day : 22/03/2016 11 results

Police staffing spotlighted again as Councilmember Herbold guests @ West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network

| Crime | Safety | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

About 50 people filled the Southwest Precinct’s public-meeting room tonight, as the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network heard from – and talked with – District 1 City Councilmember Lisa Herbold for the first time.

One big issue is one that she and other councilmembers will discuss tomorrow morning – Seattle Police staffing – also a hot topic at WSBWCN two months ago.

The meeting also included SW Precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis‘s usual briefing; more on what he said, after our recap of Councilmember Herbold’s appearance.

“About the public-safety work I’ve been doing this year,” she listed matters including her request for further breakdown of 911-response-time data – particularly the two sectors in the SW Precinct, drilling down further to the “beats, so we can see if there are any conclusions we can draw.” Among other factors she wants to look at is response/distance correlation. 9.4 minutes and 10.9 minutes were the average response times for the two sectors, she said.

She said she’s been working with the “nuisance crime” problem in South Park, and also is “excited to dig into the (SPD staffing) study … I still believe that it is a correct belief that we are understaffed as a department.”

“We would all agree with that!” interjected an attendee.

Herbold continued, “I was disappointed that we could not reach an agreement to make some gains while we waited for the staffing report,” which will be reviewed tomorrow (Wednesday) morning at 9:30 am at City Hall by the Gender Equity, Safe Communities, and New Americans Committee, chaired by at-large-but-West Seattle-residing Councilmember Lorena González.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Loot to look for, and more

March 22, 2016 9:32 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Four reader reports in tonight’s West Seattle Crime Watch:

UPPER FAUNTLEROY BURGLARY: M & K report this from 41st and Thistle:

Basement windows broken to gain access to the outside entry basement. Bedroom window forced open to gain access to main area of the house, sometime between 10 am and 3 pm today.

Our house was ransacked, drawers emptied, jewelry, silverware and electronics stolen.

Neighbors described a man in his late 50’s walking back and forth behind our house along the 42nd street side while talking on a cell phone midday.

We are also speaking with neighbors who have security cameras for footage. If anyone reports seeing something, please contact us or SPD.

PRESCHOOL BURGLARY: Who steals from a preschool? Somebody, apparently: The Community School of West Seattle 22nd/Roxbury) was broken into overnight, according to a note sent to its families. We haven’t yet procured the report nor school permission to quote the note forwarded to us by a parent, so we hope to have more on this tomorrow.

CAR BREAK-IN, SPORTS GEAR STOLEN: Kristin is asking that you be on the lookout for what was stolen in this car prowl:

My daughter’s car was broken into parked on 27th Ave SW by Chief Sealth HS today between 1:15 pm and 3:10 pm. She is certain the doors were locked, but it’s an older car, and not difficult to get into with the right tools. Stolen from the trunk were a navy blue duffel bag with her volleyball gear (shoes, knee pads, spandex, etc) and a black backpack with softball gear (new glove, cleats, batting gloves, Under Armor, face mask, etc). I would assume these items have no street value, and may have been dumped somewhere in the surrounding neighborhood. If they are found, we would be happy to know and come retrieve. It’s already cost us almost $250 just to replace the necessities to get through this week’s high school softball games.

A report is filed with police.

PROWL ATTEMPT CAUGHT ON CAMERA: From a Sunrise Heights apartment garage, a would-be prowler caught on camera:

Here we have a prime example of ‪‎Prowlus Interruptus‬, a sub-species that clings to the bottom rungs of society and attempts survival by taking things that do not belong to them.

Thankfully, I came down into the garage just in time to scare them off. Police have been notified and a case is open. Please keep your eyes open for this white Jeep in the neighborhood.

We believe this was a targeted attempt to prowl one of our residents, but there was definitely some casing of the garage going on as well.

THANKS … for sharing the reports – our peninsula is one community and crime crosses neighborhood borders; a thief who strikes in Admiral could strike next in Arbor Heights … editor@westseattleblog.com or, if it’s happening now, text/call 206-293-6302 – once you’ve called 911, of course!

P.S. We covered tonight’s well-attended West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting and will have the story up around 10 if breaking news doesn’t interrupt.

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THANKS! Scouting for Food generosity

March 22, 2016 8:08 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news

Thanks to Megan for the photo and report on one of the troops that participated in Scouting for Food last weekend:

Our West Seattle troop, #282, participated in Scouting for Food the last two weekends. We put up door hangers in the Genesee neighborhood the first Saturday, asking residents to donate food for the West Seattle Food bank. We went back last Saturday to pick up donations. Residents of Genesee were very generous. We collected 356 pounds of food for the Food Bank. We do this every year at this time because it is a time that food banks are historically low on supplies but yet there are still many in our community who need help.

If you weren’t in the territory covered by the Scouting For Food drives, you can still help local food banks in many ways – West Seattle Food Bank info is here; White Center Food Bank info is here.

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West Seattle beverages: Sound & Fog set for Broadstone Sky

March 22, 2016 3:06 pm

| 13 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS beverages

(WSB photos. Above, Sound & Fog proprietor Justin Krebs)

Back when what’s now Broadstone Sky (4745 40th SW) went through Design Review in 2013, board members pushed for the project to include a commercial café-type space on its north side, adjacent to what will eventually be a city park.

The space became part of the plan, and now it has a tenant, just signed: A coffee-and-more café to be called Sound & Fog.

Morgan Junction resident Justin Krebs tells WSB that he’s worked in the coffee business for 13 years, for companies big and not-so-big, and now “it’s time to make money for myself.”

“Sound & Fog is going to be a coffee bar that will feature Olympia Coffee Roasters with rotating roasters monthly from the Seattle area and Internationally,” he explains. In addition to espresso, pour-overs and drip coffee, he expects to “feature a seasonal array of rotating coffee and tea-based beverages. I will also be serving a rotating line of local breweries (3-4) on tap and in bottles as well. In addition to beer, I’ll have a significant offering of seasonal wines to choose from for in-house consumption or bottle takeaway.” Some “small” food offerings, too.

(North- and east-facing sides)

Right now, the space is a big, bright shell, with windows on three sides. Some of the windows open, so it’ll be airy as well as bright. Some seating is planned along the windows, but the centerpiece of the space will be the bar, right in the middle. One wall will be “retail” for that “takeaway wine.” You might also find a small mural in the space; Krebs is talking with artist friends about that.

(East- and south-facing sides)

We had to ask about the name. Krebs said coming up with one was “stressful” – until one day, his husband suggested Sound & Fog, and that was it. “It’s what I like about living in West Seattle” – including the occasional foghorns heard from the neighborhood where he lives; he considers the foghorns “romantic” (though he acknowledges with laughter that not everyone might agree).

At Sound & Fog, in the early months you’ll be more likely to hear sirens than foghorns, since temporary Fire Station 32 is on the Parks-owned land to the north, and some construction sound from The Whittaker to the east. But that will all eventually be done and Sound & Fog will be, as Krebs says, “situated well. … My goal is to create a relaxed atmosphere where you can grab a coffee and meet with friends for a beer or glass of wine.”

Krebs expects buildout to start in mid-April, and he hopes to be open by the start of summer about two months later. He’ll be open seven days a week, probably until about 8 Sundays-Thursdays, 10-ish Fridays-Saturdays, for starters.

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Spring cleaning? Here’s what to set aside for Recycle Roundup

March 22, 2016 2:17 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

That flyer (PDF version here) shows what will, and won’t, be accepted at the next Recycle Roundup at Fauntleroy UCC Church, now just a month away. Judy Pickens sent it along with the early reminder – 9 am-3 pm on Sunday, April 24th, you’ll be able to drop off your recyclables for free, as 1 Green Planet sets up at the church parking lot (9130 Fauntleroy SW) for the day, as they do twice yearly, in partnership with the church’s Green Committee.

SIDE NOTE/QUESTION: If you are – or know of someone who is – planning a SHREDDING event this spring, please let us know as soon as you can – we are frequently asked if one is coming up, but haven’t received any announcements yet.

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WSB EXTRA: Who watches your water?

March 22, 2016 11:47 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news

Story and photos by Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

It’s an almost-sacred trust: You turn or pull a handle to open a faucet in your home, and you expect clear, clean water to flow.

Unlike many areas of the world – as is being amply pointed out today, World Water Day – if you have lived here all or most of your life, it’s something you might not think twice about.

That’s why, for those who experienced “brown water” in recent months – as reported here repeatedly, starting when Myrtle Reservoir was offline for work but continuing intermittently even after it went back online – it was so startling, even when reassured that the water’s safe to use. Compounding the concerns is news from elsewhere, particularly the crisis in Flint, Michigan.

So that led some readers to ask, who’s routinely watching the water here, and how?

In response to that question, Seattle Public Utilities offered us a visit to its Water Quality Laboratory in SODO.

There, not only does SPU monitor and test samples from around its service area (the entire city and a few areas beyond) through a variety of lab procedures, it also convenes a twice-monthly gathering of taste testers. (To be precise – they test flavor, not taste. More on that shortly.)

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West Seattle restaurants: About that notice on the Mawadda Café window

March 22, 2016 10:44 am

| 17 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(WSB photo)

By Randall Hauk
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The notice for a liquor-license application in the front window of the Admiral District’s Mawadda Café has caught the attention recently of visitors seeking a taste of the Mediterranean eatery’s notoriously delicious falafel.

Cafe owner Rami Al-Jabori confirms to WSB that he has interest from a new ownership entity behind listed applicant “Irashai” (the Japanese word for “welcome”), but says he’s still talking to multiple potential buyers of his current space at 2352 California Avenue SW and has yet to commit to a sale.

“We’re still negotiating,” Al-Jebori told WSB. “The deal is not closed.”

Even so, Al-Jebori says he is seeking to shutter his West Seattle location after failing to find a consistent audience over the last four-plus years.

“We thought it was a big opportunity four years ago, but we’ve not been able to break even,” says Al-Jebori, who acknowledges he is actively looking to sell in order to close the West Seattle location while continuing to operate successful eateries in the Rainier Valley and Burien under the “Mawadda” name, which means “beloved” in Urdu.

For now, Al-Jebori says the Admiral location will continue to operate at its normal hours.

Bellevue business advisers SHK Group, who own the phone number listed on Irashai’s liquor license application, were unable to comment on their client’s plans. Efforts to contact the client have been fruitless so far.

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What’s ahead for your West Seattle Tuesday

March 22, 2016 9:45 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Juvenile bald eagle drying out at Alki Point, photographed by Gary Jones)

First – thanks for all the great photos! We’re featuring four here this morning (one of them ours), interspersed with today/tonight’s list, and more are in queue. On to the calendar highlights:

BABY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at Southwest Library – bring your baby, up to one year old, for a fun, free half-hour. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

(Lincoln Park, photographed last week by 14-year-old Conor)

COUNCILMEMBER, SPD AT BLOCK WATCH CAPTAINS’ NETWORK: All welcome to hear from, and bring questions/concerns to, City Councilmember Lisa Herbold and Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis at tonight’s West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting – you don’t even have to be in a Block Watch. 6:30 pm at the precinct meeting room, right off the parking lot. (2300 SW Webster)

(Along Alki Avenue on Monday afternoon: WSB photo)

TUESDAY TUNE-UP FOR FULL LIFE CARE: Music, awareness, fun, and fundraising at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor) 6:30-8:30 pm tonight, as the Tuesday Tune-Up with pianist Victor Janusz and friends benefits Full Life Care – explained here. No cover, but donations gratefully accepted. (1936 Harbor SW)

CROCHET, KNIT, SOCIALIZE … with the circle that meets 7-9 pm Tuesdays at Uptown Espresso in The Junction. All skill levels welcome. (California/Edmunds/Erskine)

BILLY JOE & THE RC’S: Rocking the Parliament Tavern, 7-9 pm, no cover. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

(Monday’s peek sunset, photographed by James Bratsanos)

HEY! THAT’S NOT EVERYTHING! The one place to find all our listings – for today/tonight/beyond – is the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar.

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West Seattle coyotes: 2 sightings

March 22, 2016 9:04 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Two sightings your West Seattle neighbors wanted to share:

NEAR MORGAN JUNCTION: Brandon just e-mailed this:

Just wanted to report that I ran into a coyote this morning while walking the dogs, in case it is news. It came out of the alley between Mills and Willow, headed across Fauntleroy and headed down Willow [map] toward Pelly Place. It was around 7:30 this morning. My wife thought that cat owners would like to know.

MID-DELRIDGE: Sunday night, a texter reported a “coyote sighting at 24th and Myrtle [map] – our first sighting in 2 years living here.”

Just because you haven’t seen one doesn’t mean they’re not around – scroll through our archives for years of sightings (many with photos). We share them to be sure everyone’s aware they share our city (among others). Most important thing you can do if you see one is to scare it away – coexistence requires a healthy distance – lots more info on that can be found in this state-produced one-sheet.

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UPDATE: Fire response in South Delridge

March 22, 2016 6:23 am

| Comments Off on UPDATE: Fire response in South Delridge

| West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(ADDED: WSB photos)

6:23 AM: A Seattle Fire response is arriving at 9421 18th SW, describing a small fire in a rug on a cabinet at this former church site which now houses the Hope Academy school and other facilities.

6:32 AM: The fire is reported to be under control; per scanner (our crew is almost there), firefighters are trying to determine whether its source was electrical.

6:38 AM: We’ve talked to SFD at the scene and they have confirmed it was an electrical fire, now out.

6:50 AM: The damage is minimal, we’re told, confined to a single outlet in the “main sanctuary” area, and shouldn’t affect use of the building. Fire crews are starting to leave.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday updates & reminders

March 22, 2016 6:12 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday updates & reminders

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

6:12 AM: Good morning and welcome to Tuesday – no travel trouble spots reported in or from our area right now.

METRO SERVICE CHANGE SATURDAY: Time for daily reminders that Saturday is Metro’s next “service change,” and this is the one with a big change for RapidRide – the C and D Lines separate, with the C Line route going to South Lake Union. All the Metro info is here.

‘EARLY RELEASE DAY’ WEDNESDAY: Also of note – tomorrow is the next “early release day” for Seattle Public Schools, two hours earlier than usual.

6:19 AM: There’s a fire response at 9421 18th SW – we’ll be covering separately.

7 AM: The fire response is clearing. One other reminder for today – presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is in the area, for afternoon/evening events in Everett, Medina, and Rainier Beach.

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