day : 14/01/2012 11 results

(Photo added 12:42 am, sent by neighbor ‘Bunnyfer’)
11:54 PM: Fire reported on 35th SW near Roxbury. More to come.

(Photo by Tony Bradley)
12:10 AM: The fire is reported to be under control.

12:36 AM: Christopher Boffoli‘s on the scene for WSB. (His photos are above and below this paragraph.) He says the house is single-family but is believed to be vacant (as mentioned in comments, below). Note that 35th is closed at Roxbury, if you have to drive at this hour. No word of any injuries.

12:41 AM: Christopher has spoken with Seattle Fire spokesperson Kyle Moore. He reports that Moore confirms the house was vacant, and Christopher adds this from Kyle’s briefing: “No occupants. No firefighter injuries. Engine 37 arrived to a fully involved fire in the basement area. Ladder 11 followed and ran water from an 8 inch main on 35th. They have the fire pretty much tapped now. But because the fire burned out and weakened the floor, it is too dangerous for them to go inside at this point. Kyle says they’ll probably sit on it all night just to be sure.”

1:41 AM: Added video from Christopher. Your editor here just went over to check the scene – 35th closed on the south side of Roxbury but you can turn onto Roxbury, either way. We’re adding more photos, too. The main that Kyle mentioned to Christopher – important note because of the water challenges brought to light by the August 27th fire a mile or so south – is about a block from the house that burned.

(Photo by Tony Bradley)
Here’s where the line ran from:

(Photo by Torin Record-Sand)
(The maps shown when the City Council was briefed on the August fire last month show this area is not slated for water-main upgrades since it’s close enough to one with sufficient “fire flow.” When we checked back, firefighters were still up on the roof with chainsaws, ventilating the house, and it’s still smoldering. No word on the cause, but that usually takes some hours to determine.

2:49 AM: Commenters had pointed out early on that the home was for sale. Most recently, one noted that a sale was listed as “pending.” We looked up the current ownership; the house is federally owned, following foreclosure. Meantime, we uploaded a short clip received from Benjamin, in the early moments of the fire:

ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: Investigators still haven’t figured out how the fire started, according to this update on the SFD website.

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Helicopter over Highland Park

January 14, 2012 11:42 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Helicopter | Highland Park | West Seattle news

11:42 PM: Thanks for the e-mails/texts. We’re checking. (LATER: Sorry, the fire sidetracked the investigation into what this was about. We still have inquiries out, though, and whenever we get an answer, we’ll post it here.)

SUNDAY MORNING: Southwest Precinct Lt. Alan Williams told us they did NOT have Guardian One (the area’s only law-enforcement chopper, owned/operated by King County Sheriff’s Office, but assists other agencies) out on anything. Was it a KCSO case? No word yet.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Burglary victim’s reminder

January 14, 2012 9:10 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | High Point | West Seattle news

It’s been quieter on the burglary front lately; we should hear the newest stats at the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting on Tuesday. Meantime, an alert from a break-in victim near 29th and Raymond in High Point, who sent a note this afternoon:Read More

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Benefit cat adopt-a-thon continues Sunday; 1st day a success

January 14, 2012 8:37 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Pets | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

At Kitty Harbor late this afternoon, the first day of a special cat adopt-a-thon wrapped up, with distinguished visitors – with KH founder Delyn Kosbab (left) and Furry Faces Foundation’s Teri Ensley (right), that’s one of them, King County Executive Dow Constantine, holding Patches the cat. Patches, an 11-year-old tortoiseshell, is one of two-dozen-plus cats who will be awaiting you at Kitty Harbor tomorrow. (By 4 pm today, more than 30 already had found new homes!) The adopt-a-thon is also a benefit on behalf of Teri, whose home caught fire this past Monday (WSB coverage here). All but one of her personal and rescue cats is OK, but she is mourning Pouncer, who didn’t make it; otherwise, Teri told us, she’s doing better, and very thankful to everyone who has reached out to help. (Even the clothes she’s wearing are thanks to folks who are helping.) Constantine is a longtime animal advocate – not to mention companion of two rescue cats – and was there not just to show support for Teri, but also for King County Regional Animal Services, which helped with the event:

As terrific as Kitty Harbor is (helping 575 cats find homes this past season!), he noted, it would be great if there was less need for volunteers and private nonprofits to shelter and help so many homeless cats – and there’s an easy way to help that become reality:

(Side note – Constantine and partner Shirley Carlson stopped at Kitty Harbor while heading back from an event at the University of Washington at which local Japanese-American World War II heroes were honored, including two from West Seattle; more on that later.)

The Kitty Harbor adopt-a-thon – which is happening outside the timeframe of the facility’s normal adoption season – continues noon-6 pm tomorrow at 3422 Harbor Avenue SW. Meantime, the latest on assistance for Teri, her cats, and Furry Faces is here (including a “mini-pub crawl” in Morgan Junction Thursday night).

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January 21st memorial for lifelong West Seattleite Jack Hanning

January 14, 2012 6:07 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

One week from today, family and friends will gather to remember lifelong West Seattleite Jack Hanning. His family shares this remembrance:

Jack Hanning
“Maui Jack”
3/24/25-1/7/12

Jack was born in Seattle to Jack and Irene Hanning. He was a lifelong resident of West Seattle and graduated in ‘43 from West Seattle High School.

Jack joined the Sea Scouts and sailed on the Yankee Clipper; later in life, he served on the Sea Scout Foundation.

He volunteered for the U.S. Navy Submarine Service during WWII and served on the Pogy SS266 from ’43-‘46. In ‘47, Jack married Bettie McCoy, and they celebrated their 64th anniversary last June 14th. He graduated from the U of W in ’53, then worked for Benton Realty before opening Hanning Realty in ’56. Later he added Olympic Escrow. After 50 years in the business, he closed his office in ‘06.

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Unusual side effect of sewer-storage project: ‘Garage sale’ ad brings out deputies, crime tape at Lowman Beach

January 14, 2012 3:36 pm

| 13 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news

We first heard about this at midmorning, when Richard sent a note about a King County Sheriff’s Deputy and “crime tape” at a home across from Lowman Beach. We suspected it had something to do with the county taking over that property and others, for the future Murray Pump Station Combined Sewer Overflow project, which will replace the residences across from Lowman Beach with a million-gallon underground storage tank and its support faciliities. When we got there for a photo early this afternoon, that looked so obviously to be the case, we didn’t even seek out the deputy who was parked there, figuring we’d go look up property records.

Then while back at HQ we got a note from Robin, who said she had seen a Craigslist ad about a garage sale at the address today, got there at 10 am – and instead of a sale, she found a (different – in a KCSO car, while this afternoon, it was Burien PD) deputy, the house cordoned off with crime tape, and NO TRESPASSING signs put up:

She says the deputy who was there at the time explained that the renters already had moved out and the sale listing was “fake,” one of those “everything including the fixtures are for sale” listings. We looked around online and saw some corroboration of this on CL:

Further searches showed some hint of the original post, but it’s already been removed, even from caching. Online county records confirm this site is now owned by the county; the sale closed December 30th, but the purchase price is not listed. We’re seeking further info from the Sheriff’s Office (such as, was anyone arrested?) and will also be researching the ownership status of the other properties on the block – the county’s timetable calls for demolition as soon as this spring, though construction isn’t expected to start till next year. More info on today’s incident, as we get it.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Vandal driver(s) tear up Hiawatha lawn

January 14, 2012 12:36 pm

| 45 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Police are investigating vandalism on the east lawn of Hiawatha Community Center. An officer arrived while we were there looking at the damage a neighbor had called to tell us about. One or more vehicles drove over the east lawn – in repeated circles/criss-crosses, tearing up the grass in the area used for so many community events:

The neighbor who called us said it happened overnight – he believes he heard the noise of whatever vehicle(s) did this, but didn’t realize at the time what it was. The tire tracks are on the north side of the east lawn too:

We did not see any equipment or building damage, though, and it wasn’t clear what direction the driver(s) came from – there is a driveway but the locked bollards were up. The site is owned by Seattle Parks, and we won’t be able to check with them till Tuesday because of the holiday.

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West Seattle Weather Watch: Burn ban canceled; snow update

January 14, 2012 10:36 am

| 16 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

10:36 AM: The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has just canceled the burn ban that’s been in effect the past few days – no surprise given the rain and wind, of course, but just in case you’ve been longing to get the fireplace/woodstove going, there’s your green light. Meantime, the forecast continues to include a possibility that the rain showers will turn to snow showers – possibly this afternoon; so far, no word of morning snow sightings.

11:35 AM: The snow has hit the north end, according to multiple reports – Fremont, Woodland Park Zoo among the areas mentioning it. Headed this way? We’re on watch. The National Weather Service has issued a “short-term forecast” focused on north King/south Snohomish counties.

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West Seattle schools: Board rep McLaren decides not to try to delay new ‘option’ school at Boren after all

January 14, 2012 10:01 am

| 41 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

In an hour, West Seattle’s new school-board rep Marty McLaren holds her third and final community-conversation meeting before the board votes Wednesday on what to do to try to relieve school overcrowding next year – a process the district is calling “short-term capacity management.” As first reported here January 4th, McLaren had said that she planned to offer an amendment to delay the proposal to reopen the former Boren Junior High School as temporary home of a STEM – science, tech, engineering, math – focused “option” elementary. We’d been asking about the status of the amendment in recent days, and minutes ago, she sent this announcement she has decided not to pursue it:

Thank you to all the West Seattle (and other) people who have joined the dialogue about short term solutions for overcrowding in our elementary schools.

Decision to move forward with the STEM option proposal
Friday I made the decision not to go forward with my amendment to the current proposal: Thus, the Seattle School Board will vote next Wednesday, January 18th, on whether to open an elementary STEM option program at the Boren site, and in addition to add portables as needed in the Denny and Madison service areas for the 2012-13 school year.

Because many of you felt that there had not been adequate community discussion about the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program recommendation, I had prepared an amendment which would have delayed placing a STEM program at Boren for a year, until 2013-14. I invited interested people to comment on this blog about their vision for West Seattle schools and the STEM option, and also invited people to attend one of three meetings (the final meeting of this series takes place this morning at 11 AM at the Delridge Library). However, after listening carefully, discussing the various angles, and looking at all the factors, when the Friday deadline came to post the amendment, I chose not to do it.

Deciding factors — concerns about going forward
As you know, this was a complex and difficult decision. Many West Seattle people have correctly pointed out that placing a STEM program at Boren does not begin to adequately address overcrowding in our elementary schools. It’s clear that we need a comprehensive mid- and long-range master plan for providing more neighborhood schools, and many people believe strongly that it’s premature to commit to a STEM option program before a feeder pattern for the program is determined and before the master plan is in place. However, there is simply not enough time to formulate such a plan before open enrollment begins on February 27th.

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Video: West Seattle High School basketball teams vs. Hale

January 14, 2012 9:59 am

| 1 COMMENT

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

(WSHS mascot and band, drumming up school spirit)
Story and video by Randall G. Hauk
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Troy Lingle’s 21 points were enough to make him the high scorer for the West Seattle High School boys basketball team Friday night, but even with 15 of those points coming in the second half, the effort was not enough to avoid a third-straight loss for the Wildcats, who fell at home to the Nathan Hale HS Raiders.

Hale also won the girls’ varsity match preceding the boys’ varsity game.

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West Seattle Saturday: School Board chat, open houses, more…

January 14, 2012 8:08 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Added 10:17 am – an intrepid dozen-plus turned out in chilly rain/wind for Admiral cleanup!)
While we wait and watch the weather – here’s the latest “special weather statement” – there’s plenty else to do. From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

ADMIRAL CLEANUP: Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s quarterly Adopt-A-Street cleanup, meet outside Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) at 9 am – free breakfast and lunch.

COVE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: The Cove School, with a toddler program and preschool program, hosts its final open house of the season at its location in Fauntlee Hills, 9-10:30 am. Call to RSVP ASAP, 206-923-COVE.

FIND OUT ABOUT BECOMING A VOLUNTEER NATURALIST: Open house for those interested in information about being a volunteer naturalist. Camp Long, 10 am-1 pm, 5200 35th SW. From the announcement: “Do you love sharing nature with others? Are you interested in learning more about the flora and fauna of the Seattle’s many parks? Then you might be the perfect candidate for the Seattle Volunteer Naturalist program. … Training for Volunteer Naturalists begins in March of 2012. The deadline for applications is February 10.”

TALK WITH YOUR REP ON THE SEATTLE SCHOOL BOARD: With the board’s decision about “short-term capacity management” – reopen Boren as a new “option” elementary? add more portables to several local elementaries? or? – today is your final pre-vote chance to talk with School Board rep Marty McLaren, 11 am-1 pm at Delridge Library (Brandon/Delridge).

AVALON CENTER OPEN HOUSE: Avalon Center (WSB sponsor) is having an open house 11 am-3 pm today, 6959 California SW. From the announcement: “Everyone is invited to stop by to meet the staff. There will be a light brunch buffet and great conversations.”

CAT ADOPT-A-THON BENEFITING TERI ENSLEY & FURRY FACES: As announced earlier this week, at Kitty Harbor (3422 Harbor Ave. SW) noon-6 pm today, a cat adopt-a-thon will benefit fire victim Teri Ensley and her animal-advocacy organization Furry Faces Foundation.

BRIGHT BEGINNINGS OPEN HOUSE: Open House at Bright Beginnings Preschool Program, Hiawatha Community Center (2700 California SW), 1-3 pm. Bright Beginnings is operated by the Associated Recreational Council in partnership with the Parks Department. From the announcement: “We provide rich environments with different learning areas, consistent schedules and routines, large and small group times and outdoor play.”

SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL DEDICATION: Fallen Soldiers Memorial dedication at Vietnamese Cultural Center (on SW Orchard north of Home Depot, west of Delridge), 1 pm, public invited, especially Vietnam War veterans and their families. Read about it in our recent preview.

FEELING CRAFTY? Monthly Crafting party group in Delridge with its first meet-up today, 1-6 pm. From the announcement: “The cost is $10/person and it includes: snacks, appetizers, door prizes, make n takes, and more. Space is limited so interested folks should inquire/rsvp to me at phillippiagoldsmith@live.com – Participants can come work on their sewing, scrapbooking, card making, knitting projects with other people. Youth are welcome!”

AT THE LONGHOUSE: “Remembering Medicine Songs of Chief Seattle’s Time” with Johnny Moses, 6 pm at Duwamish Longhouse (details on this Facebook event page).

Note: After publishing the roundup, we learned this event has been postponed – watch for news of a new date! ‘WINEMAKER’S DINNER’ TO BENEFIT WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK: Endolyne Joe’s and Sozo Wines are hosting it tonight at 7 pm, $60 per person, five-course meal with wine. Check to see if reservations remain – 206–937-5637.

RAT CITY BRASS @ KENYON HALL: At Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW): 7:30 pm tonight, it’s Rat City Brass, described in the announcement as “a dynamic eight-piece band that specializes in the music of Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass.” Reserved table seats are $14. Row seating is $12 general and $10 seniors. With a reservation, row seating is only $10 general and $8 seniors. Elementary, middle, and high school students are $5. Pre-schoolers are free. To make a reservation, please e-mail kenyonhall@earthlink.net.

AT THE CLUBS/LOUNGES/COFFEEHOUSES: Cool Cats at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm … The Buckets at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 9 pm … Estafets, Bone Cave Ballet, Debutante Year at Skylark Café and Club, 9 pm … Candylandia dance party at Benbow Room of the Heartland Café, 9 pm-2 am … DJ/karaoke with Tony B at Rocksport, 10 pm …