day : 05/12/2016 10 results

9:19 PM: Unless you’re around Murray‘s age – thanks to mom Katy for the photo! – you probably didn’t get a “snow day” today, and you probably won’t tomorrow. At least, not according to the newest forecast, just out from the National Weather Service. Excerpt:

Scattered snow showers will continue tonight across Western Washington. An upper level trough will keep the air mass cool and unstable with snow levels near sea level. Temperatures will drop below freezing with lows in the upper 20s to lower 30s. The current forecast of a trace to one inch of snow over most areas seems in the ballpark. At some point Fraser river outflow winds will bring cold dry air south and push the moist and slightly warmer air mass out of Washington. This does not seem to have begun yet though the pressure gradient in southwest British Columbia is building. There was some fear that a convergence zone could set up somewhere as the air masses collided, but that hasn`t happened either. … The winter weather advisory remains in effect tonight in case somewhere ends up with two inches or more, but the case for that happening is getting weaker as the night wears on.

Dry and cool weather is expected from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday. Winds will be northeasterly. Skies will clear for chilly conditions Tuesday night with lows in the 20s. Highs on Wednesday will only be in the low to mid 30s.

We’ll be on extra-early weather/traffic watch again tomorrow morning, just in case. Thanks again for your help in sharing information on what is, and isn’t, happening where you are – here are all the ways to reach us.

1:24 AM: Just checked the National Weather Service’s main regional page – now the alert for our area is entirely lifted.

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COMMUNITY GIVING: West Seattle girls help Northwest Harvest fight hunger

December 5, 2016 8:52 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Thanks to Lynda Sullivan for the photo and report:

I wanted to get a shoutout to some local girls (their families and a few friends) that volunteered their afternoon at Northwest Harvest in Kent. Several of the girls are the McCaffrey Bobcats and play in the West Seattle Soccer Club together. They bagged, tied, packed and boxed up over 4,500 pounds of rice over the course of the afternoon. The rice is donated by companies in bulk and needs to be sorted for distribution to local food banks in Washington State. They all had a blast and everyone was eager to know when they could come back and volunteer again.

For anyone that is interested, Northwest Harvest in Kent welcomes volunteer groups of any size. The age requirement is 9 years old (or in the 3rd grade), must be accompanied by a parent/guardian if under the age of 16. For volunteer information contact Jennifer Chew at 206-923-7453 or JenniferC@northwestharvest.org.

The local food banks served by NW Harvest include three in our area, according to the map on the NWH website – West Seattle FB, White Center FB, and Paradise of Praise FB in Highland Park.

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SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: New December date

December 5, 2016 7:36 pm

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| Southwest District Council | West Seattle news

Along with the venue concerns about the city-organized multi-topic, multi-department “open house” this Wednesday, a date conflict also had been pointed out weeks ago – the date the city chose (Wednesday, December 7th) was also the Southwest District Council‘s regular meeting night. SWDC has now decided to change its meeting date rather than try to rush through the expanded open house and have an abbreviated meeting of its own:

In light of the added venue and now an expanded agenda for the December 7th Southwest Open House for Affordable Housing Neighborhood maps and Fauntleroy Boulevard project, the executive committee of the Southwest District Council (SWDC) has decided to postpone our December meeting, which was scheduled for the same evening.

Despite our longstanding schedule of the first Wednesday of the month, we have little choice but to urge West Seattle residents to attend the December 7th open house. For this month SWDC will instead meet on Tuesday, December 13th at 6:30 pm at our regular venue at the Sisson Building/Senior Center (California/Oregon). The agenda will include election of new officers for 2017, proposed by-law changes and the proposed plans for rezoning. Further details on the agenda will be announced on the West Seattle Blog.

David Whiting and Eric Iwamoto,
Southwest District Council

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BUS CANCELLATIONS: Here’s Metro’s explanation

December 5, 2016 6:02 pm

| 14 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

If you were affected by bus cancellations, announced and unannounced, this afternoon and evening – we asked Metro, and here’s the reply:

Earlier Monday, Metro made changes to its trolley fleet operations as a precaution.

Articulated 60-foot-long buses are the workhorses of Metro’s fleet; however, the 60-foot-long articulated electric trolley buses were temporarily grounded due to the expected inclement weather – a regular measure for Metro with its trolley fleet due to difficulty operating in snow conditions. Some bus trips were temporarily canceled Monday morning and afternoon in order to shift buses to serve those electric trolley routes.

Metro will continue to evaluate when it is safest to return the 60-foot-long articulated electric trolley fleet to service depending on weather conditions in Seattle

That explanation is also included in Metro’s look ahead to more possible snow tonight and tomorrow. We’ll have a wider update later this evening about the overall forecast and how other local agencies are getting ready.

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BIZNOTE: After 9 years, Atomic Boys’ Admiral store to close in January

December 5, 2016 3:26 pm

| 14 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photo: Parris and Kent Sadow, photographed in 2013)

The store with a rocket in its logo is going to blast off early next year. Parris and Kent Sadow have just announced that they’ll close their Admiral District toys-and-candy shop (Max and Quinn’s) Atomic Boys (Shop-o-Rama) early next year:

Since 2008, Atomic Boys has provided West Seattle with retro toys, games, novelties and an extensive selection of the candy “you grew up with”. It’s been our pleasure to see our customers, young and old, rediscover these things and introduce them to the next generation.

After much deliberation, we have decided to close our storefront on Admiral Way when our lease ends at the end of January. Along with our sons, whom the store is named after, we have enjoyed being an active part of the business community and watching the various generations of kids grow up from elementary school to college age by being that “local shop” they look forward to going to. And as all things grow and develop, we are also considering new opportunities and exciting ideas.

Atomic Boys has plenty of new merchandise for holiday shopping as well as great deals and will be closing out back-stock and any remaining stock in January in a blow-out sale!

Thank you, West Seattle, for a super cool, fab, outta-sight nine years….and stay tuned!

Your neighbors,

Kent & Parris Sadow
Max & Quinn’s Atomic Boys, LLC
4311 SW Admiral Way

The Sadow family opened Atomic Boys in early 2008 after buying out Hart’s Cards and Gifts.

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FOLLOWUP: Liquor-license suspension, arrest after ‘drug-related warrant’ served at Corner Pocket

December 5, 2016 1:29 pm

| 83 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

We know much more today about what led police to serve a “drug-related warrant” Friday night at two locations including the Corner Pocket bar in The Junction.

And we have confirmed what emerged in a comment following our story – that the state has suspended the Corner Pocket’s license for at least six months.

The Corner Pocket employee whose name is on its business license was arrested Friday night and is accused of selling heroin. Probable-cause documents from his weekend bail hearing say Seattle Police made undercover buys from him four times.

That’s what the Liquor and Cannabis Board cited when we asked about the license situation. Here’s how spokesperson Brian Smith replied to our inquiry:

LCB enforcement officers joined a Seattle PD enforcement action at the Corner Pocket. The LCB issued an emergency liquor-license suspension of the Corner Pocket for 180 days. During that time, the Board will seek permanent revocation of the license. Emergency suspensions represent an extraordinary exercise of the state’s power and the WSLCB is mandated to ensure that an emergency suspension is reasonable, justifiable and legal in every way. The Seattle PD had done controlled buys of heroin on the promises.

Though the suspect is not yet charged, we are identifying him due to those “extraordinary” circumstances of the case, with a local business closed as a result. He is 38-year-old Michael Eugene Maine.

When a tip led us to find police at the Corner Pocket on Friday night, they would say only that they were serving a “drug-related warrant” at two “coordinated” locations. The other one, northeast of Morgan Junction, is described by police as Maine’s residence. He was booked into jail on Friday night for investigation of Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, then posted bond and was released after a judge set his bail at $25,000 on Saturday.

Today, we’ve obtained the probable-cause documents that allege Maine sold heroin to an undercover officer four times, three of those at the Corner Pocket. Read More

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4 notes for your West Seattle Monday

December 5, 2016 11:40 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Today’s featured bird is a bald eagle, captured in flight by a WSB reader who texted us the short video clip you see above – thank you! Now, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – where you’ll find these highlights AND more for today/tonight – and archives, four notes about what’s ahead:

HIGH POINT LIBRARY CLOSURE: Today is the first day of the High Point Library‘s closure for renovations. Its book drop also is closed. The reopening date has not yet been announced – get the newest information here.

‘FIGHT THE FEAR’: 3:30-6 pm at West Seattle High School, all local teens are invited to this training on self defense, sexual-assault awareness and relationship-violence education. Parental permission is required for those under 18; the form is in our preview with other details of the event. (3000 California SW)

WWRHAH MEETS: 6:15 pm at Southwest Library, the Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council meets, with an agenda including the draft rezoning map for the WW-Highland Park Urban Village as proposed in the Mandatory Housing Affordability component of the city’s Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

WEST SEATTLE HI-YU MEETS: 7 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library. Tonight’s agenda is focused on the budget, as this longtime community organization continues to figure out its future. (2306 42nd SW)

Nothing in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide for tonight – but we’ve continued to add more – Santa, light shows, bazaars, etc. – browse through when you get a chance! And if your event, service, giving opportunity is missing, e-mail us the info ASAP for inclusion – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

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Lynne Griffith retiring from Washington State Ferries leadership

December 5, 2016 11:10 am

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| Transportation | West Seattle news

(October WSB photo by Patrick Sand)

Just announced by Washington State Ferries – Assistant Secretary Lynne Griffith, who has led the system for two years, is retiring. Our photo above is from her appearance at the triangle-route problem-solving meeting in Fauntleroy back in October. Here’s the announcement we just received:

Lynne Griffith joined the Washington State Department of Transportation as assistant secretary for the ferries division in September 2014. Today, she announced that she will retire from public service at the end of January. Ferries division Chief of Staff Elizabeth Kosa, who has served alongside Griffith, will act as Washington State Ferries’ leader while the department finalizes its next steps.

During Griffith’s time at the helm of the nation’s largest ferry system, missed sailings due to lack of crew dropped nearly 70 percent over the previous 26-month period. She also secured funding for a fourth 144-car Olympic Class ferry, the Suquamish, and built a new high-performing management team from the ground up.

“Lynne has brought profound change to an organization which is a treasured icon of our great state of Washington,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “Her dedication is an inspiration to the hard-working people of Washington State Ferries, and she has my heartfelt thanks for a job well done. I hope she enjoys a much-deserved retirement,” Inslee added.

WSDOT Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar echoed the governor and said, “The ferries division has made real progress in coming together as an organization. We are on the right course, going in the right direction thanks to Lynne, her management team, and the employees who make sure we sail safely each and every day.”

Griffith postponed retirement to serve as assistant secretary just over two years ago. “I had no idea how much I would come to love the work and the amazing people who make sure thousands of passengers reach their destinations safely every day.” Griffith told employees, “I am incredibly proud to have been your shipmate and will continue to feel a sense of pride whenever I see one of our vessels sailing the Sound. I hope you share that feeling with me. You have much to be proud of.”

Griffith intends to move to the East Coast to be closer to her sister, two sons and four grandsons.

Griffith is the first woman to hold the position of Assistant Secretary in charge of WSF.

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ALSO AT WEDNESDAY’S OPEN HOUSE: City parking policy. Plus, another venue change

December 5, 2016 10:04 am

| 35 COMMENTS

| Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

As we’ve been discussing, the multi-department city “open house” Wednesday night in West Seattle is offering discussion and comment opportunities on more than the biggest topic, the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda rezoning. (And we have just learned a NEW venue is being added – more on that at the end of this story.)

One of those topics is city parking policy.

We photographed that easel on Saturday at the Bitter Lake Community Center, during the north-end version of the same type of “open house” that’s set to happen here Wednesday night. We went to get an idea of how information will be presented and how comments will be taken. The parking-policy info was on a lone board set up by the Department of Construction and Inspections and is related to this page on the department’s website. It’s been broadened to “residential transportation options,” including this:

We are working with SDOT staff to consider improvements for managing on-street parking. Our effort also includes clarifying the rules that relate to parking and frequent transit service availability in Urban Centers and Urban Villages. …

…Our recommendations will:

Provide integrated and accessible transportation choices that are readily available for Seattle’s growing population – such as ORCA passes, car and bike sharing and shared parking.

Support Comprehensive Plan goals to encourage growth in Urban Centers.

Retain and enhance Seattle neighborhoods’ walkable and livable urban qualities, which are essential and preferable to automobile‐oriented public places and buildings.

Prioritize housing affordability to preserve and enhance the ability of persons of all economic means to be able to live in Seattle. Parking is a significant cost factor for developers.

Help ensure that racial and socio‐economic equity is a key consideration in setting parking policies.

Manage on‐ and off‐street parking most efficiently.

Promote designs for better quality, more secure, and more comfortable bicycle storage facilities.

Achieve local and regional environmental objectives through sound choices to achieve air quality, climate change, and natural environmental protection goals.

It’s been four years now since a city “director’s rule” lessened the requirements for offstreet parking in new apartment projects, and the number of buildings without it has continued to rise citywide, according to a Seattle Times story published this weekend. So if this topic interests you, be ready to offer feedback on Wednesday.

THIRD VENUE: Just as we prepared to publish this, we got word from the city that they are adding a third concurrent venue on Wednesday night – Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. To recap, the city originally set the open house for an 80-capacity space at Shelby’s in The Junction (4752 California SW), despite community advocates warning the city that a bigger venue would be needed. Last week, the city added Uptown Espresso across the street from Shelby’s. And today, comes news they are also adding Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW). We’re working to clarify whether all the same initiatives will be showcased at each of these venues during the drop-in “open house” time slot, 5:30-7:30 pm on Wednesday, December 7th – more later! (11:38 AM UPDATE: Now there’s word that Uptown is scratched, and Shelby’s and Youngstown are the official venues.)

P.S. If you missed our earlier reports on other topics that will be included – the best list we have so far is here (with further details on the Fauntleroy Boulevard component here).

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TRAFFIC & WEATHER: Monday watch, as snow arrives

December 5, 2016 5:04 am

| 44 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts | West Seattle weather

(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)

5:04 AM: As promised, we’re starting traffic watch – with weather added to it – early, just in case. So far, no snow reported. However, one texter says the West Seattle Bridge is slick. It and 35th SW have been treated, according to the SDOT winter-weather map.

5:35 AM: Still nothing out of the ordinary, except colder temperatures.

6:30 AM: Patrick reports a few flakes in Sunrise Heights.

6:59 AM: Bus alert just texted and tweeted by Metro:

Transit Alert – Route 57 to downtown Seattle due to leave the Alaska Junction Bay 5 at 7:06 AM will not operate this morning.

— King County Metro (@kcmetrobus) December 5, 2016

Otherwise, Metro says, “buses are operating normally” so far this morning.

7:24 AM: @MetPatrick22 in Sunrise Heights is watching the incoming weather and reports, “Another “slug” of moisture inbound and heavier, could bring all snow down to about 300′.” That’s where we are. So far, everything has fallen as rain – we can hear it in the downspouts.

7:42 AM: Some missing buses beyond what Metro has announced – see comments (125) and Twitter (55).

7:55 AM: First snow sighting here. Also reports of snow in Arbor Heights and Sunrise Heights, snow/rain mix in South Delridge and Highland Park.

8:04 AM: Snow shower continues. Sticking on parked cars here, not on the road:

Also, another West Seattle bus that didn’t run:

Transit Alert – Route 37 to downtown Seattle due to leave SW Alaska St & 35 Av SW at 6:46 AM did not operate this morning.

— King County Metro (@kcmetrobus) December 5, 2016

8:21 AM: Sticking on roofs and yards too, where we are. And from Patrick in Sunrise Heights, at 35th/Holden:

@westseattleblog 35th/Holden pic.twitter.com/xWEGZxYHRI

— Patrick kelly (@MetPatrick22) December 5, 2016

8:32 AM: Snowing more lightly here, still not sticking on the road. Photo from Jessica at 37th/Austin in Gatewood:

And this video features snow excitement! Thanks to Ben on Pigeon Point:

Again, SDOT now has a map showing you where plows, de-icing trucks, etc. have been, and it also includes some cool features like road-surface temps (click a yellow triangle) – see the map here.

9:09 AM: Snow’s over here, for now. Thanks to everyone for sharing images/video/info! More likely on the way later…

3:45 PM: Metro has announced several more cancellations this afternoon. If you ride the bus, keep close watch on the trip planner, they’re advising.

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