day : 02/05/2018 12 results

10:57 PM WEDNESDAY: Two areas of West Seattle have been the source of multiple 911 calls about possible gunshots in the past 15 minutes or so. First, Avalon Way, where police in the area subsequently told dispatch that a loudly backfiring motorcycle had gone through the area. Shortly thereafter, we heard a couple of booms as did multiple others here in the area uphill/east from Lincoln Park. Police are checking around but so far no reported evidence of gunfire (no victims, casings, damage).

THURSDAY AFTERNOON: No confirmed gunfire cases ended up in the SPD Twitter log that we aggregate on our Crime Watch page. We are checking with SPD media relations to see if they can turn anything up.

LAM BOW APARTMENTS: Plan to replace fire-destroyed building goes to Southwest Design Review Board tomorrow

May 2, 2018 9:05 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Delridge | Development | West Seattle news

(WSB reader photo from September 2016 three-alarm fire, the cause of which was never determined)

Tomorrow (Thursday) night, the plan for replacing the fire-destroyed building at the Lam Bow Apartments (6955 Delridge Way SW) goes before the Southwest Design Review Board. Here’s the full “packet” prepared for the meeting:

(You can also see it on the city website in PDF.) While getting ready for the meeting, project-team members visited the Delridge Neighborhoods District Council meeting in mid-April. If you’re interested in a preview before tomorrow’s review, here are our notes:

The briefing was led by Ryan Moore of the Seattle Housing Authority, which owns the Lam Bow. He said that as is required in the Early Design Guidance phase, they will be presenting three options for the new building, which will be 3 stories high, with about 50 apartments and 49 offstreet parking spaces. Their preferred option has a mix of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units, with a central play area, a new commons building, and an open space that might be used for a P-patch or recreation. In general, DNDC attendees had positive reactions, but they also had a lot of questions about access to the parking lot on the Delridge Way side of the building; SDOT is apparently requiring that access be closed because of the future conversion of Metro Route 120 to the RapidRide H Line. The future of that project depends on federal funding that already has been called into question, and since then, the Move Seattle levy spending situation has raised further questions about upcoming RapidRide projects’ city funding. Moore said access to the parking lot would continue via 23rd SW, which would also see improvements such as a sidewalk and gutter. Attendees said they still thought keeping both sides open would be optimal. Moore also was asked about nearby Longfellow Creek and drainage, and said they are still working with a consultant on that.

Thursday night’s hearing will be limited to design issues, and is the first of at least two times the project will be considered by the SWDRB. It starts at 6:30 pm at the Senior Center/Sisson Building (4217 SW Oregon).

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BIKE EVERYWHERE MONTH: Alki Elementary students’ rodeo; WSBC offers Commute Buddies

May 2, 2018 7:35 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

Two notes on this second night of Bike Everywhere Month:

ALKI ELEMENTARY RODEO: Thanks to Chris Nutter for photos from this afternoon’s Bike Rodeo at Alki Elementary School. Right after classes ended in early afternoon (remember that Wednesday is always early-dismissal day), riders took to the playground to work on bike-handling skills and safety awareness:

This was a tune-up for Bike to School Day, which is one week away – next Wednesday, May 9th. Alki is participating; if your school is, too, let us know!

WSBC COMMUTE BUDDIES: For grownup riders who are looking to spend more time on two wheels this Bike Everywhere Month, Don Brubeck of West Seattle Bike Connections shares an announcement:

West Seattle Bike Connections is offering assistance during May, Bike Month, to people who want to ride to work, but aren’t sure about the route or the traffic.

We’ve got 10 experienced riders offering to be COMMUTE BUDDIES to get you going on your first ride to your destination.

Click the link to sign up and pick a convenient time and location to meet. We will do our best to connect people with nearby origins and destinations.

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Mayor visiting South Park tomorrow for community roundtable

May 2, 2018 6:30 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| South Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(WSB photo, February)

Three months after she joined the peace vigil/march in South Park, the mayor returns to SP tomorrow afternoon.

As part of her ongoing effort to bring City Hall to all Seattle communities, Mayor Jenny A. Durkan will host a roundtable with South Park community leaders to discuss ongoing and new City initiatives in South Park. Mayor Durkan will be joined by representatives of the Seattle Parks and Recreation, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, Seattle Office of Sustainability and the Environment, and Seattle Police Department, who will be able to answer questions and provide resources to the community.

“South Park is a diverse and vibrant home to many young people, families, and small businesses, but it also demonstrates our City’s need for equitable investment in economic empowerment, public safety, and better basic services,” said Mayor Durkan. “Through collaboration with community leaders, we are going to tackle the tough challenges facing South Park and create more opportunity for our young people.”

She’s scheduled to be at the South Park Community Center (8319 8th Ave. S.) at 3 pm Thursday.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police searching for assault suspect

May 2, 2018 5:20 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | Delridge | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

5:20 PM: In case you’re wondering about the police search in central Delridge, with a K-9 team joining officers in the Delridge/Myrtle vicinity, as well as points east and uphill toward Puget Ridge, here’s what we have found out so far: This started with one man punching another in the face near Home Depot. The victim was taken to the hospital by private ambulance. The suspect is known to the victim. No luck finding him yet.

5:50 PM: Still on the loose.

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TRAFFIC ALERT UPDATE: NB 5 exit to West Seattle Bridge reopens after sideways-semi crash

May 2, 2018 3:51 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

3:51 PM: The State Patrol – which shared the photo – says a tow crew is on the way to the scene where that on-its-side semitruck is blocking the northbound I-5 exit to the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how WSDOT advises getting around it.

UPDATE: The cavalry has arrived to help move the rolled semi blocking the northbound I-5 off-ramp to the West Seattle Bridge. Still no ETA on reopening. pic.twitter.com/NAgtpCotNo

— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 2, 2018

4:13 PM: The tow team has arrived, reports the WSP with that tweeted video clip – but no estimated time yet for reopening.

4:34 PM: Major progress – the crew has the truck upright.

5:45 PM: Finally reopened.

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ONE MONTH AWAY! Seattle’s ‘only urban obstacle course race,’ Loop the ‘Lupe

May 2, 2018 1:55 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| High Point | How to help | West Seattle news

The countdown continues for all the cool spring and summer events coming up. Today, we are exactly one month away from Seattle’s “only urban obstacle course race,” Loop the ‘Lupe, June 2nd at Walt Hundley Playfield.

This will be the second year for Loop the ‘Lupe, which drew 300 people in the first year of “the biggest, muddiest, family-friendliest event.” For year two, organizers are adding a food/drink area, live music – Bottle Rockit! is booked already – and a beer garden (presented by The Beer Junction).

From Race Director Brian Callanan:

Loop the ‘Lupe features a 1K “loop” around Walt Hundley Playfield, where participants race under, over, and through seven obstacles (two new ones added in 2018), including a mud pit, walls, “Squirtgun Alley,” and more.

Loop the ‘Lupe has four options to get the whole family involved in a fun day at the park:

Obstacle Course: For ninja warriors who think their skills are up to the task, the Obstacle Course 5K (five loops) begins at 11 a.m.

5K Family Fun Run/Walk: Not ready for the obstacles? No problem! You can pass them by and make this into a family fun run/walk, starting at 11:45 a.m.

Senior Saunter: The “Saunter” is for walkers age 65+ looking for a flat, no-obstacles walk. The turf soccer field at the park is the “race” course. People used their rolling walkers at this event in2017, so come see how many laps you can complete in 20 minutes! Starts at 12:15 p.m.

Youth Dash: Do you have a child under 8 years old? They can join in the fun, too, by taking one loop around the course (parental help encouraged). The fun begins at 1 p.m.!

Proceeds from Loop the ‘Lupe support the Walmesley Center at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. The Center has been one of the area’s most utilized facilities for sports and social outreach work since opening in 2012.

You can go here right now to register.

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Jason Kibbey Design and Landscape: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor!

May 2, 2018 12:23 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Gardening | West Seattle news

On this beautiful spring day, we welcome Jason Kibbey Design and Landscape as a new WSB sponsor. Here’s what they would like you to know:

Are you looking for an exterior space to match the detail of your home’s interior? Do you want to extend your living space out into the garden? Jason Kibbey Design and Landscape has distinguished itself in designing, installing and maintaining gardens that invite the visitor into their spaces and encourages them to linger, relax and unwind. Established in 2006 and based in West Seattle since 2014, Jason Kibbey Design and Landscape welcomes new homeowners and established West Seattleites as we continue to grow our roots deeper in the neighborhood. We work in gardens from Arbor Heights to Alki Beach.

With over 20 years of horticultural and design experience, we provide our clients with unique garden design that closely aligns with their desired aesthetic, style of home, and natural surroundings. Our work ranges from containers to mixed borders, estate gardens to urban oases. In addition to fine pruning, seasonal color updates, seasonal cleanups, garden restoration, garden coaching, design & installation, we also specialize in garden maintenance.

Once your new or restored garden is in place, you’ll want to keep it looking beautiful with regular maintenance. Our dedicated crew of gardeners will work closely with you up to and including garden coaching or will work completely independently. Trust in our knowledge and expertise to assess your garden at any time of the year, create a game plan, and implement it over time. Fine pruning techniques are used to whip neglected maples, rhododendrons, and other ornamentals into shape and keep them looking beautiful from season to season.

For those whose love of gardening exceeds the space that they have, let us tempt you with some lush and lovely custom containers. Check out the container portfolio on our website for just a few examples of containers that our clients love.

We at JKDL know that there are many landscaping companies out there and perhaps you’ve worked with one only to have been underwhelmed. Give us a call and let us show you what it means to work with a professional gardening company. Check us out on Instagram @jasonkibbeydesignandlandscape; look us up on Yelp, where we are a 5-star company; then head over to our website jasonkibbeydesign.com where you can see our portfolio and contact information. We look forward to meeting more of our West Seattle neighbors as we continue planting the seeds of great design.

We thank Jason Kibbey Landscape and Design for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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West Seattle Wednesday: Southwest District Council, baseball playoffs, more!

May 2, 2018 10:37 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(May is Bike Month! Thanks to Don Brubeck for the photo of father-and-son riders outside Neighborhood House High Point last night)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BABY STORY TIME: Bring your wee one(s) up to 12 months old to High Point Library at 11:30 am. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

DANCE TIME: 6-8 pm, Lauren Petrie plays, you dance, at the Senior Center of West Seattle. All ages, all skill levels welcome – or just come enjoy the music. More info here. (4217 SW Oregon)

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: 6:30 pm at the Senior Center/Sisson Building, with an environmental theme – guests are Puget Sound Clean Air Agency executive director Craig Kenworthy and 34th District State House Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon. (4217 SW Oregon)

HIGH-SCHOOL BASEBALL PLAYOFFS: The postseason continues for West Seattle High School with the Wildcats’ next Metro League tournament game at 7 pm, vs, Garfield HS at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center. (1321 SW 102nd)

JIM PAGE: Singer-songwriter performs at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

OPEN MICROPHONE: Sign up at 7, perform starting at 7:30, at the Great American Diner and Bar in The Junction, hosted by Alan Sobel. All ages. (4752 California SW)

YES, THERE’S MORE … just click over to our complete calendar to browse!

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YOU CAN HELP! Home of West Seattle’s history needs your help in the near future

May 2, 2018 9:31 am

| Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP! Home of West Seattle’s history needs your help in the near future

| How to help | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo, past spring cleanup at Log House Museum)

The home of West Seattle’s history – including a collection of more than 14,000 historical artifacts and archives – is getting ready for the summer season and would love help from you. 10 am-2 pm this Saturday (May 5th), it’s annual spring cleanup time at the Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s Log House Museum. From museum manager Valerie Kendall:

We need help to:

· clean the museum exterior

· clean windows

· brush off cobwebs

· repair our fence

· building a community board and more!

Just show up on Saturday – if you have questions before then, you can e-mail Valerie at museum@loghousemuseum.org. The museum is at 3003 61st SW.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch

May 2, 2018 7:28 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)

7:28 AM: Thanks for the text – there’s a West Seattle incident working right now in the Myers Way/Olson vicinity, right lane by Arrowhead Gardens. Otherwise, nothing reported in this general area.

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If you’re hearing the sirens: 2 South Park house fires in 2 hours

May 2, 2018 3:50 am

| Comments Off on If you’re hearing the sirens: 2 South Park house fires in 2 hours

| South Park | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(Smoke from 2nd South Park fire, seen from West Seattle, tweeted by @WestSeaWX)

3:50 AM: You might be hearing the sirens, especially from southeast West Seattle: Seattle Fire is at the scene of a fully involved house fire in the 9300 block of 7th Avenue South, less than two hours after another South Park house fire, in the 1200 block of S. Cloverdale (less than a mile apart).

4:03 AM: Per monitored radio communication, SFD has just called the 7th Avenue S. fire “defensive” – too dangerous to be inside the structure.

ADDED: Here’s the SFD wrapup about both fires.

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