West Seattle, Washington

05 Tuesday

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month : 01/2012 297 results

West Seattle traffic alert: Partial bridge closure tonight
January 25, 2012 7:44 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Spokane St. Viaduct project | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

If you are driving out of West Seattle late tonight or early tomorrow, note that the eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct section of the bridge will be closed again, 9 pm-5 am. SDOT says the closure will start east of the 1st Avenue South offramp, so you will be able to use that exit or 99, but not 4th, Columbian Way, or I-5. The same closure is planned tomorrow night and for the entire weekend ahead, from Friday night 9 pm through Monday morning 5 am – and every weeknight for two weeks after that. SDOT has details here.

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Morgan Junction shooting suspect charged with 1st-degree murder
January 25, 2012 3:40 pm
|      123 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

63-year-old* Gatewood resident Lovett James Chambers (right) is now charged with first-degree murder in the Saturday night shooting that killed 35-year-old Michael Travis Hood (left; known by his middle name). Charging documents were just provided by prosecutors; Chambers’ bail is now set at $5 million. Hood was shot by Morgan Junction Park; a friend then drove him to Providence Mount St. Vincent, thinking it was a hospital, and that’s where police and medics found him, taking him to Harborview Medical Center, where he died hours later.

At first glance the charging documents shed little light on the case beyond what has been reported already, except to say Chambers told investigators the victim and his friend were making “racial slurs,” and that Hood was shot three times, twice in the back. The documents detail Chambers’ past, as support for the increased bail:

… the defendant appears to have a substantial history of crimes of violence, which may increase his potential sentencing range. It is believed that the defendant’s criminal history began in the eariy 1960s and includes a conviction for Robbery in 1961; a crime identified as GL (possibly Grand Larceny) in 1962; Robbery (two counts) and Kidnapping in 1966; Escape with Force in 1966; Resisting Public Officers in 1972; Extortion in 1982; and Robbery of a Savings and Loan in 1982. It is anticipated that the State will amend the Information in this case to Íiie Unlawful Possession of a Firearm charges against the defendant prior to trial.

In addition, it appears that the defendant has prior arrests for Kidnapping for Ransom and/or Rape by Force in 1965; Armed Robbery and Felon in Possession in 1973; Robbery in 1974; Extortion in 1976; and Bank Robbery in 1980. The ultimate disposition of the latter group of cases is not yet known.

In court for Chambers’ first bail hearing on Monday, the suspect’s wife said he had had nothing more than a traffic ticket in the 20 years they had been together; county records show they have owned a home in Gatewood for 18 years, and he has run a home-based computer-tech business. Details of the charging documents, ahead:

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West Seattleite announced as new ‘liaison’ for Southwest Precinct
January 25, 2012 3:40 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

West Seattle resident Melissa Chin (city-provided photo at left) has just been announced as one of four assistant city attorneys with whom City Attorney Pete Holmes is relaunching the “precinct liaison” program. This afternoon’s announcement says Chin is the only one who will be assigned to work with police at two precincts – Southwest and South; each of the other three gets its own liaison. Here’s the official news release:

Next month four assistant city attorneys will be deployed among Seattle’s five police precincts to augment the City’s response to emerging and increasingly complex neighborhood public safety and regulatory issues.

The precinct liaisons — Melissa Chin (South/Southwest), Jana Jorgensen (North), Sumeer Singla (West) and Matt York (East) — will provide critical legal services on the issues of high importance to their particular precincts. They also will be accountable for managing a number of regulatory provisions in a more effective and efficient manner because they will better understand the dynamics in the individual communities.

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West Seattle Water Taxi: Reminder about March fare increase
January 25, 2012 2:33 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from Seacrest, October 2011)
The West Seattle Water Taxi is coming off a big year – ridership numbers published online show its usage up 40 percent last year, compared to 2009, and it wasn’t all the extra “Viadoom” ridership in October – the ridership in December was more than triple that of a year earlier. Some big things are ahead for the King County Ferry District, which manages the run – including new vessels and a new administrator. and, as we first reported last month, a fare increase this spring. Today, the county has just sent out a reminder about the increase:

King County Water Taxi fares will be going up on March 1. The adult and youth fare for one-way trips on the West Seattle and Vashon routes will increase by 50 cents. Passengers with reduced fare permits will pay an additional 25 cents per ride.

This is the first fare increase since the King County Ferry District began operating the Water Taxi service nearly three years ago.

“The additional revenue generated from this increase, along with growing ridership and our continuing efforts to contain costs, will be important factors in helping us sustain this service in the long-term,” King County Ferry District Chair Joe McDermott said.

Both the Vashon Island and West Seattle routes provide year-round, weekday commute service. During the peak season, April through October, service on the West Seattle route expands to seven days a week, including extended hours on weekends and selected nights.

The fare increase is expected to generate in excess of $150,000 annually. This revenue will help offset operating costs and contribute to the King County Water Taxi’s overall financial stability.

Over the past year, ridership has hit record highs. The Rachel Marie, operating between West Seattle and downtown, has seen a 40 percent jump in annual ridership when compared to 2010.The Melissa Ann operates at near capacity between Vashon and downtown Seattle.

As a result of passenger demand, work has begun with the U.S. Coast Guard to raise capacity on both vessels from 150 to 172 passengers by early summer.

Efforts are also underway to replace the District’s aging fleet of leased vessels and improve passenger staging areas.

The new boats will be funded mostly by federal grants, as we reported last month. Meantime, the county says it’s getting closer to hiring a district administrator.

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West Seattle snow aftermath: Taking care of loose ends
January 25, 2012 12:23 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle snow aftermath: Taking care of loose ends
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

12:23 PM: Even as some cope with new wind damage today, the city is continuing to take care of loose ends from last week’s snow/ice storm. One week ago, we showed you Beth Stone‘s photo (above left) of a street sign that came down at 47th/Admiral; on Tuesday, Admiral Neighborhood Association vice president Karl de Jong photographed an SDOT crew (above right) fixing it. In less than an hour, Mayor McGinn is scheduled to discuss another part of the cleanup/fixup plan – what’ll be done about post-storm potholes. We’ll add that information when it’s available (you can also watch here at 1 pm).

2:18 PM UPDATE: The mayor says four “Pothole Rangers” crews are out and about taking care of post-snow/ice potholes. More details in the city news release. (If you want to report one, you can do it online, here.)

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Morgan Junction shooting victim: Remembering Travis Hood
January 25, 2012 9:40 am
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In the extensive comment discussion following our Monday followup on the deadly Saturday-night shooting by Morgan Junction Park, a friend of 35-year-old victim Michael Travis Hood said she wants to be sure he isn’t forgotten. (Travis is his middle name, but that’s how friends say they knew him.)

Jodie Davis (pictured with him, above) is the first person who told us he had died hours after the shooting, though authorities did not confirm that until Monday morning. We spoke with her by phone yesterday, and she provided the photos in this story. She also has spoken with our partners at the Seattle Times for this followup published last night, which notes, as friend and witness Jamie had told us on Sunday, that Travis had moved here just a few months ago in hopes it would be safer than Jacksonville, Florida, where his two brothers were killed in the ’90s (as detailed in this Florida story). Travis leaves behind a 12-year-old daughter named Destiny (pictured with him, at right). Jodie told us she is still trying to figure out how to get back there for Travis’s memorial service, once a date is set. Meantime, today is the deadline for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to make a decision about whether to charge the suspect, who was arrested at his Gatewood home shortly after the shooting. Homicide detectives asked publicly yesterday for any more witnesses to come forward; the documentation made public so far does not hint at any alleged motive for the shooting.

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West Seattle Wednesday: From Morgan to Highland Park, & more
January 25, 2012 8:59 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Wednesday: From Morgan to Highland Park, & more
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Quick look at tonight’s highlights, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

NEW WEST SEATTLE SCHOOL? Rescheduled Seattle Public Schools board meeting with decision on “short-term capacity management,” including a proposal for a new “option” elementary school in West Seattle. 6 pm at district HQ in SODO.

MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Morgan Community Association‘s rescheduled quarterly meeting, 7 pm, lower-level meeting room at The Kenney (WSB sponsor; 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW). All welcome; agenda here.

HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE: Officer elections and a “Nickelsville” encampment followup are part of tonight’s agenda. 7 pm, HP Improvement Club, 12th/Holden.

ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT: 7:30 pm, the second week begins for the new production at ArtsWest in The Junction.

POETRY BRIDGE: Tonight’s the night for the 4th Wednesday Poems & Tales at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 5612 California SW, 7-9 pm. Featured readers: Janee J. Baugher and Danielle Jacobowitz, followed by open mike (sign up at 6:45 pm) for poets and storytellers.

GOOD LUCK! Seattle Sports Star of the Year honorees announced at Benaroya Hall event. Two West Seattleites – Maddie Meyers and Julie Woodward – are up for the “Female Sports Star of the Year” award.

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West Seattle Weather Watch: Breezy, but no advisories
January 25, 2012 7:24 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Just in case you’re waking up and wondering … the forecast says it’ll be breezy today, but not “advisory” level. Last night’s wild wind did cause some damage in West Seattle over the course of about eight hours; we chronicled it all, including photos and video, here. But this morning, so far, all seems to be relatively well (no power outages of note, either).

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High-school basketball: Chief Sealth vs. O’Dea
January 25, 2012 2:35 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

While the wind howled outside, a tough boys’-varsity basketball matchup proceeded inside, at Chief Sealth International High School on Tuesday night. Visiting O’Dea won, but the final score was only part of the story:Read More

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The WSBeat: Potentially pre-emptive policing; dog dilemma
January 24, 2012 10:00 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WSBeat

By Megan Sheppard
On the WSBeat, for West Seattle Blog

As always, the WSBeat summaries are from reports on cases handled recently by Southwest Precinct officers, beyond ongoing WSB breaking-news (etc.) coverage:

*Saturday afternoon, an officer was driving in the 7500 block of Fauntleroy Way when he saw a car pull over to park and watched the three young men inside pull black beanies onto their heads —- a typical behavior of burglars. A records check showed that the car was a suspect vehicle in a theft and was not registered locally. When the car pulled away from the curb, the officer followed. The driver made several efforts to elude the officer, who pulled the vehicle over in the 6500 block of California Ave. A 19-year-old passenger described as having a history of associating with burglars and meth users initially lied about his identity, police said. He is a North Admiral resident. The 22-year-old driver is a Morgan Junction resident and the other passenger, also 22, lives south of the Alaska Junction. All were warned about their suspicious behavior, and the officer promised to consider them suspects if there were any burglaries in the area. After promising to not commit burglaries, they were released.

Six more summaries ahead:Read More

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West Seattle Wind Watch: Damage, power outages
January 24, 2012 6:14 pm
|      53 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(TOPLINE: Scroll down for ongoing updates … Wind advisory extended till 4 am …)

(Here’s what the City Light power-outage map looked like during outage’s peak around 7:32 pm – click for “live” version)
6:14 PM: As the wind picks up, hours after the National Weather Service issued a “wind advisory,” a few power outages have popped up in West Seattle, . Right now, Seattle City Light reports more than 100 homes out between spots in Arbor Heights, mostly centered around 28th SW between SW 98th and 100th, and Westwood – here’s the latest map (which may lag reality a bit, so keep us posted). We’ll be tracking that and any other storm-related news throughout the evening. (Thanks for the tips – 206-293-6302 or editor@westseattleblog.com any time.)

6:22 PM: Text says the signal is out at SW Trenton on busy 35th SW. We’re off to check on other traffic effects. (added) Confirmed Trenton/35th out – and 35th/Barton too.

6:47 PM: We checked Westwood Village; so far, it appears to be OK (a sign flickering here and there). We’ve been asked about Arbor Heights Elementary; it appears to be in the dark – though homes nearby are not. The updated “wind advisory” says strong wind is likely to continue till about 9 pm, and the advisory is set to expire at midnight. Meantime, City Light has about 600 customers out around the city, almost all in Westwood/Fauntlee Hills/Arbor Heights per their map and what we’re seeing, roaming that area. A few businesses too – like Gasco at 35th/Henderson – though as you can see on the left edge of the photo, the nearby streetlight still has power:

7:06 PM UPDATE: The City Light map now has a total of 1,300+ homes/businesses without power in West Seattle. We caught up with a crew just south of Westside School (WSB sponsor), which DOES have power:

7:30 PM UPDATE: We have a report that police are putting out flares by a “wires down” report that is on the 911 log as near 35th/100th in Arbor Heights – we’ll check that out shortly. City Light has now revised the number of customers out to just under 900.

8:17 PM UPDATE: Took a quick trip out to check on things – and that’s when the power came back on. Just a handful left now. The lights on 35th are all working again; businesses at Westwood and nearby are all on; Arbor Heights Elementary has power too.

10:20 PM UPDATE: As commenters are noting, the wind has kicked up again in a big way. One WSB’er says via Twitter that it’s torn off her patio roof in the High Point area. The National Weather Service’s latest advisory still says it’ll calm after midnight. No new power outages reported in the West Seattle area, though there’s a new one with a few hundred people out in Burien.

10:52 PM UPDATE: Kate and Mac both reported the barricade barrels on the westbound West Seattle Bridge had been blowing around – we just took the screengrab (above) from the SDOT camera, showing what appears to have been a brief detour so they could be picked up (the live camera is clear now).
11:29 PM UPDATE: Keva tipped us via Twitter to the damaged 7-11 sign on the south end of The Junction, in pieces on the sidewalk with a police guard nearby. Video (you can hear the wind):

12:26 AM UPDATE: As discussed in comments, the wind advisory is now extended till 4 am. There is a big new outage in City Light territory but outside the city limits, mostly in Burien but stretching up to part of White Center/Top Hat.

12:46 AM: A utility pole has come down on the west edge of The Junction, along Glenn Way, reports WSB contributor Katie Meyer, who saw it “crash down” – she took this photo:

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West Seattle movie fans: 2 Oscar-nominated films at The Admiral
January 24, 2012 5:40 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Admiral Theater | West Seattle news

Oscar nominations are out – and West Seattle’s own historic Admiral Theater points out that two of the “Best Picture” nominees are being screened there right now! “Moneyball” and “Midnight in Paris.” Showtimes are here. Admiral manager Dinah Brein adds, “Also – we wanted to let the community know there will be NO 4 pm screening of Tower Heist this Thursday, 1/26/12 due to a private event.”

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West Seattle Crime Watch: SPD’s burglary-fighting advice
January 24, 2012 4:29 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Tonight at 6:30 pm at the Southwest Precinct, the West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network is back in action, and you’re invited to join them in learning the best way to convey information to police – how to describe a suspicious person, vehicle, etc. Meantime, the precinct’s Crime Prevention Coordinator Mark Solomon has shared one of his periodic newsletters, with advice that might help you prevent a burglary – plus some insight into the current burglary “trends.” Read on:Read More

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West Seattle schools: Teachers rally during ‘partial furlough’
January 24, 2012 1:26 pm
|      43 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Sealth & WSHS photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
Seattle Public Schools teachers are rallying this afternoon to call attention to something you might not have heard about if you don’t have a child in the district: This is a “partial furlough” day for them, to save the budget-strapped district money. Schools let out three hours early as a result. Teachers from schools around the peninsula are demonstrating in the Triangle/Junction area this afternoon, and chose to wear red – “red for ed” – to call attention to the school-funding trouble. Some took group photos before heading out to rally – above, teachers gathered outside Chief Sealth International High School; below, teachers at West Seattle High School:

ADDED 2:02 PM: Teachers at Madison Middle School shared the photo they took:

ADDED 3:40 PM: Teachers at Arbor Heights Elementary shared this one:

ADDED: And, from teachers at Denny International Middle School:

ADDED: Alki Elementary teachers shared their photo, too:

After leaving school, local teachers gathered at multiple corners around Fauntleroy/Alaska, including this one:

The rallying is happening at five other sites around the city, as organized by the teachers’ union, the Seattle Education Association. The State Legislature has to decide the funding issue – more revenue, or more cuts – during the session that’s under way right now.

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West Seattle shooting investigation: Police seek witnesses
January 24, 2012 1:01 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Though a suspect is behind bars, the investigation continues into Saturday night’s deadly shooting by Morgan Junction Park (original WSB coverage here; yesterday’s court coverage here). Given that the shooting happened near a busy nightlife area barely a block from a major intersection, police believe there may be more witnesses out there, and would like to talk with them. They’re asking that anyone with information contact the Seattle Police Homicide Division: You can leave a message any time on the tip line at 206-233-5000, or you can speak to someone by calling 206-684-5550 (answered 8 am-11 pm).

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West Seattle snow aftermath: Storm by the numbers
January 24, 2012 11:49 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(January 16th WSB photo, de-icer truck during “the calm between the storms“)
Just wrapped up at the City Council Transportation Committee‘s meeting, chaired by West Seattle-residing Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, the first preliminary briefing on how the city handled last week’s snow/ice storm. SDOT reps summarized it as a “really challenging week.” By the numbers:

$2.2 million = city’s budget for storm response
$1.35 million = projected total cost of storm response
($1.18 million costs confirmed so far)
55,353 = gallons of liquid salt brine used
(46,000 gallons kept in stock year-round)
5,015 = labor hours
3,941 = hours of equipment usage
3,372 = tons of rock salt used
946 = lane miles plowed/de-iced/etc.
100+ = emergency calls handled by SDOT from SPD, SFD
$100 = how much a ton of rock salt costs the city

Other notes from the briefing, ahead:Read More

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West Seattle Weather Watch: Wind advisory through 3 am
January 24, 2012 11:12 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Weather Watch: Wind advisory through 3 am
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

It’s calm right now – and the forecast doesn’t call for the wind to kick up till evening – but you should know in case you haven’t heard yet, the National Weather Service has another wind advisory up, in effect till 3 am.

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West Seattle snow aftermath: New dates for Sealth open house/tour, WSUU parenting talk
January 24, 2012 10:51 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS miscellaneous

Days after the snow stopped, the ripple effects continue. We have two rescheduling notes this morning:

CHIEF SEALTH OPEN HOUSE, TOUR RESCHEDULED: The open house scheduled at Chief Sealth International High School tomorrow night has been pushed back, plus there’s a new date for a tour canceled during the wintry weather. Just received from activities coordinator Sam Reed:

Due to the inclement weather this month, and then the resulting schedule changes, we’ve made the decision to push back the date for our annual Prospective Student Open House (formerly Choices Night). Originally scheduled to be this Thursday, January 26th, it will now be held on Thursday, February 9th instead. The schedule of activities will remain the same as will the start and end times. [flyer]

In addition, the cancelled tours available for current Madison and Pathfinder 8th graders has been rescheduled for February 14th from 10-11:30 am.

WSUU PARENTING LECTURE: THURSDAY is the new date for a lecture rescheduled because of weather woes. Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation presents “Parenting with Courage and Connection,” 6 pm Thursday (January 26) at the church, 7141 California SW. Admission free; presenter is Jody McVittie, M.D. (who can be reached with questions at jody@encouragingsolutions.net).

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West Seattle traffic: ‘Worse than usual’ morning on the bridge
January 24, 2012 9:22 am
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

No obvious incidents – and we know it’s the late edge of the commute anyway – but multiple WSB’ers are suddenly reporting that bridge traffic is “worse than usual.” So we’re publishing this just to say that if you go in late – you might want to wait a while.

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West Seattle Tuesday: Snow review, Little League, Blockwatch Captains, nightlife…
January 24, 2012 7:58 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Tuesday: Snow review, Little League, Blockwatch Captains, nightlife…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(From Flickr user “Old Desolate,” via the WSB Flickr group pool)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

PARTIAL FURLOUGH DAY FOR SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Because of a “partial furlough day” to save money, Seattle Public Schools will dismiss students three hours early – please check with your individual school for the exact bell times.

STORM-RESPONSE REVIEW: The City Council’s Transportation Committee gets a preliminary briefing on how things went during last week’s snow and ice. 9:30 am at City Hall, or live on the Seattle Channel (cable 21; seattlechannel.org).

MEMORY LOSS SEMINAR : Early Stage Memory Loss Seminar: If memory problems are affecting your life, attend this seminar to learn more about Early Stage Memory Loss. This seminar provides information specific to those experiencing memory loss and dementia. 10 am-1 pm, West Side Presbyterian Church (free but pre-registration requested, call 206-529-3868 or e-mail anita.souza@alz.org to see if there’s room).

JOB SEARCH GROUP: “Notes from the Job Search” help and networking group meets 11 am Tuesdays at C&P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor; 5612 California Ave SW), 11 am.

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS: The new year is under way for WSCO, with some changes – all detailed here for returning AND new musicians; rehearsals at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle).

WEST SEATTLE LITTLE LEAGUE SIGNUPS: Second in-person registration session for West Seattle Little League, 6-8:30 pm at West Seattle High School, more info here

WEST SEATTLE THUNDER SEEKING PLAYERS: One more sports note:

West Seattle Thunder Fastpitch 12U and 14U teams are each looking for 1 or 2 girls to complete their rosters for the upcoming tournament season. If your child was born in 1997, 1998, 1999 or 2000 and are interested, please contact Greg Kormanik at gkormanik@comcast.net for more information and to schedule a tryout.

FINANCIAL SAVVY FOR FAMILIES: Free presentation by Len Skiena, in association with the Community School of West Seattle (WSB sponsor), which will provide free child care for attendees. 6 pm at CSWS, 9450 22nd SW. Questions? (206) 275-2700.

HOW TO DESCRIBE A SUSPECT: West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network meeting, 6:30 pm, Southwest Precinct (Webster/Delridge). From the announcement: “Do you know how to give a good description of a suspicious person? What should you observe and take note of? Would police be able to identify the correct vehicle, person, or group of people based on your description? This month’s presentation: Skills training from SPD to help us provide better descriptions.” (All welcome, whether you’re a blockwatch captain or not.)

NIGHTLIFE: Open-mike night, acoustic/poetry/comedy, 7 pm at Skylark Café and Club … Rock music/pop culture trivia every Tuesday night at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 8 pm .. Trivia at The Bridge, $2 registration beginning at 8 pm and play starting at 8:30 pm … Starlite songwriter showcase, Shadowland, 9 pm … Karaoke at Talarico’s, 9:30 pm.

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West Seattle scenes: Life lessons at Lincoln Park
January 24, 2012 12:39 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

On the shore at Lincoln Park Monday, lessons in life and death. First – a California sea lion was discovered dead on the shore. Above, RyAnn shared the photo above, which she described as “three little explorers, the seal, and a gentle man who works at the aquarium.”

Cathy also sent us a report about the dead sea lion, which she said was being checked out by a Seattle Police officer while she was there. But she also spotted a baby seal on the beach: “Seal Sitters were there watching over him and I had a wonderful time chatting with the husband and wife team that was ‘on duty’.” Here’s her photo:

That may not have been the only seal pup on shore Monday, according to an update on the Seal Sitters‘ “blubberblog” site, which mentions a pup visiting Lincoln Park twice, and another (or MAYBE the same) pup visiting a “private beach” elsewhere in West Seattle.

ADDED 12:41 PM: From Robin Lindsey of Seal Sitters:

Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network (SSMMSN) discovered the California sea lion yesterday, took photos and submitted them to our consulting WDFW marine mammal biologist. The animal will be necropsied by a WDFW Marine Mammal Investigations Unit team tomorrow with assistance of SSMMSN volunteers. In the meantime, people need to stay back from the carcass – marine mammals (dead and alive) can transmit diseases to both humans and dogs. Please respect the biodegradable tape perimeter that will be re-established today.

The sea lion will be secured with a rope to the logs on the beach so that the body is not washed away by high tide before tomorrow’s necropsy.

ADDED 4:08 PM: We asked Robin about suspicion the sea lion might have been shot, given the appearance of a couple photos we received (too graphic to publish). Her reply:

> Rumors about the animal being shot are strictly that – rumors. Often what people assume are bullet holes are nothing of the kind. In reality, according to our consulting expert biologist, bullet wounds are usually quite small and difficult to identify on a large, decomposing animal. And locating a bullet that is embedded in hundreds of pounds of muscle and tissue is a difficult endeavor. The wound that folks are speculating about may just be where the animal has been scavenged by birds, pecking through the flesh. However, this is not to say, it is absolutely not an entry wound that has been enlarged by scavenging. This is the reason the stranding network performs necropsies whenever possible – to try to determine the cause of death and keep an eye on the health of our marine mammal populations.

It is indeed a sad fact that too many sea lions and seals are shot each year, unjustly blamed for dwindling fish stocks – when they are just trying to survive in the wild with less and less resources to support them.

We will keep everyone updated as to the necropsy findings tomorrow.

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‘Partial furlough day’ Tuesday for Seattle Public Schools
January 23, 2012 8:38 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

8:38 PM: This was scheduled long before the snow days, and the district has said it could not be canceled to make up part of that time, so just a reminder for Seattle Public Schools families – tomorrow is a “partial furlough day” with students to be dismissed three hours early. (And if you missed it, Friday is no longer a “between the semesters” offday, it’s a school day to make up for one of the three days lost to snow.)

11:43 PM: We’re finding out late tonight that some of the furloughed teachers will be rallying in The Junction tomorrow afternoon.

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Marriage equality: West Seattle leaders on State Legislature majority
January 23, 2012 4:20 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

You may have heard the news from Olympia – the State Legislature now has the votes to pass legislation that would make Washington the seventh state to legalize same-sex marriage. (Here are details from our partners at the Seattle Times.) West Seattle’s legislators support it, and so do other local political leaders. Read on for what they have to say:Read More

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