West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
The man arrested after crashing a stolen car while fleeing the scene of a West Seattle street robbery remains in jail tonight. The 48-year-old suspect did not appear at his probable-cause hearing this afternoon and is being held without bail, pending potential charges on Thursday. Our first word of the robbery came via e-mail from the victim’s husband on Sunday; information from SPD revealed that the getaway car had been stolen in a carjacking on Queen Anne Saturday night, and that after the Sunday robbery at 37th and Alaska, police spotted the car across the bridge, following it into downtown, and then onto Airport Way, where it crashed and the suspect was arrested. Researching his background, we’ve learned that the suspect has a long record of robberies, going back at least 19 years; he was sentenced to a 15-year term for robberies in 1996, but was out again by 2006, when he was sentenced to a 14-year prison term after pleading guilty to robberies including a holdup at the Wells Fargo Bank in the Admiral District. We asked the Department of Corrections when he had been released – turns out he got out of prison just two weeks ago. We’ll be researching further while awaiting word of charges on Thursday.
From the land-use files, two items that involve parking, but not in the way it usually comes up:
TEAR DOWN A HOUSE TO CREATE A PARKING LOT? A West Seattle church is considering seeking a land-use permit to demolish a house and turn its 5,750-square-foot site into a parking lot. The early-stage filing is from the West Seattle ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 4001 44th SW, with a document explaining that its church/meeting hall is “very active” and causing parking congestion that has left neighbors “frustrated” that nearby streets are full of church-related parking on Sundays. “The church is anxious to mitigate the concerns of the neighborhood by creating on-site parking spaces,” says the pre-application document, which goes on to say that the church discovered a house next door is for sale (not publicly listed so far as we can find) and is interested in buying it to turn its site into 19 parking spaces for the church. The documents acknowledge that would require exceptions to city rules – aka “variances” – but also point out that the church has never met city requirements for the offstreet parking it was supposed to provide, and currently provides none. The formal application has not been filed yet but you can watch land use project #3022789.
SOUTH ADMIRAL BUILDING GETS PERMISSION TO HAVE NO OFFSTREET PARKING: This land-use item is sort of the flip side – a commercial building that doesn’t meet city rules for offstreet parking used to have some on a nearby site, but lost it, and sought formal confirmation that it doesn’t need to provide any. The decision for 3270 California SW was published in Monday’s Land Use Information Bulletin, and if anyone wants to appeal (here’s how), the deadline is November 23rd. The building houses several fitness businesses. Its owner used to have a covenant for eight spaces at 3239 California SW, but that site is now part of what was the Admiral East Apartments, now “Springline,” construction project. The city’s Land Use Code allows offstreet parking to be provided within an 800-foot radius; there is no longer any place that can happen, the city’s decision notes.
3:58 PM: Today’s ballot count is just out, and Shannon Braddock is now 6 votes ahead of Lisa Herbold in the City Council District 1 race.
Shannon Braddock – 11,528 – 49.73%
Lisa Herbold – 11,522 – 49.70%
Up to 2,000 or so ballots remain to be counted in District 1. On page 45 of today’s printable results list, you’ll see that 25,741 ballots have been tallied in this race, while 27,568 ballots were ready for counting (of 27,979 received) in D-1 as of last night’s ballot-return stats (which will be updated at 8 tonight).
We won’t get the next results until Thursday, since tomorrow is the Veterans Day holiday. If you voted, now is the time to check whether your ballot was received for counting and declared valid – here’s how to do that. (Note that “your ballot will be counted” is the last message you’ll get – there is not a “has been counted” status.)
6:24 PM: One thing that *will* happen on the Veterans Day holiday – the 34th District Democrats‘ regular monthly meeting, 7 pm Wednesday at The Hall at Fauntleroy. It was long scheduled to include the organization’s “election recap,” and the online agenda says the group expects to hear from the winners in various races. We asked chair Marcee Stone-Vekich how they plan to handle this one; she says neither Braddock nor Herbold has confirmed with her so far. The 34th DDs made a dual endorsement of both candidates, dating back to the primary.
(WSB photo: October 31, Senior Center fire)
3:46 PM: Five days after the arrest of 22-year-old Jacob Kokko in connection with the recent arsons in West Seattle, he is officially charged. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Kokko this afternoon with second-degree arson (a Class B felony), second-degree reckless burning (a gross misdemeanor), and third-degree malicious mischief (a gross misdemeanor). The charges specifically call out the two arsons in The Junction early Halloween morning – in dumpsters underneath the Senior Center of West Seattle and alongside the California/Alaska commercial building that houses businesses including Easy Street Records and Twilight Gallery – and a trash-can fire in the 6500 block of 34th SW, near his home, on October 12th.
(WSB photo: October 31, California/Alaska fire)
His bail remains set at $300,000, and he is scheduled to be arraigned (answer the charges) on November 23rd. On first look, the charging papers shine no further light on a motive, aside from Kokko telling detectives he did it because he “needed help.” As our research indicated, he has no apparent criminal history, prosecutors write, but they sought to keep the bail relatively high because “his unhinged behavior causes great concern for the safety of the community.” The Senior Center fire, in particular, could easily have spread to engulf the entire building, it’s pointed out.
Kokko was arrested last Thursday night, shortly after officers served a search warrant at his High Point home, saying they found evidence linking him to the fires. Court documents say someone who knows him recognized him in the surveillance video that shows the bus-stop fire on Morgan south of 35th being set October 12th; he is not charged in connection with that fire, though, nor with the October 18th Sylvan Ridge car arsons, or the October 19th High Point rental-office fire, or the October 21st 40th/Morgan recycling-bin fire.
ADDED 6:01 PM: Aside from the charges themselves, the information in the new documents is the same as what we reported after Kokko’s bail hearing – at which he did not appear – last Friday afternoon. He is said to have admitted to four fires, the three in which he is charged, and the bus-stop box fire which was recorded on video. He also is said to be on surveillance video setting the Senior Center fire, then walking away, and returning, apparently to be sure it was still going. Otherwise, the only other information we’ve learned about him, from separate research, is that he worked at a restaurant – not in West Seattle – and hadn’t lived here more than a few years; court files show that he was the subject of an eviction filing from an apartment on Avalon Way last summer.
(Added: Photo by Trileigh Tucker, taken from Lowman Beach)
2:13 PM: An update from this morning’s report of southbound orcas … a fairly sizable group is now heading northbound and has drawn a crowd off Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook on Beach Drive. Unless they change direction again, you should be able to watch them along the Beach Drive shoreline for a while. Visible without binoculars – look for the blows and the small research boat!
2:24 PM: They’re heading north fairly quickly, and now out of Emma Schmitz range, so if you’re still heading out, try Constellation Park south of Alki Point. What we’ve been watching is a group of eight or so traveling very close together.
2:36 PM: We’ve had to head back inland but a texter says they’re now visible from Weather Watch Park (Beach Drive & Carroll).
1:14 PM: Per scanner, and thanks to the texter who tipped us, SDOT and SPD will be closing eastbound bridge access from 35th/Fauntleroy shortly to fix another dislocated barrier section, described as being near Walking On Logs.
1:25 PM: Traffic is stopped both ways by the worksite so the barrier can be fixed. Doesn’t sound like it will take too long.
1:34 PM: SDOT says the bridge has reopened both ways.
(Thanks to Tom for the recent salmon photo from Longfellow Creek)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SPECIAL EDUCATION FAMILIES’ REGIONAL MEETING: 6 pm at the West Seattle High School library, families of Seattle Public Schools students are invited to meet with district officials to talk about special education – more in our calendar listing. (3000 California SW)
‘GIVING THANKS’ COMMUNITY SUCCESS DINNER: 6 pm tonight at Denny International Middle School, Denny families and staff are invited to this special dinner in the Galleria: “Turkey, chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, and lots of pie will be served! There will be a winter clothes give-away, community resources, games, raffles, an opportunity to thank our community veterans, and to take a free family picture! Questions and transportation support, please contact Ms. Amaral at 252-8954 or rmamaral@seattleschools.org.” (2601 SW Kenyon)
WEST SEATTLE SEE DOGS: See what it takes to raise a future guide dog! WSSD meets at The Kenney (WSB sponsor), 6:30 pm. (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)
ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: The Port of Seattle Environmental Impact Statement process for the Terminal 5 modernization project is on the agenda for ANA tonight, two nights before the port’s own public “scoping” meeting. Also to be discussed: Who’ll be ANA’s new leaders? 7 pm, The Sanctuary at Admiral. (42nd SW & SW Lander)
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 7 pm at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse board room, business meeting for the FCA board. Agenda includes “tonight’s agenda includes discussion of off-leash dog policies, Endolyne business planter boxes, Endolyne Triangle traffic re-design, the West Seattle Transportation Coalition, City Light properties, and news from the Southwest District Council, Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, and Ferry Advisory Committee.” Always open to the public. (9131 California SW)
The region’s water supply is now almost back to normal. So the request for you has changed to “don’t waste water.” Here’s the latest, from Seattle Public Utilities and its regional counterparts:
Recent rains have improved our region’s water supply. Now cautiously optimistic about water supply conditions, Everett, Seattle and Tacoma are moving to the lowest stage of their Water Shortage Response Plans, the advisory stage.
Conditions no longer warrant being in the “voluntary” stage, in which customers were asked to reduce water use by 10 percent. The advisory stage means that a potential water supply problem may exist. This is still the case due to an ongoing strong El Nino that is expected to bring warm weather through the spring. While in the advisory stage, the cities ask customers to use water wisely by not wasting it.
The three cities thank their customers for helping the region stretch its water supplies to meet the needs of people and fish in this unprecedented year. … “We live in a region where our customers truly understand and value drinking water as a precious resource,” said Seattle Mayor Ed Murray. “When we asked them to partner with us by reducing their water use, they stepped up and responded. I want to personally thank the residents and businesses of Seattle for doing their part.”
… With rain from the Halloween storm, supply reservoirs on the Cedar and South Fork Tolt rivers rose 12 and 14 feet, respectively, and are now at 92 percent of normal for this time of year. The utility continues to provide beneficial flows for spawning salmon in both the Cedar and South Fork Tolt rivers.
The full regional update, and water-saving advice, can be found at savingwater.org.
West Seattle High School‘s PTSA is “Reaching for the Stars” with its annual fundraising auction in just 10 days – Friday, November 20th, at Brockey Center on the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus – but they can’t get there without you. Nikki Page from the PTSA e-mailed to say they’re still selling tickets and you can get in at the discounted early rate, $50, if you buy yours by Friday: “Please come and support West Seattle High School!” is their message to you and the rest of the community; here’s where the money goes. You can get your ticket(s) online.
9 AM: As mentioned in our traffic/transit roundup – since the report was from a ferry – orcas are back in the area this morning. Just after 8 am, commenting on one of our stories from last week, Michele reported, “A big pod of killer whales just showed off for the passengers on the 7:50 ferry to Southworth! Huge pod going south!” She didn’t report which side of Vashon they were passing – which would make a difference for visibility from here – but Orca Network regulars say it’s the east side, so they might still be visible from south West Seattle, and of course they’ll have to head back this way eventually. Updates appreciated if you see them! (You can also text our 24/7 hotline, 206-293-6302.) *Just as we were publishing this, we also heard from Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail, who reports researcher Mark Sears confirmed they’re southbound off north Vashon.*
1:30 PM: Per commenters and text, they’re now passing Fauntleroy, northbound.
2 PM: We and quite a few others are along Emma Schmitz, hoping to see them soon. One request, if you’re in a car and happen to see this … please don’t idle.
2:13 PM: Saw them! They are off Emma Schmitz, midchannel. Look for the blows, and the small research boat. Visible WITHOUT binoculars! We’ve opened a new story here.
(Six WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
6:48 AM: The morning starts with a rollover crash on I-5 in downtown Seattle. It’s on the southbound side, at the Convention Center, blocking three lanes, but there’s likely some related slowdown on the northbound side too.
6:57 AM: With no major injuries reported, emergency responders have moved the flipped car off to the side, leaving only one southbound HOV lane blocked.
VETERANS DAY TOMORROW: Advance reminder that tomorrow’s a holiday, with schools closed, which will change transportation conditions.
DELRIDGE/HIGHLAND PARK GREENWAY UPDATE: This project continues in eastern West Seattle; the project team sent this update late yesterday:
Crews have installed curb ramps, curb extensions and a new crosswalk just south of where 22nd Ave SW merges with 21st Ave SW. Beginning this week, crew will pour concrete sidewalks on the east side of 21st Ave SW. Additional construction at this intersection will include preparing the west side of the intersection for curb ramps, curb extensions and sidewalk widening. Weather permitting, this work is expected to take two weeks.
Beginning as early as November 16, crews will begin preparing the site at 15th Ave SW and SW Holden St for curb ramp and curb installations, painting the crosswalks on the east and west side of the intersection, and installing pedestrian flashing beacons on either side of the crosswalks. Weather permitting, this work is expected to take three weeks to complete.
Lots of project info can be found here.
7:31 AM: Text tip (206-293-6302) says there’s water gushing onto the road in the 4800 block of W. Marginal Way SW, and cars are going too fast as they hit it.
7:53 AM: WSF says the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route has reduced capacity today while the Issaquah is out for maintenance.
7:55 AM: Commenters are saying same thing as this tweet:
@kcmetrobus @westseattleblog where is bus 57? No show again for the second day? So Disappointed.
— Rue Ishiyama (@Rueski) November 10, 2015
No alert via text or tweet. Metro said yesterday that the trip cancellation – much-discussed in Monday’s “Traffic/Transit Today” comments – came too late for warning.
8:14 AM: Commenter on a recent orca-sighting story reports, “A big pod of killer whales just showed off for the passengers on the 7:50 ferry to Southworth! Huge pod going south!” Don’t know if that means south into the west or east passage around Vashon Island, but we are now alerted to orcas in the area – keep watch and let us know if you see them!
8:35 AM: Heads up for freeway work overnight tonight, near the West Seattle Bridge exit from southbound I-5:
Up to 3 right lanes SB I-5 at 6th Ave S/S. Forest St. exit closed from 9 pm to 4:30 am for expansion joint repair work.
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) November 10, 2015
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