West Seattle, Washington

19 Friday

62℉

month : 04/2015 327 results

West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen/found purses; lawn mower lifted; another car with a bullet hole …
April 21, 2015 9:37 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

This time we’ll start with the reminder:

WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL MEETS TONIGHT … 7 pm, precinct (Webster/Delridge). Bring your questions and concerns for local police, who will share updates on crime trends. Plus – special guest, Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes. All welcome.

Now, the newest reader reports we’ve received about local incidents:

STOLEN CAR: White two-door 1998 Honda Civic DX, license plate ASU-1986, stolen from the 4700 block of 36th SW. Distinctive features include “a “Drager” Breathalyzer with a camera on the dash, the front end (hood, front bumper, and passenger side fender) had been repainted and doesn’t exactly match the rest of the car,” and no muffler.

PURSE STOLEN FROM CAR: Marj is hoping the prowlers who broke into her car trunk in the south-side parking lot at the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) late Monday morning might have discarded her purse – “light colored black leather with a short leather strap and a striped over the body strap. Inside was a black shiny snake wallet, green check register, black & white cat beaded glass case and small brown and green address book. Purse says made in Italy inside.” A police report was filed.

FOUND PURSE: This isn’t Marj’s purse but – whether it was stolen or lost, it turned up, empty, on a bench at Lincoln Park:

DLBJ sent the photo, saying it was “two benches south of Colman Pool.”

STOLEN LAWN MOWER: Tom reports from the 7500 block of 15th SW:

We had a lawn mower stolen from the back of a pickup truck and 150 ft of electrical cord stolen from the sidewalk on Saturday (4/18) around 2:30 pm. A neighbor had seen an unknown white male with a tattoo on his hand driving a black pickup truck looking for yard work at the time of the thefts. Police report has been filed.

BELATED BULLET-HOLE REPORT: We heard over the weekend from Barbara, who saw the report about Admiral cars with bullet holes and wondered if anyone else heard gunfire/had damage from two weekends earlier:

Our car was parked on the street on Alki Ave SW in the 1500 block (not directly in front of our condo building, but close) from the afternoon of Wed. 4/1 through Sunday 4/5 while we were out of town, in our other car. Sunday 4/5 we came home and saw the bullet hole in the driver’s side door.

Police told her they had no other gunfire reports in the area that weekend; if you have any information and/or it happened to you too but you didn’t report it, the case # is 111-279.

THANKS … for sharing Crime Watch reader reports, so your neighbors in the wider WS community can be alerted too. If something is happening NOW, please text or call, 24/7, at 206-293-6302.

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Still school-shopping? Pre-K open house ahead @ Westside School
April 21, 2015 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on Still school-shopping? Pre-K open house ahead @ Westside School
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Enrollment season isn’t over yet, and if you are looking at Pre-K enrollment for next year, Westside School (WSB sponsor) invites you to an open house next Saturday (April 25th). While Westside is moving into its new campus this fall, the open house is at its current campus, 7740 34th SW (map). The invite says, “You will have the opportunity to talk with members of our administration, pre-kindergarten faculty and learn about our community of engaged, joyful and creative learners!” Drop by any time between 10 am and noon on Saturday.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday updates and alerts
April 21, 2015 7:38 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday updates and alerts
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
7:38 AM: No West Seattle trouble spots thus far in the Tuesday commute.

12:38 PM: Trouble on the ferry run:

The Issaquah is out of service due to necessary repairs. The Fauntleroy/Vashon/ Southworth route will begin operating the two-boat schedule with the 12:20pm sailing from Fauntleroy. The two-boat schedule will be in effect until further notice.

You can view the 2-boat schedule at: wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/Default.aspx

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West Seattle development: What’s coming down & going up
April 20, 2015 10:29 pm
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

Development notes and updates – nothing major, but of interest to several neighborhoods:

40TH/OREGON: Demolition day today (thanks to Eddie for the tip) for a house mentioned here in November – a stucco-and-tile house more the type you’d expect to see in Southern California. Here’s the photo we ran then:

(WSB photo, November 2014)
The crew at the scene told us that salvagers removed the roof tiles before demolition. The house’s 4,600-square-foot lot is slated for construction of two single-family houses and two townhouses.

LAND USE APPLICATION FOR 4515 41ST SW: Not far from there, the memory-care facility proposed at 4515 41st SW has officially applied for a land-use permit, which opens another comment window – the notice from today’s Land Use Information Bulletin explains how. The project still has at least one more Design Review meeting ahead – no date yet; here’s our report on its most-recent review.

3112 SW JUNEAU: Also from today’s Land Use Information Bulletin, an application to build a three-story house on a smaller-than-usual parcel – this notice also includes information on how to comment.

4464 23RD SW: This early-stage proposal in the land-use files seeks a permit to “cluster-develop 4 single family homes in an ECA. Due to potential wetlands, steep slope, and potential landslide ECA’S we propose to reduce setbacks equivalent to cottage housing per 25.09.260. A future Unit Lot Subdivision would be submitted.” (ECA = Environmentally Critical Area)

STREAMLINED DESIGN REVIEW FOR 3215 CALIFORNIA: Across the street from the 3210 California megaproject, the old commercial buildings are vacant now, and one section of the future redevelopment is in line for “streamlined Design Review” – no meeting, but public comments will be accepted. It’s 3215 California SW, four townhouses and two live-work units. While its “design packet” isn’t available on the official DR site yet, you should be able to download the 26 MB PDF here.

4111 DELRIDGE WAY SW: Full details aren’t in the files yet but there’s an early proposal for a lot-boundary adjustment here – the site is on record as three lots – and a site plan showing the 106-year-old house there now is to be demolished, along with garages and driveways.

OTHER NOTES: Demolitions/replacements that recently showed up in city files: 5956 38th SW, 97-year-old house just sold & to be replaced by a new single-family house … a demolition permit is sought at recently sold 8443 12th SW, with “existing structures” to be removed and a permit sought for a new house, as well as a lot-boundary adjustment … 4103 Delridge Way SW (not far from a project mentioned above) has a demolition permit application and a note about two single-family houses to be built.

(P.S. – WSB development coverage is archived here, reverse chronological order.)

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From high-school dropout to All-USA Academic Team: David Yama makes South Seattle College history
April 20, 2015 8:49 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

For the first time, South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) has a student on the All-USA Academic Team. Here’s the announcement:

South Seattle College student David Yama was named as one of the top scholars in the nation by earning a spot on the All-USA Academic team, as announced by the National Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa, today. Yama is the first student in South’s history to earn this honor.

The All-USA academic team is widely recognized as the most prestigious academic honor for students attending community college. Nominees are hand-selected by college presidents or their designated nominator for demonstrating academic rigor, leadership and civic growth.

Yama attended the national celebration today of the top-20 All-USA Scholars, where he was further honored as the sole recipient of PTK’s Pierce Scholarship. Along with receiving financial support through the award, he was selected to speak on behalf of all 20 students during the celebration. … Earlier this year Yama was named Washington State’s New Century Scholar, which is given to the top-ranked scholar on the All-Washington Academic team. In the last four years, South has produced two of Washington’s top-scholars from this team.

After dropping out of high school at the age of 14, and working a series of what Yama called “dead-end jobs,” his academic career started at South in hopes of earning his GED. With the encouragment of South faculty member Jane Harness, Yama’s confidence and aspirations continued to grow. He will graduate this spring with an associate degree while maintaining a 3.96 GPA.

Much of Yama’s success he credits to South’s faculty and staff. In addition to Harness, he specifically mentioned instructors Rochelle Fontoi, Bob Dela-Cruz, and Jake Ashcraft.

“South has the most helpful faculty and staff anywhere, with so many opportunities!” Yama said.

After graduation, Yama’s academic journey will continue at the University of Washington, where he is currently volunteering up to 30 hours a week conducting lab research, and he ultimately hopes to earn a doctorate.

You might recall that Yama was a speaker at January’s “Gifts From The Earth” fundraiser at SSC.

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UPDATE: Cars, motorcycle collide at Fauntleroy/Alaska, 3 people hurt
April 20, 2015 6:31 pm
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WSB photo, wider look at scene, substituted for originally published cameraphone pic)

6:31 PM: A crash is blocking Fauntleroy/Alaska both ways – avoid the area for now.

ADDED 6:37 PM: Two cars and a motorcycle are involved, our crew at the scene is told, and three people are being taken to the hospital – the motorcycle rider to Harborview via SFD medic unit, two people from the cars via private ambulance. The collision happened near the southeast corner of the intersection (by Les Schwab Tires). No life-threatening injuries, and TCIS is not being called out, so this might be cleared soon.

6:55 PM UPDATE: From SDOT:

7:40 PM: Scene’s clear, per SDOT.

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West Seattle sunshine scenes: In the sky and on the sea
April 20, 2015 5:05 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seen around town | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Headed home? Enjoy the sunshine – forecast suggests it might not be back tomorrow. Above, a paraglider was in flight again this afternoon over the West Seattle shore – we caught him headed southbound over Emma Schmitz Overlook/Me-Kwa-Mooks. Don’t know if it’s the same one we featured two months ago. Below, the newest state ferry Samish is still out on sea trials; we spotted it this morning from Charlestown Hill:

The Samish is the second of three 144-car ferries being built at Vigor on Harbor Island and is expected to start service in June in the San Juan Islands – but if you see a ferry off West Seattle making unusual moves between now and then, it’s probably this one.

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Phoenecia serves up ‘Give Back Tuesdays’; joins WSB sponsor team
April 20, 2015 3:42 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Phoenecia. The family-owned-and-operated Alki restaurant wants to let you know about its new Give Back Tuesdays:

Phoenecia Restaurant has long been a West Seattle family tradition — from its early days in The Junction (1973), to its current location on Alki Beach. Those of you who had the pleasure of knowing its original founder and chef Hussein Khazaal experienced first-hand his kind, gentle, and generous spirit. The best thing on the menu was always “something very special” that Hussein would rush back to the kitchen to create “just for you.”

In the year following Hussein’s death, Phoenecia was reborn by Hussein’s son William, who transformed it into a fresh and entirely different concept. Rather than formal Middle Eastern-centric meals served on white linen tablecloths, the family opted for a casual, contemporary atmosphere that would appeal to Alki’s more spontaneous, diverse crowd.

Today’s “hip neighborhood joint with an upscale urban bistro vibe” (says Lonely Planet) serves up small plates, artisanal wood-fired pizza, chalkboard entrees, and an excellent selection of wines … not to mention sunset views of the Olympic Mountains and Elliott Bay from every seat.

One thing has remained very much the same: that feeling of being embraced (figuratively and often literally) when you walk in the door. Hussein’s sweet spirit is alive in the hearts, arms and faces of his wife Inaam, and daughters Sonya and Nadia. And the food, albeit a different menu than the original restaurant, continues to get rave reviews, including Best Pizza in West Seattle from Thrillist.com, and Open Table Diner’s Choice winner 2014.

Dine Out and Help Make a Difference in the World

After so many years of feeling supported by their community, Inaam, Sonya, and Nadia decided it was time to give something back. Their new “Give Back Tuesdays” program encourages diners to enjoy a good meal at Phoenecia every Tuesday night and help make a difference in the world: Ten percent of the restaurant’s Tuesday proceeds will be donated to a different charity each month. This month’s designated charity is the Multiple Sclerosis Society‘s Greater NW Chapter. Inaam and her daughters warmly encourage you to join them for dinner soon, and welcome ideas for upcoming charities by email at sonyakhazaal@yahoo.com.

Visit Phoenecia‘s website at phoeneciawestseattle.com; follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/phoeneciawestseattle – and of course, enjoy delicious food with them at 2716 Alki Avenue SW!

We thank Phoenecia 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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Looking for work? ‘Priority Hire’ to be spotlighted at Highland Park Action Committee this Wednesday
April 20, 2015 2:12 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news

Jobseekers might be interested in this Wednesday’s monthly meeting of the Highland Park Action Committee. As just announced by HPAC:

We will be having a guest speaker talking about *Priority Hire* joining us for Wednesday’s HPAC meeting: The City of Seattle recently passed a Priority Hire ordinance which will improve access to construction employment and improve training programs for workers in need of family-wage jobs. The ordinance prioritizes the hiring of residents that live in economically distressed areas in Seattle and King County on city funded construction projects- and 98106 qualifies. See this website for more information.

Also on HPAC’s agenda, District 1 City Council candidate Chas Redmond. 6:30 pm potluck precedes the 7 pm meeting Wednesday (April 22nd) at Highland Park Improvement Club, 12th/Holden.

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West Seattle scene: Another TV commercial filming here
April 20, 2015 11:43 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

Thanks to everybody who tipped us about what’s up in Seaview today, near 48th and Juneau – that truck is part of it. No, it’s not a movie – it’s the type of film/video production we see much more often around here, a TV commercial. This one is for Nissan, and the truck in our photo brought some of the vehicles that are being used. Unlike many West Seattle commercial shoots, this location wasn’t chosen for its view, but specifically for the house it’s at. The crew moves on to the North Sound after today. (Last commercial spotted here was for health care, a month ago.)

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The Whale Trail’s next ‘Orca Talk’ is something you otter know…
April 20, 2015 11:29 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

(WSB photo, July 2012)
The Whale Trail‘s next “Orca Talk” in West Seattle is NOT about orcas – it’s about the “Natural History of River Otters and Sea Otters,” a topic that has again stirred much curiosity because of the sightings of Puget Sound-frequenting river otters (like “Otto“!), especially along Alki. Find out about the differences between the two and a whole lot more – where do they live, what do they eat, what’s their population situation, what role do we play in their environment? – when TWT hosts Leo Shaw at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) on April 30th, one week from Thursday. Doors open 6:15 pm, presentation at 7 pm, space is limited so it’s a great idea to get your ticket(s) ASAP – kids are free, by the way – just go here.

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West Seattle Monday: Special-education meeting; online discussion of transportation levy; story time; more…
April 20, 2015 9:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

If you’ve been out of town and/or offline all weekend … you might have missed the unusually vivid sunsets. Above, that’s a Sunday night photo shared by DLBJ; we also featured Saturday night’s view here, Friday night photos here (also – on Facebook and on Instagram). A stream of smoke from Siberia gets the credit. Thanks to EVERYONE who shares photos – sunrises, sunsets, wildlife, breaking news – editor@westseattleblog.com or texted to 206-293-6302. Now, on with what’s up for today/tonight:

HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Home games – 3:30 pm, West Seattle HS baseball vs. Lakeside at Hiawatha (2700 California SW); 4 pm, Chief Sealth IHS softball vs. Ingraham at SWAC (2801 SW Thistle).

REGIONAL MEETING ABOUT SPECIAL EDUCATION: 6 pm at West Seattle High School, as announced by the district: “Learn about changes in Special Education in Seattle Public Schools, and ask questions. … Interpreters will be available for Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, and Chinese. Supervised children’s activities will be provided.” (3000 California SW)

ONLINE MEETING ABOUT TRANSPORTATION LEVY: Can’t make it (or don’t want to go) to a face-to-face meeting about the Transportation Levy to Move Seattle? 6 pm tonight, check out SDOT’s “online meeting” – explained here (with a registration link).

FAMILY STORY TIME: 6:30 pm at High Point Branch Library – bring the family! Free & fun. (35th/Raymond)

PIGEON POINT NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: Meets at 7 pm in the cafeteria at Pathfinder K-8 School. (1901 SW Genesee)

DEADLINE FOR GRAB-AND-GO BENEFIT ORDERS: Over the weekend, we mentioned this Relay for Life-West Seattle team benefit – your chance to preorder grab-and-go ravioli dinners for tomorrow night. It’ll be too late to mention in the “West Seattle Tuesday” preview; check out our earlier story for how to place an order.

THAT’S NOT ALL … see our calendar for more.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Post-spring-break Monday
April 20, 2015 6:25 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
We start with one traffic alert: Henderson Place is still closed north of Barton for the investigation of the second of two serious overnight West Seattle crashes. Use 9th SW instead.

Otherwise: For the first time since April 3rd, all the schools are back in session – last week was Seattle Public Schools‘ spring break, the week before that saw many private schools out. So please be extra, extra careful as everyone gets readjusted to routine. That’s today’s big reminder – no new road work on the schedule – so, the traffic watch is on.

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UPDATE: 3 taken to hospital after one-car Highland Park crash
April 20, 2015 4:22 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

4:22 AM: Another sizable response to a crash scene – this time, one vehicle is reported to have hit a tree in the 9000 block of Henderson Place (map) in Highland Park, with two people reported to be trapped. Both are reported to be conscious.

5:04 AM: Just back from the scene. The response was upgraded to “heavy rescue” while we were en route – second one of the night in West Seattle. Firefighters cut the driver out of the car, a 22-year-old man who medics took to Harborview.

Two others were hurt but got themselves out of the car, according to SFD, and were taken to the hospital by private ambulance. The road will be closed both ways at the crash scene while the investigation proceeds.

6:30 AM: Henderson Place is still blocked off at the crash scene; use 9th SW instead.

3:17 PM: Police confirm they are investigating the possibility of DUI.

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UPDATE: Crash on California SW sends 1 to hospital, damages 2 parked cars
April 19, 2015 10:17 pm
|      94 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(SCROLL DOWN for Monday afternoon update)

(WSB photo by Katie Meyer)

10:17 PM: Big Seattle Fire, police response on the way to the 3900 block of California SW (map), where a multiple-car crash is drawing a “heavy rescue” response because someone might be trapped. More to come.

10:22 PM: Adding a photo from WSB’s Katie Meyer, who is at the scene. It shows one vehicle on its side blocking the sidewalk. She says firefighters are using the “jaws of life” to get to someone. Scanner: California is closed both ways between Bradford and Andover.

10:30 PM: If you are seeing police in nearby neighborhoods, they are investigating witnesses’ reports of at least two people who may have been involved and got out of vehicle(s) and fled the scene, “white males with white or light colored T-shirts, one in shorts, one in pants, both late teens, early 20s, slender build, about 6′ tall” (per scanner). No word yet on injuries; we do know a female was the person cut out of one car, the white one off to the right side of our first photo.

10:39 PM: From Katie at the scene: Witnesses say the two young men were in the white car (photo added above) and took off, apparently carrying a dog, leaving the woman trapped inside. The car that’s on its side (added: a Honda Element) was parked, no one inside. WSB’s Patrick Sand at the scene talked with precinct Capt. Pierre Davis, who says the woman was conscious and talking to paramedics at last report, and says they have conflicting reports on whether the two got away on foot or in a vehicle.

(This & next 2 photos by WSB’s Christopher Boffoli)
10:50 PM: Police are bringing in the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad, which likely means California SW will be closed at the scene for some hours while they investigate. The 17-year-old girl rescued from the white car has been taken to the hospital; SFD says she’s in stable condition.

11:56 PM: Investigation continues. No word yet on whether police have found either or both of the people they’re looking for. As noted in comments, the car’s owner came to the scene, saying he wasn’t involved, that someone else (who he reportedly knew) had been driving his car. The aforementioned dog was reported to be his.

Also in case you were wondering, the owners of the parked car that was hit and flipped (above) are aware of it … they told us they heard the crash and came out to find out it had been hit. (Added: You’ll note at the left of Christopher’s photo above, a second parked car was damaged too.) We’ll update when California reopens, and of course if there’s any other new information in the meantime.

2:45 AM: California SW is opening again – police are reopening the northbound lane and will route southbound traffic into the center lane for now.

3:19 AM: A commenter identifying herself as the injured girl’s mom says that the 17-year-old has “a broken collarbone, broken pelvis, and a collapsed lung.”

6:46 AM: Traffic flow at the scene was reported to be back to normal by daybreak. We expect to get an update from SPD later this morning and will add the info here.

ADDED 3:06 PM: Police say they’ve found everyone they were looking for, but no arrests so far, explains Det. Patrick Michaud: “We have spoken to all parties involved and they have denied racing. We will continue our investigation and if we determine that they were actually racing we can pursue charges after the fact. If anyone has videos or pictures to the contrary please call 206-684-8923.”

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VIDEO: Duwamish Alive! celebrates 10th anniversary, honors tireless volunteers
April 19, 2015 10:09 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

(WSB photos/video)
More than 1,000 volunteers spent hours on Saturday giving TLC to the Duwamish River and its watershed, during the twice-yearly Duwamish Alive! mega-work party at multiple sites (11, this time, from West Seattle to Tukwila).

This time, it started with a special event marking Duwamish Alive’s 10th anniversary, featuring the presentation of the John Beal Environmental Stewardship Award, in honor of the tireless volunteer who, as the program pointed out, “dedicated decades of his life to the health of the Duwamish River and Puget Sound,” especially Hamm Creek, where his work “became a beacon of all the good a single person can accomplish directly benefiting our river, the Puget Sound, and the overall health of our communities.” (Mr. Beal died in 2006.)

Six volunteers were honored:

– Brooke Alford (who couldn’t be at the ceremony)
– Mike Arizona
– Scott Blackstock
– Marianne Clarke
– Susan Ward and Peg Peterson

We recorded the presentations on video:

The pre-work party event at Terminal 107 Park on the river in West Seattle was emceed by James Rasmussen of the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition (as you can see in our video), who reminded all present that it’s a river, not a “waterway.” Volunteers also heard from longtime river advocate and Tukwila City Councilmember Dennis Robertson, who urged them to keep the pressure on local elected officials regarding the health of the Duwamish River and other areas that are vital to our area’s sustainability:

The artists working on Duwamish Revealed spoke too (you’ll hear that in a separate story about the project) – and volunteers were greeted by Cecile Hansen, chair of the Duwamish Tribe, whose longhouse is right across West Marginal Way SW from the park. She shared history as well as words of welcome:

After the ceremonies – it was time to work. One of the award recipients happens to be the steward of a site here in West Seattle. So we went to Roxhill Bog, where we photographed Scott Blackstock with his plaque:

The bog – which has its own challenges – is at the historic headwaters of Longfellow Creek, which feeds into the Duwamish River after making it through a somewhat torturous route – piped beneath Westwood Village, for starters. And it’s in a park that has some challenges of its own, making cleanup all the more vital:

We were shown one of the items found strewn at the site:

At both sites we visited on Saturday, what was stressed was this: One person can make a difference (as Blackstock has done at Roxhill Bog, for years). So if you can take some time – watch for word of work parties. Or opportunities to comment on a project or proposal. The next Duwamish Alive! event, by the way, will be in October, and that’s a great time to get involved too.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Car-prowl victim’s ‘vent’; stolen car found; car, bicycle taken; City Attorney @ WSCPC
April 19, 2015 9:17 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch as the weekend wraps up:

‘VENT’ FROM A REPEAT CAR-PROWL VICTIM: Jeff in Arbor Heights sent this, saying he “needed to vent”:

I live in Arbor Heights, at 37th PL SW and SW 102nd ST. [map] My truck was broken into last night around midnight. My lock was punched, my door was dented, and all compartments in the vehicle were tossed. Luckily, I had no valuables in the vehicle except a car seat which was not touched. This is the second time my truck has been broken into. Now both doors are dented. I work hard for everything I have, and every couple months, someone damages the fruits of my labor, and my confidence in society.

My gut reaction is that I would like to catch someone in the act and then you know what. I’m sure everyone who has experienced theft or property damage feels some extreme emotions. I’m glad I didn’t catch the people who did this, I’m sure their lives are filled with some sort of turmoil and pain that I can’t imagine.

I would like to thank the Seattle Police, who responded to our house and treated my wife with respect and assured her they were doing everything that could be done. I wish I could sit down with the people who steal and damage our property, and get them on a path to success. Their lives are sad.

STOLEN CAR FOUND: A Highland Park resident texted us last night to ask if this white Saturn station wagon, which had been in their neighborhood at least three days, was on record as stolen:

We looked at SPD’s @getyourcarback Twitter account, where most if not all cars reported as stolen are tweeted by SPD’s 911 center (but without location information, which means we do NOT know which were stolen in West Seattle unless we’ve heard directly from a vehicle’s owner). In this case, we did find an exact match (from four days earlier), plate and make/model/color, so the finder called 911, police were sent, and the car was picked up overnight.

ANOTHER STOLEN CAR: Here’s one you won’t find on SPD’s Twitter feed, because it was taken outside their jurisdiction, but Sue asked if we’d mention it, since cars stolen south of the city-county line can wind up here, and vice versa: “It was stolen near the cross streets of 108th St SW and 8th. [map] It is a white Honda Accord, 93. Plate number ADE 1742.” If you see it somewhere, be sure to tell 911 it’s a King County Sheriff’s Office case.

STOLEN BIKE: Akemi‘s bicycle was taken in The Junction:

Bike stolen off porch, West Junction neighborhood: Mint-green Schwinn 21 speed. left side handle has (stem) mirror adapter. Scratches on front post from basket attachment which may still be on handle bars. Mini-tire pump on frame. Combo lock cable around post of light brown saddle-seat.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL ON TUESDAY: One more note – WSCPC has announced its agenda for Tuesday night’s monthly meeting (7 pm, Southwest Precinct). City Attorney Pete Holmes will be the guest: “He will speak to the organization and duties of his office as well as other current issues; ie, marijuana rules and regs.” And SPD will present crime trends and policing updates. The precinct’s at Webster/Delridge, and all are welcome.

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FOLLOWUP: WestSide Baby needs help with emergency move
April 19, 2015 8:34 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Earlier this month, we reported on a small fire with a big effect on WestSide Baby‘s operations – shutting down the WS Baby volunteer/donation center in White Center, from which the nonprofit serves thousands of families around the area. The resulting power outage isn’t fixed yet and so WS Baby’s executive director Nancy Woodland sends word they’re making an emergency move – and in need of multiple types of help:

On April 9, WestSide Baby’s main facility in White Center experienced a small electrical fire that eliminated power for our donation and volunteer center. This means we’ve been unable to fill orders for 350 children per week as the building is completely dark, cold and unsafe. Because this is not the first time this building has had major maintenance issues, we have decided to take a brave step and move our entire operation within the next week because leaving children in the lurch is unacceptable to us.

To get up and running as soon as possible, over the next 10 days we are moving our main donation and volunteer operations across the street into a warehouse where we have been storing diapers! We plan to open our doors at 10002 14th Ave SW by April 27.

This is a plan we have been working on for some time and had actually hoped to execute this summer. Because of the fire and resulting urgency, we have now divided it into Phases and we’ll start a little earlier than we expected by moving one component of our organization now. We’re excited to share updates on Phase 2 and 3 soon. It’s going to be great and we hope you will be excited to participate in our growth!

We have a list of opportunities for you to support this effort with your time or treasure. Both are critical at this point in order for us to be able to get back up and running and filling orders as soon as possible.

You can donate now at WestSideBaby.org to help us with the following things to get set up quickly:

Critical for Phase 1:

Shelving – $5000 Total ($300/each)
Signage – $2000
Pallet Stacker – Rent or Purchase
Canvas Bins – $1000 Total ($250 each)
Moving and Storage Expenses – $10,000

Things we’ll need for Phase 2 -3:

Moving Expenses – $15k
Industrial Carpet/Flooring
Painting help
Lumber

We will also have Volunteer Opportunities:

Tuesday, April 21 6-7 pm Car Seat moving
Friday, April 24 3-6 pm Shelf Assembly
Saturday, April 25 10 – 5 Moving!!
Sunday, April 26 9 – 5 Deconstruction of old facilty and clean up
Soon after – a small masonry and curb installation project needs a skilled professional

Contact Volunteer Manager, Shana Allen (shana@westsidebaby.org), if you are interested! We have some flexibility with this schedule and we anticipate more things unfolding this week. These are all physical projects.

To help us with backlog – we anticipate announcing additional Sorting Frenzies and Order Filling Opportunities the week of April 27. Let Shana know if you want to be on the lists to receive those updates!!

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PHOTOS: Seattle Lutheran’s Ring of Honor tribute for Bob Dowding
April 19, 2015 5:40 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | West Seattle schools

Two months after cancer claimed the life of longtime Seattle Lutheran High School teacher and athletic director Bob Dowding, the school gave him its ultimate tribute last night – induction into the SLHS Ring of Honor. That came during a dinner event in which many memories were shared.

That’s head of school Dave Meyer, who talked about arriving in 1995 to be Hope Lutheran‘s PE teacher, and meeting Bob, joking that he wanted the SLHS AD job that Bob held. He came to realize that Bob’s real job was creating and building communities – including at athletic organizations including the Washington Interscholastic Athletics Association. And, Meyer said, he still aspires to Bob’s “real job” – mentoring and encouraging kids, and building community. One of those Bob had mentored also spoke:

Holy Names Academy athletic director Lacey London, a 2000 SLHS graduate, talked about how Bob was such a big influence in her decision to go into teaching and athletics. Her first coaching job was when he asked her to help with Lutheran’s girls-basketball team while she was transitioning between colleges. Among the many others there to pay tribute to Bob – his family, receiving the plaque honoring him:

There was even a cake in his honor:

Bob Dowding was 67 years old.

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West Seattle weekend scenes: Along the shore, in the sunshine
April 19, 2015 4:39 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle weekend scenes: Along the shore, in the sunshine
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL REPORT, 4:39 PM: Thanks to Don Brubeck for these photos showing some of what was up and who was out along West Seattle shores this afternoon.

P.S. At least one more sunny day is in store, according to the forecast – and if you have the chance to be out at the beach in the early afternoon, it’s the lowest tide of the month, -1.7 feet at 12:47 pm on Monday.

ADDED 5:13 PM: Speaking of low tide – an incident at Alki today is a reminder for boaters:

Low tide, bad luck from Avenue Collection on Vimeo.

Mark just shared that video of a small boat getting some help to get un-stuck during this morning’s low tide.

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UPDATE: RV catches fire by 1st/Olson/Roxbury
April 19, 2015 3:31 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

3:31 PM: Guy sent us that photo of a burning RV even before we saw the “car fire” callout for 1st/Olson. Via scanner, we’re hearing a traffic alert for the east end of Roxbury. We’re also hearing the fire’s out but foam was used to fight it and so the hill needs some cleanup before it’s safe for traffic. No word yet on any injuries. Avoid the area for a while.

3:41 PM: Police report that SDOT has arrived on scene.

4:11 PM: SDOT tells us via Twitter that its dispatch reports the area now clear.

ADDED TUESDAY: We finally got some information from SFD. Spokesperson Kyle Moore says the carburetor caught fire while the RV’s owner was driving it; he pulled over and apparently left to get help, so when SFD arrived, no one was there, and they were worried someone was trapped inside, but they found it empty. But the RV caught fire again while it was being towed away – which explains a later “car fire” call nearby. No injuries.

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Services planned May 15th for James D. Finnie, 1946-2015
April 19, 2015 2:21 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

A memorial service and celebration of life are planned May 15th for James D. Finnie, 68, whose family is sharing this remembrance:

The family of Jim Finnie is sad to announce his passing on March 30, 2015, after a long journey with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Jim was born in West Seattle on April 19, 1946, to Walt and Millie Finnie, the youngest of their five children.

After graduation from West Seattle High School in 1964, Jim married Marge in 1965 while they were attending Western Washington State College, only to have the military decide they needed him a short time later. He served in the US Army from 1966-69, most of that time in Germany, where he and Marge enjoyed many adventures together.

In 1975, Jim began his career as a Seattle firefighter, and always felt fortunate to be paid to do something he loved so much. The majority of his career was served at local Station 32.

Outside of work, Jim had many interests and skills- woodworking, golf, competitive shooting, and countless hours out on the Sound, with a fishing pole in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other (his idea of heaven!). He had a top-notch “Mr Fix-It” ability that led us all to believe there was nothing he couldn’t do. To all that he did, he brought his quirky sense of humor, and a smile, to those around him.

He was a loving and supportive husband and father, which led him to spend many years working with the Boy Scouts and driving the Kennedy High School band bus to assorted parades and retreats. He was enormously proud of his children.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Marge, and children Dave (Christy) Finnie and Krista (David) Hume. Six grandchildren: Alexa, Jessica, Sienna, Elijah, Rebecca, and Joshua. Predeceased by his parents and sister, Delores, and survived by brothers Bob (Durlyn) and Walt (Sharon) and sister Linda (Norm) Nelson.

Services to be held May 15, 1:00 pm, at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, followed by a celebration of life at the West Seattle Golf Course clubhouse, 2:30 pm. Suggested memorials to Medic One or West Seattle High School Alumni Association Scholarship fund.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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West Seattle youth sports: Signups for YMCA T-ball, baseball, volleyball, rugby; Highline Premier soccer tryouts
April 19, 2015 11:28 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle youth sports: Signups for YMCA T-ball, baseball, volleyball, rugby; Highline Premier soccer tryouts
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

On a sunny spring day – two organizations have signups under way. First, from the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor):

YOUTH BASEBALL/T-BALL: For ages 3-10. Practices start the week of May 4th at Roxhill or Alki Playfields; games are on Saturdays, May 16-June 27, at EC Hughes. You can sign up online here or in person at the Y’s Member Services desk (open to non-members too). Questions? Y sports director Mike Bober, mbober@seattleymca.org

YOUTH VOLLEYBALL: Teams are 4th/5th graders and 6th-to-8th graders. Weekly practices at the Y on Wednesday nights start this week (April 22nd); game locations rotate among four Y’s in the region, including WS. Sign up online here or in person. Questions? Y’s Mary Sanderson – msanderson@seattleymca.org

YOUTH RUGBY CLINIC: New partnership with Serevi Rugby – special 8-week clinic for ages 4 to 12, exploring the fundamnetals. Tuesdays, May 5th to June 23rd, 4:30-5:30 or 5:30-6:30, at Roxhill Playfields. Register online here, or in person. Questions? Mike Bober (info above)

Again, all of the above are via the West Seattle YMCA.

Now to a separate organization, registering youth interested in premier-soccer tryouts:

HIGHLINE PREMIER FC: Registration is open for tryouts starting this week, for players ages 7-19 who want “to develop their soccer playing skills at a higher competitive level than recreational soccer. Tryout registration is now open for existing and new Girls U8 – U19 & Boys U8 – U14 who are interested in premier soccer development and team play. Tryouts are scheduled in late April and May, depending on age group. Tryout fees are $15.00 and payable online via the registration link.” Questions? e-mail tryouts@highlinepremier.com

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