West Seattle, Washington
27 Wednesday
Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch this morning:
STOLEN CAR #1: Dan Austin of Peel & Press (WSB sponsor) woke up to an unpleasant surprise:
Someone between 12-6 am stole my 2000 GMC Yukon XL from the 7100 block of 44th Ave SW.
I use this rig daily to pick up items for my restaurant and haul my two little ones around. If anyone comes across this vehicle please let me know. Plate # AYL1940 (unless they have been switched out).
STOLEN CAR #2: From Erika: “A maroon 1995 four-door Honda Accord was stolen from the street parking in front of our house on the 2700 block of 44th Ave SW.” Plate ADR 7214.
STOLEN WHEELS: From Duncan:
I came out to take the kids to school this morning and found this:
We had our other car prowled a couple of week ago too. 41st Ave SW between Fauntleroy and Graham.
Duncan has since learned a neighbor’s truck was prowled last night, too. Police reports have been filed.
We hope crime doesn’t happen to you – but if it does, once you’ve reported it to police, please consider letting us know so we can alert your neighbors peninsula-wide – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!
WSB crime coverage is archived here.
Thanks to Vanessa for the rainbow photo! The forecast promises a partly sunny day, which is great for all the Hallo-weekend events about to happen. First, what’s up for today/tonight as listed in the WSB West Seattle Halloween (etc.) Guide:
HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL TRICK-OR-TREATING: An indoor event happening this afternoon: “We are inviting children age 5 and under with an adult to come trick or treat INSIDE at our Holy Rosary classrooms! We will have a mix of candy and non-candy items.” 1-2:30 pm. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)
TRICK-OR-TREAT IN THE ADMIRAL DISTRICT: Trick-or-Treating in The Admiral District, participating merchants – look for this sign on the door or window:
3-6 pm. (California/Admiral and vicinity)
COSTUME CONTEST: Kids’ Halloween Costume Contest, 3-6 pm at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor). Prizes for cutest, scariest, most-creative costumes. (41st/42nd/Admiral Way)
LIGHT SHOW: Halloween Light Show by the folks who bring you West Seattle Yuletide. 5-10 pm. New zombies this year! (38th SW between Genesee and Dakota)
HIAWATHA CARNIVAL: Halloween Carnival at Hiawatha Community Center, 6-8 pm. “Start your Halloween off with a frighteningly fun-filled evening for the family! Wear your costumes and enjoy carnival games, crafts, and spooktacular activities.” $5/family. (2700 California SW)
ALKI CARNIVAL: 6-8 pm, carnival at Alki Community Center, ages 5-11: “Alki’s inviting all the little goblins in town to join us for a howling good time. Enjoy carnival inspired games, and walk through our scream room, if you dare.” $1 per game or $10 unlimited bracelet. (5817 SW Stevens)
THE GREAT PUMPKIN BASH: For kids, free games, prizes, candy, and contests, at Westwood Christian Community, 6:30 pm. (9252 16th SW)
LISTENING PARTY: At Easy Street Records, 7 pm, free, all ages, Stranger Things Soundtrack Halloween Listening Party. “The soundtrack to Netflix’s Stranger Things is coming out on vinyl 10/28 and we’re gonna have a party! We’re gonna hang some Christmas lights, set up a waffle bar, play some Dungeons & Dragons, and host a Halloween costume contest!” (California SW & SW Alaska)
GHOST GAME X: The Cabiri in “Ghost Game X: For Life Eternal” dessert-theater cabaret at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 7:30 pm. Tickets, showtimes, details in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
And now from the rest of the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
LAFAYETTE WALK-A-THON: Until 1 pm, it’s fundraising walk-a-thon day at Lafayette Elementary.
Thanks to Megan Smith for the photo; she also wanted to shout out to West Seattle Runner WSB sponsor) for their support. Stop by and donate! (California/Lander)
WEST SEATTLE GARDEN CLUB: Until 2 pm, their meeting is on at Daystar Retirement Village in Westwood – you can drop in! Agenda details are in our calendar listing. (2615 SW Barton)
CASUAL WATER: Live guitar music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)
‘BRIGHT ROOM CALLED DAY’: Second night for the West Seattle High School Drama Club production, at the WSHS Theater, 7:30 pm curtain time. Details in our calendar listing. (3000 California SW)
MUCH, MUCH MORE FOR TODAY, TONIGHT, BEYOND … on our complete calendar page!
If you’re a runner in West Seattle, you probably know Lori McConnell, co-proprietor of West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) and certified running coach. You might not know that she’s also a licensed mental-health counselor. and that’s led her to launch this new program:
RAAD: Run Along Anxiety & Depression – A Running Group
This is a 6-week program designed to help adults dealing with anxiety and depression develop a regular running routine to help with symptom management.
Mondays, November 14th-December 19th, 2016 – 12:30 pm
For the first session, we will meet at Hiawatha Track and Playfield, but we will rotate locations in West Seattle. Participants can expect:
1) Learn how to build a regular running routine
2) One coached session each Monday where you will learn running techniques. Additionally, you will practice skills that are helpful for managing the symptoms of anxiety and depression that are barriers to exercise routines (such as finding motivation, mindfulness strategies, distraction techniques, and overcoming the inner critic)
3) A weekly running schedule to build the new habit
4) Coach Lori is willing to collaborate with your therapist if there is a signed consent form
5) Connection with others
Cost: $120 – register here – e-mail questions to lori@westseattlerunner.com
The first location, Hiawatha, is at 2700 California SW.
(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 traffic effects reported from the South Transfer Station fire (which apparently is to blame for the smoky smell in West Seattle) but we’ll be going over to check soon.
Alerts for this weekend:
SOUTHBOUND 99 SOUTH OF DOWNTOWN, DETOUR STARTS TONIGHT: Because of railroad-track work at East Marginal/South Diagonal, if you are on SB 99 between 7 pm tonight and 5 am Monday, you will be detoured onto 1st Avenue S. at Atlantic. To get on the westbound West Seattle Bridge from there, you’ll have to continue to the 1st Avenue onramp. The full explanation is here, from SDOT.
Special-event reminders (from the WSB West Seattle Halloween [etc.] Guide):
ADMIRAL TRICK-OR-TREATING TODAY: Take extra care in The Admiral District 3-6 pm today, when hundreds of kids and their families will be trick-or-treating in the business district.
JUNCTION HARVEST FESTIVAL SUNDAY: 10 am-2 pm Sunday, the usual street closures expand for this year’s Harvest Festival – California between Edmunds and Oregon, Alaska between 42nd and 44th. That means a reroute for Metro Route 128.
7:37 PM: Crash reported at Delridge and Thistle.
8:02 AM: Now there’s trouble on the bridge, tweets SDOT:
A stall is blocking the center lane on the EB West Seattle Bridge. Use caution and expect delays. pic.twitter.com/mwoZBNkz2C
— seattledot (@seattledot) October 28, 2016
8:25 PM: The bridge stall has cleared, SDOT says. So has the Delridge crash scene.
6:30 AM: We’ve received several questions about a strong smell of smoke in West Seattle. No fire calls here but for the past couple hours, SFD has been battling what’s described as a trash fire inside the South Transfer Station on the west edge of South Park (several miles away), and that’s generated a lot of smoke, so we’re thinking that must be what people are noticing. Seattle Public Utilities operates the station and says it will be closed today because of the fire, so if you were planning a dump/recycling run, you’ll have to go elsewhere.
7:45 AM: Update from SFD via Twitter – this is the view INSIDE the transfer station:
Progress approx 70% contained. pic.twitter.com/PWCfqBUTR3
— Seattle Fire Dept (@SeattleFire) October 28, 2016
This has been a stubborn fire – the SFD log shows the first response goes back to 12:36 am.
9:23 AM: More details on the fire and the closure, from SPU:
Seattle Public Utilities’ South Transfer Station is closed today, while firefighters and utility workers deal with the aftermath of a fire on the station’s tipping floor.
The fire at the three-year-old station, in South Park, started around 12:45 this morning. The cause is unknown at this time. Transfer station fires are often caused by materials — such as marine flares or chemicals — that have been improperly disposed of.
For information on where to dispose of household hazardous waste, including station locations and hours, contact www.HazWasteHelp.org or (206) 296-4692.
At 8:10 this morning, the fire was 70 percent contained.
While the station is closed, SPU is asking self-haul customers to take their garbage to the utilities’ old transfer station, at 8100 2nd Ave. S., which is adjacent to the new station. Compost and recycling cannot be accepted at the old station today.
Director of Solid Waste Ken Snipes said fires occasionally occur at garbage transfer stations, and the new station is built to withstand them. Damage to the station—if any—has not yet been assessed.
Thanks to Travis for the photo and the report from tonight’s biggest event on Pigeon Point, a yearly tradition: “This is just a handful of the over 50 pumpkins carved at the annual Pathfinder K-8 Pumpkin Carving Night. Special thanks to our principal David Dockendorf and to the school for giving such a great forum to get together and for being wonderful people.”
(What’s next as Halloween approaches? Check out our guide – where Friday fun starts with all West Seattle kids 5 and under invited to trick-or-treat at Holy Rosary!)
Photos by Leda Costa for West Seattle Blog
(Dominique Salinas [Jicarilla Apache/Navajo] and Marcos Arellano Martinez [Mexivo, Otomi] performing a Deer Dance, with Diana Romero [far left] on drums.)
Neighboring Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School have the largest Native population of any school in Seattle Public Schools, according to Sealth principal Aida Fraser-Hammer, who hosted the schools’ first Indigenous Peoples’ Day assembly today.
Leda Costa was there for WSB – more of her photos, ahead: Read More
5:14 PM: Just under way in The Hall at Fauntleroy (west side, not the side closest to the street) – Washington State Ferries officials, including the woman at the top – WSDOT Assistant Secretary Lynne Griffith – are gathered to listen to concerns about the “triangle route,” Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth.
“We are not here with a predetermined solution in mind,” Griffith says – they are hoping to hear ideas for solving some of the route’s problems, including the massive traffic backups that happened multiple times this past summer. After opening remarks (update: low-res video added, above), the staffers are taking up positions around the room so that participants can circulate. You’re welcome to stop in any time before 6:30 pm; The Hall is at 9131 California SW, not far from the Fauntleroy dock. WSF already has had two meetings near the other terminals on the route, so this is the third of three. Whatever they hear at this meeting will be transcribed and published on the WSF website as a first step; then a task force “blend(ed) across the three communities” will be formed as a second step “to work through the problems,” according to Griffith.
5:21 PM: We counted 22 people here for starters; more are trickling in.
34th District State Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon (photo added above) is also here, as is a representative for 34th District State Sen. Sharon Nelson.
3:59 PM: That’s the new notice that you’ll find soon in the bus shelters on the west end of the south side of SW Alaska in the Junction transit hub, just east of 44th SW – if it’s not posted already. The notice offers a more-detailed explanation of the plan to remove the two westernmost shelters on that side of the street, and invites comments, with a deadline of November 18th.
The shelter-removal plan first came to light when notices went up last weekend; as we reported on Saturday, it was the first major result of a walking tour/meeting on October 6th, following concerns about those shelters being magnets for loitering, drinking, and other illegal behavior. In our Monday followup, West Seattle Junction Association director Lora Swift detailed other steps that are being taken to try to improve safety and security in the area, and Metro promised it would “press ‘pause'” on the removal plan so there could be a formal comment process, and that’s what’s starting today.
Metro also has answered a couple remaining questions we asked earlier this week. First, about the decisionmaking process on shelter removal and who has the final say:
Metro regularly evaluates issues with Metro bus shelters and makes decisions on the installation and removal of bus shelters, as ridership and circumstances change at bus stops. The Transit Route Facilities group within the Service Development section, takes the lead on evaluating these issues and makes the decision on installation or removal of bus shelters.
We also asked if other hubs in the Metro system had had shelters removed for similar issues: “Shelters have been removed from other high ridership bus stops due to chronic security issues that are unresolvable despite Metro’s best efforts. One example, is 2nd Avenue S & S Washington Street where the Metro bus shelter was removed due to chronic misuse of the shelter.”
Meantime, if you have something to say about the prospective removal of these shelters, e-mail dale.cummings@kingcounty.gov or call 206-553-3000.
4:30 PM UPDATE: Our crew just went to The Junction to check, and verified that the new notice IS up:
(High Point Library photo by Architectsea via Wikimedia)
We recently noticed a building-permit application for unspecified work at High Point Library and asked SPL what’s planned. Today, we finally have the official word of the remodeling plan, which will require some closure time later this fall – read on for details plus announcement of an open house for your Q&A in a week and a half:
The High Point Branch, 3411 SW Raymond St., 206-684-7454, is tentatively set to temporarily close effective Monday, Dec. 5 for refurbishing. The book drop also will close.
During the closure, the Library plans to hold several programs at alternate locations and to open the nearby Delridge Branch, 5423 Delridge Way SW, 206-733-9125, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays. Alternate services will be confirmed after a firm closure date is set.
The 7,200-square-foot High Point Branch opened in June 2004, thanks to the 1998 voter-approved “Libraries for All” bond measure that renewed and revitalized libraries across the city.
After 12 years of use, the branch needs new carpet. While the branch is closed for that work, the Library also will add seating and electrical outlets, expand the holds area, and expand the children’s area to provide a more welcoming space for families. Acoustical panels in the meeting room will be added to reduce the sound of street traffic. Improvements are based on branch usage and projected service needs.
Patrons are invited to learn more about the improvements at an open house at the branch from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7. City Librarian Marcellus Turner and other Library staff members will be on hand to answer questions and explain alternate services.
While the branch is closed, patrons may choose any other Library location as a pickup location for items placed on hold and may return materials to any branch. If patrons don’t select an alternate branch by Friday, Nov. 25, their holds will be sent to the Southwest Branch, 9010 35th Ave. SW, 206-684-7455.
The construction project is currently out to bid. The Library expects to confirm the closing date in mid-November after bids have been reviewed. The refurbished branch is expected to reopen in January; a reopening date will be set once construction work is underway.
Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
CAR STOLEN TODAY: This white 1985 IROC was stolen from the 9400 block of 8th SW early this morning:
Washington plates ALW8548. Please call 911 if you see it.
CAR STOLEN LAST WEEKEND: Ford F150 truck, red, 2006. Stolen from 55th SW between Charlestown and Dakota. We don’t have the plate on this, but if you see this type of truck seemingly abandoned, please call 911 in case it’s the one.
VANDAL ON CAMERA: At 10 pm last Sunday night, a resident in the 3000 block of SW Avalon Way caught surveillance video of someone “bending walkway rails in front of our home for no good reason.” The actual bending is a little distant in their front-door-camera video but the vandal then walked past the door – we asked for a frame grab:
The vandal had a shaved-sides haircut and was wearing a blue jacket and black jeans. This too has been reported to police, who told the victim that “these crimes typically have a pattern,” so if anything similar happened to you, please be sure to file a report.
David Hutchinson from Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network sends the photo and this request/reminder:
Each year, Seal Sitters’ “Share the Shore” banners are installed along Alki Avenue SW. This is timed to correspond with our busiest months of responses to harbor-seal pups using our West Seattle beaches – September & October. Unfortunately, during our recent windstorm, two of the banners blew down and have not been found. If anyone comes across one of these banners, please give our hotline a call and we will arrange to pick it up.
Just a reminder – young harbor seals are still in the area and use our local beaches throughout the year. If you see one – or any marine mammal – on the beach, please keep back, keep people and pets away, and call Seal Sitters’ hotline at 206-905-7325.
You can read the Seal Sitters’ latest update on responses, from this past weekend, here.
Family and friends are sharing this remembrance of Marcia M. Chesterfield, 79:
Marcia Mage (Chesterfield), beloved daughter of Max and Adele Mage, died at home with her family beside her on Tuesday, October 11, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Born in Seattle in 1937, she attended West Seattle High School, where she met her future husband of 62 years. They raised their family in West Seattle and later became longtime residents of the Shelter Bay community in La Conner.
Marcia was beloved for her cheerfulness and kindness and she devoted herself to a life of service and caring for others. She is survived by her husband John Chesterfield, sons Bob (Diana) and Paul, daughter Leanne (Stephen) Chesterfield Pike, grandchildren, Shanah Pike Walter, Robert Pike, Sarah Pike, Jacob Chesterfield and siblings, Mark (Barbara), Mage, Julia (Terry) Gangon and Merritt Mage.
Services are tomorrow (Friday, October 28) at West Side Presbyterian Church in West Seattle, at 1 pm.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Hospice of the Northwest.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
First, from the WSB West Seattle Halloween (etc.) Guide, which has dozens of events happening between now and next Tuesday:
(WSB photo from a past Pumpkinpalooza)
TODDLER PUMPKINPALOOZA: At High Point Community Center, 10 am–noon. “Join the High Point Community Center staff and enjoy age-appropriate Halloween games, booths, face painting, arts and crafts activities, and snacks.” $5. (6920 34th SW)
HPES DIA DE LOS MUERTOS: “Please join the Highland Park community for our Dia de los Muertos Celebration from 5:30 to 7:30 in the Highland Park Elementary School Cafeteria. This is a potluck event, so bring your favorite dish to share. There will be music, food, dancing, arts and crafts, and many more fun activities.” (1012 SW Trenton)
GLOW IN THE DARK PARTY: Tonight at Delridge Community Center, 6-7:30 pm. Free! “For ages 12 and under: Come dressed in your best glow-in-the-dark costume, or any costume, and try the glow-in-the-dark ring toss, tic-tac-toe, bowling, and other fun games.” (4501 Delridge Way SW)
LIGHT SHOW BEGINS:: First night of the Halloween Light Show by the folks who bring you West Seattle Yuletide. 5-10 pm nightly through Halloween (probably a little later on October 29th and 31st). New zombies this year: “Larry and Skully will be joining the Wicked Witch of the West, our dancing skeleton, Skelington. And this year our talking pumpkin will be joined by a trio of back-up singers.” (38th SW between Genesee and Dakota)
DESSERT THEATER: First of five nights to see The Cabiri in “Ghost Game X: For Life Eternal” dessert-theater cabaret at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 7:30 pm. Tickets, showtimes, details in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
And non-Halloween (etc.) events from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
STATE FERRIES MEETING: Something to say or ask about the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route of Washington State Ferries? Tonight is your chance, 5-6:30 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy. (9131 California SW)
ADMIRAL REZONING: Tonight’s Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda Focus Group meeting at City Hall involves the group looking at “medium-density urban villages,” including Admiral – this group’s first meeting since the draft maps for potential Mandatory Housing Affordability rezoning were released last week (WSB coverage here). Public welcome, with a comment period toward meeting’s end – 6-8 pm. (600 4th Ave. downtown)
WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center, with an agenda including a presentation about the city’s “Drive Clean” and electric-vehicle initiatives as well as discussions of ongoing issues including the planned bus-shelter removals on the southeast corner of 44th/Alaska in The Junction. All welcome. (6400 Sylvan Way)
WSHS PLAY’S OPENING NIGHT: The West Seattle High School Drama Club‘s “Bright Room Called Day” opens at 7:30 pm in the WSHS Theater – here’s a photo from dress rehearsal:
Full details, including ticket info, in our calendar listing. (3000 California SW)
MUCH MORE FOR TODAY/TONIGHT/BEYOND – just take a quick look at our complete calendar.
8:07 AM: Breaking this out from morning traffic watch: A motorcycle-minivan crash on the west side of the 35th/Juneau intersection has sent the rider to the hospital with serious injuries. Juneau is blocked west of 35th. A woman and baby in the minivan were unhurt. A Good Samaritan stayed with the rider until help arrived and, we’re told, became a victim herself when someone ran off with her backpack.
8:46 AM: Just went past the scene again on the way back to HQ from checking out something else. Juneau is no longer closed west of 35th. The minivan had not yet been towed, so that might cause some delays on the southbound side of 35th at some point soon. We will be contacting Harborview this morning to see if we can find out how the rider is doing.
1:39 PM: So far we haven’t been able to get information from Harborview (without the rider’s name), but I SFD spokesperson Capt. Shata Stephenson tells us the rider is “approximately 19 years old) and that her injuries were NOT life-threatening.
(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)
7:03 AM: Good morning! No incidents in/from West Seattle right now. Though the rain finally stopped, you might still find some standing water, such as “under the Delridge onramp” per a text we just received.
Alerts for tonight:
SOUNDERS FC MATCH & EXTENDED WATER TAXI SERVICE: As announced earlier this week, the West Seattle Water Taxi will be on an extended schedule this evening for the Sounders FC playoff match (7 pm at CenturyLink vs. Sporting KC).
FERRY MEETING: 5-6:30 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW), Washington State Ferries continues its weeklong series of meetings to listen to concerns about the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route. (Added midmorning) Format: The meeting will start with Assistant Transportation Secretary Lynne Griffith, who leads WSF, speaking for several minutes “recognizing the issues on the route and the need for public input,” and then, WSF tells us, “The following hour will be open house-format listening sessions. During this time, members of our executive team will host three listening stations, where attendees can post ideas, concerns, and questions on maps of each terminal. These notes are what we will collect, assemble, and report back, from the meetings. We’ll close out the meeting with a group Q&A so folks can ask questions or share insights about what they’ve heard from neighbors.”
WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way), WSTC’s agenda includes the city’s Drive Clean and Electric Vehicle initiatives, as well as the plan to remove two Junction bus shelters, the city budget, and the newest SODO arena proposal.
Special-event reminders (from the WSB West Seattle Halloween [etc.] Guide):
ADMIRAL TRICK-OR-TREATING FRIDAY: Take extra care in The Admiral District 3-6 pm tomorrow, when hundreds of kids and their families will be trick-or-treating in the business district.
JUNCTION HARVEST FESTIVAL SUNDAY: 10 am-2 pm Sunday, the usual street closures expand for this year’s Harvest Festival – California between Edmunds and Oregon, Alaska between 42nd and 44th.
7:48 AM: Just got word of a crash at 35th/Juneau. Car/motorcycle. We are approaching – looks like it’s on the southbound side, blocking outside lane.
8:08 AM: We have published a separate story about the crash and are now on the way to check out the water under the Delridge intersection.
8:25 AM: That appears to be clear now.
8:43 AM: Downtown note – we’ve received Metro alerts about delays downtown because of a crash at 3rd and James (all we know is that it was a “heavy rescue” call). Also, Juneau has reopened west of 35th – we went by that crash scene again on the way back to HQ; the minivan had not yet been towed.
11:08 PM: Thanks for the photo and the tips – Fauntleroy and Raymond [map] is one of the spots that has flooded worse than usual during tonight’s deluge. (We’ve already advised one person who called about it to report it to Seattle Public Utilities, whose 24-hour dispatch is 206-386-1800.) We’re also hearing about deep water at spots including Harbor/Spokane. So if you’re headed out any time soon, be extra careful, and if you see what looks like a totally flooded roadway ahead, you’re advised not to drive/ride through it.
\11:30 PM: And just five minutes after we published that, the National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for areas including Seattle, until 2:15 am. Meantime, Darlene mentions in comments that the Delridge ramp to the bridge is swamped too.
12:15 AM: Michelle reported in comments that her husband and neighbors cleared the Fauntleroy/Raymond drains, and she sent a photo:
Meantime, another “standing water” report on the scanner – 9200 block of 35th SW.
(WSB photo from October 14th)
Twelve days after a little boy was rushed to the hospital with a serious injury suffered during the October 14th windstorm, we are hearing for the first time from his family. We had a short followup last week, and then today received this:
Dear West Seattle Community,
We are a local family and the parents of the 4-year old boy who was injured by the falling tree in Fauntleroy Park on October 14. We have so appreciated the kind words and thoughts on the West Seattle Blog and from our local community that we wanted to update you all on his status. We have tried to maintain his confidentiality, but we felt compelled to share more information, especially since we now have positive news to share.
Our boy suffered serious injuries, including a fractured skull, brain injury and broken femur. He was stabilized by the Seattle Fire Department, transported by Medic One, treated at Harborview Medical Center ED and Pediatric ICU, and is now in in-patient rehabilitation at Seattle Children’s. Thanks to the fantastic care of numerous providers, and to the love and support of his family, friends and community, he has made great strides in his recovery. He is a sweet, tough, energetic little boy and we are happy to report that he is talking, eating, smiling and playing. We are hopeful that, in time, he will make a full and complete recovery.
We are enormously fortunate to live in a city with quality emergency care. SFD and Medic One were quick to arrive and professionally assess, stabilize and transport our boy. HMC was hands-down exceptional from start to finish; we now understand why it is a nationally renowned Level 1 trauma center. And Children’s is, well, Children’s – we could not ask for a better place for our boy to recover and improve. Collectively, they saved his life, his body, his brain and his spirit.
Our boy has a long way to go, though, so we appreciate the continued hopes, thoughts, prayers, meditations, words, rays of light and all other ethereal forms of support the people of West Seattle have so kindly shared. Please know that, even if you do not know his name or address, he and we receive them all.
We remain deeply grateful for the love and compassion of our wonderful community.
Thank you.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Less than a week after the city went public with proposed rezoning maps for the city’s “urban villages,” the feedback process remains diffuse.
Last night, for a firsthand look at how part of it is working, we went to one of the “focus groups” that have been meeting monthly on related matters involved with the initiative known as HALA, the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda. (We wrote about the recruitment process last winter.) This group has been focused on areas including the West Seattle Junction. More on that shortly, including an alternative way to comment if you are having trouble with the site the city set up at hala.consider.it.
And today, the city announced that Mayor Murray will preside over a live Q/A about HALA via the mayoral Facebook page tomorrow (Thursday) morning at 10:45 am. Since it’s not a two-way video connection, you are asked to post questions now, either via this “event” page or via your Twitter account, with the hashtag #AffordableSeattle.
Now, to the background. Read More
Please accept our apologies for WSB being inaccessible for three-plus hours – if you missed our explanation on social-media channels, our server-management company WiredTree suffered some kind of catastrophic outage. It affected many sites as well as ours – we were able to see by monitoring Twitter mentions that we were far from alone. WiredTree hasn’t fully explained it yet, but the company is usually spectacularly reliable and responsive, and has been for the 8+ years we have been with them. We do have backup sites that we would have deployed if this had gone on any longer, or if there had been a major breaking story (luckily it was a quiet afternoon aside from the downpours) – including our White Center site, whitecenternow.com, whose server is with a different company, and the westseattleblog.wordpress.com backup site we used during our technical transition last winter. But now we’re back, so we’ll be publishing the stories we were working on when the site became inaccessible, soon as they’re ready – thanks again for your patience.
(South Seattle College photo: 13th Year scholar Blanca Olivera speaking to City Councilmembers last night)
Two major events at City Hall last night. While we were covering a Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda “focus group” meeting talking about proposed rezoning (story to come), the City Council was listening to public comment about the budget. Among those commenting: A South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) contingent there to ask the city to contribute to expansion of the 13th Year Promise scholarship program. SSC communications director Ty Swenson shares the photo and report:
It was democracy in action at a Seattle City Council public hearing at City Hall as South Seattle College students, faculty, and leadership spoke to the council about the impact of our college’s 13th Year Promise Scholarship, and encouraged passage of a proposal to expand the program to three more high schools.
Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell has submitted a budget proposal that would expand the 13th Year Promise Scholarship to additional high schools over 2017 and 2018 with city support.
Currently offered to all Rainier Beach, Chief Sealth International, and Cleveland high school graduating seniors, the 13th Year Promise Scholarship provides one year of tuition-free college at South along with support services. It has increased access to higher education for area youth, particularly those from underrepresented groups including first-generation college students, low-income students, and students of color. The program began in 2008, and to this point has been funded by donations to the college’s foundation.
Speaking on behalf of the proposal to city council were South Seattle College President Gary Oertli, South Foundation Chair (and West Seattle resident) Catherine Arnold, Mathematics Instructor Heidi Lyman, and students Ken Bert and Blanca Olivera, both attending college through the 13th Year Promise Scholarship.
The potential expansion schools include West Seattle High School. The program expanded to Chief Sealth in 2011; CSIHS was the second school, and Rainier Beach was added in 2014.
From last night’s West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting @ the Southwest Precinct:
WHERE POLICE ARE FOCUSED: Precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis says their current emphasis patrols to get a step ahead of car prowlers include The Junction and Morgan Junction. As he has said at earlier community meetings, they made progress in former hotspot Highland Park over the summer. Data helps them figure out the hotspots – so if it happens to you, even if nothing is taken, please report it. And, he reiterated, please reduce car prowlers’ incentive by keeping stuff out of your vehicle.
Capt. Davis also said police are patroling Roxhill Park and some other area parks, as well as keeping an eye on certain people and places. He made mention of last week’s arrests near South Park, after officers spotted a stolen car linked to multiple West Seattle robberies.
By the way, court documents show that the adult suspect arrested in that incident, 19-year-old East Admiral resident Ayub M. Rage, is now charged with one count of second-degree robbery and one count of attempted second-degree robbery for two incidents last Thursday – a holdup at the Admiral 7-11 and an attempted holdup at the 41st/Admiral Chevron. His bail is set at $75,000, though prosecutors had requested $200,000.
Also discussed last night: Read More
(WSB photo)
A few people are asking about the work that’s now under way at the former Pier 1 Imports space in Westwood Village. In case you missed our original story back in June: It’s being remodeled into an Ulta Beauty retail-and-salon location. Back when we discovered that in building-permit files, Ulta wouldn’t confirm it, but not only has the permit been granted and work started, they’re even advertising for help at the new store. We’re checking on a projected opening date.
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