day : 30/09/2015 13 results

West Seattle coyotes: Just spotted, in the street

Just in via text (206-293-6302, 24/7), our first coyote report of the fall:

Just spotted a large coyote in the street on SW Thistle, near the alley between 24th & 25th Ave. I slowed down thinking it was a stray dog, then watched it go into the walkways in between the apt buildings there. Just want to spread the word since it’s in a highly populated area.

As also noted in our exchange with the texter, that’s across the street from the stretch of Longfellow Creek that runs east of the Chief Sealth International High School/Denny International Middle School campus. But coyotes can turn up anywhere, whether a greenbelt is nearby or not – just browse our eight-plus-year archive of sighting reports for ample evidence of that. When you see one, do your best to scare it away – more for its good than yours – as explained here.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Recognize these would-be classic-car thieves?

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports: First, off Harbor Avenue, two people tried to steal Laura‘s 1972 all-original Chevrolet Malibu Monday night/early Tuesday morning. She got this image from the building surveillance system:

Here’s what Laura found inside the car:

She continues, “They made three different passes at the car between 12 and 1 am but inevitably could not start it due to a bad carburetor. … As you can see there is substantial damage. With classic cars, even if insurance covers the cost of damage, you can’t always restore the value once something has been repaired.” She’s hoping to get clearer images from the system soon, but for now, she wanted to get the word out and warn others.

The second report is from Westwood, where another Laura reports her car was broken into:

This morning I discovered my car had been prowled in my driveway near 22nd Av SW and SW Barton. No forced entry, kids probably forgot to lock it. A red bag with a Chinese design was taken. Motion sensor lights did not deter this thief, and the dog must have slept through the whole thing.

Water Taxi shuttle bus and pickup collide, no injuries reported

Thanks to Ann Anderson for the photo. This is why California Way was closed for a while earlier this evening between Hamilton Viewpoint Park and Harbor Avenue – a collision between a King County Water Taxi shuttle bus and a pickup truck. Ann says that according to the SFD crew on scene, no one was hurt. Police were awaiting tow trucks as of last we heard, so the road should be clear by now.

West Seattle schools: Reopened, expanded E.C. Hughes might be Roxhill Elementary’s new home

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

After our report on Monday night’s Seattle Public Schools levy briefing in West Seattle, a commenter asked a key question: Since the district is saying it plans to reopen E.C. Hughes Elementary (7740 34th SW), in part with money from one of those levies, why isn’t it shown in the district boundaries that are now drawn up through 2020?

Today, we got the answer: “We are considering moving the Roxhill Elementary School program to the E.C. Hughes building,” district spokesperson Tom Redman told WSB today.

This has been suggested before, but it raised capacity questions, as Hughes – closed by SPS in 1989, used as an interim/emergency building until Westside School (WSB sponsor) occupied it as a tenant for the past five years – was built to hold about 300 students. Roxhill’s most-recent enrollment estimate is approaching 400. But if the levy plan – augmented with a state grant – goes forward, the idea is to not just reopen Hughes but also to expand it to a capacity of 550.

The Roxhill building is in poor shape, to say the least, and there was a proposal just three years ago to get the “program” out of the building. At that time, the proposal was to merge it with Arbor Heights Elementary in the expanded AHES that’s now under construction. When that was floated during early discussions of the BEX IV levy, both schools’ principals were taken by surprise. But then-Roxhill principal Carmela Dellino said at the time that she had been talking with School Board member Marty McLaren about a different idea – moving Roxhill to Hughes.

Various discussions ensued but in the end, the Roxhill-AH idea went nowhere, and some were surprised that Roxhill didn’t make the preliminary project list for this new BTA IV levy. The idea of moving its program to an expanded, reopened Hughes apparently is the explanation for why it didn’t.

So what would happen to Roxhill’s campus at 30th/Roxbury? “The future use of the Roxhill building has yet to be determined,” Redman told us.

At the Monday night briefing, district officials said the target date for reopening Hughes is fall 2018; so far, no set date for this to come before the board, aside from the BTA IV levy language needing to be finalized, and that’s likely where more details would emerge. If you have a comment or question, Redman says you can e-mail him, tlredman@seattleschools.gov. We’ll be following up on all this in the days ahead.

Maybe moot, but Hearing Examiner rules that it’s OK for Shell to use Terminal 5

(May photo by Long Bach Nguyen: Shell’s Polar Pioneer at T-5)
Two days after Shell‘s announcement that its offshore-drilling attempts in the Arctic are over TFN, a decision on a related West Seattle issue is in, though it might be a moot point:

That document spells out how the city Hearing Examiner’s Office has just ruled against the city Department of Planning and Development‘s contention back in May that the Port of Seattle would need a different set of permits to allow Shell’s offshore-drilling fleet to use West Seattle’s Terminal 5.

The fleet had done just that earlier this year, you’ll recall, despite DPD’s contention, which Shell, the Port, and T-5 leaseholder Foss had challenged, with the port calling it “irrational.”

Mayor Murray says he’s “disappointed” but adds that the city will not challenge the ruling by deputy Hearing Examiner Anne Watanabe, who listened to arguments over five days this summer; documents were still being posted to the voluminous online case file as recently as last week.

But Earthjustice, representing four environmental groups supporting the DPD decision, says it might appeal the Hearing Examiner’s ruling. Its managing attorney Patti Goldman is quoted in a news release as saying, “The City got it right when it decided a massive drill rig is not a cargo ship and a homeport for Shell’s Arctic drilling fleet is not a cargo terminal.”

So far, Shell has not said where its rigs are headed after pulling out of the Arctic Ocean. Foss spokesperson Paul Queary told us on Monday that some items remained at T-5 to be picked up, and that fleet-related vessels had some cargo offloading to be done … but whether that would happen here remained to be seen.

BIZNOTE: Itto’s getting close to opening in The Junction

Five months after we first told you about the plan for Itto’s in the space formerly occupied by Firefly at California/Genesee in The Junction, it’s close to opening. After seeing the exterior signage taking shape on Tuesday afternoon, we asked if they have a new hoped-for opening date yet – originally, they’d estimated July, but as with so many new businesses, especially restaurants, unexpected circumstances pushed things back. The new estimate: Late October. As noted in our May report, brothers Aziz and Khalid Agour plan Itto’s – named after their mom – to be a tapas-style restaurant, with a variety of cuisines, primarily Moroccan and Spanish.

VIDEO: Summer-long ‘Swim Duwamish’ wraps up in West Seattle

It’s been a big year for milestone swims. Today, another one: That’s Mark Powell, on the last leg of his summer-long “Swim Duwamish” tour, incrementally traveling 55 miles, along the full length of the Green and Duwamish Rivers, to call attention to how vital it is to our region, and yet how fragile, after decades of abuse. As he swam to Seacrest, he didn’t arrive alone:

The Blue Heron Canoeescorted him in; Duwamish Tribe member Ken Workman spoke traditional words of welcome. See and hear for yourself (you’ll also hear what Powell said about his journey):

And then, celebratory cupcakes:

Powell said he set out to find “the heart of the Duwamish” and was glad to see the waters thick with salmon in some places:

His swims were chronicled on this website, where you can also see videos such as this one showing some of the salmon he saw:

Powell emphasized that you can take small steps to make a difference in the future of the river and all who live in it and by it and who depend on it (here’s one good place to learn “7 simple solutions”).

FOLLOWUP: Still seeing weird water in West Seattle? Tell SPU

After numerous messages/questions from people around West Seattle, we reported last Friday on what Seattle Public Utilities believed was to blame for weirdly colored water in multiple neighborhoods – a system rerouting because of the seismic-retrofit work at Myrtle Reservoir (above). Today, an update from SPU:

The number of customer calls SPU has received about discolored drinking water in West Seattle has dropped significantly over the last few days. However, we understand some customers are still seeing discoloration in their water. SPU is continuing to monitor the situation and take water quality samples to ensure that the discoloration clears soon for all customers. Customers who are still experiencing problems should call SPU’s 24/7 Operations Response Center at 206-386-1800.

The seismic work – explained here earlier this year – has taken the underground reservoir (north and west of the big tanks) out of service; it’s expected to be complete sometime next month.

West Seattle Wednesday: What’s ahead for today/tonight

With a gray start to the day, we’re hauling out a blue-sky pic from last weekend (recognize that path?). And now, we’re looking into the future – here’s what’s happening for September’s grand finale, today and tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

‘SWIM DUWAMISH’ FINALE: 11 am at Seacrest Pier, help welcome local swimmer Mark Powell, who’s been swimming the Duwamish River and its connecting tributaries in increments over the summer, as chronicled here. (1660 Harbor SW)

BABY STORY TIME: Today, High Point Library is where you’ll find story time for newborns through one-year-olds, 11:30 am. (35th SW & SW Raymond)

LUNCHTIME MEETUP: West Seattle’s only coworking center, Office Junction (WSB sponsor), invites entrepreneurs, at-home workers, coffee-shop workers, etc., to the weekly noon brown-bag meetup. (6040 California SW)

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN FARM STAND FINALE: 4-7 pm, it’s your last scheduled chance this season to buy fresh produce right next to the urban mini-farm where it was grown by local gardeners. (32nd SW & SW Juneau)

GREENWAY/RAINGARDEN INFO MEETING: A “drop-in session” at the Salvation Army Center in South Delridge tonight, 6-7:30 pm, will offer information about the under-construction Delridge-Highland Park Greenway and the Delridge Natural Drainage System project. (9050 16th SW)

‘ROCK FOR FAULKNER’ BENEFIT: The Tea Party is live in-store tonight at Easy Street Records, but it’s more than a show:

In support of KISW‘s Hall of Famer, Cathy Faulkner, we are helping raise funds for her husband’s battle with cancer. The Tea Party will be performing an intimate acoustic set at Easy Street at 7 pm, followed by a signing & photo session. Ticket pre-orders for the event are $20 and include one ticket to the show and a copy of The Tea Party’s latest release …

Go here to find out more AND to pre-order your ticket ASAP. (California SW & SW Alaska)

MORE … on our complete calendar.

WEEKEND ROAD-WORK ALERT: Bridge lane closures Friday night through Sunday

**UPDATE: SPU SAYS THIS IS POSTPONED**

Planning your weekend? This might be of interest, just out of the inbox:

Seattle Public Utilities is conducting roadway panel replacement on the West Seattle Bridge/Fauntleroy Way SW Express ramp heading eastbound and westbound. From Friday, October 2 at 7:00 pm to the evening of Sunday, October 4, crews will repair the roadway following an emergency sewer repair project in the same location. The inside eastbound and inside westbound lane will be closed during this time and drivers should allow extra time for their trips due to possible congestion in this area.

UPDATE: House fire in 2700 block of SW Elmgrove; no one hurt

September 30, 2015 9:36 am
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: House fire in 2700 block of SW Elmgrove; no one hurt
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

9:36 AM: Seattle Fire is sending a full response to a possible house fire in the 2700 block of SW Elmgrove (map). First crews arriving report they’re seeing “light smoke.”

9:41 AM: They have “water on the fire” and are searching to make sure no one’s in the house. It’s not a huge fire, though, as indicated by the call to dismiss all but four units.

9:45 AM: The fire’s now declared “tapped.”

9:50 AM: Our crew has talked to SFD at the scene. The fire was on the second floor and is believed to have been electrical in origin; everyone who was home got out OK, no injuries. Very smoky; they’re still trying to determine if the residents will be able to get back into the house safely any time soon.

ATTENTION, ARTISTS: Holiday/pre-holiday events looking for you (and the work you want to sell), ASAP

September 30, 2015 8:59 am
|    Comments Off on ATTENTION, ARTISTS: Holiday/pre-holiday events looking for you (and the work you want to sell), ASAP
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Last day of September, and the holidays are in view. Three events are inviting artists to apply, with deadlines coming up fast:

ART UNDER $100: Deadline is TOMORROW for South Park Arts‘ annual mega-event Art Under $100, happening again this year at the Seattle Design Center. While the event isn’t until December 12th (1-8 pm), the application deadline is October 1st, and you’ll find all the info on the application page – just go here.

FALL ART OPENING AT ‘THE BUILDING’: October 14th is the deadline to apply to be part of this event in Gatewood. The announcement:

Our Fall Art Opening is free and open to the public! We will be featuring local artists’ works, music, & food, just in time to kick-start the Holiday Season. We hope that you can join us for this amazing night!!

We are looking for artists doing work in different mediums at a variety of price points for the holiday season.

The Building’s 3rd Annual, Fall Art Opening!
Saturday, November 14th
5:00-10:00 pm
4316 SW Othello St.m West Seattle

E-mail Submission Deadline is October 14th, $25 participation fee once accepted. Please email samples of your work with a detailed description and prices to Brenda Scallon – brenda@acaravan.com – thank you in advance for your participation; we look forward to seeing your work!

HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB BAZAAR: Handmade arts and crafts are what organizers want to see from vendors at HPIC‘s annual bazaar, also set for November 14th (daytime – 10 am-3 pm). Find out more, including contact info, on the HPIC website.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday alerts & updates

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
No incidents so far on the routes through or from West Seattle.

TONIGHT – DELRIDGE GREENWAY/NATURAL DRAINAGE INFO: One transportation-related meeting tonight, a “drop-in session” at the Salvation Army in South Delridge (9050 16th SW), 6-7:30 pm, with information about the Delridge-Highland Park Greenway – which is under construction – and the Delridge Natural Drainage System project, which is about to get going.

7:19 AM: Speaking of South Delridge, SDOT reports a crash at Delridge/Cloverdale. No SFD dispatch at this point. (Not hearing anything about it on the scanner, either.)

7:25 AM: Multiple reports via comments and Twitter of a long-running low-bridge opening:

The cargo ship Elliott Bay is what’s going through, according to MarineTraffic.com. The day’s highest high tide was just about 10 minutes ago.

7:30 AM: The low bridge is open for surface traffic again. If you’re new, there’s a big backstory with the city attempting to keep the bridge from opening for maritime traffic during rush hours; the US Coast Guard has said no multiple times over the years – some history here and here. The sixth of 27 possibilities in the new West Seattle Bridge-Duwamish Waterway Corridor “action report” suggests “developing a relationship” with vessel operators so that in case of an incident affecting traffic elsewhere in the corridor, they can at least get “early warnings” of the bridge opening for maritime traffic. (That’s one topic you might want to discuss at the just-announced meeting about the report and the corridor, 6:30 pm October 19th.)

7:49 AM: The “low bridge” is open again but that’s not showing on the @SDOTBridges twitter account. We happened to hear Harbor Island-bound emergency vehicles (checking out a fire alarm) mention it over the air as a reason they’ll be delayed.

8:28 AM: Via e-mail, reader says the bus-lane-enforcement officer is/has been out again today.