West Seattle, Washington

01 Monday

52℉

year : 2015 3718 results

Going up? Celebrating climbing @ new Camp Long Mountain Fest
August 27, 2015 6:48 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Schurman Rock photo courtesy Seattle Parks)

Long before climbing walls and other ways of heading up without going to the mountains, there was Schurman Rock. It’s just one big reason Camp Long is hosting the new Mountain Fest on September 13th. Here’s how Seattle Parks is announcing the event:

Rock climbing is fast becoming the sport of choice for many in search of an athletic activity with both grit and Zen. Climbing, it seems, is scaling into the mainstream. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, over 10 million people in the United States participate in rock climbing on some level, and Seattleites in particular have embraced this sport with a passion, with rock climbing gyms and venues, both indoor and outdoor­, growing exponentially all the time. To celebrate both this coming-of-age time for the sport of climbing and Seattle’s long-standing mountain and climbing history/community, Seattle Parks and Recreation will open up its historic Camp Long for a Mountain Festival on September 13th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — where anyone, from novices to hard-core enthusiasts, can get their hands on the rocks and feet off the ground.

Visitors to the Camp Long Mountain Fest will find an exhilarating mix of climbing, conviviality, and challenge.

Read More

Share This

West Seattle restaurants: Rezone proposed to transform part of Morgan Junction house into Chungee’s West
August 27, 2015 3:24 pm
|      46 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(King County Assessor’s Office photo)

A very busy block in Morgan Junction, the 6900 block of California SW, has a new development proposal – and an unusual one at that. The same block that gained fame for the “30 apartments, no parking” controversy might get a restaurant right next to that almost-complete building. But it would require a zoning change. Documents are now filed with the city seeking a contract rezone – one that would be approved for a specific proposal – for the property at 6921 California SW, which currently holds the 103-year-old two-bedroom, one-bath house shown in the photo above. The change would be from Lowrise 2 to Lowrise 2 – Residential Commercial. According to what’s on file with the city, it would be a new location for Chungee’s, a Chinese restaurant that opened five years ago on Capitol Hill. Why this house? The Chungee’s proprietors own it. One of the documents filed in connection with the project describes it as:

Located in a LR2 Zone at 6921 California Avenue SW, Chungee’s West is a contract rezone proposal for a family-run, neighborhood restaurant. The rezone requires adding the RC designation to the existing LR2 zoning for the parcel.

The entire project includes an addition and renovation of an existing 100 year old one story single family residence. The extent of the remodel & addition will be to establish a commercial use (restaurant) on the lower and main level and a two-bedroom residential dwelling unit on the upper level. The owners of the restaurant intend to live in the upper level dwelling unit once complete. In order for the project to be realized, the parcel must be zoned LR2 RC from the existing LR2. The RC overlay designation currently applies to the parcel and block directly to the South across SW Mills Street.

An established family-run restaurant will increase the walkability of the neighborhood and the adjacent business district supporting the existing commercial node and attracting patrons from other neighborhoods. The proposal is consistent with the 2013 comprehensive plan for the Morgan Junction urban village and the long term goals of this area in West Seattle.

With immediate access and circulation off of California Avenue, a major thoroughfare, the restaurant will serve not only the immediate neighborhood but West Seattle and Greater Seattle via local transit and car.

The site plan shows three parking spaces in back, where the existing garage would be removed. Meantime, the city files include “proposed project images:

Any rezone will need City Council approval. Now that the city has formally accepted the application, a comment period should open soon – watch the Land Use Information Bulletin, which is published Mondays and Thursdays, for that. The proprietors already have sought letters of support, some of which are part of the official files already.

Share This

FOLLOWUP: Man charged with shooting brother over video-game threat
August 27, 2015 2:02 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

The man accused of shooting his brother in their Junction apartment last Saturday night is now charged with first-degree domestic-violence assault. The charging documents say 19-year-old Rony Miranda-Guity shot his 25-year-old brother in the chest, point-blank, because his brother threatened to break his video-game system. Miranda-Guity is quoted as telling police that he was playing a game when his brother came home, slapped him on the neck, and picked up the system as if he was going to break it: “My reaction is my reaction, which was fast after he touched me and tried to grab my X-Box. Like, that’s the only thing that I got that I love.” Police say he also acknowledged that he didn’t call for help for his brother, who, the charging documents say, “staggered to the door of a different apartment unit to get someone else to make the call.” Though Harborview Medical Center was not releasing information about the victim’s condition, the court documents say he was in the Trauma ICU at Harborview “awaiting further surgery” as of yesterday, but is expected to survive. The documents also note, “There is a history of unreported assaults between the two” and that a .25-caliber handgun and shell casing were found in the apartment. Miranda-Guity remains in jail in lieu of $500,000 bail, awaiting arraignment on September 9th.

Share This

Want to make your own Rainworks? Artist crowdfunding to distribute ‘Invisible Spray’
August 27, 2015 1:23 pm
|    Comments Off on Want to make your own Rainworks? Artist crowdfunding to distribute ‘Invisible Spray’
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photo from July 2015 celebration at 47th/Admiral/Waite)

You’ve likely heard about Rainworks – though you might not have seen one lately, in this dry summer. (Or maybe that downpour two weeks ago?) It’s sidewalk art that only shows up when wet. It’s been showcased in West Seattle, including two creations at the newly signalized 47th/Admiral/Waite intersection. Now its creator Peregrine Church, who was at the signal dedication last month to showcase those creations, is hoping to produce a spray so that you can make your own Rainworks, and crowdfunding to bankroll it. The announcement says that since Rainworks got national attention, they’ve “gotten countless inquiries from artists, creators, teachers, parents, and many others who want to create their own rainworks. With the success of this Kickstarter, the Rainworks team will make Rainworks Invisible Spray available for the first time. They plan to set up a distribution network so they can ship orders internationally, spreading rainworks across the globe and giving people everywhere a reason to look forward to rainy days.” This is the first product incubated, by the way, at SODO MakerSpace, which has multiple West Seattle ties, including a collaboration with the trailblazing WS Tool Library.

Share This

VIDEO: See how the Highway 99 tunneling machine’s lift-and-lower operation went down, and what happens next
August 27, 2015 12:20 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news

That one-minute video shows you how the Highway 99 tunneling machine’s repaired front end was lowered into the pit where the rest of the machine awaited. WSDOT just made it public along with this update on what’s happened since then, and what’s next:

Seattle Tunnel Partners has reconnected the SR 99 tunneling machine’s 2,000-ton front end to the section that remained in the access pit during repairs. With the two sections of the machine now bolted together, crews from Mammoet have unhooked the front-end piece from the massive red crane that performed this week’s lift.

Significant work remains for crews tasked with reassembling the machine. Three large pieces of the machine’s outer shield will be lowered into place for reassembly in the coming days, according to STP’s most recent schedule. Crews also must weld the pieces back together, in addition to the lengthy task of reconnecting the hundreds of wires and hoses that are integral to the tunneling operation. STP and manufacturer Hitachi Zosen will conduct a series of tests following reassembly to ensure the machine is ready to resume mining.

WSDOT has said its contractor’s most-recent schedule anticipates that could happen in November.

Share This

Volleyball player in the house? Visiting pros’ free clinic for youth
August 27, 2015 11:33 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Texted photo: NVL truck at Alki Beach)

The professional beach-volleyball players coming to Alki for the National Volleyball League‘s Seattle Championships the next three days have a gift for local youth – a free clinic Sunday afternoon. It’s open to young players 6-18 years old; just register here, and then check in at the tournament-info tent at 12:45 pm Sunday for the 1-2:30 pm clinic.

As for the tournament – it’s the 7th of 8 stops on the pro tour this year, and the Alki schedule is here.

Share This

West Seattle Thursday: Summer Concerts at Hiawatha finale with Caspar Babypants; WS Transportation Coalition; WS Chamber @ Youngstown; more
August 27, 2015 11:13 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Thursday: Summer Concerts at Hiawatha finale with Caspar Babypants; WS Transportation Coalition; WS Chamber @ Youngstown; more
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Lynn Hall)

Looking ahead to the rest of today/tonight around West Seattle:

DELRIDGE GROCERY FARM STAND: 4-7 pm, this week’s chance to support the Delridge Grocery Cooperative (WSB sponsor) and get farm-fresh produce. Ask about membership when you’re there, to help DGC get closer to opening its storefront. (5455 Delridge Way SW)

‘AFTER HOURS’ AT YOUNGSTOWN CULTURAL ARTS CENTER: 5:30-7:30 pm, join the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce for this month’s “After Hours” event at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – this time, as previewed here earlier this week, open to non-members, too. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA FINALE: Family fave Caspar Babypants is on stage for the final Summer Concerts at Hiawatha event tonight, 6:30 pm on the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center. Bring your own chair/blanket/picnic/etc. Show’s free, courtesy of the Admiral Neighborhood Association and series sponsors, including us. (Walnut SW & SW Lander)

WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center, WSTC brings in SPD and SDOT reps to talk about the city’s new emphasis on Traffic Incident Management, as previewed here. Plus, hear from the transit-advocacy group Seattle Subway. All welcome. (6400 Sylvan Way)

WASHINGTON STATE ANIMAL RESPONSE TEAM BENEFIT: Starting at 7 pm at Beveridge Place Pub – great brews for a great cause, Engine House #9 Brewer’s Night to benefit an organization whose work includes helping companion animals displaced because of the Eastern Washington fires. Details here. (6413 California SW)

BIG SLATE AT THE SKYLARK: Six bands on the schedule for International Pop Overthrow Day at The Skylark, starting at 7:30 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

BROWSE THE CALENDAR to see what else is up today/tonight/beyond!

Share This

West Seattle Crime Watch: North Admiral search; Seaview car prowl
August 27, 2015 9:20 am
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

In West Seattle Crime Watch this morning:

NORTH ADMIRAL SEARCH: Thanks for the tips about a police search in North Admiral early this morning. We’ve just obtained some preliminary information from Officer Lauren Lovanhill in SPD’s media unit; it started in the 1600 block of California SW (map), when a resident reported a group of youths pointed a gun at him. She says he believed it was a carjacking attempt, but he managed to get away. One possible suspect was found and taken to the precinct for questioning, according to Officer Lovanhill, but the search ended without officers finding anyone else.

Side note: This is just two blocks south of Hamilton Viewpoint Park, which has been a trouble spot lately – in a comment on our report about charges in last week’s robbery/shooting case, David Whiting of the Admiral Neighborhood Association says SPD and Seattle Parks will be at ANA’s next meeting to hear and talk about it, 7 pm September 8th at The Sanctuary at Admiral (42nd/Lander).

SEAVIEW CAR PROWL: Tiffany says this happened Tuesday night:

My car was broken into last night in the Seaview neighborhood sometime after midnight, on the 5600 block of 45th Ave SW. They broke the back window and took a file tote that was in the back seat. Nothing else was taken as far as I know. I would love to get the bag back, or at least know that it was dumped someplace, as the files contained sensitive information. It looks like a purse, is beige linen on the outside, and has my business card and contact info in the front pocket. Thanks!

Share This

TONIGHT: How community can be key, in case of catastrophe
August 27, 2015 9:02 am
|    Comments Off on TONIGHT: How community can be key, in case of catastrophe
 |   Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | Preparedness | West Seattle news

Know where your nearest Emergency Communication Hub is? Know WHAT your Emergency Communication Hub is? West Seattle has long been a citywide leader in this aspect of preparedness, via West Seattle Be Prepared. And they’re sharing news of a presentation downtown tonight that might interest you. Usually we can only promote on-peninsula events, but preparedness has been a signature issue for us for a long time, and at the heart of this presentation is the reminder that community can be key in case of catastrophe:

Join the Seattle Emergency Communications Hubs and Seattle Fire Dept. Battalion Chief Tom Richardson, one of the Urban Search and Rescue Team Leaders (USAR) at the SR 530 slide, who will share his experience during the response and recovery stages and his thoughts on how communities are key in disasters.

Program
6:30 pm – (Optional) Overview of the Seattle Emergency Hubs
7:00 pm – Program start
8:00 pm – Q & A and discussion

Location: City of Seattle Emergency Operations Center, 105 5th Ave S. (Corner of 5th Ave S and S Washington St)

Please RSVP at snap@seattle.gov, or 206-233-5076

Share This

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday updates; road-closure reminder
August 27, 2015 7:40 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
So far, no incidents in or from West Seattle.

ROAD-CLOSURE REMINDER: As reported here on Wednesday, SW Myrtle is closed from 17th SW to 21st SW for repaving, as the official start of work on the Delridge-Highland Park Greenway. The closure is expected to last through tomorrow.

SUNDAY FERRY ALERT: An annual motorcycle rally on Vashon this Sunday (August 30th) brings an alert from Washington State Ferries:

Drivers should anticipate heavier than normal motorcycle traffic on Vashon Island this Sunday, Aug. 30 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To expedite processing through the tollbooth, riders are encouraged to pre-purchase their ferry tickets online or at a kiosk at any terminal. Due to construction at the Vashon terminal, extra caution is advised when driving through the construction zone.

8:20 AM: Texter reports a stall on NB 99 – trying to find out more.

Share This

Services Thursday morning for Gary L. Emmick, 1948-2015
August 26, 2015 9:30 pm
|    Comments Off on Services Thursday morning for Gary L. Emmick, 1948-2015
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Services are planned tomorrow morning at Tahoma National Cemetery for U.S. Army veteran Gary L. Emmick. His family shares this remembrance:

Gary L. Emmick was born on September 11th, 1948 at St. Luke’s Hospital (later became Group Health) in Seattle. He passed away on Thursday, August 20th, 2015, at Highline Hospital in Burien after a lengthy illness.

Gary was a lifetime resident of the Burien/White Center area. He was a Sergeant in the Army who served in Germany from 1967 until 1971.

Son to Phyllis & Franklin Emmick, older brother to Craig Emmick, sister-in-law Gayle. Sons – Brian, Terry, Robert & Floyd. Nephews – Matthew & Michael. Grandson of the Late Floyd & Edith Roush. Nephew to Wayne Roush and Jim Roush. Predeceased by his father Frank in 2010.

Funeral services for Gary will be at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent on Thursday, August 27, 2015, at 11:30 am. Remembrances may be made to the Disabled Veterans of America or a charity of your preference.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle. Please share your memories of Gary on our online guestbook @ www.emmickfunerals.com.

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

Share This

FOLLOWUP: Suspect arrested, charged in Hamilton Viewpoint Park robbery / North Delridge shooting
August 26, 2015 7:15 pm
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(August 18th WSB photo: Detectives examine robbery/shooting victim’s car)

After Seattle Police announced today that they’ve arrested a suspect in last week’s robbery/shooting incident that began in North Admiral and ended in North Delridge, we learned the suspect not only is in jail, he’s already charged – in this case and in an earlier robbery on Capitol Hill. 23-year-old Mau Joseph Satele-Tafia of North Burien is charged with two counts of first-degree robbery and one count of second-degree assault. In both robberies, court documents say, he was after Gucci belts worn by the victims.

First – outside the Rancho Bravo restaurant on Capitol Hill on August 15th, Satele-Tafia is accused of holding up a man and stealing his Gucci belt; three nights later, in West Seattle’s Hamilton Viewpoint Park on August 18th, police say he held up another man for his backpack and then demanded the victim’s Gucci belt. The victim told police he refused to hand over the belt, walked away, and was fired at. Then, he said, he left the park and tried to make his way to the bridge but that the robber pursued him and as the victim tried to lose his pursuer along back roads, they all eventually winding up in North Delridge. That’s where Satele-Tafia allegedly fired shots at the victim’s car, one hitting him in the leg. Shell casings were found at 25th and Puget; from there, the victim drove a few more blocks south to Delridge and Findlay, where they stopped to call 911. The next day, police heard from someone who had surveillance video of the shooting. And they heard from a witness who said they had found the shooter on Twitter, under an alias similar to one he used on Facebook that was a factor in identification in the Capitol Hill case.

Police say they are investigating Satele-Tafia in other robberies; in the meantime, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says his bail was set at $750,000 and he remains in jail pending arraignment on September 3rd. His history, according to court documents, includes robbery and car-theft-related charges.

Share This

TRAFFIC ALERT: Crash on westbound West Seattle Bridge
August 26, 2015 6:21 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:21 PM: Thanks to the texter who tipped us to this: SFD and SPD are responding to a crash reported on the westbound bridge near the Highway 99 overpass.

6:27 PM: Two left lanes are blocked. Here’s the view from SDOT via Twitter:

Looks like this will be a problem if you’re getting on the westbound bridge from I-5 but not if you’re getting on it from 99.

8:05 PM: All clear as of about half an hour ago (sorry for the delayed update).

Share This

ROAD-CLOSURE ALERT: SW Myrtle closed for repaving as part of Delridge-Highland Park Greenway construction
August 26, 2015 4:35 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Thanks to Lesley for the tip about SW Myrtle being closed from 17th SW to 21st SW, near Sanislo Elementary. We’ve subsequently confirmed that the crumbling road is being repaved as work gets under way on the Delridge-Highland Park Neighborhood Greenway project. First, here’s the flyer about the Myrtle repaving, which is expected to continue through Friday:

That means it will be done in plenty of time for the start of school, which is two weeks from today. Meantime, here’s the flyer that has the “big picture” view of the project, which will be under construction for the next four months or so:

If you want to just cut to the heart of what this is about, here’s the explanation on the official webpage:

The greenway will run north-south, connecting White Center to the West Seattle Bridge trail. The greenway route will run generally along 17th Avenue SW in the south and 21st Avenue SW in the north. … Some of the changes will include:

*Crossing improvements at arterial intersections including striped crosswalks, curb extensions and flashing beacons
*Repaving SW Myrtle Street between 17th and 21st Avenue SW
*Speed humps and all-way stops where need, generally about one per block
*Way-finding signage and pavement markings throughout
*Spot pavement repairs to improve roadway user safety
*The greenway route was selected based on various factors, including evaluating streets for low car volumes, speeds and collisions, road grade (or steepness), and input we heard from the community.

SDOT is working with Seattle Public Utilities to design curb extensions with natural drainage systems along 17th Avenue SW, between SW Henderson Street and SW Kenyon Street.

Next phase of the project, after the SW Myrtle repaving, will be sidewalk and crossing improvements on SW Andover between 21st and 22nd; that’s scheduled to start September 1st.

Share This

FOLLOWUP: Specially trained K9 helps police find guns in Puget Ridge case; suspect remains in juvenile detention
August 26, 2015 3:31 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

3:31 PM: New information today on the arrest we reported Tuesday in connection with two Puget Ridge domestic-violence assaults, including the one that brought the Guardian One helicopter to the area on Friday. Just published online by SPD’s Jonah Spangenthal-Lee:

A specially trained ATF K9 helped officers track down three pistols hidden by a 17-year-old suspect after he attacked his girlfriend Tuesday afternoon in West Seattle.

The victim, who is also a juvenile, called police around 1:50 PM and said her boyfriend had just choked her into unconsciousness at her home and fled. She also told a 911 dispatcher the suspect had left the house carrying three handguns. Earlier in the week, he had threatened to shoot the victim and, on Tuesday, had reportedly pointed a gun at her as he fled through a wooded area near her home.

Medics treated the victim at her home as police began searching for the suspect. Officers found the 17-year-old near 18th SW and SW Juneau St and took him into custody. Police discovered he was no longer carrying the handguns, and began searching the neighborhood to try to find where he’d stashed them.

Officers were able to call in the assistance of an ATF K9, Allegra, trained to search for guns and shell casings. The dog tracked down the suspect’s three guns in a wooded area. One of the guns had been reported stolen.

Police booked the suspect into the Youth Service Center for investigation of felony domestic violence.

Previously, we had reported the recovery of one gun. Meantime, we’ve been following up on the suspect’s status via the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; he was due in court this afternoon for a detention review and probable-cause hearing. We’ll update this story when we get the results of that hearing.

4:09 PM: We’ve just received that information. The KCPAO says a judge found probable cause in the case and ordered that the suspect remain in detention; prosecutors have until Friday to file charges. The probable-cause document says the suspect had returned to his 17-year-old girlfriend’s house yesterday to get his belongings when they started to argue; she told police later that she was trying to call 911 when he slapped the phone out of her hand and choked her until she lost consciousness.

Share This

Toddler taken to hospital after falling from 3rd-floor window
August 26, 2015 1:38 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(Texted reader photo of emergency crews at today’s incident)

For the second time in less than a week, a child has been hurt in a fall from a third-floor window in West Seattle. A 22-month-old boy has just been rushed to Harborview Medical Center after an incident near 44th SW and SW Genesee. He was described as conscious, alert, and not believed to have life-threatening injuries. Six days ago, two boys ages 1 and 2 fell from a third-floor window near 34th and Holly. They were in the ICU at Harborview at last report (we are checking for an update on their conditions); a neighbor shared information in this WSB comment about a donation drive for the family.

SAFETY INFORMATION: The group Safe Kids Worldwide says, “Unintentional falls are the number-one cause of non-fatal injury for children,” and offers safety advice here.

Share This

Using less water? City says voluntary goal’s being met, so far
August 26, 2015 1:13 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

Two weeks after asking people to cut water use by 10 percent, Seattle Public Utilities and its counterparts in Tacoma and Everett say the goal has been reached – and they hope that will continue TFN. They’ll be providing regional updates every two weeks. Their major advice remains:

* Let lawns go dormant and limit plant watering to twice a week.
* Water plants before 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
* Reduce showering time.
* Check for and fix leaks.
* Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes.

This is all still voluntary, in hopes of avoiding mandatory reductions.

Share This

Second Gear Sports: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor
August 26, 2015 11:52 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today we’re welcoming Second Gear Sports as a new WSB sponsor! Here’s what they would like you to know about their business:

Second Gear Sports is dedicated to providing the community with high-quality, discounted sports and recreational gear, and offering customers an outlet to reduce, reuse, and recycle their gently used sporting goods.

“We offer everything from apparel and outerwear to footwear, bikes, water sports to winter sports, and more,” owner Mark Bremen says. “Our selection changes as the seasons change, and we add items based on customer requests. In fact, our inventory has expanded to include new items, such as soccer gear from Franklin sports, Diamondback bicycles, the popular FiveLo ArmSox, Strideline socks, and Seahawks fan-wear!”

Mark opened Second Gear Sports in September 2013 after enduring two mass layoffs in five years from the medical-device industry. “The actual idea of opening a sports consignment store came to us from a dear friend whose son kept outgrowing his soccer cleats and they wanted to save without buying new,” Mark said.

Mark and his wife Ellen and their two children believe that a small business is the soul of a neighborhood, and are proud that their store is located in Morgan Junction, just minutes from their family’s home. The Bremens believe in serving the community and local schools; Second Gear Sports regularly donates to school auctions and area organizations.

This young business has received impressive attention, including:

*2014 Westside Emerging Business of the Year – West Seattle Chamber of Commerce
*2015 Top 10 Best Sporting Goods Store – KING 5 Best of Western Washington
*2015 Finalist for a Golden Teddy Award for Shopping & Services – Parent Map Magazine
*2015 Finalist for Drive Your Business Forward Contest – Fast Company Magazine & Mercedes-Benz

“Opening Second Gear Sports is a passion for our whole family,” Mark says. “We love working with this community!”

Second Gear Sports is located in Morgan Junction across from Thriftway at 6529 California Ave SW. Hours are Monday – Saturday 10 am -6 pm and Sunday 11 am – 5 pm. You can find them on Facebook, or e-mail info@secondgearsports.com, or call 206-935-3552.

We thank Second Gear Sports 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.

Share This

West Seattle Crime Watch: Restaurateurs’ truck stolen; car prowl; purse found…
August 26, 2015 11:03 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

We start this West Seattle Crime Watch roundup with a business-vehicle theft from just south of WS:

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR CRAWFISH HOUSE PROPRIETORS’ TRUCK: We’ve reported this on partner site White Center Now but since the restaurant is just blocks south of West Seattle, the truck could turn up here too. The proprietors of Crawfish House at 9826 16th SW reported via Facebook that their truck was stolen from the alley behind their restaurant late last night:

It’s a 2005 TOYOTA TUNDRA ACCESS CAB SR5. The license plate is B90959S. It’s a dark blue but a little lighter than navy blue truck. It’s our only transportation for the restaurant.

If you see it, call 911.

ANOTHER ADMIRAL CAR PROWL: From Callie:

My can was broken into around 3 am this morning. I was woken up to a noise and then the sound of a car speeding off. As far as I can tell, all that was taken was my gym bag. … My car was parked on 39th between Forest and Lander.

We’re checking with Callie for a description of the bag; (added) here it is- “It was a light blue/grey lulu lemon gym bag with a rose gold zipper. It had a pair of shoes, a white blouse, and navy women’s work pants in it. It looks very similar to this bag, but a different color they no longer carry.” (back to original report) If you see one discarded somewhere, do report it – as did the next reader:

RECOGNIZE THIS? From Pam:

Saw this purse this morning on Lander behind Admiral Mail building in alley. Someone may be looking for it.

We always recommend that if you find something like this (or an abandoned bicycle, etc.), contact police as well as us – it might be evidence of a crime; if SPD picks it up, people can still get it back by contacting them (or they might contact you if it was reported as stolen in the first place and is traceable).

Share This

West Seattle Wednesday: 7 ideas for your next 11 hours
August 26, 2015 9:27 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to Flint Hayes for sharing the time-lapse video of this morning’s sunrise, looking toward the downtown skyline from West Seattle’s northeastern shore. On with the highlights for the rest of today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

DREAM DINNERS FREEZER SALE: 10 am-12 pm, second and final chance to stop by Dream Dinners-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) to buy pre-assembled, ready-to-freeze-or-cook dinners, sides, breads, desserts, “at budget-friendly prices.” (4701 41st SW)

BABY STORY TIME: Today’s spotlighted story time is a chance to bring your birth-to-12-months infant(s) to the High Point Library for stories and songs. (35th SW & SW Raymond)

MEET YOUR FELLOW SOLOPRENEURS, AT-HOME WORKERS, AND … Noon-1:15 pm, it’s the weekly drop-in brown-bag-lunch meetup at Office Junction (WSB sponsor) for solopreneurs, other entrepreneurs, at-home or at-coffee-shop workers, EVERYONE interested in networking and meeting others on similar tracks. RSVP if you can, but just showing up is OK too! (6030 California SW)

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN FARM STAND: 4-7 pm, see what’s fresh produce at the weekly farm stand next to the urban mini-farm where most of it’s grown – more info in our calendar listing. (32nd SW & SW Juneau)

‘GIRL RISING’: 6:30 pm, be inspired and informed by watching this film in a special screening at Fauntleroy UCC Church, hosted by local Girl Up teen adviser Alina Guyon – info in our preview. (9140 California SW)

FREE ‘YOGA FUSION’ CLASS: One time only! 7 pm, a free Ahnu YogaSport class at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) – explained here. (2743 California SW)

POEMS AND STORIES, AND YOU: Poetrybridge‘s monthly event at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, features poet Michael Paul, and of course the open-microphone opportunity for you to share your creations. (5612 California SW)

MORE OF WHAT’S UP TODAY/TONIGHT – find it here.

Share This

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday updates & alerts
August 26, 2015 7:06 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
7:06 AM: Good morning. No incidents on routes in our area so far.

TRANSIT ALERT: Second cancellation this morning for this route:

The 5:40 am run also was canceled.

7:54 AM: Still no incidents, but one more note – day home game for the Mariners today, so the stadium zone will be busy at midday and mid-afternoon. The M’s play the Oakland A’s at 12:40 pm.

8:29 AM: “Happy Wed” says in comments that there’s a stalled vehicle in the right lane on the bridge just east of 35th. The 35th/Fauntleroy SDOT camera is down; nearest one is this one by Walking on Logs, not showing the stall.

6:24 PM: Covering separately – a crash reported on the westbound bridge at the Highway 99 overpass. Thanks for the tip!

Share This

FOLLOWUP: Generous West Seattleites help kindhearted local students assist animal advocates
August 25, 2015 10:32 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

For the third year in a row, generous West Seattleites helped those two local students do a good deed for animals via their annual Seattle Humane-benefiting bake sale and donation drive. We photographed Muriel and Gwen on Sunday; David and Carey sent the followup tonight:

The girls raised over $300 and got nearly a full barrel of dog and cat food! West Seattle is awesome :)

Share This

THURSDAY: Caspar Babypants closes out this year’s Summer Concerts at Hiawatha
August 25, 2015 7:43 pm
|    Comments Off on THURSDAY: Caspar Babypants closes out this year’s Summer Concerts at Hiawatha
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photo, July 2014)

Usually, you can wander onto Hiawatha Community Center‘s east lawn relatively close to showtime and still get a spot for a Summer Concerts at Hiawatha show. This Thursday, though, if you’re planning to go see and hear Caspar Babypants, you’ll want to get there a little earlier than you would otherwise – the kiddie-rock star’s concerts are usually the most popular ones of the series. On July 31st last year (WSB coverage here), the series-presenting Admiral Neighborhood Association estimated well over a thousand attendees. (Of course, when the heart of the fan base can count their ages on one hand, that means 1,000+ people take up less room than other circumstances.) If you’re new around here and not familiar with Caspar Babypants – it’s the alter-ego of West Seattle-residing rocker Chris Ballew, who originally came to fame for his work with The Presidents of the United States of America. His show at 6:30 pm Thursday closes out this year’s series (with co-sponsors including WSB); no admission charge, so just bring a chair or blanket, picnic dinner if you want, and have a great time Thursday night!

Share This