year : 2018 3707 results

A ‘simple and direct way to make an impact on King County’s homelessness crisis’: Host Homes info in West Seattle tomorrow

Maybe you can give an incredible gift this holiday season: The gift of a stable place for a young adult to stay. The video explains the Host Homes program; if you’re interested, the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) invites you to find out more on Thursday evening:

The Host Homes King County program matches young people (ages 18-24) with hosts in the community who can provide the space and opportunity for young people to build independent living skills, gain stability, and focus on goal attainment. … This program provides much-needed stability for young people who are “almost there” — many are already working and close to obtaining housing, and just need an extra boost to make sustainable change in their lives.

Host families are volunteers from the community who willingly offer a room in their home that provides safe, short-term, and supportive housing to young people who are at imminent risk of becoming homeless. This is a simple and direct way to make an impact on King County’s homelessness crisis.

Over 1500 youth and young adults between the ages of 12-25 are homeless or unstably housed within King County. Shelter beds and community resources are limited, leaving the vast majority of young people without access to food or safe housing. Through the Host Homes King County Program you have the opportunity to be champion for some of these homeless young adults.

To learn more on how to help in our community, stop by the West Seattle YMCA on Thursday December 20th from 6-7 pm.

That’s the Y’s main location in The Triangle, 3622 SW Snoqualmie.

EVICTED: West Seattle Junction’s Vine & Spoon restaurant, Alchemy bar

That’s one of the eviction notices dated/timestamped 2 pm today, now up at both Vine & Spoon (4706 California SW) and Alchemy (4717 42nd SW) in The Junction. Court records show Equity Residential, which owns the two-building Junction 47 complex housing both, sought court action to evict the same-ownership venues because of tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid rent.

Vine & Spoon already had been closed for more than a week, first posting a notice that it would reopen at the end of next week, then replacing that with a notice that it would reopen December 26th. We spoke briefly at the end of last week with an ownership representative who said they had a new investor who would assist them in reopening, and they promised to call us back to talk more about their plans. That call never came. Then, this afternoon’s action.

Court records show the eviction dates back to an “unlawful detainer” filing by Equity in late October, saying they had first served an order to pay back rent or vacate in July, at which time the documents say two months of the $15,000/month rent was owed; that had grown to $105,000 by the end of October, the filings said. Two weeks ago, the court reissued a “writ of restitution,” noting that the sheriff – which enforces eviction orders – could break and enter if necessary. The separate case involving Alchemy has a similar timeline of documents and actions, with a filing in late October alleging that three months of its $5300/month rent was due by July, and that $89,000 was owed by the end of October.

Vine & Spoon had opened just six months ago, a year and a half after the same ownership opened Alchemy.

JUNCTION PARKING: Help save the lots, get an ornament!

When you are out in The Junction doing your last-minute holiday shopping – and beyond – you will see something new in 14 shops: In-store donation boxes like the one above, to rev up the fundraising campaign to help Junction merchants pay the dramatically increasing bill for providing you with “free” parking. That bill – taxes, rent, fees – will total almost a quarter-million dollars next year, says Junction Association executive director Lora Radford. So every few bucks helps. And while supplies last, a donation of at least $5 will get you a classic Junction tree ornament from a rare cache that recently turned up!

The donation boxes are at these West Seattle Junction businesses:

CAPERS
8 Limbs Yoga Centers
Emerald Water Anglers
(WSB sponsor)
Fleurt
Hotwire Coffee
Husky Deli
Jan’s Beauty Supply
Next to Nature
Northwest Art & Frame
Pegasus Book Exchange
Stop n’ Shop
Thunder Road Guitars
(WSB sponsor)
Verizon West Seattle
Zamboanga

You can drink beer to support the lots, too.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Two arrested after late-night locker-room theft

Just in via SPD Blotter – two arrests resulting from a late-night police call at what the address indicates would have been the Westwood Village 24-Hour Fitness:

Officers were called to a gym in the 2600 block of Southwest Barton Street just after midnight Tuesday morning for a report of a theft.

Police arrived and contacted the 51-year-old victim, who said he was relaxing in the sauna when he heard the beeping of an alarm. He went to investigate and saw four people taking belongings from his locker. The victim tried to stop them but the suspects fled out various exits. The victim chased two of the suspects as they attempted to get into a car that was parked in a spot reserved for disabled parking. The two suspects were unsuccessful and continued to flee but were taken into custody by responding officers.

Police recovered the victim’s car keys and wallet, the only things missing from the theft. Officers checked the car the suspects were attempting to enter and discovered it was stolen from an address in Renton.

Officers booked the 18-year-old suspect into King County Jail for theft and released the 16-year-old suspect to his parents after the Youth Services Center refused to book the juvenile for the theft charge. Detectives will continue their work in hopes of identifying the other two suspects.

UPDATE: Crash blocking SB Myers Way

December 19, 2018 11:47 am
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 |   West Seattle news

11:47 AM: SB Myers Way is blocked at Olson while the aftermath of that crash is cleared. SFD cleared the scene fairly quickly so apparently no major injuries, but we’re checking.

ADDED: No one transported.

UPDATE: Why the Delridge Arco/AM-PM is fenced off and boarded up

10:18 AM: Thanks for all the tips/questions! Here’s what we have found out about the Delridge Arco/AM-PM, suddenly fenced off and boarded up, apparently at some time yesterday. Nobody around when we first took a look last night; the city online files show a permit issued yesterday for electrical work to “install a fuel-tank monitor.: There was also a permit issued less than a week ago for electrical work involving “kitchen equipment.”

But that’s just part of the story. The gas station and mini-mart are changing ownership, according to someone who answered the phone associated with the current business license (not the phone number listed for the business – that turned out to be disconnected). She said BP is taking over. So we’re now trying to track down the new ownership to find out about a timeline for reopening. Crews are on site now, as our photos show. A few of the people who e-mailed also expressed concern about inability to access packages at an Amazon Locker on the site. We’re checking on that too.

2:12 PM: Just heard back from Michael Abendhoff, BP’s director of media affairs: “Yes, BP now owns the location and will be updating it over the next couple of weeks. It will have a fresh ampm look, along with new customer offers. We hope to have it opened up by the 1st of the year.”

‘Get Fit, West Seattle’ info night and more for your Wednesday

December 19, 2018 10:07 am
|    Comments Off on ‘Get Fit, West Seattle’ info night and more for your Wednesday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Jim Edwards)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

BABY STORY TIME: Geared for the littlest librarygoers, up to 12 months old! 11:30 am at High Point Library. (3411 SW Raymond)

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON MOVIE: 1 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle, “The Song of Bernadette” (1943), part 1 – part 2 is next week. $1 members, $2 nonmembers. (4217 SW Oregon)

SANTA AT THE STORE: Mr. Claus appears at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), 4-7 pm. (4201 SW Morgan)

HOLIDAY MUSIC, TOO: Alex Baird at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), 4-7 pm. (4201 SW Morgan)

‘GET FIT, WEST SEATTLE’ INFO NIGHT: 6:30 pm at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), find out about this free couch-to-half-marathon program that starts early in the New Year. (2743 California SW)

OPEN MICROPHONE: Sign up at 7:30 pm, music starts at 8:30 pm, at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

WEATHER ALERT UPDATE: High Wind Warning for Thursday

FIRST REPORT, 7:24 AM: The National Weather Service has issued a weather alert for 7 am-7 pm Thursday, a High Wind Watch, warning of winds possibly as strong as those that hit last Friday night and cut power to thousands:

* WIND…South to southeast wind 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Strongest winds will be near the shoreline.

* TIMING…Winds will increase rapidly early Thursday and continue through the evening.

* IMPACTS…Snapped tree branches and downed trees along with local power outages.

Read the full alert here.

10:59 AM: Now upgraded to a High Wind Warning.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch

December 19, 2018 7:11 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)

7:11 AM: Good morning. No traffic incidents or transit alerts reported in our area so far.

Checking in with Senator-elect Joe Nguyen

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“Incredible!”

That’s how Joe Nguyen reacted on Election Night to news the first vote count had him way ahead in the race for 34th District State Senator.

“Insane!”

That’s how things have been since then, he told us during a recent conversation … and he’s not even officially in office yet.

We requested an interview to check in once the vote was certified, and sat down to chat on a recent Saturday morning at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) – where, one month earlier, we photographed him rallying supporters – including U.S. Rep Pramila Jayapal – for one last campaign push.

Read More

READER REPORT: Eagle Scout and friends restore Camp Long’s Wildlife Garden

That’s the “before” photo … and here’s the “after”:

Don’t recognize the site? It’s the Wildlife Garden at Camp Long. This reader report explains what happened:

The Wildlife Garden at Camp Long was restored to its former glory as part of an Eagle Scout project completed last weekend. Despite the dismal weather conditions, over 30 volunteers pitched in to clear weeds and brush, reconstruct pathways, lay bark and gravel, build two planter boxes and plant new foliage.

Jackson Carney of West Seattle Boy Scout Troop 282, who organized and led the project, would like to thank West Seattle Nursery, Talarico’s, West Seattle Thriftway, John Demyanovich Construction, and West Seattle Fence Company, who supported this endeavor.

West Seattle Elementary rallies for reading with Seahawks player’s visit

You are likely more used to seeing Tyler Lockett in a Seahawks uniform – but today the wide receiver was decked out in a T-shirt promoting the Book It! reading initiative as he visited West Seattle Elementary, where those welcoming him enthusiastically included principal Pamela McCowan-Conyers:

Lockett read to the students, of course:

The book “Secret Pizza Party” by Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri synergized with the fact that Book It! is sponsored by Pizza Hut, which takes the program to thousands of elementary schools around the country every year.

Special Olympics Polar Plunge returning to Alki in February

December 18, 2018 6:10 pm
|    Comments Off on Special Olympics Polar Plunge returning to Alki in February
 |   How to help | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(Photo from the first of two Special Olympics Polar Plunges held at Alki in 2010 & 2011)

For the first time in eight years, Special Olympics of Washington is bringing its Polar Plunge fundraiser back to Alki Beach – and it’s hoping to make a really huge splash. The event set for 1 p.m. Saturday, February 9th, is aimed at setting a world record:

For the Seattle Polar Plunge on Saturday, February 9, polar plungers everywhere are invited to help break the Guinness World Record for the most simultaneous polar plungers. More than 1,800 participants with warm hearts and nerves of steel are needed to crush the current Guinness World Record set in 2015 in Poland.

This will be the biggest one of six Special Olympics-benefiting Polar Plunges around the state in early 2019. It’ll feature police volunteers, as it’s supported by the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, but all are welcome to participate – you can register here.

(P.S. This is not related to the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim at Alki – still awaiting official word on that!)

HALA MHA UPZONING: When will the City Council vote? Here’s the schedule they’re circulating

December 18, 2018 4:06 pm
|    Comments Off on HALA MHA UPZONING: When will the City Council vote? Here’s the schedule they’re circulating
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Two weeks ago, the City Council talked about a “best-case scenario” for moving toward a vote on HALA Mandatory Housing Affordability upzoning, since the city Hearing Examiner upheld most of the plan’s Final Environmental Impact Statement. Today, neighborhood advocates sent us the schedule that councilmembers are circulating – including a deadline of tomorrow for potential amendments, and a final vote on March 18th if all proceeds without a hitch:

The timetable is not yet (as of this writing) on the official city page for the City Council’s Select Committee on MHA. The amendments will be closely watched, as our area’s Councilmember Lisa Herbold noted at the meeting earlier this month that they could be a way to address some of the concerns that led to the appeal.

Mayor announces her choice for SDOT director: Sam Zimbabwe from D.C.

One full year after announcing Scott Kubly‘s departure, Mayor Jenny Durkan has just announced her choice to succeed him: Sam Zimbabwe, from Washington, D.C. Here’s the official announcement:

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan and community leaders announced today that she is nominating transit and transportation project delivery expert Sam Zimbabwe to be the next Director of the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), pending Council confirmation. Zimbabwe currently serves as the Chief Project Delivery Officer for Washington, D.C.’s District Department of Transportation (DDOT), a role that unites planning, traffic engineering, transit, and capital projects.

“Sam is the right person to help build a transportation system of the future, keep people and goods moving in Seattle, and deliver on essential projects for taxpayers. For decades, our region has been playing catch-up on its transportation needs. As more public and private mega projects lead to serious traffic disruptions downtown, the next few years will be critical for creating more safe, efficient, and well-connected transportation choices that make it easier and safer for residents to get around on foot, by bike, and via mass transit for decades to come. With a number of significant projects in the pipeline, I am confident Sam is ready to deliver on investments that will help us create a city of the future,” said Mayor Durkan.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to help keep Seattle moving, build a transit and transportation system for the next generation, and deliver on projects for the people of Seattle,” said Sam Zimbabwe. “Seattle is entering a new era of transit and transportation that will require effective delivery of capital projects along with a focus on giving more people access to safe options for walking, biking, and using transit.”

Zimbabwe’s nomination comes after an extensive public input and national search process that included candidates from across the United States. Following the departure of the previous director, Mayor Durkan oversaw an extensive review and reshaping of SDOT so the department could better deliver on projects. In May, Mayor Durkan announced a search committee that included nearly a dozen business, transportation, labor, and community leaders. The search for a new director of SDOT also included an extensive community outreach process. After conducting interviews with applicants, the Search Committee submitted their recommendations for finalists to Mayor Durkan, who interviewed the finalists earlier this month.

“We are excited about the Mayor’s selection and confident that Sam is the right person to help deliver forward-thinking, accountable leadership for SDOT and to deliver on the crucial Move Seattle projects. Seattle’s transportation decisions have an impact throughout our region, and this is a critical role at a critical time. In less than one month, Seattle will enter years of transportation challenges as the Alaskan Way Viaduct closes and several other transportation and construction projects converge. At the same time, our region is in the midst of expanding light rail, increasing bus service, and building safer bike infrastructure,” said Search Committee Co-Chairs Betty Spieth-Croll, Co-Chair of the Levy to Move Seattle Oversight Committee, and Marilyn Strickland, President and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. “Through all of this, we will need to provide residents, businesses, and visitors additional options for moving in and through Seattle. We look forward to working with Sam for years to come.”

Before assuming the role of Chief Project Delivery Officer, Zimbabwe served as the Associate Director of DDOT’s Planning and Sustainability Division. Prior to joining DDOT, Zimbabwe was the Director of the Center for Transit-Oriented Development at Reconnecting America. In that role, he led planning and technical assistance projects focused on transit and transit-oriented development with local and national philanthropic foundations and public agencies around the country. He also has experience as an urban designer. He holds a master’s degree in city planning and urban design from the University of California, Berkeley, and a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional studies from Cornell University.

The photo above is from the DDOT website.

FOLLOWUP: Kierra Ward found competent to stand trial in Admiral attack

(October 2017 photo by WSB’s Christopher Boffoli)

A King County Superior Court judge has ruled that 27-year-old Kierra M. Ward is now competent to stand trial in the October 2017 stabbing attack on an Admiral woman out for a walk with her baby. The ruling on Monday followed Ward being sent to Western State Hospital for competency restoration, after she was found incompetent in July. The next step in the case, according to documents from Monday’s hearing, is a sanity evaluation, because her lawyer has indicated that Ward will pursue the insanity defense. The evaluation is to be done before her next hearing, which is set for January 10th. Ward is charged with one count of first-degree assault and one count of second-degree assault and remains jailed in lieu of $400,000 bail.

DEVELOPMENT: After 2 years, 5952 California SW apartments back for Design Review round 2

(Rendering by Hybrid Architecture)

More than two years after a mostly microhousing proposal for 5952 California SW went through the Early Design Guidance stage of Administrative Design Review, it’s back for the second round. The project is now described as 29 microapartments (Small Efficiency Dwelling Units) and six other apartments (described in the new design packet as 1 bedrooms and lofts) with five offstreet-parking spaces (in a zone where none are required). Here’s the design packet (126 MB PDF). The formal notice isn’t out yet so there’s no deadline yet for comments, but you can send yours to the assigned planner, david.landry@seattle.gov.

P.S. We noted last year that the site was for sale. County records do not yet show it having changed hands. When we first reported in spring 2016 on plans to redevelop the site, replacing a 1925 house, it had a 48-unit proposal.

7 for your West Seattle Tuesday

December 18, 2018 11:44 am
|    Comments Off on 7 for your West Seattle Tuesday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Pamela Rogers)

Here are the highlights for the rest of your Tuesday, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and Event Calendar:

NAVOS DRIVE: Friday is the last day for this West Seattle-based holiday drive:

Make the holidays brighter for some of the most vulnerable children, youth, and adults in our community with a gift of gift cards (grocery stores or Target preferred), or children’s books (in English and Spanish) for all ages. Financial donations (tax-deductible) also make a big difference! Navos and our partner organizations, Seattle Children’s Home and Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center, invite you to make wishes come true this holiday season! Donations may be dropped off at Navos’ West Seattle campus at 2600 SW Holden Street through Friday, December 21st at 4:00 pm, or picked up by arrangement at development@navos.org. Together we can help hundreds of vulnerable children, youth, adults, and families living in poverty to have a happy holiday!

(2600 SW Holden)

SANTA PHOTOS: Running late with yours? Santa is at Westwood Village daily through Christmas Eve – schedule here. (2600 SW Barton)

HOLIDAY MUSIC: Alex Baird at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), 4-7 pm. (4201 SW Morgan)

ALKI LIGHT SHOW: You’re invited to watch tonight’s edition of the 2018 Uehara-Bingen Xmas Lights Show on Alki! Be there at 6:15 pm for the 30-minute show that starts at 6:30 pm. More info in our Holiday Guide. (1736 Alki SW)

FREE GROUP RUN: Track workout run with West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), 6:30 pm. Meet at the shop. (2743 California SW)

EVENING BOOK GROUP: 6:30 pm at High Point Library. This month’s title is “The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson. (3411 SW Raymond)

WSHS WINTER CONCERT: You’re invited to enjoy a free concert at West Seattle High School, 7 pm, with the Jazz Ensemble. (3000 California SW)

Got something for our calendar or Holiday Guide (which runs through New Year’s)? Send it! Thank you.

Last call for your thoughts on Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry schedule proposal

(WSB photo from August)

Six days after a standing-room-only turnout in Fauntleroy, it’s your last day to comment on the newest proposal for a major change in the Washington State Ferries schedule for the so-called Triangle Route. Here again is the proposal:

Comments can be e-mailed by tonight – WSFPlanning@wsdot.wa.gov. Ferries management has the final say, and plans to put a new schedule in place in March.

P.S. Though it’s not about the schedule, the much-anticipated UW study about improving loading at Fauntleroy is now out – you can read about it here.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday watch

(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)

7:15 AM: Good morning. So far no traffic incidents or transit alerts reported in our area.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Black Pathfinder stolen in 1 minute

Only one thing is crystal-clear on that security video: Only one minute elapsed between another vehicle pulling up alongside Christine‘s husband’s black 1995 Pathfinder, and a thief driving the Pathfinder away. It happened in Sunrise Heights early Saturday, and we just got the report and video from Christine late Monday night. We’re awaiting the plate # so we can add it, but there’s a distinguishing feature: “KU stickers on the back window.” If you see it, call 911.

FOLLOWUP: Juneau Street Market fighting to recover, too

If you get the chance to stop by Juneau Street Market sometime soon, Sami Ibrahim would appreciate your business.

As reported here, the little corner store, owned by Sami since 2011, was rocked twice by crime in the span of one week.

First, a burglary on December 6th – within the span of just 40 seconds, a burglar cleaned out the store’s cigarette stock, pulled the register out by the wires, and got away.

Five days after that, a violent attack that made regional news – with the 71-year-old clerk badly injured by a would-be robber, saved by bystanders. Though this time there was an arrest, the store was again left in disarray, some stock destroyed.

Sami says his clerk is out of the hospital and recovering at home. As reported here last week, her family is crowdfunding, and generous community members have already surpassed the first goal. She has a long road to travel to heal.

As for the shop, Sami says he’s not looking for donations. He invited us to come down and visit the store so you would be reminded that the shop is still open. Business has been down since the crimes, but business is what the store needs to recover (insurance won’t cover the entirety of the damage and loss). The store, he says, is the same neighborhood place it’s always been and he welcomes everyone to come see for themselves. He’s also grateful for neighbors’ support over the years – they’re “cool people,” he says.

And while you’re there, you’ll see a photo of his brave clerk on the counter, with a reminder of the GoFundMe campaign that’s helping her.

(Juneau Street Market is at 5901 California SW.)

If you’ve wondered about the West Seattle Bridge lights …

One more story about lights on one of the longest nights of the year: Several people have e-mailed to point out another chronic streetlight outage on the high bridge. Those lights ar the responsibility of Seattle City Light, and they’re certainly on the utility’s radar, spokesperson Scott Thomsen tells WSB. City Light is working with SDOT, he says, to come up with a traffic-control plan for repairs, which he says SDOT usually wants to see done at night or on the weekend to reduce traffic impact: “We are asking for a lane closure with a blinking, moving SDOT truck following our yellow City Light truck as the repairs are made. They whole job should take about 5 hours once we get the crew in place.” As for a timeline, he says that depends on how much longer it takes SDOT to review/approve the plan.