day : 18/11/2016 9 results

If you saw the big police response in the 4700 block of California SW this past hour – here’s what happened: A “person in crisis” situation inside Talarico’s, according to Seattle Police. The man was subdued by the time officers arrived, and the private ambulance in our photo was called to take him to Harborview Medical Center for an evaluation.

No injuries otherwise, police said.

BIZNOTES: Carmilia’s & Itto’s anniversaries, True Value open house, West Seattle Chamber’s holiday kickoff

November 18, 2016 8:23 pm

| Comments Off on BIZNOTES: Carmilia’s & Itto’s anniversaries, True Value open house, West Seattle Chamber’s holiday kickoff

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Four biznotes tonight:

CARMILIA’S TURNS 14: The Junction boutique Carmilia’s is celebrating the shop’s 14th anniversary, with one more day of specials. 11 am-6 pm tomorrow, discounts will range from 14 percent to 56 percent, and proprietor Linda Sabee promises “Bubbly and snacks served all day.” (4528 California SW)

ITTO’S TURNS 1: On the north end of The Junction, Itto’s Tapas (WSB sponsor) celebrates its one-year anniversary on Monday (November 21st). Here’s the plan for this weekend and Monday:

To honor their beginnings, they will have brunch specials this weekend, as well as reverting to their first menu on Monday the 21st; Basque eggs, Charmoula Prawns with Candied Sage, as well as others will be highlighted. If you had any old favorites that you’ve been missing, Nov. 21st through Dec. 1st will be the time to dive into them. Thank you, West Seattle, for being such an amazing community! We can’t wait to celebrate together.

Brunch is 9 am-2 pm Saturday and Sunday at Itto’s, which is on the northeast corner of California and Genesee.

JUNCTION TRUE VALUE OPEN HOUSE: From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, which is full of open houses and bazaars for this weekend and beyond, one of the biggest is tomorrow at Junction True Value (WSB sponsor). Christmas carolers, homemade cookies, hot apple cider, free popcorn, free gifts, spin-to-win prizes, drawings for a Weber gas grill and kids’ bikes. Plus – an ugly-sweater contest. Bring nonperishable food donations for the West Seattle Food Bank. And shop the huge selection of Christmas lights/decorations, among everything else JTV offers. (4747 44th SW)

WEST SEATTLE CHAMBER KICKS OFF THE HOLIDAYS: One big event down, one to go for the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce:

We photographed Melanie, Stephanie, and Curt from Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) during the Chamber’s After-Hours event last night at Westwood Village, which started at Wyatt’s.

Next up for the Chamber is the holiday party Mix, Mingle, and Jingle, 5:30-8 pm on December 8th at The Sanctuary at Admiral (42nd SW/SW Lander) – plenty to eat, drink, and bid on. Tickets are available now via this page on the Chamber’s website.

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ADMIRAL THEATER: First renovated screen to debut tonight

November 18, 2016 5:16 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| Admiral Theater | West Seattle news

If you’re planning to go to the Admiral Theater tonight, you might be among the first to see a film on a brand-new screen. Via reader tips/questions, and then confirmation with theater management, we learned that the Admiral is debuting the first of its new auditoriums tonight – one of the two it’s been working on for the past few months, as the landmark moviehouse is transformed into a four-screen theater, with stadium seating and other state-of-the-art touches.

We stopped in for photos after confirming with the Admiral that they plan to launch the first new auditorium tonight, with the 6:30 pm showing of “Fantastic Beasts.” This is the one where old “applique murals” were uncovered during renovation work:

With the new auditorium coming online, The Admiral is back to showing two movies at a time (“Doctor Strange” is continuing right now – see the schedule here). We’re told the other new auditorium should be ready sometime next week. Once the two new ones are both in operation, then work can begin on dividing the remaining older one.

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FOLLOWUP: West Seattle-bound C Line driver dies after heart attack on Viaduct; Sam Williams, 63, was a performer too

November 18, 2016 3:24 pm

| 49 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

3:24 PM: Late last night, we reported on a medical emergency that left a RapidRide C Line bus stalled on the southbound Alaskan Way Viaduct and sent its driver to the hospital. As promised, we followed up with Metro this morning. The driver, they just told us, did not make it. Here’s the full news release that resulted from our inquiry:

A Metro Transit operator suffered a fatal heart attack late Thursday while driving a RapidRide C Line on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, just south of Columbia Street. Passengers on board were able to help bring the bus to a safe stop and call 9-1-1. No passengers were injured.

The incident was reported about 11:17 p.m. The driver, Sam Williams, 63, was traveling south when he said he was experiencing a heart attack and became semiconscious. Passengers noticed the bus swerving at slow speeds and quickly rushed to Williams’ aid. One passenger was able to help bring the bus to a stop in the outside lane – about six inches from the viaduct’s guardrail. Other passengers helped unbuckle the driver and remove him from his seat, and began performing CPR. A retired Auburn police officer who was driving behind the bus stopped his vehicle and helped provide aid until first responders arrived.

Williams was pronounced deceased after being transported to Harborview Medical Center.

“Those who ride Metro Transit know there is a sense of community on the bus, between passengers and drivers,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “When an incident occurs, people step up to help one another. The passengers on Sam Williams’ route exemplify the best of who we are as a region.”

“Our drivers care deeply about their passengers’ safety and comfort. We are grateful to the passengers who rushed to help Sam as soon as it was clear that he needed medical help. Sam will be missed by his friends, family, coworkers, and those who rode on his bus each day.”

“Many of us are grieving today over the loss of Sam Williams, a dedicated Metro operator for the last six years,” said Metro General Manager Rob Gannon. “I thank the passengers whose quick action to safely stop the bus prevented this from becoming an even greater tragedy.”

Williams started as a part-time operator in 2010. He achieved full-time status in 2014.

4:32 PM: We’ve learned more about Mr. Williams thanks to commenter Kelly, who informs us he was a juggler with the famous Flying Karamazov Brothers troupe. We’ve been researching his background and among other things found this podcast interview published earlier this month.

9:50 PM: Photo of Mr. Williams added above (courtesy John Cornicello). There are more tributes to him in the comments below, as well as a link to this video of a memorable TV appearance one commenter mentioned – Mr. Williams and the other Flying Karamazov Brothers teaching “Mister Rogers” how to juggle. On the group’s Facebook page, this tribute:

We are heartbroken to tell you that Sam Williams, aka Smerdyakov Karamazov, has gone on and joined the choir invisible. It was never publicly admitted, but we can all admit that he’s always been the funniest K, and his passing leaves a major hole in the world. Today is a very sad day. RIP.

Give someone a hug and tell them you love them.

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CITY BUDGET: See which of Councilmember Herbold’s changes made it in

November 18, 2016 2:09 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Earlier this week, we noted the West Seattle/South Park-specific items that City Councilmember Lisa Herbold still had in play as the council approached its close-to-final budget votes.

The council’s votes on more than 150 changes to the mayor’s budget played out over a long day, with some items debated separately, most considered in groups. We lost track along the way. But in her newest online update, Councilmember Herbold provides this recap, in this order, of what made it through. (For the items that were voted on this week, we’ve linked the titles below to the download links from the budget meeting.)

Fauntleroy Boulevard Project – City Light has revised the description of the project to allocate $1.5 million for the street light improvements and utility pole relocations recommended by community members as integral to the revised design.

West Seattle Bridge studies – This will continue work the work begun by former Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, by adding $100,000 to complete the two studies called for in a budget action last year to carry out the evaluations called for in the West Seattle Bridge/Duwamish Corridor Whitepaper to improve safety, incident management, and traffic flow.

Age-Friendly Community Innovation Fund – This funding will support a grant program for groups in each of the seven City Council districts to apply for up to $25,000 for programs and services based on improving the lives of an aging population.

South Park Family Service Center – This funding will support health and human services, a leadership program, and an education program in South Park.

T-5 Quiet Zone – Statement of Legislative Intent for SDOT that requests that they work with the Port of Seattle, the Federal Railway Administration, and the railway companies doing business at Terminal 5, to extend the quiet zone from Terminal 5 to the Delridge Way/W Marginal Way intersection.

A task force on South Park Public Safety – To formulate and report to Council recommendations regarding the public safety and vitality of that neighborhood. Including strategies that reflect the unique situations or dynamics of the neighborhood and are culturally and linguistically responsive data-driven approach to improving the City’s relations to and effectiveness with the South Park neighborhood. The report will go to Councilmember González’s Gender Equity, Safe Communities and New Americans Committee.

Herbold’s full online update includes her other budget proposals that made it through – including the $29 million housing proposal (here’s her statement after its passage) – and some that didn’t, including this one:

Community Planning Process for Myers Way Properties, Statement of Legislative Intent (SLI) – a community planning process to determine the future uses of the Myers Way Properties. In the budget process I learned that there are 5 other District 1 land-banked properties that have pending requests for planning resources. Moving this one forward would have resulted in the Myers Way property “jumping the line.”

At least three of the sites awaiting planning are in West Seattle – the landbanked park sites north of Morgan Junction Park, on SW Charlestown, and on 40th SW (where the temporary Fire Station 32 is now).

Meantime, the amended budget is due to be finalized next week.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Upper Fauntleroy car theft & car prowls; stolen/lost items found near church

November 18, 2016 11:57 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Three notes in West Seattle Crime Watch so far today:

CAR THEFT: Sarah reports her 2010 graphite Subaru Outback was stolen early this morning in the 3700 block of SW Cloverdale [map]. Plate 872ZGT. Call 911 if you see it.

CAR PROWLS: We’re about four blocks west of Sarah and found that both of our cars had been prowled early this morning. The only evidence: The glove boxes were open and what few bits of trash were in them were strewn around. Apparently we left them unlocked last night because we changed our plans at the last minute regarding heading out to community meetings. Two connector/charger cords stolen; we keep them in one car because sometimes breaking-news coverage requires recharging the phones. We’ve filed a police report online – if it happens to you, here’s where to start.

ITEMS FOUND NEAR CHURCH: Stolen? Lost?

The finder, who asked to be anonymous, reports, “I found a pile of items in the alley parking lot (near Tibbetts United Methodist Church at 3940 41st SW). It looks as though maybe someone’s car was stolen or broken into and these items were thrown aside. It includes some Rick climbing gear like shoes, a harness, a clamp, etc., some clothing and several books. No names that I could see. If someone is missing these things I have given them to the office staff at the church.” You can call Tibbetts UMC (a WSB sponsor) to ask about the items, 206-932-7777.

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West Seattle Friday: Wine, chocolate, music, bingo, movies…

November 18, 2016 10:39 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(This morning’s sunrise, photographed by Marc Milrod)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

FALL WINE RELEASE: Again today (and tomorrow), 1-7 pm, the Northwest Wine Academy on the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus is open for you to taste and buy its fall releases. Free tasting and free parking. More info in our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)

WINE TASTING: Try and buy wine at the Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) tasting room, 5-9 pm. (5910 California SW)

DUWAMISH RIVER CHOCOLATE FEST: 5:30-8 pm, drink beer, wine, and/or cider and eat chocolate to benefit the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse – details in our calendar listing. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

(Another view of this morning’s sunrise, photographed by Bradetta Vines)

BINGO NIGHT: Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School invites you to Charlie Brown Bingo Night, 6-9 pm in the school gym: “This is a great opportunity to help our school to buy resources while you are enjoying delicious food and winning great prizes.” (20th SW/SW Roxbury)

HPIC MOVIE NIGHT: At Highland Park Improvement Club:

Doors open at 6:00 pm with a children’s short at 6:15 and the main movie at 7. Free admission. Volunteers will be selling popcorn, candy, and other movie fare. Bring blankets and pillows or sit in our chairs. This is an all ages event. Bring your friends, family and neighbors.

Double Feature!

Short movie hint: Squeal! Fun times with some animated animals!

Feature movie hint: This 2005 PG (1 hr 37 minutes) movie features a governess who uses magic to rein in the behavior of seven ne’er-do-well children in her charge.

(12th SW/SW Holden)

SPAGHETTI DINNER: Join the local high schools’ Key Clubs for their fundraising spaghetti dinner, 6:45-8:45 pm at West Seattle High School:

At this event, there will be raffle prizes, cake walks, a photo booth, and so much more!

Tickets to enter are $10, and everyone is welcomed! There will be a dessert potluck, so please feel free to bring your favorite sweet dish! Thank you for supporting your local Key Clubs!

(3000 California SW)

‘SWEET, SWEET MUSIC’: Trillium Soul headlines the Fauntleroy Church concert-series return, featuring Irene Stewart on violin, 7 pm. Details in our calendar listing. (9140 California SW)

‘PETER AND THE STARCATCHER’: Night two of ArtsWest‘s winter production; curtain time, 7:30 pm. Find ticket info in our calendar listing. (4711 California SW)

MUMFORD & SONS CONCERT FILM: 11 pm at Admiral Theater – details here. (2343 California SW)

MORE! for today/tonight/this weekend and beyond. Browse our complete calendar!

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West Seattle wildlife: East Admiral coyote sighting

November 18, 2016 9:14 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Thanks to Jake for the report: “I spotted a coyote this morning at 35th and Hinds [map] around 7:30 am. It jumped into a bush before I could get a pic. It appeared to be in good health and didn’t seem to be in a big hurry or especially skittish. It looked to weigh about 45 lbs.”

For more than eight years now, we’ve published coyote-sighting reports when we get them as a reminder that they live among us – (especially with new people arriving, not everyone knows that!). This one-sheet from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife has info on what to do if you see one (in short: scare it away) and how else to foster coexistence.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch, with road-work alert for the bridge

November 18, 2016 7:02 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

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

7:02 AM: Good morning! No incidents in/from West Seattle so far.

Alerts and updates:

BRIDGE WORK STARTING AT 8 AM: Announced Thursday by SDOT, the left eastbound lane will be closed on the bridge, between the 1st and 4th Ave. S. exits, 8 am-4 pm.

FERRY SPILLOVER OVER: Washington State Ferries announced last night that the Point Defiance-Tahlequah (south Vashon) run would be back in operation today, so you don’t have to worry about spillover on the Fauntleroy-(north) Vashon run.

7:20 AM: Texter sends this photo from East Marginal Way: