West Seattle, Washington

18 Thursday

46℉

day : 01/03/2018 14 results

FOLLOWUP: Governor vetoes public-records bill – by request of legislators who approved it
March 1, 2018 9:24 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

9:24 PM: We and many others reported earlier this week on the uproar over 6617, the public-records-access bill approved overwhelmingly and mega-quickly by state legislators. Gov. Inslee was urged to veto it, despite it being seemingly veto-proof – and he just did, saying that he did so by request of legislators. Among those signing letters requesting the veto, two local reps who voted for the bill.

9:55 PM: The governor’s veto message is here; the House Democrats’ letter (signed by 34th District Reps. Eileen Cody and Joe Fitzgibbon) is here. The heart of it, from the latter letter, is a promise to “start again” with a collaborative “public process” over the next 9 months to “make recommendations to the 2019 Legislature.”

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BASKETBALL: West Seattle High School girls are in the state semifinals!
March 1, 2018 8:38 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB video: Fourth-quarter basket by tonight’s top WSHS scorer, #11 Jasmine Gayles)
FIRST REPORT, 8:38 PM: The West Seattle High School girls just won their first game in this year’s state 3A basketball-championship tournament at the Tacoma Dome – 46 to 40 over Seattle Prep – and that means they play in the semifinals here Friday night at 9 pm, vs. the winner of the Bethel-Gig Harbor game that starts here shortly. Photos, more video, and details after we get back to HQ.

THE REST OF THE STORY, 11:59 PM: Gig Harbor won, so that’s who West Seattle will face on Friday night. But before we consider that further – here’s how tonight’s Wildcats win unfolded. One thing about them – they aren’t a team built around one standout; they have three stars shining amid a galaxy of talented teammates. On any given night this year, it’s been #11 Jasmine Gayles, #32 Meghan Fiso, and/or #20 Grace Sarver piling on the points and/or pulling down the rebounds. Tonight, Gayles was atop the stats.

But that was after Fiso scored West Seattle’s first 8 points, two of them on 3-pointers, including this one:

Gayles contributed the next six, and WSHS was out to a 14-6 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Wildcats had beaten the Panthers in both their previous two meetings of the season, and they didn’t seem terribly bothered by them now.

Foul shots by #4 Kelsey Lenzie padded that lead out to 10 points as the second quarter began. But then, the Prep players gained their footing, and cut the West Seattle lead to two points by mid-quarter. A few minutes later, they regained the lead, 19-18, though Sarver took it away with a three at 1:20 left in the half, after #34 Anissa Babitu pulled a steal.

The problem at that point was that they were being outrebounded. Prep managed to add three points before the buzzer sounded for halftime, and the Panthers held a 22-21 edge.

The Wildcats reclaimed the lead in the first minute of the second half, thanks to a Fiso field goal. The teams traded the lead for a few minutes, and then this Gayles basket put West Seattle ahead for good:

Last West Seattle scoring of the third quarter was a basket by #21 Julianna Horne, extending the lead to 36-28.

A Prep three-pointer made a dent in that – but that still sent the Wildcats into the final quarter with a 36-31 advantage, and they seemed clearly in control. #5 Rilcy Newsome was in the game with two minutes to go and kept the momentum high, including a basket and some key rebounds:

Things got momentarily nerve-wracking when Prep got within four points at just under a minute to go – which in basketball can be an eternity. They of course had no choice but to gamble on fouls to try for possession, and the gamble cost them two more points from WSHS foul shots … and that’s where the game ended, West Seattle 46, Seattle Prep 40, smiles all around, including head coach Darnell Taylor:

If you’re interested in cheering them on at the Tacoma Dome at 9 pm Friday, ticket info is on the right side of the brackets page.

P.S. This is the second year in a row that WSHS has had a team in the semifinals – last year, the West Seattle boys took third place at state.

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SAFETY: Southwest Precinct offers free gun locks
March 1, 2018 8:19 pm
|    Comments Off on SAFETY: Southwest Precinct offers free gun locks
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

If you have a gun in your residence, the Southwest Precinct has a free cable lock if you need one. Here’s the reminder sent today:

Due to recent incidents nationwide, the Seattle Police Department’s Southwest Precinct would like to remind our community about firearm safety, specifically when it comes to proper and safe storage of firearms and ammunition.

The SW Precinct has free firearm cable locks for interested community members! And we would also be happy to speak with you about firearm safety, safe storage, and general questions.

If you are interested in firearm cable locks, or in speaking with the Seattle Police Department about firearm safety, please contact Jennifer Danner, the SW Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, at Jennifer.Danner@seattle.gov or 206-256-6820.

P.S. If you missed her presentation on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design at this week’s West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting – we covered it here.

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TRAFFIC ALERT UPDATE: Vehicle fire backs up southbound I-5
March 1, 2018 6:44 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:44 PM: What’s described on the SFD log as a vehicle fire near the West Seattle Bridge interchangehas all lanes of southbound I-5 closed right now – so if you’re headed this way, don’t take SB 5. More to come.

7:17 PM: Now one lane open, still way backed up.

7:26 PM: Two left lanes are now open.

8:04 PM: All lanes now open, but the southbound backup is several miles.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Charges filed against both suspects arrested outside West Seattle 7-11s
March 1, 2018 6:15 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Updates on two cases that aren’t related but coincidentally both involved suspects arrested outside local 7-11s, with sizable-enough police responses that readers texted us. First, the man arrested Tuesday outside the Highland Park 7-11:

He is 23-year-old Tylor P. Saeteurn, a resident of Pacific, now charged with two counts of attempted residential burglary. One relates to the incident that preceded his arrest, after police were called by a neighbor reporting a burglary attempt at a house in the 1200 block of SW Othello. The other is related to a break-in on Monday in which he and another person are accused of trying to break into a house in the 10100 block of Rainier Avenue South. The residents were home at the time, and one of them chased the would-be burglars, catching the unnamed second suspect, who then allegedly bit the victim’s finger. Charging documents say that house had security video that recorded the burglars and the white Escalade in which Saeteurn was stopped on Tuesday. Prosecutors also say he told police he commits burglary to fuel his drug habit and that he had used meth and heroin both days. Saeteurn currently is awaiting trial on a charge of possessing a stolen vehicle and has a criminal history including two domestic-violence cases. He remains in the King County Jail in lieu of $60,000 bail – $50,000 in this case, $10,000 for a warrant because he had skipped a hearing in the stolen-vehicle case.

Second, the case of the man arrested by Bellevue Police (including SWAT officers) last Friday night, outside the California/Charlestown 7-11:

He is 28-year-old Nicholas R. Six, who is listed on court documents as having an address in South Admiral. He is charged with robbery and stolen-property trafficking in connection with a robbery at an apartment in Bellevue on January 14th. The charging documents say that his girlfriend, who is also charged, set up the victim by going to his apartment on the pretense of prostitution, and then texted two accomplices, allegedly including Six. Two men, both masked, one with a gun, then broke in and with the girlfriend robbed the victim of about $3,000 in cash and valuables. The court documents say investigators identified Six through a trail that included social-media messages, cell-phone records, and video involving the pawning of one of the stolen items, a gold necklace, at Bellevue Rare Coins in The Junction, as well as a jailhouse phone call made by the girlfriend after she was arrested on unrelated warrants. Court documents say Sixs criminal history includes DUI, assault, theft, and drugs, and that he “has a substance abuse problem.” He remains jailed in lieu of $225,000 bail.

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SAFETY: Denny International Middle School reports threat made by student, says police determined it was ‘not … credible’
March 1, 2018 3:54 pm
|    Comments Off on SAFETY: Denny International Middle School reports threat made by student, says police determined it was ‘not … credible’
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Just received this afternoon from Denny International Middle School principal Jeff Clark, a letter he and Chief Sealth International High School principal Aida Fraser-Hammer sent to families:

We want to share information regarding an incident that occurred yesterday. We are sending you this letter to update you and to assure you that we are always doing everything we can to support our scholars.

Late yesterday afternoon, it was reported that a Denny scholar made a threat toward the school. School administrators immediately took action to assess the situation and reported to the Seattle Police Department (SPD) and the District Safety and Security Office. The parents of scholar who made the threat have been contacted, and the scholar is being disciplined consistent with district procedures and provided additional social/emotional support. SPD has concluded its investigation and determined that it was not a credible threat.

As you are aware, our adolescents have complex social dynamics. Ensuring that our youth know appropriate behavioral expectations and that all scholars are safe is our goal. Our staff continues to discuss personal safety with scholars. We will continue to follow up about the importance of SPD’s campaign regarding “See Something, Say Something” in order to maximize safety. We are very proud of how our scholars and families responded to this incident and reported their concerns appropriately.

At school, we differentiate “reporting” from “tattle-telling.” Reporting is a responsibility when someone is hurt, in danger or in an unsafe situation. I am providing a link to some additional information that might be helpful during these discussions with your families: http://www.seattle.gov/police/community-policing/youth-safety-tips.

Please be assured that the safety and security of our scholars will always be our top priority. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We’re checking with police to see if any additional information is available.

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BIZNOTES: Samila & Co. outlet opens in Admiral; Pep Boys signage up in Triangle
March 1, 2018 3:37 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Two biznotes this afternoon:

SAMILA & CO. OUTLET BOUTIQUE: Starting today, a new “outlet” boutique is open in the commercial space in the live-work building at 4306 SW Walker Street – behind the California SW-facing brick building best known for Mioposto. It’s an “outlet” outpost of Samila & Co., based in Redmond, which offers evening gowns, cocktail dresses, and bridal wear.

Everything is off the rack. Our flagship store price range is $300-$800, so this will be a reflection of the those type of dresses at outlet prices starting at $99 and up and sizes 0-18. We are a pretty seasonal business and a destination store and fastly approaching prom season!

Though Samila is calling this a “pop-up,” it will have regular hours – but check the website, as the company tells us that what you see there now will likely change. Samila and Co. owns the space instead of leasing it, they told WSB, and is hoping to be there long-term.

PEP BOYS SIGNAGE: If you are a customer of Elliott Tire on Fauntleroy Way SW in The Triangle, you have probably already heard that the 10-store chain was sold last year to Pep Boys. When we stopped in recently to ask about it, we were told the transition was official in December but they were still waiting for signage. Thanks to the tipster who told us this afternoon that it is now up:

Elliott Tire was founded in 1978. After taking over the chain, Pep Boys now has 20 locations in this state, almost a thousand nationwide.

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Another groundbreaking: Stormwater facility just off 1st Avenue South Bridge
March 1, 2018 3:12 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

(Added: King County photo)

Another ceremonial groundbreaking today – this one, just outside West Seattle, at the sprawling site that used to hold several business buildings, including a Taco Time and service station, just east of the north end of the 1st Avenue South Bridge [map]. The announcement from King County:

King County Executive Dow Constantine today led the groundbreaking ceremony for a major infrastructure project that will protect the water quality of the Duwamish River and the surrounding community.

(Rendering of now-under-construction Georgetown Wet Weather Treatment Station)

The Georgetown Wet Weather Treatment Station will treat up to 70 million gallons of polluted stormwater runoff that currently flows into the Duwamish River during severe rainstorms. It is the first of eight capstone projects that will complete King County’s four-decade work to control the combined sewer overflow that still occurs in parts of Seattle where sewer lines were installed in the early to mid-20th century.

“Today, we start work on a major King County infrastructure project that will protect the Duwamish River from stormwater pollution for the next century,” said Executive Constantine. “This is a key part of our broader effort to protect Puget Sound, restore salmon habitat, and honor treaty rights.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency selected it as one of a dozen projects nationwide that qualifies for low-interest loans through its highly competitive Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act Program. King County’s project in Georgetown is eligible for $134.5 million in loan funding, which would cover nearly half of the cost and potentially save sewer ratepayers up to $34 million.

“EPA’s new infrastructure finance and loan program aims to accelerate local investments in regionally significant and innovative water infrastructure projects,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Chris Hladick. “King County’s wet weather treatment station will build on EPA’s renewed efforts to update our nation’s water infrastructure. Completing this project will help restore and protect the Duwamish River and Puget Sound, which are among EPA’s top priorities in the Pacific Northwest.”

King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division conducted extensive community outreach throughout design phase to ensure the $262 million project reflects the local character. The sustainable design includes a green roof and cisterns to filter and collect stormwater. King County will also plant trees to improve air quality in the Georgetown neighborhood, which has one of the highest asthma rates in Seattle.

The treatment station will also provide a space for school programs and environmental education.

The five-year construction project will also generate family-wage jobs in the community. It is one of three King County construction projects that are part of a pilot program, Priority Hire, which requires contractors to train and hire construction workers living in local ZIP codes with high levels of poverty and unemployment.

In 2017 and 2018, King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division is leading more than $400 million in major capital programs that will build and upgrade existing infrastructure. The projects will create more than 900 family-wage construction jobs.

The WTD has had stormwater-related projects in West Seattle in recent years – most notably the Murray Wet Weather Facility across the street from Lowman Beach, completed last year.

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TICKET TIME! Ready to serve up your spot at Taste of West Seattle 2018
March 1, 2018 1:03 pm
|    Comments Off on TICKET TIME! Ready to serve up your spot at Taste of West Seattle 2018
 |   Fauntleroy | How to help | West Seattle news


(WSB photo from Taste of West Seattle 2017)

It’s the most delicious nonprofit-benefiting event of the year, and an enjoyably efficient way to sample dozens of local food and beverage purveyors – the Taste of West Seattle, presented by and benefiting West Seattle Helpline. As of today, tickets are on sale for this year’s ToWS, which is happening May 24th at The Hall at Fauntleroy. And Helpline is still signing up vendors and sponsors, too. The announcement!

The West Seattle Helpline is THRILLED to announce that Metropolitan Market is back as our presenting sponsor for Taste 2018! Metropolitan Market has been a supporter of the West Seattle Helpline since our organization was founded and we are so thankful for their steadfast support.

This local, community-based food fair is the largest event of its kind in West Seattle. This year’s Taste will feature food and drink from more than 50 different restaurants, breweries, wineries, coffee shops, bakeries, chocolatiers, and more – all from right here in West Seattle!

All proceeds from the event go directly to the West Seattle Helpline’s emergency assistance programs. These services stabilize and support low-income individuals and families in West Seattle and White Center who are recovering from a crisis or unexpected hardship.

The Taste has drawn a sell-out crowd of more than 500 people for the past seven years. Make sure to get your tickets before they sell out!

Also:

Sign up to participate as a West Seattle food/drink vendor – go here

Become a sponsor of the Taste of West Seattle 2018 – go here

The event runs from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm (VIP entry at 6:00 pm; General Admission at 6:30 pm). See our coverage from last year’s Taste of West Seattle here.

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VIDEO: Groundbreaking day! Gatewood Elementary digs in
March 1, 2018 11:59 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Gatewood | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Exciting day at Gatewood Elementary even before classes started for this morning – the whole school gathered for a ceremony to break ground on the first phase the school’s playfield-improvement project. Gatewood principal Kyna Hogg led students and staff in the “roller-coaster cheer”:

This is a community-led project that’s long been in the works, as we’ve previously reported. The project co-chair, parent Linnea Westerlind, shared some updates:

– We have raised $52,212 as a community since the fall, which is added to the $100,000 matching grant we received from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. Other major contributors include the Gatewood Elementary PTA, Seattle Public Schools and Nucor Steel Seattle. More than 100 students, parents, grandparents, neighbors and community members donated to support the project.

– We are breaking ground this week on the major work for the project, which will include the new irrigated grass field, running/walking track and nature-inspired areas with swales and mounds.

– Construction costs are about 20% higher than we anticipated, so we are still raising money this spring and next year to complete the entire project, which we hope will include trees, shrubs, boulders and logs, as well as a “Gator” play sculpture.

You can donate online – and see the playfield plan! – at gatewoodplayfield.org, or drop off cash/check donations at the school office (4320 SW Myrtle).

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: Accord Contractors, the lowest bidder, will start work as soon as the permit is granted – “any day now,” Westerlind says. Work is expected to last about six weeks, during which time the playfield will be fenced off; the rest of the playground will remain open, including the two play structures.

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West Seattle Thursday: Alki and South Delridge projects at Design Review; WSHS girls’ basketball @ state; ‘Hir’ opens; more!
March 1, 2018 10:40 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Five options for tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and our coverage archives:

ALKI ELEMENTARY PTA: 6:30 pm meeting includes voting on the school yearbook cover-art contest. (3010 59th SW)

DESIGN REVIEW DOUBLEHEADER: Two projects go before the Southwest Design Review Board tonight at the Senior Center/Sisson Building. First, 3015 63rd SW, the Alki apartment project previewed here in January, proposed for 11 units and 19 offstreet parking spaces. See the design packet here – including three “massing” options.

This is the Early Design Guidance review, which means a focus on size and shape of the building rather than a deep dive into design details; it starts at 6:30 pm. Then at 8 pm, the board gets its second and potentially final look at 9049 20th SW in South Delridge:

It’s outlined on the city website as a proposal “to expand a building currently under construction. Expansion includes an increase of the building footprint and an additional 3 stories. The proposed uses are 22 apartments, 6 small efficiency dwelling units and 7,777 sq. ft. of office on the ground floor. Parking for 35 vehicles to be provided off-site at 9051 20th Ave SW.” See the design packet here. Both sessions will have public-comment periods. (4217 SW Oregon)

QUESTIONS ABOUT GANG ACTIVITY? You might be interested in one of the guests at tonight’s North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting in White Center, King County Sheriff’s Office Det. Joe Gagliardi. NHUAC will also hear from a representative of LIHI, which operates city-sanctioned Camp Second Chance on Myers Way, and from the Disabled American Veterans, who have a center on Delridge. All welcome, 7 pm at North Highline Fire District HQ. (1243 SW 112th)

WSHS GIRLS AT STATE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT: Over the next three days, the state’s 3A girls-basketball championship will be decided. The West Seattle High School girls’ first game is tonight, 7:15 pm at the Tacoma Dome vs. Seattle Prep. The public is welcome to cheer them on; admission prices are on the right side of the bracket page. (2727 E. D St, Tacoma)

OPENING NIGHT FOR ‘HIR’: The ArtsWest/Intiman joint production of the comedy “Hir” by Taylor Mac opens at ArtsWest tonight, directed by Jennifer Zeyl, 7:30 pm. Production and ticket info here. (4711 California SW)

SEE WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING … via our complete calendar.

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CLOSURE ALERT: Seattle Public Library locations closed March 7th
March 1, 2018 10:30 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | High Point | South Park | West Seattle news | Westwood

Now that this is less than a week away – in case you haven’t already heard, the city library system has a one-day closure coming up next Wednesday:

All locations of The Seattle Public Library and the book drops at Central Library will be closed Wednesday, March 7 for a staff in-service day. Regular operating hours will resume Thursday, March 8.

West Seattle has four library branches, and South Park’s library is just a bit to the east. The map and list of all SPL locations citywide is here.

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Getting ready for the SAT? Preparation course planned in West Seattle
March 1, 2018 9:45 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

If a student in your household is looking ahead to the SAT, you might be interested in a preparation course to be taught in West Seattle, starting later this month, at Seattle Lutheran High School, provided there’s enough interest. Deadline for registration is one week away – Thursday, March 8th. Go here for full details, including the schedule, and the online registration form.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday watch
March 1, 2018 7:04 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   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 and welcome to March 2018. Just checked around – no incidents reported in/from West Seattle.

WATER TAXI FARE INCREASE: Today’s the day it takes effect – details here.

METRO CHANGES AHEAD: March 10th is the next “service change” date and it’ll bring changes and additions on some West Seattle-serving routes – here’s that info.

99 CLOSED SUNDAY MORNING: Reminder that the Battery Street Tunnel and part of Highway 99 north of it will be closed Sunday morning during the Hot Chocolate Run.

7:34 AM: Transit alert – Metro just tweeted that the 8 am Route 116 from Fauntleroy ‘will not operate this morning.’

8:03 AM: As mentioned in a comment, there’s a stalled vehicle blocking a lane on the offramp from EB West Seattle Bridge to 1st.

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