West Seattle, Washington

26 Thursday

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month : 10/2017 325 results

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police search; gunfire suspects arrested; recognize this red backpack?
October 27, 2017 4:30 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Three West Seattle Crime Watch notes this afternoon:

POLICE SEARCH IN SOUTH DELRIDGE: If you’ve seen the officers, including a K-9 team, searching in the South Delridge area (17th/Barton and beyond) in the past hour or so – we’re told it’s related to a theft case that originated on the King County side of the line. That’s all we have so far.

SPEAKING OF CITY/COUNTY CASES: Via SPD Blotter this afternoon, the saga of something we heard a bit about on the scanner last night but couldn’t pursue because it ended downtown: It started with a robbery in White Center just before 11 pm, continued with gunfire in the 9000 block of Delridge Way SW – the robbery suspects allegedly firing at a witness who was pursuing them – and, as police shared information about the suspect vehicle – a Monte Carlo – across precinct lines, officers caught up with the suspects on I-5 near exit 168B. “Officers looked into the vehicle and saw cash and a purse on the floorboards. Officers booked the 19-year-old gunman, the 21-year-old driver, and the 19-year-old passenger into King County Jail for investigation of assault and drive-by shooting,” wrote Det. Patrick Michaud.

And a reader report:

STOLEN BACKPACK? If this backpack looks like something taken from you or someone you know…

… Rich is wondering. He sent the photo (which we have cropped), explaining, “Saturday 10/22 around 3:30 pm, there was a suspicious looking young man emptying the contents of a red backpack into the bushes near California and Charlestown … he was very aggressive towards me when I questioned what he was doing. I don’t see on the blog any mention of a lost/stolen backpack, but perhaps you can post the query if this happened to anyone.” Let us know if you recognize it.

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WEST SEATTLE SCHOOLS: Why attendance-area boundaries might change for Genesee Hill, Lafayette next fall
October 27, 2017 2:22 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Genesee Hill | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Some families who currently live in the Genesee Hill Elementary School attendance area may find themselves in the Lafayette Elementary School attendance area starting next school year.

Boundary changes are being considered for those two schools to take some pressure off GHES, West Seattle’s most-populous elementary, already 10 percent above capacity just one year after opening.

The changes – if any – would take effect next fall, starting in the 2018-2019 year, and could affect some current GH students, depending on what kind of “grandfathering” – if any – the district decides to allow.

All this was discussed at GHES this morning, as principal Gerrit Kischner and district officials led an early-stage briefing for families during a “coffee with the principal” event in the lunchroom.

GH opened in fall 2016, built for a capacity of 650 students, after the program’s years with a village of portables at Schmitz Park Elementary, but it’s already stuffed with more than 710. “We’ve continued to grow and grow even though our boundaries have shrunk,” Kischner noted.

He was joined at the meeting by Lafayette principal Cindy Chaput and, from district HQ, associate superintendent Dr. Flip Herndon and enrollment planning director Ashley Davies.

“We’re already over the capacity of the building” and “there’s no additional space,” Davies began. She showed a slide with Genesee Hill’s “right-size capacity” and current over-enrollment, while Lafayette is underenrolled – “right-size” at 550, currently at 394. (The calculations for “right size” do include Lafayette’s current portables, Davies said in response to a question. Some of those portables are used only part time, principal Chaput said, adding that “we have four empty classrooms” right now and she saw no problem with adding more students – right now.)

If nothing changes, Genesee Hill would grow to 807 by 2021 while Lafayette would still have room, at 437.

So the district reviewed five “potential scenarios” as Davies described them to try to balance things. They’re looking more seriously at three of them, and those are what were shown. Read More

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FOLLOWUP: Timeline for SDOT’s next round of work at 59th/Admiral, and other intersections nearby
October 27, 2017 1:37 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from this afternoon substituted for file photo originally used here)

1:37 PM: Another update from SDOT today about 59th/Admiral, two days after the without-warning end to its almost-two months as an all-ways stop, a change that led to parents from nearby Alki Elementary voicing safety concerns: SDOT communications director Mafara Hobson tells WSB that “We plan to visit the intersection today to do layout for the new decorative curb bulbs, median, and crosswalks. We’ll spray paint outlines for our crews. Pending weather, installation could occur as soon as Nov. 7. Installation will happen during normal working hours.” So if you see new markings – that’s what it’s about. Meantime, changes at other intersections – as first announced four months ago – are still in the works, and SDOT says that they’re tentatively scheduled to work at 61st/Admiral and SW Stevens/Admiral as soon as mid-November. Here’s how those intersections are scheduled to change, according to the SDOT graphics made public in June:

This is all part of the SW Admiral Way Safety Project, which included rechannelization of much of Admiral west of California a year ago.

4:02 PM: Thanks for the tips – we’ve since been back to the area and photographed two things – top photo shows the workers doing what SDOT told us they’d be doing; next photo, apparently Traffic Enforcement officers have been out in the area all day – this is one of two we passed on the uphill side of Admiral not far east of the intersection:

The Traffic Safety Task Force parents are “encouraged to see movement,” says Merkys Gomez.

ADDED FRIDAY NIGHT: The TSTF’s official response sent to SDOT’s Dawn Schellenberg, related to what transpired earlier this week – read it in its entirety after the jump:

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Kumon Math and Reading Center of West Seattle: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor
October 27, 2017 12:15 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor: Kumon, the world’s largest after-school math and reading enrichment program, has opened a new center in West Seattle at 2350 California Ave. SW. Here’s what its local owner would like you to know about her business:

Kumon’s individualized approach helps children progress by ability rather than age or grade. More than 280,000 preschool- to high-school-aged children across the United States are developing their math and reading skills independently and gaining confidence through the Kumon Method of Learning. The Kumon Center of West Seattle joins the more than 1,500 U.S. instructors committed to helping children excel through the self-learning program.

“At Kumon, we believe children have unlimited potential to succeed,” said instructor-owner Avanti Prahlad. “My goal is to help each child develop a love for learning and the confidence to excel beyond the classroom, while developing foundational academic skills.”

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, American students were significantly outperformed by 29 nations in mathematics. America’s stagnant performance is rooted in a lack of advanced math or reading curriculum in classrooms, which impacts the country’s future growth. Avanti cares deeply about helping West Seattle students achieve academic success. Many Kumon students study advanced math, which includes materials two to three years above their grade level.

Avanti comes from a Kumon family. Avanti’s mother enrolled her in the Kumon Program to improve her math skills and self-confidence when she was in first grade. Her mother was so happy with the results that she decided to open a Kumon Center in New York and has successfully delivered the Kumon Program to students for close to 30 years. “I have seen the program’s impact both from personal experience and from working with many students at my mother’s center over the years. Aside from mastering fundamental skills in math and reading, I have seen children gain the most invaluable skill of self-learning – a primary skill I hope to help cultivate in children so that they can succeed in any challenge they take on in life,” says Avanti. She holds a Mathematics degree from Columbia University in New York and an MBA from INSEAD in France.

Kumon Center of West Seattle’s class hours are Tuesdays and Fridays from 2:30 to 7:00 p.m. Students study for approximately 30 minutes per subject and have daily assignments to complete at home. For more information, or to schedule a free placement test, please call 206-258-8313 or email avantiprahlad@ikumon.com.

About Kumon Math & Reading Centers:

Kumon is an after-school math and reading enrichment program that unlocks the potential of children, so they can achieve more on their own. As a comprehensive program, Kumon serves children in preschool through high school. Founded in Japan in 1958, the learning method uses an individualized approach that helps children develop a solid command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration, and develop better study skills. Kumon has over four million students enrolled in nearly 25,000 learning centers in 50 countries and regions.

We thank Kumon Math and Reading Center of West Seattle 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.

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FOLLOWUP: West Seattle Junction Post Office’s outdoor mailbox is available again
October 27, 2017 11:32 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

Thanks to Andy for the tip! After a week and a half, the West Seattle Junction Post Office‘s drive-up/ride-up mailbox is back in business. You might recall that its return in August followed a seven-month-plus absence, so some were worried about another long outage.

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WEST SEATTLE BUSINESSES: See their biggest concerns and challenges, as local project works toward solutions
October 27, 2017 11:16 am
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

What are the challenges and concerns facing businesses in West Seattle, and what resources are available to deal with them?

That’s the subject of a project on which our area’s two biggest business-related organizations, the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and West Seattle Junction Association, are teaming up. As part of it, a roundtable-discussion event was held last night in The Triangle.

Consultant Allison Carney talked about some of what she’s seen in the data gathered over 30 meetings with people involved with the local business community. Concerns include:

*Parking (self-explanatory)

*Availability of commercial space – with businesspeople worried about what happens if the building where they are a tenant is sold, what happens if their rent is raised beyond affordability – is there anywhere else in West Seattle where they can go?

*Transients in business areas – how that relates to feeling safe/unsafe

*The cost of doing business – including new city regulations about wages and leave

Speaking of the city, Carney said she heard overall concerns about relationships with it – West Seattle businesses feel neglected, and some see the city as an adversary, while there’s a general feeling of helplessness: Nothing you can do, your voice can’t be heard.

And there are concerns about whether the new residents in West Seattle care about WS. Are they patronizing local businesses or otherwise participating in the community? How to best reach out and get them involved?

Carney said that between the people she’s interviewed and those at the roundtable event, it’s clear that collaboration, using each other’s skills and knowledge, can overcome many of the challenges.

After small-group discussions, tables reported what they had talked about.

Keeping the business areas clean was a major topic. Better lighting, too. And several people suggested that local business proprietors get more involved in existing community groups – for example, taking crime/safety concerns to at least one of the two monthly community meetings at the Southwest Precinct (which are the WS Crime Prevention Council at 7 pm third Tuesdays and the WS Block Watch Captains Network at 6:30 pm fourth Tuesdays, both meetings always open to everyone).

Next step in the project will be an official report laying out concerns, challenges, and potential solutions – that’s due out by the end of November. After the jump, you’ll see highlights of the consultant’s notes from her conversations, as prepared for last night’s discussion – starting with “what’s special” about our area, and including some quotes on the topics mentioned above:

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SAFETY: Southwest Precinct police’s Halloween-season advice
October 27, 2017 10:32 am
|    Comments Off on SAFETY: Southwest Precinct police’s Halloween-season advice
 |   Holidays | Safety | West Seattle news

Now that we’re in the heart of Halloween (etc.) season, you might be interested in safety advice – which goes far beyond trick-or-treating! It’s from the Southwest Precinct, whose Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Burbridge shares what you can read below (or here, in PDF):

(Our guide to local activities for all ages, running through next Wednesday, is here.)

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West Seattle Friday: Hallo-weekend arrives! And that’s not all…
October 27, 2017 9:49 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Friday: Hallo-weekend arrives! And that’s not all…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Steller’s Jay, who needs no Halloween costume! Photographed by Mark Wangerin)

It’s Hallo-weekend! So we begin with highlights from the WSB Halloween (Etc.) Guide:

PRESCHOOL TRICK OR TREATING: 10-11:30 am at Holy Rosary School: “We are inviting all children age 5 and under with an adult to come trick or treat INSIDE at our Holy Rosary classrooms! We will have a mix of candy and non-candy items.” (42nd SW/SW Genesee)

SPOOKY CARNIVAL: 5:30-7:30 pm at Alki Community Center, ages 11 and younger: “Spooky fun for the whole family! Carnival games and prizes and a Spooky Haunted Scream Room for brave trick or treaters.” $0.25/ticket or $5/unlimited bracelet. (5817 SW Stevens)

FALL FESTIVAL: 5:30-7:30 pm, at High Point Community Center. All ages, free. “Join High Point Community Center staff and enjoy a family evening of fun. We will have Halloween games, booths, face painting, art and craft activities, and snacks. Fun for all ages. Come one, come all!” (6920 34th SW)

HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL: 6-8 pm at Hiawatha Community Center. “Start your Halloween off with a frighteningly fun-filled evening for the family! Wear your costumes and enjoy carnival games, crafts, and spooktacular activities.” Ages 2-12. $5/child. (2700 California SW)

HALLOWEEN LIGHT SHOW: Tonight’s the first night of the Halloween Light Show by the folks who bring you West Seattle Yuletide. 6-10 pm nightly through Halloween – probably a little later on October 28th and 31st. (38th SW between Genesee and Dakota)

HALLOWEEN FAMILY SWIM: Free swim 7-8 pm at Southwest Pool! “We will have music and prizes for all the goblins, creatures, and superheroes of the night. Space is limited to 125 people. Anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied in the water by an adult.” (2801 SW Thistle)

THE CABIRI’S ANNUAL SHOW, OPENING NIGHT: The Cabiri in “Ghost Game XI: Beyond The Veil” dessert theater at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, doors open 7:30 pm. Full details here; buy your ticket(s) here. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

And from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE GARDEN CLUB: 10:30 am-2 pm, you’re invited to all or part of the meeting – details in our calendar listing. At Daystar. (2615 SW Barton)

PEEL & PRESS’S 3RD ANNIVERSARY: 3 pm to 1 am, dine and drink at Peel & Press (WSB sponsor) in honor of their third anniversary – 10 percent of the proceeds are going to buy turkeys and chickens for the West Seattle Food Bank this holiday season! (6503 California SW)

FALL WINE RELEASE AT VISCON CELLARS: 5-9 pm at the Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) tasting room, stop in to try the newly released fall wines: “We are releasing the 2013 BLACK Red Wine Blend, always a favorite with our customers. The new 2013 BLACK will be sure to live up to the legacy of its predecessors. Also releasing a new wine to our lineup, the 2014 Rhyme & Reason Syrah.” (5910 California SW)

SHNIT SHORT-FILM FESTIVAL: It’s back! 7 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club. 21+. Details in our calendar listing. (1116 SW Holden)

ALAN EHRLICH: “Insightful, original songs” at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

POWER POP ROCK: With The Riffbrokers, The Cheap Cassettes, Llama at Parliament Tavern, 9 pm-midnight. $5 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

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Celebration of life November 11 for Steven (Hutch) Hutchison, 1955-2017
October 27, 2017 9:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather November 11 to remember Steve Hutchison (Hutch). Here’s the remembrance that’s being shared with the community:

In loving memory of Steven Hutchison. Steve passed away on September 23rd at Virginia Mason Medical Center from complications related to Multiple Myeloma.

Steve was surrounded by his loving family and friends. He leaves behind his wife Edwina, daughter Jennifer, son Tyler, and five grandchildren: Andres, Mariana, Marcelino, Alonzo, and Natalia.

Steve was born and raised in West Seattle, where he lived for most of his life. He graduated from West Seattle High School in 1973. Steve was an active member of the West Seattle Community. He enjoyed coaching boys’ baseball from 1994 to 1999 and boys’ basketball from 1997 to 2000.

Steve really enjoyed and looked forward to his annual vacation to Maui, which was his home away from home. He would say he never felt better than when he was there.

Please join us to celebrate and honor Steve’s life on Saturday, November 11th, from 4 pm to 8 pm at Dakota Place Park. The address is 4304 SW Dakota Street. Everyone is welcome to come and share their stories and memories of Steve.

If you wish to honor Steve’s memory, please consider donating to The American Cancer Society.

(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: Friday updates; weekend alerts, including West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival
October 27, 2017 6:59 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   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! So far, no incidents on the major outbound routes in/from West Seattle. But we have weekend alerts:

WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION HARVEST FESTIVAL: On Sunday, from early morning through about 4 pm, California will be closed to traffic between Alaska and Edmunds as well as the usual Farmers’ Market closure between Oregon and Alaska. The festival (full details here) runs 10 am-2 pm.

SW EDMUNDS CLOSURE AT 40TH SW: SDOT plans to continue its paving work starting Saturday morning and potentially continuing through Sunday afternoon.

I-5 REPAIRS TONIGHT: 11 pm tonight through 6 am Saturday, repair work will close three lanes of NB I-5 through downtown, between Yesler Way and Seneca Street.

7:37 AM UPDATE: After-the-fact transit alert:

9:34 AM: WSDOT says tonight’s I-5 lane closures (mentioned above) are canceled. Meantime, we forgot to mention that this is the last weekend for the West Seattle Water Taxi’s seven-day-a-week schedule – next Monday, it starts the five-day-a-week schedule, which also means no midday trips.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Division championship time for Kennedy swimmers/divers
October 26, 2017 11:59 pm
|    Comments Off on CONGRATULATIONS! Division championship time for Kennedy swimmers/divers
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

It’s division-championship time for high-school swimmers including the girls that West Seattleite Brent Lindblom e-mailed to tell us all about, in case you want to go cheer them on Friday and Saturday:

Though Kennedy Catholic High School is located in Burien, West Seattle has many students attending the school.

The Kennedy girls’ swim and dive team is heading to the WCD III 4A Swimming and Diving Championships being held at Curtis Aquatic Center (8805 40th St W, University Place).

Congratulations to the Lancer girls moving on to Division Championships:

Front: Madelline Kalenius, Lauren Hofford, Anita Shields, Catlin Mazzuca, Krista Markle, Shala Markle, Lynn Nguyen

Back: Jacqueline Southwell, Chloe Dahleen, Elena Stoll

Not pictured: Audrey Porter, Bronte Shirley

Swimming Prelims: Friday, October 27th
Warm-up: 3:30 pm
Meet Start: 4:30 pm

Swimming Finals: Saturday, October 28th
Warm-up: 3:30
Meet Start: 4:30

The top 7 fastest times/scores from each event (finals night only) will be allocated to the State meet.

If you’re going – there’s an admission charge for everyone except kids 5 and under. It’s cash only, $8 adults, $6 students with ASB ID and senior citizens, $4 elementary students.

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SATURDAY: West Seattle Big Band and West Seattle Community Orchestras team up for student musicians
October 26, 2017 10:44 pm
|    Comments Off on SATURDAY: West Seattle Big Band and West Seattle Community Orchestras team up for student musicians
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Got your ticket(s) yet? Saturday’s the night you can masquerade in the spirit of the season, while also dining, dancing, and bidding to help the West Seattle Community Orchestras support student music. The reminder from WSCO:

Come dance to the great sounds of the West Seattle Big Band and listen to topnotch musicians of the West Seattle Community Orchestras (WSCO) as they get you in the swing of things at this year’s annual gala!

Here’s the general plan:

6:00-7:15: Doors open, cocktail reception, silent auctions, entertainment by WSCO musicians
7:15: Buffet dinner served
7:55-8:40: Live auction, raise the paddle, dessert dash
8:40++: Dancing to the West Seattle Big Band!

Generous supporters have donated very special items for our silent and live auctions:

Tray of WSCO “Masquerade Fantasie” Drinks
Alaska Junction Pack (ArtsWest, Matador, Husky Deli, Cupcake Royale)
Canlis and Seattle Symphony
Conducting Opportunity (you’ve always wanted to lead an orchestra!)
Wine Cellar
Dinner and a Play (10 Mercer and Seattle Shakespeare Company)
Coffee, Tea & Chocolate Pack (Ampersand Cafe, C&P Coffee, Caffe Ladro)
Paradise in Cabo!

There are many, many more fabulous items to bid on. Here’s a partial list of donors:

Bartells Drug Store | Bakery Nouveau | Seattle Shakespeare Company
Heavy Restaurant Group | Boehms Candy | C&P Coffee | MoPOP | West5 | Fresh Flours | ACT Theater | Pagliacci Pizza | MOHAI | Northwest Symphony Orchestra | Trader Joe’s | Seattle Theater Group | Seattle Symphony | Alki Spud | MarketSpice | Puzzle Break | Philharmonia Northwest | Seattle Thunderbirds |
Photography by Chris Leavitt | Jet City Improv | Emerald Downs | Museum of Flight | 5th Avenue Theatre |
Great Harvest | Grand Central Bakery | Seattle Theatre Group |10 Mercer | Ampersand Cafe | Seattle Seahawks | Elegant Electrolysis | Lake Union Civic Orchestra | Plus Friends of the Orchestras!

Your support will help WSCO continue to provide FREE participation and instruction in orchestral and band music for our student musicians.

Hope to see you there: Saturday, October 28, 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. at Alki Masonic Lodge, 4736 40th Ave. SW. Tickets are on sale online now or at the door ($35 adults 18+, $20 students and seniors):

Oh, yes! This year’s theme is Masquerade for Musicians: A mysterious night benefiting student music in West Seattle. Diners are encouraged to contribute to the fun by donning a costume — Halloween-themed or otherwise. Wear a costume—or not!—but don’t forget your dancing shoes!

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VIDEO: Seattle Mayor candidates back in West Seattle with 12 days left to vote
October 26, 2017 7:50 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(WSB photos and video by Patrick Sand)

One week after their first general-election-campaign forum in West Seattle, the women running for mayor, Cary Moon and Jenny Durkan, returned this afternoon. This time, they answered questions during the West Seattle Democratic Women‘s monthly meeting. Chair Rachel Glass described the race as “compelling and intriguing” in her introduction.

Above is our full unedited video of the forum; the text below represents highlights, not full transcriptions – to see/hear the candidates’ full answers, you’ll have to watch the video. The ground rules, set out by Glass – “this forum is not about anything negative … I want you to see the best of these candidates.” They had two minutes each for an opening statement, for each of four prepared questions, then time for each candidate to ask her opponent a question, then a few audience questions, and two-minute closing statements.

Moon won the coin-flip to give her opening statement first. She says she believes she started as the least-known candidate. She says she came to the campaign with a “list of solutions” for problems including the “heartbreaking” homelessness crisis. “In the past mayoral administration, I don’t think anyone knew where we were headed.”

Durkan opens by saying her staff told her she and Moon have done 85 forums, 50 since the primary. She says three things put her on track to run for mayor, something that a year ago she couldn’t have envisioned herself doing. First thing she mentions – election of President Trump. She says we’re not getting “anything good” out of “the other Washington” right now.

(Both made a point of mentioning they’re moms – Moon with two teenagers and two grown stepkids, Durkan with children 21 and 16.)

Then, the questions:

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BIZNOTE: Soprano’s Antico in Admiral finally close to sit-down opening
October 26, 2017 5:57 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

When we reported in September 2016 on the plan for Soprano’s Antico to open in the ex-Zatz Bagels space in Admiral, they were aiming for “early November.” Looks like the restaurant might make that target – a year later. After a tip from Brad today that the paper was finally off the windows, we stopped by this afternoon in search of information. Crews working inside told us they’re hoping to finally open for sit-down service next week – the restaurant’s been delivering pizza a while, according to its website.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stabbing suspect arraigned; car prowled; more
October 26, 2017 5:09 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stabbing suspect arraigned; car prowled; more
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

We start this West Seattle Crime Watch roundup with an update on a high-profile recent case:

(October 9th WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)

ADMIRAL STABBING SUSPECT ARRAIGNED: Kierra Ward, charged with attacking an Admiral woman who was out for a walk with her baby October 9th, was arraigned today. She pleaded not guilty to first-degree and second-degree assault charges (the second is for allegedly threatening to stab the man who tried to get between Ward and victim Sarah Hanson). Ward remains in King County Jail, bail set at $400,000, with her next hearing November 8th.

P.S. The crowdfunding campaign to help Sarah care for her baby and work from home while recovering has more than surpassed its goal.

Also:

READER REPORT – CAR PROWL: Lori reports a car prowl overnight Tuesday into Wednesday in Arbor Heights: “34th & Roxbury. Broke into our car that was in our driveway, didn’t get much. Sunglasses and handful of change. Other cars in area had windows wiped clean of condensation to see inside. Please advise neighbors to not keep valuables in vehicle.”

And a followup:

ATM REPLACED: We noticed today that the ATM stolen two and a half weeks ago from the Chase drive-up in The Junction is back in business – probably not its first day, since we noticed crews at work several days ago, but didn’t get to check back until now.

While SPD told us the day after the theft that the stolen ATM had been recovered, there’s no word of arrests so far.

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From the WSB Halloween Etc. Guide: Sudden opening at Rainbow Bingo
October 26, 2017 3:53 pm
|    Comments Off on From the WSB Halloween Etc. Guide: Sudden opening at Rainbow Bingo
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo: Halloween Rainbow Bingo @ Senior Center of West Seattle)

Though this Friday’s Halloween Rainbow Bingo at the Senior Center of West Seattle is listed in our Halloween Etc. Guide – it’s sold out. Except for a sudden opening, as Mary Beth Ingersoll messaged us to say:

Our most popular Rainbow Bingo of the year is our Halloween Theme in October, tomorrow night, Friday, Oct. 27th. It has been sold out since September 30th, but we have some tickets! (This will be our 35th sold-out date in a row!)

I just got word that a table for 6 won’t be able to make it and we’d sure like to fill it. The first person to call me – 206.932.4044 extension 4 – with payment of for the 6 seats of $18/ea= $108.00 can have it.

And if you already have tickets:

Additionally, there will be a costume contest for those that decide to dress up with 1st place winner with a prize of 4 free VIP tickets and a party package for 8 people!

New ’round here? The Senior Center is in The Junction at 4217 SW Oregon.

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BIZNOTE: Supply Chain ‘jewelry and accessory gallery’ opens in West Seattle next week
October 26, 2017 3:34 pm
|    Comments Off on BIZNOTE: Supply Chain ‘jewelry and accessory gallery’ opens in West Seattle next week
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Just last week, when we published an update on Olympia Coffee Company‘s future space in the Rally live-work units (California/Charlestown), a commenter asked about other businesses there. Today, we’ve heard from one that’s planning to open one week from tomorrow – Supply Chain, 3830 California SW. Here’s the announcement:

West Seattle is getting a bit of bling with the addition of new jewelry and accessory gallery Supply Chain, opening on California Avenue November 3rd. Curated by West Seattle resident and proprietor, Katie Meurk, Supply Chain will feature a thoughtful selection of artists and styles handmade in the United States.

Katie is an avid jewelry collector herself. Supply Chain combines her passion for art, community and self-expression through jewelry. “I love the story behind a piece, and jewelry in particular can evolve with each wear. It is an art form that we get to live in every day.”

Carrying a rotating collection of designers including Abacus Row, Future Glory, Lizzie Fortunato, and Hannah Keefe, Supply Chain will highlight the inspiration, production process, techniques and materials of each piece.

Katie looks forward to Supply Chain becoming an active member in the West Seattle community and the lives of its residents; helping shoppers mark special occasions with the perfect gift, enhancing the collections of passionate jewelry buyers, and becoming a destination for style inspiration.

Supply Chain will be open 11 am-7 pm Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; 10 am-6 pm Saturdays and Sundays.

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DEVELOPMENT: 18 townhouses for 5242-5248 California SW; comment time for 38 units at 6016 California
October 26, 2017 2:58 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

Today’s Land Use Information Bulletin from the city has notices for two West Seattle projects:

DESIGN REVIEW FOR 5242 & 5248 CALIFORNIA: When we reported two weeks ago that a Southwest Design Review Board meeting was set next month for the newest proposal at 5242 California – currently home to a partly vacant strip mall – it was in city files as a 9-townhouse project. Turns out that’s only half the site. The other half, now with the address 5248 California, also is proposed for 9 townhouses, and an underground garage is planned with 18 spaces – in the “preferred” massing (size/shape) option shown above, taken from the early version of the meeting packet, by Hybrid Architecture. As “The People’s Court,” the project is set to go to the SWDRB at 6:30 pm Thursday, November 16th – the official notices for its two halves are here and here. (Both explain how to comment now, or you can wait until the meeting, which will be at the Senior Center/Sisson Building, 4217 SW Oregon.)

COMMENT TIME FOR APARTMENTS @ 6016 CALIFORNIA: Back in August, we mentioned an apartment-building proposal for 6016 California SW, which is already bookended by teardowns, and has one business left last time we checked, the legendary Rick’s (Psychic) Barber Shop. The project is now at a stage where you have two weeks to comment. It’s also increased the unit count to 36 “small efficiency dwelling units” (microapartments) and two live-work units. Here’s the official notice; here’s how to comment.

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YOU CAN HELP: Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency launches annual winter-clothing drive for West Seattle Helpline
October 26, 2017 12:24 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency launches annual winter-clothing drive for West Seattle Helpline
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

(File photo: Unloading car full of donations from past drive)

Neighbors in need will be thrilled to get your donation of coats and other winter clothing this fall – and an easy way to give is via the Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency‘s annual drive for West Seattle Helpline, now in its first week. Here’s the announcement:

Week one of our annual clothing drive in support of the West Seattle Helpline is now under way. So far we have one full barrel of much-needed winter clothing to help our less-fortunate friends and neighbors.

Dave Newman State Farm Insurance agency will continue to collect clean donations of clothes, coats, and shoes until January 1st. The dropoff location is 3435 California Ave SW [map].

For those who have donations but are unable to transport their clothes, coats and shoes to the donation location, pickup may be available. For further information, contact the State Farm office at 206-932-1878.

Dave Newman’s office is open 9 am-5 pm weekdays.

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Highland Park Action Committee notes: SPU’s big West Seattle project; crime-trend updates; more…
October 26, 2017 10:57 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Highlights from the Highland Park Action Committee‘s last meeting until January (since the fourth Thursday conflicts with winter holidays in November and December):


(South Operations Center rendering, from city website)

SEATTLE PUBLIC UTILITIES DRAINAGE & WASTEWATER SOUTH OPERATIONS CENTER: SPU project manager Tom Fawthrop presented details of the new facility at the bus yard at 4500 W. Marginal Way SW. It’s a retrofit/remodel project. SPU wants a center here to “position ourselves to be (on this side of) the bridge in case of The Big One” plus reduce the distance their crews go to serve this part of the city – one-fourth of Seattle, Fawthrop pointed out.

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West Seattle Thursday: Glow in the Dark Party, mayoral candidates, transportation alternatives, wine, music, more…
October 26, 2017 9:13 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Glaucous-winged gull at Lowman Beach, photographed by Trileigh Tucker)

Here’s what’s ahead for the rest of your Thursday! First, from the WSB Halloween Etc. Guide:

TODDLER PUMPKINPALOOZA 10 am-noon, for ages 1-5 at High Point Community Center: “Join the center staff and enjoy age-appropriate Halloween games, booths, face painting, art and craft activities, and snacks.” $5. (6920 34th SW)

GLOW-IN-THE-DARK PARTY: 6-7:30 pm at Delridge Community Center. Free: “Our 3rd annual Glow in the Dark Party! Snacks, games, and music are just the beginning of the fun. Come glow with us! Wear your costume, face paint, or anything that will illuminate the party. This event brought to you by the Delridge Advisory Council.” (4501 Delridge Way SW)

And from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

HOME SAFETY AND FALL PREVENTION: 10 am class at the Senior Center of West Seattle – info here. (4217 SW Oregon)

COPPER COIN’S 5TH ANNIVERSARY: 11:30 am-11 pm – here’s how the Admiral restaurant is celebrating. (2329 California SW)

MAYORAL CANDIDATES @ WSDW: 11:30 am at West Seattle Golf Course, it’s the WS Democratic Women‘s meeting, with mayoral candidates Cary Moon and Jenny Durkan scheduled to answer questions approximately 12:30-1:15 pm. Open to the public, though it’s too late to get in a lunch order. (4600 35th SW)

MONSTER DASH EARLY PACKET PICKUP: Already registered for Saturday’s West Seattle Monster Dash? Or, still need to sign up? Stop by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) 4-6 pm today. And get a discount on your WSR purchases while you’re there! More info here. (2743 California SW)

BUSINESS RESOURCES: This month’s West Seattle Chamber of Commerce After-Hours features “roundtable discussions that explore the challenges of the business community and the resources available to deal with the challenges.” 5:30 pm at Pershing Hall/American Legion Post 160 in The Triangle. (3618 SW Alaska)

WINE NIGHT AT ENDOLYNE JOE’S: First “Wine Night” at Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor) in Fauntleroy – 6-8 pm. Wine and ticket details here. (9261 45th SW)

FORUM ON TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES: The West Seattle Transportation Coalition is devoting this month’s meeting to a “forum on transportation alternatives for seniors and people with disabilities.” More info here. Special location: Senior Center/Sisson Building. (4217 SW Oregon)

SEATTLE LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 7-8:30 pm, the open house at Seattle Lutheran High School on the north end of The Junction “will feature a tour of the facility, as well as interaction with Seattle Lutheran’s faculty and administration.” Enter through the gym. (4100 SW Genesee)

ORGAN & DRUM JAZZ … with The Suffering F-Heads at Parliament Tavern, 8-11 pm. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

MUSIC AFTER FOOTBALL: 8:30 pm-11 pm at Hawks Nest West on Alki, live music with Zechariah Valette after Thursday Night Football. (2806 Alki SW)

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Assault investigation in Westwood
October 26, 2017 5:52 am
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

5:52 AM: 30th SW is closed for about a block north of Barton [map] right now by a big police response (thanks for the tip). Officers at the scene could only say that someone was assaulted and has been taken to Harborview Medical Center; the Seattle Fire log shows a medical response in the 9000 block of 30th SW just before 4 am. More information as we get it.

6:01 AM: Just talked to SPD spokesperson Det. Mark Jamieson. He is still working on getting details, including whether someone is in custody, but says this started as “some kind of disturbance or argument between two men, and one was assaulted by the other.” The victim has life-threatening injuries.

6:07 AM: SPD confirms a suspect is in custody.

8:10 AM: Police have just released more information via SPD Blotter:

Detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding an early morning assault incident in West Seattle. An adult male has been taken into custody and transported to police headquarters where he was interviewed, along with three other witnesses.

Just before 4:00 am two men, acquaintances, were in the 9000 block of 30th Avenue SW. One of the men jumped on the back of the other man attempting to take his cell phone. A struggle ensued, and the man who attempted to take the phone experienced a medical emergency. Officers arrived on scene within three minutes, located the victim, and rendered aid. Seattle Fire responded and transported the man to Harborview Medical Center, where he is in stable condition, expected to recover.

30th SW had reopened when we checked around an hour ago.

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BIZNOTE: Peel & Press celebrating 3rd anniversary Friday-Sunday with gifts for West Seattle Food Bank
October 25, 2017 9:33 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

The next West Seattle business to mark its anniversary by giving gifts instead of receiving them is Peel & Press (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction. The announcement is from the always-community-minded proprietor Dan Austin:

We are so thankful for all of the support that West Seattle has shown Peel & Press the last three years. Building up this restaurant with the help of many fantastic employees has been incredibly rewarding. We feel blessed to be embraced by our community and to be shown so much love and encouragement. We recognize that earning your support is more than providing great food, drinks, and during service every visit, but is also giving back. During our Three-Year Anniversary Weekend (October 27-29th) we will be giving back 10% of our sales to the West Seattle Food Bank in the form of turkeys and chickens. Last year we did this for one day and were able to buy a quarter-ton of turkeys and chickens. Let’s see what we can do with a whole weekend to provide a great holiday meal for those in need!

Peel & Press is at 6503 California SW – see its hours here.

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