day : 26/09/2017 12 results

9:50 PM: We’ve received a few questions about all the sirens audible to the east a short time ago (we heard them from here, too). Per scanner, a man has been shot in South Park (in the 1000 block of S. Donovan), which as you probably know, is part of the Southwest Precinct too, so many officers rushed to SP from West Seattle. We don’t know anything more about the circumstances or the victim – who’s being taken to Harborview – but police are looking for suspects, possibly in a black car.

ADDED WEDNESDAY MORNING: SPD reports that the 20-year-old victim is recovering, and has a few details in this post just published on SPD Blotter.

FRIDAY FUN! Tickets still available for cocktail party benefiting West Seattle Food Bank

September 26, 2017 9:09 pm

| Comments Off on FRIDAY FUN! Tickets still available for cocktail party benefiting West Seattle Food Bank

| Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

If you don’t already have tickets for Friday night’s “Grand Affair“ cocktails-and-games party to help the West Seattle Food Bank – you still have time!

(Photo courtesy West Seattle Food Bank)

TIckets are available online through Thursday night – just go here. Or, if you can’t commit until the last minute, they’ll be available at the door, too. The party’s at Westland Distillery in SODO (2931 1st Ave. S.). Your $75 ticket gets you hosted wine and beer and “heavy hors d’oeuvres,” and casino-style gaming with prizes; you’ll also find a photo booth, whiskey tasting, themed cocktails, and a live auction (preview the items here and decide what you might bid on!). It all starts at 6 pm Friday (September 29th) – a cool way to begin your weekend.

Share This

CRIME WATCH: Stolen and dumped? Seen in Gatewood

September 26, 2017 7:17 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Crime | Seen around town | West Seattle news

The photos are from Keith, who spotted “what appears to be a dumped CD portfolio” while walking his dog in Gatewood: “Further inspection shows the CD carrier has been repurposed to house technical information. This was likely stolen from a truck and discarded. I bet the owner would love to get it back.”

If you recognize these, let us know and we’ll connect you.

Share This

2 hurt in Highland Park crash

September 26, 2017 6:48 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Highland Park | West Seattle news

That was the scene at 12th and Henderson in Highland Park about quarter past 5, after those two vehicles collided. Both drivers were hurt, our photographer was told, and taken to the hospital by private ambulance to be checked out.

Share This

COFFEE WITH A COP: Next event October 4th on Alki

September 26, 2017 5:33 pm

| Comments Off on COFFEE WITH A COP: Next event October 4th on Alki

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police

From Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Burbridge:

The Seattle Police Department and Starbucks are collaborating for National Coffee With A Cop Day – Wednesday, October 4th (10-4). The SW Precinct National Coffee With A Cop Day Event will be held at the Alki Starbucks (2742 Alki Ave SW) from 2 pm- 4 pm.

Coffee With A Cop brings together police officers and the community members they serve – over coffee – to discuss issues and learn more about each other. To learn more about Coffee With A Cop and/or about National Coffee With A Cop Day, please visit coffeewithacop.com

Come on out on 10-4 to visit with your local precinct officers!

Last local Coffee With A Cop event was in The Junction last May.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE WHOLE FOODS MARKET: ‘We are moving forward’ after all, company tells WSB

September 26, 2017 2:16 pm

| 96 COMMENTS

| 4755 Fauntleroy | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

WSB has just confirmed that the West Seattle Whole Foods Market is back on.

WFM spokesperson Susan Livingston confirms that to WSB this afternoon via e-mail: “We are moving forward with our West Seattle location at The Whittaker and will share more information on timelines for the opening once details are finalized.”

We inquired today after seeing WFM featured in the graphic shown atop this story – it’s the latest online map of which businesses are going where at The Whittaker (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor).

It’s been six months since the revelation that Whole Foods was backing out of West Seattle again, though its official statement at the time was that “Whole Foods Market has decided to delay indefinitely the opening of our West Seattle store.” The company overseeing the businesses in The Whittaker, Weingarten Realty, subsequently said that WF was working with it to find a replacement tenant.

Less than three months later came the news about Amazon buying Whole Foods. We tried multiple times after that – before and after the deal closed – to get a comment about whether the new ownership might lead WFM to reconsider the West Seattle store location; no reply.

Until now, the space has continued to be shown on the online Whittaker site map as available – you can see that in our August story about the signing of another tenant, Orangetheory Fitness. And then our routine check last night showed Whole Foods was back on the map – Weingarten pointed us to WFM for comment, and we just got the confirmation quoted above.

It’s been almost five years since Whole Foods was originally announced as the anchor tenant for The Whittaker (even before the mixed-use project got that name). That in turn was two years after WF announced it was no longer going into the project across the street that at the time was an inactive excavation site dubbed “The Hole,” since sold and finished as Spruce, with LA Fitness in the space where the grocery store was to be.

At The Whittaker, Whole Foods will join already-signed businesses T-Mobile (which is now open), BECU, MOD Pizza, CityMD, and Orangetheory Fitness. As spokesperson Livingston told us, there’s no timeline just yet – but we’ll continue to follow up. Before the March announcement, the company had told us two months earlier that it was expecting to open the store in summer 2018.

Share This

Seattle Early Learning Center: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor!

September 26, 2017 1:36 pm

| Comments Off on Seattle Early Learning Center: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor!

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Today we welcome Seattle Early Learning Center, at Alki Beach, as a new WSB sponsor. Here’s their message for you:

Dear Parents!

As parents and longtime local residents of West Seattle, we are pleased to announce the startup of our preschool right on Alki & 59th, locally operated and owned by Regina Steinsvik, whose previous experience stems from YMCA West Seattle Preschools as well as her Master in Environmental Engineering and various jobs with larger companies throughout the world.

Seattle Early Learning Center is dedicated to providing a developmentally appropriate curriculum, knowledgeable and well-trained program staff, and comprehensive services that support children’s health, nutrition, and social well-being.

In a small group of 10 children, 2 teachers focus on each individual child and make learning meaningful, support children’s growth and skill development in a safe, well‐organized and material‐rich environment, and provide warm and responsive interactions. Our curriculum is built around activities that enhance growth in main areas that are essential for school and long-term success. We support social and emotional development, language and literacy skills, approaches to learning, cognition, perceptual, motor, and physical development. Children have lessons in the following subjects: Movement and Coordination, Mathematics, Social-Emotional Skills, Orientation of Time and Space, Science, Music, Writing, and Arts.

Our engaging environment is thoughtfully and carefully designed to support active participation and engagement that affects learning, promoting independence and positive behavior, fostering children’s excitement about learning and enabling them to reach developmental goals.

Teachers at Seattle Early Learning Center support English and Russian languages. We are pleased to offer two groups – depends on your interest in languages, enrolled kids may be offered on a first-come, first-served basis to move into full-day programs, if desired by parents. We have flexible half-day schedules until the full-day program is up and running. Both programs provide opportunities to impart stimulating and fundamental learning experiences for all children and prepare them to be school-ready!

The intent is that the preschool will have a full-day program starting in January 2018. Meanwhile, we have weekend play dates that just started. Fun time for the children, while parents enjoy some time to themselves! Read more at seattle-elc.com and facebook.com/seattleELC. Seattle Early Learning Center is at 2634 Alki Ave. SW, phone 206-535-4205.

We thank Seattle Early Learning Center for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Cars vandalized; gunfire confirmed; truck prowled

September 26, 2017 12:11 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Three reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

CARS VANDALIZED: Several readers tipped us this morning (thank you) about half a dozen or so cars vandalized near 36th SW and SW Graham, with red spray paint and a slashed P, perhaps mimicking the “no parking” symbol. Chris noticed it at 7 am and called police, who said they would investigate.

That photo is from J. Boyd, who had called police later in the morning, but was told individual car owners would have to report it. J. wondered if it were some sort of parking rage, reporting that a vehicle down the street appeared to have been “booted.” (Note – we don’t usually show tagging vandalism, but this doesn’t appear to be a tag – unless you’ve seen it elsewhere?)

P.S. We now have a police-report # for this, in case you have a tip – 17-358012.

SOUTH DELRIDGE GUNFIRE: Thanks to Kim for the tip on this – while some reports of possible gunfire turn out to be fireworks, this one in South Delridge on Sunday night was verified. We requested and obtained the report narrative from SPD this morning. It says people called 911 around 7:20 pm Sunday, reporting hearing shots around 20th SW and SW Barton; a pizza delivery person told police he had seen someone standing at the intersection and firing a gun. It was caught on a nearby building’s security cameras, according to the police report:

The video shows the suspect exiting a vehicle which is parked facing .northbound, on the northeast corner of the intersection. The suspect exits the vehicle, and fíred in the direction of the vehicle, as the vehicle drove northbound on 20 AV SVü. The vehicle then continued onto Delridge WY SW. The second video shows the suspect running westbound when he drops an item, the suspect stops to retrieve the item, and continues running westbound. … The vehicle was described as a possible 2010 dark blue Chevrolet Malibu. The vehicle drove northbound on 20 AV SW and then northbound on Delridge.

The report says police found three 9mm shell casings and a black plastic cell-phone case that might have been dropped by the suspect. No injuries or property damage were reported (or found).

CAR BREAK-IN: Car prowlers are active again – a resident of Holly Court SW said that their secluded private driveway was no haven; someone broke into their truck Sunday night and stole a “laptop and bag with business checks and equipment.” It’s their third vehicle break-in in the city this year.

Share This

West Seattle Tuesday: What’s up for today/tonight

September 26, 2017 10:12 am

| Comments Off on West Seattle Tuesday: What’s up for today/tonight

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

With the right camera lens (and/or binoculars), the Space Needle‘s renovation work is in view from West Seattle, as David Hutchinson shows us with the photo above. Besides gazing across the bay, here’s what else you can do today/tonight – highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SOUTH SEATTLE FIBER ARTS CLUB: 11 am-1 pm, you’re welcome to drop in at Highland Park Improvement Club: “A group for people in South Seattle who like to knit, crochet, quilt, spin, etc., or who are interested in learning. We trade tips, supplies and snacks! Everyone is welcome, regardless of skill level. Children are welcome. Free and open to the public.” (1116 SW Holden)

REBUILDING WEST SEATTLE SCHOOLS? Seattle Public Schools is planning its next big BEX ballot measure, and at least four West Seattle elementary schools are under consideration for rebuilds. The School Board has a work session at district HQ in SODO today, 4:30-6:30 pm (thanks to the Seattle Schools Community Forum website for pointing this out). No public comment at work sessions, but they are open to the public for observing. (3rd Ave. S./S. Lander)

JUSTIN KAUSAL-HAYES: Live music at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), 5-8 pm. (1936 Harbor SW)

CRIME, SAFETY, PREPAREDNESS: It’s all on the agenda for the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network, which gets back to monthly meetings post-summer, starting at 6:30 pm tonight at the Southwest Precinct. All welcome – you don’t have to be a captain or even part of a BW. (2300 SW Webster)

FAMILY STORY TIME: All ages at Delridge Library, 7 pm. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

LOTS OF LAUGHS: Comedians’ Power Hour at Parliament Tavern, 8-11 pm: “The joking and drinking roadshow bout to find out which Seattle comic has what it takes to call themselves CPH Champion. Local comedians Erin Ingle and Rachel Walls battle wits against one another in a joke for joke competition to land the best punchlines.” 21+. No cover. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

KARAOKE: Got the Tuesday blues? Sing them away tonight. On our calendar, two opportunities – Baby Ketten Karaoke at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW) in North Delridge and karaoke @ Yen Wor Village (2300 California SW) in the Admiral District, both starting at 9 pm.

Share This

CAN YOU HELP? Chief Sealth International High School Photography Club seeks someone with darkroom experience

September 26, 2017 9:09 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Photo courtesy Chief Sealth International High School Photography Club)

With so many talented photographers contributing to WSB, maybe there is one with the very specific skillset that the Chief Sealth International High School Photography Club needs, and some time to volunteer. From Zhen Williams:

The Photography Club is looking for someone with darkroom experience! One main goal Chief Sealth Photography Club has this year is to start up the Sealth Darkroom again. However, we would need an adult supervisor who knows how to work a darkroom. It would be once or twice a month for a couple of hours. You must be willing to go through the Seattle Public Schools background check.
If interested, please email Zhen Williams: williams.zhen@gmail.com

Share This

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Fall’s first Tuesday

September 26, 2017 7:02 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

7:02 AM: Good morning – no incidents reported so far in/from West Seattle.

One alert: Today’s the day SDOT says paving work on California SW between College and Hill will start.

Share This

WHERE YOUR MONEY MIGHT GO: Our miscellaneous notes from proposed 2018 city budget

September 26, 2017 1:38 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Monday afternoon, the City Council‘s biggest fall task – budgeting – got into gear with newly appointed Mayor Tim Burgess presenting the proposed 2018 budget.

After taking a look through much of it (you can find all the links here), plus the resulting standalone announcements, a few notes:

BUDGET BOSS: West Seattle/South Park City Councilmember Lisa Herbold will lead the council through its review and finalization process. Burgess had been chairing the Select Budget Committee; Herbold was vice chair of the committee whose portfolio included finance, which meant it was likely she’d become the budget boss, but not finalized until a council vote on Monday.

HEADLINER: Burgess’s big headline proposal was the “Seattle Retirement Savings Plan” for workers whose employers don’t offer retirement plans. It’s explained here.

From a few of the city departments’ budget plans:

TRANSPORTATION – Its budget notes are here. Catching our eye:

Arterial Paving – (adding) $500,000: Heavy use and winter weather take their toll on city streets. SDOT’s Arterial Major Maintenance program addresses deteriorated pavement and uses City crews to pave one to three street blocks. The 2018 Proposed Budget includes a one-time investment of Real Estate Excise Taxes to augment the $4.9 million base budget for this program.

The next one didn’t say which of the five city-operated bridges (which include the West Seattle “low bridge”) would be the subject of the pilot project, but it’s notable because it could lead to automation of all five:

Bridge System Enhancements – $3,000,000: The City operates five movable bridges that open approximately 15,400 times annually. To operate these bridges, SDOT employs 23 bridge operators who operate the bridges 24/7. The proposed budget includes a one-time commercial parking tax allocation to pilot automation of one of Seattle’s movable bridges during 2018. This investment includes a remote operations location as well as communication and video enhancements. If the pilot is successful, it will take three to five years to automate all the City’s movable bridges and could result in approximately $1 million in annual cost savings as well as reduce or eliminate unnecessary bridge openings.

Speaking of pilot projects, a West Seattle SDOT project is mentioned here:

CIP Staged Oversight Proviso: The City is developing a more consistent approach to the planning, budgeting, design and delivery of capital projects with the goal of improving the overall quality, responsiveness, and success at meeting project schedules and budgets. As part of this effort, the proposed budget will pilot two projects by placing spending restrictions on them. For SDOT, the pilot project is the Delridge Multimodal Corridor Project where spending will be restricted until Seattle Department of Transportation reports to the Sustainability & Transportation Committee, or its successor committee, on the 10% design baseline package in a format requested by that committee’s chair.

The biggest part of the Delridge MCP is the conversion of Metro Route 120 into RapidRide Line H – still a couple years away.

Share This