West Seattle, Washington

16 Tuesday

40℉

month : 12/2017 316 results

HIGHWAY 99 TUNNEL TOLLS: What’s next?
December 21, 2017 12:20 pm
|      59 COMMENTS
 |   Highway 99 tunnel | West Seattle news

(WSDOT photo of road-deck-building inside the tunnel, shared via the WSB Flickr group)

One huge question that’ll finally be answered in the new year: When the Highway 99 tunnel opens, what will the tolls be?

As previewed here – and as subsequently covered by Seattle Times transportation reporter Mike Lindblom – the state Transportation Commission has just had another talk about tunnel tolls. The major issue involves balancing between the money that tolls have to raise, and the level of tolls that would lead to too much “diversion” – drivers avoiding the tunnel.

The decision is not due until next September, but Kathy e-mailed WSB to ask for more information on how to have a say now – and to ask who locally is involved in advocacy related to the toll-setting. First, if you’re looking for background info:

That’s the main slide deck presented when the Transportation Commission took up the tolling topic last week (you also can see here in PDF; a second deck with analysis is here). As noted on its timeline slide, two major “public outreach” opportunities are planned next year – April through June, after “toll scenario results” are presented, and then a public hearing after the rates are proposed in July.

If you have something you want to say now, here’s how to comment to the commission.

If you or a group you’re involved with is working on advocacy, Kathy and others would like to know – please comment (or e-mail editor@westseattleblog.com and we’ll add to the story).

P.S. If you’re wondering who’s on the commission that will make the decision – here’s that list.

Share This

Shop Late Thursday, Winter Solstice Sunset Watch, ‘Longest Night’ services, and what else is ahead tonight in West Seattle
December 21, 2017 10:57 am
|    Comments Off on Shop Late Thursday, Winter Solstice Sunset Watch, ‘Longest Night’ services, and what else is ahead tonight in West Seattle
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Don Brubeck, looking south from Don Armeni Boat Ramp this morning)

Winter is here – and tonight brings a full slate of solstice/holiday activities, and more. From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and Event Calendar:

WINTER SOLSTICE SUNSET WATCH: Join NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen at Solstice Park for the first sunset after winter solstice. Even if it’s cloudy – you’ll learn about the solar system and have fun. Arrive around 3:45 pm. (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW, upslope from the tennis courts)

CHRISTMAS MUSIC AT THRIFTWAY: Gary Benson will play Christmas music live at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), 4-7 pm. (4201 SW Morgan)

WINTER BAKING DEMONSTRATION: At West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor), baking demo with chef/author Kim O’Donnel. No signup required. 4:30-5:30 pm. (36th SW/SW Snoqualmie)

SPEAKING OF BAKING: Thousands of homemade cookies are needed for The Christmas People‘s West Seattle event on Monday – if you can help, get baking! Info here.

CHRISTMAS FLUTE ENSEMBLE: Performing at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 6 pm: “Christmas Flute Ensemble with a trio of flute students and adult flute choir.” (5612 California SW)

COCOA FOR A CAUSE: 6:30-8 pm tonight:

Brownie Troop 41169 will be at West Seattle Lights handing out hot cocoa to anyone who stops by with a non-perishable food donation (or small cash donations) for the West Seattle Food Bank. They are hoping to spread a little cheer and help boost food donations during the holidays. If you haven’t stopped by this house yet, there is no better time! Our Brownies would love to give you a cocoa to warm yourself while you watch the light show. We hope to see you there!

(3908 SW Charlestown)

SHOP LATE THURSDAY IN THE JUNCTION: Last one before Christmas! Stores open late for your shopping convenience include longtime WSB sponsor Click! Design That Fits (4540 California SW), where this illuminated customizable signboard is one of the fun things we’ve seen this season:

More info on The Junction’s Hometown Holidays website. And if your shop has special hours tonight, or any day through Christmas Eve, let us know (editor@westseattleblog.com) so we can add it to the Holiday Guide!

GIVING TREE AT CAPERS: While you’re out shopping in The Junction – it’s the last day for the Hickman House giving tree at CAPERS (which provided the photo):

Choose a star, buy the requested gift, bring it back unwrapped. (4525 California SW)

‘LONGEST NIGHT’ SERVICES: From the list of seasonal church services in our Holiday Guide, four churches have sent word of special services tonight:

TIBBETTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (3940 41st SW; WSB sponsor)

7 pm The Longest Night / Blue Christmas Service is quiet, warm, and intimate. Remember the faithfulness of God even when your heart feels empty. Come, and be. Share in the liturgy or choose to remain silent. This will be a quiet space with minimal singing, candles to light, contemplative words and silence to encourage prayer. Come in solitude, recommend this service to a lonely or hurting friend, or better yet, bring them.

WESTSIDE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION (7141 California SW)

Blue Holiday Service, 7 pm: Christmas and other seasonal holidays can be a painful time. The loss of loved ones, the anguish of a broken relationship, the insecurity of employment, the weariness of poor health, the pain of isolation, or the pressure of holiday preparations and activity – all these can make us feel alone in the midst of celebrations of the season. This will be a time for people to share their deeper feelings of loss or isolation during the holiday season.

WEST SIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (3601 California SW):

Service of the Longest Night, 7 pm: The Service of the Longest Night is a worship service for those carrying heavy burdens this season and the people who love and wish to pray for them. Those gathered for this service will have the opportunity to pray, light candles, sing, take communion, or simply sit in silence and await the light of Christ coming into the world at Christmas.

ADMIRAL CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST (4320 SW Hill)

Longest Night Contemplative Service, 7 pm: “Light and Possibilities,” special music by Sam Peters.

Also tonight in West Seattle:

HOMAGE TO RICHARD HUGO: 8 pm at Mac’s Triangle Pub in South Delridge, starting with a plaque unveiling, continuing with readings – details in our calendar listing. (9454 Delridge Way SW)

Lots more for tonight and beyond, on our Event Calendar and in our Holiday Guide!

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS: Restaurant, grocery hours
December 21, 2017 9:09 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS: Restaurant, grocery hours
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Before we get to what’s up today/tonight – just wanted to let you know, if you’re looking ahead, our lists of restaurant and grocery-store hours for Christmas Eve/Day are available. The restaurant list is here – we list restaurants that told us they would be open Christmas Eve and/or Day – if they’re closed for both, or if they did not reply to our inquiries, they’re not on the list. As always, we offer the caveat that establishments sometimes change their plans after we have already checked with them, but this is the best info we have right now. The grocery-store hours, meantime, are listed in the Christmas Eve/Day section of the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, which we continue to update daily through New Year’s.

Share This

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT/WEATHER TODAY: Winter-solstice Thursday watch
December 21, 2017 7:04 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT/WEATHER TODAY: Winter-solstice Thursday watch
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

7:04 AM: Good morning. No incidents in/from West Seattle so far, but watch out for icy patches here and there, since it’s below freezing right now (winter officially arrives just before 8:30 am). Meantime, an after-the-fact transit alert just in:

Also of note: Southbound I-5 at the train-derailment scene in Pierce County reopened last night.

8:39 AM: Jennifer reports via e-mail:

46th SW (as it turns into 46th from 100th) as it goes down to meet Marine View Drive is a solid sheet of thick ice all the way down in the right lane. There has long been a water leak of some kind there, but today it is very icy and extremely dangerous as you’re headed down to the stop sign on Marine View Drive.

She says SDOT has been called to dispatch de-icer.

9:09 AM: Crash on the eastbound bridge, per the scanner. Haven’t yet heard exactly where.

9:14 AM: At Delridge, per SDOT. Meantime, there’s also a call out to move a stalled Metro bus from the eastbound bridge to 99 – probably the one Mike tweeted about:

Share This

UPDATE: Crash on southbound 35th at Dawson
December 20, 2017 11:52 pm
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: Crash on southbound 35th at Dawson
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

11:52 PM: Thanks to Amy for the tip. She says the two southbound lanes of 35th SW are blocked by a crash at Dawson. SFD and SPD have both responded to the scene.

12:30 AM: SFD has closed out of the call.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Camera thief on camera; packages taken; bike stolen; more
December 20, 2017 9:30 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Four reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch, the first two with video:

CAMERA STOLEN: A resident in the Westcrest Park area shares two videos from early Sunday, when someone removed/stole his doorbell/camera combination:

The theft occurred at 1:17 am on 12/17/17 and I’ve captured it via both the doorbell/camera (until it was yanked off the wall) and a camera on the eaves of my house.

… You will note in the (second video) that the recording stops midway through as the doorbell/camera was removed from the front wall of my house.

It is interesting from the first video that the thief doesn’t go directly to the doorbell/camera but moves off to the side, (but looking to his right at the doorbell/camera as he approaches the house), and then quickly moves in to steal the doorbell (on the other video), perhaps trying to evade being captured on video. The thief is walking purposefully like he knew there was a doorbell/camera there that he wanted to disable. And what was he doing out at 1:17 am? Why is an open padlock hanging from his coat? Is he a smoker given he has a cigarette lighter in his hand? Someone was in the front bedroom to the immediate left of the front door and didn’t hear anything.

If you have any information, the SPD incident # is 17-464158.

PACKAGES STOLEN: This next security video and report are from Ryan:

Had several packages stolen from my front door at 1:55 pm (Tuesday). 37th and Brandon. Older white Subaru wagon pulled directly into the driveway and passenger hopped out and walked up to front door to grab the boxes. Thief dressed in jeans and black puffy jacket with hood pulled over head so couldn’t see the face. Captured on door camera but not enough to identify car plates.

BIKE STOLEN: From Coty:

My husband’s bike was stolen from behind our townhouse on Delridge near Southwest Plumbing sometime between yesterday and this afternoon. It’s a red Mercier bike with a seat bag and a light on front. If you happen to see it, please let me know!

CAR WINDOW SMASHED: From Niccole:

My grandmother’s car window was smashed late last night. This is the second time and we wanted to alert people. We live on 13th Ave SW. It appears that there is nothing stolen — just, someone broke the window.

Share This

TONIGHT’S LIGHTS: Super-size Santa hat
December 20, 2017 7:17 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

With the clear, dry weather tonight, it’s a perfect time to look at lights – even just a walk around your neighborhood. This one is an eye-catcher on the north end of Arbor Heights, on the north side of SW Roxbury at 36th SW. We’ve featured it before – in 2007 and 2011 – but hadn’t seen it in a few years, until an AH resident sent the photo (thank you!). To see the other lights we’ve featured this season, scroll through our newest-to-oldest archive. We also have a list of lights-and-music shows in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide. Speaking of which, something special tomorrow night:

Brownie Troop 41169 will be at West Seattle Lights handing out hot cocoa to anyone who stops by with a non-perishable food donation (or small cash donations) for the West Seattle Food Bank. They are hoping to spread a little cheer and help boost food donations during the holidays. If you haven’t stopped by this house yet, there is no better time! Our Brownies would love to give you a cocoa to warm yourself while you watch the light show. We hope to see you there!

What: Cocoa for a Cause
When: Thursday 12/21 from 6:30-8 pm
Where: 3908 SW Charlestown

Share This

NEW YEAR’S EVE: Metro offering free rides
December 20, 2017 6:04 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | Transportation | West Seattle news

From King County:

For the first time, King County Metro will offer free rides on New Year’s Eve between 4 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, and 4 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, including DART and Access service. In addition, Metro will add service to its night routes. The Seattle Streetcar will also be free on New Year’s Eve and Sound Transit will extend Link light rail service between Angle Lake and the University of Washington.

“As we put the finishing touches on 2017, we want you to be able to get out on the town and come home safe,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Whether you are heading to the Seattle Center or other King County destinations on New Year’s Eve, Metro will get you there and back, all for free. It’s our way of saying thank you for making Metro the nation’s best transit system, and we look forward to riding with you next year.”

“We want people to go have a good time and know they can get home safely, affordably, and reliably,” said King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove, who proposed the idea.

Metro will operate regular Sunday schedules on New Year’s Eve with extra buses as needed on several routes serving destinations such as Seattle Center, Capitol Hill and downtown. New Year’s revelers can take advantage of Metro’s recently expanded Night Owl network, with added service on major routes between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Sound Transit will operate extended Link light rail service with trains running northbound from Angle Lake Station every 30 minutes until 1:30 a.m. Southbound trains from the University of Washington will run until 2 a.m.

The Seattle Streetcar will operate until 1 a.m.

Metro routes with added service as needed will include 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 14, 24, 32, 36, 40, 41, 62, 65, 70, 101, 106, 120, 124, 150, 255, RapidRide A, B, C, D and E Lines, and ST 550, ST 554. The fareboxes and ORCA card readers on Metro buses will be covered to remind customers not to pay. A regular valid fare will be required on Sound Transit Express buses.

Share This

‘Outdoor preschool’ program expanding to Lincoln Park
December 20, 2017 3:15 pm
|    Comments Off on ‘Outdoor preschool’ program expanding to Lincoln Park
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | West Seattle schools


(Lincoln Park aerial photo from 2012, by Long Bach Nguyen

Lincoln Park is the second West Seattle park chosen by the city as a site for an “outdoor preschool.”

This is the second year of a city pilot project allowing these types of preschools in four city parks. Tiny Trees has been operating one at Camp Long, the only West Seattle park on that initial list.

This past October, the Parks Department came up with a list of nine parks where it would allow outdoor preschool to continue, or to begin. That list included Camp Long and Lincoln Park. And it issued a call for interested preschool operators.

The application and vetting process has just ended, and Parks spokesperson Rachel Schulkin tells WSB that Tiny Trees and a second company called Roots & Sky are the two providers chosen for the nine parks. In addition to Tiny Trees continuing at Camp Long, Schulkin says, “Roots & Sky is the provider that we intend to work with in offering outdoor preschool at Lincoln Park.” We couldn’t find information about them online, and followed up with Schulkin, who explained:

Roots & Sky is a new business. In addition to applying to utilize Lincoln Park as their preschool site, they are applying to the Seattle Preschool Program (pathway program) which would provide crucial funding and support for them to operate. With successful acceptance into the Seattle Preschool Program they will then acquire a business license. Our intent to move into an agreement with them is dependent upon both successful acceptance into the Seattle Preschool Program (pathway program) and acquisition of a business license. If those things don’t happen, we will not move forward with Roots & Sky as an outdoor preschool provider at Lincoln Park.

She says Parks is working on a Memorandum of Agreement with both providers “to lay out the specifics/expectations regarding outdoor preschools in Seattle Parks.” Before agreements are finalized, she says, there will be a community meeting at Lincoln Park to discuss:

-SPR’s goals around partnering with outdoor preschools
-what we have learned after our first year of piloting these programs,
-some information about how outdoor preschools work and their agreements with SPR.

We will also have time to answer community questions.

No date set for that meeting yet. And yes, the preschool providers do pay the city for use of the parks – “There is a monthly fee depending on the hours of preschool (the exact cost are a discounted rate based upon our rental rates), additional fees are charged for any added maintenance needed.”

One non-West Seattle park in the pilot program, by the way, was excluded for future preschool use, according to this city document, John C. Little, “because of deteriorating site conditions and overuse.”

Share This

In case you don’t already have this view …
December 20, 2017 2:13 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

It’s a spectacular sunny day, with the Olympic Mountains fully in view, and James Bratsanos shared these photos. So we are sharing them in turn while we head out to check on a few stories. Here’s his view north to Alki Point:

And more Olympics.

Looks like clear skies at least through winter’s official arrival tomorrow.

Share This

DEVELOPMENT: 35th SW proposal would save, move house, while adding townhouses
December 20, 2017 11:55 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

(King County Assessor’s photo of 9238 35th SW)

While townhouse-building along arterials is not unusual, the plan for 9238 35th SW [map] is: Instead of demolishing the 84-year-old single-family house on this multi-family-zoned (Lowrise 2) site, the early-stage proposal that’s just appeared in city files would move the house forward on its current lot, and build four townhouses behind it. The detached garage on the alley at the back of the site would be removed, replaced by surface parking spaces. A house two doors north of this one had two townhouses built behind it in the ’00s but as far as we can tell, the house remained in its original spot. We have a request out to the project team for comment.

Share This

What’s up for your West Seattle Wednesday
December 20, 2017 10:46 am
|    Comments Off on What’s up for your West Seattle Wednesday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(North wind met high tide along Alki Ave. this morning – photo by Don Brubeck)

Last full day of fall, and last Wednesday before Christmas … things are getting quieter but we still do have a few highlights from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and Event Calendar:

HELP SOMEBODY KEEP WARM: Still time to join in the giving opportunties listed in the Holiday Guide, including at the offices of Dave Newman State Farm Insurance (WSB sponsor), collecting clothes, coats, and shoes for West Seattle Helpline. “For those who have donations but are unable to transport their clothes, coats and shoes to the donation location, a pickup may be available – call 206-932-1878.” Open today until 5 pm. (3435 California SW)

PRESCHOOLER STORY TIME: 1:30-2 pm at High Point Library. Free as always. (3411 SW Raymond)

KIDS EAT FREE: 2:45-3:30 pm, Kids’ Café food for ages 1-18 at High Point Library, so no one goes hungry during winter break. (3411 SW Raymond)

LIGHT SHOW ON ALKI: Added presentation of the Alki show presented by the Uehara-Bingen family. 25 minutes long. Arrive at 6:15 pm, show starts at 6:30 pm. “Totally kid-friendly!” (1736 Alki SW)

OTHER LIGHT SHOWS: From our Holiday Guide – West Seattle Lights (3908 SW Charlestown) continues 5-10 pm tonight – bring a can for the West Seattle Food Bank! Also, West Seattle Yuletide (38th SW between Genesee and Dakota) continues 5:30-9 pm tonight, and Austin Street Lights (3711 SW Austin) continues tonight, 4-10 pm.

OPEN MIC: Sign up at 7:30 pm at The Skylark. Give yourself the holiday-season gift of performance! (3803 Delridge Way SW)

DEADGRASS: Bluegrass-style Jerry Garcia/Grateful Dead tunes at Parliament Tavern. 8 pm-11 pm. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

Share This

HOLIDAY CHANGES: Trash, recycling pickup days will shift for next 2 weeks
December 20, 2017 9:36 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

With Christmas Day and New Year’s Day on the next two Mondays, trash, recycling, and yard-waste pickup days will change for the next two weeks. Here’s the announcement, hust in from Seattle Public Utilities:

Due to back-to-back Monday holidays, all garbage, food and yard waste and recycling in Seattle will be delayed by one day for a duration of two weeks, starting Monday, Dec. 25, 2017.

There will be no solid waste collections on Monday, Dec. 25, 2017 and Monday, Jan. 1, 2018. Collections will be delayed by one day from normal schedules (e.g. collections for Monday will occur on Tuesday, Tuesday collections will occur on Wednesday, and so on). Customers should set containers out by 7 a.m. to ensure collection.

Customers can report missed garbage, food and yard waste, or recycling collections after 5 p.m. on their rescheduled collection day by calling (206) 684-3000, or filling out a report at www.seattle.gov/util/MissedCollection.

Share This

NEW YEAR’S EVE: ‘Kid Party’ moves to bigger location
December 20, 2017 9:25 am
|    Comments Off on NEW YEAR’S EVE: ‘Kid Party’ moves to bigger location
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Haven’t locked in your New Year’s Eve plans yet? We’re continuing to add to the list in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, which already includes ideas from bar parties to the annual Emerald City Wanderers walk, and here’s the newest addition:

A big new venue for the “Kid Party” that jammed the Admiral Bird last year. Co-proprietors Corina and Heidi now also run historic, renovated South Park Hall, just over the ridge (1253 S. Cloverdale), and they’re moving the “Kid Party” there this year. 7-9 pm, with the East Coast ball drop on a big screen, plus a hot-cocoa bar for the kids, “adult drinks” for their chaperones, pulled-pork sliders, mac and cheese, dancing, activity tables … Tickets are available in advance online for $10/person, or $15 at the door.

Share This

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch, last full day of fall
December 20, 2017 7:06 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch, last full day of fall
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

7:06 AM: Good morning. No incidents reported in or from West Seattle so far.

In Pierce County, southbound I-5 remains closed at the train-derailment scene, WSDOT says, with cleanup continuing and repairs to be made.

7:25 AM: Still incident-free. We should mention this is the last full day of fall; winter solstice is Thursday at 8:28 am, and Thursday night brings Alice Enevoldsen‘s winter-solstice sunset watch in West Seattle.

Share This

From West Seattle to ‘untouched’ Ometepe: How a couple with local ties founded a nonprofit 4,200 miles away
December 19, 2017 9:13 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(Photos courtesy Guias Unidos. Above, Ometepe, seen from a ferry)

By Linda Ball
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Near the southern border of Nicaragua lies Lake Nicaragua, the largest freshwater lake in Central America. Its size is formidable – the largest lake in Central America and 19th in the world. Within the lake is Ometepe [map], a peanut-shaped island that is home to around 40,000 people and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

“It’s one of those untouched places,” said Kate Zylland. “Why do we have to pick apart everything?”

She and her husband, Jeff Zylland, veteran guides, founded a nonprofit on Ometepe, Guias Unidos. She is 4,200 miles northwest right now, in West Seattle, taking care of her ailing mom. He is on Ometepe, working to ink a rental deal on a building to serve as Guias Unidos’ headquarters and resource center.

Both have other relatives in the West Seattle/White Center area. But Ometepe holds their hearts. The Zyllands first visited in 2011. They fell in love with the island because it is a place that hasn’t been destroyed. Kate said there are petroglyphs on the slopes of Maderas volcano. Not much is known about them, but the island may have been inhabited as early as 2000 BC.

The couple has led an unconventional life. Read More

Share This

TONIGHT’S LIGHTS: Looking up!
December 19, 2017 7:33 pm
|    Comments Off on TONIGHT’S LIGHTS: Looking up!
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Thanks to Don Brubeck for tonight’s Christmas-lights photo, which is from Alki Avenue SW and illustrates an observation we wanted to share – houses aren’t the only places you’ll find festive lights – apartments and condos can put on a show too. Besides Alki/Harbor Avenues, we also recommend the buildings on the east side of California SW south of SW Holly in south Morgan Junction.

Got lights to suggest, with or without a photo? editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

Share This

About those alarms at Madison MS, West Seattle HS early today
December 19, 2017 7:02 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

As pointed out by a few people who e-mailed us, automatic fire alarms went off at two local schools early today, almost simultaneously – the Seattle Fire real-time 911 log notes Madison Middle School at 12:50 am, West Seattle High School at 12:51 am. Both were false alarms – no fire or damage. We asked SFD what if anything was discovered; in both cases, spokesperson Kristin Tinsley said, “the water flow alarm was triggered.” Last time that happened, more than a year ago, affecting three schools including these two, a water-system anomaly was suspected, but we checked with Seattle Public Utilities and they say it wasn’t them.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police find stolen car; vehicle break-in; abandoned bicycle
December 19, 2017 4:34 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | Crime | Fauntleroy | Highland Park | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch:

STOLEN CAR FOUND: Thanks for the text about a sizable police presence at 16th and Henderson this past hour. Officers were questioning someone after finding a stolen car.

Two reader reports:

CAR PROWL: From Cheryl:

Wanted to let you know that I filed a police report on 12/12 regarding a break in of my car parked in front of my apartment building (in the 3500 block of) SW Ocean View Drive, Arbor Heights. They took several personal items including leather gloves (which were in a compartment), my phone holder, CDs (in the trunk) and my handicap parking permit (in the side compartment of my door). Other silly items taken as well.

ABANDONED BICYCLE: Lisa says this has been on a Fauntleroy corner for almost two weeks:

Yours? Let us know.

Share This

FOLLOWUP: New timeline for sidewalk, trees by Fairmount Playfield
December 19, 2017 3:34 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo)

In a comment on our report last week about two West Seattle sidewalk projects delayed until next spring, there was a question about another one that hadn’t happened when SDOT had said it would: Extending the concrete sidewalk along Fauntleroy Way SW by Fairmount Playfield.

In summer 2016, when the city replaced half the sidewalk with concrete and half with asphalt, SDOT told us that the asphalt section would be redone in concrete this year. The year’s almost over, and it’s still asphalt. That reminded us that the trees blamed for the original sidewalk damage, removed in 2014, were supposed to have been replaced, and haven’t been. So we followed up with SDOT this week. Spokesperson Norm Mah says the sidewalk work is now planned for summer 2018; he says SDOT worked with nearby Fairmount Park Elementary to plan that schedule, since Fauntleroy Way SW alongside the playfield is a bus zone for the school. And he says the replacement trees are to follow, next fall.

Share This

UPDATE: Port of Seattle’s new executive director is retired Rear Adm. Stephen Metruck
December 19, 2017 1:51 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Port of Seattle | West Seattle news

UPDATED 1:51 PM: Just approved as the new Port of Seattle executive director, during today’s ongoing Port Commission meeting (here’s the live stream): Retired Rear Admiral Stephen P. Metruck. He retired from the U.S. Coast Guard last year after 34 years. His background includes three years as the USCG’s captain of Sector Seattle, 2005-2008. The executive director position is the top appointed leadership position at the Port, renamed after the departure of former CEO Ted Fick. The commission vote was unanimous.

ADDED 1:58 PM: Metruck will start work February 1st and be paid $350,000 a year, according to the official port news release we’ve just obtained: Read More

Share This

BIZNOTE: Westwood Village Carter’s store closing in January
December 19, 2017 11:38 am
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | Westwood

If you’re looking for babies/children’s clothing at big discounts, a closing sale is on at the Westwood Village Carter’s store, which tells us it’s closing January 8th or when it’s out of inventory, whichever comes first. The impending shutdown isn’t entirely a surprise – back in October, when we reported on two businesses opening at WWV, a commenter noted that it appeared the Carter’s store space was for lease. We weren’t able to confirm closing plans at the time, and it fell off our followup list, but today, after Jon forwarded us an e-mail newsletter containing the one-line alert “Your Carter’s at Westwood Village is closing soon!”, we renewed our efforts and got the confirmation. Management says they have already stopped receiving new items, so it’s a clearance sale of what’s on hand. The store opened in April 2014. No word yet on what’s next for the space, which has been offered either alone or as a potential combination with the two empty spaces north of it.

Share This

West Seattle Tuesday: Dine Out to Make a Difference, lights, music, reading, more!
December 19, 2017 10:52 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Tuesday: Dine Out to Make a Difference, lights, music, reading, more!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Anna’s Hummingbird, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Here are highlights from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and Event Calendar on this blustery Tuesday:

DINE OUT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE: 11 am-8 pm today, dine at Marination ma kai at Seacrest Pier and part of the proceeds will benefit five West Seattle schools – Concord International, Highland Park, Roxhill, Sanislo, West Seattle elementaries – as previewed here. (1660 Harbor SW)

COOKIE DECORATING: Come to Pecos Pit-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) from 4-7 pm for a kids’ holiday-cookie-decorating party! (Under 13.) Bring a non-perishable food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank and you’ll get a free side. (35th SW/SW Fauntleroy)

LEARN TO PLAY CHESS: 4:30-5:30 pm at High Point Library. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

HANUKKAH: This is the last of the Festival of Lights’ 8 nights.

WORKSHOP FOR RENTERS: Bilingual workshop with Solid Ground, 5-7 pm at South Park Library.

LIGHT SHOW: Third and final night for the new Alki holiday-lights show presented by the Uehara-Bingen family. “The show runs ~25 minutes, is totally kid-friendly, and totally free! Just come on by and get ready to have a blast!”

“Arrive at 6:15 pm, show starts at 6:30 pm.” (1736 Alki SW)

EVENING BOOK GROUP: 6:30 pm at High Point Library – the holiday season is a great time to read. This month’s book is “Excellent Women” by Barbara Pym. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

SOUTH SOUND TUG & BARGE HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR: West Seattle band’s holiday show at Parliament Tavern, 8-11 pm. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

Share This