West Seattle, Washington

18 Thursday

48℉

month : 04/2016 306 results

WATER SAFETY: Seattle Public Utilities says test results show NO lead problems, offers online tool for checking what your service line’s made of
April 24, 2016 3:55 pm
|      34 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | Utilities | West Seattle news


(Screengrab from SPU mapping tool you can use to figure out what kind of “service line” goes to your residence)

3:55 PM: Just out of the WSB inbox:

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) said today that two days of extensive testing in five Seattle homes confirms the city’s water continues to be safe to drink.

The utility started testing after learning last week that Tacoma Public Utilities had detected high levels of lead in four water samples taken from galvanized steel service lines.

In response to that information, SPU asked Seattle residents to run their water before using it if the water had not been run for a while. SPU then initiated its own tests to see if the problems reported in Tacoma exist here.

The Seattle test results announced today are well below the action level for lead of 15 parts per billion (ppb). The highest level recorded in Seattle’s tests was 1.95 ppb.

Seattle’s water quality experts worked with five homeowners, distributed throughout the city, with galvanized-steel service lines. They sampled water from the main to the tap, after allowing the water to sit overnight in the pipes.

“This sampling protocol was much more extensive than the standard federal test, and should give customers an added sense of confidence in their water,” said SPU Drinking Water Quality Manager Wylie Harper.

“Seattle Public Utilities is in compliance with U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations,” said Derek Pell of the Washington State Department of Health’s (DOH) Office of Drinking Water. Pell added Seattle’s testing protocol is supported by DOH.

If customers are interested in learning what kind of material — copper, plastic or galvanized steel — the service line that supplies their homes with drinking water is made of, they can use a new online Web tool.

You can navigate to the Web tool by clicking here.

SPU said the test results released today mean Seattle water customers can return to using water as they did before Thursday’s announcement. (EPA, DOH and SPU recommend running the water before drinking.)

SPU’s source water, supplied to 1.3 million people in the region, comes from protected mountain watersheds in the Cascades Mountains and is considered to be some of the best water in the nation.

Seattle regularly tests its water for lead and other contaminants, and has met all requirements of the federal Lead and Copper Rule since 2003.

The utility’s state-of-the-art water quality laboratory analyzes over 20,000 microbiological samples each year — more than 50 a day taken throughout the system — and conducts chemical and physical monitoring daily, 365 days per year.

SPU continues to work with key stakeholders and regulators including DOH, Seattle-King County Public Health, EPA and city departments.

A phone line has been set up for customers with questions: 206-684-5800. Customers can call today until 7 p.m., and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

9:01 PM UPDATE: As discovered and discussed by commenters, there are some spots on the map where you won’t find the water-line information. We asked SPU, whose Andy Ryan replied: “We know there are some ‘blanks’ in the database. Records were not always well kept or complete and some parts of the city were annexed. If your readers have questions — such as, ‘I can’t find information for my address’ — please ask them to call 684-5800, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.”

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UPDATE: Fire call in 3200 block 31st SW
April 24, 2016 2:44 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

2:44 PM: Thanks for the text. Seattle Fire has sent a big dispatch to a possible house fire in High Point, in the 3200 block of 31st SW.

2:49 PM: Before we arrived, the call’s been closed, meaning the SFD units have all been sent back. So, nothing major.

4:47 PM: WSB’s Christopher Boffoli reports having caught the description via scanner before this call’s quick closeout: A small fire related to a bird’s nest in or around a chimney/heater outlet.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Suspected gunfire in The Junction; more car break-ins
April 24, 2016 2:30 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch so far today:

SUSPECTED GUNFIRE IN THE JUNCTION: We’ve been checking on this after several inquiries about possible gunshots and arguing heard in the 3:30 am vicinity, near Capco Plaza at 42nd/Alaska in The Junction. No one texted or called when it happened, so we didn’t get to check it out in real time (so much is not on the scanner these days – 206-293-6302 is our 24/7 hotline), and the best we’ve been able to do is process of elimination: There were no medic calls on the Seattle Fire log, which means no one was hurt; no gunfire incidents on the SPD Twitter call log or SPD police-report maps. To go the extra mile in checking on it, we went to the Southwest Precinct to see if someone could check the report for us. The desk officer said he already had just checked on the incident at a caller’s request, and he said there’s nothing in the system about gunfire – which would mean no shell casings, no bullet holes – the final call designation was a noise disturbance related to a “party.” If we find out anything more, we’ll add it, but that’s all we have so far.

CAR BREAK-INS: Reader report from Kami:

Looks like WS was hit by more car prowls last night. Our car was broken into between 10-8am last night (in the 4000 block of) 36th Ave SW. Ping Zing 2 golf clubs were stolen in Bengals golf bag. Police said multiple other cars were prowled on the same block in the alley parking spots and garages. Remind neighbors to watch for cars entering the alleys that are not recognized and report anything suspicious.

Reminder – car prowls/thefts are the spotlight topic Tuesday night at the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting, all welcome, 6:30 pm, precinct meeting room at 2300 SW Webster.

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HAPPENING NOW: Recycling in the rain
April 24, 2016 10:40 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

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At Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), the rain’s not stopping the twice-yearly Recycle Roundup, on until 3 pm today. We stopped by in the first hour and found people dropping off everything from an old TV antenna to an exercise cycle.

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There’s no charge to drop off your recyclables as long as they’re on the list; the church’s Green Committee coordinates this every spring and fall with recycler 1 Green Planet and will of course accept donations to cover their expenses, but that’s totally voluntary. They have one request: Please DON’T wait until the end of the day – after 2:30, there can be a long line.

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West Seattle Sunday: Recycle Roundup; bike-commute test rides; Rock Show; ‘Screenagers’; Passover ‘pop-up’; more!
April 24, 2016 6:03 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

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(The Brothers, photographed by WSB’s Patrick Sand)

Good morning! Still deciding how to spend your Sunday? From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, some possibilities:

BICYCLE-COMMUTE TEST RIDES: Thinking about commuting by bicycle during the impending Alaskan Way Viaduct two-weeks-or-so closure, now just five days away? West Seattle Bike Connections has announced test rides today, from three West Seattle starting points:

*Lowman Beach, 9 am (info here)
*Morgan Junction, 9 am (info here)
*The Junction, 9:20 am (info here)

Important – if it looks like rain, please check those links to see if there are updates with changes/cancellations.

RECYCLE ROUNDUP: Today’s your first of two chances this year to get those non-curbside-type recyclables out of the house and into the hands of recyclers, for free! 9 am-3 pm at the Fauntleroy Church parking lot. The list of what 1 Green Planet will take (with some mentions of what they won’t) is here. (9131 California SW)

‘SCREENAGERS’: 10 am at the Admiral Theater, the Alki Elementary PTA presents a showing of this film looking at the screen time in kids/teens’ lives and what parents really need to know and do. Ticket link’s in our listing. (2343 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE ROCK SHOW: 10 am-5 pm, second and final day of the free, fun 50th annual show, presented by the West Seattle Rock Club at the Alki Masonic Center in The Junction. Here’s our report from day 1. (4736 40th SW)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm in The Junction, shop in the street! (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

EARTH DAY SERVICE WITH ZARNA JOSHI: The organizer, activist, writer, and storyteller Zarna Joshi speaks during the Earth Day service at 10:30 am at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation – all welcome – info here. (7141 California SW)

PLAY GAMES! Eight groups are scheduled at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor) today, noon until night, according to the schedule on the right side of the Meeples home page. Go play! (3727 California SW)

EARTH DAY STORYTELLING: 2-4 pm, free, at the Duwamish Longhouse. You’ll hear from storytellers Johnny Moses (Tulalip), Rebecca Hom from Shelton, and Blake Shelafoe (Duwamish), as well as from James Rasmussen of the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition, about the healing of the river. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

‘LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE’: 3 pm matinee at Kenyon Hall, as Twelfth Night Productions‘ Seattle-premiere performance continues. (7904 35th SW)

POP-UP PASSOVER SEDER: 4-7 pm at Delridge Community Center – celebrate with friends and neighbors as Passover continues. Details here. (4501 Delridge Way SW)

MORE! See today’s full list on our complete calendar.

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@ Delridge District Council: Get ready for the next step toward Terminal 5’s future; hear what your councilmember is working on; and more…
April 23, 2016 11:56 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge District Council | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

If you like to be the first to know – Wednesday night’s Delridge Neighborhoods District Council meeting was full of looking into the future, including two major draft reports due out soon and updates from our area’s city councilmember. If you weren’t there, get ready to get informed on all of the above and then some:

TERMINAL 5 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OUT SOON: Paul Meyer from the Port of Seattle said he was at DNDC to get that message out. At one point, you might recall, the modernization project planned for Terminal 5 wasn’t going to have an environmental impact statement, which sparked a neighborhood protest including a petition drive. But then the port said it would need one after all because prospective clients for the new terminal were making it clear its operations would be more sizable than expected.

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CONTINUING SUNDAY: Happy half-century, West Seattle Rock Show!
April 23, 2016 10:17 pm
|    Comments Off on CONTINUING SUNDAY: Happy half-century, West Seattle Rock Show!
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

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(WSB photos)

Though it’s truly a gem of a show, not everything at the West Seattle Rock Club‘s 50th annual show is sparkly:

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That display near the entrance to the show at the Alki Masonic Center honors the 1975 designation of petrified wood as our state’s official gem. It’s one of many display cases showing a variety of treasures from the earth:

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The displays are from collectors and enthusiasts of all ages. And the show is for everyone – admission is free, though you have the opportunity to spend a little or a lot, with vendors around the room as well as silent auctions toward the back – one geared for adults, one aimed at kids:

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Participants are also ready to show and explain how they work with rocks and gems. Admission and parking are free; the show continues 10 am-5 pm Sunday at 4736 40th SW.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen, found, more…
April 23, 2016 8:13 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports – and a few more notes – tonight:

EARLY-MORNING CAR PROWL: From Katie:

Car broken into on 64th Ave SW, Alki neighborhood, at Hinds. A Hispanic man, 5’10”, found rifling through trunk, ran off when brother came out to his car. Had gotten into passenger cab and stolen a small bag with supplies and personal effects along with my paycheck. About 6 am today.

THIEVES HIT YARD, VEHICLES: Deanna says this happened “sometime between Tuesday and Wednesday”:

They went out into our backyard and stole lawn mower, weed whacker, step ladder, and a few small decorative items. 5000 block of Delridge Way SW. (Also) Our neighbors’ car was broken into parked next to our house, and our neighbors’ truck (a few townhomes down) was also broken into. They’re around 5100 Delridge

BIKE FOUND, BIKE STOLEN: First, Dawnee in Highland Park wonders if this might be your stolen bicycle:

Hers was stolen two days ago, not the first time she’s been hit by theft. Hers is a red, SE Palisade 21-speed women’s bike, taken from 18th/Cloverdale.

ITEMS FOUND ON GATEWOOD ROAD: A reader found these on Thursday:

On leaving my home at the top of Gatewood Road at 12:30 pm … I noticed two bags sitting on top of our rockery. There were multiple empty Trader Joe an Goodwill bags except for one which contained a set of keys (6 total including car keys and car alarm) and maybe house keys? Also eyeglasses and sunglasses in a case with a $5 bill inside; a headband was on the sidewalk also. Also a small Panasonic car radio remote and several items I can’t identify.

Sound familiar? Let us know.

OTHER FOUND ITEMS – MAYBE STOLEN, MAYBE NOT: In case you’ve missed previous mentions, we’ve added a new section to the WSB Forums since our technical changes earlier this year, a “West Seattle Lost/Found” section for everything but pets (who’ve had their own Lost/Found section on WSB for eight years), after frequent requests. While the mentions above seem to likely have been dumped by thieves, it’s not always easy to make that judgment, so if you find something and you’re not sure, that’s where to post. One item added today: An iPad found in Sunrise Heights.

NEXT CRIME/SAFETY MEETING: Another reminder that the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting on Tuesday will feature, in addition to a crime briefing from Southwest Precinct leadership, special guest Detective Scotty Bach, with info about car prowls/thefts. Somebody from your neighborhood should be there, even if you are Block Watch-less. 6:30 pm Tuesday, precinct meeting room on the parking lot off Webster west of Delridge.

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RECYCLE ROUNDUP SUNDAY: One more reminder
April 23, 2016 7:00 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from past Recycle Roundup)

Getting ready for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day (three weeks from today!) and realizing not everything is sellable, even at the low-low-low-make-an-offer level? Or, just de-cluttering in general? One more reminder – tomorrow is the spring edition of the twice-annual Recycle Roundup in the Fauntleroy Church parking lot at 9140 California SW. 9 am-3 pm. Drop your recyclables off for free, as long as they’re on this list (which also points out what the church Green Committee‘s Recycle Roundup partner 1 Green Planet definitely WON’T take). One more thing: The earlier you can get there in that six-hour window, the better.

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West Seattle schools: Sealth 9th graders collaborating with Roxhill 2nd graders
April 23, 2016 3:44 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle schools: Sealth 9th graders collaborating with Roxhill 2nd graders
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Thanks to Chief Sealth International High School teacher Heather Griffin for the photos and report:

Ninth-graders in Ms. Griffin’s Language Arts class at Chief Sealth International High School are collaborating with a second-grade class at Roxhill Elementary School on a story project.

As part of our Healthy Communities unit, focusing on the Duwamish River, 9th graders will be writing short stories about the river and publishing them in an anthology, with the assistance of volunteers from The Greater Seattle Bureau of Fearless Ideas.

Our first session with the 2nd graders was to gather original research. What makes a good story? What makes the best characters fun? How are these stories written? How do they start? On June 9th, we’ll go back to present our anthologies to our 2nd grade friends.

Cool school news? editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!

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FOLLOWUP: Highland Park Improvement Club partly reopens after ‘eyebrow removal’
April 23, 2016 1:24 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news

hpcourtyard
(WSB photo – today)

1:24 PM: Less than 48 hours after the “eyebrow” of their historic, almost-a-century-old building fell off (WSB coverage here), members, friends, and neighbors of the Highland Park Improvement Club are hard at work getting the debris out of the way. They have enough help, they told us, to be done this afternoon; that help included neighbors who didn’t wait for the announced 11 am start time, as well as someone passing by who asked if they could take some of the plywood off HPIC’s hands.

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(Photo from today, by Dina Lydia Johnson)

Next step, shoring up the remaining awning, and they’re putting out a call to West Seattle contractors/construction companies to see if anyone’s willing to help (contact info is on the HPIC website, hpic1919.org). That’s on the south side of the building, along SW Holden, where the sidewalk remains closed until the awning is shored up:

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(WSB photo – Thursday night)

In the short run, they’re hoping to put a brace on that remaining overhang. The building not only is used as a community center by Highland Park groups including HPIC – this Wednesday, for example, it’s scheduled for the regular fourth-Wednesday meeting of the Highland Park Action Committee – it’s also usually busy with classes, rentals, and events including movie nights and the first-Friday Corner Bar.

3:04 PM: As Alan said in comments, no work party tomorrow. Here’s the official message just in from HPIC:

Thanks to all that helped! We just wrapped it up. There will not be a work party tomorrow. Many hands made light work! We do have a small pile of metal next to the large dumpster in case anyone is interested in saving us from cutting it up to size for the recycle bin! It is yours for the taking.

We are also putting out the call for a bonded contractor to remove the awning that has not fallen. We are hoping to hire someone from the neighborhood.

7:11 PM: And the latest on the building’s status:

The debris from the fallen awning is cleaned up, a support post was put under the awning next to Holden and repairs were made to the handrails. We are now back open for classes and meetings. We still have a large dumpster in the middle of the parking lot for removal of the awning on the Holden side. We hope to have that awning removed soon but, until it is, we are not going to be able to support any large rentals or Corner Bar. Hopefully, we will get the rest of the awning removed very soon, as none of us want to miss Corner Bar!

(The next CB would be Friday, May 6th.)

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SOFTBALL: West Seattle HS vs. Chief Sealth IHS
April 23, 2016 11:34 am
|    Comments Off on SOFTBALL: West Seattle HS vs. Chief Sealth IHS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

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(WSB photo: WSHS #14, sophomore Anabelle Watt, on the mound)

Cross-peninsula rivals West Seattle High School and Chief Sealth International High School met on the diamond Friday afternoon. Final score in the game at Southwest Athletic Complex: Wildcats 19, Seahawks 9.

What’s ahead: Both teams have games on Monday (April 25th), both 4 pm at SWAC, against different teams – Sealth plays Cleveland and WSHS plays Seattle Prep.

Also on Monday, there’s an all-you-can-eat benefit for the WSHS Booster Club to help the softball team, 5-9 pm at Pecado Bueno in The Junction (4523 California SW). $15 adults/$10 kids under 12 for the all-you-can-eat taco bar, all proceeds from which will go to the fundraiser.

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West Seattle Saturday: Join forces with your neighbors!
April 23, 2016 7:51 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

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Thanks to Janna for the exuberant photo from sunset at the beach. Before our next sunset … helping out in your neighborhood is a big theme today. From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar as well as from previews we’ve published, ways to help, and more:

NORTH DELRIDGE CLEANUP: The North Delridge Neighborhood Council Beautification Committee invites you to meet at Uptown Espresso in Delridge, 9:30 am for coffee/socializing, 10 am to head out and clean up. (Delridge Way/SW Andover)

HIGHLAND PARK ELEMENTARY CLEANUP AND PLAYGROUND PLANNING: All-day event for which you’re invited to go the distance, or drop in for just a while. 8 am-4 pm playground planning, 9 am-noon cleanup in front of the school. (1012 SW Trenton)

WEST SEATTLE ROCK AND GEM SHOW: 10 am-5 pm today and tomorrow at Alki Masonic Center, the West Seattle Rock Club‘s annual show offers activities, rock/gem viewing, vendors, more. Admission free. More info in our calendar listing. (40th SW/SW Edmunds)

HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB HELP: Starting at 11 am, HP Improvement Club and friends will be taking apart the building “eyebrow” that fell on Thursday night:

Skills/tools needed: Sawzall, circular saw, long extension cords, gloves, eye protection, and ear protection if you want. The structure needs to be cut up and then placed into the dumpster in such a way that it holds all the material. There will be lots of nails poking out, so tough clothing, shoes and gloves highly recommended. If you want to bring snacks, that’s great too. And even if you want to just stop by – please do, and cheer on the Eyebrow Un-Raising!

Depending on how much gets done today, they might need help on Sunday too – we should have an update in the evening. (12th SW/SW Holden)

DIA! Celebrate kids and books at Southwest Library, 11 am-1 pm. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

APRIL POOL’S DAY: Another chance to learn life-saving safety lessons while having fun. 12:30 pm-2:30 pm at Evergreen Community Aquatic Center in White Center – info here. (606 SW 116th)

ARABIC STORYTIME: 1-1:30 pm at Delridge Library. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

HOW TO WRITE A PERSONAL ESSAY: 2-4 pm free writing class at High Point Library as part of “Seattle Writes” – first-come, first-admitted, doors open half an hour in advance. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

SUSTAINABLE WEST SEATTLE: Join the community discussion tonight about resilience in tough times, presented by Sustainable West Seattle, 6-8 pm at Admiral Bird – full details in our listing. (California SW/SW Admiral Way)

‘LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE’: Twelfth Night Productions‘ Seattle-premiere presentation continues with 7:30 pm showtime tonight at Kenyon Hall – details and ticket info here. (7904 35th SW)

LIVE MUSIC: Performers and venues tonight include Bon-Fulton, 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), and Johnny and the Moles, 9 pm at Parliament Tavern (4210 SW Admiral Way).

SECOND NIGHT OF PASSOVER: Starts at sunset.

MUCH MORE ON OUR COMPLETE CALENDAR … see it here.

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UPDATE: Man shot at 15th and Roxbury
April 23, 2016 12:35 am
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

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12:35 AM: If you’re seeing/hearing Guardian One in the White Center/Highland Park area – there’s a search under way related to a shooting reported at 15th and Roxbury.

12:41 AM: In medical communications between emergency personnel, the victim is described as a man around 40 years old who has been shot once in the leg. At least one armed suspect was reported to have fled eastbound along Roxbury. The victim is about to be taken to Harborview via Seattle Fire Medic 32.

1:43 AM: As we noted in comments, this is the third 15th/Roxbury shooting in less than a month, all involving someone getting shot in the leg. The ground search was still under way as of our quick check of the area a little while ago, with both SPD and KCSO involved. The 15th/Roxbury gas station/mini-mart appears to have been the scene, at least judging by the stringing of crime-scene tape (photo added above).

ADDED MONDAY MORNING: Summary and added info from King County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West:

On Saturday morning just after midnight we responded to a shooting at the White Center Mini Mart at 1505 Roxbury.

When we arrived we found a 40 year old Seattle man on the east side of the building shot in the upper thigh. Witnesses said there may have been a verbal altercation between the victim and 3 males just prior to the shooting and it is believed one of the males shot the victim.

The 3 were last seen running from the scene and were described as:

#1. Black male, late teens to early 20’s, approximately 5’10”, stocky build, dark smooth skin, a 4”afro, last seen wearing a dark blue Adidas jogging suit jacket, dark colored jeans and white tennis shoes.

#2. Black male, late teens to early 20’s, approximately 5’10”, thin build, with a “short afro,” last seen wearing a black and white checkered flannel shirt that appeared to be insulated, dark blue jeans and red tennis shoes. He was also wearing green and yellow billed baseball cap.

#3. Black male, late teens to early 20’s, approximately 5’10”, thin build, “short afro,” last seen wearing a dark colored sweater, pinstriped grey or beige khaki’s and white tennis shoes.

The victim was taken to Harborview in serious condition.

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Reader report: ‘Note to parents about bullets and shells’
April 22, 2016 11:32 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

That’s how West Seattle mom Holli Margell headed her note, including this photo and report:

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At (Southwest Athletic Complex) this evening around 7 pm, my 4th grader found six shells during track and field practice. He put them in a pile to the side so no one would step on them, then he came and told me about them. I had never thought I’d need to tell my kids to never touch bullets or shells they saw on the ground before!

I’m hoping that anyone else who heard or saw something suspicious reported or reports it too.

And, while I have talked to my kids about never touching a gun they find, and the importance of telling an adult if they do, I learned this evening that talk should include bullets and shells.

In a followup exchange, she said the shells were on the turf field near the southern goal. And yes, she reported the discovery to police.

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UPDATE: 3 to hospital after car hits pillar along W. Marginal Way SW
April 22, 2016 9:17 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

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(First WSB photo)

9:17 PM: Big emergency response for a crash, possibly three people with serious injuries, at West Marginal Way and Spokane Street. We’re en route. Avoid the area.

9:35 PM: West Marginal Way SW is partly blocked off just east of the five-point intersection, just under the west end of the low bridge. We’ve just arrived near the scene and have also heard part of the medical reports on the victims. Three people are hurt – two with major injuries, one somewhat less serious. Two are described as men in their 20s; we missed the third description. All three were in the backseat of what’s described as a vehicle that hit a concrete bridge pillar “at a high rate of speed.” Two others were reported to be in the car.

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(This photo and next three below, by Christopher Boffoli)

9:51 PM: SPD tells us at the scene that this is on Port of Seattle property, so Port police will take over the investigation. We’ve added a photo of the car atop this report. As for the two other people reported to have been in the car – where they are, apparently no one knows.

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10 PM: Traffic is now being allowed past the scene in both directions, and a tow truck has arrived.

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10:49 PM: Added photos from WSB’s Christopher Boffoli with a wider look at the scene and closer look at the car, as the tow crew prepared to remove it.

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UPDATE: Why Guardian 1 was over Schmitz Park
April 22, 2016 8:20 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   Helicopter | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

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(WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)

8:21 PM: Thanks for the tips. Guardian 1 is helping look for several people reported to be in Schmitz Park. We do not know why yet but will be there momentarily to look for officers to ask on the ground.

8:27 PM: We just arrived at Admiral Way park entrance; 3 SPD cars here. Looking for officers to get info.

8:34 PM: A park visitor reported seeing someone with a gun. But the person who called 911 was gone and didn’t give a description. No gunfire, no victim(s). The ground and air search turned up nothing, so it’s over now.

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BIZNOTES: Four, from flowers to food
April 22, 2016 7:00 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Four quick biznotes to share:

FLEURT’S EARTH DAY GIFT: Earth Day is actually Earth Weekend at Fleurt in The Junction. Tomorrow and Sunday the shop will continue its annual tradition – drop off your “gently used vases, containers, pots, and jars,” and every dropoff gets you a free mini-cactus in exchange. The shop is at 4526 California SW.

SIGN #1 – PECOS PIT: The new barbecue restaurant in the remodeled ex-teriyaki joint at 35th/Fauntleroy is hiring – just posted in the WSB West Seattle Jobs Offered section – and now says it’s opening in May. On Thursday, the permanent sign went up:

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Thanks to Kendall Jones from Washington Beer Blog for sharing the photo.

SIGN #2 – PEGASUS PIZZA: Also getting hoisted yesterday, the new sign for Pegasus Pizza at 2770 Alki SW:

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That’s one of the finishing touches from their remodeling project.

NEW MARKET IN WHITE CENTER: Fans of the departed Phnom Khiev Market may want to check out the new market in its former location starting tomorrow – that’s when the new C & T Asian Market at 16th/17th/100th is scheduled to open, community member Gill tells us.

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TRAFFIC ALERT UPDATE: Fauntleroy/Oregon crash
April 22, 2016 5:36 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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5:37 PM: Thanks to the texter who sent word of this – it’s not on the 911 log, so apparently no major injuries – a multi-car crash on westbound Fauntleroy Way in The Triangle, just past Oregon. “Slow going,” says our tipster.

6:04 PM: Just went by to check; scene is completely clear.

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Safety & money: Two updates
April 22, 2016 4:19 pm
|    Comments Off on Safety & money: Two updates
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

First update is from a mayoral announcement this afternoon:

NO PUBLIC-SAFETY LEVY, SAYS MAYOR: Tax-watchers have long voiced suspicion that a city public-safety levy was on the horizon. Today, in an announcement about how SPD’s new North Precinct would be funded, Mayor Murray announced outright that he would not be proposing a public-safety levy this year or next. The announcement says that’s because the city’s Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) income remains “strong.” Read the announcement here. (It does not mention the funding plan for additional SPD hires the mayor recently promised.)

Second update is a followup on a story we reported earlier this week:

911 CENTER RENOVATIONS FOLLOWUP: On Wednesday, we reported on the renovations that SPD says have temporarily reduced the number of lines they have for dealing with 911 calls. We couldn’t find information about the project online, so we asked the city’s Finance and Administrative Services Department. Spokesperson Julie Moore explained that no bidding information was available online because “this project did not go through the traditional bidding process. We used the Job Order Contracting (JOC) process, which per RCW 39.10.420-460, allows the City to issue work orders directly to a JOC prime contractor for facility and utility construction projects not exceeding $350,000.” FAS is handling part of the project, while the equipment is being handled by SPD. So Moore is speaking only for the construction work, which she explains “is secondary but necessary to prepare the space for the main intent of the project – replacing the existing 38 dispatch and eight training/back-up consoles with new consoles and equipment. Additional equipment upgrades include large display monitors and software upgrades, all in collaboration and with support from King County E9-1-1, Seattle IT and several City and County service providers. The work is contained in the main call center/dispatch room, training room and nearby hallways on the 2nd floor of the West Precinct Seattle Police Department 911 Communications Center. FAS’ portion of the project is estimated at $348,000 and is being completed by Saybr Contractors, Inc. (a WMBE firm).” She says the scope of the work includes:

· Revise electrical to support new consoles.
· Replace static-dissipative carpet.
· Add new grounding to meet current radio system requirements.
· Add wall supports and electrical for new wall-mounted monitors.
· Add supervisor/chief dispatcher platform.

The first phase of the work updated the training area, and Moore says that was finished by March 11th. What’s under way now, updating the main call-center area for 38 new consoles, started on March 14th and is supposed to be done by the end of May. In the meantime, Moore says, 911 calltakers have been “relocated to the Fire Alarm Center co-located with the City’s Emergency Operations Center/Fire Station 10 at 400 S. Washington St.”

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SATURDAY TRAFFIC ALERT: Concrete pour to bring extra truck traffic to Murray CSO
April 22, 2016 2:42 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Before the year’s out, the county expects to complete the Murray Combined Sewer Overflow Control Project across from Lowman Beach Park, north of Lincoln Park; our most-recent project update followed the briefing presented last week to the Fauntleroy Community Association. There’s still some major work to be done, and some of it will bring dozens of concrete trucks to the site tomorrow. Here’s the alert:

King County’s contractor will be pouring concrete on-site tomorrow, Saturday, April 23 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to encase an electrical duct bank on the north side of the facility building (see photo). The electrical lines will provide power to the facility building and underground storage tank. The concrete will protect the electrical lines from moisture and heat.

Up to 10 trucks an hour will deliver concrete to the site. One concrete pump truck will be located on the east side of Beach Drive S.W. to pump the concrete onto the duct bank. Trucks delivering concrete will enter the site from Lincoln Park Way S.W. and exit using 48th Ave S.W. Trucks waiting to pour will park on Lincoln Park Way SW. Expect traffic delays and congestion while the pour is underway. Flaggers will be on site to safely direct traffic through the work zone.

Thank you for your continued patience during construction. Please contact the project hotline 206-205-9186 with any questions or concerns.

The million-gallon storage tank that’s at the heart of the project is expected to keep sewage from overflowing into Puget Sound when stormwater overwhelms the system.

P.S. Questions about this project? Next Tuesday (April 26), 5-7 pm, is your chance to drop by the site, look for the info tent that will be set up, and ask!

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VIDEO: Finally, a West Seattle tribute to Frances Farmer
April 22, 2016 12:54 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

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As Easy Street Records proprietor Matt Vaughan told a gathering in his café this morning, it’s just “ridiculous” that West Seattle has been without a permanent tribute to, and bearing the name of, Frances Farmer, the brilliant and beautiful WSHS graduate who became famous and infamous in Hollywood decades ago. He’s finally fixed that omission with this:

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He dedicated that star just inside the Easy Street Café entrance this morning, also recalling Frances Farmer as not just an actress but also as an outspoken woman in a time when females were not supposed to speak out.

(Update: Here’s video of Vaughan’s remarks.)

The star, Vaughan said, was supposed to be in the sidewalk outside the shop, but that didn’t work out due to “politics,” so its place of honor is on private property inside his business. (Ms. Farmer died of cancer in 1970, just 56 years old, and is buried in Indiana.)

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Planning to sell on West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day? Register by Wednesday!
April 22, 2016 11:30 am
|    Comments Off on Planning to sell on West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day? Register by Wednesday!
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

The 12th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day – Saturday, May 14th – is just three weeks from tomorrow, and as promised, we’ve decided on the deadline for registration. If you’re having a sale and not signed up already, please register by next Wednesday night (11:59 pm), April 27th. You can do it right now by going to the official registration form here.

Garage/yard/etc. sales are a time-honored form of person-to-person recycling, so on this Earth Day, we’re proud to again be getting ready to present the area’s biggest Community Garage Sale Day, founded in 2005 by a community-connection organization called Megawatt; we’ve been coordinating it since the fourth edition, in 2008. If you don’t have enough stuff, or space, for a full-fledged sale, check ASAP with our two multi-seller sites, WSB’s coffee-purveyor sponsors, Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (which for WSCGSD oversees both its courtyard at 4410 California SW and the parking lot across the alley at Ginomai) and C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW).

For shoppers, our tradition is to launch the map a week in advance, so you can check for it here and/or at our official WSCGSD site at westseattlegaragesale.com starting on Saturday, May 7th. Both the interactive web version and the printable/downloadable PDF version will include the up-to-20-words listings for the sales, too. More than 190 sales of all sizes, all over the peninsula, are signed up already. Again, here’s where to go. And if you have questions/problems, garagesale@westseattleblog.com is the official WSCGSD mailbox. Looking forward to May 14th!

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