West Seattle, Washington
03 Thursday
Till 9 pm, it’s this month’s edition of the West Seattle Art Walk, and Young At Art (next to The Beer Junction on 42nd south of Alaska) is one place where you can be an artist too – proprietor Theresa Anderson shared the photo, because Starheadboy is back this time around, “painting the wall with the kids tonight … adults are welcome to grab a brush as well…” We’re checking on some other venues and will add photos later. (If you’re heading out, the walking map/venue list is linked in our morning preview.)
FRIDAY MORNING UPDATE: A few photos from our Thursday night stops:
Harpist Johanna – daughter of Village Green Perennial Nursery proprietor Vera Johnson – played at Windermere in The Junction, where we also admired wildlife photos by Robin Lindsey (whose work makes the Seal Sitters’ “blubberblog” site both highly informative and wonderful to review). Also in The Junction, Shawn Foote is one of the artists in the group show “Constructed Geographies” at ArtsWest:
At Twilight Artist Collective, co-proprietor Mary Enslow and daughter Margaux, now 3 months old, were on hand as the “Form and Fancy” show opened:
We also traveled up to the Admiral District to stop in Mind Unwind, a new gallery (among other things), so new it’s not on the official Art Walk map yet. Cathy Woo is showing her work there now:
Didn’t make it to Art Walk last night? Many venues show the work all month long, so take an extra look around next time you step into one of the participating businesses. And clear March 8 for the next WSAW!
One week ago, we published a story that captured hearts and imaginations around the region, as it was shared by many, and picked up by a few citywide news organizations. A West Seattle teenager named Gabriella wrote that she found a “mystery gift” on a waterfront bench – shown in the photo above; it included a letter from someone saying it was a tribute to the sister she lost. We just noticed that the story picked up a few more comments this week – one from “Lainey,” who says she left the gift. Since few would otherwise see a new comment on a days-old story, we’re publishing Lainey’s message here:
Dear Gabriella,
For the last 10 years, I’ve left a birthday gift and card to honor my sister Karen, who died in 2001. She delighted in giving and receiving presents. I’ve spent hours wondering who finds these gifts and what their reactions might be. For the first time, I now have some answers to those questions.
Gabriella–you are an absolutely amazing “finder of the gift”. Your life-affirming actions of opening & receiving the gift(s) honors my sister Karen–more than anything I could have hoped for or imagined. Thank you for being the source of such a beautiful gift coming back to me and others. Your youthful and wise spirit discerned the power represented in this memorial. Your words inspired and blessed. My story is now part of your story. Your story is part now part of mine.
Please keep looking for and opening the gifts that life presents to us.
With much gratitude,
Lainey
2:24 PM: Big police search under way right now for armed robbers: Southwest Precinct Lt. Pierre Davis confirms a “jewelry/pawn shop” in the 9400 block of 16th SW (map) was held up by four robbers wearing masks. He says officers are currently “conducting a search for evidence and suspects.” We also heard some potential description information on the scanner – a Crown Victoria car that “looks like an old green-over-red taxi” might be associated with the robbers. As always, call 911 if you think you see or hear something related.
2:37 PM UPDATE: There’s a sizable police presence off Roxbury that we are told is related to the search for the robbers and ‘evidence.’ And this is indeed why there was at least one TV helicopter over the area.
3:21 PM UPDATE: Police are still searching – right now we’re seeing some in Roxhill Park. We stopped by nearby Roxhill Elementary, too, after hearing it mentioned as part of scanner discussion; the staff told us the school “sheltered in place” for a short time.
4:15 PM UPDATE: Per scanner traffic, three vehicles, including a Crown Victoria, were being searched in connection with this investigation. But Lt. Davis says nobody’s been arrested yet.
8:33 PM UPDATE: From SPD Blotter, more details and descriptions:Read More
Two reader reports to share this afternoon. First, from Kevin:
I’m writing to let you know that my 1996 Honda Accord was stolen off the street from in front of my house last night between midnight and 7 AM. I live in the 6000 block of 46th AVE SW between SW Graham and SW Raymond streets. It’s a four door Accord LX model. Maroon/Burgandy color. WA license plate 865 TZD. If you see it or have any information, please call the Seattle Police Dept.
(SPD suggests 911 if you see a stolen car.) Meantime, Jenni – who is a Block Watch captain in Highland Park – says they’re not taking car prowlers lightly in her neighborhood. This happened early Wednesday:
I went to check why my dog was barking& noted white male late 40s with graying facial hair trying to break into my neighbors SUV. I asked what he was doing and he fled via silver/gray 2 door sedan possibly ford no plate number obtained. I called 911 and some of our block watch went out on foot to patrol the surrounding streets. So, just another note about neighborhood block watch and calling police immediately.
She hasn’t heard whether an arrest was made, but notes that police arrived within five minutes of the 911 call. Meantime, Highland Park and other south West Seattle neighborhoods might be interested in this White Center event tonight: In case you missed the notice in our morning preview or on White Center Now, gang-activity trends, Metro Transit safety, and other topics are all on the agenda for the first in a series of Public Safety Forums presented by the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council, all welcome, 7 pm tonight at North Highline Fire District headquarters (1243 SW 112th – here’s a map).
12:20 PM: The “for sale” sign is now up at the former Fire Station 37 (35th/Othello). The city process of putting it on the market – since it’s been replaced by a bigger new station a few blocks south – has been under way for a long time (here’s the 47-page city analysis); last month, the city announced it had chosen Colliers to handle the listing. What the new owner can do with the ex-station and its 9440-square-foot lot will be limited, since – as the sign points out – it’s in a single-family zone, plus, the building is an official city landmark. We haven’t found the listing online yet, but have messages out to the brokers whose names are on the sign.
12:59 PM UPDATE: Arvin Vander Veen from Colliers replied to our question about the asking price among other things:
We are gathering all of the pertinent materials … now and will be ready in about one week to blast it out. There is no asking price, only a minimum bid of $250,000. We are going to have two open houses coming up, and then in April we will call for offers from all of the people that fill out the Confidentiality Agreement needed to receive all of the due diligence materials. All offers must be noncontingent, all cash with proof of funds attached, from which we will pick the buyer and close escrow immediately.
10:58 AM: Thanks to the Orca Network and The Whale Trail for the tip: Orcas have been reported off Vashon, headed toward West Seattle. (If you missed last Sunday’s sightings, here are our reports with photos and with video, both thanks to Rick Rasmussen.) Let us know if you see ’em – we’re off to look too.
11:38 AM UPDATE: We couldn’t see anything from Me-Kwa-Mooks or Constellation Park, but The Whale Trail’s Donna Sandstrom says if you have good binoculars – they’re still closer to north Vashon (ferry dock area), so watching from West Seattle’s west-facing beaches in the Lincoln/Lowman area is probably your best bet right now.
(Nikolai Siguenza as the Cat in the Hat, Ian Gesellchen as Horton, Jovanna Barron as Sour Kangaroo)
Thanks to Alki Elementary parents for sharing dress-rehearsal photos (both taken by John Hinkey) from the big show that students are about to present: “Seussical The Musical!” 7 pm tomorrow and 2 pm Saturday, at the West Seattle High School Theater – and we’re told there aren’t too many tickets left!
So if you want to cheer on all those local kids who’ve worked hard to put on a show (not to mention parents/volunteers/staff), find your ticket info on the official poster/flyer.
P.S. We know it’s play/musical season for many schools, so if yours isn’t on our Events calendar yet, please send the info! Thanks!
FRIDAY MORNING UPDATE: As noted in comments, both “Seussical” shows are now sold out.
(Flowers on SW Barton – by “Old Desolate” from the WSB Flickr group pool)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
BRIDGE CLOSURES AGAIN TONIGHT: 9 pm-5 am, closures of both the eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct (for the SSV Widening Project), east of the 1st Avenue South exit, and the Fauntleroy Expressway (for its seismic-retrofit work), west of the Delridge Way exit. Details are here.
WSHS TOUR THIS MORNING: Tour time at West Seattle High School, 8:30-10 am.
SSCC VALENTINE WINE RELEASE AND SALE: At the Northwest Wine Academy on the South Seattle Community College campus, 1-5 pm today and tomorrow, featuring the pouring and releasing of “a limited edition 2009 Syrah Clone 4 pack.” Also, chocolates made by the SSCC pastry department.
(added) ‘HAPPY HOUR’ FOR WEST SEATTLE PHOTOGRAPHER’S EXHIBITION: We’ve told you before about longtime WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli‘s photography exhibition at Winston Wachter (203 Dexter Avenue North) – and tonight, you’re invited to a “happy hour” event at the gallery for which he’ll be in attendance, 5-7 pm.
CHIEF SEALTH OPEN HOUSE TONIGHT: Rescheduled open house at Chief Sealth International High School – 5:45 to 8 pm tonight, details here.
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK NIGHT: West Seattle Art Walk, all over the peninsula – paintings, photos, music, more, all free to see and enjoy, 6-9 pm. One highlight, for wildlife fans: Robin Lindsey (of Seal Sitters fame) is displaying photos at Windermere in The Junction. Here’s the venue list/map for tonight.
BRAZILIAN CHORO MUSIC AT C & P: Art Walk night is also Wine Tasting night at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor), and tonight Choro Tocando – a flute/guitar/percussion group – is performing.
‘ASK THE EXPERT’ AT WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: This is also a 2nd-Thursday fixture – get some hints on your projects, browse the tool library’s inventory, and enjoy a “DIY Social.” Details in this Facebook event listing.
ART AT MIND UNWIND: It’s a new business so it’s not on the WSAW map yet, but Mind Unwind in The Admiral District (2206A California SW) will also be open 6-9 tonight, featuring the paintings of Cathy Woo.
OPEN HOUSE AT THE CENTER SCHOOL: Not in West Seattle but it’s a Seattle Public Schools option high school popular with WS families, and it’s having an open house tonight too, 6-8 pm, upstairs in the Center House at Seattle Center.
(added) OPEN HOUSE AT NOVA: And we’ve heard from the West Seattle contingent at Seattle Public Schools’ other option high schol, Nova on Capitol Hill, which also has an open house/tour event, 6 pm.
KINDERGARTEN FILM FESTIVAL: Alki Elementary Kindergarten Film Festival at Admiral Theater, doors open 6, showtime 6:15 pm. From school website: “Featuring stories written independently by all Alki Kindergarten students, adapted for the big screen as short films. All families and friends are invited to join in this special celebration of our hard work in Writer’s Workshop. Theater capacity is 345! The bigger and more supportive the audience, the more we will motivate these young authors. Spread the word! The event is free. Admiral Theater will be offering a special deal – one small popcorn and one small drink for $4, cash only.”
(added) GATEWOOD ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE: And tours – 6:30 pm, more info here.
DENNY OPEN HOUSE TONIGHT: At Denny International Middle School, tonight’s the Evening Open House for prospective new families, 6:30 pm.
LAFAYETTE PTA MEETING: The school community’s invited to the Lafayette Elementary PTA meeting, 7 pm.
PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING: If you live in south West Seattle – or have a general interest in regional public-safety issues, particularly gangs – you might want to check out the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council‘s Public Safety Forum tonight, featuring a presentation on regional gang activity from a King County Sheriff’s Office expert, as well as updates from KCSO and Metro Transit Police leadership. 7 pm, North Highline Fire District HQ, 1243 SW 112th.
COMMUNICATING WITH COMPASSION: From the announcement: “Angry? Sad? Scared? Confused? Come learn Nonviolent (Compassionate) Communication (NVC). We’ll listen with our heart, and practice compassion with our own and others’ feelings and needs.” The workshop will be 7-9 pm, by donation, 5646 42nd SW. Call Moreah Vestan (206) 938-8385 with any questions and to say you’re coming.
NIGHTLIFE: At The Bridge: Free Poker on Thursdays.
HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB: Dance and yoga today/tonight! Check out their class and event listings (and food trucks some days of the week, too) on the right sidebar at hpic1919.org.
(WSB photo from 2011 ‘Have a Heart Day’)
The annual “Have a Heart Day” benefit at Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) has a few new twists this time around. It’s not just haircuts this year – you can book any hair service that day, and half the proceeds will go to Pencil Me In For Kids, providing school supplies to kids in need. They also are taking “Have a Heart Day’ appointments for a full day, noon-8 pm; we talked with Heather from Illusions at the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce lunch on Wednesday, and she said there are still some appointments available – call 206-938-3675 to snag yours.
From tonight’s meeting of the area’s largest political organization, the 34th District Democrats, at The Hall at Fauntleroy:
APPLAUDING THE MARRIAGE-EQUALITY VOTE: Chair Tim Nuse opened the meeting – after agenda approval – with what you see in our video clip, a short celebration of the State House vote earlier in the day finalizing State Legislature approval for marriage equality. The district’s three legislators, all Democrats, all were “yes” votes for the legislation, which now awaits the governor’s signature, and a possible referendum challenge.
Other summaries from the meeting, ahead:Read More
With open enrollment approaching, and an information/input meeting next week about West Seattle’s new elementary school (to be known – for now – as K-5 STEM at Boren), you won’t be surprised to hear that West Seattle’s school-board rep Marty McLaren was asked about it today during her community-conversation meeting at High Point Library. Bottom line – no specifics yet, but go to the meeting. Today’s well-attended gathering touched on a few other topics too:Read More
Last year, we called it a “talent feast” – a powerful lineup of music, by musicians of all ages, including Denny International Middle School and Chief Sealth International High School, under the banner “Soul Jambalaya.” This coming Saturday night, it’s happening again, with many performers from last year returning (including reggae veteran Clinton Fearon, seen above in one of our video clips from the 2011 event). Here’s the invitation from award-winning Denny/Sealth music master Marcus Pimpleton:
Please join music students of Chief Sealth International HS and Denny International MS for our annual Black History month celebration. The event takes place Saturday, February 11th, at 7 pm.
This concert affectionately titled Soul Jambalaya is a musical mélange of gospel, jazz, blues, funk, and reggae in celebration of the influence of black people to the musical landscape of America. The night will feature performances by the Total Experience Gospel Choir, Jamaican reggae singer Clinton Fearon, Septimus, The Chief Sealth International High School Jazz I, and the Denny International Middle School Jazz Band.
The event is free and open to the public, but donations will be accepted to offset costs associated with travel costs for the Denny and Sealth Jazz Ensembles. I assure you this will be one of your favorite school events of the year. Clinton Fearon’s voice is so rich and the Total Experience Gospel Choir is stirring.
It’s in the Sealth auditorium at 2600 SW Thistle.
(WSB photo from July 2011 Summer Fest)
Never too soon to think about summer. Just five months till the 30th annual West Seattle Summer Fest, according to the WS Junction Association, which says this year’s dates are July 13, 14, 15, announcing this afternoon that this year’s vendor applications are online now.
ADDED THURSDAY MORNING: WSJA’s Susan Melrose notes in comments that the application deadline is May 15th.
“This is truly a historic day in Washington state, and one where I couldn’t be more proud. With today’s vote, we tell the nation that Washington state will no longer deny our citizens the opportunity to marry the person they love. We tell every child of same-sex couples that their family is every bit as equal and important as all other families in our state. And we take a major step toward completing a long and important journey to end discrimination based on sexual orientation.”
So said Governor Gregoire in the statement she just issued following the State House’s vote passing the marriage-equality bill, one week after it gained State Senate approval. She is expected to sign it within days. What happens then depends on whether opponents threatening a referendum get enough signatures for one, in which case the law would be on hold pending November election results.
ADDED 6:03 PM: Reaction from West Seattle’s King County Councilmember Joe McDermott:
“I thank the leaders who came before us, those who stood up and demanded equality following the Stonewall Riots of 1969. The community that took shape that night paved the way to today’s historic vote. I commend the courageous leadership our elected officials displayed. But most importantly, I commend the families who live their lives openly across King County and Washington State. This nation was founded on the premise of individual rights. The House of Representatives’ vote today is another step toward a more perfect union. Today is a historic and joyous day. But the fight for full equality under the law continues.”
ADDED 7:15 PM: We’re covering the 34th District Democrats‘ meeting tonight, and it opened with chair Tim Nuse mentioning today’s vote, and the membership responding with a standing ovation.
(Taken on 35th looking toward Fauntleroy minutes before light was fixed this morning)
An unusual traffic problem made news here earlier today: The stoplight at 35th/Fauntleroy was in flashing-red mode, which slowed eastbound West Seattle Bridge access dramatically till the problem was fixed just before 8 am. By more than one account, the problem had started last night, which gave rise to the question, why wasn’t it fixed before it became a rush-hour chokepoint? We asked SDOT, whose communication director Rick Sheridan just shared the answer:
Though reported overnight, the signal required specialized diagnosis and repair expertise. Until that time, the intersection safely operated as an all-way stop. We had a signals crew with the needed skills troubleshooting the issue just after 7:00 a.m. After a lengthy investigation they found a bad splice in one of the many junction boxes in that area and corrected the problem. Deploying SPD officers to direct traffic when the signal is in “flash” mode is not typical for this type of malfunction.
Of interest particularly to those who live in High Point and other developments/buildings managed and/or owned by the Seattle Housing Authority – SHA’s executive director Tom Tierney announced today that he will retire in August, which is when he turns 65. SHA says it’ll announce plans for the successor search “in the coming weeks.” Full announcement here.
We now know more about the man who died after falling from the drillship Kulluk at Vigor Shipyards on Harbor Island last Friday. The Kitsap Sun published a followup last night, identifying him as 39-year-old William “Bull” Ben Shelby of Bremerton. There’s a memorial service for him in Silverdale tomorrow. Though there was no name in our story published Friday, his sister in Iowa added comments on Saturday thanking other commenters for their well-wishes, and adding, “I want to thank the firemen, paramedics and everyone else who worked so hard to try to save my brother’s life. Thank you for trying.”
If you were along 35th SW about two hours ago – as one WSB team member happened to be – you might have wondered why three police cars went roaring northbound with lights and sirens. They, and other units, were bound for a home on 47th SW in North Admiral, and we just got the details from Seattle Police Det. Mark Jamieson in media relations: Someone called 911 to report a suspected burglary, with a screen pried off a window. Officers and burglary detectives responded. They eventually surrounded the house and went inside. Nobody was there. The witness described seeing a white man, 25-30, 5’7″, green stocking cap, blue windbreaker, but no one fitting the description had been found as of our conversation with SPD, which at last report was working to contact the homeowner to see if they could come verify whether anything had been taken. (Coincidentally, as this unfolded, we also had someone at the Southwest Precinct, where its commander Capt. Steve Paulsen spoke to visiting WS Chamber of Commerce members; he talked about the importance of calling 911 when you see something suspicious. More on the lunch event a bit later.)
Heads up on a detour next week that’s part of one of the ongoing projects in the area. From SDOT, the map (click it for a larger image) and announcement:
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) continues performing seismic work on the Fauntleroy Expressway in West Seattle.
Next week, from Monday, February 13th to Friday, February 17, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day, SW Avalon Way will be restricted and the following detour will be in place (please see the attached map):
Northbound motorists traveling on SW Avalon Way will be detoured to eastbound SW Spokane Street. They will then be directed to perform a u-turn at 26th Avenue SW onto westbound SW Spokane Street and then north on Harbor Avenue SW. Northbound trucks and Metro buses traveling on SW Avalon Way will be flagged through the work zone.
During these times southbound traffic on Harbor Avenue SW will experience short delays at SW Spokane Street.
The SW Spokane Street on-ramp to the West Seattle Bridge will remain open.
Police Officers will assist traffic.
Nighttime closures affecting motorists westbound on the West Seattle Bridge and eastbound on Fauntleroy Way SW will still be in effect, as previously announced, from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Monday through early Saturday mornings.
As promised by Seattle Public Schools when we contacted them for the followup published here yesterday, they have shared the letter they’re sending out about the new STEM (science, tech, engineering, math) “option” elementary that will open this fall at the former Boren Junior High School in Delridge. And the letter includes news that the informational/input meeting they promised is set for 7 pm February 15th, one week from tonight, at Schmitz Park Elementary. Full text of the letter, ahead:Read More
We’re at the King County Courthouse, where Lovett Chambers has just pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the shooting death of (Michael) Travis Hood. His lawyer actually would not allow the suspect to confirm that to be his name (court documents have indicated multiple aliases); she also asked the judge to prohibit photography, contending that identity was still an issue, but – after the prosecutor pointed out that Chambers was identified by multiple witnesses and had the reputed murder weapon in his possession when arrested soon afterward – Judge Theresa Doyle denied that motion, so he was photographed by us and by the three TV news photojournalists who comprised the rest of the media corps today. Aside from the not-guilty plea, the only other action taken was to set February 29th as the next hearing in the case. It’s been two and a half weeks since Chambers’ arrest shortly after the January 21st shooting alongside Morgan Junction Park, two weeks since a first-degree-murder charge was filed. Chambers remains jailed in lieu of $5 million bail; we have video of the hearing and will add it when we’re back at HQ.
11:34 AM: Video added. Note that Chambers was not present for the first few moments of the hearing, while lawyers argued over the defense request to prohibit photography. Also note that the courtroom separates the gallery, media included, from the actual bench and tables where proceedings are held, with thick panes of glass.
From crime prevention to city grant applications, we have the toplines from last night’s Fauntleroy Community Association meeting, moved up a week since this month, the usual “second Tuesday” scheduling conflicts with Valentine’s Day. Details ahead:Read More
(Latest “live” picture looking at 99 just north of the bridge; more cameras here)
8:48 AM: New traffic problem: The Battery Street Tunnel is reported by SDOT to be closed in both directions. So that’s bad news for the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Taking the eastbound bridge to the 4th Avenue offramp (our favorite for quick downtown access) should be a good option.
9:01 AM UPDATE: And this is reported cleared – but once again, the backup will take a while to clear.
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