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year : 2017 3764 results

LIBRARY CHANGES: New printing/copying system on the way to all locations
October 24, 2017 3:22 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

If you use a Seattle Public Library branch for printing/copying services – take note that a new system will be installed at all locations next month. Here’s the announcement we just received:

This November, The Seattle Public Library is upgrading to a new print and copy system to offer patrons more options for printing. Public printers and copiers at all Library locations will be replaced.

The new system will:

· Allow payment by credit card at print release kiosks
· Make change for cash payments
· Offer a wide variety of paper sizes
· Provide color printing
· Provide higher speed printing and copying

Replacing the current print and copy system will begin Monday, Nov. 6 and should be completed by Monday, Nov. 27.

Patrons will no longer pay for print services online — all payments can be made through the print release kiosk at the copier or printer. Copy machines will now accept both credit and cash payments.

Printing and copying prices will remain the same:

· $.15 for a single-sided black and white page (8.5″ x 11″ and 8.5″ x 14″)
· $.30 for a single-sided black and white page (11″ x 17″)
· $.50 for a single-sided color page (8.5″ x 11″ and 8.5″ x 14″)
· $1 for a single-sided color page (11″ x 17″)

For more information, visit our Using Library Equipment page, call the Library at 206-386-4636 or Ask a Librarian.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Cigarette dispute sends 1 man to hospital, 1 man to jail
October 24, 2017 2:11 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

We had a request out to Seattle Police this morning for information about an assault of some kind at 42nd/Alaska on Monday afternoon. The response – this post on SPD Blotter:

Officers arrested a man Monday afternoon in West Seattle following an assault that left a man with serious facial injuries.

Witnesses called 911 just after 4 p.m. to report of a fight in the 4200 block of SW Alaska Street. When officers arrived they found a 54-year-old man who was bleeding heavily from his nose. His left eye was swollen shut. The man said he was assaulted by “the local boys” over a cigarette.

Dispatch later received a phone call that said the suspect was inside an apartment in the 4500 block of 42 Avenue SW. Officers went to the apartment and found a 37-year-old man who confirmed he had punched the victim once following a dispute over a cigarette.

Seattle Fire Department Medics treated the victim for his facial injuries and determined he may have also sustained a possible broken rib. A private ambulance took the victim to Harborview Medical Center for further treatment. Officers booked the suspect into King County Jail for investigation of assault as well as an unrelated warrant for assault.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Seen this white Subaru Outback?
October 24, 2017 12:42 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch, a stolen car to watch for. From Emily and Winn:

Our 2013 white Subaru Outback was stolen from in front of our house on SW Hinds in the Admiral neighborhood overnight. Has Maryland plates (02141CF) and a Bernie Sanders bumper sticker. Please report it immediately to the police if you see it! I have reported this information to the police. Thank you!

SIDE NOTE: Citywide, through last week’s SeaStat update, 2,813 vehicle thefts have been reported so far this year – and that’s a 10 percent drop from the same period last year.

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West Seattle Tuesday: Costume swap; STEM K-8 site update; Councilmember Herbold @ Block Watch Captains Network; more…
October 24, 2017 11:25 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Red-breasted sapsucker, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

One week until Halloween and the fun gets into high gear starting tonight. First, from the WSB Halloween (Etc.) Guide:

OCTOBER 24: Halloween Story Time and Costume Swap, 7 pm at Delridge Library: “Families are invited to join children’s librarian Miss Bea for Halloween stories and fun plus a costume swap! Bring Halloween costumes and accessories your children have outgrown and swap them for others that are new to you. Please bring only items that are in good condition and are appropriate for children. For families and children ages 6 and under.” (5423 Delridge Way SW)

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

LOUISA BOREN STEM K-8 SITE UPDATE: As previewed here Monday, the long-promised followup to last June’s meeting about whether Seattle Public Schools wants to move the school to a new site. 6 pm at the school. (5950 Delridge Way SW)

KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION NIGHT: 6:30 pm at Hope Lutheran School (WSB sponsor):

Is my child ready for kindergarten? We will provide information regarding kindergarten readiness and what to look for in kindergarten from our Preschool Director Mrs. Figgins, as well as hear more about our kindergarten program from our highly experienced teacher, Mrs. Neafcy.

(4456 42nd SW)

COUNCILMEMBER HERBOLD @ BLOCK WATCH CAPTAINS NETWORK: West Seattle/South Park City Councilmember Lisa Herbold is the special guest at tonight’s West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting, 6:30 pm at the Southwest Precinct. Got a question for her, especially about safety/crime issues? This is the place to be. All welcome – you don’t have to be involved with a Block Watch to attend. You’ll also hear a crime-trend briefing from precinct leadership. (2300 SW Webster)

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32,000+ syringes/needles in first 15 months of city program that includes 2 West Seattle dropboxes
October 24, 2017 10:16 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | Utilities | West Seattle news

The city’s out with a progress report on its efforts to handle discarded needles/syringes, which is a two-part program that includes dropboxes placed earlier this year in locations including West Seattle’s Roxhill Park and Westcrest Park, as well as cleanups in response to complaints. First, Seattle Public Utilities shared this map of where it’s received the most requests/complaints:

This news release from SPU explains not just the stats but also that they’re surveying people in multiple ways to decide how to improve the program:

In its first 15 months of operation, Seattle Public Utility’s pioneering Sharps Collection Pilot Program has collected and safely disposed of 32,012 hypodermic syringes, improving both the safety and cleanliness of the city’s neighborhoods.

Since February, people disposed of 26,647 syringes in nine SPU sharps disposal boxes around Seattle. (See attached map.) Another 5,365 needles have been removed from public property since the program began, in August 2016, in response to 1,113 complaints. Complaints were filed online, with the City’s Find It, Fix It app, or phoned in to 206-684-7587.

It is believed Seattle is the first U.S. city to combine syringe complaint response and disposal boxes as a standalone sharps program.

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CITY BUDGET: Next phase of council review starts today
October 24, 2017 9:07 am
|    Comments Off on CITY BUDGET: Next phase of council review starts today
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(Added: Click “play” to watch live Seattle Channel feed while meeting’s in session – in recess as of 11:07 am, resuming 2 pm)

9:07 AM: The next phase of the City Council‘s work on the next city budget starts today, with meetings at 9:30 am and 2 pm to consider specific changes that made the first cut for review. The agenda now has the documents attached for the potential changes they’re considering.

It starts with SDOT and a proposal to cut an item on which we’ve reported – $3 million for a pilot project to remotely operated one of the city’s five drawbridges. Councilmembers were told that if all five bridges were operated remotely, that could eventually save $1 million – but at $3 million for one bridge, the initial investment would be steep. Other SDOT-related proposed changes include $150,000 for the Summer Parkways program (which included the annual Alki “car-free day,” which didn’t happen last summer) and $500,000 for pedestrian improvements proposed by the South Park Safety Task Force. SDOT is one of 19 departments that’ll be addressed today.

Other proposals of interest include reclassifying three vacant Office of Planning and Community Development positions to assign them to “community planning,” and expanding the Ready to Work jobs program for adult English Language Learners to southwest Seattle (which generally means West Seattle/South Park). Also from the budget documents, you can learn what’s being proposed for changes in Seattle Parks facilities fees next year – not a lot of changes in our quick review.

You can follow along with all this via Seattle Channel, streaming and televising (cable 21) the meetings live at 9:30 am and 2 pm. Comments? council@seattle.gov

11:09 AM: The morning session ended a few minutes ago and the council will be back in session at 2 pm. We’ve embedded the live Seattle Channel feed above – click “play” button to watch.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday updates
October 24, 2017 6:59 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday updates
 |   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! Two things you should know about as we head for the heart of the commute: A northbound I-5 crash downtown (at Pine) has just cleared, but there’s a residual backup. Also, SFD is responding to a reported car fire at Delridge/Trenton.

8:02 AM: A texter advises NOT taking the low bridge to get to the ramp to I-5/99, because there’s a stalled semi.

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ADMIRAL BIZNOTES: West Seattle Computers’ new location; Copper Coin’s anniversary; Pizzeria 22 changes
October 23, 2017 10:19 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Three Admiral biznotes tonight:

WEST SEATTLE COMPUTERS MOVING: This shop is moving from The Junction to Admiral, effective next Monday (October 30th), when it will open at 2735 California SW (across the street from Hiawatha Playfield, next to Freshy’s Coffee). Along with providing “a full range of technology services including PC and Mac repair, data recovery and virus removal,” the announcement says WSC is “beefing up our Help Desk, business support, and express services.”

COPPER COIN ANNIVERSARY: This Thursday (October 26th), Copper Coin (2329 California SW) celebrates its fifth anniversary by offering this deal, according to general manager Gregg Graham: “Our classic house Deluxe Burger or our new brunch sneak-peek Brioche Breakfast Sandwich for only 5 bucks all day long! We’ll also be pouring an assortment of delicious seasonal draft beverages, with plenty of fresh hop selections from the likes of Bale Breaker, Goodlife, 10 Barrel, Mt. Tabor, Double Mountain, et. al., plus some pumpkin ales too!”

PIZZERIA 22 CHANGES: Cary Kemp e-mailed this update:

I recently bought out my partner at Pizzeria 22 and am now the sole proprietor! We are very grateful for the support we received from our former partner and are excited to implement some new additions to our private dining space, our menu and events, like a late=night happy hour starting in November.

We also recently acquired the bust of a water buffalo we call “Wilma” and she is now hanging above our oven at Pizzeria 22. We import fresh D.O.C. bufala mozzarella and our customers have really enjoyed its rich, creamy texture and bold flavor.

Pizzeria 22 is in its seventh year at 4213 SW College.

P.S. Reminder that the Admiral District merchants’ trick-or-treat day is Halloween this year – Tuesday, October 31st, 3-6 pm, as previewed here.

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VANDALISM: Seattle Parks’ cleanup plan for racist graffiti at Delridge Skatepark
October 23, 2017 6:26 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

6:26 PM MONDAY: If you’ve seen the racist graffiti vandalism at Delridge Skatepark – you’ll probably be glad to hear that Seattle Parks will have a cleanup crew out tomorrow morning. That’s according to Parks spokesperson Rachel Schulkin. Several people called our attention to the graffiti (shown in this tweet), which refers to President Trump as the “great white chief” (albeit, with several misspellings). We pointed them to the Seattle Parks graffiti hotline, 206-684-7587. One person who e-mailed us expressed concern that the hotline has a recording saying it might take two weeks to get graffiti handled, so we asked for a timeline, and that’s how we got the response that “crews are planning to deal with it first thing tomorrow.” Parks also stresses that if you see graffiti vandalism (or any other crime) as it happens, call 911.

ADDED 9:13 AM TUESDAY: Thanks to the texter who just sent this photo of the cleanup crew at the skatepark:

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FOLLOWUP: Next step in Seattle Public Utilities’ operations-center project on West Marginal Way SW
October 23, 2017 3:49 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news


(South Operations Center rendering, from city website)

We most recently reported back in July on Seattle Public Utilities‘ plan to turn the bus yard at 4500 West Marginal Way SW [map] into its Drainage and Wastewater South Operations Center.

Today’s city-circulated Land Use Information Bulletin includes official notice of the city’s land-use-permit application for the project. That opens a comment period through November 6th – here’s how to comment.

If you have questions about the project, or just want to see/hear more about it, you’ll want to be at Wednesday night’s Highland Park Action Committee meeting – 7 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club (1116 SW Holden) – because SPU is on the agenda with a presentation about it.

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Will Louisa Boren STEM K-8 be forced to move? Followup meeting Tuesday night
October 23, 2017 12:51 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Just before the end of last school year, we reported on Louisa Boren STEM K-8 parents’ concern that the district was looking at moving their school.

(WSB photo, June 1st meeting at Louisa Boren STEM K-8)

This culminated in an at-times-testy meeting June 1st (WSB coverage here) in which the district refused to rule out moving STEM K-8 out of Boren so the building could be used again as an “interim site” for other schools during rebuilds/remodels.

Last time we checked with the district to see where the situation stands, we were told they would come back to the community with an update “in August or September.” We’ve learned belatedly and indirectly – no district announcement was sent to the media nor to the wider community, and the meeting’s not on the district or school calendars – that this update will happen tomorrow night (Tuesday, October 24th), 6 pm at the school (5950 Delridge Way SW). We confirmed today with district spokesperson Tom Redman that the meeting is open to the public – anyone interested, regardless of whether you are a STEM K-8 family member or staffer.

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FOLLOWUP: 59th/Admiral safety concerns now the subject of online petition
October 23, 2017 11:59 am
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, October 9th, looking west from south side of 59th/Admiral)

Two weeks after our first report on Alki Elementary School parents contending that SDOT changes at 59th/Admiral made it unsafe rather than safer, they’ve launched an online petition so other concerned community members can show support.

They say they’re continuing to see near-collisions every morning, including this one last week, detailed by parent Merkys Gomez, one of the founders of the school’s Traffic Safety Task Force:

Another parent and I with our block school bus were standing on the intersection of 59th and Admiral on the south side ready to cross. Jeanne, the crossing guard, normally has us wait there until she’s standing in the middle of Admiral waving her flag for us to cross. She was about to step into the intersection. There was a line of cars on Admiral heading eastbound. A driver in a black Audi decided that he didn’t want to wait. He crossed the double-yellow line, floored it through the turning lane and across the intersection as the first car heading eastbound was getting ready to cross the intersection, and nearly missed a Metro bus heading westbound. You could hear his wheels spinning in the rain. The trajectory if he would’ve hit the bus would’ve sent the car our way. … We were all stunned, and none of us wanted to enter the intersection, not even Jeanne. We just stood. The children were clutching our arms. The crossing guard has been told that she must get a license plate number to get anything to happen. That’s impossible when we’re holding flags and kids’ hands and someone hauls across the intersection. SDOT needs to capture this data of near-misses.

Meantime, the extra stop sign recently placed in the center lane a half-block east of the intersection is gone – last seen in pieces on the planting strip. And the parents say they’re still waiting for a formal response from SDOT: “While we wait, we plan to continue our efforts to do outreach to the community regarding our proposed solution, which includes an all-way traffic signal that is pedestrian and vehicle activated. We want all users of the intersection, whether crossing Admiral on foot or turning onto Admiral from within a car, to feel safe.” They also have taken their concerns to City Councilmembers, including West Seattle/South Park’s Lisa Herbold, and citywide (but West Seattle-residing) Lorena González. SDOT said on October 11th that it will “accelerate” stop-sign relocation, painting of a crosswalk across 59th, and addition of painted curb extensions – by year’s end. The parents’ task force ultimately wants to see a full signal at this intersection, and that’s what their petition requests.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Cannabis shop hit 3 times in 1 week; 2 car prowls
October 23, 2017 10:35 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

In West Seattle Crime Watch this morning:

3 BURGLARIES IN 1 WEEK @ CANNABIS SHOP: Police are investigating early-morning burglaries today, Sunday, and last Monday at Canna West Seattle (5435 California SW). After hearing from neighbors about the break-ins in the past two days, we requested the reports from SPD, and one report mentions another break-in a week ago. This morning’s full report isn’t available yet but media relations Det. Mark Jamieson tells WSB, “It happened about 3:18 am and was reported by a neighbor. The caller stated that 3 black males in their 20s were observed running northbound from the business carrying bags. Officers arrived within minutes of the call along with a K9. The K9 team did a track, but it appears that the suspects got into a car.” As for the Sunday break-in, the report narrative says police got the call at 3:50 am, with a neighbor reporting “three males in front of the store breaking into the front glass door with axes.” K-9 tracking in this case also suggested that the burglars departed in a vehicle. And this report says police were met at the business Sunday morning by the owner, who told them the store had been broken into last Monday (October 16th) in the same way, by three people with axes. The report says there’s surveillance video and that, in the Sunday burglary, it shows that the burglars – who wore masks and gloves – were in the store for just two minutes, breaking the door at 3:37 am and fleeing with merchandise at 3:39 am.

Also, two reader reports about overnight car prowls:

IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: From Maria:

We wanted to let everyone know that there are car prowlers in Arbor Heights. My husband was loading up his car this morning between 5 and 6 (making several trips), and someone took multiple items from his car. They stole his work computer and everything from his console. They also left a women’s purse and a trail of garbage from our house toward Fauntleroy Park. We live near 39th and 97th aves. [map] It is particularly upsetting because the car was parked at the end of our driveway (closest to the house) and was essentially right outside our back door. We were all inside (my husband, myself, our toddler and infant) about 20 feet away. The car is also parked under a security light and they had to walk down our driveway past my car to get to it. Given this, it was particularly bold, brazen and unsettling. We were wondering if people were watching and waiting, or if it was just dumb luck. Apparently leaving your car unlocked, in your driveway, outside your back door for about 30 minutes in the morning is just not safe any more.

IN GATEWOOD: From T:

Our older-model Highlander was prowled sometime last night (Sunday). Car was mistakenly left unlocked – no broken windows. Nothing of value taken but would love to have back the car records, etc. that were in a small zipper binder in the glove box if someone finds it randomly dumped. Car was parked in vicinity of 41st and Austin. Lock your car at all times and leave nothing inside.

P.S. Another reminder that the next local crime/safety-related meeting is tomorrow, Tuesday (October 24th), the West Seattle Block Watch Captains’ Network, with special guest Councilmember Lisa Herbold – 6:30 pm, Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster).

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From beer to business growth, 5 highlights for your West Seattle Monday
October 23, 2017 9:49 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to West Seattle photographer/pilot Long Bach Nguyen for aerial views of fall colors at High Point, above and below – as we start the week with some excellent weather for fall activities. Today’s highlights start with an event from the WSB Halloween (Etc.) Guide, which is full of fun happening now through November 1st:

PUMPKIN JUNCTION: The Beer Junction‘s annual celebration of pumpkin beers, ciders, and meads continues through Halloween – go here to see what’s on today’s list. (4511 California SW)

Got a Halloween/harvest/pumpkin/etc. event that’s NOT in our guide? Please send us info ASAP – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you! Meantime, from our year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TINKERLAB AT DELRIDGE LIBRARY: STEM-based activities for all ages – today, 3-D Printing, 4-5:30 pm. Free. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

DELRIDGE BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASE & MIXER: Help Delridge businesses grow! Come to Ounces to meet local businesspeople and find out what the recent business survey revealed. 5:30 pm mixer, 6 pm results presentation. (3809 Delridge Way SW)

RON GALLO LIVE IN-STORE @ EASY STREET: 7 pm at Easy Street Records, you’ll see and hear Ron Gallo perform – free, all ages. (California/Alaska)

MONDAY MEDITATION: Tonight’s theme is “Developing Patience.” 7-8:30 pm at SoundYoga (WSB sponsor) – more info in our calendar listing. (5639 California SW)

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CHIEF SEALTH ALUMS: Got memorabilia? This request is for you
October 23, 2017 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on CHIEF SEALTH ALUMS: Got memorabilia? This request is for you
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

This year’s Chief Sealth International High School auction celebrates the school’s 60-year anniversary. If you or someone in your family spent time at the school during those 60 years, maybe you can help with this request:

Are you a Sealth Alumni? Do you know one? We are looking for MEMORABILIA throughout the ages. The Sealth Auction Committee is looking for items to use for decorations at the 9th Annual Auction for Sealth, PTSA, DSPA and Athletics. Do you have old Letterman jackets, pictures, annuals? Old uniforms? We’ll borrow or take whatever you’ve got. Maybe ask your neighbor that’s lived in the area for a long time. We are celebrating 60 years of Sealth, 1957-2017!

The auction is on November 18th at the Brockey Center. We’d love any help the community can offer us in locating these items. We are especially looking for the years late ’50s, ’60s & ’70s! Please contact Kristin Arvidson at chiefsealthptsa@gmail.com

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday updates
October 23, 2017 6:59 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday updates
 |   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 this Monday, no incidents reported in/from West Seattle.

WATER TAXI NOTE: This is the final week of this year’s 7-day-a-week, all-day schedule for the West Seattle Water Taxi – as of one week from today (Monday, October 30th) it’ll be on the five-day fall/winter schedule, which you can preview here.

8:50 AM: Still quiet! But we cover major traffic incidents the rest of the day/night too, if/when they happen – tips appreciated (when you can safely/legally text/call) at 206-293-6302.

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Welcome home, salmon: After singing and drumming, Fauntleroy Creek watch is on
October 22, 2017 11:56 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Though the annual gathering along Fauntleroy Creek is billed as singing and drumming, today, the messages resonated most – messages written by participants of all ages, to tie to the fence at the creek overlook across and upslope from the ferry terminal.

Some were simply notes of welcome. One even carried an apology. And of course there was also singing and drumming, led by Jamie Shilling:

The songs urge the salmon to return:

And then there’s an urging of environmental respect, “Habitat,” to the tune of the half-century-plus-old “Lollipop.” Some wore salmon hats, decorated during the Fauntleroy Fall Festival a week earlier:

Leading the activity then, and emceeing the gathering today, was creek steward Judy Pickens, who noted that the welcoming event goes back to 1994:

She provided updates including the explanation that volunteers will now be watching for coho spawners, likely into mid-November, since the prediction this year is that they’ll arrive late. She also says a UW researcher will be studying pre-spawning mortality in the creek and will be waiting for word of any fish in obvious distress – less of a problem on Fauntleroy Creek than Longfellow Creek in eastern West Seattle, which has more of a runoff-pollution problem.

With Judy’s help, we’ll have updates during salmon-watcher season – and she says they’re hoping to organize another weekend event where you can come to the creek and talk with volunteers; we’ll let you know as soon as we get word of that.

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UPDATE: Driver hits tree, flips car at 35th/Southern, taken to hospital
October 22, 2017 9:47 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Gatewood | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(Added: WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

9:47 PM: A Seattle Fire “heavy rescue” response is on the way to 35th/Southern in Gatewood, where a vehicle is reported to have flipped, with someone trapped inside. Per scanner, southbound 35th is blocked at the crash scene. More to come.

9:52 PM: We’re now hearing 35th is blocked both ways at the crash scene. Avoid the area [map].

9:54 PM: SFD has freed the person from the vehicle.

10:02 PM: Police tell us the car flipped after the driver hit a tree.

10:09 PM: The driver, described only as male, is being taken to Harborview Medical Center by SFD medic unit. 35th may be closed another hour or so at the crash scene.

10:22 PM: And to be clear, only one car involved, only one person in the car, we’re told. Adding more photos. We’ll update when the road’s open again.

11:42 PM: We haven’t heard an update on the road but SFD has fully closed out of the call.

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@ MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: HALA followup; Gatewood Elementary playfield preview; other quick updates…
October 22, 2017 8:59 pm
|    Comments Off on @ MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: HALA followup; Gatewood Elementary playfield preview; other quick updates…
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

We’ve already reported one story from this past week’s quarterly Morgan Community Association meeting – the installation plans for City Light’s new metering system – and we have one more to go, an update on a development project that’s taken a surprise turn. But first, tonight, other hot topics from Wednesday night, first of which was a followup from the city’s HALA-related open house the previous evening:

COMPREHENSIVE-PLAN AMENDMENTS, THE NEXT STEP: While Tuesday night’s open house in High Point (WSB coverage here) tackled two topics, one is of the most interest to MoCA – the proposal to amend the city’s Comprehensive Plan to override neighborhood-plan-related language related to single-family zoning. (We previewed this here.)

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TUESDAY: West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network hosts Councilmember Lisa Herbold
October 22, 2017 6:40 pm
|    Comments Off on TUESDAY: West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network hosts Councilmember Lisa Herbold
 |   Crime | Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Wondering what your West Seattle/South Park City Councilmember Lisa Herbold is doing about crime, safety, policing concerns? Here’s your chance to ask her: She’s the guest at Tuesday night’s West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting, 6:30 pm at the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster). Right now, in addition to representing our area on the council, Herbold is also chairing its budget committee, which is making spending decisions for the next year; she ascended to that role after the shakeup that started with former Mayor Murray’s resignation. You don’t have to be part of a Block Watch to attend the meeting, which will also include updates from local police leadership – just come to the precinct meeting room, which is right off the parking lot, entrance off Webster west of Delridge [map], east of the south side of Home Depot.

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FOLLOWUP: Concord Elementary PTA seeking support for solutions to dual-language program, kindergarten-crowding concerns
October 22, 2017 3:50 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   South Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

“We ARE the opportunity gap,” Robin Schwartz from the Concord International Elementary School PTA told the Seattle School Board at its meeting this past week. (When you click “play” on the video clip below, it should advance to her remarks.)

We first reported three weeks ago on the concerns of Schwartz and other parents at Concord, which is in South Park but also draws some West Seattle families, especially because of its dual-language program, the subject of some of the changes they’re worried about.

They organized a forum to bring some of those concerns to school and district officials (WSB coverage here), and have another one planned.

And now they’re gathering signatures of support after circulating this letter:

In her remarks to the school board last Wednesday, a comment period that has strict time limits, Schwartz focused on the kindergarten class size, adding that besides being a non-optimal experience for students, “Our teachers are overwhelmed and overburdened.”

At the forum earlier this month, the district promised a committee would look at the parents’ concerns. A November 9th followup meeting is planned to see what progress has been made. But the PTA doesn’t want to just wait for that, so is seeking signatures of support – if you would like to add yours, here’s where to sign on (scroll to the end of the document after the summary of concerns and requests).

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COUNTDOWN: One week to West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival 2017!
October 22, 2017 1:59 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: One week to West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival 2017!
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

One of the freshest things at today’s West Seattle Farmers’ Market was the sign being created to remind everyone that next week’s WSFM will be part of the 2017 West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival! It’s a market and much more – 10 am-2 pm Sunday, October 29th: For one, the street closure for that day only will extend south to Edmunds, and the extra block will feature local businesses and organizations offering FREE harvest-themed games and activities, starting right at 10. (The list of activities is on the West Seattle Junction Association website.) Then:

11 am – Chili cookoff at the KeyBank corner of California/Alaska ($10 donation for the West Seattle Food Bank gets you a flight of tastes from all 9 chili competitors, and the chance to vote for your favorite)

11:30 am – Costume parade starting from Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska), led by the West Seattle High School Marching Band, heading west into, and then around, the festival – everyone’s welcome to participate!

Noon – Business and booth trick-or-treating

New at the festival: A root-beer garden (California/Alaska, by Easy Street Records) – $3.50 for root beer (from The Beer Junction) topped with vanilla ice cream (from Husky Deli) and Applepalooza as part of the market.

WSB is a co-sponsor of the Harvest Festival and we look forward to seeing you in The Junction next Sunday!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 3 reader reports, plus 28 feet of happy ending!
October 22, 2017 12:36 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

West Seattle Crime Watch starts with three reader reports:

CAR BREAK-IN: From Kala in South Delridge:

Last night my car was broken into sometime after 8pm. I live in a townhome off of 17th and Barton. My Jeep was parked in the designated parking spot for my place..when I came out this morning all my stuff from the center console and glove department were all over the ground..after checking doors I realized that the back hatch was open so guessing they crawled through. Nothing of value was taken other than a wallet that contained only an Id.

We’ve previously had someone cut the lock to our back gate and also have seen lots of people lurking around the area. It’s very unsettling. Just wanted to report so everyone stays safe!

HIT-RUN, THREAT: From Brittany:

(Friday) night a car intentionally rammed into my boyfriend’s car on Avalon Way. He followed the vehicle onto a side street to obtain a license plate and insurance info, at which point the driver of the vehicle exited his car. He leaned in through my boyfriend’s open window and attempted to put his hands on him while threatening to shoot him and beat him up. He then drove away. My boyfriend got a photo of the car, including the license plate, and filed a police report, which hasn’t turned up the guy.

I’m hoping someone will recognize the car and be able to identify the driver so he can be held accountable for his dangerous actions.

Police have the full plate; since this isn’t a photo showing a crime in progress, we’re just showing the first three digits, but if you know who it is, that would likely be enough. We will add the SPD incident # when we get it. (Added: It’s 17-390469.)

HIT-RUN ON THE BRIDGE: From Anne, who says this happened on the westbound bridge, middle lane before the rise:

My red Prius was rear-ended on the West Seattle Bridge Wednesday 10/18/17 between 6:15 and 6:30 pm. It was a white four-door older vehicle that hit me and then drove away before the police arrived. There were at least two males in the car. When the white car collided into me I was pushed into the car in front of me, which was a Subaru SUV. Please contact me or the police if you saw the white car drive away, have any more details or observations , or see a white car with new front-end damage in your neighborhood. It may have red paint on the bumper.

AIRSTREAM STOLEN, THEN FOUND: If you don’t read comments, you missed all this! But it’s too good not to mention in a followup note. Back on Thursday, Esther sent word that her 28-foot classic Airstream trailer had been stolen in the Alki area. In a comment on that report, Michael posted this photo he had taken of an Airstream being towed later that morning, elsewhere in West Seattle:

Esther should have been notified about the trailer’s discovery and tow, but the thief/thieves had switched the plates, among other things. Friday, with the help of Michael’s photo and some other reader suggestions, she got it back! Thanks again to everyone who has helped reunite readers with cars, bicycles, motorcycles, and trailers via WSB Crime Watch over the years … we hope you never have a crime to report, but if you do, please let us know – so much does NOT go out over the scanner, so without e-mail and/or other tips, we won’t be able to report it – editor@westseattleblog.com, or, if it’s happening now, text/call 206-293-6302.

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