day : 06/04/2018 13 results

11:53 PM: From Thom:

We had a mailbox break-in at our apartment today at 6609 SW Admiral Way. Around 12:30 pm, my wife found the mailbox panel pried open. It’s not clear if they were interrupted or if they were targeting a specific box, but some boxes had all contents removed (ours included) while others still had mail in them. Who knows what, if anything, they got away with.

They seem to have popped it open with a crowbar just above the locking mechanism, because the whole assembly is open and there’s a large bent portion in the metal frame right where the lock engages. … If anyone finds any discarded mail in a bush or alley or somewhere from 6609 SW Admiral Way, 98116 I’d be curious to hear about it.

ADDED 1:15 AM: Police are investigating multiple reports of gunfire – five or six shots –
heard in High Point, near the 3000 block of SW Graham. (We have received a texted report, too.) No victim reported, and so far we’re not hearing any word of other confirmation such as casings or property damage.

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BETTER READY THAN SORRY: Disaster drill April 28 to focus on power-outage scenario. You can help!

April 6, 2018 9:40 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Fauntleroy | High Point | Pigeon Point | Preparedness | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo from past drill)

Early heads-up in case you can help – three weeks from tomorrow, neighborhood volunteers could use your help during another disaster drill. Here’s the announcement:

Imagine if all power and normal communications were down – what would you do?

Come see what your community is doing to be prepared.

Join us in a simulated full city power outage field exercise of the Seattle Emergency Communications Hubs and the Seattle Auxiliary Communication Service

April 28, 2018, 9:00 am – noon

Join us as a participant or a volunteer!

Emergency communication hubs – predetermined meeting places you would go for information in case of a catastrophic loss of regular communication – will be “activated” citywide for the drill, including three in West Seattle. Show up at one of them to be part of the April 28th drill:

• Fauntleroy United Church of Christ (9140 California SW)
• High Point Neighborhood House (6400 Sylvan Way SW)
• Pigeon Point (20th SW/SW Genesee)

Even if you can’t participate in or even observe this drill, check the West Seattle hubs map to learn the location nearest you, just in case:

You’ll find more West Seattle-specific preparedness information at westseattlebeprepared.org.

P.S. To sign up in advance as a volunteer/participant, or if you have a question, e-mail info@westseattlebeprepared.org.

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READER REPORT: Repair and prevention work at Myrtle Reservoir Park, after field damage

April 6, 2018 8:55 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

That’s what part of the field at Myrtle Reservoir Park looked like last Sunday, damaged by a driver. The photo is from Karen Berge of the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network, who shared it along with followup photos taken today after she noticed Seattle Parks has taken repair and prevention measures since then:

I went through Myrtle Reservoir Park this afternoon and was happy to see a solution in the SW corner of the park that should keep people from driving vehicles in – strategically placed boulders.

A day or two ago I noticed that they had graded and reseeded the lawn. They’ve positioned a big sign there asking that folks stay on the paths.

The park was built in 2010, after the city covered what had been an open-air reservoir.

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VIDEO: Highland Park Elementary’s first Move-A-Thon!

April 6, 2018 6:51 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Spring break has just begun for Seattle Public Schools – classes resume on April 16th. And it was a fun final pre-break day at Highland Park Elementary, as HPE PTA president Connie Wolf explains:

This morning Highland Park Elementary students rocked the tie dye at our first annual Move-A-Thon!

This fun event was made possible by our incredible school staff, passionate parents, and community-minded sponsors (Rain City West Screen Printing, Roxbury Lanes, Pagliacci Pizza, and West Seattle Runner). Also a very special thanks to our friends at Gatewood Elementary and Genesee Hill Elementary for their guidance. It’s been a landmark year for the HPE PTA, and it has everything to do with the support we’ve received from our West Seattle village.

(HPE principal Chris Cronas)

This is what your generosity and thoughtfulness helps us accomplish!

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TRAFFIC ALERT: California/Admiral crash

April 6, 2018 6:13 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:13 PM: Another traffic incident with SFD and SPD responding – thanks for the tips. It’s at California/Admiral. Multiple texters say (updated) a pedestrian was hit. Avoid the area.

6:34 PM: Witnesses and the incident log indicate one person was transported to the hospital via SFD medic unit.

6:44 PM: The scene is clear.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Crash at Fauntleroy and Othello

April 6, 2018 4:34 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

4:34 PM: SFD and SPD are responding to a crash at Fauntleroy and Othello, with a report of five people hurt. Avoid the area for now.

4:46 PM: We’ve just arrived in the area. Police have southbound Fauntleroy blocked, and are directing traffic onto westbound, Myrtle. Northbound Fauntleroy is getting through (and a southbound RapidRide bus was directed through, as well). One vehicle is in a yard on the northwest corner of Fauntleroy/Othello.

4:52 PM: SFD will be wrapping up here shortly. Firefighters tell us that two people are going to the hospital, both by private ambulance, so their injuries are not major.

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Southwest District Council catches up with Sound Transit light-rail planning, West Seattle Junction Association

April 6, 2018 1:51 pm

| Comments Off on Southwest District Council catches up with Sound Transit light-rail planning, West Seattle Junction Association

| Southwest District Council | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

With one month until your next major feedback opportunity for West Seattle light rail, this week’s Southwest District Council meeting brought a chance for some to catch up on where the process is so far. Sound Transit reps were the spotlight guests, along with Lora Swift from the West Seattle Junction Association.

First:

WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: This was something of a primer to catch up those who haven’t been following it much since the process of determining a “preferred alignment” for the West Seattle and Ballard extensions revved up three months ago.

Stephen Mak from Sound Transit first recapped the backstory that we’ve already covered here many times, including what’s currently the “representative alignment” – aka, the draft route – elevated stations at SODO, Delridge, Avalon, and The Junction, with a new light-rail-only bridge over the Duwamish River.

By this time next year, the Sound Transit board hopes to have a “preferred alignment” approved. Next feedback step, the first round of “neighborhood forums,” with one in West Seattle 10 am-12:30 pm May 5th (as announced last month). Before then, the Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) has two meetings, April 17th and 24th – and that’s when the official report on the public “early scoping” feedback from February-March will be made public, Mak said in response to a question from Deb Barker, one of two West Seattle community representatives on the SAG. He recapped the “early themes” described at last month’s SAG meeting, including suggested alternate routing, with some tunneling – all five of them are shown here:

Mak stressed, as briefers had at the SAG meeting, that these are not in any way final options – just an early look at some themes emerging.

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ELECTION 2018: Shannon Braddock becomes first candidate to announce a run for 34th District State Senate seat

April 6, 2018 12:30 pm

| 38 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

A week and a half after State Senator Sharon Nelson announced she won’t run for re-election, the first candidate has come forward: Shannon Braddock, who narrowly lost the first-ever District 1 race for City Council in 2015. The announcement from her campaign:

Democrat Shannon Braddock, a longtime advocate for children and senior member of County Executive Dow Constantine’s administration, has announced that she will run for the State Senate in District 34, which includes West Seattle, North Highline, Vashon and Maury Islands, and parts of Burien. Braddock, who previously served as Chief of Staff to County Councilmember Joe McDermott, is seeking to replace Majority Leader Sharon Nelson, who is retiring.

“I’m excited to bring the progressive values of our region to the State Senate, where we need to continue working to pass common sense gun laws, invest in early learning, provide behavioral health and addiction support that restores lives, and reform taxes to help working and middle-class families,” said Braddock, mother of three Seattle Public Schools students. “I’m grateful for Senator Nelson’s leadership on so many issues and helping break partisan logjams preventing action on regional priorities. It’s been a privilege to work on behalf of the district the past 8 years and I look forward to joining our strong 34th District legislative team in taking on the tough issues and making real progress for local communities.”

Braddock is on the board of WestSide Baby, a volunteer-based organization that provides support to low-income mothers and their babies and she previously served on the Board of the West Seattle Food Bank. At the County, she helped ensure passage of the highly successful Best Starts for Kids programs—targeting resources to early learning, behavioral intervention, and other critical investments.

“I’ve always focused on issues that help give kids the best start in life, and the opportunities to thrive,” said Braddock. “This is why I am so passionate about expanding early learning, so we don’t rely on local governments to fill the gaps that should be part of a comprehensive state investment in the education and welfare of all children, regardless of zip code or economic status.”

Braddock is also committed to carrying the passion and energy of the thousands of local students who marched for stronger gun laws to Olympia, consistent with her commitment to healthy children and families.

“The safety and well being of our kids in school is something we took for granted too long and is at risk of being dangerously exploited by the cynical gun lobby and their allies in the White House,” said Braddock. “We must take real action on removing guns—and access to guns—from the hands of young people, dangerous individuals, and those most at risk of violence. We have the tools to save lives. We need to stop making excuses and allowing the NRA to tell us there is nothing we can do other than arm teachers. Let’s get real about this crisis and put kids ahead of the gun lobby.”

Braddock has worked regionally on coordinating and seeking reforms in the delivery of mental, health, addiction, and homelessness services, including working to pass the successful Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services levy renewal in 2017. She views Olympia as a needed partner in helping remove the burden on local taxpayers to address a statewide crisis.

“Local voters and cities across the region have stepped up to do their part to tackle the related crises of addiction and homelessness,” said Braddock. “But we need more from the State to provide uniform access to early intervention and treatment, transitional programs that prevent relapse, training in life and job skills that restore lives and to rebuild self-sufficiency. We can and must address these issues in a more comprehensive, compassionate way.”

Braddock says she will begin knocking on doors throughout the district and will announce a formal campaign kickoff for later in the Spring.

“I’m thrilled for this opportunity and look forward to meeting with voters, union workers, small business owners, community leaders, and families about how we can improve our communities,” said Braddock. “While Washington, DC may be trying to take us in the wrong direction, we must move forward here in Washington State with progressive policies and leadership that brings every voice to the table.”

The official filing period isn’t until mid-May. One otherwise-likely candidate has already announced he’s NOT in the running: State Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, who says he’ll run for House re-election instead.

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See SDOT’s final design for Chief Sealth Walkway Improvements Project in Westwood

April 6, 2018 12:10 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Safety | West Seattle news | Westwood

SDOT has announced the “final design” for the Chief Sealth Walkway Improvements project in Westwood, which you’ll recall was at one point going to be reduced, and then was restored to full size. From SDOT:

This project will improve connectivity, walkability, and safety for residents and students who currently use two unimproved and overgrown paths on 25th and 26th avenues SW, between SW Trenton and SW Cloverdale streets.

Project elements include:

• Two 10-foot-wide asphalt walkways on 25th and 26th avenues SW connecting SW Trenton St and the cul-de-sacs to the north
• Pedestrian lights along the two paths
• Removal of overgrown vegetation and installation of new trees and plants, where appropriate

This document has backstory from the original community proposal. Construction could start as soon as mid-May, says SDOT, which also says the final design is available for another NSF project, Harbor/Spokane, but as of right now still has not updated that project website to show it. Also, both projects will be handled by the same contractor, and SDOT says the bid/award process isn’t complete yet.

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Options for your West Seattle Friday!

April 6, 2018 10:59 am

| Comments Off on Options for your West Seattle Friday!

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Bewick’s Wren, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Friday is here! And so is the highlight list from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

MEGA-RUMMAGE SALE: Until 5 pm, you can shop the first day of a two-day rummage sale at Hope Lutheran, to benefit missions to Mexico. (42nd SW/SW Oregon)

‘THE GREATEST MOVIES YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF’: 1 pm matinee at the Senior Center of West Seattle, 1946’s “Night and Day.” We found the trailer:

$1 members, $2 nonmembers. (4217 SW Oregon)

DAVE HOLO TRIO: Jazz with a view at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), 5-8 pm. (1936 Harbor SW)

CORNER BAR: The monthly pop-up bar at Highland Park Improvement Club starts at 6 pm – all ages! Music starts around 8:

This month’s band is going to be so much fun! The Moonspinners will transport you to a land far, far, away – if that land happened to include an awesome sauce of 60s garage, doo wop, punk, rock and roll, Italian pop, and love. Allow yourself to be swept away in their time traveling world.

As always, Corner Bar welcomes everyone! Bring your families, bring your neighbors! Food and beverages are available. We hope to spend another magical evening with you all!

(1116 SW Holden)

BILL DAVIE: Live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

‘A CHORUS LINE’ CLOSING NIGHT: Last chance to see the West Seattle High School Drama Club and Music Department spring show, 7:30 pm at the WSHS Theater.

Ticket info at westsidedrama.com. (3000 California SW)

THOSE ARE JUST A FEW HIGHLIGHTS … see our complete calendar page for the rest!

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YOU CAN HELP RIGHT NOW! West Seattle Food Bank needs kids’ books

April 6, 2018 9:56 am

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| How to help | West Seattle books | West Seattle news

Got kids’ books you no longer need? Give them a new home! Just in, from Judi Yazzolino at the West Seattle Food Bank:

The West Seattle Food Bank’s Bookcase Program is in desperate need of children’s books and board books. Our Bookcase Program accepts slightly used or new donated books to encourage those children we serve start reading at an early age.

We accept donations Monday – Friday 9 am – 3 pm or Wednesday until 7 pm at our facility at 3419 SW Morgan St. on the corner of 35th & Morgan.

There’s a parking garage right off the south side of Morgan, and you can enter the Food Bank there or from the corner.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: DUI crash investigation; package taken

April 6, 2018 9:02 am

| 19 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in Crime Watch this morning:

DUI CRASH INVESTIGATION: Thanks to Keith for the photo and report from a crash around 9 last night south of Alki, at 59th SW/SW Charlestown. He reported that the driver was taken into custody after hitting parked cars; Tweets by Beat confirms it’s a DUI investigation.

And a package-theft victim reports finding himself face-to-face with the person who took his package:

PACKAGE TAKEN: Nathan reports that happened on Wednesday:

I literally spoke to a thief that stole a package from the side of my house. I did not know I had a package delivered; usually I receive a notification from UPS.

You’ll see her walk to my backyard, talk to me as I was in the basement, go to the side of my house where UPS has been leaving packages lately, then run back through my yard with a much fuller bag. Seconds later, I walk outside, not realizing what had just happened. She asked if my house was for rent. I told her no, but didn’t really think it was suspicious because our neighbor rents their house out and I thought maybe they were looking for another renter. Guess I should have known better.

UPS confirmed the package was delivered minutes before the theft. If you have any information, refer to police incident # 2018-902958.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch; weekend alerts and beyond

April 6, 2018 7:26 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

7:26 AM: Quiet morning so far – nothing unusual on the roads, and no transit alerts.

WEEKEND TRAFFIC REMINDERS: Here are three weekend notes – including the Sunday morning northbound Highway 99 closure for the Emerald City Ride.

STARTING MONDAY: Paving work will begin Monday night at the Fauntleroy ferry dock, 7 pm-4 am nightly, Monday-Thursday nights, for about six weeks.

SPRING BREAK: Parochial schools with post-Easter breaks will be back in session Monday, while that’s the start of spring break for Seattle Public Schools and the independent schools that follow its schedule.

7:56 AM: Crash blocking one lane on the Avalon on-ramp, reports SDOT:

Collision blocking the left lane of the SW Avalon Way on ramp to the West Seattle Bridge EB. Use caution. pic.twitter.com/XpKRagnEkf

— SDOT Traffic (@SDOTtraffic) April 6, 2018

8:02 AM: SFD is being dispatched to a crash at 10th and Elmgrove in Highland Park.

8:30 AM: If you are driving or riding through Fauntleroy, Kersti texted an alert – there’s glass from an apparent broken window in the street on California SW by Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. It’s been reported.

8:38 AM: Correction to our mention above that there were no transit alerts – we missed the 6:32 am announcement that the 7:19 am Route 56 wouldn’t run. Noting it here for the record.

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