West Seattle, Washington
11 Thursday
Photos and video by Christopher Boffoli for West Seattle Blog
A cheery scene of holiday giving this morning, in the chilly sunshine: A large group of bundled-up students and teachers from the North Admiral preschool A Child Becomes marched the two blocks from the school to Seattle Fire Station 29, pulling seven wagons of toys:
The toys were for the SFD Toys for Tots drive:
After the students helped unload the toys into the bins at the station, school director Shelley Neal led everyone in song.
And to sum it all up in video:
You can drop off new, unwrapped toys at any Seattle Fire station by December 23rd, and Toys for Tots, via the US Marine Corps Reserve, will get them to local kids in need. FS 29 is at 2139 Ferry SW; also in West Seattle are FS 11 at 16th SW/SW Holden, FS 37 at 35th SW/SW Holden, temporary FS 32 on 40th SW between Edmunds and Alaska, and FS 36 at the north end of Delridge Way.
As mentioned earlier – when we published this story about Seattle Police trying to get recovered items backto their owners – we have reader reports to share, too:
MORE CAR PROWLS IN LA FITNESS GARAGE: From Jordan:
I wanted to pass along this story about two car break-ins at the LA Fitness parking garage that happened last night, December 13th. A buddy and I were leaving the gym and approached his car to find that his driver side window had been completely broken, along with the car next to him. Both cars had been gone through (glove boxes open, center consoles open, etc..), nothing too valuable was taken from either car.
When we went to report it to the front desk staff at LA Fitness, they said, “AGAIN!”. Which leads me to believe it has been happening quite a bit lately. Just trying to raise awareness for people who use the gym and maybe encourage the management of the building to install some security cameras in the parking garage since there is a total of zero now. With how many members the gym now has and how much the monthly dues are it seems like it would be a minimal expense to install some cameras to deter crime for their members.
We’ll be checking with corporate HQ.
CAR PROWLERS ON CAMERA: From Matthew along Fauntleroy Way:
My work vehicle was broken into this morning between 3:15 and 3:40. There were three men in two vehicles. They appear to know their trade, as they spent a good deal of time looking evidence of an alarm, and a means of deactivating it. They eventually picked the driver door, set off the alarm, had the side and rear doors opened for them and looked for anything to grab in a hurry then ran off.
A good reminder to be watchful and review good vehicle-theft-prevention practices.
PACKAGE-THEFT ALERT: From Joseph: “I’m writing to report multiple package theft in the Morgan Junction areas. Many in the area have found or reported ripped open boxes and missing packages. Specifically Willow and California west-side residences, and down Willow to Fauntleroy.”
PREVENTION ADVICE: These are exactly the type of crime that rises at this time every year. This flyer circulated to community groups has suggestions for what you can do to deter it.
(UPDATED to reflect that the meeting day, December 19th, is next Monday)
That’s a file photo of the USNS Bob Hope – a Military Sealift Command ship that might be berthed next year at West Seattle’s Terminal 5. Northwest Seaport Alliance (the joint Seattle-Tacoma ports’ organization) spokesperson Tara Mattina tells WSB that a special public meeting is set for next (updated) Monday (December 19th) to discuss a plan for the NWSA to join Foss Maritime in seeking a contract for the ship to be berthed at T-5. This would require Foss to have a deal with the port beyond the February expiration of its the one it has now. First, some background, from Mattina:
The USNS Bob Hope is the first ship in the Navy’s first class of large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ships (LMSR), and is part of the United States Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC). The primary mission of these ships is to transport shore-based equipment and supplies in support of military and humanitarian operations.
This past summer the Bob Hope participated in the Cascadia Rising earthquake recovery exercise. These ships are a key asset in recovery efforts in the event of a widespread natural disaster.
The ships are operated by 30 civilian mariners who work for a private company under contract to MSC and up to 50 embarked military personnel who monitor and maintain the equipment being transported. The ships are maintained in reduced operational status, which means they are operationally ready in four days.
Should Foss and the NWSA be successful in winning this bid, the ship would berth at Terminal 5. The Navy plans to run the ship on shore power while at berth.
This type of interim use for Terminal 5 is part of the alliance’s strategic business plan to diversify cargo and maximize terminal use. It will in no way interfere with the modernization of the terminal and the goal of creating a first-class container terminal.
Lots of additional information is in this memo attached to the agenda for next (updated) Monday’s meeting. It says that the branch of General Dynamics that operates the Bob Hope and similar ships is seeking “berth space, facilities, services, equipment and support in order to maintain USNS Bob Hope in ready-reserve status for a base term of one year.” That year would be the entirety of 2017, with the possibility of extending the contract “up to four additional 1-year terms.” The document also says “The RFP provides for other vessels to moor during times when USNS Bob Hope is away from berth” and that this could bring in at least $300,000 a year. It also notes that Foss’s lease for T-5 ends in February, so the NWSA would have to make a new deal with Foss in order for that company to handle this. (The Bob Hope is currently in San Diego.)
If you have something to say about this, there’s a public-comment period during the meeting at 8:30 am next (updated) Monday at Pier 69 downtown (2711 Alaskan Way), or you can e-mail comments@nwseaportalliance.com.
P.S. The tanker Evergreen State is the ship you’re currently seeing at T-5. We asked port spokesperson Peter McGraw about it after a Seattle Fire medical call to T-5 earlier this week. He explains, “Foss still has a 50-acre lease at T-5; they received a call over the weekend that the Evergreen State needed a berth to undertake some repair work to the piping. The vessel will be at T-5 until the work is complete. Although a tanker, its voids are dry and empty.”
(WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)
1:51 PM: Big “automobile rescue” response for a crash at 16th and Thistle in Highland Park. Avoid the area. More to come.
1:59 PM: More units are on the way – the call has been escalated to “heavy rescue.”
2:11 PM: Via scanner, SFD is treating a 24-year-old man who will be taken to Harborview Medical Center. Injuries do not appear to be life-threatening. Meantime, the crash is affecting Metro Routes 125 and 128.
2:56 PM: Photo added. Police told us this is being investigated as a hit-and-run; this comment includes what a witness reported seeing. The medical exchange we heard via scanner described the victim as having been hit “at high speed.”
If you’ve been car-prowled lately …take a look at this photo:
It’s from Southwest Precinct Officer DeBella, who explains:
SPD Southwest Anti-Crime Team and Patrol Officers broke up a car-prowl crew. We believe them to be prolific car prowlers with ties around the city and into King County. We have some distinctive property which was recovered but do not know who the owners are. If anyone recognizes their property in the photograph, please e-mail Officer DeBella at spd6844@seattle.gov.
At least one person is in custody in connection with this, we’re told.
P.S. We will have another Crime Watch update later with today’s reader reports.
If you’re hoping to see “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” at West Seattle’s newly renovated Admiral Theater, here’s an update:
Though the official start date is Friday, The Admiral does have Thursday night shows, and manager Dinah Brein wants you to know: “Tickets will NOT be available online or at the theater until this Thursday [tomorrow]. Box office opens at 2 PM. You can buy tickets for either Thursday’s 2D 7 PM show or the 3D 9:40 at that time. ‘Rogue One’ will be showing 4 times a day starting Friday. You can come to the box office at noon starting Friday and buy tickets for any show ON THAT DAY. Remember, our theater is smaller now; only 225 seats so you will want to come early. Lines will be forming outside.”
Thanks to Alisa for the tip: Washington State Ferries reported southbound orcas about half an hour ago off Bainbridge Island’s Restoration Point. “Presumably residents,” she adds, noting that J-Pod was seen in the Sound yesterday. Please let us know if you see them!
(Bewick’s Wren, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:
CRAFT FAIR: You’re invited to today’s Craft Fair at the Salvation Army, 10 am-6 pm. (9050 16th SW)
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30 am-11 am, for ages 3-5, at West Seattle (Admiral) Library. (2306 42nd SW)
LOCAL BIZ MEETUP: Entrepreneur? Proprietor? Wannabe businessperson? Noon-1:15 pm, come to this week’s free meetup at West Seattle’s only coworking center, Office Junction. (WSB sponsor; 6040 California SW)
DINE OUT BENEFIT FOR WSHS SOPHOMORES: 2-9 pm, Shelby’s in The Junction is donating a percentage of proceeds to the West Seattle High School sophomore class. (4752 California SW)
DINE OUT BENEFIT FOR ALKI ELEMENTARY: 3-9 pm at Chipotle in The Junction, a percentage of the proceeds benefit the Alki Elementary Learning Garden project. (4730 California SW)
FOOD DRIVE AT SOUTHWEST POOL: As we noted on Monday, you can bring in nonperishable-food donations during pool hours and/or bring in 3 items to get discounted prices for specific swims this week. Tonight – 7:30 pm public swim! (2801 SW Thistle)
BUILD A GINGERBREAD HOUSE: Free Gingerbread House Building Event for the community – Delridge Community Center, 6-7:30 pm. Must pre-register, barcode #158853, so call the center ASAP to register, 206-684-7423. (4501 Delridge Way SW)
CHRISTMAS PARTY: Trinity West Seattle hosts a free West Seattle Christmas Party for the community, 6 pm. Dessert bar, free photos with Santa Claus, Santa’s workshop for kids, live music. (7551 35th SW)
SANTA AT PEGASUS: Come get your Santa photos at Pegasus Pizza on Alki, 6-9 pm. Images free with any purchase. (2770 Alki SW)
‘GET FIT WEST SEATTLE’ INFO NIGHT: A new couch-to-half-marathon training program is about to start at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), and tonight at 7 pm, you’re invited to the store to find out about it. (2743 California SW)
34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS’ HOLIDAY PARTY: 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, this month’s meeting is a holiday celebration. (9131 California SW)
AND THERE’S MORE … for today, tonight, and beyond, on our complete calendar.
Family and friends will gather on Sunday to remember Bette Markley, 98. Here’s the remembrance being shared with the community:
Bette Markley, born in Seattle on June 6, 1918, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2016 – a full 98 years of life. Bette grew up in West Seattle and graduated from West Seattle High School in 1936.
Working with her Dad in Roullard’s Public Market, she met and married Bob at the close of World War II and together raised their family after returning to West Seattle. She returned to work as a medical receptionist and stenographer to support the family when Bob fell ill. Additionally, she served as secretary to the King County Academy of Family Physicians.
She was always positive, supporting and encouraging others and extending a genuine kindness and concern for neighbors, friends and most especially her family.
She loved to travel. She and Bob toured Europe numerous times in their camper van through their 80s, and she celebrated her 87th birthday on safari in Africa with her brother.
Bette is survived by her brother Richard Roullard (Shirley); her daughter Shannon, sons David (Jeanne) and Scott (Sally); and grandson Galen.
A celebration of her life will be held at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW) on Sunday December 18, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be sent to The Kenney Foundation, Resident Care Fund; 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, WA 98136-2008.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
(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)
6:48 AM: Good morning! No incidents in/from West Seattle so far. But it’s at or below freezing out there, so ice is possible here and there. The National Weather Service‘s “forecast discussion” says flurries are possible tonight but nothing major.
Three West Seattle biznotes:
LEADERSHIP CHANGE AT HOMESTREET BANK: Change at the top for West Seattle’s branch of HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) – vice president Melodie Van Houten has left to lead the Federal Way branch, and Nam Le is West Seattle’s new branch manager. They posed with Santa during last Friday’s open house in West Seattle:
Van Houten was active with many West Seattle community organizations during her time here, including the Chamber of Commerce. Federal Way is much closer to where she lives. P.S. Another holiday event is coming up Friday at the Junction branch of HomeStreet (4022 SW Alaska) – which marks its third anniversary this month – a mini-bazaar noon-5 pm, with local vendors plus cocoa and cookies for visitors.
THE LODGE IS OPEN: Also in The Junction – thanks to the commenters who’ve pointed out that The Lodge Sports Grille has opened its West Seattle location (4209 SW Alaska), a year and a half after first word that it was on the way. We last wrote about it November 25th, noting that proprietor Shawn Roten said it would be opening despite the parent company’s Chapter 11 filing, which continues to make its way through the court system; all Lodge locations remain open.
CACTUS REOPENS TODAY: As mentioned here December 4th, Cactus at 2820 Alki SW has been closed for a little over a week for a “10-year refresh.” General manager Darin Kawabata tells WSB the work is on schedule, and that Cactus will reopen today, as expected.
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