West Seattle, Washington

19 Friday

41℉

month : 02/2016 314 results

WEATHER ALERT: Wind advisory for Tuesday afternoon/evening
February 29, 2016 11:54 pm
|    Comments Off on WEATHER ALERT: Wind advisory for Tuesday afternoon/evening
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

11:54 PM: The new month might begin in blustery style. The National Weather Service has a wind advisory up for our area and vicinity, noon-10 pm Tuesday, with southerly winds that could gust up to 45 mph. Read the advisory here – and keep everything charged.

5:10 AM: Slight revision in the time frame – the NWS now has the advisory in effect from noon-9 pm.

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Another national ‘Best Bagger’ champ from West Seattle’s Metropolitan Market! Congratulations to Candice Lastimado
February 29, 2016 11:22 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

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Candice Lastimado from Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) in Admiral won the National Grocers Association’s “Best Bagger” title tonight – three years after another employee from the store, Andrew Borracchini, took the title. Here’s the announcement we just received:

West Seattle Courtesy Clerk Candice Lastimado Wins 2016 National “Best Bagger” Championship
Metropolitan Market Employee Takes Home $10,000 Prize

Candice Lastimado, an employee at the West Seattle Metropolitan Market, captured the championship trophy and a check for $10,000 in heated competition at the 30th Annual National Best Bagger Battle held tonight in Las Vegas, NV.

The 2016 national competition, sponsored by the National Grocers Association (NGA), drew contestants from 25 states. Contestants from Washington have won the NGA National Best Bagger championship in three of the last four years.

“Candice did an outstanding job in competition,” said Jan Gee, Washington Food Industry Association President and CEO. “Candice showed amazing poise and just got the job done in the face of stiff competition.”

Candice won the state title four months ago, setting up the trip to tonight’s finals. We hope to find out more tomorrow.

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Fire Station 32 construction finally about to start
February 29, 2016 10:11 pm
|    Comments Off on Fire Station 32 construction finally about to start
 |   Triangle | West Seattle news

(From Fire Station 32 “schematic design” packet dated August 2013, by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson)

Last October, we reported on the latest twist in the years-delayed construction of a new Fire Station 32 in The Triangle – the city was sending it out to bid again, despite having been so close to construction that it had moved the crews into a temporary location half a year earlier.

Tonight, the city has announced that construction is finally about to begin, with the “notice to proceed” issued today, and demolition of the old station planned within a few weeks:

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The new contractor Howard S. Wright – which, as noted in our December followup, built the Space Needle – will start staging this week, according to the notification letter (thanks to Anand for sharing a copy), and major work is expected to start by mid-March, projected to last about 14 months. The project is funded under the 2003 Fire Levy and was originally supposed to be complete in 2007 – instead, if everything stays on schedule now, it’ll be 2017.

A variety of factors played into the 10-year schedule slide; most recently, as the city’s Finance and Administrative Services Department explained for our story last year, the city and its original contractor had a “general contractor/construction manager” contract but couldn’t agree on “a negotiated cost that fit within the city budget,” so the city was cancelling the pre-construction contract and seeking a new contractor via a more traditional process.

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VIDEO: 777 engine lands at South Seattle College, courtesy of Boeing
February 29, 2016 8:56 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

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(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

The megaship wasn’t the only human-made marvel drawing attention in West Seattle today. It was photo-op time at the Aviation Maintenance Tech building of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) this afternoon, as the college celebrated a big donation from Boeing – a Pratt and Whitney 777 engine (previewed here last Friday). SSC president Gary Oertli said the gift was a big reminder of the many partnerships that help fuel the school’s success:

On behalf of Boeing – which had never before donated an engine to a college – Robert Thayer from the propulsion unit spoke.

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He had some warm words for SSC welding students who were there; they fixed the stand on which the donated engine sits.

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After an hour-long open house, the celebration moved next door to another of SSC’s crown jewels, the Northwest Wine Academy. The Aviation Maintenance Tech program now has more than a dozen aircraft and 70 engines utilized for hands-on teaching of the 175 students served by the program each year, pursuing educational pathways from an Associate of Applied Science to an Aviation Powerplant Mechanic Certificate.

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DINNER DANCE! West Seattle Big Band + WSHS students’ music and food this Friday
February 29, 2016 6:53 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

That’s a taste of what you’ll be able to listen and dance to this Friday night (March 4th) at the fourth annual Big Band Dinner Dance presented by the West Seattle High School Music Program. Along with the WSHS Jazz Ensemble, the West Seattle Big Band will play – that’s who’s in the clip, performing “Mack the Knife” during a recent event (thanks to WSBB director Jim Edwards for sharing the video – the WSBB is all about helping local students). Dinner will be prepared and served by WSHS’s culinary program ProStart. Here’s how the night will go:

Dinner served 6-7 pm
Group lessons in basic swing dancing steps 6:30-7 pm
WSHS Jazz Band perform 7-7:30 pm
Door prizes and raffle prize drawings at 7:30 pm
West Seattle Big Band perform 7:30-9 pm

Buy your ticket in advance for $15 – that includes dinner and a door-prize ticket – or $17 at the door. E-mail westseattlehsmusic@gmail.com – or ask any WSHS music student you might happen to know!

P.S. As asked in a comment – yes, it’s at the school (3000 California SW); here’s our calendar listing.

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YOU’VE BEEN WARNED: SPD plans bus-lane enforcement on the bridge Wednesday
February 29, 2016 4:52 pm
|      40 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Just in from SDOT:

On Wednesday, March 2, the City of Seattle will conduct Bus-Only transit lane enforcement (eastbound) on the West Seattle Bridge from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Officers from the Seattle Police Department will be issuing warnings and citations to motorists traveling in violation of posted restrictions that the Bus-Only lane should be used a through corridor by buses.

This is an effort to educate and enforce traffic laws that support transit. With 45 percent of downtown commuters using transit, the enforcement work will help ensure the reliable and efficient movement of transit riders along Seattle’s important bus corridors, and improve safety for all travelers.

Driving in violation of posted restrictions is a violation of SMC 11.53.230 (traveling in a bus only or BAT lane) can result in a fine of $136.

P.S. A few years back, SPD used to send out what it called the Aggressive Driver Response Team and follow it up with stat roundups like this one.

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FOLLOWUP: New details on Friday’s luring attempt near Alki Elementary
February 29, 2016 2:44 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: New details on Friday’s luring attempt near Alki Elementary
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

As reported here on Saturday, Alki Elementary‘s principal sent a letter home to families (read it in our previous report here) about a suspected luring attempt. We’ve obtained the full report narrative from Seattle Police this afternoon, with more details than the letter had included:

[On February 26Lh, 2016 at 1500 hours, was picked up by his mother from AIki Elementary School; as school weather was clear but overcast they decided to walk home a short dístance away. (The child) was walking slower than his mom and sister as their distance extended a block ahead. (The child) explained that he was walking N/B on 59th Ave SW approaching SW Spokane Street when he stopped for a vehicle to drive by. As the vehicle slowly drove past, the passenger inside this vehicle looked at him and asked, “Do you want to get in?” (The child) stated he replied, “no thanks.” The vehicle drove off and made a turn and drove off in an unknown direction.

(He) describes the vehicle as a red pick-up truck with lifted suspension and a canopy. He stated two subjects were on board. The male passenger is described as a black male 18-25 with short hair and medium complexion. He wore a goatee and a dark brown jacket. He was smoking a cigarette during the encounter.

I asked (the boy) if he was fearful from the encounter. He stated,”No.”He really didn’t think too much of it. He reported the incident to his mom when he arrived home. (She) stated this incident caused her alarm and wanted to report the incident to law enforcement.

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NEW DEADLINE: City extends comment time for Myers Parcels’ future; open-space advocates launch online petition
February 29, 2016 1:56 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Myers Way | West Seattle news

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Two developments in the ongoing issue of whether the city should sell the undeveloped Myers Parcels in southeastern West Seattle or, as advocates have long urged, keep all or part of the 30+-acre site as open space:

First, as reported here three weeks ago, today was supposed to be the deadline for the latest round of comments on the land’s fate. But that’s changed. The deadline’s being extended until at least early April, Julie Moore from the city’s Finance and Administrative Services department confirmed to WSB:

We just determined … that we would reissue the notice in the interest of reaching a broader community. We expect to get it out in early March, and the comment period will be extended for 30 days past the date of mailing. … All comments received by the new deadline are certain to be represented in the preliminary recommendation report, but as with every property disposition process, we will continue to accept all comments up to the point a final decision is made by City Council. Also, all parties providing contact information will continue to receive updates through the evaluation process, including notices for future community meetings and/or public hearings, publication of reports and City Council actions.

Here’s how to comment: E-mail Daniel Bretzke at daniel.bretzke@seattle.gov or send postal-mail comments to him via City of Seattle FAS, P.O. Box 94689, Seattle 98124-4689.

Second: The Seattle Green Spaces Coalition has launched an online petition asking city leaders not to sell the land. You can sign it here.

LOOKING FOR MORE INFO? Each of the three parcels involved in the most recent city notice has its own page on the city website: 9501 Myers here, 9600 Myers here, 9701 Myers here.

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FOLLOWUP: Now, no set date for Highland Park RV ‘safe lot’
February 29, 2016 1:17 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | Safety | West Seattle news

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(WSB photo)

When Mayor Murray first announced on January 19th that the city would open two “safe lots” for people living in RVs and other vehicles – one in Highland Park and one in Ballard – he said the city expected to have them open within 30 days.

While the one in Ballard made that timeline – opening February 19th – there’s been no sign of activity on the West Seattle site, a paved lot at W. Marginal Way SW and Highland Park Way, aside from a canvas-covered chain-link fence around it. We’ve been asking city reps frequently for an update on the plan, and today there’s a new answer. From Katherine Jolly of the Human Services Department:

We are currently focused on getting the Ballard safe lot fully operational before we open the second lot. As you know, this is the first time the City has done this and we want to make sure we address many of the lessons learned in the first lot before we stand up a second one. I will keep you posted as we decide on a more specific timeline for the second Safe Lot.

The two lots together were originally announced as expected to hold a total of 50 vehicles; the most recent estimate for the Highland Park lot was 12. We have a followup question out to Jolly to ask about the current count at the Ballard lot, which had four when we went by two days after it opened.

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VIDEO: ‘The future has arrived here today.’ Welcoming ceremony as CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin stops for Seattle ‘trial’
February 29, 2016 11:45 am
|      32 COMMENTS
 |   Port of Seattle | West Seattle news

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(Photo by David Hutchinson, taken from Jack Perry Park)

FIRST REPORT, 11:45 AM: It’s the most gawkable thing in our area today – the first-ever visit of the biggest cargo ship to call on North American ports, the CGA CGM Benjamin Franklin, whose arrival was watched at spots from sea level to skyscraper:

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(Photo courtesy Deb)

It’s at Terminal 18 on Harbor Island, and it just received a VIP welcome across the East Waterway at Terminal 25, fireboat and all.

The event was a chance for the port to show off, in an intensely competitive time up and down the West Coast, as well as the rest of the world. (updated) Here’s our video of the welcoming speeches:

If you don’t have time to watch – some highlights:

Port Commissioner Stephanie Bowman emceed. She described herself as an unabashed champion of the working waterfront. “We want to see our working waterfront filled more with working cranes than ferris wheels,” says Bowman.

Next: Mayor Ed Murray, who used the word “incredible” to refer to the ship and our local economy. He echoed Bowman in saying it represents our future as well as our past. And he gave a shoutout to the Lander Street Overpass, vital not only for port traffic but as a surface link between West Seattle and SODO/Downtown.

Northwest Seaport Alliance (the Seattle/Tacoma joint venture) CEO John Wolfe told the crowd he rode in on the Benjamin Franklin.

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“What an incredible sight to come into the harbor and see the sunrise over the Seattle skyline.” He says this is the result of the industry “work(ing) together.” He says that in his days as a terminal operator, a ship with a third the capacity of this one – 6,600 containers, compared to 18,000 – was considered big. He touts nearly a billion dollars in investment ahead for the port (that would include the Terminal 5 modernization planned for northeastern West Seattle).

Ed McCarthy, senior VP of the ship’s owner CMA CGM, said it took months of work to get ready for this. He hailed the other modes of transportation it takes “to handle vessels of this size” – including rail and trucks. “There is still some work to be done” here in Seattle, he notes. “This is really a trial right now – the reason we brought the vessel in is that (company leadership) wanted to bring the ship into ports all over the West Coast … There’s a lot of learning we’re gathering from bringing the vessel in, and we’re looking forward to sharing that information with stakeholders as we complete the study.”

Carrix, the parent company of SSA Marine – operator of Terminals 18 and 30 – also was represented, by CEO Knud Stubkjaer.

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He said, “This is a moment we’ve been looking forward to, and we’ve been ready for a while.” He talked about the expansion work that has already been done at terminals including the one at which the event was being held, “to create what is a unique and competitive infrastructure for … our customers. … The future has arrived here today.” He also talked about the competition among West Coast ports, and the investment that others were making to fight for the business from megaships like the Benjamin Franklin.

Puget Sound Pilots‘ Capt. David Grobschmidt noted that his day started very early, as he and a team of pilots brought the Benjamin Franklin “successfully into Seattle,” starting alongside Port Angeles around 3 am. “We would really like to see this called her home port,” he concluded.

And president Rich Austin of ILWU Local 19 wrapped up, saying that on behalf of his union, they welcome the ship.

austin

“There are many components to a successful port, and labor is as important as any of those components.” He noted that the ship represented “the future of the industry” and that a “new approach” identifies labor as “instrumental” in making this port “a shipper’s best option.”

Others here include not only port officials but also city and state elected officials. (added) Here’s the official port news release, including an infographic about the ship’s size and capacity.

3:01 PM UPDATE: We’ve added our video, above, of the entire 26 minutes of welcoming speeches. The ship is scheduled to be here until about 8 am Tuesday.

ADDED MONDAY NIGHT: One more visual – just found this time-lapse, from-the-bridge video published to YouTube by another of the Puget Sound Pilots who brought the BF in, Capt. Ed Marmol:

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West Seattle Monday: 4 calendar highlights
February 29, 2016 9:31 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Monday: 4 calendar highlights
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

IMG_5964

We’ve been showered with rainbows these past few days – here’s our Sunday gallery, and now another rainbow sighting over the bay this morning – thanks to Kanit Cottrell for the photo above, from the 7:45 am Water Taxi. Now, on to four things from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (go there to find even more):

777 ENGINE OPEN HOUSE/CELEBRATION: As mentioned here Friday, the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Aviation Maintenance Tech program has received a truly big donation – a Pratt and Whitney 777 engine, courtesy of Boeing, which SSC says has never before donated an engine to a college. An open house is planned (with ribbon-cutting) 1-2 pm, and a reception next door at the Northwest Wine Academy 2-3 pm. All welcome. North side of campus. (6000 16th SW)

PACIFIC NW BOARD GAME LEAGUE: Celebrate Leap Day by doing something new – if you haven’t been playing Monday nights at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor), this might be your chance to jump in. 6:30 pm – explained here. (3737 California SW)

GUN SAFETY FOR FAMILIES: 7 pm at A Child Becomes Preschool (co-housed with Admiral UCC Church), a conversation about kids, guns, and safety. All welcome. (4320 SW Hill)

LAST NIGHT FOR COMPANY BAR: As reported on our partner site White Center Now, popular WC bar Company is closing after tonight. DJ Plantkiller is expected tonight to play it out. (9608 16th SW)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: February finale; megaship watch
February 29, 2016 6:30 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

6:30 AM: Welcome to the final day of February. A few notes to start:

BIGGEST SHIP EVER TO STOP HERE: If you’re watching for the Benjamin Franklin – it’s just starting to pass north Bainbridge Island, per MarineTraffic.com.

VIADUCT CLOSURE REMINDER: This Saturday is the Alaskan Way Viaduct’s next inspection closure, 6 am-6 pm. Sunday only if needed, as WSDOT told the West Seattle Transportation Coalition last week.

WATER TAXI FARES RISE TOMORROW: March 1st brings a fare increase for the Water Taxi – see the West Seattle rates (new in blue) here.

7:07 AM: Car fire on NB I-5’s “collector-distributor” by Dearborn – could affect traffic north of the bridge. Meantime, the Benjamin Franklin is now in Elliott Bay. We just passed groups of shipwatchers at vantage points including Luna/Anchor Park. Separate story later, but for now, we’ll be updating here.

7:28 AM: It’s now southward, headed for Harbor Island. We’re watching from Jack Block. Check our Twitter feed for photos.

7:54 AM: And it’s now in the East Waterway, arriving at Harbor Island. Our last view from JB Park:

Meantime, rain’s returned.

8:24 AM: Motorcycle vs. semitruck crash reported on Harbor Island, 16th SW and SW Lander.

8:35 AM: Sounds like the motorcycle rider, a 31-year-old man, will be OK – hand and arm injuries, per scanner.

8:59 AM: One more note about the big boat – thanks for the photos! – we’ll be including a gallery with our coverage of the welcoming event that’s coming up at the Port later this morning.

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West Seattle development: 4122 36th SW microhousing; 5247 California, after 3+ years; future of California/Hinds NE corner
February 29, 2016 12:26 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle development notes tonight:
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4122 36TH SW APPLIES FOR DEMOLITION PERMIT: The four-story, 20-unit microhousing (“small efficiency dwelling units” or SEDUs) project at 4122 36th SW, north of The Triangle, is advancing. A permit application has now been initiated for demolishing the house that’s on the site now; one was already in the works for building the project, which does not include offstreet parking, and isn’t required to because it’s in a “frequent transit” zone. We first reported the plan last July; the proposal has since gone through “streamlined design review,” which does not require a public meeting. At right in our photo is the house next door at 4126 36th SW, which has a sale “pending” according to online listings; its marketing materials described it as another potential site of 20-plus units.

5251 CALIFORNIA SW: Three and a half years after tenants (including “The Psychic Barber”) were cleared from 5247 California SW – with demolition a short time later – construction has finally commenced.

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That’s the view behind the canvas-covered chain-link fence that replaced a frequently tagged/vandalized wooden fence at the scene. Records indicate it’s the same small mixed-use building described years ago, described only as three stories, commercial and residential.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT? While there’s nothing on file yet, looks like something is brewing for the northeast corner of California/Hinds. the listing for a short-term lease at 3280 California SW, former home of West Seattle Curves, says it’s to be demolished for “new development” next year. The site is zoned NC2-40, part of the block-plus that was upzoned in 2010, and county records show it was sold last month for $770,000. Checking next door, we see the same previous owners also sold the parcel immediately north at the same time, for $1.1 million. And state records show that while the individual LLC names are different, the same owners now hold those two sites and the one north, totaling 12,000 square feet, all with the NC2-40 zoning that has enabled other redevelopment further north in the area, primarily Springline.

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West Seattle weather: Thunder, too!
February 28, 2016 9:53 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

9:53 PM: Yes, just in case you’re looking for validation, that was thunder. We’ve had a bit of everything today – rain, hail, wind, rainbows (did you see the photos?) – so probably shouldn’t be a surprise. Checking to see if more’s expected.

10:01 PM: Though it wasn’t in the main forecast, we did find a mention in the 9 pm “forecast discussion” from the National Weather Service – “AND WITH SLIGHT INSTABILITY…CANNOT RULE OUT AN ISOLATED LIGHTNING STRIKE.” (The discussion is published in all caps.) So that MIGHT be all.

10:27 PM: And a weather stat:

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Shooting investigation
February 28, 2016 8:39 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

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(WSB photo)

Police were in the 6500 block of 18th SW on Puget Ridge earlier tonight to investigate a shooting. It wasn’t the standard massive fire/police response because the shooting had happened sometime earlier and the victim was no longer at the house. We haven’t been able to obtain details yet, but emergency-radio discussions indicated they were following up on the case of a woman who was dropped off at Harborview Medical Center around 5:30 pm, reported to be suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg, and she has some association with the house where police was following up. We’ll update with anything more we find out, even if it’s not until tomorrow.

Overall, it’s been a busy night for police – two other sizable responses we’ve been asked about include one on 35th and Cloverdale, where police were investigating a report of someone screaming, and found a person having a mental-health crisis, and an investigation at a house near Delridge and 17th, with a report of items being carried out of what was described as a vacant house.

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Megaship CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin off WA coast, due here in 12 hours
February 28, 2016 6:49 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Port of Seattle | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

A photo posted by Port of Oakland (@portoakland) on

6:49 PM: That Port of Oakland photo from last week resembles what the view will be at Harbor Island’s Terminal 18 around sunset tomorrow – if the sun cooperates (it might). As mentioned here Thursday, the megaship CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin arrives here tomorrow morning, set to dock at T-18 around 7 am, spending one night here and leaving at 8 am Tuesday. With the capacity of 18,000 containers, it’s the biggest cargo ship to visit the U.S. This size of ship is the reason the Port of Seattle wants to expand Terminal 5. Right now, the Benjamin Franklin is approaching the mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, according to MarineTraffic.com; it’s expected in Port Angeles around 3 am to pick up the Puget Sound Pilots who will guide it into Puget Sound, reports the Peninsula Daily News.

MONDAY MORNING UPDATE, 6:19 AM: The ship is just passing north Kitsap County right now – you can track it here.

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UPDATE: Pole trouble in 4800 block Delridge Way
February 28, 2016 3:13 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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(Added: WSB photo)

3:13 PM: Thanks for the tips – a utility pole in the 4100 block of Delridge is apparently leaning far enough over to be a risk, and one tipster says police are blocking off southbound Delridge there. We’re on our way to check it out.

3:16 PM: Update via scanner – Delridge is being blocked both ways, and traffic is being diverted west to 25th.

3:32 PM: Update – this is actually in the 4800 block of Delridge, just south of Edmunds. Adding a photo. If you are heading southbound, you’ll have to turn onto Edmunds; we’re off to check where it’s blocked on the NB side.

3:44 PM: On the northbound side of Delridge, it’s blocked at Hudson. If you detour to 25th or 26th, please go slow – as Tina points out in the comment section, it’s residential (and 26th is a greenway).

5:33 PM: Still closed but City Light is on scene fixing.

6:36 PM: We just went by one more time, and the work is done, road is reopened.

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Dear Package Thieves: 2 West Seattleites have messages for you
February 28, 2016 1:25 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Hey, package thieves! If you’re reading this … we have messages from two recent targets. First, JL:

I had an USPS package stolen from our stoop Friday afternoon. We are near 34th Ave SW and SW Andover [map]. It was delivered Friday at 3 pm while we were still at work. I didn’t report it until now because I thought there was a possibility that the package was delivered to the wrong address, as the USPS has been having this growing problem with us and our neighbors the past few weeks. But it’s not looking like that’s the case.

The contents weren’t anything very valuable, just a record from a now-defunct local band. If anything, I’m annoyed that it was a record that took me a little while to find, and even more annoyed that we have someone in the neighborhood whose morals are low enough to steal anonymous packages.

To the thief, if you are reading this: Do me a solid and go sell the record to Easy Street Records. They’ll give you about $5 for it. Then they can turn around and sell it to me for $10. I’m happy to pay it, and you’ll be helping stimulate our local economy and support a West Seattle business. It’s a win-win! You get $5 and I get my record. Come on, buddy.

Just as we were about to publish JL’s report, this one came in, from Rusty:

Wednesday afternoon I had 3 packages delivered to my house (close to 41st & SW Rose St.), each containing cast-iron weights, and each weighing approximately 80 lbs. The mailman parked one house away, delivered the packages, then continued to the adjacent block on foot. When he returned to his vehicle, he noticed that someone had attempted to steal one of the boxes, but only made it 1/2 block before giving up and dropping it on the sidewalk (very close to his truck) and partially ripped open. The other 2 boxes were strewn about close to my door, as if they had tried to move each one.

The mailman left a mail theft notice on my door and I figured out that I was missing one box, so on Saturday I went to the post office and was able to retrieve the missing box. I would like to sincerely thank the conscientious mail carrier for being pro-active, and also let the loser who tried to steal my mail know that they might want to get a set of their own, as they are currently too weak and soft to steal them from others.

Got a message for a criminal? Or even just a basic “here’s what happened” report? Send Crime Watch info to us at editor@westseattleblog.com – after you have reported to police, of course. Thanks!

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Were you here for the Nisqually Earthquake, 15 years ago today? New info on getting ready for the next one
February 28, 2016 10:00 am
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Preparedness | West Seattle news

15 years ago this morning, at 10:54 am on February 28, 2001, the 6.8-magnitude Nisqually Earthquake hit. Here’s some of what it did in West Seattle.

Nothing anywhere that big has shaken us since. But someday, sometime, one will. So we’re talking today about being ready. This map can help:

The markers on it – 13 of them now – show you the sites of West Seattle Be Prepared‘s 13 Neighborhood Emergency Communication Hubs. Find the one nearest you – and make sure everyone you care about knows about it. (If there’s not one near you, you can help launch one.) If a huge disaster hits, and the usual communication channels are cut off, these are places you can go to find out how to get help, how to offer help, etc., as explained here (and in even more detail here).

Our area was a pioneer in the “hubs” movement, which has expanded to other areas of our city, and is expected to continue growing. They’re for everyone, whether you’ve been here days, weeks, years, or decades – next month, for example, a hub-training event is planned for one of our area’s bigger new apartment complexes, as the hub in The Junction is finalized, and if it’s successful, it will be repeated for other interested apartment communities in the area.

Being ready, ultimately, is personal – have a kit, have a plan. This isn’t something someone will do “for” you. West Seattle Be Prepared is a volunteer community effort. We checked with its organizers to find out what else is new regarding local preparedness, as we mark the quake anniversary today.

This year, WSBP’s Cindi Barker tells us, is about partnerships and getting connected:

*They’re working with local churches about being partners in preparedness and in response in case it’s needed – including how to become a Red Cross shelter

*You’ll see WSBP at spring/summer community festivals as usual – starting with the West Seattle Bee Festival on May 21st and the Morgan Junction Community Festival on June 18th

*In June, WSBP will host a Business Continuity workshop for members of the West Seattle Junction Association, Barker says, “to teach our local businesses what a Business Continuity Plan is, why it’s important and point them to free-ware so they can either do one with us at a follow-up brown-bag event, or so they can do it on their own.”

*Also in June, some of the West Seattle hubs will be part of a major citywide drill on June 11th, “in loose conjunction with the big Cascadia Rising regional exercise” (which is happening June 7-10th, playing out the scenario of a megaquake/tsunami)

*Potential fall event related to what Barker says “is a training program being released this summer for local medical clinics and personnel, to teach them about their important role in the communities during a disaster.” As she says, the bottom line remains, they’ll be needed!

SPEAKING OF BEING NEEDED:

*Are you a ham-radio operator? Know someone who is? The Auxiliary Communication Service needs more in West Seattle to become part of the team. E-mail seattleacs1@gmail.com

*Part of a SNAP (Seattle Neighborhoods Actively Prepare), Block Watch or CERT group? Put yourself on the citywide map to get connected!

SPEAKING OF GETTING CONNECTED:

*Along with the West Seattle Be Prepared website, WSBP has a Facebook group.

P.S. If you didn’t know – there’s an online seismogram at Alki Point; you can check any time for recent quakes around the region by going here.

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West Seattle weather: Sunday rainbows
February 28, 2016 9:05 am
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

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9:05 AM: Thanks to Paul Panzl on Genesee Hill for the rainbow photo taken moments ago – a rare westward view, as a sunbreak punctuated this morning’s showery weather. Looks as if the mythical “pot of gold at the end of the rainbow” might be a few hundred feet down. Could get windy this morning, the National Weather Service warns, with gusts possibly up to 36 mph.

ADDED: Ron tweeted this photo:

ADDED 4:44 PM: And rainbows to the north this afternoon!

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That one, showing Luna/Anchor Park, is from Susanna Moore from Niederberger Contracting (WSB sponsor); the one below is from Carol Wagener:
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Thanks again for the photos – we also showcase West Seattle images in our daily calendar previews – send your pic to editor@westseattleblog.com (or, if it’s breaking news, text 206-293-6302) – thank you!

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West Seattle Sunday: Giving, playing, sharing …
February 28, 2016 6:57 am
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 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

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(Seen on Alki this weekend! Photo by Lynn Hall)

From our frequently updated West Seattle Event Calendar, 10 things you can do today/tonight:

FREE WORKOUT: Get moving! Every 4th Sunday, the free “Joyful Fitness: An Introduction to Nia” is offered at the Center for Movement and Healing, as explained here. (7901 35th SW)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm in the street in The Junction. Here’s what’s fresh this week! (California SW, between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

CLEAT/GEAR SWAP DROPOFF: 11 am-5 pm today, it’s the first day you can drop off gently used baseball gear in advance of the first-ever swap event at Second Gear Sports (WSB sponsor), as explained here. (6529 California SW)

JOEY CLAYTON MEMORIAL FUNDRAISER: Noon-3 pm at The Lounge by Duos Catering in Luna Park, come help a family that is dealing with the unimaginable … losing their 8-year-old son to cancer. A donation of any amount at the door is your admission for a gathering with complimentary food and beverages, celebrating Joey Clayton and his family, including his U.S. Marine Corps veteran dad. Here’s the flyer. (2940 SW Avalon Way)

CLOTHES FOR THE CAUSE: Final collection day, 1-3 pm, at the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor), collecting clothes and textiles as a fundraiser for the Y – do some pre-spring cleaning and drop off what you no longer need! Here’s what they’re accepting. (4515 36th SW)

FOLK-ROCK: Live music with Laura Bermes at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)

SEATTLE PRIDE BASKETBALL TRYOUTS: It’s tryout time for this local AAU-affiliated youth-basketball program; today, girls in 4th, 5th, 6th grades are invited to try out 1-2:30 pm; girls in 7th and 8th grades 2:30-4 pm; boys in 4th, 5th, 6th grades 4:30-6 pm, boys in 7th and 8th grades 6-8 pm. All tryouts are at the Seattle Lutheran High School gym. More info here, including the registration link. (4100 SW Genesee)

OSCAR NIGHT PARTY AT THE PUB: 5 pm at Prost! West Seattle, including free popcorn and Oscars bingo. (3407 California SW)

NERDCORE HIP-HOP: That’s what you’ll get from Death Star during its 7 pm all-ages show tonight at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

HOLLYWOOD TIME TRAVEL: While some of the world celebrates Hollywood as it is today, you can go to historic Kenyon Hall and explore Hollywood as it was a century ago – silent movies, accompanied by organist and vocalists. 7:30 pm – details here, including how to check (ASAP!) if there’s room. (7904 35th SW)

MORE FOR TODAY, AND BEYOND … check out our complete calendar.

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West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2016: Eleven weeks away!
February 27, 2016 11:31 pm
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 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

This week, we got the question for the first time this year – twice, in fact – “When is this year’s West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day?” Answer: Eleven weeks from today – Saturday, May 14th. If you’re new here, that’s the day West Seattle becomes the person-to-person-recycling (as we call it) capital of the region, with sales big and small all over the peninsula. This will be the ninth year that WSB has coordinated WSCGSD – after three years under its founders, so it’s the 12th annual sale day – and as usual, we will open registration in early April. Watch for word here and at westseattlegaragesale.com next month!

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UPDATE: Seattle Lutheran HS boys win regional playoff game, head to state
February 27, 2016 8:15 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(UPDATED SUNDAY AFTERNOON with info on state games for SLHS, SCHS)

(WSB video: SLHS starters’ introduction)

8:15 PM: We’re at Renton High School, where the first quarter is over and the Seattle Lutheran High School boys are ahead of Columbia Adventist Academy, 15-7, in the regional playoffs. SLHS went out to a 11-0 lead before the Kodiaks got on the board. With tough defense by the Saints, at six seconds left in the quarter, Columbia Adventist ran out of time and notched a shot-clock violation. Winner of this game goes to state, while the other team’s season will be over. We’ll be updating each quarter.

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8:31 PM: Halftime, and the Saints lead the Kodiaks, 31-13. (Photo above, basket in progress by Josh Meyer, midway through the second quarter.)

8:54 PM: End of the third quarter now, and Seattle Lutheran is up 51-26. Highlights during this quarter included two back-to-back baskets by Meyer, including a three-pointer.

9:10 PM: The Saints kept building their lead, and have just won the game 71-32:

They’re headed to the state tournament in Spokane; we should find out tomorrow who they’ll play and when. We’ll add more photos and game stats when we’re back at HQ. (added) Leading scorers: Meyer with 20, Xavier Turner (below) with 19:

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Simon Solomon scored 9 points.

ADDED SUNDAY AFTERNOON: The opening round in the state 1B boys’ basketball tournament is set: Seattle Lutheran will play Almira-Coulee-Hartline at 2 pm Thursday, right after Shorewood Christian (which is just east of Arbor Heights) plays Yakima Tribal at 12:15 pm. (Both SLHS and SCHS made it to the state tournament last year, with Seattle Lutheran finishing third, Shorewood Christian finishing fifth.

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