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West Seattle’s Leslie Harris now serving as Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors vice president
December 16, 2016 6:01 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

After one year as the West Seattle/South Park representative on the Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors, Highland Park resident Leslie Harris has been elected vice president. Harris, a longtime advocate and activist before her election last year, has already spent a year on the board’s Executive Committee as member-at-large. The School Board chose its 2017 leaders as last week’s meeting, and the district sent an official announcement to media outlets this afternoon. Sue Peters is the new president, and Scott Pinkham is Executive Committee member-at-large.

P.S. Harris’s next community-conversation meeting is tomorrow (Saturday, December 17th), 1-3 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW)

Photo: Seattle Public Schools

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WEST SEATTLE HOLIDAYS: Double holiday fun at Easy Street Records this weekend – Caspar Babypants, Cocoa Cris Cringle
December 16, 2016 3:59 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE HOLIDAYS: Double holiday fun at Easy Street Records this weekend – Caspar Babypants, Cocoa Cris Cringle
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – Two helpings of holiday coolness at Easy Street Records this weekend:

SATURDAY – Caspar Babypants in-store, free, 6:30 pm! ESR says, “CB will perform songs from his new album ‘Winter Party!’, which features holiday standards like ‘Deck The Halls,’ ‘Joy To The World,’ and ‘Jingle Bells,’ as well as soon to be classics such as ‘Candy Cane’ and ‘Frozen Penguin.’ [And the song in the video above.] Free and all ages!

Then on Sunday, the Santa you’ve waited all year to see:

(WSB photo from December 2015)

SUNDAY – Holiday photos with Cocoa Cris Cringle, 4-9 pm, back again this year to benefit the West Seattle Food Bank: $20, or $15 with non-perishable food or toy donation, includes 3 photos sent to you and hard copy printed on the spot!”

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From Councilmember Herbold: In-district office hours today; recap of move-in-fee vote
December 16, 2016 12:46 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

West Seattle/South Park City Councilmember Lisa Herbold has “in-district office hours” today – 3:30-7 pm at the SP Community Center (8319 8th Ave. S.), “walk-in friendly” as described in her newest online update, just published/e-mailed. Also in that update is her report on this week’s council vote on capping move-in fees for renters. Since we hadn’t made note of the vote previously, we’re republishing what she wrote today:

On Monday, the Seattle City Council voted unanimously to pass the Renters’ move-in fee cap legislation. This legislation will require property owners who rent to work with tenants needing an installment plan to help renters better afford the high upfront costs required to rent. Earlier this year, the Federal Reserve announced that 46% of adults could not cover an emergency expense costing $400 without selling something or borrowing money. Seattle’s high housing costs make it increasingly difficult to live in Seattle. Even middle-income households, especially families with children, struggle to meet the high prices of housing in most areas of the city.

I also understand property owners need to collect move-in fees to mitigate the risks arising from tenant damage to units and moving out without proper advanced notice. Some suggested an exemption from this legislation for property-owners who rent 4 or fewer units. In lieu of exempting small landlords, the Council did the following: (1) Exempted move-in fees that total 25% or less than one month’s full rent; (2) Exempted owner-occupied units; (3) Adopted language that allows the tenant and property owner to negotiate a different payment plan then the one required by legislation; and (4) Requires that reservation fees, also known as holding fees, be subtracted from the total move-in costs, thus reducing the total subject to an installment plan.

This legislation will be evaluated over the next 18 months and I have asked that the evaluation of this legislation include an analysis of how small and large landlords are impacted by the legislation.

The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections is charged with implementing the move-in fee legislation. If you have any questions, please contact Geoff Tallent by email at Geoff.Tallent@seattle.gov or by phone at 206-684-8452.

Councilmember Herbold’s full online update tackles a few other topics, too – read it in its entirety here.

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West Seattle Friday: Wine, poetry, bells, basketball, bazaar, Boychoir, more…
December 16, 2016 11:59 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Friday: Wine, poetry, bells, basketball, bazaar, Boychoir, more…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

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(The Olympics this morning, by James Bratsanos. As with almost all photos on WSB, you can click to open a larger view)

Happy Friday! Many highlights for the rest of today/tonight. First, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

GIFT IDEAS @ HOMESTREET: HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) in The Junction will host vendors for a mini-bazaar: “Just a couple of locals selling some things that might make nice Christmas presents. We have one artist selling some cute little paintings, and we have someone else who will be selling essential oils. The event starts at noon and will probably go until about 5 pm or so. We’ll have cocoa and cookies also to enjoy while browsing.” (41st SW/SW Alaska)

HOLIDAY WINE RELEASE: Happening today (and tomorrow!) at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor). Two new wines: “Our new Holiday wine release includes a 2014 Chardonnay called ‘The Betrayal’ and a 2013 Merlot called ‘Heart Box Red.’ Past vintages of these same wines have won several awards and these two new wines follow in their great heritage.” 5-9 pm tonight, 2-7 pm Saturday. (5910 California SW)

HOLIDAY MOVIES: Short at 6:15, main feature at 7 pm, at Highland Park Improvement Club. Free – bring $ for concessions. Full details, including movie hints, on the HPIC website. (12th SW/SW Holden)

BELLS OF THE SOUND: Sounds of the holiday! Bells of the Sound live at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor): This year’s holiday concert is “Holiday Special,” featuring songs from beloved holiday-season TV specials. Come see and hear Puget Sound’s premier handbell ensemble at 7:30 pm – “as we reminisce with songs from our favorite holiday television specials including ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,’ ‘The Year Without Santa Claus,’ and ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’.” show and ticket details here – suggested donation $10/adults, $8/youth and seniors. (3940 41st SW)

FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS: Northwest Boychoir‘s annual “Festival of Lessons and Carols” at Holy Rosary Church, 7:30 pm. Five singers are from West Seattle, the announcement says:

They include Jackson Cecil and Hayden Wainwright, both 15 and at Garfield HS and Northwest School respectively, and 14-year-old Washington MS students Claire Ellerwood and Livia Woelfle. 12-year-old Emilya Buck is at Madison MS. The talented boys worked their way over many years to the top Performing Choir, and graduated to Vocalpoint! Seattle, where they were joined by the girls. They perform these thrilling concerts alongside the Northwest Boychoir that have become a holiday tradition for thousands of families in the Puget Sound region and showcase the 90-member combined chorus.

More info, including ticketing, here. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: 7:30 pm performance tonight for the Twelfth Night Productions presentation of “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play” at Kenyon Hall. Buy your ticket(s) online at this Brown Paper Tickets link, or before the show at the box office. (7904 35th SW)

Lots more in the Holiday Guide, including ongoing light shows, donation drives, more …

Now, from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

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(Thursday sunset photo by Dan E)

YOUTH SPEAKS SEATTLE POETRY SLAM! Doors, food, signups at 6 pm; slam starts 6:30 pm. Part of “an annual poetry slam series to build community, showcase the next generation of Seattle’s poetic changemakers, and to decide the top 5 poets to rep Seattle at Brave New Voices.” Go slam, or go watch and listen! At Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. More info in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: All four of the West Seattle High School and Chief Sealth International High School varsity teams are home tonight – WSHS girls and boys hosting Bishop Blanchet, 7 pm and 8:30 pm respectively (3000 California SW); CSIHS girls hosting Holy Names, 7 pm, boys hosting O’Dea at 8:30 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)

SQUIRREL BUTTER: Live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

‘MELANCHOLIC POP’ with three bands at Parliament Tavern. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

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WSB HOLIDAY GUIDE: Continuing through New Year’s – got something to add?
December 16, 2016 10:50 am
|    Comments Off on WSB HOLIDAY GUIDE: Continuing through New Year’s – got something to add?
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

As we head into the final weeks of the holiday season, just a reminder that we are continuing to update, and add to, the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, which launched in mid-November with the annual goal of being the definitive list of holiday events in our area, through New Year’s. So if you have something coming up but haven’t sent it to us yet – not too late! Holiday hours for your business, Santa appearances, religious services, opportunity for holiday giving/volunteering … send the info as plain text in the body of your e-mail to editor@westseattleblog.com ASAP! We also use the guide (and our regular Event Calendar) as the main source for our daily-highlights lists here on the home page. And thanks to everyone who has already sent the many West Seattle/White Center events we’ve showcased so far this season!

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YOU CAN HELP: Big change @ West Seattle Food Bank to add hours, transform ‘model’
December 16, 2016 9:00 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

The West Seattle Food Bank is planning a big change that will enable it to be open for more hours, among other things, and if you’re thinking about how to help others this holiday season, here’s a way. It’s part of WSFB’s announcement:

This February, the West Seattle Food Bank will change its method of food distribution from a “distribution line” to a “shopping model.” It will feel more like a grocery store [example at right] and offer several advantages for the 9,300 individuals that rely on our services.

“We want to change the stereotype of what a food bank is,” said Executive Director Fran Yeatts. The Food Bank will provide more flexible hours for the 9,300 clients and offer a more dignified experience for those that rely on our services.

While we currently are open eight hours per week over three days, when we change to the shopping model we will be open 20 hours over four days. Instead of having staff or volunteers “hand out” the food, families will come in, grab a shopping cart, shop at their own pace, and make their own choices. With this model, “shoppers” will have greater access to more choices, and each household can choose the food that is nutritionally and culturally relevant for their members, leading to a much better experience.

How Can You Help Make It Happen?

The Food Bank has a goal of $40,000 — for upgraded lighting ($10,000) to save on electricity for years to come, a commercial freezer ($20,000), and a commercial cooler ($10,000) to set up our new model. The freezer and cooler will allow us to offer the neighbors we serve more choices for dairy, meat and other products.

If you would like to help make a difference for our clients, you can make a tax-deductible donation – big or small – by sending a check made out to the West Seattle Food Bank at 3419 SW Morgan Street, Seattle, WA 98126 or going to donatenow.networkforgood.org/wsfbshoppingmodel.

We are very excited about this change as it will provide more flexible “shopping time” and a much more empowering experience for the families we serve.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER TODAY: Friday watch
December 16, 2016 7:02 am
|      2 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! Winter break starts this afternoon for local students; it’s one-hour-early dismissal for Seattle Public Schools. No incidents in or from this area so far this morning.

7:32 AM: It’s below freezing but no snow concerns – the newest “forecast discussion” says there’s a possibilities of flurries or “light snow showers” tomorrow but otherwise precipitation and low temps aren’t expected to collide.

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Seen off West Seattle: Another passing submarine
December 15, 2016 10:47 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

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Thanks to those who sent us photos of another submarine sighting off Alki Point this afternoon – this photo is from Bruce Easter. Identifying a submarine is not as easy (for the non-expert, anyway) as identifying other types of Navy vessels, so we don’t know which one this was. Fewer submarines are homeported in Bremerton than in Bangor on Hood Canal, but passing subs aren’t necessarily homeported there – it’s also a base for maintenance and decommissioning.

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VIDEO: ‘Shop Late Thursday’ in The Junction
December 15, 2016 7:29 pm
|    Comments Off on VIDEO: ‘Shop Late Thursday’ in The Junction
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Tonight’s second-to-last Shop Late Thursday in The Junction kicked off with an extra-festive feature … Emerald City Voices, caroling along California. One of the stores open late tonight is Click! Design That Fits (4540 California SW; WSB sponsor), with a pop-up in the loft, featuring two artists with cool gift possibilities – you have to see the eco-wearables by Shino Mikami of Uzura:

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And cards and wearables by Claire Jauregui of Orange Twist:

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Click’s open until 9 tonight – with treats in the loft, too – go shop! And while you’re in The Junction, you can also shop Thunder Road Guitars (4736 California SW: WSB sponsor) until 8 tonight. Lots of Hometown Holidays happenings in the days and nights ahead – highlights here!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Burglary attempts; Rudolph … recovered?
December 15, 2016 5:04 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two burglary attempts and a reindeer are in West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:

5400 BLOCK FAUNTLEROY: Rasmus sent the photo and report:

Early this morning, someone tried breaking into our home office via the alley on the 5400 block. They got as far as popping out our screen, but gave up when our window self-locked after about an inch. Still, they were brave enough to enter our apartment parking lot, to get to the window.

I’d encourage everyone in the area to be on the lookout for anyone suspicious, possibly casing and targeting apartments in the area. We did report it to the police, case number 16-449387.

Later, they learned their neighbor’s car had been broken into overnight.

39TH AND JUNEAU: Brandon reports a break-in attempt around 9:45 am: “They saw me in the window and turned around; I went out to the back deck and yelled ‘HEY’ and they took off running … hopefully people keep a look out and these kids get caught.” He did get a look at the would-be intruders, describing them as “young black males, probably around 16 years old, one of them had a Seahawks beanie, but they were all wearing beanies and jackets and all had backpacks on.” He was filing a police report.

And just in:

STOLEN DECORATION? Kelly e-mailed to report, “There is a lighted Rudolph reindeer with a Santa hat Christmas decoration that was thrown in my front yard — Admiral area — I have no idea where it came from but would love to reunite it with its owner!” She sent this photo:

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Know of anyone whose Rudolph got removed?

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HAPPENING NOW: Happy Bill of Rights Day!
December 15, 2016 2:31 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

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The photo and report are from Karen Chilcutt:

Today, December 15th, is Bill of Rights Day!! Members of the West Seattle Democratic Women are distributing copies of the Bill of Rights, bumper stickers, and buttons provided by the American Civil Liberties Union at both the White Center Food Bank and Samway Market in White Center. WSDW wants everyone to know that materials are also available at Cupcake Royale in the West Seattle Junction.

Rachel Glass, WSDW’s Vice Chair, said: “Given the concerns, confusion and fear expressed by many Americans as a result of the change in political climate, WSDW thought it especially important that people be aware of their rights.”

Other participating members of West Seattle Democratic Woman braving the freezing weather in support of this cause were Elizabeth Heath, Lynne Ingalls, Flora Belle Key, Theresa McCormick and Mike Wald. Peggy Abby, WSDW member and local artist crafted the signs used.

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West Seattle scene: Caroling for ‘Awesome Avery’ and family
December 15, 2016 1:03 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

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A beautiful sight in a West Seattle backyard brought holiday cheer to “Awesome Avery” Berg and her family. We have reported before – here and here – on Avery, who was diagnosed with brain cancer just as she prepared to start middle school this fall. The photo and update are from friend Kelly Malloy:

She begins her second round of chemo today – and the community surprised the family on Tuesday by showing up in their back yard with candles and holiday songs to sing. Her dear friends Liza and Rachel coordinated this and it was AWESOME. (like Awesome Avery)

Caroling at Avery’s and seeing (at least) 50 people in her back yard was mind blowing, inspiring, brilliant, sweet, and just another reflection of the fabulous community of West Seattle.

Avery’s mom Kristie has continued to post updates from time to time here.

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3039 SW Avalon Way joins 4220 SW 100th on January 5th agenda for Southwest Design Review Board
December 15, 2016 12:19 pm
|    Comments Off on 3039 SW Avalon Way joins 4220 SW 100th on January 5th agenda for Southwest Design Review Board
 |   Development | West Seattle news

The Southwest Design Review Board‘s next meeting on January 5th now has a second project.

We already reported a month ago that the Arbor Heights plan for 9 live-work units at 4220 SW 100th would go before the board that night (6:30 pm, Senior Center/Sisson Building). It’s an Early Design Guidance hearing but this concept rendering of the project is already in the file:

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The formal notice of that hearing finally appeared in the Land Use Information Bulletin today.

What’s not in the bulletin yet – but has just been added to the Design Review website – is an 8 pm hearing that same night (January 5th) for 3039 SW Avalon Way. This is the second and potentially final review for the six-story, 71-unit, 20-offstreet-parking-space project. Here’s our report on its first review back in February. The “packet” for this review is not in the system yet but will eventually be linked here.

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@ Southwest District Council: Request for rezoning-plan extension
December 15, 2016 10:44 am
|      61 COMMENTS
 |   Southwest District Council | West Seattle news

The Southwest District Council is asking the city for an extra half-year to deal with the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda (HALA) rezoning plans.

That’s part of what happened when the SWDC met Tuesday night – postponed from last week, when the city scheduled its rezoning-and-more “open house” (WSB coverage here) on the district council’s longstanding regular meeting night.

Here’s the text of the resolution passed by SWDC members:

The Southwest District Council requests a six-month extension to the HALA proposal, prior to the (Environmental Impact Statement) submittal, to accommodate necessary outreach, assimilation, and planning so that alternative draft zoning proposals can be developed, and in order to have design charrettes take place for the following urban villages: West Seattle Junction, Admiral Junction, and Morgan Junction.

As we’ve been reporting since October, four West Seattle “urban villages” are among the areas of the city where upzoning is planned as part of what the mayor calls Mandatory Housing Affordability – giving builders/developers additional capacity, while requiring them to build a percentage of their projects as “affordable” units, or else pay into a fund that will pay for it to be built somewhere else in the city.

One of those UVs, Westwood-Highland Park, has already had a “design charrette” organized by the city to talk about and look at specifics of its plan, but the city is currently not planning similar events for the three UVs mentioned in the SWDC resolution. And the overall concern is that most current residents potentially affected by this still don’t know about it, as there’s been no direct, clear messaging from the city about the proposed zoning changes.

Also at Tuesday’s SWDC meeting, three items that you might call operational.

Read More

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Music, shopping, more for your West Seattle Thursday
December 15, 2016 9:00 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

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(Western Grebe, photographed by Mark Wangerin. Curious about its leg? Read this.)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

DINE OUT FOR LAFAYETTE: 3-10 pm at Chipotle in The Junction, part of the proceeds benefit Lafayette Elementary. (4730 California SW)

TINKERLAB: With the High Point Library temporarily closed, Southwest Library is the place to go for today’s Tinkerlab drop-in session, focused on Finch Robots. 3:30-5 pm. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

CIRCLE OF SINGLES: 5 pm at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor). Event for singles 60+. (1936 Harbor SW)

SHOP LATE THURSDAY AT CLICK! Many Junction shops are open later than usual tonight – among them, longtime WSB sponsor Click! Design That Fits, with a special pop-up event in its loft – details here. (4540 California SW)

CAROLING IN THE JUNCTION: Join in holiday songs while you’re shopping The Junction tonight – meet up with Emerald City Voices at 6 pm at Junction Plaza Park “to join in a stroll around the Junction. You’ll be stopping at local businesses to sing the season with holiday cheer,” as part of Hometown Holidays. (42nd SW/SW Alaska)

DENNY CONCERT: Postponed last week because of weather, the Denny International Middle School winter band/orchestra concert is happening tonight, 6:30 pm at Chief Sealth International HS Auditorium. (2600 SW Thistle)

WSHS CONCERT: The West Seattle High School Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Orchestra are performing their Winter Concert tonight, 7 pm, in the WSHS Theater. (3000 California SW)

ORCA TALK: The Southern Resident Killer Whales’ situation is more precarious than ever. Tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), The Whale Trail‘s first Orca Talk of the season brings you Lynne Barre from NOAA Fisheries with the latest on their status. Our preview includes ticket info – check to see if there’s room. (5612 California SW)

SHAKE THINGS UP: The monthly Alauda bellydancing showcase at The Skylark is at 7:30 tonight. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

LOTS MORE … for today and tonight – just check our complete calendar here.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER TODAY: Thursday watch
December 15, 2016 6:30 am
|      6 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)

6:30 AM: The main weather word is “cold,” says the National Weather Service. Two more notes:

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: If you travel through the stadium zone – be aware that it’s game night, Seahawks hosting the Rams, 5:25 pm. Here’s the SDOT alert.

SECOND-TO-LAST DAY OF SCHOOL: Tomorrow is the last day before winter break for Seattle Public Schools (and most independent schools). SPS will be out an hour early on Friday.

7:36 AM: Commenter mentions backup on the low bridge.

8 AM: Automobile rescue call at 16th/Florida on Harbor Is.

8:20 AM: The location has been corrected to 13th/Florida (map).

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VIDEO: Seattle Fire Department’s Toys for Tots drive gets boost from Admiral preschoolers
December 14, 2016 10:02 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Photos and video by Christopher Boffoli for West Seattle Blog

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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:

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The toys were for the SFD Toys for Tots drive:

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After the students helped unload the toys into the bins at the station, school director Shelley Neal led everyone in song.

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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.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 3 reader reports, and prevention advice
December 14, 2016 8:40 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

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.

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USNS Bob Hope to berth at West Seattle’s Terminal 5?
December 14, 2016 4:18 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Port of Seattle | West Seattle news

(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.”

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UPDATE: Crash at 16th and Thistle sends 1 to hospital
December 14, 2016 1:51 pm
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

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(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.”

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Recognize this loot recovered by police?
December 14, 2016 1:08 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

If you’ve been car-prowled lately …take a look at this photo:

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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.

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Hoping to see ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ in West Seattle?
December 14, 2016 12:48 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Admiral Theater | West Seattle news

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.”

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West Seattle whale-watching: Orcas nearby
December 14, 2016 10:59 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

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!

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