West Seattle, Washington

08 Friday

49℉

month : 08/2017 316 results

What’s up for your West Seattle Friday
August 11, 2017 10:12 am
|    Comments Off on What’s up for your West Seattle Friday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Jim Borrow, who says “the neighborhood tree” has been hosting bald eagles this week instead of osprey)

Friday’s arrived and the weekend is in view. Here are highlights for the rest of today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:

NATIVE MARKET AND JUMBLE DAYS: Until 4 pm today (and again 10 am-4 pm tomorrow), come shop this special event at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

WADING POOLS AND SPRAYPARK OPEN TODAY: Lincoln Park wading pool, 11 am-8 pm; Highland Park spraypark, 11 am-8 pm; Hiawatha wading pool, noon-6:30 pm; EC Hughes wading pool, noon-7 pm. (Find addresses here)

LEMON-AID: Lemonade stand 2-6 pm today to raise money to save endangered Sumatran rhinos. (38th SW/SW Hinds)

SUMMER CONCERTS AT THE MOUNT: Tonight at 6 pm on the south side of the Providence Mount St. Vincent campus, it’s Danny Vernon with The Illusion of Elvis. Concert’s free, as are popcorn and snow cones; dinner and beverages are available for purchase at 5:30 pm if you’re interested. Bring your own chair. (4831 35th SW)

PANEL DISCUSSION & ‘INCONVENIENT SEQUEL’: As previewed here earlier this week, tonight’s first showing of “An Inconvenient Sequel” at the Admiral Theater will start early, 6:30 pm, and be accompanied by a panel discussion. (2343 California SW)

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

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS’ CARNIVAL: 7-10 pm annual fundraiser at Dakota Place Park, the “Resist and Persist Carnival” with dinner, live auction, games, music. (California SW/SW Dakota)

‘SHREK, THE MUSICAL’: Twelfth Night Productions‘ summer show, 7:30 pm at West Seattle High School. Ticket info in our calendar listing. (3000 California SW)

FREE TEEN SWIM: Youth ages 11 to 19 are welcome to swim for free at Southwest Pool tonight, 8-9:30 pm. (2801 SW Thistle)

OUTDOOR MOVIE: It’s the Delridge Day Eve outdoor movie at Delridge Community Center park! 8:30 pm, “Moana.” Bring a blanket/chair and enjoy the evening. (4501 Delridge Way SW)

CLAMOR – A MUSICAL INSURGENCY: Benefit concert tonight at The Skylark, with four acts including Salt Riot – here’s a video to get you ready:

Suggested donation $10. Doors at 8, music at 9. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

HOT LAVA & READY STEADY GO: 9 pm-midnight at the Parliament Tavern, “Seattle’s B-52s tribute band and your 1983 C-90 new wave/punk rock mixtape come to life in an ’80s dance party.” $8 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

OF COURSE, THERE’S MORE … on our complete calendar.

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WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Elephant seal visits Alki
August 11, 2017 9:40 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

The photo is from David Hutchinson, who explains: “Some of your readers may have stopped by to take a look at an unusual West Seattle beach visitor Thursday morning, just east of the Alki Bathhouse.” It was an elephant seal – and Seal Sitters’ Blubberblog explains its odd appearance.

P.S. If you don’t already have this number in your phone, or memorized – the hotline for Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Network, if you see a seal, sea lion, or other marine mammal on a local beach (or offshore and appearing to be in trouble), is 206-905-SEAL – 206-905-7325.

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SIGN UP ASAP! West Seattle YMCA’s fall youth-soccer registration ending soon
August 11, 2017 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on SIGN UP ASAP! West Seattle YMCA’s fall youth-soccer registration ending soon
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Photo courtesy West Seattle YMCA)

Interested in youth soccer this fall? Registration is closing soon at the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor), which shared this reminder:

At the Y, our sports staff, coaches and volunteers all share a singular vision of helping all youth reach their full potential in life. We leverage the excitement and passion around recreational and competitive programming to create a healthy outlet for children to gain new skills, develop a sense of team and connect with positive role models.

Practices start the week of September 11 at High Point fields. Games are on Saturday starting (updated) September 23 at Roxhill Park or Lincoln Park. Registration closes soon – on August 28. Join us for Outdoor Soccer this fall!

To register and learn more, follow this link.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch; 5th day without Water Taxi
August 11, 2017 7:11 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch; 5th day without Water Taxi
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:11 AM: Good morning. No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far.

WATER TAXI UPDATE: West Seattle and Vashon are still out of service today for the move to the new temporary downtown dock. But as reported here last night, WS could be back in service tomorrow; Vashon, which normally runs weekdays only, on Monday. We expect an update later today.

7:38 AM: A weekend reminder – if you’re using Highway 509 south of West Seattle, the ongoing paving project will have lane closures both ways all weekend – the specifics are here.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 3 reader reports, including ‘Snack Shack’ break-ins
August 10, 2017 9:48 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Highland Park | Seaview | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports tonight:

SNACK SHACK BURGLARIES: We took that photo two months ago today, the day West Seattle Baseball proudly dedicated their long-awaited new “snack shack” at the Pee Wee baseball field in Riverview. today, WS Baseball board member and parent Zach Jones sent this reader report for Crime Watch:

The new snack shack at the Pee Wee Fields has been broken into twice in the past week. The first break-in happened last Thursday night 8/3 and again Tuesday night 8/8. The thieves broke in through side vents (which have since been secured with welded bars) and stole our iPad min, a small amount of cash, all of our snacks/food, and other miscellaneous items. They also destroyed our cash register.

They also tried to gain access through the side door by some sort of torch but were unsuccessful. There was a trail of snacks going east down the hill where there are several homeless camps. It’s likely that one of them has committed this crime. We have filed a police report with SPD.

Lots of parents in West Seattle Baseball worked especially hard to raise money and hundreds of volunteer hours went into opening this for all the families of our league. It’s disappointing to put so much effort into this project and have someone ruin it. If any of your readers have experience with storage container security measures, please reach out to president.wsbb@gmail.com, we would appreciate any help.

Two other Crime Watch reader reports:

BACKPACKS & HAT STOLEN: From Shannon in Seaview:

We had our car loaded with camping gear for a camping trip and parked in our front yard just a few feet from our front door, and someone smashed the window, on 48th between Findlay and Juneau.

Luckily, they weren’t interested in our camping gear, but they did steal our backpacks. I suspect they probably ditched them once they realized there weren’t any electronics or anything easily pawned inside them. I am writing in hopes someone will come across them dumped in the bushes or something. One taupe-colored Camelback-brand day pack with first-aid kit inside and one blue and gray Kelty daypack with a Camelback, bright lime green North Face raincoat, and a baseball hat. The baseball hat is dark blue with a light pink script capital “I” on it. I really really want the hat back more than anything, for sentimental reasons. I can be contacted at mitts1212@yahoo.com.

PACKAGE THEFT: Anita e-mailed today to report, “We had a package stolen from (SW) Findlay yesterday sometime after 12:00 noon that was delivered by UPS … Don’t know if this is something going on with other people in the area or not.”

TALK WITH POLICE SATURDAY: Another reminder that Southwest Precinct police’s “Picnic at the Precinct” is part of the Delridge Day festival again this year – and it’s Saturday, 11 am-3 pm, at Delridge Community Center park (4501 Delridge Way). See you there.

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WATER TAXI UPDATE: West Seattle service could resume as early as Saturday
August 10, 2017 7:21 pm
|    Comments Off on WATER TAXI UPDATE: West Seattle service could resume as early as Saturday
 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

As noted here, we asked the county for a Water Taxi update earlier today – how the move to the new temporary dock is going, and whether service might resume short of the “up to one week” that they said they’d need. Tonight, Water Taxi spokesperson Brent Champaco tells us that West Seattle service could resume as soon as Saturday – and that’s also just been published on the Water Taxi website. So – definitely no service tomorrow (Friday, August 11th), but the county will determine whether they’ll be ready to go on Saturday, which would be good because the Mariners and Sounders both play at home. (The Vashon Water Taxi would resume Monday, since it doesn’t run weekends anyway.) So watch for an update tomorrow.

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GATEWOOD STABBING FOLLOWUPS: Fund set up for victim’s family; suspect refuses to appear at hearing
August 10, 2017 4:41 pm
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Gatewood | How to help | West Seattle news

(Tuesday night photo by WSB’s Christopher Boffoli)

Two days after the Gatewood attack that left a 40-year-old West Seattle man in the hospital with serious injuries, two new developments, including the first hearing for the suspect. First, for everyone who asked how they could help the victim and his family – this crowdfunding page has been set up, identifying the victim as Court Heeter. From the page:

As many of you have heard, Court was the victim of a violent knife attack on Tuesday, Aug. 8, near his home in West Seattle. He sustained many life-threatening stab wounds and was fortunate to have Good Samaritans and first responders get there in time to save his life. He is now recovering in the hospital with his wife and family at his side.

Court is a strong man and is expected to recover from his physical wounds beautifully. He is indeed also a very lucky man to have survived an attack of this magnitude – we are so thankful he is here with us.

People are asking how to help. Meals are always thoughtful but in some cases can be disruptive to a household with small children that is already experiencing stress. In addition, a steady stream of visitors is overwhelming for this private family.

Obviously, there will be medical bills and other costs associated with this tragedy. As friends of the Heeter Family we are concerned about what lies ahead as he starts to work through what has happened.

Let’s come together and raise some money to ease any extra burdens we can for this family. Whether it be for a family vacation, medical bills, groceries, house cleaner – Whatever the Heeter Family needs money for let’s help provide it. Thank you for any donation amount or positive thoughts and prayers you can provide.

Again, the link is here.

Next – the hearing information, just in: As we first reported yesterday morning, police identified the suspect as 39-year-old Ryan J. Cox, who has been in and out of the criminal-justice and mental-health systems, as detailed in this followup yesterday afternoon. After police first took Cox into custody at the scene of Tuesday night’s attack, he was taken to the hospital for what investigators said were self-inflicted stab wounds; last night, he was medically cleared to be booked into King County Jail, and this afternoon, he had what was scheduled to be a bail/probable-cause hearing. According to King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office spokesperson Dan Donohoe, Cox “refused to appear in court”; the judge ruled there was probable cause to continue holding him, and set a bail hearing for tomorrow afternoon. The document provided for the hearing has the same narrative information that we included in yesterday afternoon’s followup, with the addition of Cox’s claim that he stabbed Heeter – who police say was unarmed – in self-defense, claiming he had clashed with the victim the night before. The probable-cause document also notes that law enforcement does not want to see Cox released, because he is “very aggressive” and because the incident involved “assault with a deadly weapon.”

We will update again tomorrow after the second hearing.

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WEST SEATTLE WHALES: Sighting reported off Lincoln Park
August 10, 2017 3:54 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Thanks to the texter who just sent that photo, saying they were seeing whales from Colman Pool on the shore at Lincoln Park, headed northbound.

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FOLLOWUP: What Councilmember O’Brien is proposing about ‘vehicular living,’ and he says it’s different from what you’ve heard
August 10, 2017 3:04 pm
|      55 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

One day after a City Council committee was briefed on recommendations by a task force considering “vehicular living,” Councilmember Mike O’Brien has announced his proposal – which he says is different from an early version that was circulated earlier this week. He also says it’s not going to be officially introduced this month, but he’s interested in feedback. Here’s the news release we just received, including links to relevant documents:

Councilmember Mike O’Brien (District 6, Northwest Seattle), Chair of the Council’s Sustainability and Transportation Committee, issued the following statement regarding his proposed legislation intended to help respond to the needs of people living in their vehicles:

“In 2016, City of Seattle funding helped thousands of people exit homelessness and move into permanent housing, and I’m proud that the City continues to build on these efforts. However, the vast majority of the City’s focus is on individuals completely without shelter, while vehicle residents account for more than 40% of the unsheltered homeless population in Seattle. Moreover, during the past seven years, as the number of people unsheltered has increased by over 50%, the number of vehicle residents have more than doubled, from 590 individuals in 2010 to 1,550 in 2017.

“It’s clear what we’re doing hasn’t been working at the scale we need, and the challenges of vehicular living continue to increase without a clear policy direction. We’ve made efforts to help serve that population through our Road to Housing program, and through our previous attempts to provide supervised safe lots and safe zones. But our current approach to vehicular residency elsewhere often leaves vehicle residents with parking tickets, fines, and towing fees that puts them further away from housing, and isolated from services that they need.

“Today I’m putting forward draft proposals that take lessons from these previous efforts and expands on what has worked.

“Firstly, we need more parking options for people living in vehicles. Our previous attempts to provide parking have been unnecessarily expensive, and I intend to work with our Departments to develop a streamlined, more cost-effective parking program for vehicles to move to during their pathway to housing. In addition to identifying City-surplus property, I am confident that prioritizing social service and real estate management can also leverage spaces at faith-based organizations, non-profits, and business properties. It will still require a significant financial investment, and I intend to work with my colleagues and the City Budget Office during the budget review process this fall to identify available funding.

“Further, I’m putting forward a resolution that calls on the City to do additional analysis into recreational vehicle campgrounds, an auto-maintenance training program, and increasing mobile healthcare services for vehicular residents. I also plan to pursue a community needs assessment on the vehicular living population to further inform our policy directions.

“Next, I am putting forward draft legislation that would set up a Vehicular Residences Program in which social service providers would directly connect with people living out of their vehicles. Only when a user or users participate in the program would they be deprioritized for booting and impoundment from Scofflaw eligibility and diverted to an alternative enforcement mechanism through a social service program. People living out of their cars and minivans would be provided amnesty from monetary penalties resulting from parking enforcement, again, only if they’re participating in the program. For people living in RVs or other commercial vehicles, this amnesty would only apply if they are parked in industrial zoned areas. Seattle Police would still have every right to arrest people for breaking laws, including sexual exploitation. Nothing would prevent SPD or a social service provider from asking a vehicle to move and assisting them to move their vehicle.

“To be clear, the legislation I’m announcing today differs from the outdated version that some news media were provided and reported on that I had not intended to advance. The outdated version resulted in several news stories that have inspired constituents to call-in to express their opposition to elements that are not included in the newer version of the bill. I’m glad the public will now have an opportunity to respond to the complete proposal I had intended.

“In currently allowing vehicle residents to continue to accrue parking and impoundment fines, we only exacerbate their challenges in a pathway to housing. If someone is willing to work with a service provider and is committed to stabilizing their living situation, I think we should enthusiastically try to meet that need.

“This legislation is a starting point, and I don’t intend to introduce or consider this bill in August. I’m very receptive to any ideas to improve this legislation or to entirely new solutions. But I know that doing nothing is not an option.”

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UNDER THE WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: Trailside art
August 10, 2017 1:48 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

First, Don and Jason told us about those goats spotted along the bicycle/pedestrian trail under the high bridge, west of the low bridge. When we went over to see for ourselves, we discovered it was part of an official – albeit temporary – installation – this explanatory sign is along the trail behind the goats, for example:

And the goats weren’t alone. There’s more art along the trail – on bridge supports:

And more in the ivy:

The art under the bridge/along the trail is part of Art Interruptions 2017, which stretches further into North Delridge, we found out from Erika Lindsay of the city Office of Arts and Culture. She shared this map/postcard, with locations and information:

As you can see on the map, this is scheduled to continue through year’s end, with a walking tour scheduled for Saturday, October 7th, 10 am-noon – more info as that gets closer.

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FOLLOWUP: City OKs change of use to transform ex-deli into Best of Hands Barrelhouse
August 10, 2017 12:31 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Sunrise Heights | West Seattle news | WS beverages


(WSB photo from February)

From today’s city-circulated Land Use Information Bulletin: The Department of Construction and Inspections has approved a change of use for 7500 35th Avenue SW, the former John’s Corner Deli, which is becoming the brewery/taproom Best of Hands Barrelhouse, as first reported here in February. The decision approving the plan to “change 2,455 sq. ft. of retail use to drinking establishment(; p)roject includes interior and exterior repair and alterations” can be read here. The official notice opens a two-week appeal period and explains how to file one.

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West Seattle Thursday: WS Art Walk, Adrian Xavier in concert @ Hiawatha, much more…
August 10, 2017 10:21 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Wednesday photo by Dave Sherwood)

Big day/night in and around West Seattle – and here are highlights:

DINE OUT FOR COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF WS: Until 9 tonight, dine at Zippy’s Giant Burgers in White Center and a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Community School of West Seattle. (9614 14th SW)

SUMMER AT SOUTH BARBECUE: Come to South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) and learn more about attending and paying for college during today’s barbecue, 11 am-1 pm. At the Arboretum on the north side of campus. (6000 16th SW)

ASL-FRIENDLY FIREFIGHTER STORY TIME: 11:30 am, firefighters read to kids at High Point Library, and an American Sign Language interpreter will be there. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

TRIANGLE TASK FORCE MEETING: 4:30-7 pm at Fauntleroy UCC, the task force working on Washington State Ferries’ “Triangle route” issues meets. Here’s the agenda (PDF). (9140 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Here’s the venue list/map for tonight’s WSAW, “5 pm to late”:

Highlights include a Makers’ Market at Junction Plaza Park, Ladies’ Night at Menashe and Sons Jewelers (WSB sponsor), extended happy hours and specials at various food/drink venues – and while many venues are in The Junction, not all! To the north, for example, you can stop at Welcome Road Winery (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor). A long list of highlights, including some images to get you thinking about where you want to visit, can be found here.

VIADUCT DEMOLITION OPEN HOUSE: Questions about the Alaskan Way Viaduct’s demolition once the tunnel opens (expected to be in early 2019)? Drop into tonight’s downtown open house, 5-8 pm. (1400 Western Avenue)

FLIGHT PATH GRAND OPENING: Peel and Press (WSB sponsor) proprietor Dan Austin‘s new Flight Path bar opens tonight, 5 pm-1 am, in nearby Boulevard Park, and you’re invited. (1832 S. 120th)

SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA, WEEK 4: 6:30 pm on the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center, it’s this week’s free concert presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, featuring Adrian Xavier:

“Fun, engaging musical fusion” is what you’ll find. Bring your own chair/blanket/picnic. (Walnut/Lander)

OPEN MICROPHONE: 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) – more info here. (5612 California SW)

MUCH MORE GOING ON! See our complete calendar.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Wildfire smoke expected to lessen soon
August 10, 2017 9:00 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

West Seattle pilot/photographer Long Bach Nguyen sent that photo, saying he thought neighbors here would be interested to see just how far out, and high up, the wildfire smoke has spread. If you’ve been wondering about relief – forecasters say it’s on the way, even before the chance of showers predicted for this Sunday. The updated Air Quality Alert for the region says, “Conditions are expected to begin improving Thursday night, but even more so on Friday as strengthening southerly flow aloft pushes the smoke out of the area.” So all those eerie views should soon be a memory – including sunset/sunrise views that even revealed sunspots, as Kersti Muul‘s photo shows:

As for the source of the smoke – British Columbia expects some rain, but not enough to extinguish the wildfires.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday watch; 4th day without Water Taxi
August 10, 2017 6:59 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

6:59 AM: Good morning! We’ve looked around and no incidents are currently reported in/from West Seattle.

WATER TAXI-LESSNESS, DAY 4: The King County Water Taxi for both West Seattle and Vashon Island continues to be out of service while its downtown dock is moved to a temporary (year and a half) location on the north side of Colman Dock. KCDOT said this could last up to a week and has not issued any formal updates; we’ll be asking today how it’s going.

STATE FERRY TASK FORCE: The Triangle Route Task Force meets today to talk about ongoing attempts to address backups at Fauntleroy. Riders say boats are continuing to leave less-than-full at peak times. The public is welcome at the meeting, 4:30-7 pm at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW).

8:17 AM: SDOT reports a crash at West Marginal and SW Andover.

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CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle’s Lauryn Nguyen wins state championship
August 9, 2017 9:39 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Congratulations to West Seattle’s Lauryn Nguyen for her big win at the recent Washington Junior Golf Association State Championships! The announcement:

Lauryn Nguyen won her division (14-15 year old girls) by a commanding 7 strokes. In the Girls overall division (14-18 year old), she came back from a 7-stroke deficit after day two to force a sudden death play-off. She won the playoff in just one hole with a birdie on a par-5. She shot rounds of 69, 72, 72 to post a 3-day total of 3 under par to capture the Championship Title. She is among one of the youngest players to win this title, having just turned 14 last May.

Nguyen attended Madison Middle School, where she earned the Principal’s Award for maintaining a GPA of 4.0 throughout her 3 years at Madison. She will be a freshman at West Seattle High School next fall. She is looking forward to playing on the WSHS golf team with her brother Alex for one year before he graduates in the Spring.

The WJGA tournament was held at Meadow Springs Country Club in Richland.

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FOLLOWUP: Free firearm cable locks now available from Southwest Precinct
August 9, 2017 8:01 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Free firearm cable locks now available from Southwest Precinct
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

When we published Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Burbridge‘s August newsletter last weekend, it included news that she would soon have free cable locks for firearm safety. Now, she tells us, they’re here:

Cable locks are now available!!! Just wanted to provide a quick update on the free firearm cable locks I discussed in my latest monthly newsletter. Late last week I received a generous donation of quite a few, and will receive my shipment of hundreds more in the next few weeks.

If you are interested in a free firearm cable lock- please email me directly at Jennifer.Burbridge@seattle.gov, and/or come visit my table at Delridge Day/SW Precinct Annual Picnic this Saturday, August 12th, from 11 am- 3 pm at the Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW)! I would like to limit each household to two cable locks, but if you would like more than two – please email me and we can discuss this on a case-by-case basis.

As always, let me know if you have any questions or concerns, or would like to request my presence at a future meeting!

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GATEWOOD STABBING FOLLOWUP: The suspect’s past; the case’s future
August 9, 2017 4:00 pm
|      38 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Not long after we started reporting last night on the knife attack that seriously injured a 40-year-old man, speculation about the attacker’s identity focused on one repeat offender well-known in the Morgan Junction/Gatewood area: Ryan Cox.

This morning, we confirmed with police that he is the 39-year-old man who is in their custody, even as he remains hospitalized for what they described as self-inflicted stab wounds.

Cox has been in and out of the criminal-justice and mental-health systems for years. He first came to attention in West Seattle in 2009, when police asked for help identifying a man who had been on a vandalism spree, writing homophobic slurs on private and public property – not far from the scene of last night’s attack (police-released 2009 photo at right). But his criminal record dates to his late teens, according to online records.

Before we get into more about Cox’s background, an update on the victim:

Read More

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Another try for RV ‘safe lots’? City Council committee considering ‘vehicular living’ policies today
August 9, 2017 1:22 pm
|      61 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

1:22 PM: You might have seen citywide-media reports, starting with this one on KING 5, saying the City Council might soon be considering new policies for “vehicular living.” The City Council’s Human Services and Public Health Committee will be briefed this afternoon on recommendations from the Vehicular Living Work Group (slide deck above), including revisiting the concept of “RV safe lots.” You’ll recall one such lot was proposed for West Seattle in 2016, on a paved area at West Marginal Way SW and Highland Park Way SW – adjacent to the publicly owned site that had housed unsanctioned tent camps over the years – but the city dropped the idea before the lot was ever opened. Earlier this year, a block to the east, an unsanctioned RV camp popped up in May, but was cleared by police within a few weeks – though RV presence subsequently increased on W. Marginal to the south, among other areas. As shown in the slide deck, the work group has other recommendations too, and you can see/hear the briefing live via the Seattle Channel during the committee’s 2 pm meeting. The agenda estimates this item will start around 2:40 pm.

2:54 PM: The first agenda item is running long, and the one about vehicular living hasn’t started yet.

3:12 PM: It’s under way now.

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READER REPORT: Contamination concern at Lafayette playground
August 9, 2017 12:20 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Health | Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Nannette wanted to make sure others know about this:

I was playing with my kids at Lafayette (Elementary) playground at 10:30 AM today Wednesday, August 9 and discovered a large feces pile on one of the slides. There was also another pile of feces at the bottom of the slide. This is a sanitary issue.. We cleaned off the slide as best as we could. We will contact the school district for help and further cleaning of the slide. we wanted to get the word out to be careful about the slides being clean for children or anyone.

In response to our followup question, Nannette added, “We buried the pile as best as we could in the wood chips using our shoes to slide the chips over. But kids play in wood chips too so that isn’t great. There was only so much I could do while keeping my 22-month-old safe and making sure my 5-year-old was all right too.”

We have an inquiry out to the district.

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West Seattle Wednesday: Pools to politics
August 9, 2017 10:30 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Wednesday: Pools to politics
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Juvenile Cooper’s Hawk, photographed by Mark Ahlness, shared via the WSB Flickr group)

What’s ahead for your Wednesday, including highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR: Need help working with a city department, and/or have questions about interacting with the city? Until 2 pm, your Community Engagement Coordinator Yun Pitre has office hours at Southwest Neighborhood Service Center – drop by to talk with her! (2801 SW Thistle)

WADING POOLS AND SPRAYPARKS: Three local wading pools are open today – Lincoln Park is open 11 am-8 pm; EC Hughes, noon-7 pm; Hiawatha, noon-6:30 pm. Highland Park Spraypark is open 11 am-8 pm. (Find addresses here)

FREE LUNCH FOR KIDS/YOUTH: Again today, 12:30 pm-1:30 pm, Delridge (5423 Delridge Way SW) and High Point (35th SW/SW Raymond) Libraries offer free lunch to anyone 18 and under.

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN: Fresh produce, sold next to where it’s grown, 4-7 pm at the weekly High Point Market Garden Farm Stand. (32nd SW/SW Juneau)

TAP TAKEOVER: 6-9 pm at The Westy Sports and Spirits (WSB sponsor), the next Tap Takeover focuses on ciders. (7908 35th SW)

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: Our area’s largest political organization meets tonight at 7 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy – see the agenda here. (9131 California SW)

OPEN MIC AT SKYLARK: Sign up at 7:30 pm, perform at 8:30 pm, at the weekly all-ages-until-10 pm (21+ after that) open-microphone night at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

THE BILLY JOE SHOW: Live music at Parliament Tavern, 9 pm. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

SEE OUR COMPLETE CALENDAR … by going here.

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Memorial service Saturday for Clark J. Beck, Jr., 1932-2017
August 9, 2017 9:18 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

This Saturday, family and friends will gather to remember Clark J. Beck, Jr. Here’s the remembrance being shared with the community:

Clark J. Beck, Jr. was born in Wichita, Kansas on January 6, 1932, and died at his West Seattle home surrounded by family and close friends on August 2, 2017.

A much admired and respected aeronautical engineer and dedicated aerospace historian, he attended Wichita State University and received Bachelor of Science and Masters degrees in aeronautical engineering. Clark worked at the university wind tunnel and also at Beech Aircraft while attending Wichita State. He served as an officer in the US Air Force at the Arnold Engineering Development Center wind tunnel facility in Tullahoma, Tennessee.

Clark joined the Boeing Company in 1958 and worked at facilities in Wichita, Huntsville, and Seattle until he retired in 1993. He worked with the Structures Engineering Staff and specialized in vibration and noise problems associated with aircraft and space vehicles. He worked on the B-47, B-52, Saturn 1C Launch Vehicle, AWACS, 737, Supersonic Transport, Minuteman, B-l, IUS launch vehicle and 777 aircraft.

Clark took great pride and pleasure in his participation in Boy Scouts, earning the Eagle rank as a teen, volunteering with Troop 288 in West Seattle and forever embodying the scouting ideals of community service, kindness, helpfulness and excellence. Clark was a devoted husband to surviving wife Evalea, and they celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in September 2016. He was a loving father to surviving sons Dave (Kathleen) Beck and Dan (Toni) Beck, and proud grandfather to Malcolm, Helene, Leah (mother Leslie Beck), Khrystal, Ashley, and Savannah.

In 1999 Clark became a docent at the Museum of Flight in Seattle and in his retirement years diligently researched aviation and aerospace history and shared his discoveries in regular talks and tours for museum visitors. He was a faithful leader and congregant at Seattle First Christian Church and played an important role in the merging of SFCC into All Pilgrims Christian Church. He loved his pets, his garden, listening to “Willie’s Roadhouse” on satellite radio, and keeping all things in good order and repair. He was a man of extraordinary skill and intellect, curiosity, kindness, humility, grace, love, and good humor, much loved by all who encountered him.

We celebrate his life on Saturday, August 12, 2017, at 2 PM at All Pilgrims Christian Church, 500 Broadway East. Memorials can be made in his name to All Pilgrims Christian Church or the Museum of Flight.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch; third day without Water Taxi; paving
August 9, 2017 7:02 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch; third day without Water Taxi; paving
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:02 AM: SDOT reports a vehicle blocking the right lane of the eastbound bridge at the Admiral Way onramp.

Other notes to start:

WATER TAXI REMINDER: Today is day three without King County Water Taxi service – as the passenger-ferry service moves to a new temporary dock on the north side of the downtown ferry terminal.

BEACH DRIVE PAVING UPDATE: SDOT says work on Beach Drive SW between Charlestown and Andover will resume today, 9 am-6 pm. Flaggers will assist with traffic control.

7:24 AM: SDOT says the blocking vehicle on the eastbound bridge has been cleared.

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UPDATE: Repeat offender Ryan Cox stabs a man and then himself in Gatewood, police say
August 8, 2017 10:18 pm
|      151 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Gatewood | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(WSB photos by Christopher Boffoli)

10:18 PM: Seattle Fire and Police are on the scene of what medical radio transmissions describe as a double stabbing at California and Orchard [map]. Two men, both around 40, are being taken to the hospital.

10:39 PM: WSB’s Christopher Boffoli is at the scene and reports that California is closed between Myrtle and Othello. The stabbings are reported to have happened out in the street.

10:55 PM: Though SPD has not yet commented at the scene, they’ve just tweeted that one man stabbed the other and then himself, so no one else is being sought. Seattle Fire says one man was transported with life-threatening wounds, one with non-life-threatening.

11:04 PM: While we are still waiting for a more-detailed account from police, multiple witnesses – at the scene and by phone – say the man with the life-threatening wounds was in his car when attacked by the other man. The car is reported to be the white SUV in our photo above.

12:20 AM: Police at the scene continue to decline comment, referring inquiries to media relations, so we likely will not learn anything more until later this morning. Christopher reports that as of midnight, the road was still closed as the investigation continued.

7:32 AM: So far, still no additional information from police. Meantime, a commenter identifying herself as the victim’s wife posted overnight that he was in surgery.

8:07 AM: Here’s the entirety of what police just posted to SPD Blotter, the first official information since one tweet late last night:

The male victim, age 40, is at Harborview Medical Center with life-threatening injuries while the suspect, 39, is also at Harborview with non-life-threatening injuries.

On Tuesday, August 8th at 10:00 pm, Southwest Precinct officers responded to a call of a fight and stabbing near California Avenue SW and SW Orchard Street. Officers arrived and located both the victim and suspect. The victim had extensive injuries to his chest, head, and upper arms. Seattle Fire medics arrived and treated the victim at the scene and then transported him to the hospital. The suspect also had stab wounds to his thighs, which he stated occurred during the course of the attack.

It is unknown what led up to the confrontation, but witnesses interviewed at the scene confirmed that the suspect attacked the victim and that the victim was not armed. It is unknown what the relationship is between the two men, if any. Officers recovered a knife at the scene and submitted it into evidence.

The suspect was also treated at the scene and transported to the hospital, where he remains under police custody. Once the suspect has been cleared medically he will be booked into the King County Jail.

Detectives will conduct the follow up investigation.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation.

8:51 AM: As just noted in comments, police have confirmed to us by phone that the suspect, who remains in the hospital at last report, is Ryan Cox. WSB policy usually precludes identifying suspects until and unless they are charged, but given the neighborhood history with Cox, this is an unusual case and we are making an exception. That history goes back to 2009, when he was arrested in connection with graffiti vandalism involving homophobic slurs. At the time of his arrest, police said then, he was carrying a knife.

(added) It has been three years since he was last mentioned on WSB, after his release from jail following completion of a sentence for an assault case in which he pleaded guilty in 2013. As we mentioned in comment discussion below, we’ve checked city, county, and state records and no recent criminal cases were shown – the most recent case of any kind was a citation last December for “consuming/possessing open container of liquor in public,” according to the Municipal Court website. Before that, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor trespassing in August 2015.

ADDED WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cox was booked into jail just before 8 pm tonight.

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