West Seattle, Washington
18 Monday
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
More than half a year after the State Court of Appeals heard arguments in the appeal of Lovett “Cid” Chambers‘ manslaughter conviction for a deadly shooting outside a West Seattle bar, its ruling is in: The court says the verdict stands.
Chambers (right), now 72, was charged with murder after shooting and killing 36-year-old 
“Travis” Hood (left) on January 12, 2012, in a confrontation with Hood and another man after all three had been at the now-closed Feedback Lounge in Morgan Junction. Chambers said it was a matter of self-defense, alleging that Hood had been about to swing a shovel at him alongside the park north of the bar, and that he and his friend had hurled racial slurs at Chambers.
In April 2014, after a six-week trial that we covered start to finish, a King County Superior Court jury found Chambers guilty of the lesser crime of manslaughter. He was subsequently sentenced to 11 1/2 years, with credit for the two-plus years he had served by then.
The appeals-court document summarizes the decision as follows:
Chambers contends the evidence does not support the decision to instruct the jury on the lesser included offense of manslaughter in the first degree and the court erred in denying his motion to suppress evidence seized from his home and statements he made after his arrest. Chambers also claims he is entitled to reversal because he was denied his right to counsel during the videotaped deposition of a witness and prosecutorial misconduct during closing argument denied him of the right to a fair trial.
Viewed in the light most favorable to the State, the evidence supports the decision to give the lesser included manslaughter instruction. We conclude the court erred in denying the motion to suppress evidence seized from the house. The warrantless entry and protective sweep … was not justified under Maryland v. Buie … but the error was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. Because the unchallenged findings support the conclusion that the police “scrupulously honored” the right to remain silent under Michigan v. Moslev. … and the record shows Chambers was not deprived of his right to counsel or a fair trial, we affirm [the verdict].
The “prosecutorial misconduct” allegation was perhaps the most contentious of the appeal. Chambers’ lawyer argued that Hood and his friend were racists “trying to commit a hate crime” against Chambers; the prosecutor argued that the defense was trying to “pander” to the jury’s “prejudices” by making the case “about race,” and the defense took issue with that. The appeals court said “the challenged remarks were a fair response to the defense closing argument and did not impugn the integrity of defense counsel.”
Here’s the full decision; it is dated this past Monday, and we just happened onto it while making a periodic check of the files this afternoon. Next we’ll be seeking to find out if Chambers plans to challenge the ruling.
(WSB file photo)
If you use West Seattle’s longest stairway – along the SW Thistle right-of-way, east of Lincoln Park, west of Northrop Place – you might have noticed some markings along its top section this fall, suggesting plans for future work. In fact, SDOT is planning “improvements” on the 61-year-old stairway next year. It’s the only West Seattle stairway on the map/list of 10 citywide slated for SDOT work in 2017. If you use the stairway, here’s a survey open until December 30th, asking what you would like to see done, and what the city should know before its project begins.
Two weeks after the city’s director of homelessness led a meeting (WSB coverage here) about the plan to officially authorize and expand the encampment that’s just inside the gateway to the west side of the Myers Way Parcels, George Scarola has sent this update/recap:
On December 8th my office organized and led a community meeting at the Greenbridge Learning Center to discuss the City’s decision to make the homeless encampment on city-owned property at Myers Way one of three new City-sanctioned encampments. This is the site where Camp 2nd Chance is currently operating. The plan would allow current campers to stay and expand the number of people living there from 20 to 60 or 70.
The City is setting up new encampments because it has adopted a key recommendation from the Task Force on Unsanctioned Encampments: when people are required to move from unsafe, illegal encampments, the City should offer safe alternative places to live. Attached is a fact sheet with FAQs that was distributed at the meeting.
The primary purpose of the December 8th meeting was to listen to concerns and questions from members of the surrounding communities. Approximately 50 people attended, as well as officials from the Police Department, the Human Services Department, the Department of Neighborhoods, and the Department of Financial and Administrative Services. I am attaching notes from the meeting which lists questions, requests and comments from community members and City officials.
The next step in the community notification process will be a second community-wide meeting in January at a time and place to be determined. At that meeting we plan to have a team of City officials on hand to address the concerns and questions raised by the community. It is our intention to do all we can to make the encampment at Myers Way a safe, clean place for its residents and a good neighbor to the surrounding communities.
We’ve uploaded the two documents mentioned above – here’s the FAQ; here are the city’s meeting notes. Also of note, the Highland Park Action Committee‘s letter sent to Scarola last week, post-meeting.
Story by Tracy Record
Photos by Patrick Sand
West Seattle Blog co-publishers
The mural along the alley exhorted, “Love where you live.”
We saw it during a walking tour of the section of South Park where Jeff Hayes has lived for going on two decades. He organized the tour out of love for his community – but promised it would not be a pre-planned, pre-sanitized, city-sanctioned walk. Indeed, other sights along the same alley fulfilled his promise.
About a third of the two dozen or so walkers were from the city, including Councilmember Lisa Herbold and representatives from her staff and those of Councilmember Lorena González, Mayor Ed Murray, and the Department of Construction and Inspections. An hour before Monday night’s sunset, participants gathered at a South Park food store/eatery, Phoralé, for introductions, before heading out.
Important preface: This isn’t a story about how bad things are in South Park. There are all too many neighborhoods in Seattle where this kind of tour could be organized. It reminded us, in fact, of one we covered in North Delridge – also organized by a neighbor/community advocate, also with councilmembers and other city reps in attendance – almost eight years ago. Read More
(Photo by Paul Nicholson – three state ferries on Elliott Bay last Sunday)
Welcome to winter! The solstice – which arrived at 2:44 am – factors into some of the highlights from our WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and Event Calendar:
SOLSTICE WATCH WITH ALICE: First sunset since winter’s arrival means that NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen will be at Solstice Park for her 31st quarterly sunset watch – fun, informative, free, for all ages. Full details on her website, including directions. (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW)
‘LONGEST NIGHT’ SERVICE @ TIBBETTS: 7 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor):
For some people Christmas is not “the most wonderful time of the year.” It might stir up feelings of sadness and depression, whether it will be the first Christmas without a loved one, or the person lost someone around the Christmas season and this is a painful reminder each year. It might be because of other kinds of loss – loss of a job, a divorce or break-up, a feeling of grief and despair over the future of our country and the world, or even the loss of faith. There is a need for a space to not be forced to be jolly but to acknowledge our grief and pain and depression. The Longest Night Service is that place. It is a service of music, readings and prayers and candle lighting. It is open to everyone no matter the circumstance. If this would be of help to you this Christmas season or if you know someone who could benefit from being with us that night, please invite them and come along with them.
(3940 41st SW)
‘LONGEST NIGHT’ SERVICE AT ADMIRAL UCC: 6 pm at Admiral Congregational Church: “This alternative service will be a time for reflection on what gives us strength when the holidays feel more complicated than the culture allows.” (4320 SW Hill)
If your holiday services – now through New Year’s – aren’t listed in our holiday guide yet, it’s not too late – just send us the info ASAP – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!
Also happening today and tonight:
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, geared for 3- to 5-year-olds. Free! (2306 42nd SW)
LAST OFFICE JUNCTION MEETUP OF THE YEAR: Entrepreneur? Telecommuter? Coworker? Experimenting? At noon, stop by West Seattle’s only coworking center, Office Junction (WSB sponsor), for this week’s free community meetup, and see who else shows up! (6040 California SW)
MAH JONGG FEVER: 1 pm, informal weekly meetup at Uptown Espresso-Delridge – here’s the official page. (3845 Delridge Way SW)
SANTA AT THRIFTWAY: Still have something to say to the Jolly Old Soul? He’s due at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) 1-4 pm today. (Fauntleroy/California/Morgan)
‘SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS’: 8 pm at Parliament Tavern, “A one-of-a-kind night filled with surprise guest stars, Christmas songs and holiday hijinks. No cover.” (4210 SW Admiral Way)
(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)
7:11 AM: Good morning. Winter arrived four and a half hours ago, and the weather’s calmer than it’s been for a while – forecast to be mostly sunny and 40ish today. No trouble reported on the roads and paths in and from West Seattle right now.
Last Thursday, we published the Northwest Seaport Alliance (ports of Seattle and Tacoma) announcement of a special meeting to authorize pursuit of an interim proposal for West Seattle’s Terminal 5 – serving as the berth for the Military Sealift Command‘s USNS Bob Hope. The meeting was held first thing Monday morning; we weren’t able to cover it in person but have just listened to the audio on the NWSA website. The meeting lasted less than half an hour, and no one from the public showed up to comment; when a question about public reaction came up, most of what was mentioned had to do with the comments on the WSB story. One commissioner wondered about security for the 950-foot-long Bob Hope; a staffer said the basic T-5 security plan “wouldn’t be affected that much,” though there would be a “restricted area” around the ship itself. After the discussion, the commissioners voted unanimously to approve having the NWSA join Foss Maritime in offering a proposal to get the ship here. The memo accompanying the Monday agenda this contract could bring the NWSA a little over half a million dollars a year. It would also extend Foss’s use of T-5, otherwise set to expire in early February.
Jason Hoppe e-mailed us about his house on Genesee Hill early in the season, and now that we are showing lights every night, we finally went over for a photo. More than 10,000 lights! Corner of 52nd Avenue SW and SW Dakota.
Lights to suggest? editor@westseattleblog.com – and see the ones we’ve shown this year and previous seasons by going here.
ADDED: Thanks to Glenn for this view of Jason’s lights:
We’ve had multiple inquiries about the status of our annual list of which restaurants plan to be open Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day. We’re still awaiting a few replies but for now, here’s what we have – the list is linked from both the Holiday Guide and Event Calendar. And our annual caveat – the list is the product of research involving dozens and dozens of phone calls, and sometimes an establishment’s plans change after we check. (If you know of something that’s already changed since we made the list, we appreciate an update – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!)
Expect to need help wrapping holiday gifts before Christmas? This year, you can get some help – Furry Faces Foundation is reviving its “Wrap It Up” fundraiser, newly added to our West Seattle Holiday Guide – or, if you would like to help others, you can volunteer:
Wrap It Up! With Furry Faces Foundation!
December 24th
Beveridge Place Pub
6413 California Ave SW
12 pm-6 pmHave your Christmas gifts wrapped while watching the Seahawks game!
The elves of Furry Faces Foundation are looking forward to wrapping your gifts in splendor and uniqueness! We have gift wrap, bows, tape, ribbon, garland, pine cones, pipe cleaners, name tags, and more! It’s up to you how much you would like to donate for the gift wrapping with 100% of the proceeds going directly to helping animals stay with their people.
If you would like to give your time to help wrap, please email us at furryfaces@hotmail.com; or call 206-321-4729.
Please note that Beveridge Place Pub is 21+.
The Santa-and-dogs photos are courtesy of Camp Crockett dog-day-care-and-more (5611 Delridge Way SW; WSB sponsor), to go with a few Holiday Guide/Event Calendar highlights we wanted to share before we get any further into the afternoon:
SHOP LATE: Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) is open until 8 tonight. (4540 California SW) … Also open for late shopping (game-playing, etc.) is Meeples Games (WSB sponsor), open until 10 pm. (3727 California SW)
SANTA AT WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY: He’s back! 4 pm-7 pm, and that’s also when you’ll find Keith Terhune playing holiday tunes in the store. (Fauntleroy/California/Morgan)
‘TYING TUESDAY’ CLASS: 7 pm at Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor) – check ASAP to see if there’s a spot left! (42nd SW/SW Oregon)
SOUTH SOUND TUG AND BARGE: Holiday songs and more, live at Parliament Tavern, 8 pm. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
BABY KETTEN KARAOKE: By no means your standard karaoke. See for yourself, 9 pm at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Thanks to Eddie for the tip – the two much-discussed Metro bus shelters on the west end of the south side of SW Alaska between California and 44th are gone, removed this morning. The removal comes one week after the final decision on their fate was announced, two months after the plan was first made public via posted notices that for some came out of the blue (Metro subsequently opened a public-comment period).
The plan dates back to an October 6th “problem-solving” meeting involving a variety of government-agency, business, and community reps. Issues at and near the corner included safety and sanitation; other steps taken, and planned, to address concerns include shrubbery clearing, lighting, increased public-safety patrols, and increased maintenance for the city-funded portable toilet near the corner.
When SDOT announced late yesterday that the long-planned 30 mph speed limit would finally take effect on Delridge Way today, they promised a fast signage switch – and it’s indeed happening.
The new sign (left) just went up on the northbound side of Delridge at Hudson – an hour after we noted the old sign (right) still up. And three trailers with radar speed displays are in place:
That one is on the southbound side of Delridge at Oregon; the other two are at Findlay (also on the SB side) and at Myrtle (on the northbound side).
Thanks to the texter who tipped us that crews were already out first thing this morning!
While out checking on the combination of gusty wind and 12+-foot high tide this past hour, we also saw this, from Constellation Park just south of Alki Point: The USNS Wally Schirra, headed northbound. We also showed it here when it was headed southbound back in October – later that month, it was out on exercises with Bremerton-based USS Nimitz. It’s a supply ship, part of the Military Sealift Command, but smaller than the USNS Bob Hope, which as reported here last week might berth next year at Terminal 5.
The latest reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
AUTO THEFT IN LA FITNESS/SPRUCE GARAGE: A parking garage frequently reported for car prowls has had a car theft. Vanessa reports “a black 2003 BMW 325i with light tan leather interior, license plate # ACN5667, was stolen between 11:30 am-12:30 pm on Monday (December 19th) from the WS LA Fitness parking lot” (in Spruce at 39th SW/Fauntleroy/Alaska). If you see it, call 911.
Next – more hit-runs in search of witnesses (and if you haven’t seen our 16th/Thistle followup, read it here):
WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE HIT-RUN #1: This happened to Laura early Monday:
A soft-topped white Jeep Wrangler hit me head-on around midnight 12/19 on the West Seattle Bridge eastbound onramp (Spokane St). The driver fled the scene but had some damage to his car. My car is totalled. If anyone has seen this car, information would be greatly appreciated.
Contact SPD and refer to incident 16-454229.
WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE HIT-RUN #2: And we learned via a comment this morning that the bridge crash covered in our Monday morning traffic reports was also hit-run. The driver of the car that wound up facing the wrong way writes:
Luckily, I’m ok, but I was aggressively rear ended by another car that fled the scene for reasons I am unaware. Unfortunately not one person that may have witnessed the crash stayed behind to provide any information on the car that hit me and took off. I find it very hard to believe that no one saw this incident happen. I didn’t get a good look at the car since it happened so fast, but it looked like a light-colored SUV or truck. From the damage it did to my back end I assume it was a larger vehicle.
If you know something, call SPD and refer to incident 16-454467.
CAR PROWL: From Dan:
My car got broken into at Edge Apartments last night, 30th and Genesee. Nothing of value inside the car but they emptied out the glove box and center console and smoked a bunch of cigarettes inside.
GRAFFITI VANDALISM: Yes, it’s worth reporting to police. That’s what Ann did, and she let us know too after she spotted new graffiti vandalism: “On December 18th, 4800 block of Delridge on garage and fence in the alley.” Painting it over ASAP is great if it’s on your property – but take a photo first so you can include that with the report.
Thanks again to everyone sharing Crime Watch reports so your neighbors all around the peninsula know more about what’s happening – we hope crime will NOT happen to you, but if it does, once you’ve reported it to police (911 if it’s happening now or just happened), let us know … 206-293-6302 if breaking, editor@westseattleblog.com if not — thank you.
(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)
7:06 AM: As forecast, it’s windy. The Seattle City Light outage map shows only one small spot of power trouble in West Seattle so far – nine homes out in Upper Fauntleroy, blamed on “tree.”
No traffic/transit trouble spots reported in our area, so far.
7:55 AM: Reader reported a crash “in the 99 lane” on the bridge. Couldn’t tell from the live video feed so we flagged SDOT on Twitter and they’re zooming in for a look – so far nothing.
Overall, for the region, WSDOT – which monitors the major highways – says travel times are below normal.
8:18 AM: We published the SDOT announcement late yesterday that the two-years-in-the-making 30 mph speed limit for Delridge Way would take effect today. Just got a text (thanks!) that the promised mobile-radar sign has appeared at Delridge/Oregon and crews appear to be moving on to other signage. We’re en route to check.
9:15 AM: Tweeted by Sean:
@westseattleblog looks like there's a stalled semi on the I-5 NB on-ramp to the west seattle bridge. No police on-scene yet.
— Sean Prothero (@SeanProthero) December 20, 2016
10:12 AM: The truck situation has blocked the ramp, we’re told.
(WSB file photo: Portable bound for West Seattle Elementary in 2012)
School may be out for winter break, but that doesn’t necessarily mean an absence of activity at local campuses. West Seattle Elementary School is expecting a big delivery this week, for example: Seattle Public Schools spokesperson Tom Redman tells WSB that a one-classroom portable is to be delivered to WSES this Wednesday (December 21st). He adds, “SDOT has determined the schedule for delivery to be during the day between the morning and afternoon rush-hour time frames.”
From the “just in case you were wondering” file: After hearing about a water problem in south Arbor Heights late today, we checked with Seattle Public Utilities. Spokesperson Andy Ryan tells WSB,”We had a 4-inch water main break this afternoon (in the 10800 block of) 37th Ave. SW. Water was back on at 5:15.” Just a reminder – if you have a water problem, the SPU number to call to report it is 206-386-1800. (And then let us know! Unlike electricity outages, water outages don’t have an online map.)
Tonight’s featured Christmas lights are in that video clip sent by Jonathan, who says, “My 9-year-old neighbor set up a whole impressive light setup to music, pretty much all by himself. It’s something to see, for sure. They don’t always have the music going, but when they do, it’s really cool.” You’ll find this house in the 3400 block of 41st Ave SW, between Hinds and (updated) Manning.
Let us know about your favorite lights! editor@westseattleblog.com – and see our archive here.
4:47 PM: This has long been in the works, and the official announcement is just in from SDOT:
On Tuesday, December 20, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will lower the speed limit on Delridge Way SW as part of the city’s Vision Zero initiative to enhance transportation safety and save lives. Reducing the posted speed limit improves safety for everyone; especially people walking and biking.
The speed limit will be changed to 30 mph for a 3.5-mile stretch of Delridge Way SW between SW Henderson Street and the West Seattle Bridge. The speed limit is currently 35 mph on this segment of Delridge despite mainly single family homes and the presence of parks and schools adjacent to the corridor. This change will create a consistent 30 mph speed limit for the entire Delridge corridor.
Data collected on this section of Delridge shows most drivers are currently driving slower than the existing 35 mph speed limit. In fact, the 85th percentile speed at SW Trenton Street has been measured at exactly 30 mph so this should not be a significant change for people that drive this roadway often. The speed limit change will help reduce the likelihood and severity of collisions. This is especially true for vulnerable users like pedestrians since lower speeds significantly increase the survivability of crashes.
“The Delridge speed limit adjustment will help enhance safety on this corridor where more than 300 crashes have occurred in the last three years resulting in 148 injuries, six serious injuries and one death,” said SDOT Director Scott Kubly. “These changes will significantly help people walking and biking to schools, parks, transit and other destinations.”
Travelers on Delridge Way SW can expect to see new speed limit signs installed this week. SDOT will also deploy the Speed Watch Trailer to the corridor to provide feedback to drivers about their speed and highlight the new speed limit.
ADDED 5:49 PM: Some background links – the original announcement (now linked in the introductory line at the start of this story) was in February 2015, and even in November 2015, SDOT was saying it still hoped to implement the reduction by the end of that year. Last time we checked was this past September, when SDOT’s Jim Curtin said it would happen by year’s end, and mentioned some other features: “… edge lines, flexible posts for the existing bike lanes in the vicinity of SW Orchard St, and enhancing the existing crosswalk at SW Juneau Street with rapid flashing beacons (the work at Juneau may not occur until early 2017 due to equipment supply issues).” We’ve seen the posts by Orchard, but will be checking in on the other two (and if you see crews installing signs later this week, please let us know – we’ll be looking, too).
Alina Guyon just received approval for her Girl Scout Gold Award, and is hoping you can help with the project:
I’m building a library in a refugee camp in Uganda. It’s a big undertaking and requires planning, organization and the coordination of a team of people. My goal is to collect 3,000 books and create a library that many refugees have access to.
So far, Fauntleroy UCC and Hope Lutheran School have kindly donated many books, which add up to over 2,300 collected for the library. But, I would love your help so I can reach my goal of 3,000 books!
How can you help? Please bring any books and educational supplies, that you would like to donate, to VAIN (4513 California Ave SW). VAIN is open from 10 am-6 pm on weekends, 12-8 pm on Monday, and 10-8 pm Tuesday – Friday. The box for donated books will be at VAIN until December 28th.
Why Refugees? There are currently 65 million refugees in the world – more than in any time in our history since World War II. These are people who are forcibly removed from their homes and flee for their safety; half are children under the age of 18, according to the United Nations (UNHCR http://www.unhcr.org/en-us/figures-at-a-glance.html) The average time a person spends in a refugee camp is over seven years, and the children lose access to schools and education. Without education, the opportunity to improve their situation is minimal. Refugee children without access to reading and an education represent a lost generation.
Why Uganda? While Syrian refugees have received attention in the news, there is also a huge refugee crisis in Africa. Uganda has the fastest-growing refugee population in Africa, accepting over 100,000 new refugees in 2016 alone.
Their neighboring countries of South Sudan, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are war-torn. While Uganda doesn’t have many resources, they are compassionate to the plight of their neighbors.
Uganda is home to many languages, but English is the common spoken language. So books in English are perfect! I am partnering with an organization in Uganda that serves refugees and has a small school. The organization is called Hope of Children and Women and they are very excited to receive the library.
Contact information: AGuyon19@holynames-sea.org
1:30 PM: New weather alert – the National Weather Service has a “High Wind Watch” set to kick in very late tonight. The NWS says, “West to Southwest winds are expected to increase to 20 to 35 mph, with local gusts to around 50 mph, early Tuesday morning and then continue through most of Tuesday.”
6:01 PM: The alert has been reduced to a “Wind Advisory” for 4 am-6 pm Tuesday. The potential wind speeds are the same as above.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
At 24, Levi Gryniewski had already been working hard for five years to build up his landscaping business in West Seattle.
Now a hit-and-run driver has left him in the hospital, seriously injured, in danger of losing everything he’s worked for, says his father Bruce.
The crash almost cost Levi even more … his life.
He is the driver who was hit – at high speed, witnesses say – around 1:30 pm last Wednesday (December 14th) at 16th SW and SW Thistle. As reported here that afternoon, firefighters had to cut him out of this crumpled car:
(12/14/2016 WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)
Today Levi’s family is putting out a public call for anyone who saw anything that might lead police to the driver who ran from the scene after the crash.
That driver left the other car (2000 white 4-door Honda Accord) behind, and police impounded it. Detectives have not yet been able to trace him through the car, SPD tells us, because it had been reported as sold, and, according to Det. Mark Jamieson, “there’s no accurate record of who owns it.” Investigators are tracking down previous owners in hopes of finding a clue.
The only description police have of the driver seen fleeing is white, male, 20s, about 6 feet tall, wearing a purple shirt.
Levi, meantime, remains in intensive care. His dad says, “He suffered many traumatic injuries from the crime and his recovery will be long and painful.”
The Traffic Collision Investigation Squad is handling the case – contact SPD and refer to 2016-448519, if you have any information.
ADDED TUESDAY: Levi’s family has set up this GoFundMe account, after suggestions from community members who wanted a way to help.
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