month : 10/2013 358 results

West Seattle Crime Watch: Puget Ridge arrests; Triangle bike theft

Three suspects are under arrest tonight after a search in Puget Ridge. We confirmed the arrests with Southwest Precinct Lt. Alan Williams after hearing some scanner traffic about the search, which included a K-9 team, in an area reported to have ranged from 21st/Myrtle to 18th/Myrtle to 16th/Holly. Lt. Williams says, “The suspects are under arrest for burglary, auto theft, and there were some outstanding felony warrants.” We don’t know specifics of when and where the burglary and auto-theft incidents happened, but we’ll keep an eye on this case for followup.

Also tonight, a reader report from Erin, whose bicycle was stolen from an apartment building in The Triangle:

My bike was stolen from the secure bike storage at Link apartments in West Seattle. It is a 2011 women’s Cannondale Synapse Alloy 7 Sora Road Bike in Egyptian Blue, size 51. It has been listed by a seller in West Seattle on craigslist (since been pulled).

Traffic-alert update: NO Viaduct closure tomorrow, but …

WSDOT announced tonight that the inspection work it had planned to do in two installments this weekend is all done – so it will NOT close Highway 99 from the West Seattle Bridge to the Battery Street Tunnel again on Sunday after all. **BUT** the separate utility-work closure NORTH of the tunnel still will be in effect, so northbound 99 traffic must exit at Western Avenue until Monday morning. See the full update here.

West Seattle sunsets: Saturday spectacle

Thanks to everyone who’s sharing views of tonight’s sunset show – second bright night in a row, this time following a summer-like day! Above, from Upper Alki, courtesy of JayDee; next, a texter shared the Charlestown Hill view:

And from Tony in Gatewood – the “before” view:

We’re collecting others to add to a gallery here – more to come.

ADDED: By Nicole, featuring Seahawk spirit:

Taken near Lincoln Park, by Trileigh Tucker:

Delayed on Fauntleroy-Vashon ferry today? Here’s why

A situation on south Vashon Island shut down state-ferry traffic on that end of the island for hours, leading to heavier traffic on the north end, which handles ferries from Fauntleroy and Southworth. The King County Sheriff’s Office says this is what happened:

At about 11:15 A.M. today, the words of a suspected mentally ill man halted ferry traffic between Point Defiance and the Tahlequah ferry terminal on Vashon Island. A witness overheard a 48 year old Vashon Island man rambling about having explosives and wanting to detonate the explosive after a particular car disembarked the boat.

Read More

PACK YOUR BAG! See what to get for your ‘go bag’ this time

It’s the first weekend of Washington State Disaster Preparedness Month – and if you haven’t joined in our daily PACK YOUR BAG! activities yet, this weekend is a great time to catch up so at least you have that “go bag” of emergency supplies ready, should disaster strike. Every day, we’re publishing an item announced by Cindi Barker of West Seattle Be Prepared, the volunteer group that has been working on preparedness here for the past several years (check out the map of emergency communication hubs when you can spare a few minutes, and memorize the one nearest you).

As extra inspiration, we’re tracking the most recent earthquakes, as an ongoing reminder that we could get shaken up at any time, without warning. Just this past hour, according to the U.S. Geological Service, Alaska had two quakes and Southern California had one. Don’t wait till it’s too late – keep packing that bag. From Cindi:

Put 2 flashlights in your bag, along with 2 changes of batteries for each. A battery-powered lantern (and batteries) is a bonus if you want to have “hands-free” light. Also, people traditionally have put candles in their kits, but those are no longer listed by the Red Cross, due to the fire hazard and if you have to go to a shelter, they do not allow candles. Get a few glow sticks instead.

If you’re catching up, this is Day 4 – the previous three days (beginning with, pull out a suitcase or backpack or whatever you have on hand and just use that!) are all archived here, newest to oldest. Next item tomorrow!

West Seattle coyotes: 3 more sighting reports

Three recent coyote sightings to pass along, starting with this one sent today by Lois:

Friday morning about 9, a coyote came up the hill into our yard. Left when we pounded on the window. Went back down the hill. One of our cats is missing. He had only been out 30 minutes or so. This is in the 2300 block of 51st SW. Close to the College Street ravine.

From Paul in Fauntleroy:

Coyote sighting, Wednesday, October 2. It was on Tillicum SW between SW Donovan and SW Cloverdale st. This was at 9:50 am. It took its time after staring at me and then turned and trotted off to Donovan heading West.

And Michael reported this Gatewood sighting a week and a half ago: “Just saw two coyotes walking west along Portland between California Ave and 44th Ave.”

So what do you do if you see one? Lots of good advice on this state webpage – including steps to take around your house to help increase the chances they’ll keep their distance.

West Seattle Rotary Children’s Shopping Spree to benefit from wine, chocolate party Friday

October 5, 2013 1:12 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Rotary Children’s Shopping Spree to benefit from wine, chocolate party Friday
 |   Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

In about two months, West Seattle Rotarians will again muster a huge team of volunteers to help local kids have a happier holiday via the annual Children’s Shopping Spree.

(WSB photo from 2012 Rotary Children’s Shopping Spree)
One big part of making it happen is fundraising. And that’s what the Rotary is doing next Friday (October 11th) with its third Wine and Chocolate Gala. Here’s the newest reminder:

We are throwing a PARTY. It’s time for our annual Premium Wine and Chocolate Gala.

Please join us for heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine, spirits and chocolate. There will be live and silent auctions and a casino night. This premier event is paramount to our children’s shopping spree. We invite 100 children from low-income families in west Seattle to annual children’s shopping spree. It is held at Sears on the first weekend in December. We provide each child with a new warm winter coat. We then take them shopping for 100 dollars worth of new clothes (underwear, socks, shoes and a couple of new outfits). We provide breakfast and lunch and a trip to Santa’s knee for a bag of treats. This is made possible from funds raised at this wine and chocolate event. Please help us provide this valuable service to local children in need by attending our wine and chocolate event.

When: Friday, October 11th
Where: The Sanctuary at Admiral
Time: 5:00 pm
Cost: $95 for auction and food/beverages; $115 for auction and casino night

Tickets are available online – just go here.

West Seattle’s newest chartered Little Free Library

The Little Free Library movement continues going strong in West Seattle (as well as beyond). We don’t have an official count, but we got word from Brian (with the photo) about this brand-new one on Wright Avenue near Lincoln Park: “We recently completed our LFL and received our official plaque. It’s been up for a few weeks and is already very popular.” Info about registering a LFL is here.

West Seattle Saturday: What to do before, after, during the sunset

Even if you have already seen that sunset photo on the WSB Facebook page, it’s well worth another look. Thanks to “Diver Laura” James for sharing the beauty! (And check out the one Dave Prosser shared in response!) Maybe our sunny Saturday will conclude with an encore (sunset/sunrise times and a LOT more are on the WSB West Seattle Weather page). But before then, here are some possibilities from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TRAFFIC-ALERT REMINDER: Highway 99 closures and then overnight tonight, an I-5 ramp is closed too – all the details are here.

RUMMAGE/YARD SALE SEASON’S NOT OVER YET: Arbor Heights Community Church is having a big sale today, 9 am-3 pm (42nd and 102nd), and the WSB Forums‘ Sales/Freebies/Trades section has at least one new listing too – not too late to add yours (and if you’re signing up new to the Forums and don’t get a password fast, please e-mail us so we can set one).

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: (updated) 11 am-4 pm, go check out a tool or two for that project you MUST get out of the way before winter. Find out all about the WSTL here. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

GO WATCH BRIDGE-BUILDING: All weekend long, crews building the new South Park Bridge are working with the newest big piece to arrive (as noted here last night):

(Photo by Scott Miller)
You’re welcome to go watch from shore – some of the street stubs along the Duwamish have good views; the county recommends Rose Street (map).

NATIVE PLANTS: This is the season to get some in your yard so they can get settled in time to grow big time next year. Go Natives! has a sale in West Seattle today, 10 am-4 pm. (3225 47th SW)

STAR WARS STORYTIME: 11 am today at Barnes & Noble/Westwood Village. From Melissa:

it’s the second annual Star Wars Reads Day! We’ll be celebrating this nationwide event with stories, treats, activities, and goodies galore. Costumes or your favorite Star Wars gear is not required, but is very welcome! I’ve been having a great time planning this event, and it will be a lot of fun. As the saying goes, come to the Dark Side. We have cookies! (And we really do!) May the Force be with you!

(South side of Westwood Village, off SW Barton)

GIRL SCOUTS GO SKATING: Local Girl Scouts and aspiring Girl Scouts are invited to bring family/friends to a skating party at Southgate Roller Rink in White Center, 5-7 pm. Details here. (9646 16th SW)

AFRICAN DINNER, DRUMS, MUSIC: Event tonight at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church benefits scholarships in Mulundi Village as part of Books to Bricks – details in our calendar listing. 5:30 pm. (California/Hanford)

WEST SEATTLE MEANINGFUL MOVIES: “Genetic Roulette” is tonight’s WSMM presentation at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center, 7 pm, free. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

CHAMBER MUSIC FROM THE LIGHTER SIDE: 7:30 tonight at Olympic Hall, South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor), presented by Music Northwest – details in our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)

FIRST SHOW AT PERSHING HALL: Somethin’ Fierce Band with special guest MER at the new event venue created inside West Seattle’s American Legion Post 160 – as explained in our Friday story. Doors at 7, show at 8. (3618 SW Alaska)

RADIOSHARK: Aggressive “garage band” rock, says Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) about tonight’s 9:30 pm performers. (6451 California SW)

DO THE TIME WARP AGAIN (AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN): First Saturday of every month is Rocky Horror Picture Show” night at West Seattle’s historic Admiral Theater, 11:59 pm. (2343 California SW)

Saturday traffic alert: Alaskan Way Viaduct/Highway 99 closures

(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
5:04 AM: The bridge cam is usually a weekday fixture here but it’s up this morning so you can check for backups while the Viaduct/Highway 99 is closed 5 am-6 pm between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel for its twice-yearly safety inspection. It’s supposed to reopen by 6 pm and then close again 6 am-6 pm tomorrow. If you’re going north of downtown, 99 is closed for the entire weekend between the BST and Valley Street. And there’s one other closure you might want to know about tonight – 10 pm Saturday to 5 am Sunday, the northbound I-5 ramp to the bridge is scheduled to close for re-striping.

8:01 PM UPDATE: The state has announced the Viaduct/99 stretch from the bridge to the Battery Street Tunnel will NOT close again on Sunday after all. BUT the 99 closure north of downtown continues until Monday morning as scheduled. Here’s our update.

High-school football: Homecoming victory for Chief Sealth

(WSB photos by co-publisher Patrick Sand)
It was Senior Night as well as Homecoming for the Chief Sealth International High School Seahawks as they hosted Franklin on Friday night at Southwest Athletic Complex, ending the night with a 62-34 win.

Homecoming royalty included LeeAndre Dickerson, who scored two TDs, and Allison Steele:

Also with TDs: Alloney Burris (two), Darren Camacho, Brady Crane, Allen Delker, Joe Kilgore, Weston Reed. Crane scored by going the length of the field on the first play. Kilgore had two important plays – running a Franklin fumble in for a touchdown, and late in the game intercepting a Franklin pass, ending Franklin’s best drive of the fourth quarter.

Sealth played the better defensive game.

In the third quarter, they stopped a Franklin drive inside the one-yard line and kept Franklin from getting a touchdown. That blew open what had been 20-20 tie at halftime and let Sealth go on to control the second half.

Next Friday, the Seahawks are on the road – 6 pm at Northeast Athletic Complex (10750 30th NE) vs. Nathan Hale.

Next week,

High-school football: West Seattle Wildcats at Rainier Beach

October 5, 2013 2:18 am
|    Comments Off on High-school football: West Seattle Wildcats at Rainier Beach
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Photos and summary by Lawrence Kane
Special to West Seattle Blog

At Southeast Athletic Complex Friday night, the Rainier Beach High School Vikings defeated the West Seattle High School Wildcats, 44-28.

The Vikings jumped out to a 6 – 0 lead a mere 23 seconds into the game when they ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown. The Wildcats had Elijah Williams (#21) wrapped up in what looked like a tackle, but he had the presence of mind to lateral the ball to Michael McKnight (#10), who went the distance for Rainier Beach.

Despite that shaky start, the Wildcats managed to rally back with two touchdown runs by Carter Golgart (#12) and two 2-point conversions (a run by Fynniecko Glover, #22, and reception by Rob Harrelson, #17) to lead 16 to 12 at the half. Wildcats first half highlights also included an interception by Golgart, a fumble recovery by Jack Mohr (#35), and two blocked extra-point attempts.

Things were looking good for the visiting team, but the Viking offense roared to life in the second half. Rainier Beach racked up 32 unanswered points (including a 47-yard run by Elijah Williams #21) before West Seattle was able to respond.

Late heroics included a touchdown pass from quarterback Rob Harrelson (#17) to Raphael Jackson (#24), an onside kick recovered by Carter Mensing (#5), and a 47-yard touchdown pass from Rob Harrelson (#17) to Yonas Ambaye (#23).

West Seattle’s first home game is next Friday night (October 11th) at 7:00 pm, against Ingraham at Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

Add your voice to theirs: Metropolitan Glee Club meets in WS

October 4, 2013 11:46 pm
|    Comments Off on Add your voice to theirs: Metropolitan Glee Club meets in WS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Love to sing? Don’t just do it in the shower or the car – you’re welcome to join community groups like this one!

The Metropolitan Glee Club, a non-profit West Seattle community-based women’s singing group, has just started the 2013 – 2014 season. We meet weekly to improve our singing skills, practice pieces for upcoming concerts and just have fun. We need women in all voice ranges who are interested in joining us on Tuesday evenings. We meet at the ActivSpace Building on Harbor Avenue SW. Please contact The_Met@seattlegleeclubs.org or look at the website Seattlegleeclubs.org for more information. Or just show up one Tuesday evening!

Thanks to Jenny for sharing the announcement.

Halloween 2013: Date set for Admiral District trick-or-treating

October 4, 2013 10:47 pm
|    Comments Off on Halloween 2013: Date set for Admiral District trick-or-treating
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle news

jackols.jpgThanks to everyone who has sent Halloween-season event info since our call for it last night, as we start putting together the annual special one-stop WSB page of treats, frights, festivals, costume contests, etc. One of particular note, as families mark their calendars – Parris Sadow from Atomic Boys announces:

The Admiral District will be providing candy to trick-or-treaters on Halloween…Oct 31st…from 3-6 pm. No frills, just a great afternoon of simple old fashioned trick-or-treating.

The list of participating stores/groups is usually available a bit closer to event time. Meanwhile, if you missed it, West Seattle Junction trick-or-treating will be part of the second annual Harvest Festival, with streets closed in the heart of The Junction on Sunday, October 27th, and fun activities/games along with the in-the-street-for-a-day Farmers’ Market.

If your business, group, school, church, etc., has a seasonal event ahead, please let us know ASAP – just a short note with the basics in the text (no attachment/flyer/poster needed) to editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!

Closer to completion: South Park Bridge’s second leaf arrives

Thanks to Scott Miller for the photo of the South Park Bridge‘s second drawspan leaf being lifted into place this afternoon. It’s been three weeks since the first one quietly arrived; this time, King County gave the community plenty of advance notice just in case anybody wanted to watch – and what a perfect sunny afternoon it was. The county says the bridge project remains on track to open next spring, which will be just under four years after its predecessor was closed for safety concerns. The new leaf will be maneuvered and bolted into place over the course of this weekend, as explained here, if you’re interested in a firsthand look (here’s a map).

PACK YOUR BAG! Day 3’s item, so you can ‘MacGyver something’

California has the earthquake reputation. But we have the REALLY big earthquake threat. This book excerpt published today at SeattleTimes.com (WSB partner) can turn you from skeptic to believer, if necessary.

And it’s necessary if you still haven’t bought into the premise of what we’re doing every day through the end of the month – in honor of Washington State Disaster Preparedness Month. We’re packing a “go bag” for you to have ready in case of catastrophe, putting it together an item or two at a time, something you can do every night (or catch up with, a couple days at a time), so that you’re actually taking action to be prepared JUST IN CASE, instead of feeling overwhelmed by how NOT prepared you are.

Cindi Barker from West Seattle Be Prepared is leading us through the daily bag-packing addition(s):

Today’s activity:

Put some rope, 20 feet or so, and a roll of duct tape in your bag. You never know when you might have to MacGyver something!

Catch up with Days 1 and 2 – or get started this weekend, if you haven’t yet – by going to the WSB “preparedness” archive.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Backpack gone in a flash

One more West Seattle Crime Watch note this afternoon. From Nancy:

This afternoon … someone stole a backpack from my husband’s car. He parked in front of our house for a couple minutes to check on one of our kids and when he went back out to the car it was gone. His wallet and a laptop were in it. We’re assuming that those are long gone but hoping that the thief dumped the backpack somewhere. There was some paperwork in it that has absolutely no monetary value but would be a huge hassle to replace. Can you ask your readers to let you know if they come across an abandoned black backpack in the North Admiral / Admiral neighborhood?

Next community crimefighting meeting, by the way, will be the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council, 7 pm Tuesday, October 15th, at the Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster); president Richard Miller told WSB last night that he is still finalizing the guest speaker(s) plan.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Big police response in Highland Park

Thanks to everyone who messaged us about a big police response in the 17th/Kenyon vicinity of Highland Park. Police on the scene told our crew it’s a case of suspected auto theft. Witnesses saw at least three people detained – but keep in mind, detained doesn’t always translate to arrested; we will be checking back with police a little later to see how the case shook out.

New life for West Seattle’s American Legion Post 160 after 72 years, including new event venue Pershing Hall

(American Legion Post 160 photo, from its 1941 dedication)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

A multi-phase renovation project is bringing new life to West Seattle’s American Legion Post 160, as the World War II-era hall finds new ways to be relevant to the veterans of today, as well as its broader community.

Even if you are not associated with Post 160 (which is in The Triangle at 3618 SW Alaska), you get a chance to see Phase I for yourself tomorrow, when the renovated event space debuts as Pershing Hall – announced with this plaque by its door off the lobby:

The first show booked for Pershing Hall is tomorrow (Saturday, October 5th) at 8 pm, the Somethin’ Fierce Band will perform there with special guest MER. Booker Savannah Miller-O’Malley says, “This is sure to be a show full of passion and the first of many in our newly renovated building.”

She was first to let us know about the changes – but when we stopped by Post 160 on Thursday afternoon, we found out more.

Read More

Reader report: Pedestrian, driver OK after crash in Admiral District

Saw the response at California/Admiral about an hour ago but couldn’t get to it because our crew was checking out something on the other side of the peninsula – so we appreciate this report and photo from Ted Johnson:

Pedestrian car accident … 10:15 AM at the Adm. Junction. Pedestrian [adult male] walked away from this. Officer said he’s lucky to be alive. He just caved in the windshield when he ran across the street and was struck by this vehicle. Driver rather shaken up.

No official details at this point.

West Seattle Whale Watch: Possible gray-whale sightings

October 4, 2013 10:36 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Whale Watch: Possible gray-whale sightings
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Let us know if you see it/them too – tipster Cormac reports seeing at least one gray whale in Elliott Bay off Seacrest/Jack Block and the 1300 block of Alki SW.

West Seattle Friday: From fog photos to Family Fun Night to ‘Words, Writers…’ to Elvis to Sealth homecoming…

(Thanks to Max for the photo!)
Some cool photos with today’s morning fog – so we’re starting off the daily preview with those:

(Thanks to Russ Walker for the photo!)
And:

(Thanks to Don Brubeck for the photo!)
And finally:

(Thanks to WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand for walking up the hill to get that one!)
Now – on to the highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar!

CONNOISSEUR LUNCHEON: South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) offers these periodically – more info in our calendar listing, including how to get a (required) reservation. Seatings start at 11 am. (6000 16th SW)

WORDS, WRITERS, & WEST SEATTLE: The new monthly author-reading series debuts today at Barnes and Noble/Westwood Village, co-presented by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. 4-6 pm, Stephanie Guerraseries details here. (2800 SW Barton)

FAMILY FUN NIGHT: Dance! West Seattle at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse presents its popular fall event, 5-8 pm – free activities and music, bring $$$ for pizza, pop, cake walk, face painting fundraiser, full details in our calendar listing. (9131 California SW)

FIRST FRIDAY: The Rotary Club of West Seattle invites you to stop by and hang out with Rotarians at (updated) The Bridge, 5-7 pm. (35th south of Avalon)

DINNER WITH ‘ELVIS’: Tonight at the Senior Center of West Seattle (WSB sponsor), it’s an Elvis tribute show with award-winning West Seattle Elvis stylist Bret Wiggins. From the SCWS, Carol Johnston says: “An oven-baked chicken dinner (one of Elvis’s favorites) will be served at 5:30 pm and showtime around 6:45 pm. Bret has new costumes, backdrop, and different songs including his all-new Elvis Gospel Tribute. Suggested donation is $20 with advance reservations – 206-932-4044 ext. 1 or $25 at the door.” (California/Oregon)

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth International High School‘s homecoming game, 7 pm vs. Franklin at Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) … West Seattle High School is on the road vs. Rainier Beach at SE Athletic Complex, also 7 pm (8815 Seward Park Ave. S.).

AN ACTRESS VS. WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE‘: 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor): “A female actor explores Shakespearean female characters and grapples with their lack of agency in their respective plays.” Details in our calendar listing. (5612 California SW)

LIVE AT EASY STREET: Mark Pickerel and His Praying Hands are live in-store at Easy Street Records, (updated) 8 pm. (California/Alaska)

And there’s a LOT MORE on the calendar – check out the listings here!

You can help! Got wheels? White Center Food Bank needs you

October 4, 2013 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on You can help! Got wheels? White Center Food Bank needs you
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

From operations manager Audrey Zemke at White Center Food Bank, which serves southern West Seattle (SW Myrtle southward) as well as WC and environs:

The White Center Food Bank urgently needs a driver to pick up produce Thursday mornings. The produce is donated by Food Lifeline’s Produce for the People program and allows us to give more healthy food to the clients. The food bank has a van to use. Volunteer must be able to lift 35 to 40 pounds and have a clean driving record. If you think this is for you or you have questions about the position, please call or e-mail me.

To reach Audrey – 206-762-2848 or audrey@whitecenterfoodbank.org