month : 02/2016 314 results

Why the Guardian One helicopter was over West Seattle

February 27, 2016 7:58 pm
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 |   Helicopter | West Seattle news

Finally found out from the King County Sheriff’s Office Guardian One helicopter crew why they circled over Sunrise Heights, North Delridge, Puget Ridge, and vicinity for a little while about an hour ago – they were helping look for a missing person. No other details.

BASEBALL SEASON! Cleat and gear swap @ Second Gear Sports. Dropoffs start Sunday

February 27, 2016 7:30 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Somebody in your family playing youth baseball this season? Here’s a new way to get geared up – a swap event at Second Gear Sports (WSB sponsor) coming up one week from today. To get ready for it, SGS is accepting gear starting TOMORROW! Here’s the announcement:

Second Gear Sports and West Seattle Baseball are hosting a first annual cleat and gear swap extravaganza on March 5, 4-7 p.m.

Join us to trade in outgrown cleats for newer ones! Get the first shot at this season’s best used and new baseball gear at a special price. This event is open to all families with baseball players.

Before the exchange, bring clean, gently used baseball gear (cleats, bats, mitts, helmets, pants, bags, etc.) to Second Gear Sports for drop-off between Feb. 28 – March 3. Items will be inventoried and gear (except for cleats) will be priced.

During the exchange, every attending family can take free cleats from the swap table. Free cleats will only be available during the event on a first-come, first-served basis. Other baseball gear will be available for sale at great prices, as well as additional in-store discounts, complimentary snacks and drinks.

After the exchange, remaining cleats/gear will move into store inventory, subject to regular consignment terms.

Questions? Contact Second Gear Sports at 206-935-3552 or info@secondgearsports.com

Second Gear Sports is at 6529 California SW in Morgan Junction, open 11 am-5 pm Sundays, 10 am-6 pm Mondays-Saturdays.

Basketball playoffs: Season-ending loss for Seattle Lutheran HS girls

February 27, 2016 5:37 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Another season-ending loss for a local team this afternoon: The Seattle Lutheran High School girls’ winning season has come to a close, with their regional-playoffs loss to Mount Vernon Christian, 36-24, at Mount Vernon HS. Here are the Saints’ full-season results. (Thanks to Mike Jensen for all the updates!)

P.S. The SLHS boys are playing their regional game at 8 tonight at Renton HS, vs. Columbia Adventist Academy (from Battle Ground in SW Washington).

West Seattle Crime Watch: Attempted luring near school; 3 other reports

Four West Seattle Crime Watch reports this afternoon:

MORGAN JUNCTION SEARCH: Not a lot of details on this but it’s happening right now – the AT&T Wireless store at California/Fauntleroy/Morgan reported an iPad was stolen by three “young male” suspects. So if you’re seeing police in the area, that’s what they’re responding to.

LURING ATTEMPT REPORTED: Thanks to the Alki Elementary parent shares this letter that families received last night from principal Shannon Hobbs-Beckley:

Dear Alki Community,

I want to share with you information about an incident in our neighborhood today. This evening, we received information regarding a male stranger in a red truck near Alki Elementary School at the end of the school day. As a student walked by the vehicle, the student was asked if he wanted a cigarette and a ride in his vehicle. The student refused and the driver left. The student immediately reported it to his parents. They notified staff and Seattle Police.

The student did everything right, immediately getting away from the stranger, reporting the incident and giving a specific suspect and vehicle description to SPD. They will continue to investigate.

The safety of our students is a top priority for Seattle Public Schools. You can help your children stay safe by talking to them about personal safety. As a reminder, please talk to your child(ren) about walking in pairs or groups and being aware of their surroundings at all times, as well as not talking to strangers or getting into their vehicles. Having these conversations, especially with younger children, can be difficult. We encourage you to be sensitive to your child. This link to the Seattle Police website offers some valuable information which may help you with your discussions.

We’ll look for the police report on that Monday – the only incident logged on Tweets by Beat that might correspond is a “suspicious person” call from 59th/Spokane last night.

BURGLARY THIS MORNING: A house at 16th and Cambridge was broken into this morning, according to a relative of the victims, who weren’t home at the time. The relative says an alarm was set off and police got there fast, but the burglar made off with a laptop.

CAR PROWL LAST NIGHT: Around 7 pm Friday along 19th on Pigeon Point, a smash-and-grab car prowl happened, with a purse and iPhone stolen. The victim’s friend says they tracked the phone to a gas station on Delridge; they say the suspect (whom they describe as “a black man in his 40s, stocky build, 5’9”) was there trying to use a stolen credit card, in a gold 2005 Elantra, license plate starting with ANW, which police later told them was stolen. As of our last check, they hadn’t heard whether the car and suspect had yet been found.

AS IT HAPPENED: West Seattle HS girls’ regional playoff game vs. Lynnwood

(WSB video: Introduction of the starting lineups)

12:04 PM: We’re at the Everett Community College gym, 38 miles from home, where the regional playoff game between the West Seattle High School girls and defending state champ Lynnwood HS has just tipped off. It’s a loser-out game – winner goes to the state tournament. In case you couldn’t make it up here, we’ll be updating live.

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WSHS scores first – basket by #30 Lexi Ioane. Lynnwood ties it at 6:40 to go in the first quarter, 2-2.

12:07 PM: Two more baskets, after many trades of possession, and Lynnwood’s up 6-2 with 4:33 to go in the quarter. WSHS is defending tough, two-on-one under the Royals’ basket. They’ve fouled Lynnwood twice, resulting in one foul shot, and it’s now 7-2.

12:11 PM: Another basket by Ioane, quickly answered by two from Lynnwood, and it’s 11-4. Shortly afterward, Grace Sarver nets a basket, and it’s 11-6:

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Lynnwood followed (they’re the home team, by the way, for this game), bringing it to 13-6. The Wildcats are doing a good job of rebounding but shooting is a bit of a challenge.

12:15 PM, END OF FIRST QUARTER: With a basket almost on the buzzer by Lynnwood, at the end of the first quarter, they lead 15-6.

12:18 PM: The Wildcats’ first basket of the second quarter is by #3 Izzy Turk, and it’s now 15-8.

12:23 PM: Lynnwood’s now up 21-11 after two unanswered baskets, and WSHS calls a time-out. 4:13 to go in the half.

12:27 PM: It’s been a tough few minutes for the Wildcats, now down 28-13, with the most recent two points on two foul shots by Ioane.

12:32 PM: The Lynnwood girls are slowing down to run out the rest of the half – and then a steal by WSHS. The Royals smothered Ioane as she attempted a shot, and she was fouled. Shooting two, she gets both, and it’s 31-15 with a minute left in the half. … Less than half a minute later, WSHS’s Gabby Sarver gets her third foul, and Lynnwood gets another point out of that, 32-15.

HALFTIME, 12:35 PM: That’s the score at halftime – Lynnwood 32, WSHS 15.

*************

SECOND HALF, 12:46 PM: WSHS opened with the ball but couldn’t convert and Lynnwood scored first, now up 34-15. When players moved back under the WSHS basket, a struggle for the ball ensued, and Lynnwood gets possession on the jump ball. The Royals called a timeout first.

12:52 PM: WSHS continues to have trouble shooting and hasn’t scored yet, more than halfway through the second quarter. Lynnwood’s now leading 36-15 and has just been fouled – making both shots, 38-15 now. Grace Sarver then scores a quick basket, the Wildcats’ first of the second half, 38-17.

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Shortly afterward, #10 Jenna McPhee is fouled. She gets the second of two shots, score now 38-18. Two foul shots for Lynnwood bring it to 40-18.

12:57 PM: With two minutes to go, the Wildcats pick up two points from Turk, who was fouled. 42-20 now. On a subsequent possession, they lose control of the ball by their basket, so it goes back to Lynnwood, now trying again to slow things down, with a minute to go in the third quarter – and then a three-pointer, so they’re now up 45-20.

Grace Sarver, fouled shortly thereafter, gets the second shot, and it’s Lynnwood 45, WSHS 21.

END OF THE THIRD QUARTER, 1 PM: Lynnwood 47, WSHS 21.

1:03 PM: Kelsey Lenzie scores first for the Wildcats in the fourth quarter, with a three-pointer, and it’s 48-24. Lynnwood gets two fast baskets after that, 52-24, and draws a foul, missing the shot.

1:07 PM: Just over six minutes to go in the game, and both Sarvers now have four fouls. Lynnwood just got two foul shots, up by 30 now, 54-24. #32 Lydia Giomi, often the Wildcats’ leading scorer, just now got her first 2 points, on a layup. Lynnwood answered again quickly, and it’s 56-26.

1:11 PM: Another ferocious fight for the ball, and WSHS gets possession. Basket by Rilcy Newsome follows, 59-28 Lynnwood with three minutes in the game. The Wildcats are still battling, but time’s running out.

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Giomi is fouled and makes the second shot (above), 59-29 with two minutes to go. Shortly afterward, Lynnwood calls a timeout.

1:15 PM: Right after that, Jenna McPhee steals, and Lenzie gets a three-pointer, 59-32. One minute to go, and Ioane gets another basket. 59-34, half a minute to go.

1:19 PM: That’s the final score, and the WSHS girls’ excellent season comes to an end. We’ll add game stats shortly. (added) Here they are:

WSHS scoring leaders – Ioane 10, Turk 7, Lenzie 6
WSHS rebound leaders – Giomi 9, Turk 6, Ioane 5

First-year head coach Darnell Taylor‘s team went to 21-0, undefeated in the regular season plus the first offseason game, before their first loss (see the schedule/results here). Today’s game was their only double-digit loss.

BIZNOTE: My Three Little Birds’ crowd-loan countdown

February 27, 2016 9:36 am
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 |   How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Independent local businesses are more important than you might already know: For one, they’re the businesses creating most new jobs in the U.S.. Supporting your local indies means helping create jobs for your neighbors, and here’s one way to make that happen: Backing another local biz via Community Sourced Capital.

CSC isn’t your standard crowdfunding – it’s more like crowd-loaning; we’ve reported before on local businesses/organizations that used it for a boost, like The Westy two years ago. As mentioned here Monday, the latest is My Three Little Birds (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction – a resale boutique, community gathering place, and more – about to celebrate its second anniversary.

To grow and thrive, My Three Little Birds hopes to add an online store – so it can work with local families both in person and online – and to fund that, it’s working with Community Sourced Capital. That’s where you come in, to lend a hand, and a bit of capital that will be repaid – you can be an investor, helping a community business grow, without being a tycoon. Like most crowd-powered campaigns, this one came with a deadline, and My Three Little Birds must hit its minimum goal by the end of this weekend in order to receive any part of what supporters have committed already. Here’s how to be part of it!

Options for your West Seattle Saturday

February 27, 2016 7:51 am
|    Comments Off on Options for your West Seattle Saturday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

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(From the WSB Flickr group: February rainbow over Delridge Skatepark, by Flickr member Alextutu1821)

Happy weekend! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE: 9:30 am-3:30 pm, the Bloodworks NW mobile blood drive will be on the south side of Westwood Village (closed for a break 12:30-1:30 pm). Appointments preferred but walk-ins welcome; more here. (2600 SW Barton)

FREE TAX PREP: The United Way‘s free tax-preparation assistance continues 10 am-2 pm today at the West Seattle Food Bank – details here. (35th SW/SW Morgan)

GRIEFSHARE SUPPORT GROUP: You don’t have to go through it alone. 10 am-noon, the first meeting at Grace Church in a new session of GriefShare, for those mourning a loved one. Details here. (10323 28th SW)

WEST DUWAMISH GREENBELT WORK PARTY: 10 am-2 pm, the West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails group plans a work party – you can drop in for all or part. Info here. (Walk in from 14th SW/SW Holly)

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS: Three local teams have regional playoff games today/tonight. The West Seattle High School girls face Lynnwood at noon at Everett Community College (2000 Tower); also at noon, the Seattle Lutheran High School girls face Mount Vernon Christian, at Mount Vernon HS (314 N. 9th St.); the SLHS boys play Columbia Adventist at 8 tonight at Renton HS (400 S. 2nd St.).

SEATTLE PRIDE BASKETBALL TRYOUTS: This AAU basketball program is expecting its biggest season yet! Girls’ tryouts today, 4th, 5th, 6th graders 1-2:30 pm, 7th and 8th graders 2:30-4 pm. Details here including registration link. Boys tryouts follow: 4th, 5th, 6th grades 4:30-6 pm, 7th and 8th grades 6-8 pm – details and registration link here. Tryouts are at the Seattle Lutheran HS Gym. (4100 SW Genesee)

CRAB-BOIL BENEFIT: Alki Masonic Lodge #152 invites you to its annual crab-boil benefit for the school awards it presents each year. Crabs, clams, potatoes, chowder, salad – check ASAP to see if tickets remain! 4-7 pm at the Alki Masonic Center in The Junction. (40th SW/SW Edmunds)

A NIGHT OUT WITH KILLER WHALE TALES: As previewed here, this event at 7:30 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) is your chance to learn more about this West Seattleite-led program that has educated thousands of students about Puget Sound’s endangered and beloved Southern Resident Killer Whales. Details here. (5612 California SW)

BLUEGRASS, WITH RYEGRASS: Ryegrass performs at 7:30 pm at Kenyon Halldetails here, including how to make your reservation. (7904 35th SW)

MORE LIVE MUSIC! See the nightlife listings on our complete calendar.

P.S. IT’S SALE SEASON: As spring approaches, so do yard/garage/etc. sales, and some are posted for this weekend in the WSB Forums‘ Freebies/Deals/Sales section.

PHOTOS: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis return to Easy Street Records

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:

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(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:

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Macklemore prepared to take photos –

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

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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.

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

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(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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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(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.”

Aviation-education history arrives at South Seattle College

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(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.)

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.

FOLLOWUP: City cleans up SW Marginal Place dumped debris

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(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:

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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.

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

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:

Read More

West Seattle Friday: What’s up today/tonight

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(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)

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates

(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.

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

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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West Seattle scene: Chamber ‘After Hours’ @ HomeStreet Bank

February 25, 2016 11:45 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle scene: Chamber ‘After Hours’ @ HomeStreet Bank
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

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(WSB photo)

Playing host to West Seattle’s biggest party tonight, that’s the team at HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, led by (second from left) branch manager Melodie VanHouten. They played host to the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s “After Hours” gathering, which rotates between Chamber members’ businesses. Besides the monthly “After Hours,” the Chamber also has a monthly lunch meeting – next one is a “speed-networking” event on March 10th. And nominations are still open for this year’s Westside Awards, as announced earlier this month – here’s how to suggest someone (you don’t have to be a Chamber member, nor does your nominee).

BIZNOTE: West Seattle represents in ‘Move to Seattle’ list

When the Huffington Post recently republished a list titled “15 Reasons Why You Should Move to Seattle Immediately, None of Which Involve the Space Needle” – it had a bit of West Seattle flavor. Niederberger Contracting (WSB sponsor) was surprised to find out a photo of its recent remodeling project was part of the list – illustrating “#13: You could live in this adorable Craftsman.”

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(Photo by Aimee Chase, Vista Estate Imaging)

The house isn’t identified or labeled in the list, so apparently someone working on it just randomly found the photo. It’s in North Admiral, at 1729 41st SW, and currently listed for sale after being “re-built for modern living” – preserving its Craftsman charm, instead of tearing it down and building something else – by Niederberger Contracting’s proprietors, who are also the 1905 house’s current owners.

Other West Seattle-ish touches we noted: Right before the house, the list also includes: “#11: Your daily commute could include whale watching. (Water taxis!)” – very West Seattle, of course. No photo, but we have one with a Water Taxi view taken just this week:

elliottbaysunset
(Photo by Don Brubeck)

And then there’s “#12: And you could see an active volcano from, like, your backyard.” More than a few West Seattle backyards have Mount Rainier views, and some get Mount Baker on clear days. Which, as the last item on the list points out, can be a bit scarce.

UPDATE: Next Alaskan Way Viaduct inspection closure set for March 5th (and possibly 6th)

ORIGINAL REPORT, 9:34 PM: One quick topline from tonight’s West Seattle Transportation Coalition meeting: One of the WSDOT reps there to brief the WSTC on plans for the two-weeks-or-so tunneling-related Alaskan Way Viaduct shutdown had word of a shorter closure that’ll happen sooner. Chris Brown said the Viaduct will close on March 5th – one week from Saturday – for its next semi-annual structural inspection. As you’ll see on the Construction Lookahead, it’s listed as both days that weekend, but as Brown said, they usually hold the second day in reserve but generally don’t need it unless “there’s an issue.” But you can plan on no Viaduct 6 am-6 pm March 5th. As for the “big” closure – no date set yet but Brown said it won’t be a last-minute decision. Our full report will have details of the detour and bus-reroute plans, as well as video of tonight’s meeting.

P.S. As noted in comments, even if the inspection closure doesn’t go into Sunday, the Hot Chocolate run will close 99 north of the Battery Street Tunnel that morning.

ADDED FEBRUARY 29th: The official advisory from WSDOT:

Both directions of the Alaskan Way Viaduct will close between South Spokane Street and the north end of the Battery Street Tunnel. Drivers should plan ahead and be prepared for additional congestion as a result of this closure.

In addition to the inspection closure, the annual Hot Chocolate 15k/5k Run will require a closure of SR 99/Aurora Avenue North on Sunday morning.

Closure Details
6 a.m. to 6 p.m. both Saturday, March 5, and Sunday, March 6
Alaskan Way Viaduct closed between South Spokane Street and the Battery Street Tunnel

6 a.m. to noon, Sunday, March 6
SR 99/Aurora Avenue North will close in both directions.
Northbound lanes will be closed between the Battery Street Tunnel and N. 47th Street.
Southbound lanes will be closed between the Battery Street Tunnel and N. 38th Street.

Gathering of Neighbors 2016, themed ‘Growing Pains’: Here’s the lineup

(WSB photo from previous Gathering of Neighbors, November 2014)

Just two weeks until the next edition of the Gathering of Neighbors. After months of mentions at local community meetings, the full lineup/schedule for the March 12th event is out tonight. Here’s the announcement:

On Saturday, March 12th, at 9:00 am at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, VieWS (Visualizing Increased Engagement West Seattle), Southwest Youth & Family Services, and the Delridge Neighborhood Development Association will present the 2016 edition of the Gathering of Neighbors.

Our theme is “Growing Pains” and will focus on the challenges facing West Seattle as we see rapid growth in populations, jobs, and housing and the benefits and drawbacks that growth brings to our neighborhoods.

This year’s event will feature opportunities to learn about the recommendations by the Mayor’s Housing Affordability & Living Agenda (HALA) Committee, recent updates proposed for the 2035 Comprehensive Plan, plans to renew and double the Housing Levy, what a Sound Transit 3 package might look like for your vote in November, and the recent declaration of a Homeless State of Emergency by Mayor Ed Murray and County Executive Dow Constantine.

Learn from invited experts about what is happening with housing, zoning, community centers, parking, transportation, and much, much more and how all this change is both creating new opportunities for us and our loved ones while also stirring up fears of increased inequality, ongoing historical inequities, and permanent damage to the character of our neighborhoods.

As always, we will also offer breakout sessions where you can learn more about how you can get be part of shaping the impact all of these changes will have on our community and meet local leaders and organizations already involved in these issues.

The morning’s agenda will be packed:

· 9:00 am – Social/Refreshments

· 9:30 am – Open House & Informational Tables: What are the Challenges Facing West Seattle?

· 10:30 am – Welcoming Ceremonies

· 10:45 am – Expert Panel: What is Being Done about Growth in West Seattle?
Moderated by Brian Callanan, Seattle Channel
Featuring a City Staffer, Urbanist, Elected Official, West Seattle Organization Leader, and Homeless Advocate

· 11:40 am – Breakout Sessions: How Do I Get Involved in Shaping Our Community?

Ø North Delridge Action Plan update – David Goldberg (OPCD) & ACT Team members
Ø ST3 Planning – West Seattle Transportation Coalition + Rob Johnson, Seattle City Councilmember, District 4
Ø Land Use/Urban Village Growth – Cindi Barker and Deb Barker
Ø West Seattle Chamber conversation about business development

· 12:30 pm – Facilitated Discussion: Are We In a Homelessness State of Emergency?

Moderated by Lisa Herbold, Seattle City Councilmember, District 1

Ø Michael Maddux, 43rd District Democrats and former City Council candidate
Ø Hanna Brooks Olsen, Seattlish writer, Project Manager for Civic Ventures
Ø Mercedes Elizalde, Policy & Engagement Strategist for City Councilmember Debora Juarez

Youngstown is at 4408 Delridge Way SW.

VIDEO: Last stop before Seattle! Biggest cargo ship to visit North America now in Oakland

The Port of Oakland recorded that time-lapse video this morning as the 1,300-foot-long CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin arrived. It’s gained a lot of attention as the biggest cargo ship ever to call in North America, and it’s due to arrive here next Monday morning (February 29th). After stopping in Long Beach – where it was inaugurated last Friday – the Benjamin Franklin arrived in Oakland this morning; Port of Seattle spokesperson Peter McGraw says it’s due at Terminal 18 on Harbor Island around 7 am Monday, and will leave the next day, Tuesday (March 1st), at 8 am. No public events are planned during its stay, but the media’s been invited to a ceremony including the mayor and port reps; we plan to be there.

P.S. Other stats – besides the ship being more than twice as long as the 605-foot Space Needle is tall – it’s 177 feet wide and 197 feet high (roughly equal to a 20-story building), with its tallest antenna topping out at 230 feet.