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.

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:

Collision occurred after @KingCoSheriff , Tukwila PD pursued stolen car, car collided with police car. Suspect is in custody.

— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) January 30, 2014

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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Vehicle tips on SW Roxbury, driver unhurt

January 29, 2014 3:31 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

We’ve had some bouts of hard rain this afternoon – don’t know if that figured into this, but a vehicle wound up on its side in a crash at ~~4th~~ 5th Place SW/Roxbury this past hour. Thanks to Sherrie for sending the photo (Brian sent one too). Seattle Fire spokesperson Kyle Moore tells us no injuries were reported – the 19-year-old driver was unhurt.

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The $1,000 cat toy: West Seattleite crowdfunding for Cat Fishin’

January 29, 2014 2:19 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Pets | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

No, it won’t COST $1,000 … that sum is the crowdfunding target for Westwood resident Dan Tracy‘s campaign to raise money for Seattle production of the “Cat Fishin‘ Toy,” demonstrated in his official Kickstarter pitch video above – featuring jumping cats, of course.

Tracy explains, “It’s similar to feather-on-a-stick dangler toys but way more durable because it’s made with rip stop nylon.” He moved to West Seattle two years ago from Maui, saying this is a more hospitable place for inventors: “I had lived there for 13 years and needed a better location to start up fun projects. Hawaii is great for vacation but it can be difficult for business because the cost of living is so high.” Why $1,000 to produce something this simple-looking? we asked. Tracy’s reply: “$1000 gets us started so we can buy material and start production but we’re hoping to raise more. We’ve already started networking with local pet shops and they’re excited to try Cat Fishin’ Toys.”

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Reminder: Special meeting tonight for 3210 California SW comments

January 29, 2014 1:50 pm

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| Development | West Seattle news

The calendar for today was a little skimpy, so we didn’t publish a preview roundup, but we do want to remind you that there is one major meeting on the list for tonight: The requested-via-petition meeting for the city to take general comments on 3210 California SW, the block-long mixed-use building proposed for the east side of the upzoned block in South Admiral. Here’s our most recent report, including a link to the newest design proposal, which is the focus of a separate meeting February 6th. Tonight’s meeting is at 6:30 pm, upstairs at the Senior Center of West Seattle (enter off SW Oregon just east of California).

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More SPD changes: New SW Precinct commander, Capt. Steve Wilske

January 29, 2014 11:15 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police

11:15 AM: More changes for Seattle Police leadership. Newly promoted Capt. Pierre Davis has been leading the Southwest Precinct since former commander Joe Kessler‘s recent promotion to Assistant Chief, but he had warned it might just be interim, and an announcement just out from SPD indicates that’s the case: Capt. Davis’s permanent role has been announced as East Precinct commander, while the new Southwest Precinct commander is Capt. Steve Wilske. So far, research indicates Capt. Wilske’s past roles have included leadership of various SPD units including SWAT, Homicide, and Robbery/Fugitive/Gang. More information as we get it.

ADDED 4:57 PM: Capt. Wilske currently leads the department’s Force Investigations Unit. He’s been with SPD more than 20 years.

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Talk to your State House reps: ‘Telephone town hall’

January 29, 2014 10:32 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Once again this year, your State House Representatives Eileen Cody (D-West Seattle) and Joe Fitzgibbon (D-Burien) are hosting a “Telephone Town Hall.” According to the announcement, it’s set for 6-7 pm Wednesday, February 5th (one week from tonight):

34th Legislative District residents should receive a call from their legislators at about 6:00 PM on the February 5. To participate, simply pick up the phone and follow the prompts. Reps. Cody and Fitzgibbon will deliver short opening thoughts and then will open up for questions. If you have a question for the lawmakers, simply press *3.

If for some reason you don’t receive a call, you can call 877-229-8493 and enter 18646 to participate.

P.S. We asked a followup question about where the phone list comes from, since so many people don’t have conventional “land lines” any more. Reply: The list is provided by the Secretary of State’s Office – the phone number you listed when you registered to vote.

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West Seattle development: Leon Capelouto’s second Junction project starts Design Review tomorrow

January 29, 2014 10:03 am

| 20 COMMENTS

| Development | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“It’s going to be a good thing.”

That’s how longtime West Seattle entrepreneur Leon Capelouto sees his second Junction development project, 4505 42nd SW, which makes its Design Review debut tomorrow night.

We first wrote about it almost four months ago. The site holds an old house, hidden behind hedges and fencing, on the southwest corner of 42nd and Oregon, across the street from the almost-complete Oregon 42, across the alley from the Senior Center of West Seattle (where the Southwest Design Review Board will meet to consider the project at 6:30 pm Thursday).

The site also happens to be adjacent to one of the West Seattle Junction Association‘s free parking lots, which Capelouto has supported for decades as a longtime Junction retailer and stockholder in Trusteed Properties, the lots’ ownership.

4505 42nd is proposed for fewer parking spaces than units – as is allowed in the area because “frequent transit” is nearby – but Capelouto says everyone who needs a parking space will get one, because he has parking to spare in his first Junction development, just down the block. This project – proposed for 7 stories, 50 units, and 16 offstreet spaces – is less than a block north of 2009-opened Capco Plaza, built with more than 360 spaces for the 160+-unit Altamira Apartments and the building’s retail tenants, more than zoning required when it was built (and far more than would be called for today).

Before we get into more about the 4505 42nd SW proposal – whose design packet can be seen here – a little more about its developer.

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High-school basketball: West Seattle HS boys host Chief Sealth

January 29, 2014 9:18 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(West Seattle’s #10 Spenser Elder, Sealth’s #12 LJ Burns and #40 Evan Moe)
In the last scheduled game of the year between the boys-basketball teams from our area’s two biggest high schools, the home team won last night – West Seattle 69, Chief Sealth 56. The Wildcats’ #22 DeAndre Love led all scoring with 31 points: