Mountain radio personality Marty Riemer digging in, too:
If you remember (or were part of) the playground project in Delridge two years ago, you’ll remember that KaBOOM! team members come dressed for success:
We’ll check back later today. It’s only been two months since High Point got word the playground would be built (this was the second time they’d applied to get one); the grand opening is planned for next Tuesday.
(Canada geese seen strolling in the SSCC parking lot when we arrived for yesterday’s ‘Salute to South’)
Happy fall! As of 2:05 this morning, the season has changed, though today’s forecast looks pretty good. From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
TRAFFIC ALERTS: Throughout the day, there’s a traffic alert for SODO/Pioneer Square because of the Microsoft meeting – details here … If they’re still on their slightly revised schedule, SDOT will be “spot paving” SW Avalon Way today (and Monday, maybe also Tuesday).
WEST SEATTLE GARDEN CLUB: Meets 10 am to 2 pm, Daystar Retirement Village (WSB sponsor), 2615 SW Barton, building #1. Starts with half-hour social/registration time, then the business meeting, honoring the 25-years-plus members and commentary on the Design and Horticulture exhibits. At noon, it’s brown-bag lunchtime with dessert and beverage served by the Club. The afternoon program at 1 pm will present the Club’s recipient of its 2010 Scholarship to South Seattle Community College‘s horticulture program, John Sammons. Interested persons are welcome to join us. $5 donation. More information at (206) 932-2540.
TALK ABOUT ARTHRITIS: The Kenney (WSB sponsor) is hosting a Town Hall meeting, “Osteoarthritis and You,” presented by the Arthritis Foundation. Learn about osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, how to manage joint pain, and resources to help you stay active and healthy. Presenters include State Rep. Eileen Cody and Paul Manner, MD, from the Department of Orthopedics from the University of Washington. Call Andrea Aho at the Arthritis Foundation to RSVP, 800-746-1821.
ART SHOW OPENS: Celebrate Sheila Lengle‘s art exhibit at Alki Arts, 2820 Alki SW, 6-9 pm
FIRST SUNSET OF FALL: Fall equinox sunset watch with NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen, 6:30 pm at Solstice Park (behind and upslope from the Lincoln Park Annex tennis courts), more info here
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth International High School hosts Rainier Beach at the Southwest Athletic Complex, 7 pm.
THEATER: “Amy’s View” continues at ArtsWest Playhouse in The Junction, second-to-last weekend, 7:30 pm.
Courtney sent that photo of her car, which she says was stolen from outside West Seattle Bowl (39th/Oregon) between 6:15 pm and 10 pm Thursday night: “I have already reported it to the police but hope to get the word out here too. It is a 2-door, tan, 1996 Honda Accord EX, license plate 943-VZJ.” If you’ve seen it, call 911.
ADDED 9:02 AM: Another stolen-car report just in:
Our car was stolen sometime during the night. We live on the 3200 of 41st Ave SW. It is a blue/green sparkly 1995 Acura Integra LS, 2 door hatchback. License plate # 192SFK. Please call 911.”
Some diners/drinkers in West 5 on Thursday afternoon might have wondered what was up – as they happened to be sharing the popular Junction establishment with a film crew. Local director Jamie Burton Chamberlin is wrapping up shooting on the rock-n-roll feature film “Duff McKagan’s Loaded.” We dropped by and talked briefly with a band member from Loaded, Jeff Rouse:
We first reported on the movie almost a year ago, when Chamberlin put out a casting call for some other local scenes – you can read the synopsis in that report. Here’s an all-music trailer from earlier this year:
The band’s about to tour the UK – and the tour has its own trailer.
(September 17th photo by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
That’s Stu Hennessey from Alki Bike and Board – we photographed him at last Saturday’s Delridge Day/Skatepark Grand Opening festivities, and there’s another big event on his docket this Saturday: leading a ride to the Moving Planet rally downtown:
Spokespeople West Seattle will be riding to South Lake Union Park, participating in a 350.org event striving to move our planet beyond fossil fuel.
The ride leaves Alki Bike and Board at 10:30 am this Saturday for a 16.5-mile round-trip ride. We will ride at a easy pace as we stay together in a group riding some alternative bicycle-friendly routes to South Lake Union. As usual, there will be some hills.
Map and more information @ alkibikeandboard.com/spokespeople
moving-planet.org/events/us/seattle/1809This is a Cascade Bicycle Club ride. Helmets are required.
Another ride is leaving Jack Block Park to head to Moving Planet, led by Marge Evans; that listing is here.
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