day : 13/11/2012 13 results

ORIGINAL TUESDAY NIGHT REPORT: While tonight’s early-evening breaking news kept us from getting to Beacon Hill for the air-traffic-concerns meeting, our partners at The Seattle Times had a reporter there: Alexa Vaughn reports that about 100 people attended. Her story does not mention any West Seattle-specific concerns, but summarizes that South Seattle residents were upset about the meeting being a chance only to vent, rather than to hear possible solutions. For potential next steps, you can watch the Facebook page of Quieter Skies Task Force, a citizens’ group active on this issue.

ADDED THURSDAY MORNING: Beacon Hill Blog has a meeting summary too.

New schedule for next round of Metro-related work in Westwood

November 13, 2012 9:15 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

An update late today from the county, regarding what’s next for bus-related road and sidewalk work in the Westwood Village area. Instead of starting today, the next phase of the project is pushed back till after Thanksgiving:

King County Metro Transit is adjusting the schedule for the next round of construction in West Seattle, starting bus zone and sidewalk improvements Nov. 26 and focusing work on the south side of Southwest Barton Street.

The project builds improvements that will help pedestrians and bus riders for Route 120 – one of Metro’s top 10 busiest routes. Three to four weeks of construction are expected on the south side of the intersection of Southwest Barton Street and 26th Avenue Southwest just south of Westwood Village. Work on pedestrian improvements on the north side of the intersection is scheduled to begin after Jan. 1.

The updated construction timeline works around the contractor’s schedule, as well as traffic expected during the upcoming holiday season. Once work begins, a flagger and uniformed police officer will ensure traffic flows reliably around the work zone.

Crews plan to build a “bus bulb” – sidewalk extensions that allow buses to serve passengers without pulling out of traffic – on the southeast corner of the intersection.

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Update: Woman dead in White Center stabbing

November 13, 2012 5:54 pm

| 29 COMMENTS

| Crime | Helicopter | West Seattle news | White Center

ORIGINAL REPORT, 5:54 PM: A helicopter’s been seen over south West Seattle, and we believe it’s linked to a stabbing reported at 13th/100th in White Center. According to King County Sheriff’s Office via Twitter, the suspect is the victim’s son. Headed that way.

6:24 PM UPDATE: The 69-year-old victim has died, and her 42-year-old son is in custody, KCSO spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West says. We’re continuing to cover this on our partner site White Center Now (where our coverage includes video of Sgt. West explaining what they know so far).

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Update: 2 officers hurt, 1 arrest after 42nd/Charlestown incident

November 13, 2012 5:14 pm

| 27 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

5:14 PM: Thanks to everyone who has messaged us about the big police response – we saw several of the lights/siren cars heading north ourselves. We’re at the scene of an incident involving a car at 42nd and Charlestown (we’ve counted eight SPD cars so far). Someone is believed to be hurt – there’s just been a Seattle Fire Department car to come help. Still sorting out details, and will add as we find out more.

5:20 PM UPDATE: We’ve learned this started as a “help the officer” call – and it appears medics are checking out an officer. This is all unfolding just east of the old Charlestown Café. (added) Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Steve Paulsen confirms an officer was assaulted by a suspect after a traffic stop. He says the suspect is under arrest.

6:04 PM UPDATE: New information from Capt. Paulsen – two officers were hurt; he says, “the suspect was under arrest and tried to drive off as the officer was trying to bring him out of the car. The suspect was also in possession of suspected controlled substances.” The injured officers, he says, are at Harborview Medical Center.

8:47 PM UPDATE: More details from SPD Blotter – including word that a citizen who tried to help got hurt. Read on for the narrative:

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West Seattle restaurants: Pizzeria Credo coming to The Junction

November 13, 2012 4:21 pm

| 30 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Thanks to Aimee Pellegrini from La Romanza Bistro Italiano (WSB sponsor) for the tip that led us to this story: Something is finally moving forward in the former Garlic Jim’s spot in The Junction (4520 California SW; file photo at right), vacant more than a year. Briefly, it was slated to be a Round Table – we reported in March on a liquor-license filing, which usually means plans are fairly far down the road – but that went nowhere, and the space remained posted as “for lease.” Then today, Aimee mentioned the windows were papered over, and we started sleuthing. The trail finally led to Pizzeria Credo. WSB researcher/editorial assistant Katie Meyer talked this afternoon with proprietor Jacques Nawar, who says his new establishment will serve wood-fired pizza, some other entrees, and appetizers. He says he is extensively remodeling the space, expanding the dining area and adding a full bar in the back. He told Katie he wants to make it a “beautiful” place for West Seattle. If all goes well, he hopes to have Pizzeria Credo open by February.

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From Seattle City Light: Do this before the NEXT power outage

November 13, 2012 4:01 pm

| Comments Off on From Seattle City Light: Do this before the NEXT power outage

| Utilities | West Seattle news

One followup to our coverage of the Sunday morning power outage that at its peak affected 11,000 homes and businesses across the south half of West Seattle: Commenter “Zephyr” described a challenge with the automated outage-reporting phone system. In response, Seattle City Light‘s Scott Thomsen explains how it works and one step you should take NOW in case you have to report an outage, big or small:

It is important for us to know that someone reporting an outage is an actual customer, so the automated system we use when the call center is not staffed tries to identify callers by their telephone number. If you’re calling from a different phone, you can enter the phone number that is associated with your account.

If we don’t have a customer’s current phone numbers, the system will bounce the call. That’s one of the many reasons why its so important for people to make sure their information is current. We keep this information secure. We never share it with any other organization.

Customers can update their contact information online at seattle.gov/light/Accounts/cust_info.asp

Sunday’s outage was blamed on underground equipment failure; we still have an inquiry out for more specifics, including what’s been done in terms of repairs, and will report that information when we get it.

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Followup: Denny, Sealth students among victims in South Park crash

November 13, 2012 1:56 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| South Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Tribute to Lucie Hernandez; photo courtesy Denny International Middle School)
The two teenagers killed in Sunday night’s South Park crash were current and former Denny International Middle School students, confirms principal Jeff Clark, who also identifies one of the survivors as a student at adjacent Chief Sealth International High School. He is publicly sharing this letter sent home to Denny families today:

On Sunday evening there was a car crash in South Park. Tragically, the driver, Mario Luis Martinez Herrera, a former Denny student, was killed; four other teens were transported to Harborview Medical Center. One additional person died from injuries sustained in the accident at Harborview shortly after arriving.

We were deeply saddened to learn that the teen who passed away at Harborview was a Denny eighth-grader, Luciana “Lucie” Hernandez. Lucie’s older sister, Karla, a ninth-grader at Chief Sealth International High School, was also in the accident and is being treated for very serious injuries at Harborview. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy go out to the family and friends of all three students.

Today at school we had a moment of silence, an eighth-grade class meeting, individual and group grief counseling, and a place for interested students to come together at lunchtime. Additionally, students had an opportunity to begin to create a tribute which will be displayed at school and then taken to the service to be given to Lucie’s family.

While we are working to support students at school, you know your child better than anyone. You can help your child simply by talking and listening to her or him. If there is anything in particular we can do to support your child, please contact Assistant Principal, Ms. Rangel, at 252-9006 or pjrangel@seattleschools.org.

As a community, we will be developing plans to support the impacted families. Current ideas will be discussed at our Family PTSA meeting tonight at 7:00 pm in the Denny library.

Police are continuing to investigate the crash, which we covered in more detail on our South Park site, The South Park News.

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Holiday giving: Here’s how you can help the West Seattle Food Bank

November 13, 2012 12:48 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

Earlier today, we shared the holiday-help request sent by the White Center Food Bank, and sent the West Seattle Food Bank an inquiry to see what it needs before Thanksgiving. Together, both serve thousands of families in this area. We’ve now heard back from West Seattle FB executive director Fran Yeatts:

The West Seattle Food Bank will be open to accept donations this Saturday, November 17th from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Perishable and non-perishable items will be gratefully accepted during this time. We will also offer tours of the facility and additional information on Food Bank operations for those interested.

Frozen turkeys and desserts like store-bought pies or pie shells and fixings are especially needed.

Non-perishable donations can also be accepted at the Turkey Bowl this Saturday from 5:30 PM– 8:00 PM at the West Seattle Bowl, 4505 39th Ave. SW. West Seattle Food Bank will also be open during our regular donation hours this week. During the week of November 19th, we will be open to accept donation Monday the 19th from 9:00 AM – 7 PM, Tuesday, November 20th from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, and Wednesday, November 21st from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Our address: 3419 SW Morgan. When delivering donations, pull into our parking garage off Morgan St. just east of 35th Ave. SW. Contact us at 206-932-9023 for additional information.

For West Seattle residents needing assistance with food over the holidays, the West Seattle Food Bank will be distributing Thanksgiving food during the following hours:
Monday, November 19th 9:15 AM – 11:00 AM for seniors only.
Monday, November 19th 4:00 PM – 7 PM for the general public.
Tuesday, November 20th 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM for the general public.

We will be closed on November 22nd and 23rd for the Thanksgiving holidays. Thank you.

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Holiday giving time: How you can help the White Center Food Bank

November 13, 2012 11:34 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news | White Center

Nine days till Thanksgiving, and even fewer days till local food banks’ holiday food pickups – so now’s the time to figure out how to help. The White Center Food Bank, which also serves southern West Seattle, is looking for volunteer helpers as well as food and money – plus, note that there is a turkey-dropoff opportunity in West Seattle this weekend, if you can’t get to White Center:

Do you have time next week to pass out food to clients at the White Center Food Bank at .10829 8th Ave SW. We need volunteers on the following shifts:

Monday, November 19 (9:30 to 12:30)
Tuesday, November 20 (9:30-12:30, 12:30-3:30 & 3:30-6:30)
Wednesday, November 21 (12:30-3:30 & 4:00 to 8:00)
If you can help, contact Audrey Zemke at audrey@whitecenterfoodbank.org or 206-762-2848. Families and kids welcome.

The Food Bank also needs donations of the following foods or money to buy them.

Turkeys
Canned Pumpkin
Canned Sweet Potatoes or Yams
Pickles
Cake Mixes
Crackers

Donations are accepted Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 to 5:00 at 10829 8th Ave SW [map].

WEST SEATTLE DROPOFF: Turkeys can be dropped off on Sunday, November 18, at Fauntleroy UCC [9140 California SW], starting at 11 am. We will be onsite with our refrigerated van to accept donations.

We are checking with the West Seattle Food Bank regarding their holiday needs, and will publish that when we get the info.

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West Seattle Tuesday: Aircraft noise; crime trends; more…

November 13, 2012 11:05 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Autumn-leaf carpet at 36th/Hanford; photo shared by Myrtle)
Before Tuesday gets much further along – calendar highlights for today/tonight:

SENIOR CENTER ‘SALUTE TO VETS’ LUNCH: Not too late to call to see if there’s still room – 11:45, lunch that’s free to veterans, reasonably priced for others. Info here.

AIRCRAFT NOISE/FLIGHT PATTERN CONCERNS? The rescheduled meeting for Seattle’s southern neighborhoods, with the FAA and Port of Seattle, is at 6:30 tonight at Cleveland High School on Beacon Hill – info and map here.

TUESDAY TUNE-UP, BENEFITING WESTSIDE BABY: Tonight’s “good time for a good cause” is the Tuesday Tune-Up at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), benefiting WestSide Baby. Cocktails, appetizers, live music, 6:30-8:30 pm.

NEW BLOCK WATCH: The California/Myrtle vicinity of southern Morgan Junction/western Gatewood is forming a Block Watch, and if you’re anywhere in that area, you’re invited to the organizational meeting at 7 tonight, lower-level meeting room at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation‘s church, 7141 California SW.

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Neighborhood crime trends are part of the agenda tonight at 7 pm, lower-level meeting room at Admiral Congregational Church (California/Hill), everyone welcome.

DEADLINE NEAR FOR ORDERING HOLIDAY TREES, WREATHS: Just a few more days to get in on this:

The Parent Association of Seattle Lutheran High School is offering Christmas trees, wreaths and other holiday greenery for sale, until Saturday, Nov. 17. Preorder a Noble Fir tree of up to 8 feet for just $45, and wreaths are available in 22-, 24-, and 30-inch sizes. A perennial best-seller is the 25-foot garland for $28. Wrap up your decorating by ordering the $100 special, which includes a wreath, garland, tree and centerpiece.

Pickup will be on Friday, Nov. 30, at Hope Lutheran School; delivery in West Seattle is available for $10. See seattlelutheran.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Christmas-Greens-2012.pdf

Music and more for tonight and beyond, on the calendar!

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Reader reports from Alki to Seaview

November 13, 2012 9:28 am

| 17 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

~~Five~~Six reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch – car prowls and vandalism, package and other theft, plus a bicycle sighting – (11:18 am update) and brazen break-in attempts – read on:Read More

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: What’s up for the rest of Tuesday

November 13, 2012 8:28 am

| 11 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(No Bridge camera working right now, so here’s the Viaduct! See other cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
Apologies for the delayed appearance of the daily traffic/transit tracker – no major trouble so far this morning; we’ll keep watch for the rest of the day. For bus riders, note that today is the scheduled start of more evening changes – additional RapidRide runs, and changed “schedule instructions,” as announced last week – so we’ll be interested to hear how the commute home goes.

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Road work to raingardens @ North Delridge Neighborhood Council

November 13, 2012 2:17 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Delridge | West Seattle news

(UPDATE: The bid just awarded will include Delridge all the way to Roxbury, but not 16th)
Roads, raingardens, greenways, beautification, and elections comprised the topics tackled at Monday night’s North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting – starting with an update on the big paving project in the works for the south half of Delridge Way:

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