West Seattle, Washington

08 Friday

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month : 01/2014 299 results

Update: Suspect in custody after helicopter/ground search finds stolen vehicle
January 31, 2014 9:11 pm
|      152 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Helicopter | West Seattle news

(TOPLINE: Suspect in custody, 2 1/2 hours after crashing stolen vehicle and breaking into his former home)

(Thanks to commenter Koleah for the photo)
9:11 PM: Just in case you’re wondering … we’re hearing it right over us but not sure yet what it’s up to.

9:21 PM UPDATE: Sounds like the search involves a suspected stolen car.

9:27 PM UPDATE: As noted by commenters, this is centered southwest of The Junction. From scanner, sounds like the vehicle’s been found.

9:34 PM UPDATE: Also sounds as if they believe they know where the suspect is. A K-9 team is joining the search.

9:51 PM UPDATE: No word of arrests yet. But the helicopter is moving on.

10:01 PM UPDATE: This isn’t resolved yet but might go on a while. We have a crew back in the area to see if they can find out anything more.

10:19 PM UPDATE: We talked to police in the area. Despite some neighbors believing they heard a shot, police said there have been no shots fired – the sound was likely the crash through a fence from the start of all this, which is centered in the 4800 block of 47th SW. Here’s how Guardian One describes it via Twitter:

In response to a question, the Guardian One tweeter followed up with “drove through a fence trying to back away from officers.”
10:45 PM: Here’s the stolen vehicle, a Tahoe – thanks to the neighbor who pointed us to it:

(This and subsequent photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
You can see the fence through which it crashed – beneath the vehicle.

11:25 PM UPDATE: We’re back in the area to check on the situation. The block where this is happening (4800 block of 47th) is now blocked off with yellow tape. A K-9 officer is in the area.

11:38 PM UPDATE: Just talked again with police – lots of new information. They say the suspect is in the house – and that he used to live there. He broke a window to get in tonight after driving the stolen car to this neighborhood; the people who were inside, who know him but are no longer on friendly terms, according to police, got out safely. Police also confirmed something we thought we’d heard in scanner traffic earlier – that the stolen vehicle turned up via signal from Lojack. One more thing – contrary to what we were told at the scene earlier, now they ARE investigating what they describe as the possible accidental discharge of a gun, but no one has been shot and no one is hurt. Still a developing situation.

11:42 PM UPDATE: Police report they have the suspect in custody.

8:50 AM SATURDAY: This is now on SPD Blotter – but nothing new beyond the information we learned at the scene just before the arrest.

10:54 AM: Thanks to Lola for pointing in comments to the video posted from Guardian One – what was happening while this coverage was starting last night. Will post it separately shortly but for starters, see it here.

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Video: 14-month sentence for Kalameu Paulo, drunk driver who seriously hurt 2
January 31, 2014 7:33 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(Paulo at right, with her lawyer, and prosecutor Amy Freedheim at left)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“You took his life – the life Logan had.”

That’s what the family of 29-year-old Logan Wicker, one of two people critically injured when a drunk driver T-boned his car in South Delridge last June, told that driver, 25-year-old Kalameu Paulo of Seatac, in a tearful King County Superior Court sentencing hearing this afternoon.

Logan, who spent more than three months in the hospital, spoke too: “My life was really good before … it’s been changed (forever) … I hope she can never do this to anybody again.” He begins our 23-minute unedited video of all who spoke at the hearing, including, at the end, the judge:

Though she chose not to speak, the other victim in the crash was in the courtroom too. After hearing about the effects of what he acknowledged was a “shattering … tragedy,” Judge Dean Lum formally sentenced Paulo to the recommended 14-month term, though he wondered aloud, “Is this justice? I don’t know.”

As reported here last month, Paulo struck a plea bargain, pleading guilty to two counts of vehicular assault, with prosecutors dropping a third charge of hit-and-run.

But that was the crime, as the deputy prosecuting attorney told Judge Lum, that disturbed Logan’s family the most – “disgust(ed)” them, as Logan’s stepfather put it; the night of the crash, according to the police report, she and her passengers got out of her van after she ran a stop sign and crashed into Logan’s car at 17th and Cambridge.

(WSB photo from June 23, 2013; victims’ car is out of view, blocked by the van)
They were stopped by police as they walked westbound across Delridge Way.

Paulo spent two and a half weeks in jail after being arrested last June and has been in the day-reporting CCAP program since, while undergoing alcohol treatment, her lawyer said. She was taken into custody at the end of the hearing, to start her sentence immediately, and the King County Jail Register confirms she was re-booked as of midafternoon. When she is released from jail, she will be in “community custody” – probation – for more than a year; she also faces a long list of other sanctions and conditions, including restitution payments to be determined later.

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West Seattle Super Bowl spirit: Friday afternoon quarterbacking
January 31, 2014 4:56 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Greg shared two photos, explaining:

Living on Manning Street is not fun this weekend …

So, we made a little adjustment …

Much better!

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West Seattle Super Bowl spirit: 12th Man on campus!
January 31, 2014 3:26 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Super Bowl spirit: 12th Man on campus!
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Lots of spirit around town – especially at schools. Our photo roundup starts at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor):

Big group photo outside the library at noontime. And yes, even SSCC president Gary Oertli is in 12 Mode:

Of course there was a flag – as you’ll see in our video:

Student Services team members who helped rally everyone included Christie Williams:

Other schools in Fan Mode – Alki Elementary (photo taken Thursday, since school’s out today):

(Thanks to Hominee for the photo)
Hope Lutheran School – this is also a Thursday photo but school IS in session today and we’re told it’s Blue Friday all the way:

(Thanks to Sally for the photo)
And from West Seattle Montessori (WSB sponsor), a tailgate party for the young fans:

(Thanks to WSMS for the photo)
Still adding to our Super Bowl page … if you have news of anything from Super Bowl viewing parties to special takeout deals for Sunday to businesses closing early (or all day) to Seahawks gear … let us know! we’re continuing to update through early Sunday. editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

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Southwest Design Review Board doubleheader, report #2: First proposal for former Charlestown Café site sent back for another try
January 31, 2014 12:16 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

Does that look to you like three different size/shape options?

It didn’t, to the Southwest Design Review Board, which told the project team for 3824 California SW – the site that’s been vacant since the Charlestown Café‘s 2011 closure – to go back to the drafting board and try again.

Last night’s review was the first one for the plan first reported here last June – 30 townhouses/live-work units filling the site between Charlestown, California, Bradford, and an alley lined with single-family homes on 42nd SW. (Here’s the design packet as presented to the board; this project’s developer is Intracorp, which also is behind 3210 California SW, the block-long mixed-use building that returns to Design Review next week.)

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Highway 99 tunnel update: A few more feet, then too much heat
January 31, 2014 11:27 am
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news

Another notable update this morning from WSDOT regarding the Highway 99 tunneling machine: It did go a few more feet this week – and then “above-normal temperature readings in part of the machinery” led to a decision to stop it, again. So now what? Says the update: “Over the next week, outside tunneling experts brought in by WSDOT will meet with the WSDOT and STP project teams to review the situation and determine the best path forward.”

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West Seattle Super Bowl spirit: Ferries ‘renamed’ for Seahawks
January 31, 2014 9:40 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Fauntleroy's 12th man

(M/V Tillikum, aka Michael Robinson, with Seahawks-fan flags in September; photo by Paul Brannan)
Washington State Ferries is honorarily and temporarily renaming its vessels after Seahawks on Super Bowl Sunday, according to this news release. The big names go to the boats on the big routes, like Seattle-Bainbridge; for the three vessels currently on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route, you will be traveling Sunday on:

M/V Issaquah: “M/V Russell Okung”

M/V Klahowya: “M/V Bruce Irvin”

M/V Tillikum: “M/V Michael Robinson”

(Full list here.) We will be adding this to the WSB West Seattle Super Bowl page – where we’re collecting a variety of Big Game-related info (and updating until game day – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!).

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West Seattle businesses: The Westy hits one goal, aims beyond
January 31, 2014 9:15 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle businesses: The Westy hits one goal, aims beyond
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

It’s not ready for game-watching this time, but when the Seahawks return to the Super Bowl NEXT YEAR … viewing venues are likely to include The Westy Sports and Spirits, under construction at 7908 35th SW. Its crowdfunding campaign – loans, not donations, as reported here four weeks ago – just passed its first goal and is still in play, as co-proprietor Paul Ritums explains:

It has been an exciting month for Seattle Sports fans and it all culminates with the Seahawks playing in the Super Bowl this Sunday. While we are all anxiously awaiting kickoff on Feb 2nd, scoping out the prime spots at the bar or preparing our cheering section, The Westy Sports & Spirits is finishing its scoring drive. As of this printing we have scored a touchdown and reached our minimum goal of $20,000 through our Community Sourced Capital campaign. We want to thank all of our friends, family, and the community for participating and helping us to get closer to opening our doors.

It has been a privilege to be CSC’s first brand-new business and see the whole process unfold before us. With reaching our minimum we have guaranteed that the loan will be fulfilled, but we aren’t done yet. We are entering overtime, as our campaign ends just before the Seahawks storm the field. Our maximum target for our campaign is $40,000 and it would be great to see how close we can get in the remaining few days. The Seahawks and their fans wouldn’t settle for a tie, but go for the big win, and we aim to do the same.

This crowdfunding campaign is different from the rest, as with this campaign, whatever you contribute, you get back 100%. And all of our supporters will be rewarded for their efforts. So please take the time to check out the campaign page.

With everyone’s continued support, this time next year, West Seattle will have another prime location for the 12th Man to scope out a spot at the bar and cheer on the soon to be defending Super Bowl Champions.

Go Hawks!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates; low-bridge closure tonight
January 31, 2014 7:21 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates; low-bridge closure tonight
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

7:15 AM: Good morning! Nothing out of the ordinary reported so far on the outbound-from-West Seattle routes. Here are the two main bridge cameras:

And the northbound view onto the south end of the Alaskan Way Viaduct:

You can see more cameras, and other info, on the WSB Traffic page. Now to the bridge reminder:

LOW BRIDGE CLOSED TONIGHT: SDOT has updated its alert about the low bridge’s closure 8 pm-midnight tonight for dredging. Motor vehicles can use the high bridge instead, but since that bridge cannot be used by bicycles or pedestrians, the city has added some information about alternatives.

NO CLASSES TODAY @ SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS: It’s the “day between semesters” and SPS students are out, so take that into account as you travel around today.

REMINDER FOR *NEXT* WEEK: Highway 99 SOUTH of the West Seattle Bridge will be closed in both directions 10 pm Friday, February 7th, to 7 am Saturday, February 8th, for one of the final major phases of the “Timber Bridge” replacement project.

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Anybody have anything to say about who should run SPD? Hello?
January 31, 2014 1:30 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

It’s a question almost no one in West Seattle wanted to answer in public, apparently: What do you want in a new Seattle Police Chief?

Thursday night, the citywide tour seeking answers to that question made its West Seattle stop, at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. We counted one member of the general public. The participant wanted a chief who will support the officers, and who will talk about the positive things police do in the community, on and off the job. All duly noted:

The community advisory committee helping with the search has a high-profile cast. Former King County Executive Ron Sims is a co-chair; at the Youngstown meeting, he declared the new chief should be the best police chief in America. Former City Councilmember Tina Podlodowski, appointed by the mayor to lead police-reform work, was there too, explaining the process.

Right now, Harry Bailey is serving as interim chief, but not a candidate for the permanent job – he came out of retirement to do it temporarily. Mayor Murray has said he wants to hire a permanent chief fast – by April. Missing the meeting doesn’t mean you missed a chance to have a say, though – you can answer survey questions here.

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West Seattle road safety: Temporary speed signs on 35th SW; flashing beacons for 3 school zones
January 30, 2014 10:22 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

We’ve talked a lot about road safety here – and this week, new signage in multiple areas of West Seattle is being noticed. First, in the wake of the most recent discussions about 35th Avenue SW, temporary signage has been brought in. SDOT‘s Jim Curtin explains:

Two Speed Watch Trailers were recently deployed to 35th Avenue SW in an effort to reduce speeds on the corridor. These devices detect and display the speed of oncoming vehicles and provide direct feedback to drivers about their speed. They do not record data but raise awareness about speeds on this principal arterial roadway. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) studies show that these signs generally result in speed reductions in the range of 1 to 7 mph. In Seattle, our experiences with these devices typically result in speed reductions of 3 to 5 mph and significant reductions in the number of people traveling 10+ miles per hour over the speed limit. These function in a similar manner to the permanent radar speed signs that exist in four locations on 35th Avenue SW.

The portable speed watch trailers will remain in place for the next week or two and will be deployed periodically on the corridor. At this point, we are evaluating other measures that might help address speeding and other safety concerns on 35th.

Meantime, the online petition launched by neighborhood advocates on Tuesday passed 500 signatures today.

SCHOOL-ZONE BEACONS: We’ve been working on a closer look at safety concerns on Delridge by the Boren school building, which houses K-5 STEM now and will also be temporary home to Arbor Heights Elementary for the next school year. Halfway through the second year of classes there, Boren is finally getting flashing lights – “beacons” – to warn drivers about the school zone.

Robin Graham from the K-5 STEM PTA shared that photo of installation that was under way today. After hearing from a reader about an installation under way on California SW near Gatewood Elementary, we checked with SDOT’s Brian Dougherty to ask for the big picture:

There are three new sets of flashing school zone beacons being installed this month in West Seattle. They are located at:

· Delridge Way SW approaching SW Juneau St for the STEM (and future Arbor Heights) School
· SW Thistle approaching 26th Ave SW for Denny Middle School and Chief Sealth High School
· California Ave SW approaching SW Frontenac St for Gatewood Elementary

None of these will include permanent automated speed-enforcement cameras at this time. The beacons have all been installed and there is some sign work that needs to occur before the beacons can be turned on. The sign work is scheduled to occur in February and I expect the beacons will be fully functional sometime around March 1st. This spring, we will ask Seattle Police to conduct targeted enforcement to remind drivers not to exceed 20 mph when the lights are flashing.

There are two other spots where speed cameras ARE on the way – as previously reported – on SW Roxbury by Roxhill Elementary and Holy Family School. As of our most recent check, those are not expected to be in operation until this fall, as the next school year begins.

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Southwest Design Review Board doubleheader, report #1: 4505 42nd SW told to come back for 2nd round of ‘early guidance’
January 30, 2014 8:14 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(Option 1 – with elements the board said it preferred over the project team’s preferred Option 3)
In the first of two Southwest Design Review Board sessions tonight, board members called for a second round of Early Design Guidance for 4505 42nd SW, a site that’s steps away from where the board convened (upper floor of the Senior Center of West Seattle).

This phase of design review is about a building’s “massing” – its size and shape – so that’s what was addressed by most of the “design packet” is here. For the mixed-use building, it’s “the very beginning” of the process, as city planner Beth Hartwick explained to attendees – a single-digit turnout, unlike many recent SWDRB meetings, even counting project team members including site owner Leon Capelouto.

With the guidance offered tonight, its height and number of units are in play – at least seven stories and at least 50 units, though how much more, depends on how the next round goes.

Read More

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The WSBeat: Stolen-car stop; dog owner threatened; more
January 30, 2014 3:52 pm
|      65 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police | WSBeat

By Megan Sheppard
On the WSBeat, for West Seattle Blog

This edition of The WSBeat contains summaries written from reports on cases handled recently by Southwest Precinct officers – generally cases that (usually) have not already appeared here in breaking-news coverage or West Seattle Crime Watch reports, but that might at least answer the question “what WERE all those police doing on my block?” Or on the bridge, or the beach, or …

*Around 5 p.m. on the 28th, a plainclothes officer radioed that he had run across and was keeping an eye on a car that had been reported as stolen. Three people climbed into the vehicle (parked in the 4100 block of SW Lander) and officers followed it eastbound on Admiral Way, hitting their lights when it pulled near a cafe parking lot under Spokane St. The 20-year-old driver and a 19-year-old female passenger were both West Seattle residents. He had no license and she was already under supervision by the Department of Corrections. Both were booked into King County Jail for investigation of auto theft. He faces additional charges for violating a protection order to stay away from the woman; she faces additional charges for violating probation. The third passenger, a Ballard resident, was released from the precinct.

*On the 24th, in the 4000 block of Beach Drive, a man let his dog out of his apartment. The dog ran up to and started barking at a man who was walking up from the beach. That man yelled, “Get your dog away from me.” The owner called the dog, which responded and stood behind him. The suspect approached and said, “Keep him away from me or I will kill you and the dog.” The yelling continued, and the suspect pushed the victim several times in the chest and dared him to call the police. The suspect was described as a white man, 50-64 years old, about 5’10” with medium build, short brown curly hair. He wore glasses and remains at large.

Four more summaries ahead:Read More

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Update: Former West Seattleite Amanda Knox ‘frightened and saddened’ by new verdict
January 30, 2014 1:22 pm
|      85 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

1:22 PM: Though an appeals court overturned the original “guilty” verdict against former West Seattle resident Amanda Knox in 2011, the latest court to take up the case has just changed that back to “guilty.” Knox, now 26, was not required to return to Italy for the trial, though her co-defendant and former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito did appear in court, as did relatives of murder victim Meredith Kercher. Now the question is whether and when Italian authorities will seek to have Knox extradited to serve a 28-year prison term. “They’ll have to catch me and pull me back kicking and screaming into a prison that I don’t deserve to be in,” she was quoted as telling British newspaper The Guardian in a pre-verdict interview (see video on their site).

2:25 PM: Knox has released a statement that is published in full on another British news site, The Telegraph. In part, she said: “I am frightened and saddened by this unjust verdict. Having been found innocent before, I expected better from the Italian justice system. … My family and I have suffered greatly from this wrongful persecution. This has gotten out of hand.” The Telegraph also reports: “Shortly after the verdict, Knox left her mother’s home with her head covered in a blanket and was driven away in a Lincoln Town Car.”

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PHOTOS/VIDEO: Giant 12th Man flag at West Seattle Corporate Center
January 30, 2014 1:02 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Video by Craig Baerwaldt, added 4:07 pm)
West Seattle’s most famous flagpole now flies the blue 12th Man logo – in a big way:

(Photos by Christopher Boffoli and Patrick Sand for WSB)
Hundreds of people came to West Seattle Corporate Center, to see it go up:

Ex-Seahawks Jack “The Throwin’ Samoan” Thompson and Robbie Tobeck raised it, with assistance from Paul McNicholas (below center), chief engineer for Development Services of America, which manages the building:

DSA is one of the West Seattle Corporate Center companies, along with the organizers of today’s mega-flag rally, Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) and Bartell Drugs. Yes, a Broncos fan tried to crash the party:

The hoopla also included what you might call a mini-bronco, but Dreamland Ponies had it decked out in Seahawks mode:

The 12th dogs were on hand too:

Some fans brought their own flags:

Oh by the way – about the scale of the “official” 1,500-square-foot flag (made by Flags A’Flying in Tacoma) – this gives you a bit better idea:

With the game three long days away, it was a moment to savor and remember:

A few more photos on the way – check back!

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West Seattle development: New proposal for ex-Mastro property at 3257 Harbor Avenue SW
January 30, 2014 12:02 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(King County Assessor’s Office photo)
12:02 PM: A new West Seattle project just turned up on the city’s Design Review calendar – for 3257 Harbor Avenue SW (map), on a site previously owned by notorious real-estate-magnate-turned-fugitive Michael Mastro. Though the property once was proposed for a development to be called Aqua Bella – here’s the flyer we linked from this WSB story in 2009, at which time it was listed for $6.4 million, suggesting a development with 80 units, 3,600 square feet of retail, 107 parking spaces, its current ownership has designed something a bit smaller. After foreclosure, it was bought by CRE Harbor Avenue LLC for $1.2 million, and that’s who is advancing the new proposal – described on the city website as six stories, 44 residential units, 2 live-work units, and 44 parking spaces, on a 10,575-sf lot. This project’s debut before the Southwest Design Review Board is scheduled for 8 pm March 6th, right after the first review for 1606 California SW.

3:03 PM: As pointed out in comments, this appears to involve half the original site. Checking further into the DPD’s online files, it appears a similar-sized project with a separate land-use-application number is proposed for the other half of the site, at 3303 Harbor Avenue SW. We’re checking with the city to see whether or not that means this is really one 2-building project. (Update: It is.)

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West Seattle Thursday: ’12th Man’ mega-flag raising; Design Review x 2; SPD chief search; Orca Talk; school open houses…
January 30, 2014 10:08 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

No, they’re not Seahawks – but they’re related! Awesome photo of Alki-area eagles fluffed up as they dry out from one of this week’s rainshowers, courtesy of Gary Jones. And speaking of the Super Bowl – here’s the new WSB page with all things West Seattle (let us know if you have something to add!). Now, on to today’s calendar highlights:

**Editor’s note, 11:11 am – if you’re seeing/hearing helicopters, it’s for the flag event**

(Photo courtesy Scott Vlotho – added 11:32 – more photos in a separate story later!)
WORLD’S BIGGEST 12TH MAN FLAG: Today’s the day! As we first told you on Monday, a 12th Man flag the size of a house is going up at West Seattle Corporate Center at 11 this morning, as organized by two of the local businesses headquartered there, Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) and Bartell Drugs. It’ll be a party – be there! (Delridge/Andover)

HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 1:30-3:30 pm, you’re invited to tour the school. (20th/Roxbury)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE IN A NEW SEATTLE POLICE CHIEF? 6 pm tonight at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, it’s the next stop in the community-discussion tour regarding Mayor Murray’s search for a new Seattle Police chief, as previewed here. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

DESIGN REVIEW BOARD DOUBLEHEADER: The Southwest Design Review Board looks at two projects tonight, both in the Early Design Guidance stage – at 6:30 pm, the first review of the seven-story, 50-apartment, 16-parking-space project at 4505 42nd SW (design packet here); at 8 pm, it’s the first review of the 30-unit townhouse/live-work-unit proposal for the former Charlestown Café site at 3824 California SW (design packet here). Both reviews include time for public comment, and both are at the Senior Center of West Seattle. (California/Oregon)

SEATTLE LUTHERAN OPEN HOUSE: 6:30-8 pm, prospective families are invited to visit Seattle Lutheran High School – see the campus, meet the staff! (40th/Genesee)

K-5 STEM AT BOREN OPEN HOUSE: 6:30-7:30 tonight, come tour the school! Details in our calendar listing. (5950 Delridge Way SW)

ORCA TALK: Tonight’s the night The Whale Trail celebrates Springer, the orca rescued from Puget Sound and reunited with her family in Canada. Here’s our preview – check to see if tickets are still available – update, it’s sold out! C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7 pm. (5612 California SW)

FREE PARENTING SEMINAR: Courtesy of South Seattle Community College Cooperative Preschools – 7-9 pm tonight at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, “Children Learn What They Live”:

As a parent, you have values that you are passing on to your child in the decisions you make every day. So, what are these values? Are they honesty, kindness, generosity, self-worth, respect, patience, tolerance? In this class we will talk about the ways you can identify and clarify your values as well as discuss how to inspire values through your parenting. Kylene Ushimaru has been teaching preschool and working as a parent educator for 28 years. Her wisdom, experience and honest approach to parenting will leave you feeling more confident and empowered as a parent.

Free but please pre-register by sending e-mail to kyleneushimaru@gmail.com (9131 California SW, room 4)

LOTS more on our calendar … browse it here.

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Update: Why Seattle Police, Coast Guard were searching off Alki
January 30, 2014 8:02 am
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(First 2 photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
8:02 AM: Several people have messaged us wondering about at least one Seattle Police boat searching off Alki. Just talked with SPD media-relations Det. Mark Jamieson, who says someone called in early this morning after spotting a “fixed light” off Alki that the caller thought MIGHT be a boat in distress. So police have been out looking, but haven’t found any evidence so far of anyone in or having been in trouble.

8:22 AM UPDATE: Per scanner discussion, the Harbor Patrol boat spotted some kind of “object” in about 10 feet of water, and it’s been “marked.”

9:04 AM UPDATE: Added photos. The Coast Guard was out helping search, too.

(Photo by Don Brubeck)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Super Bowl-countdown Thursday edition
January 30, 2014 6:34 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:34 AM: Good morning – we start again this morning with two views of the bridge.

For more cameras, including Viaduct views, see the WSB Traffic page.

If you drive North Delridge in the late morning, things might be a little wild at Delridge/Andover around 11 am, because of the Seahawks-spirit flag-raising (here’s our original report from Monday).

Look-ahead notes: Tomorrow (Friday, January 31st) there are no classes for Seattle Public Schools; it’s the “day between semesters.” Friday night, the low bridge will close to surface traffic for a dredging operation; that’s noted here, along with an advisory about the Alaskan Way Viaduct for Sunday morning.

7:49 AM: From comments – avoid California right now between Edmunds and Alaska, construction-site concrete pour. We’ll check on this shortly.

8:25 AM: The online petition for 35th SW safety improvements is approaching 500 signatures. We’ll have an update on this (and a few other local road-safety notes) later today.

8:32 AM: Low bridge is closed to vehicles/pedestrians so marine traffic can go through, per SDOT Twitter.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Is this stolen car on your block?
January 29, 2014 10:51 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Police say stolen cars are often abandoned relatively close to where they were taken – so there’s a chance this car could be somewhere in West Seattle. Mike e-mailed tonight to get the word out about the theft:

Our locked vehicle was taken from near the intersection of 41st Ave SW and SW Hinds at some point between late Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. There wasn’t really anything in the car, and the vehicle isn’t worth that much, but we’re hoping folks might keep an eye out for it, since my commute to work is a little complicated without it. A police report has been filed.

Basic details: It’s a white, two-door 1994 Honda Civic. It has a black bra on the front and a missing vertical strip along the driver’s side window.

As police say when they tweet stolen-car reports like this, if you see it, call 911.

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Update: Westbound West Seattle Bridge reopening after chase/crash that left 1 officer hurt; 2 suspects arrested
January 29, 2014 6:59 pm
|      58 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(THURSDAY MORNING UPDATE: Adding info from Tukwila PD re: injured officer, more)

(Crash scene on westbound bridge curve, photo by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
6:59 PM: Thanks for all the tips about a big police/fire response on the westbound bridge near the Admiral exit – it’s on the 911 log as a crash -working to find out more.

(Part of the search scene off the bridge near Admiral/Manning, photo by Patrick Sand)
7:03 PM: This was a pursuit involving a pickup truck, we’ve learned, and the suspect reportedly went down the bridge, which is why police are searching beneath it, near where Avalon meets the bridge. We’re told the crash scene appears to involve a police vehicle.

7:10 PM: Comments have more information about what was seen unfolding and confirm the police vehicle involvement. There also is at least one helicopter in the area.

7:20 PM: Access is blocked off for some of the neighborhoods beneath the bridge – Bradford, Manning.

7:33 PM: From our crew covering this – the truck involved in the crash was stolen and had rammed a Tukwila Police vehicle. As commenters are saying (read below), the truck was seen dodging between vehicles on the westbound bridge, with officers in pursuit, before the crash.

(Photo by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
7:41 PM: The bridge is closed westbound before Admiral because of this – you will have to get off via Delridge.

7:50 PM: With the SPD Traffic Collision Investigation Squad investigating this, chances are the bridge will be closed westbound for a few hours, so if you are headed this way any time before late evening, plan an alternate route.

7:55 PM: An update from Seattle Police via Twitter:

8:01 PM: As noted by commenters, it’s believed the white truck that was being chased hit at least two other vehicles. No word of major injuries so far. Also an update from commenters: The closure is now after the Admiral/Harbor exit- you can get off there now.

8:19 PM UPDATE: Just talked to SPD’s Det. Mark Jamieson. He says a Tukwila Police officer was hurt, apparently in the foot chase that followed the crash. SPD is handling the crash investigation, but the rest of the case involves King County Sheriffs/Tukwila PD – Jamieson did not know where the pursuit began. No details yet on the person who is in custody.

(WSB video from back seat while going eastbound past investigation/crash scene)
9 PM UPDATE: Adding more photos. We just headed eastbound on the bridge for a passing glimpse at how it’s going, and the bridge remains closed just west of the Admiral exit, with investigators working at the scene. The previous search scene below the bridge is clear and open again, by the way, in case you weren’t sure. Also, though some comment discussion wondered about a suspect jumping off the bridge, no, Det. Jamieson said, their understanding was what we had reported – the suspect fled down the ramp.

10:28 PM UPDATE: Police have announced via radio communications that the bridge is reopening. Meantime, our partners at The Seattle Times report that this began in the Southcenter Mall area; Tukwila Police began pursuing the stolen vehicle northbound on I-5 and continued westbound onto the West Seattle Bridge.

8:37 AM THURSDAY: We’re checking with Tukwila PD for any additional details. For starters – spokesperson Mike Murphy tells us the officer who was hurt “is fine” and already out of the hospital. Otherwise, this news release excerpt from overnight is all TPD has so far:

Tukwila Officers responded to the Westfield Mall/Southcenter area to reports of a stolen vehicle. Officers located the stolen vehicle, and attempted to make a high-risk stop. The vehicle failed to stop for the officers and started northbound on Interstate 5.

Officers continued to follow and attempt to stop the stolen truck as it traveled on Interstate 5 towards Seattle. The fleeing vehicle then continued onto the West Seattle Bridge. The truck then lost control and crashed on the bridge. As the police vehicles were arriving, the stolen truck drove at one of the police vehicles, and rammed it. The suspects in the stolen truck then fled on foot after ramming the police vehicle, and all were quickly apprehended. All suspects are in custody.

9:31 AM: And a little more info about the two people arrested – a 26-year-old woman from Federal Way was driving and faces charges, Murphy says, including felony eluding and possession of suspected methamphetamine. The passenger, also facing charges, is a 23-year-old man from Seattle.

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West Seattle traffic alert: ‘Low bridge’ closing for 4 hours Friday night; Viaduct slowdowns Sunday morning
January 29, 2014 4:35 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

4:35 PM: Just announced by SDOT:

The Spokane Street Bridge to West Seattle will be closed to motor vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians on Friday night, Jan. 31, from 8 p.m. to midnight. The closure will allow a contractor working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dredge the channel where silt has accumulated. Drivers are advised to use the high-level West Seattle Bridge during this time.

The contractor will begin dredging tomorrow (Thursday) night, but will not need to close the bridge to motor vehicles until Friday night to finish the work. The channel will remain open for marine traffic.

ADDED 5 PM: Thanks to David and Bob for tipping us to this alert also just announced: “SPD will conduct rolling slowdowns on the SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct for filming operations. The rolling slowdowns will take place between the West Seattle Bridge and the Western Ave Exit from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2014.”

ADDED THURSDAY: From an SDOT rep in response to the question of whether there will be any type of transportation to get people on foot/bikes around during the closure – since they can’t use the high-level bridge as an alternative – short answer: No. But the contractor might be able to take less time than the four-hour window. We’ll monitor the situation as best we’re able to on Friday night so we can publish an update when the bridge is back to regular operations.

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Well Medical Arts: New WSB sponsor for Inner Health, Outer Beauty
January 29, 2014 4:00 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

This afternoon we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Well Medical Arts. As is our tradition, we offer new local sponsors the chance to tell you about what they do:

Make 2014 the year for you! Come visit us at Well Medical Arts and learn how to treat yourself every day of the year. Learn about our vitamin-deficiency testing or our fabulous new Laser resurfacing for your face. No matter your concern, Dominique Well, ARNP, addresses your issue with total quality treatment and a great value for your money. For new patients, we have a special offer of 5 free units of Botox if you purchase 20! Do schedule your free consultation soon and see exactly what happens within the healing walls of Well Medical Arts, a unique boutique of Inner Health, Outer Beauty.

Well Medical Arts has four special events coming up: Tomorrow (Thursday, January 30th), introducing our special CLEANSE Series, 6 pm-8 pm; Thursday, February 6th, HCG Diet Clinic, 6 pm-8 pm; February 14th and 28th, come learn about the new semi-permanent filler Aretfill (by appointment only). Call now to reserve your spot! 206-935-6789.

Well Medical Arts is at 9025 35th SW, and online at wellmedicalarts.com.

We thank Well Medical Arts for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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