day : 13/08/2014 13 results

Update: Crash blamed for power outage south of West Seattle; SPD says they had tried to pull over car after ‘narcotics sale’

| Utilities | West Seattle news | White Center

(UPDATED THURSDAY MORNING with crash update from SPD, which investigated)

(Added photo, by Nate: Top center, sideways power pole caught in wires)
ORIGINAL REPORT, 8:54 PM: Getting outage reports from some of the areas hit early this morning. Checking with City Light. We’ve heard from Shorewood so far – if you’re elsewhere and without power, please let us know, since the utility’s official mapping tends to lag.

9:07 PM: Checking out a report that this might be related to a crash on 116th SW in White Center.

(Added photo, by Andrew Kliphardt)
9:31 PM: We’re at the crash scene now, on 116th SW in White Center, near 10th.

(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
King County Sheriff’s deputies have several blocks of 116th shut down. While City Light’s map isn’t updating, its customer hotline is apparently saying 4,200 customers are out of power – about the same as this morning’s outage (which was caused by a “failed insulator”). If you have to drive through this area, note that lights are out on part of the 16th SW/Ambaum arterial – 16th/107th is on but then power is out again south of there – treat any nonfunctioning signal as a four-way stop.

9:52 PM: City Light’s map now shows the full outage – we’re adding a screengrab above. At the crash scene, we learned that two people were hurt and taken to Harborview. With a pole and wires taken out, it was too dangerous to get close.

(Photo courtesy Tim Clemans)
10:06 PM: City Light says via Twitter that crews are routing power around the crash scene and that “most should be back on within the hour.”

10:10 PM: … or sooner; one text just came in from someone who has it back, and commenters are reporting they do too.

11:15 PM: Still about 1,200 out of power, mostly in White Center, according to the SCL map.

11:29 PM: Seattle Police are involved in the investigation; we don’t have official information yet on why. The Traffic Collision Investigation Squad is on scene. Commenters say the crashed car flipped in the back yard of a home – Andrew Kliphardt sent this photo:

2:11 AM: Still 1200+ without power.

(Added photo, by Andrew Kliphardt)
9:24 AM: The rest of the area got its power back overnight. Meantime, KCSO confirmed that Seattle Police investigated the crash. Here’s what SPD spokesperson Drew Fowler tells WSB:

SPD narcotics and ACT officers were conducting an operation just south of Seattle when they attempted to stop a vehicle involved in a narcotics sale. The vehicle refused to stop and left at a high rate of speed. Consistent with policy, our officers terminated and did not pursue. However, the suspect vehicle continued at a high rate of speed and collided with a power pole causing the loss of power to numerous homes in the White Center/Burien area. SPD’s TCIS investigated the incident and the two suspects were taken to HMC with non-life threatening injuries.

ACT = Anti-Crime Team; TCIS = Traffic Collision Investigation Squad.

9:57 AM: We also asked SCL about the coinciding patterns between the outage caused by this crash and the one about 20 hours earlier. Spokesperson Scott Thomsen: “Unfortunately, the power lines attached to that pole are the same feeder line that was affected by the insulator failure the day before.”

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West Seattle scene: Final touches on Youngstown mural

August 13, 2014 8:47 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Tomorrow, the new youth-painted mural along the 4400 block of Delridge Way in front of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center will be officially “unveiled.” Tonight, it’s still getting some last-minute touches. What you see in our quick pic is only about a third of the mural – the rest of it looks pretty cool too – so come to the ribbon-cutting at 2 pm tomorrow (Thursday, August 14th) if you can, and meet the artists! If you’ve missed the backstory in our previous coverage (here, here, and here) – check out the Youngstown website.

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West Seattle Crime Watch followup: ‘Flasher’ suspect Duane Atwood pleads not guilty

August 13, 2014 6:32 pm

| 26 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

The convicted sex offender charged in a recent West Seattle “flasher” incident and under investigation in at least two others was back in court today. 37-year-old Duane Atwood pleaded not guilty to the charges of felony indecent exposure and failing to register as a sex offender. His lawyer’s request to restrict the news media from photographing Atwood’s face was granted. His next court appearance is set for September 16th; Atwood remains jailed in lieu of $250,000 bail, and while his lawyer did not ask the judge to reduce it, they reserved the right to make that request in the future.

We first reported Atwood’s arrest almost three weeks ago; police tracked him through license-plate information given by a woman who reported that she was called over to an SUV parked near Cormorant Cove Park on Beach Drive, and saw a man inside it, exposing and holding his privates. We originally learned of her case via her comment on one of our reports about two similar incidents days earlier. While he posted bond and got out of jail the day he was arrested, his bail was raised and he was re-arrested the day charges were filed, and has been behind bars ever since.

Atwood is a Level 2 Sex Offender because of a 2001 conviction for a burglary/arson with sexual motivation. At the time of our first reports on this case, we didn’t have much information on that case, because King County’s online court records don’t go back that far. The case was very briefly summarized in the charges filed against him last month, but that still left many questions unanswered. We have since obtained dozens of pages of court documents related to the case, from the original charges to the plea bargain to the sentence.

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Another ruling: Appeal rejected, Genesee Hill school plan affirmed

August 13, 2014 3:46 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Genesee Hill | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

One month after we reported on an appeal hearing set for aspects of the Genesee Hill Elementary School project, the decision has just been made public: The appeal has been rejected. Appellants included a half-dozen area residents and school-district watchdog Chris Jackins, challenging/questioning project components including the zoning exception for the school’s height, where the bulk of its building will be placed on the site, plans for on-street school-bus loading, and the amount of on-site off-street parking. We were not able to cover the appeal hearing held downtown eight days ago, but its points and the Hearing Examiner’s findings are recapped in the decision document – see it here. Next, we’ll be checking with Seattle Public Schools regarding their timetable for starting work on the new school.

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From the ‘what WAS that?’ file: Siren/alarm mystery solved

August 13, 2014 2:58 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Mystery solved, regarding what has sounded to some like an almost-continuous alarm bell/siren-type noise these past few days. Tuesday, we received half a dozen messages from north West Seattle, mysterious because of an absence of any 911 reports of an ongoing alarm-type bell; then we developed the theory it might have been the “shot blasting” technique used to improve traction on two local hills – SW Charlestown yesterday, SW Genesee today – and as soon as we received a noise report from the Luna Park area today, that seemed to confirm it. We went over to the work zone on Genesee and while we couldn’t get it on video, we confirmed that the equipment was making a droning alarm/siren-type noise, somewhat reminiscent of the old “air-raid sirens” we remembered from weekly tests (and are blessed not to have known in any other context) decades ago.

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West Seattle Car Show update: 30 cars ready to roll, room for more – signing up sponsors, too!

August 13, 2014 2:28 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

One week into registration for this year’s West Seattle Car Show – one month from tomorrow, on Sunday, September 14th, 10 am-4 pm, in the heart of The Junction. 30 cars have signed up already, according to the new organizers at Swedish Automotive and West Seattle Autoworks (both WSB sponsors). If you missed the news last week, the show is now “open class,” a big change from previous years, so it’s not just for old cars – if you have any other reason to want to show off your vehicle, sign up! (That includes creatively decorated vehicles – anyone want to bring an “art car,” for example?) If you’re interested, go here to sign up now! First come, first served. If you don’t want to register online, you can get a form by e-mailing wscarshow@gmail.com or calling 206.938.8685. That’s also how to sign up as a sponsor if your business/organization didn’t already get a form; three sponsors are on board so far (including us here at WSB) and more are welcome.

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Bartons’ eviction fight: Judge denies new owner’s request to order SPD to arrest them

August 13, 2014 11:36 am

| 89 COMMENTS

| West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL REPORT, 11:36 AM: Just in: King County Superior Court Judge Mariane Spearman has rejected Triangle Property Development‘s petition for a “writ of mandamus” which would basically have forced Seattle Police to arrest Jean and Byron Barton for trespassing, as they continue to occupy the Morgan Junction home from which they were evicted last month, three months after Triangle bought it at a foreclosure auction. The judge’s ruling comes five days after a hearing on the issue (WSB coverage here). Judge Spearman wrote that SPD has discretion on whether to make an arrest in a situation like this, and that an “extraordinary” move such as a writ of mandamus is not appropriate for compelling an action in which there is discretion. See the ruling in PDF, or embedded below:

We’re also contacting Triangle Development’s lawyer for comment; the company announced July 29th that it would take the city to court. That was 11 days after sheriff’s deputies – who enforce evictions in King County, whether within city limits or not – removed the Bartons from the house; later that day (July 18th), the couple re-entered it. SPD arrived at the house late in the day, but did not arrest them, and Mayor Murray issued a statement the following Monday saying he had told SPD to “stand by while the latest court proceedings unwind.”

ADDED 12:42 PM: A few other notes – The Bartons themselves were not a direct party in this particular legal action. It was taken by Triangle Development against Mayor Murray and Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole, and is unrelated to the Bartons’ ongoing lawsuit (read it here) alleging that the foreclosure was illegal. If you haven’t read today’s ruling yet, another reason cited by the judge was that Triangle has other options for getting control of the property – including getting the King County Sheriff’s Office to serve another order. Meantime, the mayor has posted a statement about the ruling, saying, among other things, “… the judge decided that SPD acted properly in exercising its discretion over the past three weeks.”

ADDED 4:46 PM: The advocacy group SAFE has sent a statement, which includes Jean Barton’s reaction to the city’s contention that she and her husband are ignoring/spurning housing-related services:
Read More

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Hit-and-run during the deluge

August 13, 2014 11:08 am

| 9 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

In the middle of the overnight downpour, we heard a bit of scanner traffic about car pieces in the street near 59th/Admiral. This morning, the inbox brought the rest of the story – Chris sent that photo and word that someone hit his car and his neighbors’ car in the 5700 block of Admiral (map) around 12:30 am: “Lots of damage. My car likely totaled. Cars were parked and no injuries though would not be surprised if driver injured. Looking for any witnesses.” If you have any information, contact police and refer to incident #14-267781.

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West Seattle traffic alert: Harbor Avenue median landscape work

August 13, 2014 10:51 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WSB photo added Wednesday afternoon)
Here’s what the Harbor Avenue no-parking signs were about – today is the second of three days of landscape work on the median, according to SDOT:

You may have seen crews at work along Harbor Avenue Southwest between Southwest Spokane Street and Southwest Florida Street. These Seattle Department of Transportation landscape crews began working on the street median yesterday, weeding and cutting back plant material. They will continue the work through tomorrow, keeping one lane open in each direction by shifting traffic into the parking lanes. The northbound lane is closed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closure of the southbound lane is delayed until 9 a.m. to allow for morning commuter traffic.

https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_9854-e1407968377882.jpg

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Four options for the rest of your West Seattle Wednesday

August 13, 2014 10:30 am

| Comments Off on Four options for the rest of your West Seattle Wednesday

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Tidepool photo by Laura Goodrich, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
From puppets to produce, and beyond, four calendar highlights for today/tonight:

PUPPET SHOW: “Jack Chapeau Meets the Gill Man,” presented by Oregon Shadow Theatre, 2 pm at Southwest Library, free! Details in our calendar listing. (35th/Henderson)

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN: Sixth of 12 Wednesdays this summer/fall when you can stop by the High Point Market Garden Farm Stand 4-7 pm to buy organic produce grown by local gardeners, steps away. (32nd/Juneau)

KARAOKE FOR THE CAUSE: Emeritus-Admiral Heights invites seniors from all around the West Seattle community to help it raise money for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. First event is at 5 pm tonight – Karaoke for the Cause. Details in our calendar listing. (2326 California SW)

MUSIC BINGO AT THE CASK: 7 pm at The Cask (WSB sponsor), guess the songs, play the game! Details here. (2350 California SW)

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2 nights away: ‘Luau at the Lake’ with the 34th District Democrats

August 13, 2014 9:53 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

We’ve had some tropical weather this week – warm, muggy – and sunshine should return in time for a tropical-themed event Friday night: The 34th District Democrats‘ annual Garden Party dinner/auction. This year, it’s the “Luau at the Lake,” in honor of its new location: The Technology Access Foundation‘s new Bethaday Community Space in Lakewood Park (605 SW 108th). The 34th DDs are advertising the event on WSB for one last ticket-sales push. See “10 reasons to go” here. Auction items include a flotilla of vacation possibilities on which you’ll be able to bid, including one week on Maui or Kauai; if you’d like to stay closer to home, how about three nights at Long Beach, Washington, or a getaway to Whistler, or even a quick jaunt over to Vashon Island for lunch with local legislators? The party starts at 6 pm Friday (August 15th) and you can RSVP online by going here, or call Karen Chilcutt at 206-935-3216.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday on the move

August 13, 2014 6:13 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday on the move

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WS bridge and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Hours of steady rain overnight has left some standing water out there, so drive carefully. One early alert: The county texted that mechanical trouble has affected the first run of the Route 775 shuttle from Seacrest toward Admiral.

ROAD WORK: If the overnight rain hasn’t affected the plan, today’s the day crews are supposed to work on traction improvement on SW Genesee between Avalon and Delridge.

10:51 AM: SDOT just sent formal notice of work that’s under way through tomorrow on Harbor Avenue.

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Power outage from south Arbor Heights into White Center & beyond: Equipment failure

August 13, 2014 12:40 am

| 17 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news | White Center

(Screengrab from Seattle City Light map)
12:40 AM: First reports of a power outage came from 25th/107th area, shortly after major rain started to fall – and now the Seattle City Light outage map shows more than 4,200 homes/businesses are out of power, from the south end of West Seattle south and southeastward. So far, no cause listed – just that SCL is “investigating” – but the start came around the time a downpour began, and at least one tipster reports big lightning accompanied it.

1:26 AM: City Light says it’s restored power to about a third of the homes/businesses affected, but that still leaves about 2,600 without electricity.

1:57 AM: Down to fewer than 1,000.

6 AM: Still almost 600 customers out, in the South Park area per the SCL map.

3:09 PM UPDATE: Everybody was back as of earlier today. City Light’s Scott Thomsen tells WSB a “failed insulator” caused it.

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