day : 22/02/2015 12 results

From reader reports and police files: Tonight’s 30th/Genesee gunshot; car and home break-ins; shoplift-turned-robbery; more

Eight reports to share. First:

(From Jordan via Twitter)
30TH/GENESEE INCIDENT TONIGHT: A big police response converged in this area after a report of gunfire. No one was reported to have been shot; we did hear, via scanner, an officer report finding one shell casing. Southwest Precinct Lt. Alan Williams, responding to our inquiry about the circumstances, says it’s related to a recent assault; tonight “the victim fired a ‘warning’ shot up in the air to convince suspect to get away.” The investigation is still in progress. *

At mid-afternoon:

TRUCK VS. GARAGE: Thanks to Rob for the photo from 13th and Thistle earlier this afternoon. He saw the pickup truck hit the garage and says no one was hurt. Unlike last night’s crashes, in this one, the driver apparently stayed at the scene.

Reader report from overnight:

CAR BREAK-INS: Tori e-mailed:

We just wanted to let the West Seattle community know that both of our cars were broken into last night at 38th Ave SW & SW Oregon. They attempted to steal the car but were unable to, and instead, messed up the car and rendered it un-drivable. This is the third time this month that our cars, and other cars on our block, have been targeted. We are hoping that by letting the blog know, others in this area can be aware of car thieves and keep valuables out of their cars.

Another reader report, with photo:

BREAK-IN DAMAGE: Greg sent the photo to go along with his report of a burglary on Thursday:

My house near 35th and Charleston was broken into (Thursday) while I was at work. Burglars bashed in the front door, did some good damage to it. Electronics stolen, not much else, so feel lucky it was only that. I called the police and they dusted the house for prints.

Some incidents that aren’t as recent, but are detailed in police reports we just obtained:

STOLEN CAR IN CRASH BEFORE OWNERS KNEW IT WAS GONE: Early last Tuesday morning, police investigated a hit-run crash at 17th and Barton. The vehicle was registered to an Upper Alki couple who didn’t even know it had been stolen; it was still in the driveway when they went to bed several hours earlier. Police delivered the bad news that their vehicle was not drivable and had been towed.

ANOTHER SHOPLIFT-TURNED-ROBBERY: Another case of shoplifting that turned to robbery when the theft turned to violence. This one happened around 7 pm February 11th, according to a report we obtained this week as part of our ongoing public-disclosure requests. Employees at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) told police a man and woman tried to steal food from the deli and candy from a Valentine’s Day display. They were intercepted while trying to leave without paying; they gave back the deli food but the woman denied having the candy hidden in her purse, even though the man yelled at her to give it back so they could leave. She refused and hit a store employee on the wrist, leaving a bruise, then swore at the store employees. Both suspects then bolted. She was described as Hispanic, early 20s, thin, 5-5, bright pink jacket and jeans; he was described as black, 30s, medium build, scruffy facial hair, 5-10, in dark clothing. Video surveillance was being checked.

CAR PROWL IN SUPERMARKET LOT: Same location as the previous item, but this happened around 10:30 am February 10th. Someone broke into a car while its owner was in Thriftway for a few minutes. A backpack and pair of pants were taken. Store surveillance caught the incident and it turned out one person seen on the video had been in the nearby cell-phone store, “trying to activate a stolen cellphone,” and his identity was known. Cross-referencing jail records, we note someone with the same name spent a day and a half in jail this past week in connection with an apparently unrelated case involving a stolen car. We don’t yet know the status of the case involving the car prowl.

ITEMS FOUND: Maybe someone will be able to find the owner here, as “HelperMonkey” did with the items noted in a recent roundup. In this case, a neighbor in the 8800 block of 37th SW in Upper Fauntleroy found “property on the street that she suspected was associated with a crime,” per a report, which says police retrieved the items, described as wires, old clothing, and food, plus a debit card in the name of Ana S—–a. Police were not able to find anyone by that name. If you know Ana, have her contact police.

P.S. – NEXT CRIME PREVENTION/SAFETY MEETING … is this Tuesday (February 24th), when the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meets at the SW Precinct (Webster/Delridge), 6:30 pm, all welcome. The agenda’s still being finalized but police will have a presence there as always, so bring questions/concerns, and take advantage of the opportunity to strengthen/start a block watch.

Update: Fire at bus yard on West Marginal Way SW

(WSB photo)
8:41 PM: If you’ve noticed a sizable fire response headed for the 4500 block of West Marginal Way SW, Seattle Fire is responding to a report of at least one bus on fire in the bus yard/maintenance facility there. No traffic effects since the yard/garage is set back from the road. More as we get it.

8:48 PM: Monitored via scanner – firefighters have just described the fire as “knocked down.”

9:28 PM: Just back from the vicinity. Didn’t get close to the bus that caught fire but a wisp of smoke was still visible from West Marginal. SFD’s investigator has arrived to look into how the fire started. No injuries reported.

MONDAY MORNING UPDATE: SFD says the fire started in the engine compartment of a private bus at the maintenance facility, and that damage is estimated at $40,000.

High-school basketball postseason: Who/where West Seattle HS girls, Seattle Lutheran HS boys play next

February 22, 2015 8:28 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports | WS miscellaneous

The brackets are set tonight for next weekend’s regional high-school basketball playoffs, and that means we have official details of the next games for both local teams still in the fray, the West Seattle High School girls (Saturday game report here) and Seattle Lutheran High School boys (Saturday game report here). Both teams play next Saturday (February 28th) – SLHS will play Yakima Tribal, 2 pm, at Bellevue College (map/address); WSHS will play Sumner, 8 pm at Renton High School (map/address).

West Seattle Sunday sky scenes, from the jets to the sunset

Thanks to everyone sharing photos! First one’s from a flyover this afternoon:

John Bartell sent that photo tonight, showing the military jets that flew over northeastern West Seattle around 2:15 pm. We happened to see them from North Delridge. In the hours since, we’ve looked around and asked around and haven’t found any specific reason for the flyover. (Please comment if YOU know – thanks!) John also photographed tonight’s beautiful sunset, which many might have missed since the Oscars were on by then:

That’s from the Brace Point area. Meantime, near High Point, Yma photographed the sunset through bubbles.

No major chance of rain in the forecast until Thursday.

Heads up for the week ahead: More new utility poles; SFD drills at the Murray CSO pit

February 22, 2015 6:08 pm
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 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

In addition to the Admiral Way road work on Tuesday/Wednesday (thanks again to Mike for the tip; we noticed today that the no-parking signs are up, confirming it), two more FYIs for the week ahead:

UTILITY POLE REPLACEMENT: This work has been under way for months and Shauna says her neighborhood, SW Kenyon between 39th and 41st in Gatewood, appears to be next, with no-parking signs up and new poles already delivered. Outages often accompany pole replacement work; Shauna hadn’t received any such notice, but we’ll be checking with SCL tomorrow. Checking around the City Light website, by the way, we noticed something interesting – an explanation of why new utility poles tend to, well, stink for a while.

SFD AT MURRAY CSO: Doug Marsano from King County says the Seattle Fire Department will use the million-gallon-tank construction site across from Lowman Beach for drills next Saturday:

Please be aware that the Seattle Fire Department plans to conduct drills at the project site for 3-4 hours on Saturday, February 28. You can expect to see fire trucks and personnel working at the site that day, but no project work is currently scheduled. More information about the Fire Department’s plans will be provided next week. Please contact the project hotline: 206-205-9186 with any questions or concerns.

You can help! ‘Second-Chance Prom’ in West Seattle on March 14th

February 22, 2015 4:51 pm
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 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

Miss your high-school prom? Or, even though you went, you wish you could have a second chance? Here it is – a good time for a good cause, coming up in West Seattle in three weeks:

In March, Seattleites will have a second chance at prom to benefit The Ruby Room, a local non-profit organization that provides formal attire to teens in financial need from all over Washington State. The second-chance prom is open to ages 21 and up; and will be held on Saturday, March 14th at West Seattle Golf Course kicking off at 7 PM. Tickets are $25 per person to attend. The event is Casino Royale themed, a 007 inspired event, and attendees are encouraged to dress in iconic James Bond fashion, or their version of prom attire. The prom will have a live DJ and dance floor, a fun prom-style photo booth, cocktails and more.

Tickets are limited and are expected to sell out. Reserve your tickets here.

The fundraising event is being hosted by Michelle Weiss and Francie Warnekros, graduates of Bishop Blanchet High School (2004). These ladies were inspired to create this event to be able to make a difference with the Ruby Room, along with providing an exciting and social outing for adults. This first annual event promises an evening of entertainment, in which attendees have a second chance to experience prom night for the first time with your current sweetheart, or as a fun evening with friends.

For more information, visit www.007prom.wix.com/seattle or the Facebook event page.

Happening now: Grand opening weekend at new West Seattle Runner storefront

If you haven’t stopped by to check out the new location of West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), grand-opening weekend festivities have about three more hours to go. Lori and Tim McConnell (above) first confirmed back in November that they would move to a new location in the Orion Building just north of PCC (also a WSB sponsor) – the space is bigger, and it’s at street level. All sorts of grand-opening excitement is ongoing including raffles and discount signups for the Seattle Marathon and the West Seattle Float Dodger 5K. Vendors are on site too – when we stopped by, we found GoreTex and HOKA reps, as well as Beth Baker from locally based Running Evolution, who has a new apparel line:

She’s there until 2; the shop’s open today until 5, at 2743 California SW. P.S. West Seattle Runner is about to celebrate five years in business!

You can help! Dance at Madison with the West Seattle Big Band

February 22, 2015 12:20 pm
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 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Just five days until a fun fundraiser at Madison Middle School – one that can be a night out for your entire family, with swing dancing and a music lineup including the acclaimed West Seattle Big Band, whose mission is to help student programs like this. In case you haven’t already seen it in our calendar, here’s the announcement (with the official flyer above):

Madison Middle School’s 3rd Annual *Jumpin’ Jive Swing Dance* is on Friday, February 27, from 6 pm-9 pm in the Madison Commons. This fun event is for the entire family!! *Buy tickets online here.

The *Silent Auction and Raffle* will benefit Madison’s music students and their Music Program. This is the Music Program’s biggest fundraiser of the year. The Music Program is currently not funded by the Madison PTSA or the School District. The Madison Middle School Sr. Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Sr. Orchestra will perform for your entertainment. Also featuring *The West Seattle Big Band!!* Come! Eat! And get your free swing dance lessons by *The Savoy Swing Club.* We’ll have snow cones and games for the kids.

Madison is at 45th/Spokane.

West Seattle Sunday: Oscar-watching; kids’ garden launch; bees; quilting; not-so-silent movies; Duwamish superfoods; more!

February 22, 2015 7:02 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Sunday: Oscar-watching; kids’ garden launch; bees; quilting; not-so-silent movies; Duwamish superfoods; more!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by JayDee – Saturday morning view from Upper Alki)

If you’re looking for something to do – this list shouldn’t disappoint:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Just 4 weeks until spring, and something new at the market every week. 10 am-2 pm. (44th/Alaska)

GOING TO THE SEATTLE HOME SHOW? Last day today at CenturyLink Field Event Center, 10 am-6 pm. Look for Potter Construction (WSB sponsor) if you’re going! (800 Occidental S.)

CHILDREN’S LEARNING GARDEN: As previewed here, today at noon, kids and their grownups are invited to the kickoff for this new project at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church. (California/Hanford)

DUWAMISH SUPERFOODS: Two of today’s so-called superfoods, salmon and berries, were staples of Chief Sealth’s people, the Duwamish Tribe. Visit the Duwamish Longhouse for a free afternoon of cultural education and a shared meal, with salmon soup and berry cobbler. Doors at noon, cultural program 1-3 pm, shared meal at 3, all welcome. Details in our calendar listing. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

BOOK SALE FINALE: Noon-2 pm, grand finale of the Westside Unitarian Universalists‘ book sale – details here, open to all. (7141 California SW)

HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 1-3 pm, come tour Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School – details in our listing. (20th/Roxbury)

FREE BEE CLASS: 1 pm at West Seattle Nursery, free class, “mason bees for your backyard orchard.” (California/Brandon)

MEET A MASTER QUILTER: 2-4 pm, Larry Warrick – who’s hand-quilted more than 200 quilts in half a century of quilting – will be at Admiral Congregational Church, with some of his work. Details in our listing. (California/Hill)

SEATTLE GREEN SPACES COALITION: 2:45 pm meeting of the group working to advocate for saving green spaces around West Seattle and the rest of the city before they are sold off/paved over. Delridge Library. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

‘GODSPELL’ MATINEE: 3 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, go see Twelfth Night Productions‘ version of the acclaimed musical.

OSCAR PARTY AT OUTWEST: 4 pm start for the annual Oscar-watching festivities at OutWest Bar, red carpet and all! (California/Brandon)

OSCAR PARTY AT FEEDBACK: 4 pm, watch the red-carpet arrivals; 5 pm, watch the awards; “Hollywood’s biggest night on (Feedback Lounge‘s) biggest screens.” (6451 California SW)

ALL-AGES OPEN MICROPHONE: 4-7 pm on the last Sunday of the month means open microphone for all ages at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

And then …

TRIBUTE TO PEARL JAM’S ‘TEN’: Another live performance of a classic album at Skylark – this time, Pearl Jam’s “Ten.” All ages. Doors at 7, show at 8. More info here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

SILENT MOVIE SUNDAY: 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall, live accompaniment for silent short comedy films – details here. (7904 35th SW)

SUNDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: 7:30 pm at West Seattle Brewing Company. (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW)

OF COURSE, THERE’S MORE … take a quick look at the full calendar.

Update: Pickup truck flips in Gatewood, hit-run driver flees

(Added: WSB photos by Tracy Record)
3:16 AM UPDATE: Busy night for emergency responders. Now there’s word of a flipped pickup truck in Gatewood, near 39th/Myrtle. It went out as a major “heavy rescue” response but most units have been canceled. We’re checking it out.

3:37 AM UPDATE: Police told us at the scene that the pickup’s driver was gone when they arrived, so this is a hit-and-run. The driver appears to have hit a parked vehicle and a couple of mailboxes along 39th SW south of Myrtle before the truck flipped. So this is the second hit-and-run-away of the night in West Seattle.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Police search in Puget Ridge area

February 22, 2015 2:30 am
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 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Just in case you are wondering about a police search in the Puget Ridge/Highland Park area – it follows two reports that might or might not be related. All we have right now is scanner information – first, dispatchers reported multiple calls from people who thought they heard possible gunshots in the Puget Ridge area (18th/Graham was mentioned). Police headed that way to look for any evidence of gunfire. (So far, we haven’t heard any indication they found it.) Then came word, in the same general area, of a vehicle fleeing police, and shortly thereafter, word of a hit-run crash near 18th/Holden involving a possibly stolen car, with people getting out of the car and fleeing. Police took one into custody and were looking for up to 5 others.

Congratulations! Daron Camacho from Chief Sealth scores big at state

February 22, 2015 2:25 am
|    Comments Off on Congratulations! Daron Camacho from Chief Sealth scores big at state
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Thanks to Lynn Ogdon-Perrine for the photo and report from the state high-school-wrestling competition in Tacoma: Chief Sealth International High School‘s Daron Comacho “is 6th in state for the 195 weight class. We are very proud of him and how he represented (Sealth)!” You can see his bracket and results here.