West Seattle, Washington

19 Friday

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month : 03/2019 307 results

WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: With 2 days left for ‘scoping’ comments, Elected Leadership Group wonders if anyone will have enough time to review them
March 31, 2019 8:14 pm
|      31 COMMENTS
 |   Sound Transit | Transportation | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Two days remain until Sound Transit closes the “scoping” period – the last round of official public comment before a decision on which light rail routing/station locations to send into environmental study.

The West Seattle-to-Ballard project’s Elected Leadership Group met Friday for a bonus briefing/discussion on the Delridge and Chinatown/International District station options. This is the group that will meet in four weeks to decide on what to recommend to the Sound Transit Board, which has the final say on everything from what to study to what to build.

And members expressed concern on Friday that it’s a rush to the finish line – with Stakeholder Advisory Group members (all community volunteers) scheduled to make their recommendation to the ELG two days after getting an outline of “themes” from the scoping comments, and the ELG itself getting a full report on those comments two days before its own decision is due. Here’s the timeline:

More on the time concerns ahead. First:

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UPDATE: Highland Park Way car fire
March 31, 2019 7:24 pm
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: Highland Park Way car fire
 |   West Seattle news

7:24 PM: Thanks to the texter who sent that photo and word of a car fire on Highland Park Way and Portland just as SFD was arriving.

7:35 PM: Just went by. Emergency responders have all left; the vehicle that had the fire is on the side of the southbound lane. Lots of roadside foam.

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UPDATE: ‘Rope rescue’ emergency response after woman falls down Emma Schmitz Overlook seawall
March 31, 2019 6:00 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

6 PM: Seattle Fire has dispatched a sizable “rope rescue” response for an incident toward the south end of Emma Schmitz Overlook. The situation has been described via radio communication as a woman having fallen from the seawall. Updates to come.

6:17 PM: Firefighters have rescued the woman, who is being taken to Harborview, and are wrapping up.

9:31 PM: The injured woman is 67 and was described as in stable condition when taken to the hospital.

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Weekend scene: Baby goats’ brewery visit
March 31, 2019 5:53 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   South Park | West Seattle news

The photo is from Lisa at Tin Dog Brewing on the west side of South Park, just across Highway 509 from southeast West Seattle. It’s one of many West Seattle, South Park, and White Center venues that send listings for the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, and the photo is from an event we featured yesterday. Lisa wanted to share this followup: “Thank you to all those West Seattleites who came to see the baby goats at Tin Dog Brewing! We had so much fun. If you want to contact the goat farm, it is Left Foot Farm, 31510 44th Ave East, Eatonville.” (You might also know LFF from the West Seattle Farmers’ Market.)

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HOURS TO GO! Last day for 2019 West Seattle 5K early-bird discount
March 31, 2019 4:10 pm
|    Comments Off on HOURS TO GO! Last day for 2019 West Seattle 5K early-bird discount
 |   West Seattle news

(WSB photo from 2018 West Seattle 5K)

Though the West Seattle 5K run/walk is still seven weeks away, you have just hours to register at the discount early-bird price! Again this year, WSB is a community co-sponsor of the annual run-walk benefiting West Seattle High School students via the PTSA. So we’re reminding you that if you’re thinking about being part of it this year – running and/or walking along Alki on Sunday, May 19th, starting just after 9 am – you might as well get in on the deal and sign up now. We’ll see you there!

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Seen off West Seattle: US Navy Littoral Combat Ship USS Manchester
March 31, 2019 2:35 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

2:35 PM: Thanks for the messages and photos (the one above is from Carolyn Newman). That’s the U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ship USS Manchester, as identified the number 14 on its hull. It was commissioned less than a year ago.

3:31 PM: As for the question “why is it here?” SeaWaves Magazine tweets that the Manchester is at Vigor on Harbor Island for its “Post-Shakedown Availability,” explained here as “an industrial activity availability assigned to correct deficiencies found during the shakedown cruise or to accomplish other authorized improvements.”

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BIZNOTE: Outer Space Seattle finds its launch pad on Alki
March 31, 2019 12:43 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

More than a year ago, we reported on the plan for Outer Space Seattle – a space-themed indoor playspace for which proprietor Caitlin Huertas has been seeking a location. She’s finally found it – the ex-Marée Bistro space at 2820 Alki SW, where the LEASED! sign went up almost two weeks ago. (It’s been exactly a year since Marée closed.) She’s just taking the ex-restaurant space for now, “but we hope to expand into the market space [next door] in the future,” she tells WSB. “Opening date to be determined.” Watch for updates at outerspaceseattle.com. (Thanks for the tip – we took the photo 12 days ago after the initial tip about the LEASED! sign but hadn’t turned up the tenant’s identity until now!)

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BIZNOTE: Harry’s Chicken Joint says farewell
March 31, 2019 10:44 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(WSB photo, this morning)

Back in January, Harry’s Chicken Joint (6032 California SW) posted a somewhat cryptic message on social media: “Thanks to everyone as we enter our 7th and final season. No regrets, no reruns, no spin-offs.” Last night was the season finale, according to this post on Harry’s Instagram page pointed out to us this morning by a texter (thank you!):

(If you drive that stretch of California at night, you know the neon sign was usually on, even after-hours, so the turning-off clip carries extra weight.) The little hole-in-the-wall eatery named after its proprietor’s dad had proceeded slowly toward the exit, cutting back to two nights a week earlier this month, six years after its debut. Pre-Harry’s, the space was long home to Jade West, not-so-long home to Meander’s. As for what’s next – nothing in the permit files yet …

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6 for your West Seattle Sunday
March 31, 2019 9:31 am
|    Comments Off on 6 for your West Seattle Sunday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Surf Scoter, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Our later-than-usual look at highlights for your Sunday, all from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm in the street in the heart of The Junction. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)

GENDER WORKSHOP: 1 pm at Admiral Church – details here. (4320 SW Hill)

COMMUNITEA: Tickets are sold out, so this is just a reminder if you’re going! WestSide Baby‘s annual tea benefit at the Sheraton downtown is today – 1 pm social hour, 2 pm program. (1400 6th Ave.)

THE REPLACEMENT PARTS: Live music 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor). No cover. All ages. (5612 California SW)

BLUEGRASS JAM: 7 pm at Parliament Tavern. Come sing and play! Or – watch and listen. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

NEW TIME! The Triangular Jazztet is now playing 8-10 pm Sundays at The Alley in The Junction. 21+. (4509 California SW)

PREVIEW THE WEEK AHEAD … by browsing our complete calendar.

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UPDATE: Flipped-car crash at Fauntleroy/Oregon
March 31, 2019 12:48 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

12:48 AM: Thanks to the texter who sent that photo from a crash that SPD and SFD are handling right now at Fauntleroy/Oregon. Two vehicles involved; no major injuries reported.

(Added: WSB photo)

1:14 AM: The flipped vehicle is in the middle of Fauntleroy and traffic is being allowed around it both ways. An officer at the scene said he couldn’t comment on whether anyone had been transported or whether a second vehicle was involved (none was obvious).

2:42 AM: Police just radioed, “Fauntleroy is clear and open to traffic.”

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FOLLOWUP: Roxbury repaving? Not any time soon
March 30, 2019 8:20 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

You might recall that back in 2017, SDOT said Roxbury repaving between 15th SW and 35th SW “might” move up to this year, two years sooner than the original 2021 plan. Not only did that not happen, now there’s another indication the project is on indefinite hold. This document attached to a City Council committee agenda item next Tuesday (Bicycle Master Plan implementation) lists statuses on a variety of projects, including Roxbury repaving. Page 37 says Roxbury is delayed until “after the levy” – an apparent reference to the Levy to Move Seattle, which runs through 2024. The levy’s revised work plan, published just last fall, had listed Roxbury as a 2019-2024 project (see page 6). West Seattle does have two other major repaving projects in the not-too-distant future – Avalon/35th/Alaska, starting next month, and north Delridge Way, starting next year.

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VIDEO: Danny Newcomb and the Sugarmakers at Easy Street Records
March 30, 2019 5:46 pm
|    Comments Off on VIDEO: Danny Newcomb and the Sugarmakers at Easy Street Records
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts


Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Danny Newcomb and the Sugarmakers played a free all-ages in-store performance at Easy Street Records in the Alaska Junction on Friday night, showcasing songs from their new album Steal The World.

Newcomb is a longtime Seattle-area musician, known for his bands Goodness, the Rockfords, and Shadow, and is a childhood friend and frequent collaborator of Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready (read more from the Seattle Times).

The band spent time with fans after the in-store performance. Earlier this month, they celebrated their record release party at the Sunset Tavern in Ballard.

Here are two videos of the performance:

Next up on Easy Street’s in-store performance calendar: Steve Earle on Monday (April 1), and Sun Breaks next Saturday (April 6).

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CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle High School culinary team makes meal that makes history. Next ingredient = Your help!
March 30, 2019 3:45 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

The report and photo are from Raya Klein at West Seattle High School:

Earlier this month, Marlene Castillo-Rojas and Isabel Ortiz from West Seattle High School competed as a team in the FCCLA State Culinary Competition in Wenatchee! They competed against 11 other teams from around Washington and did an incredible job.

The competition included them having to make two identical three-course meals in a 60-minute time period. While they were competing, there were chefs walking around and evaluating them. Both of them were so poised under pressure and created a beautiful meal.

A day after their competition, we found out that they got first place. This has never happened at West Seattle High School and only once before in Seattle Public Schools.

A 1st-place medal at the state competition gives these students the opportunity to represent the state of Washington at the FCCLA National Culinary Competition at the end of June. We will be competing against all of the other 1st place FCCLA State Culinary teams at Nationals in Anaheim, CA. Your support will be able to provide these incredible students the opportunity of a lifetime. Donations will be going toward their airfare, registration/fees, hotel costs, and shipping our equipment to California. If you are at all able to donate, please click on the link: snap-raise.com/fundraisers/west-seattle-culinary-club-national-championship-drive-2019

Thank you!

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West Seattle weekend scene: Alki Beach restroom-replacement ‘open house’
March 30, 2019 1:49 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

If you were among the many people walking, running, riding, driving on Alki late this morning – you might have seen the signs for the Alki Beach restroom-replacement open house. Maybe you even stopped to find out more.

If you didn’t – Seattle Parks promises the graphics shown today will be online Monday. As we reported earlier this month, the project replacing the little brick “comfort station” at 57th/Alki is planned for next year. Restroom renovations geared toward accessibility are also planned elsewhere in the city, including Lincoln Park.

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UPDATE: 16th SW reopens after gas-leak response
March 30, 2019 11:30 am
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: 16th SW reopens after gas-leak response
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

11:30 AM: Seattle Fire is responding to a reported gas leak in the 7500 block of 16th SW [map], and they’re requesting police help to block traffic on 16th one block on each side until the situation’s resolved. Avoid the area.

12:17 PM: Just went through to check. SFD is gone: Puget Sound Energy is on scene; street is open but note there’s some major SDOT work on the northbound side, just north of SFD Station 11.

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13 possibilities for your West Seattle Saturday
March 30, 2019 6:07 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Great Blue Heron, photographed by David Hutchinson)

Welcome to the weekend! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WATER TAXI NOW RUNNING ON WEEKENDS: The West Seattle Water Taxi is now on its 7-day-a-week schedule.

MENTAL-HEALTH FIRST AID: 8 am-4:30 pm at Denny International Middle School, “parents from throughout the community (are invited) to participate in this training to help everyone become more familiar with the signs and symptoms of mental-health needs in students between the ages of 12 and 18.” (2601 SW Kenyon)

GROUP RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: 8 am, meet at the shop. Free! (2743 California SW)

TIBBETTS UMC BOOK SALE: 10 am-2 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor). “Hardbacks $1 and paperbacks only 50 cents. Books for all ages and interests. Stop by our café and have a treat and a cup of coffee for a donation of any amount.” (3940 41st SW)

ALKI RESTROOM REPLACEMENT: Any time between 10 am-noon, stop by the little brick comfort station on the Alki Beach path to find out about and/or comment on replacement plans. (57th SW/Alki SW)

WESTCREST PARK WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU: 10 am-2 pm restoration party – full details in our calendar listing. (9000 8th SW)

MARCO DE CARVALHO AND FRIENDS: 10:30 am-noon, morning music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor). No cover. All ages. (5612 California SW)

APOLOGY CEREMONY: 1-5 pm at Duwamish Longhouse, join healers and advocates in an apology, for the Duwamish and for all Native people. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

BABY GOATS: 4-6 pm at Tin Dog Brewing in South Park, baby goats are visiting! (309 S. Cloverdale)

(Recent sunset photographed by Lynn Hall)

THE JUMP MONKEYS: 7-9 pm, live blues at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), No cover. All ages. (5612 California SW)

‘INTO THE WOODS’: 7:30 pm at the West Seattle High School Theater, curtain time for the new Westside Drama Club production. (3000 California SW)

RANGER AND THE RE-ARRANGERS: 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall – find show and ticket info in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)

CHRISTY McWILSON: 9 pm at Parliament Tavern, “alt-country superstar Christy McWilson returns … with her signature sound, and more NW country with friends Pineola.” $10 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

SEE EVERYTHING IN OUR CALENDAR … by going here.

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UPDATE: ‘Full response’ fire callout on Delridge south of Thistle
March 30, 2019 1:01 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

1:01 AM: A Seattle Fire “full response” is headed to a Delridge residential building just south of Thistle. First units on scene report “light smoke.” Updates to come.

1:05 AM: This is happening at a two-story apartment building. SFD reports “water on the fire.”

1:15 AM: Not a major fire; it’s under control, and so far no report of injuries. Firefighters are evaluating the building to make sure the fire didn’t spread into the building’s attic.

1:19 AM: And the fire is pronounced “tapped” (out).

1:39 PM: SFD confirms no injuries. They’re calling the Red Cross to help four people displaced by the fire, including two children. The fire’s cause is under investigation.

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CONGRATULATIONS! 2019 Westside Awards announced by West Seattle Chamber of Commerce
March 29, 2019 9:00 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Announced tonight by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce: The winners of the 2019 Westside Awards! The Chamber says the community nominated more than 50 businesses and individuals for the four annual awards this year, and a panel of judges chose these winners:

(WSCC photo: Chamber board member Kandie Jennings-Malloy with Manager Kory)

Westside Business of the Year (minimum of 3 years in business in West Seattle)
Alki Lumber

(WSCC photo: Anthony Rice, Nicholas Rich, past Chamber chair [& Verity employee] Pete Spalding, Jamie Gonzalez)

Westside Emerging Business (less than 3 years in business in West Seattle)
Verity Credit Union

(WSCC photo: Sandy Adams, Patrick Pape, Laura Lee, and Chamber board member Dawn Leverett)

Westside Not-For-Profit of the Year
ArtsWest

(WSB photo, July 2018)

Westsider of the Year
Adah Cruzen

In the award announcement, Chamber CEO Julia Jordan is quoted as saying, “The Westside Awards recognize companies and individuals that reflect our West Seattle geographical, professional, and individual differences. But together we are the collective engine fueling our local economy, keeping our city strong and helping to create a culture that is uniquely West Seattle.” Your chance to applaud the honorees is at the Westside Awards breakfast, Tuesday, April 30th, 7:30 am at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor); tickets and sponsorships are still available via the Chamber website.

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AT THE LONGHOUSE: Apology gathering tomorrow; Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition party next Friday
March 29, 2019 7:31 pm
|    Comments Off on AT THE LONGHOUSE: Apology gathering tomorrow; Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition party next Friday
 |   Duwamish Tribe | West Seattle news

(Duwamish Longhouse, WSB file photo)

If you haven’t yet seen them in our calendar, two upcoming events of note at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse in West Seattle (4705 W. Marginal Way SW):

APOLOGY TOMORROW: This first-of-its-kind event is set for 1-5 pm Saturday (March 30th), co-presented by the Grandmothers Global Healing Movement, starting with a 1 pm ceremony and continuing through a 3 pm meal: “The Apology will be focused on the Duwamish people, and all Native American tribes. Featured speakers include H.E. Dagmola Kusho Sakya of the Tibetan Buddhist lineage; Rev. Kelly Brown, lead pastor of Plymouth Church Seattle; Pastor Pat Wright of Total Experience Gospel Choir fame; and others. Everyone is encouraged to bring food and gifting to the Indigenous, whether dollars, services, or goods.

Read more in our calendar listing.

DRCC NEXT FRIDAY: One week from tonight, the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition invites you to the Longhouse for the fourth annual Beer and Chocolate Fest. It’s not only a fundraiser for the nonprofit, it’s also a chance to thank longtime coordinator James Rasmussen and welcome new executive director Paulina Lopez – well known for her years of community work in the area, but new in this role. Tickets are available here for the 5:30 pm April 5th event.

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Remembering Susan G. Werkema, 1959-2019
March 29, 2019 6:06 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

The family of Susan Gwen Werkema is sharing this remembrance with the community:

Susan Gwen Werkema
1959-2019

Susan passed away suddenly, having recently celebrated her 60th birthday. She was a remarkable and beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Her family and so many others benefitted from her love and support, her selfless kindness, and her warmth. She nurtured lifelong friends who will dearly miss her regular presence, smiles, laughter, and concern for their wellbeing.

Susan had a deep commitment to serving and helping others, and found great meaning and fulfillment in her chosen profession. She was a gifted and insightful massage therapist who helped countless patients live better and healthier lives. She was a creative individual and she practiced her love of art in many different forms and mediums. She loved her home among the fir trees in West Seattle and found strength, peace, and solitude among their grandeur in a very urban environment.

Susan suffered recently from significantly declining health, most likely brought on by her ongoing battles with diabetes. She was determined to lead with her best foot forward and put a positive spin on her tough circumstances.

Susan was a deeply spiritual person and had a profound grasp on the eternal. We know she is in a place now where she is very comfortable and at peace.

Susan is survived by an extended family that dearly loves, admires, and misses her: parents Gordon and Jacklyn Werkema of Michigan; siblings Gordon R. G. Werkema and his wife Barbara Purcell of Oregon, Nancy Haas and her husband Michael Haas of Michigan, Mark Werkema and his wife Anne Rivers of Georgia, Joel Werkema and his wife Rachel Deyette Werkema of Massachusetts; dearly loved nieces and nephews Amy Groenewold and her husband Jeff; Andrew, Taylor, and Sean Werkema; Julia Justine Damman and her husband Michael; Ashley, Chloe, Clara, and Olivia Werkema; Keri Haas Culhane and her husband Tom, Kevin Haas and his wife Jamie; and many cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, patients, and business associates. Susan was predeceased by her grandparents George and Gertrude Brumels, and Sidney and Lillian Werkema, and by loving aunts and uncles.

Susan was a 1981 graduate of Seattle Pacific University, and of training and certification programs in massage therapy both in the U.S. and China.

Plans are being formed to have a Seattle reception to honor Susan, most likely in the fall timeframe. Please let Barb Purcell know (at bapw59@gmail.com) of your interest in attending. Arrangements are private. Susan’s family members are planning to gather in a celebration of her life in the coming months, in Michigan.

Care entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle. Please share your condolences and fond memories of Susan with her Family & Friends by visiting her Online Memorial & Tribute Wall.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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READER REPORT: Yellow Specialized bicycle, apparently abandoned
March 29, 2019 3:42 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Recognize this bicycle?

Jeff sent the photo and reports this turned up in the 9400 block of 13th Ave SW sometime overnight. Somebody locked it, but he says he has checked all around the area and no one reports it belonging to them nor to a visitor.

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SPORTS: UW beach-volleyball doubleheader at Alki
March 29, 2019 1:19 pm
|    Comments Off on SPORTS: UW beach-volleyball doubleheader at Alki
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Sorry we hadn’t heard about this in advance! The University of Washington beach-volleyball team just wrapped up a doubleheader with Arizona at Alki. Only home appearance of the year, per this preview. Arizona took both matches – here’s a clip the Huskies tweeted from the end of the first:

While UW now has beach-volleyball courts on campus, they’re used for practice – Alki is still their home-game venue.

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Crime ‘too close to home’ takes centerstage @ Highland Park Action Committee
March 29, 2019 11:40 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Crime concerns sparked a bigger turnout than usual at this month’s Highland Park Action Committee meeting, including some who identified themselves in around-the-room intros as first-time attendees, some from South Delridge and White Center, as well as HP residents.

Q&A WITH POLICE: Southwest Precinct operations commander Lt. Steve Strand briefed the group. Since the year’s start, HP is down double digits in many categories, but property crimes – primarily thefts and burglaries – are up. He said recent arrests included burglary suspects who might be linked to multiple crimes, including a carjacking at the 35th/Barton 7-11. He reminded attendees that SPD can’t see walled social media (but can see WSB) so please don’t just report crimes/suspicions on social media – call it in! Westwood Village will be one of this summer’s big emphasis points, “mostly due to the property crimes they have” especially shoplifting. They also, as weather warms, plan emphasis patrols in places where people gather, from Alki to Highland Park.

HPAC chair Gunner Scott asked about police staffing for the precinct. “Down a handful,” replied Lt. Strand.

What kind of cooperation between city and county law enforcement? Depends on the incident, he said – for example, both were involved after the shooting on 16th SW on Monday. Detectives on both sides of the line will often share information in case they’re both working similar cases, he added. Another attendee asked about South Delridge shooting cases, including that Monday incident.

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