day : 26/02/2016 11 results

Baby Sarah has the most awesome story for her 1st celebrity meeting.Thank you @EasyStRecords @RyanLewis @macklemore pic.twitter.com/vDJN7jez2k

— MichelleK (@Kusowski) February 27, 2016

Among the 100 Macklemore and Ryan Lewis fans who got the chance to meet them tonight at Easy Street Records were mom Michelle and baby Sarah (who we’re guessing might have made the crowd count at least 101). We’re featuring the photo they tweeted – retweeted by ESR – because we weren’t allowed into the signing zone up in the ESR loft. We did catch the grand arrival, in the rain, at dusk:

(WSB photos from here down – click any image for a larger view)

Just around the corner, the queue stretched along the store’s SW Alaska side:

Macklemore prepared to take photos –

So did the rest of the “Lucky 100” waiting inside the store:

They were the first hundred to pre-order Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’s second album “This Unruly Mess I’ve Made,” officially released today, which was the occasion for the stars’ visit to ESR – before they headed to Capitol Hill for a free concert at Neumos. It was an Easy Street encore for them – we photographed their 2011 signing there, a year before their huge first album “The Heist” came out.

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Southern Resident Killer Whales’ newest baby has disappeared, researchers say

February 26, 2016 8:40 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(J40 and J14 without J55: Center for Whale Research photo by Dave Ellifrit)

After so much relatively good news for Puget Sound’s Southern Resident Killer Whales over the past year or so, some sad news tonight: Their newest calf is missing and presumed dead, the Center for Whale Research announced tonight:

“After an extended encounter with all members of J-pod on February 25, 2016, Center for Whale Research reluctantly announces that the newest member, designated J55, is missing and presumed dead,” said senior scientist Kenneth Balcomb.

J55 was first documented by NOAA Fisheries killer whale researchers on January 18, 2016, in Puget Sound. While exact maternity was never established, the calf was documented swimming in close proximity to both J14 (estimated to be 42 years old) and her daughter J37, a 15 year old mother of one (J49 born in 2012). It is also possible that J55 was the first offspring of J40, a 12 year old, and the youngest daughter of J14.

Prior to February 26, members of the federally endangered Southern Resident killer whales were last seen by Center for Whale Research (CWR) affiliates on January 19, 2016 when Mark Malleson encountered some members of J-pod in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and was able to photo-document fourteen of the whales (including members of the J14 matriline) despite the fact that the pod was widely dispersed across the strait and in less than optimal sea conditions.

“While J55 was not photographed on that day, it is the Center for Whale Research’s policy to wait to announce the loss of an individual whale until a thorough survey of the entire pod can be undertaken, yesterday provided that opportunity,” said CWR Research Director, Dr. Deborah Giles.

“Although the loss of any calf is a blow to the Southern Resident killer whales and a setback to the struggling population, it is not entirely surprising that one of the ‘baby boom’ calves did not survive its first few months; as many as 50% of newborn calves do not survive their first year. Nevertheless, the loss of this calf underscores the need to recover the whales’ primary prey base – Chinook salmon – if the Southern Resident population of whales is to survive and thrive,” said Giles.

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UPDATE: Police ground/air search after hit-run at 3rd/Olson; 1 hurt

February 26, 2016 7:19 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Helicopter | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

7:19 PM: If you’re seeing police, a helicopter, and/or traffic east of Roxbury, we’re checking out reports of a search for a hit-run driver after a crash in the 3rd/Olson vicinity (map).

7:37 PM: We’re at Arrowhead Gardens (2nd and Olson), where police have reportedly found one suspect. Another is still being sought. Guardian One is circling overhead; the crash scene is along Olson on the north side of the complex, and tow trucks are on scene – traffic is still getting through both ways, but slowly.

Seattle Fire Engine 11 is there and via scanner we’ve just heard them call for SDOT to come out to clean up “a significant amount of oil on the road.” We don’t have details of the crash yet but did see a private ambulance leaving as we arrived.

7:45 PM: Police tell us that two vehicles were involved – the hit-run suspects, who got out and ran (and are reported to have left a gun in the vehicle), were in a dark SUV; they hit a white car. We’ll be adding photos in a bit when back at HQ. Police confirm the suspect they have in custody is male and they are still seeking a female; no further description. They also confirm one person, from the car that was hit, was taken to the hospital by private ambulance. The Guardian One chopper is still circling over Arrowhead Gardens.

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ALERT: Sewer-line repair this weekend at 41st/Genesee

February 26, 2016 7:10 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, February 19th)

One week ago tonight, we reported on Seattle Public Utilities crews investigating a sewer-line problem at 41st/Genesee on the north side of The Junction, next to Seattle Lutheran High School. Tonight, we have word from SPU that they’ll be doing repair work this weekend, scheduled for 7 am-6 pm both days unless they finish early – and if it takes longer, it’ll continue into Monday. They determined the pipe break is at the top of the slope, and closed the walkway between 41st and Genesee until repairs are complete, as well as installing a pump bypass system. To fix it, SPU’s Marieke Rack says, “SPU will stage crews and equipment in the 41st Avenue SW dead-end above Genesee Street. SPU’s excavation area is approximately 28’ south of the maintenance hole (which is near the jersey barrier). We will have 2 dump trucks, an excavator, and a crew truck and trailer on site.”

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Aviation-education history arrives at South Seattle College

February 26, 2016 5:27 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Photo courtesy South Seattle College)

The Aviation Maintenance Technology program at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) has been groundbreaking in a variety of ways. Now, a new one: It’s the only school in our state with a 777 engine. Boeing has donated a Pratt and Whitney 777 engine to the program, and you’re invited to see it during an open house Monday afternoon (February 29th) at SSC’s main campus on Puget Ridge. SSC says this is the first engine that Boeing ever has donated to a college, and it means the AMT program now has 13 aircraft and 70 engines. Program alumni and SSC president Gary Oertli will be there for Monday’s event, with tours of the aviation-program facility 1-2 pm and a reception at the Northwest Wine Academy next door, 2-3 pm. (The Aviation building is AMT on this campus map.)

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Business break-in alert

February 26, 2016 2:49 pm

| Comments Off on West Seattle Crime Watch: Business break-in alert

| Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch today – Amber at Freshy’s in The Admiral District has a heads-up for fellow businesspeople:

I had an attempted break-in last night (luckily they failed), and I just wanted to get the word out and warn others. I know there has been a lot of this going on, and businesses are most likely already prepared, but just a reminder to make sure no one leaves cash in their register, etc., and that this happened right in front on California. They obviously tried pretty hard, and my security camera showed that they went to great lengths, so just to reiterate their boldness.

We asked – sorry, no images of the actual burglar(s). Amber did get video of a burglar several years back that she says helped convict him – so yes, cameras can make a difference.

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FOLLOWUP: City cleans up SW Marginal Place dumped debris

February 26, 2016 1:48 pm

| 23 COMMENTS

| Safety | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

That’s what we found late this morning when we went back to the north end of SW Marginal Place, just west of the low bridge. It’s the same spot where, as we showed you yesterday afternoon, an RV had left behind this pile of junk including syringes and broken glass on the road and sidewalk, blocking the SW Charlestown stairway from Pigeon Point. We took the next photo on our second visit yesterday afternoon, around 5 pm, after the pile had been condensed a bit, and cordoned off:

Seattle Public Utilities is the primary agency accountable for cleaning up illegal dumping on public property, and this morning they told us the junk would be cleaned up today. By late yesterday, they also had heard from City Councilmember Lisa Herbold, who earlier in the day had announced SPU was taking a new approach to illegal dumping. And we know that at least two people associated with West Seattle Bike Connections had reported the RV and trash to Seattle Police – the spot is right alongside the bicycle path to and from the low bridge, and in the middle of the route used to get from there down to West Marginal Way SW – as well as via the city’s Find It Fix It app.

The one thing we don’t yet know: What happened to the RV? One WSB commenter believes he saw it being towed on the Alaskan Way Viaduct yesterday afternoon. We asked SPD if they would be able to find out whether it was towed to be impounded – so far, we haven’t found anyone with access to that information, but we’re still trying.

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VIDEO: 2-week Alaskan Way Viaduct closure plan previewed @ West Seattle Transportation Coalition

February 26, 2016 10:50 am

| 23 COMMENTS

| Alaskan Way Viaduct | Highway 99 tunnel | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Now that the Highway 99 tunneling machine is back at work, planning is back in high gear for closing the Alaskan Way Viaduct for about two weeks while the digging happens beneath it.

The West Seattle Transportation Coalition got a preview of the plan – including Metro bus reroutes – last night.

The preview included details such as how close the tunneling machine will be to the underside of The Viaduct’s columns (within 14 feet at one point). If it continues operating as planned from hereon out, the closure is likely to start sometime in March, and WSDOT hopes to set a date with about two weeks notice.

“We do understand it’s going to have regional impacts and businesses and travelers are going to need notice,” said Chris Brown of WSDOT, one of the two main briefers along with, providing Metro details, Chris Arkills, the West Seattleite who is County Executive Dow Constantine‘s transportation adviser.

Everything they said – and everything WSTC members/attendees asked – is all in our video atop this story, one hour and 15 minutes worth. You can listen instead of watching, as there are no visuals – no projector. Brown began with some backstory on the project – we’ve reported on that so often, we’re not recapping it here, but he explored a few points that we do mention after the closure-related info – keep reading!

First:

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West Seattle Friday: What’s up today/tonight

February 26, 2016 8:50 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Common merganser, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

The weekend’s in view, and here’s where it begins – with Friday highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and archives:

RESTAURANT OPENING: As first reported here three weeks ago, Meander’s has returned, taking over what was Kokoras Greek Grill in Morgan Junction, whose owners sold the restaurant, to retire. Opening day was scheduled to start at 8 am. (6400 California SW)

LOUISA BOREN K-8 STEM TOURS: Two sets of tours this morning – 9:30-11 am for prospective K-5 families, 10:15-11:45 am for prospective middle school families. More here. (5950 Delridge Way SW)

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS @ EASY STREET: The hip-hop duo’s new album is out today and they’ll be at Easy Street Records tonight for one hour of signing (not performing). ESR has published this “what you need to know list” including, most importantly, if you pre-ordered and are on the list of people who get to meet them, you’ve already been notified. Line starts at 5, signing at 6, and ESR says they’re out of here after an hour. (California/Alaska)

MOVIE NIGHT AT HIGHLAND PARK: Have fun at HPES:

It’s Family Movie Night at Highland Park Elementary! We will be showing “The Good Dinosaur.” The cost is $1. Doors open at 6:00 pm, show starts at 6:30 pm. There will be popcorn and baked goods for sale, and a huge raffle. All are welcome!

(1012 SW Trenton)

PLAY GAMES! Three groups meet tonight at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor), at 6:30 and 7 pm – see the sidebar lineup on the Meeples home page and drop in if you’re interested; RSVPs are cool too. (3727 California SW)

ROO FORREST AND FRIENDS: “An eclectic mix of originals” at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. No cover. (5612 California SW)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: If you’re interested in helping shape how the city’s Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda (HALA) happens – 8 pm tonight is your deadline to apply to be on one of the “community focus groups” the city is setting up. Details are in our original report.

CASCADIAN DIRT ROCK AND DRAMACORE … are the genres for tonight’s live, no-cover bands at Parliament Tavern, 8:30 pm – Devils Hunt Me Down and Spit in the Well. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates

February 26, 2016 6:59 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:59 AM: Heading for the heart of the commute, we have a report of a crash blocking one lane on northbound 99 at Lander.

7:06 AM: The vehicles are now on the shoulder (as our fifth camera above shows).

7:15 AM – WEEKEND REMINDER: If you’ll be out late Saturday night-early Sunday, remember the lane closures on northbound I-5 between Highway 599 and I-90 – details are on the right side of this WSDOT alert page.

7:35 AM – JUNCTION REMINDER FOR TONIGHT: Between 5 and 7 pm, you’ll see a crowd outside Easy Street Records at California/Alaska because of the Macklemore & Ryan Lewis signing event. ESR has published this “what you need to know” list – including, if you’re on THE list to get in, you’ve already been notified.

8:18 AM: The Highway 99 crash that’s been on the shoulder for an hour-plus has finally cleared, says SDOT.

SPEAKING OF HIGHWAY 99 – ALERTS FOR NEXT WEEKEND: As first reported here last night, the next Alaskan Way Viaduct inspection closure will be a week from tomorrow, 6 am-6 pm Saturday, March 5th with Sunday in reserve just in case WSDOT needs more time); Sunday, March 6th, is already set for morning closures NORTH OF the Battery Street Tunnel for the Hot Chocolate 5K/15K run.

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West Seattle Block Watch Captains’ Network talks with SPD’s new privacy boss, gets crime-trend update

February 26, 2016 2:24 am

| 12 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Block Watch captains around the city were startled back in November when SPD revealed their names had been provided to someone who requested them under terms of the state Public Records Act.

That’s part of the reason why the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network invited SPD’s new director of transparency and privacy, Mary Perry, to its monthly meeting this past Tuesday.

But that wasn’t the only issue the group discussed with her. First, though, as always, the meeting at the Southwest Precinct opened with an update on local crime trends:

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