day : 01/05/2014 13 results

4 months later, Stephen Jeffries, Jr.’s killer is still free: Vigil held tonight in hopes that will change

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
How is a candlelight vigil for a murder victim supposed to play out? Denise Jeffries-Berg, the oldest child of Stephen Jeffries, Jr., killed in South Delridge four months ago, acknowledged she wasn’t sure – so the 50-plus people who showed up all helped make it happen.

There were signs with a photo of Mr. Jeffries, shot in the waning moments of New Year’s Eve at a party in the 9200 block of 16th SW, near where family and friends gathered tonight …

There were candles, long before it grew dark …

His family and friends hoped this would light the way toward a resolution of the case so there would be justice for Mr. Jeffries, a father, a friend, a longtime city employee.

They joined for a moment of silence.

The candles burned on:

Nearby, police appeared to be keeping a vigil of their own:

It was announced that another benefit for the reward fund is in the works, June 21st at the White Center Eagles‘ aerie – details to come. If you have any information, the Seattle Police Homicide Tipline is the number to call – which you can even do anonymously – 206-233-5000.

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Fauntleroy Creek’s spring salmon season starts with Roxhill students

May 1, 2014 9:33 pm

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| Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | Wildlife

What looks to be a record-setting month of salmon-fry releases at Fauntleroy Creek has begun. On the warmest day so far this year, Roxhill Elementary students came to the creek after school today to release salmon they’d been raising:

Longtime volunteer Dennis Hinton was there to assist the students in carefully transferring the little salmon into the creek:

Creek steward Judy Pickens has drawn up the schedule for the next four weeks and tells WSB, “We expect to see at least 600 students this year in a record 20 releases.” Then in the fall, there’s another round of volunteer activity in the annual watch for returning salmon – last year was pretty much a bust, while the year before set a record.

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West Seattle scene: Loyalty Day at VFW Post 2713

May 1, 2014 9:31 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

We’ve heard plenty about today being May Day … but it is also Loyalty Day, started in the USA as a counter-observance in 1921, and explained on this page of the VFW website. At noontime today, at VFW Post 2713 in The Triangle, Loyalty Day was commemorated with a gathering and ceremony presented by VFW Ladies Auxiliary District 2. Above, from left, are three West Seattleites who are among local leadership – past VFW Ladies Auxiliary District 2 Commander Linda Fairbank, Post 2713 Surgeon Bill Dwyer, and Post 2713 Adjutant Ray Fairbank – with District 2 president Barbara Heston-Moore, who sent word last night of today’s event, which also featured speakers and 27 flags:

By the way, you can follow Post 2713 on Twitter.

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Update: Design Review Board meeting moved to Bin 41; 3211 California SW sent back for second round of Early Design Guidance

May 1, 2014 6:58 pm

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| Development | West Seattle news

6:58 PM: If anyone feels like they need some wine after tonight’s Southwest Design Review Board meeting, they’ll be in the right place. The meeting had to relocate out of the Senior Center of West Seattle due to what was described as a “natural-gas issue,” and is now convening, about half an hour late, at Bin 41, the wine shop co-owned by board member T. Frick McNamara about a block south. Separate story later tonight about the meeting, but we thought we’d mention it in case you were planning on dropping in on the meeting – just one project tonight, the 67-residential-unit building proposed for 3211 California SW.

8:49 PM: The delayed, relocated meeting ends with a decision to send the project back for a second round of Early Design Guidance. Full story to be published separately later.

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Restaurant anniversaries: Zippy’s Giant Burgers turns 6, Luciano’s Pizza marks 10th

May 1, 2014 5:37 pm

| 16 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Two anniversaries to note:

ZIPPY’S GIANT BURGERS: Six years ago today, Blaine Cook (center, photographed today with Nikki and Lyssie) and Rahel Cook opened Zippy’s Giant Burgers in Highland Park. (Here’s our opening-day story.) Though they moved to bigger digs in White Center three years later, we consider them an honorary “Wesseattle” business for life.

LUCIANO’S PIZZA: In case you didn’t already see the note in the WSB Forums – the little pizza joint next to the historic Admiral Theater has been open a decade, and is giving away pizza slices today to celebrate. Go see George and staff any time until 10 pm tonight.

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Update: Why police were searching in Lincoln Park area

May 1, 2014 3:56 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police

3:56 PM: A man who abandoned that vehicle ~~near~~ in the Fauntleroy ferry dock waiting lane and ran into Lincoln Park is still being sought. Now Guardian One has just made a pass over the area. Ferry-bound traffic is tied up, meantime, while police deal with the abandoned vehicle. More to come.

4:20 PM: Southwest Precinct Lt. Alan Williams explains, “A parking enforcement officer on-viewed a person asleep or passed out in a stopped vehicle. Police officers were en route when the guy woke up and ran off. No known crime involved but officers tried to locate him to see what the issue was (medical? – probably not, but we needed to try to check with him).”

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Speedpro Imaging: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor

May 1, 2014 3:15 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(8/14 note: To check whether a business is still a current WSB sponsor, please go here)

Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Speedpro Imaging. New local sponsors are invited to share information about their businesses, and here’s what Speedpro would like you to know:

Speedpro Imaging is a superior-quality large-format imaging studio that produces trade-show displays, vehicle wraps, retail branding, and promotional graphics. We collaborate with businesses, organizations, and events to create eye-catching, larger-than-life graphics that grab the attention of their customers.

Our capabilities include:
• Banners
• Wall murals
• A-frames
• Vehicle wraps
• Trade show displays
• Window graphics
• Retractable banner stands
• Posters
• Stickers
• Custom Signs

One of the things our clients tell us they love about working with us is how quickly we respond to their needs and get jobs completed. We do everything we can to make sure our clients are completely satisfied- due dates, budget, and project needs are all met. We give Speedpro Imaging clients the special attention they deserve and treat everyone like a long-term business partner.

Clients say they trust us and have confidence in our signs and displays because of our extensive knowledge and high-quality materials. We are locally owned, but we are also a part of a nationwide network of Speedpro studios. For example, if you have a trade show in Chicago, we can plan for the Chicago Speedpro to print, install, and deliver your display right to your event – saving you shipping costs and the stress of carrying your display on the plane! They say this makes us different from other printers in the area and gives them assurance they are receiving the highest-quality service and signage.

To receive exclusive content, special offers, and sign news, click here – The Color Hue: Sign Tips & Advice from Speedpro.

We are excited to be a part of the West Seattle Blog and the awesome West Seattle community. If you have any questions about signage or need a quote for an upcoming project, call or email us anytime! 206.257.4717 **** infoseattle@speedpro.com

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

P.S. Get Speedpro’s coupon on the WSB West Seattle Coupons page!

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West Seattle development from a different perspective: Walk on Saturday

May 1, 2014 1:48 pm

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| Development | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

This Saturday, a Feet First-presented “Jane’s Walk” presents a look at development in and around The Junction and The Triangle – on foot, with veteran walking ambassadors and WS residents Timothy Lowry and Bryan Fiedorczyk. FF explains the Jane’s Walk concept here: “The walks get people to explore their cities, connect with neighbors, and learn new information about their communities.” Over the course of up to 3 miles – heading out from the Charlestown water tower (map) at 10 am – you’ll hear and talk about the past, present and future. RSVP here!

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$15 minimum wage? Mayor Murray makes his plan public

May 1, 2014 12:07 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Mayor Ed Murray has just gone public with his minimum-wage-increase proposal. The City Council will start its review on Monday; meantime, the full details are in this news release from the mayor’s office. The toplines:

Small businesses (businesses with fewer than 500 employees) will reach a $15 per hour minimum wage in seven years. Also established is a temporary compensation responsibility of $15 per hour to be met within the first five years, which can be achieved by combining employer-paid health care contributions, consumer-paid tips, and employer-paid wages.

Large businesses (businesses with 500 or more employees, either in Seattle or nationally) will reach $15 per hour in three years. The wages of employees who receive health care benefits will reach $15 per hour in four years.

The proposal will be heard by the council’s Select Committee on Minimum Wage & Income Inequality on Monday (May 5th) at 2:30 pm. It’s already drawn opposition from the group 15 Now, which (as reported here two weeks ago) proposes a city charter amendment phasing in $15 over three years, less than half the phase-in time of the mayor’s plan.

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West Seattle Hi-Yu: Community breakfast Saturday, float crowdfunding NOW

May 1, 2014 11:11 am

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| How to help | West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival | West Seattle news

Two things you can do to keep the West Seattle Hi-Yu tradition going strong: First, a crowdfunding campaign is under way to save the float – last community float in the entire city; as shown in WSB video above, the float is even featured in the Seafair Torchlight Parade every year. Does Ballard have a float? No. Capitol Hill? No. Wallingford? No. West Seattle? YES. But not without you! Here’s the donation page.

Second: This Saturday (May 3rd), start your day with a buffet at the Hi-Yu Community Breakfast, 8 am-11 am at the Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds), $6 adults, $3 for kids under 12. If you’re there at 9:30 am, you’ll see the three Hi-Yu Senior Court candidates (including Hi-Yu’s first-ever male candidate!) present their judged talent performances.

P.S. This year’s Senior Court coronation isn’t far away, either – 2-5 pm Sunday, May 18th, at the Hi-Yu Spring Tea and Silent Auction. Ticket info’s on the Hi-Yu website.

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West Seattle Thursday: Design Review for 3211 California; Loyalty Day @ VFW; Style ’14; DIY Bikes; Day of Prayer; vigil; more…

May 1, 2014 9:58 am

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

May is Bike Month. Thanks to Don Brubeck for the above view from the path; scroll down, meantime, for a DIY Bikes event among tonight’s listings. Speaking of which, this first day of May is a hot one in calendar terms as well as impending high temperature in the 80s, with a variety of events on the way, including these:

LOYALTY DAY: Did you know the first day of May is not just May Day but also Loyalty Day? Find out more at noon today, when the VFW Auxiliary invites you to a ceremony at VFW Post 2713 in The Triangle. (3618 SW Alaska)

SPRING TASTE: West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) invites you to drop by and sample the tastes of spring, 4-7 pm. (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan)

DIY BIKES – THE TRUTH ABOUT WHEEL TRUING: From the announcement: “The truth is, you can do it once you have learned some of the tricks of the trade. This workshop is offered by DIY Bikes in cooperation with the West Seattle Tool Library, 5-8 pm. DIY will provide the tools and the knowhow. Bring your own wheels to work on or help others with their wheels.” The WSTL is on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

CELEBRATE MAY DAY AT THE COMMUNITY ORCHARD OF WEST SEATTLE: From the announcement: “Get ready for a long and prosperous growing season. Start by building your soil. This week at COWS (Community Orchard of West Seattle) we will be showing the public how to build rich and lasting soil beds using the lasagna garden method. This May Day edition of our usual Thursday ‘Health and Harvest’ starts at 5 pm with the soil-building class between 5 and 6 pm. COWS is located at the north end of the South Seattle College campus.” (6000 16th SW)

ALKI ELEMENTARY PTA: 6:15 pm tonight in the school library. From the announcement:

-Meet Madison Middle School Principal, Dr. Robert Gary, and PTA President, Julie Howell, at a special presentation geared toward 5th grade families
-Insights from “Positive Discipline,” a parenting program led by Violet Borghesi
-Budget Committee will present the proposed 2014-2015 budget for review

(3010 59th SW)

‘STYLE ’14’ FASHION SHOW: West Seattleite-founded/-led Northwest Hope and Healing presents its annual fundraising fashion show “Style ’14,” tonight at Showbox SODO, with lots of West Seattle businesses and volunteers involved; tickets available at the door – 6:30 pm for VIP level, 7 pm general, more details in our most-recent preview. (1700 1st Ave. S.)

DESIGN REVIEW FOR 3211 CALIFORNIA: 6:30 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle, it’s the last Southwest Design Review Board meeting scheduled for a while. Just one project this time, Early Design Guidance for the proposed 63-apartment, 4-live-work-unit, 63-parking-space building at 3211 California SW, as shown on this map from the design “packet”:.

See renderings (remember, this is the “massing” phase, so it’s all about size/shape) and details by previewing the full “packet” here. As always, there will be a public-comment period. (California/Oregon, upstairs)

VILLAGE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: The cooperative school for K-2 students invites prospective families to its open house 6:30-8:30 tonight on the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus; details in our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER: Community prayer gathering at 7 pm at Shorewood Foursquare Church; details in our calendar listing. (10300 28th SW)

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL: Four months after the murder of Stephen Jeffries, Jr., in South Delridge, no arrest yet, so family and friends are gathering for a candlelight vigil in the neighborhood where it happened – community invited. 7:30 pm; details here. (Across from 9215 16th SW)

‘HAIR’ AT ARTSWEST: Second week under way for the new, yet classic, production at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) curtain time 7:30 pm. (4711 California SW)

Even with all that, you’ll still find MORE on the WSB calendar!

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Memorial this afternoon for Pearl Phillips, 1924-2014

May 1, 2014 9:04 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

A memorial service is planned this afternoon for Pearl Phillips, whose family shares this remembrance:

Pearl Virginia (Niebanck) Phillips, 89, of Seattle passed away April 16. Daughter of Lillian Spamer and Frederick Niebanck, Pearl was born August 2, 1924, in Woodbridge, New Jersey.

Pearl grew up in New York City, but at the age of 16, her family drove cross-country to California. The experience opened her eyes to the natural beauty of the country, and once home, she resolved to return someday. Five years later, Pearl fulfilled that dream and moved to California, living with relatives while she worked in a defense plant during WWII. There, she met her future husband, Don, at an officer’s dance. A native of Washington state, he romanced her with tales of the beautiful Pacific Northwest, promising to buy her a flannel shirt, blue jeans and hiking boots. Three months later, they were married and headed to Washington, where Pearl lived the rest of her life.

Pearl was a city girl, Don a woodsman. Together they explored the forests of the Olympic Peninsula, often off-trail, Don hopping rocks across streams or walking logs over ravines while Pearl rode his shoulders.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT THURSDAY: Commute updates; May Day notes

May 1, 2014 7:12 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Heading into the heart of the morning commute, there’s the West Seattle Bridge above and, below, northbound 99 at the south end of the elevated Alaskan Way Viaduct:

You’ll find more cameras, and other info, on the WSB Traffic page.

‘MAY DAY’ INFO: The pm commute could be affected by demonstrations – here’s an alert from the city; Metro is planning some pm reroutes, as explained here. We’ll be monitoring the situation for updates starting at mid-afternoon.

Other transportation-related notes:

FERRY FARES INCREASE: Washington State Ferries‘ fare increase takes effect today; here’s the preview we published last weekend.

COLMAN DOCK PROJECT INFO: If you ride the Water Taxi and are interested in information about the Colman Dock terminal project, look for WSDOT reps at Pier 50 3:30-6 pm today.

4:34 PM NOTE: May Day downtown is quiet so far. Still closing some roads as the march passes, but no trouble.

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