West Seattle, Washington
14 Wednesday
The movie alone is reason enough to be at West Seattle Outdoor Movies‘ second-to-last event of the summer tomorrow (Saturday) – the animated hit “Coco” is onscreen. But there’s more! Outside the West Seattle YMCA (3622 SW Snoqualmie; WSB sponsor), you’ll also find:
-First time! Seattle Parks’ “Get Moving” program is bringing fun stuff to play with – ping-pong, giant Connect 4, hula-hoops, more
-Face painting and other activities presented by the Y
-Return of the Macho Burgers food truck
-Raffle with cool prizes, this week benefiting spotlight nonprofit ArtsWest
You’re welcome to show up any time after 6:30 pm; bring your own chair/blanket. The movie will start around 8:45 pm.
One reader report in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight, from Eli:
My car got broken into last night in our condo garage on Beach Drive. 2 pairs of (prescription) sunglasses (one white, one black), pink iPod with cable, a case with about 30 CD‘s (burnt) were stolen.
Police report was filed – incident # 2018-306609.
(WSB reader photo, texted during August 10th standoff)
One week ago today, much of Harbor Avenue was closed to traffic while police tried to get a burglary suspect to surrender. He finally was taken into custody after about nine hours. Because he was taken to Harborview for evaluation before he was taken to jail, we weren’t able to track his status for a while – but today we’ve found out from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office that the man arrested that day, 31-year-old Dino George, is in jail and charged with two felonies.
Documents in the case, including the police report, confirm that George was involved with two prior calls to police in the hours before this incident, including one we had mentioned, a short-lived “scenes of violence” response to the nearby Harbor Avenue 7-11. The police report says George told someone there that he had been stabbed, but when emergency responders arrived, he was gone; they eventually found him nearby but he had no injuries. In the other call, the report says, “He had stated that he had a DOC [state] warrant, but would only turn himself in to a DOC officer. He was extremely hostile toward officers. We were not able to locate any outstanding warrants in the system and after speaking with DOC, they were not able to respond. He was able to care for himself. The male declined any assistance from officers, appeared extremely paranoid, and left the area.”
Then came the call that led to the standoff. The report says someone called to say a man was screaming about breaking windows and a vehicle horn was honking nonstop. Police returned, found George again, heard him again say he would turn himself in to the DOC, on an alleged warrant police couldn’t find, and he then walked away. Continuing to look around the area, police found a vehicle with a broken window, so they went looking for George again, and found him having just hopped the fence and broken a window to get into a warehouse building in the 2600 block of Harbor SW. From there, the report continues:
Once inside the building he ultimately barricaded himself in an office on the second floor and began damaging the entire office, throwing item from the windows and continually breaking items inside the office.
We were ultimately able to enter the locked gate to the parking lot by cutting the lock off. We then entered the building through the same broken window where the suspect had entered as officers at the front of the building attempted to have the suspect exit the on his own. He continually refused. DOC officer ultimately responded and located the outstanding warrant, but the suspect still refused to come out, continually stacking items in front of the door and throwing items out of the window. During our entire contact suspect was armed with a tire iron.
After several hours of negotiation with no success, we were finally able to locate a phone number for the business supervisor and an employee who responded to the scene. The suspect was still locked inside the office and all attempts to have him exit in his own failed. … While hanging out of the window, the suspect threw his tire iron at a patrol car, denting the driver side door. … Seattle SWAT ultimately responded to the scene and began trying to speak with the suspect. He continually refused their requests/commands to exit the building. They made entry into the office area and held on the room negotiating with him for several more hours.
The probable-cause document picks it up from there, saying that damage done to both the building and the tenants’ furniture and other items inside the office totaled more than $16,000. The car with the smashed window sustained about $1,000 damage. But the trouble didn’t end once George was taken into custody; the document also says that at Harborview, George spat “a large amount of saliva” into an officer’s face. That resulted in a felony charge of third-degree assault; he also is charged with second-degree burglary. The King County Jail Register says he’s being held without bail, apparently due to the aforementioned warrant, related to a 2015 domestic-violence assault case in Kent in which George was reported to have hit his 78-year-old grandfather in the face with brass knuckles. The jail-register log shows he’s spent a cumulative total of 11 weeks in jail related to four bookings in the past four months on warrants in that case, and was most recently released on August 2nd.
Just got word from Seattle Mariners spokesperson Rebecca Hale that they’re expecting a flyover around anthem time before tonight’s game at Safeco Field, in the 7 pm vicinity. She says two Prowlers are expected. (Since we’re making note of this, we should also mention it’s Fireworks Night postgame.)
(WSB photo, taken during concrete pouring on Thursday)
The Arbor Heights sidewalk project along 35th SW between 100th and 106th is nearing completion, according to SDOT‘s newest update, sent this afternoon:
We’re in our final stretch of construction work! This week, we have accomplished the following:
*Our crews completed pouring concrete on all sidewalks on the west side of 35th Ave SW, between SW 100th St and SW 104th St
*We completed asphalt paving on the roadway against curb on the east side of 35th Ave SW, between SW 100th St and SW 102nd St
*We installed temporary striping (roadway markings) on 35th Ave SW
Next week, our crews will:
*Complete pouring concrete at curb corners and build ADA-compliant curb ramps on west side of 35th Ave SW (Please note this work was pushed back to next week due to limited concrete availability this week)
*Begin demolishing and pouring concrete at curb corners and build ADA-compliant curb ramps on east side of 35th Ave SW
This work will require maintaining existing closure of 35th Ave SW, between SW 100th St and SW 106th St during our work hours, 7 AM – 5 PM
In addition, eastbound traffic at the intersection of 35th Ave SW and SW 100th St will be intermittently closed next Monday, 8/20 between 9 AM – 5 PM. Vehicles traveling eastbound at this intersection between these hours, please do so at 35th Ave SW and SW Roxbury St. Flaggers will be on site to help direct traffic during this work.
Completed sidewalks will be accessible early next week. Pedestrians will be detoured to use sidewalk across the street during our curb ramp construction work.
Our crews will do their best to keep their equipment-staging footprint to a minimum and allow for more on-street parking available for impacted households to temporarily park their cars on the east side of the street and/or on the side streets. Please note that we will reopen 35th Ave SW at the end of each work day.
2:56 PM: Seattle Fire has sent a “rescue extrication” response (formerly “heavy rescue”) to the 2100 block of Harbor Avenue SW (map). More to come.
3:05 PM: People in the area say the responders headed into Jack Block Park. We’re headed that way in hopes of finding out more.
3:14 PM: The call has closed – all units dismissed. We have a message out to SFD in hopes of finding out what it was about.
3:29 PM: No word from SFD but we finally got to Jack Block in time to see a damaged pickup truck about to be towed. We talked briefly with a Port of Seattle Police officer, who said the pickup’s driver hit the fence between T-5 and Jack Block and was taken to the hospital. Photo added.
The nonprofit foundation that supports South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) has decided to opt out of a merger with its counterparts around the Seattle Colleges system. SSC Foundation board chair Catherine Irby Arnold asked us to share this joint message she and SSC’s new president Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap have circulated in the college community – plus news of a grant the foundation has just made. First, the message:
We are writing today to share important updates regarding the relationship between the South Seattle College Foundation (SSCF) and South Seattle College. We have enjoyed a longstanding and strong partnership in fulfilling the Foundation’s mission to change lives by providing students with scholarships so they can pursue quality academic and vocational education.
Over the last eighteen (18) months the SSCF Board of Directors has supported and participated in the endeavor spearheaded by the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees of Seattle Colleges to form one foundation for all of the Seattle Colleges.
After much deliberation and careful consideration, the SSCF Board voted on July 19, 2018, NOT to merge or transfer its assets into a centralized Seattle Colleges Foundation. Many SSCF Board members participated in each and every task force, working group and meeting associated with the formation of a Seattle Colleges Foundation. Ultimately, the Board has determined that continuing to operate the SSCF separately will best serve the SSCF core mission outlined in its by-laws: “The corporation is organized exclusively for the purposes of encouraging, promoting, and supporting educational programs and scholarly pursuits at or in connection with South Seattle College.”
As a result, the South Seattle College Foundation, although no longer officially affiliated with the College, will remain intact as an independent non-profit foundation, keeping the same name and same dedication to its mission. Though the SSCF will be located off campus, from the college perspective South will continue to work closely with the SSCF’s board and staff as committed partners in helping our students reach their fullest potential.
We would like to reassure everyone that donations made to the SSCF will be used for their intended purpose, whether that’s the general scholarship fund for students or support for specific programs or college improvements. Here are a few details to share at this time:
Scholarship distribution to students and programs: The SSCF will continue to award scholarships to South’s students annually. The SSCF will be revising the process, but South can count on their robust support for our students into the future.
Faculty Development Grants: Funds are still designated for faculty development grants, and transitional planning is underway to define how these funds can be accessed moving forward. More information will come in the near future.
Other transitional considerations: We will continue to work together to navigate how this transition will impact previously pledged Employee Giving funds. You can also look forward to more information to come regarding your giving options going forward.
The foundation and college promise to update supporters “on any functional changes that emerge.”
Meantime, the SSC Foundation announced a new grant today:
The South Seattle College Foundation is pleased to announce we have awarded the Culinary Program at South Seattle College a grant of $350,000.
The Foundation will be working with Brian Sheeher, Director of the Culinary Program, as he works to improve the Alki Grill and other spaces.
Got your ticket(s) yet for the first-ever West Seattle Beer and Music Festival? It’s now one week away! The festival spans Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, presented by local organizers at the Alki Masonic Center in The Junction (4736 40th SW). We have more information today about its highlights, including the music lineup, which the WSBMF team describes as “based on soul and funk”:
Also:
The Sips and Bites schedule is a great lineup of WS restaurants paired up with festival breweries for a pop-up food and beer pairing.
*VIP Showcase Sip and Bites Pairing features Raccolto restaurant and Deschutes Brewery Friday night
*Saturday Day VIP Showcase: Admiral Bird sweet and savory waffles and the WS Taprooms (Beer Junction, Ounces Taproom, and Beveridge Place ) and their surprise brewery!
*Saturday night VIP Showcase: Hitchcock Deli in Georgetown and Urban Family Brewing!
Friday night also features
*B’s Po Boy and Hellbent Brewing Company
*Arthurs and Machine House BrewerySaturday day session also includes
*Matador and Modern Times Beer
*Roxbury Lanes and Rainier Brewery
*Full Tilt Ice Cream and Ten Pin BrewingSaturday night session also includes
*The Point and Mac and Jacks
*West Seattle Bowl and pFriem Family
*Pesos Caribbean Food and Seattle-Lite Brewery
The festival also will feature the Barrel Lounge – “an incredible list of breweries and Barrel-Aged Beers and Library Beers” – as well as the Spirits Lounge, “a collaboration of four WS restaurants and four spirits,” each pairing resulting in one specialty cocktail. And did we mention that Sunday is “Dog Day,” including the CityDog Magazine Cover Dog Search? Organizers also want you to know, “If you purchase a ticket to Friday or Saturday sessions, that gives you free re-entry on Sunday, but you must have your bracelet and glass for re-entry!” There’s more to say but we’ll have to save it for another preview this weekend. Or – you can go explore the West Seattle Beer and Music Festival website right now, and buy your ticket(s) online too.
(Steller’s Jay, photographed in Fauntleroy Park by Mark Wangerin)
Highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WADING POOLS, INCLUDING ONE CLOSING AFTER TODAY: The city says wading pools will be open today. But in West Seattle, aside from Lincoln Park (daily through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), it’s the final week for most; and today is the EC Hugheswading pool’s last day (noon-7 pm, 2805 SW Holden). Also open today: Hiawatha (noon-6:30 pm, Walnut/Lander).
NATIONAL THRIFT SHOP DAY POP-UP: As previewed here and here, a former shipping container has been recycled into an example of what you can do with thrift-shop stuff, and it’s open to the public on the north lawn at Don Armeni Boat Ramp until 8 pm. (1222 Harbor SW)
LATINO CULTURAL CELEBRATION AT MYRTLE RESERVOIR PARK: If you’ve missed previous performances at local parks, you have another chance – 6 pm at Myrtle Reservoir Park, a fusion of music, dance, and poetry, explained in our calendar listing. Free. (35th/Myrtle) **UPDATE: After going over at 6 and finding nothing happening, we researched further. Our source was the “Arts in Parks” brochure listing this at 6 pm. But the performers’ website says 7 pm.**
MUSIC AT THE MOUNT: Maia Santell and House Blend are performing tonight on the south side of the Providence Mount St. Vincent campus as their free summer concert series continues. Dinner (tonight’s entree is skirt-steak salad) is available for purchase starting at 5:30; show at 6. Free popcorn and snow cones! (4831 35th SW)
‘BOBCAT BOB’: The always-popular performer is back at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) tonight, 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)
‘LEGALLY BLONDE, THE MUSICAL’: Second weekend begins for this Twelfth Night Productions show, 7:30 pm at the West Seattle High School Theater. (3000 California SW)
THREE BANDS: At Poggie Tavern in The Junction, starting at 8:30 pm, Wonky, Suburban Vermin, Mitchell Siburg play. No cover. 21+. (4717 California SW)
Got something for our calendar? Send the info as far in advance as possible to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSDOT photo: Part of where Alaskan Way will run when the move is done)
WSDOT says today that there’s no date yet for closing the Alaskan Way Viaduct to begin the transition to the Highway 99 tunnel. But preparation work continues – including shifting the surface Alaskan Way out from under the Viaduct. Here’s the latest WSDOT update:
Last week marked the beginning of an important project that must be completed before the Alaskan Way Viaduct can be removed. Crews working for Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. have begun the traffic signal, striping and roadway signage work required to switch traffic on Alaskan Way from beneath the viaduct to just west of the viaduct. Alaskan Way’s travel lanes were detoured beneath the viaduct years ago to accommodate construction of the seawall project and the SR 99 tunnel, which could open as soon as this fall.
Crews will be working through late summer or early fall to restore street traffic to the west side of the viaduct. This switch will provide space under and around the viaduct for the removal work, while keeping Alaskan Way open during that construction. Implementing the traffic switch requires wiring intersections for traffic signals, installing roadway signage, and updating roadway and parking striping.
Crews are currently working on the west side of the viaduct, at the cross-street intersections from Yesler Way to Union Street. They are installing wooden traffic signal poles, trenching and adding underground conduits, and installing cables and traffic signals overhead.
This work will temporarily close some parking spaces and parts of the intersections to ensure the safety of crews and the travelling public. People walking, biking and driving along the waterfront will still be able to move through the area, and business loading zones will be preserved. Kiewit’s crews are minimizing their work areas where possible in order to limit these temporary parking disruptions.
This work will not disrupt the new, free Waterfront Shuttle. The pilot service is providing free hop-on, hop-off rides between Pioneer Square and the Space Needle, with stops along the waterfront. Part of WSDOT’s funding commitment to Seattle’s waterfront and Pioneer Square, the shuttle runs approximately every 25 minutes from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, through October 1.
The switch of traffic from under the viaduct to west of the viaduct will happen before the three-week #realign99 closure of SR 99.
As explained in June, even after the tunnel opens, northbound traffic between the West Seattle Bridge and downtown will have about two additional weeks of detours while the new main pre-tunnel offramp is completed.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:59 AM: Good morning. So far, no incidents reported in/from West Seattle.
STADIUM ZONE: The Mariners are back home, hosting the Dodgers tonight at 7:10 pm.
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